Planet Fitness has announced that its new location in the Montrose Shopping Center in Rockville is scheduled to open this December. The gym is moving from its 15,000 sq ft space at 1776 E Jefferson St to the 30,000 sq ft space at 5520 Randolph Rd, which was the previous site of Gold’s Gym. This will also be the first Planet Fitness location in Maryland to feature the new RelaxSpace Wellness Pod, where the gym’s Black Card members can “select between a variety of videos, scents and even temperatures while learning more about diet, nutrition, breathing and the benefits of exercise.” Additional details below per Planet Fitness:

TIMONIUM, Md. (Nov. 3, 2022) – Planet Fitness – one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand – announces plans to relocate and expand its Rockville, Md. club. In December, the Judgement Free fitness center will move from a 15,361-square-foot space at 1776 E Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 to a 30,000-square-foot space in the Montrose Shopping Center at 5520 Randolph Rd., Rockville, MD 20852.


The city, Rockville Economic Development, Inc., and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce have worked together to create smoother and more timely development and permitting processes, as well as improvements to requirements for permanent signage that allows shopping centers greater visibility.

To support new and existing businesses, future actions under consideration include changes to parking standards, improving opportunities for existing and new businesses, and supporting redevelopment.


Earlier this fall, city contractors completed paving Baltimore Road between First Street and Edmonston Drive. Curb bump outs were installed at Baltimore Road and Grandin Avenue, and at Baltimore Road and South Horners Lane. Crews also completed grading and preparation for the installation of a pervious shared-use path on the south side of Baltimore Road between the Rockville High School driveway and Twinbrook Parkway.

Upcoming work includes installing signage between First Street and Edmonston Drive, and continuing the installation of storm drain structure and pipe between Edmonston Drive and Avery Road. To learn more about this project to improve safety and access on Baltimore Road, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/baltimoreroadproject.


Back in July we let you know that Caruso’s Grocery will be taking over the dining room portion of Owen’s Ordinary in Pike & Rose. We also let you know that the bar and patio at Owen’s Ordinary will be rebranding as Owen’s Tavern and Garden.  Chef Matt Adler announced via Instagram (seen below) that Owen’s Tavern will be holding its soft opening this weekend (first weekend of November). Adler does include a disclaimer letting everyone know that they may not be fully ready. The menu can be seen below:

Both Caruso’s and Owen’s are operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group.  Chef Matt Adler previously told Washingtonian Magazine that Owen’s dining room was never as busy as its  bar and patio so it made sense to repurpose the underutilized space. Caruso’s is still in progress, so there will be a little bit more of a wait until that aspect of the rebrand is ready to open.


After two years of COVID-19 precautionary measures, I am very excited that this year we will finally be back to host an in-person Youth Town Hall, said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “Civic participation is so important, and it’s never too early to engage with elected representatives.This is a great opportunity for all students to participate and ask questions to their County Councilmembers, and it also helps us become more cognizant of the priorities of the residents that will shape, and be, the future of our County.” 

Montgomery County Public Schools students need to register to receive their student-service learning hours for advocacy. All students interested in participating can register here. 


The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) presented a 2022 Climate and Energy Leadership Award to the Rise N Shine Foundation Inc., founded by Richard Montgomery High School junior Shrusti Amula, for its “Can We Do Something About Food Waste?” project (video below).

Amula embarked on a research project with friends for a STEM competition on food waste and its effects on climate. The team of students volunteered to adopt an elementary school in the county as a pilot and committed time and effort to implement a composting program. The “Can We Do Something About Food Waste?” project aims to divert food waste from incinerators or landfills to compost facilities and save food from restaurants and grocery stores from becoming food waste and provide it to vulnerable members of the community with food insecurity.


Montgomery County Sheriff Deputies were attempting to contact an individual with an EEP (emergency evaluation petition) around 1:30am on Tuesday, November 1st when the suspect took off in a vehicle and was involved in a collision on Maryland Ave and Fleet St in Rockville. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect hit a light pole and then emerged from his vehicle, producing a running chainsaw. After initially being non-complaint, Deputies verbally engaged the suspect who eventually placed the chainsaw on the ground without incident.

The suspect sustained injuries due to the traffic accident and was transported by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue EMS to a nearby hospital. No officers were injured during the incident. Rockville City Police provided assistance.


Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation recently was named among the best inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) in the United States, and first in the region, by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading global provider of statistics and rankings. Rankings are based on a complex scoring model that includes a center’s reputation, quality of care, service and post hospitalization follow-up, as well as inpatient accommodations and amenities.

“This recognition from Newsweek is a testament to the skill, hard work, and compassionate care provided by our dedicated team of professionals,” says Brent Reitz, President, Adventist HealthCare Post-Acute Care Services. “Adventist HealthCare is proud to lead the region and the nation in providing high-quality care using state-of-the art equipment that allows us to customize treatment to achieve the desired outcome for every patient and get them back to living their best life.”


Many of us have been in a position where we have to find a restaurant to accommodate a larger group of people for dinner, and as fun as they can be, the task isn’t always easy. Eater DC put together a list of “18 DC Area Restaurants That Are Great For Big Groups” and two MoCo establishments made it on the list. “Large group dinners are fun, but they also require a bit more planning and preparation. When everyone RSVPs “yes” to the invite and suddenly the party has gone into 10-12 person territory, not every restaurant is equipped to meet the demand.”

Summer House Santa Monica in Pike & Rose (11825 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852): “With a sprawling, light-filled interior, this Bethesda spot is beloved for its brunch and dinner offerings alike. Whether you have a big party or an intimate gathering to plan, the full restaurant can be booked for larger groups; a banquette table in the main dining room is available for smaller parties. Summer House also offers full-service catering for off-site events, with menu choices like taco bars and sushi platters.”


Aprio, LLP, a nationally recognized business advisory and CPA firm headquartered in Atlanta, announced yesterday that Rockville-based Aronson, LLC will merge with the rapidly growing firm. The strategic combination grows Aprio’s team to more than 1,400 team members internationally. Aronson’s 350 team members, including 42 partners, will join Aprio effective January 1, 2023. Aronson is currently located in Rockville Metro Plaza I at 11 Rockville Pike Suite 600. The combination of the two Top 100 firms marks both Aprio’s largest transaction to date and adds a physical Aprio office in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The merged companies will keep the April name and Aronson team members will serve key leadership roles in the combined firm:

Per the Aprio press release: Building upon nearly five times organic and inorganic growth over the last decade, and with the addition of Aronson’s capabilities, Aprio serves major markets across nine industry segments. The firm will expand Aronson’s strengths in Government Contracting, Nonprofit, and Construction to Aprio’s existing markets and will likewise offer the full breadth of its services, including Cybersecurity, Staffing, Data & Analytics and Wealth Management and Private Client services, to Aronson’s client base. Aprio will draw on its deep experience in Real Estate, Technology, Manufacturing, and more to provide significant opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs in the Washington, D.C. market.


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