Plenty of Closet Space for All That Dry Cleaning

Two Silver Spring sites have been approved for redevelopment by the county planning board, the Washington Post reports. Say goodbye to the 5-story St. Charles apartment complex on Cameron and Spring Streets. Say hello to Cameron House, a 15-story building that will hold 325 apartments and ground-floor retailers. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Dry Cleaning--a Spanish mission-inspired brick building on Georgia Avenue at East-West Highway--will be incorporated into a new 210-unit apartment building.

The news is incredible: There was a National Institute of Dry Cleaning?!?

Founded in 1907 by Milwaukee fabric dyer Julius Frederick Ermisch, this obscure institute moved in the 1920's to its Georgia Avenue home. There, it trained generations of aspiring dry cleaners in the art of stain removal and finishing. In 1972, it merged with the American Institute of Laundering to form the International Fabricare Institute, which keeps a training facility on Tech Road off Columbia Pike. It's unclear when the Georgia Avenue facility closed its doors for good.

Now you know.

"Projects Approved" (Washington Post)

Donuts Out, Spinach In

Bagged spinach returns today to Giant Foods, reports the Washington Post. The supermarket chain, which has a market at The Blairs, got the green light to sell Canadian and Colorado-grown spinach after US health officials pinned the E. coli outbreak on stash from California. Whole Foods Market, which has a store in downtown Silver Spring, will resume sales of bunched spinach sometime next week. Safeway markets, like the one in Fenton Villiage, are also working to get spinach back on the shelves.

And I was just getting used to eating Krispy Kremes in lieu of salad. Damn you, spinach!

"Bagged Spinach Back on Shelves at Giant Today" (Washington Post)

Consider It a Civic Duty

The Silver Spring citizens advisory board says a nonprofit group should run the downtown civic center. Supporters argue in The Gazette that a nonprofit would be best at addressing the community's needs and would have access to private funding. Construction on the civic center is scheduled to begin next spring.

That gives me all winter to figure out what one does with a civic center. I'm thinking 24-hour Girl Scout cookie sale.

"Non-Profit Could Manage Civic Building" (The Gazette)

And The Winner Is ...

The tally for District 20's primary looks like a done deal. According to The Gazette, voters can expect Democrats Heather Mizeur and Tom Hucker, Republican John Wrightson and the incumbent, Democrat Sheila Hixson, to vie for seats in the House of Delegates. Making a guest appearance is Jamie Raskin as the uncontested Democratic candidate for State Senate.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Bring your own ballots, or take Princeton University's 10-minute course to ensure that every vote is (mis)counted.

"New Names Emerge in District 20 Races" (The Gazette)
"Security Analysis of the Diebold AccuVote-TS Voting Machine" (Princeton University)

Your Name Here For $3 Million

Congrats to Montgomery College's Silver Spring/Takoma Park campus for landing a $3 million donation, its biggest score to date. The money goes to cover some of its new visual arts center's $33 million tab. In return, the benefactors get to hang their names over the Georgia Avenue building when it's finished in 2007, says the Washington Post.

Thankfully, there are still opportunities available to slap Aunt Sally's name somewhere on campus. A 500-seat theater is up for grabs at $2 million, while an art gallery and lobby are a steal at $500,000 each. I'm waiting for their preseason sale on commemorative urinals.

"U-Md., Montgomery Land Major Donations" (Washington Post)
"Naming Opportunities in the Arts Center" (Montgomery College)

Can Happy Hour Wait?

The Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department says it's in no rush to sell its 92-year-old former firehouse on Georgia Avenue. According to the Washington Post, the department will decide in late October who gets to cough up $2.5 million to develop the 6,000-square-foot property. Ideas for the firehouse include a restaurant, brewery, art gallery and office space.

Given the lack of serious nightlife in downtown Silver Spring, I'm praying for a bar. Preferably leather. With a stage. And please, God, let them keep the fire pole!

"Fire Department Waits For the Right Buyer" (Washington Post)

How To Fix an Election

Princeton University scientists have spawned a computer virus that can change votes cast on Maryland's electronic voting machines, reports the Washington Post. To make up for that disenfranchised feeling, the university's website features a 10-minute instructional video on how to rig a voting machine. (It's the closest I've ever been to receiving an Ivy League education.) Study it closely and take notes. There will be a quiz in November.

"Worse to Come in Fall Elections, Officials Fear" (Washington Post)
"Security Analysis of the Diebold AccuVote-TS Voting Machine" (Princeton University)

The Penguin Has Landed

Good news, friends. I'm finally diving into the 21st century with my very own blog. Whoopee!

My goal is to deliver all the news on Silver Spring that's fit to print. I'll be honest, I haven't been in town long enough to appreciate its political intricacies. But I do recognize the area's potential to become Montgomery County's economic and cultural center. For better or for worse, Silver Spring has sprung.

For now, I'll dish the straight dope: basic news from regional sources, condensed into one convenient package. As time goes on, I hope the Daily Penguin will evolve into an entertaining, informative and--most of all--reliable news source.

Happy Surfing!