MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: A new school year is about to start, and for some low-income residents without computers or the ability to pay for home or mobile internet, Montgomery County is trying to provide help through its continued program of giving away free computers and subsidized internet service. The next distribution of free computers will be from noon-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Germantown American Job Center.

The Maryland Connected Device Chromebook laptop computers are funded by a $7 million grant from the State of Maryland. The laptops are being distributed through the Montgomery Connects program, operated by the County’s Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS). Mobile and internet connectivity subsidies are available through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and Montgomery County Police responded to a collision involving an overturned vehicle on Georgia Ave, near Plyers Mill Rd in Wheaton on Tuesday, August 15 around 4:30pm.  No additional information is available at this time. We will post an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of @spinsal on Instagram.


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…)


Crime

Approximately 10:09 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. The investigation has revealed that an adult male victim was in front of the apartment building when he was shot twice in the torsoby an unknown suspect. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Officers also determined that three apartments were also struck by gun fire.


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Takoma Park

Two dogs are dead and four dogs were injured after an incident in Takoma Park on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, “On August 15, 2023, at 12:28 P.M., Takoma Park police responded to a 911 call in the 7700 block of Carroll Avenue for an unknown emergency. A female was heard screaming with the sounds of barking dogs in the background. Fire Rescue initially received a call at the same address for a possible gas leak. Fire Rescue and police discovered smoke on the first floor emanating from a kitchen microwave. Fire Rescue determined that there was no gas leak or fire at the residence, however, they discovered several injured dogs. The residents of the home reported that they owned eight dogs, two of which were pit bulls that were kept separate from the other dogs. During the evacuation of the residence, the dogs became commingled. One of the pit bulls became agitated and started attacking the other dogs.

Takoma Park Police Officers were able to contain the pit bull in an upstairs room while they waited for Montgomery County Animal Control to respond. Montgomery County Animal Control was able to take custody of the pit bull and transported it from the scene. Two dogs were confirmed to be deceased, and four injured dogs were transported by the owner to a veterinary clinic for evaluation. One dog did not appear injured. There were no injuries to any occupants of the house. Montgomery County Animal Control will follow up on the incident involving the injured dogs.” We will post an update if additional information is released. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps. 


Gaithersburg

Per MCDOT: Due to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, Ride On Route 54 (Rockville-Lakeforest) will experience a detour through Saturday, Aug. 19. The detour will last from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. View all routes to the fair here. Details of the detour can be found below.

To Rockville Station:


Education

University education is out of reach for many Americans, but thanks to community colleges, higher education is more accessible than ever. Compared with public four-year institutions, where tuition and fees cost almost three times as much on average, community colleges offer many savings for students. With Americans struggling financially due to high inflation and a year of community college nearly three times less expensive than a year at a public four-year college, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on state-by-state ranking of the Best & Worst Community-College Systems, with Maryland ranked as having the third best community college system in the country, ranked behind only New Mexico and Connecticut. A different report also released earlier today had Montgomery College ranked as the 10th best community college in the country.

To determine where students can receive the best education at the cheapest rates, WalletHub compared more than 650 community colleges across 19 key indicators of cost and quality. The data set ranges from the cost of in-state tuition and fees to student-faculty ratio to graduation rate. Despite the fact that community colleges can offer significant cost advantages, not every state offers schools of the same quality. Drawing on the findings of WalletHub of the best and worst individual community colleges in the U.S., the website presents a state-by-state ranking of community-college systems below:


North Bethesda

The first buildings at the upcoming Strathmore Square development, designed by Deborah Berke Partners, will deliver early 2024. This project is aimed to develop the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station in North Bethesda, adjacent to the renowned Music Center at Strathmore, from a surface parking lot into “a visionary community centered on the arts, culture, a beautiful central open space and bikeways for engaged, healthful living.” The first buildings will consist of a combined total of 220 units across the first two buildings, offering amenities including a pool deck, state-of-the-art gym, sauna, treatment room, and spaces for work, relaxation, and socializing. They will also offer up to 9,000 sf of ground floor retail space. Strathmore Square will ultimately be over 2 million SF of multi-family, office, and neighborhood shops, cafes, and services surrounding a 1.25 acre civic green with ongoing activities, performances, and “serene spaces for connection and enjoyment”, designed by the landscape architect Hargreaves Jones.

Per developers WMATA and FiveSquares Development: The Strathmore Square joint development will create a mixed-use development to transform the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station into a 2.2 million square foot, primarily residential mixed-use development that incorporates open space, public transit, incredible views, and arts and culture.


Germantown

Permanent signage is up and construction has begun at Big Blue Swim School )13032 Middlebrook Rd) in Germantown, the former site of Monkey Joe’s from 2016-2019 and Hard Times Cafe before that. Big Blue was founded in 2009 by U.S National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong and this will be the school’s first Maryland location. No opening date has been announced.

Additional information per Big Blue Swim School available below: “Big Blue Swim School teaches kids ages three months to 12 years how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers. We offer an unparalleled weekly swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by our professional swim instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and our comfortable and convenient facilities. Ultra-clean, 90-degree pools; comfortable, Wi-Fi enabled viewing areas; ample changing rooms; and convenient parking are just some of the amenities that set us apart. And don’t forget, you can schedule multiple kids and different levels at the same time.”


Bethesda

Several Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) units responded to 7101 Democracy Blvd (Montgomery Mall) for a car fire in the garage near Nordstroms. The car fire was quickly extinguished with no damage to the garage structure and no injuries.

MCFRS responded to 7101 Democracy Blvd(Montgomery Mall) for a car fire in the garage near Nordstroms. Car was extinguished with no damage to the structure and no injuries. @DavidPazos15 @mcfrsPIO pic.twitter.com/IYwfeQXi7l


Derwood

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24.

The full capacity means the shelter will only be accepting animals who need immediate help. This policy is to help prevent euthanasia. Owners who must rehome a pet are encouraged to use rehoming websites. The shelter can list pets on the website for owners trying to rehome. Visit Surrender an Animal (montgomerycountymd.gov) for information on rehoming. Due to lack of space in the shelter, surrendering a pet now means it is at an increased risk for euthanasia.