Takoma Park

In April 2022, MWCOG awarded the City of Takoma Park a  grant to start the process to upgrade the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) to meet current standards for safe, comfortable, and connected bikeways. The $60,000 grant will fund technical assistance for preliminary designs work on the trail. Possible improvements could include resurfacing and widening the trail, adding lighting for evening riding, creating new pedestrian crossings to nearby parks and community institutions, and more.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a virtual project meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM to discuss the status of the Metropolitan Branch Train Project (MBT). DDOT will present an overview of the project and discuss project features and milestones. This segment of the trail will connect with Takoma Park’s half-mile of the MBT, currently undergoing a redesign process of its own. (More information on the Takoma Park section is available on the city’s project page.)


MCPS

The Washington Post recently released a list of the area’s top high school sports programs, assigning points to schools in various categories, including end of season ranking for teams, All-Met student athletes, player/coach of the year awards, state tournament results, and championships. Montgomery County Schools took six of ten spots in the Maryland Public School category, and six of 20 spots in the Private School categories which included schools in the entire DC Metropolitan region, but were split into two separate lists for boys and girls athletics.

Montgomery County public schools listed in the top 10 for Maryland include, Whitman (155 points), Churchill (153 points), Poolesville (135 points), Sherwood (129 points), Damascus (124 points), and Quince Orchard (122 points). Montgomery County private schools in the girls category include Stone Ridge (176 points), Good Counsel (144 points), and Bullis (78 points). Montgomery County private schools on the boys side include, Georgetown Prep (233 points), Landon (208 points), and Bullis (119 points). Full lists can be seen here.


DMV

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Tuesday, July 18. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website.


Beyond MoCo

Smith began her career with the United States Park Police in 1998 as a patrol officer in the San Francisco Field Office and received numerous commendations for her proactive efforts with drug enforcement, sobriety checkpoints, and community engagement. As she grew her career, she was reassigned to the New York Field Office where she continued her remarkable work ethic and joined the Canine Unit as a Canine Handler in the Explosive Ordinance and Detection Unit. She transitioned to a Senior Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Law Enforcement Driver Training Program in Glynco, GA. She rose through the ranks as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Deputy Chief and was ultimately promoted to Chief of Police, becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chief in the agency’s 230-year history.

As MPD’s Chief Equity Officer, Smith led the department’s efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), making an immediate impact in the department by ensuring DEI issues remain a priority in the department. She developed an organizational channel for department-wide accountability by providing strategic advice to the Chief of Police, executive leadership, and senior management officials within the department. In addition to her DEI focus, she supervised the Directorates for Employee Well Being and Support Unit and Equal Employment Opportunity Office.


Kensington

Update: The camera has been removed. Full story here.

A NextDoor post depicting a fake speed camera that was built in a Kensington neighborhood has received over 150 comments and news coverage as neighbors debate if it’s a good idea. The “speed camera” is filled with books and doubles as a version of a “Little Free Library”, a space that allows neighbors to take and drop off books for the community.


DMV

Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. These items were shipped to retail grocery store locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Per the USDA: Several types of frozen dumpling products were produced between February 20 and June 26, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:


Gaithersburg

Sam’s Club is offering a $20 annual membership for verified teachers (60% off), according to its website. “Verify your Teacher status now & become a member for just $20 after savings. Get access to low prices, Scan & Go™ shopping & more perks. Ends Aug 17”

Sam’s Club has one Montgomery County location, at 610 N Frederick Ave. Additional details per Sam’s Club: This offer is limited to U.S. teachers. Must join as a new Sam’s Club member through the link provided via ID.me to qualify for this Offer. Offer is valid for new Sam’s Club members only; and is not valid for (i) membership renewals, those with a current membership, those who were Sam’s Club members less than six (6) months prior to joining, or Walmart and Sam’s Club associates. You must be 18 years or older to become a Sam’s Club member and membership is subject to Sam’s Club’s qualifications. Membership cards are nontransferable, and valid at all Sam’s Club locations nationwide. Primary memberships are valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. Visit http://samsclub.com/privacy  to view our privacy policy.


Rockville

Brick facades are currently nearing completion after a couple months of work on the exterior of the buildings. “As we progress with the brick façades around all sides of the new building, a variety of building styles, brick colors, heights and architectural features will emerge to give visual interest to the block and provide a different “identity” for each side. The brick work will continue through the summer and into the fall.”

Interior work is also ongoing. “We are busy with interior work as well. We are framing the walls on the second and third floors that will define hallways, apartment interiors and other spaces. Plumbing pipes for water and sanitary, mechanical ductwork and electrical work are all in progress. Interior work will move progressively up the building, and well into 2024.”


MoCo Government

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has sent a letter to restaurant facilitators informing/reminding them that they cannot add cannabis, CBD, or THC to any food or drink they serve because it has not been approved as a food additive by the FDA, despite its current legal status in the state. The letter can be seen below:

“Dear Facility Operator,


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