County Seeks Volunteers to Participate in Thanksgiving Parade

The county is looking for volunteers to assist with various aspects of the annual Thanksgiving parade this Saturday, Nov. 23. Volunteers must be at least 13 or older and plan to meet at the civic building, then expect to remain at the parade site from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Opportunities include dressing up in costumes as elves or pilgrims to ride on floats, as penguins or reindeer to walk in the parade, to walk along and handle balloons and other inflatables, or act as unit leaders.

Upcoming Events, Nov. 8-15

Upcoming Events

The 10th annual Community Stories film festival from Docs in Progress is this week, as is the annual Community Bridges Girl Legacy gala. Other highlights include a fundraiser for veterans at UP studios, several recitals at Levine Music, a census workshop, and an online chat with the county executive.

Vape Lounge Owner Applies for Liquor License to Convert to Sports Bar

The owner of a vape and hookah lounge in Montgomery Hills has applied for a liquor license and indicated her intent to convert the space into a sports bar, according to documents filed with the county Board of License Commissioners. If granted, beer, wine and liquor could be sold on premises only from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday, and Friday and Saturday to 3 a.m.

Bill Would Formalize County Community Policing Guidelines

A bill to formalize community policing guidelines for the county’s police department was introduced this week by Council President Nancy Navarro (D-District 4) and Councilmember Craig Rice (D-District 2). Bill 33-19, Police – Community Policing would address “core community policing values,” diversity on the force, engagements with the community, complaints against county officers and other issues.

Weeklong Festival Begins Tomorrow in Long Branch

The first Long Branch Festival begins Friday night, Sept. 20, for a weeklong celebration of the neighborhoods, businesses and culture of the area, according to organizers. “The purpose of the Long Branch Festival is to celebrate the dynamic neighborhood, businesses and culture of Long Branch,” according to the festival website. “Our goal is to bring communities together and celebrate our diversity, expand understanding of the crucial role of shared public spaces and highlight the value of locally owned stores.

PLNT Burger Grand Opening Set for Tomorrow

PLNT Burger, a vegan fast-casual restaurant led by local celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, will hold the grand opening of its first location tomorrow, company officials announced. The outlet is inside the Whole Foods at 833 Wayne Ave. in downtown Silver Spring and features Beyond Burgers, a product of Beyond Meat that is a plant-based burger made without GMOs, soy, or gluten.