Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks is ending the current season of Parks Playhouse on a high note with a week of events in August, culminating with a concert by The Nighthawks on Friday, August 18, at Cabin John Regional Park.

“It’s been a great season filled with over 30 performances this summer between Parks Playhouse and Parks Playhouse Junior,” says Michael Coppersmith, director of Montgomery Parks Activation Program. “We are excited to close out the summer season with The Nighthawks before heading into fall.”

All performances are at Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda.

• August 15, Kids’ Concert with 1, 2, 3 Andrés, 6‒7 p.m.
• August 16, Concert with Dueling Pianos, 6‒8 p.m.
• August 17, Back-to-School Comedy Show with Improbable Comedy, 6‒8:30 p.m. (*This event is for mature audiences, ages 17 and older. ASL interpretation provided).
• August 18, Concert with The Nighthawks, 6‒8 p.m.

Concessions will be available for purchase Wednesday through Friday and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for viewing.

About Montgomery Parks 
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.

Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or [email protected] to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.

Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test. FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11. 

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones. 

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN). All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. 
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. 

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public

Per the Office of the United States Attorney, District of Maryland: MS-13 member Kevin Alexander Castillo Calderon, a/k/a “Fantasma,” “Ghost,” “Eterno,” and “Josue Argueta Gonzalez,” age 25, of Colesville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering conspiracy, including a murder.

According to court documents, the La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, as well as throughout the United States.  In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized into “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region.  MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs.  One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.  Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.

According to his plea agreement, Castillo Calderon was a member and associate of Weedams Locos Salvatrucha, (“WLS”), an MS-13 clique operating primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. As detailed in court documents, on August 8, 2020, WLS members, including Castillo Calderon, WLS leader Brayan Alexander Torres and Franklyn Sanchez, were gathered at a park in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Castillo Calderon, Torres, Sanchez and other WLS members agreed to murder Victim 4, who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and to whom Sanchez owed a debt.  Sanchez and another MS-13 member murdered Victim 4, then WLS members dragged Victim 4’s body to a stream and left it there.  Castillo Calderon then picked up a large rock and dropped it on Victim 4’s head.  As he was leaving the woods, Sanchez was concerned that his DNA may have been left on the body.  To prevent the discovery of DNA or other evidence and to hinder the investigation and prosecution of Victim 4’s murder, other WLS members were called and ordered to bring shovels to the wooded area, where they dug a hole and buried Victim 4’s body.  In addition, at Torres’ direction, Castillo Calderon took the guns used to shoot Victim 4 and Victim 4’s cell phone, put them in a bag he was carrying and disposed of the evidence.  Victim 4’s body was later recovered with a bullet wound to the head.

Castillo Calderon was also responsible for collecting extortion payments, or “rents,” from extortion victims on behalf of WLS, knowing that the victims making extortion payments did so under the threat of death or bodily injury by members of WLS.  For example, gang members used baseball bats to impose rents and sometimes collected rent while flashing firearms or otherwise making it known that they were carrying weapons.

Castillo Calderon and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts his plea, Castillo Calderon will be sentenced to 26 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for November 7, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.  Co-defendant Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, is expected to be sentenced to 28 years in federal prison at his sentencing on September 13, 2023.  Torres will also be required to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate.  On May 19, 2023, Judge Xinis sentenced Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, a/k/a “Freddy,” “Magic,” “Miclo,” and “Delinquente,” age 26, of Adelphi, Maryland, to 28 years in federal prison and ordered that Sanchez must pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 1 and Victim 4’s estates.

Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13(1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Bento Express opened earlier this summer in the Woodmoor Shopping Center at 10141 Colesville Road in Silver Spring. The fast-casual restaurant is located in the space that was formerly home to Sprint, between the UPS Store and Subway. Menu items include teryaki (chicken, beef, shrimp, & salmon), bento boxes, poke bowls, dumplings, and a variety of sushi rolls.

According to the restaurant, “Bento Express Restaurant offers authentic and delicious-tasting Japanese cuisine in Silver Spring, MD. Bento Express’ convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for eat-in or take-out meals in the Silver Spring community. Our restaurant is known for its variety of tastes and high-quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service.”

Montgomery County native Josh Hart is finalizing a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the New York Knicks, ESPN reported on Wednesday. The 6’4 guard is considered one of the best rebounders at his position, averaging 7.8 boards per game last season. In 2021, Hart signed a $38 million deal with the Pelicans before being traded to Portland and then to the Knicks where he helped guide the team to the NBA Playoffs last season.

Josh Hart grew up in Silver Spring. Prior to transferring to Sidwell Friends in D.C., he attended and played basketball at Wheaton High School. He grew up playing basketball for the Montgomery County Bearcats, where his coaches praised him for his heart at an early age. He made the varsity basketball team as a freshman at Wheaton, eventually becoming a starter in the second half of the season. Even though he transferred to Sidwell Friends and played there the last three years of his high school basketball career, his ties to MoCo remained strong. His mother has been a long-time employee at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville and his father is a retired caterer.

Hart will be eligible to sign the deal on Thursday and will net a total of $94 million through the 2027-28 season. He is currently participating with Team USA as the team prepares for the FIBA World Cup.

Last year Burke & Herbert Bank, Virginia’s oldest bank, expanded outside of Virginia (into Bethesda) for the first time in its 170-year history. The expansion was led by Gaithersburg native and Burke & Herbert Bank senior vice president Michael Solomon, who was recently named to BizJournal’s 40 Under 40 list.

Burke & Herbert Bank announced last summer that it opened a commercial lending office in Bethesda, Maryland, which marked the first time the 170-year old financial institution, headquartered in Alexandria, has operated outside of Virginia. The Bethesda commercial lending office, at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, is led by Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager Michael Solomon. Solomon, local to the Montgomery County area, brings over a decade of financial experience to this role. He attended Dufief Elementary School, Robert Frost Middle School, and Wootton High School.

On Burke & Herbert Bank’s expansion: “Several factors drove the decision to set up shop in Bethesda,” stated President and CEO David Boyle. “Our strategic vision is to grow the bank and the Bethesda market is rich with dealmakers and real estate companies. This office gives us the opportunity to be closer to them as well as to existing commercial customers based in Maryland. We also are looking to hire more lenders – our formula is to get lenders that live in and know the markets where we operate. Having an office in Bethesda makes it easier to attract this local talent.”

Adam Greenberg, owner of Potomac Pizza, has announced the acquisition of Hunter’s Bar and Grill at 10123 River Rd in the Potomac Village Shopping Center. The restaurant opened as the Hunter’s Inn in 1978 and rebranded to Hunter’s Bar & Grill in 2014. Greenberg’s team plans to maintain a majority of Hunter’s menu offerings and will add their own twist by improving current recipes and experimenting with new items based on customer feedback. Full details below:

Adam Greenberg, the restaurateur behind Potomac Pizza, Bagels ‘n Grinds, and College Park Grill, today announced the acquisition of Hunter’s Bar and Grill, located at 10123 River Road in Potomac, MD. Hunter’s Bar and Grill first opened as Hunter’s Inn in 1978, the same year the original Potomac Pizza opened, changing its name to Hunter’s Bar and Grill in 2014 under longtime owners Fred and Murray Berman’s leadership.

Over the course of their twenty plus years of ownership, the Berman brothers transformed Hunter’s into a Potomac staple. With over sixty years of combined restaurant experience, the brothers created a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere for all to come, eat, and enjoy, leaving behind a rich legacy the new ownership seeks to preserve. The restaurant will remain open during the transition, with Greenberg’s team expected to take over full operations starting mid-September.

Since first entering the culinary scene with the opening of his first restaurant, the Cone Zone of Bethesda, in 1992, Adam Greenberg’s primary motivation, aside from serving delicious food, sourced from the freshest ingredients, has been to be community based. Greenberg purchased Potomac Pizza in 1995, transforming the family pizza joint into a community hub and a representation of all Potomac has to offer.

Greenberg expresses a lot of excitement about adding Hunter’s to his resume. “I understand how important Hunter’s is to Potomac, and I am glad to become a strong part of it,” said Greenberg. “We look forward to talking to the existing customer base and learning what they love most about Hunter’s and using the findings to help us do what’s best not only for the business, but also for the community.” Greenberg is also eager to welcome a new generation of customers and looks forward to receiving the new clientele’s feedback as well.

Executive Chef Tennille “Chef Tee” Middleton will head kitchen operations. Being an alum of both Johnson & Wales University Culinary College and the sixth season of Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” Chef Tee brings over fifteen years of executive chef experience to Hunter’s Bar and Grill. Chef Tee started as the Executive Chef of Greenberg’s College Park Grill in August 2022 and now oversees kitchen operations across all eight of Greenberg’s restaurants.

Dan Seaman will take over all day-to-day operations as the General Manager and contributing Partner of the restaurant. Dan has over twenty years of restaurant experience and is currently the General Manager of College Park Grill. Prior to joining the College Park Grill team in 2018, Seaman worked at a variety of restaurants including Cafe Deluxe, Woodmont Grill, and Mastro’s Steakhouse.

Greenberg’s team plans to maintain a majority of the restaurant’s current menu offerings, though they will be adding their own twist through improving current recipes and experimenting with new items based on customer feedback. The acquisition of Hunter’s Bar and Grill increases his Potomac culinary presence to two restaurants, Potomac Pizza being the other, while marking his ninth presently operating restaurant.

The acquisition of Hunter’s adds a ninth presently operating restaurant to Greenberg’s resume and increases his presence in the Potomac Village to two restaurants: Potomac Pizza and Hunter’s Bar and Grill. Greenberg plans on taking over full operations of Hunter’s in mid-September and is very excited to become a part of the long-standing Hunter’s family. The restaurant will remain open during the transition, with Chef Tenille Middleton taking over kitchen operations and Dan Seaman transitioning into the role of General Manager and Partner.

While last night’s gigantic $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot was won by a lucky lottery player in Florida, two $10,000 winning tickets were sold in Maryland; at a 7-Eleven (5920 Pulaski Highway) in Baltimore and at a Wawa (709 Belair Road) in Harford County. Last week, six $10,000 winning tickets were sold in Maryland. Additional details below courtesy of MD Lottery:
The winning numbers to match were the white balls 13, 19, 20, 32 and 33 plus the gold Mega Ball 14; the optional Megaplier was X2. Lottery officials encourage winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location until they can claim their prize. Winners have 182 days from the date of the drawing to claim prizes.

The state had 26 third-tier winners of at least $10,000 during this jackpot run that started on April 21. There have been over 1 million winning tickets sold in Maryland during that time. More than $56.5 million in sales occurred during the roll, and based on approximately 25% of sales being returned to the state, the profit to the Maryland General Fund from those sales was about $14.5 million. The last Maryland jackpot win came in March 2014, when Maryland and Florida players split a $414 million jackpot. That winning ticket was sold at Lady’s Liquors in La Plata. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 47 states and jurisdictions. Odds of winning a $1 million prize are 1 in 12 million with overall odds of winning 1 in 24.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuitpWuiKQ/

The Maryland Department of Health today announced Strengthening Families in Recovery, a pilot program to support pregnant and parenting women recovering from substance and opioid use disorders.
“Pregnant and postpartum Marylanders — and their families — deserve everything we can do to help them achieve lasting recovery,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “This evidence-based, comprehensive model combines a family-strengthening program with support to address barriers that can so easily derail people on their recovery journey.”

In Maryland, nearly 30,000 women with children have substance use or opioid use disorders, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. This pilot program, which is slated to enroll 750 women, is funded by a three-year, $900,000 per year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This money will fund additional recovery support coordinators, pregnant parenting women navigators, and family support coaches to help enrolled women navigate administrative barriers.

Strengthening Families in Recovery will serve rural, suburban and urban communities, each struggling with high opioid rates and the compounding impact of addiction on families.
The goals of the pilot project are to:

1. Engage and enroll families in the Strengthening Families program so they can identify and build on evidence-based factors that support the whole family.

2. Remove administrative barriers, such as criminal records through the expungement process.

3. Help women navigate and resolve issues such as negative credit histories, outstanding financial debt, access to benefits like food stamps and getting job ready.

Strengthening Families in Recovery will be offered in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Washington County and Worcester County.

Learn more at health.maryland.gov/bha or strengtheningfamiliesprogram.org.