Burtonsville

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) was called to the scene of a single vehicle that was driven into a townhouse on the 3800 block of Cullingworth Rd near Blackburn Lane in Burtonsville at approximately 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, for reasons unknown at this time, the single vehicle appears to have “gently” hit the townhouse, causing minimal structural damage. No injuries were sustained due to the collision.


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the area of Airpark Rd and Muncaster Mill Rd, near Laytonia Park, for a crash involving a motorcycle at approximately 3pm on Sunday afternoon. According to WJLA, the motorcyclist was killed in the crash.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the crash occurred at a sharp curve on Airpark Rd between Muncaster Mill Rd and Stratos Ln/Woodfield Rd and units were evaluating one adult with life threatening injuries upon arrival. According to Montgomery County Police, “Airpark Dr. is closed between Muncaster Mill Rd. and Antares Dr. as the result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


I-270

The express lanes of I-270 S are closed again between exit 6, W Montgomery Ave, and Exit 4, Montrose Rd, on Sunday morning following a traffic collision that involves a pedestrian, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer. MCFRS is on the scene for one adult patient with a traumatic and life threatening injury.

Per Montgomery County Police: “TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The main lanes of southbound 270 between 28 and Montrose Rd. are closed as the result of a traffic collision. Drivers are expected to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.”


Crime

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis today sentenced Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, a/k/a “Freddy,” “Magic,” “Miclo,” and “Delinquente,” age 26, of Adelphi, Maryland, to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy, including two murders, related to his activities as part of the MS-13 gang.  Judge Xinis also ordered that Sanchez must pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 1 and Victim 4’s estates.

According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, and throughout the United States.  In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region.  MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs.  One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.  Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.


Beyond MoCo

Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar, currently the principal at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, has been named Director of School Administration and Instructional Leadership of Frederick County Public Schools.

Per FCPS: Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar comes to FCPS from Montgomery County Public Schools where she currently serves as a high school principal. She has worked in the field of education for 23 years. During her career her focus has been on the education of high school students. Her professional experiences include both school-based and central office-based positions. Dr. Mirshah-Nayar served as principal of two Maryland schools, Largo High and Paint Branch High. In addition, she has served as the president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from American University, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and an administrative certification from Hood College.


Rockville

Per Rockville Police: The Rockville City Police Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating an altercation between two individuals, one involving a Porsche SUV and the other a older model grey Toyota sedan, which occurred at 10:30 a.m. today (5/20/23) at the Shell Gas Station at 1911 Rockville Pike.

If you were a witness to this incident, or have any information, please contact RCPD Investigators at 240-314-8938. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Education

Courtney Osbourne, a teacher at Newport Mill Middle School, was presented a $5,000 grant from Washington Gas as part of an Eco-Challenge grant from WUSA-9 and the Smithsonian Science Education Center. The funding will go toward creating a sustainable food garden and pollinator meditation garden with a composting section. The school will work with Silver Spring Impact to make the garden a reality. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps. Watch the video below:


Education

Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park was one of 300 schools in 36 states to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

“We can’t wait to get audio books and more engaging nonfiction books added to our collection with this grant,” said Greg D’Addario, Rolling Terrace media specialist.


Gaithersburg

The owner of popular dim sum restaurants China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row) has announced that she is bringing a new restaurant to Rio– taking over the space that was previously home to Union Jack’s until June 2020. 

There is no comment from Rio at this time, but Zhu made the announcement via social media, “Another milestone.New baby from Han Palace coming to Rio Gaithersburg. Next to AMC theater & Guapo’s 🤗🤗🤗.” We have reached out to Zhu for additional information and will have an update as soon as it’s received. A menu from one of the DC Han Palace locations can be seen below.


Education

MCPS had more than 25 student winners in the Maryland History Day competition, held May 6 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the culmination of a year-long program from Maryland Humanities. The following students will advance to the National History Day competition:

Poolesville High School:


Education

Winston Churchill High School senior Sebastian Tulin will receive the Ida F. Haimovicz Visual Arts Award for 2022–2023. This honor includes a $1,500 prize and a solo exhibition at the Betty Mae Kramer Gallery in Silver Spring.

Sebastian’s exhibition, Surrounded by Solitude, will be on display on Fridays through July 14. Gallery hours are Fridays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Betty Mae Kramer Gallery and Music Room is located in the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place in Silver Spring. Read more about Sebastian.


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