Paul Wharton, Ashley Darby to host spring fashion show at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

TV stars Paul Wharton and Ashley Boalch Darby will co-host a cherry blossom-inspired spring fashion show at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda next week. "Spring Fever" will be held on Level 1 in the Nordstrom wing of the mall next Friday, April 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The fashion show will feature spring ensembles from Macy's, J.Crew, Nordstrom, Under Armour, White House | Black Market, Madewell, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, and bespoke artist Maggie O'Neill.

Discounts and free-gifts-with-purchases will be offered from stores and boutiques at the mall. Entertainment will include a mobile photo booth and music by DJ OZ. Cherry blossom decor from woman-owned design atelier Brightly Ever After will bloom throughout the mall. Westfield Montgomery Mall is also launching a month-long clothing drive benefitting Montgomery County non-profit Interfaith Works. A donation of your gently used clothing will give you the chance to win exclusive discounts, gifts, and treats from participating retailers.

You can RSVP for the fashion show now online. The event is free.

Rockville police to give away free steering wheel locks to combat theft

Rockville City police will be giving away free steering wheel locks on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The giveaway will be held at the police station at 2 W. Montgomery Avenue, while supplies last. Auto thefts continue to be a major problem in Montgomery County. The steering wheel locks can also be an effective deterrent for airbag thieves.

IKEA sets opening date for first Montgomery County store

IKEA has set an opening date for its first Montgomery County store, a small-format Plan & Order Point store at 101 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The store will open on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A grand opening celebration will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be giveaways, free food (Swedish meatballs?), and free drinks. Attendees will also be able to compete for prizes in the Spin to Win game. See my sneak peek at the Plan & Order Point interior for an idea of what is in store at Montgomery County's first IKEA store.

"We are thrilled to bring the best of IKEA to our DMV neighbors," IKEA U.S. CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer Javier Quiñones said in a statement. "We’ve seen that customers are still eager for in-person experiences, and we hope that this new Plan and order point with Pick-up provides a new and convenient way to shop."

Wawa sets opening date for Gaithersburg store

The first Wawa to open in Montgomery County finally has an opening date, after nearly five years of anticipation, planning, government approvals and construction. Wawa will open at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg with a Grand Opening event on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:45 AM. Festivities will begin with a countdown at 7:45 AM, until the doors officially open at 8:00 AM. The first 100 customers through the door will receive a commemorative "In My Wawa Era 60th Anniversary" t-shirt, which recalls the opening of the first Wawa store in Folsom, Pennsylvania in 1964. All customers will receive a free hot coffee in the size of their choice.

A ceremonial toast will be held at 8:30 AM, followed by a Hoagies for Heroes competition in which the Gaithersburg Police Department and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Station 8 personnel will build Wawa sandwiches. Wawa mascot Wally Goose will then lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Wawa is proud to open its doors to provide trusted quality products, convenience, new jobs, support, and to Fulfill Lives in the community," the company said in a statement. "The event will celebrate new associates and customers and simple gestures, like holding the door for one another, that together make a big difference in making Wawa’s family-like store atmosphere possible. The grand opening celebration will gather the community to welcome everyone on day one and celebrate the impact the new store will have on its neighbors and community."

Rockville Lunar New Year celebration set for February 17, 2024

Save the date for the City of Rockville's annual Lunar New Year celebration this coming Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at Rockville High School at 2100 Baltimore Road. Celebrate the good luck of the Year of the Dragon with live cultural performances, interactive displays, craft activities for kids, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). Admission is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Task Force.

UPDATE - CANCELED: Democratic Maryland U.S. Senate candidates to meet voters January 20 in Rockville

UPDATE - January 20: The WDCMC has announced today's event is CANCELED due to MCPS closing all school facilities this weekend.

Democratic candidates for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Ben Cardin (D) are scheduled to meet voters this Saturday, January 20, 2024 in Rockville. The meet-and-greet event will be held in the cafeteria at Wootton High School at 2100 Wootton Parkway from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. It is being hosted by the Women's Democratic Club of Montgomery County. A round-robin format will place the candidates at tables in the room, and small groups of attendees will be led around to stop at each table over the course of the event.

Registration for the free event is available online. Democratic candidates in the race include Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Marcellus Crews, Juan Dominguez, Brian Frydenborg, Scottie J. Griffin, Steven Seuferer, U.S. Congressman David Trone, and Andrew Wildman. The event announcement does not indicate which candidates have confirmed their attendance.

Black People's March on the White House this Saturday, Nov. 4 in Washington, D.C.

The 15th annual Black People's March on the White House will be held tomorrow, Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Washington, D.C. It will begin with a rally at Malcolm X Park (Meridian Hill Park) at 16th Street and W Street N.W. at 11:00 AM. Attendees will then march to toward the White House, and a second rally at Lafayette Square Park. A pre-march event - where signs will be made, chants practiced, and you will have a chance to meet some of Saturday's speakers - will be held tonight, Friday, November 3 at 6:00 PM at the Thurgood Marshall Center at 1816 12th Street NW Washington, DC 20009.

Speakers will include Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, President of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition; broadcaster Garland Nixon; African People's Socialist Party Chair Omali Yeshitela; WPFW-FM Program Director Katea Stitt; Hands Off Uhuru Fightback Coalition Chair Mwezi Odom; artist Yulong Jones of the International Women's Alliance; John McCarthy of the Center for Political Innovation; and a recorded message from Mumia Abu-Jamal. Cultural performances will feature Luci Murphy, Shirmina Geneva, and the Malcolm X Drummers. 

This year's march is being co-sponsored by the Black is Back Coalition for Social Justice, Peace and Reparations, and the Hands Off Uhuru! Hands Off Africa! Fightback Committee. Registration for the march is available online. 

Piketoberfest 2023 at Pike & Rose (Photos)

Piketoberfest returned to Pike & Rose for 2023 yesterday. "North Bethesda's premier fall festival" featured food, live music, games, a pop-up bar by Hello Betty, and a craft beer garden hosted by Owen's Tavern. Among the performers was It's All Good, a cover band from the Delmarva peninsula. Also spotted was the Calluna Flower Truck, a vintage Chevrolet pickup truck loaded with fresh flowers for sale. The fall events at Pike & Rose continue this week, with an Oktoberfest Seafood Boil at Hello Betty this Saturday, October 7, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets are $59, and available online.

Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival Saturday, September 23 in Rockville

The Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Rockville Town Square. A tropical storm is expected to generate heavy rain Saturday, but the festival organizers have stated the event will be held rain or shine, so carry an umbrella. There will be live music, dance performances, games, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Of course, there will also be bubble tea, and a chance to win a round trip flight from New York City to Taipei. For a full event schedule, see the official event website.

Rockville mayor to discuss State of the City September 21

Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton will participate in a discussion of the State of the City tomorrow morning, Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 9:00 AM at Glenview Mansion at 603 Edmonston Drive in Rockville. The discussion is being hosted by the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Brian Barkley, public policy chair for the Chamber, will lead the discussion and ask questions. Questions may be submitted in advance by emailing marji@rockvillechamber.org. The event is free and open to the public.

Monique Ashton to officially launch campaign for Rockville mayor September 9

Rockville City Councilmember Monique Ashton will formally launch her campaign to be the city's next mayor tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the town square at Rockville Town Square. Ashton says her campaign agenda will focus on affordable and workforce housing, enhancing public safety, improving pedestrian safety through Vision Zero, and investing in infrastructure. While on the City Council, she has worked on economic development issues, public safety, climate change, and returning millions of dollars to the City through resolution of tax duplication matters with the State of Maryland.

“Serving this vibrant community has been an incredible honor, and I am eager to continue working towards making Rockville an even better place to live, work, and raise a family," Ashton said in a statement. "I am committed to working collaboratively with City, County, State, and Federal officials, community leaders, residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith-based leaders and other stakeholders to address the opportunities and challenges facing our city. With their support, we can continue to build a brighter future for all of Rockville's residents."

Ashton has already picked up several major endorsements from local, County and State officials. Among those now backing her mayoral campaign are County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg mayor Sid Katz, current Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, State Delegate and former Gaithersburg City Council member Ryan Spiegel, County Councilmember and former Takoma Park mayor Kate Stewart, County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg City Council member Laurie-Anne Sayles, and current Gaithersburg City Councilmember Lisa Henderson.

"Monique has proven herself to be a tireless, compassionate leader in Rockville and Montgomery County," Stewart said in a statement Thursday. "I have seen her in action working effectively with other elected officials in Montgomery County and Annapolis to advance our communities. She shows up for the hard work of making policy, getting into the details, and bringing stakeholders together. I look forward to her continued leadership."

Mayor Ashman called Ashton "a brilliant and gifted leader. I’ve watched her bring people together to get big things done, both in Rockville and beyond. She consistently works to find the best solutions and practices to bring to bear in her community. I know that she is 100 percent dedicated to making Rockville the very best that it can be."

Ashton will face off against fellow City Council member Mark Pierzchala in the November 7, 2023 election. Full information on registering to vote, voting by mail, and all other election-related issues can be found on the City website.

Rockville goes purple again for opioid addiction awareness (Photos)

Rockville's Mayor and Council have proclaimed September as National Recovery Month, to bring attention to the nationwide epidemic of opioid addiction. The theme for this year's effort is “Opioids: Let’s Talk About It,” with the goal of encouraging dialogue and openness about opioid addiction, and awareness of the need to avoid stigmatizing addiction. Residents and visitors will see the most visible representation of the month-long campaign in the purple hue being projected onto City Hall, the Rockville City Police Department, and other city buildings, as well as purple light posts around Rockville Town Square.

The Rockville City Police Department will host the Rockville Goes Purple Drug Takeback, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at the department’s headquarters parking lot at 2 W. Montgomery Ave. You can also join RCPD officers at the Rockville Senior Center from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, September 27 to learn about opioids and drug problems in our community, and how you can help.

7-Eleven Slurpee Day 2023 means a free small Slurpee today, July 11

Today is July 11, and 7/11 is...no longer 7-Eleven Day. The convenience store chain has rebranded today as Slurpee Day, because it is running the promotion across three different chains it now controls: 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes. Despite the new name, the game is still the same: You can get a free small Slurpee today at all three stores, which in the case of Montgomery County really just means 7-Eleven.

7-Eleven is offering two other bonuses for Slurpee Day this year. Select fresh food items will be sold for $1 through the 7REWARDS program, including pizza slices, STUFDCAKES cupcakes, and the legendary Big Bite Hot Dog. And, if you are lucky, your nearest 7-Eleven store will also have three limited-edition Slurpee flavors: Sprite Lymonade Legacy, Summertime Citrus, and Fanta Dragon Fruit Zero Sugar. 

Daboba tea shop to hold grand opening in Rockville

Daboba is getting ready for a busy two days this upcoming weekend in Rockville. The Malaysia-based bubble tea chain will celebrate the grand opening of its newest store in the Talbott Center at 1079 Rockville Pike this Saturday, July 8, 2023 and Sunday, July 9. On Saturday, Daboba's first 50 customers will receive a free drink, and the next 50 customers will be offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal. The first 100 customers on Sunday will receive "free gifts." 

After 3:00 PM on Sunday, you will be able to get any of their Honey Golden Pearl series drinks for 50% off if you purchase one of their Roasted Brown Sugar series beverages. One complication for those eager to be first in line is that Daboba has not yet announced its operating hours. Most of their US stores open at 11:00 AM, except the Midwest stores, which seem to open at noon.

Top photo: RockvilleNights.com
Middle, bottom photos courtesy Daboba

Rockville-area fireworks displays 2023

Independence Day fireworks season will start early with a bang tonight in Rockville, at one of the most prominent country clubs in America. Here's a list of local public and private fireworks displays in and around the City of Rockville for 2023. Remember not to trespass on private property, but the private fireworks displays may be seen from nearby parking lots and public property.

Saturday, June 24 - 9:30 PM: Woodmont Country Club

June 30 - 9:00 PM: Manor Country Club, 14901 Carrolton Road

June 30 - 9:10 PM: Norbeck Country Club, 17200 Cashell Road

July 4 - City of Rockville Official Fireworks Display, 1800 Piccard Drive

The City of Rockville's official Independence Day celebration takes place at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in the King Farm neighborhood. Parking is located in nearby surface lots on Shady Grove Road, Gaither Road and Piccard Drive. See the map below for officially-designated parking lots.

Event schedule:

7 p.m.	Music by Under the Covers
8:45 p.m.	Mayor and Council Greeting
8:55 p.m.	National Anthem
9 - 9:13 p.m.	Music by Under the Covers
9:15 p.m.	Fireworks Display Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. Bring beach chairs or blankets to ensure comfortable seat­ing. Be considerate so that those around you can see the show too. No chairs or blankets allowed within 100 feet of the stage.  Outside, prepared food is permitted. Most events will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, cancella­tions will be posted at www.facebook.com/cityofrockville. Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is smoke and vape free   No tents, barbecuing or open flames No outside alcohol No wheeled recreational devices No noisemakers, glass containers, drones, laser pointers No weapons, illegal substances, explosives No throwing footballs, frisbees, baseballs or other projectiles

Photos courtesy City of Rockville

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin to speak at Montgomery County Juneteenth event

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (D - 8th District) will be the headlining speaker at what is shaping up to be the biggest Juneteenth event in Montgomery County for Monday, June 19, 2023. The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition's Juneteenth Observance event will be held by the site of the desecrated Moses African Cemetery, next to 5214 River Road in Bethesda (behind the McDonald's), from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Monday. Raskin will be the first U.S. Congressperson to personally visit the cemetery site. BACC representatives have sought Raskin's support for the cemetery cause, so his remarks on Monday will be heard with great interest.

Also appearing at the event will be Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (D - District 20), historian and author C.R. Gibbs, and Harvey Matthews, an official with Macedonian Baptist Church and a former resident of the lost African-American community that existed for about a century on River Road in Bethesda. The performing talents of Evergreen Productions and the Walt Whitman Drumline will be on display at this very special commemoration of Black history in Bethesda.

Rockville Baskin Robbins grand opening this Saturday, June 3

Rockville has been one Baskin Robbins ice cream parlor short since their Congressional Plaza location closed in late 2019. That is now remedied with the new Baskin Robbins store at 1079 Seven Locks Road. It will be celebrating with a grand opening event this Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. There will be a DJ, prizes, giveaways, and - of course - 31 flavors. Mention this Facebook ad below to get $2 scoops during the event. If you need a recommendation, it's definitely Baseball Nut season!

Rockville VFD to host first annual Flag Day at the Park on June 14

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department announced yesterday that it will host its first annual Flag Day at the Park on June 14, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. In addition to a ceremony and other activities, a Flag Day Walk will be held at Redgate Park at 14500 Avery Road at 6:00 PM. Tickets to participate in the walk will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds from walk tickets will benefit the Rockville VFD. 

All of the evening's events besides the walk will take place at the Elks Lodge at 5 Taft Court in Rockville, which is adjacent to Redgate Park. Activities will include Queen of Heart and 50/50 drawings, a Flag Day ceremony, and a Flag retirement ceremony.  There will be an educational presentation on the history of the U.S. flag, including a visit by an American Revolutionary War soldier. For children, there will be some VFD fire and rescue equipment on hand.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages - as well as beverages - will be available for sale at the Elks Lodge before and after the 6:00 PM walk. Walk participants can walk, jog, run or crawl along the route as they wish, the VFD said. Public parking for the event will be available at the Elks Lodge, and in lots nearby the lodge on Taft Court.

Rockville Memorial Day parade canceled

The City of Rockville announced this morning that the 2023 Memorial Day parade scheduled for today, May 29, has been canceled. A ceremony that was to be held along with the parade has also been canceled. The cancellation is due to the inclement weather, the city said.

DOD POW/MIA historian to be grand marshal of 2023 Rockville Memorial Day Parade

UPDATE: The Rockville Memorial Day parade and ceremony have been canceled due to inclement weather

Local Silver Spring resident and U.S. Department of Defense historian Stephen P. Johnson has been selected to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2023 City of Rockville Memorial Day Parade. The parade and ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM tomorrow, Monday, May 29, at Rockville Town Square with a musical tribute by the Rockville Concert Band and Chorus. A ceremony will be held at 9:30 AM, and the actual parade will start at 10:30 AM. Roads that will close for the parade will begin to shut down at 6:00 AM Monday, and will reopen at 2:00 PM.

The parade begins at N. Washington Street and Martins Lane, and heads south on N. Washington Street. Next, the parade turns left onto Beall Avenue, right on Maryland Avenue through Rockville Town Square, and left onto E. Montgomery Avenue. Free parking will be available at the Metro lots, Rockville City Hall lots and Montgomery County Courthouse jury lot. Paid parking will be available for $5 in the Rockville Town Square garage, which can be accessed from Route 355 or North Washington Street from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Monday, May 29.

Grand Marshal Johnson works as a civilian employee in the DOD's POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He volunteered for the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy’s Personnel Accounting Consolidation Taskforce in 2014. As an enlisted member of the Air Force from 1977-1984, Johnson attained the rank of staff sergeant. His selection continues the City tradition of asking a local veteran or active military member to serve as the City's Grand Marshal, and lead the Memorial Day festivities.