Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Councilmembers to Host Community Town Hall in Montgomery Village to Discuss Plans for Recreation Center

Published September 13, 2023 at 12:55PM

The county is discussing building a new recreation center in Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village. On October 3 from 7-9 p.m. at Montgomery Village Middle School, Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Laurie-Anne Sayles will be joined by community leaders, residents and organizations to discuss the vision for a recreation center.

“The county is committed to providing an enriching amenity for the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village communities, where there is a high need for investment in our residents, with a particular focus on our youth. During the ‘Stop the Violence’ town hall held in July at Germantown Library, there was a consistent need for space where residents could live, learn, work and play. Communities with convenient access to recreation space and opportunities have proven economic success and overall well-being,” said Councilmember Sayles.

Gaithersburg

Opening Information for Ross’s ‘dd’s DISCOUNTS in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 12:52PM | Updated September 22, 2023 at 11:22AM

dd’s DISCOUNTS at 18236 Contour Rd in the Montgomery Village Plaza shopping center in Gaithersburg will hold its grand opening on Saturday, September 23 at 9am. The store is located in the former space previously occupied by Marshall’s, which relocated to Gaithersburg Square in 2021. dd’s is owned and operated by Ross Stores, Inc and items for sale at its locations are similar to those found in other discount retailers. This will be the first dd’s location in Montgomery County.

About: dd’s DISCOUNTS opened its first store in 2004 as the place to shop and save in your neighborhood. We’re part of the Ross Family, so our buyers know all about delivering great deals every day on clothing shoes home decor fashions toys and much, much more. We have the looks and brands you love at prices well below other retailers.

MCPD

Detectives from Missing Persons/Cold Case Unit Asking for Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing 18-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 12:46PM

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Missing Persons/Cold Case Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Juan Machado, a missing 18-year-old. Machado was last seen on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in the 1700 block of Mt. Pisgah Lane in Silver Spring. He is 5’6″, 180 lbs., with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes.

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

Maryland

Attorney General Brown Announces $35 Million Settlement with Leasing Company Tempoe, LLC

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 12:42PM

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced a settlement with Tempoe, LLC, a specialty consumer finance company operating from Cincinnati, Ohio. The settlement resolves a multistate investigation into Tempoe’s advertising and leasing practices with consumers through retailers across the nation.

The multistate investigation—which included 41 states and the District of Columbia—revealed that Tempoe’s marketing and sales practices often misled consumers to believe they were agreeing to make a purchase through an installment plan or credit sale when, in reality, they were entering into a lease agreement, often resulting in consumers paying 2-3 times the purchase price of the product or service.

Gaithersburg

LuminoCity Light Festival Coming to Montgomery County Fairgrounds

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 11:33AM

The LuminoCity Winter Lights Festival is coming to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (501 Perry Pkwy) in Gaithersburg this winter. According to its website, “LuminoCity was imagined through a desire to create unforgettable experiences. Using light and imagination, we can explore concepts of transforming creative thoughts, inspired by the world around us, into illuminating works of light and color. Every year, we bring new and unique pieces of art into our festival to create an immersive experience full of magic and wonder.”

The event is scheduled to run November-January. Specific dates and ticket information is expected to be announced soon.

Hillandale

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Driver Wednesday Morning

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 9:16AM

Montgomery County Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred Wednesday morning in Hillandale. According to police, “At approximately 4:12 a.m., on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Chalmers Road for the report of a pedestrian struck.

The adult male victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The striking vehicle remained on scene. This is an active and ongoing investigation.” We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Beyond MoCo

The World’s Largest Pickle Party Returns to Maryland This Month

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:37PM

default

The Big Dill, which describes itself as the “#1 Pickle Party in the World”, returns to Power Plant Live! at 34 Market Pl in Baltimore on September 23 and 24. The two day event will include pickle sampling, concerts, carnival games, a pickle eating contest, a brine chugging competition, and an appearance by “Dilly” the pickle. Pickle flavored cupcakes, donuts, fudge, ice cream, and pizza are a few of the items that will be available for purchase at the event.

Per the Big Dill: The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party® is the premier pickle event of the year, featuring a pickle garden with 10+ handpicked artisan pickle companies sampling and selling a variety of pickles from all over the country. After the festival, attendees will receive a survey to vote for their favorite pickle company that will win The Best in Show. Entertaining guests throughout the weekend is a modern country, pop, and rock-themed live stage production with performances by musicians, actors, comedy routines, and choreographed dancers. Guests are also entertained by the crowd’s favorite, The Pickle Eating Championship featuring competitive eaters and the hilarious Brine Chug Challenge.

Germantown

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival Returns This Month

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:32PM

Courtesy Butler's Orchard

*available weekends only

For more information visit https://www.butlersorchard.com/festivals/pumpkin-festival/

Beyond MoCo

Governor Wes Moore Delivers Keynote Address During Inaugural Maryland Minority Business Counts Event

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:22PM

Governor Moore at Elevate and Engage MBE Networking Event

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Maryland Minority Business Counts event at Bowie State University. Event participants engaged with state government agencies and attended educational sessions to learn more about doing business with the state of Maryland as a Minority Business Enterprise program participant.

“If we harness the immense potential and energy in this room and channel it toward achieving our goals, we stand a real chance to fix what’s broken in our economy and build a brighter future for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we will build an economy that is more inclusive, more dynamic, more innovative, and more competitive—an economy that leaves no one behind.”

Gaithersburg

Governor Wes Moore Announces More Than $11.5 Million in Highway Safety Grants; Over $172,000 Awarded to Montgomery County Police Agencies

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:20PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced more than $11.5 million in federal highway safety grants to organizations across Maryland as part of a statewide focus to prevent motor vehicle crashes and eliminate roadway fatalities. The federal funds will be distributed on Oct. 1 by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to 85 agencies, organizations, and programs.

“These investments are critical to building and maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is committed to partnering with local governments, officials and advocacy groups to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities and to ensure that highway safety remains a top priority across the state.”

Germantown

Spirit Halloween is Coming to Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 12:50PM | Updated September 22, 2023 at 8:02AM

Update: Spirit Halloween locations in Germantown and Rockville have fallen through. Additional information available here.

According to EDENS, Spirit Halloween is coming to 12940 Middlebrook Rd. in the Germantown Commons shopping center. It will be located in the space that was previously home to Bed Bath & Beyond, next to the recently opened Gold’s Gym. The chain is also scheduled to open Montgomery County locations at 2210 Veirs Mill Rd. (former CVS location) in the Twinbrook Center in Rockville and at 30 Grand Corner Ave (former Pier 1 location) in Gaithersburg’s Rio. Last year, Spirit had an additional Montgomery County location in Burtonsville. While no opening dates have been provided, all three stores are expected to open this month.