Author: Patrick Herron

Germantown

Update on Big Blue Swim School in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Permanent signage is up and construction has begun at Big Blue Swim School )13032 Middlebrook Rd) in Germantown, the former site of Monkey Joe’s from 2016-2019 and Hard Times Cafe before that. Big Blue was founded in 2009 by U.S National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong and this will be the school’s first Maryland location. No opening date has been announced.

Additional information per Big Blue Swim School available below: “Big Blue Swim School teaches kids ages three months to 12 years how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers. We offer an unparalleled weekly swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by our professional swim instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and our comfortable and convenient facilities. Ultra-clean, 90-degree pools; comfortable, Wi-Fi enabled viewing areas; ample changing rooms; and convenient parking are just some of the amenities that set us apart. And don’t forget, you can schedule multiple kids and different levels at the same time.”

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Derwood

MoCo Animal Services and Adoption Center at Critical Occupancy, Adoption Fees Waived for Next 100 Animals Adopted

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24.

The full capacity means the shelter will only be accepting animals who need immediate help. This policy is to help prevent euthanasia. Owners who must rehome a pet are encouraged to use rehoming websites. The shelter can list pets on the website for owners trying to rehome. Visit Surrender an Animal (montgomerycountymd.gov) for information on rehoming. Due to lack of space in the shelter, surrendering a pet now means it is at an increased risk for euthanasia.

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MDLottery

Local Landscaper Wins $50,000

By Patrick Herron

The lucky player plans to enjoy his prize with his wife and kids. He also plans to keep playing scratch-offs. Congratulations, also, to the lucky Lottery retailer. Daro’s Beer & Wine located at 2501 Ennalls Avenue in Montgomery County will earn a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

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Maryland

Statement from Attorney General Brown after Maryland Supreme Court Declines to Extend Sex Discrimination Job Protections to Sexual Orientation

By Patrick Herron

We must not allow any gaps in our laws that could leave Marylanders vulnerable to discriminatory practices in the workplace. Every Marylander, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves respect and protection on the job. It’s a promise we must keep.”

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MCPS

MCPS Retains Law Firm to Conduct Independent Investigation Into Harassment and Bullying Accusations

By Patrick Herron

On Monday, the Washington Post reported that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) had retained the Jackson Lewis law firm to investigate the alleged misconduct of Principal Joel Beidleman. We reached out to MCPS spokesperson Christopher Cram, who provided the following statement:

“The Washington Post investigation published Friday, August 11, revealed significant allegations of harassment and bullying involving one of our principals, and we thank them for that work.   We immediately began an aggressive response, starting the immediate placement of Principal Joel Beidleman on Administrative leave, which removed him from further impact on students and staff. We also instigated an external, independent investigation with the law firm of Jackson Lewis and robust communication with county partners, including the county executive, county council members, state senators and delegates representing Montgomery County and, of course, the MCPS Board of Education.

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MCPD

Concern for Missing 86-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

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

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd  District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ernestine Patricia Stokes, a missing 86-year-oldhttps://t.co/6LX533KMMy#mcpnews #MCPD #missingperson #missing pic.twitter.com/xb5gSfFJRq

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Gaithersburg

Win “Free Sheetz for a Year” at Grand Opening Event in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County’s first Sheetz, located at 751 Progress Way in Gaithersburg, will hold its grand opening on Thursday, August 24. According to Sheetz, “One lucky customer will win Sheetz for a Year* (*$2,500 Sheetz Z-Card)!” The event will run from 1-3pm and feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, giveaways, and a non-perishable food drive. Full details below:

Sheetz is a gas station/convenience store that offers made to order food and has over 650 locations throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. In May we reported that Sheetz will also be opening a location in the Walnut Hill shopping center in Gaithersburg sometime in 2024. Sheetz rival Wawa has also recently ramped up the construction on its upcoming Gaithersburg store. Featured image courtesy of Sheetz on Facebook.

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Bethesda

Paris in Town in Bethesda Has Closed

By Patrick Herron

Paris in Town, a Florida based French bakery and Café at 4903 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda has closed. The café opened in April 2022 and was located in the spot that was formerly home to Smashburger and Fuse Taco. According to a listing by Capital Online Auctions, the “one year young café has shut its doors and is making a complete and urgent liquidation.” Items up for auction include convection ovens, tables, chairs, and an ice machine.

According to a report by Robert Dyer, last month the restaurant posted a message on its front door which stated, “We will be back to serve you after a short summer break.”  The report also states that Paris in Town was also scheduled to have a hearing on August 4th at District Court in Rockville due to unpaid rent.

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Maryland

Governor Wes Moore Announces Launch of Department of Service and Civic Innovation Maryland Serves Application Portal

By Patrick Herron

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Moore today announced the launch of the Maryland Serves application portal. The portal offers a pathway to new service opportunities, both for eligible adults to earn a living wage and receive professional development and mentoring; and for organizations that are interested in serving as host partners for program participants.

“The Maryland Serves application portal offers an unprecedented opportunity for Marylanders to explore career pathways that allow their talents and purpose to come together to serve their community,” said Gov. Moore. “Service has impacted my life in immeasurable ways, and our Maryland Serves programs will allow us to build a stronger, more compassionate, and competitive state.”

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MCFRS

MCFRS Respond to House Fire Monday in Rockville

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 1100blk of Grandin Ave in Rockville on Monday, August 11, for the report of a fire. According to MCFRS Battalion Chief Jason Blake, crews arrived to find a small bedroom fire. All occupants of the home are accounted for and there were no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

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MCPS

Statement From Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass Regarding WaPo Article on MCPS Principal

By Patrick Herron

On Friday, August 11, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Paint Branch High School Principal Dr. Joel Beidleman had been reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and detailed alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass released the following statement on Monday, August 14: “I am deeply disturbed by the Washington Post’s detailed reporting alleging an MCPS principal created a hostile and unsafe workplace. The public needs to know who was aware of this information and why it was not promptly investigated. As we prepare for a new school year, we must ensure that students and teachers feel safe, welcome and respected in the classroom.”

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