Ridge Road Crash Victim Named, and a Warning for Elderly Neighbors

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Ridge Road Crash Victim Named

Montgomery County Police have identified the man killed in last Saturday's crash on Ridge Road as Harold Christopher Christner, 67, of Frederick. He was a passenger in the vehicle involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mount Airy's Mayor Is Stepping Down Aug. 31

Mayor Larry Hushour announced last month that he's resigning effective August 31, midway through his second term. In his own words to CBS Baltimore, his family gained a grandson in January, and between helping with daycare a few days a week and his work as a commercial pilot, he says he hasn't been able to give the job the time it deserves. "My family needs me." His resignation triggers a special election this fall for the remainder of his term, which runs through May 2029.

A Warning About Door-to-Door Solicitors Targeting Elderly Neighbors

A neighbor posted in the “Damascus, MD Neighbors and Friends” Facebook group this week describing two people going door-to-door on hoverboard-style devices, pushy with an elderly resident, then returning later the same day asking to come inside and use the bathroom, ignoring posted no soliciting signs. Dozens of neighbors piled on with similar stories: reps checking door handles, one trying to open a door outright, and a young woman who used a made-up neighbor's name to try to get let in. I got a knock on my own door yesterday too. One commenter said a rep identified the company as Enviroguard pest control. If you're approached, know that Montgomery County requires door-to-door vendors to display a valid license, going without one is a citable offense, and you can verify a license or file a complaint with the County Department of Permitting Services at 240-777-0311.

📆 UPCOMING EVENTS

NESTFEST Is This Wednesday

Quick reminder since it's just a few days out: NESTFEST runs Wednesday, August 19, 3:30 to 5:30pm at Damascus HS (25921 Ridge Road), with a petting farm, inflatable obstacle course, principal dunk tank, food trucks, and all ten Damascus Cluster schools. Parking fills up fast at the high school, so plan to park at Baker MS or the Damascus Rec Center and catch a shuttle running 3 to 6pm.

And mark your calendar, MCPS's first day of school for 2026-27 is Tuesday, August 25 (Transition Day for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th graders is Monday, August 24).

Last Day for the Honeysuckle Drive Yard Sale

Today's the last day of a neighborhood yard sale on Honeysuckle Drive, 8am to 2pm. Over six houses and ten families participating, sports cards, antique glass, jewelry, silverware, and plenty of clothes and household items.

Food Drive for Damascus Help and the Little Free Pantry

A local congregation is running a food drive now through September 5 to benefit Damascus Help and the Damascus Little Free Pantry. Urgent needs include hygiene items, spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, corn muffin mix, peas and carrots, dry beans, canned pinto beans, rice, peanut butter, grape jelly, cereal, canned vegetables/fruit/meat, spaghetti noodles, laundry detergent, and Safeway or Weis gift cards. Drop off at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7255 Ridge Rd, Mt Airy, Sundays 9am to 4pm, or the Damascus Safeway on Saturday, September 5, 10am to 2pm.

❤️ SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Kirby Plumbing, LLC

A new plumbing business is getting started in the area: Kirby Plumbing, LLC, run by Jimmy Kirby, a licensed and insured Master Plumber with more than 10 years of experience. He's still finalizing things before an official launch but is already taking on small jobs. He shared that starting the business is tied to his family's last two years: his wife has been living with a serious injury from a childbirth complication, and he left his full-time job for the flexibility to help care for her and their three kids while still doing the work he's trained in. If you need a plumber, call or text 240-537-8276.