Verny Varela is an arranger, composer, singer and flutist who born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in the “Barrio Obrero,” Verny started singing and playing with his father’s band, El Nuevo Son. In 1996, he sang with Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and the Fania All Stars, in Cali and in Tulua. In 1997, Verny became the lead singer in the Gabino Pampini Band, and later toured Europe and the U.S. with Tito Gomez.”

The special display of Lotus is expected to have at least 20 vehicles with the ACBC founder’s initials. Models expected will include a Seven and a Type Nine. There also will be displays of Elite, Elan, Europa, Eclat, Esprit, Elise, Exige and Evora. The cars will represent Lotus models from the 1950s to the 2020s. The special display will be located at the front of the show field, near the stage. In addition to the vehicles on display, with owners nearby to provide details and histories, the show will have a flea market and a car sales area. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Visitors can bring their own food to the show area. Music will be provided by Blue Sky Five.


Per Montgomery County: The salsa of Verny Varela will headline the closing concert of the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall series and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will lead tributes to Latin leaders and employees on Friday, Oct. 13. The performance is part of a month of concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month The final event in the series, “Que Bonita Bandera,” invites community members to wear the colors representing the diversity of the County.

Marian Fryer Town Plaza is adjacent to the Wheaton Metro Station. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a special set by El Zol Radio. Verny Varela will play at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.


Frank’s Burgers will open its new location at 11230 Grandview Ave in Wheaton-Glenmont (former site of Umberto’s), this Saturday, October 14. Nicaraguan restaurant El Chante, which currently splits space with Frank’s Burger Place at 11265 Triangle Ln, will take over that entire space once the new Frank’s opens.

The new Grandview Ave location will be split into two restaurant concepts, with Frank’s on one side and District Bistro on the other, united by a kitchen in the back. According to owner Pedro Matamoros, District Bistro is a new American concept that is focused on “seasonality and use of local ingredients when permitted.” Menu items at District Bistro will include beef tartare, steak frites, roasted duck and lamb bolognaise, and its bar will focus on classic cocktails like Martinis and Manhattans. We will provide an opening date for District Bistro when it is announced.


Tickets go on sale today for The Garden of Lights display that transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. The display allows for guests to stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.

Garden of Lights runs from Friday, November 17, 2023, to Sunday, December 31, 2023. It will be open daily, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Garden of Lights will be closed November 20 to 23 and December 24 to 25. Event information:


Nick’s Diner at 11199 Veirs Mill Rd in Wheaton has announced that its water supply has been restored and the restaurant is back open for business. The restaurant had posted the following message on its social media pages on Saturday morning: “Attention valued patrons, due to a water main break, Nick’s Diner is temporarily closed. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you for understanding.”

Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros. Featured photo courtesy of Nick’s Diner on Instagram.


Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros. Featured photo courtesy of Nick’s Diner on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyGl5a3OdLP/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==


The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be available for purchase.

Garden of Lights will open on November 17, 2023. The exhibit is open every night through December 31, 2023, except November 20-23 and December 24-25, 2023. Event information:


According to a report by WUSA9, Friday night’s varsity football game between John F. Kennedy High School (1901 Randolph Rd, Wheaton-Glenmont) and Northwood High School (919 University Blvd W, Silver Spring) ended in the first quarter after a fight broke out between players on both teams. The principals from both schools released the following joint statement regarding the incident:


Detectives are on the scene of a shooting that occurred Saturday, September 30 in Wheaton. According to safety reporter Cordell Pugh, a male was shot in the leg around 7:20PM at Wheaton Forest Local Park.  The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries and Montgomery County Police 4th District Officers applied a tourniquet prior to EMS arrival. Montgomery Parks Police in handling the investigation.

We will post an update if additional information becomes available.   Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps. 


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