Author: MCS Staff

Maryland

Design Contest for Maryland’s 2023-2024 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Now Open

By MCS Staff

Artists are invited to submit their original works for Maryland’s annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This popular competition combining artistic skill with knowledge of Maryland’s wildlife is open until November 3, 2022. Each contestant may submit up to three entries with a fee structure of: $15 for one entry, $20 for two and $30 for three. Proceeds help fund game bird and waterfowl research and projects.

DNR staff will judge the entries live at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton on November 12, at 2 p.m. All entries must be original works, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints or photographs. To enter, contestants must mail their designs with required fees and forms to be received by November 3. The contest is open to state residents and nonresidents. Complete contest rules and entry forms are available on the DNR website.

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Poolesville

Montgomery County Man Now Holds State Record After Catching 77 Pound Albacore

By MCS Staff

Thomas “Tad” Bodmer of Poolesville has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Resources as the new state record holder Atlantic Division for albacore, or long-fin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), with his 77-pound catch. Bodmer, a recent convert to saltwater fishing, was aboard the charter Top Dog on September 20 as Captain Ryan Knapp and First Mate Josh were preparing to head back to shore after a slow fishing day.

In a matter of minutes, three different lines went out simultaneously. The trio scrambled to pick up rods. “It was chaos,” Bodmer said. “I would get my fish close and then it would run back out. It took 25 minutes to get it.” Bodmer landed the record albacore trolling a naked ballyhoo bait. The crew knew they had a big albacore but didn’t think it was a record-breaking catch until it was officially weighed. “All these people came out of the woodwork with cameras,” Bodner said. “I was like a deer in headlights.”

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MCPS

MoCo Native Mack Hollins Has Career Day for Raiders

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County native Mack Hollins caught 8 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown for the Las Vegas Raiders, who fell short in a comeback attempt against the Titans on Sunday. Hollins has caught 13 balls for 224 yards in the last two games, nearly matching his best seasons in the NFL already.

Hollins attended Robert Frost Middle School and Wootton High School. After not receiving any scholarship offers out of high school, Hollins attended Fork Union Military Academy where he received several offers to join teams, including a walk-on opportunity on the University of North Carolina football team if he could get accepted to the university on his own. Hollins got accepted and was able to walk-on, playing three seasons for the Tarheels before getting drafted by the Eagles in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

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Gaithersburg

Bath & Body Works is Coming to Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown

By MCS Staff

Bath & Body Works, a store usually found inside shopping malls, that was founded in 1990 in New Albany, Ohio is opening a new location in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown. The new store will be located at 130 Crown Park Ave, in the location that was formerly home to Hair Cuttery, in between ZAGG and Warby Parker, according to Kite Realty (image below).

A Bath & Body Works location currently operates in Lakeforest Mall, but a representative from that location has told us that it will close at some point in the new year. The representative did state that the location is certain to remain open until at least following the holiday season. The store offers its own brand of fragrances for the body and home. The brand is a consumer favorite for top-selling body products, including lotion, cream, wash, hand soap and hand sanitizer. The retailer is also known for its fragrance diffusers, fine fragrance mist and candles. Bath & Body Works will join Lovesac and Sweetgreen as upcoming tenants in Downtown Crown. An opening date or timeframe is not yet available.

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Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Guapo’s Taking Over Closed Chevy’s Location in NoVa

By MCS Staff

Popular Tex-Mex restaurant Guapo’s will open its 7th traditional restaurant location in the building that was formerly home to Chevy’s at 3052 Gate House Plaza in Falls Church, according to a BizJournals report. Late owner Hector Rincón opened the original Guapo’s in Tenleytown (DC) 31 years ago and has since opened locations in Shirlington, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Fair Lakes, Tenleytown and Georgetown (the most recent location, which opened in 2018). The Rincon family still operates all Guapo’s restaurants.

Chevys is an American chain of Tex-Mex restaurants that was founded in 1986 by Warren Simmons in Alameda, California. In the late 90’s the chain grew to approximately 100 restaurants nationwide, including a Gaithersburg location where Buffalo Wild Wings operates today in the Quince Orchard shopping center (photo seen below). As of last year, there were 22 Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants located throughout the United States, mostly in northern California (9 locations). The closest Chevys locations are located in Arlington and Greenbelt.

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MCFRS

Vacuum Causes Early Sunday Morning Fire; No Injuries

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call at approximately 12:30am, just after midnight on Sunday morning, for smoke coming from a two story home on the 700 block of Silver Spring avenue. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the build of the fire was knocked down on the first floor by 12:50am with firefighters checking for possible extension of the fire.

According to Piringer, there were multiple competent ignition sources, but based upon statements from the occupant of the home and the pattern of the fire, the cause was likely a vacuum cleaner in close proximity to a mattress. The lone occupant of the home was able to get out safely and the home incurred approximately $100K worth of damages. The resident will be temporarily displaced. Additional photos below courtesy of MCFRS.

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Downtown Crown

Lovesac is Coming to Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown

By MCS Staff

Specialty furniture brand Lovesac is planning to open a new location in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown. The company’s name comes from the brand’s original Durafoam-filled bean bags called Sacs and will be located at 111 Crown Park Ave, next to LA Fitness in the space that was formerly home to Couture Bridal of Maryland (which is now located at 322 East Diamond Ave in Gaithersburg).

Stamford, Connecticut-based Lovesac was founded in 1998 and first came to the area when it opened its Montgomery mall location in 2017. The retailer specializes in a patented modular furniture system called “Sactionals.” Sactionals combine both multiple “seats” and “sides,” as well as custom-fit covers and accessories that allow patrons to configure different styles of seating. Sactionals can fit most spaces, no matter the size or layout, because patrons can add, subtract and arrange pieces in an infinite number of ways. There are more than 250 available fabric options and more than 150 available covers that are machine washable, according to the company’s website.

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Gaithersburg

Rarely Seen Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar Found in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

‘Tis the season, according to University of Maryland’s Dr. Mike Raupp, aka the Bug Guy. On his blog, he points out that these caterpillars are ultimately looking for places to pupate. Next spring, they will emerge as beautiful royal walnut moths.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CivOBk4pgoo/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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Poolesville

Poolesville Skatepark Design Meeting

By MCS Staff

Skatepark design professionals from Pillar Skateparks will be holding a design meeting for an expansion of current Poolesville park at 19710 Wootton Avenue. They will be presenting some concept designs and receiving input from the skater community. “This is a great time to be involved and give your input. All ages welcome! The meeting will be held at Town Hall on Wednesday, October 5th, 6:00 PM. Come be part of the fun!!”

The Poolesville Skatepark, constructed in 2010, is open to the public at no cost. Poolesville area youth worked with park planners to create the design depicted below. The park is open daily from 7:30 to dusk. During inclimate weather, the park will be closed.

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Maryland

MDOT Secretary Recruits Colleges, Trade Schools to Help Marylanders Seize Career Opportunities

By MCS Staff

Today, Secretary Ports said, MDOT has hundreds of skilled worker positions available for mechanics, electricians, carpenters, masons, plumbers, HVAC technicians, aircraft service workers and others. There are more openings at MDOT than people to fill them, he said.

“I know the importance of our skilled trades, and I know it’s possible to begin in a skilled trades position and work your way up,” Secretary Ports said. “In all honesty, it’s been my personal mission to make connections and build partnerships with skilled trades educators to grow the next generation of MDOT employees.”

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