Takoma Park

The City of Takoma Park is currently accepting applications for its Community Quality of Life Grants Program through Thursday, March 9, 2023. The Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for city residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences. Projects are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial support.

Funding for FY23 is available for projects taking place between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Additional Resources below:


Takoma Park

The State Highway Administration (SHA) approved a resident-requested four-way stop at Ethan Allen and Elm avenues in Takoma Park. It has been installed and has been operational since Saturday, January 14. This is a temporary installation, as SHA is concerned that traffic may routinely back up into the New Hampshire Ave intersection and reserves their right to discontinue the 4-way stop.

Per the City of Takoma Park: “We ask that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians please use caution in the area as everyone adjusts to the new traffic control.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


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Read on to explore the top 12 ways to experience a centrally astounding lifestyle at EDE apartments in Downtown Frederick.

1. CONTEMPORARY DESIGN: Finely crafted studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floorplans showcase luxury finishes throughout, featuring stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, soft-close cabinetry, sleek plank flooring, and a selection of two designer color palettes.

2. WFH PRODUCTIVITY: Accomplish your tasks efficiently in convenient co-working spaces within each residential building or at the co-working lounge in the Clubhouse. Select layouts include a den or built-in desk to create a dedicated home workspace.

3. HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Support your wellness goals in the 24-hour leading-edge fitness center including cardio, strength, and functional training. Take your workout outside at the outdoor fitness stations.

4. ABUNDANT AMENITIES: Discover enviable lifestyle amenity spaces anchored by a high-design clubhouse with a warm, minimalist aesthetic. Rack up the fun in the clubroom with billiards and a double-sided fireplace. Unwind in the chic lounge with seating areas and curated artwork. Entertain your little ones at the enclosed playground.

5. ACTIVE EVENTS CALENDAR: Experience a welcoming community atmosphere with opportunities to connect through an engaging line-up of events featuring a monthly book club, wine tastings, food trucks, and other social gatherings. (more…)


Gaithersburg

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a bank robbery that occurred on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the Bank of America in the 400 block of N. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the male suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

At approximately 3:36 p.m., officers responded to the location for the report of a bank robbery that just occurred. The investigation by detectives has revealed that the suspect entered the bank, implied he had a firearm, stole an undisclosed amount of money and left the bank.  Detectives reviewed the surveillance footage of the bank and obtained surveillance photographs of the suspect.


Gaithersburg

WRS, Inc. officially announced that Lakeforest Mall will be closing at the end of March, after almost 45 years in Gaithersburg. The closing of the mall aligns with the recently announced closing of Macy’s, the last of the remaining anchor stores at the mall. The announcement was made at a City of Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council meeting on Tuesday night. WRS plans to demolish “as soon as they can.” Financing requires the mall to remain as an option in case “things go really sideways”, which could cause WRS to have to look at re-tenanting the mall. It was made clear that WRS does not intend to do this, but needs to keep it as an option. Previously, WRS mentioned 2024 as a target date for demolition to occur and new construction to begin.

Lakeforest Mall first opened on September 12, 1978. At that time, the mall’s anchor stores were JCPenney, Sears, Woodward & Lothrop, and Hecht’s. The mall was one of the first in the United States to feature an indoor ice skating rink on the lower level, in the “H section”, along with being the biggest indoor shopping mall in the county at the time of grand opening. The ice skating rink was replaced by a NTI Theaters movie theater in 1984, later renamed Cineplex Odeon Lakeforest 5, then by a food court, which now occupies the space. The mall was built on top of Lake Walker, a park on the property prior. The mall opened with approximately 30-50 stores, with some of the first stores being relocated from the then nearby indoor Village Mall (now an outdoor strip mall called Montgomery Village Center since 1991) and absorbed onto the property.


Gaithersburg

Police responded to a bank robbery on Tuesday afternoon in Gaithersburg. According to MCPD, “Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 3:36 p.m., MCP officers responded to the Bank of America at 474 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburgfor the report of a bank robbery that just occurred.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the adult male suspect entered the bank, implied he had a firearm, stole an undisclosed amount of money, and left the bank. Injuries have not been reported. The suspect has not been apprehended.”


Rockville

Montgomery County Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on West Gude Drive in Rockville on Tuesday afternoon. According to MCPD, “On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 2:29 p.m., officers responded to the area of West Gude Drive and Watkins Pond Blvd. for the report of a single vehicle collision.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver of a silver Infiniti was traveling eastbound on West Gude Drive when he lost control and collided with a tree in the center median. The adult male driver of the Infiniti was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the decedent will be released following proper notification of next of kin.


MDLottery

While a $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot was won on a ticket sold in Maine, Maryland had 11 Mega Millions winners last week at the $10,000 level and one at the $20,000 level. In all, the seven days ending Jan. 15 produced 51 winning tickets worth $10,000 or more that were redeemed or sold across Maryland, and the Lottery paid more than $32.5 million in prizes during that span.

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem their tickets at the Maryland Lottery Claims Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes of up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets up to and including $600. More information is available on the How To Claim page of mdlottery.com.


MoCo Government

“My FY24 CIP amendment recommendations take advantage of opportunities to leverage significant non-County resources and reflect our broadly shared values of prioritizing education and core infrastructure improvements while considering racial equity and climate change concerns,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These amendments are all affordable within available resources. However, high inflation due to supply chain issues, labor shortages and a tight construction market has had a major impact on this CIP proposal. Without more funding, we are limited in our ability to solve local problems and to build the kind of healthy, just, economically vibrant community we want for our residents.”


MCFRS

West Gude Drive is closed near Watkins Pond Blvd and King Farm Stream Valley Park (Rockville, MD) due to a crash with ejection and critical injuries that occurred at approximately 2:30PM on Tuesday afternoon. The roadway will remain closed for crash reconstruction, according to our public safety reporter Cordell Pugh.

Montgomery County Police has issued a traffic advisory, stating that “West Gude Drive is closed between Gaither Rd. and Watkins Pond Blvd. due to a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks  is alerting park visitors and dog park users of a canine influenza (dog flu) outbreak affecting Montgomery County and the Washington, DC area. Dog owners should take precautions to ensure their pets’ health and safety.   According to the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services, the respiratory disease is caused by a specific strain of Type A Influenza virus and is highly contagious. While most cases of dog flu are mild, more severe disease can lead to death.  “Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects dogs. Vaccination and avoiding contact with any unknown dogs or dogs who are showing signs of upper respiratory infection are the best ways to protect pets. Please talk to your vet about getting vaccinated today,” said Dr. Gregory Lawrence, DVM Chief Veterinarian for Montgomery County Office of Animal Services.

Montgomery Parks advises dog owners and dog park users in the county to contact their veterinarians if they notice symptoms of dog flu, which include cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy, and poor appetite. Infected dogs should be separated from other dogs for at least 28 days and not go to dog parks, doggy daycare, or grooming and boarding facilities. Some ways to help protect your dog from becoming ill include: