Author: Patrick Herron

Gaithersburg

New and Coming Soon to Rio in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy Rio Lakefront

Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg was included in a list of the “Top 10 Retail Experiences” in the country in 2022. With a beautiful lake/boardwalk and long-time favorites like the AMC theaters, Dick’s, Guapo’s, Target, and others still going strong, the retail area has recently welcomed new additions and plans to welcome more in the coming months. Below is a list of newer stores and restaurants as well as some that are coming soon.

Auntie Anne’s Cinnabon: Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon combination restaurant is now open at 220 Boardwalk Place in Rio, taking over the location that was recently home to Lilly Magilly’s– as the cupcakery is still preparing for a move to a new location. The two brands, popular for their presence in malls, are co-branding to open locations across the country. In recent years, Cinnabon left then returned to Montgomery Mall. There’s also an existing Cinnabon location in Wheaton Mall. Auntie Anne’s has locations at the outlets in Clarksburg, Ellsworth Place Mall, Montgomery Mall, and Wheaton Mall in MoCo.

Go to New and Coming Soon to Rio in Gaithersburg Read more
Beyond MoCo

Governor Wes Moore Tours Secret Service Training Center in Prince George’s County

By Patrick Herron
Governor Moore Tours James J. Rowley Secret Service Training Center

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Moore yesterday toured the United States Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel to receive a briefing on the facility’s expansion plans. The governor reviewed 17 expansion and renovation projects, aligned in steps between FY24 and FY27, including a proposed 755,000 square feet of new facilities, the renovation of 53,000 square feet and continued use of 111,000 square feet.

“It is my honor to stand with the dedicated public servants of the United State Secret Service who are entrusted with protecting key leaders, locations, and events every day; they are the guardians of our democracy,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “Prince George’s County deserves to be the home of greater federal investment, and I am encouraged that the expansion of the Rowley Training Center is ready to move forward.”

Go to Governor Wes Moore Tours Secret Service Training Center in Prince George’s County Read more
MCPS

Details on This Year’s MCPS Back-to-School Fair at Wheaton Mall

By Patrick Herron

Per Westfield: Westfield Wheaton will host the annual back-to-school fair in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 (two days before students in Montgomery County are scheduled to report back to school on Monday, August 28). The event will take place in The Streetery, the center’s outdoor event and dining space situated between Macy’s and the food court on Parking Level 2. Shoppers and members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy family-friendly activities while learning more about the school system, county programs and receiving free curriculum resources.

This year’s 2023 Back-to-School Fair promises to be an even more dynamic and informative event. “We are so excited and look forward to welcoming families to the new school year,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight. “As we begin our new school year, we are reminded of the importance of our partnerships with families and community and we say, ‘All Together Now”;  an excellent example is our continued partnership with Westfield Wheaton to bring these valuable resources and information to our community. We encourage all MCPS families to engage with the more than 100 offices, businesses and organizations at the fair as we prepare for an amazing school year at MCPS.”

Go to Details on This Year’s MCPS Back-to-School Fair at Wheaton Mall Read more
Beyond MoCo

State Police Helicopter Crew Rescues Three In Separate Hoist Missions In West Virginia

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police helicopter crew rescues three people in two separate hoist missions Sunday in West Virginia. Shortly after 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was called to perform an aerial rescue for an injured hiker and his teenage son.  The father-son pair had been out in the woods in Tucker County, West Virginia since Saturday, when the father suffered an injury. Trooper 5, based out of the Cumberland Section, was requested for the aerial rescue due to the rescuers’ limited resources, terrain difficulties, an extended extrication time and the nature of the father’s injuries.

The helicopter was configured for a hoist while the pilots filed for an instrument flight rules clearance.  These rules are rules and regulations to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe.  Once overhead, the 49-year-old injured hiker, and his 13-year-old son, were located along the Red Creek Trail in Dolly Sods along the river.

Go to State Police Helicopter Crew Rescues Three In Separate Hoist Missions In West Virginia Read more
Poolesville

Update on Bassett’s, Which Closed in June Due to a Fire

By Patrick Herron

Bassett’s Restaurant at 19950 Fisher Ave in Poolesville plans to reopen next month. The restaurant closed due to a fire on June 5. Owner Erika Myers tells us repairs are taking longer than anticipated due to the wait for construction permits. The fire was located in a small building in the back, with no extension to the main building/restaurant.

Bassett’s, which opened in 1993, closed its doors on December 31, 2021. Myers, who worked at Bassett’s for over 15 years before leaving to open Rio Grande Grill in Germantown in 2020, purchased the restaurant and reopened it in May, 2022. Menu items include fried chicken, burgers, salads, and home-style entree’s such as meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and grilled calves liver.

Go to Update on Bassett’s, Which Closed in June Due to a Fire Read more
MDLottery

Lottery, Casinos, and Sports Wagering Generates $1.589 Billion to the State of Maryland in FY2023

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland Lottery: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency helped to generate $1.589 billion in contributions to the state during Fiscal Year 2023 from Lottery ticket sales, the state’s six casinos, sports wagering and daily fantasy sports. In FY2023 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023), the combined contribution to the state included $848.1 million from casinos; $714.3 million from the Lottery; $25.3 million from sports wagering; and an additional $1.2 million from daily fantasy sports. Maryland Lottery and Gaming is the state’s fourth-largest source of revenue after income, sales and corporate taxes.

“The Maryland Lottery launched in 1973 with the mission to generate revenue for the state’s good causes,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “As we’ve been celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, we’ve also been navigating a gaming landscape that is continually evolving, most recently with the addition of sports wagering. But as we adapt to new responsibilities, we’re always mindful of that core mission, and we’re proud to do our part.”

Go to Lottery, Casinos, and Sports Wagering Generates $1.589 Billion to the State of Maryland in FY2023 Read more
Sandy Spring

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Nominated for Best Amusement Park

By Patrick Herron

Per Adventure Park: On 8/1, Washington Parent Magazine readers nominated The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School for best “Amusement & Water Park” in the Parents Picks competition. The Adventure Park was also nominated in the “Party Venue”, “Climbing” location, & “Date Night” location categories. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring was nominated and won best “Amusement & Water Park” & “Best Climbing” location in 2022.

“Congratulations to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School on being nominated for multiple awards by Washington Parent Magazine, including ‘Best Amusement Park,’ for a second year in a row,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This park is one of the County’s most popular places for both kids and parents, and they deserve this well-earned recognition. As summer fades away, please remember to plan one last visit to The Adventure Park and vote for them at WashingtonParent.com.”

Go to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Nominated for Best Amusement Park Read more
MCPD

MCPD Responds to Several Illegal Car Meet-ups Saturday Night

By Patrick Herron

On Saturday, August 12, Montgomery County Police released a message on social media stating that they were responding to several locations for illegal car meet-up events and that they would be enforcing traffic violations in those areas. According to MCPD, the gatherings were shut down and no arrests were made.

 

Go to MCPD Responds to Several Illegal Car Meet-ups Saturday Night Read more
Burtonsville

Statement from the Montgomery County Board of Education Regarding Sexual Harassment Allegations

By Patrick Herron

On August 4th, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney. On August 11th, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details 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.”

#Statement from @MCPS Board of Education regarding investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Paint Branch High principal. #FULL STORY: https://t.co/vApa0eSgtk pic.twitter.com/N8Gw9v5FDb

Go to Statement from the Montgomery County Board of Education Regarding Sexual Harassment Allegations Read more
Burtonsville

County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal

By Patrick Herron

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details 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.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:

Go to County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal Read more
View More Stories