MoCo Archives - Page 255 of 605

The Ghosts of Glen Echo

Published October 26, 2023 at 3:31PM

Glen Echo Park was first developed in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught the sciences, arts, languages, and literature. The Chautauqua lasted for just one season, and by the early 1900s, the site had become Glen Echo Amusement Park — the premier amusement park serving the Washington area until 1968, when it closed (learn more about the civil rights story here). Below we will share with you a tragic tale that has become somewhat of a local ghost story. A video of what Glen Echo Park looks like today can be seen below.

Glen Echo Park was home to the “Coaster Dips” roller coaster. The popular attraction opened in May 1921 and remained until the park closed in 1968. Coaster Dips was nearly 70 feet tall, and the Potomac River could be seen in the distance before plummeting to the bottom of the rickety wooden coaster. Tragically, William J. Lawrence, a 21-year-old Washington drug clerk, fell from the coaster in 1929. According to local legend, screams from the coaster echo into the late evening hours on clear nights. Per the Washington Post in 1929:

MoCoShow High School Football Game of the Week – Congressional Cup Championship: Churchill at Walter Johnson

By Damon Anderson

Published October 26, 2023 at 12:42PM | Updated November 5, 2023 at 12:07PM

In the world of high school football, it’s not uncommon to ponder the “what-ifs” and to wonder how the outcome of early-season matchups might differ if they were played later in the year. While it’s thrilling to have marquee matchups right out of the gate, teams often evolve and improve, making early-season assessments less reliable. Such is the case for Churchill and Walter Johnson, who squared off in Week 1 of the last two-year cycle. Last year, their opening encounter was marked by turnovers and a general sloppiness that clouded both teams’ true potential. Churchill, in particular, faced an uphill battle after that defeat, which led to a string of nine consecutive victories, with Running Back David Avit emerging as a star.

Had they met again later in the season or in the playoffs, the narrative might have been very different. This season, the eagerly awaited rematch is scheduled for the final week of the regular season. Both teams have had time to discover their identity, solidify their strengths, and understand what it takes to secure a victory. Barring any unforeseen twists, the better team should be evident on the field.

Students at Six MCPS High Schools Win County and District Championships

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 11:37PM

Congratulations to students at six high schools for winning the following county and district championships (Courtesy of MCPS and MCPS Athletics):

Winston Churchill for winning the 3A/4A Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s (MPSSAA’s) District Championship in Golf

Springbrook’s Akiel Russell Honored by Commanders as “Coach of The Week”

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 10:52PM

Springbrook High School head football coach Akiel Russell was selected the Washington Commanders Coach of the Week on Sept. 29.

Russell, 37, is a Springbrook graduate himself. After high school he went on to attend Delaware State, where he starred at defensive end and continued playing football im the American Indoor Football Association and Semi-Pro leagues before returning to Springbrook as an assistant coach in 2009. He became the school‘s head football coach this season after spending time with other programs in recent years.

MCPS Athletics is Piloting Pickleball As New Corollary Sport at 11 High Schools

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 9:33PM | Updated October 27, 2023 at 8:05AM

MCPS Athletics is piloting pickleball as a new corollary sport at 11 high schools this fall. USA Pickleball instructor Rob Campbell from MoCo Pickleball held a training session for coaches to prepare them for the season.

The schools that will field teams are: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Montgomery Blair, James Hubert Blake, Clarksburg, Richard Montgomery, John F. Kennedy, Quince Orchard, Sherwood, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Wheaton. Watch the video below from the first week of competition as the Sports Insight crew visited Wheaton and Kennedy (courtesy of MCPS).

Statement From Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando on Recent Gun Violence and Bomb Threats

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 5:04PM

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (At-Large), chair of the Education and Culture (EC) Committee, released the following statement related to recent gun violence and bomb threats.

We all deserve to be safe in our communities, homes and schools. The recent reports of bomb threats, gun violence and guns found in or near our schools are highly disturbing and unacceptable.

Halloween Safety Tips For Parents and Kids

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 4:18PM

Halloween is less than a week away. Time for all the little witches, ghosts, and goblins to go out in search of treats. It is an exciting time for children of all ages, but Takoma Park Police wants to make sure everyone understands how to keep themselves safe, whether they are with their parents or out with friends. Tips below:

• Make sure your child’s costume is bright and reflective since it will become dark outside during their trick-or-treating. If it’s not, consider putting reflective tape or stripping on their costumes. Make sure their shoes fit well and their costumes are short enough that they don’t find themselves tripping.

Public ‘Listening Sessions’ to Receive Public Input on Capital Crescent Trail Improvements to be Held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 8

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 1:37PM

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery Parks wants to hear from the community about future improvements to the Capital Crescent trail. The two upcoming meetings, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, will provide an opportunity for trail users to share ideas for renovations to the 3.5-mile portion of the trail in Montgomery County from Downtown Bethesda south to the District of Columbia line.

The Capital Crescent Trail 2.0 project will reimagine the trail by evaluating features such as width, signage, access, trail connectivity and amenities. Parks planners will consider public input and best practices in trail design to produce a long-term vision for the trail.

Montgomery County Bike Drive Collects Nearly 300 Bicycles

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 1:29PM

Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is connecting people in the County who have a bike to donate with people who need one. On Friday, Oct. 20, MCDOT collected 290 bicycles at its annual one-day bike collection event in Rockville.

MCDOT sponsored the collection of child and adult bikes in partnership with Rockville Bike Hub and Bikes for the World. Volunteers from the organizations will refurbish the bikes and place them with children and adults in need through Bikes for the World, the MCDOT Bike Match Program and the Rockville Terrific Kids program.

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day Weekend on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 10-11

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 1:25PM

Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Veterans Day Weekend, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 10-11. Veterans Day ceremonies throughout the County will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11. However, the County Government will observe the holiday on Friday, Nov. 10.

County offices—Closed on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11.

‘Residential Fast Track’ and ‘Apply Online’ Portal Will Lead to Some Permits Being Approved in Days Instead of Weeks

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 1:24PM | Updated October 26, 2023 at 9:04AM

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has improved its “Residential Fast Track” program and its “Apply Online” portal, creating changes that could lead to permits on some eligible projects being approved in days instead of weeks. The changes continue DPS initiatives that are making its building permit programs and services faster and easier to use for residents and businesses.

DPS has reenergized its Residential Fast Track program to ensure building permits are issued in one to two days for eligible projects, such as single-level decks and fences. The program previously was offered in-person as a walk-thru service, but was discontinued during the COVID-19 health crisis. It is now available online, and in some cases, permits for eligible projects that took weeks for approvals may now be completed in a few days as long as submitted applications have complete information. To make this happen, Residential Fast Track applications are tracked by a dedicated permit technician to ensure they are expedited.