Maryland

Per Governor Hogan: Governor Larry Hogan announced that applications for the new Maryland Global Gateway program are now available. At the World Economic Forum in Switzerland earlier this year, the governor announced an inaugural $2 million investment in this innovative program, which helps attract more international businesses and eases their transition into the U.S. market by connecting them with local incubators and accelerators.

“The Maryland Global Gateway program removes many of the risks that international companies face when exploring the U.S. market, and we are very pleased to launch this application process,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland truly is open for business. Our state is worth the attention and investment of even more international companies, and now we look forward to making it easier than ever to forge closer ties with partners across the globe.”


Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed September 2022 as the 4th annual International Underground Railroad Month in Maryland. The month acknowledges the significance of the Underground Railroad, and all those involved, for its contribution to the eradication of slavery in the United States and as a cornerstone for the more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed. Maryland also continues to honor 2022 as the “Year of Harriet Tubman” to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Tubman’s birth.

“It’s an honor for Maryland to share the stories of the heroes of the Underground Railroad with the world in every possible way,” said Governor Hogan. “This month, International Underground Railroad Month, is a way to encourage everyone to visit historical sites and attractions and take part in special events, so we can continue to commemorate the visionary freedom fighters and those they rescued.”


Gaithersburg

Café Sophie, a European boutique style café with Scandinavian influence, opened at the Montgomery County Airpark (7940 Airpark Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879) last October. The café has a hearing for a “Class B, Beer and Wine License, On/Off Sale” at 10:30am on Thursday, September 15th.

Per Café Sophie: “Café Sophie is a European style café with a Scandinavian influence in the Montgomery County Airport. Tom, a Co-Founder, is a foodie from Bergen, Norway, which is the reason for the European style food. We provide indoor and outdoor air-side dining serving breakfast, lunch, and grab ‘n go sandwiches. The airport restaurant received a complete makeover in the spring and summer of 2021.


Bethesda

 

The main feature of the event will be a live art mural spanning more than 100 feet of Nordstrom Court and into Center Court. The mural will be a collaboration between an eclectic group of local artists including Jamilla Okubo, Aniekan Udofia, Christina Wing Chow and Juan Pineda. The mural will wind through the Nordstrom wing to the Center Court with additional surprise pieces throughout the space. Artists will begin live painting opening weekend, kicking off at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 16 and will continue throughout the next three weeks.


Burtonsville

Spirit is now open in Gaithersburg (Rio) at the former Charming Charlies, located at 101 Boardwalk Place and in Rockville at the former Pier One, located at 12137 Rockville Pike (Pike Center). The location in Burtonsville at the Former Fashion Bug, located at 15791 Columbia Pike, is expected to open soon. During the Halloween season, Spirit operates over 1,400 store locations in North America. The Spirit Halloween website is open year-round, offering its in-store products online. The stores are usually open for 30 or 60 days prior to Halloween.

Joe Marver created the Spirit Halloween business model, a pop-up store catering to Halloween revelers. Starting with his first pop-up location in the Castro Valley Mall in 1984, he grew Spirit Halloween to 60 seasonal stores nationwide before it was acquired in 1999. His approach to short-term leases, locations, and the stocking of widely varied merchandise was novel in the Halloween retail sector.


MoCo Government

“Engaging the expertise and insight of our community is a critical step in creating successful strategies to support our residents,” said Heather Bruskin, executive director of the Montgomery County Food Council. “This five-minute survey will provide an important opportunity for residents to share the challenges they experience in accessing food and directly advise the county on what programs would be of greatest benefit to their families.” 

The survey results will help inform program implementation, policy development and future funding priorities. Resident feedback is a key component to adequately understanding and addressing food access challenges that are impacting our children and youth. 


Restaurants

Filippo’s Italian Specialties at 1226 Triangle Ln in Wheaton has been listed for sale. The store tells us that the deli is in great standing and the reason for the sale is that “Filippo is just ready to retire.”   Filippo’s, which operated as Marchone’s until 2014, opened in 1955.  Current owner Filippo Leo has worked at the deli for over 35 years and took over ownership back in 2012, a year after founder Thomas Marchone passed away. In 2020, Filippo’s won the TasteMoCo tournament for “Best Deli” in Montgomery County, beating out 31 other delis that had all been nominated by readers of the MoCoShow to win the award.

From the listing:  “An Absolute gem in the Wheaton community! A well known sub shop/deli that has an amazing and loyal customer base. The deli has stood the test of time with their famous subs and grocery section. The winner of the “Best Deli in Montgomery County” in 2020 by the MoCo Show, they strive to have continual excellence and give the best service they can. With a sizable walk-in fridge and walk-in freezer there is plenty of space for supplies. The store is always left clean and is in good standing with all vendors.”


Potomac

F45 Training, an Australian franchisor and operator of fitness centers based in Austin, Texas, will be opening a new  Montgomery County location in Potomac, joining Germantown and Olney as upcoming locations, with current locations exist in Bethesda and Silver Spring (Google has listed Bethesda as “temporarily closed” for two years).

The fitness center will open at 1087 Seven Locks Rd in Potomac Woods Plaza, taking over the location that was previously home to BB&T bank. The space is currently being renovated and there’s not an opening date currently available.


Germantown

Planet Fitness at 13031 Wisteria Dr in Germantown has recently begun renovations to the location. Part of the renovations include expanding next door into the former site of Eye to Eye, which relocated to 19520 Waters Rd in Germantown over a year ago. In addition to more gym space, the location will also be upgrading it’s Black Card spa area. We’re told the construction is scheduled to last 11 weeks and the gym will remain open during this time.

In July we let you know that Planet Fitness will be opening a new location at 5520 Randolph Rd in Rockville (Montrose Shopping Center) in the space that was formerly occupied by Gold’s Gym. Though an opening date has not yet been set, we were told today that the current Rockville location at 1776 E Jefferson St in Federal Plaza will close when the new location opens. The new location is currently under construction.


MCFRS

Gus, a chocolate lab, got away from his owner on Thursday afternoon and chased a beaver into Black Hill Lake in Boyds. He became distressed while returning to shore and units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (Quince Orchard FS731, which was training nearby) assisted Maryland National Capital Park Police with the rescue. Gus was successfully rescued and reunited with his owner.

Gus, the dog, Dog chased a beaver into lake, couldn't make it back to land & became distressed. @mcfrs Crews from Quince Orchard FS731 (training nearby) responded, rescued Gus & brought him back for a happy reunion, but wet reunion! https://t.co/AiFbZlb8Xu pic.twitter.com/i5RRWhz60M