Uncategorized

Per the Maryland Lottery: “A Frederick County resident is no stranger to playing the Maryland Lottery. In fact, he’s no stranger to winning large Lottery prizes, either. In 2008, the lucky man took home a $50,000 Bonus Match 5 top prize. Fast forward to 2023 and he’s back in the Lottery Winner’s Circle. A $20 Bonus Bingo X20 instant ticket earned him a whopping $500,000 payday.

The journey to his big win started when he won a $100 scratch-off prize. To cash in his winning instant ticket, he visited Jefferson BP located at 4607 Lander Road in Jefferson. He then used part of the prize to buy a Bonus Bingo X20 scratch-off. Having no time to play the 10 bingo cards on his instant ticket, he stashed it in his car and went on his way.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: “The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, returns at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade will again feature a diverse range of participants–and the event organizers are actively seeking volunteers to assist in ensuring the success of this widely attended gathering.

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Crime

Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating a shooting that occurred on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the 1000 block of Ruatan Street in Silver Spring. Detectives have released surveillance video of the two groups of suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.  At approximately 4:24 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that two groups of individuals exchanged gunfire on the side and the front areas of an apartment building on Ruatan Street. After the shooting, group one left the scene on foot toward Quebec Terrace, while group two left from the rear of the building and drove away in a white Honda Civic, which had tinted windows, a white rear spoiler and black rims.  A large number of shell casings were recovered from the crime scene.


Event

Join Us for StoryBox Comics Fair, a two-day festival celebrating local and independent comics authors!

Day 1 – Saturday, June 27th, 11-5pm @ DwightMess compound (805 Silver Spring Ave): Events are open to the public, admission is FREE. Featuring Special Guest Artists, gallery exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, a modeling session (suggested donation) and exhibitors, you can dig in to indie comics and also tour the compound, which features an extensive comics collection, a rare video collection, Risograph and screenprinting studios.


Crime

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Robert Greenberg sentenced defendant, Rome Hill, 32, of Silver Spring, to life in prison suspend all but 30 years to serve and five years of supervised probation. Hill was convicted by a jury on October 19th, 2023, on charges of First-Degree Rape, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Handgun. The sentencing hearing was held this Tuesday, November 7th, 2023. Upon release, conditions of probation will include registration as a Tier III sex offender for life and no contact with the victim.

On September 9th, 2020, the defendant sent a friend request and private social media message to the victim who was a stranger to him. They messaged and spoke over the phone for two days. On September 11th, the victim felt comfortable enough to meet Hill in person and invited him to her apartment. That evening, Hill produced a handgun and raped the victim. Assistant State’s Attorneys Frank Lazzaro and Christina Ferris prosecuted this matter.”


Derwood

Per Montgomery County:The feeling of celebrating a holiday on a farm will be the theme on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the annual “Christmas on the Farm” event at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Among the highlights will be the opportunity to see farm animals up close, to visit the park’s tool museum and to enjoy free cookies and cider. 

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The event will be held from noon-5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking will be free. 


Beyond MoCo

The first MICHELIN Guide Ceremony bringing together New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., provided a few updates for the Washington, D.C. area:

“The MICHELIN Guide inspection team is delighted add the international flavors of Causa and Rania to the Washington selection of Starred establishments,” Poullennec said. “These world-class restaurants blend tradition with innovation to deliver a delicious meal and memorable experience.” Here are Washington’s new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each:


Beyond MoCo

Per the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: “

Giant pandas Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji) began their journey to China this morning. They departed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) at 9:31 a.m. EST for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia where they will board a dedicated and custom-decaled FedEx Panda Express Boeing 777F aircraft. The approximately 19-hour, trans-Pacific flight from Washington, D.C., to Chengdu, China, will include a brief refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.


Arts

Learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals at the Winter Lantern Festival Washington, located at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II (8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102). Modern LED lights are embellished by traditionally hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of classically made Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. All lanterns are created by artisans, some of which have over 20 years of experience in their trade and bring magical folklorical creatures to life. Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more.

“With our lights and lanterns, we hope to provide an unforgettable experience for all. This year, not only will we bring lanterns, we are also excited to bring more family fun such as, dino rides, picture taking opportunities to further expand the entire experience.” The exhibition is held in an outdoor venue with indoor space available if you need to take a break during the 60-120 minutes experience. Though it is held in an outdoor venue, it is a rain or shine event. Feel free to take photos as new this year are a few figures just for picture taking. The venue reminds you to please make sure not to disturb others while taking photos. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted. “Winter Lantern Festival’s unique luminescent nightwalk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals, where contribution is celebration!”


MoCo Government

From the Offices of Council Vice President Friedson and Council President Glass: “Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass introduced legislation today that would update the laws regarding the tree canopy and roadside tree work to encourage the conservation of trees in Montgomery County. Bill 40-23, Tree Canopy and Roadside Tree Requirements – Fee Revisions, adjusts the fee structure for trees removed in the County’s right of way to ensure the fees are commensurate with the costs, including the environmental cost of removing the tree and the cost of tree replacements.

“Improving our tree canopy is essential to meeting our environmental goals and ensuring healthy and livable communities in Montgomery County,” said Council Vice President Friedson. “This legislation will help us plant more trees in our neighborhoods to improve air quality, reduce heat islands and enhance quality of life.”