Two big Damascus meetings this week

📰 TOP STORIES

Damascus High Design Meeting Wednesday

The second community meeting on the new Damascus High School is Wednesday, October 28, at 6pm in the DHS cafeteria, where the architects will walk through their preliminary design options (MCPS project page). The third and final meeting is Monday, November 9.

Ridge Road Apartment Meeting Is Thursday

As a reminder from last week, the developer behind the proposed 94-unit apartment building at 26134 Ridge Road is holding a community meeting on the redesign this Thursday, October 29, 6 to 7pm, at Damascus High School. If you can’t make it, you can still send comments to county planner Phillip Estes at [email protected] or 301-495-2176. The neighbor group Damascus Residents for Responsible Development is also following the case.

Last Week of Early Voting, Plus a Four-Day Weekend

Early voting at the Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Drive, runs through Thursday, October 29, 7am to 8pm daily. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Heads up for parents: there’s no MCPS school on Monday, November 2 (a grading day) or Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day), so students are off four days in a row and return Wednesday, November 4 (MoCoShow).

👮 PUBLIC SAFETY

State Launches Youth Car Theft Program in Montgomery County

Governor Wes Moore has ordered the state Department of Juvenile Services to start a pilot program focused on car thefts involving young people in Montgomery County and Baltimore City. The directive says those two areas have seen the biggest increases in car thefts compared to last year. The program is meant to connect young people involved in, or at risk of, car theft with intervention services, and it doesn’t change how juveniles are charged. A first status report is due December 1 (WJLA).

🏆 HORNETS SPORTS

Hornets Football Falls at Sherwood, Home Finale Friday

The varsity football team lost a close one at Sherwood on Friday, 34-29, and is now 5-3 (MaxPreps). The Hornets close out the regular season at home against Magruder on Friday, October 30, at 6:30pm.

Girls Flag Football’s Season Ends in the Playoffs

The girls flag football team’s season came to an end Saturday with a 14-6 home playoff loss to Oakdale. There’s still good news from the season. Olivia Keys was named Sports Illustrated’s Maryland Girls Flag Football Player of the Week for October 5 to 10. Quarterback Payton Wallace is up for the award this week after throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-20 win over Blake. Voting closes tonight at 11:59pm Pacific.

📆 UPCOMING EVENTS

Last Call for Ice Cream at Jimmie Cone and Scoops at Grey Goose

Today, Sunday, October 25, is the last day of the season for both Jimmie Cone and Scoops at Grey Goose. Scoops is running 50% off everything all weekend, so grab your last cone before winter.

Trunk or Treat at Safeway, Today

Tri-County Baptist Church and First Baptist Church are hosting a free trunk or treat in the Damascus Safeway parking lot today, Sunday, October 25, from 4 to 6pm. Costumes encouraged.

Last Call: Leech Woods Final Nights

Leech Woods Haunted Trail at 11201 Bethesda Church Road has four nights left: October 29, 30 and 31, and November 1.

Cars and Coffee Halloween Award Show, Oct. 31

The Damascus Cars and Coffee is holding its annual award show on Saturday, October 31, at 9803 Main Street, by the Damascus Dunkin’. The show starts at 8am and awards are around 10am, with categories including Best Euro, Best Classic, Best Truck and Best in Show. It’s free to attend, $10 to register your car for judging, and all makes are welcome. There are also $1 raffle tickets, and Hot Wheels will be for sale.

A Busy Few Weeks at Damascus United Methodist Church

Damascus United Methodist Church, 9700 New Church Street, is hosting three different community events in November. Here’s what’s coming up.