Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Governor Wes Moore Announces $67.5 Million Investment to Redevelop Harborplace During 2023 Baltimore Together Summit

Published October 31, 2023 at 9:34AM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that the State of Maryland will invest $67.5 million to redevelop Harborplace during the second annual Baltimore Together summit. During the summit’s press conference this morning, MCB Real Estate Managing Partner P. David Bramble announced plans to revitalize and redevelop Harborplace in downtown Baltimore, representing a generational opportunity to reimagine Baltimore’s waterfront for the next century.

“This is what progress looks like: People from all backgrounds coming together to deliver for Baltimore. We cannot take this moment for granted. Because today isn’t just about how we redefine a cultural landmark – today is about how we rewrite the narrative of a city,” said Gov. Moore. “This is about ensuring our state’s largest city claims its rightful place in the American story. For this to be Maryland’s decade it has to be Baltimore’s time. And we will work together to make it so.”

Bethesda

The Top 10 Restaurants in MoCo, According to Trip Advisor (Fall 2023 Edition)

By Patrick Herron

Published October 31, 2023 at 9:03AM

Trip Advisor is a popular American online travel company that offers ratings of restaurants primarily from those who have traveled to the area, rather than locals. If you’re interested in seeing the opinions of those who have traveled to the area, you’re in luck, as today we’ll be sharing the top 10 restaurants according to Trip Advisor as of October 31, 2023.

10. Copper Canyon (928 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring): With a 4 out of 5 rating after 471 reviews, Copper Canyon’s Silver Spring location comes in at #10 overall in the county and #2 in Silver Spring. The restaurant has an additional MoCo location at Gaithersburg’s Rio.

Maryland

Governor Wes Moore Announces More Than $2 Million in Grants to Expand Nationally-Recognized EARN Maryland Program

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 8:04PM

Per the State of Maryland: “Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Labor received an additional $2 million in grants to expand the Employment Advancement Right Now Maryland program. The 13 new awards announced today will allow more than 700 Marylanders to receive industry-driven occupational training and meaningful connections to employment opportunities offered by more than 200 participating employers and industry partners.

“Maryland’s economy thrives when there is more access to job opportunities across all sectors,” said Gov. Moore. “Expanding the EARN program provides yet another opportunity to help businesses cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce and to connect Marylanders to good jobs in vital industries.”

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Selected as Finalist for 2023 U.S. Broadband Award for Technical Infrastructure

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 5:04PM

Upgrades made by the Montgomery County Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) have enabled departments and agencies, including Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), to benefit from faster bandwidth speeds, reduced latency and increased network performance. This has been particularly critical as students returned to school and County staff returned to physical work locations during and after the COVID-19 health crisis. Beyond these improvements for residents and County employees, the data center migration and consolidation resulted in an estimated power savings of 88 percent and 74 tons of carbon dioxide saved monthly.

Expansion of broadband service and other digital equity initiatives are a priority for Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. The entry submission by TEBS detailed efforts to upgrade the County’s technical infrastructure including FiberNet, network migration and migration of its data center to Equinix, a Tier IV data center. These upgrades provide greater performance, security, resiliency, efficiency and sustainability to County, and affiliates’, operations. They also support Next Gen Communications, Digital Equity and more efficient access to Internet and cloud services.

Rockville

Rockville Residents Can Get $150 for Planting Native Trees

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 4:59PM

Per the City of Rockville: “Native trees are beautiful, provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife, and help absorb stormwater runoff and pollutants. Rockville residents can receive a $150 rebate per tree from the city for planting native trees and up to a maximum of $5,000 in rebates across all rebate options. Eligible properties include single-family and townhome residences, homeowners associations, condominium associations, religious institutions, private schools and other nonprofits. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/rainscapes.

Small Trees

Rockville

City of Rockville Now Accepting Donations for 2023 Holiday Drive

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 4:56PM

Per the City of Rockville: Donations are being accepted for the 2023 Holiday Drive, Rockville’s annual push to help the community’s hundreds of children and families in need during the holiday season. In 2022, the city served 630 families, and 1,200 children, during the Thanksgiving and December holidays. This year, the city will provide fresh produce and gift cards for Thanksgiving, and books and gift cards for each child in a family for December.

Books can be dropped in collection boxes at several locations: City Hall; Twinbrook Community Recreation Center; Lincoln Park Community Center; Thomas Farm Community Center; Rockville Swim and Fitness Center; and Rockville Senior Center.

MDLottery

MoCo Woman Wins $50,000

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 4:49PM

“I was visiting my parents and when I left their house, I noticed the store where my dad buys his tickets. That’s all it took.” With the Lottery suddenly and unexpectedly on her mind, she kept an eye out for another Lottery retailer as she drove home. This brought her to Fenton Citgo in Silver Spring.

The Montgomery County woman chose Bonus Match 5 as her game that day. “I don’t know why I chose it to play,” the human resources specialist said. “It just felt right.”

Beyond MoCo

Catalyst Hot Dogs to Open Concession Stand at University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 2:23PM

Catalyst Hot Dogs has announced it will be opening a concession stand this season at The Xfinity Center (8500 Paint Branch Dr, College Park) at the University of Maryland. New Jersey native Chris Van Jura opened Catalyst Hot Dogs in late 2020 as a food truck/trailer that served New Jersey style hot dogs. The trailer operates across Montgomery County and surrounding areas. In January, Catalyst Hot Dogs took over the kitchen at Denizen’s Brewing Riverdale Park location (4550 Van Buren St., River Dale Park) in Prince George’s County.

Per Catalyst Hot Dogs when the trailer first opened: “Owner/operator, Chris Van Jura, has been a member of the Hospitality Industry for nearly 20 years. Over this time he has, on a daily basis, done what every Hospitalian does, which is put the attention and focus on the guest. During this time, he has relocated to the DMV, found love and started a family. He has devoted hundreds of hours to the needs of others—and now, through the pandemic and two furloughs, he has made a choice: We’re getting into the Hot Dog business!”

MoCo Government

Veterans Day Approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11: County Joins ‘Operation Green Light,’ Several Solemn Ceremonies Will Be Held and Additions Sought for Tribute to County Veterans

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 1:54PM

Per Montgomery County: “As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 6-12, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.

Germantown

Final Germantown Flea Market of the Season This Saturday

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 11:49AM

The Germantown Flea Market returns this Saturday, November 4, from 8am-1pm at the MARC rail commuter lot at the intersection of Germantown Rd. (Rt. 118) and Bowman Mill Drive. Additional details below courtesy of the Germantown Historical Society:

The Germantown Community Flea Market is the place to find bargains and treasures. There’s something for everyone – toys & games – fashions and footwear – antiques and collectibles, lawn mowers and bicycles. You can search for your favorite CDs or books, discover kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed, jewelry to go with your favorite outfit – all kinds of things that you just can’t live without — and all at bargain prices! And the first bargain you find is when you come in – there is no admission or parking fee.

Gaithersburg

Update on Nori Japan in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 10:12AM | Updated October 30, 2023 at 10:44AM

Construction has recently began at Nori Japan (9615 Lost Knife Rd) in Gaithersburg. Back in January we let you know that the restaurant, which was one of the last remaining tenants at Lakeforest Mall, would be opening a new location across from the mall in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center, taking over the space that was previously occupied by Wok Express. We’re told the delay in construction was permit related. No opening date has been announced.

Montgomery Village Crossing is also home to B2J Fish Soup, BLT Grill, Copacabana Bakery, Hook & Reel, and Los Amigos Mexican.