Gaithersburg

Teen accessory chain Claire’s new location in Gaithersburg Square is scheduled to open Tuesday,  May 31. It is taking over the former Grog’s Beer and Wine location between AT&T and Ashley Furniture Homestore. The Claire’s located a quarter of a mile away inside of Lakeforest Mall is now closed. As malls across the nation are closing, Claire’s is opening more locations in strip malls, as well as “store-inside-store’s” at Wal-Marts.

Claire’s has been the go-to spot for teen ear-piercing, jewelry, and accessories since the 60s. The company has experienced some rocky years, declaring bankruptcy, which it emerged from in 2018. Claire’s also has MoCo locations inside of Montgomery and Wheaton malls, and at the Clarksburg Outlets.


Gaithersburg

American Fashion is now open at 50 Bureau Dr in the Diamond Square Shopping Center in Gaithersburg, the former location of the Computer Place.  American Fashion was previously located at 9639 Lost Knife Rd in Montgomery Village Crossing. Diamond Square is also home to George’s Hot Pot, Diamond Sushi & Buffet, Madras Place, Giant, Massage Season, and Play More Games.

American Fashion sells discount “off-brand” clothing and accessories. Below are photos of the kind of items you can find in the store:


Gaithersburg

Flags for Our Heroes,” featuring an impressive display of more than 700 American flags, has returned to the lawn at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm for Memorial Day Weekend through Monday, May 30. The flags, which are lit at night, can be viewed 24 hours a day. There is no charge to enter the park.

A formal opening ceremony for the display will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28. Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm is located at 506 South Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg, adjacent to Gaithersburg High School.


Gaithersburg

Raul Orbegoso, age 78, was last seen on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at approximately 7 a.m., in the 980 block of Clopper Road.

Orbegoso is approximately 5-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black or red shirt and white Nike sneakers.


Gaithersburg

The investigation by detectives determined that the victim was servicing an ATM outside of the bank when the suspects pulled into the ATM lane. The two suspects exited their vehicle, demanded the victim to move out of the way and pepper sprayed the victim. When the victim complied, the suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM.  The suspects then fled the scene in a silver Mazda SUV.   The first suspect is described as a Black male, wearing a tan hoodie, dark colored pants and white and black sneakers. He was also wearing a neon green face mask.  The second suspect is described as a Black male, wearing a grey and black hoodie, dark pants, and black flip flops. He was also wearing a light colored ski mask.  The third suspect is described as a Black individual, whose gender is unknown at this time, wearing a green hoodie.

Anyone with information about these suspects or this crime is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or 240-773-TIPS, or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Callers may remain anonymous.


Gaithersburg

Please note that technical issues and inclement weather can affect operations. Please call the adjacent Gaithersburg Community Museum at 301-258-6160 or check the Museum’s Facebook page to verify that the water feature will be operational on the day of your visit.

Olde Towne Plaza is located next to the train station at the corner of Summit and Diamond Avenues in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Free parking is available at the nearby Olde Towne Parking Garage & in surface lots throughout the area.


Gaithersburg

MiyaJi Kebab & Rumali Rolls at 674 Quince Orchard Road, the location that was home to Pho Eatery in Gaithersburg’s Quince Orchard Plaza, is now open. MiyaJi is owned by the same owners as Commonwealth Indian at 11610 Old Georgetown Rd in Pike & Rose. Pho Eatery and neighboring/sister restaurant Urban Crawfish closed permanently in September of 2021. Taco Bamba is expected to open in the Urban Crawfish space this summer. Below is a look at MiyaJi Kebab & Rumali Rolls’ menu and interior:


Gaithersburg

Java Nation will be opening its new location at 121 Market Street in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg on Wednesday, May 25. Java Nation is best known for its house-roasted coffees, diverse food menu, and wide variety of local craft beers, wines and artisan cocktails. We first let you know that Java Nation would be coming to the former Kentlands Starbucks location back in January 2021. Material and equipment delays by manufacturers had pushed back the opening of the restaurant several times.

Much like the Rockville/N.Bethesda location, the Kentlands location will feature entertainment such as live music, comedy shows, dramatic readings and other community events. From the Java Nation website: Serving the best artisan coffees and traditional food made with love and delivered with first class service. That has continued to be our mission since our inception in 2012. The concept for Java Nation came to creation when a local resident realized an absence for a great cup of coffee in the community. Beyond our focus to serve freshly roasted coffee to our local community, we source local produce, use environmentally friendly products, and support work from local artists.


Beyond MoCo

The Oceans Calling Festival will be taking place on the Ocean City Boardwalk from September 30-October 2. The three day music and art festival is being put together in partnership with Rockville natives O.A.R, who will also be performing several sets at the event. The festival is headlined by Dave Matthew’s Band, Alanis Morissette, and The Lumineers. Rapper Logic, who is from Gaithersburg, is also scheduled to perform. Celebrity Chef’s Andrew Zimmern and Robert Irvine will also be appearing at the event. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 25 at 12pm and there is currently a sweepstakes to win platinum tickets to the festival and a chance to go on a Ferris Wheel ride with the members of O.A.R.

The members of O.A.R. met each other while attending Wootton High School in Rockville. They would play together at the Grand Marquis in Onley and pass out CDs to other students at school. After high school the band went to Ohio State, using Columbus’ nightlife to build the O.A.R.’s reputation. The band even came back to Wootton High School and played a concert on the football field, back in May of 2001. They achieved their biggest commercial success with the single “Shattered (Turn the Car Around) in 2008.


Gaithersburg

The officer located the motorcycle and the operator, later identified as Reginald Alden Banks Jr., in the garage. Upon seeing the officer, Banks fled the scene on foot. The officer observed that Banks was wearing an orange and gray backpack. After a brief foot pursuit, officers observed Banks emerge from a corner, no longer wearing the backpack. Banks was subsequently apprehended.

 


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