Restaurant

Koma, a new café and cocktail bar from Brad Feickert, chef and owner of SOKO Butcher, is now open at 8006 Flower Ave in Takoma Park.  The restaurant is currently holding its soft opening and will be open from 7am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Koma is a “specialty coffee shop with an Italian influence that serves coffee, pastries, and breakfast by day and lunch, dinner, wine, beer, and cocktails by afternoon and night.” The restaurant is currently serving sandwiches and will be expanding its menu to include pizza and pasta in the coming weeks.

The restaurant posted the following on its Instagram page on Friday, October 20: “We were very sneaky and did a quiet soft open today, a lot of you found out quick and we appreciate you checking us out! We will be doing another soft opening this weekend from 7am-2pm Saturday and Sunday!  Come by and try our Croissant Egg and Cheese and a cold brew!”


Beyond MoCo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested two fleeing Maryland rape suspects at Washington Dulles International Airport late Thursday and early Friday. Each suspect is wanted on a separate felony rape charge– one in Montgomery County and one in Prince George’s County.

According to CBP, “Officers first arrested Oscar Armando Hernandez Mata, a 53-year-old Salvadoran, on a Montgomery County, Maryland, warrant for felony second degree rape and sexual abuse of a minor. Hernandez Mata is an alien unlawfully present in the U.S. after being ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2006. CBP’s National Targeting Center alerted Dulles officers of Hernandez Mata’s impending departure flight to El Salvador. Dulles CBP officers apprehended Hernandez Mata at 4:48 p.m., Thursday at the departure gate.


MCPD

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

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police, Silver Spring Investigative Section are looking for 31-year-old Rashawn Williams.#MCPD #MissingPerson https://t.co/kNJwRmRcNw pic.twitter.com/6IiKCOsuvz


Gaithersburg

Old Town Pour House, located at 212 Ellington Drive in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown development, will be closing permanently on Tuesday, October 24th. A manager from the restaurant confirmed the closing to us on Friday night, following the restaurant’s filing of a WARN on Friday for a mass layoff of 58 employees.

We have received the following statement, “After10 incredible years in Gaithersburg, our lease is up and we’ve decided to turn off the taps at Old Town Pour House at 212 Ellington Boulevard. This last decade was filled with so many delightful guests and meaningful engagement with an outstanding community, and we consider it a major success for the Bottleneck Management group. We whole-heartedly thank everyone we’ve met along the way for making us a part of their lives. Our last day of service will be Tuesday, October 24th.


Restaurant

Tacos Way is coming soon to 8777B 1st Ave in Silver Spring. The Montgomery County ABS announced that the restaurant recently received its alcohol license and Source of the Spring reports that exterior signage has recently been installed. Menu items include tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, and chimichangas.

According to its website, “All of our taco flavors are inspired by delicious Mexican flavors.” Tacos Way has an additional location at 10540 York Rd in Cockeysville, MD. We will provide an update when additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Tacos Way on Facebook


Rockville

Adventist HealthCare has announced a new radiation oncology joint venture partnership with US Oncology Network, a leading oncology provider, at the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville. “This partnership deepens the relationship with top oncology experts at Maryland Oncology Hematology and is backed by the US Oncology Network, with 500 sites of care throughout the U.S, giving patients more access to the latest clinical trials, treatment and advanced technology.”

Adventist HealthCare and Maryland Oncology Hematology have closely collaborated for many years and were key partners in the opening of the Aquilino Cancer Center in 2013. The relationship has deepened through a separate radiation oncology joint venture partnership at the White Oak Cancer Center in 2020. This new agreement will now align the most advanced care practices at both cancer centers to improve outcomes and patient experience, providing world-class cancer treatment in the Washington, D.C., region.


Crime

Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District Investigative Section are investigating a commercial burglary that occurred at the Speedy Laundromat in the 12500 block of Layhill Road in Silver Spring. Detectives have released surveillance photos of one of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 3:50 a.m.,on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, a suspect forced entry into the laundromat by shattering the glass front door, stole an undisclosed amount of money and left the store. At approximately 4:40 a.m., a second suspect entered the business through the broken front door, stole the cash register containing an undisclosed amount of money and left the scene.


Clarksburg

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will host a Girls’ Summit on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9am until 1pm at Clarksburg High School.” A CDC report released in February 2023 highlighted record high levels of sadness, suicide risk, and violence reported by teen girls. These concerning national trends are also seen in Montgomery County.” This event for students and their caregivers will offer education, resources and activities centered especially around young women’s health.

The Girls’ Summit will provide informative workshops geared towards middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics, a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types.


Crime

Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding the killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson:

“I am shocked, heartbroken, and sickened by the killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. He was the victim of a cold-blooded, vicious, and targeted attack. My heart goes out to Judge Wilkinson’s family, and my prayers are with everyone who knew him, loved him, and served alongside him.


Gaithersburg

The Gaithersburg City Council held its policy discussion on Monday, October 16, 2023 and approved the annexation of the Walnut Hill shopping center, which paves the way for Aldi to move in to part of the old grocery store space and a new Sheetz to be built.

The Annexation Plan proposes several changes to the existing Walnut Hill Shopping Center in addition to Aldi and Sheetz, including demolishing an existing small freestanding building on the south side of the property, renovating the exterior of the main shopping center building, and making improvements to the parking lot and landscaping. Renderings below:


Events

The holiday season is approaching, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the enchanting Arts Barn and historic Kentlands Mansion, nestled in the heart of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion are located at 311 and 320 Kent Square Road.

The “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market promises to be an exquisite celebration of art and holiday spirit, featuring a wide array of local and regional artists showcasing their talents and offering unique, handcrafted items. Attendees can expect to find a curated selection of art, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more – making it the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones or to add a touch of artistic flair to their homes this holiday season.