Delays in safety inspections at the new District Court in downtown Rockville have pushed the opening to June 20.
The opening had originally been planned for December, but was already pushed back until February because of bad weather and routine construction delays.
At the same time, a permanent cure for the intense sunlight reflections off the building's southern windows is due soon. The state is evaluating a solar film that will decrease the reflection by 80 percent.
Barthol L. Thomas, acting assistant secretary for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction at the state Department of General Services, said the most recent delays were caused by safety inspection requirements.
"We've had a few setbacks with the emergency generator and we are now doing our final tests," Thomas said.
The court sits on the former site of the Rockville Library at the corner of Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. It sits across Jefferson Street from the current District Court building. SOURCE: Gazette
April 7, 2011
Regal Bethesda Evacuated After Leak of Substance Reported
The Regal Bethesda movie theater has been evacuated after a report of a leak of an unknown substance in one of the movie theaters, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. The substance may be coolant from the HVAC system, but investigators are still working to determine what it is, according to Capt. Oscar Garcia, a Fire and Rescue spokesman.
A hazmat unit was dispatched around 12:38 to the theater, located at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, and were still on the scene shortly before 1p.m. There were no injuries or illnesses reported, but no patrons were being allowed back into the theater, Garcia said.
"It appears to be some type of coolant from the HVAC system that has pooled at the bottom of the movie theater," Garcia said.
Garcia couldn't yet say how much of the substance was spilled. The leak was contained as of 12:49, but the substance still remained. Hazmat teams are working with the theater's maintenance workers to try to identify the substance and come up with a cleanup plan, Garcia said. SOURCE: Bethesda Patch
A hazmat unit was dispatched around 12:38 to the theater, located at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, and were still on the scene shortly before 1p.m. There were no injuries or illnesses reported, but no patrons were being allowed back into the theater, Garcia said.
"It appears to be some type of coolant from the HVAC system that has pooled at the bottom of the movie theater," Garcia said.
Garcia couldn't yet say how much of the substance was spilled. The leak was contained as of 12:49, but the substance still remained. Hazmat teams are working with the theater's maintenance workers to try to identify the substance and come up with a cleanup plan, Garcia said. SOURCE: Bethesda Patch
Sources say O’Malley’s offshore wind bill shelved with study
Maryland lawmakers will not pass the centerpiece of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s environmental agenda, a plan to build one of the nation’s first offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean, before they adjourn Monday, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations.
Sources in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly say lawmakers are expected to agree to further study the estimated $1.5 billion project in coming months and reconsider the legislation either this fall when they reconvene in a special session for redistricting, or in their 2012 session in January.
O’Malley lobbied lawmakers heavily in recent weeks to pass the measure. It is backed by a coalition of environmentalists as well as unions who believe construction of the massive turbines would bring 2,000 jobs or more to the state, as well as make Maryland a leader in green energy.
But the plan ran into significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, who said they had too many unanswered questions about the potential costs on the state’s electric ratepayers.
Under a complicated set of steps laid out in the bill, the state would require Maryland utilities to sign 25-year agreements to buy offshore wind power at a price far above the current market rate. The subsidy would go to developers of the offshore wind farm who say they could not secure financing for the project otherwise. The cost would be spread among all residential and commercial customers through a monthly fee on electric bills. SOURCE: Washington Post
Sources in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly say lawmakers are expected to agree to further study the estimated $1.5 billion project in coming months and reconsider the legislation either this fall when they reconvene in a special session for redistricting, or in their 2012 session in January.
O’Malley lobbied lawmakers heavily in recent weeks to pass the measure. It is backed by a coalition of environmentalists as well as unions who believe construction of the massive turbines would bring 2,000 jobs or more to the state, as well as make Maryland a leader in green energy.
But the plan ran into significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, who said they had too many unanswered questions about the potential costs on the state’s electric ratepayers.
Under a complicated set of steps laid out in the bill, the state would require Maryland utilities to sign 25-year agreements to buy offshore wind power at a price far above the current market rate. The subsidy would go to developers of the offshore wind farm who say they could not secure financing for the project otherwise. The cost would be spread among all residential and commercial customers through a monthly fee on electric bills. SOURCE: Washington Post
Montgomery County Young Republicans cordially invite you to our Annual Charity Ball on 4/16
The Montgomery County Young Republicans cordially invite you to our Annual Charity Ball. We promise an evening of dancing, drinks and entertainment, with all proceeds raised supporting the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund (MCLEORF), a Non-Profit Organization providing assistance to the families of police officers in need.
This year's Ball is held in honor of Officer Hector Ayala, who tragically tragically lost his life in the line of duty one year ago. Officer Ayala left behind his son, Hector Jr., and his wife, Melissa, then pregnant with triplets who were born two months later.
You need not be Republican nor young to be moved by this heartbreaking story, not to mention all of the unsung stories of other fallen, wounded and needy heroes whose lives have been touched by MCLEORF. Please join us in showing appreciation and support for the dedicated service of our Montgomery County Police Officers.
DATE: Saturday April 16th 2011 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
EVENT: Full Open Bar, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, and a Night of Dancing
LOCATION: BETHESDA WOMENS CLUB
5500 Sonoma Road, Bethesda, MD
COST: $50 per person
Sponsor Levels:
$250 Silver - 2 Tickets and Signage Included
$500 Gold - 4 Tickets and Signage Included
$1000 Platinum - 8 Tickets and Signage Included
To purchase a ticket, please mail checks made out to the Montgomery County Young Republicans or Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund to: 11343 Amberlea Farm Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
For further information, please contact:
Carl T. Weber III
MCYR President
This year's Ball is held in honor of Officer Hector Ayala, who tragically tragically lost his life in the line of duty one year ago. Officer Ayala left behind his son, Hector Jr., and his wife, Melissa, then pregnant with triplets who were born two months later.
You need not be Republican nor young to be moved by this heartbreaking story, not to mention all of the unsung stories of other fallen, wounded and needy heroes whose lives have been touched by MCLEORF. Please join us in showing appreciation and support for the dedicated service of our Montgomery County Police Officers.
DATE: Saturday April 16th 2011 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
EVENT: Full Open Bar, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, and a Night of Dancing
LOCATION: BETHESDA WOMENS CLUB
5500 Sonoma Road, Bethesda, MD
COST: $50 per person
Sponsor Levels:
$250 Silver - 2 Tickets and Signage Included
$500 Gold - 4 Tickets and Signage Included
$1000 Platinum - 8 Tickets and Signage Included
To purchase a ticket, please mail checks made out to the Montgomery County Young Republicans or Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund to: 11343 Amberlea Farm Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
For further information, please contact:
Carl T. Weber III
MCYR President
GGCC & 5th District Commander recognize Officer
Gaithersburg, MD (April 7, 2011) – Police Officer Michael J. Phillips was presented with the “Germantown District Commander’s Recognition Award” and “Commander’s Coin” yesterday for his dedication and service as a Montgomery County Police Officer.
“Officer Phillips has served the police department for seven years, but his experience and commitment far exceed others with his years on the job,” said Commander Luther Reynolds, Germantown 5th District Station. “For all his efforts and continued willingness to share his wealth of tactical experiences, I am pleased to thank Mike for his contributions to making our community a better place to live and our officers safer through better training and tactics”.
Officer Phillips is a member of the Germantown Special Assignment Team and of the Decentralized SWAT team. In addition to his regular police duties, Officer Phillips is currently teaching a two hour tactical block for all Department Sergeants and Team Leaders.
“Mike is a good teacher and his sharing of this important expertise continues to make us a more confident, professional and safer workforce as we face ongoing challenges in the days ahead,” Reynolds said.
For his commitment, Officer Phillips received a gold Commander’s coin, a Commander’s Recognition plaque and will have his name added to the Chamber Recognition plaque that is displayed in the squad room of the 5th District Headquarters.
“Today was another outstanding example of the strong support we experience in our district, in particular from the Chamber of Commerce. Your help is appreciated and has a great impact on our troops,” Reynolds said. “Recognition of their efforts and saying thanks for the difference and impact they are making means a great deal to them. For those who made it today, thank you for taking the time to be there and for all of you, thank you for all your support throughout the year!! We are headed in the right direction and it is a great feeling knowing that we have your support.”
According to Reynolds, Officer Phillips is a retired Navy Officer with “extensive expertise in weapons and tactics”. Phillips shares his experience and offers specialized training to other members of this agency “which they would never have had the opportunity to get in any other venue”.
“Being safe in our home and in our community is a fundamental aspect of quality of life here in Montgomery County. The work that the police officers do every day makes it safe for residence and businesses to thrive and we are very thankful that they do such a great job,” stated GGCC President Marilyn Balcombe.
For more information on the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber please visit the GGCC website at www.ggchamber.org.
PICTURE: (l:r) Commander Luther Reynolds is presented with the GGCC 5th District Police Officer Recognition Plaque by Executive Director Marilyn Balcombe and Board Chair Doug Wrenn
Bill to change Md. primary dates headed to O’Malley
A bill that would shift the dates of Maryland’s presidential and gubernatorial primaries is headed to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D).
Under the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday, voters would cast ballots in the 2012 presidential primary election in April and the 2014 gubernatorial primary would move from September to June.
In 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the District all held primaries Feb. 12, creating a Potomac Primary that gave the region greater importance in the competitive race. That was undone by the national party rules effecting early nominating contests in the 2012 presidential cycle.
The legislation, which O’Malley sponsored, also would move Maryland’s gubernatorial primary from the second Tuesday in September to the last Tuesday in June.
The change is partly a response to a federal law passed in 2009 designed to ensure that military and overseas voters have sufficient time to receive absentee ballots and participate in elections.
Moving the primary to June in gubernatorial years would be a major change in Maryland politics — effectively extending the general election campaign by a few months.
The House passed the identical bill last month.
Under the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday, voters would cast ballots in the 2012 presidential primary election in April and the 2014 gubernatorial primary would move from September to June.
In 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the District all held primaries Feb. 12, creating a Potomac Primary that gave the region greater importance in the competitive race. That was undone by the national party rules effecting early nominating contests in the 2012 presidential cycle.
The legislation, which O’Malley sponsored, also would move Maryland’s gubernatorial primary from the second Tuesday in September to the last Tuesday in June.
The change is partly a response to a federal law passed in 2009 designed to ensure that military and overseas voters have sufficient time to receive absentee ballots and participate in elections.
Moving the primary to June in gubernatorial years would be a major change in Maryland politics — effectively extending the general election campaign by a few months.
The House passed the identical bill last month.
Maryland's mobile millionaires
After passing a millionaire surtax in May of 2009, nearly one-third of Maryland’s millionaires have gone missing, thus contributing to a decline in state revenues, according to the Wall Street Journal. The politicians in Annapolis said they’d collect $106 million by raising the state’s income tax rate on millionaire households to 6.25 percent from 4.75 percent.
In cities like Baltimore and Bethesda, which apply add-on income taxes, the top tax rate with the surcharge now reaches as high as 9.3 percent — fifth highest in the nation. Liberals claimed this was based on incomplete data and that rich Marylanders hadn’t fled the state. Well, when the state comptroller’s office confirmed the final tax return data for 2008, the first year that the higher tax rates applied, it showed:
The number of millionaire tax returns fell sharply toc5,529 from 7,898 in 2007 — a 30 percent decline. The taxes paid by rich filers fell by 22 percent, so instead of their payments increasing by $106 million, they fell by some $257 million.
While in reality a big part of that decline results from the recession that eroded incomes — especially from capital gains — stated the Journal, there is also little doubt that some rich people moved out or filed their taxes in other states with lower burdens. One-in-eight millionaires who filed a Maryland tax return in 2007 filed no return in 2008. Some died, but the others presumably changed their state of residence.
vvA Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysis of federal tax return data on people who migrated from one state to another found that Maryland lost $1 billion of its net tax base in 2008 because of residents moving to other states. That’s income that’s now being taxed and financing services in Virginia, South Carolina and elsewhere, says the Journal.
Montgomery County, outside of Washington, D.C., is Maryland’s wealthiest county and was especially clobbered, losing nearly $4 billion in taxable income in 2008, with some 80 percent of those lost dollars from high-income returns. States like Florida and Texas have no personal income tax, so the savings for a rich person who stops paying taxes in Baltimore or Montgomery County can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. SOURCE: Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
The number of millionaire tax returns fell sharply toc5,529 from 7,898 in 2007 — a 30 percent decline. The taxes paid by rich filers fell by 22 percent, so instead of their payments increasing by $106 million, they fell by some $257 million.
While in reality a big part of that decline results from the recession that eroded incomes — especially from capital gains — stated the Journal, there is also little doubt that some rich people moved out or filed their taxes in other states with lower burdens. One-in-eight millionaires who filed a Maryland tax return in 2007 filed no return in 2008. Some died, but the others presumably changed their state of residence.
vvA Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysis of federal tax return data on people who migrated from one state to another found that Maryland lost $1 billion of its net tax base in 2008 because of residents moving to other states. That’s income that’s now being taxed and financing services in Virginia, South Carolina and elsewhere, says the Journal.
Montgomery County, outside of Washington, D.C., is Maryland’s wealthiest county and was especially clobbered, losing nearly $4 billion in taxable income in 2008, with some 80 percent of those lost dollars from high-income returns. States like Florida and Texas have no personal income tax, so the savings for a rich person who stops paying taxes in Baltimore or Montgomery County can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. SOURCE: Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
April 6, 2011
Potential government shutdown's impact on region
With just days left before a possible government shutdown, D.C.-area residents and tourists braced for the impact a possible shutdown would have on the region.
If a budget compromise isn’t reached, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close. All “non-essential” employees will be sent home. Thousands of stores in the District, Maryland, and Virginia that rely on spending from government employees and tourists could be hurt.
"It’s gonna be difficult,” said Tom Martin, a Department of Commerce employee. “I have a young son. My wife is also working in commerce, so we'll be without both of our incomes.”
Essential federal workers would stay on the job, including FBI agents and Coast Guard workers. Social Security payments would still go out and the mail would be delivered.
Another commerce department staffer, Jeff Pedersen, said he luckily has some money saved up.
Kensington mayor becomes deputy secretary of state
Kensington Mayor Peter Fosselman has taken a position within Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration, overseeing the operations of charitable organizations across the state. Fosselman announced today that starting April 20 he will become deputy secretary of state, charged with heading the office's Charitable and Legal divisions in Annapolis. He will continue as mayor of Kensington, but resign as a principal at Rodgers Consulting Inc. of Germantown, where he has worked for three years.
Fosselman will work closely with organizations he supports, such as Safe at Home Maryland, which works to keep confidential the addresses of victims of domestic abuse, and the state's Give Wisely program, a public information effort to help prospective donors make well-informed decisions about giving to nonprofits.
He said he hopes working at the seat of Maryland politics will let him become more familiar with state programs that benefit Kensington and Montgomery County.
"It'll be good for the town and it'll be great for the county to have another person with a voice in Annapolis," he said.
Deputy secretaries of state, of which there are two, enforce laws governing the operations of the more than 10,000 charities, and 80,000 notaries in Maryland, as well as certain certification standards, said Frederick Smalls, director of finance, administration, and human resources for the secretary of state's office. SOURCE: Gazette
Fosselman will work closely with organizations he supports, such as Safe at Home Maryland, which works to keep confidential the addresses of victims of domestic abuse, and the state's Give Wisely program, a public information effort to help prospective donors make well-informed decisions about giving to nonprofits.
He said he hopes working at the seat of Maryland politics will let him become more familiar with state programs that benefit Kensington and Montgomery County.
"It'll be good for the town and it'll be great for the county to have another person with a voice in Annapolis," he said.
Deputy secretaries of state, of which there are two, enforce laws governing the operations of the more than 10,000 charities, and 80,000 notaries in Maryland, as well as certain certification standards, said Frederick Smalls, director of finance, administration, and human resources for the secretary of state's office. SOURCE: Gazette
Bill to Prohibit Roadside Soliciting by County Employees During Work Hours Introduced by Montgomery Council
Release ID: 11-083
Release Date: 4/5/2011
Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Office of Phil Andrews
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 5, 2011—A bill that would amend the Montgomery County Ethics law to prohibit a County employee from standing in a roadway, median divider or intersection during official work hours to solicit money or donations of any kind from the occupant of a vehicle was introduced today before the Montgomery County Council.
The chief sponsor of Bill 12-11 is Councilmember Phil Andrews. Council President Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Craig Rice are co-sponsors of the proposed legislation. A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on May 3.
The County Ethics Law generally prohibits a County employee from soliciting a gift to the employee or another person or organization during official work hours or while wearing an official County uniform. However, the Ethics Law contains an exception to this general prohibition to permit an employee to solicit charitable donations during official work hours or while identifiable as a County employee if the charity drive is approved by the County Executive.
One example of an "approved" charity drive for County employees is the annual "Fill the Boot" campaign where Montgomery County Fire and Rescue employees solicit donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during official work hours while wearing County issued uniforms. During this campaign, County fire fighters routinely solicit donations from the drivers of motor vehicles while standing on roadway intersections and median dividers.
“Although the County does not currently have the authority to enact a general ban on roadside solicitation, the County does have the authority to limit roadside solicitation by County employees during official work hours,” said Councilmember Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee.
“The County has a duty to provide for a safe workplace for its employees under both State and Federal occupational safety and health laws,” said Councilmember Rice. “That is what this bill is seeking to accomplish.”
Councilmember Andrews said he did not want to see campaigns, such as the one Fire and Rescue employees conduct each year on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy, ended. He just wanted funds collected in a safe way rather than in a manner that is inherently dangerous.
“It is needlessly dangerous for individuals to enter highways to solicit contributions from drivers,” said Councilmember Andrews. “In Sante Fe Springs, Calif., in 2010, and in Waxahacie, Tex., in 2009, firefighters conducting ‘Fill the Boot’ campaigns were struck by vehicles. As a result, the local fire chief in Texas suspended the roadway campaign. Allowing County employees to solicit in roadways on County time—as is done now—is not only dangerous; it undermines the County's efforts and credibility in promoting pedestrian and traffic safety. If County employees continue to solicit in roadways, it is only a matter of time before an employee is injured or killed by a vehicle. This bill is what the Council can do at this time to reduce the chances of that happening. Until the Council obtains authority from the General Assembly to prohibit roadway solicitation altogether, the Council cannot prohibit County employees from soliciting in roadways on their own time.”
Release Date: 4/5/2011
Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Office of Phil Andrews
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 5, 2011—A bill that would amend the Montgomery County Ethics law to prohibit a County employee from standing in a roadway, median divider or intersection during official work hours to solicit money or donations of any kind from the occupant of a vehicle was introduced today before the Montgomery County Council.
The chief sponsor of Bill 12-11 is Councilmember Phil Andrews. Council President Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Craig Rice are co-sponsors of the proposed legislation. A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on May 3.
The County Ethics Law generally prohibits a County employee from soliciting a gift to the employee or another person or organization during official work hours or while wearing an official County uniform. However, the Ethics Law contains an exception to this general prohibition to permit an employee to solicit charitable donations during official work hours or while identifiable as a County employee if the charity drive is approved by the County Executive.
One example of an "approved" charity drive for County employees is the annual "Fill the Boot" campaign where Montgomery County Fire and Rescue employees solicit donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during official work hours while wearing County issued uniforms. During this campaign, County fire fighters routinely solicit donations from the drivers of motor vehicles while standing on roadway intersections and median dividers.
“Although the County does not currently have the authority to enact a general ban on roadside solicitation, the County does have the authority to limit roadside solicitation by County employees during official work hours,” said Councilmember Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee.
“The County has a duty to provide for a safe workplace for its employees under both State and Federal occupational safety and health laws,” said Councilmember Rice. “That is what this bill is seeking to accomplish.”
Councilmember Andrews said he did not want to see campaigns, such as the one Fire and Rescue employees conduct each year on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy, ended. He just wanted funds collected in a safe way rather than in a manner that is inherently dangerous.
“It is needlessly dangerous for individuals to enter highways to solicit contributions from drivers,” said Councilmember Andrews. “In Sante Fe Springs, Calif., in 2010, and in Waxahacie, Tex., in 2009, firefighters conducting ‘Fill the Boot’ campaigns were struck by vehicles. As a result, the local fire chief in Texas suspended the roadway campaign. Allowing County employees to solicit in roadways on County time—as is done now—is not only dangerous; it undermines the County's efforts and credibility in promoting pedestrian and traffic safety. If County employees continue to solicit in roadways, it is only a matter of time before an employee is injured or killed by a vehicle. This bill is what the Council can do at this time to reduce the chances of that happening. Until the Council obtains authority from the General Assembly to prohibit roadway solicitation altogether, the Council cannot prohibit County employees from soliciting in roadways on their own time.”
Passing of Wanda Vovak
NOTE: Wanda Vovak is Daniel Vovak's grandmother, the editor of Montgomery County Daily.
Wanda Irene Vovak (nee Dytko) age 85, of Lorain County, Ohio, died on April 5, 2011 at Towne Center, Avon Lake, following a 5-year illness. She was born on January 5, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, and had lived in Lorain County since 1956. Wanda graduated high school in Cleveland. She was employed in the cafeteria dept. of ARA Food Service, retiring in 1988.
She was a member of the New Apostolic Church, Lorain. Her late husband was the minister of the church and she helped him with the Pastoral Care of the members of the church. She was also a member of the choir, was the Sunday school teacher, and enjoyed reading the bible and devotion articles. Wanda also helped with the flower beds at the church. She always enjoyed spending time with her 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
She is survived by her only son: Ronald H. Vovak and daughter in-law: Lee Ann (nee Hale) Vovak, of Lorain, grandchildren: Daniel, David, Stephen, Christopher and Timothy, and great grandchildren: Jacob, Katelyn, Timothy, and Samuel. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years: Rev. Henry Vovak, in 1992, parents: Mathias and Magdalen (nee Tomon) Vovak, and siblings: Stella Griffin, Jean Stanis, Nellie Nass and Joseph Dytko.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at 1:00 p.m. at the New Apostolic Church, 3929 Leavitt Road, Lorain. Rev. Jeffrey Sandrock and Rev. Adam Welch, will officiate.
The Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain is handling the arrangements. To send online condolences, go to www.dovinfuneralhome.com.
Md. School Workers Rally To Oppose Budget Cuts
April 06, 2011 - On Tuesday evening, in Montgomery County, Maryland, hundreds of teachers, school administrators and parents rallied outside the county council building in advance of a public hearing on the county's budget.
The hearing was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., but by 6 p.m. the crowd of demonstrators had grown so large, police blocked traffic on the two adjoining streets for safety.
At issue is a $82 million increase in funding, proposed by the county school board. Administrators say the system has seen a dramatic rise in enrollment making the increase necessary. Executive Ike Leggett rejected that request, citing the county's projected $300 million budget shortfall. Lee Evans is principal of Magruder high school. Evans says although teacher benefits are also threatened, at the end of the day it's all about the kids.
"That is what all these people are here for," he says. "This is about what we do every day for children, and we know that it's being threatened, because of the politics involved."
Additional public hearings are scheduled for April 6 and 7. SOURCE: WAMU
At issue is a $82 million increase in funding, proposed by the county school board. Administrators say the system has seen a dramatic rise in enrollment making the increase necessary. Executive Ike Leggett rejected that request, citing the county's projected $300 million budget shortfall. Lee Evans is principal of Magruder high school. Evans says although teacher benefits are also threatened, at the end of the day it's all about the kids.
"That is what all these people are here for," he says. "This is about what we do every day for children, and we know that it's being threatened, because of the politics involved."
Additional public hearings are scheduled for April 6 and 7. SOURCE: WAMU
Gifford’s reopens ice cream store in Chevy Chase
After all four stores closed last year following a dispute between the owner and the chain’s wholesalers, Gifford’s Ice Cream reopened its doors in Chevy Chase today.
Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections, or ACKC, a cocoa bar located in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, manages Gifford’s Chevy Chase location. In addition to Gifford’s ice cream, the store features ACKC products, store manager Lee Marcum said.
“We think it’s a good business opportunity for us since we don’t currently have any stores in Maryland,” Marcum said. “It’s good to be associated with a well-known local brand, and we’re also glad to help Gifford’s out.”
All ACKC and Balducci’s stores have recently started selling Gifford’s ice cream, and The Burger Joint in Bethesda serves Gifford’s milkshakes. Neal Lieberman, CEO of Gifford’s Wholesale Ice Cream, sold all Gifford’s retail ice cream outlets to Luke Cooper, a Baltimore-area investor, in 2009. All four Gifford’s locations closed last summer when Lieberman found Cooper selling Hood Ice Cream, a mass-market brand, as Gifford’s Ice Cream. Lieberman has now reestablished control over retail and the Chevy Chase location is the first to reopen.
“It’s a great community ice cream shop,” said David Smith, CEO of Chevy Chase Land Company, which leases the space to Gifford’s. “We are really excited to see it back and running.”
Smith said he expects there to be a demand for Gifford’s ice cream, despite the setback the company experienced last year.
“I don’t think it will take a long time for people to go in to Gifford’s and say, ‘Gifford’s is back and the ice cream is as good as ever,’” Smith said. “I expect the news will go around through word of mouth really quickly.”
Gifford’s is a renowned establishment in the Washington area, Smith said. SOURCE:Black & White
“We think it’s a good business opportunity for us since we don’t currently have any stores in Maryland,” Marcum said. “It’s good to be associated with a well-known local brand, and we’re also glad to help Gifford’s out.”
All ACKC and Balducci’s stores have recently started selling Gifford’s ice cream, and The Burger Joint in Bethesda serves Gifford’s milkshakes. Neal Lieberman, CEO of Gifford’s Wholesale Ice Cream, sold all Gifford’s retail ice cream outlets to Luke Cooper, a Baltimore-area investor, in 2009. All four Gifford’s locations closed last summer when Lieberman found Cooper selling Hood Ice Cream, a mass-market brand, as Gifford’s Ice Cream. Lieberman has now reestablished control over retail and the Chevy Chase location is the first to reopen.
“It’s a great community ice cream shop,” said David Smith, CEO of Chevy Chase Land Company, which leases the space to Gifford’s. “We are really excited to see it back and running.”
Smith said he expects there to be a demand for Gifford’s ice cream, despite the setback the company experienced last year.
“I don’t think it will take a long time for people to go in to Gifford’s and say, ‘Gifford’s is back and the ice cream is as good as ever,’” Smith said. “I expect the news will go around through word of mouth really quickly.”
Gifford’s is a renowned establishment in the Washington area, Smith said. SOURCE:Black & White
CVS Pharmacy to arrive at Downtown Silver Spring
CVS Pharmacy will come to Downtown Silver Spring on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street in October 2011. Local shops including Art Spring, IMPACT Silver Spring and a dry cleaner will relocate before construction begins later this month.
According to CVS Public Relations Director Mike DeAngelis, the location is desirable due to its convenient placement. The Silver Spring location will be 7,800 square feet and will contain a full service pharmacy, health and beauty products, general merchandise, food and a digital photo lab.
One of the tenants that will have to move out will be Art Spring, a division of Pyramid Atlantic, which serves as a space for local artists to sell their artwork. According to co-owner and manager Linda Blackbourn, Art Spring has had to change locations five times since their opening two years ago. Despite the numerous moves, Blackbourn is nevertheless satisfied to remain in the Downtown Silver Spring area. "I really think that it's the price we pay for having such a wonderful location," Blackbourn said.
Art Spring will be moving above Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the Ellsworth Plaza, where the Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant was previously located. Blackbourn is excited with the new location and hopes to maintain a kiosk on the street level for events such as the weekly Farmer's Market. "We are really thankful to be in the Downtown Silver Spring development and by having us there they are supporting the arts," Blackbourn said. "We are grateful to have any spot we can get." SOURCE: Silver Chips
According to CVS Public Relations Director Mike DeAngelis, the location is desirable due to its convenient placement. The Silver Spring location will be 7,800 square feet and will contain a full service pharmacy, health and beauty products, general merchandise, food and a digital photo lab.
One of the tenants that will have to move out will be Art Spring, a division of Pyramid Atlantic, which serves as a space for local artists to sell their artwork. According to co-owner and manager Linda Blackbourn, Art Spring has had to change locations five times since their opening two years ago. Despite the numerous moves, Blackbourn is nevertheless satisfied to remain in the Downtown Silver Spring area. "I really think that it's the price we pay for having such a wonderful location," Blackbourn said.
Art Spring will be moving above Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the Ellsworth Plaza, where the Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant was previously located. Blackbourn is excited with the new location and hopes to maintain a kiosk on the street level for events such as the weekly Farmer's Market. "We are really thankful to be in the Downtown Silver Spring development and by having us there they are supporting the arts," Blackbourn said. "We are grateful to have any spot we can get." SOURCE: Silver Chips
April 5, 2011
Montgomery Councils Hosts 2nd and 3rd of 5 Public Hearings on FY12 Operating Budget
Release ID: 11-082
Release Date: 4/5/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 5, 2011—The Montgomery County Council at 1:30 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, will hold the second and third of five public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget. About 30 speakers are scheduled to speak at the afternoon hearing and 40 are scheduled to speak at the evening hearing.
The public hearings will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. All public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
The first public hearing on the FY12 Operating Budget is scheduled for tonight, April 5. The final two hearings will be held on Thursday, April 7, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Council will be discussing aspects of the budget in the ensuing six weeks and is scheduled to adopt the budget in late May. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
Residents also can provide comments and suggestions regarding the budget via the comment Web page, which is easily accessible from the County Web site’s home page, from the County Council home page and from the home pages of Councilmembers.
The budget comment link can be accessed directly at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/budgetcomments . Comments and suggestions will be forwarded to the Executive Branch and to all County Councilmembers daily.
Release Date: 4/5/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 5, 2011—The Montgomery County Council at 1:30 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, will hold the second and third of five public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget. About 30 speakers are scheduled to speak at the afternoon hearing and 40 are scheduled to speak at the evening hearing.
The public hearings will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. All public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
The first public hearing on the FY12 Operating Budget is scheduled for tonight, April 5. The final two hearings will be held on Thursday, April 7, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Council will be discussing aspects of the budget in the ensuing six weeks and is scheduled to adopt the budget in late May. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
Residents also can provide comments and suggestions regarding the budget via the comment Web page, which is easily accessible from the County Web site’s home page, from the County Council home page and from the home pages of Councilmembers.
The budget comment link can be accessed directly at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/budgetcomments . Comments and suggestions will be forwarded to the Executive Branch and to all County Councilmembers daily.
Montgomery County Neighborhood News
Coffee and Conversation with Ken Hartman Friday, April 8, 2011
Ken Hartman - County Executive Leggett's representative to Potomac, Bethesda, and Rockville - will meet with the community on Friday, April 8th, from 9:30am to 11:00am at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Ken regularly holds open houses throughout his area. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to meet Ken, discuss issues and partnership opportunities, and learn about County services. Please drop by and take part in the discussion.
Organizing a Green Team in Your Building – How to Mobilize Your Board and Your Neighbors to Save Energy, Money and the Environment - April 6, 2011 Hear how board members, property managers, and activist residents at several condominiums have used community and peer pressure to motivate Condo associations to green their buildings. Adam Landsman, Energy Manager at Abaris Realty, will give a property manager perspective. Panelists will share their experiences in three areas: 1) How boards can rally their communities to participate in eco-friendly options; 2) How residents can convince boards to begin eco-friendly programs; and 3) The role of property managers in facilitating action on "Greening" programs. http://bethesdagreen.org/Programs/GreeningCondos/tabid/392/Default.aspx
Bethesda Art Walk April 8, 6-9pm www.bethesda.org/bethesda/galleries
Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting April 11- 7:00 pm The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (WMCCAB) will host their monthly meeting on Monday, April 11, 2011 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. The board will have discussion and approval of the County Executive’s FY12 budget.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) to Mark National Library Week With Online Customer Satisfaction Survey April 10-16 To help determine the effectiveness of its services and programs, MCPL will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey in its 20 branches during National Library Week, April 10-16. This year’s survey, for library customers 12 years of age and over, will be an online questionnaire available through the library website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
Bethesda Literary Festival April 15–17 www.bethesda.org/specialevents/litfest/litfest.htm
Free Financial Seminars to be Held in Bethesda Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 9:00am – “Macro Planning” Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 11:30am - “Retirement Planning” The workshops will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD. To register please send email to: richard.bingham@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact Richard at 240-777-8207 for further information.
The Department of Permitting Services Proposes Fee Revisions Effective July 1, 2011 You can review the proposed fees and provide comments by April 30, 2011 Click on the link below for more information www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/Register/April11TOC.asp VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Montgomery County Volunteer Center www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteer
Montgomery County Board Vacancies
The deadline for application is April 11, 2011 for: • Department of Permitting Services Advisory Committee • Library Board • Strathmore Hall Foundation Board of Directors
The deadline for application is April 15, 2011 for: • Commission on Common Ownership Communities • Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection • Committee for Ethnic Affairs • Recreation Advisory Boards
The deadline for application is April 22, 2011 for: • Glen Echo Park Partnership Board of Directors • Committee on Hate/Violence • Noise Control Advisory Board • Sign Review Board
Please visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp
County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents.
Organizing a Green Team in Your Building – How to Mobilize Your Board and Your Neighbors to Save Energy, Money and the Environment - April 6, 2011 Hear how board members, property managers, and activist residents at several condominiums have used community and peer pressure to motivate Condo associations to green their buildings. Adam Landsman, Energy Manager at Abaris Realty, will give a property manager perspective. Panelists will share their experiences in three areas: 1) How boards can rally their communities to participate in eco-friendly options; 2) How residents can convince boards to begin eco-friendly programs; and 3) The role of property managers in facilitating action on "Greening" programs. http://bethesdagreen.org/Programs/GreeningCondos/tabid/392/Default.aspx
Bethesda Art Walk April 8, 6-9pm www.bethesda.org/bethesda/galleries
Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting April 11- 7:00 pm The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (WMCCAB) will host their monthly meeting on Monday, April 11, 2011 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. The board will have discussion and approval of the County Executive’s FY12 budget.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) to Mark National Library Week With Online Customer Satisfaction Survey April 10-16 To help determine the effectiveness of its services and programs, MCPL will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey in its 20 branches during National Library Week, April 10-16. This year’s survey, for library customers 12 years of age and over, will be an online questionnaire available through the library website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
Bethesda Literary Festival April 15–17 www.bethesda.org/specialevents/litfest/litfest.htm
Free Financial Seminars to be Held in Bethesda Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 9:00am – “Macro Planning” Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 11:30am - “Retirement Planning” The workshops will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD. To register please send email to: richard.bingham@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact Richard at 240-777-8207 for further information.
The Department of Permitting Services Proposes Fee Revisions Effective July 1, 2011 You can review the proposed fees and provide comments by April 30, 2011 Click on the link below for more information www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/Register/April11TOC.asp VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Montgomery County Volunteer Center www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteer
Montgomery County Board Vacancies
The deadline for application is April 11, 2011 for: • Department of Permitting Services Advisory Committee • Library Board • Strathmore Hall Foundation Board of Directors
The deadline for application is April 15, 2011 for: • Commission on Common Ownership Communities • Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection • Committee for Ethnic Affairs • Recreation Advisory Boards
The deadline for application is April 22, 2011 for: • Glen Echo Park Partnership Board of Directors • Committee on Hate/Violence • Noise Control Advisory Board • Sign Review Board
Please visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp
County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents.
Montgomery Councils Hosts 1st of 5 Public Hearings on FY12 Operating Budget
Release ID: 11-081
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
Also on Tuesday, April 5: Report on County Strategy for Bioscience, Briefing on Impact of Economic Downturn, Bill Limiting Roadside Solicitation by Employees
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 4, 2011—The Montgomery County Council at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, will hold the first of five public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget. About 40 speakers have signed up to speak at Tuesday’s hearing, with many indicating they will be speaking in regard to the budget request for Montgomery County Public Schools.
The public hearing will conclude a full day for the Council that will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the start of the weekly general session in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The general session and the evening public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. The meeting will be rebroadcast on CCM at 9 p.m. on April 8.
The other four public hearings on the FY12 Operating Budget will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and on Thursday, April 7, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Council will be discussing aspects of the budget in the ensuing six weeks and is scheduled to adopt the budget in late May. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
During the morning session on Tuesday, the Council will receive a briefing on the implementation strategy for bioscience in the County. Representatives of the County’s Department of Economic Development will brief the Council on programs to attract new biosciences businesses to the County and to help bolster businesses already located here. Among the speakers will be Richard Bendis, the president and CEO of Innovation America. He has been retained by the County to develop a plan to implement the strategies.
Also during the morning session, the Council will hold a worksession with representatives of the County Chamber of Commerce about how current economic conditions are impacting the County.
Bill 12-11 will be introduced before the Council during the morning session. The bill would amend the County Ethics law to prohibit a County employee from standing in a roadway, median divider or intersection during official work hours to solicit money or donations of any kind from the occupant of a vehicle. The bill’s chief sponsor is Councilmember Phil Andrews. Council President Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Craig Rice are co-sponsors of the proposed legislation.
The morning will begin with the presentation of a proclamation to the Good Counsel High School football team, which finished the 2010 season recognized as the No. 1 team in the Washington region.
At 1:30 p.m., the Council will receive a semi-annual report from the Montgomery County Planning Board.
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
Also on Tuesday, April 5: Report on County Strategy for Bioscience, Briefing on Impact of Economic Downturn, Bill Limiting Roadside Solicitation by Employees
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 4, 2011—The Montgomery County Council at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, will hold the first of five public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget. About 40 speakers have signed up to speak at Tuesday’s hearing, with many indicating they will be speaking in regard to the budget request for Montgomery County Public Schools.
The public hearing will conclude a full day for the Council that will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the start of the weekly general session in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The general session and the evening public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. The meeting will be rebroadcast on CCM at 9 p.m. on April 8.
The other four public hearings on the FY12 Operating Budget will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and on Thursday, April 7, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Council will be discussing aspects of the budget in the ensuing six weeks and is scheduled to adopt the budget in late May. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
During the morning session on Tuesday, the Council will receive a briefing on the implementation strategy for bioscience in the County. Representatives of the County’s Department of Economic Development will brief the Council on programs to attract new biosciences businesses to the County and to help bolster businesses already located here. Among the speakers will be Richard Bendis, the president and CEO of Innovation America. He has been retained by the County to develop a plan to implement the strategies.
Also during the morning session, the Council will hold a worksession with representatives of the County Chamber of Commerce about how current economic conditions are impacting the County.
Bill 12-11 will be introduced before the Council during the morning session. The bill would amend the County Ethics law to prohibit a County employee from standing in a roadway, median divider or intersection during official work hours to solicit money or donations of any kind from the occupant of a vehicle. The bill’s chief sponsor is Councilmember Phil Andrews. Council President Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Craig Rice are co-sponsors of the proposed legislation.
The morning will begin with the presentation of a proclamation to the Good Counsel High School football team, which finished the 2010 season recognized as the No. 1 team in the Washington region.
At 1:30 p.m., the Council will receive a semi-annual report from the Montgomery County Planning Board.
Md. budget negotiators resolve key differences on state pension, health care costs
Maryland House and Senate negotiators tackled some of the thorniest budget questions Monday morning, resolving key differences over how to rein in the cost of the state’s pension and retiree health-care systems after talks stalled late last week.
State retirees will pay more for health care, but not as much as the Senate-backed proposal envisioned. Under the compromise plan, new state workers will receive a less generous retirement package and have to work 10 years instead of 5 to be eligible for retirement benefits.
“We ended up in a good place for retirees, but we don’t save nearly as much money,” said Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer (D-Howard), chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
The Senate approach, for instance, would have reduced the state’s annual pension payment by $20 million more than the House version, he said. For retiree health care, the compromise would cap out-of-pocket costs at $1,500, instead of $1,000 per individual as the House proposed. The Senate version would have gradually increased out-of-pocket expenses for retirees to ramp up to the higher federal Medicare rate. The cap is currently $700. SOURCE: Washington Post
State retirees will pay more for health care, but not as much as the Senate-backed proposal envisioned. Under the compromise plan, new state workers will receive a less generous retirement package and have to work 10 years instead of 5 to be eligible for retirement benefits.
“We ended up in a good place for retirees, but we don’t save nearly as much money,” said Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer (D-Howard), chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
The Senate approach, for instance, would have reduced the state’s annual pension payment by $20 million more than the House version, he said. For retiree health care, the compromise would cap out-of-pocket costs at $1,500, instead of $1,000 per individual as the House proposed. The Senate version would have gradually increased out-of-pocket expenses for retirees to ramp up to the higher federal Medicare rate. The cap is currently $700. SOURCE: Washington Post
Ten Blazers participate in annual Montgomery County Science Fair
Ten Blazers participated in Montgomery County's 55th Annual Science Fair from March 18-20. Senior Shilpa Kannan was the only Blazer to receive first place in her category of biochemistry and was the second runner up to attend the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The fair took place in the Armory Building at the University of Maryland and was open to students throughout the county.
All 10 Blair contestants were members of the Science, Math and Computer Science Magnet Program, although the fair was open to all Montgomery County students from all programs and grade levels. Categories in the Science Fair include Behavioral and Social Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Space, Engineering, Environmental, Mathematics, Medicine and Health, Microbiology and Physics. In addition to placing in each category, students received various awards and recognitions from community organizations.
The Science Fair had over 400 participants including both high school and middle school students. Many Blair students entered the competition with their Senior Research Projects (SRP) or presented research performed during an internship.
According to senior Ajay Kannan, the Science Fair differed from other competitions because it required students to display their project and communicate their research to the judges, whereas in other competitions such as the Siemens competition, students only submit research reports for the beginning stages. Ajay found these differences to be a beneficial experience. "[The] science fair is centered on your ability to convey your research to a live audience," he said. "Both are extremely important for success as a scientist, so IÃm grateful I had the opportunity to do both types." SOURCE: Silver Chips
All 10 Blair contestants were members of the Science, Math and Computer Science Magnet Program, although the fair was open to all Montgomery County students from all programs and grade levels. Categories in the Science Fair include Behavioral and Social Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Space, Engineering, Environmental, Mathematics, Medicine and Health, Microbiology and Physics. In addition to placing in each category, students received various awards and recognitions from community organizations.
The Science Fair had over 400 participants including both high school and middle school students. Many Blair students entered the competition with their Senior Research Projects (SRP) or presented research performed during an internship.
According to senior Ajay Kannan, the Science Fair differed from other competitions because it required students to display their project and communicate their research to the judges, whereas in other competitions such as the Siemens competition, students only submit research reports for the beginning stages. Ajay found these differences to be a beneficial experience. "[The] science fair is centered on your ability to convey your research to a live audience," he said. "Both are extremely important for success as a scientist, so IÃm grateful I had the opportunity to do both types." SOURCE: Silver Chips
Montgomery County Agencies Address Latino Youth Social Disparities
April 05, 2011 - Today, Montgomery County agencies begin to figure out how to implement an ambitious plan that seeks to address many of the social disparities faced by Latino youth like 16-years-old Marvin Navarro who got kicked out of high school while back.
"I let myself get controlled by all of the gang stuff," Navarro says.
But he got a second chance through a community based program run by an organization called Identity.
"First, after I get my GED I'm going to go to college. I’m going to study to be an automotive technician, then I’m going to work on cars and open my own business,” he says.
Navarro‘s case is not unique. Latino young people have the highest rate of high school dropouts and teen pregnancies in Montgomery County, and surveys indicate the youngsters feel they have little support from their families or community. County Executive Ike Legget has tasked county agencies with providing more culturally competent help for Latinos. SOURCE: WAMU
"I let myself get controlled by all of the gang stuff," Navarro says.
But he got a second chance through a community based program run by an organization called Identity.
"First, after I get my GED I'm going to go to college. I’m going to study to be an automotive technician, then I’m going to work on cars and open my own business,” he says.
Navarro‘s case is not unique. Latino young people have the highest rate of high school dropouts and teen pregnancies in Montgomery County, and surveys indicate the youngsters feel they have little support from their families or community. County Executive Ike Legget has tasked county agencies with providing more culturally competent help for Latinos. SOURCE: WAMU
Montgomery Council Committee to Discuss MCPS FY12 Operating Budget Request
Release ID: 11-080
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 1, 2011—The Montgomery County Council’s Education Committee at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 4, will start its review of the operating budget request for Fiscal Year 2012 from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The school system has requested a total of $2.2 billion for next year, an increase of $101 million (4.8 percent over the FY11 approved level).
The Education Committee, which is chaired by Council President Valerie Ervin and includes Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Craig Rice, will meet in the Third Floor Conference Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
The MCPS budget request does not include a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees, but does include $32.4 million for continuing salaries, including step increases and associated benefits. The funding request includes $17.5 million to address an anticipated enrollment increase of 2,645 over the FY11 enrollment. It also addresses needs for increased enrollment of students with Limited English Proficiency and students from families with low incomes. For the current school year, approximately 13 percent of students participate in ESOL services and nearly 31 percent are eligible for Free and Reduced Priced Meals. Both figures are expected to increase in FY12.
At 3:30 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, which is chaired by Council Vice President Berliner and includes Councilmembers Nancy Floreen and Hans Riemer, will hold a worksession on Bill 8-11 that would create a five-cent charge on each paper or plastic bag provided by a retail establishment to a customer at point of sale, pickup or delivery. The bill is intended to inspire consumers to use more reusable bags, which in turn could lead to fewer bags littering the environment. A March 31 public hearing on the fee, which was proposed by County Executive Isiah Leggett, had more than 25 speakers.
At 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, a joint meeting of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Floreen and includes Marc Elrich and George Leventhal, and the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Phil Andrews and includes Councilmembers Elrich and Council Vice President Berliner, will discuss a recommendation of the Organizational Reform Commission that the County merge its Park Police force into the County’s Police Department.
At 11 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, the PHED Committee will review a supplemental appropriation of $710,000 for the Montgomery County Revenue Authority that would be for the Germantown Indoor Swim Center.
At 2 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, a joint meeting of the PHED Committee and the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will receive a briefing on the progress of a consultant’s study on re-evaluating the parking space requirements in the County Zoning Ordinance regarding commercial and mixed-use developments—especially in Metro Station Policy Areas. The study also is looking at alternative models of providing for, and funding of, the construction, operation and maintenance of public parking facilities.
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 1, 2011—The Montgomery County Council’s Education Committee at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 4, will start its review of the operating budget request for Fiscal Year 2012 from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The school system has requested a total of $2.2 billion for next year, an increase of $101 million (4.8 percent over the FY11 approved level).
The Education Committee, which is chaired by Council President Valerie Ervin and includes Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Craig Rice, will meet in the Third Floor Conference Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
The MCPS budget request does not include a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees, but does include $32.4 million for continuing salaries, including step increases and associated benefits. The funding request includes $17.5 million to address an anticipated enrollment increase of 2,645 over the FY11 enrollment. It also addresses needs for increased enrollment of students with Limited English Proficiency and students from families with low incomes. For the current school year, approximately 13 percent of students participate in ESOL services and nearly 31 percent are eligible for Free and Reduced Priced Meals. Both figures are expected to increase in FY12.
At 3:30 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, which is chaired by Council Vice President Berliner and includes Councilmembers Nancy Floreen and Hans Riemer, will hold a worksession on Bill 8-11 that would create a five-cent charge on each paper or plastic bag provided by a retail establishment to a customer at point of sale, pickup or delivery. The bill is intended to inspire consumers to use more reusable bags, which in turn could lead to fewer bags littering the environment. A March 31 public hearing on the fee, which was proposed by County Executive Isiah Leggett, had more than 25 speakers.
At 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, a joint meeting of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Floreen and includes Marc Elrich and George Leventhal, and the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Phil Andrews and includes Councilmembers Elrich and Council Vice President Berliner, will discuss a recommendation of the Organizational Reform Commission that the County merge its Park Police force into the County’s Police Department.
At 11 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, the PHED Committee will review a supplemental appropriation of $710,000 for the Montgomery County Revenue Authority that would be for the Germantown Indoor Swim Center.
At 2 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, a joint meeting of the PHED Committee and the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will receive a briefing on the progress of a consultant’s study on re-evaluating the parking space requirements in the County Zoning Ordinance regarding commercial and mixed-use developments—especially in Metro Station Policy Areas. The study also is looking at alternative models of providing for, and funding of, the construction, operation and maintenance of public parking facilities.
April 4, 2011
Montgomery County Boys Lose to Prince George's County in All Star Game
Montgomery County's Enerio Jones (Springbrook) goes up for a layup over Timmone Whatley (Douglass) during the first half of the All Star Game at Wise High School on Sunday, April 3, 2011. Prince George's County beat Montgomery County 84 to 73. Credit Emma Patti. SOURCERockville Patch
Montgomery County Police are on the scene of an armored car robbery at a Bank of America in White Oak.
Police say that the robbery took place at 9:57 a.m. at the Bank of America branch at 11499 Columbia Pike.
The suspect, described as a 5'7" black male with a beard, sunglasses and a winter hat, fled the scene in a blue two-door Chevrolet Cavalier.
The suspect is armed, police say. SOURCE: TBD
Md. Senate seeks to crack down on motorists passing school buses
Local jurisdictions across Maryland would be allowed to install monitoring cameras on school buses to catch more motorists who disregard their “stop” sings, under a bill that won approval 38 to 7 in the Senate on Friday.
Motorists caught by the cameras would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. David R. Brinkley (R-Frederick), aims to cut down on what educators say remains a big problem despite a criminal law on the books that subjects violators to a fine of up to $1,000 if stopped by a police officer. A one-day survey released in February by state education officials showed 7,028 reported violations by vehicles passing school buses with flashing red lights and stop signs. The actual number that day was actually significantly higher, because only about two-thirds of bus drivers returned the surveys.
The bill now moves to the House of Delegates, where its fate is uncertain. A similar bill was voted down earlier in the session by a House committee. During Senate debate, opponents of the legislation said the money spent on cameras would be better used on law enforcement and education about the existing law. SOURCE: Washington Post
The bill, sponsored by Sen. David R. Brinkley (R-Frederick), aims to cut down on what educators say remains a big problem despite a criminal law on the books that subjects violators to a fine of up to $1,000 if stopped by a police officer. A one-day survey released in February by state education officials showed 7,028 reported violations by vehicles passing school buses with flashing red lights and stop signs. The actual number that day was actually significantly higher, because only about two-thirds of bus drivers returned the surveys.
The bill now moves to the House of Delegates, where its fate is uncertain. A similar bill was voted down earlier in the session by a House committee. During Senate debate, opponents of the legislation said the money spent on cameras would be better used on law enforcement and education about the existing law. SOURCE: Washington Post
Montgomery Council Approves Changes to Housing Element of County’s General Plan
Release ID: 11-079
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 4, 2011—The Montgomery County Council on March 29 unanimously approved revisions to the Housing Element of the County’s “General Plan,” making changes that will guide the development of new housing and redevelopment of existing housing over the next two decades while also seeking to protect the character of existing neighborhoods.
The Housing Element of the General Plan is intended to be a 20-year policy document that drives decisions made in the formulating and updating of master plans, sector plans and zoning text amendments. The Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee, which is chaired by Nancy Floreen and includes Councilmembers Marc Elrich and George Leventhal, has been holding worksessions on updating the Housing Element over the past couple of months.
The Montgomery County Planning Board previously proposed updates to the Housing Element. As part of their worksessions, the PHED Committee discussed the Planning Board’s intent to describe how most future new development in the County will create communities that have higher density housing, depend more on residents using public transit and less on using automobiles. These communities would likely be mixed use, with office, retail, entertainment and recreation opportunities nearby to residences—lending themselves to being walkable.
The Housing Element continues to emphasize the County’s goals for all types of housing for ranges of household income.
“Recognizing the changing demographics of the County, the approved Housing Element of the General Plan will be a guiding tool for land use planning to help the County provide all types of housing to all income levels,” said Council President Valerie Ervin. “While the County seeks to provide for a new generation of residents, we recognize the importance of preserving existing neighborhoods and have adopted a plan that preserves many of the housing elements that make Montgomery County a great place to call home.”
The amendments that the Council adopted put stronger emphasis than did the Planning Board draft in regard to protecting existing neighborhoods that will be adjoined by newer, high-density neighborhoods. The Council’s amendments also encourage the County to diligently enforce housing codes to prevent deterioration of housing in existing neighborhoods and to prevent overcrowding in those neighborhoods.
PHED Committee recommendations that the Council adopted include policies to strengthen established neighborhoods through targeted programs that improve schools, parks, safety and new or upgraded pedestrian and bicycling facilities. Other policy revisions would ensure that infill development complements existing houses and neighborhoods and protects residential neighborhoods from excessive traffic that could result from new development.
“The amended housing element provides needed and reachable guidelines for the type of new development that will come to Montgomery County over the next 20 years,” said Councilmember Floreen. “In addition, we made sure that the existing neighborhoods—neighborhoods that have given Montgomery County its character and helped make it such a desirable place to live—will continue to not only sustain, but also to thrive in a way that will continue to give us variety in the types of housing available in our communities.”
The PHED Committee also recommended amending the Housing Element to reflect actions the County is already taking to require and encourage the use of green design and materials and to improve energy efficiency.
Release Date: 4/4/2011
Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
From: Council Office
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 4, 2011—The Montgomery County Council on March 29 unanimously approved revisions to the Housing Element of the County’s “General Plan,” making changes that will guide the development of new housing and redevelopment of existing housing over the next two decades while also seeking to protect the character of existing neighborhoods.
The Housing Element of the General Plan is intended to be a 20-year policy document that drives decisions made in the formulating and updating of master plans, sector plans and zoning text amendments. The Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee, which is chaired by Nancy Floreen and includes Councilmembers Marc Elrich and George Leventhal, has been holding worksessions on updating the Housing Element over the past couple of months.
The Montgomery County Planning Board previously proposed updates to the Housing Element. As part of their worksessions, the PHED Committee discussed the Planning Board’s intent to describe how most future new development in the County will create communities that have higher density housing, depend more on residents using public transit and less on using automobiles. These communities would likely be mixed use, with office, retail, entertainment and recreation opportunities nearby to residences—lending themselves to being walkable.
The Housing Element continues to emphasize the County’s goals for all types of housing for ranges of household income.
“Recognizing the changing demographics of the County, the approved Housing Element of the General Plan will be a guiding tool for land use planning to help the County provide all types of housing to all income levels,” said Council President Valerie Ervin. “While the County seeks to provide for a new generation of residents, we recognize the importance of preserving existing neighborhoods and have adopted a plan that preserves many of the housing elements that make Montgomery County a great place to call home.”
The amendments that the Council adopted put stronger emphasis than did the Planning Board draft in regard to protecting existing neighborhoods that will be adjoined by newer, high-density neighborhoods. The Council’s amendments also encourage the County to diligently enforce housing codes to prevent deterioration of housing in existing neighborhoods and to prevent overcrowding in those neighborhoods.
PHED Committee recommendations that the Council adopted include policies to strengthen established neighborhoods through targeted programs that improve schools, parks, safety and new or upgraded pedestrian and bicycling facilities. Other policy revisions would ensure that infill development complements existing houses and neighborhoods and protects residential neighborhoods from excessive traffic that could result from new development.
“The amended housing element provides needed and reachable guidelines for the type of new development that will come to Montgomery County over the next 20 years,” said Councilmember Floreen. “In addition, we made sure that the existing neighborhoods—neighborhoods that have given Montgomery County its character and helped make it such a desirable place to live—will continue to not only sustain, but also to thrive in a way that will continue to give us variety in the types of housing available in our communities.”
The PHED Committee also recommended amending the Housing Element to reflect actions the County is already taking to require and encourage the use of green design and materials and to improve energy efficiency.
Md. says Verizon may have violated state law during 911 outages
BALTIMORE — Maryland's utility regulator says Verizon might have violated state law when it failed to notify emergency call centers about network problems that prevented thousands of 911 calls from going through.
The problems occurred in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The Maryland Public Service Commission found that four times since last July, large numbers of cellphone users got busy signals when they called 911.
The most high-profile incident was during the Jan. 26 snowstorm that stranded commuters for hours. That day, about 10,000 calls didn't go through — 8,300 of them in Montgomery County. The commission could fine Verizon up to $10,000 for each of the four outages. Verizon officials are scheduled to argue their case before the commission Tuesday. The company is the sole provider of 911 services in Maryland. SOURCE: The Republic
The most high-profile incident was during the Jan. 26 snowstorm that stranded commuters for hours. That day, about 10,000 calls didn't go through — 8,300 of them in Montgomery County. The commission could fine Verizon up to $10,000 for each of the four outages. Verizon officials are scheduled to argue their case before the commission Tuesday. The company is the sole provider of 911 services in Maryland. SOURCE: The Republic
Environmentalists speak in support of Montgomery County bag tax
During a recent clean-up of Rock Creek in Montgomery County, Beth Mullin found a plastic bag from Peoples Drug — a pharmacy chain that hasn't been around since the early 1990s.
"Seventeen years is nothing in the life of a plastic bag," Mullin, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Rock Creek's Environment, told the County Council on Thursday.
She was one of 26 speakers at a public hearing on County Executive Isiah Leggett's proposed nickel-per-bag tax on plastic and paper bags. She and other environmentalists say the tax will help prevent shopping bags from becoming litter in the county's streams and rivers. However, several speakers criticized the fee, saying it was unnecessary and punished residents who already recycle their bags. SOURCE: Gazette
"Seventeen years is nothing in the life of a plastic bag," Mullin, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Rock Creek's Environment, told the County Council on Thursday.
She was one of 26 speakers at a public hearing on County Executive Isiah Leggett's proposed nickel-per-bag tax on plastic and paper bags. She and other environmentalists say the tax will help prevent shopping bags from becoming litter in the county's streams and rivers. However, several speakers criticized the fee, saying it was unnecessary and punished residents who already recycle their bags. SOURCE: Gazette
Paws in the Park Coming to Gaithersburg
The Montgomery County Human Society's Paws in the Park Dog Walking Festival this year will be combined with Gaithersburg's Bark in the Park.
The festivals, April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Bohrer Park, encourage dogs and their owners to participate in a 1-mile walk, pet games and contests, demos, rescue groups, a “flealess” market with over 50 pet-friendly vendors, food, music, and raffles.
Entrance fees are $20 per person, or $35 for a family.
April 3, 2011
Electric car charging station opens in Baltimore, O'Malley wants 65 running by June
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Electric car drivers can now "fill their tanks" at a charging station in Baltimore.
A public charging station for electric cars opened Thursday in the city's Mount Royal neighborhood, joining stations at the Community College of Baltimore County campus in Catonsville and at a Westminster shopping center.
The Maryland Energy Administration has floated $500,000 in grants to help build 65 stations by June. Meanwhile, the House of Delegates passed a proposal last week by Gov. Martin O'Malley to give tax credits to anyone who installs electric car charging equipment. The bill is awaiting a vote in a Senate committee.SOURCEGreenfield reporter
April 2, 2011
Snyder, City Paper feud continues
Redskins owner Dan Snyder is at the center of another controversy – this time it centers around a report by Washington City Paper claiming that Snyder didn’t follow through with some environmental guidelines near his home. Snyder sued Washington City Paper in February, claiming that he was libeled by the publication. Now, it appears that the battle between the two is escalating. A story in Washington City Paper’s online edition claims that Snyder has failed to satisfy complaints from the U.S. Park Service over trees he cut down on his property six years ago. Snyder was ordered to pay fines and replace the trees because they overlooked park property. But the publication claims he hasn’t replanted any. A spokesman for Snyder said the Washington City Paper story is untrue. And so does the U.S. Park Service.
Travel the Underground Railroad in Md.
Visitors to a park in Maryland will be able to experience what it was like to travel the underground
railroad.
Saturday marks the start of this year's free guided hikes of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring. The free, two-mile hikes simulate the underground railroad experience.
The 90 minute hikes will be offered every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon ending Nov. 5.
Guided hikes of the trail have been taking place for at least five years.
Taxpayers Have Three Extra Days to File Their Taxes This Year
Annapolis, Md. (April 1, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded Marylanders that this year’s tax filing deadline has been extended to Monday, April 18, allowing taxpayers three additional days to prepare and file their 2010 tax returns. As an added bonus, taxpayers who owe money can receive an extra two weeks to pay their liability if they file their tax return electronically by the April 18 deadline and choose to have their payment direct debited. Payments must be scheduled for April 30, 2011 or earlier.
“This is no April Fool’s Day joke,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Taxpayers have an additional three days to prepare and file their taxes this year. I recognize that Marylanders who owe taxes may be feeling the pinch more than ever this year so these filers have the opportunity to extend their payment until the end of the month,” added the Comptroller. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the filing deadline because of Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls on Friday, April 15 this year. According to the IRS, by law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do. Therefore, the tax deadline will be on the following Monday, allowing all taxpayers an extra three days to file this year.
Taxpayers requesting an extension must do so by the April 18 deadline and will have until Monday, October 17 to file their 2010 tax returns. An extension only delays filing, not the obligation to pay the tax owed. Penalties and interest are applicable to underpayment and begin to accrue on the tax deadline.
“If you are filing for an extension on your federal return and you do not expect to owe any additional taxes to the state of Maryland, then you do not need to file for an extension with my office because it happens automatically,” said Comptroller Franchot. “However, if you expect to owe additional tax to the state, you must file for an extension with the state as well as the IRS and pay the amount you estimate to owe.”
Free, state tax assistance is available at all of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours of assistance will be offered on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and on Monday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations.
Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the Comptroller's Website, www.marylandtaxes.com or by calling 410-260-7980 or 1-800-MD-TAXES for free state tax help. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through April 18, as well as on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To check the status of a refund by phone, please call, 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160.
“This is no April Fool’s Day joke,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Taxpayers have an additional three days to prepare and file their taxes this year. I recognize that Marylanders who owe taxes may be feeling the pinch more than ever this year so these filers have the opportunity to extend their payment until the end of the month,” added the Comptroller. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the filing deadline because of Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls on Friday, April 15 this year. According to the IRS, by law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do. Therefore, the tax deadline will be on the following Monday, allowing all taxpayers an extra three days to file this year.
Taxpayers requesting an extension must do so by the April 18 deadline and will have until Monday, October 17 to file their 2010 tax returns. An extension only delays filing, not the obligation to pay the tax owed. Penalties and interest are applicable to underpayment and begin to accrue on the tax deadline.
“If you are filing for an extension on your federal return and you do not expect to owe any additional taxes to the state of Maryland, then you do not need to file for an extension with my office because it happens automatically,” said Comptroller Franchot. “However, if you expect to owe additional tax to the state, you must file for an extension with the state as well as the IRS and pay the amount you estimate to owe.”
Free, state tax assistance is available at all of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours of assistance will be offered on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and on Monday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations.
Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the Comptroller's Website, www.marylandtaxes.com or by calling 410-260-7980 or 1-800-MD-TAXES for free state tax help. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through April 18, as well as on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To check the status of a refund by phone, please call, 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160.
State school superintendent to retire at the end of the school year
Maryland school superintendent Nancy Grasmick announced her retirement this afternoon at the State Department of Education headquarters. She will step down June 30, a year before her contract expires.
State superintendent Nancy Grasmick will retire at the end of this year. Photo courtesy msa.md.gov.
Grasmick, the longest-serving school chief in the country, has served as state superintendent for two decades. Since her arrival, the Maryland school system won numerous national awards, including the nation’s best school system award from Education Week three years in a row.
“Our students and our schools have made tremendous progress over the past two decades, and stand on the edge of even greater progress,” Grasmick said in a press release. “It has been my great honor and privilege to work with our state’s outstanding educators to provide our children with the educational system they richly deserve.”
Governor O’Malley thanked Grasmick for her work as state superintendent of schools, setting aside their past disputes about education policy.
April 1, 2011
Police Seek Suspects in M&T Bank Armed Robbery
Second District officers reported to the M&T Bank located at 3720 Farragut Ave. after a report that an armed robbery took place, the release said. During the initial investigation, police were informed that two men—both armed with handguns—entered the bank and verbally demanded cash. The men received an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene on foot and headed toward Dupont Avenue. No one was injured during the course of the crime.
Police are looking for two black male suspects who were described as being six feet tall. One suspect was last seen wearing a green and brown camouflage-patterned hat and jacket with blue pants, while the second suspect was last seen wearing a black hat, jacket and pants.
Detectives from the Robbery Section of the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division will continue to investigate the bank robbery. Anyone with information about the crime or the suspects are asked to contact the Robbery Section at 240-773-5100, 1-866-411-8477 or 240-773-8477. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of the people involved in the crime.
Police are looking for two black male suspects who were described as being six feet tall. One suspect was last seen wearing a green and brown camouflage-patterned hat and jacket with blue pants, while the second suspect was last seen wearing a black hat, jacket and pants.
Detectives from the Robbery Section of the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division will continue to investigate the bank robbery. Anyone with information about the crime or the suspects are asked to contact the Robbery Section at 240-773-5100, 1-866-411-8477 or 240-773-8477. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of the people involved in the crime.
D.C. flight makes emergency landing in Ohio
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio airport official says an American Airlines flight was diverted to Dayton's airport after about a half dozen people on board complained of illness.
The director of Dayton International Airport says the pilot alerted the airport Friday morning that some passengers were complaining about air quality.
Director Terrence Slaybaugh says Flight 547 was traveling from Reagan National in Washington, D.C., to Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
Slaybaugh says one passenger had an asthma attack. That passenger and two others were taken to a hospital for treatment. He did not know their conditions. He says the plane had about 140 people on board, including the crew. Arrangements will be made to get the other passengers to their destinations. American Airlines did not immediately return messages. SOURCE: TBD
Slaybaugh says one passenger had an asthma attack. That passenger and two others were taken to a hospital for treatment. He did not know their conditions. He says the plane had about 140 people on board, including the crew. Arrangements will be made to get the other passengers to their destinations. American Airlines did not immediately return messages. SOURCE: TBD
Knut the polar bear drowned after suffering brain disorder
Investigators have determined that Knut the polar bear died of drowning after suffering a brain disorder. Fans are set to protest on Saturday against plans to display his remains in a climate change exhibit.
Two weeks after the death of Knut the polar bear, investigators have determined the cause of the four-year-old's untimely demise.
According to the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Knut suffered from a brain inflammation and muscle spasms that caused him to fall from his perch and drown in the enclosure's pool. Claudia Szentik, pathologist with the IZW, said that the inflammation in Knut's brain was so massive that "he would have died sooner or later." Although Knut showed no signs of stress, IZW President Heribert Hofer explained that wild animals can bear a large amount of pain without outwardly showing it.
Protest plannned
The current director of Berlin's Natural History Museum, Ferdinand Damaschun, said it was conceivable that Knut's remains could be preserved and put on display in an exhibit about climate change. These plans have sparked a backlash among Knut fans, who plan to hold a demonstration outside Berlin Zoo on Saturday. Meanwhile, the zoo plans to build a bronze statue to commemorate the world-renowned polar bear who was visited by 11 million people during his lifetime. Knut shot to fame after being abandoned by his mother and hand-reared by keeper Thomas Dörflein.
According to the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Knut suffered from a brain inflammation and muscle spasms that caused him to fall from his perch and drown in the enclosure's pool. Claudia Szentik, pathologist with the IZW, said that the inflammation in Knut's brain was so massive that "he would have died sooner or later." Although Knut showed no signs of stress, IZW President Heribert Hofer explained that wild animals can bear a large amount of pain without outwardly showing it.
Protest plannned
The current director of Berlin's Natural History Museum, Ferdinand Damaschun, said it was conceivable that Knut's remains could be preserved and put on display in an exhibit about climate change. These plans have sparked a backlash among Knut fans, who plan to hold a demonstration outside Berlin Zoo on Saturday. Meanwhile, the zoo plans to build a bronze statue to commemorate the world-renowned polar bear who was visited by 11 million people during his lifetime. Knut shot to fame after being abandoned by his mother and hand-reared by keeper Thomas Dörflein.
Maryland man charged with attempted murder for Thanksgiving Eve shooting in Pottstown
POTTSTOWN - A man who allegedly attempted to kill another man at a party in the borough in November 2010, embracing the victim in a hug before pulling out a handgun and shooting him, is now in police custody.
Oscar Armando Gonzalez, 38, of Baltimore, Md., was apprehended by Pottstown police outside of Bethlehem Thursday and arraigned Thursday night. Gonzalez is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related offenses. He is incarcerated in Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 cash bail.
According to court papers, Gonzalez was at a party in the 500 block of Walnut Street Nov. 24, 2010, when he allegedly shot the victim, Mauricio Escobar, one time in the side. When police arrived at the residence around 11:30 p.m., they discovered Escobar "covered in blood," and Gonzalez had fled the scene. Police said they received information indicating Gonzalez was working for a tree cutting business outside of Bethlehem Thursday afternoon, and they took him into custody from his job without incident. See Saturday's edition of The Mercury for the full story.
According to court papers, Gonzalez was at a party in the 500 block of Walnut Street Nov. 24, 2010, when he allegedly shot the victim, Mauricio Escobar, one time in the side. When police arrived at the residence around 11:30 p.m., they discovered Escobar "covered in blood," and Gonzalez had fled the scene. Police said they received information indicating Gonzalez was working for a tree cutting business outside of Bethlehem Thursday afternoon, and they took him into custody from his job without incident. See Saturday's edition of The Mercury for the full story.
East County Intercom newsletter
Dear East County Residents:
The new edition of the "East County Intercom" community e-newsletter for April 2011 is now available for you to read. Please click here to access the information. Join us on April 6, 2011 at our monthly East County Citizens Advisory Board meeting at 7:15 p.m. at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 (Conference Room.) Click here for the Agenda. If you have questions, need further information or need to request special accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Anjoo Chohda at 240-777-8411or email her at: anjoo.chohda@montgomerycountymd.gov
< br> Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center
240-777-8400
The new edition of the "East County Intercom" community e-newsletter for April 2011 is now available for you to read. Please click here to access the information. Join us on April 6, 2011 at our monthly East County Citizens Advisory Board meeting at 7:15 p.m. at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 (Conference Room.) Click here for the Agenda. If you have questions, need further information or need to request special accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Anjoo Chohda at 240-777-8411or email her at: anjoo.chohda@montgomerycountymd.gov
< br> Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center
240-777-8400
2 Teen Girls Missing From Montgomery County
ROCKVILLE, Md. - Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding two missing teenaged girls.
Montgomery County Police say 17-year-old Destiny Magana and 15-year-old Stevonya Reid were last seen Wednesday afternoon outside Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Md.
They are believed to still be together.
Stevonya Reid's family says she may be in need of medical attention.
Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
Events are posted on our Calendar of Events on a biweekly basis. Please visit our Calendar frequently to view new entries.
April 7, 2011 - Greater Silver Spring Business Leaders Luncheon, El Nopalito Grill, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 11:30AM - 1:15PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites you to its monthly Busimess leaders luncheon... | Read more and register online
April 13, 2011 - I-270 Business Leaders Luncheon, Hilton Hotel, Gaithersburg, MD. Time: 11:45AM - 1:15PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg and Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially...| Read more and register online.
April 13, 2011 - Grand Opening, Wireless Outlet, Inc. Store, Arlington, VA. Time: 4PM - 6PM. The Arlington County Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MAHCC.org) Cordially invites you to attend a Private...| Read more and register online.
April 20, 2011 - I-270 Corridor After-Hours Business Mixer, La Tasca-Spanish Tapas Bar, Rockville, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg & Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to its...| Read more and register online.
April 21, 2011 - Greet & Meet Business Mixer and Speed Networking, El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to its Speed Networking... | Read more and register online.
April 26, 2011- Frederick Chapter "Know Your Chamber" Breakfast, Frederick, MD. Time: 8AM - 9:30AM. The Frederick, Maryland Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially Invites you to an exciting. . . | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, Mariachi Restaurant, Frederick, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Frederick Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MAHCC.org) cordially invites you to its Annual "Cinco de Mayo"... | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, La Tasca-Spanish Tapas Bar, Rockville, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg & Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to their Annual "Cinco de Mayo" celebration ... | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to its Annual "Cinco de Mayo" celebration ... | Read more and register online.
For more information call 301-404-1946.
April 7, 2011 - Greater Silver Spring Business Leaders Luncheon, El Nopalito Grill, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 11:30AM - 1:15PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites you to its monthly Busimess leaders luncheon... | Read more and register online
April 13, 2011 - I-270 Business Leaders Luncheon, Hilton Hotel, Gaithersburg, MD. Time: 11:45AM - 1:15PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg and Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially...| Read more and register online.
April 13, 2011 - Grand Opening, Wireless Outlet, Inc. Store, Arlington, VA. Time: 4PM - 6PM. The Arlington County Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MAHCC.org) Cordially invites you to attend a Private...| Read more and register online.
April 20, 2011 - I-270 Corridor After-Hours Business Mixer, La Tasca-Spanish Tapas Bar, Rockville, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg & Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to its...| Read more and register online.
April 21, 2011 - Greet & Meet Business Mixer and Speed Networking, El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to its Speed Networking... | Read more and register online.
April 26, 2011- Frederick Chapter "Know Your Chamber" Breakfast, Frederick, MD. Time: 8AM - 9:30AM. The Frederick, Maryland Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially Invites you to an exciting. . . | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, Mariachi Restaurant, Frederick, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Frederick Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MAHCC.org) cordially invites you to its Annual "Cinco de Mayo"... | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, La Tasca-Spanish Tapas Bar, Rockville, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Rockville, Gaithersburg & Germantown Chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to their Annual "Cinco de Mayo" celebration ... | Read more and register online.
May 5, 2011 - "Cinco de Mayo" Celebration, El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar, Silver Spring, MD. Time: 5PM - 7PM. The Greater Silver Spring Chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to its Annual "Cinco de Mayo" celebration ... | Read more and register online.
For more information call 301-404-1946.
First Cancer Treatment Facility Opens in Germantown
Cancer patients in Germantown have a new ally in their fight against the disease. A new outpatient care facility by Adventist HealthCare opened at 20330 Seneca Meadows Parkway on Friday.
The new radiation oncology center is the first in Germantown to offer radiation therapy. Spokesperson Jennifer Plaia said the center expanded healthcare access for upper Montgomery County and the decision to open the facility was not influenced by the reported cancer cluster near Fort Detrick or any other study.
“With 4,000 new cases of cancer reported in Montgomery County each year, and with a growing upcountry population, we had long planned to expand radiation oncology service,” Plaia said. The estimated $5 million facility offers outpatient radiation therapy using cone beam technology, which generates images of a patient’s tumor in various angles before radiation is administered. The images can then be reconstructed to produce a 3-D image of the tumor. SOURCE: Germantown Patch
“With 4,000 new cases of cancer reported in Montgomery County each year, and with a growing upcountry population, we had long planned to expand radiation oncology service,” Plaia said. The estimated $5 million facility offers outpatient radiation therapy using cone beam technology, which generates images of a patient’s tumor in various angles before radiation is administered. The images can then be reconstructed to produce a 3-D image of the tumor. SOURCE: Germantown Patch
Israel/Irish Night with Ambassador Oren & Governor O'Malley
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) took his musical talents to the residence of the Israeli ambassador in Washington on Tuesday night, where he was among the guests who “jammed” with an Israeli-Celtic band.
A video from the reception, held to celebrate what Israel and Ireland have in common, has been posted on YouTube and the Web site of the Embassy of Israel.
SOURCE: Washington Post
Wheaton town square will stay public, emulate Bethesda
A parking lot in downtown Wheaton will soon be transformed into a town square. Not only will it make the area more walkable and vibrant, but Montgomery County officials say it will belong to the public and emulate many elements of the successful Bethesda Row. A few weeks ago, I wrote about concerns that the new square on what's now Parking Lot 13 would not be owned by Montgomery County, which raises some serious issues about the public's right to public space.
In contrast, Montgomery County leased downtown Silver Spring's Ellsworth Drive to a private developer. After private guards hassled photographers taking pictures on Ellsworth, County Executive Ike Leggett clarified that it is a "public forum" allowing free expression and photography. SOURCE: Greater Greater Washington
In contrast, Montgomery County leased downtown Silver Spring's Ellsworth Drive to a private developer. After private guards hassled photographers taking pictures on Ellsworth, County Executive Ike Leggett clarified that it is a "public forum" allowing free expression and photography. SOURCE: Greater Greater Washington
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