Bethesda

Massage Spa Now Open at Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

Relax Station is now open at Westfield Montgomery, located on the lower level near the Cheesecake Factory. This is Relax Station’s second location, as they also have a location in Westfield Wheaton mall. They offer messages from 15 minutes to 120 minutes ranging from $25 to $125. The owner, Sophia Pang resides in Montgomery County.

In other Montgomery Mall news, realty starts Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline a special event on Saturday, October 7 with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. “Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.”

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Montgomery Planning

Planning Board Approves Scope of Work for 2024 Update to Growth and Infrastructure Policy

By MCS Staff

Policy addresses adequacy of Montgomery County’s public facilities as part of the development approval process; community invited to October 17 informational meeting

The Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Scope of Work for the 2024-2028 update to the county’s Growth and Infrastructure Policy at its meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The Growth and Infrastructure Policy (GIP) must be updated every four years and is the county’s most important policy for ensuring infrastructure is adequate to support growth. It is also vital to advancing the goals established in Thrive Montgomery 2050, the recently approved and adopted General Plan for Montgomery County.

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MCPS

MoCoShow High School Football Game of the Week: Churchill at Urbana (Preview/Prediction)

By Damon Anderson

Urbana is 3-1. They played a very good Middletown team in Delaware and lost which wasn’t unexpected. They edged out a Middletown-MD team which is looking like the weakest Middletown team in years (admittedly the Knights have played admirably so far). They had a decent 28-0 win over TJ. Then last week they went into DC and outlasted Ballou in a 37-34 shootout. Based on their other results, Ballou looks like an average team in DC. It’s definitely been an interesting schedule for the Hawks, and one that’s tough to gauge based on final scores alone. We’ve been hunting for film but it’s been hard to come by; NFHS only has tape from the Middletown-DE and TJ games and we are much more interested in seeing how Urbana looked against the other two teams.

Urbana appears to be predominantly a rushing offense. The QB looks like a decent passer but can contribute to the ground game with his legs. This is good news for a Churchill defense coming off a pretty impressive performance against QO and Iverson Howard, which forced the Cougars to air it out more to score. Alas for Urbana, Keegan Johnson is gone. On the flip side, David Avit has not disappointed whatsoever in regards to his preseason hype, currently sitting at 4th on the state rushing yards leaderboard, tops in MoCo. Even against QO’s ferocious defense he clawed his way to 73 yards on the ground and made some big plays as a receiver too. Perhaps Middletown-DE has a comparable player or two, but it’s looking like he’ll be the best player the Hawks D will line up against at this point in the season. Overall, provided Churchill plays up to their potential, I see the ingredients shaking out for them to pull out a statement win. Prediction: Churchill by 21

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Education

Rosa Parks Middle School Sends Letter to the Community Informing of a “Live Pistol Round” Found on a Luggage Bus at the School’s Outdoor Ed. Site

By MCS Staff

A letter was sent home to the Rosa Parks Middle School community (19200 Olney Mill Rd. in Olney) on Wednesday, September 27th, informing them of a “live pistol round” that was found on a luggage bus upon arrival to the school’s outdoor education site. A weapon was not found and there were no students present or on the bus. The full letter to the community can be seen below:

“Dear Rosa Parks Families,

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MCDOT

‘Walk and Roll to School Day’ on Wednesday, Oct. 4, Will Include Special Event at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program, which encourages students who have a safe path and live near their elementary school to walk to school, will join in the national recognition of “Walk and Roll to School Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Most County elementary schools will participate, with a special event starting at 8:15 a.m. that day at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney.

The walking groups, led by MCDOT’s Zeal the Safety Zebra and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s Sparky the Fire and Rescue Dog, will meet at the front of Brooke Grove Elementary School. The event will commence with fanfare including music, balloons, giveaways, police officers, firefighters and firetrucks. Students will be singing and carrying signs.

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Maryland

New Maryland Laws Starting October 1st, 2023

By MCS Staff

Concealed Carry-Restricted Areas: “While lawmakers this year removed the “good and substantial reason” language from Maryland law that the Supreme Court found unconstitutional, Maryland is tightening gun laws to prevent someone from carrying a concealed handgun in certain areas. For example, the law will generally prohibit a person from wearing, carrying or transporting a gun in an “area for children or vulnerable adults,” like a school or health care facility.” (Per the Associated Press)

Police Prosecutions: “Maryland’s attorney general will have independent authority to bring criminal charges against police officers after investigating deaths when officers are involved. The law is an expansion on a package of police reforms approved two years ago in response to concerns about police accountability after the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.” (per WBAL)

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Events

Rockville to Host Salute to Service at Veterans Day Ceremony

By MCS Staff

Rockville will honor veterans of our nation’s armed forces with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. The ceremony is planned for Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD 28 and Rockville Pike. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will include a wreath laying and a presentation of colors. A reception will follow at American Legion Post 86, at 2013 Veirs Mill Road. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/veteransday, email [email protected] or call 240-314-8620. For video of past ceremonies, search “Veterans Day Ceremony” at youtube.com/cityofrockville.

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Education

Statement by Councilmember Andrew Friedson on Investigation Into MCPS Employee Misconduct and Promotion Processes

By MCS Staff

Below is a statement by Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson on the investigation into Montgomery County Public Schools employee misconduct and promotion processes following the Thursday morning hearing involving the Montgomery County Council and Education & Culture Committee (the full hearing can be seen here):

“This morning, the entire Montgomery County Council joined the Education & Culture Committee for a hearing to review the deeply alarming workplace harassment and employee misconduct allegations in MCPS and their processes for promoting principals and administrators.

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