Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

phone-number(703) 822-5003

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Clarksburg, MD

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Clarksburg, MD for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

phone-number(703) 822-5003
Site Logo

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Clarksburg, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Clarksburg, MD.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Clarksburg, MD
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Clarksburg, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Clarksburg, MD

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Clarksburg, MD

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Clarksburg, MD

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Clarksburg, MD tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Book An Appointment

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Clarksburg, MD

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Clarksburg, MD.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Clarksburg, MD

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Clarksburg, MD

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Clarksburg, MD

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Clarksburg, MD

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Clarksburg, MD

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Clarksburg, MD

Ask Us Anything

Book An Appointment phone-number(703) 822-5003

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Clarksburg, MD
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Clarksburg, MD

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Clarksburg, MD

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

phone-number(703) 822-5003

Appointment Form

Latest News Near Clarksburg, MD

Clarksburg Star Aysia Jones-Robinson Is Leading Maryland’s Girls Flag Football Revolution

Recently, girls flag football has become a major high school sport in the U.S. For Clarksburg High School in Maryland, junior Aysia Jones-Robinson has been looking to revolutionize flag football.Jones-Robinson, who plays both quarterback on offense and cornerback on defense, led Clarksburg to Maryland's first high school girls flag football state championship in 2024."It's a blessing," said Jones-Robinson. "A lot of schools have it now, and not a lot of people make it. For us to be one of those teams that do, it ...

Recently, girls flag football has become a major high school sport in the U.S. For Clarksburg High School in Maryland, junior Aysia Jones-Robinson has been looking to revolutionize flag football.

Jones-Robinson, who plays both quarterback on offense and cornerback on defense, led Clarksburg to Maryland's first high school girls flag football state championship in 2024.

"It's a blessing," said Jones-Robinson. "A lot of schools have it now, and not a lot of people make it. For us to be one of those teams that do, it feels amazing."

The Spark Behind the Coyotes’ Dominance

For 2025, the Coyotes finished the regular season as the top girls flag football team in Montgomery County with a perfect 10-0 record. They went on to crush Paint Branch 42-8 in the County Championship.

The 2025 Maryland girls flag football playoffs began in late October, with Clarksburg being the top seed in the 4A-3A West Region. They shut out Oakdale 41-0 in the second round on Nov. 1, with Jones-Robinson throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for a score.

Building Team Chemistry and Bonds

"First, to do it the first time, nobody did it," said Jones-Robinson. "The second time, we're more connected than we were last year. We have a great team chemistry, great team bond. I think we have the potential to go back, and I think it fully."

Last year, Montgomery, the largest public school system in Maryland, launched girls flag football as a pilot program along with Baltimore City and Washington County. This resulted in the Coyotes' program coming into play.

From a New Sport to a Movement

"I saw that it was a new sport at the school," said Jones-Robinson. "I told my friends, 'Let's do it.' We got good at it, and we just never stopped from there."

Clarksburg girls flag football head coach Kyle Landefeld has done a remarkable job with Jones-Robinson and the team in general. He also happens to be a social studies teacher at the school.

"I'll tell you what, you just never know what's going to happen," said Landefeld. "But you know it's always going to be good. As a coach, you just sit there and smile and go, 'This life's good.' So I love it."

"Landy's a great coach," said Jones-Robinson. "We have a great coaching staff, great supported staff. It's just a great program, great energy around everybody. Nobody thinks they're better than somebody else. It's great energy."

The Product of a Family of Athletes

Jones-Robinson was born on July 6th, 2009 at Holy Cross Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md. Her mother Angelica Jones, her father Willie Robinson IV, and her brother Willie Robinson V are also athletes in their own way.

Angelica played basketball and softball, and still plays flag football, while Willie IV played tackle football and basketball. Willie V currently plays tackle football and basketball for Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg.

While she may go to Clarksburg, Jones-Robinson lives in Germantown with her family. "For me to transition to a new school with people I didn't know was very different," she said.

Two-Sport Star With a Bright Future

Jones-Robinson first got into sports when she was just two years old, showing mainly an interest in basketball.

"I was playing basketball since I was two," said Jones-Robinson. "For me to take on another sport, I felt like the challenge would have been difficult. But it wasn't, and i got good at it. It was just up from there."

The Clarksburg junior happens to be a two-sport athlete with flag football and basketball at the school. She has shown her remarkable athleticism in both sports.

"We have a great basketball program," said Jones-Robinson. "We also have a great flag program. For us to transition over, it was a big step, but we got it done."

Inspired by the Greats

Jones-Robinson's sports idols include NFL quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and WNBA star Angel Reese. However, most people have compared her style of play to that of Jackson.

"I feel like it's a huge comparison," Jones-Robinson stated about the Ravens quarterback. "Especially since he's one of the people I admire the most, and take after his game a lot."

Throughout the 2025 season, High School on SI has conducted weekly Maryland high school girls flag football Player of the Week polls. Jones-Robinson has been nominated multiple times for her incredible performances.

"It feels good," said Jones-Robinson. "Because not a lot of people get it. For me to get it multiple times, it feels really good."

Whether she passes for four or five touchdowns, or over 150 or 200 yards, Jones-Robinson feels proud to be representing the state of Maryland for high school girls flag football.

"It's a big, big blessing," said Jones-Robinson. "It's a big opportunity. I can't thank nobody else but God, and putting me in this predicament. I thank my parents for also putting me in this predicament as well."

A Trailblazer for the Next Generation

As for her athletics future, Jones-Robinson hasn't thought much about it as she is only a junior in high school. For now, basketball seems to be in the cards for her eventual college decision.

"I haven't thought about it yet," said Jones-Robinson. "But I would like to go to a college where i could get a scholarship for basketball and flag as well."

Coach Landefeld feels very confident about Jones-Robinson's future, as she will most likely get to play one more season when she is a senior in 2026.

"She's a gifted athlete," said Landefeld. "She's just got to make some decisions on where she wants to go with this. The sky's the limit."

With the way girls flag football has been growing in high schools across the U.S., it's only a matter of time before more American colleges add it as an official sport.

"It would give more women opportunities to play more sports in college," said Jones-Robinson. "It would boost their confidence, I think. A lot of people would come out and try out for the sport."

Second Chance Wildlife Center Opens New $5.4 Million Facility in Clarksburg - The MoCo Show

Second Chance Wildlife Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the upcoming December 8 opening of its new $5.4 million facility in Clarksburg, which will enhance the organization’s ability to treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife from across Maryland.Per the news release: “The 30-year-old nonprofit’s new campus includes Maryland’s only large flight conditioning structure for raptors, specialized rehabilitation spaces for native species, and upgraded medical and nursery areas to support ...

Second Chance Wildlife Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the upcoming December 8 opening of its new $5.4 million facility in Clarksburg, which will enhance the organization’s ability to treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife from across Maryland.

Per the news release: “The 30-year-old nonprofit’s new campus includes Maryland’s only large flight conditioning structure for raptors, specialized rehabilitation spaces for native species, and upgraded medical and nursery areas to support its mission of returning healthy animals to the wild.

Second Chance Wildlife Center (SCWC), a beloved and respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the medical treatment and rehabilitation of injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals from across Maryland, celebrated the upcoming opening (December 8, 2025) of its new state-of-the-art facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today attended by local and state government leaders and wildlife officials as well as and longtime supporters.

The new $5.4 million+, custom-designed facility sits on more than eight acres in Clarksburg and represents a transformative leap forward for the 30-year-old organization, which has operated for decades out of a converted farmhouse in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The center’s new campus features Maryland’s only large flight strength and conditioning structure for raptors and other large birds – spanning 100 feet long and 20 feet tall – along with specialized rehabilitation spaces for a wide range of native species.

“This new facility fulfills a dream that has been decades in the making,” said Maureen Smith, President of Second Chance Wildlife Center. “It will allow us to provide the highest quality of species-specific medical care and rehabilitation to thousands of wild animals annually with the goal of releasing healthy animals back to the intended roles in nature.” Second Chance Wildlife Center admits over 2,600 animal patients – representing over 120 different species – each year.

Guests at the event toured the new clinic and outdoor rehabilitation enclosures, viewed the new hydrotherapy and x-ray rooms, and saw the dedicated nursery spaces for baby mammals and songbirds. The event also included remarks from organizational leaders, the presentation of proclamations from the Governor of Maryland, the Maryland State Assembly, and the County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland, each recognizing Second Chance Wildlife Center for 30 years of service and celebrating this major new accomplishment.

Said Smith, “Moving to Clarksburg, Maryland – 14 miles north of our longtime home in Gaithersburg – allows us to remain in Montgomery County while also bringing us closer to where the need for our services has been growing significantly each year due to increasing development destroying native habitat and increasing human activity.”

The organization plans to officially open for patient admissions on Monday, December 8, 2025, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays. The facility was funded entirely through private donations, reflecting strong community support for wildlife and trust in Second Chance Wildlife Center – which holds the highest ratings possible by independent charity evaluators GuideStar and Charity Navigator.

Founded in 1995 by Christine Montuori, who began rehabilitating wildlife from her home basement, SCWC now admits more than 2,500 wild animals annually and provides expert guidance in response to more than 8,000 wildlife inquiries each year. Operating under permits issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the organization’s mission is to provide compassionate medical care, rehabilitation, and release for native wildlife and migratory species in need. Smith also emphasized that with the construction project now nearly complete, the organization will be adding a tremendous focus a new Education and Engagement Program in 2026 and beyond for people of all ages.

“No matter how advanced our new facility is, our mission remains the same,” said Smith. “Every animal deserves a second chance at the life nature intended, and this space ensures we can give them that opportunity safely and effectively – along with our well-known reputation for compassion in all that we do.”

Key partners in building Second Chance Wildlife Center’s new campus include TW Construction, which served as General Contractor for the main clinic building and fire suppression system’s “pump house” and McIntyre Home Improvements of Rockville, MD which served as General Contractor of the unique outdoor pre-release enclosures. Richard Donnally served as Architect. MGAC assisted in construction project management and coordination. Ruppert Landscaping donated all landscaping services, featuring native plants and trees. Fencing was provided by Builder’s Fence Company. Catoctin Valley Engineering Technology provided all wi-fi, IT wiring and security cameras. Maryland Sign Design provided all large signage.”

$500,000 in Winning Lottery Tickets Sold in Clarksburg - The MoCo Show

Two brothers won a combined $500,000 after purchasing ten winning Pick 5 tickets for the Oct. 29 midday drawing at the Sunoco gas station on Clarksburg Road in Clarksburg, marking the top Maryland Lottery prize of the week. In total, Maryland players claimed more than $29.8 million in prizes from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, with including an additional $100,000 scratch-off winner in Rockville. Full details below courtesy MD Lottery:“Two brothers claimed $500,000 in prize money from 10 Pick 5 tickets for the midday drawing on Oct. 29 purc...

Two brothers won a combined $500,000 after purchasing ten winning Pick 5 tickets for the Oct. 29 midday drawing at the Sunoco gas station on Clarksburg Road in Clarksburg, marking the top Maryland Lottery prize of the week. In total, Maryland players claimed more than $29.8 million in prizes from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, with including an additional $100,000 scratch-off winner in Rockville. Full details below courtesy MD Lottery:

“Two brothers claimed $500,000 in prize money from 10 Pick 5 tickets for the midday drawing on Oct. 29 purchased in Clarksburg, while scratch-off players in Denton and Rockville collected $100,000 each, for the top Maryland Lottery wins of the past week.

On all games, players won more than $29.8 million across Maryland in the week Oct. 27 – Nov. 2 including 38 tickets worth $10,000 or more.

Winners are encouraged to sign the backs of tickets and keep winning tickets in a safe location. Tickets for draw games expire 182 days after the drawing date. FAST PLAY tickets expire 182 days after purchase. The last dates to claim for scratch-off tickets are posted on the scratch-offs page at mdlottery.com.

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem tickets at the Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes up to $25,000 can be claimed at the cashier window of any of the six casinos in Maryland. Prizes up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets worth up to and including $600. More information is available on the How to Claim page of the Lottery website.

Here’s the weekly roundup of big winners:

Scratch-off prizes claimed Oct. 27 – Nov. 2:

$100,000 Prizes

$20,000 Prize

$10,000 Prizes

FAST PLAY and draw game tickets sold for drawings Oct. 27 – Nov. 2:

RACETRAX

Clarksburg and Linganore win Maryland High School Girls Flag Football State Titles

Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the 4A-3A championship, while Linganore won the 2A-1A title.For the second year in a row, the Maryland high school girls flag football state championship game took place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.Two title games shows the sports growth in MarylandHowever, unlike last year with just one state championship game, there were two in 2025. Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the Class 4A-3A state championship, while Linganore (Frederick...

Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the 4A-3A championship, while Linganore won the 2A-1A title.

For the second year in a row, the Maryland high school girls flag football state championship game took place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Two title games shows the sports growth in Maryland

However, unlike last year with just one state championship game, there were two in 2025. Clarksburg went back-to-back and won the Class 4A-3A state championship, while Linganore (Frederick) won the Class 2A-1A state title.

Both state championship games were played on Saturday, Nov. 8, while four state semifinal games took place one day earlier on Friday, Nov. 7.

Flag football comes to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens

The NFL's Baltimore Ravens have supported Maryland high school girls flag football since it began as a pilot program in 2023. They hosted the first girls flag football state title game in 2024, which was won by the Coyotes.

Former Ravens and Washington Commanders players were in attendance to support the teams playing. Representing Baltimore were Michael McCrary, Terrance West, and Jermaine Lewis, and representing Washington were Brian Mitchell and Kevin Barnes.

Back in 2023, Frederick County was the first Maryland school system to launch high school girls flag football, with Montgomery County, Baltimore City, and Washington County joining in a year later.

92 teams participated in high school flag football in Maryland in 2025

With girls flag football growing in popularity in the state, 92 high schools participated in the 2025 season. The seven Maryland counties included were Baltimore City, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Washington.

The additional counties and schools resulted in separate Class 4A-3A and 2A-1A playoffs and state championships, with two different Maryland state champions for 2025.

Linganore rolls past Calvert in 2A/1A

The first state title game that took place on Saturday was the 2A/1A game between No. 3 Linganore and No. 1 Calvert. A day earlier in the semifinals, the Lancers defeated No. 2 Forest Park, while the Cavaliers beat No. 4 Largo.

The contest wasn't even close as Linganore dominated Calvert 26-6 for their first girls flag football state championship in school history.

"Unreal," said Lancers head coach Brian Sweene. "It's the greatest feeling that I can have."

Linganore quarterback Lexi Petrie had an incredible senior season that ended on a high note. She threw four touchdown passes to lead her school to victory.

"It feels great to win with all these girls," said Petrie. "We're such a good group together. We mesh really well. It's just nice that we've finally been rewarded."

"[Lexi] is just an unbelievable athlete and person," said Sweene.

Petrie has been included in various High School on SI girls flag football Player of the Week polls throughout the 2025 season.

"It's really nice to get that recognition," said Petrie. "It's basically to prove that everything I've been doing has been working out and successful in my favor."

On Saturday evening, Petrie completed two touchdown passes to two different receivers, sophomore Makenna Roberts and fellow senior Rachael Hepner.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Hepner. "I'm definitely going to remember this for the rest of my life."

Late in the game, Hepner scored her second touchdown on a hook-and-ladder play. The Lancers ran that play multiple times throughout the evening and the season.

"We practice it on a regular basis," said Sweene. "We make sure we do it correctly, and make sure there are no problems."

"I think it's an amazing play," said Hepner. "I think it's one of those plays that people don't see coming."

This state title win for Linganore shows that that the Maryland high school girls flag football playoffs could expand to four different champions for each classification as the sport continues to grow in populatiry in the state.

"I think it's an amazing sport continuing to grow," said Petrie. "I think it's just getting bigger and bigger."

"It's going to take over," Sweene stated on the rise of high school girls flag football in Maryland.

Linganore girls flag football wins the 2025 Maryland 2A-1A girls flag football state championship. / Harry Lichtman

Clarksburg shuts out Whitman in 4A/3A final

Next up was the 4A/3A state championship game between Montgomery County schools No. 2 Clarksburg and No. 4 Whitman. In the semifinals, the Coyotes defeated No. 3 Western, while the Vikings beat No. 1 Wise.

The contest featured a lot of defense, especially in the first half. But Clarksburg got the job done with a 19-0 shutout victory to win their second consecutive girls flag football state title.

"These are a special group of girls," said Coyotes head coach Kyle Landefeld. "They're just phenomenal. They earned everything, and I'm very proud."

Clarksburg only led 7-0 in the first half, but they added two more scores in the second to finish the job.

"They knew they could do it," said Landenfeld. "They have the talent. They just locked in, and knew what they could do."

Coyotes junior Aysia Jones-Robinson capped off her MVP-caliber season with a stellar two-way performance. She threw two touchdown passes and ran for one score, and made multiple pass breakups and flag pulls on defense.

"The defense never gave up," said Jones-Robinson. "We played our hardest, and we got the dub."

Clarksburg junior Destiny Turner also stepped up in the championship game with a touchdown catch and an interception both in the second half. It was the first pick the Coyotes had all game.

"It feels nice to have a quarterback like Aysia," said Turner. "She always knows how to throw the pass, and it just feels great."

"My favorite receiver to throw to," Jones-Robinson state about Turner. "I'm going to miss playing with her. She's very reliable, and whenever I need her, she's always there to step it up."

"They were all-season superstars," Landefeld state about Jones-Robinson and Turner. "You've got to love them."

Whitman made multiple plays on offense and defense as they came close to scoring and pulling the upset. But in the end, the Vikings came up short.

Clarksburg girls flag football quarterback Aysia Jones Robinson in action in the 2025 Maryland 4A-3A state championship game. / Harry Lichtman

In High School on SI's feature story on the Clarksburg quarterback/cornerback, Jones-Robinson said that one of her sports idols is Lamar Jackson. On Saturday evening, she got to emulate the Ravens quarterback she's been compared to on his home field.

"It feels great," said Jones-Robinson. "Playing on the Ravens' field, being compared to him, and actually running and taking off."

With two state titles already on her high school resume, it's certainly possible that Jones-Robinson and the Coyotes could three-peat for her senior year in 2026.

HARRY LICHTMAN

Harry Lichtman is a sports reporter based in Montgomery County, MD and the DC area. He also writes for Capitals Outsider and LastWordOnSports, and previously wrote for MLB Report, The Sports Pulse, the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Montgomery County Sentinel, and The Bottom Line newspaper at Frostburg State University. In 2020, Harry won an MDDC Press award for a story about former high school lacrosse head coach Jeff Fritz. Harry has been writing since 2016.

A Look at the Maryland Vineyard Named One of “America’s Most Stunning” - The MoCo Show

Food & Wine recently named Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland, one of its “12 Stunning U.S. Vineyards to Visit This Harvest Season,” spotlighting the Montgomery County estate alongside some of the nation’s top wine destinations. Our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis visited last night and shared his account of the experience (video also available below).“Last night I got to experience ‘A Taste of Burnt Hill,’ described as a ‘luxury tasting experience atop the hill.’ ...

Food & Wine recently named Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland, one of its “12 Stunning U.S. Vineyards to Visit This Harvest Season,” spotlighting the Montgomery County estate alongside some of the nation’s top wine destinations. Our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis visited last night and shared his account of the experience (video also available below).

“Last night I got to experience ‘A Taste of Burnt Hill,’ described as a ‘luxury tasting experience atop the hill.’ It truly lived up to the description… a stunning evening at one of Food & Wine’s featured vineyards.” Alex arrived early for his 7 pm reservation, just in time to catch the 6:26 sunset over the 117-acre property. “We lucked out with the weather,” he said, sharing that he captured both the farm’s sheep and the glowing sky in perfect light.

Guests are greeted with a glass of Blanc de Blancs before sitting down for a guided tasting that includes three estate reserve wines, stone-milled bread service, and seasonal garden snacks, all presented on handcrafted ceramics made from the farm’s own soil. The experience even comes with a playful touch, “They give you this little toolkit for your food, so I ate my dessert with a little shovel,” Alex said.

Following the tasting, guests can explore Burnt Hill further, enjoying à la carte small plates and a curated wine list highlighting ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on-site. The menu is crafted by Chef-Partner Tae Strain (formerly of Momofuku) in collaboration with Burnt Hill’s sister property, Old Westminster Winery.

Reservations require a $26 per person non-refundable fee, securing a three-hour visit and a welcome glass of Blanc de Blancs. The $85 per person tasting experience is charged on-site and includes a 20% gratuity and tax. The adult-only tasting room accommodates one to six guests.

Founded by siblings Drew Baker, Lisa Hinton, and Ashli Johnson, Burnt Hill Farm is a regenerative polyculture vineyard that blends sustainable agriculture, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Its recognition by Food & Wine cements its place as one of the most beautiful and innovative vineyards in the country, right here in upper Montgomery County.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
CIRS Treatment Clarksburg, MD

Service Areas

Read More