Author: Patrick Herron

Health

Maryland Department of Health Announces $2.7M Over Three Years to Support Pregnant Marylanders in Recovery

By Patrick Herron

In Maryland, nearly 30,000 women with children have substance use or opioid use disorders, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. This pilot program, which is slated to enroll 750 women, is funded by a three-year, $900,000 per year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This money will fund additional recovery support coordinators, pregnant parenting women navigators, and family support coaches to help enrolled women navigate administrative barriers.

Engage and enroll families in the Strengthening Families program so they can identify and build on evidence-based factors that support the whole family.

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Maryland

Beyond MoCo: Governor Wes Moore Visits Carroll County to Survey Storm Damage

By Patrick Herron
Governor Moore Visits Carroll County

After working diligently for hours at the scene and at multiple substations, BGE crews successfully de-energized the power lines. As they worked, Maryland State Police, Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies and personnel from Maryland State Highway Administration checked trapped vehicles, provided water to trapped motorists, and secured the scene.

“Coordination between the local jurisdiction of Westminster, Carroll County, and the state has been absolutely tremendous,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. “We constantly plan, train, and exercise so responses like these can come together.”

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Bethesda

Adult Bike and Scooter Classes This September, October and November

By Patrick Herron

Per MCDOT: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), is offering adult bike classes in September, October and November. The classes include both Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up scooter classes following select bike classes.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes and cost $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare For All members. Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. Scooter classes are free of charge.

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MoCo Libraries

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Celebrate ‘Just for the Record–A Vinyl Day’ on Saturday, Aug. 12, With Focus on 50 Years of Hip Hop Culture and a DJ Scratch Battle

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), on Saturday, Aug. 12, will host its annual “Just for the Record–A Vinyl Day,” a celebration of music on vinyl records that will feature popular DJs from around the country and a special celebration of 50 years of hip hop. The free, family-friendly festival will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library located at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring.

Attendees can participate in workshops about music production, songwriting, breakdancing and more. They also will be able to purchase vinyl records and CDs organized by the Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC). The festival’s concluding event, “FADERATION: United Cuts & Scratches Mid- Atlantic Scratch Battle for DJ Supremacy,” will feature well-known DJs from around the country vying for top “scratch” honors and cash prizes.

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MoCo Government

County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is Seeking Student Applicants for her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is launching the second cohort of her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council and is looking for a new group of students to apply. Applicants must live in Montgomery County and be in grades 7-12 and older than 13 to be eligible. Applicants must commit to meeting in person and virtually once every two weeks at 5:30 p.m. on Monday from September—December. The sessions will focus on Councilmember Sayles’ S.M.A.R.T. agenda to strengthen 21st-century education, make a living more affordable, advance local food production, revitalize the economy and tackle climate change.

“I am pleased that interest has grown to continue the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, which exposes more youth to my S.M.A.R.T. agenda and the process of policymaking at the Montgomery County Council. The perspectives reflected in our Youth Advisory Council represent the ethnic and geographic diversity of the student population in our County.”

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Bethesda

VinoRita Now Open in Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

VinoRita Wine Slushies is now open in the Montgomery Mall food court, taking over the kiosk space that was previously home to HalfSmoke, Gelato Galax, and Coldstone Creamery. Alcohol infused flavors include the best selling “Black San,” which is a Blackberry Sangria, Peach Frose, Strawberry Daquiri, and Blueberry Pomegranate. Non-alcoholic options include Blue Raspberry and Lemonade.  According to VinoRita, the first 150 customers will receive their slushies in color-changing Margarita souvenir cups at the pop-up.

Additional information below, Per VinoRita:“If you’ve never had a wine slushy before, you’re in for a treat! Even if you have  had a wine slushy, you’re in for a treat! VinoRita was created to bring you a fun & unique, Love at First Sip, top notch customer experience! Our goal is to revolutionize the way you experience wine! We’re not biased, our slushies really are delicious & they really are  made with wine – no hard liquors or spirits are added. At VinoRita, we offer a delicious slushy cocktail that does not require you to indulge in hard liquor to have fun! We’ve worked hard to perfect our recipes over the years and can’t wait to bring our wine slushies to a city near you.  In some of our locations, you can have a wine slushy while you shop! 🍷🍹🛍How fun is that? Check out our locations page to see where you can find us & experience Love at First Sip with a VinoRita Wine Slushy! Based on the way alcohol and liquor licenses have previously worked at the mall, we do not expect customers to be able to leave the VinoRita area with the drinks, but are awaiting word on that. Featured photo courtesy of VinoRitaWineSlushies.com

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Germantown

Walmart in Germantown to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Store’s $7 Million Remodel

By Patrick Herron

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Walmart (20910 Frederick Rd) in Germantown on Friday, August 25 at 7am with the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) to mark the completion of recent renovations at the location.  According to the GGCC, “Join us for Walmart Supercenter’s ribbon cutting and unveiling of its new store remodel at the Germantown location! The $7 million remodel includes a new floor plan, parking lot project, new merchandise, food online grocery delivery , and 60 new associate hires. Walmart’s Germantown location currently employees nearly 500 people and is celebrating 20 years of being part of the community.”

Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings is also scheduled to open inside the Germantown Walmart soon, though no opening date has been announced. Charleys is taking over the space formerly occupied by McDonald’s. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

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Aspen Hill

Police and Family Searching for Missing 14-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Genesis Chavez, a missing 14-year-old from Aspen Hill. Chavez was last seen on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, around 8 p.m., in the 3400 block of Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill. She is 5’6″, 140 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts with white stripes and green sandals.

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

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MoCo Sports

MSI Announces New Semi-Pro Soccer Team

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) has announced the formation of the MSI Golden Knights, a new semi-professional soccer team in Montgomery County. Per MSI: Soccer enthusiasts and sports fans across Montgomery County, MD, have a reason to celebrate as Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) makes its grand debut as the area’s newest semi-professional soccer team, the Golden Knights. Founded with a vision to elevate the local soccer scene and foster a spirit of passion and excellence, MSI is set to redefine the sports landscape in the region.

The MSI Golden Knights roster will be a carefully curated mix of homegrown talent and seasoned athletes, chosen not only for their on-field prowess but also for their dedication to community engagement. The team’s diverse composition will embody the essence of Montgomery County and bring fans together from all walks of life.

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