MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) received a call for wires down at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Jones Bridge Rd. According to MCFRS Assistant Chief David Pazos, units on scene report several wires and a tree that has fallen and is blocking all traffic at the intersection. MCPD and Pepco are en route and delays are expected.

Alert Montgomery provided the following: “Severe Traffic Alert: All lanes are blocked on southbound Rockville Pike (MD-355) between Cedar Lane and Jones Bridge Road due to a tree and wires down. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route.”


Maryland

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of beech leaf disease and the associated nematode, Litylenchus crenatae maccannii in Maryland. Beech leaf disease is a new disease affecting all beech species including American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The disease has been found in surrounding states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Beech Leaf Disease causes a dark banding or striping between the leaf veins.  Trees with severe symptoms are heavily banded with yellowing, shrunken, and thickened leaves. The disease can kill understory trees in two years and mature trees in six to ten years. Treatments for are currently being researched. “I applaud the department’s Forest Pest team for their quick action on identifying this disease,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The team will continue to monitor and report the spread of Beech Leaf disease as it occurs.  Homeowners are encouraged to do the same.”


Beyond MoCo

Per the State of Maryland: Yesterday, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller visited Baltimore Safe Haven, a transitional housing facility in Baltimore that provides services for Maryland’s transgender community. The visit, made in partnership with the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, provided an opportunity to tour the organization’s housing facilities, learn about the services they offer, and participate in a discussion about the needs of transgender Marylanders.

“In Maryland, we lead with love and inclusion and nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” said Gov. Moore. “Baltimore Safe Haven provides help and hope to the people who need it most. The only way forward is together, and Baltimore Safe Haven has a partner in the State House. We have a lot of work to do, and we must tackle that work in partnership. If we do, we can build a kinder, safer Maryland for all.”


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today visited the 142nd Maryland State Fair in Timonium to celebrate the work of the Maryland agricultural industry. In addition to touring the fairgrounds, Governor Moore spoke with farmers and agricultural producers during the Governor’s Ag Day Luncheon.

“Agriculture is Maryland’s number one industry and we produce some of the best agricultural products in the nation,” said Gov. Moore. “Our farmers are the lifeblood of our state’s economy and you cannot understand the story of Maryland without understanding the stories of our farmers.”


Event

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,


Clarksburg

Seven Clarksburg High School students, along with their teacher, Shannon McKenzie, the MCPS 2023 Teacher of the Year, participated in the 2023 Educators Rising national conference in Orlando.

Educators Rising, a state and national student organization, prepares students who are interested in careers in education. The Clarksburg students joined more than 2,000 students and teachers from around the country to compete in events to showcase critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills.


Education

Twenty-two MCPS rising 11th and 12th grade students completed a four-day residential pre-college experience at Towson University (TU). Using Maryland Leads grant funding, MCPS partnered with Towson to offer the TU Teacher Scholars Summer Institute.

High school students were led through learning activities to inspire them to consider careers in education. Students toured campus, participated in team-building experiences, and connected with students from 13 MCPS high schools and others from Howard County Public Schools. They earned one dual-enrollment credit and a stipend for their participation. Ninety percent of the students indicated they are highly likely to pursue teaching as a career.


Education

The Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation, Inc. (ITF) will award a refurbished computer lab to a Montgomery County (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization. The lab will consist of six reconditioned desktop computers with operating systems, flat panel LCD monitors, keyboards, mice and one printer.

Applications can be found here. Additionally, interested parties may email Kelly Johnson or call 240-740-2051 with any questions. Completed applications must be received by Friday, Oct 6. The gifting ceremony will be Thursday, Nov. 16, at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. 2023 Computer Gifting Application


Glenmont

Country Boy Market, a staple in Montgomery County for nearly seven decades, has announced that it is winding down operations and will be closing in the near future. Country Boy is located in Glenmont at 2211 Randolph Rd. The full statement can be seen below:

“It is with great regret we share that, due to another serious family illness, after 68 years Country Boy Market will be winding down operations and closing at some point in the near future. We do not have a definitive timeline yet and will share additional details as we can, but it has been our honor and distinct pleasure serving and being part of the greater Glenmont community. From our beginning as a produce stand on Georgia Avenue to our location today, we have enjoyed sharing memories with you and your families. Thank you for everything.”


Olney

Earlier today we reported that Maman Joon would be taking over the space that was previously home to Taco Bar and Jerry’s Subs & Pizza at 181000 Georgia Avenue in Olney. Since then we have learned (by additional signage installed at the restaurant) that Maman Noon’s sister restaurant, Z-Burger will also be operating in the space.

Z-Burger is a local, DMV-based chain that describes itself as “a Washington DC landmark! Home to the area’s most delicious handcrafted burgers with endless toppings, fresh cut fries and 75 varieties of hand spun milk shakes and concretes made with premium Wisconsin custard.”


Olney

Updated to reflect that Z-Burger will be joining Maman Joon at the location

Maman Joon, a restaurant offering Persian cuisine, and sister restaurant Z-Burger are both coming to 18100 Georgia Avenue. The space was recently home to Taco Bar and previously home to Jerry’s Subs and Pizza. Permanent signage is currently being installed. Maman Joon offers a variety of kabobs, sandwiches, soups, salads, platters, desserts and other Persian specialties. Maman Joon currently has locations in Tenleytown, McLean, and Tyson’s Corner. Z-Burger describes itself as “a Washington DC landmark! Home to the area’s most delicious handcrafted burgers with endless toppings, fresh cut fries and 75 varieties of hand spun milk shakes and concretes made with premium Wisconsin custard.”