MoCo

MCOT responses to behavioral health crises without police presence represent a significant change toward a civilian response. The civilian response is designed after the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets (CAHOOTS) model that has been successfully implemented in Eugene, Ore., for more than 30 years. In 2021, DHHS consulted with the White Bird Clinic (WBC) that runs the CAHOOTS model. Staff from WBC provided training to MCOT team members, homeless outreach workers, police, and other staff on de-escalation, scene safety, situational awareness, community engagement and trauma informed care. To request sign language interpreter services or other assistance to participate in this meeting, email Dorne Hill at [email protected] no less than five business days before the meeting date. For more information about the event, Dorne Hill at [email protected].


Gaithersburg

The DC Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming to the Montgomery County AG Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg on September 17 and 18.  Tickets for entry are $20/adult and $8/child and can be purchased at https://www.freshtix.com/events/dcballoonfest. Tethered hot air balloon rides will cost and additional $25.

For the Grand Finale each night after dark (about) 9pm we will have the fantastic Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show where we will light up all the balloons in unison with crowd participatory “Count Downs”! This show incorporates Music and visually stunning coordinated burns by the Hot Air Balloons & Lasers.. creating a Glow! Bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas and set up your own “perfect” viewing spot!


Events

The City of Gaithersburg is hosting Casey Community Center’s Be Your Best Fest, a fun, free, family friendly community event with performances, games, activities, information tables, crafts, giveaways, and more! Be Your Best Fest celebrates everything that encourages us to live our best lives & be our best selves. There will be fun activities for the whole family.

The festival will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 1:00-3:00 pm and is free for all ages. It will take place at the Casey Community Center, located at 810 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (on Route 355 just off interstates 370 and 270). Register for the free event below.


Events

Cool down with a cold one at Montgomery Parks’ Acoustic and Ales outdoor happy hour series! Enjoy  a night of live music, locally crafted beer, and food.

Adults and children welcome to Montgomery Parks’ ‘Acoustics and Ales’ Outdoor Happy Hour Series. Beer, food, and non alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Registration is not required. Parking availability may vary based on location, so please use the links provided to the right of the page to map out your arrival! Parks are accessible by public transportation. Please see below for additional information.


Health

Per the State of Maryland:

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan and state health officials today encouraged Marylanders to get boosted between now and Monday, May 2, to qualify for next week’s VaxCash 2.0 $1 million grand prize drawing.


Germantown

A 19 year old Germantown man, identified as Gordon Casey, was fatally shot by United States Secret Service officers following a call for a burglary in progress on Wednesday, April 20th at the residence of a Peruvian Embassy Ambassador in the 3000 block of Garrison Street, NW DC.

According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Secret Service officers arrived to find multiple broken windows and located Casey, armed with a metal pole, in the backyard of the residence. Officers gave multiple commands to Gordon to drop the weapon. One USSS officer discharged their department issued electronic control device (ECD) towards the suspect, but the device did not take effect on the suspect. Two additional USSS officers discharged their service pistols striking the suspect. After lifesaving efforts, Casey was pronounced deceased.


Bethesda

Honeymoon Chicken (4201 Georgia Ave NW, DC) has received a “Bib Gourmand” award from the Michelin Guide. Started in 1997, the Bib Gourmand award has been given to restaurants that have “good quality and good value”. Honeymoon Chicken opened it’s standalone location in DC this past January, but is also available in Montgomery County from Ensemble in Bethesda. Ensemble is a digital food hall from Salis Holdings (Ted’s Bulletin, Sidekick Bakery, Federalist Pig), located 4856 Cordell Ave. Food from Ensemble is only available for pickup or delivery and you must order through their mobile app.  The menu features items from four the different Salis Holdings restaurants that can be mixed and matched. You can get a brisket sandwich from Federalist Pig, side of French toast from Ted’s Bulletin, fried chicken from Honeymoon Chicken, and dessert from Sidekick Bakery all at the same spot.


MoCo Police

The investigation by detectives has determined that on December 13, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the suspected entered the SkyPoint Federal Credit Union in the 19700 block of Crystal Rock Dr. in Germantown. The suspect approached a bank teller, identified herself as the victim’s wife via a fraudulent identification card and withdrew an undisclosed amount of money from the victim’s account. The suspect then exited the bank and fled the scene. Again, on December 13, 2021, at approximately 1:25 p.m., the suspect arrived at the SkyPoint Federal Credit Union on Colesville Rd., presented the fraudulent identification card and withdrew an undisclosed amount of money from the same victim’s account.

Later the same day, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the suspect withdrew an undisclosed amount of money from the victim’s account, using the same fraudulent method from the Rockville branch. The suspect has been described as a female, around 50-years-old, medium build, blonde hair, wearing a brown scarf, black jacket, black jeans and black boots.


Gaithersburg

A child was struck by a driver on East Diamond Ave at Melvin Street in Gaithersburg around 3:30pm on Tuesday afternoon. According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer, EMS transported one child with Priority 2 trauma.

East Diamond Ave is currently closed at Melvin Street. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and expect delays. We will post an update when more information becomes available.


Silver Spring

Ardee is 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs 140 lbs. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white jacket. Family and police are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Shanelle Revell Ardee, is asked to contact the Silver Spring Investigation Section at (240)773-6870 or the police non-emergency number at (301) 279- 8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.


Beyond MoCo

The Board of Education of Frederick County (the Board) appointed Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson to serve as the next superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools.Dr. Dyson will assume the role on July 1, 2022, contingent upon approval by the State Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Dyson’s contract was approved and signed at today’s Board of Education meeting and is posted at fcps.org.

Per FCPS: