Director Keith Boynton (The Winter House, The Scottish Play) is poised to direct his eighth feature film and first foray into horror this Halloween season with The Haunted Forest, starring seasoned genre star Jamie Bernadette (/ Spit on your Grave: Deja Vu) and newcomer Grayson Gwaze. The movie will be filmed at Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Dickerson/Poolesville, which has recently concluded its 31st season as one of Maryland’s scariest haunts.

The Haunted Forest stars Grayson Gwaze as Zach, a high school senior who, after landing a job as a scare actor at Markoff’s Haunted Forest, becomes the potential victim of a string of real-life murders happening inside the maze itself. Jamie Bernadette stars as Susie, who oversees the haunted forest and its merry band of misfits, alongside her husband, Mark (Cedric Gegel, The Coroner’s Assistant).

Principal photography is set to take place at the actual Markoff’s Haunted Forest attraction, located in Poolesville. Amidst ongoing strike concerns, The Haunted Forest plans to maximize the power of the horror community for its theatrical release. Sane Lake Pictures is partnering with Markoff’s Haunted Forest, with plans to self-screen the film in October of 2024. Fans of the haunt will be able to watch the film on the big screen on the same grounds where it was shot, with scare actors hiding in the wings.

Director Keith Boynton’s most recent film, romantic thriller The Winter House, starring Lili Taylor (Mystic Pizza) and François Arnaud (The Borgias), was acquired by Freestyle Digital Media and released on digital platforms October 13th, earning praise from legendary critic Rex Reed for Boynton’s “understated understanding” and Taylor’s “sensitive and nuanced performance.”

Producers are Mashka Wolfe (Y2K Babes) and Cassie D’Agostino (Top Chef) under the production company Sane Lake Pictures.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest features a mile-long trail that sets the stage for a series of terrifying scenes including a viking ship, an evil church, a vampire village, and many more terrifying sets that see over 30,000 visitors every October.

Per the State of Maryland: Today, members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the General Services Administration’s decision to select Prince George’s County as the home for the new, consolidated FBI headquarters:

“This is a historic moment for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and our nation. For decades, the dilapidated J. Edgar Hoover Building has failed to meet the FBI’s operational needs, which has undermined our national security. The once fabled building has crumbled before our eyes, with nets surrounding the facility for years to protect pedestrians from falling debris. Today’s decision by the General Services Administration (GSA) will ensure we fulfill the FBI’s dire, longstanding need for a new consolidated headquarters that meets the modern-day demands on the Bureau’s work to protect Americans and our nation.

After a thorough deliberation process and consideration of stakeholder input, the GSA selected the Greenbelt site as the location for the new FBI headquarters. The GSA’s analysis of the facts and its consultations revealed that the Greenbelt site is the most fitting site of the three final candidates when all factors were considered together.

We agree with the GSA’s determination that based on merit the Greenbelt site is best suited to serve the present and future FBI and the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect America and uphold the law. Considering cost to the taxpayer, equity, construction timeline, transportation access, and the FBI’s mission requirements, we have long believed that Greenbelt is the best site for this crucial facility. We are pleased that the GSA arrived at the same conclusion. Our decades-long, bipartisan effort to bring the Maryland sites’ many merits to the GSA’s attention was never about politics. It was always about making the case for what is best for the FBI, our region, and the country.

Team Maryland has worked tirelessly to deliver this result together. Our close cooperation will continue as we break ground on this new headquarters and tackle other pressing issues facing Marylanders. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the FBI has the best possible headquarters in the quickest timeframe so that we can facilitate a smooth transition to Prince George’s County. We look forward to building a strong, productive partnership with the Bureau and its staff.”

Per the United State’s Attorney’s Office: “Quaysa Flumo, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 234 months in prison and Emmanuel Sumo, 29, of Takoma Park, Md., was sentenced to 214 months for a string of armed robberies that struck a series of gas stations, liquor stores, convenience stores, and restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, all within a four-week period in 2018.

According to the government’s evidence, Flumo and Sumo were members of a trio – which included Enyinna “Reggie” Onyewu, 31, of Silver Spring, Md. – and were found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court on March 28, 2022, of federal conspiracy, robbery, and (for Flumo and Sumo) related weapons charges. The government’s evidence showed that Onyewu took part in five of the robberies; Sumo in seven of the robberies; and Flumo in all 10 of the robberies.

Throughout January 2018, the defendants, working together, robbed a series of gas stations, liquor stores, convenience stores, and restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In each of the robberies, the defendants were armed with a .45 caliber handgun. They wore masks and gloves to avoid being identified. During several robberies, they physically assaulted store employees and put the gun directly to the heads of their victims. The robberies took place at various hours, including some in broad daylight. The victims were left shaken and shocked by the incidents. Fortunately, none of them sustained serious physical injuries.

At trial, the government presented testimony from nearly 30 witnesses. The first robbery took place on Jan. 2, 2018, at a gas station in Silver Spring. Other targets were in Takoma Park, Md., Silver Spring, Md., Northwest Washington, and Arlington, Va. On Jan. 10, 2018, two robberies took place within a 45-minute period. The final robbery in the series took place on Jan. 29, 2018, at another gas station in Silver Spring.

Onyewu was arrested on Oct. 22, 2020; Sumo on Nov. 23, 2020, and Flumo on Apr. 27, 2021. Onyewu was sentenced Aug. 18, 2023, to 166 months in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg.  Flumo and Sumo were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta who also ordered three years of supervised release for each defendant.

In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Chief Jones, and Chief DeVaul commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force, the Montgomery Co. Police Department, the Takoma Park Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George’s Co. Police Department, and the Arlington County Police Department.

They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz, Paralegal Specialists Candace Battle, Mary Downing, and Kim Hall, Legal Assistant Latoya Wade, Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Litigation Technology Specialist William Henderson.

Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Candice Wong of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section (VRTO), who investigated and prosecuted the case.”

Watkins Mill High School athletic coordinator, Lisa Magness, provided new school principal Vilma Najera with an encouraging update following an analysis of the Fall sports teams at the Montgomery Village school. The full letter can be seen below.

“Dear Ms. Najera: I have completed the academic analysis of the Fall sports’ teams at Watkins Mill High School. Using the data from the 1″ marking period report cards, I found some terrific information:

• 259 student-athletes participated in Fall sports.
• The Fall sports’ teams GPA was a 3.1 overall for all 16 teams.
• 115 student-athletes received “Minds in Motion” awards for having at least a 3.25 GPA while playing a sport. That is 44.4% of the total students who participated in Fall sports.
• 25 student-athletes had a 4.0 GPA during marking period 1.
• 92.6% of our student-athletes remained eligible, however, 19 student-athletes did become ineligible this Fall sports season.
• Overall, the Fall sports’ teams did well as 6 teams had a team GPA of 3.25 or higher and an additional 4 teams had a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Also, the following teams had no athletes become ineligible during the Fall season: Pickleball, Golf, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Varsity Field Hockey, JV Cheerleading, JV Girls Soccer, JV Girls Volleyball.

As you can see, our coaches and athletes work very hard to maintain the “STUDENT” first and then the “ATHLETE!!” I am very proud of this fabulous accomplishment! As always, we will continue to work hard at encouraging our student-athletes to excel in the classroom.

Respectfully,

Lisa Magness, CMAA” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Fantastic academic stats from our Fall sport student-athletes. So proud of them! We will continue to strive STUDENT 1st & ATHLETE 2nd. Congrats to a job well done!! Thank you coaches & staff for your support of our student-athletes! pic.twitter.com/mTILD1AtWQ

— Watkins Mill Athletics (@WMRinesSports) November 8, 2023

Updated to include full community letter sent out by Clarksburg High School principal, Edward Owusu.

Over 50 students are expected to participate in a walkout at Clarksburg High School tomorrow in support of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to the President of the school’s Student Government Association (SGA), Sabrin Niamathullah. According to Niamathullah, the walkout is being hosted by her and the school’s Muslim Student Association and will occur during second period on Thursday, November 9th.

Niamathullah tells us the school’s administration is aware of the walkout will be taking place and security will be present to ensure the student’s safety. The walkout will include “chanting, four student speakers, the group of students will be calling representatives as well as signing an open letter to the representatives demanding that they sign House Resolution 786.”

Clarksburg High School principal Edward Owusu sent a letter to the community titled, “Awareness of Anticipated Student Walkout at Clarksburg High School.” The full letter can be seen below:

“Dear Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,

As members of the Clarksburg community, we each have a responsibility to one another. Our richness is in our diversity. In unprecedented times like these around the world, we should all strive to be open, to listen, and to respect the rights of others. Therefore I want to make you aware of an event planned for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Thursday, November 9th there will be a student-led walkout planned during periods 2 beginning at the Cafeteria Patio. Led by the Clarksburg Muslim Student Association, students will be demonstrating to voice their concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, in support of Palestine. Participation in this demonstration is optional (not mandatory) and has been approved by school leadership. Absences due to participation in the walk-out will be excused, and students will be responsible for all missed work and instruction.

It is expected that MCPS all people are treated fairly and all spaces are safe, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Please understand that the purpose of this walkout is to support these considerations (codified in MCPS policy) and students’ rights of free speech. Clarksburg staff will be assisting in ensuring that this is a positive, peaceful, and respectful event.

Clarksburg High School supports student-led advocacy and works to ensure any planned event is safe and respectful of all others in our building. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 240-740-6000.

Sincerely,

Edward Owusu
Principal, Clarksburg High School”

Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

The Prekindergarten and Head Start offices are accepting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves, scarves and boots are also welcome. Donations are needed for boys and girls in sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Items can be dropped off in person from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday– Friday, at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville, MD 20852. Items may be dropped off in person from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or may be ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.

Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville, MD 20852. For more information, contact Lisa Conlon at 240-550-2615 or 240-740-4530.

Brio’s Chicken has announced it will open a location at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda. The restaurant will be located in the space previously occupied by Tara Thai, which closed this past spring.  Menu items at Brio’s will includes Peruvian charbroiled chicken, empanadas, paninis, steaks, and seafood. Brio’s plans to be open daily from 8am-9pm and will offer Sunday brunch (full menu below.) No opening timeframe has been announced.

Brio’s Chicken was scheduled to open a location in the Kentlands but after several years of delays and issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant never materialized.  Brio’s Chicken previously had a location in Aspen Hill in the Aspen Manor shopping center, where Outback is located, but that location is under new ownership and is now known as Gio’s Chicken.

Nick News, with co-host/correspondent Kahlil Greene (a MoCo native known by many as the “Gen-Z Historian”), has been nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Best Non-Fiction Program. He has been with the revamped version of the show since February of this year.

Greene, a Germantown native, was born at Holy Cross Hospital, attended Daly Elementary School and Fox Chapel Elementary School before moving on to Neelsville Middle School (all in Germantown) and then Poolesville High School before attending Yale University and becoming the school’s first Black student body President.

Nick News, which originally ran from 1992-2015, took the form of a highly rated and recognized news program for children and teenagers alike, discussing important social, political and economic issues in a format intended for both children and adults. The show was brought back in 2020.

Greene told us the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington (specifically the Germantown branch) played a big role in his childhood. In addition to going nearly every day after school, he would also attend all of their summer camps. He is now a big advocate for the program.

More on Kahlil Greene, per his website: Kahlil Greene, also known as the “Gen-Z Historian”, is a New York Times and Forbes Magazine recognized digital educator with over 600,000 followers and 20mm views across his Tiktok, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. He has authored op-eds about Gen Z and justice in the Washington Post, LA Times, and Harvard Business Review. Kahlil also graduated from Yale with a degree in History and served as the college’s first-ever Black student body president. Kahlil is now a full-time, self-employed speaker, influencer, and educator and is known for his TikTok series, Hidden History–which dives into stories of American injustice–and for his commentary about cultural appropriation. Throughout his nascent career, Kahlil has already worked with organizations like Meta, Microsoft, and the White House. Kahlil’s main goal is to share knowledge about history, culture, and politics from a new, engaging perspective.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is proud to announce that 18 of 25 district high schools have been recognized on the prestigious 2023 AP School Honor Roll.This achievement highlights the district’s commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and preparing students for college, career and community.