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.

Upcoming Events, Sept. 13–20

Upcoming Events

The inaugural induction ceremony for the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame on Friday night highlights this week’s events. On Saturday, the usual second Saturday of live music at the American Legion will be expanded into an end-of-summer bash featuring eight local bands and extended hours. The same night, also at the legion’s hall, the DC Blues Society will hold its annual showdown. There will be a climate town hall and a street art festival on Saturday, Future Fest is set for Sunday, and a community meeting will be held Monday to present plans for the renovation of Downtown Silver Spring.

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.

Lemon Slice Café Planning Soft Opening Today

Beginning today, Lemon Slice Café is planning a soft opening with a limited menu at its location on the lower level of 8737 Colesville Rd. Owner Beth Yohannes has taken over the space formerly occupied by Dip n Rolls, which closed at the end of July.

UPDATE: Police Identify Mother of Abandoned Baby Found Near Sligo Creek

UPDATE: Detectives from the Special Investigations Division have arrested Leticia Guzman, age 25, of the 1500 block of Korth Place in Silver Spring, and charged her with child neglect and reckless endangerment, according to a press release.
Montgomery County police have identified the mother of an abandoned newborn baby found Friday near Sligo Creek north of Dennis Avenue. The infant female was found naked in the woods after a man walking in the 10000 block of Tenbrook Drive heard a baby crying, found the child and called 911.

Perfect Weather, Great Entertainer Highlight Jazz Festival

One perfect weather day. Two stages. Seven performing groups. Seven hours of music. And several thousand fans. Grammy-winning Arturo Sandoval headlined the annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival Sunday. He showed he’s a multi-instrumental master and a great entertainer as well.

Police Seek Help Identifying Armed Robbery Suspects

Montgomery County police detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify three suspects in an Aug. 3 armed robbery, according to a press release. The incident took place Sunday evening, and police responded at about 10:40 p.m. to the Spring Beer & Wine Store at 9330 Georgia Ave.