Chopin Noodle House is currently holding its soft opening at 12123 Darnestown Rd in the Shops of Potomac Valley shopping center, in the location that was home to Pho City for 15 years until the restaurant closed at the end of July.

Chopin Noodle House offers a variety of hand pulled noodle soups, including Lanzhou beef noodle soup, traditional beef noodle soup, crispy fish noodle soup, cold noodles, and many others. The menu will also offer appetizers such as cucumber salad, chili oil cabbage, mutton chops and more. A variety of milk teas and iced tea/lemonades are also available. The restaurant opened its first location in Catonsville earlier this year.

This will be a welcomed addition to the shopping center has recently lost Neal’s Bagels, which recently moved to a nearby Kentlands location. We are also told that plans have fallen through with Wayback Burgers after the restaurant installed permanent signage over a year ago. Isaac’s Poultry Market opened in the shopping center earlier this year.

Per WMATA: Trying to figure out the various Metrobus routes can be a puzzle with a mix of letters, numbers, and street names, express or limited-stop service. This outdated naming convention dates to Metro’s takeover of the region’s private bus companies and street cars and is about to get a refresh. For the first time in its 50-year history, Metro is looking to revamp the bus system and simplify routes with its Better Bus, Better Names campaign.

Metro has opened a survey to ask the public how Metro can name bus routes to make it easier for customers to understand and use the Metrobus system. People are encouraged to take the Better Bus, Better Names online survey until Sept. 28, to weigh in and help Metro standardize and modernize the entire bus experience throughout the region.

“Our region needs more consistency across all facets of bus stop design including signage and real-time information, accessibility, lighting and other safety elements, plus modernized shelters, seating, and other amenities,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Engaging and collaborating as a region will help make a better transportation system for us all.”

Over the past year, Metro launched its Better Bus Initiative to better meet the region’s needs and improve the customer experience, from a redesigned network including priority bus lanes and technology, standardized stops, and shelters, making connections across all transit providers easier, and developing a simpler route naming system as part of a customer-focused bus network.

As part of its Network Redesign Initiative, Metro will use the results of the survey to select a route naming convention to apply to the draft Year One network – a bus network that can be implemented with the same staffing and resources as today – in the next round of engagement in winter 2024.

To take the survey, visit wmata.com/betterbus.

There are currently three FDA-approved semaglutide products. All three medications, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, are only available with a prescription, and there are no approved generic versions. Since their approval, many weight loss products have used the medications’ name, “Nature’s Ozempic”, etc. to fuel sales of their products.

Per the FDA: The FDA and Maryland Department of Health analyses have determined that certain weight loss products labeled as Nuez de la India, and potentially marketed as “botanical food,” “India Nuts for Weight Loss,” “slimming seeds,” “India seeds for weight loss,” or “diet seeds,” appear to be highly toxic yellow oleander, a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more.

• One person in the state of Maryland is known to have been hospitalized after consuming Nut Diet Max brand Nuez de la India seeds.
• These products are typically sold online through third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, eBay)

Tested Products

• Botanical weight loss products, both in seed and capsule form, sampled and determined by the FDA to be substituted with yellow oleander.

Below are pictures of the sampled seeds labeled as Nuez de la India with comparisons to authentic Nuez de la India or candlenut seeds and authentic yellow oleander seeds.

Nut Diet Max Brand: Image shows authentic seeds on the left compared to sampled seeds on the right.

Todorganic Brand: Image shows authentic seeds on the left compared with sampled seeds on the right.

Recommendations for consumers

• The FDA is advising consumers to stop using Nut Diet Max brand (seeds or capsules) or Todorganic Natural brand (seeds) products marketed as Nuez de la India, India nuts, or India seeds because they may contain yellow oleander. For other Nuez de la India, India nuts, or India seeds products, FDA urges customers to exercise caution because of the similar physical appearance between candlenut seeds (which are non-toxic) and highly toxic yellow oleander seeds.
• The FDA advises consumers who have taken any of these products of concern to contact their health care provider immediately.  Even if these products have not been used recently, consumers should still inform their health care provider about which product they took, so that an appropriate evaluation may be conducted.
• Call 9-1-1 or get emergency medical help right away if you or someone in your care has serious side effects from these products.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone in your care recently ingested these products or other botanical weight loss products and have health concerns.
• Consumers can also contact the state poison control center.

Summary and Scope of the Problem

Recently, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) began sampling and testing weight loss products labeled as Nuez de la India after one person in the state reported the consumption of a Nuez de la India product and was hospitalized. Nuez de la India is marketed as India nuts or seeds, which are generally understood to be nuts from the flowering tree Aleurites moluccanus, or commonly known as candlenut, candleberry, Indian walnut, kemiri, and varnish tree. Additional analyses by MDH and FDA revealed that the Nut Diet Max and Todorganic seed products contained cardiac glycosides and other characteristics consistent with yellow oleander, and not nuts from the Aleurites moluccanus plant. Based on these analyses, the Agency determined that the product appeared to be yellow oleander, and not Nuez de la India.

Additional analysis found Nut Diet Max brand Nuez de la India capsules contained cardiac glycosides consistent with yellow oleander. The FDA has expanded its safety alert to include this product.

The Agency is also concerned that other products with similar marketing descriptions may also contain yellow oleander. Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects and be potentially fatal.

Actions

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is actively working with the third-party platforms where these products are sold.

On September 6, 2023 OBC Group Corp, located in Miami, FL , issued a press release indicating that they initiated a voluntary recall of its Nut Diet Max brand Nuez de la India capsule and seed products, labeled as being distributed by Natural Vida of Miami, FL, after FDA analyses determined that the products appeared to be yellow oleander. The product NUEZ DE LA INDIA Seeds was distributed online through Amazon and eBay.  The Seeds comes in a 2-ounce clear bag.  The product NUEZ DE LA INDIA Capsules was distributed online through Walmart and eBay. The Capsule product comes in an amber bottle with 30 capsules. Both the seed and capsule products are labeled as being distributed by Natural Vida of Miami, FL. Consumers who purchased Nuez de la India seeds and capsules products with the brand NUT DIET MAX are urged not to consume the products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Additional recall information is available in the firm’s press release (also available in Spanish).

Additionally, on August 30, 2023, the manufacturer TODORGANIC INC., located in Middleburg FL, issued a press release indicating that they initiated a voluntary recall of its Nuez de la India Seeds after FDA analysis determined that the seeds appeared to be yellow oleander. The product was distributed online through the Amazon, eBay, and Walmart platforms. Consumers who purchased Nuez de la India seeds from TODORGANIC INC are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Additional recall information is available in the firm’s press release (also available in Spanish).

The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and FDA will continue to provide information on any further actions as it becomes available. Products may be added to this advisory. FDA is working with federal and state partners to further address the concerns related to these products and monitoring the market for adverse events, product complaints, and other emerging issues.

Metro Transit Police in coordination with U.S. Capitol Police will conduct a full-scale law enforcement exercise on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Capitol South Station. The exercise will simulate a real-life security threat to test operational coordination, communications, and response between law enforcement agencies. 

During this time, the Capitol South Station will be closed from opening until approximately 2 p.m. Free shuttle buses will replace trains between Eastern Market and Federal Center SW. The exercise will simulate a real-world response to an active assailant in the Metrorail system. People in the area will see and hear a large emergency response and police activity in and around the station, including simulated ammunition (blanks). Please be assured this is only a drill.

More than 100 emergency responders and staff are expected to participate in the exercise activity or facilitation, including Metro Transit Police, U.S. Capitol Police, DC Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, and Metro staff from rail, bus, emergency operations, maintenance, and other personnel. The live exercise will begin around 8 a.m. and is expected to end no later than 2 p.m.

Customer Information  

• Capitol South Station closed from opening until approximately 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Free shuttle buses replace trains between Eastern Market and Federal Center SW.
• Shuttle bus locations:

• • Federal Center SW – Third St SW and D St SW at the station entrance.
  • Capitol South – Independence Ave SE & First St SE.
  • Eastern Market – Pennsylvania Ave SE between Seventh St SE and Eighth St SE. Customers traveling westbound should board on Pennsylvania Ave SE opposite the station entrance. Customers traveling eastbound should board on Pennsylvania Ave SE at the station entrance.

• Customers should tap their SmarTrip card when exiting and re-entering the Metrorail system from shuttle buses. Riders traveling through the exercise area will be charged for a single, continuous trip.
• Metrorail service will operate as follows:

• • Blue Line Franconia-Springfield to Federal Center SW and Eastern Market to Downtown Largo every 12 minutes.

• • Orange Line Vienna to Ballston and Eastern Market to New Carrollton every 12 minutes. Customers should transfer to/from the Silver Line at Ballston to continue their trip.
  • Silver Line Ashburn to Federal Center SW and Eastern Market to Downtown Largo every 12 minutes.
• Metro will notify customers when the station reopens via MetroAlerts text and email messages, on social media @wmata @metrorailinfo and at wmata.com/alerts.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with entrapment on Sandy Spring Rd and Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville on Sunday, September 17, around 1am.  According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, one adult was transported to the hospital with trauma. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

Update – Sandy Spring Rd, collision w/ entrapment, @MCFRS_EMIHS transported 1 adult trauma, some lanes blocked pic.twitter.com/pkMkt3Q56N

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 17, 2023

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Explosive Investigators are seeking information on multiple fires that occurred early Sunday morning in Gaithersburg. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, at 2:30am approximately 75 firefighters responded to the Holbrook Center (across from Gaitherburg High School) at 400blk S. Frederick Ave. near Education Blvd, for the report of a fire. Investigators indicated there were at least three separate fires, all suspicious in nature.

Around 3:15am, MCFRS units then responded to LaFrontera Restaurant at 3 Russell Ave in Gaithersburg. Several vehicles were on fire, which then spread to the building.  There were also several other “outside” fires reported in the area. A person of interest has been taken into custody. Anyone with information is asked to call the arson topline at 240-777-2263. Additional images and video below courtesy of @mcfrsPIO on Twitter:

Update – Holbrook Center, 400blk S Frederick Av; @mcfrs Fire Explosive Investigators indicate the several fires (at 3 separate fires) are suspicious in nature, damage is significant (included 2 different stores & A person of interest has been identified (& in custody) pic.twitter.com/5IgdDHUJPM

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 17, 2023

Russell Av, dispatched for a vehicle fire, upon arrival @mcfrs FFs encountered several separate fires, including heavy fire from 2nd floor of a commercial bldg & a ‘well-involved’ vehicle fire in parking lot, the fire(s) were quickly ‘knocked down’, there were no injuries pic.twitter.com/CPhBBnmiqo

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 17, 2023

National Cheeseburger Day falls on Monday, September 18, and restaurants across the country are offering big discounts for the “holiday.” Below you’ll find a list of participating restaurants, as well as information on some of Montgomery County’s most famous burgers. Note: This listing will be updated when we hear of additional restaurant promotions.

• BurgerFi: Guests who purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage at BurgerFi can add on a BurgerFi Cheeseburger for $3. BurgerFi’s signature cheeseburger offers “a delectable combination of two juicy, all-natural Angus Beef patties, topped with two slices of melty American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and savory Fi Sauce.” Available for dine-in only. BurgerFi has Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, North Bethesda, and Silver Spring.
• Burger King: Members of Burger King’s Royal Perks program can get a free cheeseburger with any purchase of $1.
• Caddies: Caddies on Cordell in Bethesda is offering half priced burgers all day on Monday. Caddies burgers feature two 4oz patties on a brioche bun.
• Dog Haus Biergarten: You can score a $5.99 burger at Dog Haus by texting “cheeseburger” to 833-440-1110. Dog Haus has MoCo locations in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring. See Also: Dog Haus Makes List of Best Burgers in the U.S.
• Hornet’s Nest Grille: Hornet’s Nest Grille in Damascus is offering half pound burgers with your choice of cheese for $9.
• McDonald’s: Double Cheeseburgers will be $.50 cents when ordered through the McDonald’s app. No additional purchase is required.
• Soko Butcher: “Soko Smashed Burgers” will be on sale for just $5 at Soko Butcher in Takoma Park.
• Wendy’s:  From September 18-22, Wendy’s is offering its Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just $.01 with any purchase through the Wendy’s Rewards App.

Back in June, the Washington Post released its “10 Best Burgers in the D.C. Area” list and Montgomery County’s very own Steeze Burger was ranked the #1 burger in the area. Laytonsville resident Hunter Karametos, owner of Steeze Burger, started the pop-up burger business in 2022 after spending the better part of a year consuming over 150 different burgers for research.  According the article, “Topped with steamed onions, pickles and American cheese, it’s a burger that sends your needle into the red zone on first bite. Your brain cannot begin to process the experience, so it just goes along for the ride — delirious over this buttery and rewarding burger, the best around these parts.” Burgers from Soko Butcher (Takoma Park) and Quarry House Tavern (Silver Spring) were also listed in the article as “honorable mentions.” You can read the full top ten at www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/best-burgers-washington-dc. Follow @SteezeBurger on Instagram to find out where he’ll be popping up next.

Five years ago, we took you through a step by step look at the Sunshine General Store where the burger many consider the “best in the DMV” is made. “The inside looks like a truck stop diner scene from an 80s movie. After passing the register you’ll see a few tables and four stools at the counter of the dining area.” we wrote in the 2018 piece. At the time, the Sunshine General Store didn’t accept credit cards and the closest ATM was a few miles away in Olney or Laytonsville. That is no longer the case, as you can now pay with your card. Unfortunately, Sunshine General Store is closed on Monday’s…

In a joint statement from the Maryland State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Schools, Mohammed Choudhury, it was announced that he will not be seeking a second term. The full statement can be seen below:

”Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury informed the State Board that he is withdrawing his request for a second term to pursue other opportunities.

The State Board is grateful to Superintendent Choudhury for his leadership in Maryland through the first phase of educational transformation in the State. Over the past two years, he rebuilt the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for the Blueprint era, centered the focus of the State Board and MSDE on comprehensive educational equity, led the charge to build a Strategic Plan, prioritized improving reading proficiency rates which recently improved to their highest level in nearly a decade, and developed innovative programs such as Maryland Leads, Maryland Works, and the Maryland Tutoring Corps initiative.

Superintendent Choudhury has also strengthened MSDE staffing infrastructure, resulting in the lowest vacancy rate in a decade while recruiting top tier talent and elevating current employees. During the remainder of his tenure, the Superintendent will work with the State Board and other stakeholders to continue the critical work of leading education transformation in Maryland.

The State Board intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its upcoming September 26th State Board meeting. The State Board and the Superintendent will be making no further comment at this time.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a two-car collision on Saturday, September 16, in Montgomery Village. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the collision occurred on East Bound (EB) Montgomery Village Ave at Tall Oaks Road.  One person was evaluated for non-life threatening injuries. Expect residual delays.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “East Bound (EB) Montgomery Village Ave at Tall Oaks Road. 2 car collision, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluating one (1) person with NLTI. @mcfrs A708B, PE708 on scene, some lanes CLOSED”

Per Montgomery County: The County Council will hold public hearings to receive testimony on new items introduced to the Council as follows:

Sept. 19, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
Deadline to sign up to speak is Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.

• Spending Affordability Guidelines for the FY25 Capital Budget and the FY25-FY30 Capital Improvements Program. These guidelines are to be based on how much additional debt the County can afford given certain financial and economic factors specified in Chapter 20 of the County Code. The guidelines specify the maximum level of debt that should be approved. The guidelines for the aggregate capital budget may not be exceeded unless approved by eight Councilmembers. After considering the public hearing testimony and other relevant matters, the Council may adopt guidelines that differ from the proposed guidelines.

Sept. 26, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
Deadline to sign up to speak is Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

• The Council will receive testimony on the Spending Control Limits that the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils must set for the FY25 WSSCWater budget. The Councils set annual ceilings for WSSC Water’s Proposed FY25 Budget with regard to new debt, debt service, water and sewer operating expenses, and the maximum average rate increase.
• Supplemental Appropriation #24-6 to the FY24 Operating Budget Montgomery County Government Department of Environmental Protection Environment Protection Agency State and Tribal Assistance Grant Program, $500,000 (Source of Funds: Federal Funds).
• Supplemental Appropriation to the County Government’s FY24 Capital Budget and Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), $562,000, Good Hope Road Shared Use Path (Source of Funds: General Obligation Bonds).
• Amendment to the FY23-28 CIP and Supplemental Appropriation #24-5, DOT, Traffic Signals (No. 507154), $184,787.50 (Source of Funds: General Fund).

A full list of upcoming public hearings is available on the Council Calendar. Review the public hearing frequently asked questions for additional information.

To testify in-person or remotely during a live public hearing at the Council Office Building, residents need to preregister on the Council’s web page. Residents may also choose to provide pre-recorded testimony in written, audio or video formats or submit testimony by mail.

Send testimony by mail to County Council, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850; or residents may sign up to testify remotely by phone (call 240-777-7803 for information). To express an opinion call 240-777-7900.

The Council meeting schedule may change from time to time. View the current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review on the Council website.

Public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM) on Xfinity channels 6 and 996, RCN channels 6 and 1056; and FiOS channel 30. Also available live via streaming through the Council website, Facebook Live (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil or @ConcejodelCondadodeMontgomery), or YouTube (@MoCoCouncilMD).

How to Sign Up for Public Hearings

The Stay Council Connected video series is a step-by-step guide to navigating the Montgomery County Council that offers instructions for residents.

Watch the Video Guide