Known internationally for narrative-driven paintings and drawings and technology-infused displays, Campello has worked as an artist, gallerist, curator, art critic, instructor, author, and arts blogger. He was named one of DC’s “most interesting people” by the Washington CityPaper. “Lenny has such a fresh take on art, and we thrilled he’s going to be a part of our show,” says MAA President Jennifer Barlow. “His level of support to new and experienced artists alike really wows us.”

The annual art show runs for three days—September 3-5—and features hundreds of pieces of artwork by member artists. Original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography—plus prints and notecards—will all be for sale. A portion of proceeds goes in support of MAA’s educational mission.


The fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.. The timing of the fireworks shows may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. There will be food vendors at both locations. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The rain date for the fireworks display only is July 5.

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].


Edfried “Hans” Gassner, age 83, was last seen Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at approximately 11:30 a.m., in the 11400 block of Rokeby Ave.

Gassner is approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He has blue eyes and is bald. He was last seen wearing a grey hat, a yellow and brown shirt and beige pants.


After the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Independence Day fireworks and celebrations are back in a big way this year. Below is a list of all the MoCo fireworks displays that have been announced:

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].


The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:


Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. While Harriet Tubman was not active in this part of Maryland, the award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.

Related crafts and resources are also available online atwww.noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events. Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.


Malone is 6-feet tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has a salt and pepper beard and hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jumpsuit and brown Timberland boots. He may be walking around with a wheelchair.  Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Joseph Malone is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Major Crimes Division – Cold Case Unit at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.


Nathan Henderson of Boy Scout Troop 439 recently completed his Eagle Scout project at Leonard D. Jackson Ken Gar Center in Kensington. The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Nathan’s project included building and installing two benches, removing bushes, planting new bushes, and laying mulch. Thank you to Town of Kensington Public Works for pouring concrete bases for the benches. Nathan’s parents, John and Patti, were also present for the project. You can see photos of the project below.


Swartz is approximately 5-feet-8-inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has brown eyes and is balding with brown and gray hair. Swartz may be operating a black 2017 Toyota Avalon with MD tags 2CV7753. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Eric William Swartz is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.


The Town of Kensington election will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the Kensington Town Hall (3710 Mitchell Street). The term of Mayor Tracey Furman and Council Members Bridget Hill-Zayat and Nate Engle are set to expire June 30, 2022. Absentee Ballots will be made available to any registered voter that is unable to vote in person by completing the Absentee Ballot application, and returning it to Susan Engels, Clerk-Treasurer, at the following email: [email protected]. An Absentee Ballot application will be mailed to every registered voter within the Town. If you have not received the Absentee Ballot application, please contact Susan Engels at the above email.

The Candidate Forum will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022, 7:00 pm, at the Kensington Town Hall. The Candidate Forum will also be available to view on Zoom. Please email Alex Marini, [email protected], for the Zoom link.


Back in January 2021, we let you know of site plans that were being developed for Kensington Crossing, a new retail development that will be located at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road) in Kensington. Yesterday, Montgomery Planning staff recommended approval (with conditions) for the project.

The site plan is limited to a maximum of 11,400 square feet of retail/service establishment and restaurant uses and one drive-thru lane associated with a bank. The Property is currently contains a vacant gas and service station and surface parking area. The main building and a temporary outbuilding are currently being used for seasonal retail sales. Vehicular access to the Property is currently unfettered – with four largely uncontrolled access points along both Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Road. Two of the existing vehicular access points are located in very close proximity to the signalized intersection.


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