The Montgomery County Transportation and Environment (TE) Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 16 at 9:30am to discuss the future of White’s Ferry.  County Council President Evan Glass tell us, “Ever since White’s Ferry closed in 2020, much of the discussions and negotiations have been in private. Residents routinely ask me about any updates to the situation, which is why I have called this public hearing. People have a lot of questions and it’s important to have a public conversation on an issue that affects so many people.”  White’s Ferry ceased operations back in December 2020 over a legal dispute with Rockland Farms.

In March, the owners of White’s Ferry announced that Rockland Farm, the Virginia landing site for the ferry, rejected a $1.1 million dollar offer to purchase the site that included funds from White’s Ferry’s owners, both Montgomery and Loudoun Counties, and additional funds from Herb Brown, the original ferry owner. Chuck and Stacy Kuhn, owners of JK Moving Services, purchased the Ferry in February 2021. “We have run out of options and will now seek to sell the ferry land and operations to Montgomery County so it can work to invoke eminent domain and acquire the Virginia landing site,” Chuck Kuhn said.

In response to Kuhn’s announcement that he planned to sell the ferry, Rockland Farm owner Libby Devlin told us,
“The reason that Rockland Farm turned down the $1.1 M combined offer from Loudoun County, Montgomery County, and Mr. Kuhn is that we will not accept a flat fee for our Virginia landing. We favor a volume-based fee that varies with the amount of traffic encroaching upon our land and will work with either county to accomplish that.

We have also located a nationally based company that will work with both sides to get a ferry up and running again and operate it. However, Mr. Kuhn has refused to work with this company and has told them that he intends to be the ferry operator. Rockland Farm has also made an offer to both Montgomery and Loudoun Counties for a permanent easement on our Virginia landing in exchange for a volume-based fee. Our offer is still on the table. Finally, we are willing to work with Loudoun and Montgomery Counties to explore realigning our landing, acquiring a vessel, putting in a maintenance facility and operating the ferry from Virginia using an independent operator”.

 

Per the State of Maryland (10.12.23): “Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has helped place more than two dozen international companies in incubators across the state through the Maryland Global Gateway program. The 27 approved participating companies represent 19 countries and are in a number of industries including quantum computing, cybersecurity, life sciences, aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture.

“The state’s Global Gateway program is truly an innovative tactic for attracting new businesses to Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “While going through this soft landing trial, companies will quickly learn the benefits of doing business in Maryland. Six of these participants have already registered to do business in the state and we are excited to see more positive results from the program.”

The Maryland Global Gateway program helps to ease an international company’s transition into the U.S. by connecting them with 18 partnering incubators and accelerators in Maryland. The goal of the program is to attract early-stage companies with hopes that they will establish a full-time presence in the state after the soft landing trial ends, bringing additional job creation and investment to Maryland. More than 60 businesses applied to participate, successfully capturing a diverse array of companies from six different continents while boosting the state’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the global market.

Maryland’s comprehensive gateway program is designed to attract foreign companies by leveraging the state’s existing resources and partnerships to drive results and increase Maryland’s standing as a major innovation center in the U.S. By soft landing in Maryland, international companies are able to test the U.S. market and receive additional assistance from the program, including the potential for rent assistance for six months; training, mentoring, matchmaking, and networking opportunities; and assistance with business registration costs.

“Our goal is to keep Maryland’s business community flourishing—one way to do that is to make our state accessible and appealing to an international audience,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “By touting the benefits of what Maryland has to offer, and providing resources to help foreign companies succeed, we can help support job creation and investment in both Maryland and abroad.”

Companies that are interested in participating in the Maryland Global Gateway can apply when the program reopens from October 16 through November 30.

To complement the Global Gateway program, the Maryland Department of Commerce also created an exchange program to provide Maryland companies with similar benefits abroad, allowing them to engage with partner incubators while exploring new global markets. Companies can apply for up to $10,000 to help offset the cost of their participation in seven countries, including Australia, France, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Maryland’s Office of International Investment and Trade works to stimulate foreign direct investment in the state, offers export assistance, and coordinates international trade and investment missions and trade show opportunities for Maryland companies. The state also has 19 foreign trade offices across the globe.

For more information on Maryland’s assets for global business, visit business.maryland.gov/global.

Below are five things to do in Montgomery County, MD the weekend of October 13-15, 2023:
1. Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert feat. Verny Varela
Friday, October 13: 5pm 
Marian Fryer Town Plaza, Wheaton

“The salsa of Verny Varela will headline the closing concert of the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall series and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will lead tributes to Latin leaders and employees on Friday, Oct. 13. The performance is part of a month of concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month The final event in the series, “Que Bonita Bandera,” invites community members to wear the colors representing the diversity of the County. Marian Fryer Town Plaza is adjacent to the Wheaton Metro Station. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a special set by El Zol Radio. Verny Varela will play at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

Verny Varela is an arranger, composer, singer and flutist who born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in the “Barrio Obrero,” Verny started singing and playing with his father’s band, El Nuevo Son. In 1996, he sang with Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and the Fania All Stars, in Cali and in Tulua. In 1997, Verny became the lead singer in the Gabino Pampini Band, and later toured Europe and the U.S. with Tito Gomez.”

2. 60th Annual Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show
Saturday, October 14: 11am-3:30pm
Glenview Mansion, Rockville

“The free Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show, which annually is one of the largest car shows on the East Coast, will again feature hundreds of vehicles displayed from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on the lawn of Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park. This year’s show is expected to have vehicles from 31 car clubs and will have a special display featuring 75 years of Lotus. Rockville Civic Center Park is located at 603 Edmonston Dr. in Rockville. The Rockville show was first held in the 1950s. The Mayor and Council Award will be presented at 2:45 p.m.

The special display of Lotus is expected to have at least 20 vehicles with the ACBC founder’s initials. Models expected will include a Seven and a Type Nine. There also will be displays of Elite, Elan, Europa, Eclat, Esprit, Elise, Exige and Evora. The cars will represent Lotus models from the 1950s to the 2020s. The special display will be located at the front of the show field, near the stage. In addition to the vehicles on display, with owners nearby to provide details and histories, the show will have a flea market and a car sales area. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Visitors can bring their own food to the show area. Music will be provided by Blue Sky Five.

Each year, the Mayor and Council of Rockville select one vehicle to receive the Mayor and Council Award. The 2022 recipient was a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible owned by Bob Ridolfi.The show traditionally is held rain or shine. The City of Rockville is monitoring the weather for Saturday. Check www.rockville.gov/rockvillecarshow or www.facebook.com/rockvillecarshow for possible cancellation information.

3. The Great Pumpkin Race/Fall Festival
Saturday, October 14: 11am-2:30pm
North Creek Community Center, Montgomery Village

Montgomery Village’s Fall Festival will take place this Saturday at North Creek Community Center (20125 Arrowhead Road). The event will feature food trucks, games, a petting zoo, and the annual Great Pumpkin Race. The Great Pumpkin Race is a “unique side-by-side, single-elimination race featuring handcrafted, decorated pumpkin race cars, in a madcap, dramatic explosion of creative ingenuity. The referee rules the race, building excitement as registered pumpkin race car owners compete for the Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy.”

“Add wheels to your custom-decorated pumpkin and face off against friends, neighbors or family in single elimination race heats. Pumpkin racers may collide, veer off course or have the perfect run—whoever crosses the finish line first moves on! The Pumpkin Races cap off the fall festival events, including live music, great food, and plenty of children’s activities during this family-centered day.”

4. Taste of Rio 
Sunday, October 15: 2-6pm
Rio Washingtonian Center, Gaithersburg

“Who’s ready to savor, sip and celebrate 🎉🍔 Join us THIS Sunday, October 15 for Rio’s first annual Taste of rio, a foodie extravaganza from 2 – 6 pm, with The MoCoShow’s own Mr. MoCo emceeing part of the event. “Indulge in yummy bites from your favorite rio restaurants, groove to live music, and sip on craft cocktails by the lakeside—it’s a feast you won’t want to miss!” Participating merchants: Auntie Anne’s/ Cinnabon, Bach to Rock, Burgerfi, California Pizza Kitchen, Charley Prime Foods, Donutchew, Fantasticks, Finewine.com, Gaithersburg Marriott, Kung Fu Tea, Miss Toya’s, Nandos Peri Peri, Relive, Health, Silver Diner, Sportrock Climbing Centers, and Yard House
Additional information at https://www.riolakefront.com/events/taste-of-rio-2023/

5. Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival
Sunday, October 15: 10am-5pm
Marian Fryer Town Plaza, Wheaton

“The Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, a showcase of creative marching art preceding a day of food, fun and entertainment, will return to Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 15. The parade annually features exhibits that can be pushed, pulled, carried, worn or performed—but none that is powered by motors of any kind. The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., traditionally has bands, dance groups, artists and large floats that march around the Wheaton Triangle Business District and finish at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza at 2424 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. Entries in the parade can be organized by groups of all kinds, and in some cases, by individuals.

The festival area will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It will have more than 40 booths of exhibits, including those of artists displaying and selling their original work, community organizations and Montgomery County agencies. Activities will include art making and giveaways. Free art fun in the Kids’ Zone will have face painting and balloon art. Click here to see the exhibitors. Starting at noon, the festival will have three stages of entertainment including Strathmore artists, dance companies and bands. Oct. 15 will be last day of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, so festival will include considerable Latin music and dance. It also will feature outstanding Irish music, hip hop and good old rock and roll. Click here to see the performers.”

For more information about the Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, go to Parade & Festival | Wheaton Arts Parade.

9:25am Update by Principal Renay Johnson: Police have given us the all-clear. Staff and students can re-enter the building. Report to period 3. Thank you!

8:49am update by principal Renay Johnson: We have a large campus and 19 outside classrooms. Our police partners are checking all areas. If students need to be dismissed, parent / guardians reunification area is at the firehouse next to our school. Classes will resume once we receive the all- clear from police.

Montgomery Blair High School principal Renay Johnson has stated via social media that the school received a bomb threat on Friday morning. Police is currently at the school with students and staff not permitted to enter the building until police seems it safe to do so.

Principal Renay Johnson: “We received a bomb threat this morning.  MC Police are at our school with school security.  Students & staff will not be permitted to enter the building until we receive the all-clear directive from the police.  Students and staff on campus will be directed to outside areas. Emergency notification was sent to Blair families this morning. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.”

At 7:55am, Montgomery County Police released the following: “MCPD is investigating the validity of a threat received against Montgomery Blair High School on University Blvd. East. Students have been placed in a secured location until the validity of the threat has been determined.”

We received a bomb threat this morning.  MC Police are at our school with school security.  Students & staff will not be permitted to enter the building until we receive the all-clear directive from the police.  Students and staff on campus will be directed to outside areas. 1/2

— Renay Johnson (@blairprincipal) October 13, 2023

 

Field Hockey JV

Sherwood High School (Home)	4
Quince Orchard High School (Away)	0

Field Hockey Varsity

Rockville High School (Home)	3
Kennedy High School (Away)	0

Northwood High School (Home)	0
Damascus High School (Away)	8

Northwood High School (Home)	0
Damascus High School (Away)	8

Football Varsity

Churchill High School (Home)	15
Northwest High School (Away)	7

Einstein High School (Home)	47
Northwood High School (Away)	7

Soccer Boys Varsity

Paint Branch High School (Home)	4
Watkins Mill High School (Away)	1

Magruder High School (Home)	3
Clarksburg High School (Away)	2

Damascus High School (Home)	1
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	0

Whitman High School (Home)	3
Wootton High School (Away)	2

Blake High School (Home)	2
Quince Orchard High School (Away)	0

Soccer Girls Varsity

Blake High School (Home)	0
Quince Orchard High School (Away)	10

Paint Branch High School (Home)	3
Watkins Mill High School (Away)	0

Magruder High School (Home)	5
Clarksburg High School (Away)	2

Whitman High School (Home)	3
Wootton High School (Away)	1

Damascus High School (Home)	3
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	0

Volleyball Girls JV

Whitman High School (Home)	2
Paint Branch High School (Away)	0

Blake High School (Home)	1
Watkins Mill High School (Away)	2

Magruder High School (Home)	2
Clarksburg High School (Away)	1

Northwest High School (Home)	2
Blair High School (Away)	0

Quince Orchard High School (Home)	2
Kennedy High School (Away)	0

Volleyball Girls Varsity

Northwest High School (Home)	3
Blair High School (Away)	0

Seneca Valley High School (Home)	0
Walter Johnson High School (Away)	3

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Home)	3
Gaithersburg High School (Away)	0

Whitman High School (Home)	0
Paint Branch High School (Away)	3

Quince Orchard High School (Home)	3
Kennedy High School (Away)	0

Springbrook High School (Home)	3
Northwood High School (Away)	0

Magruder High School (Home)	1
Clarksburg High School (Away)	3

Blake High School (Home)	0
Watkins Mill High School (Away)	3

The State Board voted unanimously on Wednesday evening to appoint Dr. Carey Wright as the interim State Superintendent of Schools for the remainder of the current term through June 30, 2024. Dr. Wright will begin her service as State Superintendent by October 23, 2023, pending the completion of onboarding logistics.

Most recently, Dr. Wright served for nine years as the State Superintendent of Schools in Mississippi leading successful educational reform efforts that guided Mississippi to lead the nation in improving student achievement outcomes. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to build consensus by developing critical relationships with key stakeholders to achieve results.

“I am honored to be appointed to this position and am excited to work on behalf of the teachers, leaders and students of Maryland.  Maryland is well-positioned to provide a world-class education system for all its students and to ensure each student’s success,” said Dr. Carey Wright. “I am confident that by establishing strong relationships and partnerships across the state we will witness strong, equitable educational outcomes for our students. I welcome the opportunity to be an active participant in this endeavor.”

Under Dr. Wright’s leadership, Mississippi’s Quality Counts grade for education improved from an F to a C, improving its ranking from 50th to 35th. Her work reform efforts to improve literacy instruction for children Pre-K through third grade produced significant improvements in literacy rates in Mississippi, with the largest gains in 4th grade literacy on the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP).

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Carey Wright as Maryland’s Interim State Superintendent. She is an exceptional leader who will guide Maryland’s education system into its new chapter,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Dr. Wright brings exemplary expertise to this role and I am confident that she will be a dedicated leader committed to transparency, accountability, and partnership to improve education outcomes in every corner of Maryland, just as this state deserves.”

Dr. Wright has long been an enthusiastic advocate for early childhood education and in Mississippi implemented the first publicly funded Early Learning Collaborative program, which earned the state recognition from the National Institute for Early Education Research as one of only seven states in the nation that meet all or most quality standards for early childhood education.

Dr. Wright also brings to the position decades of service as a Maryland educator with stints in Prince George’s, Howard, and Montgomery County Public Schools as a teacher, principal, director of special education, and associate superintendent. Prior to serving as Superintendent in Mississippi, Dr. Wright served as the Chief Academic Officer in DC Public Schools. Dr. Wright obtained her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park.

“Dr. Wright is a Maryland educator and a national leader of education reform. She has the experience and expertise to lead Maryland through implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and through our state’s commitment to educational equity and improving outcomes for all students,” said State Board President Clarence Crawford. “We are confident in her ability to lead our school system through this transition period, to be focused on transparency and accountability, and to continue building towards the improvements in results in our schools that we all know are necessary.”

Dr. Wright will receive a salary at an annual rate of $350,000, which will be prorated to the amount of time she serves from now through June 30, 2024. The joint State Board and MSDE Transition Team will support Dr. Wright as she is onboarded, and the national search for a permanent State Superintendent of Schools will continue in the coming months.

Courtesy of the MD State Dept of Education

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will be emphasizing the importance of school bus safety and saying thank you to all who transport MCPS students during National Bus Safety week from Oct.16–21.

National School Bus Safety Week is a public program designed to educate the public about the importance of school bus safety. Each year schools organize events to bring attention to school bus safety and to recognize the critical role school bus employees play in providing safe transportation to our students.

The MCPS Department of Transportation services approximately 102,000 students on our buses, logging 19.8 million miles per year. Our nearly 2,000 bus attendants and bus operators are tasked with an enormous responsibility to safely transport our students to and from more than 230 schools, field trips, and school sponsored activities.

The theme this year is a unique reminder to motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus, “Safely Rolling to My Destination.” It is important to remind our students, staff, and families about school bus safety, including expectations for students when they are entering and exiting, as well as riding the school bus. This is also an opportunity to highlight the Maryland school bus laws for motorists to ensure they are aware of when and how to stop for school buses to ensure the safety of our students. School Bus Safety Week is held to raise awareness so that everyone can remain safe while students ride the bus.

Courtesy of MCPS

Today, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight delivered the following remarks during the Board of Education business meeting, providing an update on the comprehensive corrective action plan she has been charged with developing:

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and Montgomery County Police responded to a collision involving a motorcyclist on Thursday, October 12 around 7:25pm. According to police, “At approximately 7:25 p.m., MCP officers responded to the area of Randolph Rd. and Glenallan Ave. for the report of a single vehicle collision. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the operator of a motorcycle lost control for reasons unknown at this time and sustained serious injuries. The adult male motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.“

Montgomery County Police tweeted the following at 8:12pm: ‘TRAFFIC ADVISORY – Westbound Randolph Rd. is closed at Glenallan Ave. due to a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.” We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

MCPS has sent a message to the community recognizing information concerning online threats to safety by a former leader of Hamas calling for a “day of rage” on Friday, October 13th. The full message can be seen below:

“Dear MCPS Families and Staff,

This message is to recognize information online in social media and some news outlets reporting on a call from a former leader of Hamas for a “day of rage” on Friday, Oct. 13. Our Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management is in close contact with and working in tandem with our police partners who report no actionable or verifiable threats referencing the Montgomery County community.

As the MCPS Chief Safety Officer, I wish to remind families that our schools are some of the safest places in our community, where all exterior doors are locked and visitors must enter through our visitor management system. Additionally, all security staff have been advised of this information and will maintain a heightened awareness throughout all schools.

Pamela Wheeler-Taylor
MCPS Chief Safety Officer

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Información sobre las amenazas en línea a la seguridad

Estimadas familias y personal de MCPS,

Este mensaje es para reconocer la información en línea, en las redes sociales, y algunos medios de comunicación que informan sobre un llamado de un ex líder de Hamás para un “día de ira” el viernes, 13 de octubre. Nuestro Departamento de Seguridad y Gestión de Emergencias de todo el sistema está en estrecho contacto con socios de la policía que reportan que no existen amenazas procesables o verificables que hagan referencia a la comunidad del condado de Montgomery.

Como Director de Seguridad de MCPS, deseo recordarles a las familias que nuestras escuelas son algunos de los lugares más seguros de nuestra comunidad, donde todas las puertas exteriores están cerradas con llave y los visitantes deben ingresar a través de nuestro sistema de gestión de visitantes. Además, todo el personal de seguridad ha sido informado de esta situación y mantendrán una mayor atención en todas las escuelas.

Pamela Wheeler-Taylor
Director de seguridad de MCPS”