Bethesda

A post made on Thursday on the NextDoor app, garnering over 600 comments, alleging that a woman who wears a hijab was attacked in her car by a woman yelling anti Muslim slurs at a red light. The post includes video and pictures of a woman violently banging on the car and its windows while cursing and holding up her middle finger on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Rockledge Dr. and Democracy Blvd in Bethesda. We reached out to Montgomery County Police, who provided us without the following preliminary statement:

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, at approximately 1:20 p.m., 2nd District officers responded to the area of Rockledge Dr. and Democracy Blvd. for the report of a disturbance. Officers spoke to the complainant and documented the incident.


Uncategorized

Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is recruiting volunteers to become IRS-certified VITA tax preparers, schedulers, greeters, quality reviewers and site coordinators during the upcoming tax season (January–mid-April). VITA provides free tax help to Montgomery County residents, including ITIN taxpayers, with household incomes of $64,000 or less.

The program links residents to valuable tax credits that can provide critical financial support to lower income households. Last year, volunteers served 2,820 hours, helping Community Action’s VITA program serve 1,946 households. That represented a tax impact of nearly $7 million.


Health

Per the Washington Regional Alcohol Program: “Preparing to combat that time of year when according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half (48%) of U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers,* a local nonprofit organization announced today that free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during this month’s Halloween celebration.

Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the 2023 Halloween SoberRide® program will be in operation beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 and operate until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 29th as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk period


Uncategorized

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, in conjunction with County Executive Marc Elrich, are supporting the “Labor of Love Initiative” benefiting March of Dimes. The campaign will take place Oct. 29-Nov. 19.

All ABS retail stores, including its new Oak Barrel & Vine stores, will be asking customers if they want to make donations to support March of Dimes and the Labor of Love initiative. Customers also will be asked if they want to round up their invoices to the nearest dollar.


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Events

With Halloween and Daylight Saving Time approaching, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is urging drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution when traveling during evening hours.

“The National Safety Council tells us that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.  “That statistic should serve as an important reminder for motorists; drive safely, keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters, and never drink and drive if you’ve celebrated with alcohol. As the clocks turn back on Nov. 4, drivers and pedestrians should also be aware of the safety challenges that occur as it gets dark earlier during the shorter days of fall and winter.”


Maryland

Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: With colors intensifying across the state this week, parts of Maryland are right on the cusp of peak leaf change. The mountains of western Maryland are seeing bold shades of amber, crimson and gold, while other regions of our state are reporting marked increases in autumnal hues, spreading further along the tree canopies in central, northern, and southern Maryland. This weekend’s weather promises to bring warmer than average temperatures to the region, and we’re embracing the shift – and the burst in fall color – by including some of our best locations to enjoy a walk in the woods at one of our state parks and forests.

“Fall has arrived in full splendor” in Frederick County, according to Cunningham Falls State Park Manager Mark Spurrier. Cunningham Falls is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains, an ideal spot for viewing fall’s bounty of colors. Aaron Cook, Project Manager/Forester in Clear Spring, predicts Washington and Frederick counties will reach peak leaf change next week as the area enjoys another weather pattern of sun-filled days and crisp, starry nights.


Education

Per the Office of the Maryland Governor: Governor Wes Moore today launched the historic Service Year Option, the first-in-the nation public service year program for high school graduates. The governor was joined by fellow service champions Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; First Lady Dawn Moore; Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro and several cabinet members; University of Maryland President Darryll Pines; legislators, program host employers, and program participants for a festive kickoff event at the University of Maryland, College Park’s Reckord Armory.

“By calling Marylanders to serve – and serve together – we will ensure our citizens develop skills to meet society’s needs. I look on this inaugural cohort and I see courage, compassion, and vision. I am so grateful for your willingness to raise your hands and join this new endeavor,” said Gov. Moore. “You are the trailblazers who will define not just the future of these programs, but the future trajectory of our state. Service isn’t a vision we claim, it’s a tradition we inherit. Service will save us.”


Beyond MoCo

The National Zoo announced on Wednesday that Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji will leave for China by mid-November. “Make sure to plan your visit or tune in online to the Giant Panda Cam for your panda fix.” Entry passes are required for all Zoo guests, however they are free.

As part of the terms of the Zoo’s current Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all three giant pandas will return to China by Dec. 7 when the agreement ends. The Zoo entered into this agreement in Dec. 2000 when Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the Zoo. More information below:


Gaithersburg

The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Native American Heritage Month in November with an educational presentation and proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Native American neighbors.

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of Native Americans & recognize the vital contributions they have made and continue to make to the art, history, traditions & diversity of our society.


Events

The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Saturday, November 11, 2023, honoring & recognizing all U.S. military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation & our future. The observance takes place at 11 a.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.

Per the City of Gaithersburg: The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military.


Restaurants

Tacos Way is now open at 8777B 1st Ave in Silver Spring. A couple weeks back Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services (ABS) announced that the restaurant recently received its alcohol license and exterior signage has recently was installed. The restaurant posted on its website and on social media that it is now open. Menu items include tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, and chimichangas.

According to its website, “All of our taco flavors are inspired by delicious Mexican flavors.” Tacos Way has an additional location at 10540 York Rd in Cockeysville, MD. We will provide an update when additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Tacos Way on Facebook. The news of the opening was first reported by Source of the Spring.