Gaithersburg

Pho Nom Nom is now open at 18509 N Frederick Ave at Gaithersburg S.C. (that’s the name of the shopping center), at the former site of Pho Viet Saigon. Pho Nom Nom has an additional location at 842 Rockville Pike. The restaurant specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, banh mi, noodles and grilled dishes. Full menu can seen below.

Gaithersburg S.C. is home to MoCo’s only Bruster’s and Corner Pizza. The shopping center was also once home to Hechinger, the hardware store that once had over 130 locations in the Mid-Atlantic.


Crime

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating a commercial burglary that occurred in the 10200 block of New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 2 a.m., the suspect forced entry into the business by breaking a front glass window, stole merchandise and left the store.


Health

$90,977,416 million of cannabis was sold in the state of Maryland during the month of September, according to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, just short of the $91 million sold in August.  These totals include both medical and recreational marijuana sales. Recreational cannabis sales became legal in the state on the July 1, 2023.  Any resident over the age of 21 with a valid government ID is now legally allowed to purchase and possess cannabis products from registered dispensaries in Maryland. A complete list of cannabis dispensaries in Montgomery County below can be found below.

Bethesda: 


Crime

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Cheryl McCally, and after a three week trial, a jury found defendants, Malik Hney, 16, of Kensington, and Malachi Hney, 17, of Kensington, guilty of Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder for the death of Taon Lamont Cline, 20, of Frederick, MD. Cline was fatally shot along the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Rd. in Germantonon April 22, 2022.

The jury returned its verdict late in the afternoon yesterday, October 3rd. 2023. The Hney brothers each face the potential of life in prison when they are sentenced. The sentencing date is TBA.  The investigation revealed the defendants and two additional juvenile co-defendants were involved in an ongoing dispute between gangs in the Germantown and Gaithersburg areas. The victim was associated with a rival gang.”


Restaurants

Naz’s Halal opened its fifth Montgomery County location at 7671 New Hampshire Ave in Takoma Park late September and the restaurant is holding its Grand Opening celebration, featuring free food, from 12pm-2pm on Saturday, October 7th. The restaurant took over the space that was previously home to Banagricola De El Salvador.  Naz’s Halal opened its 4th MoCo location at 11209 New Hampshire Ave in White Oak, the former location of White Oak Dry Cleaners, earlier this year.

Naz’s Halal offers rice platters, sandwiches, gyros, wings, salads, burgers, and more. The first location outside of New York was also in MoCo, at the Burtonsville Town Center, next to Tropical Smoothie Cafe. That location opened in August 2020 and has become a local favorite with late night hours. The restaurant has since opened additional MoCo locations in Rockville and Germantown.


Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg based Novavax has announced that its 2023-2024 protein-based non-mRNA COVID vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA and will soon be available in pharmacies nationwide.  Novavax’s Silvia Taylor will be joining Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today at noon for a media briefing. Per Novavax:

“Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its novel Matrix-M adjuvant, today announced that the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023-2024 Formula) (NVX-CoV2601) has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 12 and older. Immediately upon authorization, Novavax’s vaccine has also been included in the recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 12, 2023.


Germantown

Per Montgomery County: On Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m., Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo and Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe will be hosting a town hall at the BlackRock Center for the Arts to discuss the transportation challenges and opportunities facing the Upper Montgomery County area. Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo represents District 15 in the Maryland General Assembly, and Councilmember Balcombe represents District 2 in the Montgomery County Council. Together, both members represent Upper Montgomery County, including Germantown, Clarksburg, Poolesville, Darnestown, North Potomac, Dickerson, and the surrounding areas.

“Upper and Western Montgomery County continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the region, with new jobs, housing and opportunity coming to our communities every year,” Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo stated. “Despite this steady and sustained growth, state and County transportation services continue to leave Upcounty residents out of the loop. This town hall is both an opportunity for residents to hear directly from state and local leaders on the progress being made, and for these officials to engage with the residents who will be impacted by their policy decisions.”


Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery is hosting a job fair on Saturday, October 21 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.  “Bring your resume and meet with dozens of employers for meet & greets and on-the-spot interviews. Part time, full time and seasonal positions available! Located in center court on the lower level.  Multiple retailers and restaurants will be there as well as community partners including but not limited to MCPD, Rockville City Police, Emergency 911 and more will be coming out for hiring and recruiting opportunities  for part-time, full-time as well as some holiday hours.”


Education

Dunkin’ will offer free coffee to all educators as part of the World Teacher Day celebration, on Thursday, October 5th, Dunkin’ announced this week. Educators can pop into any participating Dunkin’ location for a free medium hot or iced coffee, with no additional purchase required. It is limited to one free coffee per customer, and does not include Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. The deal is also open to all educators, from pre-school teachers and college professors to principals and counselors.

“Teachers are the backbone of our communities, educating the next generation of leaders to help keep our communities runnin’,” said multiple Field Marketing Managers via press releases across the country. “We’re excited to offer our dedicated educators a free coffee to recognize their passion and hard work.”  We recommend reaching out to your local Dunkin’ to ensure they’re participating: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/locations. Below you’ll see the instagram story from the National Dunkin’ account, posted on Wednesday, October 4th.