Bethesda Archives - Page 160 of 266

Signage Up at Baskin Robbins in Potomac

Published March 10, 2023 at 4:22PM

Permanent signage is up at Baskin Robbins at 1079 Seven Locks Rd in Potomac, in the space that was previously home to Ibhana Creations. Last February, Baskin Robbins closed its doors at Cabin John Village and announced its plans to open in the nearby Potomac Woods Plaza shopping center this spring. Baskin Robbins will also be opening a location later this year in the Montgomery Village Center.

Baskin Robbins was replaced in Cabin John Village by The Scoop, which was opened this past August by Timothy and Mitch Ryoo, Potomac natives and Winston Churchill High School Graduates (2010 and 2006). The Scoop features in house made ice cream that’s made with natural ingredients.

Churchill Jazz Ensemble Wins Second Place at Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Competition

By MCS Staff

Published March 10, 2023 at 8:10AM

The Winston Churchill High School Jazz Ensemble won second place at the annual Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival’s High School Band Competition last month.

Twelve high school bands from across the East Coast competed in the prestigious event, with the top three bands performing in a final round to determine the overall winner. This was the first time the Churchill ensemble has placed in the finals, and they were the only school from the state of Maryland to advance to the final round.

Former MCPS Student Distributes Books to Children in Cameroon

By MCS Staff

Published March 10, 2023 at 7:56AM

Michelle Djemu, former student at Cold Spring Elementary School in Potomac, collected children’s books and distributed them to children in her hometown in Bandenkop, Cameroon.

Michelle, now in the fourth grade, moved to Cameroon in the summer of 2021 after finishing second grade at Cold Spring. As a schoolwide project, the school community donated about 1,500 books that Michelle and her sister Louise gave to children in the family’s village of Bandenkop. The school plans to continue its partnership with the Djemu family to provide needed supplies to Bandenkop students.

Sensory-Friendly Performance of ‘The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen’ This Sunday at Imagination Stage (sponsored)

By Patrick Herron

Published March 9, 2023 at 4:20PM

There will be a Sensory Friendly Performance of The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen this Sunday at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Adaptations for Sensory-Friendly performances include:

Per Imagination Stage: Imagination Stage™, the metro DC region’s largest professional theatre for children, debuts its latest new play commission, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, adapted for the stage by Gloria Bond Clunie from the book by Thelma Lynne Godin, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Angelisa Gillyard directs. Set in Harlem, this intergenerational story is a charming celebration of family and community ties. The show runs through April 8 and is best for ages 5+.

Update on Kema by Kenaki

By Patrick Herron

Published March 9, 2023 at 8:18AM | Updated March 10, 2023 at 8:12AM

Permanent signage is up at Kema by Kenaki at Cabin John Village. According to a representative at Kenaki, the restaurant has just started the hiring process for all positions and are hoping to open sometime in April.

The almost 2,000 square foot restaurant will be very similar to what Kenaki in Kentlands offers, but will be more “fast paced,” in what will be a hybrid between Kenaki and AKO. Kenaki is a full-service restaurant while AKO is a sushi counter at a food hall. Kema will offer signature rolls from Kenaki/AKO such as the Black Magic roll- made with “forbidden rice”, spicy tuna, pickled jalapenos, and truffle oil, the Donkey Kong roll- made with eel, fried plantain, cream cheese, cucumber, tempura flakes, togarashi spice mayo, and sweet shoyu, among others.

Fourth Grade Teacher, Amanda Hammersla, Named MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year

By MCS Staff

Published March 8, 2023 at 7:25PM

A teacher at Chevy Chase Elementary School for three years, Amanda Hammersla has been named this year’s Rising Star Teacher of the Year by MCPS. This award honors a teacher in their first, second or third year of teaching. The winner shows a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community.

Hammersla believes that students learn best when they are engaged, valued and challenged. She inspires students to take a deep dive into reading with innovative approaches. She turned her classroom into a restaurant while students wore chef hats and sampled new books. She wrote a PTA grant, which brought an author into the classroom virtually while students asked questions. She reads texts in characters’ voices. Through Reader’s Theater, students make costumes and props and perform for peers and families. This helps students develop speaking and listening skills, build fluency and work collaboratively.

Capo Deli Moves Closer to Opening in Cabin John Village

By MCS Staff

Published March 8, 2023 at 8:51AM

Almost a year ago, we let you know that Capo Italian Deli will be opening a new location in Cabin John Village. It will be taking over the location that was previously home to Goldberg’s New York Bagels, which closed last year, at 7731 Tuckerman Lane. While an opening date isn’t yet available, the deli has a hearing with Montgomery County’s ABS for a Class BD, Beer, Wine & Liquor License, Beer & Wine On/Off Sale and Liquor On-Sale Only. The hearing will take place at 10am on Thursday, March 16z

The Italian delicatessen was previously available for carryout and delivery in Montgomery County out of sister restaurant Brickside Food & Drink (4866 Cordell Ave) in Bethesda. The deli’s first location opened at 715 Florida Ave in NW, DC. Using a a prohibition style speakeasy gimmick, the deli their old school Italian deli as a “front” to it’s back bar. Capo gained attention in the area in the summer of 2020 for their popular “Fauci Pouchy” carryout cocktails. The deli has since opened a Western Market location and has a Tyson’s Corner location coming soon. The menu includes Italian classics like Chicken Parmigiano, Hot Italian Beef, Prosciutto & Provolone, and more.

Updated Opening Information for Chopt in Cabin John Village

By Patrick Herron

Published March 7, 2023 at 11:48AM

The new Chopt location in Cabin John Village (Potomac), in the space next to Boulangerie Christophe, will hold its grand opening on March 14 (originally scheduled for March 8.) This will be Montgomery County’s fifth Chopt restaurant, with locations currently open in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and two in Bethesda. Prior to the grand opening, on March 13, Chopt will be partnering with Manna Food Center for “Chopt Gives Day” (a tradition the day before every new opening), where 100% of sales go towards their initiatives in ending food insecurity among children and families in Montgomery County.

Chopt joins a bevy of restaurants and retailers that have recently opened or are coming soon to Cabin John Village. Recently Open: The Pretzel Bakery opened in April. Authentic French bakery, Boulangerie Christophe, opened in May. Stretch Zone opened in July. The Scoop ice cream shop opened in August. Cabin John Village, formerly known as the Cabin John shopping center and mall, is named for the adjacent creek and regional park. It has been a pillar of the Potomac community since 1967 and was acquired by EDENS in 2016. Per EDENS: “EDENS has transformed the traditional shopping center experience into a welcoming communal environment that naturally fosters meaningful social interaction. Complementary retail options include a curated mix of home goods, dining, health and wellness and more outdoor greenspace welcomes the opportunity for community events.”

A Montgomery County Woman Died After a Flight She Was On Experienced Severe Turbulence on Friday

By MCS Staff

Published March 7, 2023 at 11:24AM

A Montgomery County woman died last Friday after a Bombardier Challenger 300 jet she was on experienced severe turbulence on a flight that took off from New Hampshire and was destined for Leesburg, VA. Per Connecticut State Police, “On Friday, 03/03/2023, at approximately 3:49 PM, Connecticut State Troopers responded to a medical assist call at Bradley International Airport. One adult female patient, identified as Dana Hyde, DOB 08/12/1967, of Cabin John, MD, was transported via ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center, in Hartford, Connecticut. where she was later pronounced deceased. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently assumed custody of the decedent.

This investigation has been assumed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Requests for information relative to this investigation should be referred to the above agencies.”

Blasting Planned During Daytime Hours for Purple Line Construction in Bethesda

By MCS Staff

Published March 7, 2023 at 8:37AM

On or about March 20, 2023, crews will resume excavation in the Purple Line’s elevator shaft to connect to Metro’s Red Line in Bethesda. This operation will include blasting the rock within the shaft located at the work zone on Elm Street at Wisconsin Avenue. Blasting is planned during daytime hours, typically once a week with additional work in the area occurring over multiple shifts between excavation and removal of spoils from the site. In advance of each blast, warning siren will be activated. Use of backup alarms will be limited during nighttime hours. Work may occur in two shifts weekdays and weekends, as needed, according to Purple Line MD.

Additional Purple Line construction updated in Bethesda/Chevy Chase: Crews continue work in the Jones Mill Road underpass area through March. Work includes utility relocation, construction of retaining walls, and completing the east side of Jones Mill Road. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and overnight 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Police Respond to Armed Carjacking in Bethesda; Suspects Abandon Separate Stolen Vehicle at the Scene

By Patrick Herron

Published March 6, 2023 at 1:01PM

Montgomery County Police responded to an armed carjacking on Sunday night. According to MCPD, “On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., MCP officers responded to the 8700 block of Lowell Street for the report of a carjacking. The preliminary investigation has revealed that four armed suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle and approached an adult male victim. The suspects then stole the victim’s vehicle and left the scene in the victim’s vehicle, leaving the vehicle that they arrived in at the scene. Officers determined that the vehicle used by the suspects had been reported stolen. This is an active and ongoing investigation.”

Public safety reporter Cordell Pugh reports that the suspects stole a 2009 Honda Accord and left a stolen Hyundai Elantra at the scene. We will post an update if additional information becomes available.