Governor Wes Moore today proclaimed June 2023 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Maryland. The proclamation—which was last issued in 2013—celebrates the contributions, resilience, courage, and joy of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders, and recognizes the […]
Author: MCS Staff
Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration launched Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet. Maryland is the first state in the nation to offer digital licenses and IDs in Google Wallet, which will enable users to verify their identity easily and securely for airport security screening. “Maryland is leading the way in creating a more competitive and innovative digital environment while prioritizing accessibility and customer service,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland Mobile ID advances our administration’s work to deliver safe and secure services that benefit all Marylanders.”
In May 2022, Maryland became only the second state to offer Mobile ID in Apple Wallet. With the addition of Google Wallet, Maryland is now the first state to offer Mobile ID on two major mobile wallet platforms. Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet and Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet are the only forms of digital IDs issued through the Motor Vehicle Administration. “Innovation and technology are keys to building a transportation system that’s more equitable, accessible and safe for all Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Maryland Mobile ID is a tool that puts more convenience in the hands of our customers.”
Per the city of Gaithersburg: Unfortunately, the Interactive Water Feature in Olde Towne Plaza sustained considerable damage in a fire and is not open to the public until further notice. For outdoor water fun, visit the Water Park, including the Children’s Splash Pool, at 512 S. Frederick Ave.
About: “The Olde Towne Plaza is located in the original central business district of Gaithersburg, adjacent to the B&O Railroad Station and Freight Shed, both of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places. The City acquired the property from the railroad in 1984. Whether splashing in the interactive fountain and enjoying the exhibits in the Community Museum, or waiting for a MARC Train, the plaza honors the original historic functions of its location as a transportation hub & gathering place.”
Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Denish Sahadevan, a/k/a “Danny Devan,” age 31, of Potomac, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, relating to his scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $1.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”).
According to the plea agreement, beginning in about March 2020, Sahadevan submitted EIDL and PPP application on behalf of four Maryland entities that he controlled, often creating fraudulent and fabricated documents, such as tax forms and bank statements, to be used in the applications. In addition, Sahadevan used the identifying information belonging to a tax preparer that he knew, without that person’s knowledge or agreement, to legitimize the fabricated tax forms he created and submitted.
Larry Liao, a student at Cold Spring Elementary School in Potomac, advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee. To get there, Larry correctly spelled his first word, taedium vitae. He then correctly answered the question, “What is cybernetics?” with “the comparative study of communication and control in human and artificial intelligence.” To get to the quarterfinals, he correctly spelled conspiration. Unfortunately, in the quarterfinals, Larry was unable to spell the word precisian correctly. Larry made Montgomery County proud, earning 74th place in the National competition.
According to Larry’s bio, he was born on May 9th, 2012 and is now 11 years old. He participates in many extracurricular activities, but one of his favorites is tennis. The word he spelled correctly to make it to the National competition was flugelhorn, his favorite movie is Treasure Island, his favorite food is bacon, and his favorite subject is science.
MCPS celebrated excellence in autism services during the second annual Autism Unit Awards on May 24. Teachers, paraeducators, administrators, service providers, volunteers and substitutes were recognized. Awards included:
• Outstanding New Paraeducator: Given to paraeducators in their first two years with the autism program, who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their roles.
Carolynn Walsleben, principal at Candlewood Elementary School in Redland/Rockville, is this year’s winner of the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. The Mark Mann award is presented annually to an MCPS administrator who has shown exceptional performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach.
Walsleben has been principal at Candlewood since 2020. She began her teaching career in MCPS in 1999, as a first grade teacher at Bells Mill Elementary School. Colleagues, staff members and parents say Walsleben is a natural leader. She is a strong administrator who exemplifies what it means to be a caring, forward-thinking, data-driven leader. She sets high expectations, and believes in progress and celebrating along the way. As curriculum changes, she ensures that adequate tools and support are put in place so staff can efficiently meet student needs. She continually encourages staff to become social together and to build strong relationships, knowing that students will benefit from their strong bonds and positive energy. She helps teams build on one another’s strengths, and uses her skills to build the capacity of other leaders.
Sligo Creek is a lifeblood for wildlife in Takoma Park, an important tributary in our watershed, and a source of creativity and inspiration for local artists. Two photographers and a mixed-media artist will share their work inspired by the creek and its environs in the Celebrating Sligo Creek exhibition at the Takoma Park Community Center, with a free opening reception on June 15. The exhibition, which will be on view until Sept. 7, features work by Julius Kassovic, Lynn Alleva Lilley, and Steven Robinson.
Julius Kassovic is a fine-art photographer based in Silver Spring. Since 2005, Sligo Creek has been his major muse and the subject of his Intimate Waterscapes series.While working around the world in staff positions with the Peace Corps, he used color negative film to document Peace Corps projects. His work has been exhibited in galleries in the D.C. area and in other states and countries. “I have been intensively shooting photos in Sligo Creek, and I keep finding new expressions of its beauty,” he said. ”I wade into the creek to capture dreamlike images reflecting through the shallow water that appear to be double exposures but are true representations of the creek’s beauty.”
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Red Door Escape Room has announced the opening date of its 14th location at 125 Boardwalk Place in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Shopping Center. The Grand opening event will take place on Friday, June 9th from 6pm-8pm. At the event, once the reservation system goes live, you’ll be able to book your “episode” for 50% off.
“We are excited to bring the Red Door Escape Room experience to all of our guests and cannot wait to get involved in the local community surrounding Gaithersburg,” said CEO Nick Madden. “At Red Door Escape Room, we combine technology and puzzles to create a truly collaborative and mentally-stimulating experience for families, friends, and coworkers alike. We want our guests to successfully decipher the codes and complete the challenges; but more importantly, we want them to talk and laugh about their experience on the ride home.”
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Last year PNC Bank announced it would be closing “about 127 in-store branches at Giant Food and Stop & Shop supermarkets in Maryland, Virginia and the District as well as in New Jersey and Delaware.” The Pittsburgh-based bank has been closing many of these branches in waves throughout 2023, but at the time did not mention which specific branches would be closing. Today it was reported by the Washington Business Journal that 26 branches in Maryland and Northern Virginia would be closing, including three in Montgomery County (listed below).
Let year, PNC began the conversion of what will be 1,000 branches to an automated model. The conversion of all of these branches is expected to be completed by 2026. In September 2020, PNC Chairman and CEO William Demchak announced the bank was on track to close nearly 160 branches that year and another 120 in 2021 (109 ended up closing), as part of the bank’s strategy to lean harder on more prosperous digital sales. The three Montgomery County locations that will be closing are listed below:
Takoma Park Police is searching for a 15 year old male named Jaydon Naim Ponce Sosa who has been missing since Tuesday, May 30th at approximately 7:50pm. He was last see on the 8500 block of Flower Ave in Takoma Park and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black ripped jeans, and white nike shoes. If you can help find this person, please reach out to Takoma Park Police by calling 301-270-1100 or texting tip411.