Author: MCS Staff

Glenmont

Permanent Planet Fitness Signage Going Up in Glenmont

By MCS Staff

Earlier this summer we let you know that Planet Fitness announced it will be opening new locations at 6881 New Hampshire Ave. in Takoma Park and 2201 Randolph Rd. in Wheaton (Glenmont). The Glenmont location, which will be next to the existing Lidl, has started erecting permanent signage. An opening date is not available, but construction is ongoing and we’ll have an opening date/timeframe as soon as it’s available.

According to Planet Fitness, “Both locations will offer state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker roomsand numerous flat screen televisions. They also will feature a PF Black Card® Spa area with HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning, a RelaxSpace Wellness Pod (where members can relax, reset and focus on their mental health for up to 15 minutes) and a Recovery Lounge offering a multi-sensory experience combining hot, cold and compression therapy.

Go to Permanent Planet Fitness Signage Going Up in Glenmont Read more
Beyond MoCo

Germantown Man Dead After Being Found Unresponsive in the Water at a North Carolina Beach

By MCS Staff

Authorities responded to the scene of a man who was found unresponsive in the water in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, the town announced Monday morning. Life saving measures were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. The man was identified as Germantown, MD resident, Steven Samuel Lehner (age 59). The full statement, per the Town of Carolina Beach, can be seen below:

“CAROLINA BEACH, NC, August 28th, 2023 at 11:54 a.m.- The Carolina Beach Police Department, Carolina Beach Fire Department and New Hanover County EMS were dispatched to the beach strand in the area of Seagull Ln., in reference to a subject found unresponsive in the water.

Go to Germantown Man Dead After Being Found Unresponsive in the Water at a North Carolina Beach Read more
DMV

FTA Administrator to deliver $104 million federal grant for Metro’s transition to electric buses

By MCS Staff

The grant will support the procurement of approximately 100 battery-electric buses that will provide cleaner, more sustainable transit for the National Capital Region. Metro is partnering with Fairfax County on the electrification of the Cinder Bed Road facility, a portion of which is planned to be used by the county to house and charge their all-electric Bus Rapid Transit service running from Fort Belvoir to Huntington Metrorail Station by 2030. Metro’s newest electric bus will be on display and available for tours. 

Featured photo courtesy of WMATA

Go to FTA Administrator to deliver $104 million federal grant for Metro’s transition to electric buses Read more
Crime

Antisemitic Graffiti Found Under Bridge on Josiah Henson Parkway in North Bethesda (Sensitive Content)

By MCS Staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW) shared a photo of antisemitic graffiti found under a bridge on Josiah Henson Parkway in North Bethesda (an unedited photo can be seen below). They released the following statement: “We are deeply disturbed by the racist and antisemitic message found under a bridge of Josiah Henson Parkway in North Bethesda, MD. Our community will continue to stand strong and resilient in the face of hatred in all its forms.” The JFGW also stated that they are working closely with their security team and Montgomery County Police to keep the community safe and learn more about this incident. JFGW asks the public to continue to report security concerns or incidents to their security team.

Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart also tweeted the following regarding the graffiti, “I condemn the hateful message and swastikas found under a bridge of Josiah Henson Parkway in the vicinity of Tildenwood Dr in North Bethesda. I have been in touch with MCPD District 2D, which is investigating this hate vandalism and we are working to remove it immediately.” She also tweeted that residents are advised to report similar incidents to MCPD at 301-279-8000 as soon as they are seen.

Go to Antisemitic Graffiti Found Under Bridge on Josiah Henson Parkway in North Bethesda (Sensitive Content) Read more
Beyond MoCo

Metro introduces ‘Kids Ride Free’ lanes to help D.C. students use Metro to get to school

By MCS Staff

Metro is marking the first day of school for D.C. public school students with a new effort to help ensure a safe and stress-free trip to and from school. Starting today, students will see ‘Kids Ride Free’ signage directing them to use specific faregates at Metrorail stations most used by school children. Station Managers will be on hand to help students who may have issues with their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards. If a student does not have their card, the Station Manager will tap the student through the faregates and take note of the student’s school to give the D.C Public School System data to help ensure cards are distributed.

Students are reminded that their Kids Ride Free card from last school year will work until the end of September to allow time for distribution of this year’s cards. Metro has begun working with the District to make Kids Ride Free cards available in mobile wallets in the future to give give students with smartphones a convenient way to get to school without the risk of losing their physical cards. Stations with Kids Ride Free faregate lanes include:

Go to Metro introduces ‘Kids Ride Free’ lanes to help D.C. students use Metro to get to school Read more
Education

MCPS Begins the Year “Nearly Fully Staffed, With Abundance of Bus Drivers, and Student Literacy Scores on the Rise”

By MCS Staff

Per Montgomery County Public Schools: It is with great excitement that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomes students, families, and staff to the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. As students and staff gather for another remarkable first day of school, MCPS is thrilled to introduce the BRAND NEW Cabin Branch Elementary School, the 211th school in MCPS, and to celebrate the opening of FOUR newly renovated school buildings across the county.

This year, our theme is “All Together Now: On the Pathway to A Bright Future.” We emphasize the remarkable unity that characterizes our county, enabling us to work collectively on behalf of students, families, and communities. Our community’s ability to come together has led to a significant increase in resources for our staff, students, and schools, thanks to the 8.4% operating budget increase for the school year. This investment has already had a substantial impact, with staff paychecks reflecting up to ten percent.

Go to MCPS Begins the Year “Nearly Fully Staffed, With Abundance of Bus Drivers, and Student Literacy Scores on the Rise” Read more
Events

PLAY Sports Coalition Distributes State-Funded Grants for Youth Sports Organizations in Maryland; Including Girls on The Run Montgomery County

By MCS Staff

$450K in Funding was Granted to 31 Non-Profit Organizations to Provide Equitable Access to Sports 

The PLAY Sports Coalition (PLAYS), a unique coalition of thousands of stakeholders across the national and community youth sports industry, announced today that the organization has successfully distributed previously unlocked state funding in Maryland and Massachusetts. This funding provided one-year grants to programs using sports as a tool for youth development in historically disadvantaged communities. Included amongst the programs receiving the grants is Girls on the Run of Montgomery County.

Go to PLAY Sports Coalition Distributes State-Funded Grants for Youth Sports Organizations in Maryland; Including Girls on The Run Montgomery County Read more
Arts

MoCo Native Lisa Ann Walter Returns to the Area With Two Shows in Bethesda This September

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County native and “Abbott Elementary” actress and comedienne Lisa Ann Walter has lined up seven stand-up shows all over North America from Sept. 1-16 this year, including two shows at Bethesda Theater on Sunday, September 17th (6pm and 8pm) with tickets going for $49.

Lisa Ann Walter is an actress, comedian and television producer, perhaps best known for her roles as Chessy in the romantic comedy film The Parent Trap and her current role as Melissa Schemmenti on the ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary. She’s also a native of Montgomery County.

Go to MoCo Native Lisa Ann Walter Returns to the Area With Two Shows in Bethesda This September Read more
Maryland

Maryland Ranks 11th in 2023 List of ‘Hardest-Working States in America’, Per Study

By MCS Staff

With Americans working an average of over 1,800 hours per year and having left 55% of their PTO unused last year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Hardest-Working States in America, with Maryland ranking 11th overall and has high as 2nd in the “Average Commute Time” category.

In order to determine where Americans work the hardest, WalletHub compared the 50 states across ten key metrics. The data set ranges from average workweek hours to share of workers with multiple jobs to annual volunteer hours per resident. Additional information on Maryland’s ranking below:

Go to Maryland Ranks 11th in 2023 List of ‘Hardest-Working States in America’, Per Study Read more
Gaithersburg

Two MoCo Restaurants Included in ‘Hottest New Brunches to Try Around DC’ List

By MCS Staff

While there are many wonderful restaurants in Montgomery County to enjoy brunch, Eater DC has included two Montgomery County restaurants in its list of ‘The Hottest New Brunches to Try Around DC’– Charley Prime in Gaithersburg and J. Hollinger’s in Silver Spring.

Charley Prime opened in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront in May and has been generally well-received by the community. Last month it was listed by the Washington Post as one of food critic’s Tom Sietsema’s 6 favorite places to eat. Eater DC writes, “The stylish lakefront steakhouse in Gaithersburg added weekend brunch in July with plates of eggs, bacon, and hash browns; burgers, and roasted lamb French dip with fries. Go big with a lobster tail Benedict and decadent French toast on brioche with caramelized bananas. Brunch drinks include a (pomegranate) mimosa or espresso-tini, as well as coffee from Maryland roaster Ceremony. Go bottomless for $34.95, which includes any entree and bottomless mimosas or RAR lagers (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)”

Go to Two MoCo Restaurants Included in ‘Hottest New Brunches to Try Around DC’ List Read more
Events

Call to Artists For Holiday Art Market in Gaithersburg This Fall

By MCS Staff

ABOUT THE ARTS BARN: The Arts Barn is Gaithersburg’s home for the performing and visual arts. Housed in a Victorian-era stable, the Arts Barn features a lively performing arts program including film, dance, music, theater, comedy, and magic, as well as showcasing local artists in special events, the City Art shop, and the rotating exhibitions in the Gallery. The Arts Barn is a program of the City of Gaithersburg.

ABOUT THE EVENT: City Shop, a program run by The City of Gaithersburg at Arts Barn, is pleased to offer the Here Come the Holidays Artisan Market on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion, located at 311 & 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. This is an opportunity for the community to not only buy a one of a kind original handmade items made by local artists but also meet with the artists and understand the their processes that went behind the creation of the work. The Artisan Market will be held indoors within the City of Gaithersburg facilities.

Go to Call to Artists For Holiday Art Market in Gaithersburg This Fall Read more
View More Stories