MoCo Archives - Page 296 of 605

Paint Branch’s Heather Podosek Announces Retirement in Letter to the Panther Community

Published June 29, 2023 at 5:29PM

Paint Branch Athletic Director Heather Podosek has retired from MCPS after 31 years. Podosek has been Athletic director since 2010, following two championships and 13 years as the girl’s head basketball coach. Earlier today, Podosek posted the following letter to the Paint Branch Athletics website saying goodbye to the Paint Branch community:

“Today is a emotional day for me as I retire from MCPS after 31 years, but it is also filled with reflection and gratitude! As I look back at my career (and all the stops along the way) which brought me to my “home” at Paint Branch, I will always be thankful for the guidance, patience and encouragement of the administrators, colleagues, coaches, students, and families that help me in my journey. You have been such a big part of shaping my career which is filled with love, laughter and happiness!

Code Red Air Quality, Unhealthy for Everyone, Forecasted For DMV (Thursday, June 29th)

By MCS Staff

Published June 28, 2023 at 10:15PM

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Red air day for the metropolitan Washington region on Thursday, June 29. Code Red levels mean the air is unhealthy for everyone. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada is contributing to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. COG advises the following health precautions:

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency also recommends the following during wildfire events:

County to Host Independence Day Fireworks Shows in Kensington and Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 6:02PM

Montgomery County will host two free Independence Day fireworks displays this year, one on Saturday, July 1, and the other on Tuesday, July 4. The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:

“Our Independence Day fireworks displays are such wonderful events and the perfect opportunity to enjoy music, outdoors and time with family and friends,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “We look forward to celebrating together once again this summer.”

Montgomery County Council Statement Condemning Vandalism and Burning of Pride and Ukrainian Flags in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 5:55PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council issued a statement on the recent vandalism, burning and removal of LGBTQ+ Pride flags, a Black Trans Lives Matter flag and Ukrainian flags at residential homes in Silver Spring in the early morning on Wednesday, June 28.

“We are outraged by the numerous incidents of hate and anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism that occurred early this morning, which included the removal and burning of Pride flags, LGBTQ+ banners, Ukrainian solidarity flags, a Black Trans Lives Matter flag and other inclusive lawn signs in the Park Hills neighborhood and nearby streets in Silver Spring.

Reports of Pride Flags, Ukrainian Flags and Inclusive Lawn Signs Being Desecrated in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 3:02PM

According to Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass, Montgomery County Police have received reports of signs and flags being vandalized in Silver Spring. Glass tweeted the following:

Earlier today MCPD received reports of Pride flags, Ukrainian flags and inclusive lawn signs in Silver Spring being desecrated.

Montgomery County Council Approves County Executive’s Appointments of Scott Bruton as Director of Housing and Ben Stevenson as Director of Corrections

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 11:18AM

Per Montgomery County (6.27.23): The Montgomery County Council today approved County Executive Marc Elrich’s nominations of Scott Bruton to lead the County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and Ben Stevenson to lead the County’s Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR).

Dr. Bruton originally came to the County six months ago. He served as deputy director and acting director of DHCA before being confirmed today. Dr. Bruton brings a lot of real-world experience to his new role as director. Dr. Bruton spent the last seven years working for the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development in Washington, D.C., where he was senior vice president for housing policy, research and development.

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 11:15AM

· Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information.

Code Orange Air Quality, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Forecasted For DMV Today (Wednesday, June 28)

By MCS Staff

Published June 28, 2023 at 6:55AM

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region today: Wednesday, June 28. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution.

The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease. On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following health precautions:

Former Montgomery County Police Officer Featured in Ad For Presidential Candidate/Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

By MCS Staff

Published June 27, 2023 at 7:21PM | Updated June 27, 2023 at 9:49PM

Mercedes Phillips, a former police officer in Montgomery County, is featured in a new campaign ad for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his bid for the Republican nomination for President of the United States (video available below).

In the advertisement, Phillips states she was a police officer in Montgomery County for three years and that “it’s a really big difference when you have the Governor of an entire state that supports law enforcement because I know that trickles down immediately to the community because when the government supports law enforcement, then they follow suit.”

Five Things to Know About Special Event Permits from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

By Patrick Herron

Published June 26, 2023 at 10:37PM

Per Montgomery County: From arts and music festivals to fireworks shows and athletic tournaments, Montgomery County is a destination for special events. The County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is committed to ensuring the permitting process for these events is easier than ever. Carnivals, community festivals, dances, fairs, picnics and recreation activities are examples of activities that may require a special event permit. If a community association, nonprofit or other type of organization is planning an event, it should check to see if a special event permit is needed. To contact DPS about possibly needing a special event permit, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Here are five more things to know about permits before planning a special event that is open to the public in Montgomery County.

Free Summer Meals For Children 18 and Below Available at Various Locations Across The County

By MCS Staff

Published June 26, 2023 at 10:13PM | Updated July 4, 2023 at 9:26AM

The MCPS Summer Meals Program is designed to bridge the “nutrition gap” when school is out. Children 18 years old or younger can come to any of the open locations to receive a free nutritious meal during breakfast and lunch at no cost. Meals are served Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary, however, meals must be eaten at the location.

Summer food service meal sites available by clicking here: (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pM-VLHBPW5l43kIAHJsg0RCR42b6xO-DHS56zx7ihpk/edit#gid=540288845)