Maryland

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C., a former medical practice located in Frederick, Maryland, have paid the United States $850,949 to settle allegations that Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C. (“FOHA”) submitted inappropriate claims to the United States for evaluation and management services.

“It is fundamental that a medical provider accurately bill for services that are actually provided,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to recovering monies for the federal healthcare programs and will hold practices and individuals accountable for their actions,” said Barron.


MCPS

1. (LW 1) Quince Orchard 2-0: The Cougars earned their 2nd straight shutout of the season blanking Gaithersburg 56-0. Running Back Iverson Howard rushed for 113 yards and 2 Touchdowns on just 8 attempts. Quince Orchard will welcome Stone Bridge, from Ashburn VA to the CougarDome this Thursday in the MoCoShow Game of the Week!.

2. (LW 3) Northwest 2-0: The Jaguars made a statement dominating Damascus 47-14. Northwest will host Richard Montgomery on Thursday.


Gaithersburg

Now in its 28th season, the City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition for families in the Washington area. The 3.5 mile-drive through hundreds of dazzling light displays and beautifully lit trees in the idyllic setting of Seneca Creek State Park has created joyful memories for the more than 1.2 million visitors who have shared the magic with us over the years.

A portion of the revenue from the Festival benefits charities that help hundreds of people in the Gaithersburg community. In anticipation of the 2023 event, qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to apply now for beneficiary status. A limited number of opportunities are available. Certain restrictions apply. Application forms are available online here. The application deadline is Friday, October 6, 2023, and organizations selected as beneficiaries of this year’s Winter Lights Festival will be informed in early November.


Beyond MoCo

The Big Dill, which describes itself as the “#1 Pickle Party in the World”, returns to Power Plant Live! at 34 Market Pl in Baltimore on September 23 and 24. The two day event will include pickle sampling, concerts, carnival games, a pickle eating contest, a brine chugging competition, and an appearance by “Dilly” the pickle.  Pickle flavored cupcakes, donuts, fudge, ice cream, and pizza are a few of the items that will be available for purchase at the event.

Per the Big Dill: The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party® is the premier pickle event of the year, featuring a pickle garden with 10+ handpicked artisan pickle companies sampling and selling a variety of pickles from all over the country. After the festival, attendees will receive a survey to vote for their favorite pickle company that will win The Best in Show. Entertaining guests throughout the weekend is a modern country, pop, and rock-themed live stage production with performances by musicians, actors, comedy routines, and choreographed dancers. Guests are also entertained by the crowd’s favorite, The Pickle Eating Championship featuring competitive eaters and the hilarious Brine Chug Challenge.


Beyond MoCo

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Maryland Minority Business Counts event at Bowie State University. Event participants engaged with state government agencies and attended educational sessions to learn more about doing business with the state of Maryland as a Minority Business Enterprise program participant. 

“If we harness the immense potential and energy in this room and channel it toward achieving our goals, we stand a real chance to fix what’s broken in our economy and build a brighter future for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we will build an economy that is more inclusive, more dynamic, more innovative, and more competitive—an economy that leaves no one behind.”


Gaithersburg

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced more than $11.5 million in federal highway safety grants to organizations across Maryland as part of a statewide focus to prevent motor vehicle crashes and eliminate roadway fatalities. The federal funds will be distributed on Oct. 1 by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to 85 agencies, organizations, and programs.

“These investments are critical to building and maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is committed to partnering with local governments, officials and advocacy groups to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities and to ensure that highway safety remains a top priority across the state.”


MCPS

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announces participation in the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Afterschool Snack Program, the At-Risk Afterschool Supper Program, and the Family Day Care Program. Meals will be provided to all enrolled participants regardless of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service and access to facilities.  Eligibility for free or reduced-price meal reimbursement is based on the following annual income eligibility guidelines effective from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Meals will be provided at the sites listed on the MCPS Website: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/

MealsTable2023-2024


Crime

On Sunday, September 10, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron launched a 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video aired across Maryland just before kickoff of the Baltimore Ravens home opener, and will continue to broadcast across cable and digital platforms in Maryland.

“Gun violence impacts more than one person or one family. Friends, parents, employers, neighbors – all are forced to confront the devastating realities of gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We are bringing together law enforcement, community organizations, and private citizens in pursuit of a common goal: protecting the places we call home.”


Business

Dr. Sonya Bruton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of CCI Health Services, located in Silver Spring, has been awarded the inaugural Dr. Sheila C. Johnson Game Changer Award from the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.  

“I am humbled and deeply honored to be the first person to receive the Dr. Sheila C. Johnson Game Changer Award from the Mystics,” said Dr. Bruton. “Dr. Johnson has a legacy of modeling what right looks like.  She has done it in television, self-care, healthcare and the arts.  Her business strategies and community contributions have populated my playbook, so her recognition adds fuel to my commitment to advance health equity.” 


Beyond MoCo

On Monday, December 18, Metro will begin a two-week construction project on the Red Line to perform critical safety repairs to the tunnel and track infrastructure, upgrade signal and communications systems, and install new platform edge lights. 

During construction, Red Line service will be unavailable at Farragut North, Metro Center, and Gallery Place stations with free shuttle buses replacing trains from December 18 through Saturday, December 30. While the Red Line is closed, service will continue to be available on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines on the lower level at Metro Center and Green and Yellow line service on the lower level at Gallery Place.