Region’s Fire Chiefs Encourage Residents
to Take Safety Measures as New Winter Storm Arrives

Highlights:
1) Evacuate the building if you notice any of the warning signs of potential roof collapse. Call 9-1-1 if your roof collapses.

2) Do not attempt to clear the snow off your roof; do clear downspouts and drains.

3) Clear snow away from fire hydrants.

4) Take precautions to prevent fires, including unplugging appliances after power outages.

As heavy snow continues to accumulate on flat roofs of buildings, the National Capital Region’s fire chiefs encourage residents to watch for the warning signs of a potential roof collapse. If your roof collapses, call 9-1-1.

Warning Signs of Potential Roof Collapse:
If they have a flat roof, homeowners should monitor the ceiling below the roof and look for the following signs of roof collapse:

Sagging ceiling beneath the flat roof.

New cracks on the ceiling drywall or plaster.

Popping, cracking or creaking sounds.

Doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed.
Residents should evacuate their home if they notice any of these warning signs, and they should call 9-1-1 if their roof collapses. Homeowners should not try to clear snow off of their roof because they may slip and fall or hit electrical wires. However, residents should clear the areas around downspouts and roof drains so that water from melting snow can flow away from the house.

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed Wednesday, February 10, Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12, due to emergency weather conditions. All school activities and community activities in school buildings are canceled. Administrative offices are closed on Wednesday February 10.

• Montgomery College will also be closed tomorrow, though no word on the rest of the week.
• Ride On bus operation will stop tonight at 10PM, and will offline tomorrow as well.
• Metro will be limiting their services to underground trains, which started earlier tonight, and will continue through tomorrow.
• Montgomery County Government will also be closed tomorrow.
• Update 7AM: MARC trains won’t be running today either.

As always, you’re urged to stay off the road if possible.
Stay safe and see you after the storm!

A special thanks to irina slutsky for the wintry photo.

A couple things that were not noted in the email include:

Montgomery County School and Montgomery College will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9th 2010.

Since early Monday, all Montgomery County efforts have been fully focused on 4,128 miles of neighborhood roads – divided into 140 plow routes – with workers and machinery laboring around-the-clock to clear the snow as soon as possible.

Thousands still remain without power and hundreds of trees are down. The County continues to work closely with PEPCO to provide them with the snowplows, tree crews, and other assistance they need to restore service.

The shelter at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville, remains open. Transport to the center is being handled by County volunteers with 4-wheel-drive vehicles and by Maryland National Guard members.  Medical emergency calls continue to be handled by Fire & Rescue.

Montgomery County government will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, for normal operations, with liberal leave for employees.

Ride On buses will operate on an “S” schedule on Tuesday. Parking enforcement in County garages and parking lots will remain suspended through Thursday.  County liquor stores will be open. The Solid Waste Transfer Station will close at 5 PM on Tuesday.

Given piles of plowed snow along streets and at intersections, County officials urge motorists and pedestrians to continue to exercise extreme caution. Residents should continue to check in on friends and neighbors to make sure they are all right.

If there is an emergency, County residents should call 911. Please do not call 911 with snow plowing questions, as that delays responses to emergency calls.  For snow calls, call 240-777-6000 or email highway@montgomerycountymd.gov. To volunteer with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, call 240-777-2600.

As always, the Montgomery County Fair will be held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, and will feature rides, farm animals, musical performances, crafts, and so much more. There will of course be the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, and monster trucks as part of the entertainment going on in the GrandStand area of the fairgrounds. Don’t forget to check out all the local vendors as well!

Prices for admission into the fairgrounds are as follows:

General Admission (8 and up) – $8.00
Children (2-7) – $3.00
Kids (Under 2)  -FREE
FREE same-day re-entry with hand stamping at the gate.

$5 Parking Fee or Free Shuttle from Lakeforest Mall Parking Lot

Most people go for the rides, at least I do, and you can get a All-You-Can-Ride wristband for only $9.95 on Friday, August 14th only,  at the Guest Ticket Stations. It is unclear if this is for a day, or the span of the fair.

There are bound to be lots of families during the day, and on August 17th, kids under 12 get in for free from 12-4PM. So parents, if you want to take the kids out, this is the day to do it.

For more information see their Media Guide and 2009 Catalog. Everything you need to know can be found in these 2 pdf’s or on their website, which also has this lovely video from last year…

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Thanks to you, Melanie Phung, for the wonderful photo! One of my personal favorites!

The investigation revealed that the victim, a 20-year-old male, met with two acquaintances and an unknown male at the fountain located on Main Street in the Kentlands. They then drove to the intersection of Kentlands Boulevard and Booth Street where they met a fourth unknown male. The four males then confronted the victim, displayed a handgun, and assaulted him. The suspects took cash from the victim and fled from the scene. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Through the course of the investigation Christopher Michael Garboczi, age 20, of the 17000 block of Parkridge Drive in Gaithersburg and Jack Witzel, age 16, of an unconfirmed address in Libertytown were developed as suspects, taken into custody, and charged. Witzel was charged as an adult. Both were charged with armed robbery, use of a handgun in a violent crime, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Garboczi was released on a $50,000 bond and Witzel is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the two additional suspects. Anyone who may have more information about this crime and the remaining suspects is asked to contact the Gaithersburg Police Investigative Section at 301-258-6400. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Police Tip Line at 301-330-4471.

P1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred on Wednesday, 6/17 at 11:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of Hillside Lake Terrace in Gaithersburg. The victim and suspect are known to one another and the assault occurred when the suspect produced a handgun and threatened the victim. The male suspect was arrested at the scene.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of Suffield Drive in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, 6/17 between 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Forced entry, property taken.

• An attempted residential burglary occurred in the 17700 block of King James Way in Gaithersburg on Friday, 6/19. The suspect attempted entry, saw victim inside, and walked away. The male suspect was arrested nearby.

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 300 block of West Side Drive in Gaithersburg overnight between Saturday, 6/20 and Sunday, 6/21. Suspects broke the window and removed an iPod and charger.

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 300 block of West Side Drive in Gaithersburg overnight between Saturday, 6/20 and Sunday, 6/21. Suspects broke the window and removed a cell phone.

P2 Beat:

• A robbery occurred in the 100 block of Booth Street in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 6/16 at 5:47 p.m. The victim withdrew money from a bank in the presence of acquaintances. Later, the acquaintance/suspects turned on the victim, displayed a gun, and beat him, stealing the cash.

• An aggravated assault occurred in the 800 block of Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg on Monday, 6/15. The suspects threw bottles into a vehicle in which the victims were sitting in an attempt to incite a fight. The suspects were found at the Giant at Quince Orchard Boulevard and Clopper Road and arrested after a foot pursuit.

• A commercial burglary occurred at Absolute Mac, 895 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 6/18 at 1:23 a.m. Forced entry, property removed.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 16000 block of Orchard Grove Boulevard in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 6/16 between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. No forced entry and nothing removed.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 700 block of Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 6/21. Suspect is an acquaintance. There were no signs of forced entry but property was removed.

R1 Beat:

• A robbery occurred in front of Kinko’s, 401 N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, 6/17 at 8:10 a.m. The victim was sitting in her vehicle when a suspect armed with a knife approached and demanded her purse. Suspect arrested nearby.

• A theft of vehicles occurred in the 8800 block of Blue Smoke Drive in Montgomery Village on Saturday, 6/20. Suspects removed two go-carts and a mini-bike from the property.

R2 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred at the BP station, 19304 Montgomery Village Avenue in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, 6/17 at 7:45 p.m. A victim was soliciting for donations, when suspect #1 ran up and stole his collection container. The victim gave chase and was assaulted and robbed of his wallet by 4 additional suspects at Clubhouse Road and Ridgeline Drive in Montgomery Village.
Suspect #1: B/M 15-19, 5’11”, 140 lbs., multi-colored hoodie, dark pants
Suspects #2-#5: all four were B/M’s, 18-22, 5’10”, varying weights

• A residential burglary occurred in the 8300 block of Frontwell Circle in Montgomery Village on Friday, 6/19 at 3:54 a.m. The victim awoke to find the suspect in his home. Suspect forced entry and removed property. Suspect fled when confronted by victim.
Suspect: B/M 16-17, 5’7”, 150 lbs., crew cut, oval face, black pullover, athletic shoes

• A residential burglary was reported in the 8700 block of Delcris Drive in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 6/21 at 5:26 p.m. Forced entry but nothing was taken.

S1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred on N. Summit Drive in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 6/18 at 10:30 p.m. The suspect and victim are known to another. Suspect threatened victim with a knife. The suspect was stopped in area and arrested.

• A commercial burglary occurred at MAC Business Solutions Inc. located at 9057 Gaither Road in Rockville on Tuesday, 6/16 at approximately 2:40 a.m. Suspects forced entry and removed property.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Lee Street in Gaithersburg on Friday, 6/19 between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. No forced entry but property was removed.

S2 Beat:

• A burglary of a storage unit occurred at 8001 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg overnight between Tuesday, 6/16 and Wednesday, 6/17. Suspects forced entry and removed property.

• A residential burglary occurred on Carriage Walk Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 6/22 just before 7:00 a.m. The victim was inside her home when she encountered the suspect inside. He grabbed a laptop from a table and fled. No signs of forced entry.
Suspect: B/M, 5’4”

• A residential burglary occurred on Mountain Laurel Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 6/22 at 7:00 p.m. This incident was domestic.

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Gaithersburg, MD. The oil paintings of Connie Gallerizzo will be on display in the Arts Barn Invitational Gallery July 1 through August 2, 2009. An artist’s reception will be held on Wednesday, July 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Born and raised in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area, Gallerizzo has been painting for over 30 years. A hair color specialist by day, her paintings reflect a passion for color and an excitement for the world around her. With a painting style that echoes the bright colors and soft brushstrokes of the early Impressionists, Gallerizzo is mostly inspired by the quaint landmarks of rural Montgomery and Howard counties. She paints with a brilliant curiosity that uncovers the charm of everyday life.

Please note that all images are copyrighted by the artists. The Arts Barn is located at 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg. Viewing hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information please call Andi Rosati, Arts Barn Director, at 301-258-6394 or visit the City’s website.

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P1 Beat:

• No significant activity.

P2 Beat:

• A theft from vehicle occurred in the area of Flagler Drive and Sioux Lane in Gaithersburg between Tuesday, 6/9 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 6/10 at 2:00 a.m. Suspects broke a window and removed a GPS unit. Five other vehicles had their windows broken but nothing was taken.

R1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred at Gallop Hill Road and Blue Silk Lane in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 6/14 around 3:30 a.m. The victim, a 13-year-old male, was threatened with a handgun by an adult male known suspect.

• A strong-arm robbery occurred in the area of Travis Avenue and Travis View Court in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 6/11 around 5:40 p.m. One suspect demanded the boy’s property, then punched him in the face and fled with the victim’s property.

• A strong-arm robbery occurred at the Lake Forest Transit Center, 9650 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village on Friday, 6/12 around 4:20 p.m. One juvenile female was accosted by the three defendants who punched and kicked the victim to the ground. The three then boarded a Ride On bus, but were apprehended a short distance away.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 9300 block of Willow Creek Drive in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 6/9 between 6:05 p.m. and 6:18 p.m. Forced entry, removed property.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 9100 block of Turtle Dove Lane in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 6/11 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. No forced entry, property was removed. This incident is believed to be domestic.

• An attempted commercial burglary occurred at the Lakeside Beer & Wine, 9621 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 6/14 just before 5:00 a.m. Attempted forced entry, no entry was made.

R2 Beat:

• No significant activity.

S1 Beat:

• An attempted rape occurred in the area of Whispering Wind Court and Fallbrook Drive in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 6/14 around 12:45 a.m. The adult female victim was carrying her baby to her car when two suspects approached and ordered her to unlock and open the door. Believing she was being robbed, she offered her car keys which the suspects declined. They then sexually assaulted the victim until being scared off by a passing vehicle.
Suspect: H/M 20-25 years, short hair, white tee shirt, stud earring
Suspect: H/M 20-25 years, red baseball cap, black shirt, multi-colored shorts

• A commercial burglary occurred at Mac Business Solutions, 9057 Gaither Road, on Tuesday, 6/16 around 2:40 a.m. Suspects forced entry and removed property.

S2 Beat:

• A commercial burglary occurred at Bruce’s Tire & Auto Service, 7601 Airpark Road in Gaithersburg between 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 6/15 and 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday 6/16. No signs of forced entry, property taken.

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The only requirement for a free vaccination is that your pet must have a city license, which are as cheap as $5. It’s required by law to have a City License anyway, so go do it.

For more information call the Montgomery County Humane Society: 240-773-5960

Packets Available for Those Interested in Mayor,
City Council Candidacy for 2009 Gaithersburg Elections
Gaithersburg, MD. Gaithersburg residents will cast their ballots for Mayor and two City Council Members on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The Mayor and Council Members each serve a four-year term. The terms of office for Mayor Sidney Katz and Council Members Henry F. Marraffa, Jr. and Michael A. Sesma will expire in November.

Residents interested in running for office in the November 3 election can pick up a candidate’s packet at City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, on or after Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Candidates must file a petition of nomination with the City Board of Supervisors of Elections via the City Attorney’s Office. The petition must be signed by at least 100 City residents who are qualified voters. City residents who are registered to vote in Montgomery County are automatically registered to vote in the City election. To confirm registration, contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-VOTE.

Petitions and associated documents must be returned to the City Attorney’s Office by 5 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009.

When petitions of nomination have been validated by the Board of Supervisors of Elections for the City of Gaithersburg, the candidates’ names are placed on the ballot. Note that residency and other restrictions apply. Candidates’ packets contain full details.

For more information visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov, or contact the City Attorney’s Office at 301-258-6310.

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