Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is launching the second cohort of her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council and is looking for a new group of students to apply. Applicants must live in Montgomery County and be in grades 7-12 and older than 13 to be eligible. Applicants must commit to meeting in person and virtually once every two weeks at 5:30 p.m. on Monday from September—December. The sessions will focus on Councilmember Sayles’ S.M.A.R.T. agenda to strengthen 21st-century education, make a living more affordable, advance local food production, revitalize the economy and tackle climate change.
“I am pleased that interest has grown to continue the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, which exposes more youth to my S.M.A.R.T. agenda and the process of policymaking at the Montgomery County Council. The perspectives reflected in our Youth Advisory Council represent the ethnic and geographic diversity of the student population in our County.”
“So much thought goes into the important decisions that shape the livelihoods of our residents, and more than half of our budget supports MCPS. Young people have always been vocal advocates for change throughout history. I aim to inspire future generations to turn their frustrations and ideas into solving tomorrow’s problems by getting involved in their local government, thinking critically about today’s challenges, and, most importantly, working with their peers to develop solutions to our County’s challenges,” said Councilmember Sayles.
The first cohort of the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council finished in the spring of 2023. The 16 students participated in eight meetings, with guest speakers from Montgomery County Public Schools, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, WorkSource Montgomery, the Office of Legislative Oversight, the Office of Agricultural Services and a special appearance from County Executive Marc Elrich. They concluded with a closing ceremony on June 12, where students pitched policy recommendations to a panel of esteemed judges.
“Meeting with Councilmember Sayles and other student leaders was particularly eye-opening. By focusing on each part of the S.M.A.R.T. agenda, I was able to hear from students about social justice issues within their schools that I would have never previously known about. Moreover, being able to see the final projects come together truly emphasized the power students hold to create change,” said Nico D’Orazio, a rising senior at Wootton High School.
For the next cohort of the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, eligible students can apply through August 28 on Councilmember Sayles’ webpage or by following this link: bit.ly/YouthAdvisoryCouncil2023. Students who are accepted will be eligible for SSL hours. Those who have questions or want to learn more about this opportunity can contact Councilmember Sayles and her team at [email protected].
“My office started this initiative to increase youth civic engagement, encourage public service and inspire young people to give back to their community, and I am so proud of the legacy of the young public servants we are shaping in our County,” said Councilmember Sayles.
VinoRita Wine Slushies is now open in the Montgomery Mall food court, taking over the kiosk space that was previously home to HalfSmoke, Gelato Galax, and Coldstone Creamery. Alcohol infused flavors include the best selling “Black San,” which is a Blackberry Sangria, Peach Frose, Strawberry Daquiri, and Blueberry Pomegranate. Non-alcoholic options include Blue Raspberry and Lemonade. According to VinoRita, the first 150 customers will receive their slushies in color-changing Margarita souvenir cups at the pop-up.
Additional information below, Per VinoRita:“If you’ve never had a wine slushy before, you’re in for a treat! Even if you have had a wine slushy, you’re in for a treat! VinoRita was created to bring you a fun & unique, Love at First Sip, top notch customer experience! Our goal is to revolutionize the way you experience wine! We’re not biased, our slushies really are delicious & they really are made with wine – no hard liquors or spirits are added. At VinoRita, we offer a delicious slushy cocktail that does not require you to indulge in hard liquor to have fun! We’ve worked hard to perfect our recipes over the years and can’t wait to bring our wine slushies to a city near you. In some of our locations, you can have a wine slushy while you shop! 🍷🍹🛍How fun is that? Check out our locations page to see where you can find us & experience Love at First Sip with a VinoRita Wine Slushy! Based on the way alcohol and liquor licenses have previously worked at the mall, we do not expect customers to be able to leave the VinoRita area with the drinks, but are awaiting word on that. Featured photo courtesy of VinoRitaWineSlushies.com
Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is up to an estimated $1.58 billion, with a cash option of $783.3 million. Below are a few suggestions on where you can spend some of that money in Montgomery County if you happen to win the big one.
Splurge on Alcohol:
A bottle of The Balvenie 40 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750mL) can be purchased from the Montgomery County ABS store at 12155 Darnestown Rd in Gaithersburg for $8,999.99. According to its website, “Using some of the rarest casks that have been carefully matured in Traditional American and European Oak in The Balvenie warehouses, Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE creates to craft a bold marriage of extraordinary character. Rich and refined; intense honeyed oak and rich fruit create a complex layer of sweetness and spice; then warm notes of ginger and citrus are revealed.”
Order an Expensive Steak:
The Tomahawk Ribeye from Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Downtown Crown (Gaithersburg) sells for $145, according to the restaurant’s website. Add an appetizer ($25), a few sides ($13 each), dessert ($11) and a cocktail, and you’re looking at over $200 per person. According to Ruth’s Chris, “the tomahawk steak is essentially a ribeye beef steak specifically cut with at least five inches of rib bone left intact. The extra-long, French trimmed bone utilizes the same culinary technique that shapes a rack of lamb. “Frenching” means trimming the bone of meat and fat to the point where it looks like a handle. This gives the steak its signature flavor and unique look, which resembles a Native American tomahawk axe (hence the name). It can also be referred to as a “tomahawk chop,” “bone-in ribeye,” and “cote du boeuf.”
Buy a New Home:
This home at 11543 Cushman Rd in North Bethesda is currently listed at $2,695,000 by Team Nurit/The Agency DC. “Prominently sited on a fantastic corner lot in the Old Georgetown Estates community of highly-sought after Luxmanor, this magnificent home awaits with six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, one half bath, and a three-car garage. Enter the front door into a spacious foyer and feel yourself drawn into this home’s enchantment. Built on a grand scale yet intimate and warm, exquisite taste radiates throughout this stunning home with Craftsman construction exuding quality and attention to fine architectural detail. The open and airy floor plan is ideal.
Enjoy parties, intimate gatherings, and silent retreats all within your own home. Living and dining spaces of palatial size are enhanced by bright southern exposure, large windows, and abundant recessed lighting, and provide ideal spaces for all manners of gatherings. To the left of the entrance is a large study well suited for hybrid or work-from-home professionals. The fully appointed kitchen is perfect for preparing gourmet meals with its granite countertops, built-in appliances, waterfall island, a second deep sink, six burner gas range, walk-in pantry, butler’s pantry, and ample storage for all your culinary endeavors. The resplendent family room has coffered ceilings and a gas fireplace for your enjoyment.”
Note: Team Nurit is a sponsor of The MoCoShow.
Plan a Spa Day:
A full day at the Woodhouse Spa in Gaithersburg (217 Ellington Blvd) or North Bethesda (2 Paseo Dr) will leave you feeling like a brand new person. Options at the spa include a Holistic Body Detox ($225), HydraFacial Keravive
($500), Meditative Mood Soak ($205) and Brazillian Wax ($95). According to their website, “Welcome to the Woodhouse Spa, here in North Bethesda, Maryland. The ultimate full-service luxury spa, with over 6,000 square feet and eighteen treatment stations including a soaking room and Vichy shower, the spa offers rejuvenating and results-oriented spa services to provide its guests with the utmost relaxation. Our North Bethesda spa is a popular place for a luxurious getaway, offering over 70 stress-relieving, soothing services including the Woodhouse Signature: Holistic Minkyti facial and the Woodhouse Signature: Calming Retreat, in addition to body treatments, sleep treatments, manicures and pedicures. We are honored to have been voted again Bethesda’s Best Day Spa of 2021 and cannot wait for you to experience the personal transformation that awaits.”
Purchase a New Car:
A brand new Cayenne E-Hybrid Turbo S will cost you $205,000 at Porsche Bethesda (11990 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda). According to Porsche, “The standard features of the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Base include 3.0L V-6 455hp hybrid gas intercooled turbo engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, POSIP side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 19″ aluminum wheels, cruise control, Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ABS and driveline traction control.”
Buy Jewelry:
While there are dozens of jewelers in Montgomery County, Crown Jewelers at Wheaton Mall (11160 Veirs Mill Rd Suite 202) was the choice of controversial ex-NFL player Antonio Brown when he was in the area last year. According to Crown’s website, “Crown Jewelers is a Fine Gold and Diamond jewelry store, specializing in custom jewelry design. We can create any piece imaginable utilizing GIA certified Diamonds. Embrace Your Royalty with Crown Jewelers.”
Antonio Brown with an early morning visit to Wheaton Mall (Saturday ~ 4am)https://t.co/nvizIs0mW2 pic.twitter.com/D9GBrJRojj
— The MoCoShow (MCS) (@TheMoCoShow) August 14, 2022
Make a Donation:
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center provides a quick and easy guide to navigate local organizations that accept donations. Learn more at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/volunteers/Donations.html
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Walmart (20910 Frederick Rd) in Germantown on Friday, August 25 at 7am with the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) to mark the completion of recent renovations at the location. According to the GGCC, “Join us for Walmart Supercenter’s ribbon cutting and unveiling of its new store remodel at the Germantown location! The $7 million remodel includes a new floor plan, parking lot project, new merchandise, food online grocery delivery , and 60 new associate hires. Walmart’s Germantown location currently employees nearly 500 people and is celebrating 20 years of being part of the community.”
Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings is also scheduled to open inside the Germantown Walmart soon, though no opening date has been announced. Charleys is taking over the space formerly occupied by McDonald’s. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.
The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Genesis Chavez, a missing 14-year-old from Aspen Hill. Chavez was last seen on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, around 8 p.m., in the 3400 block of Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill. She is 5’6″, 140 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts with white stripes and green sandals.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Genesis Chavez is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).
Concern for Missing Fourteen-Year-Old
The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public's assistance in locating Genesis Chavez, a missing 14-year-old from Aspen Hill.https://t.co/gttxjYPxad#mcpd #mcpnews #missing pic.twitter.com/sKAiMWbc9V
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) August 8, 2023
Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) has announced the formation of the MSI Golden Knights, a new semi-professional soccer team in Montgomery County. Per MSI: Soccer enthusiasts and sports fans across Montgomery County, MD, have a reason to celebrate as Montgomery Soccer Inc (MSI) makes its grand debut as the area’s newest semi-professional soccer team, the Golden Knights. Founded with a vision to elevate the local soccer scene and foster a spirit of passion and excellence, MSI is set to redefine the sports landscape in the region.
With a deep-rooted commitment to the beautiful game, MSI aims to be a beacon of talent development and a source of pride for the community. As the team gears up for its inaugural season, anticipation is building among fans and aspiring athletes, eager to witness top-tier soccer action right in their backyard.
“At MSI, we are driven by a shared love for soccer and a genuine desire to create a positive impact in Montgomery County’s sporting ecosystem,” said Executive Director Gus Delgado. “We aim to provide local talent with a platform to shine, instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.”
The MSI Golden Knights roster will be a carefully curated mix of homegrown talent and seasoned athletes, chosen not only for their on-field prowess but also for their dedication to community engagement. The team’s diverse composition will embody the essence of Montgomery County and bring fans together from all walks of life.
Spearheaded by a team of experienced sports professionals and coaching staff, MSI is committed to providing a holistic training environment to nurture and hone the skills of its players. Training facilities will be state-of-the-art, complemented by personalized coaching sessions that focus on the individual growth of each player.
As part of its community outreach, MSI plans to collaborate with local schools, youth programs, and charitable organizations to promote sportsmanship and healthy competition among young athletes. The team aims to actively engage in initiatives that make a positive impact on society.
“We believe in the power of soccer to unite communities, inspire the next generation of athletes, and create lasting memories,” added Delgado. “MSI will strive to be a catalyst for positive change, on and off the field.”
To celebrate the launch of the MSI Golden Knights, the team will host a series of events engaging fan interactions in the coming weeks. Fans and supporters are encouraged to follow the team on social media and visit the official https://msisoccer.org/programs/upsl/ for updates and exciting announcements.
UPDATE: Jozlynn Sanderson has been located safe and unharmed.
The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating, Jozlynn Sanderson, a missing 16-year-old from Burtonsville. Sanderson was last seen on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at approximately 1 a.m., in the area of Scarlet Sage Court in Burtonsville. She is 5’2″, 130 lbs., with brown hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jozlynn Sanderson is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).
Concern for Missing Sixteen-Year-Oldhttps://t.co/RvzBDtsLdW#mcpd #mcpnews #missing pic.twitter.com/rNRDbiBOlP
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) August 8, 2023
Last December, we let you know that Dunkin’ is continuing its massive expansion across the country and within MoCo, with an upcoming location coming to the Traville Village Center in Rockville. Crews have been working on both the interior and exterior of the space, with a projected opening timeframe of late 2023/early 2024.
Earlier this year learned that Dunkin’ will be taking over 1,500 SF in the back half of the building that was previously home to Capital One Bank building at 9761 Traville Gateway Drive (rendering available below). The location will also have a drive-thru. 1,700 SF on the front side of the building is still available to lease and has also received a facelift since its days as a bank (photo below).
A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket was sold at an Anne Arundel County Giant. According to the Maryland Lottery, “Check your Powerball tickets from Monday’s drawing, Maryland! Even though no one hit the estimated $145 million jackpot, there was one $50,000-winning ticket sold in our state. The Maryland Lottery is looking for the lucky player who bought the third-tier winning ticket at Giant #0358 located at 573 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park.
The winning numbers in the Aug. 7 drawing were 6, 13, 20, 35 and 54; the Powerball was 22 and the Power Play multiplier was X2. In addition to the third-tier winner, Marylanders won 13,401 prizes ranging from $4 to $200. Lottery officials encourage winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location. They get 182 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police investigators are continuing an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate in Allegany County. The inmate is identified as Moise Louis, 34. Louis was declared deceased by emergency medical service personnel. He was a state prison inmate serving time at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland. A suspect, also an inmate, has been identified. He is being held in another location within the Division of Correction. He has not been charged at this time and is not being identified until charges are placed.
Shortly after 12:00 noon today, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit (DPSCS IIU) about an inmate death. Investigators told State Police Louis was found in his cell with multiple injuries. State Police Homicide Unit investigators are continuing the investigation. Assistance has been provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators with the DPSCS Internal Investigative Unit. Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office for review regarding charges. The investigation continues.
