Per Maryland Governor Wes Moore: “Having been advised by Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM on the impending impact of severe weather predicted as part of Tropical Storm Ophelia, I am declaring a state of emergency.

We are asking all Marylanders to remain vigilant, to stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, and to follow any instructions local officials may provide during this state of emergency.

If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm please do so. We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides. Those under a tropical storm warning should be prepared and exercise caution during this multiple-day event. Our administration is committed to doing all that we can to ensure Marylanders remain safe during this incident and will be working closely with local jurisdictions to recover after the storm.

To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to this state of emergency and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.”

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has received the “Best Enforcement Program” award from national trade magazine StateWays for its loss prevention program that reduces theft, fraud and operational errors. The program preserves profits that are then used for County programs. It is one of the publication’s nine annual Best Practices awards.

The StateWays Best Practices Award will be presented to ABS at a ceremony on Oct. 24 at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association’s Administrators Conference in Charleston, W. Va.

The StateWays magazine feature story announcing this year’s winners said, “In the last year, Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services has consolidated and expanded its loss prevention efforts into a comprehensive Inventory Control Loss Prevention Unit. ABS has strategized the approach, written new policies, implemented user-friendly systems and increased technologies to prevent loss caused by theft, fraud, wasteful practices and operational vulnerabilities.”

Read the StateWays article at https://read.epgmediallc.com/i/1507437-stateways-fall-2023/11?.

“With this program that leverages the department’s longstanding partnerships and commitment to innovation, ABS is again striving for the best possible return to Montgomery County residents, even as it has faced rapidly changing economic conditions, customer expectations and hospitality trends,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I congratulate ABS and our hard-working employees on this well-deserved award.”

The department’s loss prevention enhancements include a new case management and incident reporting system, a revamped video monitoring strategy utilizing high-definition cameras in strategic locations and updates to operational procedures with increased employee training. ABS is currently deploying a new point-of-sale system in its retail stores that will more precisely account for inventory and product sales. The point-of-sale system upgrades are expected to be completed in mid-October.

StateWays is the only magazine devoted to issues affecting the alcohol control state system. It features articles that reflect many aspects of the control states’ mission of fiscal performance, promotion of responsible consumption, enforcement, retail sales and warehouse operations.

The Best Practices Awards program was launched in 2015 to recognize control state agencies that are leading the industry in innovation, education and enforcement. Any beverage control agency from the U.S. and Canada is eligible to enter the awards, which are presented in eight categories with one standout selected as the overall winner and serving as a model for other agencies allow.

“People initially think of shoplifting when they consider loss prevention, but this program takes a comprehensive view of the ways revenue can be lost and recovered,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “The program addresses theft, but it also helps prevent fraud, wasteful practices and operational vulnerabilities. With the addition of this team, we will continue to assess stress points, like retail procedures, supply chain issues, shipping and receiving practices and inventory management. Ultimately, this program will ensure ongoing accountability and support for the community we serve.”

Seventeen U.S. jurisdictions and all but one province in Canada operate under a similar alcohol model as Montgomery County. They oversee the sale of distilled spirits—and in some cases wine and beer—through government agencies at the wholesale level. The model allows revenue from alcohol sales to be returned to a general fund for public services.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars.

Follow ABS on Facebook and Twitter.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 8400 blk of Old Georgetown Road, near Greenwich Neighborhood Park, in Bethesda for the report of a child pedestrian struck by a driver. According to Montgomery County Police, Old Georgetown Road is closed at Glenwood Rd. Drivers should seek an alternate route and expect significant delays.

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.
Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “8400 Old Georgetown Road near Huntington Parkway, Greenwich Park, collision, child pedestrian struck,@mcfrs @MCFRS_EMIHS  M741, RS741, EMS702, BC702 on scene, some lanes blocked”

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Old Georgetown Road at Glenwood Road is shut down following a collision.
Drivers should seek an alternate route. #MCPD #MCPNews pic.twitter.com/rRwe3ctVAc

— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) September 22, 2023

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Karla Smith sentenced defendant, Dakari Thomas, 20, of Silver Spring, to 25 years in prison suspending all but 12 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. Judge Smith recommended Thomas be admitted into the Patuxent Youthful Offenders program while incarcerated.

On July 6, 2023, Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Getro Marius Benamna. The defendant and victim encountered one another along the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring on December 7^th, 2021 and began to conduct a drug transaction. Thomas was attempting to pass off another substance as marijuana. The two men became involved in a physical altercation and Thomas produced a knife, fatally stabbing Benamna. Assistant State’s Attorneys Cortenous Herbert and John Lalos prosecuted this case.”

“Once again, this was a situation where a fight over marijuana led to the loss of a young life in our community. The State requested an executed sentence of 25 years, but we respect the Judge’s decision in this matter. Our hearts remain with the family of Getro Benamna,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

Per Montgomery County: Governor Wes Moore today announced a record investment in Maryland arts organizations through the state’s Arts Relief initiative. Through $40 million in supplemental funding added to the Maryland State Arts Council’s annual appropriation of $28.9 million in FY23, this record investment is helping arts organizations cope with the lasting financial impacts of the pandemic, spurring arts projects and employment in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, and has elevated Maryland to second in the nation in per capita spending on the arts in FY23.

“Even as the world continues to reopen, we know that many arts organizations are finding it difficult to return to pre-pandemic audience levels. The same is true for artists, who are still getting back on their feet after recent challenges,” said Gov. Moore. “Thanks to this historic investment, which illustrates how much we value a strong creative economy, our arts ecosystem is poised to thrive in the coming years.”

The Maryland State Arts Council is an agency of the State of Maryland Department of Commerce Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, which plays an essential role in ensuring every Marylander has access to the transformative power of the arts. The council advances the arts by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland. The council awards grants to tax-exempt organizations and individual artists, in addition to providing technical assistance to individuals and groups.

The Arts Relief initiative provided operating and project funding for organizations and artists, with many grants assisting with debt relief, long-term investments, and artists’ living expenses. In addition to growing that Maryland State Arts Council’s budget by 138%, Arts Relief funding led to the following increases:

• 282% more operating grants
• 209% more grants to artists
• 164% more grants to organizations
• 55% more project grants

Arts Relief funding decisions were made with the oversight of a 17-member council comprising Maryland citizens and legislators that advises the work of the MSAC staff. With the addition of the Arts Relief initiative, MSAC administered a total of 2,500 grants in FY23, more than three times its usual volume.

“This really is an amazing investment from MSAC in Imagination Stage and the whole arts sector. Plus, the flexibility regarding the use of funds and the simplicity of the application are also incredible gifts to our community!” said a representative from Imagination Stage, Montgomery County.

“This has been absolutely beneficial from both a financial and mental well being perspective. The peace of mind and help this has granted cannot be overstated. Thank you all so very much,” said Artist Joe Brawn of Allegany County.

“The [Arts Relief] funds have instantly removed stressors about covering this fiscal year’s expenses and will, at minimum, make it possible for us to plan further out into the future and concentrate more on strengthening community partnerships,” said a representative from the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University in Baltimore County.

“The Lower Eastern Shore region of Maryland has been devastated by the impact of multi-year pandemic shutdowns, because so much of our very modest income and employment opportunities are connected to small or tourism-based businesses and venues. The support from [MSAC] gives me the flexibility to continue to work as an artist,” said Artist Sheila Cherry of Worcester County.

The Maryland State Arts Council receives its funds in an annual appropriation from the State of Maryland and from grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The council may also receive contributions from private, non-governmental sources. For more information, visit msac.org.

A more detailed overview of the funding is available in the Maryland State Arts Council’s FY23 Annual Report.

Per Westfield Montgomery: This autumn, fall fashion takes center stage at Westfield Montgomery Mall’s remix event on Saturday, October 7. The city-making destination for high-brand fashion, luxury, and entertainment will welcome the new season with appearances from reality TV personalities, designer customizations, personal styling, fun photo opportunities, and more.

Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline the event with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.

Leading up to the chat, fans can purchase $75 VIP tickets for a private meet-and-greet with the stars from 11am to 12pm at Nordstrom on the Third Floor. The exclusive experience includes sips from Windridge Vineyards, light bites, a gift bag, and reserved seating for the free fireside chat that will be open to the public. 100% of all proceeds from the VIP ticket sales will benefit The Chick Mission to support young female cancer patients with fertility preservation.

Additional highlights throughout the day include:

• An Exclusive Customization Station: From 1pm to 5pm, shoppers who spend over $200 will have the opportunity to elevate their new merchandise with personalized touches at a pop-up customization station in Center Court near Lilly Pulitzer on the Lower Level. The on-site offerings for customization will include:

  • monogrammed embroidery by StitchesDC

  • denim, leather, or cotton customization into wearable art by Jeantrix

  • custom painting commissions from local artist Courtney Mohring of Mohtown Art

  • a personal styling session from founder Rebecca Jahangeri Coleman of FullyStyled
    
    

• Fall Photo Moments: Uncover photo-worthy corners against an immersive backdrop of artistic fall foliage designed by Brightly Ever After. Snap Instagrammable photos in the Nordstrom Wing, or take home a live printed photo as a keepsake from the photographer who will be on-site from 1pm to 5pm at Center Court!
  
  

• Jolly Yolly Kids’ Camp: Parents can enjoy all the fashion fun while the kids are at play when they sign up here. A half-day camp package includes themed activities, supervised play, enrichment, and other activities from 12pm to 4pm for $40 per child.

• Live Entertainment: As the sun sets, Center Court will continue to buzz with excitement while a live DJ spins nonstop beats.

Saturday, October 7 event schedule:

• 11am to 12pm: Private VIP Meet & Greet at Nordstrom on the Third Floor

• 1pm to 2pm: Public Fireside Chat in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level

• 1pm to 5pm: Exclusive Customization Station at Center Court

• 2pm to 7pm: A live DJ at Center Court

Have Your Say: Engage with Westfield Montgomery on social media platforms and steer the panel discussion by asking questions to the panelists ahead of the event! Follow on Facebook and Instagram to participate.

Reserve Your Spot: The fireside chat is free and open to everyone. However, the exclusive VIP tickets are limited and are likely to sell out fast. For further details and ticket bookings, please visit the ticket page here.

Update: The lockdown has been lifted, and Newport Mill is proceeding with its regular dismissal schedule.
Newport Middle School at 11311 Newport Mill Rd in Silver Spring has been placed on lockdown due to an incident near the school. Montgomery County Police tweeted the following at 12:56pm on Friday, September 22: Newport Mill Middle School School security has placed the school on lockdown following sounds of shots fired in the area. This does not involve the school. MCPD units are in the area. There is no active threat to students. More information will be released when available.”

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

Per Burtonsville Day organizers: “The Burtonsville Day Celebration Planning Committee met this morning and have decided to cancel our 2023 32nd Annual Burtonsville Day Parade and Celebration event. This we did in concern of both participants’ and organizers’ health and safety concerns. This is an unfortunate and sad decision for all of us and also event participants who show up each year but was a necessary decision to be made. Thank you for all your support and understanding. We hope to see you all next year. Stay safe.”

Prior to Cancellation: “The 32nd Annual Burtonsville Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23, will celebrate the theme of “Discovering East County.” The festivities will include three musical performances in association with the Music Center at Strathmore. The one-mile parade will begin at Paint Branch High School and conclude at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library and Community Recreation Center, which is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. The festival will follow from 11 a,m.-3 p.m. on the grounds of the community center.

The festival will include performances of music, dance and martial arts. Among the performers will be the Dupont Brass, Ayo and Deborah Bond. Food trucks and vendors featuring a variety of hometown favorites, international cuisines, crafts and exhibitors will be part of the festival. There will be activities for children and information about services offered by Montgomery County including regarding public safety. Local nonprofit organizations will be represented and organizations offering health screenings will be present.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) responded to a collision with vehicle fire on Friday, September 22 on Great Seneca Highway, near Wisteria Dr. in Germantown. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, “Several people left the scene quickly, otherwise vehicle fire is being being extinguished. It appears people that left the scene are in the company of police.

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of @shxt_idk on Instagram.

Update – Great Seneca Highway near Wisteria Drive, collision & vehicle fire. Several people left the scene quickly, otherwise vehicle fire is being being extinguished. It appears people that left the scene are the company of police @mcfrs M729, PE729, T734, some lanes blocked

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 22, 2023

Margarita Bar & Grill is now open at 19201 Frederick Rd in Germantown. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, chimichangas, pupusas, fajitas, steaks, salad, and seafood. Margarita options include Cadillac, Skinny, Flavored, Diablo, and Crazy. A video of the space and a few menu items is available in the video below.

Margarita Bar & Grill has taken over the space that was previously occupied by the Fraternal Order of Eagle #3509 and Captain Mori’s Seafood House. Seafood in the Buff, a mobile steamed crab business, operates out of the parking lot next to this location in the summer months.

“Food was good, staff was friendly, and the outside patio was perfect on a beautiful day.” – Mr. MoCo

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxeVyKSu8GI/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==