MCFRS

Update: Thursday Morning Fire Causes Approximately $3 Million in Damage; Two Cats Unaccounted For

By Patrick Herron

A fire at 687 Lofstrand Lane in Rockville has caused approximately $3 million in damage. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, ~95 firefighters respond to the scene around 5:15am on Thursday, November 2. The fire originated at Soto Leeson Linen Service and spread next door to Motor Works Inc. The fire at the commercial building also involved some parked vehicles.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although it is believed to have been accidental.  There were no injuries reported, but two cats are currently missing/unaccounted for.

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Gaithersburg

Did You Know The Bronze Statues at Rio Have a Story Behind Them That Encourages a Hunt For Missing Objects?

By MCS Staff

The two bronze statues of a cat and a bear have been a fixture at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront for years, but did you know that they have a name and a story behind them? The whimsical sculptures of Fridolin, the bronze bear, and Kimo, a human size bronze cat, encourages a “hunt for missing objects.”

The bronze animals hold open books that tell a story about their character and that describe six lost items — a pocket watch, hat, suitcase, beehive, Dutch shoes and a bag of popcorn with a bird eating from the bag. See if you can find them all! Read their stories below:

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Crime

Tips to Reduce Vehicle Thefts; Every 47 Minutes a Vehicle is Stolen in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland State Police: “As the weather begins to get colder, and as the holiday season approaches, it is more important than ever that motorists take proper precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft. This warning from the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council comes at a time when vehicle thefts are on the rise nationwide. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly 500,000 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in the first half of 2023, which represents an increase of more than 2 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Consider the following:

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Crime

Detectives Investigating Theft From Autos

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Patrol Investigative Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for multiple theft from autos that occurred on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in the 2800 block of Atlanta Drive in Silver Spring.

The investigation has revealed that the suspect entered multiple vehicles parked in the area, stole property from those vehicles and left the scene. Detectives reviewed surveillance cameras and obtained images of the suspect checking door handles in the area.   The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray pants and white shoes. He was carrying a gray backpack.

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Event

Closing Reception at “Inspired!” Art Show & Sales

BlackRock Center for the Arts

12901 Town Commons Drive

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Beautiful venue; great art, gifts and hand-crafted items; refreshments; and meet the award-winning painters, photographers, mixed media artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, and more – some 40 artists in all. It’s an extraordinary array of framed wall works, 3-d media including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and fiber pieces, and unframed prints.

Among them, you’ll see:

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Uncategorized

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday, November 5th; Reminders For Adjusting to the Changes

By MCS Staff

On Sunday, Nov. 5, our clocks will roll back one hour at 2 a.m marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. With days growing shorter, students and families should be mindful of extra safety measures while traveling to and from school. The time change can also affect our health through disruptions to sleep. This is a good time to review good sleep hygiene and how to prepare for the time change. MCPS has provided the following reminders for adjusting to the changes:

If you’re driving …

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Crime

Armed Subject Flees from Police Early Friday Morning

By MCS Staff

On November 3, 2023, at approximately 12:23 am, a Takoma Park Police Officer in an unmarked vehicle was patrolling on Walnut Avenue in Takoma Park. According to police, “this area has had multiple calls for service related to the sound of gunfire over the past several months. The plainclothes officer saw two individuals walking together south on Walnut Avenue headed towards Eastern Avenue. Both individuals were wearing all black; one was wearing a face mask; and the other was wearing a noticeable orange knit cap.  The individual with the face mask was armed with a handgun visible in his hand.

The Takoma Park Police Officer exited the unmarked vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. A foot chase ensued as both suspects immediately fled on foot into the District of Columbia. The Metropolitan Police Department responded to assist with a K-9 unit and a helicopter but the suspects were able to make good on their escape.  The Takoma Park Police Department will continue to work with our community and law enforcement partners to identify these individuals.”

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Silver Spring

15th Annual Silver Spring ‘Tribute to America’s Veterans Concert’ on Wednesday, Nov. 8, Will Feature Brazilian Bossa Nova Music of the ‘Gigi Mac Band’

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “The 15th Annual “Tribute to America’s Veterans Concert” from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, will feature the Brazilian Bossa Nova music of the Gigi Mac Band. The free event, at American Legion Post 41, Cissel-Saxon, in Silver Spring, will have Major General (ret.) Richard W. Thomas as its keynote speaker. The program is presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

American Legion Post 41 is located at 905 Silgo Ave. in Silver Spring. All are welcome to the event. Veterans are encouraged to wear military attire. Tickets are not required, but RSVPs would be appreciated to [email protected].

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MoCo Government

Rec N’ Resources Open House on Saturday, Nov. 4, Will Introduce Residents to Services in East County

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Rec N’ Resources Open House” at East County Community Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for County residents. This free event will feature games, music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family.

Contractor demonstrations will be held to showcase recreation classes and programs. Representatives from County agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, the Commission on Aging and the Board of Elections will be available to speak with residents and provide information. Montgomery College and Mobile Medical Care also will be on site to provide details on their services.”

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Regulations Published in the Montgomery County Register, Comment Period is Open for 30 Days

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County announces the publication of the draft Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Executive Regulations in the November 2023 County Register, a necessary component of BEPS implementation.  Built on benchmarking data collected under the Benchmarking Law, BEPS sets a minimum energy performance threshold for existing covered buildings and is a tool that addresses energy performance and drives existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency over a set period, thus reducing carbon emissions.

The public is invited to comment on the draft Executive Regulations during the 30-day comment period ending on November 30, 2023. Pursuant to the BEPS legislation, the County Executive must transmit regulations to implement the law to the County Council by December 31, 2023. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of BEPS.

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Beyond MoCo

Tysons Corner Will Allow Shoppers to Walk And Shop Throughout The Mall With Alcoholic Beverages

By MCS Staff

Now you can add a “twist” to your shopping experience by sipping on your favorite alcoholic beverage while strolling throughout Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, VA). You can purchase your favorite drink at any of our participating restaurants listed below. If a restaurant is not listed, they are not approved to sell alcohol for common area consumption. FAQ and additional info below, courtesy of the mall:

Can I carry an alcoholic beverage around Tysons Corner Center? Yes! Those that are 21 years of age and older can now purchase an alcoholic beverage from participating restaurants and stroll throughout the common areas and most stores at Tysons Corner Center. Beverages must be in a logo disposable cup provided by the restaurant where you purchased the drink.

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