Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Governor Hogan Announces Expansion of SmartBuy Initiative To Help Homebuyers, Includes Up to $50,000 In Student Debt Payoff Assistance

Published August 15, 2022 at 12:58PM

“As the country continues to deal with an inflation crisis, we are again taking steps to provide relief to Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “Our SmartBuy initiative—the first of its kind in the country—has established a national model for removing persistent roadblocks to homeownership and financial security, and this expansion will allow us to help even more families.”

Up to $50,000 In Student Debt Payoff Assistance. Through the SmartBuy 3.0 product, buyers purchasing an eligible home through the Maryland Mortgage Program can receive either 15% of their home purchase price or $50,000 in student debt payoff assistance—whichever is lower.

Derwood

Officer Transported to Hospital Due to Injury Sustained While Responding to Mental Health Crisis in Derwood

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2022 at 11:53AM

A Montgomery County Police officer was transported to an area hospital following an incident Sunday night in Derwood. According to MCPD, at approximately 8:54 p.m., 1st District officers responded to the 1 block of Indian Hills Dr. for the report of an “individual with a mental illness in crisis.”

Bethesda

Sober Comedy Show This Friday at Cabin John Regional Park

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2022 at 11:00AM

This event will be held at the Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater and begins at 6:00 pm with food and mocktail beverages for purchase from local vendors. The show kicks off at 7:00 pm and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets for viewing.

This event is intended for mature audiences ages seventeen and up and is not recommended for viewers under seventeen Viewer discretion is advised.

Maryland

Maryland Lottery, Casinos and Sports Wagering Contribute Record-Breaking $1.511 Billion to the State in FY2022

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2022 at 10:45AM

The Lottery and the casinos each contributed more than ever before to the state, with Lottery profits totaling $673.7 million and casino contributions of $832.3 million. The combined figure of $1.506 billion from the Lottery and casinos surpassed the $1.391 billion generated in FY21. Meanwhile, the launch of sports wagering and revenue from fantasy competitions added another $5.6 million to that already record-breaking sum.

“We are immensely proud to be a vital source of funding for programs and services that Marylanders depend on every day,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “We’re in the entertainment business, but we never lose sight of the role we play and our place in the community.”

North Bethesda

One Person Dead After Collision on Josiah Henson Pkwy

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 9:22PM

One person has died following a two vehicle collision that occurred in the area of Josiah Henson Pkwy. and Randolph Rd. in North Bethesda on Sunday afternoon. Per MCPD:

On Sunday, August 14, 2022, at approximately 4:14 p.m., 1st District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the location for a traffic collision involving a Ford and an Audi.

Wheaton

Five Below is Coming to Wheaton Mall

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 3:22PM

Five Below is coming to Westfield Wheaton Mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Rd in Wheaton. The new store will be located in the upper level center court, in the space that is currently occupied by Gussini Fashion & Shoes. Gussini is expected to relocate to the former Panera Bread location, which closed in 2020. We’re told construction on the new Five Below is scheduled to begin in a few months.

Five Below opened its most recent MoCo location at 516 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg, the former location of Chuck E. Cheese, back in July. Five Below has additional MoCo locations in Gaithersburg (Kentlands), Germantown, Rockville, and Silver Spring.

Takoma Park

The Takoma Park Folk Festival Returns In-Person This September

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 1:18PM

“It’s very exciting,” added Gordon Nimmo-Smith, who oversees sound engineering and logistics. “All of us on the committees love producing an in-person festival and engaging with our audience.”

Music will begin with the DC Labor Chorus at 10 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. at Takoma Park Middle School. As always, the festival will be free, family-friendly, and filled with music, crafts, food vendors, and community information booths.

MDLottery

$25,000 Winning ‘Pick 5’ Ticket Sold at Silver Spring 7-Eleven

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 1:08PM | Updated August 14, 2022 at 1:33PM

A $25,000 winning Pick 5 ticket, purchased for 50-cents, was sold at the 7-Eleven at 13401 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring. According to the Maryland Lottery, the winning numbers on August 9 were 77770 and delivered 20 winning tickets, each worth over $10,000 or more, including the ticket previously mentioned. Details below:

When the Maryland Lottery’s evening Pick 5 drawing came up 77770 on Aug. 9, the result was an unusual number of big winners. A total of five $1 straight tickets each won $50,000, and five 50-cent straight tickets each won $25,000. Meanwhile, there were 10 5-Way Box tickets with $1 wagers that each won $10,000.

Maryland

Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Department of Education Deliver Back to School Supplies for Students

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 12:46PM

“We put out the call, and our MDOT team, our partners at MSDE and our customers all across Maryland responded to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland prepare students for success in the classroom,” said MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “Marylanders are eager to invest in the future of our young people. The result of this drive – filling 1,000 bags with school supplies – sends a tremendous message of support for students.”

During the drive, MDOT business units including the Transportation Secretary’s Office, MDOT Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), MDOT Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA), Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) and MDOT State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) collected supplies from employees and customers at more than 50 locations statewide.

MoCo Government

Capital Area Solar Co-op Will Remain Open Through Aug. 30 in Encouraging Homeowners to Consider Letting the Sun Provide Their Power

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 10:58AM

In Round 2, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) continues to work with more than a dozen local jurisdictions and organizations around the Capital Area in encouraging residents to put solar panels on their homes.

By joining the #CapitalAreaSolarCoop, residents will join neighbors in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. in the quest to lower energy costs, become energy independent and participate in the renewable revolution.

Silver Spring

International Food & Craft Festival Takes Place Sunday, August 14, in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2022 at 10:22AM

The International Food & Craft Festival takes place today, August 14, from 1-7pm at Veterans Plaza (One Veterans Place) in Silver Spring. The event will feature arts & crafts, food vendors, performances, music and entertainment. The event is run by Chic Events DC, who produce multiple arts and crafts events, fashion shows, arts exhibitions and more in the Washington DC metro area.

From the event’s website, “A celebration of the Nations! Enjoy great food, crafts, and music with the whole family. Featuring over 60 artisans and small businesses, plus a DJ playing international music.” Schedule of live performances below: