Author: Patrick Herron

Maryland

Governor Wes Moore Tours AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Per the State of Maryland: “Governor Wes Moore today toured the AstraZeneca site in Gaithersburg and joined BioHub Maryland to announce a new skills training agreement with the Dublin, Ireland-based National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training, a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing training and research. The partnership makes BioHub Maryland the exclusive training partner in the National Capital Region, enabling Marylanders—including veterans and members of disadvantaged communities—to learn a unique brand of skills required to work in the life sciences industry.

“Today, we’re not just here to celebrate this new BioHub partnership. We’re here to celebrate a new direction for Maryland’s economy and workforce,” said Gov. Moore. “We are ready to win. We are ready to grow and we are ready to show the entire country what we’re made of.”

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Crime

Germantown Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Attempted Murder in Gaithersburg Shooting, Per State’s Attorney

By Patrick Herron

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Christopher Fogleman has sentenced defendant, Marvin Frazier, 24, of Germantown to 40 years in prison suspend all but 25 to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. Frazier was convicted by a jury in April of 2023 on charges including attempted first-degree murder, two counts each of first-degree assault and use of a handgun in a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a handgun. The sentencing hearing took place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.

This stems from an incident at a music studio along Montgomery Village Avenue in Gaithersburg on August 8th, 2020. Frazier shot a 19-year-old male, causing him to become paralyzed from the waist down. He also pistol-whipped a 20-year-old male. The defendant and victims are associated with rival gangs. The defendant fled but was apprehended in 2022.

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Poolesville

Poolesville Holiday Lighting Ceremony to Take Place December 1st

By Patrick Herron

“Join us at Poolesville’s 18th annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Friday, Dec.1st at 6 p.m. as Whalen Commons is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. We have an exciting line-up of festivities planned for the evening, which include the following: A chance to visit Santa at his workshop, musical and dance performances, visits with Frosty & Rudolph, a ride aboard the “Polar Express”, a special reading by Mrs. Claus of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, ice skating rink, wood sculpture demos, shop local with PACC artisans, PACC sponsored Gingerbread Cookie Decorating (at the Poolesville Museum), Calleva’s wagon rides through town, WUMCO Basket Auction, Shine On Together Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, and food trucks.

Santa will arrive courtesy of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at 6:30 pm and the official Tree Lighting takes place at 6:45 pm. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

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MCFRS

Update: Thursday Morning Fire Causes Approximately $3 Million in Damage; Two Cats Unaccounted For

By Patrick Herron

A fire at 687 Lofstrand Lane in Rockville has caused approximately $3 million in damage. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, ~95 firefighters respond to the scene around 5:15am on Thursday, November 2. The fire originated at Soto Leeson Linen Service and spread next door to Motor Works Inc. The fire at the commercial building also involved some parked vehicles.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although it is believed to have been accidental.  There were no injuries reported, but two cats are currently missing/unaccounted for.

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Crime

Tips to Reduce Vehicle Thefts; Every 47 Minutes a Vehicle is Stolen in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland State Police: “As the weather begins to get colder, and as the holiday season approaches, it is more important than ever that motorists take proper precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft. This warning from the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council comes at a time when vehicle thefts are on the rise nationwide. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly 500,000 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in the first half of 2023, which represents an increase of more than 2 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Consider the following:

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Crime

Detectives Investigating Theft From Autos

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Patrol Investigative Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for multiple theft from autos that occurred on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in the 2800 block of Atlanta Drive in Silver Spring.

The investigation has revealed that the suspect entered multiple vehicles parked in the area, stole property from those vehicles and left the scene. Detectives reviewed surveillance cameras and obtained images of the suspect checking door handles in the area.   The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray pants and white shoes. He was carrying a gray backpack.

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Silver Spring

15th Annual Silver Spring ‘Tribute to America’s Veterans Concert’ on Wednesday, Nov. 8, Will Feature Brazilian Bossa Nova Music of the ‘Gigi Mac Band’

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “The 15th Annual “Tribute to America’s Veterans Concert” from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, will feature the Brazilian Bossa Nova music of the Gigi Mac Band. The free event, at American Legion Post 41, Cissel-Saxon, in Silver Spring, will have Major General (ret.) Richard W. Thomas as its keynote speaker. The program is presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

American Legion Post 41 is located at 905 Silgo Ave. in Silver Spring. All are welcome to the event. Veterans are encouraged to wear military attire. Tickets are not required, but RSVPs would be appreciated to [email protected].

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MoCo Government

Rec N’ Resources Open House on Saturday, Nov. 4, Will Introduce Residents to Services in East County

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Rec N’ Resources Open House” at East County Community Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for County residents. This free event will feature games, music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family.

Contractor demonstrations will be held to showcase recreation classes and programs. Representatives from County agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, the Commission on Aging and the Board of Elections will be available to speak with residents and provide information. Montgomery College and Mobile Medical Care also will be on site to provide details on their services.”

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Regulations Published in the Montgomery County Register, Comment Period is Open for 30 Days

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County announces the publication of the draft Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Executive Regulations in the November 2023 County Register, a necessary component of BEPS implementation.  Built on benchmarking data collected under the Benchmarking Law, BEPS sets a minimum energy performance threshold for existing covered buildings and is a tool that addresses energy performance and drives existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency over a set period, thus reducing carbon emissions.

The public is invited to comment on the draft Executive Regulations during the 30-day comment period ending on November 30, 2023. Pursuant to the BEPS legislation, the County Executive must transmit regulations to implement the law to the County Council by December 31, 2023. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of BEPS.

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