Up County Archives - Page 107 of 212

Spark By Hilton to Open in Germantown on Halloween

Published October 30, 2023 at 1:52PM

Hilton announced the forthcoming opening of Spark by Hilton Germantown (26260 Goldenrod Lane; 301-428-1300), continuing the company’s focus on the premium economy segment. Spark offers modern hospitality and exceptional essentials at a budget-friendly price. The Germantown property will be the second Spark by Hilton, to debut in less than a year after Hilton announced the new, exciting and fresh hotel brand. It is the first in the Washington Region and the next in what Hilton has announced as a pipeline of more than 400 expansion opportunities in various stages of development around the country.

Per Hilton: Located conveniently off of I-270 in Montgomery County, Spark by Hilton Germantown Washington DC North is perfectly situated to serve the lodging needs of business, government and personal travelers. Savvy travelers will be able to access The Highlands at Germantown Event and Meeting Center, offering a range of special event, celebration, and meeting facilities. The hotel is located within five minutes of the Maryland SoccerPlex and Clarksburg Premium Outlets and is immediately adjacent to Montgomery College and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. All the amenities and attractions of the nation’s capital are just 45 minutes away, accessible by car or public transportation on the Metro Red Line rail. The hotel is also close to Fort Meade, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Final Germantown Flea Market of the Season This Saturday

By Patrick Herron

Published October 30, 2023 at 11:49AM

The Germantown Flea Market returns this Saturday, November 4, from 8am-1pm at the MARC rail commuter lot at the intersection of Germantown Rd. (Rt. 118) and Bowman Mill Drive. Additional details below courtesy of the Germantown Historical Society:

The Germantown Community Flea Market is the place to find bargains and treasures. There’s something for everyone – toys & games – fashions and footwear – antiques and collectibles, lawn mowers and bicycles. You can search for your favorite CDs or books, discover kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed, jewelry to go with your favorite outfit – all kinds of things that you just can’t live without — and all at bargain prices! And the first bargain you find is when you come in – there is no admission or parking fee.

TOUS les JOURS Now Open in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published October 29, 2023 at 3:22PM

TOUS les JOURS is now open inside of New Grand Mart (13069 Wisteria Dr) in Germantown. The French-Asian Bakery features a variety of breads, pastries, and cakes that are baked in-store daily, as well as a wide selection of coffee/espresso based drinks and teas. Other vendors inside of the New Grand Mart food court include Noodles & Friends, Gogi Friends Korean BBQ, and Fortune Cha Bubble Tea.

“Since our launch into the United States in 2004, TOUS les JOURS [meaning “everyday” in French] has developed into a reputable neighborhood bakery specializing in French-Asian inspired baked goods, hand crafted beverages and bold, flavorful coffee and espresso made with the finest ingredients. We take pride in sourcing and using carefully selected ingredients and promises to bring freshness and quality to our customers. To date, we have more than 90 locations across the United States, and more than 1,650 worldwide.”

A Look at Maryland’s Largest High School

By MCS Staff

Published October 26, 2023 at 4:16PM | Updated October 26, 2023 at 7:29PM

Before it became the largest high school in Maryland, in terms of square footage (here’s a list of the 20 largest by enrollment), Seneca Valley High School (19401 Crystal Rock Dr. Germantown, MD) opened in its original building in 1974. The school sits on land that was once the site of a dairy farm owned by baseball player Walter Johnson. Johnson purchased the land in 1935 and lived there with his family until his death in 1946. It was Germantown’s only high school until Northwest opened in 1998.

In its first year of operation, the 1974-1975 school year, under Principal Nathan Pearson, Seneca Valley hosted students in grades seven through ten. In the following 1975-1976 school year, the school operated grades nine through eleven, with 8th graders transferring to the newly opened Ridgeview Junior High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. During the 1976-1977 school year, Seneca Valley became a senior high school, hosting grades ten through twelve, and graduating its first class in June 1977. Finally in 1988, Seneca Valley changed to its present state of full-fledged high school with grades 9-12. The original school building was demolished in 2020 and replaced with a new building on-site in 2021.

Germantown Man Wins $50,000

By Patrick Herron

Published October 26, 2023 at 12:55PM

The 53-year-old plans to pay off bills. He described the experience of the big win as “exciting”. When he started to scratch his ticket, he instantly saw he was a winner. The first number in his “Your Numbers” was 03 and the $50,000 prize was underneath that number. Then he looked over and saw 03 in his “Winning Numbers”. That resulted in the top prize of $50,000. “I couldn’t believe it. I then checked it in the store, and it was true,” said the maintenance worker.

The lucky ticket was purchased at the Germantown BP on 19911 Aircraft Drive in Montgomery County. The Germantown retailer will receive a bonus of $500. The $20 $50,000 Cash started back on Dec. 29 with 160 prizes. The Germantown man is the 74th winner, but 86 still remain along with prizes ranging from $20 to $5,000.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Kayla DiCello, Northwest HS Alumna, Wins Gold at Pan American Games

By Patrick Herron

Published October 24, 2023 at 3:57PM

Kayla DiCello, a 2022 graduate of Northwest High School in Germantown, won the all-around gold on Monday at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. According to USA Gymnastics, “DiCello won the women’s all-around with a 54.699, thanks to posting the highest scores of the evening on uneven bars (13.633) and floor exercise (13.733) and scoring a 13.200 on balance beam and 14.133 on vault.” She is the first U.S. woman to win all-around gold at the Pan American games since 2011.

DiCello is a six-time USA National Team Member and currently attends the University of Florida. In 2021, DiCello made the Olympic team as an alternate and participated in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Update: Detectives Investigating Germantown Armed Carjacking; Description of Suspects Released

By Patrick Herron

Published October 24, 2023 at 3:16PM

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 9:35 p.m., an adult male victim arrived at his home in a 2015 silver BMW and parked it on the driveway. At that point, four suspects parked their unknown vehicle behind the victim, blocking the driveway. Three armed suspects exited the vehicle, pointed their guns at the victim and ordered the victim to get out of the BMW. The victim complied with the suspects’ demands. One of the suspects got in the BMW and left the scene, and the other three suspects drove away in their vehicle.

Police Respond to Armed Carjacking in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published October 24, 2023 at 9:19AM

Montgomery County Police responded to an armed carjacking on Monday, October 23, in Germantown. According to police, “At approximately 10 p.m., MCPD responded to the 19400 block of St. Johnsbury Lane for the report of an armed carjacking that just occurred. No injuries were reported. There are no suspects in custody at this time. This is an active and ongoing investigation. More information will be released as is becomes available.”

Rockville Police Make Arrest Following Armed Home Invasion Sunday Afternoon

By MCS Staff

Published October 23, 2023 at 7:18PM

Per the Rockville City Police Department: “On October 22, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Rockville City Police Officers responded to the 200 block Elizabeth Avenue for a residential robbery. The victim reported that he was accosted at his front door by two masked men armed with handguns. The men fled from the location after police were alerted to the incident in a silver Dodge Charger.

Officers observed the suspect vehicle in the area while responding to the call and pursued it. However, the suspect vehicle became disabled in the area of E. Argyle Street and W. Lynfield Drive. Police established a perimeter, and the driver was apprehended near the 600 block of Harrington Road; two handguns were recovered. The passenger remains outstanding.

Home Struck by Gunfire Early Sunday Morning in Clarksburg

By Patrick Herron

Published October 22, 2023 at 1:41PM

Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting early this morning in Clarksburg. According to police, “On Sunday, October 22, 2023, at approximately 1:59 a.m., MCP officers responded to the 12800 block of Clarks Crossing Drive in Clarksburg for the report of shots fired.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect(s) arrived at the location in an unknown vehicle, fired rounds, and left the scene. A home was struck by gunfire. The home was occupied but no one reported any injuries. This is an active and ongoing investigation.

Lighting Athletic Fields at Damascus Recreational Park Will Be Focus of Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24

By Patrick Herron

Published October 21, 2023 at 7:02PM

Per Montgomery County: “Whether to provide lights on two ballpark diamond fields and a future rectangular field at Damascus Regional Park will be the focus of a meeting Montgomery Parks will be holding at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg. The meeting also will be available virtually.

Hallie Wells Middle School is located at 11701 Little Seneca Parkway in Clarksburg. To join the meeting virtually, go to MoCoParks.org/DRPLights. Anyone who may be attending in person or virtually is asked to register in advance at mocoparks.org/DRPMeeting. Registration is optional.