WMATA

Metro’s Cinder Bed Road Bus Division is transitioning to support an electric fleet, with the $104 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration announced today. The funding will help Metro achieve its accelerated timeline to transition all nine bus garages and nearly 1600 buses to zero-emission by 2042.

“We appreciate the Federal Transit Administration’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission bus technology that will help reduce air pollution and improve quality of life across the region,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “We also appreciate the support of Senators Kaine and Warner, Congressman Connolly and Congresswoman Holmes Norton, Mayor Bowser, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and other state and local leaders in securing this critical funding.”


Health

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, June 27 at 9 a.m. and the meeting will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first proclamation, presented by Council President Evan Glass and the full Council, commemorates Pride Month. The second proclamation presentation, led by Councilmember Natali Fani-González and County Executive Marc Elrich, recognizes Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks, and the Parks Department, for their award-winning natural grass fields program.

At 12 p.m., Councilmember Fani-González and County Executive Elrich will present a proclamation recognizing Officer Harry A. Dunn. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.


Damascus

A $100,000 Mega Multiplier ticket sold on June 24 at Royal Farms (690 Watkins Mill Rd) in Gaithersburg remains unclaimed as of June 26. Two additional big winners in Montgomery County last week include a $100,000 winning scratch off sold at My Dollar & More (250 North Frederick Ave) in Gaithersburg and a $170,566 winning FAST PLAY lottery ticket sold on June 22 at the Liberty Gas Station (26241 Ridge Rd) in Damascus. Additional details below about winners across the state of Maryland courtesy of MD Lottery:

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem their tickets at the Maryland Lottery Claims Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes of up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets up to and including $600. More information is available on the How To Claim page of mdlottery.com.


Events

Mid-County Sparkles, one of Montgomery County’s Independence Day celebrations, will take place on Saturday, July 1st. Live music begins at 6 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather and additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at Newport Mill Local Park.

Westfield Wheaton Mall will be offering complimentary parking and round trip shuttle bus transportation from the mall parking lots to Albert Einstein High School (11135 Newport Mill Rd, Kensington, MD) starting at 5:30pm on Saturday, July 1 (Westfield Wheaton Mall,11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Wheaton, MD) for the region’s popular, annual firework and live music festival.


Gaithersburg

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Eva Ware, a missing 13-year-old from the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg.  Eva Ware was last seen on Friday, June 23, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the 500 block of Main Street in Gaithersburg.

Eva is approximately 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs 115 pounds. She has brown eyes and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a camouflage hoodie, black sweatpants and black crocs.  She may be carrying a white and black backpack.  Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Bethesda

M&T Bank has announced that their Friendship Heights location & ATM, at the corner of Willard and Wisconsin Avenues, will be permanently closing on Friday, September 22, 2023. M&T Bank has posted signage about the closure at its Friendship Heights branch and mailed letters to customers informing them of the upcoming closure.

According to M&T, “As our customers’ needs and banking habits evolve, we regularly review the locations of our branches, particularly when they are close to one another, to ensure that we are providing the best service possible. At this time, we have decided to close our Friendship Heights Branch at 5416 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase on Friday, September 22, 2023 at noon.”


Arts

World famous solo-guitarist Joe Satriani will be appearing at the Wentworth Gallery at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda) on Sunday, July 16 from 1-4pm. The gallery will be exhibiting a collection of Stariani’s original artwork, including canvases and painted guitars. Satriani will also be holding a private performance for anyone who purchase his work. Addition details below:

“Fresh off his Worldwide Tour supporting his 19th Studio album, The Elephants of Mars, world renowned guitarist, Joe Satriani, is now planning to bring his art showings back to the Washington, DC area this July.  Satriani’s next art appearances will be at the Wentworth Gallery at Tysons Galleria in McLean VA on Saturday, July 15th from 3-6 pm as well as a visit on Sunday, July 16th 1-4 pm at the Wentworth Gallery at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD. Satriani has prepared one of a kind pieces for the exhibit including original canvases and hand painted guitars and the exciting addition to these events, purchasers of any of Satriani’s works will be treated to a private performance, within the gallery, for the final hour of his exhibit appearance. Those who have purchased his unique hand painted guitars will have the extra thrill of jamming with the iconic guitarist. This is a perfect opportunity for any fan of Satriani’s guitar playing to be up close and personal with the master!


Takoma Park

People’s Book, a woman-owned general purpose bookstore, has announced it will be opening at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave in Takoma Park on Tuesday, June 27. According to People’s Book, “the store will have a diverse selection of over 12,000 books, with a special focus on children’s literature, local interests, new releases and independent magazines. The inventory will also include book-themed gifts. Locally roasted drip coffee, kombucha, and other beverages and treats will be available.” The store plans to announce an official grand opening celebration at a later date.

“We’re so excited to provide readers of all ages opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with their neighbors,” said Megan Bormet, store owner and former elementary school educator. “Helping kids and adults find books they love is what I like to do best, and I’m thrilled that we can do this at People’s Book.”