With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing and women holding more than 10% of Fortune 500 CEO positions for the first time, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Most & Least Diverse States in America, with Maryland coming in as the 9th most diverse state.
To determine where the most idea and identity exchanges have occurred at the highest level in the U.S – and where the population is relatively more homogeneous – WalletHub compared the 50 states across six key categories: socio-economic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity. Diversity in Maryland (1=Most Diverse, 25=Avg.):
- Overall rank for Maryland: 9th
- 4th – Educational-Attainment Diversity
- 5th – Racial & Ethnic Diversity
- 15th – Linguistic Diversity
- 9th – Birthplace Diversity
- 5th – Worker-Class Diversity*
- 27th – Marital-Status Diversity
- 26th – Generational Diversity
- 11th – Household-Size Diversity
- 27th – Religious Diversity
*Includes civilian employed population aged 16 and older
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-least-diverse-states-in-america/38262
MoCo High School Sports Scores for Sep 19, 2023 (powered by www.MoCoAI.com)
Field Hockey JV
| Richard Montgomery High School (Home) | 0 |
| Walter Johnson High School (Away) | 4 |
Field Hockey Varsity
| Churchill High School (Home) | 2 |
| Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Away) | 0 |
| Poolesville High School (Home) | 5 |
| Watkins Mill High School (Away) | 0 |
| Springbrook High School (Home) | 0 |
| Blair High School (Away) | 2 |
| Gaithersburg High School (Home) | 0 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 10 |
Soccer Boys JV
| Whitman High School (Home) | 1 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 0 |
| Sherwood High School (Home) | 4 |
| Seneca Valley High School (Away) | 0 |
| Blake High School (Home) | 3 |
| Einstein High School (Away) | 4 |
Soccer Boys Varsity
| Blake High School (Home) | 4 |
| Einstein High School (Away) | 1 |
| Wootton High School (Home) | 2 |
| Rockville High School (Away) | 1 |
| Whitman High School (Home) | 0 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 1 |
Soccer Girls JV
| Einstein High School (Home) | 5 |
| Blake High School (Away) | 0 |
Soccer Girls Varsity
| Kennedy High School (Home) | 0 |
| Wootton High School (Away) | 4 |
| Seneca Valley High School (Home) | 0 |
| Sherwood High School (Away) | 3 |
| Einstein High School (Home) | 2 |
| Blake High School (Away) | 2 |
Volleyball Girls JV
| Magruder High School (Home) | 2 |
| Springbrook High School (Away) | 0 |
| Gaithersburg High School (Home) | 0 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 2 |
Volleyball Girls Varsity
| Sherwood High School (Home) | 3 |
| Paint Branch High School (Away) | 0 |
| Rockville High School (Home) | 0 |
| Wootton High School (Away) | 3 |
| Magruder High School (Home) | 3 |
| Springbrook High School (Away) | 0 |
| Gaithersburg High School (Home) | 0 |
| Quince Orchard High School (Away) | 3 |
Let us know in the comments for any missing scores.
The 2023 Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival will take place this Saturday, September 23rd from 10am until 4pm at Rockville Town Square. The event is being held by Taiwan Sister Cities, an organization “dedicated to promoting, educating, and fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation among the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan.”
Participating vendors include Tiger Sugar, Cuppa Tea, ShareTea, Kyo Macha, Blowfish Poke & Grill, and more.
”Bring your family and friends to the 2023 Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival at Rockville Town Square. Enjoy exciting music, dancing, and performances for a taste of Taiwanese culture. We’ll have fun activities and entertainment for all age groups, including games and DIY arts and crafts booths. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival on September 23, 2023.”
Montgomery College (MC) was honored this week as a 2023-2026 FamilyU Seal recipient and the “Exemplar” institution by Generation Hope. In its first year, the FamilyU Seal recognizes higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations that have made significant strides in supporting student parents. One of 13 higher education institutions chosen from a competitive field of candidates, MC was also selected as the group’s exemplary institution, which means the College will receive $25,000 to continue advancing its student parent work.
With an estimated 15% of MC students parenting while they study, the College is committed to helping support their journey to successful completion and post-completion success. This national certification celebrates their outstanding efforts in serving parenting students and achieving outcomes for student parents across the country.
“It’s an incredible honor for the College to be recognized as an exemplary institution by Generation Hope,” said Ja’Bette Lozupone, director of Student Affairs at Montgomery College. “The FamilyU seal not only represents MC’s achievements to date by dedicated staff, faculty and engaged student parents, but it also signifies our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion for all students at MC.”
Lozupone co-chaired the ASCEND Parent Initiative Taskforce and has been leading Montgomery College efforts to better serve student parents.
“We are truly proud to be acknowledged with this distinction as a destination family-friendly institution for parenting students,” Lozupone said. “With the monetary award, we will continue to invest in critical resources and 2Gen approaches that support the success of parenting students’ and their families while at the College, and beyond.”
Generation Hope has created the FamilyU Seal, a national certification for higher education institutions making significant strides in intentionally serving parenting students. In addition to certifying colleges and universities, the FamilyU Seal recognizes nonprofit organizations that are directly serving parenting students and in doing so are achieving outstanding outcomes.
Courtesy of Montgomery College
Red Ribbon Bakeshop, a Filipino bakery chain, is opening its new Wheaton location this Saturday, September 23 at 9am. The bakery is located at 2501 University Blvd W, right next to the Anchor Inn sign that still stands.
According to Red Ribbon, “COME EARLY and win One Year of Sweetness. The first 20 customers get Mango Supreme Cakes every month for an entire year. The first 100 customers on day 1 (Sep 23) and the first 50 on day 2 (Sep 24) who spend over $50, receive bundles of assorted mamon pastries FREE.”
Currently, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has over 200 locations across the Philippines and 39 in the United States. In 2005 it was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, which opened its first D.C. area Jollibee location at Wheaton Mall in 2021.
More about Red Ribbon: In 1979, Amalia Hizon Mercado, husband Renato Mercado together with their five children, Consuelo Tiutan, Teresita Moran, Renato Mercado, Ricky Mercado and Romy Mercado established Red Ribbon as a small cake shop along Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The cakes developed by daughter Teresita Moran are what gave Red Ribbon its prominence in the dessert market of the Philippines. In 1984, it opened its first overseas outlet in West Covina, California. The company began franchising in 1999. Today, there are more than 200 branches all over the Philippines and 39 in the United States as it continues to expand.
Restore Hyper Wellness has opened at 14933 Shady Grove Rd. Suite J in Rockville’s Fallsgrove Shopping Center between Jersey Mike’s and Hair Cuttery. The wellness center will be hosting a Grand Opening from Thursday, September 21 until Sunday, September 24 with many special offers (available below).
Restore Hyper Wellness Rockville provides “a proactive approach to enhanced energy and wellbeing through a unique blend of wellness solutions and modern medical therapies, including Whole Body Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna, IV Drip Therapy, Intramuscular (IM) Shots, mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, NAD+ IV Infusions. Diagnostic Tests, Hydrafacials and Cryoskin treatments. With a nationwide footprint of 210+ studios, Restore is the leader in combining cutting-edge wellness technology with expert guidance to fight the wear and tear of modern life and leave you energized to do more of what you love.”
The four day Grand Opening will allow customers to kick in a “lifetime discounted membership rate” as well discounts on the following service:
✔️ 30% Off All Packs
✔️ $125 Single Cryoskin Facials
✔️ $100 Off Premium Hydrafacials
✔️ 10% Off NAD+ IV Therapy
✔️ 50% Off Retail Rate Single Service
and more. The event will also have additional deals, raffles, and vendors including:
Orange Theory Fitness
Pure Barre
Cosmetic Surgery Associates
Bacall & Bogie
Eat the Change
St. Veg
Dunkin Donuts
Spirit Vigilante
im=x Pilates
and more! Additional information can be found on the Restore Hyper Wellness Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/113471478307687/posts/265161479805352/?mibextid=cr9u03
UPDATE: All travel lanes have reopened on northbound I-270 at Exit 13 for Middlebrook Rd. Expect residual delays.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving a car and a tractor trailer on Tuesday, September 19 around 5pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the incident occurred on northbound I-270 between Montgomery Village Ave and Watkins Mill Rd, prior to Middlebrook Rd. Two patients were evaluated with non-life threatening injuries. Only one lane of traffic gets by as of 5:47pm.
We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.
NB270 prior to Middlebrooke Road 2 car collision, car vs. tractor trailer. @MCFRS_EMIHS Evaluating 2 patients with NLTI. Only one lane getting by at this time. pic.twitter.com/9f3G03P6YR
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 19, 2023
Back in May we let you know that the owner of popular dim sum restaurants China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row) announced that she is bringing a new restaurant to Rio– taking over the space that was previously home to Union Jack’s until June 2020. It has now been confirmed by Rio that the restaurant will be known as Han Spot.
Chris Zhu made the announcement via social media in May, “Another milestone. New baby from Han Palace coming to Rio Gaithersburg. Next to AMC theater & Guapo’s 🤗🤗🤗.” One of Zhu’s other restaurants, Han Palace, offers an all-day dim sum menu. Scallops, shrimp, pork/crab dumplings, rice rolls, barbecue pork buns, lobster sticky rice, Han-style filet mignon, and Peking duck are included on the Han Palace menu.
An opening timeframe is not yet available, but other Rio restaurants will be participating in the inaugural ‘Taste of Rio’ event in October. A menu from Han Palace can be seen below (pinch and expand):
Featured photo courtesy of Han Palace
https://www.instagram.com/p/CscYhQQOnV6/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin providing sexual health services at the new Upcounty Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic beginning Monday, Oct. 9. The clinic, located at the Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, will offer free and low-cost testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV infection.
A community open house and ribbon cutting for the facility is planned for Thursday, Oct. 5 from 1-4 p.m.
“While Montgomery County ranks as the healthiest county in Maryland, we have seen an increase in infection rates for STIs, and access to early testing and treatment services is essential to sexual health and wellbeing,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This new clinic location will help residents living in the Upcounty region get services where they live. Many STIs are treatable or curable but early detection is important to successful outcomes.”
Services will be free or low cost, and no one will be turned away based on their ability to pay. Appointments are recommended by calling 240-777-1609, but walk-ins will be accepted based on service availability.
- HIV testing is free to anyone regardless of age or where they live in Maryland.
- STI testing and treatment is free to anyone age 26 and under. For those individuals over 26, a sliding scale fee model is used for payment, ensuring that no one is turned away regardless of their ability to pay. The clinic also accepts individuals with Medicaid coverage.
“The creation of the Upcounty Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic demonstrates our commitment to addressing issues of health inequity,” said Kisha Davis, County health officer. “This clinic will be the only low barrier safety net clinic in this area of the community addressing health disparities found within sexually transmitted infections and HIV incidence.”
The Germantown location will serve as a satellite clinic for the Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic located at Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring.
The schedule for services at the Germantown location:
- Free HIV testing only will be offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 20, 22, 27, 29 and Oct. 4. Call 240-777-1609 to make an appointment.
- Full STI testing and treatment services and HIV testing only will be available regularly from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Oct. 9. Call 240-777-1609 to make an appointment.
For more information about the County’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic and other sexual health and wellness resources, visit the “Do It For You Montgomery County” website or follow “Do It For You MC” on social media.
Below a is a list of businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon to Olney, MD:
Coming Soon: Z-Burger/Maman
Last week we reported that Maman Joon and Z-Burger would be taking over the space that was previously home to Taco Bar and Jerry’s Subs & Pizza at 181000 Georgia Avenue in Olney. Maman Joon offers Persian cuisine and recently opened a location in Tyson’s Corner. Z-Burger is a local, DMV-based chain that describes itself as “a Washington DC landmark! Home to the area’s most delicious handcrafted burgers with endless toppings, fresh cut fries and 75 varieties of hand spun milk shakes and concretes made with premium Wisconsin custard.” No opening date has been announced.
Coming Soon: Ramen Ya
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.
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.
Coming Soon: Mackie’s BBQ
Mackie’s Barbecue Company is coming to 5500 Olney Laytonsville Rd in Olney, taking over the space previously occupied by Umberto’s Italian Restaurant. Mackie’s currently has locations at 8547 Ziggy Lane in Gaithersburg and 325 West 7th Street in Frederick, MD. Menu items include BBQ nachos, crab dip, pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, ribs, mac & cheese, and Texas beans. While no opening date has been announced, we’re told a soft opening will be happening soon.
Now Open: Hallmark
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.”
Now Open: ‘Easy Little Plants’
Easy Little Plants, a new store selling “happy houseplants in homemade soil” opened over the summer at 3412 North High St, Suite B in Olney (located behind the Exxon in Georgia Avenue). Owner Savannah, 21, mixes each batch of soil herself, and takes pride in the effect it has on the pants sold at the store. The plants come pre-potted in repurposed glassware that allow you to look through the glass to see the roots and soil. “It’s much easier to look and see when your plant could use a drink.”
