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:
Last month, two groups of students from Burtonsville Elementary School participated in the Maryland State Destination Imagination Tournament at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Students worked hard during the year preparing for their performance and tournament challenge.
The Burtonsville Sharks, made up of fourth and fifth graders, won first place in their division and will head to Kansas City, Mo., later this month, for the Destination Imagination Globals’ competition. Team members are: Evan Fernandes, Eduardo Gutierrez, Carter Etienne, Nicolas Ostroff, Makenzie Mina, Askale Girma and Nathan Fernandes. Team managers are Alex Fernandes and Nichole Fernandes.
Earlier this month, MCPS announced that vape detectors were in the process of being installed in the bathrooms of a “limited number of high schools.” Student journalists Hannah Lee, Claire Yu, and Avery Wang, of Richard Montgomery’s RM Tide newspaper, have reported that installations begin this week at six MCPS High Schools: John F. Kennedy, Northwood , Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Richard Montgomery, and Walt Whitman. The detectors will remain until at least the end of the school year.
Per MCPS: “Vape detectors are in the process of being installed in the bathrooms of a limited number of high school schools. These detectors will help to identify any instances of vaping or smoking in the bathrooms, allowing us to take appropriate action to prevent harm to our students’ health and safety.”
The Greene Turtle in Burtonsville is saying THANK YOU to Teachers on Tuesday, May 2nd with a FREE Meal*! Greene Turtle Burtonsville is located at 15560 Old Columbia Pike. Details on the deal below:
*School Teachers who show a valid school issued Teacher ID will receive a free meal valued at up to $15. Valid Dine-In Only. Offer does not include beverages. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, Happy Hour or Greene Turtle Rewards.
EDENS announced today that TJ Maxx will be coming to the renovated Burtonsville Crossing shopping center in 2024. TJ Maxx is a discount department store that sells clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home décor with over 1000 stores nationwide, including Montgomery County locations in Germantown, Olney, Rockville, and Silver Spring. TJ Maxx joins Sprouts and Domain Fitness & Performance as businesses confirmed for Burtonsville Crossing.
Per EDENS: Burtonsville Crossing is a redevelopment for EDENS. Perfectly nestled between Baltimore and Washington, DC, this redevelopment project ideally connects two major cities, making it accessible for consumers, from city-goers and Montgomery County residents alike.
EDENS held a community plaza groundbreaking event at Burtonsville Crossing on Friday, April 28. Among those in attendance were County Executive Marc Elrich, Council President Evan Glass, District 5 Councilmember Kristen Mink, and former NBA player Jason Miskiri. Miskiri is part of a group that will be opening Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center that has signed on to open in the shopping center and will be located adjacent to Sprouts. Miskiri also owns several restaurants in Silver Spring, including the Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge.
It was also announced that Sprouts is on track to open by the end of this year. Sprouts was the first business to sign a lease for the renovated Burtonsville Crossing and this will be the chain’s first Montgomery County location. The grocer offers a wide selection of natural and organic foods, including fresh produce, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, meat and seafood, deli, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items. A representative from EDENS also confirmed to us that TJ Maxx will be opening a location in the shopping center in 2024.
EDENS will hold a community plaza groundbreaking on Friday, April 28 at noon. “Please join EDENS and special guests in celebration of our groundbreaking for the new community plaza area at Burtonsville Crossing, plus announcements and updates on our progress.” – EDENS. A new tenant has also signed on at the shopping center– Domain Fitness Center (additional information in the post below).
Construction began on the redevelopment of the Burtonsville Shopping Center a couple months back. Approximately 7,600 square feet of existing retail is in the process of being demolished with that retail square footage being turned into two new pad sites with drive- thrus. There will also be improvements to open space, landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian circulation. Video of recent construction is available below, by Larry Jones of the Burtonsville, MD Facebook group.
Pepino’s has been responsible for most of the parked cars you’ve seen at the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center the last few years. Owners/sisters Patti Pignataro and Margaret Manley told us, “Every night’s a dinner party!” when we stopped by during our 2019 “tour of Burtonsville”. Sadly, Pepino’s has confirmed that Saturday, April 29th will be the last day of operations for the restaurant, as they won’t be around for the redevelopment of Burtonsville Crossing.
Originally located in the current Cuba de Ayer location, Pepino’s has been around since 1991. Patti and Margaret bought the restaurant in 2006. They’re the former owners of Umberto’s, which was located in the Cabin John Shopping Center in Potomac. The restaurant didn’t miss a beat and remained a staple in the Burtonsville community.
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Recreation will host the “Project Prom Dress” giveaway event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville. Any high school student with their school I.D. card can shop, try-on and take home a free dress or suit and accessories so they are ready for their school’s prom. The Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center is located at 14906 Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.
The event will have hundreds of items that have been donated by members of the community throughout February and March. The project helps decrease the financial obstacles of attending prom. WPGC 95.5 FM is co-sponsoring the event. Midday personality Poet will broadcast live from the event and serve as host and celebrity personal shopper for the students.