MCS Staff, Author at The MoCo Show

MCPS Celebrates National Principals Month

Published October 22, 2023 at 8:44AM

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) joined the nation in celebrating National Principals Month this October. This annual observance recognizes the vital role that principals play in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for students.

”Principals are the backbone of any successful school. They are the driving force behind academic excellence, fostering a culture of inclusivity and ensuring the overall well-being of students. Their leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education are instrumental in shaping the future of our students and communities

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Celebrates $38 Million Renovation of 96 Affordable Apartments and New Community Center for Residents

By MCS Staff

Published October 22, 2023 at 8:33AM

MHP, a Montgomery County-based non-profit in Silver Spring, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovations at Colonnade at the Creek, an affordable housing community in Takoma Park, MD. The ceremony featured remarks by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy, and other notable speakers. MHP President Robert A. Goldman provided welcoming remarks and served as emcee.

The property consists of 96 units of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments in brick-framed, three-story buildings. MHP spent more than a year fully renovating this property. With access to transit, major roads, and the Sligo Creek trail, this garden-style property provides residents with tremendous accessibility and quality, modernized, affordable apartment homes.

MoCo History

MHP to Restore Historic Flower Theater

By MCS Staff

Published October 22, 2023 at 8:25AM | Updated October 22, 2023 at 10:11AM

MHP, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit affordable housing developer and community development organization in Silver Spring, will undertake a reconstruction of the historic façade of the former Flower Theater in the Long Branch neighborhood of Silver Spring, returning it to its original condition when the theater opened in 1950.

The scope of work includes replacing the iconic Flower neon sign that adorns the top of the theater, relighting the marquee, restoring the ticket booth, and other associated repairs. The project, which has been more than three years in the making, recently began construction and is expected to take approximately 9 weeks to complete.

Rockville

Israeli-American Reserve Soldier From Rockville Killed By Missile Attack Friday Night

By MCS Staff

Published October 21, 2023 at 12:36PM | Updated October 21, 2023 at 11:57PM

Omer Balva, a dual Israeli-American citizen who grew up in Rockville, was killed on Friday night in an anti-tank missile attack along the Lebanese border, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Saturday (per The Times of Israel). “A message has been given to his family,” the IDF said in a statement. “The IDF shares in the family’s grief and will continue to support them.”

According to various reports, Balva was in the United States when he was called to service last week and flew to Israel. He grew up in Rockville, where he attended the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (class of 2019). The school releases the following statement on Saturday: “CESJDS mourns the loss of Omer Balva ’19. Omer was proudly serving in the Israeli Defense Forces having been recently called up for reserve duty. He was a beloved student who attended CESJDS from age seven through his high school graduation. Omer was an unabashed advocate for the State of Israel. He is a hero to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and the school. We are devastated and heartbroken.”

MCPS

MoCo High School Sports Scores for Oct 20, 2023

By MCS Staff

Published October 21, 2023 at 9:11AM

Let us know in the comments for any missing scores.

Beyond MoCo

Dulles Custom and Border Officers Capture Two Maryland Felony Rape Suspects Fleeing to El Salvador

By MCS Staff

Published October 21, 2023 at 7:33AM

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested two fleeing Maryland rape suspects at Washington Dulles International Airport late Thursday and early Friday. Each suspect is wanted on a separate felony rape charge– one in Montgomery County and one in Prince George’s County.

According to CBP, “Officers first arrested Oscar Armando Hernandez Mata, a 53-year-old Salvadoran, on a Montgomery County, Maryland, warrant for felony second degree rape and sexual abuse of a minor. Hernandez Mata is an alien unlawfully present in the U.S. after being ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2006. CBP’s National Targeting Center alerted Dulles officers of Hernandez Mata’s impending departure flight to El Salvador. Dulles CBP officers apprehended Hernandez Mata at 4:48 p.m., Thursday at the departure gate.

Gaithersburg

Old Town Pour House to Close Permanently on October 24th

By MCS Staff

Published October 20, 2023 at 9:39PM | Updated October 21, 2023 at 6:40PM

Old Town Pour House, located at 212 Ellington Drive in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown development, will be closing permanently on Tuesday, October 24th. A manager from the restaurant confirmed the closing to us on Friday night, following the restaurant’s filing of a WARN on Friday for a mass layoff of 58 employees.

We have received the following statement, “After10 incredible years in Gaithersburg, our lease is up and we’ve decided to turn off the taps at Old Town Pour House at 212 Ellington Boulevard. This last decade was filled with so many delightful guests and meaningful engagement with an outstanding community, and we consider it a major success for the Bottleneck Management group. We whole-heartedly thank everyone we’ve met along the way for making us a part of their lives. Our last day of service will be Tuesday, October 24th.

Rockville

Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center Announces New Radiation Oncology Partnership

By MCS Staff

Published October 20, 2023 at 4:57PM

Adventist HealthCare has announced a new radiation oncology joint venture partnership with US Oncology Network, a leading oncology provider, at the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville. “This partnership deepens the relationship with top oncology experts at Maryland Oncology Hematology and is backed by the US Oncology Network, with 500 sites of care throughout the U.S, giving patients more access to the latest clinical trials, treatment and advanced technology.”

Adventist HealthCare and Maryland Oncology Hematology have closely collaborated for many years and were key partners in the opening of the Aquilino Cancer Center in 2013. The relationship has deepened through a separate radiation oncology joint venture partnership at the White Oak Cancer Center in 2020. This new agreement will now align the most advanced care practices at both cancer centers to improve outcomes and patient experience, providing world-class cancer treatment in the Washington, D.C., region.

Clarksburg

MCPS to Host Girls’ Summit Addressing Mental Health on Saturday, October 21

By MCS Staff

Published October 20, 2023 at 4:44PM

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will host a Girls’ Summit on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9am until 1pm at Clarksburg High School.” A CDC report released in February 2023 highlighted record high levels of sadness, suicide risk, and violence reported by teen girls. These concerning national trends are also seen in Montgomery County.” This event for students and their caregivers will offer education, resources and activities centered especially around young women’s health.

The Girls’ Summit will provide informative workshops geared towards middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics, a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types.

Gaithersburg

Walnut Hill Annexation Approval Paves Way For New Aldi and Sheetz in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Published October 20, 2023 at 4:21PM

The Gaithersburg City Council held its policy discussion on Monday, October 16, 2023 and approved the annexation of the Walnut Hill shopping center, which paves the way for Aldi to move in to part of the old grocery store space and a new Sheetz to be built.

The Annexation Plan proposes several changes to the existing Walnut Hill Shopping Center in addition to Aldi and Sheetz, including demolishing an existing small freestanding building on the south side of the property, renovating the exterior of the main shopping center building, and making improvements to the parking lot and landscaping. Renderings below:

Events

“Here Come the Holidays” Art Market Is a Few Weeks Away in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Published October 20, 2023 at 4:02PM

The holiday season is approaching, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the enchanting Arts Barn and historic Kentlands Mansion, nestled in the heart of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion are located at 311 and 320 Kent Square Road.

The “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market promises to be an exquisite celebration of art and holiday spirit, featuring a wide array of local and regional artists showcasing their talents and offering unique, handcrafted items. Attendees can expect to find a curated selection of art, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more – making it the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones or to add a touch of artistic flair to their homes this holiday season.