Education

Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink has released a statement apologizing to the Muslim community for remarks made during the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education and whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. During the meeting, Mink stated the following, “…it’s more complicated than a lot of people would like to think it is. This issue has unfortunately put, it does put, some, not all of course, but some Muslim families on the same side of an issue as white supremecists and outright bigots and you know, however, the folks who I’ve talked to here today…I would not put in the same categories as those folks. Although, you know, it’s again complicated, because they’re falling on the same side of this particular issue.” Below is the statement released by Councilmemebr Mink today:

On Tuesday, June 6, I spoke at a Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education and whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. I regret that although my remarks were focused on promoting inclusion, they created an opportunity for misunderstanding and mischaracterization. I apologize for the hurt that caused in the Muslim community.


Olney

In addition to the $.01 promotion, Brew Belly will also be offering a special menu featuring lobster poutine and lobster cheesesteaks. Per Brew Belly: “Take Dad where he really wants to go this Father’s Day – the only place he can get a 1¢ CRAFT DRAFT PINT for telling his favorite joke, the BEST CHEESESTEAKS around, and our NEWEST WING FLAVOR – ANGRY JERK! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtO13MnuK3q/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==


MCFRS

Bassett’s Restaurant at 19950 Fisher Ave in Poolesville plans to reopen in about 2-3 weeks. The restaurant closed due to a fire on June 5.

Owner Erika Myers tells us they are working hard to get everything back up and running and that repairs are scheduled to begin on Monday. Fortunately, the fire was located in a small building in the back, with no extension to the main building.


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

Program Trains State Law Enforcement Leaders to Combat Impaired Driving

Per the Maryland Department of Transportation: Twenty-nine officers from 15 law enforcement agencies in Maryland graduated today from the University of Maryland’s DUI Institute, a rigorous 40-hour program that develops leaders in the enforcement of alcohol-impaired driving laws.


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.


MCFRS

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.


DMV

Kaldi’s Social House founder Tsega Haile has opened Citizens & Culture – a 15,000 square feet, multi-level fine dining and live DJ and band performance venue located on the border of downtown Silver Spring and Washington, DC. The Georgia Avenue restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and has a grand opening set for Friday, June 16th.

In addition to fine-dining, the music venue brings a unique concept to the DC-area featuring a ground-floor front patio for outdoor seating leading into an expansive, vaulted ceiling main dining room with full length bar and an exclusive new menu by Executive Chef Ryan Hackney (DC-based chef known for appearances on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Bite Club) and Chief Chef Consultant and Director for Kaldi’s Social House Jessica Shields.


Germantown

Per MCPD: A 57-year-old Germantown man was shot and killed on the evening of Friday, June 9, 2023. Montgomery County Department of Police, 5th District officers were dispatched to the Middlebrook Commons apartments in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road at approximately 8:03 p.m., for multiple calls of shots fired.

Upon arrival, officers located several shell casings in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The victim, Errick Roy Dixon was found in a grassy area behind an apartment building with an apparent gunshot wound.


Gaithersburg

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with rollover on Hadley Farms Dr and Woodfield Rd in Gaithersburg on Saturday, June 9, around 4pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the incident involved two vehicles.  Four patients were evaluated and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Per@mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “RT @mcfrsPIO33  ICYMI- approx 4:10pm – vehicle collision with rollover. Hadley Farms Dr/Woodfield Road. 2 car collision, 4 pts evaluated and transported to local hospitals by @MCFRS_EMIHS  , all NLT. PE728,A728,A717,A708B @mcfrsPIO @MCFRSNews”


Maryland

Minimum wage for large employers (51 employees or more) in Montgomery County is set to increase to $16.71 an hour on July 1, 2023. The current minimum wage for large employers in Montgomery County is $15.65. The state of Maryland minimum wage is $13.25 an hour, while the federally-mandated minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

Per Montgomery County: The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1. Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.71 per hour.


Gaithersburg

You now have the opportunity to own a piece of Lakeforest Mall. Capital Auctions has listed over 1000 items from inside of the mall, including fixtures from stores, decorative pieces, and more. Below, we’ve listed 11 of the strangest/coolest items (depending on how you look at it), in no particular order, with the price they’re going for as of 7:30am on Saturday, June 10th (video on the auction available after the items listed):

A portable shower– $1.50


Silver Spring

Third Hill Brewing Co. will open in the former Astro Lab Brewing location at 8216 Georgia Ave in Silver Spring this Friday, June 16. According to Third Hill’s website, “We created Third Hill Brewing Co. as a place to get away, unwind, connect with friends- and make some new ones- all while enjoying some delicious craft beer. All are welcome! We value the diversity of our community that makes our home truly amazing. THBC started out by making beer for our friends; and we intend to keep doing that. Life is full of memories, and the best ones are the ones shared with others. Grab some friends, grab a beer, and make some memories.”

Was this an easy decision? Yeah nah, as Matt would say. As with a lot of businesses, the pandemic kicked us in the butt. Astro Lab has been sustained by the love of patrons, bars, and retailers–and we’ll eternally be grateful for that–but our long-term vision was challenged by new economic realities, and our plans for expansion perpetually pushed to another day. The past year has been a labor of love. Matt has produced our beer mostly alone. Emma has pretty much lived in the taproom. We’ve made it work–with a lot of help and understanding. Meanwhile, we’ve been exploring many avenues to continue, as Astro Lab or otherwise. Ultimately, we met Jason Sliter on his search for a space to launch @thirdhillbrewing . It felt like the right fit. As tough as this is, we’re happy knowing that 8216 Georgia Ave. will continue to be a home for new beers. We can’t wait to try them.