New mural by local artist at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall is adding public art to its indoor space. "Carpe Diem," a mural by local artist Nicole Bourgea, was in the process of being painted last night. It features two local symbols, the cherry blossom tree and the red-tailed hawk. The short bloom cycle of the cherry blossom and the lightning-fast, snatching attack of the predator hawk reflect the title of the work. Find out more about the artist on her website, and find the mural on Level 2, next to Minte.

Man shot multiple times in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of shots-fired in the 600 block of Blandford Street early yesterday morning, January 10, 2023 at 12:24 AM. A reader reports that officers barricaded the roadway at Blandford and Argyle Street, and at Monroe and Argyle Streets. Police say that they located an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 500 block of Monroe Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

There have been several shots-fired incidents in this area of Rockville before. Anyone with information about Tuesday morning's shooting is asked to contact the RCPD Investigations Unit at 240-314-8938.

Rockville Wegmans construction update (Photos)

Phase 1 of the Twinbrook Quarter development at the corner of Rockville Pike and Halpine Road is now more than 8 stories above ground level. The 9th floor of the building is currently being constructed. Wegmans will be the retail anchor on the building's ground floor. 

Concrete framing and pouring is anticipated to be completed by late spring or early summer, developer B.F. Saul says. Work on the building facade is to begin soon. B.F. Saul says that when Phase 1 is complete, there will be more than three times the pervious surface on the property than when it was a shopping center

Rockville to welcome new Deputy City Manager

The City of Rockville will welcome a new Deputy City Manager later this month. Barack Matite has been named to the position by City Manager Rob DiSpirito. Matite has served as the city manager of Eudora, Kansas since 2016. He was one of over 100 applicants from across the nation who applied for the position, after outgoing Deputy City Manager Angela Judge resigned to relocate with her husband, who has assumed command of United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey.

“With his experience and accountability as a chief executive officer in a full-service city, Barack will bring all his professional talents and deep familiarity with the broad range of municipal services to this critical position on our team,” DiSpirito said in a statement. “Barack fully understands what it takes to support the success of a mayor and council, a city organization, and a community of engaged and diverse residents. I look forward to working with Barack and introducing him as we serve the people of Rockville.”

Matite holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas, a bachelor’s degree in global and international studies from the University of Kansas, and attended the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center of Public Service.

“I am excited, honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the next deputy city manager for the City of Rockville,” Matite said in a statement. “I look forward to becoming a member of the Rockville community and joining the Rockville team that is dedicated and works hard to achieve the Mayor and Council’s vision and goals for the community.”

Police called after assault at bar in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bar early Saturday morning. The assault was reported at a bar in the 100 block of Gibbs Street at 2:00 AM. That is at Rockville Town Square.

Jolly Yolly Kids under construction at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Jolly Yolly Kids is now under construction at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. An indoor gym, playground and learning center for children, Jolly Yolly can also host birthday parties. It is one of the few tenants that gets to design an exterior storefront at the mall. Look for Jolly Yolly on Level 1 next to The Cheesecake Factory, in the Old Navy wing.

Shed burglars on the prowl in Rockville

Shed burglars struck in two backyards on the same block in Rockville early Thursday morning, January 5, 2023. Montgomery County police were called twice to the 4500 block of Adrian Street, first at 1:52 AM, and again at 8:17 AM. Officers responding to the incidents found that the burglars did not force their way into the sheds, so this is a good reminder for Rockville shed owners to make sure yours is locked tonight.