Announcement

McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) is announcing its acquisition of Smolen Emr Ilkovitch Architects (SEI) of Rockville, Maryland. This partnership expands MPS’s presence into the U.S. Mid-Atlantic with a new studio and grows the reach of the firm’s K12 architecture, interior design, planning, and advisory practice to clients in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the surrounding region. The addition reinforces the firm’s place among the top 25 K-12 architecture practices in the United States. 

“We are excited to welcome SEI to the MPS firm family. The SEI team shares our commitment to purposeful and expert design and project execution, exceptional client service, and deep community–centered relationships and presence,” says Chad Cousins, CEO, McMillan Pazdan Smith. “Together, we will support the continued growth, vibrancy, and sustainability of the DMV region with long term community investments, and industry-leading design, planning, and advisory value.”


Event

Olney, MD Art Gallery and Studio to present a Pop-Culture themed group Art Exhibit and Artists’ Alley event.

Highly Animated is a 2-month long celebration of the vibrant world of fan art. From classic JRPG nostalgia, to the latest anime obsessions, to amazing original characters, this exhibition will highlight the passion, creativity and talent within fan communities.


Maryland

On Thursday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, and Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk announced the proposed Utility RELIEF Act, a legislative package aimed at lowering energy bills for Maryland residents while strengthening oversight of utility companies and expanding energy generation.

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Restaurant

Ben & Jerry’s will host its annual Free Cone Day on April 14, offering free scoops at participating Scoop Shops worldwide as a gesture of gratitude to its fans. The tradition, which began in 1979, has grown into a global event spanning over 35 countries, with last year’s celebration serving more than 1 million scoops. (more…)