Relax Station is now open at Westfield Montgomery, located on the lower level near the Cheesecake Factory. This is Relax Station’s second location, as they also have a location in Westfield Wheaton mall. They offer messages from 15 minutes to 120 minutes ranging from $25 to $125. The owner, Sophia Pang resides in Montgomery County.

In other Montgomery Mall news, realty starts Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline a special event on Saturday, October 7 with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. “Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.”

Policy addresses adequacy of Montgomery County’s public facilities as part of the development approval process; community invited to October 17 informational meeting

The Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Scope of Work for the 2024-2028 update to the county’s Growth and Infrastructure Policy at its meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The Growth and Infrastructure Policy (GIP) must be updated every four years and is the county’s most important policy for ensuring infrastructure is adequate to support growth. It is also vital to advancing the goals established in Thrive Montgomery 2050, the recently approved and adopted General Plan for Montgomery County.

County Code requires the Planning Board to find that public facilities will be adequate to support and service the area of a proposed subdivision before approving new development. The GIP is the tool by which Montgomery County ensures its essential public facilities, particularly schools and transportation systems, keep pace with development. It identifies the tests and standards used to assess infrastructure adequacy and the guidelines by which new development is evaluated.

Following the Board’s approval of the 2024 GIP Scope of Work, the Montgomery County Planning Department will conduct equitable community engagement to educate county residents and other stakeholders on the current GIP and receive feedback that will inform the development of recommendations for the policy’s update, which will be transmitted to the Planning Board and the County Council for review. The Planning Board is required to transmit a draft of the updated GIP to the County Council by August 1, 2024, and for the County Council to adopt the 2024-2028 policy by November 15, 2024. The GIP is updated every four years to ensure that the tools used for evaluating the impact of development on essential public facilities, such as a measure of vehicle delay or student generation rates, reflect the county’s latest growth context and policy priorities.

As part of the 2024 GIP update, Montgomery Planning will focus on:

• Examining policy outcomes to ensure that the existing tools are equitable, fair, and effective.
• Ensuring the policy helps advance the goals established in the county’s General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050.
• Analyzing the county’s current growth trends.
• Evaluating implementation guidelines, such as the Local Area Transportation (LATR) Guidelines and Annual School Test Guidelines.
• Reviewing development impact taxes.

Get involved
Montgomery Planning invites community members to participate in a virtual kickoff meeting for the GIP update on Tuesday, October 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Montgomery Planning’s GIP team will give an overview of the existing policy and discuss plans for the 2024 update. The meeting will be conducted on Microsoft Teams and there will be opportunities for Q&A. The presentation will be recorded and posted to the website. Community members are encouraged to remain updated and informed by signing up for the GIP eletter.

RSVP for the Growth and Infrastructure online community meeting on Tuesday, October 17. View the Growth and Infrastructure Scope of Work staff report. Watch the Growth and Infrastructure Scope of Work presentation.

About the Growth and Infrastructure Policy
The Growth and Infrastructure Policy — one of the many ways that Montgomery Planning helps to preserve the excellent quality of life in Montgomery County — assesses whether infrastructure is adequate to support growth. It includes criteria and guidance for the administration of Montgomery County’s Adequate Public Facility Ordinance (APFO), which matches the timing of private development with the availability of public infrastructure. Every four years, an effort to update the Growth and Infrastructure Policy originates with Montgomery Planning before working its way through the Planning Board and the County Council. The purpose is to ensure that the best available tools are used to test whether infrastructure like schools, transportation, water, and sewer services can support future growth. View the 2020-2024 Growth and Infrastructure Policy.

Urbana is 3-1. They played a very good Middletown team in Delaware and lost which wasn’t unexpected. They edged out a Middletown-MD team which is looking like the weakest Middletown team in years (admittedly the Knights have played admirably so far). They had a decent 28-0 win over TJ. Then last week they went into DC and outlasted Ballou in a 37-34 shootout. Based on their other results, Ballou looks like an average team in DC. It’s definitely been an interesting schedule for the Hawks, and one that’s tough to gauge based on final scores alone. We’ve been hunting for film but it’s been hard to come by; NFHS only has tape from the Middletown-DE and TJ games and we are much more interested in seeing how Urbana looked against the other two teams.

Urbana appears to be predominantly a rushing offense. The QB looks like a decent passer but can contribute to the ground game with his legs. This is good news for a Churchill defense coming off a pretty impressive performance against QO and Iverson Howard, which forced the Cougars to air it out more to score. Alas for Urbana, Keegan Johnson is gone. On the flip side, David Avit has not disappointed whatsoever in regards to his preseason hype, currently sitting at 4th on the state rushing yards leaderboard, tops in MoCo. Even against QO’s ferocious defense he clawed his way to 73 yards on the ground and made some big plays as a receiver too. Perhaps Middletown-DE has a comparable player or two, but it’s looking like he’ll be the best player the Hawks D will line up against at this point in the season. Overall, provided Churchill plays up to their potential, I see the ingredients shaking out for them to pull out a statement win. Prediction: Churchill by 21

Preview/Predictions for the rest of this week’s games can be found here.

Field Hockey JV

Clarksburg High School (Home)	4
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	1

Field Hockey Varsity

Wheaton High School (Home)	0
Blake High School (Away)	1

Quince Orchard High School (Home)	7
Northwest High School (Away)	0

Clarksburg High School (Home)	4
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	0

Einstein High School (Home)	6
Kennedy High School (Away)	0

Football JV

Damascus High School (Home)	28
Magruder High School (Away)	14

Watkins Mill High School (Home)	6
Clarksburg High School (Away)	18

Gaithersburg High School (Home)	7
Sherwood High School (Away)	21

Football Varsity

Wootton High School (Home)	3
Walter Johnson High School (Away)	20

Watkins Mill High School (Home)	13
Clarksburg High School (Away)	15

Soccer Boys JV

Poolesville High School (Home)	0
Magruder High School (Away)	1

Walter Johnson High School (Home)	7
Blair High School (Away)	1

Soccer Boys Varsity

Walter Johnson High School (Home)	1
Blair High School (Away)	2

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Home)	0
Churchill High School (Away)	1

Poolesville High School (Home)	3
Magruder High School (Away)	1

Richard Montgomery High School (Home)	2
Springbrook High School (Away)	1

Soccer Girls JV

Magruder High School (Home)	2
Poolesville High School (Away)	0

Springbrook High School (Home)	0
Richard Montgomery High School (Away)	12

Blair High School (Home)	0
Walter Johnson High School (Away)	0

Soccer Girls Varsity

Springbrook High School (Home)	1
Richard Montgomery High School (Away)	5

Magruder High School (Home)	2
Poolesville High School (Away)	1

Blair High School (Home)	1
Walter Johnson High School (Away)	0

Volleyball Girls JV

Northwest High School (Home)	2
Gaithersburg High School (Away)	0

Whitman High School (Home)	0
Quince Orchard High School (Away)	2

Springbrook High School (Home)	2
Blair High School (Away)	1

Clarksburg High School (Home)	2
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	0

Blake High School (Home)	0
Sherwood High School (Away)	2

Volleyball Girls Varsity

Wheaton High School (Home)	0
Damascus High School (Away)	3

Northwest High School (Home)	3
Gaithersburg High School (Away)	1

Springbrook High School (Home)	3
Blair High School (Away)	2

Richard Montgomery High School (Home)	3
Northwood High School (Away)	0

Clarksburg High School (Home)	3
Seneca Valley High School (Away)	0

Whitman High School (Home)	1
Quince Orchard High School (Away)	3

Rockville High School (Home)	0
Poolesville High School (Away)	3

Blake High School (Home)	0
Sherwood High School (Away)	3

Kennedy High School (Home)	3
Einstein High School (Away)	0

A letter was sent home to the Rosa Parks Middle School community (19200 Olney Mill Rd. in Olney) on Wednesday, September 27th, informing them of a “live pistol round” that was found on a luggage bus upon arrival to the school’s outdoor education site. A weapon was not found and there were no students present or on the bus. The full letter to the community can be seen below:

“Dear Rosa Parks Families,

I am writing to make you aware of an incident that occurred on a school bus today, Wednesday, September 27th. This morning a live pistol round was found on a luggage bus when it arrived at our Outdoor Education site, no weapon was found.  No students were present or on the bus at this time, students were transported to Outdoor Education on separate buses.

We immediately enacted our emergency response protocols which included the following:

• Staff took possession of the item and our security and safety team, as well as local law enforcement, were consulted.
• Local law enforcement came on site and completed their investigation.
• A determination was made that there is no credible threat to the safety of our students, staff, and other adults at Outdoor Education.

I wish to commend the quick actions of all staff who provided their complete professional attention to this matter. We are thankful for our strong partnership with the Department of Systemwide Safety and local law enforcement.

Ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community is a top priority for our school.  We will continue to collaborate with all our resources and community partners to ensure Rosa Parks remains a safe school for everyone.

Sincerely,
Bill Currence

Acting Principal

Rosa Parks Middle School”

Featured photo of Rosa Parks Middle School courtesy of Google Maps

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program, which encourages students who have a safe path and live near their elementary school to walk to school, will join in the national recognition of “Walk and Roll to School Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Most County elementary schools will participate, with a special event starting at 8:15 a.m. that day at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney.

Brooke Grove Elementary School is located at 2700 Spartan Road in Olney.
The event in Olney will begin with a short group walk with students from two different locations at 8:15 a.m.:

Concealed Carry-Restricted Areas: “While lawmakers this year removed the “good and substantial reason” language from Maryland law that the Supreme Court found unconstitutional, Maryland is tightening gun laws to prevent someone from carrying a concealed handgun in certain areas. For example, the law will generally prohibit a person from wearing, carrying or transporting a gun in an “area for children or vulnerable adults,” like a school or health care facility.” (Per the Associated Press)

Police Prosecutions: “Maryland’s attorney general will have independent authority to bring criminal charges against police officers after investigating deaths when officers are involved. The law is an expansion on a package of police reforms approved two years ago in response to concerns about police accountability after the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.” (per WBAL)

Child Victims Act: “After years of halting progress, survivors of child sexual abuse will now have a greatly expanded ability to file civil lawsuits against institutions that employed or enabled their abusers. Much of the focus has been on the Catholic Church, but other organizations that may face lawsuits include schools, camps and youth organizations.” (Per the Baltimore Banner)

Drug Policy Changes: “As of Oct. 1, hospitals will be required to conduct tests for fentanyl when doing urine screenings to assess a patient’s condition. If a urine drug screening detects fentanyl, the anonymous results will be reported to the Maryland Department of Health.” (per WTOP)

Spousal Defense: “Starting on Oct.1, the state will repeal the “spousal defense” – a provision in the law that prohibited someone from being prosecuted for rape or other sexual crimes against their legal spouse.” (Per DCist)

Jaelynn’s Law: “Maryland is requiring greater storage requirements for firearms. Under the law, a person can’t store a loaded firearm in a place where the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor has access to a gun. It’s known as Jaelynn’s Law and is named after 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey, who was killed in 2018 at Great Mills High School by a 17-year-old student who used his father’s gun.” (Per AP News)

Protections for victims of violent or hate crimes: “A bill going into effect on Oct. 1 will prohibit incarcerated people from contacting and going to the residence or workplace of their accuser if they were accused of sexual crimes involving children, violent crimes, or stalking, among others. Under another bill, victims of hate crimes will be able to sue the person or group who committed the offense against them.” (per DCist)

Gun Licensing: “A separate law changes and expands requirements and procedures that relate to the issuance and renewal of a permit to wear, carry or transport a handgun. It is facing a federal court challenge in a combined case with the other concealed carry law. The statute raises the age for qualifying for a handgun permit from 18 to 21, which has come under court challenge in other parts of the country. It also prohibits a permit for someone who is on supervised probation for a crime punishable by up to one year or more in prison, a person convicted of driving while impaired or under the influence, and people who violate a protective order. People with a mental illness who have a history of violent behavior also would be prohibited from carrying a gun, as well as people who have been involuntarily admitted for more than 30 days to a mental health facility.” (per WBAL)

Additional bills passed by both chambers can be found here.

Below are five things to do in Montgomery County, MD the weekend of September 29-October 1:
1. Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert
Friday, September 29: 6pm
Marian Fryer Town Plaza
“The energetic Quimbao Latin Band will headline the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall concert series on Friday, Sept. 29, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The performance is part of a month of Friday concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15. The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

Quimbao Latin Band was founded in 2000 by band leader, director, producer and pianist Oscar Perez, who is from Lima, Peru. With more than 30 years in the music industry, Mr. Perez has performed with Peruvian bands such as Sarabanda, La Novel, Orquesta Saraguey and La Rebelion, among others. He has produced two records. Mr. Perez has performed at various venues and events throughout New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
The band’s genre includes Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha Cha, Latin Jazz, Trio, Quartet and all Latin rhythms.”
For more information on the TGIF Encore concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.

2. Fall Makers Market
Saturday, September 30: 10am-4pm
Downtown Silver Spring
35+ local artisans selling original art and handcrafted goods.  “Join us for the Fall Makers Market on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am – 4 pm along Ellsworth Drive between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street!”  Kick off fall, grab a latte, and get a jump on holiday shopping with unique and handmade products from local artisans at the Pop Up Makers Market. Shop handmade products from more than 35 local artisans. Enjoy live music and plenty of outdoor dining options. Locally Crafted, whose storefront is located in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront has recently posted a warning an out potential scammers. “Please Beware: Locally Crafted is the only organizer of this event, and we are no longer accepting vendor applications. Any comments here that there are spaces still available are from scammers attempting to steal your money.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGaF_BRRA1/?img_index=1

3. Rocktobierfest:
Saturday, September 30: 11am-5pm
Rockville Town Center 
Rocktobierfest returns to Rockville Town Center on Saturday, Sept. 30 for a day of bands, beers and being together. The fifth edition of the free festival, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., will include two stages of live music, food, beer sales by local breweries, and an artisan shopping area.  Bavarian and rock musical acts will take the stage, including Mike Surratt and the Continentals, Under the Covers, Capital Effect, Chesapeake Sons, Alt Washingtonia and Rockville German Band. Featured beverage vendors will include 7 Locks Brewing, Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Dawson’s Market, Denizens Brewing Co., Landmade Brewing, Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Saints Row Brewing, Silver Branch Brewing Company, Twin Valley Distillers, Waredaca Brewing Company and World of Beer.

The festival is within walking distance of the Rockville Metro station. Free parking locations include the County Council Office Building on Fleet Street, and the City Hall lot at 111 Maryland Ave. Schedule of entertainment available below:


4. Takoma Park Street Festival
Sunday, October 1: 10am-5pm
Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park
The 42nd annual Takoma Park Street Festival will take place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and once again will fill the streets of Takoma Park with music, artists and makers, community groups, green companies and great food.

Rockville will honor veterans of our nation’s armed forces with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. The ceremony is planned for Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD 28 and Rockville Pike. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will include a wreath laying and a presentation of colors. A reception will follow at American Legion Post 86, at 2013 Veirs Mill Road. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/veteransday, email [email protected] or call 240-314-8620. For video of past ceremonies, search “Veterans Day Ceremony” at youtube.com/cityofrockville.

Café Sophie (7940 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg) is a European style café with a Scandinavian influence, located at the Montgomery County Airpark. Owners Sandy & Tom decided to name the cafe after their sweet dog Sophie, who can sometimes be found greeting customers. Sandy’s grandfather & father Bill & Jim Richardson built & operated the Airpark back in 1960. “I used to come to the airpark with my dad on weekends. It was always fun to be in the air with my father flying”. Sandy is also a pilot herself! Tom was born and raised in Bergen Norway. He became a professional pilot & flew private charter flights and private corporate jets all over the US and Europe. He would often fly into Montgomery County Airpark. This is where Sandy & Tom met. As Tom puts it, “I landed one day and never took off”.

Cafe Sophie’s, Chef Asael, offers a creatively prepared menu with locally sourced ingredients. Their meats come from Wagner’s Butcher, their milk, eggs, creamer and ice cream from South Mountain Creamery, German sausages from Binkert’s, and croissants, baguettes & Cro’Gels are delivered from Fresh Baguette. They also offer up fresh baked muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and European goodies, along with specialty coffees, international & domestic beers, a selection of wine, champagne, and mimosas (try the Lingonberry Mimosa). Enjoy a delicious meal while watching the planes come and go, the kids absolutely love it!

Hours of Operation:
Mon – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tue – Closed
Wed – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thu – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fri – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sat – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Breakfast is served from 8-11:30am during the weekdays & all day on Saturday & Sunday.
We offer Door Dash.

Cafe Sophie
7940 Airpark Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
240-251-4189
www.cafesophie.net