Montgomery Parks’ 300-year-old historic linden oak tree was loved by many. The tree was taken down in July due to declining health, however, the wood salvaged from the tree will carry on its legacy as a park bench. Local chainsaw artist Colin Vale will begin carving the wood from the tree the first week of October. Once complete, the bench will be placed at Ken-Gar Palisades Local Park.
What: Linden Oak tree carving
Since 1994, the Kensington 8K Race has been one of the most popular DC area fall races. It’s described as a “fun, fast event with beauty, challenge, and excitement” and this year it takes place on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
“Known throughout the DC Area as a true community race – parents and kids cheering on each other and welcomed visitors running through our Town and Rock Creek Park.” Four local schools – Kensington Parkwood ES, North Bethesda MS, Silver Creek MS, and Walter Johnson HS – benefit from race proceeds, with more than $250,000 raised since 2009.
“We Are Ready to Strike– An overwhelming 98% voted YES to an Unfair Labor Practice strike.”
Kaiser Permanente workers in the DMV have authorized a strike that would begin as early as October 1st if a contract agreement between the union and the Kaiser is not reached by the end of September, according to a statement Monday by the local union representing DMV Kaiser employees. The statement can be seen below:
Per MCDOT: Due to Labor Day Celebrations, Ride On Routes 5 and 57 will experience detours on Monday, Sept. 4. Information for each detour can be found below.
To Silver Spring Station: From Knowles Avenue, left on Connecticut Avenue, continue on University Boulevard, right on Perry Avenue, right on St. Paul Street, left on Metropolitan Avenue, and back on route. Stops 24026, 24960, 21284, and 21282 will be bypassed. Use alternate stops 24028 and 23512.
Per Montgomery County: The 56th Annual Town of Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival will start off the holiday early, with the parade kicking off at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. The parade will include marching bands, equestrian show groups, dance units, floats and ambassadors. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is scheduled to participate in the parade.
Following the parade, the festival will continue on Armory Avenue through 2 p.m. The festival will feature food trucks, vendors and activities. More information on the parade is available at https://tok.md.gov/event/kensington-labor-parade-2023/.
With MCPS teachers reporting back to school on Monday, August 21st for pre-service week, DMV car wash spot Mr. Car Wash is offering free car washes to teachers, school staff, and administrators at any of its 10 locations across the DMV until August 31st. Just mention your role at the school to any of the team members and you will receive your free wash. Mr. Wash has two Montgomery County locations, at 7996 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring and at 3817 Dupont Ave. in Kensington. Participating locations also include:
Babycat Brewery at 10241 Kensington Pkwy in Kensington is partnering with the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) for the release of its newest ale, Station 5’s Red. According to Babycat, the “gorgeous Red Ale” is 5.5% ABV with malty sweet notes and touches of cherry and toffee. The beer goes on tap at the brewery on Thursday, August 10 and $1 of each pint sold will go to support the KVFD Station 5.
Babycat Brewery was opened by MoCo residents Sam Mussomeli and Terry Redmond in November 2022. “Born from a love of nature, pets, family, and beer, BabyCat brewery will forever be dedicated to crafting excellent craft beverages and ensuring you, your family and your friends feel right at home every time you visit us.”
Montgomery Parks has closed Sligo Creek Parkway, between University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue, and Beach Drive, from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue due to the anticipated flooding, high winds, and downed trees.
Additionally, Montgomery Parks is urging the public to stay out of parks and off trails and parkways today, August 7, 2023, due to the severe weather forecast for this afternoon through the evening. An announcement will be sent out when the parkways are reopened, and it is safe to use parks and trails.
Construction began earlier this year at the upcoming Kensington Crossing shopping center, which is located at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road). Recently, a decision to change the name from Kensington Crossing to ‘Crossroads in Kensington.’
Since plans were approved, Crossroads at Kensington has also signed M&T Bank, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, Mezeh, and Marathon Deli for the upcoming shopping center. M&T Bank, which currently has a Kensington location on Howard Avenue, will move once construction of the new space is complete. Buffalo Wild Wings GO is a scaled-down version of the traditional BWW restaurant that focuses on the to-go and delivery format. Mezeh is a fast-casual eatery with a buffet-style of offerings that include rice and salad bowls, wraps and a variety of sauces and toppings. Marathon Deli, a staple of College Park and life at the University of Maryland for decades, is the most recent to sign on, and one more space remains available in the shopping center.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jasmine Jenifer Perez is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a house fire on the 11800blk Goodloe Rd., off Dewey Road, near Viers Mill Elementary School shortly before 11:30 on Tuesday morning. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, crews arrived to heavy fire conditions. Two firefighters were treated for non-life threatening injuries and there were no civilian injuries. Damage is estimated to be ~400K and four adults have been displaced.
The origin/cause of the fire is currently under investigation but fire investigators did locate damaged lithium batteries at the scene. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.