Calendar kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

It's almost that time of year again: Time to replace your wall calendar. The seasonal calendar kiosk at Westfield Montgomery Mall is just what the doctor ordered. Popular calendar subjects this year include perennial favorites like Taylor Swift and Star Wars, as well as timely presidential candidates President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Not to be outdone are the retro Muhammad Ali, Rocky, and Rainbow Brite selections. I've already got my 2025 calendar; find yours at the calendar kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, by Forever 21.

Armed fentanyl pusher busted in Rockville

Evidence seized in Friday's bust in Rockville

Fentanyl deaths in America are reportedly declining, but the dangerous synthetic opioid is still being pushed on the streets of Montgomery County. Thanks to Montgomery County police officers, a substantial number of pills have just been taken off the market. Officers searching for a juvenile male wanted for multiple offenses in the Twinbrook area of Rockville found him on Friday, November 8, 2024. The juvenile attempted to elude officers on foot, 4th District Commander Captain David Smith said, but he was ultimately caught and taken into custody.

On his person, police allege, the juvenile had a loaded gun, cash, and about 250 pressed fentanyl pills.  "The apprehension of armed individuals like this is difficult and dangerous work, but also important work," Smith said in a statement. "Fentanyl destroys lives and families, and the officers of 4D are committed to improving conditions. We also appreciate all of the members of our community who care and are equally committed to this cause."

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department

Tory Burch opens at Montgomery Mall

Tory Burch is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The boutique's operating hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. The preppy-bohemian women's fashion brand sells apparel, shoes, handbags, home decor, watches, and accessories. Look for Tory Burch on Level 2 of the mall, next to Lovesac.

Trendy Man Italia closing, Peter Mason opens at Montgomery Mall

Two menswear tenants at Westfield Montgomery Mall are headed in opposite directions. Trendy Man Italia is on the way out, and is holding a closing sale. Those signs seen across moribund Montgomery County so often in recent years - "Store Closing," "Everything Must Go!" - are on display at the entrance to the shop. But if you need to suit up for the holidays, don't panic: Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors is now open on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, across from The Cheesecake Factory. 

Falafel Inc. opens at Montgomery Mall

Falafel Inc. has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Recently voted "#1 New Restaurant in D.C.," the local chain serves authentic vegetarian falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides that include Zaatar Fries and Tabouli Salad. Falafel Inc. also offers a variety of dipping sauces, including their must-try flagship Habibi Sauce. The chain's Georgetown location, and its founder's humanitarian and cultural-preservation efforts, have been featured on Al Jazeera. Look for Falafel Inc. in the Dining Terrace food court, next to Chick-Fil-A.

Maryland Attorney General encourages racist text recipients to report messages

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a statement last night encouraging residents to report to law enforcement, and to civil rights and hate crime offices in the state, racist text messages that have allegedly been received by Black residents following Election Day. The general message of the texts, which have several versions, order the recipient to "board a bus" to be transported to a "plantation" for work "as a slave," Brown said. Students were among those who have reported receiving the message, Brown added. 

"The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election," Brown's statement read. “These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it,” Brown said. “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”

If you have received a text message like this, Brown advised informing your local law enforcement agency, and filing a report with the following two offices: The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General's office, and the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention.

 

Rockville apartment building wins Jack Kemp Award for Excellence

Rockville's newest apartment building has won the 2024 Jack Kemp Award for Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Terwilliger Center for Housing. The honor, which recognizes "exemplary developments that demonstrate creativity in expanding housing opportunities" for mixed-income residents, was presented to The Laureate at 8005 Gramercy Boulevard during ULI's Fall Meeting in Las Vegas. The Laureate was jointly developed by Bethesda-based EYA, Bozzuto, and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County.

The Laureate was the first development to utilize Montgomery County's new Housing Production Fund as a source of financing. This is the third Jack Kemp Award won by EYA. The award is named for former Republican congressman and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp, and was established in 2008. As HUD secretary during the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Kemp sought to increase rent subsidies for low-income Americans, as well as to expand opportunities for home ownership among residents of public housing. He also believed in public-private partnerships in furthering these and other economic goals.

Jack Kemp

"EYA is committed to creating mixed-income housing through innovative public-private partnerships," EYA President and CEO McLean Quinn said in a statement. "The Laureate is an example of how builders can partner with public agencies to address the affordable housing shortage across the country and we are incredibly proud of the design, amenities, and lifestyle our partnership has infused into The Laureate. Innovation, commitment to quality affordable housing and good partnership won this award."

The Laureate is the latest addition to the Westside at Shady Grove development. 25% of its 268 units are designated as moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) for residents earning 50% of the area median income (AMI), and an additional 5% are designated as workforce units for residents earning 65% AMI. The developers designed these units to be indistinguishable from the market rate units, incorporating the same high-quality features and finishes as the more-expensive apartments, and designated all 3-bedroom units to be income-restricted. Former Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton had pressed developers to provide affordable 3-bedroom units for families during her time in office.

Photos 1, 2 & 4 courtesy Bozzuto