Bethesda

Caruso’s Grocery will be taking over the dining room portion of Owen’s Ordinary in Pike & Rose, according to a report by Washingtonian Magazine.  The bar and patio at Owen’s Ordinary will then be rebranding as Owen’s Tavern and Garden.  Both Caruso’s and Owen’s are operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group.  Chef Matt Adler told Washingtonian that Owen’s dining room was never as busy as its  bar and patio so it made sense to repurpose the underutilized space.

Caruso’s Grocery opened its first location at The Roost food hall in Capital Hill DC back in May 2021.  According to their website, “Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American ‘red sauce joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken Parm, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef’s take on the classics, you won’t find them here. Caruso’s Grocery will be home to traditional Italian-American fare focused on execution and high quality ingredients – menu items include Chicken Parmesan, Penne alla Vodka, Mozzarella en Carozza, Sole Francaise, Garlic Bread with Four Cheese Sauce, and more old school hits. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.”


Burtonsville

Read our original story here: Burtonsville Crossing Redevelopment to Include Sprouts as Grocery Store Anchor

Per Montgomery County: On Thursday, County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Council President Gabe Albornoz, Councilmember Tom Hucker, members of the Montgomery County State Delegation and representatives from EDENS to announce bringing a main “anchor” store back to the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center and the redevelopment of the vacant shopping center. A lease has been signed by the Phoenix-based company Sprouts Farmers Market in what is seen as the first critical step to kick start the revitalization of a once thriving retail area. It will also be the grocery chain’s first store in Montgomery County. “We are excited to partner with Sprouts on bringing a unique grocery experience to Burtonsville,” said David Germakian, Managing Director, EDENS.


MoCo Government

Based on the Consumer Price Index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for the Washington-Baltimore region, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2022 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $15.65 per hour. After hitting the $15 minimum wage rate last year, the law now requires the Chief Administrative Officer to adjust the rate each year. The change is based on the previous calendar year. Previous years were based on rate of increase determined by the Montgomery County Council to get to $15.

“This is an important next step to ensure that the minimum wage keeps up with inflation,” said County Executive Elrich. “For too long, the minimum wage was stagnant and did not change based on inflation. I was proud to champion the increase in minimum wage when I was a County Councilmember and pleased to see it finally reached $15 per hour for large employers last year, and under the law, once the minimum wage hits $15, it is then increased based on inflation so that low wage workers are not left behind. A decent wage is the path to more opportunity and improved equity.”


Maryland

Together with Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith and representatives from Maryland State Police and the Annapolis YWCA, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services (GOCPYVS) hosted a roundtable discussion about combating domestic violence and human trafficking, in addition to sharing victim support strategies.

“Comprehensive crime prevention and victim support are critical to reducing incidents of heinous crimes like domestic violence and human trafficking,” said Governor Hogan. “We are honored to share our progress and best practices with this delegation, in the hope that through these conversations, we can help those impacted by these crimes not only here in Maryland, but anywhere in the world.”


MoCo Government

Eligible voters in Maryland have been mailed applications for mail-in ballots. Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by July 12. Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters via first-class U.S. Mail beginning June 13.

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 19, and the oath on the postage-paid return envelope that arrives with the ballot must be signed. Those who choose to cast their votes using ballot drop boxes must submit their completed ballots by the final collection time—8 p.m. on Tuesday, July—for their ballot to count.


MoCo Government

Funding for the grants is provided in partnership with the Montgomery County Government, with the support of County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council.

“We are excited to work with the grant recipients this upcoming year, in addition to all of the community members who participate in our trainings,” MCAEL Executive Director Kathy Stevens. “Through the work of the entire coalition, more and more adults in Montgomery County are gaining the English skills they need to speak English, read news or writing skills to fill out a job application.”


I-495

As the result of a recent residential burglary trend, the Montgomery County Police – 2nd District Investigative Section was conducting follow-up investigations when they obtained footage from a June 21, 2022, burglary that occurred in the 5300 block of Brookeway Drive. The surveillance footage indicated four unknown suspects entered the residence and stole a GMC Yukon SUV, which was subsequently recovered in the area the next day.

On Thursday, June 30, 2022, at approximately 1:20 a.m., officers from the Montgomery County 2nd District Special Assignment Team responded to the 6000 block of Johnson Avenue for the report of an attempted burglary in progress. Officers from the 2nd District – Special Assignment Team observed a BMW SUV, matching a previous burglary suspect vehicle form June 21, 2022, leaving the area and initiated surveillance.


Traffic

In addition to a full-color traffic signal, the nearly $200,000 project includes a marked crossing on the south side across US 29, with countdown pedestrian signals and accessible pedestrian signals activated by push buttons. The system will significantly improve pedestrian safety at this busy location. The signal will include a protected left-turn phase for northbound US 29 left turns onto Oak Leaf Drive to improve overall traffic operations.

US 29 at Oak Leaf Drive is a six-lane major arterial route with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. Approximately 60,300 vehicles use this section of US 29 each day. The closest protected pedestrian crossing at this location is 800 feet to the south of Oak Leaf Drive at Prelude Drive. However, pedestrians cross US 29 near Oak Leaf Drive to access nearby bus stops.


MoCo Government

Now through the end of October,  in-person tax appointments are available from 11 a.m. –  5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday. at the Community Action Agency office, which is located at 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, in Rockville. Virtual appointments are available from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.  Assistance with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications is available on Thursdays.

As part of VITA’s free tax help, the program links residents with valuable tax credits that can provide critical support to households. This year’s historic expansion of the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and the County’s Working Families Income Supplement (WFIS) added thousands of dollars in tax refunds for individuals and families. This included ITIN taxpayers who were eligible for the state EITC and County WFIS for the first time ever.


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