Gaithersburg

According to a report by WTOP, Pepco stated “it completed repairs on the tower and overhead lines on Feb. 3, 68 days after the shocking plane crash and rescue of the two inside. Pepco added that the Gaithersburg transmission tower is back to working normally.” Repairs on the transmission tower and power lines that were damaged after a private plane crashed into them on November 27 began on Monday, January 16. The crash occurred near the intersection of Goshen Road and Rothbury Drive in Montgomery Village and resulted in an outage to approximately 85,000 customers across the county. The pilot and passenger of the plane suffered non-life threatening injuries. On December 6, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the incident.

Montgomery Parks’ recognized Park Manager Tom Baker at a Montgomery County Planning Board meeting for his heroic efforts in helping the people involved in the plane crash. Baker, who has worked for Montgomery Parks for over 18 years and manages 29 parks in the Rock Creek region of the county, was presented with a certificate of appreciation. He was dispatched to the scene the evening of the crash and was put in charge of communications with the pilot, to keep him calm and informed of the recovery efforts. “This went on for approximately seven hours until they were rescued,” said Baker, “I was relaying information about their status to the medical command officer so he could keep the paramedics informed. In all my 27 active years as a volunteer, I have never responded to such a call. This is in fact a once in a lifetime incident.” The pilot and passenger were both rescued and are recovering.


Education

Katie Mendelson, school counselor at Kingsview Middle School, has been named Maryland State Middle School Counselor of the Year. She was surprised with the news during an announcement at the school on Feb. 6. Middle school requires a delicate blend of skills to carefully use “push and pull;” two opposing forces to ensure the success of all students,” Kingsview Principal Dyan Harrison wrote in her recommendation letter. “Katie Mendelson masterfully exemplifies these skills in her role as school counselor (video of the surprise announcement available below).

“As you enter Ms. Mendelson’s office it is clear to see how much she values students and recognizes the importance of her impact as a school counselor. Deemed “a safe space” by students, the office is intentionally filled with positive messages, soft lighting and a comfortable couch. There is no doubt that you have entered a safe-haven free of judgment and full of love,” Harrison wrote.


Gaithersburg

The City has launched Retool Gaithersburg, a comprehensive initiative to update the City’s Zoning Code. The update aims to modernize the zoning ordinance to better reflect the needs of the community today & ensure that zoning regulations accommodate & implement the City’s vision & goals of a vibrant & innovative Gaithersburg. A new website dedicated to the project can be found at www.RetoolGaithersburg.com. The first stage of the zoning update process consists of two virtual kick-off meetings on February 23, 2023, at Noon & 7 p.m. to introduce the project. All members of the public are invited to attend. The presentation will outline the scope of the project & timeline, and will give participants the ability to ask questions about the initiative. Sign up to participate here.

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Why Retool Gaithersburg? The last comprehensive update to the City’s Zoning Code was in 1965, a time when Gaithersburg was mostly agricultural. Since then, the types of businesses, housing, and industrial uses have changed. Updating the zoning rules will support policies to improve quality of life, prepare for new and innovative businesses and construction methods, and address the future demands of the City. Retool Gaithersburg also seeks to enhance usability for residents so the Zoning Code is easier to navigate & understand. Retool Gaithersburg is expected to take up to 18 months to complete in order to offer as much engagement & public input as possible. For project updates, timeline, background information, and public engagement opportunities visit www.RetoolGaithersburg.com.


Education

Three teachers have been named finalists for the 2023–2024 MCPS Teacher of the Year. They are: Megan Anderson, fifth grade teacher at Chevy Chase Elementary School; Eunju (April) Moon, sixth grade English teacher at Ridgeview Middle School; and Shannon McKenzie, child development teacher at Clarksburg High School. Read more about the finalists:

Megan Anderson is a fifth grade teacher and team leader at Chevy Chase Elementary School. She is National Board Certified, holds a master’s degree in elementary education and is dually certified in bilingual special education. An educator for 23 years, 16 of them in MCPS, Anderson instills a belief in her students that with a growth mindset and hard work, they can accomplish anything. Backed by her dual certification, she is skilled in modifying, accommodating and differentiating learning, while teaching students to become independent, critical thinkers. As a result, her students become risk takers, confident readers and high achievers.


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.


MCPS

Student report cards went home earlier this week and, while report cards are an essential measure of how our students are doing, the work of MCPS is about so much more than grades. Today I am thrilled to share this “Mid-Year Roundup” to highlight some of our work and challenges, which reflect our collective commitment to learning.

We started the 2022-23 school year with nearly 160,000 students. We opened our 210th School – Harriet Tubman Elementary. And, in the face of significant hiring challenges across the country, MCPS began the school year 99% staffed! Read More


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Council will hold a public hearing on the capital budget at 7 p.m.; Committees will receive updates on workforce development, workplace learning in Montgomery County Public Schools and shelter services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and will review spending affordability guidelines for the FY24 Operating Budget

The joint Economic Development (ECON) and Education and Culture (EC) Committee will meet on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m. to receive an update on workforce development needs in Montgomery County and workplace learning in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).


Montgomery Village

Permanent signage is up at Kobe Japan Hibachi & Sushi, which will be located at 19226 Montgomery Village Ave, next to Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Montgomery Village Center. Kobe Japan has additional locations at 1163 University Blvd E in Takoma Park and 13623 Georgia Ave. Suit A in Aspen Hill. According to their website, the menu features sushi, sashimi, spring rolls, bento boxes and hibachi. Construction is currently ongoing on the interior of the restaurant and no opening date has been announced.

Last week, BooBoo Pho opened at 19230 Montgomery Village Ave, also in the Montgomery Village Center. The restaurant is currently offering a grand opening special of 15% off orders through March 3. Menu items include spring rolls, Pho (noodle soup), sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, salads, and stir fry. BooBoo Pho is open Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm.


Derwood

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs over 40 pounds starting Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and running through Friday, Feb. 24. The “More to Love” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).

While small dogs get adopted quickly, often within an hour of being made available for adoption, it is not uncommon for dogs over 40 pounds to wait a month or more for their new homes.


MCPS

Northwood High School at 919 University Blvd W in Silver Spring has recently been the victim of two incidents of hate and antisemitic vandalism of their athletic field, according to a community letter from Northwood Principal Jonathan Garrick. In the letter, Garrick said, “this has included the posting of organized and professionally created flyers containing horrific hate speech. This matter is currently under investigation by Montgomery County Police and our Community Engagement Officer Russell Larson.”  According to Montgomery County Police, a report was taken on Thursday, February 2, but additional details on the investigation are unavailable at this time.

We are asking assistance from the community to please report any similar flyer postings within the immediate community to Officer Larson at [email protected]. If, when using Northwood facilities, community members see any postings or vandalism to contact me as soon as possible as well ([email protected]). Our entire community stands united that this hatred will never be allowed and those committing it will face severe consequences.


Events

“Reunite with neighbors at Hometown Holidays: A Community Gathering.” For the second consecutive year, this free festival, which features local flavor including two stages of entertainment by local acts, and activities for kids, will take place at Redgate Park (14500 Avery Road). The event will take place on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 11am until 7pm each day. It was previously held in Rockville Town Square for many years (video from last year’s event available below).

The Taste of Rockville at Hometown Holidays is presented by and benefits the Rockville Chamber of Commerce and Community Reach of Montgomery County.  The Taste of Rockville is open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy food, specialty beverages and desserts from some of Rockville’s best restaurants. Tickets can be purchased at a Taste of Rockville ticket booth. Taste tickets cannot be used at beverage booths or for the kids amusements. Restaurants and menus are subject to change and will be available closer to the event.


Beyond MoCo

The Bazaar by Chef Josés Andrés is now open at the Old Post Office building at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. According to the restaurant, “The Bazaar takes guests on a sensory adventure where anything is possible and pays homage to José’s Spanish roots and inventive style. The culinary experience in Washington, DC will offer The Bazaar’s signature playful dishes, while infusing new menu items that boast an Americana flair and nod to US history.” Andrés gained fame as the chef at the Washington, D.C., tapas restaurant Jaleo. Locally, Andrés owns Spanish Dinerat 7271 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda (formerly Jaleo) as well as DC restaurants China Chilcano, Jaleo, Oyamel, and Zaytinya. Full details below: 

José Andrés Group is proud to introduce The Bazaar by José Andrés in the historic Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., relaunched in 2022 by CGI Merchant Group, in partnership with Hilton under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand. The opening of The Bazaar at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC signals the culmination of a 30-year journey for Chef Andrés, who has dreamed of opening a restaurant in the historic building since he arrived in Washington, DC in 1993.