UPDATE: An update provided on Tuesday night by Alert Montgomery states that all lanes have reopened in both directions on Connecticut Ave (MD-185) between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. and Dunlop St.

Connecticut Ave. is closed in both directions between Chevy Chase Lake Dr. & Dunlop St. in Chevy Chase as the result of downed trees and wires, according to a tweet from Montgomery County Police. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and to expect significant delays. We will post an update when additional information is available. Featured photo courtesy of @mr_dantej on Instagram.


According to Regal, “The first edition of National Cinema Day recorded over 8.1 million visitors to movie theatres across the country, setting the single day attendance record for 2022,” said Eduardo Acuna, CEO at Cineworld Group, parent company of Regal. “This year with $4 movies and a $4 concession combo, Regal hopes to welcome even more guests on National Cinema Day to see why we are ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie!'”


Maryland Public Television (MPT) will premiere its original special Jewish Delis: Something to Kvell About! at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 on the statewide public TV network’s main channel, MPT-HD, and the MPT live stream. A preview is available to view on the network’s YouTube channel. Featured will be popular Baltimore deli Attman’s, which has a location in Park Potomac, MoCo’s Corned Beef King, and Call Your Mother, which has MoCo locations in Pike & Rose and Bethesda.

Per the press release: “Beginning as places for Jews from Central and Eastern Europe to eat and meet, delis expanded across the American landscape and eventually attracted as many gentiles as Jews. A stretch of Baltimore’s East Lombard Street even earned the moniker “Corned Beef Row” for the number of delis that once lined the roadway near Horseradish Lane. Today, the number of Jewish delis has shrunk dramatically and many of the survivors have adapted to changing times, sometimes in ways their forebearers might not recognize.


On August 21, 2023, Montgomery Parks will begin renovating the lighting in the Capital Crescent Trail, Dalecarlia Tunnel, with six ceiling-mounted lights to make the tunnel brighter, safer, and more reliable for commuters, recreational cyclists, and pedestrians.

This work will require narrowing the tunnel down to one lane during the construction day so users should expect slowdowns and stoppages during the work period. Equipment will be removed from the tunnel at the end of the day. Signage will be posted during project workdays. Park Police will be present to assist commuters at both ends of the tunnel during work times.


Glen Echo Park is still reeling after suffering serious damage due to severe storms that rolled through the area a few weeks back. According to a FOX5 report, “Park officials say about 15 trees went down, damaging some of the historical components of the park that have kept generations of families coming back for years. Some of the horses and benches on the carousel were damaged and they’re blocked off with caution tape right now. The organ that plays the music is normally a real organ that is self-playing but the organ was damaged, so they’re playing a recording in the meantime.”

The Park has put together a funding campaign that states the following, “Glen Echo Park Partnership’s programs and events add to the vibrancy of our community, inspiring joy and creativity every day. Thank you for supporting our “Lift Us Up” campaign to recover over $50,000 in losses from storm damage.”, and has raised over $24,000 with a goal of $50,000 to help with repairs.


Eater DC recently released a list of “17 Sandwiches to Try Around D.C. Right Now” and two sandwiches available in Montgomery County have made the list. While there are classic Montgomery County sandwich spots/delis like Twinbrook Deli in Rockville and Filippo’s (formerly Marchone’s) in Wheaton, and newer places that are highly regarded for their sandwiches like Full On Craft in the Norbeck area (technically Rockville) near Olney, and Gemelli’s in Gaithersburg, among others, Eater DC tends to stick to places much closer to D.C.

The first MoCo sandwich listed is the “Chip-wich”, available at The Girl and The Vine in Takoma Park (7071 Carroll Ave). Per Eater DC, “Takoma Park’s adorable cafe and wine shop counts the “Chip-wich” hoagie as one of its most popular orders since day one. The sandwich hides house kettle chips inside for a surprise crunch in every bite, joined by smoked turkey, smashed avocado, pepper jack cheese, bacon, sprouts, and dijonnaise.” The Girl & The Vine, a neighborhood wine, food market and bar located in the heart of the Takoma Park community opened in March 2019. The neighborhood market features a wide selection of food and beverages including wine, beers, cocktails, coffees and teas, as well as sandwiches, salads, bread, meats and cheeses, and more.


While there are many wonderful restaurants in Montgomery County that offer high quality and tasty sushi, Eater DC put together a list of restaurant the website considers to have standout sushi in the D.C. area and has included just one Montgomery County restaurant on its list. Hinata, located at 4947 St. Elmo Ave in Bethesda, is a Japanese grocery store that was opened in the mid 90s by Owner Waka Sakita who once worked at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji wholesale seafood market. The carryout sushi is a longtime favorite for many local residents, but somewhat of a hidden gem for those who don’t frequent the Downtown Bethesda area.

Eater DC describes Hinata as a “cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda” that’s “a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders.” With groceries like Japanese candy, tea, dried mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, packaged ramen, and more available inside, the sushi counter offers fresh and reasonably priced sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Hinata has a 4.7/5 Google rating with 163 reviews and a 4.5/5 Yelp rating with 161 reviews. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Whelan’s Potomac, a family owned and operated Beer & Wine store, recently opened at 9812 Falls Road in Potomac Village. “With our onsite bar with 12 fresh beers on tap as well as curated wines by the glass, we can’t wait to share our space with you.” The beer and wine wrote on its social media. “Whether you’re calling in for a pint or grabbing a few 6-packs and bottles of wine to-go, we aim to offer some of the best selections available in the Village”. The beer and wine is hosting a Grand Opening celebration starting at 3pm on Saturday, August 26th.

Whelan’s is owned and operated by Greg Whelan, who brought McGinty’s Public House to 911 Ellsworth Drive in Downtown Silver Spring, and his wife Emma Whalen, who was co-owner of the recently closed Astro Lab Brewing in Silver Spring.


UPDATE: Montgomery Mall bomb threat determined not valid. Mall has been cleared and turned back over to mall security.

Montgomery County Police tweeted the following on Friday, August 18, at 8:12pm:  “MCPD at Montgomery Mall for reported bomb threat. Mall being evacuated as a precaution. Currently investigating validity of the report. More information will be released when it is available.”


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are investigating a burglary that occurred on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Bone Jour store in the 4900 block of Del Ray Ave. in Bethesda. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

The investigation has revealed that the rear door of the store was pried open, and a female suspect entered the store.  A bundle of permanent balloons was stolen from outside of the store.


Per Westfield Montgomery: Westfield Montgomery is proud to partner with Bethesda-based non-profit organization, The Napkin Network for the “Napkin Nook” initiative in a testament to the mall’s ongoing commitment to the community. As 1 in 3 families struggle to afford diapers for their children, the Napkin Nook welcomes those in need to take home essential baby items such as diapers and formula, making their parenting journey a little easier. Stationed on the lower level in front of the PlaySpace, the activation aims to bridge the gap between families in need and those eager to help, recognizing the challenges of motherhood and the persistent need within the community.

“The Napkin Network is here to assist in this messy, wonderful, challenging, and necessary journey known best as ‘motherhood,” says Founder Lindsay Gill. Echoing Gill’s objective, Zeina Davis, Director of Marketing for Westfield Montgomery says: “As a native of Montgomery County and a mother myself, it’s my pleasure to facilitate the betterment of mothers and families who contribute to the vitality of our center and are at the heart of our vibrant community. We aim to be a cornerstone of the community, offering both support for families and a platform for local artists.”


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