Rockville Wegmans construction update (Video+Photos)

Here is the latest update from the construction site of the future Rockville Wegmans store and Phase 1 of the Twinbrook Quarter development at the corner of Rockville Pike and Halpine Road. Remember these photos when you are driving among the concrete pillars in the underground parking garage below the store in a few years, because that's where the action is at the moment here. 

It's interesting to see in the video below the methods used to reduce dust and debris from spilling out beyond the construction site, when the dump trucks haul away soil and rocks. First the truck drives onto rollers to dislodge debris from the tires, and then a tarp is placed over the bed. The completed Wegmans will be 80,000 square feet in size, with apartments and office space above it.

2nd-degree assault reported at Rockville hotel

Rockville City police were called to a hotel to investigate a report of a 2nd-degree assault yesterday morning. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road at 5:29 AM, according to crime data. There is a Red Roof Inn on that block.

Assault at Rockville nursing home

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a nursing home yesterday afternoon. The assault was reported at a nursing home in the 300 block of Adclare Road near I-270 at 1:46 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville cannabis dispensary hosting all-day 4/20 event

Ethos Dispensary at 4007-A Norbeck Road in Rockville is hosting an all-day event celebrating the unofficial marijuana holiday of April 20, 2022, with special 4/20 sale offers, including 20%-off the entire store. The Maui Wowie Smoothie Cart is on-site, along with a Jefferson University pop-up. There will also be a prize wheel, raffles and free swag. Garcia Brothers Mobile Detailing is there, as well, and they are giving away a $50 gift certificate for their detailing services. Ethos is open until 8:00 PM.

Photo courtesy Ethos

A Beautiful Closet opening soon at Montgomery Mall

A Beautiful Closet is opening soon at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The boutique will carry apparel, accessories and gifts for men, women, babies and children. Items handpicked by the owner reflect her belief in artistic self-expression through clothing, inspired by travels through the fashion worlds of the Americas, Europe and Africa.

The business, up to now focused on sales via the internet and events, also engages in philanthropic efforts. A portion of proceeds from items sold has gone to a variety of causes, from international poverty to care packages for local hospital staff during the pandemic. Look for A Beautiful Closet on Level 2 next to California Pizza Kitchen.

Derwood townhome burglarized

Montgomery County police officers responded to a report of a burglary at a townhouse in Derwood Sunday afternoon. The burglary was reported at a townhome in the 16100 block of Bowery Street at 4:16 PM, according to crime data. Officers found no sign of forced entry at the home.

Hans Riemer endorsed by former MD governor Parris Glendening in Montgomery County Executive race

Former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening (D) has endorsed Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer (D - At-Large) for County Executive. A video message from the two-term former governor supporting Riemer will be released this morning. Riemer's campaign cites the endorsement as the first from a current or former statewide leader for any candidate in the executive race.

Prior to his gubernatorial career, Glendening served as County Executive in Prince George's County. “As a three-term former County Executive," Glendening said in a statement this morning. "I know what the position takes. I know that Hans has the ideas and experience to create a more prosperous, connected, and inclusive Montgomery County.” The former governor touts Riemer as "a visionary with a record of success."

By the time Glendening left the governor's mansion in Annapolis, he was known for championing smart growth. In his video message, Glendening says Riemer is "carrying the smart growth vision forward. When I was governor, there was no Pike & Rose. We were not building housing on top of Metro. The idea of a Purple Line Innovation Corridor was just a pipe dream." Glendening says he was impressed with Riemer's emails to constituents during the long construction of the Purple Line, and would often discuss the project with the councilman. 

Combined with Riemer's $725,000 fundraising haul in the first quarter of 2022, which was approximately double what incumbent executive Marc Elrich's raised, his campaign is feeling a new sense of momentum in the race. “These past few weeks have shown us one thing: our campaign has the momentum and energy to decisively win this thing,” Campaign Manager Aziz Yakub said. He observed that the more than 1,100 grassroots campaign donors responsible for the fundraising success are now being joined by establishment figures like Glendening. “We’ve always known that Hans has a record and vision that speaks to the electorate," Yakub said. "Now, we’re seeing that real institutional forces in Maryland politics, like Governor Glendening, know that Hans has a clear path to victory. When Governor Glendening speaks, people listen.”

Riemer faces Elrich, David Blair and Peter James in the July 19 Democratic primary. Republicans Shelly Skolnick and Reardon Sullivan are competing for the GOP nomination.

Image via Hans Riemer for County Executive