MCPD

Per Montgomery County: Neighborhoods throughout Montgomery County, including many in the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville, will join in the celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Police Chief Marcus Jones will be among those joining police and fire department representatives and local leaders stopping by events that will include block parties, community cookouts and activities for all ages.

Neighborhood events will start at various times. Most start around 5 or 6 p.m., although some enthusiastic communities will get started as early as 3 p.m. Residents should check with their neighborhood or civic associations for details on events that may be happening in their communities.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: A community mosaic mural that was created by families living in Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) apartments in Wheaton working with artists from the Wheaton Arts Parade organization was formally dedicated on Thursday, July 27. The mosaic panels were created in 2019, but installation was delayed due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The Wheaton Arts Parade “Community Mosaic” was supported in part by a grant from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

The mosaic mural is installed on the wall of the Pembridge Square Apartments at 2319 Blueridge Ave. and is visible from the side facing Elkin St. in Wheaton. Residents from nearby Amherst Gardens also participated in its creation. Among those at the dedication were Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González, MHP representatives and mosaic artists Edwin Salmeron and Ge’Vonna Keyes. Dan Thompson of Wheaton Arts Parade led the ceremonies.


MCPD

Per MCPD : Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Saturday, July 29, 2023. At approximately 5:49 a.m., 1st District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of Veirs Mill Road and Twinbrook Parkway for the report of a single vehicle collision.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black 2012 Honda Civic Hatchback was traveling eastbound on Veirs Mill Road when, for reasons unknown it left the roadway and collided with a guardrail.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Beyond MoCo

Last month we let you know of plans for Buc-ee’s Travel Center to expand their operations to New Kent County, Virginia at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64– the first in Virginia. The company plans to construct a 74,000 SF store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla charging spaces and 10 bus/RV parking spaces. The location is in the Richmond area, over 125 miles from most parts of Montgomery County. Now we know of plans for a new Buc-ee’s Travel Center that will likely beat this one to opening, in Rockingham County, Virginia at the exit 240 interchange along Interstate 81 (located near Harrisonburg, VA)– a similar distance form Montgomery County, in a different direction.

Per the Rockingham County, VA Facebook page, the company plans to construct a 74,000 square foot store with 120 fueling positions and 24 EV charging stations. The projected opening is in 2025. The company has requested a Special Use Permit for the review and approval of a proposed sign plan for the project.


DC Sports

When ownership of the team changed hands earlier this month, many wondered is there was a chance the new ownership group would change the team’s name. More fuel was added to that fire when ESPN senior writer Don Van Natta Jr. stated on the Rich Eisen Show that “There’s a ‘pretty good chance’ the new ownership of the Washington Commanders will change the franchise name and have a ‘complete re-branding’ of the team.” Vegas has even released odds on the name-change happening and possibilities on what the new name could be. Now, a report from Sports Illustrated’s The Spun states that the new ownership group refers to the team as the “Redskins” when discussing their long-term plan.

ESPN’s Commanders reporter John Keim shared the following from head coach Ron Rivera on people using the term Redskins more since new ownership came in: “Well I know this, [Washington Commanders Managing Partner] Mr. [Josh] Harris and that ownership group talked extensively about bringing back the glory. And again, what Coach Gibbs did, the traditions, that alumni group of guys that are around. It’s hard to escape it. It really is. That’s just the truth of the matter. Just so everybody knows, we do that with the utmost respect for the native tribes and for the American Indian. Anytime that’s brought up. it is brought up with the utmost of respect.


Beyond MoCo

Longtime local radio host Michael Sorce, better known as Don  Geronimo, is no longer employed by WBIG Big100 after making disparaging remarks about WUSA9 sports reporter Sharla McBride during his radio show on Thursday. Initially, He and co-host Crash Young were barred from training camp on Friday.

Adam Longo of WUSA9 provided a statement on Saturday that came following an internal investigation from Aaron Hyland, DC region president for iHeartMedia: “After an internal review, Don Geronimo is no longer an employee of WBIG.   We take matters of this nature very seriously and this behavior does not align with our core values.”


Business

Three weeks ago we let you know of the reopening of Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg after a three year closure. B.F.Saul released the following press release earlier in the week with additional information:

Mark Carrier, President of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, announced the long-awaited reopening of the historic Holiday Inn Gaithersburg (2 Montgomery Village Avenue; 301.948.8900)  The unique hotel property is convenient to metropolitan Washington D.C. and has long been known as a welcoming property in the Washington region. 


Ashton

MoCo native (Brookeville) and 2023 Sherwood graduate, Bryan Kim, has won the 75th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, held at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina. He will be attending Duke University in the fall.

Kim, 18, joins Jason Widener (1988) as Duke players to etch their name on the U.S. Junior Amateur Trophy that includes the likes of major champions Tiger Woods, Johnny Miller, David Duval, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler and Brian Harman, this year’s Open winner at Royal Birkdale who sent a congratulatory video message to the champion. Kim advanced to the championship match, where he defeated Joshua Bai. A breakdown of the championship can be found here. Kim is 11th in the latest iteration of the American Junior Golf Association rankings and 443rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. As champion, Kim receives the following:


Entertainment

The Montgomery County Comic & Cosplay Club, a social club of people who are passionate about comics, anime, and cosplay– and everything related to it, are hosting MonkeyCon from 10am-4pm at Bohrer Park (506 S Frederick Ave.) in Gaithersburg on Sunday, August 6th. Tickets are available online for $15 ($5 off with code MONKEY).

Per the event listing, “MonkeyCon is Montgomery County’s Comic Con and is fun for the whole family. Everyone is invited to attend if you’re from Virginia, DC, Maryland, or anywhere! Make sure you come dressed as your favorite superhero or character! MonkeyCon is brought to you by the Montgomery County Comic & Cosplay Club: a social club of people who are passionate about comics, anime, and cosplay – and everything related to it! Not only do members come together at social events and on social media, but they host their annual meeting – Monkey Con – a convention with media screenings, seminars, contests, cosplay, vendors, and more!” MonkeyCon is welcoming the following special guests this year:


Gaithersburg

One person is dead after being struck by a CSX train Sunday morning in Gaithersburg. According to Assistant Chief with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) David Pazos on Twitter, “MCFRS is dispatched for a pedestrian struck by a heavy rail train behind the Motel 6 @ 497 Quince Orchard Rd. Units on the scene confirm 1 deceased w/no other injuries. Incident released to CSX and MCPD. Trains shut down till the investigation is complete.”

We will post an update if additional information becomes available.