Walnut Hill Shopping Center adding Ionna EV chargers (Photos)

The Walnut Hill Shopping Center is adding electric vehicle charging stations to its parking lot at 733 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. And not just any EV chargers. These are Ionna charging stations, part of a nationwide network of 30,000 being created as we speak. The North Carolina firm is a partnership of seven international auto manufacturing companies, including BMW and Toyota. Ionna chargers offer fast-charging, essential to creating a viable network to support mass adoption of EVs. 

Of course, an even more-effective way of doing that would be to allow $8000 Chinese EVs to be sold in America, but did Joe Biden do that? Nope. That's what you would do if time was running out and a global climate catastrophe was upon us, right? $8000 Chinese EVs that are superior to the ridiculously expensive EVs made in America and elsewhere, not releasing gas from the strategic petroleum reserves, building high-speed rail, and mandating work-from-home for federal employees. Wait, Biden did the exact opposite of those things. "How dare you!" - Greta Thunberg. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Police investigate concealed weapon at school in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a school to investigate a report of a concealed weapon this past Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025. The weapon was reported at Thomas S. Wootton High School at 2100 Wootton Parkway at 7:40 AM Wednesday. What type of weapon was involved has not yet been identified by police.

Fontina Grill to open at The Laureate in Rockville

Fontina Grill, a longtime fixture in the Rockville dining scene, is relocating. In the fall of 2026, it will move to a 5,135-square-foot space at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Gramercy Boulevard. That is at The Laureate, a new multifamily building at the Westside development near the Shady Grove Metro station built by EYA. The popular Italian restaurant has operated at the King Farm Village Center for 15 years. 

"We are thrilled to bring Fontina Grille to The Laureate," Fontina Grill owner Ali Abduljabbar said in a statement. "This new chapter gives us the opportunity to continue serving our loyal guests, while welcoming new neighbors in a dynamic and growing community.

"We are thrilled to welcome Fontina Grille to Westside," said McLean Quinn, President and CEO of EYA, LLC said. "As a beloved part of the broader community already, Fontina Grille will bring a new gathering place to the heart of Westside, serving as a lively community hub where neighbors can come together and enjoy an exceptional dining experience."

Tea Spa Wellness relocates in Gaithersburg

Tea Spa Wellness has successfully relocated in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. It has completed its move from 209 Market Street W. to 621 Center Point Way at Kentlands Market Square. Tea Spa Wellness offers massages, facials, and healing rituals inspired by "tea culture and natural balance." 

"At Tea Spa, our mission is to create a haven of peace where everyone can find moments of deep serenity," Tea Spa CEO Cathy Shao says. "My journey through nursing school revealed the incredible power of professional massage therapy, inspiring me to share this healing art with a broader audience, which led to the birth of Tea Spa. In the last decade, my path as an energy healer has strengthened my belief in the link between inner peace and mindful living. As the caretaker of Tea Spa, I am dedicated to assembling a team of service providers who embody generosity, tranquility, and vibrant positivity. With each healing touch, we strive to make the world a better place, one person at a time."

La Baguette Antojitos opening in Rockville

La Baguette Antojitos is "coming soon" to Rockville, according to signage posted in the windows of their future storefront. The bakery will replace another bakery - Lavande Patisserie - at 275-B N. Washington Street in Rockville Town Center. Images displayed include baked goods, coffee and tacos. This appears to be an independent, small business, as this appears to be the first and only location for this enterprise. There are no social media accounts for La Baguette Antojitos as of this writing, either.

Armed robbery at apartment complex in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at an apartment complex in Rockville early yesterday morning, October 20, 2025. The robbery was reported at the Village Square West apartments at 12401 Village Square Terrace at 5:45 AM Monday. It was reported in the parking lot of the complex.

Guapo's to open new Gaithersburg restaurant

Guapo's is opening a new restaurant in Gaithersburg. It will be a Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken & Tex Mex Grill concept, of which the local company operates three in Northern Virginia. This would be the first on our side of the Potomac. Guapo's has full-service Mexican restaurants in Bethesda, and at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg.

Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is the specialty at the Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken locations. The new restaurant will be located at 12211 Darnestown Road, at the Quince Orchard Marketplace shopping center. That was formerly home to California Tortilla.