COUNCILMEMBER'S AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW LIVESTOCK IN ROCKVILLE BACKYARDS

No sooner has the dust settled from the Montgomery County Council's controversial foray into backyard barnyards than the issue is now coming home to roost in Rockville. City Councilmember Julie Palakovich Carr has proposed animal regulations changes that would permit chickens in Rockville backyards, schools and daycare facilities, under various terms and circumstances. No roosters would be permitted. Goats would also be allowed on public property to clear invasive plant species.

Concerns about noise and disease that would affect humans were part of the discussion among County Council members. However, many seemed to avoid the topic of Histoplasmosis in humans, a disease caused by spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which can be found in chicken waste. The potential health issue has been raised by critics of backyard chicken coops elsewhere in the country. At the same time, some in Rockville have argued for years that residents should be allowed to raise backyard chickens. Where do you come down on the topic?

You'll have a chance to make your feelings known: Councilmember Palakovich Carr is hosting a meeting on the proposed changes tomorrow, October 21, at City Hall, from 7:30-9:30 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room.

TOWN CENTER PHASE II, BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN ON ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 22

A new 6-story, mixed-use apartment building with 6000 SF of ground floor retail is on the agenda for the Rockville Planning Commission next Wednesday, October 22. The 275-unit building replaces the historic Suburban Trust Building, tragically demolished earlier this year at 255 N. Washington Street. It is one of several Town Center Phase II projects underway, with others by JBG and Brightview also moving forward.

The meeting will also include a work session on the Rockville Bikeway Master Plan, the results of which will impact automobile travel and parking in the city as much as cyclists. Wednesday's meeting will be at 7:00 PM, in the Mayor and Council Chambers at City Hall, and also broadcast live on Channel 11.

WATTS BRANCH PARKWAY CLOSED BETWEEN HURLEY AVE. & INGLESIDE COURT FOR WATER MAIN BREAK IN ROCKVILLE

A water main break will keep Watts Branch Parkway closed between Hurley Avenue and Ingleside Court for up to several days. No customers are without water at this time, says the City of Rockville Public Works Department, which is currently repairing the break. Running cold water will help flush any discoloration of water away, they say. Should air become trapped in your pipes, they suggest slowly turning on all faucets in your home, starting on the highest floor and working downward.

NEW SPECIALS AND EVENTS AT 82 STEAK-OUT IN ROCKVILLE

82 Steak-Out in Rockville Town Square has several new specials, and October promotions, you'll want to check out.

First, there are 5 new lunch Sandwich Specials: The Adrian, Leaving Las Vegas, A Fish Called Wanda, The Italian Job, and The God Father - all under $9, and they include a side order of hand-cut fries.

There are 4 new weeknight promotions, as well:

Monday Night- “Thirst and 10” - Happy Hour specials available all night long.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Tuesday Night-“Penne Night” - $11.82
Choose your sauce: Bolognese, Amatriciana, Pesto, Quattro Formaggi and Salmone (includes mixed green salad).
4:00pm-9:30pm

Wednesday Night- “Wine Down” - 50% off of all wine bottles.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Thursday Night-“Thirsty Thursday” - Happy Hour specials available all night long.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Finally, don't miss these special days coming up this month:

Tuesday, October 21: National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day. Home-made pumpkin cheesecake served all day.

Wednesday, October 22: National Nut Day. Subscribe to, and mention, their newsletter, and you'll get a free Dark Chocolate Brownie with vanilla bean ice cream and walnuts.

Friday, October 24: National Bologna Day. They'll be celebrating with Lasagna Bolognese, rather than sandwich meat - and Italian wines with that lasagna will be 50% off.

Saturday, October 25: National Pasta Day. They'll be offering the Tuesday night Penne Night specials on a rare Saturday, from 5:00-10:00 PM. Mention the newsletter again to get the deal.

82 Steak-Out

101 Gibbs Street, #C 

240.428.1295

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE DEBATE (VIDEO) + HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE

Montgomery Community Media and the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County hosted a Montgomery County Council At-Large Candidate Forum last night. You can watch the debate in its entirety here. Candidates from the Democratic, Green and Republican parties participated in the forum, which included transportation, Bus Rapid Transit, the Silver Spring Transit Center debacle, and affordable housing among its topics.

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the November 4 election. You can register today online or go to the Board of Elections office in person at 18753 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. If you have questions, call 240-777-8500.

Early voting will be available for all registered voters between October 23 and October 30 at these early voting sites around the county.

ROCKVILLE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: THE UPTON/CAMBRIA SUITES (PHOTOS)

Things are coming along quite nicely at the construction site of the future Cambria Suites hotel and Upton apartments in Rockville Town Center.

TACO BELL ROCKVILLE STARBURST STRAWBERRY FREEZE REVIEW (VIDEO)

Rockville's Taco Bell has a brand new Freeze beverage, and it's another collaboration with a major food brand. The Mexican fast food chain has teamed up with Starburst candy to create... the Taco Bell Starburst Strawberry Freeze. A slush-style frozen beverage, the Starburst Freeze is available in regular size and large. Does it really taste like a Starburst, and is it worth heading to Rockville Pike for? Watch my review and find out!