Blog - Page 1621 of 3013

Eight Additional MCPS Students From Various Schools Earn College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

Published August 2, 2023 at 7:23PM

Earlier this year, 20 MCPS students earned National Merit Scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Today, an additional eight Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students have earned college- and university-sponsored National Merit Scholarships, bringing the MCPS total for college- and university-sponsored scholarships to 28.

Each sponsoring college or university selected scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. The additional winners, their sponsoring university or college, and their intended career fields are:

Health

Message from the MCPS Medical Officer: Summer Health Reminders Including School Immunizations

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 6:31PM

School immunizations—The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2023-2024 school year. Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year. For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.

School Health Forms—Returning students may need certain forms if they have a health condition that requires medication, other health support or accommodations, or an emergency health plan at school (for example, asthma, food allergies or a seizure disorder). Common forms include:

Entertainment

Gold’s Gym Germantown to Hold Grand Opening Celebration With Over $10K in Giveaways on August 15

By MCS Staff

Published August 2, 2023 at 4:14PM

Gold’s Gym will be holding a Grand Opening celebration for its new Germantown location at 12922 Middlebrook Rd. The gym opened earlier this month in the former location of DSW in the Germantown Commons shopping center, next to the recently closed Bed Bath & Beyond. The celebration will feature over $10K in giveaways and will take place on Tuesday, August 15th from 10am until 7pm.

Per Gold’s Gym: “Join us from 10AM-7PM to celebrate our brand new gym location by experiencing group exercise classes, free giveaways, special membership offers, fitness competitions, Therabody recovery clinic, free food, live dj and more — Presented by Celsius! Attend to enter for a chance to win a 1 year FREE membership!

Check out the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival or the Annapolis Irish Festival!

By Sponsor

Published May 13, 2026 at 10:45AM

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…)

Germantown

Police and Family Concerned for Missing 15-Year-Old

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 4:03PM

The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old. Fernanda Azevedo De Silva was last seen on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., on Bronco Ct. in Germantown Silva is 5 feet, 120 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Fernanda Azevedo De Silva is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

Event

Koaches Korner Tennis Clinics

May 23, 2026 9:00 am -12:00 pm

Damascus HS Tennis Center

25921 Ridge Road

Damascus, Maryland 20872

Contact

Program Overview

This 6 week Saturday tennis clinic is designed for middle school players who want to learn and improve their tennis skills in a fun and supportive environment. Players will build confidence on the court while developing strong fundamentals and enjoying the game with other students.

Celebrities

Don Geronimo Releases Statement Regarding Incident That Led to Firing From BIG100

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 4:00PM | Updated August 3, 2023 at 11:03AM

Longtime local radio host Michael Sorce, better known as Don Geronimo, was fired from radio station WBIG “Big100” over the weekend after making on-air remarks about WUSA9 sports reporter Sharla McBride on Thursday, July 27. The incident occurred while Geronimo and co-host Crash Young were broadcasting live from Commanders training camp. Geronimo referred to McBride as “Barbie”, and initially thought she was a cheerleader. Geronimo released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

Maryland

Deceased Victim Identified In Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Man Driving in the Wrong Direction on I-270 That Killed 1 and Hospitalized 9 People

By MCS Staff

Published August 2, 2023 at 3:35PM | Updated August 3, 2023 at 10:14PM

The Maryland State Police Crash team continues the investigation into a multi-vehicle crash which claimed the life of a Pennsylvania woman and injured nine others last night in Montgomery County. Full press release per Maryland State Police below:

The deceased is identified as Elizabeth Velez, 36, of Easton, Pennsylvania. She was the driver of a Nissan Pathfinder involved in the crash. Velez is the mother of three children, ages 2, 5, and 15, all of whom were passengers in the vehicle.

Crime

MCPD: 19-Year-Old Charged in Connection with Damascus Murder; 16-Year-Old Primary Suspect Still Wanted

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 3:27PM

Per MCPD: A 19-year-old from Damascus has been arrested and charged with murder, in connection with a Father’s Day homicide. Khamani Imes was arrested on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, for allegedly giving a gun to Isaiah Brown-Hawkins that was used in the homicide of 33-year-old James Joel Austin on Sunday, June 18. The 16-year-old allegedly shot Austin and then drove away in the victim’s Honda that was located in Washington, DC. Brown-Hawkins was not with the vehicle and has not been found.

Imes was taken into custody at his Bethesda Church Road home where Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes detectives, with the assistance of the MCPD SWAT Unit, executed a search warrant. A firearm was recovered during a search of the residence. Imes was placed under arrest for underage possession of a firearm and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was also charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bond.

Health

Maryland Department of Health Highlights Importance of Back-to-School Vaccines During National Immunization Awareness Month

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 11:37AM

Per the Maryland Department of Health: Following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of August as Immunization Awareness Month in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health has launched a social media campaign urging parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on their back-to-school vaccinations. The campaign will take place across the Department’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“Our children deserve the best protection we can give them against preventable diseases, so we urge all parents to keep their children updated on their vaccinations, especially those required for school enrollment,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Hererra Scott. “We want to start the new school year with every child healthy, happy and ready to learn.”

Beyond MoCo

MoCo Construction Worker Wins $100,000 at King Kong Restaurant

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 11:33AM

Rockville

Rockville Police Phone Service Restored After Temporary Issue

By MCS Staff

Published August 2, 2023 at 11:05AM

Update – Phone service has been restored.

Per Rockville Police: The Rockville City Police Department is currently experiencing an issue with incoming calls to our non-emergency Communications Center as well as the Administrative Offices. At this time, if you are in need of police assistance, please contact the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 or 911 if you are experiencing an emergency. We apologize for the inconvenience, and are working to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Beyond MoCo

Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $1.25 Billion; Two $10,000 Winning Tickets Sold in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published August 2, 2023 at 10:15AM

Maryland’s two third-tier $10,000 winning tickets were both sold in Anne Arundel County. Check your tickets closely if you bought them at Pantry One Food Mart, 1090 Spa Road in Annapolis or South River Colony Exxon at 111 Mitchells Chance Road in Edgewater. Lottery officials encourage all winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location until they can claim their prize. Winners get 182 days from the date of the drawing to claim prizes.

Instructions on claiming prizes in person or by mail are available HERE. Players must redeem prizes larger than $25,000 by mail or at Lottery headquarters in the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330 in Baltimore. The Lottery’s Claims Center in Baltimore is open by appointment only (no walk-ins). Click HERE to schedule an appointment.