The MoCo Show - Page 1550 of 3014 -

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:44PM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 7:36PM

On Sept. 12, the kickoff meeting for this year’s Student-Athlete Leadership Council (SALC) was held at Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville. The council is made up of two students from each MCPS high school and seven at-large members, who meet bi-monthly to share ideas on the interscholastic athletics program. Launched in 2018, SALC cultivates academic, athletic and community excellence by engaging student-athletes to serve as district level leaders within the MCPS athletics program.

The SALC planning committee includes athletics specialists Dessalyn Dillard, Paint Branch High School; Gina Grubb, Poolesville High School; Jermaine Howell, Albert Einstein High School; Larry Hurd, Jr. Walter Johnson High School; Tom McTighe, Wheaton High School and Jody Tyler, Northwest High School, along with Robin McCue, administrative assistant for the athletics office.

Beyond MoCo

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:40PM

S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, yesterday to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (“WLS”) clique of the MS-13 gang, which operated primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Torres was the clique’s leader or “First Word.” Judge Xinis also ordered that Torres pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate.

According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, and are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rivals. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. MS-13 members earn promotions and improved standing within the gang for participating in attacks on rival gang members, often at the direction of MS-13 leadership.

Education

MCPS: AP/IB Exams, Approved College Courses Will Be Free for Students

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:23PM

This year, MCPS is providing new opportunities for middle and high school students, including career advising and no fees for approved college courses and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

No Fees for Approved College Courses and Transportation: Students will be able to access college courses at no cost. Additionally, MCPS will provide transportation to Montgomery College (MC) campuses during the school day for college courses that are not available online or at a student’s high school. A transportation schedule has been developed with routes from each high school to the nearest MC campus. Students interested in taking an approved college course not currently offered at their high school or online during the school day and in need of transportation should work with their high school Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA) and their assigned high school counselor to identify courses of interest that would support their high school plan and fit within the transportation schedule.

Montgomery County showcases its unique ecosystem at World Vaccine Congress 2026

By Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

Published May 13, 2026 at 4:45PM

AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Rockville, Montgomery County. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Government.

Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.

Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.

A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region

One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.

This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.

“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”

A Strong Partnership Network

Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.

Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)

Education

MCPS Is Hosting Girl’s Summit This October

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:14PM

Montgomery County Public Schools is inviting all MCPS families to the Girls’ Summit on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Clarksburg High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics. Join us for a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types!

Sessions will be provided in English and Spanish, and will be organized by grade level. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available for students. Topics and activities will include:

Event

Healthy at the Harbor

June 6, 2026 11:00 am -4:00 pm

National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland

165 Waterfront St.

National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Website Social

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.

Wheaton

‘Luis Garay Percussion World’ Will Headline Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert on Sept. 15

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:40PM

Per Montgomery County: Luis Garay Percussion World will headline the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall concert series on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The performance begins a month of Friday concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

Crime

Off-Duty Officer Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:09PM

According to the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Michael Mason, defendant, David Hall Dixon, 42, of Takoma Park, MD, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 38-year-old James Johnson and 32-year-old Dominique Williams, and one count of first-degree assault for shooting at a third victim. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 16^th, 2023. Dixon faces up to 30 years in prison per a plea agreement. The judge may or may not add additional suspended time.

This stems from an incident on the morning of April 7^th, 2021, when the defendant fired gun shots at a vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment building located along the 7000 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, striking two of the occupants. Dixon told police that he believed the people inside of the vehicle had been attempting to break into a parked van. The defendant was an off-duty Police Officer with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. State’s Attorney John McCarthy and Assistant State’s Attorney George Simms are prosecuting this case.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks to Host Oktoberfest Ale Trail

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 2:11PM

Ale Trail Festival at Lake Needwood in September 2022. Photos by Tony Ventouris.

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks will host Parks Ale Trail on Sunday, September 24, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival features a nearly two-mile hike along the trails of Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park, live music, as well as a beer garden and food from area vendors available for purchase. Kids will have an opportunity to climb trees for a bird’s-eye view of the lake and park, with the support of Montgomery Parks tree climbing crews or enjoy the inflatables. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

“We are excited to bring back Parks Ale Trail this year. We are also excited to be featuring five Montgomery County breweries and a winery this year. It promises to be a beautiful day to kick off fall and the Oktoberfest season with a hike, live music, local beer, and food and fun with family and friends,” said Michael Coppersmith, director of Montgomery Parks Activation Program.

Hillandale

Update: Police Investigating New Hampshire Avenue Pedestrian Fatality; Victim’s Identity Released

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 2:08PM

Per MCPD: A 31-year-old Silver Spring man died after he was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. At approximately 4:12 a.m., 3rd District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to New Hampshire Avenue near Chalmers Road for the report of a collision involving a pedestrian.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation has determined that the driver of a white 2020 Ford Transit Van was traveling southbound on New Hampshire Avenue, when he struck a pedestrian, later identified as Evan Heath Hesekiel, who was crossing southbound New Hampshire Avenue, north of Chalmers Road. The driver remained on scene.

Crime

MCPD: Detectives Investigating Hate-Based Vandalism on Josiah Henson Parkway Bridge Found in August

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 12:33PM

On August 27, 2023, at approximately 7: 53 p.m., 2nd District officers observed orange spray paint reading, “Club Aryan Excellent” with a black Swastika in an orange outline and a palm tree painted on the wall under the Josiah Henson Parkway pedestrian tunnel.

Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.”

DMV

Weekend Track Work/Maintenance on the Red Line to Close Four Stations

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 11:35AM

This weekend, Sept. 16 – 17, Metro will close four stations on the Red Line to perform track work in the interlocking, where the two tracks intersect and is critical to maintaining safe reliable service. To accommodate this work the Shady Grove, Rockville, Twinbrook, and North Bethesda stations will be closed, with free shuttle buses replacing trains.

Normal Red Line service will operate between Glenmont and Grosvenor, every eight minutes during the day, and every 10 minutes after 9 p.m. During the weekend, Metro will replace the switches in the interlocking outside the Twinbrook Station. The switches and equipment in the interlocking are part of the signaling system embedded on the tracks to ensure trains are routed properly and can safely cross over from one track to the other in the event of a service disruption or single tracking.

Bethesda

Detectives Investigate Mail Theft in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 11:24AM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects who stole packages and mail from an apartment complex in Bethesda.

On August 19, 2023, 2nd District officers responded to the 5400 block of Westbard Ave. for the report of a theft that occurred earlier. The investigation by detectives has determined that two suspects entered the secured building, after a resident opened the lobby door to pick up a food delivery. Once in the building, the suspects stole multiple packages belonging to residents. Detectives obtained surveillance video of the suspects.