MCS Staff, Author at The MoCo Show

MCPS is Piloting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Published May 4, 2023 at 3:40PM

Last month, as part of a pilot program, the first set of public electric vehicle charging stations for MCPS was installed at the Carver Educational Service Center in Rockville. The stations were installed at no cost to MCPS through a partnership with one of its electric utility providers, Pepco, an Exelon company. The installation is one of the actions MCPS is taking to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the region and the school system, as identified in Board of Education Policy ECA, Sustainability. This updated policy was unanimously adopted by the Board on June 28, 2022. Emissions from on-road transportation, such as from cars and buses, accounted for 36% of 2018 GHG emissions in the county. Increasing the number of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is a goal for the county and the school system.

Additional pilot charging stations will be installed at Gaithersburg Middle School and are expected to be operational in July. These stations are available to be used by MCPS staff, students and the general public. Both locations will have Level 2 chargers that can charge a vehicle’s electric battery from empty in 4-10 hours, or a plug-in hybrid battery from empty in 1-2 hours. The cost per kWh is $0.18. There are three ways to pay:

Events

BEYOND COMICS to Celebrate “Free Comic Book Day” This Saturday, May 6

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 3:34PM

On Saturday May 6, 2023, BEYOND COMICS, located at 18749 B N Frederick Road in Gaithersburg, will be celebrating FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! The annual event, now in its 22nd year, is held in comic shops across the country. Comics publishers including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, IDW, Image, and several others release special editions of their comics to be given away to customers. BEYOND COMICS will also be holding sales that day, as well as an in-store appearance by comics and trading card artist John Watkins-Chow, who will be doing free sketches for customers.

Additionally, BEYOND COMICS will be holding a food drive on the day; those who bring in a non-perishable food donation will be allowed to take extra free comics! “BEYOND COMICS will be giving away comics as long as they last, and running sales all day!” BEYOND COMICS in Frederick, MD, located at 5632 Buckeystown Pike, will also be celebrating the day with free comics, sales, artist appearances, and a food drive. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Events

Pit Stop in Downtown Wheaton on Bike to Work Day To Offer Refreshments and Giveaways

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 3:25PM

Montgomery Parks is hosting a pit stop for people pedaling to work on national Bike To Work Day. “Bike riders encouraged to stop by for refreshments and giveaways on Friday, May 19, 2023.” The pit stop will take place between 7am-9am at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks is co-sponsoring the pit stop with the County Department of Transportation. It willwelcome cyclists in a fun atmosphere with refreshments and giveaways. There are 14 Bike To Work pit stops scheduled in Montgomery County, and more than a hundred in the Washington metropolitan area. Bike To Work Day is a national effort to encourage people to commute to work on bikes instead of by car. The benefits of cycling include better physical health through exercise and improved mental health resulting from time spent outdoors. Cycling can also help improve air quality by cutting down on harmful fossil fuel emissions. Bike To Work Day organizers hope to raise awareness about the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians,and cyclists. And highlight the need for fair access to low-stress roadways and connected trails for all to use safely.

Bethesda

Collision Leads to Overturned Vehicle on Old Georgetown Rd Thursday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 7:42AM | Updated May 4, 2023 at 1:14PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a collision that occurred in the area of Old Georgetown Rd, between Edson Ln and Tuckerman Ln, in North Bethesda at approximately 7am Thursday morning.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the collision caused one of the vehicles, a pick-up truck, to overturn in the median on Old Georgetown Rd. One adult is being transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and some lanes are currently blocked.

MCFRS

Two Adults Transported to Hospital Following Fire That Originated Under Seat of Wheelchair in Apartment Building on Wednesday Night

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 7:31AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to an automatic alarm that was activated by a fire at Alexander House, located at 8560 2nd Ave in Silver Spring at approximately 11:30pm on Wednesday night.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the fire was controlled and extinguished by the sprinkler system that was automatically set off by the fire. The lone occupant of the apartment was located in a motorized wheelchair and was taken to the burn center with life-threatening injuries after suffering significant burns. The fire originated under the seat of the wheelchair and was caused by an unknown malfunction or failure of the motorized wheelchair. The adult patient is in their 70s and listed in critical condition. HazMat checked batteries on the wheelchair and advised they were not Lithium Ion. The other adult transported to the hospital was due to a medical emergency not related to the fire. There was approximately $50K in damage to contents and sprinkle activation.

Gaithersburg

City of Gaithersburg Promotes Building Safety Month in May

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 7:15AM

To help raise awareness the City of Gaithersburg is conducting free deck maintenance inspections all month long: Each May, the International Code Council spearheads a national observation of Building Safety Month. To help raise awareness about the importance of safe & resilient construction, the City’s Permits & Inspections Division is conducting free deck maintenance inspections on single-family homes all month long. The free service is open to City of Gaithersburg residents. To request an inspection, e-mail [email protected].

For more than 42 years, Building Safety Month has reinforced the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families, and businesses understand what it takes to create safe & sustainable structures. The 2023 theme is “It Starts with You.” Learn more about this year’s campaign here.

Education

MCPS: African American Students Honored for Achievement, Leadership

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 7:08AM

Per MCPS: The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) honored 27 graduating seniors during its annual Distinguished African-American Scholars and Community Leaders Awards Ceremony on April 26. The event was held at Rockville High School.

Distinguished Scholars and Community Leaders are committed to leadership in their high schools and communities; are passionate and committed to their education and demonstrate a deliberate pursuit of academic excellence; and are talented, positive and motivated. The keynote speaker was Brian Stockton, MCPS chief of staff. The 2023 honorees are:

Germantown

Two-Vehicle Collision in Germantown Sends At Least Two People to the Hospital Wednesday Evening

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 9:04PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving two vehicles shortly before 7pm on Wednesday evening in the area of Wisteria Drive and Father Hurley Blvd in Germantown.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the collision caused significant damage to two vehicles with one person initially trapped inside one of the cars when it went over an embankment and into a parking lot. At least two trauma patients were evaluated and transported to the hospital with priority 1 (life threatening) and priority 2 (serious) injuries. Some lanes remained blocked as of 8pm. Photos courtesy of Pete Piringer.

Crime

Break-In Attempt Caught on Camera at MoCo Gun Shop

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 6:31PM

Engage Armament, a gun shop located at 701 E Gude Drive #101 in Rockville, captured a break-in attempt on camera, according to a post the shop shared on social media (seen below). The attempted robbery took place over the weekend.

According to Fox 5, the video shows two burglars enter the shop then quickly exit when they fail to bypass an interior doorway. The suspects wore black hoodies and masks that covered most of their faces. Video also captured a dark / silver sedan as it was driving away from the business. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Rockville

Community Alert – Black Bear Sighting In Rockville

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 4:27PM

The Rockville City Police Department’s Neighborhood Services/Animal Control Division has been made aware of the several sightings of a large black bear in West Rockville, specifically the areas of Woodley Gardens and Great Falls Road today. We have been in contact with the Department of Natural Resources to alert them of these sightings. If you see a bear, please call RCPD non-emergency at 240-314-8900 as soon as possible.

If a bear happens to surprise you, stay calm. Do not surprise the bear if it is unaware of your presence. Here are a few helpful tips courtesy of the National Park Service to keep you, your family, and your pets safe! Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.

Education

Board of Education to Recognize 17 Individuals, Organizations for Distinguished Service

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 12:50PM

The Montgomery County Board of Education has announced its recipients for the 26th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards were established by the Board of Education to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Nominations were received from the general community, as well as community organizations, businesses, Board members and MCPS staff. This year’s Distinguished Service Award winners are:

Individual Pioneer