Beyond MoCo

Today the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the spread of monkeypox to be a global health emergency, its highest alert designation, just days after Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services announced that they had received a limited number of monkeypox vaccine doses that will only be offered to a limited number of eligible residents who are at highest risk of contracting the virus.

According to NBC News, the designation means the WHO “now views the outbreak as a significant enough threat to global health that a coordinated international response is needed to prevent the virus from spreading further and potentially escalating into a pandemic.” So far there have been more than 2,500 monkeypox cases reported across the United States.


Derwood

Feasty Crab opened on June 1st at 16811 Crabbs Branch Way (the former location of Red, Hot, & Blue) in Derwood. The seafood restaurant has now applied for a “Class B, Beer, Wine, and Liquor License, On Sale Only.” The restaurant will have its Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) hearing at 9:30am on Thursday, August 4th.

Red, Hot, & Blue closed permanently back in July of 2019 after serving the Derwood area for 30 years. After almost two years of inactivity at the location, Feasty Crab signage was put up in April 2021. The menu features oysters, snow crabs, scallops, crawfish, mussels, and various Cajun sides and desserts. The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm and is currently hiring.


Olney

Olney Crab House opened at 18200 Georgia Avenue, Suite F/G, in May after 2.5 years of challenges that included a change in ownership. The restaurant is now looking to add a liquor license and has applied for a “Class B, Beer, Wine, and Liquor License, On Sale Only.” The hearing is set for Thursday, August 4th at 10:30am.

Per the restaurant’s website: “OLNEY Crab House is a new seafood restaurant located in Olney Maryland. Whether you choose the steamed seafood with the original taste from sea, or Maryland neighbors’ favorite crab cake, or just add some crab meat to a simple dish, we have plenty of options.


MoCo Government

As Mail-In/Provisional Ballots continue to be counted, incumbent Marc Elrich has taken the lead over David Blair in the Democratic primary for Montgomery County Executive.

As of the latest update at 11:10pm on Friday night, Marc Elrich (35,300, 39.30%) holds a lead of 296 votes over David Blair (35,004, 38.97%). David Blair led by 1,191 votes when early voting and Election Day votes were tallied, but has received 6,043 mail-in/provisional ballot votes compared to 7,530 for Marc Elrich. Marc Elrich defeated David Blair by just 77 votes in 2018.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


Crime

The Takoma Park Police Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at about 11:05 am. The victim Nurhusen Hamid was working as a mobile mechanic on the Advanced Auto Store parking lot located at 6300 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, Montgomery County, Maryland.

At that time, an unknown suspect approached the victim and shot at him several times striking him. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. If you live on or are a business owner on Eastern Avenue or New Hampshire Avenue and have security cameras outside your home or business, please contact Detective Earle of the Takoma Park Police Department.


Gaithersburg

Back in March we let you know of a the third Crumbl Cookies location that will be coming to Montgomery County, as a new store signed on at 277 Kentlands Blvd, next to Panera, in the space that was formerly home to TD Ameritrade. This news came about five months after the upcoming Germantown locationwas announced.

Permanent signage went up at the Germantown location back in March and at the Kentlands location a couple weeks back, which led to  many readers asking if the bakery franchise, that offers different freshly baked cookies each week, would be opening soon. We have been told that the Germantown location hopes to open by the end of the summer (August is the goal), but after stopping by the Kentlands location again this week, it looks like there is a lot of work left to be done inside (photo below). We don’t anticipate an opening anytime soon.


Potomac

Back in late February Baskin Robbins closed its doors at Cabin John Village, announcing plans to return to nearby Potomac Woods Plaza in the spring (it will be replaced by The Scoop). Many fans of the 31 flavors were disappointed that there was no word of a return well into the summer, but Baskin Robbins will be coming to 1079 Seven Locks Rd, in the space that’s currently home to Ibhana Creations.

According to a Store Reporter report, “Ibhana owner Meena Tharmaratnam, who has signed a new lease across from Panera on the back side of Rockville’s Federal Plaza. She hopes to vacate her current space on Aug. 9 and reopen in Rockville by the 15th.” Construction at Baskin Robbins is expected to begin immediately following Ibhana’s exit, but an opening timeframe is not yet available.


MoCoSnow

Temperatures this weekend are likely to be a couple degrees hotter than they’ve been the last couple degrees, pushing 100° on Saturday and Sunday. The Heat Index will be over 100° on both days. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services suggest to take frequent breaks in cool/shaded areas if you have to be outside.

Temperatures on Mondays are also likely to reach the mid 90s  with a chance of thunderstorms before the heat finally relents on Tuesday, barely reaching 80° Before getting into the upper 80s the rest of the week. Safety Tips by the National Weather Service can be seen below.


Events

Known internationally for narrative-driven paintings and drawings and technology-infused displays, Campello has worked as an artist, gallerist, curator, art critic, instructor, author, and arts blogger. He was named one of DC’s “most interesting people” by the Washington CityPaper. “Lenny has such a fresh take on art, and we thrilled he’s going to be a part of our show,” says MAA President Jennifer Barlow. “His level of support to new and experienced artists alike really wows us.”

The annual art show runs for three days—September 3-5—and features hundreds of pieces of artwork by member artists. Original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography—plus prints and notecards—will all be for sale. A portion of proceeds goes in support of MAA’s educational mission.


Gaithersburg

Former Montgomery County resident Vince McMahon announced his retirement today from World Wrestling Entertainment. McMahon and his family lived on Stedwick Dr in Montgomery Village in the late 60’s/early 70’s. On June 8, the Wall Street Journal released an article alleging that McMahon paid a secret $3 million “hush money” settlement to a former WWE employee he allegedly had a sexual relationship with.  One week later, McMahon announced he was temporarily stepping down from his role as Chairman and CEO while the company ran an internal investigation. The Wall Street Journal then released a second article on July 8, alleging that McMahon paid more than $12 million in total over the past 16 years in settlements with women, all who were associated with the WWE.

Vince’s daughter Stephanie McMahon, along with WWE President Nick Khan, have been named co-CEO’s of the company moving forward. McMahon remains the majority shareholder of WWE, owning about 32% of its stock. McMahon released the following statement Friday afternoon on the company’s corporate website:


Rockville

Last November we let you know that PGA TOUR Superstore will be taking over most of the  location that was formerly home to Shoppers at 5100 Nicholson Lane in White Flint Plaza. The store announced on its website that it will hold a Grand Opening on Saturday, July 30th, that will include “unbelievable savings and prizes throughout the weekend, including $30,000 IN GOLF AND TENNIS GIVEAWAYS!”

PGA TOUR Superstore is one of the biggest retailers in the golf industry, with more than 40 locations in 16 states. They opened a location in nearby Fairfax last year. All stores are staffed with certified teaching professionals, state-of-the-art swing simulators and hitting bays, an expansive putting green, and an in-house club making and repair facility. Each location also offers an extensive assortment of men’s, women’s and junior’s golf clubs, footwear, accessories, golf balls and multiple lines of apparel for men, women and juniors.