Rockville biotech clinical advisor receives highest honor from American Society of Clinical Oncology

Dr. Hagop M. Kantarjian, a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of Rockville biotech firm Ascentage Pharma, has received the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The organization presented Kantarjian the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award "for his lifelong contributions to leukemia clinical research and his dedication to improving the lives of patients" at its annual meeting, which is taking place through tomorrow in Chicago. Those who have received the Karnofsky award since its inception in 1970 have been oncologists who made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.

"Dr. Kantarjian has dedicated his life to saving and enhancing the lives of patients with leukemia, renewing hope to millions of patients with unmet medical needs," Ascentage Pharma Chairman Dajun Yang, MD, PhD said in a statement this morning. "For decades, he has been at the forefront of the oncology community's efforts to end cancer. We are privileged that Dr. Kantarjian has chosen to share his wise counsel with our organization while serving with honor and distinction on the Ascentage Pharma Clinical Advisory Board."

Ascentage Pharma was founded in 2009 in Suzhou, China. Its American office is in Three Irvington Centre, at 700 King Farm Boulevard in Rockville. 

Car stolen from Rockville apartment building garage

Montgomery County police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from the parking garage of an apartment building in Rockville that was reported yesterday, June 4, 2023. The vehicle was parked in a residential garage in the 1800 block of Chapman Avenue. It is believed it was stolen sometime between 11:00 AM on Saturday and 8:00 AM yesterday.

Armed robbery at Rockville convenience store

At 5:15 PM Friday, June 2, 2023, the Rockville City police department tweeted that there was police activity in the 200 block of Park Road, but did not specify what it was in relation to. It turns out that officers were investigating an armed robbery that was reported at a convenience store around 3:35 PM. A firearm was the weapon utilized in the robbery. Metro Coffee Convenience is located on that block, which is across MD 355 from Rockville Town Center.

Washington Post Saturday newspaper edition delivery stymied by traffic accident

Some Washington Post subscribers in the Washington, D.C. metro area - including parts of Montgomery County - did not receive a newspaper this morning, Saturday, June 3, 2023. According to the Post, a truck carrying a large number of newspapers was involved in a traffic accident early this morning. Subscribers will receive their Saturday edition either later today, or with tomorrow's newspaper, the Post customer service department said.

Update on Colony Grill pizzeria at Cabin John Village in Potomac (Photos)

I have a big update on the Colony Grill at 11325 Seven Locks Road in Potomac. Look at the incredible progress that has been made inside just over the last several weeks. A new sign has been attached on the exterior of the pizzeria, as well. Furniture is still in the wrapper inside, and the outdoor patio space has not yet been set up. Stay tuned for an opening date! Here is a look at the progress of work over the last few weeks, in chronological order:

Tequila Modern Mexican restaurant opening in Rockville

Earlier this week, the signs came down at the shuttered Chuy's in Rockville. The good news is that a sign has gone up for a new Mexican restaurant in Rockville Town Center. Tequila Modern Mexican is opening soon at 11 N. Washington Street. It is a small but rapidly-expanding chain, beginning in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and opening new locations here, and in North Carolina and Kansas. The chain is small, but the menu is not, with all of the standard dishes you would expect alongside some unique ones. 

Another delay for Japong Bakery reopening in Rockville

You'll have to keep dreaming of a cream puff from Japong Bakery for a little while longer. The popular Rockville bakery announced this morning that it will have to postpone its reopening at the Ritchie Center - which was scheduled for today, June 1 - once again. "We are still waiting on certain items that need to be taken care of behind the scenes here," it said in a statement. "Please stay tuned for an updated reopening date, as we are in a temporary holding pattern. We are very proud of our new store, and cannot wait to share it with customers when we can! Until then, we apologize for the inconvenience."