Montgomery County Rec mourns the loss of former director, Gregory Bayor. In a career spanning 39 years, Greg provided thousands upon thousands of children and adults with quality programs and special events as Director of Recreation & Parks for the Cities of Rockville, MD; Elgin, IL; Baltimore, MD and Montgomery County, MD, culminating with his retirement in late 2017 from the City of Tampa after restructuring the Department, beginning with the redesign of the department logo.

He successfully guided the construction of the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Some other projects included the renovation of the Roy Jenkins Pool; the creation of Water Works Park & the innovative Perry Harvey Park. He brought the Cal Ripken,Sr Foundation to Tampa to create two parks for At Risk Youth – Baseball at Sulphur Springs & a Multi-Purpose Field at the Glazer Family Field at NFL Y.E.T. Center.

He was extremely proud of the award winning dance & gymnastics teams. Having played Lacrosse at the University of Baltimore he was thrilled to introduce the sport into the program to enthusiastic participants, most of whom had never seen it played. The Stay to Play Program which he created to keep Rec Centers open until midnight during the summers, kept at-risk youth not only safe, but provided meals, often the only meal attendees would receive in a day. He felt it was one of his most important accomplishments.

Greg earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He attended Temple University in Philadelphia & the University of Baltimore where he played soccer & lacrosse. He was President of the Alumni Association & a Member of the Board of Governors. He was also a former Member of the Board at the acclaimed Lowry Park Zoo (now, Zoo Tampa) & at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Greg’s passion for all things golf is well documented, not only as a student of the game but his redesigns of three public courses and a stint as an assistant golf course superintendent after college. He was an avid skier & fisherman & an artist who dabbled in many media. In retirement he ventured into woodturning creating beautiful bowls & pens which he gifted to family & friends.

Greg was known for his creativity, his love of the Baltimore Ravens, his sense of humor & practical jokes, organizing special events, both personal & professional & as the Cool Uncle to his family & Peter Pan to his wife. Celebrations of Life to be held in Tampa & Maryland at later dates. His full obituary can be seen here.

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Permanent signage is up at dd’s DISCOUNTS (18236 Contour Rd) in the Montgomery Village Plaza shopping center in Gaithersburg. The store will be located in the former space of Marshall’s, which relocated to Gaithersburg Square in 2021.  dd’s is owned and operated by Ross Stores, Inc and items for sale at its locations are similar to those found in other discount retailers. This will be the first dd’s location in Montgomery County.  While no opening date has been announced, the store is now hiring and construction on interior appears to be complete.

About: dd’s DISCOUNTS opened its first store in 2004 as the place to shop and save in your neighborhood. We’re part of the Ross Family, so our buyers know all about delivering great deals every day on clothing shoes home decor fashions toys and much, much more. We have the looks and brands you love at prices well below other retailers.

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Sarku Japan will be returning to Wheaton Mall, opening in a location just outside of Costco, near the relatively new Sydney’s Burger. Sarku Japan is often found inside of malls and has a mall location in Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall. It’s other MoCo location can be found a standalone store (located within a strip mall rather than in a food court) in the White Oak shopping center. The chain offers made-to-order teppanyaki-style Japanese dishes cooked on sizzling grills as well as a limited amount of sushi rolls.

History of Sarku: “In Japan, lunches are often taken quickly from small stalls where freshness and quality are key. Shops value their reputations very highly. This was the same dedication of our founders when they opened the first Sarku Japan in 1987.

The idea was so well received that soon everyone wanted to try our fresh take on Japanese food. We were more than happy to share. Now there are over 250 Sarku Japan restaurants in over 34 states, Puerto Rico and South America. We are the largest and most successful Japanese Quick Service Restaurant in America.

Our mission remains the same as it has always been: To share the fresh ways of traditional Japanese cooking with the rest of the world. That’s exactly what you’ll find at every one of our locations: Meals cooked-to-order right in front of you. Fresh flavors. No added MSG. Quick, friendly service. We’re always striving to improve our quality and surprise you with meal choices that enliven your tastebuds. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.”

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Metro Transit Police has announced the arrest of Adrian Barnes, 29, by MTPD July 29 at Fort Totten Station. Barnes was charged with ‘Attempted Second Degree Rape’ that occurred at the Shady Grove metro station last week. According to police, he will also be charged with ‘Assault’ and ‘Fugitive from Justice.’

Prior to his arrest, Metro Transit Police provided the following information: “Victim reported the suspect, identified as Adrian Barnes, approached her from behind as she was getting in her car. The suspect forced her to the ground, then attempted to rape her. The victim fought off the suspect and ran from the garage to get help.”

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First Watch, a tenant of the Muddy Branch Square Shopping Center, located at 802 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, was granted a major sign waiver by the City of Gaithersburg to accommodate a second principal sign. The major waiver is needed to allow the replacement of the secondary signage that First Watch has utilized since they opened their location. Current code only allows one sign per business.

The proposed second principal sign consists of internally illuminated channel letters mounted to a finished backer panel, installed on existing roof brackets. First Watch is in the process of investing more than $100 thousand in the renovation of their Muddy Branch location in an effort to drive business to their restaurant. The renovation includes new signage, replacement awnings, and an updated interior for diners to enjoy.

Background: The Sign Ordinance is drafted to allow deviations for businesses to have additional signage, if site conditions warrant a hardship. Unfortunately, according to First Watch, the physical constraints of the restaurant space restrict the visibility the principal signage can achieve. The waiver was requested to allow the First Watch to retain the existing allotment of two (2) signs. As indicated by the four (4) photos, shown by Exhibit A, of the approach to the restaurant space, bearing South on Muddy Branch Rd, showing the principal sign, above the front entrance is not readily visibly to traffic. The second principal sign will provide for a more visible, readable sign, to drive business to their restaurant. Importantly, the additional principal sign in no way adversely affects the shopping center or any aspect associated with the center. The Sign Ordinance allows up to five percent of the building façade area to be devoted to building signage. First Watch does not seek to exceed the allowed square footage of signage, only to retain the second principal sign on the side elevation through the waiver process. The same waiver process would need to be applied for in order for other tenants, within Muddy Branch Square, to retain the use of two (2) primary signs. Other tenants such as, The MedStar Health Urgent Care, located on the opposite end cap of the plaza from First Watch, shown in Exhibit B. As well as the two (2) stand-alone tenants, Starbucks and Truist Bank, shown in Exhibit C. Additional, the existing signage is compatible with the overall retail nature of the shopping center.

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Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced $6.3 million in funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.

“Every Marylander has a role to play in combating racism, bias and hate and in keeping our communities safe,” said Gov. Moore. “Through this funding, we will help support both our community partners and our law enforcement partners as we work together to build a stronger, safer Maryland.”

The Protecting Against Hate Crimes program provides $5 million to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, with facilities and membership that can be targeted for a hate crime to provide security enhancements. Funding supports equipment, personnel, and physical security enhancements.

The Police Recruitment and Retention grant provides $1.3 million to support local law enforcement agencies to support their efforts to recruit and retain qualified sworn police officers. The funding may be used for hiring bonuses, retention incentives, tuition reimbursement and health incentives.

In June, the governor announced the Moore-Miller administration’s new vision to address public safety, which is an all-of-the-above approach focused on supporting law enforcement; building stronger, more vibrant communities; coordinating across all aspects of government; and investing in Maryland’s youth.

A complete list of grantees and awards for both the Protecting Against Hate Crimes program and Police Recruitment and Retention grant is available through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.

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Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will hold free child vaccination clinics during August to help parents prepare for the 2023-2024 school year.
“Making sure kids are up to date on required immunizations should be at the top of the list as parents get their students ready to go back to school again,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “It is important to keep children healthy and I encourage parents to take advantage of the free vaccinations offered at our upcoming clinics.”

Maryland law requires students to be vaccinated against a variety of diseases. Students who do not have proof of the required vaccinations on the first day of school must show proof of a vaccination appointment scheduled within 20 calendar days. The back-to-school vaccine offerings include:

  • Tdap
  • Meningococcal (MCV4)
  • Meningococcal B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

County-operated vaccination clinics are scheduled:

Tuesday, Aug. 15
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring
240-777-1050
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

Tuesday, Aug. 22
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Dennis Avenue Health Center
2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring
240-777-1050
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

Wednesday, Aug. 23
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown
240-777-3380
By appointment.

Wednesday, Aug. 23
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Silver Spring Health Center
8630 Fenton St., 10th floor, Silver Spring
240-777-3160
By appointment.

Saturday, Aug. 26
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
MCPS Back-to-School Fair
Westfield Wheaton Mall
11160 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton
School vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for children ages 5 years and older. Walk-ins welcome but appointments are preferred. Call 240-777-1050 for an appointment.

The School Health Services Immunization Center, located at 4910 Macon Rd., Rockville, is also open for back-to-school immunizations:

Monday to Friday (until Aug. 11)
8:30 a.m. to Noon
240-740-4430
By appointment.

Monday, Aug. 14
8:30 a.m. – Noon
240-740-4430
By appointment.

Thursday, Aug. 17
8:30 a.m. – Noon
240-740-4430
By appointment.

DHHS offers childhood immunizations throughout the year for eligible children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. To be eligible for the VFC program, children must be 18 years and younger and meet at least one of the following:

  • Does not have health insurance.
  • Has Medical Assistance.
  • Has health insurance that does not cover vaccines.
  • Is Alaskan native or American Indian.

Visit the Immunization Program website for more information on locations where year-round appointments are available.

Visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website to learn more about vaccination requirements for the 2023-2024 school year. Learn more about DHHS’ partnership with MCPS to provide school-based health services on the MCPS website.

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Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is pleased to announce appointments to the newly formed Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. The Commission is composed of 20 stakeholders from a cross-section of law enforcement, state and local institutions, and organizations representing communities targeted by hate crimes.

During Attorney General Brown’s first 100 days in office, he successfully pursued several key legislative priorities focused on his mission of justice and equity, including the transformation of his office’s existing Hate Crimes Task Force into a permanent body known as the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. In May, the General Assembly passed HB1066, creating the Commission that now offers Marylanders a permanent, long-term mechanism to address hate crimes at the state level. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law, and the Commission went into effect in June.

“I am honored and humbled by the energy, expertise, and passion of these appointees who are stepping up for all Marylanders, creating structure for our governing authorities to stem the tide of underreported crimes and bias incidents, and providing relief to people affected by these divisive acts,” explained Attorney General Brown. “Marylanders deserve a safe and inclusive State, and we’re here to listen, to report, and, most importantly, to act. This Commission will give a voice to those who may have been too afraid to speak up,” The Commission, which is chaired by Attorney General Brown, will evaluate state laws and policies on hate crimes and develop strategies to address them. The Commission will submit annual reports on its policy and legislative recommendations to the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland General Assembly, beginning on December 1, 2024. The Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention is comprised of the following members:

Chair, Office of the Attorney General – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown
The Anti-Defamation League – Ms. Meredith Weisel
The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Commission of Howard County – Dr. Lanlan Xu
The Baltimore Jewish Council – Ms. Sarah Mersky Miicke
The Coalition Opposed to Violence and Extremism – Ms. Ra’mona Brown-Carter
The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Ms. Zainab Chaudry
Disability Rights Maryland – Mx. Sam Williamson
FreeState Justice – Mr. Phillip Westry
The Immigration Outreach Service Center – Ms. Pat Jones
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington – Ms. Debbie Miller
The Maryland Association of Human Relations/Rights Agencies – Ms. Yolanda Sonnier
The Maryland Center for School Safety – Ms. Kate Bryan
The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association – Mr. Darryl McSwain
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights – Mr. Cleveland L. Horton, II
The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center – Mr. Dave Engel
The Maryland Sheriffs’ Association – Mr. Everett Sesker
The Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association – Mr. Steven Kroll
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – Mr. Willie Flowers
The National Alliance of Mental Illness Maryland – Ms. Kate Farinholt
The Pride Center of Maryland – Dr. Cleo Manago
The Sikh Coalition – Mr. Joraver Singh
Towson University – Mr. Larry M. Bell, Jr.
The Women’s Law Center – Ms. Laure Ruth

Hiring is underway for a full-time Assistant Attorney General who will be dedicated to the Commission and the handling of our Office’s response to hate crime activity. The Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention is the culmination of a multi-year effort, beginning in 2016, by the Maryland Office of Attorney General to combat an increasing number of hate crimes and hate bias incidents across the state. Those efforts include the creation of our Hate Crimes Hotline, the former OAG Hate Crimes Task Force (which is now the Commission), and a 2021 Department of Justice (DOJ) Award. Using those DOJ grant funds, planning and development are currently underway for an online hate crime and hate bias incident reporting portal. Also ongoing, in partnership with Maryland State Police, is the formation of training for state and local law enforcement on how to respond to and report hate crimes and hate bias incidents most effectively. Additionally, Attorney General Brown is hosting Regional Hate Bias Reporting Forums. The first took place this past spring in western Maryland, and two additional forums are scheduled for fall 2023.

State law requires law enforcement to report hate crimes and bias incidents; however, many incidents often go unreported. Reporting is the key to understanding how pervasive acts of hate are occur within communities. To report a hate crime or hate bias incident, please contact our Hate Crimes Hotline at 1-866-481-8361. In the event of an emergency, always call 911.

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Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 20 Attorneys General to file an amicus brief in a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s restrictive law that makes it a crime for adults to help minors travel out-of-state for abortion care. The challenge to Idaho’s so-called abortion “travel ban” was filed in U.S. District Court in Idaho earlier this month by an attorney working with sexual assault victims, the Northwest Abortion
Access Fund, and the Indigenous Idaho Alliance.

The coalition’s brief urges the court to block Idaho’s law immediately. More specifically, the coalition argues that Idaho’s law not only endangers minors from Idaho, but also punishes other states’ medical providers and residents for helping them access lawful abortion care outside of Idaho’s borders. “This cannot be reconciled with Supreme Court precedent, under which States cannot prevent their residents from accessing abortion care in other States where it is legal –much less from even accessing information about such lawful care,” the brief asserts. Further, the coalition argues that Idaho should not be allowed to criminalize legal conduct in other states. “Idaho’s abortion travel ban is inhumane, intrusive, and endangers the health and well-being of minors seeking care wherever it’s available,” said Attorney General Brown. “This law must be
blocked to safeguard reproductive freedom and protect access to legal abortion care.”

Idaho’s abortion laws, among the most restrictive in the country, have resulted in a significant uptick in Idaho patients traveling to other states for care. Idaho’s law also harms the ability of other states to provide timely care to these patients, given the delays often caused by out-of-state travel. This is not the first time that Maryland has weighed in on restrictive state abortion laws. In May, Attorney General Brown joined a multistate coalition to protect Americans’ access to abortions
during life-threatening medical emergencies, which had been challenged in a lawsuit by the state of Texas.

Joining Attorney General Brown in the brief are the Attorneys General of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2023/080323.pdf

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Per MCPD: Three teens; 13, 16, and 17-years-old have been arrested and charged for an armed carjacking and armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.  The preliminary investigation by detectives revealed that the adult victim was driving on Wayne Ave. when he noticed a Black Jeep Grand Cherokee following him. When the victim parked at his residence, the Jeep drove off. The Jeep then came back and blocked the victim’s car. As the victim was getting out, five to six unknown Black male suspects, wearing dark clothing and masks, got out of the Jeep, pointed a gun at the victim, demanded his property and the password to his cellphone, to which the victim complied. One of the suspects punched the victim in the face and followed him as he ran away. The suspects then left in the victim’s Black Infiniti FX35 and the Jeep.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified three individuals as suspects.   The 13-year-old was charged and referred to the Department of Juvenile Services.  The 16-year-old was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant and charged as an adult with armed carjacking and armed robbery. He is currently being held in Washington, D.C on unrelated charges.  The 17-year-old has been charged as an adult with armed carking and armed robbery and is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

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