Beyond MoCo

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will debut a major, thought-provoking new exhibition, “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” March 24, 2023. A highlight of the exhibition is the Black Panther hero costume worn by the late Chadwick Boseman. The Black Panther is the first superhero of African descent to appear in mainstream American comics, and the film itself is the first major cinematic production based on the character.

Per the press release: Investigating Afrofuturist expression through art, music, activism and more, this exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture. From the enslaved looking to the cosmos for freedom to popular sci-fi stories inspiring Black astronauts, to the musical influence of Sun Ra, OutKast, P-Funk and more, this exhibition covers the broad and impactful spectrum of Afrofuturism.


Crown

At approximately 1am, early Sunday morning, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to Crown Park Avenue and Ellington Boulevard in Downtown Crown, Gaithersburg for a single vehicle collision.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the collision caused a rollover with the car ending up on its roof. The driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and as of now there is no word on how the crash occurred. Featured photo and photo below sent in by German Osorto.


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and a US Park helicopter responded to a group of hikers that were stranded on Sycamore Island, which is located on the Potomac River in the area of Great Falls/Potomac/Glen Echo, off Clara Barton Pkw.

According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, the group used a ‘pull-rope-ferry’ to get to the island and consisted of several adults and half a dozen juveniles. One juvenile was injured with non-life threatening injuries.


Gaithersburg

Washingtonian Magazine released its list of its 100 “very best restaurants” in the D.C. Metro area, the first since early 2020. The list contains a few restaurants right here in Montgomery County. Below, you’ll see the Montgomery County restaurants listed without having to sift through the ones that may be a little out of the way. On the Washingtonian’s list, the first 25 are ranked and the next 75 are listed alphabetically. Looking for other great local restaurants that may not have made this list? Our very own, Taste MoCo, had hundreds of dishes from MoCo restaurants if you’re interested in “seeing the dish.” See below:

6. Inferno Pizzeria (12207 Darnestown Rd., Gaithersburg, MD): Inferno was opened at 12207 Darnestown Rd. by Chef Tony Conte back in 2015. Last summer, USA Today published a ‘Top 50 Pizzerias in the US’ list, “as ranked by Italian pizza experts.” The list was created by 50 Top Pizza, a pizza evaluation site in Paestum, Italy, not far from Naples. New York City reigns supreme with 9 pizzerias on the list, but Montgomery County contributed with the 25th ranked pizzeria in the country– Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana, located in Darnestown/Gaithersburg.


Montgomery Planning

Update adds roads to the program and updates details for roads already included in the program

The Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, approved the Rustic Roads Functional Master Plan Update at its meeting on February 9, 2023. The Montgomery County Planning Department, which developed the plan, will now make the edits requested by the Planning Board and transmit the Planning Board Draft to the Montgomery County Council so that they can begin their public review of the plan prior to their final approval.


Montgomery Planning

Community invited to testify on Montgomery Planning’s first draft of groundbreaking plan to foster safer, more comfortable, and more accessible pedestrian conditions in Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), will hold a public hearing Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. on the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which is the county’s first comprehensive master plan to improve the pedestrian experience countywide. The public is invited to provide testimony in-person or virtually.


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire after a passerby reported smoke coming from a home on the 15300 block of Delphinium Lane, off of Norbeck Rd (Flower Valley), in Rockville a little before noon on Saturday.

Upon arrival, the crews noticed that the fire was coming from the garage. Approximately 55 firefighters responded to the call. A neighbor advised crews that nobody was inside the home and the bulk of the fire was knocked down by 12:01pm and firefighters checked for extension on the first floor and attic of the house. The fire was completely extinguished soon after. The cause of the fire was likely a gas grill, but is currently under investigation, according to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer. Moderate damage, mostly contained to the attached garage, was incurred.


Beyond MoCo

Governor Wes Moore released the following statement on the officer-involved shootings in Baltimore and Harford counties: ​

“Today I visited with the family and colleagues of the Baltimore County detective who is currently on life support after being shot while in pursuit of the individual who ran from police and this morning was apprehended in Harford County.


Gaithersburg

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Most City of Gaithersburg facilities & offices are closed on February 20, 2023, in observance of Presidents Day, with the exception of the following:

The collection of recycled materials will take place as scheduled. Bulk pick up is unavailable. Note that the Mayor & City Council Regular Session will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. See City of Rockville Presidents Day closures here.


Briggs Chaney

Snipes has opened its second MoCo location in the Briggs Chaney Marketplace shopping center, moving in to 13834 Outlet Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The location opened last month, according to Snipes social media. Snipes opened its first location in Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall when the company acquired Kicks USA and its 60+ locations across the country. The change was made over to Snipes in the summer of 2019.

Per Snipes: SNIPES – Briggs Chaney Marketplace is your destination for all the latest trends. Featuring brands like Nike, adidas, Timberland, Jordan, and more, you’ll find it all at SNIPES. Trying to find a great sneaker store in the Silver Spring area? Stop into Snipes to shop our dope collection of kicks like Retro Jordan 1’s, Kyrie 5, and Air Force 1’s. Follow us to stay up to date on sneaker drops in the MD area and never miss out. For all the latest trends this season, shop SNIPES – Briggs Chaney Marketplace. Browse our collection of clothing for men, women, and kids from your favorite brands like Nike, The North Face, and adidas. Conveniently located at 13834 Outlet Drive, we are in the ideal spot for you to shop all your favorite clothing and accessories. Check back, because we are always updating our selection of hoodies, hats, joggers, graphic tees and more. You can always count on SNIPES in Silver Spring to keep you ahead of the trends.


MCFRS

On Friday February 10, at approximately 6:00 pm, a 13-year- old juvenile pedestrian was struck in the roadway in the area of Carroll Avenue and Manor Circle. According to Takoma Park Police, the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk. The driver remained on scene following the crash. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Investigation on-going. Case #230006773Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps