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:


The initial investigation has revealed that two suspects entered a restaurant in the 11200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, jumped over the front counter, displayed a gun and ordered the employees to the back of the store. One of the suspects then dragged an employee through the business to where the safes were located. The suspect demanded that the first safe be opened. The victim complied with the suspects’ demands. The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money. When the victim was unable to open the second safe, the suspect began to strike the victim in the head with his hand and his gun. The suspects then left the scene in a red Mitsubishi Lancer.


Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates White Oak Medical Center’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

Per the press release: “I am incredibly proud of our team for their dedication to achieve this milestone and receive an ‘A’ from Leapfrog,” said Anthony Stahl, president of Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. “While the last few years have been challenging, our team’s commitment remained: to improve patient safety and provide a world-class experience to every patient.” The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.


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.


Non-profit organization Samaritan’s Feet, in partnership with Elevation Outreach, will be providing new socks and shoes to children in the White Oak Middle School community. Approximately 200 Sixth Grade Students and K-5th-grade students that attend OR will attend White Oak Middle School will have the opportunity to receive new sneakers and socks. 200 additional pairs of shoes for students that have not pre-registered will be available first come, first served!

This takes place today, Saturday, May 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at White Oak Middle School (12201 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20904). Volunteers will fit students for new shoes and socks. They will also provide a Hope Tote“, which is an orange drawstring book bag that also contains a Hope Note” with an encouraging message submitted by Samaritans Feet supporters. In addition, families can participate in fun activities at the event.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 20-year-old Kaleab Abebe Berhanu, of Baltimore, for the homicide that occurred on Sunday, April 9, 2023, in the 11800 block of Old Columbia Pike.

Berhanu is accused of killing 20-year-old Carlos Rashard Carter, of Silver Spring. Through the investigation, detectives developed Berhanu as the suspect.


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.


Life shouldn’t be about views, likes, and shares, but this article will be as we take a look back at the upcoming restaurants that have created the most buzz on our website and associated social media accounts in the last two months. Today we’re going to highlight the five (in no particular order) that have generated the most buzz in terms of views, likes, and shares now that we’re in the midst of spring:

Charley Prime (Rio/Gaithersburg): Permanent signage is up at Charley Prime Foods, the new restaurant from Jackie Greenbaum & Gordon Banks (Little Coco’s, El Chucho, Bar Charley, Quarry House Tavern) that will be replacing Tara Thai on the Rio Lakefront boardwalk at 9811 Washington Blvd in Gaithersburg. The restaurant is expected to open this spring.


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