The sale of marijuana for recreational use in Maryland begins today, July 1. Below is a list of all the cannabis dispensaries located in Montgomery County. Visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration website for information on dispensaries across the state of the Maryland.
Bethesda:
Paint Branch Athletic Director Heather Podosek has retired from MCPS after 31 years. Podosek has been Athletic director since 2010, following two championships and 13 years as the girl’s head basketball coach. Earlier today, Podosek posted the following letter to the Paint Branch Athletics website saying goodbye to the Paint Branch community:
“Today is a emotional day for me as I retire from MCPS after 31 years, but it is also filled with reflection and gratitude! As I look back at my career (and all the stops along the way) which brought me to my “home” at Paint Branch, I will always be thankful for the guidance, patience and encouragement of the administrators, colleagues, coaches, students, and families that help me in my journey. You have been such a big part of shaping my career which is filled with love, laughter and happiness!
The Montgomery County Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:
Pamela B. Wheeler-Taylor, currently Assistant Chief, Youth and Family Engagement Bureau, Metropolitan Police Department, as Chief Safety Officer, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
Alston was last seen on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at approximately 3 p.m. in the 14000 block of Perrywood Drive in Burtonsville. Alston is approximately 5-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair that she is currently wearing in braids. She was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, black ripped jeans and blue and black Jordans. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mo’naye Alston is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.
A black bear was spotted in Burtonsville in multiple areas including a photo that was taken by Keaton Stavely on McKnew Rd, off of Rt.198, on Tuesday morning. Many Burtonsville residents stated they also saw the bear in different areas.
Last month there were multiple bear sightings in Chevy Chase, Kensington, and Rockville, with one bear that was trapped and relocated by the Rockville City Police Department and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on May 8th.
A Beltsville man has claimed a $50,000 prize from a scratch-off purchased at 7-Eleven in Burtonsville. Full story below, courtesy of Maryland Lottery:
“What a payday! A Beltsville man found a blend of Lottery luck and player error turned his $100 allocation of Lottery games into a $50,000 Hot 777 payout. The 40-year-old found his lucky Hot 777scratch-off waiting at 7-Eleven #23691 located at 15585 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. He spent $50 on his usual draw games and decided to spend the other $50 he had allocated on scratch-offs. The Prince George’s County resident was immediately drawn to the new $20 Hot 777 game and decided to try it. He intended to buy just one but accidentally selected two scratch-offs. The accidentally purchased instant ticket was the $50,000 winner.
He learned of his big win sitting in his car, only moments after leaving the Montgomery County store. The winner immediately took a photo of his lucky scratch-off and sent the photo to his wife. He and his wife of 10 years plan to use the prize to pay debts. The Hot 777 scratch-off went on sale on April 24 and became one of the hottest games on the market. It’s now the second most popular scratch-off at the Maryland Lottery.
The United States Park Police arrested the driver involved in the fatal March 15 crash on Rock Creek Parkway that killed three occupants, including a Montgomery County resident, in one of the involved cars. Nakita Marie Walker, 43, of Washington, D.C. was charged with Second Degree Murder and arrested on May 22.
Per Park Police, On Wednesday, March 15 at 1:43 a.m., USPP officers were dispatched to a crash on the Rock Creek Parkway near P Street NW. The three occupants in the Honda were pronounced dead on the scene. The deceased were later identified as Mohamed Kamara, 42, of Burtonsville, MD, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, of Arlington, VA, and Olvin Torres Velasquez, 22, of Arlington, VA.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) was called to the scene of a single vehicle that was driven into a townhouse on the 3800 block of Cullingworth Rd near Blackburn Lane in Burtonsville at approximately 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, for reasons unknown at this time, the single vehicle appears to have “gently” hit the townhouse, causing minimal structural damage. No injuries were sustained due to the collision.
Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar, currently the principal at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, has been named Director of School Administration and Instructional Leadership of Frederick County Public Schools.
Per FCPS: Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar comes to FCPS from Montgomery County Public Schools where she currently serves as a high school principal. She has worked in the field of education for 23 years. During her career her focus has been on the education of high school students. Her professional experiences include both school-based and central office-based positions. Dr. Mirshah-Nayar served as principal of two Maryland schools, Largo High and Paint Branch High. In addition, she has served as the president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from American University, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and an administrative certification from Hood College.
World-renowned chef Peter Chang recently visited the culinary program at Paint Branch High School to teach students two recipes inspired by his family and culture. In Montgomery County, Chang owns Peter Chang Rockville and Q By Peter Chang in Bethesda. Chef Chang’s visit kicked off Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
In a separate celebration on May 11, MCPS leaders, staff and community members came together at Carver Educational Services Center to celebrate and recognize Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage with presentations, performances and food. Check out a photo gallery from the event. Video below: