Darnestown

Montgomery County Police issued the following traffic advisory at 4:16am on Wednesday morning. As of 7am, an update has not been provided:

“TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Downed wires and fallen trees has Darnestown Road closed at Peach Tree Road. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.”


Bethesda

Montgomery County Police issued the following traffic advisory at 4:42am on Wednesday morning. As of 7am, an update has not been provided:

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Standing water from last nights storm has Cabin John Parkway closed from the 6500 block to the I-495 ramp. Drivers are advised to take an alternate route. Expect significant delays.


Bethesda

Chef Mitsuhisa Nishio, or “Michu” to his family members and friends and Chef Ninja to many of his followers across social media, is opening Zuma By Chef Ninja in the space that was previously home to Brickside at 4866 Cordell Ave in Bethesda. An October 6th opening has been announced by the restaurant.

Michu/“Chef Ninja” is the son of first generation of Japanese immigrants who moved to the Dominican Republic. He has been interested in cooking since a young age– learning about Japanese cuisine from his parents by helping his mother in the kitchen as a child. His cooking is “based on the fusion of Caribbean cuisine and traditional Japanese food.” Zuma By Chef Ninja is described as Japanese/Latin fusion.


Maryland

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C., a former medical practice located in Frederick, Maryland, have paid the United States $850,949 to settle allegations that Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C. (“FOHA”) submitted inappropriate claims to the United States for evaluation and management services.

“It is fundamental that a medical provider accurately bill for services that are actually provided,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to recovering monies for the federal healthcare programs and will hold practices and individuals accountable for their actions,” said Barron.


Gaithersburg

Now in its 28th season, the City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition for families in the Washington area. The 3.5 mile-drive through hundreds of dazzling light displays and beautifully lit trees in the idyllic setting of Seneca Creek State Park has created joyful memories for the more than 1.2 million visitors who have shared the magic with us over the years.

A portion of the revenue from the Festival benefits charities that help hundreds of people in the Gaithersburg community. In anticipation of the 2023 event, qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to apply now for beneficiary status. A limited number of opportunities are available. Certain restrictions apply. Application forms are available online here. The application deadline is Friday, October 6, 2023, and organizations selected as beneficiaries of this year’s Winter Lights Festival will be informed in early November.


MCPS

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announces participation in the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Afterschool Snack Program, the At-Risk Afterschool Supper Program, and the Family Day Care Program. Meals will be provided to all enrolled participants regardless of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service and access to facilities.  Eligibility for free or reduced-price meal reimbursement is based on the following annual income eligibility guidelines effective from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Meals will be provided at the sites listed on the MCPS Website: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/

MealsTable2023-2024


Crime

On Sunday, September 10, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron launched a 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video aired across Maryland just before kickoff of the Baltimore Ravens home opener, and will continue to broadcast across cable and digital platforms in Maryland.

“Gun violence impacts more than one person or one family. Friends, parents, employers, neighbors – all are forced to confront the devastating realities of gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We are bringing together law enforcement, community organizations, and private citizens in pursuit of a common goal: protecting the places we call home.”


Business

Dr. Sonya Bruton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of CCI Health Services, located in Silver Spring, has been awarded the inaugural Dr. Sheila C. Johnson Game Changer Award from the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.  

“I am humbled and deeply honored to be the first person to receive the Dr. Sheila C. Johnson Game Changer Award from the Mystics,” said Dr. Bruton. “Dr. Johnson has a legacy of modeling what right looks like.  She has done it in television, self-care, healthcare and the arts.  Her business strategies and community contributions have populated my playbook, so her recognition adds fuel to my commitment to advance health equity.” 


Beyond MoCo

On Monday, December 18, Metro will begin a two-week construction project on the Red Line to perform critical safety repairs to the tunnel and track infrastructure, upgrade signal and communications systems, and install new platform edge lights. 

During construction, Red Line service will be unavailable at Farragut North, Metro Center, and Gallery Place stations with free shuttle buses replacing trains from December 18 through Saturday, December 30. While the Red Line is closed, service will continue to be available on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines on the lower level at Metro Center and Green and Yellow line service on the lower level at Gallery Place.


Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks invites the community to the Wheaton Ice Arena Open House, where guests can learn about and try out ice sports and activities. Stations will be set up to assist members of the community who want to try hockey, speedskating, and figure skating. Guests will be able to meet clubs that operate at Wheaton Ice Arena, get information on group lessons, birthday parties, camps and clinics, and take advantage of sign-up specials on September 17, 2023, from 9 – 11 a.m. The Open House is free, but there is a $4 per person fee to skate (which includes skate rental).

“The Open House is a great opportunity for members of the community to learn about, and experience ice skating and ice sports” said Kimberley Ransfield, Wheaton Ice Arena Facility Manager. “There will be lots of information available for those looking to join a team or club, or who are interested in taking group lessons.”


Bethesda

Update: Postponed due to weather. Look out for updates with new dates.

The Jolly Shows Carnival will be at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda) from Wednesday, September 20th until Sunday, September 24th. There will be over 30 attractions, including carnival rides, games, and food wagons. According to their website, “We are a new generation of carnival operators who strive to be more progressive and professional. We realize that we must produce a premium product for our customer’s hard earned money. We won’t forget our proud traditions, but we are committed to overcoming the stigmas which have hindered our industry for far too long.”


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