Education

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined last week by U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); the University of Maryland, Baltimore; and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to establish the “University of Maryland 3—Institute for Health Computing (UM-3-IHC).” The Institute will include research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR).

The agreement will create a research facility and academic presence in the heart of the County’s bio-life science corridor that will serve as an anchor and attraction to developers and businesses. It also will provide new student experiential learning and job opportunities near the North Bethesda Metro Station, formerly known as the White Flint Metro Station, in the Pike District. To watch a recording of the event, click here. To view the MOU in its entirety, click here.


MCDOT

MCDOT partnered with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) to lead six adult bike classes and with BirdLime and Spin to conduct four free e-scooter classes. Classes were held at different locations throughout the County. Classes will resume in spring 2023. Information about those classes will be posted on the MCDOT website at tinyurl.com/cycleclss in early February. Registration is required for the bike classes and spaces typically fill up fast. Walk ups are welcome and no registration is required for the e-scooter trainings.

For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on TwitterFacebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland State Police (MSP) Superintendent Colonel Woodrow W. “Jerry” Jones, III, has notified him of his intent to retire at the end of the year after 35 years in law enforcement. The governor has named Lt. Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. to serve as acting superintendent. “Maryland is fortunate to have the finest state police organization in the entire country, and Colonel Jones has continued that tradition with steady and principled leadership of the highest caliber,” said Governor Hogan. “I have relied on Jerry’s advice and counsel throughout the crises and challenges we’ve navigated over the last few years. We are deeply grateful for his decades of dedicated service to the state.”

Prior to becoming superintendent in February 2020, Colonel Jones served more than four years as chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. “When I was hired as a Maryland State Police cadet just a few weeks after graduation from high school, I never in my most ambitious visions thought I would reach the pinnacle of my law enforcement career by serving in Governor Hogan’s administration,” said Colonel Jones. “It has been my greatest privilege to lead the committed individuals who are a part of the Maryland Department of State Police. They possess a dedication to duty that is evidenced each day in their selfless public safety service to the people of our state. The amount of good done each day across this state by our troopers and civilian employees is awe-inspiring. I will forever be proud of the opportunity I have had to serve the people of Maryland for 35 years as a law enforcement professional.”


MoCo History

Per Montgomery County: The historic African American community of Gibson Grove no longer exists in Montgomery County, but its spirit lives on. The Montgomery History free online presentation, “Gibson Grove: Gone But Not Forgotten” will tell the story of the community and its people. The presentation will be available starting Monday, Nov. 21, and can be accessed for one week.

According to a story about Gibson Grove in Maryland Matters in 2021 by Chandler Louden, after the end of the Reconstruction (1865–1877), the rise of segregation led to a large disparity between white and Black communities. Many Black communities did not have adequate infrastructure for things such as schools and cemeteries. To address their needs, they began forming benevolent societies and fraternal organizations funded by member dues. The societies acted as insurance agencies providing payments to families during illness and upon the death of loved ones and provided for burials. The societies were a source of social support and community cohesion.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


Arts

Per Montgomery County: Seven featured films will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 19, as the Gaithersburg Arts Barn hosts its Independent Film Night. The screenings will begin at 7:30 p.m., with a question and answer session with the films’ creators following each. The Arts Barn is located at 311 Kent Square Rd. in Gaithersburg. Admission for the evening is $15. Tickets can be purchased here. The film night is recommended for ages 13 and older. Concessions will be sold before the film screenings and during intermission

Featured films will include:


Germantown

Per WSSC at 6:41pn on Wednesday, November 16th: Water main on Clopper Rd in Germantown was repaired this afternoon. Water has been restored to all impacted customers. Crews will now begin road repairs & paving overnight. One lane remains open alternating traffic direction.

Previous updates: The 24” water main repairs continue at Clopper Rd, between Mateny and Game Preserve, according to a social media posting by WSSC Water. “The large pipe has been dug up and will be cut out and replaced at site of break as soon as water flow within the pipe can be completely stopped. This is often a challenge… getting valves to hold closed.”


DMV

At least 3,500 Washington area seniors will be treated to Thanksgiving dinner this year courtesy of Feed the Fridge, with major assists from The Washington Home, Medium Rare, DoorDash and the PM Hotel Group’s BWI Hilton. Again this year, Feed the Fridge – which has delivered more than 700,000 free, nutritious meals to DC metro area residents who need them since the beginning of the COVID pandemic – will be delivering traditional holiday meals to seniors during the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Until now, those home deliveries were made entirely by volunteers. Now DoorDash drivers will be joining them – thanks to a $100,000 in-kind donation from DoorDash’s Philanthropy Division. Feed the Fridge founder Mark Bucher says the donation will not only help with holiday meals, but will allow him to expand his organization’s network of fridges at schools and community centers in the region’s “food deserts.” Those fridges are each stocked with up to 100 free, nutritious meals every day, year round, to be taken by those who need them – no questions asked.


Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg mayor Jud Ashman informed the community of where they can donate to help the families impacted by this morning’s fire at Potomac Oaks in Gaithersburg. “Any amount helps and 100% of it will go to those families.” Ashman tweeted. A November 16 fire injured multiple residents, including four children, at a condominium complex at 826 Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg. Many people were evacuated with little or nothing and now are in temporary shelter. At the request of Montgomery County, MHP is collecting financial donations to help affected families.

Per MHP: While this is not an MHP property, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County, and are playing a role by managing financial donations to help impacted residents. Anyone interested in donating may do so at this link.