Photo courtesy @Trellis_DMV via Twitter
Bethesda artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg created the exhibit after her research into patterns of drug addiction revealed that a lack of mental health support, childhood trauma and heightened environmental sensitivity were often consistent factors. The installation is constructed from the many items parents use to protect their children, such as child safety seats, bike helmets, or water wings, and questions what parents and our society are doing to keep children "psychologically safe?"
The main event will be Saturday night, July 30, 2022 with live performances by Afropop star Simi, Isaac Gerald, and the Ayo Band between 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased in advance online. “As one of the few Nigerian restaurants in the DMV, we are excited to share the richness of Nigeria’s culture and cuisine with the Rockville community,” Yomi Ajao, co-founder, Èkó House said in a statement. “We want the community and the greater region to experience Èkó (Lagos), here in Rockville, Maryland. Rockville Town Square offers an array of culinary offerings, and we are thrilled that Èkó House is now an option.”
Councilmember Dr. David Myles said he agreed with the proposed change. A physician, Myles argued the move would be best for public safety, public health and convenience. Councilmember Beryl Feinberg was more skeptical, saying it was her observation that many people drove when the event was held at Rockville Town Square in the past rather than take Metro.
Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and Councilmember Mark Pierzchala raised concerns that Town Square business owners have expressed in the past about events there. Street closures for the events hurt, rather than help, businesses along those routes, some business owners have said. Gibbs Street is already entirely closed to traffic as it is, Pierzchala noted.
Officials sought input from Tim Chesnutt, Director of Recreation and Parks, but he was no longer participating in the meeting. City Manager Robert DiSpirito said he recalled Chesnutt suggesting the city wait to see how Hometown Holidays turns out at RedGate Park later this month before making a change for Rocktobierfest.
Ashton made a motion to ask city staff to engage Rockville Town Square businesses on the question of moving the event there. Newton proposed a friendly amendment to add the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce to the outreach effort. Ashton accepted that amendment, and a proposal to get feedback from residents, as well. The motion passed unanimously.
Photo courtesy City of Rockville
CVS has been showing an increasing will to close locations in recent years, aiming to trim 900 stores, even as it vies with Starbucks for ubiquity across America. It's certainly possible that property owner Federal Realty could bring in another drugstore tenant to this space, although having that Walgreens really whittles down the options. The real estate firm has been trying to increasingly add resident-focused amenities and services like markets, spas, and home decor retailers to its properties, shops that can provide more practical necessities without requiring a car to go outside the development.
