Olney's 17th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday

You won't want to miss Olney's 17th Annual National Night Out this Tuesday, August 3 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at its new location, the Montgomery General Hospital Grounds. This annual event focuses on crime prevention and police awareness. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Olney Police Satellite Station, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the MD National Capital Park Police and Crime Solvers.

This year's event will include demonstrations and information from local police, sheriff, and fire departments to include rappelling, drunk driving simulation, Park Police horses, and more. Music from DJ Good Vibrations will entertain the crowd while visiting exhibits highlighting local businesses, free child id provided by the US Secret Service, free kids games and crafts from the Longwood Community Center, the Olney Chamber raffle table and more. Visitors can also enjoy great food from Mamma Lucia, Urban BarBQue, and Rita's of Olney in the food court.

Volunteers are still needed to help with parking. If you can help out at anytime during the event please call the chamber office at 301.774.7117. Click here for a flyer with a list of sponsors and event information.

Announcements:

Special Thanks: The Chamber would like to thank Electric Advisors for last week's Lunch and Learn. Those who attended learned how to save money on their energy bills at home and at work. Virginia Mauk, Executive Director of the Chamber, signed up during the lunch. It just takes minutes. For more information visit http://electricadvisors.com/olneychamber/ .

New Show at the OTC: Get your tickets now for The Savannah Disputation-A Divine New Comedy at the Olney Theatre Center. The show is about a Pentecostal missionary that gets more than she bargained for when she drops in on two Catholic spinsters, sweet, susceptible Margaret and feisty, high-spirited Mary. Get your tickets now to find out what happens in this spirited comedy by calling the box office at 301.924.3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org. Start Your Day Off Right: The Tavern now serves breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m. Come in for all your breakfast favorites and a cup of coffee. The Tavern is now located at 18200 Georgia Ave. in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. For more information call 301.260.0500.

Jazz at the OTC: The Olney Theatre Center presents an evening of jazz on Saturday, August 7 at 8:00 p.m. Featured artist will be Nate Birkey, trumpet player and jazz singer from New York. Visit www.olneytheatre.org for tickets.

Mary Kane cancels another scheduled political event

Apparently, Mary Kane has cancelled another event in Montgomery County, Maryland. Kane, who is making herself into the (unreliable) Sarah Palin of Maryland Republican politics, cancelled three events last week, too, "forgetting" that she had church to attend. Does Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown regularly cancel scheduled events? Me thinks she is heading into a trainwreck for former Governor Ehrlich, even though he still only lags Gov. O'Malley by a few points, following a predictable bounce from Ehrlich's smart late announcement.

Original release

Please join Mary Kane at the 2010 National Night Out in Germantown, August 3, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The 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. Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, many communities across the county will celebrate with a variety of events to help neighbors get to know one another and to build community spirit. This is the 27th year of National Night Out observances that demonstrate a community’s commitment to keep their neighborhood free from crime. The National Night Out in Germantown will be held at the Black Rock Center for the Arts at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. There will be displays and food. SOURCE: Montgomery County Daily and Young Republicans

John Wagner of Washington Post asks some fun questions

This morning, we're asking you to do more than read. Below, you'll find a dozen questions relevant to the future of Maryland politics -- all of which will have answers that shouldn't leave much to quibble over. We're interested in your thoughts, whether they wind up being right or not. Send your answers to me in an email at wagnerj@washpost.com. Your responses will be stuck in the vault until which time a winner can be declared. At that point, we'll use this space to let the world know how smart you are. So let's get started...

1) When the current fundraising period closes on Aug. 10, will the ratio of Gov. Martin O'Malley's cash-on-hand to former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s cash-on-hand be closer to 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1?

2) What percentage of the vote will Brian Murphy win in the Republican primary for governor?

3) On what date will a TV ad for a candidate for governor first air in the Washington market?

4) On what date will President Obama first come to Maryland to campaign for O'Malley?

5) On what date will Ehrlich reach 50,000 fans on Facebook?

6) Of the four Montgomery County state senators facing primary challenges from sitting or former delegates, how many will lose? How many of the two Prince George's senators facing such challengers will lose? Bonus points: Name the losers.

7) Will the ratio of Comptroller Peter Franchot's age to that of his GOP opponent in the general election be closer to 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1?

8) How much cash-on-hand will the unopposed Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler have as of Aug. 10? Bonus points: How much of that will he spend between now and November?

9) How many times will O'Malley and Ehrlich debate between now and November?

10) During their first debate, assuming there is one, how many times will the candidates say "jobs?" Will the ratio of the word "jobs" to the word "progress" be closer to 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1?

11) Will Ehrlich's share of the general election vote in Baltimore County be closer to the 61 percent he received in 2006 or the 51 percent he received in 2002?

12) After November, how many members will there be in the Republican caucus of the 47-member Maryland Senate? Will it be enough to sustain a filibuster? SOURCE: Washington Post

Pepco and political pandering

Letter to Jim Shalleck on Maryland Republican leadership

Jim,

It is with great respect and political pain that I share this open letter to you with Republicans in Maryland. Perhaps there is no better way to begin this than for me to make it clear that I have abundant respect for you and your leadership within Montgomery County Republican political circles. At all times when we have spoken, I have felt trust in you in what we have shared. This is of particular importance because it is difficult for any person to grow in standing in our weak Party. Often volunteer Party jobs, like yours, only provide a demonstration of "turf and title," which someone of your tenure has repeatedly witnessed.

During this election cycle, I made a decision to run for an office, unsure initially of which position was the right fit for me. After considering a few political positions, I began seriously considering challenging Rep. Chris van Hollen for the District 8 seat that was formerly held for 16 years by Republican Congressman Connie Morella. That is when I respectfully contacted you because of your job as the Republican nominating chairman for positions in Montgomery County.

Thankfully, you have a clear understanding of the subtle importance of being a nominating chairman, which became evident as we spoke over the next few months. At the time, there was no other person rumored to want to challenge Van Hollen since Steve Hudson (the 2008 GOP primary winner) had relocated to Virginia. In passing, you also mentioned that Bruce Stern could seek the seat again, though he initially indicated to you that he was undecided about it. Almost as an aside, you told me that you would speak with Stern about his future, though at the time you doubted that he had any interest in the job.

Moving forward, I made contact with the NRCC and had a meeting with Congressman Jack Kingston during a trip to Savannah. Only days later, I received a surprise phone call from Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (a member of the NRCC nominating committee) when I was at Sundance, promoting my movie The Blue Dress, a comedy about President Bill Clinton, starring Paula Jones. Consequently, it was clear to me that I had national support for a run for the District 8 seat.

Upon returning from my trip we spoke again and you told me that Stern had made a decision to run, which draws me to a critical point in this letter. Loyal to you, I had always delayed making any official decision until I knew if I had your political blessing, since you were the Montgomery County nominating chairman. Not long after that, I spoke with you again and learned that Stern decided to enter, leading the way to our talk about the open Republican seat for Montgomery County Executive. It is then, with your blessing, that I entered the Montgomery County Executive race against Ike Leggett. (In fact, I even welcomed Bruce Stern into the congressional race with a press release!)

To an outsider, our respectful conversation may seem like small talk, but actually it is the work of your superb leadership, Jim! All it took was a few phone calls between Republicans and we achieved a peaceful September in Montgomery County. Such is your work as an excellent nominating chairman, especially in how you encouraged me to run for Montgomery County Executive!

I only wish the leadership of the Republican Party followed your perfect example when you considered a run against Doug Gansler for attorney general. Why didn't our "leadership" make a few phone calls on your behalf? Why didn't someone pave the way for you, as you did for me?

You would have been an excellent attorney general, Jim, and would make a fine new chairman for out Party, too (be in Montgomery County or the Maryland GOP). In a State which is the weakest State in America (along with Hawaii) for electing statewide Republicans, you are a man of leadership and vision. Sadly, I am disgusted in how you were treated by Republicans this past week. Unfortunately, I also know how it feels to receive a flank attack from my own Party. At least in November, you can count on one write-in vote from one loyal Republican who has immeasurable respect for you. And with Bruce Stern's vote, that gives you two write-in votes from Maryland's largest county! I only hope other Republicans see how no other lawyer in Maryland has your leadership and integrity to put service above self and lead by example!

Daniel Vovak,
Candidate for Montgomery County Executive

Al Phillips (Dist. 39 candidate) launches website

I am a candidate for Maryland State Delegate because I believe that Marylanders need better representation in Annapolis. For far too long, they have been over regulated and over taxed to the point that they aren't getting what they are paying for. The power of the state government has been gradually expanded in recent years, and this needs to stop. All governments, whether national, state, or local, should be restricted to the powers that they are allowed to have under the United States Constitution. Maryland also needs to be business friendly, and should be able to draw major corporations to it, rather than Virginia. As previously mentioned, over taxation and over regulation play a major part in this as well. If elected, I would vote for common sense measures that would restore liberty and prosperity to all, and help ensure that individuals and businesses have an incentive to move to Maryland.

Our economy is improved and our citizens are happier if we have lower taxes, less government, and more freedom. This will also give people a reason to stay here, since several people that I know moved to states which had lower taxes and less regulations. Raising taxes when a recession is occurring is not a good idea, but somehow, it still occurred. I , as a lifelong Maryland and Montgomery County resident, have gradually seen our freedoms erode and our rates of taxation increase. In order for Maryland to be competitive with other states across the board, things need to change at the state level. However, this will remain the same as long as we keep sending the same career politicians to Annapolis. Those same politicians that have a tendency to put their own interests above those of their constituents. The same politicians who have willingly participated in the culture of corruption. Those same politicians who will not hesitate to expand the power of the government at the expense of the citizens simply because they have the votes to do so. Last, but not least, those same politicians who will vote for tax increases to fund their pet projects. As a Maryland state delegate, I plan to be an effective counter to all of the negative aforementioned things. We as a people don't need them, and firm opposition is needed. If elected, I plan to be a citizen legislator, and not a career politician.

Go to his website here!

Miss India DC Pageant scheduled for September 18

The 16th Annual Miss India-DC Pageant is on Saturday, September 18th, 2010 at 6.30pm at GW's Betts Theatre 800 21st Street, NW. Washington DC. The purpose of this show is to provide the younger generation a platform to showcase their talents and an opportunity to participate in something culturally enriching. The Pageant consists of 3 main segments:

4 Indian Dress Competition
4 Evening Gown Competition
4 Talent Cometition

The five finalists are then selected to participate in the Question-Answer segment. The second runner-up and the first runner-up are announced. And Finally, the winner of the 2006 Miss India-DC Pageant is announced! The Winner along with the first and second runners-up will go on to the National Pageant, held in NY, to compete against top girls from other states in the United States. The winner of the National Miss India Pageant, will go on to compete in the International pageant, where she will compete with winners from other country pageants!

"Winning the pageant has provided me with an avenue through which I can reach Indian American girls and encourage them to build their confidence, to believe in themselves, and to grow from every experience."
-Tania Mukherji, Winner of 2001 Pageant

Along with the Pageant, the evening features an extravagant Fashion Show, showcasing unique designs, and a host of performances by talented local artists.

"The Miss India DC pageant has been amazing fun, and it is extremely rewarding to see everything i've worked for over the years pay off."
-Jaya Rao, Winner of 2004 Pageant

"When you think you have something and you are 100 % sure, you usually don't have it. When I used to take exams in high school, everytime I thought I did well I would end up getting a bad grade so I decided to just have fun and do the best I could! I didn't worry too much about winning and I ended up getting first runner up which is much better then I thought I would do. The pageant was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it."
-Sapna Desai, First Runner Up of 2004 Pageant

"The feeling of turmoil throughout the weeks of waiting for the pageant to come are now over and the after effects have lead to a great outcome and immense excitement. I am so lucky to have placed and even more lucky to have met such wonderful and smart women throughout this experience."
-Karishma Amin, Second Runner Up of 2004 Pageant. SOURCE: Miss India DC

One Killed in 2-vehicle Crash in Burtonsville

BURTONSVILLE, Md. - One man is dead and another is in serious condition after a two-vehicle crash in Burtonsville Thursday night, Montgomery County (web | news) police said. Investigators say a Toyota pickup and a Kia Sportage collided about 9 p.m. along Route 29 at Blackburn Road. Both drivers were taken to the hospital, where one was pronounced dead. Neither vehicle had any passengers. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 301-840-2435. SOURCE: WJLA

MIss Iowa Katherine Connors throws first pitch for Washington Nationals

Pepco says outages down to 2,400

Power outages are down to 2,400 for Pepco's customers in the Washington region, the company says. Outages have fallen to 956 in Montgomery County for the first time since customers lost electricity following last Sunday's thunderstorms. In the District, about 1,000 customers remained without power, and about 400 in Prince George's were without electricity according to Pepco's estimates. SOURCE: Washington Post

Montgomery County officer injured in stolen vehicle crash

A Montgomery County Police officer was injured when a stolen car crashed into a cruiser during a police chase in Gaithersburg; two men were arrested, one after fleeing on foot; a third is at large.

Miss Iowa Katherine Connors to throw first pitch for Washington Nationals

Funeral service for Carl Henn

Funeral Services for Carl Henn Set for Saturday - A funeral service for the public to remember and celebrate the life of longtime Rockville resident and civic activist Carl Henn will be held at 9:30 am, Saturday, July 31, at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. For more information go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2010/07-july/07-29-10.html

Understanding Pepco outage

After hearing on the PEPCO hotline yesterday afternoon that it would be Friday before our power was restored, it was a pleasant surprise when our electricity came back on yesterday around 6pm. How did you survive the power outage? Are you still waiting for PEPCO to restore yours? I got out for a bike ride last night while my house was cooling down for the night. I saw a higher-than-average number of people out enjoying the nice weather, especially in Sligo Creek Park. Personally, I didn't mind the power outage, other than the loss of power to our refrigerator, which was a bummer. The PEPCO outage map is showing just over 1000 Wheaton residents without power, down from over 7000 yesterday when I checked.

In other news and notes, I saw an article today about the new library that has opened in Shaw. I think this is an example of the sort of community hub that we could have had with a new library in Wheaton's downtown. Regardless of your opinion on what Wheaton should have, I think you can agree that the residents of Shaw are getting a beautiful addition to their neighborhood.

The Gazette had a few Wheaton-related postings today. A local developer, B.F. Saul, was awarded a contract by the county to redevelop the 12 acres of land around the metro. I work in the architectural field and I have never heard of this developer before. I checked out their website, and all I can say is...barf. And apparently all they can say is, "We love to build large boring buildlings without any distinguishing characteristics. Yay. Go us." They better get one hell of an architect to work with them on this, because I don't see anything in their portfolio of work that would indicate they can pull off a major redevelopment effort in Wheaton.SOURCE: Wheaton Calling

Over resident objections, Montgomery County welcomes another Costco

Costco is coming to Wheaton, regardless of whether the county approves its 16-pump gas station. This news was transmitted from Costco attorneys to county officials earlier this week after Costco officials said for several months the gas station would make or break their decision to bring a Costco wholesale store to Westfield Wheaton mall.

"There will be a Costco in Wheaton," said county spokesman Patrick Lacefield. "The only question is whether it will have a gas station or not have a gas station. They're prepared to move ahead whichever way it goes." County Executive Isiah Leggett proposed in March fast-tracking zoning approvals on the gas station because he feared the standard, lengthier zoning process might cause the county to lose the Costco deal that could reinvigorate the struggling shopping center. But many neighbors — some of whom live 150 feet from the proposed station — adamantly opposed the gas station, saying the environmental, traffic and sound impacts were unreasonable.

Now, county officials and Costco representatives have reached an agreement, Lacefield said. Costco will no longer seek the accelerated approvals, he said. Instead, the wholesaler will pursue the lengthier route of going through the Planning Board, the Board of Appeals and the Council. This route usually takes nine months to a year, and the applicant must prove that there is a need for their project in the community, said Montgomery's director of the department of economic development Steve Silverman. SOURCE: Gazette

Campos cancels fundraiser after relapse of campaign manager

The following is an email I received from the campaign of Dan Campos. Since I have had the chance to speak with Tricia several times over this past year, I find this news tragic.

Dear Friend,

It is with regret that I inform you that my fundraiser which had been planned for this Saturday, July 31 has been postponed. My campaign manager, Tricia Donnelly, was in a serious automobile accident earlier this month. She broke her nose, suffered a severe concussion, and lost a great deal of blood. She managed to attend a couple of events; however, has had a relapse because she did not follow the bed rest directions of her doctors. She continues to suffer from severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and dizziness. She has been unable to be involved in the planning of this event to the extent to which we both would have liked. Therefore, we have come to the difficult yet thoughtful decision to postpone the fundraiser until September.

The outpouring of support was extremely gratifying and I am disappointed to have to cancel; however, I hope you understand. I also hope that I can count on your support in September and throughout the campaign. Thank you for your understanding and I welcome your involvement in my campaign. As always, please contact me with any concerns or questions you may have.

Best wishes,
Daniel R. Campos
Candidate, Maryland House of Delegates. Legislative District 17 - Gaithersburg, Rockville, & Garrett Park. www.DanCampos.org E: Dan@DanCampos.org T: 301.300.4687

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Meyer Marks now running or District 16 Delegate

Below is a message from Meyer Marks:

Dear Friend,

As you may know, after an opening come up in the House of Delegate seat in District 16, I am proud to let you know that I will now be standing for election to House of Delegate in District 16. With this seat being an open seat gives Republicans the best chance in many years of winning this Delegate seat. As it is for a House of Delegate race, the top three vote gitters win a seat in House of Delegate. For those that supported me for the State Senate race, I remain committed to issues that brought me into this race from the start. Thanks for all your kind and generous support. Best Regards!

Meyer Marks
Md. House of Delegate District 16. Ph 240-476-5533

GGCC / RCC Hold Candidate Forum

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) and the Rockville Chamber of held a District 17 Candidate Forum at the Crowne Plaza Rockville on Thursday, July 29, 2010. Forum Candidates Included: State Senator Jennie Forehand – District 17. Honorable Cheryl Kagan

This was a great opportunity for Chamber members, local businesses and the public to discuss with the Candidates their concerns. Attendees heard from the candidates on various issues impacting the business community in the County, and the State; including transportation, education and the current state of affairs pertaining to job employment and growth. The format was opening remarks from the Candidates, followed by formal Q&A from our moderator, Christopher Zindash, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Rockville and the Vice-Chair of Legislative Affairs for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber. For more information on the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber please visit the GGCC website at www.ggchamber.org

PICTURE: Pictured above (l:r) Andrea Jolly, Executive Director Rockville Chamber of Commerce; State Senator Jennie Forehand; Christopher Zindash, General Manager Crowne Plaza Rockville; Marilyn Balcombe, President Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and the Honorable Cheryl Kagan at the District 17 Candidate Forum on July 29, 2010.

Mary Kane forwards video, helping Bob Ehrlich with "future dinners"

I just got this video from Mary Kane (of Potomac, Maryland), supporting Bob Ehrlich. I think it may be a stretch for Ehrlich to over-push his "future" push, saying that the crabs are "future dinners." Seriously, I'm still laughing at that rather awkward statement.

MORE WAR? Newt Gingrich wants attacks on Iran and North Korea