Health

Nationally, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death. Since the pandemic, many communities have seen an increase in suicide.

Older adults (85+) have the highest rates of suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Chevy Chase

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a virtual public meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, to share information and answer questions about the MD 190 (River Road) Corridor Safety Study. The study is examining ways that pedestrian and bicyclist safety can be improved along approximately 4,000 feet of MD 190 in the Chevy Chase area from Springfield Drive to Little Falls Parkway.

MD 190 is a State-maintained road and not a road maintained by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Evan Glass today announced Montgomery County has continued earning the highest possible bond ratings from all three major Wall Street bond rating agencies. Having maintained its “Triple-A (AAA or Aaa)” bond ratings for 2023, the County retains its status as a top-rated issuer of municipal securities, with the highest credit ratings possible for a local government.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings all affirmed the AAA ratings—the highest achievable—for the County. Montgomery County has earned AAA ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. every year since 1973 (51 consecutive years); from Standard & Poor’s every year since 1976 (48 consecutive years) and from Fitch every year since 1991 (33 consecutive years). 


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Education

Today, the Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education announced the names of the seven finalists who will compete to be named the 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

“I congratulate these seven educators on their nominations and commend them on their extraordinary impact on the lives of our children – educating, encouraging, and inspiring Maryland’s future leaders,” said State Board President Clarence Crawford. “Maryland’s educators demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the children of our state every day and are a true inspiration to their colleagues and community. These seven educators embody that dedication.”


Event

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.


Crime

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 21-year-old Jennifer Abigail Espinoza Orellana, of Gaithersburg, with the homicide of 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez.  On Sunday, September 10, 2023, at approximately 5:51 a.m., 1st District officers responded to the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in the 9900 block of Medical Center Drive in Rockville for the report of a male who was dropped off with trauma to his body.

The investigation has revealed that Espinoza Orellana had an argument with her boyfriend, Zavala Marquez, at her residence in the 8000 block of Shady Spring Drive in Gaithersburg.  The argument continued outside the residence, where Espinoza Orellana allegedly stabbed Zavala Marquez in the chest with a knife. Espinoza Orellana then placed Zavala Marquez in her vehicle and dropped him off at the hospital, where Zavala Marquez was later pronounced dead.


Uncategorized

Per the Maryland Cannabis Administration (9.8.23): The Maryland Cannabis Administration today announced that the first application round for cannabis business licenses will open on November 13. The Administration also announced the number of licenses, by license type, that will be available in the first application round.

“Today’s announcement is another step forward in fulfilling Maryland’s commitment to building an equitable and inclusive cannabis industry,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Acting Director Will Tilburg. “This application round will more than double the number of cannabis businesses in the State, and each award will be to a verified social equity applicant.”


MCPD

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González, chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee (ECON), and the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board and the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee, will jointly host a community meeting to discuss a proposed police drone program on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheaton Library and Recreation Center, located on 11701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902.

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) will speak about their proposal to use drone technology as first responders to enhance public safety and decrease police response times. The presentations will be in English and Spanish, followed by an open question and answer period. Councilmember Fani-González requested that MCPD make this presentation so that community members have an opportunity to learn more about the technology, ask questions and share feedback.


Business

The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. announced today that they have entered a definitive agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC for the sale of select stores, banners, distribution centers, offices and private label brands in connection with their proposed merger previously announced on October 14, 2022. Kroger operates in Montgomery County as Harris Teeter while Albertsons operates as Safeway. Kroger will be acquiring Albertsons in the merger. C&S is the parent company of Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly Supermarkets.

10 Harris Teeter stores located in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) will be divested by Kroger following the closing of the merger with Albertsons Cos. The announcement does not disclose which locations will be divested, but Montgomery County is home to  seven Harris Teeters stores located in Bethesda, Clarksburg, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Olney, Potomac, and Rockville.


Gaithersburg

Since its closing in 2013, the absence of Roy’s Place has left a hole in the hearts of many current and former MoCo residents. According to the now-defunct Roy’s Place website, the restaurant began serving their 200+ sandwiches in Rockville in 1955. After a couple moves within Rockville, they settled in at 2 E Diamond Ave in Olde Towne Gaithersburg in 1971.

“The Bender Schmender” (corned beef, turkey, roast pork, chicken liver pate & golden brisket with lettuce, tomato, golden sauce & a psychiatric appointment) and “The Raunchy Raymond” (ham, crab salad, Swiss cheese, bacon, tomato & golden sauce all broiled on choice of bread) are just two examples of the kind of sandwich you would find on the menu.


Maryland

A total of $263,729,559 was waged in Maryland during the month of August through online/mobile and in-person sportsbooks, which generated $2,555,671 in contributions to the state .  Montgomery County’s first sportsbook opened at Sports & Social (11800 Grand Park Ave) in Pike & Rose on September 2. Full details below courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:

Maryland’s 12 retail and 12 mobile sportsbooks that operated during August 2023 combined to generate $2,555,671 in contributions to the state. Each sportsbook contributes 15% of its taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. Statewide handle in August totaled $263,729,559, with mobile handle accounting for 94.9% of the total at $250,360,244. Mobile wagering delivered $2,457,709 in contributions to the state during August, while retail sportsbooks contributed $97,962.


Gaithersburg

Signage is up for La Carreta Grocery at 18749 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg, in the location that was previously home to Active Physical Rehab and the Montgomery County Department Of Police 6th District station. The market will feature Latin American specialty products, as well as produce, dairy, and a meat department. La Carreta Grocery is currently scheduled  to open in October.

This past weekend, MegaMart opened its new location a few miles south at 33 Dalamar St. in Gaithersburg. The new grocery store is located at the former site of iconic MoCo restaurant, The Golden Bull, which closed in 2017. The existing MegaMart located across the street at 401 N Frederick Ave in the Hudson Trail Center will remain open for two more weeks. The Mega Bakery at 405 N Frederick Ave will also be closing and relocating to the new site.