The Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department has finalized and released Santa’s route through Gaithersburg and Washington Grove.
Santa’s route will take place over several days, starting on December 4th and going until December 19th. The date of each route is provided when you click on the route (each color is a different day).
More information about the the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department:
“For just over 80 years the Gaithersburg – Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department has served the communities of Gaithersburg, Washington Grove, Derwood and Montgomery Village.
We are a “combined” department. Career firefighters, who are employees of the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service, make up the backbone of our firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Volunteers supplement this staffing, primarily on nights and weekends.
Many of our volunteers are are involved as operational firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Others provide administrative and auxiliary services.
The GWGVFD operates two stations. Station 8, on Montgomery Village Avenue across from Lakeforest Mall, is the busiest station in Montgomery County. Station 8 quarters three pieces of fire apparatus, Paramedic Engine 708, Ariel Tower 708, and Brush Truck 708. In addition, station 8 also houses 5 EMS units, two ALS and three BLS. They are Medic 708, Medic 708B, and Ambulances 708, 708B and 708C. Station 8 also has a number of other vehicles in its large fleet such as, two chiefs buggies, three utility vehicles, a canteen unit, three bike teams, a BLS transport cart, and our well know fire safety house.
Station 28, at the corner of Muncaster Mill and Shady Grove Road, is home to Engine Company 728 and Ambulance 728. Station 28 is also a hazardous materials station and runs Haz-Mat Unit 728. Station 28 also runs utility 728 which is primarily used as a support vehicle for the hazardous materials team.”
Seneca Creek State Park Winter Lights Festival Sold Out for the Season
The City of Gaithersburg Government just announced on their facebook page that the Winter Lights Festival that takes place throughout Seneca Creek State park is sold out.
Per their post, “Due to unprecedented levels of attendance, tickets to the Winter Lights Festival are officially SOLD OUT. Admission will be granted through Dec. 31 to ticket holders only. Please be advised that the City does not recommend purchasing tickets from third-party sellers, and that scams have been reported. Event staff will continue to work with Police to address traffic on the roads for the safety of our attendees and residents.”
The Winter Lights Festival is currently in its 25th year. It features around 450 light displays with over the course of a 3.5 mile drive.
Information about the event can be found here.
Although this display is well-known, it is not the only place in the county to see winter lights. The Washington DC Temple in Kensington is running their Festival of Lights Drive-Through until December 28. This event is free to the public and no tickets are needed. Read more about the Festival of Lights here.
Featured photo courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg’s website.
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Today, the County Council and County Executive Marc Elrich announced that this Monday, October 12 will be officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and it will continue to be recognized annually by the county.
The decision, which was brought to the council by Councilmember Nancy Navarro, was met with unanimous support. This day, which had traditionally been associated with Columbus Day, will recognize and celebrate the “stories and cultures of our Native communities,” Navarro said.
“This proclamation marks a long overdue change in how we celebrate the second Monday in October,” Elrich said in a press release. “As our County grapples with racial and social justice inequities, we need to recognize that too much of the story of this country has been misrepresented, and it is time to correct that story. This country was not ’discovered’ by Christopher Columbus; it was already occupied by people with a rich collection of knowledge, stories and practices. Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the original occupants of these lands, their cultures and the sacrifices they were forced to make.”
Today, the County Council and County Executive Marc Elrich announced that this Monday, October 12 will be officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and will continue to be recognized annually by the county.
The decision, which was brought to the council by Councilmember Nancy Navarro, was met with unanimous support. This day, which had traditionally been associated with Columbus Day, will recognize and celebrate the “stories and cultures of our Native communities,” Navarro said.
“This proclamation marks a long overdue change in how we celebrate the second Monday in October,” Elrich said in a press release, supporting Navarro’s sentiment. “As our County grapples with racial and social justice inequities, we need to recognize that too much of the story of this country has been misrepresented, and it is time to correct that story. This country was not ’discovered’ by Christopher Columbus; it was already occupied by people with a rich collection of knowledge, stories and practices. Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the original occupants of these lands, their cultures and the sacrifices they were forced to make.”
The press release also listed Native American tribes of Maryland that the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs has recognized. This includes the Accohannock Indian Tribe, the Assateague Peoples Tribe, the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, the Piscataway Conoy Tribes, the Piscataway Conoy Confederacy and Subtribes and the Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians, the Pocomoke Indian Nation, and the Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee Indians.
A list of Native Americans of Maryland and their histories can be found on the state archive’s website at https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/native/html/00list.html.
By Adam Levine
MoCo Fire and Rescue Services has repeatedly urged residents this week to remember that all fireworks and sparklers are illegal here. According to Chief Scott Goldstein, fireworks can injure bystanders, start fires, and scare pets.
Instead, tune in to “United Montgomery, Stronger Together” on Friday, July 3 at 8 PM to view a fireworks show, hear messages from elected officials, and listen to local musicians. MoCo had previously canceled in-person fireworks shows.
MoCo residents can turn in their fireworks or report active illegal fireworks by calling the MoCo Police non-emergency number, (301) 279-8000
By Prayag Gordy
