Events

Annual International Night Cultural Celebration Returns to Rockville This Month

By MCS Staff

International Night will return Friday, March 17, following a two-year pandemic hiatus, for a free evening of multicultural fun and entertainment at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. From 6 p.m., International Night will showcase dance performances and traditional clothing displays, with an opportunity for attendees to sample unique and traditional foods from around the world, engage with and learn the customs of people from different countries, and discover our community’s different cultures.

Per the City of Rockville: Rockville is a city of diversity. Our residents come from around the world. Our International Night is a celebration of the living, breathing example of Rockville’s success as a truly cosmopolitan city, one that respects and encourages people of all cultures, creeds and colors. International Night showcases dance performances and traditional clothing displays, with an opportunity for attendees to sample unique and traditional foods from around the world, engage with and learn the customs of people from different countries, and discover our community’s different cultures. Watch video of the celebration the day after the event on Rockville 11, channel 11 on county cable, and on the city’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cityofrockville. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/internationalnight. The theater is located in Rockville Civic Center Park at 603 Edmonston Drive.

Go to Annual International Night Cultural Celebration Returns to Rockville This Month Read more
Rockville

Veirs Mill Road Camera-Related Speed Citations Began on March 1

By MCS Staff

Citations will be issued beginning March 1 for vehicles exceeding the speed limit on a segment of Veirs Mill Road where the city recently installed speed monitoring cameras. In a continuing effort to reduce the number of speeding vehicles in Rockville neighborhoods, the Rockville City Police Department deployed speed monitoring systems in February in the 900 block of Veirs Mill Road. The system uses portable cameras to monitor both eastbound and westbound traffic near the intersection with Gail Avenue.

Go to Veirs Mill Road Camera-Related Speed Citations Began on March 1 Read more
MoCo Government

Councilmember Will Jawando, Councilmember Kristin Mink, and County Executive Marc Elrich Spearhead the Housing Opportunity, Mobility and Equity (HOME) Act

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: On Tuesday, March 7, Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, Councilmember Kristin Mink, County Executive Marc Elrich, and community organizations will hold a press conference discussing the introduction of the Housing Opportunity, Mobility, and Equity (HOME) Act.

The HOME Act helps keep renters in their homes by preventing rent gouging, reducing displacement, and creating cost predictability for renters and landlords. The Act sets a limit on the allowable annual rent increase for units to follow the Voluntary Rent Guidelines (VRG) or 3 percent, whichever is lower. The Act would exempt certain buildings from rent increase requirements, including newly constructed units for ten years and units connected to government programs, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and owner-occupied units. The HOME Act also permits landlords to request a fair return increase, establishes an excise tax on rental units that remain vacant for more than a year, and funds affordable housing acquisitions.

Go to Councilmember Will Jawando, Councilmember Kristin Mink, and County Executive Marc Elrich Spearhead the Housing Opportunity, Mobility and Equity (HOME) Act Read more
Gaithersburg

32,000 SF Office Building in Gaithersburg Sells For Just Over 4 Million

By MCS Staff

Edge, recently acquired by KLNB, has brokered the sale of 811 Russell Ave, a 32,000 square foot suburban office asset in Gaithersburg. The property sold for a $4.075 Million to purchaser, Russell Plaza LLC who was represented by Larry Rosen of Commercial & Investment Realty Associates, LLC. 811 Russell Ave is a 32,000 square-foot office building leased to local office and retail businesses. The three-story building was built in 1997 and is situated in Gateway Center on 1.20 acres with a C-2 zoning. It is located less than one mile to Interstate 270 in the Montgomery Village neighborhood of Montgomery County and in Gaithersburg, which is known as an internationally-recognized biotechnology hub, benefiting from its proximity to federal research facilities and regulatory agencies in Gaithersburg and broader Montgomery County.

“The asset is home to a diverse mix of professional services, medical, and retail tenants that serve the local community,” stated Joe Friedman of Edge. “Montgomery Village is seeing tremendous interest from developers to redevelop and reposition underutilized land in a densely populated submarket of Montgomery County, located immediately off I-270 with a diverse employment base. There is a lot of runway for growth in the area,” he added.

Go to 32,000 SF Office Building in Gaithersburg Sells For Just Over 4 Million Read more
Restaurants

Ramen Vending Machine Now Serving in Rockville

By MCS Staff

Yi Fang, a Taiwanese fruit tea spot, opened its first DMV location at 777 Hungerford Drive in Rockville just over two years ago and for the last year or so many have wondered about the Ramen vending machine that located towards the front of the store that was has been “coming soon” for a while. We can now report that it is officially serving ramen.

Kenta Robotics, which created the machine, has let us know that the ramen vending machine has “soft opened” and is currently offering 20% off ramen (already included in the price listed on the machine). The machine allows you to make your selection between spicy tan tan, signature chicken tonkotsu, fresh seafood udon, and vegetarian udon. Then you make your payment and the ramen is made for you within minutes. A Yi Fang employee told us they did not know how long the 20% off promotion would last.

Go to Ramen Vending Machine Now Serving in Rockville Read more
Crime

Northwood High School Closes Outdoor Facilities to the Public Due to Hate Speech and Antisemitic Vandalism at Athletic Field

By Patrick Herron

As such, beginning Saturday, March 4, 2023, all Northwood outdoor facilities will be closed to community members until further notice. This includes our athletic fields, track, tennis courts, and all other external areas of the building. Additionally, the Loxford Terrace access gate between our baseball and softball fields will remain closed. This closure does not include MCPS approved activities. We recognize and regret the inconvenience this causes for our surrounding community. However, the safety of our students, staff, and community must take precedence. It is our sincere hope that facilities will reopen as soon as a suspects) is apprehended or there is confidence the hate vandalism against our community has stopped.

We are asking parents and guardians receiving this message to please share it with any community members without students attending Northwood who use our facilities so they are aware. This message will also be provided to feeder schools and local listservs. If any community members have any questions, comments, or any information regarding the recent incidents of hate vandalism, please contact school administration: 240-740-6950″

Go to Northwood High School Closes Outdoor Facilities to the Public Due to Hate Speech and Antisemitic Vandalism at Athletic Field Read more
MCFRS

Driver of Van Who Caused Metrobus to Crash Into Jewelry Store Thursday Morning Has Been Charged With Four Infractions, According to Police

By MCS Staff

WMATA Transit Police tweeted the following regarding the Metrobus crash into a jewelry store in weekend this morning: “Driver of van that caused morning Metrobus accident charged with 4 infractions: (1) unsafe lane change, (2) failure to control speed to avoid a collision, (3) improper right turn, and (4) failure to wear corrective lens. Thx to @mcpnews and @mcfrs for their on-the-scene support.”

At approximately 9:30am on Thursday morning there was a collision involving a Metrobus that closed Veirs Mill Rd between Reedie Dr and University Blvd, according to Montgomery County Police. The incident occurred at the Jewelry Buyers at 2575 Ennalls Ave in Wheaton around 9:30am on Thursday, March 2.  Featured photo courtesy of Alex Chapelle

Go to Driver of Van Who Caused Metrobus to Crash Into Jewelry Store Thursday Morning Has Been Charged With Four Infractions, According to Police Read more
Brookeville

Assisted Living Employee Sentenced to 18 Months for Theft Scheme

By Patrick Herron

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Robert Greenberg sentenced defendant, Maritza Ramirez, 57, of Germantown to five years in prison suspend all but 18 months and five years of supervised probation upon release. Ramirez was also ordered to pay $7,700 in restitution to the families of victims she stole from. Ramirez was a 14-year employee of Marian Assisted Living, located in the 19100 block of Georgia Avenue. On November 29, 2022, she pleaded guilty to Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adults in a Scheme.

The investigation began in March of 2022 when one victim’s family discovered that while their relative, a resident at Marian, underwent surgery and recovery, several items of jewelry and a cell phone had gone missing from the secured bedroom. The ensuing investigation by Montgomery County Police uncovered at least 11 victims and pawn shop records which show that between 2015 and 2022 Ramirez received at least $7,700 by selling 81 items including jewelry and several designer purses. Chief of our Special Prosecutions Unit, Assistant State’s Attorney Bryan Roslund prosecuted this case.”

Go to Assisted Living Employee Sentenced to 18 Months for Theft Scheme Read more
MoCo Government

Montgomery County Will Offer Adult Bike and Scooter Classes in April, May and June

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA), will offer adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes include a learn to ride and a basic skills class. MCDOT also will offer four free scooter classes in spring. Participants in the bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. The classes will be led by experienced WABA instructors.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes and cost $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare For All members. The classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly. Registration is currently open for April classes. Registration for May classes will open at 9 a.m. on March 27 and June class registration will open at 9 a.m. on April 24.

Go to Montgomery County Will Offer Adult Bike and Scooter Classes in April, May and June Read more
Education

MCPS: Pre-K/Head Start Registration Now Open

By MCS Staff

Registration is open for Prekindergarten and Head Start for the 2023-2024 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023, and families must be income-eligible to apply. Families can register their children online or in person. For families who want to register in person, weekday and weekend locations are open through March 31:

Registration is also still open for the current 2022-2023 school year. For more information about eligibility guidelines, required documents and how to register online, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website. Prek, Head Start Registration, 2023-2024. When and Where to Register, 2023-2024

Go to MCPS: Pre-K/Head Start Registration Now Open Read more
Beyond MoCo

College Park Mayor Writes Letter of Resignation Ahead of Arrest and Charges For 56 Counts of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

By MCS Staff

Patrick Wojahn, mayor of College Park since 2015, resigned last night in a letter submitted to the City of College Park ahead of his arrest and charges of 56 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. His letter and the official statement from the City of College Park, released prior to when the investigation was made public information, can be seen below:

Patrick Wojahn’s letter is resignation: “It has been a profound honor and privilege to serve the City of College Park since 2007 as a City Councilmember and your Mayor. However, effective immediately, I must resign my position.

Go to College Park Mayor Writes Letter of Resignation Ahead of Arrest and Charges For 56 Counts of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography Read more
View More Stories