Author: Patrick Herron

Bethesda

Massage Spa Now Open at Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

Relax Station is now open at Westfield Montgomery, located on the lower level near the Cheesecake Factory. This is Relax Station’s second location, as they also have a location in Westfield Wheaton mall. They offer messages from 15 minutes to 120 minutes ranging from $25 to $125. The owner, Sophia Pang resides in Montgomery County.

In other Montgomery Mall news, realty starts Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline a special event on Saturday, October 7 with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. “Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.”

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MCDOT

‘Walk and Roll to School Day’ on Wednesday, Oct. 4, Will Include Special Event at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program, which encourages students who have a safe path and live near their elementary school to walk to school, will join in the national recognition of “Walk and Roll to School Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Most County elementary schools will participate, with a special event starting at 8:15 a.m. that day at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney.

The walking groups, led by MCDOT’s Zeal the Safety Zebra and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s Sparky the Fire and Rescue Dog, will meet at the front of Brooke Grove Elementary School. The event will commence with fanfare including music, balloons, giveaways, police officers, firefighters and firetrucks. Students will be singing and carrying signs.

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Sponsored

Hidden Gems: Café Sophie in the Montgomery County Airpark (sponsored)

By Patrick Herron

Café Sophie (7940 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg) is a European style café with a Scandinavian influence, located at the Montgomery County Airpark. Owners Sandy & Tom decided to name the cafe after their sweet dog Sophie, who can sometimes be found greeting customers. Sandy’s grandfather & father Bill & Jim Richardson built & operated the Airpark back in 1960. “I used to come to the airpark with my dad on weekends. It was always fun to be in the air with my father flying”. Sandy is also a pilot herself! Tom was born and raised in Bergen Norway. He became a professional pilot & flew private charter flights and private corporate jets all over the US and Europe. He would often fly into Montgomery County Airpark. This is where Sandy & Tom met. As Tom puts it, “I landed one day and never took off”.

Cafe Sophie’s, Chef Asael, offers a creatively prepared menu with locally sourced ingredients. Their meats come from Wagner’s Butcher, their milk, eggs, creamer and ice cream from South Mountain Creamery, German sausages from Binkert’s, and croissants, baguettes & Cro’Gels are delivered from Fresh Baguette. They also offer up fresh baked muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and European goodies, along with specialty coffees, international & domestic beers, a selection of wine, champagne, and mimosas (try the Lingonberry Mimosa). Enjoy a delicious meal while watching the planes come and go, the kids absolutely love it!

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Beyond MoCo

Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Attend 46th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake

By Patrick Herron
46th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake

Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller attended the 46th annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake. The event, attended by elected officials from across the state, was held at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield and is Maryland’s largest all-you-can-eat seafood festival.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many Marylanders in the place Governor Tawes called home,” said Gov. Moore. “Governor Tawes was a true public servant and served Maryland as state treasurer, comptroller, and governor. He made our state a better place for all and today, we honor his legacy by providing support and resources to Crisfield.”

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Health

Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Receive Naloxone Training, Announce $10 Million Grant Awards to Address Overdose Crisis

By Patrick Herron
Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller Receive Naloxone Training at State House,

Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller received a training on overdose response and using the opioid overdose reversal medicine naloxone at the State House. They also recognized September as National Recovery Month and reiterated the administration’s support for increasing access to substance use treatment and recovery services.

“Overdose has touched so many Maryland families, including my own,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “We need to create a seat at the table for everyone as we continue to identify ways to reach those who need support. Whether it’s state government, community organizations, local partners, or individuals, we all have a role to play in combating the overdose crisis and saving lives – and we can all start by carrying naloxone and recognizing the signs of an overdose.”

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Removes Policy Barrier To Create Equity For Urban Agriculture And Increase Local Food Production

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has removed permitting barriers to allow produce growers to build high tunnel-type greenhouses on urban and suburban properties, a benefit previously reserved for land designated as agricultural. High tunnels can be a key piece of farm infrastructure for vegetable growers to increase food production. Similar to a greenhouse, a high tunnel is a less permanent structure, built with a metal frame and plastic cover instead of glass and metal. High tunnels extend the growing season by trapping heat and protect crops from diseases and pests.

Urban agriculture is fundamental to achieving food systems resiliency in the County, increasing urban access to nutritious food and empowering urban residents. Previously, a building permit from the County was required for high tunnels on properties not agriculturally assessed for tax purposes. It is often difficult for properties with fewer than three acres to obtain the necessary agricultural assessment. This requirement had presented a barrier to new farmers and those with fewer means on urban and suburban properties.

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Montgomery Planning

Development Review Workgroup Provides Recommendations to Improve Development Processes to Montgomery County Government and Planning Department

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: After nine public meetings throughout the summer and three public listening sessions, Montgomery County’s Development Review Workgroup this week ended its months-long deliberations on ways to streamline the process that determines how development flows in the County. The group voted on a series of recommendations, approved by a supermajority of members, on steps forward. The recommendations include changes to review, permitting and administrative procedures and improved notification and inclusion of the County’s diverse communities.

Chief among the consensus recommendations are:

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MDLottery

MoCo Plumber Wins $31,796

By Patrick Herron

“I spent my extra change from lunch to play,” he said. “When I noticed I won, I couldn’t believe it because this is the second time I won with the perfect numbers and the first time winning Superfecta.” The Lottery terminal at Ertters Market produced his big winner, randomly selecting horses 6 and 7 for the No. 1 position, then 9, 11 and 4 for the second, third and fourth positions. To win on a Superfecta Wheel bet, a player’s horses must cross the finish line in their exact order. He bet on the combination for 10 drawings and won $31,796.50 on the ninth race.

Asked what he plans to do with his prize, the lucky winner said he wants to help his family and save as much as he can for a “rainy day.” The Lottery retailer’s owner receives a $317.96 bonus from the Lottery for selling a winning Racetrax ticket of $10,000 or more. The bonus is equal to 1% of the prize. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps. 

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Crime

Police Looking to Identify Group of Armed Carjacking Suspects Spotted on Camera Using Victim’s Credit Card

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the six suspects who committed an armed carjacking in Silver Spring.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the 11600 block of Lockwood Drive for the report of an armed carjacking that just occurred. Detectives have determined that the victims were attempting to park their red 2016 Toyota Highlander, when an unknown gray 4-door sedan, pulled up behind them, blocking them from pulling away. Two suspects immediately exited the gray sedan, approached the victim’s vehicle and displayed handguns. The suspects forced the victims to get out of their car. The suspects then left the scene in the stolen vehicle, followed by the unknown gray 4-door sedan.

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Rockville

FTC Acts to Stop Rockville-Based Online Business Coaching Scheme From Deceiving Consumers About Money-Making Potential

By Patrick Herron

Per the FTC: The Federal Trade Commission is taking action to stop Lurn, a Maryland-based online business coaching seller, from making unfounded claims that consumers can make significant income by starting an array of online businesses. The company, its CEO Anik Singal, and spokespeople Tyrone Cohen and David Kettner have agreed to court orders that will require them to stop their unlawful practices, and require Lurn and Singal to turn over $2.5 million to the FTC to be used to refund money to consumers they harmed.

“Even after receiving a Notice of Penalty Offenses, Lurn used bogus earnings claims to convince people it would teach them to make large sums of money online,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The Commission will continue to pursue aggressively those who prey on people seeking to provide for themselves and their families.”

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