MoCo Archives - Page 323 of 605

Planning Board Unanimously Recommends Historic Designation for Edward U. Taylor School in Boyds; County Council Will Make the Final Decision

Published February 25, 2023 at 10:07AM

The Montgomery County Planning Board recommended the Montgomery County Council designate the Edward U. Taylor School in Boyds as historic by adding it to the county’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation at a public hearing on Thursday, February 23. The County Council makes final decisions on historic designations of properties in the county. “We commend the Planning Board’s recommendation that the County Council designate the Edward U. Taylor Elementary School as a historic site,” said Acting Planning Director Tanya Stern. “This school is a landmark in the history of the Black community in Boyds and served as a community anchor. The Taylor School represented the efforts of individuals like Edward U. Taylor and Black organizations, parents, and teachers to obtain quality educational facilities for Black children in Montgomery County in the mid-20^thcentury.” Historic designation criteria are established in Chapter 24A in the Montgomery County Code. The Planning Board evaluated the sites against the criteria and found that the Edward U. Taylor School met the following criteria:

About the Edward U. Taylor School site: The former Edward U. Taylor School (19501 White Ground Road, Boyds, MD) was built as an elementary school for Black students at a time when Montgomery County used legally sanctioned racial segregation to prohibit Black children from attending white schools. The Modern Movement-influenced building was completed in 1952, and features several additions built between 1954 and 1969. The facility was built to modern school design standards and represents the cumulative efforts of the county’s Black community to obtain better facilities and opportunities after decades of public underinvestment in educational facilities for Black children. The building currently serves as the Taylor Science Center for the processing and storage of science kits for Montgomery County Public Schools. The recommendation to study the school was brought forward in the MARC Rail Communities Plan, which was approved by the County Council in April 2019. View a short video on the Legacy of the Edward U. Taylor School. View the September 2022 Edward U. Taylor Elementary School Master Plan for Historic Preservation Designation Form.

MoCo Native Kiyomi McMiller Becomes First High School Athlete to Sign NIL Deal with Jordan Brand

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 5:37PM | Updated February 25, 2023 at 11:13AM

Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8” point guard from the class of 2024, has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) sponsorship with the Jordan Brand. This marks the Jordan Brand’s first high school NIL deal.The Silver Spring, MD–born guard is one of the top-ranked players in her recruiting class. Known for her skilled ball handling and scoring ability. McMiller joins the Jordan Brand as its first high school NIL athlete as she paves the way for the next generation of athletes. She is the Jordan brand’s second NIL athlete joining fellow MoCo native Kiki Rice, who was named the brand’s first NIL athlete in 2022.

McMiller currently plays point guard at Life Center Academy (LCA). The 5’8 junior is only in her first season at the school, where her father is a coach, having previously played at Trinity Collegiate School in Darlington, South Carolina, last season, where she averaged 27.1 points per game as a sophomore. Prior to high school she attended Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Burtonsville. “I’m inspired by both of my parents. I get my creativity from my dad and my grandmother, which carries over to my dribbling,” says McMiller. “I’m always in the gym with my mom and dad working on my game. It’s a dream come true being with the brand that stands for the same passion that I have for the game. I look forward to encouraging basketball players to use their creativity and platform to define their purpose.”

Free Spring and Summer Concert Series to be Presented by Bloom by Strathmore and Montgomery Recreation

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 11:38AM

Arts access has been an important part of Strathmore’s mission since its founding. In 2016, Strathmore expanded its commitment to taking the arts beyond its walls, particularly in the eastern part of Montgomery County. “Strathmore is such an important part of the identity of Montgomery County, and it is such a special place,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “But we know the arts are not equally accessible to all members of our County. The ‘East County Initiative’ of Bloom by Strathmore is a creative way to bring a variety of music to community members who might otherwise never have this opportunity. We are happy that Strathmore and Montgomery County Recreation are again partnering in this innovative program.”

For more information about the concert series, contact Martita Galindo of Strathmore at 301-581-5249 or [email protected].

Montgomery County, MD Files Lawsuit Against McKinsey and Company, Inc. for Company’s Role in Creating Opioid Epidemic

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 7:25PM

Per Montgomery County: On Wednesday, the Office of the County Attorney for Montgomery County filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court Northern District of California against McKinsey and Company, Inc. for the company’s role in marketing opioids to the public and medical providers. The suit alleges that the McKinsey defendants served as marketing advisors to several opioid manufacturers, and in this role, helped counter the “emotional message” from the families of overdose victims and advised Purdue on how to “turbocharge” the sale of opioids. To read the full complaint, please click here.

“As Purdue and other pharmaceuticals companies made billions off the harm and death their products brought to millions of Americans, McKinsey and Company, Inc. were their enablers and a profiteer of this blood money,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This is another example of the corporate structure being used to shield people from their immoral actions. They must be made to account for their callous greed and the filing of this lawsuit marks an important milestone in our county’s efforts to do just that. We will aggressively advocate for the many Montgomery County residents who have been harmed by this deadly and preventable epidemic. The actions and decisions of this company were immoral, inhumane, and unconscionable. They need to be held equally accountable.”

ABC 7’s Kevin Lewis Announces He Will Be Leaving The Station After Ten Years Covering Montgomery County

By MCS Staff

Published February 23, 2023 at 3:01PM

Early Thursday morning, Kevin Lewis of WJLA/ABC 7 announced that he will be leaving the station after 10 years of covering Montgomery County. Kevin Lewis joined the ABC7 News team in August of 2013 and has covered Montgomery County, Maryland, from the get-go. His full statement can be seen below:

“After nearly 10 years, Friday, February 24th, will be my final day at ABC7 in D.C. The decision to leave the station has been incredibly difficult for me to reach… confusion and sadness, but a gnawing sense that it’s time for me to write a new chapter.

Climate Action Quarterly Progress Report Highlights Countywide Accomplishments to Reduce Climate-Related Risks

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 10:21AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County has released the second-quarter update of its Fiscal Year 2023 Climate Work Plan, highlighting ongoing work on the County’s Climate Action Plan. In the second quarter of FY23, progress was made on more than 50 actions to help reach the goals of the plan. The Climate Action Plan (CAP), unveiled in 2021, is a strategic plan to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and by 100 percent by 2035. The plan seeks to reduce climate-related risks to the County’s residents, businesses and the built and natural environment.

The quarterly progress report summarizes the efforts undertaken by County departments and agencies to implement the CAP through innovative and collaborative projects in clean energy, building, transportation, carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, climate governance, public engagement and zero waste.

New Cybersecurity Initiative with Focus on Helping Small Businesses Seeking to Provide Cybersecurity Services Will Be Detailed at March 6 Event in Rockville

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 10:20AM | Updated February 24, 2023 at 5:45PM

Per Montgomery County: As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of securing critical IT systems and infrastructure, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and partners are stepping up their collaborative approach to cybersecurity innovation. A new initiative with a focus on helping small businesses seeking to provide cybersecurity services will be detailed at an event in Rockville on Monday, March 6. The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) is launching the new Cybersecurity Connections initiative with a special emphasis on small businesses seeking to provide cybersecurity services or that want to connect with companies, government or academic organizations for cybersecurity support.

Some of the effort’s goals are to:

Schedule and Education Sessions Announced for 10th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit That Will Be Held March 28-29 in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 10:13AM

On March 28, the sessions are designed for building owners, managers and facilities staff. Attendees will cycle through five stations to learn about energy benchmarking and performance requirements for commercial buildings. The sessions will address resources available to assist in improving building performance, including receiving utility incentives, financing building upgrades, securing building permits and installing electric vehicle charging stations.

During the first day of the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one, ask questions and receive hands-on support from subject matter experts. Energy audit demos will take place throughout the day to help attendees consider no-and low-cost energy-saving opportunities in their buildings.

Formal Plaque Unveiled to Recognize the Renaming of Rockville Memorial Library

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 9:52AM

Per Montgomery County: A formal plaque has been dedicated at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change for the branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County Commission on Veterans Affairs.

The plaque is located on the first-floor lobby of the library, next to a digital display honoring the County’s Fallen Heroes. The Fallen Heroes digital display honors County residents killed in action dating to World War I

Sixth Annual ‘Girl Power Contest’ Recognizing March as Women’s History Month Accepting Entries Through Friday, March 31

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 9:51AM

Per Montgomery County: In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Libraries and Friends of the Library is holding its Sixth Annual “Girl Power Contest.” County residents, ages 5 and up, are encouraged to submit a short story, poem, drawing or entry in the medium of their choice that addresses this year’s theme. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Friday, March 31.

In 2022, the Montgomery County Council made history as voters in November elected the County’s first female-majority Council. In honor of this milestone, the following question is the theme for this year’s Girl Power Contest: We now have six women on the Montgomery County Council. What advice would you give them to make sure our community is a place where women and girls can feel safe and encouraged?

Council President Evan Glass Calls for Creation of Anti-Hate Task Force

By Patrick Herron

Published February 22, 2023 at 12:52PM

According to the most recent Montgomery County Report on Bias Incidents, there were 143 reported bias incidents in 2021 – the highest number in nearly a decade. Of the 79 race-based incidents, 60.8% were anti-Black and 20.3% were anti-Asian. Of the 34 incidents motivated by bias towards religion, 85.3% were considered anti-Jewish, despite residents of Jewish faith making up only 10% of the population. The level of public animosity towards Jews is higher than it’s been in recent memory, with antisemitic hate crimes on the rise in our region and across the nation. Last year, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 34% increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide – the highest number on record since ADL began tracking such incidents.

As a Jew and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know the fear and pain many of our neighbors are experiencing. One of the central functions of government is to provide comfort and safety to our residents, which is why we have a moral obligation to promote inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, prevent the spread of misinformation, and reject hate in all its forms.