Blog - Page 1762 of 3014

Montgomery Village Man Whose Wife’s Remains Have Never Been Recovered Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

Published May 8, 2023 at 9:52AM

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the honorable Kevin Hessler, a jury has found defendant, Jean J. Pierre, 50, of Montgomery Village, guilty of second-degree murder for the death of his wife, 41-year-old Nerlande Foreste. The jury deliberated for just two hours, reaching a verdict Friday evening, May 5^th, 2023 after a five day trial prosecuted by Deputy State’s Attorney Ryan Wechsler and Assistant State’s Attorney Gabe Carrera.

It is believed that Pierre stabbed and killed Foreste inside of their home on the 20000 block of Rothbury Lane in Montgomery Village on August 21^st, 2019, then placed her body inside of a shipping container and carried it out to a dumpster. The victim’s remains have not been recovered. The defendant faces up to 40 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 14^th 2023, at 10 a.m.”

Rockville

Rockville Bear Trapped and Relocated

By Patrick Herron

Published May 8, 2023 at 9:13AM

The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) announced this morning that “RCPD and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) safely and successfully trapped and relocated the Rockville bear to a new home outside the City and County. We wish we the bear the best in his new journey.” The Rockville City Police Department’s Neighborhood Services/Animal Control Division released a statement back on May 3 alerting the community that there had been several sightings of a large black bear throughout the city. A bear was also caught on camera going through the trash in a Kensington neighborhood near Connecticut Ave back on April 25.

Footage of the bear’s capture can be seen below courtesy of RCPD on Twitter.

Downtown Silver Spring

Own a Piece of Tastee Diner History; Auction Runs Until May 17

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:42AM

Tastee Diner at 8601 Cameron St. in Silver Spring permanently closed on March 22, at 2pm. The diner was sold on March 21 to D.C. based Roadside Development for $3.1 million according to Maryland Land Records. Now you can own a piece of the diner’s long history, as the contents of the restaurant are currently being auctioned. From artwork, to photographs, to tables, chairs, and booths, you’re able to bid on almost everything inside the diner.

Roadside Development, which purchased the adjacent Capital One bank lot back in August, plans on creating a “multifamily mixed-use” redevelopment at the two sites. According to a press release, the original dining car from the diner will be incorporated into the future project. Tastee Diner opened its Silver Spring location on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Georgia Avenue in 1946. After 65 years, the diner faced being closed and destroyed to make room for Silver Spring’s Discovery Building but local residents rallied to save and move the diner to the location it was in until recently.

Montgomery County showcases its unique ecosystem at World Vaccine Congress 2026

By Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

Published May 13, 2026 at 4:45PM

AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Rockville, Montgomery County. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Government.

Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.

Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.

A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region

One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.

This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.

“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”

A Strong Partnership Network

Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.

Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)

Derwood

Magruder HS Cluster Hosts Health and Wellness Fair (Video)

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:33AM

On April 29, the Col. Zadok Magruder High School cluster, along with local community organizations, held a Health and Wellness Fair for students, families and staff. Attendees participated in a number of educational sessions and activities, and learned about community resources. Watch the video below, courtesy of MCPS:

Event

Closing Reception at “Inspired!” Art Show & Sales

May 30, 2026 12:00 pm -5:00 pm

BlackRock Center for the Arts

12901 Town Commons Drive

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Beautiful venue; great art, gifts and hand-crafted items; refreshments; and meet the award-winning painters, photographers, mixed media artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, and more – some 40 artists in all. It’s an extraordinary array of framed wall works, 3-d media including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and fiber pieces, and unframed prints.

Among them, you’ll see:

DC Sports

D.C. Defenders Prepare to Play in XFL Championship Game on Saturday; QB Jordan Ta’amu Named XFL Offensive Player of the Year

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:29AM

The D.C. Defenders will face the Arlington Renegades in the 2023 XFL Championship Game. The 2023 XFL Championship Game will be played at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT Saturday, May 13 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and will air nationally on ABC.

D.C. Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has been named the 2023 XFL Offensive Player of the Year. Ta’amu helped lead the Defenders to a 9-1 regular season record and a berth in the XFL Championship Game. All of the 2023 XFL awards were voted on by each team’s respective head coach and/or Director of Player Personnel.

Bethesda

Andy’s Pizza Moves Closer Towards Opening First MoCo Location

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:24AM

Last summer we let you know that Andy’s Pizza, the 2021 winner of the International Pizza Challenge™, is coming to Montgomery County with an upcoming location at 4600 East West Highway– the former site of sandwich shop Booeymonger in Bethesda. In January, a representative from Andy’s let us know the restaurant is “approximately six months away from opening”, which makes an early summer opening likely. In addition to progress with construction, the restaurant also has its hearing with Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services (ABS) on Thursday, May 18 at 10am.

Andy’s Pizza currently has locations in Adams Morgan, NoMa, Navy Yard, and Shaw in DC, with an additional NoVa location at Tysons. Another upcoming location is planned for Old Town Alexandria. Owner Andy Brown, who grew up in Bethesda, stated that he had been looking in the area since his restaurant began expanding. According to Business Journal, “The Bethesda location will also have more space than average — its other locations run roughly 1,800 square feet — to accommodate larger parties.”

Education

MCPS Celebrated ‘Bike to School Day’ Last Week

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:18AM

Rock Creek Valley Elementary School (Rockville) students joined students across Montgomery County and around the world to participate in Bike & Roll to School Day today, May 3. Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass, County Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez and Chris Conklin, director of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, participated in the event, which promoted biking and walking to schools as a healthier, greener travel alternative. Watch the video.

Bike & Roll to School Day is a global event that encourages students to walk, bike or scooter to school. The initiative focuses on active lifestyles and the benefits of walkable communities. The event was organized by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MDCOT’s) Safe Routes to School program as part of the Vision Zero plan. MCDOT and Vision Zero staff were on site distributing safety education materials and giveaways. Students also met Zeal, the Traffic Safety Zebra, and Sparky, the Fire and Rescue Dog.

Bethesda

Greek Aroma Closes After Six Months in Montgomery Mall

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 7:06AM

Greek Aroma Grill has closed the Montgomery Mall location the restaurant opened back in the fall of 2022. The restaurant was located in the food terrace and offered items that included, dolma, gyros, kababs, salads, souvlaki, and baklava. Greek Aroma has additional location/ at 177 D Thomas Johnson Dr. in Frederick, MD and at 4555 Woodberry St, in LeFantome Food Hall (Riverdale, MD).

According to Greek Aroma, “every dish is created using only the freshest and finest ingredients. We serve only the finest meats, freshest vegetables, and desserts that are baked fresh daily. Our authentic menu and atmosphere create a truly enjoyable dining experience. Every dish is made to order.” For a full list of what’s new and what’s coming soon at Montgomery Mall, check out our recent update here. The news of Greek Aroma’s closing was first reported by Robert Dyer.

Education

Argyle Middle School Re-Dedicates Media Center to Dr. Judith Docca

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 6:56AM

On May 2, Argyle Middle School, in Silver Spring, re-dedicated and renamed its media center after Dr. Judith Docca, its former principal. The school held a ceremony honoring the former Board of Education member.

Argyle Principal James Allrich offered opening remarks, and other spoke on her life and legacy. Dr. Docca spent 38 years with MCPS—as a teacher, human relations specialist, assistant principal at Montgomery Blair High School and principal at Argyle Middle School. She was elected to four four-year terms on the Board of Education.

Burtonsville

Burtonsville ES Students Win First Place in State Destination Imagination Tournament

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 6:51AM

Last month, two groups of students from Burtonsville Elementary School participated in the Maryland State Destination Imagination Tournament at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Students worked hard during the year preparing for their performance and tournament challenge.

The Burtonsville Sharks, made up of fourth and fifth graders, won first place in their division and will head to Kansas City, Mo., later this month, for the Destination Imagination Globals’ competition. Team members are: Evan Fernandes, Eduardo Gutierrez, Carter Etienne, Nicolas Ostroff, Makenzie Mina, Askale Girma and Nathan Fernandes. Team managers are Alex Fernandes and Nichole Fernandes.

Education

MCPS: Longview Students Compete in TRYathlon

By MCS Staff

Published May 8, 2023 at 6:48AM

For the third year, students at Longview School, in Germantown, participated in the TRYathlon, a whole school event celebrating the hard work and dedication of its students with complex physical and intellectual disabilities. Sixty-six students cycled, walked and performed other mobility skills with the help of their adaptive equipment, teachers, therapists and support staff. Longview also welcomed many parents and students from nearby Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School, who celebrated the great work and dedication of students. The event concluded with a medal ceremony.

Longview was originally built in 1950 in Gaithersburg, MD. It opened as one of the first all black schools in Montgomery County and was named the Emory Grove Consolidated Colored Elementary School. The renaming committee selected Longview to represent the “long” distance traveled by the students and the beautiful view seen from the school (Sugarloaf Mountain off in the distance). The school housed a general education population until 1961 when Longview became a special education school for children with disabilities. The original building is still in use and is now known as the Emory Grove Center. In 2001, Longview moved to its current site in Germantown, Maryland.