Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Montgomery County Inspector General Opening Two Investigation Into MCPS’ Handling of Misconduct Accusations

Published September 21, 2023 at 7:20PM | Updated September 21, 2023 at 7:55PM

“Please accept this letter as notification that pursuant to $2-151 of the Montgomery County Code the Office of the Inspector General is opening two engagements related to allegations against Dr. Joel Beidleman and Montgomery County Public School’s (MCPS) handling of misconduct complaints. The first engagement is a review of MCPS’s process for receiving and responding to allegations of misconduct against school system employees. Through this review we will assess whether MCPS has effective procedures for the receipt, assignment, investigation, referral, resolution, documentation, and retention of allegations of misconduct by its employees. The second engagement is an investigation into all allegations of misconduct by Dr. Beidleman that have been received since July 2023 as well as any previous allegations that were not yet investigated.

In conducting these engagements, we will inspect relevant records, interview pertinent staff, and review applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Moving forward, my office will work directly with Dr. McKnight and her staff.”

Education

Governor Wes Moore Joins U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for Conversation on the Power of Education

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 6:58PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore this morning joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for a conversation about the power of education at the 2023 National Association of College Admission Counseling conference in Baltimore. The governor and secretary shared perspectives on leadership in a conversation moderated by National Association of College Admission Counseling Chief Executive Officer Angel B. Pérez.

“My two-year college was my foundation, and I believe that we need to give students the opportunity to take the path that best suits them, including through a community college,” said Gov. Moore. “We need to provide world-class education in Maryland and we also need to think about offering programs that train students in industries of the future. I believe in experiential learning, and by giving our students opportunity and choice, I know we will unlock enormous potential.”

Bethesda

Governor Wes Moore Visits Marriott Global Headquarters in Bethesda in Support of Hospitality Industry Workforce Development

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 6:55PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore yesterday visited the new Marriott Global headquarters in Montgomery County, marking the first anniversary of the headquarters opening in Bethesda. Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International David Marriott hosted the governor for a tour of the facility, which provides cutting-edge workforce development for the hospitality industry worldwide.

“Marriott’s innovative facility represents a lasting investment in Maryland that reinforces our commitment to strengthening our workforce for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “The state-of-the-art headquarters creates jobs for Marylanders, strengthens our economy, and puts Maryland on the map as a hub for global hospitality.”

Restaurants

Hard Times Cafe Has Temporarily Closed

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 6:46PM | Updated September 22, 2023 at 7:15AM

Hard Times Cafe at 1117 Nelson St in Rockville has temporarily closed. While signage on the front door states, “Hard Times will be closed for the remainder of the week for extensive repairs, we will open ASAP, please call before coming,” the restaurant has apparently been closed for a few weeks now and there is no current timeframe on reopening. Hard Times is known best for its chili, and variations include Texas, Cincinnati, Terlingua, and vegetarian. Menu items include the Chili Bubba (chili over corn bread), Chili Mac (over spaghetti), Frito Chili Mac, chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries. The restaurant also serves non-chili dishes, such as salads, wraps, and chicken tenders.

According to its website, “The Hard Times Cafes are designed to recall a southern depression era chili parlor. Its design is simple and honest, making use of polished red oak and terra-cotta tile. Photographs of day-to-day western life, circa 1930, are featured on the sand textured walls.” The first Hard Times Cafe opened in Alexandria, VA in 1980 and the Rockville location opened in 1984. There was previously a Hard Times Cafe at 13032 Middlebrook Rd in Germantown, which closed in 2014. There are currently additional Hard Times locations in Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Springfield, VA.

Gaithersburg

Spirit Halloween Update: Germantown and Rockville Locations Fall Through, First Look at Rio

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 5:12PM

The planned Spirit Halloween locations at 12940 Middlebrook Rd. (formerly Bed Bath & Beyond) in Germantown and 2210 Veirs Mill Rd., (formerly CVS) in Rockville will not be opening, according to a representative from Spirit. We’re told the upcoming Spirit store at 30 Grand Corner Ave. in Gaithersburg’s Rio will be the only Montgomery County location for 2023.

New at Spirit this year will be a buy online/pickup in-store option, as well as delivery through DoorDash. A sneak peak of the Rio location can be seen below. The store hopes to open within the next week.

MCDOT

Conceptual Findings from Ride On Reimagined Public Transportation Study Will Be Discussed at Virtual Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 28

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 4:03PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual open house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, to present a first look at the Ride On Reimagined study and get community feedback on proposed concept changes to the County transit network. The ongoing Ride On Reimagined Study is a full-scale re-assessment of how the Montgomery County public transit network will operate. Montgomery County residents are encouraged to register and participate in the meeting.

The Ride On Reimagined Study has the goal of creating a future-focused public transportation system. The study, which began in February 2022, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the current Ride On and Metrobus network, ridership patterns and ongoing projects. To better address community needs, MCDOT sought extensive community feedback through ridership surveys, pop-up events and focus groups comprised of transit riders and non-riders.

Ellsworth Place

Latest Update on Upcoming Outback Steakhouse in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 3:53PM

“Coming soon” and “now hiring” signage is up at the upcoming Outback Steakhouse location at Ellsworth Place in Downtown Silver Spring. The Australian-themed casual dining chain will be located in the space that was previously home to Not Your Average Joe’s at 8661 Colesville Rd. An opening date is not yet available, but it will be the chain’s third Montgomery County location, joining existing restaurants in Aspen Hill and Germantown.

While Outback Steakhouse is an international chain, one of the founders has strong local ties. Chris T. Sullivan, one of the founders of Outback Steakhouse, is a Blair High School alumnus. Sullivan attended the school, and Takoma Park Middle School before that, in the 60s before heading to the University of Kentucky to study business and economics.

Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg Man Charged with Six Counts of Arson in Connection with Sunday Morning Fires; Damage Estimated to be ~$1 Million

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 1:05PM | Updated September 21, 2023 at 6:59PM

Fernando J. Herrera-Rivera, age 23, of Gaithersburg, has been charged with six counts of 2nd degree arson in connection with a spree of fires that occurred early morning on Sunday, September 17 in Gaithersburg. Herrea-Rivera was arrested in the area of N. Frederick Ave that same morning after police used video surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify him. Herrera-Rivera was also wanted on a bench warrant for an unrelated charge and is currently being held without bond.

According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, at 2:30am on September 17, approximately 75 firefighters responded to multiple fires at the Holbrook Center (across from Gaithersburg High School) at 400blk S. Frederick Ave. near Education Blvd. Around 3:15am, MCFRS units then responded to 3 Russell Ave (La Frontera/Taco Bar) and found several vehicles and businesses on fire. There was an additional outside fire also located near the Gaithersburg Police Department building at 14 Fulks Corner Ave that morning. Damage is estimated to be $1,250,000 ($500,000 structure/$750,000 contents.)

Aspen Hill

Charleys Cheesesteaks Now Open in Aspen Hill

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 10:58AM

Charleys Cheesesteaks opens today at 13617 Connecticut Ave. in the Aspen Hill shopping center. This is the third Charleys location to open this year in Montgomery County. Last month, Charleys opened inside of the Germantown Walmart at 20910 Frederick Rd, in the space formerly occupied by McDonald’s. In June, Charleys opened a location at 19877 Century Blvd in Germantown, in the space that was previously home to Roll by Goodyear and Yogi Castle in the Shops at Town Center & Century Station shopping center. Charleys has additional locations in Bethesda, Clarksburg, Gaithersburg, and Wheaton.

Charley’s now has over 600 stores nationwide. Newer locations have adopted a new menu concept, offering chicken wings and ice cream in addition to its Philly cheesesteaks. “Tossed-to-order, the wings are made with 10 chef-inspired flavors ranging from Angry Ghost and Nashville Hot to milder options like Zesty Lemon-Lime Rub and Sweet Teriyaki.”

MCPD

Concern for Missing 42-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 9:27AM

The Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jose Rauda-Ayala. Rauda-Ayala, 42, was last seen on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, in the 500 block of Thayer Avenue in Silver Spring. He is 5-feet, 9-inches tall, 180 Ibs., with black hair, brown eyes, and medium complexion.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jose Rauda-Ayala is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

MoCo Government

Commission for Women Sponsoring Free Programs on ‘Financial Wellness’ and ‘Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?’

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2023 at 9:12AM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Commission for Women is sponsoring two free programs that can help residents get themselves better organized. A series of “Financial Health and Wellness Seminars” will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Seminars on “Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?” will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The virtual financial seminars will cover many aspects of becoming more financially organized.

The Commission for Women is joining with Montgomery County Public Libraries to offer the seminars, which will be led by Jamie Lapin, a private wealth advisor and president of RMG Advisors, LLC, and Thiago Glieger, a private wealth advisor and Federal retirement specialist.