MoCo Archives - Page 343 of 629

Sardi’s Announces Scholarship in Memory of Co-Founder Philip G. Sardelis

Published March 13, 2023 at 7:34AM

Sardi’s, the local restaurant chain founded by two Montgomery County natives (Walter Johnson and Wheaton graduates), has announced the Sardi’s Scholarship in memory of co-owner Philip G. Sardelis. Additional information below:

“As a company we have always been proud to give back. Due to the passing of our beloved co-owner Philip G. Sardelis we have decided to create the Sardi’s Scholarship in Memorial of Philip G Sardelis. We hope this continues to impact our community as this was always an important priority for Phil. He was always involved in donating time, money and food to all of the local schools, hospitals, churches, firehouses and police stations. We hope to honor his legacy and continue the good work with this fund. If you would like to contribute please go to the below link. Give Back – PayPal.

RespectFest to Take Place This April Discussing Dating Violence & Prevention, Healthy Relationships, and Consent

By MCS Staff

Published March 12, 2023 at 9:51AM

Choose Respect Montgomery’s annual event, RespectFest, will host a week of virtual activities, culminating in an in-person event from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Students aged 12–18 and their parents are invited to learn about dating violence and prevention, healthy relationships and consent. The virtual week runs from April 10–14. There will be workshops and activities for middle and high school students, parents and youth-service providers. Students can earn up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating.

The in-person festival will include activities to learn about dating violence, consent, how to help a friend and warning signs of an abusive relationship. There will also be performances, yoga and self-defense demonstrations and a resource fair with community organizations. Students can earn up to three SSL hours by participating in the education activities. The Wheaton Community Recreation Center is located at 11701 Georgia Avenue. RespectFest

The Ancient Ruins of Chi-Chi’s in Lakeforest Mall

By MCS Staff

Published March 11, 2023 at 11:55PM | Updated March 12, 2023 at 1:05AM

With Lakeforest closing in just a couple weeks, we felt it was time to bring back an old favorite here at The MoCoShow. Our founder, Mr. MoCo (Alex T.) has previously stated that some of his fondest MoCo memories took place at Chi-Chi’s (photos of the Lakeforest location below). Growing up in Gaithersburg, he and his family would frequently go to the Lakeforest location for dinner– it was the restaurant that introduced him to fried ice cream.

Chi-Chi’s also had a Rockville location in Wintergreen Plaza that later became Broadway/Ted’s 355 Diner and is currently Habit Burger and Jersey Mike’s. Tough the restaurant chain left town approximately two decades ago, Lakeforest never replaced it (located across from the old Lakeforest Silver Diner). The vacant location was closed off, but a few years backthe window covers were temporarily removed and MoCo resident Jeff Melia was able to take a few photos through the window. Inside were the ruins of days past.

Body Found on Blake High School Grounds Early Saturday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published March 11, 2023 at 6:05PM

James Hubert Blake High School principal Robert Sinclair Jr. sent out a message informing the Blake community of a body found on school grounds early Saturday morning. According to the message, a jogger who was using the school track found an unresponsive individual on school grounds and attempted to revive the individual unsuccessfully. Emergency personnel were also unable to revive the individual. Additional information can be found in the full letter to the community, seen below:

“Dear Blake High School Families, Students and Staff

Detectives Seek Assistance in Locating Missing 16 Year Old

By MCS Staff

Published March 11, 2023 at 2:13PM | Updated March 13, 2023 at 8:41AM

Herrera is approximately 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a grey zip-up hoodie with the number ‘23’ on the back. Police and family are concerned for her welfare. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brianna Herrera is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400. Callers may remain anonymous.

MCPD Responds to Shooting Near Wheaton Mall

By MCS Staff

Published March 11, 2023 at 1:27PM

Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting in the 11160 block of Veirs Mill Rd. at approximately 11am on Saturday morning.

According to police, “A victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A suspect is in custody. The scene is secure and there is no current threat to the community.” Public safety reporter Cordell Pugh reports that one suspect is in custody after the victim was shot in the face and transported to the hospital.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Appoints First Office of Food Systems Resilience Director Heather Bruskin

By Patrick Herron

Published March 10, 2023 at 3:35PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County has named its first director, Heather Bruskin, for the newly created Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), established to streamline and coordinate the County’s efforts to address local food system challenges. Ms. Bruskin is an expert in food security, economy, education and environmental policy creation and implementation. OFSR was created based on the recommendation of the Montgomery County COVID-19 Food Security Task Force and established by the County Council in July 2022 under Bill 20-22 to serve as a liaison between County government agencies and community food systems partners such as nonprofits, farmers and businesses.

The County is home to approximately 1.05 million people, of whom 87,190 (8.3% of total population) are estimated to be food insecure according to Feeding America’s Meal Gap Map. According to the American Community Survey, there are significant disparities in risk for hunger in our community, particularly related to race (8-14 percent food insecurity rates for Black and brown residents compared to just 5 percent of white residents) and age (14 percent or 34,000 residents 18 & younger.) Additionally, the high cost of living in Montgomery County results in thousands of additional households with incomes that are too high to receive benefits assistance but too low to make ends meet.

MCPS Schools Celebrate Latest Sports Accomplishments

By MCS Staff

Published March 10, 2023 at 8:05AM

Per MCPS Athletics: Congratulations to the following MCPS high school regional basketball champions:

Boys

‘Montgomery Connects’ to Distribute 6,000 Additional Computers to Eligible Low-Income Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published March 9, 2023 at 10:26PM

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, will distribute 6,000 laptops in March to low-income individuals funded by the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund grant and Maryland Emergency Education Relief grants. Montgomery County-serving nonprofit organizations, agencies and County departments who have clients eligible for the computers are encouraged to make information available to their clients about the limited remaining availability of the laptops.

Organizations are encouraged to provide assistance to help clients register for an appointment to receive a computer using registration links at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer. Organizations that need additional assistance are encouraged to contact Montgomery Connects by email at [email protected].

Reminder: When Changing Clocks and Checking Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend, Reduce the Risk for Trash Fires by Properly Recycling Batteries

By Patrick Herron

Published March 9, 2023 at 10:23PM

Per Montgomery County: Daylight Saving Time begins overnight Saturday-Sunday, March 11-12. In addition to moving clocks one hour forward, it is a good reminder to check or replace the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If batteries are being replaced, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents to not throw them in the trash. They need to be recycled properly.

Improperly disposed batteries in trash and recycling containers can result in trash fires. To avoid a potential tragedy, County residents can bring all types of batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off area at the Montgomery County Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station. The recycling facility is located at 16101 Frederick Rd. in Derwood. Some retailers also offer drop-off programs to recycle batteries. Check the Call2Recycle website to find a nearby location. For more information on all recycling opportunities in Montgomery County, visit Home – Recycling and Resource Management Division (montgomerycountymd.gov).

Montgomery Parks and Planning departments present Spring 2023 Semiannual Report to the county council

By MCS Staff

Published March 9, 2023 at 9:00AM

The Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Planning(opens in a new tab) departments presented their Spring 2023 Semiannual Report to the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The presentations showcased key projects, park activities and plans from the past six months, and initiatives that will be completed over the next six months and beyond. The presentation is given to the County Council every spring and fall and allows County Councilmembers to provide feedback to Montgomery Parks and Planning leadership and staff. Watch the Spring 2023 Semiannual presentation to the County Council here or read highlights available below.

Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Jeff Zyontz began the presentation by highlighting the work of the temporary acting Planning Board. “I’m grateful to Commissioners Cherri Branson, David Hill, and Amy Presley – over the last four months, they were engaged and dedicated to the task they were given, including approving 133 individual regulatory items in addition to recommending approval of master plans for the County Council’s consideration. I look forward to working with the new Planning Board members.”