Casey Farmers Market to open for the year Thursday in Gaithersburg

Summer is almost here, and almost everyone is concerned about staying healthy during the pandemic. It's time for fresh, local fruits and vegetables, and that is what you will find at the Casey Farmers Market in Gaithersburg. The market celebrates its grand opening for 2021 tomorrow, Thursday, May 6. 2021, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Casey Community Center at 810 South Frederick Avenue. 

It will be open every Thursday through November 18 this year. Tomorrow, the first 100 customers will receive a free reusable shopping bag.

Fantasticks opens at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Fantasticks is finally here at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The custom gelato bar shop has officially opened at 215 Boardwalk Place, and just in time for summer.

Gaithersburg construction update: Marshalls (Photos)

Work continues on the renovation of Gaithersburg Square, and on the construction of one of its new tenants, Marshalls department store. While the interior is out of view with the fenced-off storefront, out front we can see a new, navy blue facade color scheme. A blank space on the shopping center's signboard awaits a Marshalls logo.

Strong-arm robbery at Germantown apartment complex

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at an apartment complex in Germantown Wednesday night. The robbery was reported in the 12900 block of Churchill Ridge Circle around 8:14 PM, according to crime data.  

Assault in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a second-degree assault in Germantown early Tuesday morning. The assault was reported at a residential parking lot in the 13000 Well House Court around 2:30 AM, according to crime data. 

Fantasticks at Rio Lakefront update (Photos)

The bricks-and-mortar location of Fantasticks at Rio Lakefront looks just about ready to open. A sign in the window said it's not open yet, but until then, you can look for Fantasticks' mobile cart on the boardwalk at Rio.

Signs of activity at iPic, Regal theaters even as MoCo ban on food, drink sales remains in place

There's no indication Montgomery County's ban on concessions sales at movie theaters will be lifted anytime soon, but a couple of theater chains are showing signs of preparing for reopening. Regal Cinemas already announced a tentative reopening date for its Montgomery County cineplexes next month, in an apparent gamble that the ban on the sale of food and drink will be lifted by then. Workers began sprucing up the exterior of the Regal Cinemas Majestic & IMAX theater in downtown Silver Spring on Monday. And iPic at Pike & Rose is now hiring servers for its in-movie food and drink service, a clear indication that the luxury theater chain believes the ban will be revoked in the coming weeks.

Tarps on the sidewalk outside the Regal Cinemas
Majestic & IMAX theater in Silver Spring, where
workers are touching up the exterior

However, a list of potential steps in loosening restrictions at County businesses released by the County Council does not specifically mention movie theaters or performance venues - nor the ban on food and drink - among the relaxed rules. Only at Phase 3, which will be reached when 50% of the county population is fully vaccinated, could theaters sell food and drink because the County will belatedly adopt the current state guidelines at that point. Under the current ban, which eliminates the most profitable revenue source for theaters, only AMC has reopened its theaters in the county.