Rockville

Ebisu Life Store opened at 836 Rockville Pike, the former location of Shah and Patel Grocery, last January. The store has recently expanded to take over what was formerly home to Mattress Frame, with additional signage being put up today (photo below). In addition to the new signage, Ebisu is adding Gashapon, also known as gachapon, toy vending machines.

Per Japan Crate: “Gashapon are vending machines that sell capsule toys and other tiny products for a few hundred yen almost everywhere in Japan. They can be seen lining the Tokyo streets, restaurants, and retail malls. Gashapon toys is a distinctive feature of Japan and a compulsive type of amusement. The most thrilling moment is when you can finally open the capsule and see what’s inside after you’ve put some coins in the machine and started it. Items obtained from capsules inside gashapon machines are extremely well-liked and affordable. It features toys and trinkets such as keychains, figurines, and pouches of various kinds. You’ll need to be extremely lucky if there is something specific you are looking for to receive it on your first try.”


Bethesda

Montgomery County Police are investigating a report of a vandalism that occurred at Walt Whitman High School at 7100 Whittier Blvd in Bethesda on Saturday morning.

Whitman High School principal Robert Dodd wrote the following in a message to the Whitman community: “I want to share information with you regarding an incident that took place today and how it is being addressed. It was reported, this morning, that there was antisemitic graffiti; the words “Jews Not Welcome” written on our school sign. This behavior is abhorrent, extremely hurtful, and will not be tolerated at Walt Whitman High School. We immediately notified the Montgomery County Police. who are actively investigating the incident. In addition, if found to have been committed by an MCPS student, this incident will be addressed as a disciplinary matter in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with county police and in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.”


MCFRS

12:45pm Update: Montgomery Coutny Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving a loaded cement truck and six other vehicles. Several people were evaluated and two patients were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Original report below:

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) have responded to a collision involving seven vehicles that has closed Colesville Rd at Franklin Ave in Silver Spring in both directions on Saturday afternoon. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the collision does involve entrapment (someone trapped inside at least one of the vehicles). MCFRS crews are currently on the scene. Per Ready Montgomery: “Traffic incident closes Colesville Road (US-29) in both directions between Franklin Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route.”


Gaithersburg

Permanent signage is up at Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken (16248 Frederick Rd) on the border of Gaithersburg/Rockville, in the recently renovated Rock Grove Center on the corner of 355 and Shady Grove Rd. The center is also home to Minerva Indian Cuisine, Qdoba, and the recently relocated Dunkin Donuts. The North Carolina-based biscuit chain is known for their buttermilk-brined chicken and currently has Maryland locations in Columbia and Towson.  Menu items include biscuit sandwiches, biscuits & gravy,  fried chicken strips, and donuts. Originally scheduled to open this fall, Rise is now targeting an early 2023 opening.

Press Release: Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, the nation’s fastest-growing biscuits and fried chicken restaurant is building on the success of its Columbia and Towson eateries with a third Maryland location set to open in Gaithersburg, Maryland in fall 2022.   The new store, located at 16248 Frederick Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 is the third location for father and son franchisees Francis & Christopher Kirley.


Germantown

Water service has been restored to residents that were affected by Friday’s broken water main on Clopper Road in Germantown. WSSC crews worked overnight to repair the broken water pipe and crews are currently working on road restoration. WSSC advises that discolored water is common after water main repairs and advises residents to check out their flushing guidelines: wsscwater.com/discoloredwater

Saturday Evening Update: Clopper Rd at Mateny Rd in Germantown is currently closed due to a broken water main. WSSC released the following statement around 10am, “We are working as quickly as possible to minimize the impact of the Clopper Rd water main break. We know this is frustrating. We have been evaluating options on this stretch of pipe since the last break. At this moment, the focus is to make repairs and restore service.”


Entertainment

Kelly Campbell, a MoCo native who graduated from Wootton High School in the mid 90’s, has just completed her first year as President of NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock. Campbell joined Peacock in October 2021 and officially took over the role of President in November 2021 after a year and a half as President of Hulu. Prior to that, she was Hulu’s Chief Marketing Officer and spent 12 years at Google in multiple senior marketing roles.

Per an interview with Deadline, Campbell has “helmed a high-stakes Olympics pivot from poorly received Tokyo coverage last summer to a more fully committed, wall-to-wall outing at the Beijing Winter Games. She leveraged Super Bowl LVII to help Bel-Airbecome Peacock’s first original series breakout. On a broader level, she has led a strategic turn from the platform’s original focus on its free, ad-supported offerings toward boosting premium subscriber levels.”


Bethesda

Capital Cryo has recently opened at 835 Rockville Pike, Suite F in Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza. This is Capital Cryo’s second MoCo location and third overall, offering cryotherapy and other innovative wellness services at their locations in Bethesda and the Wesley Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. Their goal is to “help patients of all backgrounds improve their health and well-being using the latest technologies.”

Per Capital Cryo: The Capital Cryo team caters to everyone from professional athletes to DC area residents who wish to rejuvenate their overall wellness. Their on-site cryotherapy effectively treats chronic pain from injuries or a variety of underlying medical conditions. This therapy also boosts immunity and enhances recovery after sustaining injuries or completing surgery. The welcoming, knowledgeable staff at Capital Cryo provides the best-in-class equipment for localized and whole-body cryotherapy treatments. 


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan today welcomed Governor-Elect Wes Moore, Mrs. Dawn Moore, and their children to Government House in Annapolis.

“The First Lady and I were delighted to welcome the Moore family to historic Government House this afternoon and show them around what will soon be their new home,” said Governor Hogan. “The First Lady and I have been so grateful to serve as temporary residents of Government House, and we will cherish the memories our family has made here over the last eight years.”


Germantown

Clopper Rd at Mateny Rd in Germantown is currently closed due to a broken water main. WSSC tweeted the following update around 3pm: “cautiously digging b/c high pressure gas main very close to our pipe. Once pipe is dug up we can assess damage & provide estimate on water restoration. Water station information to follow shortly. Appreciate your patience.”

There is a water station currently set up at the United Church of Christ at 13421 Clopper Rd. that will be open until 8pm. Students from nearby Northwest High School and Clopper Mill Elementary School were released early due to the break.