Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett's plan to grant thousands of government employees extra time off next year doesn't require further approval, according to an opinion from the jurisdiction's top lawyer. In a letter obtained by The Washington Examiner, acting County Attorney Marc Hansen writes, "We are not aware that granting the leave would be contrary to any appropriation or budget resolution or contrary to an existing law. Therefore, this provision of the agreement may be implemented by the executive branch without any affirmative act by the council being necessary."
Leggett has signed off on an arrangement granting general government employees and police officers 26 hours more in paid leave next year. Firefighters would receive an extra 48 hours away from the office. Council members -- and their attorneys -- argue that lost productivity and a backlog of leave time would cost the county millions of dollars.
Some council members called the development a direct challenge to their authority and refused to comply with Hansen's opinion, citing the precedent it would set.
"That didn't make any sense," said Councilman Phil Andrews, D-Gaithersburg/Rockville. "I think the executive is wrong on every count. He's wrong on the law. He's wrong that it doesn't have a fiscal impact, and he's out of touch with the public."
A report by the Office of Legislative Oversight found that granting the nearly 9,000 employees extra time off would cost the county $7 million next year or the workload of about 120 employees annually. And the executive branch's own oversight agency concluded a 1 percent increase in worker availability would net the equivalent of nearly 100 additional workers.
The workers would take the additional leave while county residents pay roughly $250 in new taxes.
Council members told The Examiner they will still vote on the bargaining agreements this week. A majority of the legislative body has come out against the plan, and a council committee will review the arrangement Monday. SOURCE: Washington Examiner
July 26, 2010
Pepco: Still more than 150,000 without power
As he stood on the lawn on Blossom Drive in Rockville on Monday, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett said the fallen tree in resident Martha Lufkin's yard illustrated the "large amount of damage" caused by Sunday's intense storm. Lufkin and her family were in their living room in the 600 block of Blossom Drive during the storm, which struck about 3 p.m.
"My husband said, ‘Here it comes,' and I turned and bolted," Lufkin said. "The tree fell right in front of the house."
Lufkin said the storm left her family unscathed, but without electricity. Lufkin's family was far from alone. At its peak, the storm left more than 200,000 Pepco customers without power, in addition to a few hundred Baltimore Gas and Electric and Allegheny Power customers in the county.
By 5 p.m. Monday, some 26 hours into the outages in many areas, about 156,000 Pepco customers still were without service in Montgomery County, and 25,000 Pepco customers were without power in Prince George's County, said David Morehead, a spokesman for the utility. Meanwhile, Allegheny Power reported on its website that 241 Montgomery customers were without electric service and that 13 Frederick County also lacked service. SOURCE: Gazette
"My husband said, ‘Here it comes,' and I turned and bolted," Lufkin said. "The tree fell right in front of the house."
Lufkin said the storm left her family unscathed, but without electricity. Lufkin's family was far from alone. At its peak, the storm left more than 200,000 Pepco customers without power, in addition to a few hundred Baltimore Gas and Electric and Allegheny Power customers in the county.
By 5 p.m. Monday, some 26 hours into the outages in many areas, about 156,000 Pepco customers still were without service in Montgomery County, and 25,000 Pepco customers were without power in Prince George's County, said David Morehead, a spokesman for the utility. Meanwhile, Allegheny Power reported on its website that 241 Montgomery customers were without electric service and that 13 Frederick County also lacked service. SOURCE: Gazette
Vovak buys new domain name for campaign 'www.ChangeMontgomery.com'
Daniel Vovak's campaign for Montgomery County executive (against Ike Leggett) will now use the domain name www.ChangeMontgomery.com. Please reflect this is all future media mentions.
Montgomery County news blurbs
2010 National Night Out Events - The 2010 National Night Out annual observance will take place on Tuesday, August 3. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), is designed to generate neighborhood support and participation in crime prevention efforts and to enhance police and community relations. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=5551
Summer Storm Update From Montgomery County ˆ 2:45 pm - A major storm has caused widespread power outages. About 164,000 Montgomery County customers remain without power. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6769
Metro Demonstrates Safety Commitment, Compliance with NTSB Recommendations, including Replacement of 1000 Series Rail Cars - Metro received a formal pre-award approval letter today, July 26, from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the procurement of the 7000 series rail cars from Kawasaki using Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) funds, allowing Metro to move forward with a notice to proceed. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4579
Power Outages Necessitate Water Restrictions, Summer Camp Cancellations ˆ A powerful line of storms Sunday afternoon that struck Montgomery County has caused hundreds of thousands of power outages and numerous felled trees. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2010/07-july/07-26-10.htm
Judges Needed for 2010 Elections - Montgomery County's Board of Elections is seeking individuals to serve as election judges at polling places for the Gubernatorial Elections to be held on September 14 and November 2, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eletmpl.asp?url=/content/elections/ElectionJudge/notanelectionjudge.asp
Metro Sets August Weeknight Track Maintenance Schedule - On most weeknights in August, Metro employees will replace rail, cross ties, weld new rail on the tracks, repair concrete slabs underneath the rails, repair station platforms and install communications cables in an effort to maintain the rail system in a state of good repair and help provide reliable service. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4578
Summer Storm Update From Montgomery County ˆ 2:45 pm - A major storm has caused widespread power outages. About 164,000 Montgomery County customers remain without power. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6769
Metro Demonstrates Safety Commitment, Compliance with NTSB Recommendations, including Replacement of 1000 Series Rail Cars - Metro received a formal pre-award approval letter today, July 26, from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the procurement of the 7000 series rail cars from Kawasaki using Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) funds, allowing Metro to move forward with a notice to proceed. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4579
Power Outages Necessitate Water Restrictions, Summer Camp Cancellations ˆ A powerful line of storms Sunday afternoon that struck Montgomery County has caused hundreds of thousands of power outages and numerous felled trees. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2010/07-july/07-26-10.htm
Judges Needed for 2010 Elections - Montgomery County's Board of Elections is seeking individuals to serve as election judges at polling places for the Gubernatorial Elections to be held on September 14 and November 2, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eletmpl.asp?url=/content/elections/ElectionJudge/notanelectionjudge.asp
Metro Sets August Weeknight Track Maintenance Schedule - On most weeknights in August, Metro employees will replace rail, cross ties, weld new rail on the tracks, repair concrete slabs underneath the rails, repair station platforms and install communications cables in an effort to maintain the rail system in a state of good repair and help provide reliable service. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4578
More on death of Michelle Humanick, by falling tree
This story is heart-wrenching. She and her husband just seemed to be nearly-perfect people!
MAJOR UPDATE from Montgomery County government
A major storm has caused widespread power outages. About 164,000 Montgomery County customers remain without power. The latest update on conditions include:
Water Restrictions: * Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
Water customers should: *Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use)
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only)
Traffic: * About 225 traffic signals remain without power and 90 streets remain blocked by downed wires and trees.
* Police officers are directing traffic at 60 intersections and the County’s Department of Transportation has erected temporary stop signs at some others.
* Many additional intersections without power have no officers or stop signs. It is essential that drivers exercise extreme caution and treat all intersections without power as a four-way stop.
Ride On: * Expect some delays on Ride On due to blocked streets and signal outages. Five routes have detours. Check Ride On’s website at www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Recreation: * The Western County, Germantown Indoor and Outdoor, Upper County, and Olney Swim Centers are open.
* Damascus and Lawton Recreation Centers are now open, in addition to the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers All other Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Libraries: * Closed all day: Little Falls, Wheaton, Kensington Park, Aspen Hill, Davis, Potomac, and Silver Spring
* Open: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Damascus, Germantown, Long Branch, Olney, Poolesville, Praisner, Quince Orchard, Rockville, Wheaton, and White Oak.
* All of the branches will close at 8 p.m. this evening.
Shelters: * Three shelters are open: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville; Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown; and the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them. Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals.
* Residents cannot bring pets to the shelter. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Parks: * The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College: * Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities: * Montgomery County Department of Finance Treasury office located at 255 Hungerford Drive is closed.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees: * To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check www.montgomerycountymd.gov for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Water Restrictions: * Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
Water customers should: *Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use)
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only)
Traffic: * About 225 traffic signals remain without power and 90 streets remain blocked by downed wires and trees.
* Police officers are directing traffic at 60 intersections and the County’s Department of Transportation has erected temporary stop signs at some others.
* Many additional intersections without power have no officers or stop signs. It is essential that drivers exercise extreme caution and treat all intersections without power as a four-way stop.
Ride On: * Expect some delays on Ride On due to blocked streets and signal outages. Five routes have detours. Check Ride On’s website at www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Recreation: * The Western County, Germantown Indoor and Outdoor, Upper County, and Olney Swim Centers are open.
* Damascus and Lawton Recreation Centers are now open, in addition to the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers All other Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Libraries: * Closed all day: Little Falls, Wheaton, Kensington Park, Aspen Hill, Davis, Potomac, and Silver Spring
* Open: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Damascus, Germantown, Long Branch, Olney, Poolesville, Praisner, Quince Orchard, Rockville, Wheaton, and White Oak.
* All of the branches will close at 8 p.m. this evening.
Shelters: * Three shelters are open: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville; Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown; and the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them. Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals.
* Residents cannot bring pets to the shelter. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Parks: * The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College: * Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities: * Montgomery County Department of Finance Treasury office located at 255 Hungerford Drive is closed.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees: * To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check www.montgomerycountymd.gov for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Any annoying comments about Pepco? Tell us your story!
Place them in the COMMENT box here, to tell your Pepco annoyance story!
Report ranks Baltimore strong to weather recession
The Baltimore region’s economy has demonstrated relative strength in weathering the recession when compared to others in the nation’s Top 100 metropolitan regions, according to a June MetroMonitor report from Brookings Institution. Overall, the Baltimore region ranks among 19 regions that were rated as the “second strongest” metropolitan areas to have weathered the Great Recession. (Click here to read the full report.)
The report measured economic outputs – the Gross Metropolitan Products (GMP) – of the Top 100 U.S. metropolitan regions during the recession. It also measured performance for other key economic indicators including employment levels, unemployment rates, housing prices, and the number of foreclosed properties that fail to sell at auction. Among Mid-Atlantic regions, only one – the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region – was among 21 regions rated as the overall “strongest” to weather the recession. Three other metros from Mid-Atlantic States – Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach – also ranked with the Baltimore region in the “second strongest” group.
That’s the good news. Less uplifting are the report’s findings that, while most U.S. regions registered gains in economic output from pre-recession peaks to the end of 2009, these economic rebounds were not matched by employment rebounds. For example, the Baltimore region registered a 4.8 percent increase in GMP from its previous peak in the 2nd quarter of 2008. However, employment in the Baltimore region remains at just 95.3 percent of its pre-recession level, and has yet to make a turn upward. Greater Baltimore was among 32 regions that have recovered their pre-recession levels of economic output. But neither Baltimore nor any of the top 100 regions has fully recovered their previous employment levels. The lower employment statistics have been accompanied by tenaciously elevated unemployment rates, significantly reduced housing prices, and elevated levels of foreclosed properties that mortgage-holders have been unable to sell.
The Baltimore region ranks 4th among all regions for economic recovery since 2008, but it ranks 30th for employment growth during the same period. More disconcerting is that the Baltimore region’s 0.3 percent employment drop in the 1st quarter of 2010 ranks 60th among the 100 regions measured in the Brookings report. Here’s how the Baltimore region performed on other key indicators measured by Brookings:
• Unemployment rate. The region’s 8.0 percent unemployment rate ranks 21st best and is less than the 10.2 percent U.S. average. Its 4.4 percentage-point unemployment rate increase over the last three years ranks 29th. The region’s one-year unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points ranks 36th.
• Housing prices. The Baltimore region’s 20.4 percent decrease in housing prices during the last three years ranks 69th. The national average for that period was a 17.4 percent decrease, while the average decrease for all measured metro areas was 21.4 percent.
• Real estate-owned properties. In March 2010, the Baltimore region had 3.97 per 1,000 foreclosed properties that failed to sell at auction. This ranks our region 68th, and was slightly more than the national average, but less than the average for all regions measured by Brookings.
Donald C. Fry is president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. He is a regular contributor to Center Maryland. SOURCE: Center Maryland
The report measured economic outputs – the Gross Metropolitan Products (GMP) – of the Top 100 U.S. metropolitan regions during the recession. It also measured performance for other key economic indicators including employment levels, unemployment rates, housing prices, and the number of foreclosed properties that fail to sell at auction. Among Mid-Atlantic regions, only one – the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region – was among 21 regions rated as the overall “strongest” to weather the recession. Three other metros from Mid-Atlantic States – Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach – also ranked with the Baltimore region in the “second strongest” group.
That’s the good news. Less uplifting are the report’s findings that, while most U.S. regions registered gains in economic output from pre-recession peaks to the end of 2009, these economic rebounds were not matched by employment rebounds. For example, the Baltimore region registered a 4.8 percent increase in GMP from its previous peak in the 2nd quarter of 2008. However, employment in the Baltimore region remains at just 95.3 percent of its pre-recession level, and has yet to make a turn upward. Greater Baltimore was among 32 regions that have recovered their pre-recession levels of economic output. But neither Baltimore nor any of the top 100 regions has fully recovered their previous employment levels. The lower employment statistics have been accompanied by tenaciously elevated unemployment rates, significantly reduced housing prices, and elevated levels of foreclosed properties that mortgage-holders have been unable to sell.
The Baltimore region ranks 4th among all regions for economic recovery since 2008, but it ranks 30th for employment growth during the same period. More disconcerting is that the Baltimore region’s 0.3 percent employment drop in the 1st quarter of 2010 ranks 60th among the 100 regions measured in the Brookings report. Here’s how the Baltimore region performed on other key indicators measured by Brookings:
• Unemployment rate. The region’s 8.0 percent unemployment rate ranks 21st best and is less than the 10.2 percent U.S. average. Its 4.4 percentage-point unemployment rate increase over the last three years ranks 29th. The region’s one-year unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points ranks 36th.
• Housing prices. The Baltimore region’s 20.4 percent decrease in housing prices during the last three years ranks 69th. The national average for that period was a 17.4 percent decrease, while the average decrease for all measured metro areas was 21.4 percent.
• Real estate-owned properties. In March 2010, the Baltimore region had 3.97 per 1,000 foreclosed properties that failed to sell at auction. This ranks our region 68th, and was slightly more than the national average, but less than the average for all regions measured by Brookings.
Donald C. Fry is president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. He is a regular contributor to Center Maryland. SOURCE: Center Maryland
Man hit and killed near MARC station
Montgomery County police say they have found a man's body on train tracks near the Kensington MARC station. Police say officers and emergency responders found the man at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday between the eastbound rails. They say evidence indicates the man was struck by a CSX train. Detectives and CSX officials continue to investigate the death. SOURCE: Hometown Annapolis
More storm damage discovered in Montgomery County; Michelle Humanick dies
Complaints against Pepco are increasing. Hundreds of traffic lights still out.
The woman who died in her vehicle on Rhode Island Avenue, near Odessa Road in College Park, was described as being in her 40s. Mark Brady, a spokesman for the Prince George’;s fire and EMS department, said the woman’s mother, who was also in the vehicle, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. .. Rescue workers had to cut the top of the vehicle off to pull out the injured person. (Washington Post)
Later, I came to know more about the woman from Dist 1 councilman Patrick Wojahn.
“The woman’s name was Michelle Humanick. Some of you may know Michelle – she was active in the Neighborhood Watch in College Park Estates and Yarrow, and was married to Clay Gump, who has long been active in the City. This is such a tragedy – in addition to her husband, Michelle leaves behind two young girls. Michelle’s mother was also in the car and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries”
True, this is such a loss for our entire community. Michelle’s husband Clay Gump runs popular RethinkCollegePark website. The storm also caused a massive power blackout in the area, cutting off power from roughly 53,000 people in our county. The storm has also made quite a bit of damage several Seven Springs apartments located in Cherry Hill. Michelle Humanick dies in College Park. SOURCE: Kabir Cares
The woman who died in her vehicle on Rhode Island Avenue, near Odessa Road in College Park, was described as being in her 40s. Mark Brady, a spokesman for the Prince George’;s fire and EMS department, said the woman’s mother, who was also in the vehicle, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. .. Rescue workers had to cut the top of the vehicle off to pull out the injured person. (Washington Post)
Later, I came to know more about the woman from Dist 1 councilman Patrick Wojahn.
“The woman’s name was Michelle Humanick. Some of you may know Michelle – she was active in the Neighborhood Watch in College Park Estates and Yarrow, and was married to Clay Gump, who has long been active in the City. This is such a tragedy – in addition to her husband, Michelle leaves behind two young girls. Michelle’s mother was also in the car and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries”
True, this is such a loss for our entire community. Michelle’s husband Clay Gump runs popular RethinkCollegePark website. The storm also caused a massive power blackout in the area, cutting off power from roughly 53,000 people in our county. The storm has also made quite a bit of damage several Seven Springs apartments located in Cherry Hill. Michelle Humanick dies in College Park. SOURCE: Kabir Cares
Newest Chick-fil-A Restaurant Opening July 29 in Silver Spring
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 29, 2010) – The Chick-fil-A® restaurant chain and its renegade Cows have two events to celebrate on July 29 in metro Washington, D.C. with its newest in-line Chick-fil-A restaurant opening at
6:30 a.m. at 12289 Tech Rd. in Silver Spring, Md. and a ground “mooving” ceremony being held at 10:30 a.m. in Arlington, Va. at 2200 Crystal Dr. for the chain’s third in-line location in the market.
The chain will celebrate the new Silver Spring July 29 opening by awarding a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A Meals (52 certificates) to each of the first 100 adults in line, age 18 and older with identification at the new location. Started more than six years ago as an idea for an Arizona restaurant opening, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has become the signature event of each grand opening around the country. The chain’s loyal customers often arrive 24 hours in advance of the opening -- no matter the location or weather conditions.
The line at the new Chick-fil-A restaurant at Tech Road in Silver Spring will officially open at 6 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, with the free meal cards being awarded Thursday, July 29, sometime between 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m. The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter. If there are more than 100 people by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, all 100 spots will be determined by a raffle. www.chick-fil-a.com for complete rules.
The new in-line Chick-fil-A in Silver Spring is one of 78 new locations the chain plans to open this year and includes the new Crystal City streetscape in-line restaurant in Arlington. The company opened its first in-line concept in August 2004 in Silver Spring, with the Crystal City location bringing the total to 11 for the chain. The Crystal City location is projected to open in November and will be operated by Chick-fil-A franchise Operator/Owner Natalie Yang, who is moving to the area from Georgia. The openings of the two locations in metro Washington, D.C. will bring upwards of 130 new jobs to the area.
Despite the nation’s economic challenges in 2009, Chick-fil-A continued to expand, increasing the number of locations initially projected for the year. The chain opened 80 new restaurants and reached $3 billion in sales for the first time.
“Thanks to our family of Operators and restaurant team members who provide freshly prepared food and going-the-extra-mile customer service, Chick-fil-A is fortunate to be able to continue to grow,” said Dan T. Cathy, President and COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc. “We are very fortunate to be blessed with not only committed Operators and team members but also with a tremendous following of loyal customers. They are the reason we do what we do every day.”
The First 100 event at each restaurant opening is one way Chick-fil-A both thanks and celebrates its customers, many of whom travel hundreds of miles to participate. Extreme weather conditions or distant locations do not dampen the enthusiasm of those who bring tents, electronics, and other gear to pass the time until the restaurant opens. Chick-fil-A has awarded more than $11.2 million in free food at restaurant grand openings, with nearly another $1.8 million to be given away in 2010. Once Cathy saw customers willing to camp out in Chick-fil-A parking lots, he decided to join in the fun with his own tent and sleeping bag. December 2009 marked Cathy’s 100th overnight campout with customers at Chick-fil-A grand openings.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Truett Cathy developed the original Chick-fil-A boneless breast of chicken sandwich in his 24-hour Dwarf House® diner near Atlanta in the early 1960s, and he opened his first Chick-fil-A® restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall in 1967. Since then, the chain has grown to include nearly 1,500 locations in 38 states and Washington, D.C. In December 2009, Chick-fil-A, Inc. reached $3 billion in sales for the first time – marking its 42nd consecutive year of sales growth. The chain plans to add 78 locations this year, including 66 stand-alone restaurants, two mall/retail outlets, and 10 licensed outlets in non-traditional locations such as college campuses. This year, the chain also will spend millions in reinvestment dollars on existing business markets to remodel and re-design 171 stand-alone and shopping mall outlets across the country. More information about Chick-fil-A is available on the chain’s websites, located at www.chick-fil-a.com or www.truettcathy.com
The chain will celebrate the new Silver Spring July 29 opening by awarding a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A Meals (52 certificates) to each of the first 100 adults in line, age 18 and older with identification at the new location. Started more than six years ago as an idea for an Arizona restaurant opening, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has become the signature event of each grand opening around the country. The chain’s loyal customers often arrive 24 hours in advance of the opening -- no matter the location or weather conditions.
The line at the new Chick-fil-A restaurant at Tech Road in Silver Spring will officially open at 6 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, with the free meal cards being awarded Thursday, July 29, sometime between 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m. The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter. If there are more than 100 people by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, all 100 spots will be determined by a raffle. www.chick-fil-a.com for complete rules.
The new in-line Chick-fil-A in Silver Spring is one of 78 new locations the chain plans to open this year and includes the new Crystal City streetscape in-line restaurant in Arlington. The company opened its first in-line concept in August 2004 in Silver Spring, with the Crystal City location bringing the total to 11 for the chain. The Crystal City location is projected to open in November and will be operated by Chick-fil-A franchise Operator/Owner Natalie Yang, who is moving to the area from Georgia. The openings of the two locations in metro Washington, D.C. will bring upwards of 130 new jobs to the area.
Despite the nation’s economic challenges in 2009, Chick-fil-A continued to expand, increasing the number of locations initially projected for the year. The chain opened 80 new restaurants and reached $3 billion in sales for the first time.
“Thanks to our family of Operators and restaurant team members who provide freshly prepared food and going-the-extra-mile customer service, Chick-fil-A is fortunate to be able to continue to grow,” said Dan T. Cathy, President and COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc. “We are very fortunate to be blessed with not only committed Operators and team members but also with a tremendous following of loyal customers. They are the reason we do what we do every day.”
The First 100 event at each restaurant opening is one way Chick-fil-A both thanks and celebrates its customers, many of whom travel hundreds of miles to participate. Extreme weather conditions or distant locations do not dampen the enthusiasm of those who bring tents, electronics, and other gear to pass the time until the restaurant opens. Chick-fil-A has awarded more than $11.2 million in free food at restaurant grand openings, with nearly another $1.8 million to be given away in 2010. Once Cathy saw customers willing to camp out in Chick-fil-A parking lots, he decided to join in the fun with his own tent and sleeping bag. December 2009 marked Cathy’s 100th overnight campout with customers at Chick-fil-A grand openings.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Truett Cathy developed the original Chick-fil-A boneless breast of chicken sandwich in his 24-hour Dwarf House® diner near Atlanta in the early 1960s, and he opened his first Chick-fil-A® restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall in 1967. Since then, the chain has grown to include nearly 1,500 locations in 38 states and Washington, D.C. In December 2009, Chick-fil-A, Inc. reached $3 billion in sales for the first time – marking its 42nd consecutive year of sales growth. The chain plans to add 78 locations this year, including 66 stand-alone restaurants, two mall/retail outlets, and 10 licensed outlets in non-traditional locations such as college campuses. This year, the chain also will spend millions in reinvestment dollars on existing business markets to remodel and re-design 171 stand-alone and shopping mall outlets across the country. More information about Chick-fil-A is available on the chain’s websites, located at www.chick-fil-a.com
Cristine Thron for Congress kickoff tonight versus Chris van Hollen
Christine and Company will hold a reception at La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant on the square following the Formal Announcement of her Candidacy. Please join us to celebrate the official kick off of her Campaign. Those who Donate $50 to participate will receive two drink tickets and will enjoy shared appetizers. Beverages include: sangria, beer, house wine and all non-alcoholic drinks. Appetizers Include: spinach croquettes, Pan Catalana (Bread), Fried Eggplant, Fried Shrimp and Grilled Chicken Skewers.
Christine's Formal Announcement: Monday July 26, 2010. 6:00pm-7:00 pm. Rockville Town Square Plaza. Off of Beall Ave. Rockville, MD 20850.
Celebrate with the Candidate!. July 26, 2010. 7:00pm-9:00 pm. 141 Gibbs Street, Unit A. Rockville, MD 20850. Register now
Candidate Eli El for delegate in Dist. 20 has 'Terrapins For Eli' support
Candidate Eli El for delegate in Dist. 20 has 'Terrapins For Eli' support. You have to admit, this is pretty funny! 
Montgomery County news blurbs
Hot Weather Conditions Unsafe for Animals - Whenever the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning for Montgomery County and surrounding areas, the Director of the Montgomery County Police Animal Services Division may authorize enforcement of Executive Regulation 5-01, Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs, Section 11-C. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=5550
MCPL - Friday, July 23: Access to the library catalog, user accounts, and online resources has been disrupted by a power outage. We are working to restore service.
Percentage of Region's Commuters Driving Alone Declines, While Share for Telework, Transit Grows - More people in the metropolitan Washington region are taking transit to work or teleworking than at any point in the past ten years, according to findings presented today by Commuter Connections at the July meeting of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB). For more information go to: http://www.mwcog.org/news/press/detail.asp?NEWS_ID=464
Montgomery County Board of Education to Meet on July 26 - The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Monday, July 26, 2010. The meeting will be held in the Board of Education Meeting Room in the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville, MD. For more information go to: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?page=showrelease&id=2797
Dance with the Stars at The Rooftop - Spend an evening Dancing with the Stars at The Rooftop from 7-9:30 pm, Sunday, July 25, when the night will feature Big Band hits from the '30s and '40s. Night and Day Band will perform Big Band Ballroom and Swing music. Admission is free. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillerooftop.com/calendar-events/july-25-dancing-with-the-stars
FREE Small Business Counseling Sessions! ˆ On Thursday, July 29th, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (B-CC RSC) with the SCORE „Counselors of America‚s Small Business‰ will be offering free one-on-one small business counseling sessions. Call 240-777-8200 to schedule your free one-hour counseling session! The B-CC RSC is conveniently located one block from the Bethesda Metro Station at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Visit us online at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc
Lunchtime Concert Series - Willow Garden Theatre lunchtime concert series, from August 4 - August 25. At the corner of Wisconsin Ave. & Willow Ln., Wed., 12-2pm, concerts are free for more information call 301-352-5387.
SAVE THE DATE! Car Free Day ˆ 9/22/10 - Join us for part of a worldwide movement and celebrate sustainable transportation on Car Free Day, Wednesday September 22, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.carfreemetrodc.com/
REMINDER - 21st Anniversary of the 2010 Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale in Montgomery County, Maryland - Montgomery County will celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food during the 21st Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Fourteen farms will participate this year on Saturday July 24, 2010 and then will reopen for a second day on Sunday July 25, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6690
Rockville Good Neighbor Nominations Due Monday, Aug. 30 - The City of Rockville will host the ninth annual Good Neighbor awards in which residents nominate their neighbors for improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2010/07-july/07-22-10b.html
MCPL - Friday, July 23: Access to the library catalog, user accounts, and online resources has been disrupted by a power outage. We are working to restore service.
Percentage of Region's Commuters Driving Alone Declines, While Share for Telework, Transit Grows - More people in the metropolitan Washington region are taking transit to work or teleworking than at any point in the past ten years, according to findings presented today by Commuter Connections at the July meeting of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB). For more information go to: http://www.mwcog.org/news/press/detail.asp?NEWS_ID=464
Montgomery County Board of Education to Meet on July 26 - The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Monday, July 26, 2010. The meeting will be held in the Board of Education Meeting Room in the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville, MD. For more information go to: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?page=showrelease&id=2797
Dance with the Stars at The Rooftop - Spend an evening Dancing with the Stars at The Rooftop from 7-9:30 pm, Sunday, July 25, when the night will feature Big Band hits from the '30s and '40s. Night and Day Band will perform Big Band Ballroom and Swing music. Admission is free. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillerooftop.com/calendar-events/july-25-dancing-with-the-stars
FREE Small Business Counseling Sessions! ˆ On Thursday, July 29th, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (B-CC RSC) with the SCORE „Counselors of America‚s Small Business‰ will be offering free one-on-one small business counseling sessions. Call 240-777-8200 to schedule your free one-hour counseling session! The B-CC RSC is conveniently located one block from the Bethesda Metro Station at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Visit us online at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc
Lunchtime Concert Series - Willow Garden Theatre lunchtime concert series, from August 4 - August 25. At the corner of Wisconsin Ave. & Willow Ln., Wed., 12-2pm, concerts are free for more information call 301-352-5387.
SAVE THE DATE! Car Free Day ˆ 9/22/10 - Join us for part of a worldwide movement and celebrate sustainable transportation on Car Free Day, Wednesday September 22, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.carfreemetrodc.com/
REMINDER - 21st Anniversary of the 2010 Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale in Montgomery County, Maryland - Montgomery County will celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food during the 21st Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Fourteen farms will participate this year on Saturday July 24, 2010 and then will reopen for a second day on Sunday July 25, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6690
Rockville Good Neighbor Nominations Due Monday, Aug. 30 - The City of Rockville will host the ninth annual Good Neighbor awards in which residents nominate their neighbors for improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2010/07-july/07-22-10b.html
Some storm damage & electric problems in Montgomery County
Utility crews worked through the night and into Monday morning to fix widespread power outages after one of the most violent and destructive thunderstorms in years ripped across the region, knocking down trees and power lines, starting fires, damaging houses and causing at least two deaths. A 6-year-old boy, Eric Lawson of Sterling, was killed when struck by a falling section of a tree in Loudoun County about 3:15 p.m. Sunday. And a woman was killed when a tree fell on a minivan in College Park about 3:30 p.m.
Power was cut off to a WSSC plant that supplies 70 percent of the water for Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Authorities asked residents to curb consumption and refrain from any outdoor use. A spokeswoman for Pepco, the region's hardest-hit utility, said the company was borrowing crews from other utilities working in 12-hour shifts to free lines and poles pinned beneath toppled trees. It was too early to predict a return to normal service, spokeswoman Mary-Beth Hutchinson said Monday morning, but the company is expecting a "multi-day restoration."
"The volume of work is staggering," Hutchinson said.
Montgomery County closed most of its recreation centers, and the parks and recreation department canceled all summer camps, classes and other activities for Monday. Montgomery College's Rockville campus was also closed. As of 9:00 a.m., roughly 175,000 customers were without power in Montgomery County, about 53,000 were without power in Prince George's County, about 22,000 were without power in the District and about 9,600 were without power in Northern Virginia.
Traffic lights remained out at dozens of intersections around the region. Officials were telling motorists to treat dark intersections as four-way stops. SOURCE: Washington Post
Power was cut off to a WSSC plant that supplies 70 percent of the water for Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Authorities asked residents to curb consumption and refrain from any outdoor use. A spokeswoman for Pepco, the region's hardest-hit utility, said the company was borrowing crews from other utilities working in 12-hour shifts to free lines and poles pinned beneath toppled trees. It was too early to predict a return to normal service, spokeswoman Mary-Beth Hutchinson said Monday morning, but the company is expecting a "multi-day restoration."
"The volume of work is staggering," Hutchinson said.
Montgomery County closed most of its recreation centers, and the parks and recreation department canceled all summer camps, classes and other activities for Monday. Montgomery College's Rockville campus was also closed. As of 9:00 a.m., roughly 175,000 customers were without power in Montgomery County, about 53,000 were without power in Prince George's County, about 22,000 were without power in the District and about 9,600 were without power in Northern Virginia.
Traffic lights remained out at dozens of intersections around the region. Officials were telling motorists to treat dark intersections as four-way stops. SOURCE: Washington Post
July 25, 2010
Montgomery farm's open for visitors this weekend
Welmoed Sisson delicately wrapped strands of fragrant lavender between ribbon under the shade of a white tent at Star Gazing Farm on Saturday morning. The bound bushels, called "lavender wands" were on their way to the Boyds animal sanctuary's gift shop, she said. It was all preparation for Montgomery County's 2010 Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Fourteen farms were open to visitors on Saturday, and 10 farms are participating Sunday. The tour aims to celebrate the county's agricultural heritage. There are 561 farms and 350 horticultural enterprises in the county.
Spring and Peter Swineheart of Boyds stopped by Star Gazing on Saturday.
"I think it's great to bring awareness to the Agricultural Reserve and what there is to offer," Spring Swinehart said. The couple had just finished a tour of the sanctuary's housing area, where they scooted around billy goat horns and got up close to a llama.
Germantown brothers Christian, 5, and Steven, 7, hovered near Oscar the barn cat. Christian said "seeing kitties" was his favorite part of the tour. Jody and Steve Hursh brought their grandchildren to Star Gazing early Saturday afternoon. They had stopped at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, also part of the tour, where Steve was left with a "souvenir" of dried pig mud on his pant leg.
Jody Hursh said Star Gazing would be the group's last stop.
"We're going to be wilted after this," she said, partially hidden from the sun's glare by a tree. SOURCE: Gazette
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