Thursday, June 30, 2022

Donutchew opens in Gaithersburg


Donutchew
is now open at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. It is located at 213 Boardwalk Place. Dense and chewy, ring-shaped mochi donuts are the unique specialty of the chain, along with a selection of fruit and milk teas. Donutchew is open Monday-Friday, 10:35 AM - 10:00 PM.






Wednesday, June 29, 2022

CVS Pharmacy "coming soon" in Gaithersburg


The new Kentlands CVS Pharmacy has its first "coming soon" signage. Located at 311 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg, construction of the store appears to be about 50% complete.



Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Hans Riemer TV ad makes closing argument he is the "Best Guy" for Montgomery County Executive


Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer (D - At Large) is launching an ad blitz on cable, streaming services, and - tomorrow - broadcast television, to make the closing argument that he is the "best guy" to serve as Montgomery County Executive. Interspersed with scenes of Riemer with family and meeting constituents around the county, the ad takes some sharp swipes at his opponents in the July 19 Democratic primary, businessman David Blair and incumbent County Executive Marc Elrich.

"Blair's tryin' to buy it," the narrator says over an image of a business-suited Blair, who has spent record amounts of his own money in his two campaigns for the executive seat. According to The Washington Post, Blair has spent $2.5 million on this year's campaign, and dropped $5.4 million in his 2018 run in which he lost to Elrich by only 77 votes. The most expensive County-level campaigns in history earn him a "Rich Guy Blair" moniker in Riemer's ad.


"Current Guy" Elrich let bars stay open late, while schools were forced to stay closed, the ad recalls from recent pandemic history. The spot hones in on education issues through the narrative that Riemer is the only executive candidate with children in County public schools, that he will support univeral pre-K. Riemer will keep schools open, the narrator promises, while providing mental health services to address the widely-acknowledged impact of the pandemic and closures on children. Elrich is also criticized in the ad for blocking forced vaccinations for County employees.

Riemer, the ad concludes, is the "Best Guy" for the job. "Good thing we've got Hans Riemer," the narrator states, as a quote from the Post is superimposed on the screen citing Riemer as a "principled...progressive leader."

The Post, as many expected, once again endorsed Blair. But its endorsement editorial was also effusive in praise of Riemer, and notably did not criticize him, weakening its argument for Blair in the context that both men are neck-and-neck in what little polling has been done. The Post has had incredible sway over Democratic voters since it was purchased by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos; prior to Bezos' acquisition, voters had often ignored the Post's endorsements. While the harshly anti-labor editorial board's Ahab-like pursuit of its nemesis Elrich fell short in 2018, the razor-thin margin again showed the grip the Post now has on many voters. When the Post editorial board says, "Jump!" a surprising number of voters these days ask, "How high?"

Along with the question of the Post's influence on the election result will be the impact of Republican and independent voters who plan to vote in this Democratic primary. An informal movement in 2018 has become more organized in 2022, and has been given a push by backers of Blair, a former Republican himself. Switch to the Democratic Party for July, then switch back to GOP or independent affiliation in August, voters are being told online. The suggestion has been appealing this time around for many public and private school parents furious over pandemic school closures, and County interference in the operations of private schools during that period.

Polling has suggested these party-switching voters are currently splitting their vote between Blair and Riemer. Elrich - the most popular politician in Montgomery County by total votes over the years - appears to be retaining his base of progressives and residents concerned about the overwhelming influence of developers on County zoning and planning decisions, such as the controversial Thrive 2050 plan, which would allow replacement of single-family houses with duplexes, triplexes and small apartment buildings.

The ad buy is critical for Riemer. Blair has been hitting the local TV airwaves hard for several weeks. Riemer's campaign feels it is in a good position to respond now, with a $1 million fundraising haul comprised of small donors and corresponding public financing.

“Our campaign plan is right on schedule. I’m confident that voters will pick Hans when introduced to him in what’s clearly a three way race,“ Riemer campaign manager Aziz Yakub said in a statement. “David Blair has $6 million and Marc Elrich has insider special interest groups. We have people power and motivated voters, and that will matter most on July 19th.” Upcounty businessman Peter James is also running in the Democratic primary. Early voting begins July 7.

Donald Trump phones in to rally for GOP Maryland governor candidate Dan Cox


Maryland governor hopeful Delegate Dan Cox (R) got an assist from his highest-profile endorser, President Donald Trump, at a rally this past weekend in Carroll County. "We're going to get rid of the stench of Larry Hogan," Trump vowed to rallygoers by speakerphone, referring to the current Maryland governor, who has been one of the most prominent never-Trump Republicans in America over the last six years. Hogan was again on Trump's mind, as he praised Cox as his choice over Hogan-endorsed Kelly Schulz in the contest.

"Dan is MAGA all the way and I say that very strongly," Trump said on the call, "unlike his opponent named Kelly Schulz who is, along with Larry Hogan, bad news. And I'll tell you, Larry Hogan is bad news. He's a RINO." Trump promised that Cox would do "a full forensic audit" of the 2020 election, and cut taxes and regulations. "I’ve known Dan for awhile and he’s a great, highly respected lawyer, he’s tough and smart, and as a businessman very successful. He fought really hard to expose the 2020 election scam," Trump added.

Trump also praised Cox's running mate, Gordana Schifanelli, calling her "fantastic," and the Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, Doug Mastriano, who was the headlining guest of the rally. He also complimented the boisterous crowd, who chanted, "Trump, Trump, Trump!"

"Go out and get Dan Cox elected," Trump exhorted attendees at the Hampstead rally. "You’ve got to go out and you’ve got to vote for Dan Cox. I love you all and Dan, to Dan I say, you’re a great, courageous patriot, you’re going to win, and you’re going to win big." “It was a tremendous honor to host the President of the United States at my campaign Rally via live telephone," Cox said in a statement, "and once again President Trump provided a momentous point in our campaign." Former delegate Robin Ficker and attorney Joe Werner are also running for the GOP nomination in the July 19 primary. Early voting begins July 7.

Photo via WhiteHouse.gov

Chicken Basket update in Gaithersburg


Here's a look at the progress on the renovations of the Chicken Basket restaurant at 30 N. Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg. The Olde Towne restaurant was damaged in a 2019 fire. Its website hasn't been updated with any new information about the reopening since January. Stay tuned!




Monday, June 27, 2022

Where to watch fireworks in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Laytonsville, Poolesville 2022


Who needs the hassle of riding Metro downtown, or getting caught up in the Independence Day traffic, when there are many other fireworks shows right here in Montgomery County - most private - that can be viewed from nearby parking lots. Just remember not to trespass on private property. If you are within two blocks of a professional fireworks launch site, consider wearing hearing protection to avoid developing tinnitus or hearing loss, especially for children.

Let's take a look at what the fine country clubs and other organizations have in store for us this July 4th holiday of 2022:

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Columbia Country Club - June 28/9:10 PM
Congressional Country Club - July 3/9:15 PM
Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:00 PM

Gaithersburg (PUBLIC)

Bohrer Park - July 2/9:20 PM

Germantown (PUBLIC)

South Germantown Recreational Park - July 4/9:15 PM
(18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown/Concert 7:00 PM/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Laytonsville

Montgomery Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM


Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4
(Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00/No alcohol/No pets/Coolers will be inspected)

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM
Norbeck Country Club - June 30/9:20 PM
Mattie JT Stepanek Park - July 4/9:15 PM (PUBLIC)

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Wheaton (PUBLIC)

Albert Einstein High School - July 2/9:15 PM
(Event begins with concert at 6:00 PM/Disabled parking only on-site/Park at Westfield Wheaton Mall beginning at 5:30 PM and take free shuttle to Einstein HS/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Photo courtesy Warner Brothers

Friday, June 24, 2022

Crumbl Cookies opening Gaithersburg location (Photos)


The Crumbl Cookies brand is as warm as the cookies they serve these days. If you haven't seen a picture of their cookies posted by someone in your social media feeds, even if you haven't tried one yourself, you may have been in a cave for the last two years. Now it is Gaithersburg's turn, as Crumbl expands from Rockville to 277 Kentlands Boulevard. "Coming soon" signage is posted in the future storefront. Let's get ready to Crumbl!



Thursday, June 23, 2022

Olde Towne Cafe reopens in Gaithersburg


Olde Towne Cafe,
also known as OTC Bar & Grille, has reopened at 226 E. Diamond Avenue in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. The restaurant will initially be open only for carryout and delivery (third-party delivery services UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash); no indoor dining is available at this time. A major renovation caused an extended closure of the restaurant.




Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The Joint to open Montgomery Village clinic


No, it's not a dispensary or a private prison. The Joint is a chiropractic clinic that accepts walk-in appointments, and has franchisees in many states. One is coming soon to 19142 Montgomery Village Avenue in the Montgomery Village Center. How soon? The company's Google listing says August 2022.

The Joint touts initial visits that cost only $29. Further single visits are $45 apiece. Plans and packages are also available. The Joint treats neck and back pain, migraines, joint pain and chronic conditions. They are open nights and weekends for convenience.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to vote on resolution denying proposed car wash on MD 355 tonight


Gaithersburg residents have shifted the debate over a proposed car wash that would replace two single-family homes at 605 and 607 South Frederick Avenue, and an undeveloped plot at 601 South Frederick. After residents launched a campaign to oppose approval of the car wash, and the Mayor and Council discussed the project and the feedback from all stakeholders, city staff has now drawn up a resolution denying approval of the site plan.

Issues raised by the community, of which ten residents spoke at the March 21, 2022 public hearing, included traffic back-ups, and noise and light concerns. The proximity of a stream to the properties, and the proposed location of a retaining wall relative to the stream's buffer zone, also generated environmental impact concerns. 

Staff found that the car wash would not fit with the residential character of the location, which is how the city's master plan currently characterizes it. A car wash would not foster "an attractive and cohesive development pattern" for that area, the staff report asserts, as it would create a more "vehicle-intensive use" and include a structure larger than anything currently around it. The side street, Central Avenue, is residential and could not handle the traffic volumes of the car wash curb cuts on that side of the property, staff concluded.

The two homes that would be demolished are old enough that they cannot be demolished without a review of their historical significance, the staff report notes. Overall, staff concluded, the project is not in "the public interest," based on negative community feedback, and increased traffic and environmental impacts. 

The Mayor and Council will consider the resolution of denial at their meeting tonight, June 21, 2022. 

Monday, June 20, 2022

Reardon Sullivan earns police union endorsement in Montgomery County Executive race


Republican Reardon Sullivan has been endorsed by the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 in the primary election for County Executive. Increasing crime countywide has become a hot-button issue in the campaign for both of the major political parties. The police union criticized County leaders last year for defunding 27 police officer positions, amid a spike in armed carjackings that has continued through this year. 

Amidst local and nationwide anger over police-involved deaths, and calls from some Democrats in 2020 to "defund the police," County Police Chief Marcus Jones said morale among his force was the lowest he had ever seen during his career here. Officer retirements are up, and recruitment of new officers has been difficult. Where applications once numbered in the thousands, the 2021 recruit class numbered only 14. This past January, the chief told the County Council that he is losing an average of 4 officers per month to retirements.

Reardon has zeroed in on this crisis in his campaign messaging, promising to "fully fund the police," and to "give the men and women of law enforcement the respect they deserve." He has also vowed to return Student Resource Officers to public schools, where several violent incidents including a shooting have led to calls for bringing SROs back to campuses. "We all know that crime is on the rise in the County," Sullivan said in a statement. "The time for change and new leadership is now. We need leaders that can bring common sense back to our local government."

Gaithersburg Amazon Fresh construction update (Photos)


The cart return, and signs for curbside pick-up customers, are now out in the parking lot in front of the future Amazon Fresh grocery store in the 270 Center on Shady Grove Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. A sign inside the store now reads "Gaithersburg," so that's where Amazon comes down on the subject (and leaves the door open for a more centrally-located Rockville store in the future). More has been added to the interior, but there still isn't anything on the many shelves yet. so opening day is still a ways off.












Friday, June 17, 2022

Kentlands CVS construction update (Photos)


Here's a look at the progress on the construction of Montgomery County's newest CVS Pharmacy at 311 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. The building is now almost as tall as a CVS receipt is long. This is one of many new businesses opening at Kentlands Market Square, which has undergone an extensive makeover and shuffling of tenants over the last couple of years.




Thursday, June 16, 2022

New Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins with drive-thru nearing completion in Gaithersburg (Photos)


Signs and banners are up at the new Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins with drive-thru at 16268 Frederick Road in Gaithersburg. However, as I predicted, the store is oriented toward Shady Grove Road more than MD 355. The existing Dunkin' Donuts at 16220 Frederick Road will move into this one. Parking spaces are painted, and the ordering canopy is in place, but they still have to install the drive-thru menu board and speaker.











Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Oak Barrel & Vine to open Gaithersburg store


Oak Barrel & Vine
is expanding to Gaithersburg. It sounds like a wine bar, but is an attempt at rebranding the Montgomery County government liquor monopoly-operated stores to appear more like a private business. This is in line with the County's stated goal of having the government monopoly operate more like a private company would, at least from a cosmetic standpoint in this case. The Gaithersburg store will be located at 524 N. Frederick Avenue at the Gaithersburg Square shopping center, It will be in a 8154 square foot space next to Ross.

County Department of Alcohol Beverage Services stores that open in the future will use this new brand, which ABS has filed a trademark for. The flagship location of Oak Barrel & Vine opened last fall at the Cabin John Shopping Center in Potomac.

Photo courtesy Montgomery County ABS

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

RUE + ROE to open in Gaithersburg


RUE + ROE will open a store at 217 Market Street W. at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. Construction has not yet begun on the children's apparel store, as you can see in the photo below. "RUE + ROE offers hard-to-find, carefully curated childrenswear, shoppable online and in person," the company said in a caps-happy statement about the new store. "In the brick and mortar, RUE + ROE hosts small-scale events to support and strengthen its community. RUE + ROE strives to provide an environment where every child and family can SHOP, PLAY, DISCOVER."



Monday, June 13, 2022

Hans Riemer raises $1 million in Montgomery County Executive race


Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer (D) has passed the $1 million fundraising mark in the race for County Executive, his campaign announced this morning. The million-dollar haul caps a week of good news for Riemer. A Data for Progress poll last week found that, while incumbent Marc Elrich (D) had the most support at 33%, Riemer is tied for second with businessman David Blair at 14%. Blair is self-funding his campaign, and spent $5.7 million in his 2018 bid for the same office; he can't be pleased to find he is tied with a candidate who is using public financing with $250 maximum individual contributions.

Riemer's campaign noted that his fundraising total of $1.04 million through June 12 now exceeds the amount spent by Elrich, Roger Berliner, Rose Krasnow, George Leventhal, and Bill Frick in the 2018 Democratic primary race for executive. He also holds the new record for most individual contributions in a campaign for County Executive in a primary in the past decade.

"This report puts numbers behind what I see everyday on the campaign trail -- our supporters are fired up to bring new leadership to Montgomery County,” Riemer said in a statement this morning. “Enthusiasm determines who wins and loses primaries,” Riemer campaign manager Aziz Yakub said. “With this fundraising milestone, we will have the resources to reach voters with a powerful media campaign. Although we’ll keep raising, I am confident that we’ll have enough to win despite what any other candidate may spend."

Blair has hit the airwaves with a barrage of ads on local broadcast TV stations over the last week, showing what his budget will allow. That will put pressure on Riemer, Elrich and businessman Peter James (D) to boost media exposure in the final weeks before the July 19 primary. Republicans Shelly Skolnick and Reardon Sullivan are also running for executive, as is Devin Battley for the Green Party.