Bethesda

HOTWORX, a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the benefits of infrared heat absorption, is opening its first MoCo (and Maryland) location at 4830 Rugby Ave in Bethesda (the ground level of an apartment building). The studio is currently offering founding member rates via its website.

HOTWORX allows members to complete a 30-minute Isometric workout or 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session in an infrared sauna studio. As the infrared heat penetrates your body causing you to sweat, the isometric postures further accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction. “Our patented sauna combines heat, infrared, and exercise– what we like to call “3D Training”– and makes HOTWORX a workout unlike any other fitness program available!”


Education

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments at its meeting on Tuesday, June 6th:

Ella Bradley, currently Coordinator, Human Capital Recruitment, Retention, and Talent Acquisition, Howard County Public School System, Md., as Director, Human Capital Management, Office of Human Resources and Development, Office of the Chief Operating Officer


Education

The Montgomery County Board of Education has unanimously adopted a $3.165 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, an increase of $245 million or 8.4 percent over the prior year. The adopted budget will allow Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to make investments to support enrollment growth and student academic needs, while providing staff wage increases to competitively hire and retain highly qualified teachers, administrators and support service workers.

The FY 2024 Operating Budget was developed to specifically target investments aligned to the three focus areas of the MCPS strategic plan: Academic Excellence, Well-Being and Family Engagement and Professional and Operational Excellence. The budget also includes focused investments by the Board of Education to improve math and literacy rates, build a safe and inclusive school culture and support two-way communication.


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…)


DMV

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the Metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Wednesday, June 7. Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke coming from fires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. Frederick, Baltimore and areas north/west will fall under a Code Red. On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following health precautions:

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or by downloading a free air quality app from Clean Air Partners. On unhealthy air days, residents are encouraged to take the following actions to help reduce pollution:


Health

“In the State of Maryland, nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” said Gov. Moore. “This order is focused on ensuring Maryland is a safe place for gender affirming care, especially as other states take misguided and hateful steps to make gender affirming care cause for legal retribution. In Maryland, we are going to lead on this issue.”

“In signing this executive order, this administration is saying to all LGBTQIA+ Marylanders: You deserve to be your authentic selves — during Pride month and every month,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “You deserve to live safely, openly, and freely; and receive the gender affirming care you need.”


Beyond MoCo

The Scotland Freedom Day Concert featuring artists Wyclef Jean, Gyptian, Jamaican reggae legend Tarrus Riley, and Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band scheduled for Monday, June 19th at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg has once again been relocated, to the Anthem in DC, after initially being relocated to the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, MD. Additional information here.

“Celebrating the past and present of the first places African-Americans owned land in Montgomery County, the Scotland community of Potomac, Md., is announcing a significant expansion of our annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival for 2023.


Business

Popular Potomac dessert spot, Sprinkles, which was listed for sale on BizBuySell last year for $850K is currently listed on the site at a newer price of $599,999. The 34-year-old family owned ice cream store and bakery is located in the Potomac Village shopping center and is described as being approximately 600-700SF. All assets will transfer with sale– including “existing inventory, ice cream and frozen yogurt machines, bakery oven and equipment etc.” The store is also touting a brand new HVAC system and floor in the kitchen, an in-store bathroom for employee use, a seating area for customers, and describes itself as “the only ice cream store in the Village and within at least a 3-5 mile drive.”

Additional information, per the listing: “Sprinkles Won Best Dessert place in Potomac Maryland in 2022 from Potomac Lifestyle Magazine. We are a woman owned, family-run, small business that has been serving the community for 33 years. Sprinkles is a staple in this community and is a favorite of families for over three generations. Hand made ice cream and frozen yogurt shop that has expanded to sell baked goods, gourmet candies & treats and novelty gift items. We have major corporate and non-profit clients including, but not limited to: Akin Gump, PNC Bank, Make-A-Wish Foundation, RSM, DC United, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Serco, etc. Corporate gift box business for Fortune 100 companies – Verizon, Marymount University, etc, nationwide. WE ARE NOT a franchise- it is a stand alone store.


Silver Spring

Tastee Diner at 8601 Cameron St. in Silver Spring permanently closed on March 22 after the diner was sold on March 21 to D.C. based Roadside Development for $3.1 million according to Maryland Land Records.  Roadside Development, which purchased the adjacent Capital One bank lot back in August, plans on creating a “multifamily mixed-use” redevelopment at the two sites and recently revealed a sketch plan and preliminary pre-submission plans.

The plans include a new high-rise residential development with up to 525 apartments at 8676 Georgia Avenue and 8601 Cameron Street, according to DC Urban Turf. For now, the original Tastee Diner car is planned to be worked into the upcoming development. A green roof and green space will also be included in the development plans, which also include Tastee Diner’s historic diner car, according to Roadside, according to Source of the Spring (additional photos below).


MDLottery

Per the Maryland Lottery: A 61-year-old Bonus Match 5 fan did a double take when checking his tickets for a win after the May 31 drawing. The Silver Spring man matched all five numbers on the first line of his quick-pick ticket to score a $50,000 win.

The path to the Montgomery County man’s good fortune began earlier that day when he stopped at the Food Stop Mini Mart located at 4820 Boiling Brook Parkway in Rockville. The lucky guy chatted it up with the store clerks, who know him well, bought a cold drink and purchased a nine-line, one-draw quick-pick Bonus Match 5 ticket for that evening’s drawing. After his friendly visit, the golf shop manager headed home.


Gaithersburg

Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen at 229 Boardwalk Pl. in Gaithersburg will open this Friday, June 9. Miss Toya’s is located in the 2,741SF space that was previously occupied by BGR and will serve southern-influenced dishes such as red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, and a southern fried chicken sandwich.

The restaurant is part of Jeffeary Miskiri’s Miskiri Hospitality Group, which describes itself as a unique collective of Black, family and woman-owned products and restaurants in the DC area. Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen in Rio will be a fast-casual restaurant, while the Miss Toya’s Creole Kitchen at 923 Ellsworth Dr in Downtown Silver Spring is full-service (wait staff, etc.)


Events

Per the City of Gaithersburg: The City’s popular Summer Outdoor Concert Series returns to the Concert Pavilion. Free, family-friendly concerts take place in June, July, and August. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating. Children’s Summer Concert Series: Parents & children alike will enjoy a variety of children’s performers on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Evenings in Olde Towne: Wind down the workday with great music in a casual, outdoor setting on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. New this year, the City is partnering with Saints Row Brewing to include on-site beer sales & food trucks.