Gaithersburg

David L. Williams, of Gaithersburg, was given a life sentence today, with all but 45 years suspended. Williams pleaded guilty to first-degree rape on Oct. 4, stemming  from an incident that occurred on the morning of October 6, 2017.

According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, “Williams targeted a woman as she waited at the bus stop along Watkins Mill Rd. near Travis Ln. in Gaithersburg. He threw her down an embankment behind the bus stop, forced cocaine into her mouth and brutally raped and beat her, then stole her belongings leaving her there unconscious and naked.”


Aspen Hill

The Aspen Hill Library (4407 Aspen Hill Rd) will be holding a TEENtober event this Saturday, October 23 from 3-4:00pm. The event will feature a pumpkin painting contest for tweens and teens ages 11 and up.

You can register for the event here.


Sponsored

Montgomery County, Maryland, has long been known as one of the nation’s premier hubs for life sciences and technology but recently, the County has gained global recognition for another high-growth industry: satellite and advanced communications.

The roots of the County’s satellite ecosystem stretch back decades. The former COMSAT Laboratories in Clarksburg helped establish the foundation of modern satellite communications technology and continues to shape the industry today. That legacy directly contributed to the growth of companies like Hughes Network Systems, headquartered in Germantown, which is widely recognized as a pioneer of satellite internet technology and continues to employ nearly 1,000 people locally.

Home to over 120 satellite and advanced communications companies employing approximately 4,500 workers across the region, Montgomery County’s growing prominence in advanced antenna, satellite communications, and space technologies, includes the presence of visionary business leaders, like Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies who has dubbed the area “Satellite Valley” in recognition of its growing industry concentration and momentum. Intellian, which selected Rockville for its first U.S.-based Advanced Development Center, committed a $100 million investment to develop advanced satellite communication technologies, including phased array antennas and portable military-grade terminals designed for next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Montgomery County’s concentration of satellite companies, engineering talent, and proximity to government and defense stakeholders made the region a strategic fit for their expansion.

A leading global provider of stabilized satellite communication and satellite TV antenna systems with more than 70 employees located in Montgomery County, Intellian was one of the businesses featured in a special report from the Financial Times’s fDi Intelligence released in May, highlighting the region’s expanding technology ecosystem. From legacy industry pioneers to fast-growing international companies, such as Thales Defense & Security, Montgomery County offers a deep talent pool with technical expertise, proximity to federal agencies, and highly welcoming and diverse communities, allowing it to continuously attract investment from around the world. (more…)


Education

The Montgomery County Board of Education is pleased to announce the national search for the next superintendent of schools for Montgomery County Public Schools, who will begin serving on July 1, 2022.

Working in partnership with the search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA), the Board is committed to hiring the best person to lead our school system as we prepare students for success in college and career.


MCPS

The principals of Quince Orchard and Northwest high schools have sent a joint letter to the community regarding Friday’s football game between the two undefeated schools.

MCPS, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Police Department, has moved the game to 4:30pm on Friday “out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s safety and for the smooth operation of the entire event.”


Rockville

As part of their 100 year anniversary celebration, the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department will be holding an antique fire engine parade and muster this Sunday at 11am in Rockville Town Square.  At noon, there will be a family event with food trucks, music, and kid’s activities at 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville.

Per the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department


MoCo

Montgomery Parks hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on, Monday, October 18, 2021, for the department’s first dedicated pickleball courts, located at Bauer Drive Local Park.  The six new courts have lights for play until 11 p.m. and are located adjacent to the Bauer Drive Communnity Recreation Center.

Pickleball is a fast-paced, low-impact sport that combines several classic games including badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is played with a tennis-like net and paddles slightly larger than ping pong, with a plastic whiffle ball. 


Bethesda

MINISO, a Japanese themed novelty store, has opened on the first floor of Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) next to Macy’s.

According to Westfield Montgomery, “MINISO is a Japan-based, designer brand that places value on their quality, simplistic design, and low price. The global brand operates in over 40 countries, and has over 1,800 stores across the globe. Following their fast-fashion style, the company also launches new products every week – keeping up with trends. Miniso uniquely combines fashion and simplistic lifestyle to give quality products at affordable price”.


Restaurant

Underground Pizza Company is coming to 8235 Georgia Ave in Silver Spring (formerly Olazzo) later this year. Owner Evan Weinstein, a concert promoter and founder of Steez Promo, started Underground Pizza Company (UPC) last year after concert venues in the area closed their doors due to the pandemic.

Underground Pizza started selling their Detroit-style pizzas at local “pop-up” events that were marketed through social media. Costumers would pre-order pizzas and then meet at a designated location at specific times to pick up their order.


Gaithersburg

The Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg will be implementing a new ticket policy this year due to increased popularity. Beginning this year, tickets must be purchased in advance and are only good for the specific date listed on the ticket.

Details below courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg: