Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CHIMICHURRI RESTAURANT CLOSES IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Chimichurri has closed in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. The South American spot drew on the cuisines of Argentina and Uruguay, and also was a destination for fans of tango in the DC area.



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

VAPE INK OPENS IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The vaping craze is officially hitting Rockville, now that the city's first vape store has opened in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. Vape Ink sells vaping equipment, modifications, and the flavored "juice" to fill them up. But it is also a tattoo and piercing shop, as well - hence the "ink" in the name.

The store has a 5-star rewards program for regular customers to join. For example, program members might earn a free juice after spending $100. The selection of flavors is extensive, as are the equipment options. Staff will help you with questions and technical assistance. Customers say it's becoming a popular hangout for vapers in Rockville. Patrons can sample juice flavors, and the shop features a "Juice of the Day"; the store is for those age 18+ only.

Vape Ink is open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Vape Ink
765 Rockville Pike, Unit J
941-962-8021

Monday, April 28, 2014

PIER 1 IMPORTS OPENS IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Pier 1 Imports has opened its new store at 12137 Rockville Pike, in the Pike Center. The store replaces the original one forced out by development at 1590 Rockville Pike.

For those unfamiliar, Pier 1 carries furniture, gifts, housewares and home decor, as well as seasonal merchandise. Here are some photos of the new store:





Friday, April 25, 2014

FULL ON CRAFT EATS & DRINKS TO OPEN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

A new gourmet sandwich shop will open on Norbeck Road (just north of Leisure World) early this summer. Full On Craft Eats & Drinks will also feature craft beer and wine, at 4007-D Norbeck Road - which is Rockville according to the U.S. Postal Service. But so close to Aspen Hill and Glenmont, that one might consider it Silver Spring, as well. You decide!

What's not up for debate, is Full On's promise not to use preservatives, chemicals or stabilizers in its food. All meats are processed and roasted in-house, not from a factory. And every sandwich will be made to order. Also prepared daily, will be soup, as well as salads made fresh-to-order.

Sandwiches will include Turkey & Cranberry, Ham and Eggs (with egg salad), Crabcake Grilled Cheese, and the Greek Salad Sandwich with smashed chickpeas, greek olives, sliced cucumber, banana peppers, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese, with oil & vinegar.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

ROCKVILLE TO ABANDON RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN DOUGLAS AVE. AND FREDERICK AVE. IN LINCOLN PARK

Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton and city councilmembers voted unanimously Monday to abandon a 15'-wide right-of-way, between Douglas and Frederick Avenues, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The city determined it had no future need to develop the currently-unimproved right-of-way, and adjoining property owners approved of the abandonment.

Several structures and property features already are within the right-of-way, and the abandonment will bring them into compliance with city code. While rights-of-way are extremely valuable, this particular one did not appear to hold any use for road or transit purposes. Two utility rights-of-way will be maintained, but the city's Department of Public Works determined the abandonment would have no impact on services to city residents.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

FORMER ROCKVILLE COUNCILMAN: DON'T FORGET ABOUT KARMA ACADEMY SITE IN BUDGET

Bob Wright, a former Rockville City Councilmember, is urging the current Mayor and Council to take proactive steps to acquire the former Karma Academy property on Watts Branch Parkway. The city was one of several bidders on the site, which is currently owned by Montgomery County. Last year, the Mayor and Council instructed city staff to apply for consideration of acquisition of the site from the county.

Wright, speaking during Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, recalled that much of the city's green space was made possible through plans and acquisitions by previous mayors and councils. He noted that the Karma Academy site is "perfectly situated," next to Wooton's Mill Park in the Rockshire area. But, Wright said, “I’m not aware that the mayor and council have a plan for this parcel. I’m not aware that there’s any money in the budget for green spaces or parcels.”

Speaking prior to a public hearing on the city's next budget, Wright urged city leaders to develop a plan and funding for the potential addition to the existing park. "Please don’t forget about this parcel," Wright concluded.

The Karma Academy property's future is of great concern to Rockshire residents, who have testified in favor of Rockville acquiring the site as parkland in the past.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GREEN FORUM WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SILVER SPRING, 7:00 PM

Today is Earth Day. But Wednesday night (April 23) in Silver Spring, you can find out what Montgomery County candidates have to say about environmental issues, at a Green Forum sponsored by Conservation Montgomery. The forum will be moderated by ABC 7 weekend morning anchor Kathy Park, and include all candidates running for County Executive and County Council.

Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions via index cards. The event is free, but registration will guarantee you a seat, and a chance to submit your question(s) early for the candidates online. Registration is not required, however.

The forum will be held from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Parking is available in the public garage directly across Ellsworth Drive from the building.

Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring