MCDOT

Abdellatif Ouardi, an affiliate taxicab operator with Regency Taxi, is driving the first hybrid wheelchair-accessible taxi in Montgomery County.  The taxi, which was purchased by Mr. Ouardi, has been providing accessible service to residents who are disabled for the past few months. 

“Being able to provide wheelchair-accessible transportation to residents who need that assistance is great,” said Mr. Ouardi. “As a micro-business owner, not having to worry as much about sudden spikes in the cost of gas, and reducing my environmental footprint are also things that can help my business grow”. Residents can reserve a trip with this vehicle by visiting the Regency Taxi’s website here or by calling 301-990-9000.


Kensington

A plan to replace the Einstein High School tennis courts with classroom portables does not seem to be a popular one for the Einstein community, as a petition against the plan, created two days ago, has already gained 600 signatures. The official Einstein High School football team twitter account has also asked MCPS about this move, “Day 1: Hey @MCPS why are you taking away facilities from our school and community for more portables? Putting portables on tennis courts? Please provide and explanation and cite your evidence as to how this is equitable to our students” The petition states the following:

“Plans are being made to replace the Einstein Tennis Courts with classroom portables. This would take away 3 courts and leave the Tennis Program to practice on just the 4 courts that belong to Newport Mill Middle School. This would leave 2 courts per team which would create cramped and unproductive practices. We also need all 7 courts for our games, and leaving the team with 4 would make our games last significantly longer.


DMV

Hillary Howard, a longtime DC-area reporter and news anchor, has announced that she’ll be leaving WTOP on June 2nd after what she referred to as a decision by management. Howard currently co-anchors afternoons from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. She started her career as a reporter and weather person in New York before coming to DC and WTTG/FOX5 for a decade. Howard also worked for WUSA9 and WJLA/ABC7 before coming to WTOP. She also hosts “It’s Academic”, the world’s longest running TV quiz show on NBC Washington. The letter she shared with her colleagues can be seen below:

“Colleagues and Friends,


MCPS

If she were mayor, Joyce Tian would uplift, honor and celebrate Rockville through the city’s special events and farmers market. Joyce, a fourth grader in Laurel Czajkowski’s class at Beall Elementary School in Rockville, will get to see what it’s like to be mayor when she serves as the city’s honorary “Mayor for a Day” on Thursday, May 25.

She earned the honor for writing a winning essay in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would …” essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Mayors Association. Joyce’s essay, one of 11 winning essays selected statewide to represent each MML district, was selected best of District 5, which comprises Montgomery and Howard counties.


Events

Montgomery County is hosting its second annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Seneca Valley High School. The day will include cultural performances, a health fair, crafts and games for kids, a cultural and community bazaar, food vendors, henna, face painting and more.

This event is being hosted by Montgomery County Government’s Asian American Health Initiative and the Office of Community Partnerships. Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. More information can be found here. The event will feature:


DC Sports

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, parent of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, today announced a new premium, luxury experience for Wizards games at Capital One Arena to bring fans closer to the action, the energy from the players and the unmatched excitement of NBA basketball.

Wizards Courtside Lofts will be the newest, and one of the most unique and exclusive premium seating products at Capital One Arena. Each Courtside Loft will feature a private reserved dining table accommodating four to six guests, featuring a curated five-course dining experience, along with access to a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails, all served directly to your seat by a dedicated service team. Courtside Loft clients will also receive their choice of transportation benefit, complimentary parking or Uber ride credits, as well as access to all Wizards VIP membership benefits, including exclusive VIP events, gift items, and much more.


Bethesda

Three MCPS students have received $2,000 scholarships from the League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP). The students were honored for their level of scholarship and their interest in pursuing a career in education. All applicants who applied are planning to major in education and show experience supporting the Asian American community and/or organizations.

They were recognized during the May 11 Board of Education meeting. They are:


Burtonsville

World-renowned chef Peter Chang recently visited the culinary program at Paint Branch High School to teach students two recipes inspired by his family and culture. In Montgomery County, Chang owns Peter Chang Rockville and Q By Peter Chang in Bethesda. Chef Chang’s visit kicked off Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

In a separate celebration on May 11, MCPS leaders, staff and community members came together at Carver Educational Services Center to celebrate and recognize Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage with presentations, performances and food. Check out a photo gallery from the event. Video below:


MoCo

Montgomery County Outdoor pools are open for weekends and Memorial Day beginning May 27. The full schedule begins June 17.

“Summertime is all about making memories at the outdoor pool. Seven outdoor swimming pools are conveniently located in communities around Montgomery County for easy access to summer fun and fitness. The outdoor pools are kid-friendly, and they also offer adults the opportunity to swim laps.” Choose an outdoor pool that suits your needs, view all seven outdoor pool location below:


Gaithersburg

The Kentlands Mansion is hosting a collection drive for much-needed period supplies in support of Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 22 to 28. Items being collected include daytime and overnight pads, tampons, and panty liners. Donations can be dropped off at the Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Monday through Friday, May 22 to 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All packages must be new and unopened and products must be individually wrapped.

Period Poverty Awareness Week was created by the Alliance for Period Supplies to educate and raise awareness on the issue of period poverty and its impact on people who menstruate. One in four people struggle to purchase period products due to lack of income and one in five report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. The goal of this education is to encourage people to take steps to address this need in their own community.


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