MoCo

Republican Harold Maldonado has announced his candidacy for the newly created District 7 county council seat. According to his website,  Maldonado says the current council has “ignored the concerns of residents all over the county that have produced erroneous, ill-advised policies that have and continue to deteriorate the quality of life in our communities by lowering the quality of education in our schools, deteriorating the economy, and seriously undermining security in our streets.”

Mr. Maldonado’s campaign will focus on using his professional background to promote economic growth, quality education, family values, and personal freedoms. “I believe our quality of life is deteriorating at an alarming rate because the concerns of parents and businesses have been ignored by county officials. It’s time for competent and honest leaders on the Council who hear the concerns of upcounty residents and find commonsense solutions.”


Kensington

Back in January 2021, we let you know of site plans that were being developed for Kensington Crossing, a new retail development that will be located at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road) in Kensington. Yesterday, Montgomery Planning staff recommended approval (with conditions) for the project.

The site plan is limited to a maximum of 11,400 square feet of retail/service establishment and restaurant uses and one drive-thru lane associated with a bank. The Property is currently contains a vacant gas and service station and surface parking area. The main building and a temporary outbuilding are currently being used for seasonal retail sales. Vehicular access to the Property is currently unfettered – with four largely uncontrolled access points along both Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Road. Two of the existing vehicular access points are located in very close proximity to the signalized intersection.


Education

Students to be Recognized in Virtual Awards Ceremony June 14

SIFMA and the SIFMA Foundation have announced Gaithersburg High School in Montgomery County, MD as the 5th place winner in the 2022 Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC), a national financial education program underwritten by the Charles Schwab Foundation.


Montgomery Village

Make an early appearance for the opening announcement and claim a free Farmers’ Market grocery bag (limited quantities available).

For the 12th season, the Montgomery Village Farmers’ Market will feature local vendors with products ranging from produce to sweet treats and everything in between, as well a variety of local breweries and wineries each week. Make a plan to visit your favorite vendors: Valencia’s Produce, Pleitez Produce, Springfield Farm, Killdeer Valley Cookies, Mom’s Sweet Creations, Stone Hearth Barkery, The Crêpe Shoppe, D’s Smokehouse BBQ, DMV Empanadas, Nativo Condiments and Seasonings, Just Pralines, Elk Run Vineyards, Urban Winery, Mully’s Brewery, 7 Locks Brewing, Baltimore Spirits Co. and Twin Valley Distillery. Check out the latest additions to the MV Farmers’ Market as well: Sharrah Orchards, Springfield Farm, Honey Bunny Bakery, Origo Coffee and Doggy Donuts.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


Gaithersburg

June 19, 2022, best known as Juneteenth/Freedom Day, marks the 157th anniversary of the arrival of Union soldiers and General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union soldiers enforced the President’s order ending enslavement.

About six months after Granger brought the message of emancipation to Texas, Congress ratified the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, formally abolishing slavery. Since June 19, 1866, freed slaves have marked the day to celebrate their independence. Juneteenth is also known as Black Independence Day, Freedom Day & Jubilee Day.


MoCo Government

Below is Council President Albornoz’s full statement:

This week, as I reflected on the budget we are about to approve, it occurred to me that this is the eighteenth budget I have had a hand in shaping. My early experience with the County budget was as an executive for a non-profit organization, then later as a cabinet official and now, as Council President. Those experiences provide valuable context that helps me see this budget from multiple angles.


MCPS

Montgomery County Public Schools sent out a community message on Thursday, May 19 announcing that all MCPS students K-11th grade will be taking an age-appropriate survey between May 26 and June 17 to gather feedback on their well-being. Parents who do not want their children to take the survery can opt-out by May 25.

MCPS is committed to ensuring schools have the resources and programs in place to foster a culture of well-being and to effectively respond to those in crisis. A student survey has been developed to help schools in identifying high-needs areas for students.


Education

Letters about positive cases that include advice about mask use are sent home as necessary. MCPS is also sending additional take-home rapid tests and masks to impacted schools. Students and staff who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters may be required to quarantine per guidance from the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.


Uncategorized

The investigation by detectives determined that the two suspects entered the backyard of the residence by opening the unlocked wooden gate. The suspects then gained entry into the residence through the unlocked back door.

The Black male suspect is approximately 20 – 30-years-old, 5-feet, 7-inches tall and thin build. He was seen wearing a royal blue hoodie, royal blue sweatpants, with a white stripe down the side and white and blue sneakers.


Wheaton

The investigation by detectives has determined that the driver of a white 1997 Ford F-150, pulling a 2015 Holmes light duty trailer, was attempting to make a left turn from eastbound Atherton Dr. onto northbound Connecticut Ave. The operator of a white 2015 Kia Optima was traveling and continuing south on Connecticut Ave. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

Officers located six patients with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Four of those patients were passengers of the Kia. Two additional patients were passengers of the Ford.