Armed robbery near The Ambassador in Wheaton

An armed robbery in the 11200 block of Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton was reported to Montgomery County police at 7:13 AM Sunday, according to crime data. The weapon used was a gun. This is in the vicinity of The Ambassador teardown site, and Lindsay Ford.

Takoma Park teen missing

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing Takoma Park teenager. Sarela Nely Lanza, 14, hasn't been seen by her family since she left her Garland Avenue home on foot around 6:00 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2020.

Police describe Lanza as around 5″6″ tall and weighing 135 pounds. She has red hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Sarela Nely Lanza is asked to call the Montgomery County Police Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400 or the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24 hours).

Ellsworth Place adding new indoor children's play area in Silver Spring

Silver Spring parents will soon have a new option for climate-controlled playgrounds. Ellsworth Place is constructing a new indoor children's play area. This will be perfect for the long cold winter and hot summer ahead, and a way to work off the energy generated by the many sweet treats one might consume at the mall before heading home. Ellsworth Place says the new playground should open next month.

Wheaton Plaza to celebrate Chinese New Year January 25, 2020

Wheaton Plaza is decked out with lanterns for the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 25 in 2020. Stop by that day to welcome the Year of the Rat, and meet Hua Mulan (not the Disney princess, but the historical figure). There will be Instagram-ready photo opportunities with dragon and Chinese fan props, free candy and more giveaways.

The event will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the Upper Level Center Court area. You can RSVP online now.

But, wait, there's more!

Vovinam of Maryland will hold a martial arts exhibition from 1:30-2:30 PM following the Hua Mulan appearance.

Hollywood East Cafe will host a Lion Dance parade from 3:00-3:30 PM, starting at the restaurant, but ending at the same Upper Level Center Court as the earlier event.

To get ready for the big day, MAC Cosmetics at Macy's and Sephora (inside JCPenney) are featuring special Chinese New Year cosmetics on Thursday, January 16 and Friday, January 17.

Fresh coat of paint brightening up Downtown Silver Spring

An extensive makeover continues at Downtown Silver Spring. The Peterson Cos. property is now brightening things up with vibrant, sharp colors. Signs warn of Wet Paint, but the new shades pop, especially at night. The new colors remind me of parts of Peterson's other big MoCo property, Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg, which just underwent its own multimillion-dollar renovation. I recommend celebrating the new look with a scrumptious CAVA meatball!

Sneak peek at The Eleanor in Silver Spring (Photos)

The Eleanor, a bowling lounge and restaurant, isn't scheduled to open for about another month at Downtown Silver Spring. But this morning, I have a sneak peek of the interior for you, including the huge bar that is taking shape, lighting fixtures, some furniture, and artwork. The Eleanor has an existing location in the District.

STOP THAT!

Montgomery County has issued a Stop Work Order at the site of the future Cabana Hookah Lounge at 8227 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. The violation listed is of Montgomery County Code Section 8-28, which pertains to an Occupancy and Use Permit. Hopefully this can be resolved quickly, as many in the neighborhood are anxiously awaiting the opening of the lounge.