Gaithersburg

In April we let you know that Copper Canyon Grill is requesting approval for a 1,012 square foot covered dining pier to be located on the RIO Lake. The restaurant submitted its final site plan back in July and the planning commission approved it unanimously at its meeting earlier this week. Renderings of what the pier will look like can be seen below.

Access to the outdoor dining area/pier will be via two gangways attached to the existing boardwalk. The new structure projects 10’-2” from the boardwalk and will be 12 feet tall from the finished floor. Gaithersburg Planning Staff supports the proposal for a dining pier in the Rio Washingtonian Lake, finding it in compliance with the approved sketch plan and Schematic Development Plan SDP- 9462-2023. “The dining pier will provide additional outdoor seating for Copper Canyon and will enhance the use of lake. There remains adequate parking for the proposed commercial addition and all applicable development standards have been met.”


Damascus

The two teams regularly expect to contend for a state championship in their classifications and this year is no different, with Damascus looking to repeat after capturing a record-tying 12th state title last year. Northwest, though a few years removed from their last title game appearance, added some big-time championship experience to their coaching staff. Their head coach will be familiar to many Damascus fans, as Bucky Clipper was the Hornets’ defensive coordinator during their dynasty run from 2014-18, and in 2019 served as DC for Northwest who made the 4A final that year. Anyone who saw Damascus play during that glory period knows the Hornets defense was straight up nasty during that time, and Clipper will look to maintain that same identity as he guides Northwest as the top dog. He’s not the only championship coach they brought in either, as Justin Sickeri returns as OC of the Jaguars after head coaching stints at Poolesville and Seneca Valley. Sickeri was the mastermind behind the offensive unit that captured back-to-back titles in 2013 & 2014, and will look to field a just-as-great unit a decade later.

Both teams achieved big blowout victories to start the year. Northwest went to Montgomery Village and thumped Watkins Mill, 47-0, which they reached in just the first half of play. Damascus welcomed Einstein to the “Hornet’s Nest” and boatraced the Titans 44-12. Solid performances across the board for these teams, but Watkins Mill and Einstein will not come close to the challenge level that Northwest and Damascus will find in each other.


Bethesda

Per MCDOT: On Wednesday, Sept. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold an in-person public meeting at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, Wisconsin Room, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda to discuss and gather community feedback on possible long-term improvements to the Norfolk Ave. Streetery area.

This meeting will allow MCDOT to share the recommended alternative for the long-term future of Norfolk Avenue. The current design is still very preliminary and is at the concept stage. The ultimate goal of the effort is to find ways to support a permanent streetery along Norfolk Avenue and improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety in the corridor.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Maryland

The Circuit Court for Montgomery County is a court of general jurisdiction with the authority to hear civil and criminal cases. It is the only court in the county authorized to conduct jury trials and is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, comprising Montgomery and Frederick counties. This is Governor Moore’s first judicial appointment. Governor Moore is committed to building a strong, impartial judiciary that reflects the people of Maryland.

Jennifer Sue Hollander Fairfax is the founder of Jennifer Fairfax, LLC. She practices family law with a focus on domestic and international adoptions and assisted reproduction issues. Ms. Fairfax authored the preeminent book on adoption law, and has worked with lawmakers on advancing legislation related to both adoption and assisted reproduction. She has also advocated for Maryland laws that expedite the second parent adoption process for married and unmarried partners and provide for gender-neutral terms when referring to parents. Ms. Fairfax has taught law school courses on the adoption process and law including LGBTQ law, adoption process issues, contract issues and family law and has published extensively in this field.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


Olney

Coming soon signage is up for Ramen Ya at 16822 Georgia Ave. in Olney. The Japanese noodle and dumpling house is taking over the space recently occupied by Loyal Companion, in the same shopping center as Roots Market and Sisters Sandwiches & Such. Ramen Ya imports its flour for noodles directly from Japan and uses a “top-of-the-line noodle machine” to make fresh noodles daily. Ramen Ya has an additional location at 7938 Crain Hwy S in Glen Burnie, MD. The restaurant

According to its website, “Our company has been in the food business for over a decade. From distributing premium seafood ingredients to restaurants, to opening sushi stations in high-end supermarkets, we now seek our own spaces to serve guests the best authentic Japanese ramen we can offer.” We will post an update when additional information becomes available.


Wheaton

Apex Vets will be opening soon at  11060 Veirs Mill Rd, across from Dick’s Sporting Goods at Westfield Wheaton. According to its website, “Apex Vets is an independently-owned specialty hospital established by veterinarians with ties to Montgomery County and DC. We believe in working as a team to provide the highest quality care, service, and environment. Apex emphasizes specialized and continued education in our fields of expertise, which include board-certified surgery, neurology, critical care, anesthesia, cardiology, and internal medicine.”

Apex is currently scheduled to open this fall.


Crime

On Thursday, September 7, at approximately 7:50 pm, Takoma Park Police officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had just run a red light at New Hampshire Avenue and Holton Lane.

According to police, “The suspect driver fled from officers speeding down Kingwood Drive and lost control of the vehicle after striking the traffic circle at the intersection of Kingwood Drive and Wildwood Drive.  The suspect driver struck several vehicles before coming to a stop.  The suspect driver bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot.”


Olney

Hallmark recently opened at 18217 Village Center Dr (formerly My Little Gym) in the Olney Village Center. Hallmark previously had a location a few doors down at 18305 Village Center Dr. that closed in 2017.

Hallmark was founded in 1910 by teenage entrepreneur J.C. Hall, and remaining a private company with family members on the board of directors today, Hallmark’s businesses employ more than 20,000 people worldwide. “While there are many ways to experience Hallmark, the experiences that matter most to the company are the ones our customers are able to share with their friends and loved ones. We strive each day to help those experiences – and those connections – come to life. In each of our businesses we aim to be good community partners, we believe embracing diversity and inclusion is the best way to understand and serve our employees and consumers, and we strive to be environmentally responsible. This all helps to fulfill our purpose of inspiring meaningful relationships and enhancing lives.”


Gaithersburg

After 9 years in the Travilah Square Shopping Center, Title Boxing has made the decision to move around the corner to the Traville Village shopping center. Title Boxing will be taking over the space that was home to Anytime Fitness (9725 Traville Gateway) until December 2022, next to the Traville Barber Shop.

The goal is to make it happen by the end of the year, but with only a few days of closure from the time the current location in Travilah Square closes to the time the upcoming location opens. Title Boxing owner John Sahakian tells us he is excited for the parking situation in the new space, as there will be ample parking for all guests. We’ll provide an update as things progress with the move.


Gaithersburg

The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Eduardo Mendez Rodriguez, a missing 15-year-old. Rodriguez was last seen on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., near Grazing Way in Gaithersburg. He is 5’2″, 100 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes, and has a tattoo of  “504” on his left hand. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, gray shorts, and white sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Eduardo Mendez Rodriguez is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).