Up County Archives - Page 132 of 203

Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School in Germantown Ushers in Lunar New Year With Annual Celebration

Published January 26, 2023 at 8:34AM

MCPS students, parents and staff at Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School, in Germantown, ushered in the Lunar New Year in grand style with their annual show and celebration on January 20. From traditional dances to vibrant costumes, students from all backgrounds celebrated Asian culture and traditions.

Students performed traditional Chinese and Vietnamese dances; sang; showed off martial arts moves; showcased a kids’ game; and played the flute, gourd flute and erhu, traditional Chinese instruments. Check out a photo gallery from the event. Courtesy of MCPS.

Damascus High School Alumna, Ava Piedrahita, named Penn State Student-Athlete of the Week

By MCS Staff

Published January 25, 2023 at 3:01PM

Ava Piedrahita, a 2022 graduate of Damascus High School has been named Penn State student-athlete of the week. Ava, a native of Gaithersburg, also attended John T. Baker Middle School in Damascus. According to her website, Ava started gymnastics because her sister Kaitlyn was in gymnastics back in 2007 and she was just tagging along running around in the waiting room. She started with recreational classes for a couple of years then was invited to team at Hill’s Gymnastics in Gaithersburg.

Penn State on Ava: “In the first Big Ten meet of her career against No. 16 Minnesota, Piedrahita shined with three career-highs in a fantastic all-around competition for the freshman. The freshman started off her night with a 9.800 on bars as one of four Nittany Lions to post a 9.800-or-better on the apparatus. She continued with a career-best 9.875 on vault, which led the team in the event and became Penn State’s best mark on the apparatus this season. Her career-best 9.775 on the balance beam closed out the night for her and helped her set a new lifetime best 39.225 in the all-around to claim second place in the meet. The score also became Penn State’s best all-around mark in the 2023 season. In a tough Big Ten road environment, the freshman rose to the occasion and performed extremely well for the Nittany Lions”

Police Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery in Germantown; Victim Attacked After Placing PS4 for Sale on Snapchat

By Patrick Herron

Published January 25, 2023 at 2:02PM

The investigation by detectives determined that the victim placed a PlayStation 4 (PS4) for sale on Snapchat. The victim and suspect agreed to meet at the victim’s house to complete the sale. Two suspects arrived at the victim’s home and when the victim gave the first suspect the PS4, he stated that he was not going to pay it. A struggle occurred between the two suspects and the victim. At some point, the first suspect produced a handgun and hit the victim with it, causing minor injuries. The suspects ran away without any property. While running, the first suspect tripped causing the gun to go off. The first suspect is described as a Black male, 6-feet, 2-inches tall, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

New Grand Mart Coming to Germantown Plaza

By Patrick Herron

Published January 25, 2023 at 12:17PM

New Grand Mart, a Korean grocery chain with several locations across Maryland and Virginia, is coming to 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center. It is taking over the space previously occupied by Lotte Plaza, which closed in November. According to its website, “New Grand Mart carries a variety of fresh produce, fish, meats, and ethnic specialty items that is hard for other markets to match.” No opening date has been announced.

About: “New Grand Mart, a subsidiary of Green Paradise Enterprises, opened its first store in Falls Church, Virginia in August 2013 by acquiring the former Grand Mart – Seven Corners. Following the acquisition of its second store, the former Grand Mart – Alexandria, VA, in November 2013. New Grand Mart opened its third store in Langley Park, MD in July 2014, fourth store in North Chesterfield, VA in May 2015, fifth store in Henrico, VA in Oct 2017, and sixth store in New Carrollton, MD in March 2018.”

Detectives Investigate Armed Home Invasion in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published January 24, 2023 at 3:05PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a Germantown home invasion. On Monday, January 23, 2023, at approximately 2:58 a.m., 5th District officers responded to the 21100 block of Archstone Way for the report of a home invasion that just occurred.

The investigation by detectives determined that three suspects, armed with handguns, broke into the residence shouting, “Montgomery County Police, get down on the ground,” and demanded cash and property. At some point, a physical altercation occurred and one of the four victims, an adult male, was struck in the back of the head, causing minor injuries. The suspects left the residence without any money or property. As they were leaving, the same victim chased the suspects down a stairwell, when one of the suspects fired a single shot toward the victim, who was not struck. The three suspects were wearing dark clothing and ski masks.

Mr. MoCo’s Top 5 Steak & Cheese Subs in MoCo

By MCS Staff

Published January 23, 2023 at 7:54PM

My name is Alex Tsironis, also known as “Mr. MoCo”, founder of The MoCoShow. In the early days of the show, I loved to discuss my favorite foods in the area and one of my favorite things to eat has to be steak and cheese subs. I love cheesesteaks in Philly, but I grew up here eating steak and cheese from Jerry’s with tomatoes…so I usually prefer that and mayonnaise on my steak and cheese subs. Everyone’s an expert on what they like, regardless of where they’re from, etc. and that’s why I like to make it clear that this is just my top 5. I really like a lot of steak and cheese subs that aren’t in my top 5 and I’m well aware that someone else’s list would likely look pretty different, but I love the discussion that comes with sharing…so check it out below:

Just missed: Bulgogi Cheesesteak from Cheesesteak Mike’s in Hillandale: Marinated rib-eye, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, provolone cheese. If you’re fan of bulgogi, you would probably like this sub. I like the way the grilled onions work on this one.

Clarksburg: Vehicle Fire in Garage Causes ~$75K in Damage

By MCS Staff

Published January 22, 2023 at 5:44PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a vehicle fire in the garage of an ‘end of the row’ townhome on Clarksburg Square Rd shortly before 2pm on Sunday afternoon.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the fire started in the vehicle, which was located in the garage. The fire remained contained to the garage because the garage door and the door from the garage leading into the home remained closed. The occupants of the home called 911 after smelling smoke. There were no sprinklers in the garage and not enough smoke in the home to activate the detector. The cause was likely a mechanical vehicle malfunction after use. Damage is estimated at approximately $75K and there were no injuries and no displacement.

Fifteen-Year-Old Charged with Strong-Arm Carjacking in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published January 20, 2023 at 4:10PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged a Germantown 15-year-old with a strong-arm carjacking in Germantown. On Thursday, January 19, 2023, at approximately 10:44 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the 19800 Century Blvd. for the report of a carjacking that just occurred.

The investigation by detectives determined that an adult female victim was getting packages from the mail when the suspect approached and offered to help with carrying packages to her Black 2012 Toyota Camry. After putting the packages in the trunk, the suspect went to the victim, who was walking down the handicap ramp with a walker, and snatched her car keys from her hand, and got in the driver’s seat. The victim was able to open the driver’s side door, but was overpowered by the suspect, causing the victim to fall and damage her walker. The suspect drove away and the victim immediately contacted police.

Kayla DiCello, Northwest HS Alumna, Named SEC Specialist of the Week (Gymnastics)

By MCS Staff

Published January 20, 2023 at 8:25AM | Updated January 30, 2023 at 3:21PM

Kayla DiCello, a freshman from Boyds who recently graduated from Northwest High School in Germantown, was recently named the “SEC Specialist of the Week” a week after being named the “SEC Freshman of the Week.” DiCello won the all-around in the quad meet against Ball State, Lindenwood and West Virginia with a top score of 39.475. DiCello’s score was the highest all-around mark among SEC freshmen, second among nation’s freshmen and tied for nation’s 10th highest for the opening weekend.

She is now one of seven Gators to win the all-around in their first meet since 1986. DiCello tied with Trinity Thomas (2019) for Florida’s top all-around in the first collegiate meet. She shared second place on balance beam with teammate Ellie Lazzari at 9.90, and also captured third place on bars (9.925) and floor (9.875). In July DiCello was selected to compete at the upcoming Pan American Championships. In August, DiCello competed at the National Championships. She finished finished fourth in the all-around and third on balance beam.

Seneca Valley and Sherwood High School Students and Teachers Partner with CAVA to Create an Elegant Pop Up Restaurant in Potomac for One Night Only

By MCS Staff

Published January 19, 2023 at 8:55AM

Seneca Valley and Sherwood High School students have partnered with restaurant industry leaders to gain first-hand experience creating an elegant pop up restaurant for one night in Potomac. The event will be the culmination of months of planning between MCPS students, hospitality program teachers Melissa North and Lisa Gilbert, and the Foundation for Hospitality & Restaurant Managements’ (FHRM) Student Professional Development Committee.

“Success starts with a spark,” said Ted Xenohristos, Chief Concept Officer & Founder of CAVA, “And, we’re here to light the match!” The dinner is an opportunity for the students to experience firsthand the wide variety of activities necessary to stage a sophisticated experience—from social media and ticket sales to front-of-house management and heart-of-house hustle. With a team of CAVA chefs, the students will design, prepare and serve a four-course gourmet dinner at the Falls Road Golf Course Café on February 3, 2023.

Family Forum on Fentanyl to Be Held Jan. 28 at Clarksburg High School

By MCS Staff

Published January 18, 2023 at 8:02PM

In partnership with MCPS, Montgomery Goes Purple is hosting a Family Forum on Fentanyl and life-saving Narcan training from 9:30–11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Clarksburg High School. Panelists will share important information for families on the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl; prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. This event will be a family discussion about what you need to know about this deadly drug, including Narcan training and distribution of Narcan kits to help reverse an overdose. The Community Opioid Prevention & Education (C.O.P.E.) trailer (a mock teen bedroom) will be available for tours to learn signs of substance use. There will also be a resource fair. Students can earn two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending this event.

The event will be held in the cafeteria at Clarksburg, located at 22500 Wims Road in Clarksburg. RSVP to attend. In addition, be sure to tune in to a press conference set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. MCPS leaders, county health and law enforcement leaders, and community partners will hold a news conference to raise awareness about the deadly trend of fentanyl use and accidental overdoses. A livestream of the press event will be available on the MCPS homepage.