MCS Staff, Author at The MoCo Show

Smoothie King Moves Closer Toward Opening in Olney

Published May 25, 2023 at 6:43AM | Updated May 25, 2023 at 11:13AM

Last September we let you know that Smoothie King will be opening an Olney location at the Olney Village Center. It will be taking over the 980 SF space that was previously home to Party USA at 18151 Village Center Drive, between IHOP and Pho & Grill. Signage is up and interior construction has progressed to near completion. An opening date has not been provided yet, but it looks very close to being ready to open (photo below).

Olney Village Center, where Smoothie King will be located, is anchored by Giant, TJ Maxx, and Gold’s Gym. Smoothie King will compete directly with nearby Playa Bowls, which opened at the Fair Hill shopping center at the beginning of 2021. CB Acai, which also offered smoothies, closed its only storefront in November 2021. Carmen’s, an Italian ice and sweet treats spot, opened in Olney in April 2020, and Kung Fu Tea, which offers bubble tea, slushies, and other cold and warm beverages, recently opened in the Shoppes of Olney.

Education

MCPS Celebrates 24 Graduates Who Are Future Educators

By MCS Staff

Published May 25, 2023 at 6:14AM

MCPS hosted a Future Educators celebration for 24 graduating seniors on May 24. This is the second year that the Office of Human Resources and Development has hosted a “Grow Your Own” strategy to attract, recruit and excite MCPS students with the possibility of a teaching career with the district.

The event recognized the students for their outstanding academic performance and commitment to return to MCPS once they have finished college. In addition, each of these students are receiving a $5,000 scholarship toward their college studies. The scholarships are funded by the Maryland Leads Grant. The Maryland Leads Grant and the MCPS “Grow Your Own” initiatives support the long-standing need to establish and strengthen teacher pipelines and development.

Events

City of Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display Takes Place on Tuesday, July 4th

By MCS Staff

Published May 25, 2023 at 5:54AM

The City of Rockville will hold its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm on Tuesday, July 4th from 7pm to 10pm. “This location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Enjoy live music by Vertigo Red and a 20-minute fireworks display.”

So far, other Montgomery County Independence Day celebrations have been announced in Germantown, Gaithersburg, Kensington/Wheaton, and Poolesville:

Education

Beatrix Maynard Wins Top Prize in 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival High School Poetry Contest

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 5:45PM

Per the Gaithersburg Book Festival: Beatrix Maynard, a sophomore at Annapolis High School and an Edgewater, Md., resident, was awarded first prize in the 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival poetry contest for […]

MoCo Libraries

Summer Reading Challenge Pre-Registration By Montgomery County Public Libraries

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 4:27PM

Per Montgomery County Public Libraries: It’s time to pre-register for MCPL’S Summer Reading Challenge: All Together Now! Children ages 0-12 and teens ages 13-17 can pre-register (or log in) online or at your local library, and on June 17 you can pick up your free book at your local branch and start logging your reading and activities online!

At the same time, you’ll be helping our community be kind to animals, to one another, and to the planet this summer, while working together with several Montgomery County organizations to strengthen our community! Much more to come on that!

Events

The Town of Poolesville and UMCVFD Will Hold Its Annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4th

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 4:20PM | Updated May 25, 2023 at 5:50AM

The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department and Town of Poolesville will also hold its annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th. “Join our community in celebrating our national patriotism at the Soccer Fields off of Hughes Road! There will be music, food, fireworks and fun! Gates open at 5 pm.”

So far, other Montgomery County Independence Day celebrations have been announced in Germantown, Gaithersburg, Kensington/Wheaton, and Rockville:

Gaithersburg

‘Germantown Glory’ Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks to Take Place on Tuesday, July 4th

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 4:09PM | Updated May 25, 2023 at 5:51AM

‘Germantown Glory’ will take place on Tuesday, July 4th. It will feature live music beginning at 7 pm and fireworks beginning at 9:15 pm. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather. Additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at South Germantown Recreational Park (18041 Central Park Circle Boyds, Maryland 20841).

So far, other Montgomery County Independence Day celebrations have been announced in Gaithersburg, Kensington/Wheaton, Poolesville, and Rockville:

Gaithersburg

‘Mid-County Sparkles’ Celebration and Fireworks Display to Take Place on July 1

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 3:59PM | Updated May 25, 2023 at 5:51AM

Mid-County Sparkles, one of Montgomery County’s Independence Day celebrations, will take place on Saturday, July 1st. Live music begins at 6 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather and additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at Newport Mill Local Park (11201 Newport Mill Road Wheaton, MD 20895).

So far, other Montgomery County Independence Day celebrations have been announced in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Poolesville, and Rockville:

Crime

Rockville Police Issues Safety Reminder for Hyundai and Kia Owners

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 3:43PM

Per Rockville Police: If you are an owner of a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai, your vehicle may be at a higher risk for being stolen. Thefts of these vehicles have been on the rise regionally and nationally after tips showing how to start these cars without a key and using a USB cable were posted on social media. While the City of Rockville has not seen a rise in these types of auto thefts, it is important for those whose Kia or Hyundai operates with a metal or steel key to take extra precaution, as this design causes a system flaw which thieves are targeting. The push-to-start vehicles are not at risk. Have a Kia or Hyundai? Here’s what to do?

Events

Gaithersburg’s SummerFest (Including Fireworks Display) Will Take Place on July 1st

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 9:40AM

Celebrate America’s independence with friends & family at SummerFest, Gaithersburg’s illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. The free event takes place on SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. The festival features live music, food trucks, local breweries, family-friendly activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display & SummerGlo After Party.

The Water Park & Miniature Golf Course open at 11 a.m. and the Skate Park opens at Noon. Note that the Water Park will be open for the exclusive use of City residents & aquatics members only on July 2. There are entrance fees for the Water Park & Miniature Golf Course. The air-conditioned Activity Center will serve as a comfort station with indoor bathrooms & space to relax up until 9 p.m.

Germantown

SplashPark & Mini Golf Open in Germantown This Weekend

By MCS Staff

Published May 24, 2023 at 9:37AM

The SplashPark, one of the most popular features of South Germantown Recreational Park, opens this weekend (Saturday and Sundays only 5/27, 5/28, 6/3, 6/4, 6/10, 6/11, 6/17, and 6/18) until the facility fully opens for the season Tuesday, June 20^th through Monday, September 4th, operating from 10am – 6pm (closed on Monday’s except Memorial & Labor Day).

Per Montgomery Parks, “Kids will have an excellent time and stay cool playing in the one-of-a-kind 280-jet water maze, cave with a waterfall, water bucket drops, slide, and spraying animals. Tables and umbrellas provide shaded rest areas. On-site restrooms, changing rooms, and vending machines are available. The SplashPark also features a fun Jumping Pillow that will keep kids hopping all day long.”