MoCo Archives - Page 307 of 614

To-Go Alcohol Sales End on June 30th in Maryland

Published June 23, 2023 at 3:35PM

Back in May 2021, Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill into law that gave a two year extension on the sale of alcohol via delivery and carryout by licensed restaurants. That extension ends at the end of this month (June 2023) and to-go sales of alcohol will end in the state of Maryland.

The Montgomery County ABS, which regulates the sale of liquor in Montgomery County, passed a temporary resolution back on March 24, 2020 that allows holders of on-premise licenses to sell for carry out and delivery. This was one way restaurants were able to stay afloat during the pandemic while dining rooms were shut down. The new bill, SB205, replaced the temporary resolution in July 2021 for two years. Montgomery County’s ABS confirmed via phone call that to-go sales via delivery and carry-out would end on Friday, June 30th.

Reminder: Montgomery County Minimum Wage Will Increase on July 1 to $16.70 Per Hour for Large Employers

By Patrick Herron

Published June 23, 2023 at 2:26PM

Per Montgomery County: The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1.

Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington, D.C.-Arlington-Alexandria area, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.70 per hour.

MoCo Native Jordan Hawkins Drafted 14th Overall in the 2023 NBA Draft

By MCS Staff

Published June 23, 2023 at 10:55AM

Jordan Hawkins, who is coming off of leading the UConn Huskies to a National Championship, has reached another milestone. The young man from Gaithersburg was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. Hawkins is a Montgomery County native who attended Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Germantown and Gaithersburg High School for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to DeMatha.

Hawkins was a top 50 recruit, who came to UConnfollowing two years at powerhouse program DeMathaCatholic (Hyattsville, Md.) under Coach Mike Jones. He played AAU for Team Durant under Coach Angel Hernandez, and as a senior at DeMatha, averaged 19.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.9 blocks, while shooting .636 overall and .464 from three-point range to lead DeMatha to an 11-0 record and was named 2020-21 Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year. Hawkins was a two-time Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention pick and averaged 20.2 points per game as a sophomore when he was at Gaithersburg High School (per UCONN).

Montgomery County Executive Elrich and Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez Announce County Action to Prevent Displacement and Preserve Affordable Housing for 345 Households

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 11:27PM

Per Montgomery County: After tenants of Westchester West Apartments were informed that their building was going to be sold, they worried that rents would rise even more than they already had and so they worked with the community organization Action in Montgomery (AIM), to ask the County to intervene, which it is allowed to do under the County’s Right of First Refusal (RoFR) law. County Executive Marc Elrich, in agreement with Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez, asked the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) to find a partner who could preserve the affordability for the long term. This naturally occurring affordable housing rental property includes a large number of three-bedroom or “family-sized” units. After working with non-profit housing organization Enterprise Community Development (ECD), on June 8, 2023, Montgomery County’s DHCA purchased Westchester West Apartments, a residential property with 345 units located at 3214 Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill, Md., from Westchester Gardens LLC., for $67 million.

After purchasing the apartment building, DHCA immediately sold the rental housing property to ECD Westchester Apartments, LLC, an ECD affiliate, who will carry out the long-term plan for the property. This includes preserving affordability, curing deferred maintenance, and improving operations and services for residents. When transferring the property to ECD Westchester, the County also provided a $5 million loan for immediate rehab work to address deferred maintenance.

Five Things To Do in MoCo This Weekend (June 23-25, 2023)

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 10:54PM

Rockville Pride Takes Place This Saturday, June 24th

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 12:21PM

Per the City of Rockville: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. The commemorative month also recognizes the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history—locally, nationally, and internationally.

The City of Rockville has issued proclamations declaring LGBTQ+ Pride Month since June 2017.

WSSC Water and Montgomery County Partner to “Turn Poop to Power”

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 9:46AM

Per WSSC: WSSC Water and Montgomery County recently entered into a five-year agreement that will literally turn poop into power. Thanks to the construction of the innovative Piscataway Bioenergy Facility, methane gas captured during the wastewater treatment process will be upgraded to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and sold to the county to power their Ride On buses. During today’s monthly meeting, WSSC Water Commissioners were briefed on the agreement to generate an estimated $700,000 per year in revenue for WSSC Water while reducing the utility’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Montgomery County government is always seeking innovative and sustainable practices in order to reduce carbon emissions,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This agreement to turn methane gas into fuel for our buses is a win-win-win for our constituents, commuters and, most importantly, our environment. I appreciate the efforts of WSSC Water to work with us to create this agreement. Increasing the efficiency and reliability of our Ride-On bus system is critical toward the County’s goal of a 100% carbon emission reduction by 2035. This agreement, along with our new electric buses and microgrids are important improvements within our fleet of Ride-On vehicles.”

Ben’s Chili Bowl’s Chili and Half Smokes Will Soon Be Available at Giant

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 8:09AM

Giant Food has announced that Ben’s Chili Bowl’s world-famous Chili and Half Smokes will be available in the prepared food sections and hot bars in Giant stores throughout the area beginning this Friday, June 23. According to a press release, Giant will offer Ben’s Chili Bowl Original and Spicy Half Smokes, Chili Con Carne, Turkey Chili and “secret” Chili Sauce.

“Ben’s Chili Bowl has remained a respected business within our community since 1958 and the opportunity to partner with the brand and expand the Ali family’s legacy was a no-brainer,” said Ira Kress, President at Giant Food. “We are proud to introduce Ben’s Chili Bowl’s fan-favorite recipes and menu items into our stores, and we are sure they will be a welcomed addition for our customers.”

‘Heritage Days’ Events Will Be Held Countywide on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25

By Patrick Herron

Published June 21, 2023 at 6:55PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County “Heritage Days,” an annual free, countywide festival highlighting historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites that offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, return for the 24th year on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. More than 30 sites will have live music and activities for all ages. Heritage Days present the opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.

In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, Heritage Days have the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal and astronomy. Heritage Days also highlight local arts and culture, as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking and walking tours. Many venues will offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children and refreshments.

Free Animation, Graphic Novel and Mini Comic Book Programs Will Be Offered at Wheaton and White Oak Branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries in July and August

By Patrick Herron

Published June 21, 2023 at 3:43PM

Per Montgomery County: The Wheaton and White Oak libraries of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer several free animation, graphic novel and mini comic book programs for ages 10 to 50-and-over in July and August. The animation workshops explore the history, science and creative possibilities of animation. Participants will create three optical toys: a thaumatrope, a zoetrope strip and a flip-book.

The graphic novel classes teach participants to create a graphic novel page using all the conventions of graphic novel storytelling: narration, dialogue, character design, dynamic page layouts and cinematic techniques. The mini comic book workshops teach participants to write and illustrate a brief fictional, factual or a combination of both that will become six-to-eight-page narratives using one folded sheet of paper.

Montgomery County Council to Hold Committee Meetings on Thursday, June 22

By Patrick Herron

Published June 21, 2023 at 3:39PM

OLO Report 2023-4, Developing Data Strategies for Future Emergencies

Review: The GO Committee will review OLO Report 2023-4, Developing Data Strategies for Future Emergencies. The report examines how County agencies could collect and track data related to emergency relief funds in a way that would not delay the flow of funds in future emergencies. The report is available on the OLO website.