Per MCDOT: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), is offering adult bike classes in September, October and November. The classes include both Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up scooter classes following select bike classes.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes and cost $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare For All members. Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. Scooter classes are free of charge.


Last December, we let you know that Dunkin’ is continuing its massive expansion across the country and within MoCo, with an upcoming location coming to the Traville Village Center in Rockville. Crews have been working on both the interior and exterior of the space, with a projected opening timeframe of late 2023/early 2024.

Earlier this year learned that Dunkin’ will be taking over 1,500 SF in the back half of the building that was previously home to Capital One Bank building at 9761 Traville Gateway Drive (rendering available below). The location will also have a drive-thru. 1,700 SF on the front side of the building is still available to lease and has also received a facelift since its days as a bank (photo below).


Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center is saving lives while also saving energy. The hospital and its partner InSite, a building intelligence company, have been honored by PEPCO for their success in energy conservation.

Shady Grove Medical Center and InSite received the 2022 Pepco Service Provider Award for Innovation. The honor recognizes participating service providers in Pepco’s Energy Savings for Business programs, which reward excellence in energy savings, project work and customer service.


Rocktobierfest is set to return to Rockville after last year’s cancellation. The event will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and features two stages of entertainment, including German and rock music. Guests can also enjoy beverages for sale by local breweries and participants, food, and an artisan shopping area. This annual event attracts nearly 10,000 people to Rockville Town Center.

Local artisans and breweries are invited to apply to participate as a vendor for Rocktobierfest. Click on the appropriate application below to download the rules and application for this year’s festival. Applications are due by Friday, August 11, 2023. Additional information and applications can be found here.


Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jayleen Natalie Chavez is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

The Special Victims Investigations Division is asking for the public's assistance in locating, Jayleen Natalie Chavez,  a missing 14-year-old.https://t.co/vz79A8WEHK#mcpd #mcpnews #missing pic.twitter.com/YQA75k72fm


Earlier this year Rosenfeld Investments sent a letter to the community informing them of plans to redevelop the Loehmann’s Plaza shopping center, located at 5200 Randolph Rd. in Rockville. The shopping center was the longtime home of the Loehmann’s department store and, until recently, of Chuck E. Cheese. The plans include a proposed mixed-use development including up to 50,000 square feet of retail use and up to 750,000 square feet of residential use with up to 680 dwelling units. The first phase of the project would be up to 84 of the dwelling units with a 23,000 SF grocery store with other development to occur in future years.

Per Rosenfeld Investments, “the Property currently is developed with a shopping center (Loehmann’s Plaza) and a large surface parking lot. In recent years, retail trends have changed and major retail uses have been migrating to areas like Rockville Pike and to mixed-use centers like Pike and Rose. At the same time, there is an acute demand for new housing in mixed-use areas like this, near transit service, and Applicant has determined that it is in the public interest to redevelop the property in stages with a combination of residential and retail uses.”


Earlier this year, Choong Man (CM) Chicken rebranded to Gama Chicken & BBQ at 765 Rockville Pike #E. At the time a representative from the restaurant, which specialized in Korean style fried chicken, let us that they made the change in early 2023 and that you can still find many of the same or similar menu items. Several readers have pointed out that the restaurant recently closed and GAMA is now listed as being closed permanently via Google with the phone number no longer working.

CM Chicken at 12933 Wisteria Dr in Germantown also rebranded to Chicken Pocho earlier this year. That restaurant remains open. CM Chicken opened in Rockville in late 2020. About Gama Chicken & BBQ: “Established over 6 years ago, we are a korean fried chicken franchise made with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Whether you eat in, get it to go, or get delivery, Gama Chicken will make sure to satisfy your taste buds.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Class 520 at 5 Dawson Ave. in Rockville has been listed for sale, according to a post by the restaurant on Facebook Marketplace (seen below). The store specializes in Thai-style rolled ice cream and was recently featured in Mr. MoCo’s 15 Favorite Ice Cream Spots in Montgomery County.  According to the post, titled “SEEKING NEW OWNER,” the sale price is $80,000 and the monthly rent is $3,000. “Owner will provide training and the ingredients. Lots of parking spaces, small strip shopping center, very busy areas.”

Menu items at Class 520 include ice cream, milk tea, fruit tea, and “lightbulb” drinks, which are served in giant plastic lightbulbs. According to its website, ” Class 520 is the very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. We are open. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh. Thai-inspired ice cream has flourished in NYC, and it’s time to bring it down to Maryland.”


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police -1st District Patrol Investigative Unit are investigating several theft from autos that occurred on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the Research Row Plaza in the 1400 block of Research Road in Rockville. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle and asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

The investigation has revealed that the suspect forced entry into several vehicles parked in the parking lot, stole property from the vehicles and left the scene in a dark colored, four door Chevrolet.  Detectives reviewed surveillance cameras and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a black male, in his forties or fifties, with a large build and approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks and white and red shoes.


BubbleGum, a brand-new kids party venue at 1680 E Gude Dr in Rockville, has announced it will hold its grand opening on Thursday, August 10. BubbleGum will offer spa parties and themed celebrations for children aged 5-13 with a “luxurious and fun-filled environment for unforgettable birthday parties.” According to a press release, BubbleGum’s state-of-the-art facility features beautifully decorated party rooms, interactive play areas, and a dedicated team of party hosts who are committed to delivering exceptional service. Parents can relax and enjoy the celebration while the children embark on a thrilling adventure of games, activities, and pampering experiences.

“We are thrilled to introduce BubbleGum to the Rockville community,” says Valarie, Owner of BubbleGum. “Our goal is to provide a space where children can immerse themselves in a world of fun, laughter, and celebration. We can’t wait to bring joy and excitement to countless birthdays and special occasions.”


Metro Transit Police has announced the arrest of Adrian Barnes, 29, by MTPD July 29 at Fort Totten Station. Barnes was charged with ‘Attempted Second Degree Rape’ that occurred at the Shady Grove metro station last week. According to police, he will also be charged with ‘Assault’ and ‘Fugitive from Justice.’

Prior to his arrest, Metro Transit Police provided the following information: “Victim reported the suspect, identified as Adrian Barnes, approached her from behind as she was getting in her car. The suspect forced her to the ground, then attempted to rape her. The victim fought off the suspect and ran from the garage to get help.”


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