Potomac Archives - Page 23 of 50

Ted Leonsis Gifts Georgetown University $5 Million For “Bark Tank” Competition

Published October 30, 2023 at 3:31PM

Eight student teams on a mission to make a positive impact on society presented their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges during the Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize “Bark Tank” Pitch Competition on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, taking home $125,000 in prizes.

During the event, Georgetown Entrepreneurship also announced a transformational $5 million gift from Ted Leonsis (C’77, P’14,’15), founder, chairman, principal partner, and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and his family, to provide permanent support for the Bark Tank Pitch Competition, so that it exists at Georgetown in perpetuity. The gift also will establish the Leonsis Family Venture Development Program to support student startups, incubator programs, and other entrepreneurial programming across the university. Since Bark Tank’s inception, $975,000 in prizes have been awarded to 60 different ventures, and those ventures have gone on to raise more than $295 million and create over 1,000 jobs.

Ghost Story: Maryland Mines

By MCS Staff

Published October 27, 2023 at 12:17PM

In 1906, a crew of miners at the present-day intersection of Falls Road and MacArthur Boulevard (Potomac) were preparing to set off an explosion in a mine’s tunnel in a search for gold. Gold was previously discovered in a nearby stream in the 1860’s and local businessmen were looking to strike it rich. As the story goes, one of the miners tossed their helmet, which was outfitted with a lit candle, during a break. It landed near dynamite and caused a massive explosion that collapsed a building and killed a hoist operator named Charles Eglin. Then, strange things started to happen…

According to Visit Montgomery, “horses would be afraid to go near the mine. Tools and food would go missing, and someone knocking on the walls would reverberate through the tunnels. One of the most chilling incidents happened to a night watchman who said he came across a demon with fiery eyes and 10-foot-long tail. The mine closed soon after and today most of it is now on restricted and private property.”

MoCoShow High School Football Game of the Week – Congressional Cup Championship: Churchill at Walter Johnson

By Damon Anderson

Published October 26, 2023 at 12:42PM | Updated November 5, 2023 at 12:07PM

In the world of high school football, it’s not uncommon to ponder the “what-ifs” and to wonder how the outcome of early-season matchups might differ if they were played later in the year. While it’s thrilling to have marquee matchups right out of the gate, teams often evolve and improve, making early-season assessments less reliable. Such is the case for Churchill and Walter Johnson, who squared off in Week 1 of the last two-year cycle. Last year, their opening encounter was marked by turnovers and a general sloppiness that clouded both teams’ true potential. Churchill, in particular, faced an uphill battle after that defeat, which led to a string of nine consecutive victories, with Running Back David Avit emerging as a star.

Had they met again later in the season or in the playoffs, the narrative might have been very different. This season, the eagerly awaited rematch is scheduled for the final week of the regular season. Both teams have had time to discover their identity, solidify their strengths, and understand what it takes to secure a victory. Barring any unforeseen twists, the better team should be evident on the field.

MoCo’s Noah Bratschi Wins Silver Medal in Speed Climbing at 2023 Pan American Games

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 7:25AM

Montgomery County’s very own Noah Bratschi, a 2018 graduate of Churchill High School, has brought home the silver medal in Speed Climbing from the Pan American Games. Speed Climbing is a sport where athletes compete on identical routes with the goal of reaching the top of a 15m-high wall as quickly as possible.

Bratschi previously won the bronze medal at the 2021 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Championship in Moscow, Russia to become the first American speed climber to win a World Championship medal in thirty years (since 1991). With that, he also became the first American to ever win a medal on the modern IFSC homologated speed climbing wall.

Police Investigating Fatal Democracy Boulevard Collision; Victim’s Identity Released

By Patrick Herron

Published October 24, 2023 at 10:39AM

Per MCPD: “Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District officers are investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The preliminary investigation has revealed that at approximately 6:26 p.m., 60-year-old Byron Jennings was driving a 2012 Kia Sorento westbound on Democracy Blvd prior to Newbridge Drive when he suffered a medical emergency. The Kia then left the roadway, causing a 2015 BMW to collide with the curb and to leave the roadway.

The driver of the BMW sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Jennings, of Lynchburg, VA, was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Deer Rescued After Falling Into 15’ Window Well Sunday Morning (VIDEO)

By MCS Staff

Published October 23, 2023 at 8:35PM

On the morning of October 22, Montgomery County residents were greeted with an unusual scene – a deer had fallen into the window well of their Potomac home. The young buck, though unscathed from the fall, was unfortunately trapped in the 15-foot deep well. Thankfully, the homeowner’s knew who to call! Animal Service Officers Flores-Lopez and Jesien responded to the scene, wasting no time in mobilizing support for the challenging rescue operation (video below) courtesy of Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center.

Officer Ingle, assisted by staff veterinarian Dr. Ramirez, humanely sedated the struggling deer via blow dart, a tool recently acquired by MCASAC for difficult rescues such as this one. Within moments, the effects of the sedative took hold, allowing the team to climb safely into the well and approach the trapped deer. Montgomery County Maryland – Fire & Rescue Service arrived on scene and assisted our officers in loading the deer onto a basket stretcher, which was connected to the crane system on the top of the fire truck. Finally, the deer was safely lifted out of the window well.

25 Worst Parking Lots in Montgomery County (2023 Edition)

By Patrick Herron

Published October 23, 2023 at 10:05AM | Updated October 23, 2023 at 5:25PM

Everyone has had their share of terrible experiences in MoCo parking lots, and while there are more than 25 “bad” parking lots, we’ve narrowed down a list (in no particular order) of what may be the worst based on our experiences and comments left by readers throughout the years.

Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

100+ Restaurants That Have Opened in Montgomery County in 2023

By Patrick Herron

Published October 15, 2023 at 11:55AM

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

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx4CS4gOZio/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0f71d286-286f-47f2-bd2a-02bb51f27c98

MCFRS Respond to Collision Wednesday Afternoon in Potomac

By Patrick Herron

Published October 11, 2023 at 1:15PM | Updated October 11, 2023 at 2:29PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) responded to a collision on Wednesday, October 11 in Potomac. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the collision occurred on Seven Locks Rd and Greentree Rd, in the Deerfield neighborhood. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

Seven Locks Rd & Greentree Rd, Deerfield neighborhood, Potomac, collision, @mcfrs PE726, PE710, A710 on scene pic.twitter.com/l5OhTeaKCN

The JCRC Is Hosting a Vigil of Jewish Unity & Solidarity With Israel on Thursday, October 12th in Potomac

By MCS Staff

Published October 10, 2023 at 4:07PM | Updated October 10, 2023 at 8:07PM

On Sunday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released a statement following the Hamas attacks on Israel that left over 1,000 Israelis dead. The area’s Jewish communities are coming together to show support for Israel. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) is hosting a vigil of Jewish Unity & Solidarity with Israel that is being held on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30pm at the Congregation Har Shalom (11510 Falls Rd) in Potomac.

The vigil is being held in partnership with Montgomery County and DC area Synagogues, as well as CESJDS, Jewish Studio Project, Ramah DC Day Camp, Americans for Ben-Gurion University, Haberman Institute, ADL, AJC, FIDF, JCRC and JFGW. Babysitting will be available to children 5- 11 years old beginning at 7:15PM – registration is required on the event page.

Update: Saturday Night Fire Causes $125K in Damage; Three Adults and Two Pets Displaced

By Patrick Herron

Published October 9, 2023 at 3:58PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at a two-story single family home on the 12000 block of Coldstream Drive, near Victory Lane, in Potomac late Saturday evening. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the fire was out by approximately 8pm and one patient was evaluated for minor injuries. That person refused transport and all three occupants of the home were able to get out safely. The fire originated in the basement of the home, but a cause has not been made available. Three adults and two pets have been displaced.

On Monday, Piringer tweeted it was likely that Lithium battery cells were involved to some degree, however other electrical equipment was located in immediate basement area. Damage is estimated to $125K.