February is a reminder of what we value most — and that includes the future we’re building.Now is an ideal time to review your financial strategy and make sure your plans are aligned with the goals that matter to you.

At The Monitor Group, we specialize in:
Tax Planning Strategies
Investment Management
Personalized Financial Planning

Give your future the attention it deserves this Valentine’s Day—start shaping a financial plan that supports every chapter ahead.


The first Feast & Fettle deliveries have now arrived in homes across Montgomery County, and members are already feeling the difference. Evenings are starting to feel a little lighter, now that dinner no longer comes with a long list of tasks.

One mother shared that for the first time in months her family sat down together for three nights in a row without reaching for the takeout menu. Another member said she finally has the energy to enjoy her evenings instead of spending them cleaning the kitchen. These are the kinds of quiet but meaningful shifts that happen when a warm, fully prepared meal is ready and waiting at the end of the day.

Montgomery County has always felt like a natural fit for Feast & Fettle. It is a community full of busy families, caring neighbors, and professionals who care deeply about quality and consistency. From the beginning, it was clear that this region was not looking for another subscription box or quick fix. People here were looking for something better.

That is why every Feast & Fettle meal is made in small batches by the company’s in-house culinary team using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The weekly rotating menu offers a variety of choices for adults and children alike, with no prep work or cleanup required. There is no guesswork involved. Just real food, thoughtfully prepared and delivered with care.

Feast & Fettle’s regional facility is now up and running to serve Montgomery County reliably. It has already created local jobs and is designed with long-term investment in mind. When the company enters a new area, the goal is not just to serve meals. It is to show up in a way that truly supports the community.

Even before the first deliveries were made in Montgomery County, the team was working with local partners to provide meals to furloughed federal workers. For Feast & Fettle, this kind of outreach is not extra. It is essential. Because food is not only about nourishment. It is also about comfort and about being there for others in moments that matter.

Whether someone is new to the service or still considering it, Feast & Fettle is here to help make evenings more manageable and mealtime more meaningful.

Dinner should not just fill a plate. It should bring people back to themselves and back to one another.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle


Local families looking for fun summer learning options for their kids have a new opportunity close to home: the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth will host in-person day programs for advanced learners in grades 2-6 at The Woods Academy in Bethesda, Md. for the first time this summer. Enrollment is first-come, first-served, so families should enroll now for the best course selection.

Students from Maryland, D.C., and beyond are invited to spend three weeks at CTY exploring a topic they love, guided by expert instructors, and surrounded by classmates who share their curiosity. Enrollment is now open for the program, which will take place weekdays at The Woods Academy starting the week of June 28, 2026.

Courses at CTY at Woods Academy this summer include Cloudy with a Chance of Science, Inventions, Shaping Our World: Architecture, Numbers: Zero to Infinity, Examining the Evidence, and The Physics of Engineering. (more…)


For those who may not be aware, Grandma Kona launched Grandma’s Ice Cream and Waffles in February 2023.

The idea emerged during the pandemic when we faced restrictions on going out and serving our community. Grandma’s specializes in delectable homemade ice cream and waffles, and we also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visit us at www.grandmasicecreamandwaffles.com.

As Grandma Kona enters its 14th year, we are excited to continue serving our incredible tasting shave-ice. We are now taking reservations for the upcoming season. Feel free to reach out [email protected].


Noticing Changes in Older Loved Ones Over the Holidays? What Montgomery County Families Should Look For

With more families spending extended time together this season, subtle signs of aging often become harder to ignore.

Holiday visits often give Montgomery County families a closer look at how older relatives are really doing day to day. With nearly 20% of county residents now age 65 or older, these moments of awareness are becoming increasingly common.

Local caregiving professionals say families often notice the same patterns when extra support may be needed. Some common signs include:

  • Missed medications or confusion about schedules
  • Increased forgetfulness or frequently repeating stories
  • Difficulty with bathing, dressing, or everyday mobility
  • Unsteadiness, recent falls, or increased fear of falling
  • A home that feels less organized or less safe than before
  • Changes in mood, appetite, or social engagement

“In many cases, families aren’t looking for problems — they’re just spending more time together,” said Ross Fierman, owner and operator of Synergy HomeCare of Montgomery County. “That time can bring clarity and open the door to supportive conversations.”

Earlier this year, Synergy HomeCare of Montgomery County was named Best In-Home Health Care Service in Bethesda Magazine’s Readers’ Picks, an award voted on by Bethesda Magazine readers. The recognition reflects a growing preference among local families for care that allows loved ones to remain at home while receiving meaningful support.

Non-medical in-home care can begin gradually — sometimes just a few hours a week — and expand as needs change.

As families gather this season, experts encourage paying attention, asking questions, and knowing what resources are available when it’s time to act.

More information about local in-home care options is available at synergymoco.com.


Montgomery County families will soon have a new option for dinner. Feast & Fettle , a prepared meal delivery service focused on high-quality, chef-made food, is launching locally on January 3.

This service is designed for busy households that still want to eat well. Meals arrive fully prepared, chilled, and ready to heat. There’s no cooking required and no cleanup afterward,  just more time to enjoy a real meal together.

Feast & Fettle already serves thousands of members across the Northeast and is now expanding to the DC region. Montgomery County stood out to them as a place full of busy families, caregivers, and professionals who could benefit from a better dinner solution.

They didn’t wait until launch day to get involved. The company worked with organizations in the area to deliver meals to furloughed federal workers. That early outreach reflects a belief that food is more than fuel. This effort prioritizes care, connection, and the belief that a nourishing meal can offer a lot to a family.

With a new regional facility now in place, deliveries will be timely and consistent. The facility also brings new jobs to the area, reinforcing Feast & Fettle’s commitment to investing in local communities.

Their rotating menu features entrees, seasonal sides, and options for kids, all made from scratch. Members choose what they want, and it’s delivered fresh each week.

Feast & Fettle is more than a meal service. It’s a helping hand. It’s calm after a long day. And for Montgomery County families, it’s arriving just in time.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle


View More Stories