MCS Staff, Author at The MoCo Show

Hearing on Voting Age, Vote on Mayor and Council Size Are On the Agenda for February City of Rockville Meeting

Published January 27, 2023 at 9:25AM

Rockville’s Mayor and Council will consider in February several recommendations from the city’s Charter Review Commission that could change the city’s voting age, the size of Mayor and Council and other elements of city elections.

On Monday, Feb. 6, the Mayor and Council are scheduled to hold a public hearing on recommendations that, if adopted, would amend the city charter to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, permit noncitizens to vote, set term limits, create representative districts, create an administrative process to fill a vacancy on the council, change election years to coincide with presidential or gubernatorial elections, and implement ranked-choice voting. Learn how to testify during the Feb. 6 hearing at www.rockvillemd.gov/hearings and find more information when the agenda is posted at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.

Gaithersburg

Next Steps For Lakeforest Mall Redevelopment

By MCS Staff

Published January 27, 2023 at 9:12AM

The joint public hearing on the Lakeforest Mall Rezoning & Sketch Plan was conducted on January 17, 2023. The Planning Commission will hold their record open until 5 p.m. Friday February 17, 2023 with anticipated recommendation March 1, 2023. The Mayor & City Council hold their record open until 5 p.m. Friday March 10, 2023 with anticipated Policy Discussion April 3, 2023.

Below is a video of our very own Alex Tsironis discussing the latest meeting on Fox 5, followed by some highlights from WRS, Inc’s presentation on January 17th:

Arts

Benjamin Gaither Center Art Show Now Running Through March 26

By MCS Staff

Published January 27, 2023 at 8:47AM

The Montgomery Art Association (MAA) member exhibition has returned to the Benjamin Gaither Center (80 Bureau Dr A) in Gaithersburg through March 26, 2023. Meet the artists at a free reception on Tuesday, February 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibit and reception are open to the public. Masks & social distancing are encouraged.

The Montgomery Art Association is a nonprofit organization supporting the visual arts and artists in Montgomery County and the D.C. metro area. It offers a number of opportunities for its 350 members to display & sell their work. The Association offers field trips, plein air painting outings, business workshops, art-themed social events & monthly meetings with noteworthy guest speakers.

Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen DC Currently Holding Preview Nights, Expected to Open Soon After

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 8:29PM

Gordon Ramsay’s new two-story waterfront restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen DC, sits in The Wharf (652 Wharf Street SW, Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20024) with views overlooking the Potomac River. The space is over 14,000 SF and offers dining room, patio, or terrace seating. The restaurant is currently holding “preview nights” from 1/25-1/27 (bookings no longer available), but is expected to open soon after. The menus offered at the restaurant can be seen here.

Hell’s Kitchen, Washington, D.C. serves iconic Chef Ramsay dishes like Beef Wellington, Pan-Seared Scallops, Lobster Risotto, and one of Chef Ramsay’s personal favorites, Sticky Toffee Pudding. “The design considers the waterfront location and ensures a relaxing yet luxurious experience. With beautifully-plated dishes, experiential cocktails being served in smoking lanterns, delectable desserts, and the famous red and blue kitchen, Chef Ramsay brings the energy of Hell’s Kitchen to Washington D.C.”

Crime

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Threatening a Member of Congress, “You have the right to your own opinions, but not the right to threaten a federal official’s life”

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 7:41PM

Justin Kuchta, age 39, of Annapolis, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capitol Police; and Acting Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Lt. Colonel Dalaine Brady.

“You have the right to your own opinions, but not the right to threaten a federal official’s life,” said United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron. “We’ll continue prosecuting these threats to the fullest extent of the law.”

Crime

Three Teenagers Charged with Robbery After Assault at Richard Montgomery High School

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 6:14PM

On January 13, 2023, Rockville City Police responded to Richard Montgomery High School (RMHS) for the report of an assault which occurred inside the school and an allegation that a handgun had been displayed off school grounds forcing the school to enter a brief period of lockdown.

According to Rockville City Police, “through a joint investigation with RMHS Staff and MCPS Security, RCPD Investigators learned several students from Gaithersburg High School entered RMHS with the assistance of RMHS students. The Gaithersburg students were led to one of the school’s restrooms during school hours where they became victims of a robbery by several RMHS students.

Damascus

MCPS Student Program is Looking For Car Donations (Tax Deduction); Next Car Sale to Take Place February 11

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 5:05PM

The Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) is looking for car donations. Donations will help more high school students learn how to evaluate, repair and restore used cars. The ATF is a nonprofit that fosters automotive education by offering students hands-on instruction in maintenance, repair, sales and marketing. The students run a mini-dealership where people can purchase the refurbished cars. The ATF accepts donations year-round by appointment at Damascus, Gaithersburg and Seneca Valley high schools, at Thomas Edison High School of Technology and at the Shady Grove Bus Depot. Donations may be tax deductible. Call 240-740-2047 to donate.

MCPS students engage in a hands-on curriculum to refurbish used cars. As part of the automotive program, students sell the cars at three sales throughout the school year (www.cars2purchase.org). The next sale is coming up from 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Damascus High School. Potential inventory of available cars will be posted closer to sale date (end of January/ early February). Additional information about the program below:

Arts

MCPS Spring 2023 Theater Productions

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 2:56PM | Updated January 28, 2023 at 8:10PM

Preparations are in full swing for the spring theater season throughout the school system at middle and high schools. Plan now to see these great performances, which run from February into May. From “Mean Girls” and “The Lightning Thief” to “Into the Woods” and “Mary Poppins,” there’s something for everyone. Grab your tickets and come on out! 2022-2023 Spring Theater Schedule below (courtesy of MCPS):

Kentlands

{B} Delighted By The Happy Hour Menu at Burtons Grill (sponsored)

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 11:15AM | Updated January 26, 2023 at 4:21PM

Fresh and seasonal ingredients are integral to their menus, and cooking from scratch allows the team to cater to guests with many different lifestyles and dietary preferences. All staff members, both front of house and back of house, are trained in strict allergy protocols that allow them to safely serve most guests with food allergies. The dedication to accommodating gluten-free and celiac diners is one of Burton’s well-known trademarks.

Burtons Grill – Gaithersburg is located at Kentlands Market Square, 109 Commerce Sq. Place. Telephone: 240-798-2021. Other DC-area locations include Riverdale Park, Alexandria, and Sterling.

Montgomery Parks

Things To Do This Weekend (January 27-29, 2023) in Montgomery Parks

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 10:44AM

It may be winter, but there are plenty of events and activities at Montgomery parks and facilities. Check them out below, courtesy of Montgomery Parks:

Gardens: Winter is the perfect time to learn about the bones of a botanical garden without the distraction of leaves or flowers. Explore architectural elements that shape the Brookside Gardens during its Winter Tour(opens in a new tab) on Saturday, January 28, at 10 am. This event is for adults eighteen and older only.

Education

League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) Offering Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

By MCS Staff

Published January 26, 2023 at 8:53AM

The League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAPP) is offering $2,000 scholarships to graduating MCPS seniors of Asian descent. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 1. Applicants must be planning to major in education, and show experience supporting the Asian American community and/or organizations. Apply here.

Earlier this month during its annual Lunar New Year banquet celebration, LEAAP raised more than $14,000 for the scholarship fund. See a few pictures from the event. The event featured the traditional lion dance and guest speakers– Brookhaven Elementary special education teacher Becky Corey and Sligo Middle teacher Orchid Dargahi, past scholarship recipients. Featured photo is from LEAPP Lunar New Year Banquet earlier this month (North Bethesda Middle School table)