Blog - Page 1450 of 3014

Published November 7, 2023 at 2:25PM

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season as the mall debuts its inaugural Wheaton Wonderland event featuring holiday crafts and activities, theatrical performers, Santa’s arrival, live musical performances, pet photo parties and other festive family fun all month long

Westfield Wheaton Mall invites the Wheaton community to get into the holiday spirit with its first-ever Wheaton Wonderland event on Saturday, December 2 from 12pm to 5pm in Macy’s Lower Court. The whimsical pop-up craft market will transport visitors into an immersive winter wonderland experience, boasting theatrical performers, stilt walkers, and princesses, all against the backdrop of an enchanting frosted village. Pose for a caricature artist on-site or take holiday photos in front of the picture-perfect décor featuring street lamps, trees, and snow. A live DJ will amplify the cheer while Mrs. Claus herself carefully oversees a rotation of festive craft stations. Visitors can create homemade ornaments, gingerbread snowflakes, snowmen, houses, wearable holiday hats, holiday greeting cards and more. Complimentary hot cocoa will keep mall patrons warm while supplies last. Due to limited capacity, advance sign-up is required here where guests can reserve their spot in the wintry fun.

MoCo Government

Several Councilmembers Release Statements Denouncing CASA’s Comments on the Israel-Hamas War

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 1:42PM | Updated November 7, 2023 at 2:38PM

Like much of the world, we join in condemning the outrageous attack by Hamas in Israel. Our hearts go out to the innocent children and families caught in the midst of this horrendous conflict. We also reject the notion that any act of violence can ever justify the heinous practice of terror currently unleashed by Israel in Gaza, including on refugee camps, medical and UN aid workers, and more. As we dedicate ourselves to building a world where our community can live free from discrimination and fear, we deeply acknowledge the interconnectedness of the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people and Black and brown communities in the United States. Our shared and unwavering commitment is to foster humanity, safety, and lasting peace throughout the entire region while confronting the historical oppression that demands urgent redress.

Finally, we strongly support the struggle for decolonization, affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples and historically colonized nations to reclaim their land. The Palestinian struggle mirrors our own; with many CASA members fleeing governments and countries wrecked by the damage of US economic and political intervention. We firmly assert: free Palestine NOW!”

Gaithersburg

Akira Ramen & Izakaya Now Open in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 12:33PM

Akira Ramen & Izakaya is now open at 105 Paramount Park Dr, next to Ela Mesa Taste of Greece in the Spectrum Town Center in Gaithersburg. Menu items include Ramen, Soba/Udon, and Sushi. There is an additional Akira location at 1800 Rockville Pike h1 in Rockville.

A post from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

Sign up for Good Counsel Summer Camps today!

Published May 18, 2026 at 10:45AM

Summer fun starts at Good Counsel! Our Summer Camps are packed with exciting activities, sports, creativity, adventure, and unforgettable memories for campers of all ages. From the field to the classroom and everywhere in between, there’s something for everyone at Good Counsel’s Summer Camps!

Spend your summer learning, laughing, and making new friends with the Good Counsel community. Spots are filling fast so be sure to register today!

Register at: www.olgchs.org/camps

Register Today:

MCPD

Police and Family Searching for Missing 16-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 12:27PM

The Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Shania Mensah, a missing 16-year-old from Silver Spring. Mensah was last seen Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in the 8800 block of Lanier Dr. in Silver Spring. She is 5’8″, 120 Ibs., with black hair and brown eyes.

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

Event

Ariéto Yukayú Guáyiga – An Evening of Strength, Spirit & Survival

May 28, 2026 6:00 pm -9:30 pm

The Historical Odd Fellows Lodge

1308 Olney Sandy Spring Road

Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860

Website Contact Social

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,

MCPD

Police and Family Searching for Missing 17-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 12:23PM | Updated November 7, 2023 at 2:42PM

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

Concern for Missing Seventeen-Year-Oldhttps://t.co/2pilDfEF13 #mcpnews #missingperson pic.twitter.com/JMnlL4qVLD

MCFRS

Firefighters Rescue Two People Trapped in Bedroom During Fire Tuesday Morning

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 11:02AM | Updated November 7, 2023 at 11:24AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 7800 block of Kennewick Ave., near N St. in Takoma Park for the report of a living room fire located in a 3-level apartment Tuesday morning. According to to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, firefighters rescued/assisted two trapped occupants out of bedroom. Two patients were evaluated with non-life threating injuries.

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Kennewick Av, 3-level apt (2- floors w/ walkout basement), everyone (residents) have been evacuated from the 1st floor fire apartment of origin, fire under control, checking for extension, 2 patients evaluated & report no injuries” Featured image courtesy of @jrsossa16 on Instagram.

Crime

Man Found Guilty in 2021 Germantown Murder Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison; Instagram Plays Role in Investigation

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 10:50AM

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable John Maloney has sentenced defendant, Mario Samm, to 60 years in prison suspend all but 55 years to serve and five years of probation upon release. The sentencing hearing concluded yesterday evening. In April, a jury convicted Samm on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a crime of violence for the death of 25-year-old Jahandar Darvish.”

This stems from an incident inside Darvish’s apartment on the 19300 block of Circle Gate Drive in Germantown on December 23, 2021. During an altercation, Samm fired seven rounds from two firearms, striking the victim three times. One of the other bullets went through the floor into an apartment unit below. There were no additional injuries. During the investigation it was found that social media posts of the defendant in the weeks preceding the incident, showed him with one of the guns believed to be used in the fatal shooting. Additional information below from the charging documents:

Crime

Former MCPS Middle School Teacher Charged With Sexual Abuse of a Student

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 10:31AM | Updated November 7, 2023 at 6:13PM

Per MCPD: “A former Montgomery County teacher has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. Detectives believe there may be additional victims. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by an adult male victim. The victim alleges that he had engaged in sexual acts with 31-year-old Melissa Marie Curtis of Upper Marlboro, when he was a minor.

The alleged abuse began in 2015 when Curtis was 22-years-old. The incidents continued for several months while the victim was a student at Montgomery Village Middle School, and Curtis was a teacher at the same school. All of the incidents took place within Montgomery County.

Germantown

MCFRS Respond to Cell Phone Fire Tuesday Morning in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2023 at 9:45AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 18800 block of Bent Willow Dr in Germantown on Tuesday, November 7, for the report of a cell phone on fire. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, “cell phone overheated and caught on fire in apt, resident moved phone out of apt into hallway, occupant got out, closed door and called 911. Arriving firefighters encountered ‘smoking device’ in hallway.”

The building was evacuated and one patient is being evacuated for minor burns. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

Celebrities

MoCo Native Jordan Hawkins Scores 31 Points on The Nuggets Monday Night

By MCS Staff

Published November 7, 2023 at 8:38AM

Montgomery County native and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jordan Hawkins, making a start in place of CJ McCollum, scored a career-high 31 points on Monday night in a 116-134 loss to the defending World Champion Denver Nuggets. Hawkins’ coach Willie Green referred to him as fearless, saying, “When he’s open he’s going to shoot it. He’s aggressive and the beauty of it is Brandon, Z, all of his teammates are looking for him.”

The young man from Gaithersburg was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is averaging 12.6 and 4.7 rebounds per game coming off of the bench, but earning significant minutes, for the Pelicans this year. Including the seven he hit on Monday night, Hawkins has made 20 three pointers in seven games this season. He has made 11 in his last two, showing that he is the outside-shooter he was drafted to be in the NBA.

Business

Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center Earns An ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade

By MCS Staff

Published November 7, 2023 at 8:21AM

Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that “sets standards for excellence in patient care.” Leapfrog assigns an A, B, C, D, E, or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by The Leapfrog Group for the second consecutive time as one of the safest hospitals in Maryland,” said Anthony Stahl, president, White Oak Medical Center. “The ‘A’ safety grade reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our patients.”