Potomac Trading to close in Kensington

Potomac Trading is closing in Kensington. The model train, antiques and military collectibles store is now holding a Going-Out-of-Business sale. This is one of the few closings we can't necessarily blame on the moribund Montgomery County economy. According to a resident, the owner of the store passed away earlier this year. Wasn't this building once home to a Ski Haus, or similarly-named ski shop, in the 1980s?

Dunkin' Donuts new Cloverly location to hold Grand Opening event today

The new Dunkin' Donuts store at 15509 New Hampshire Avenue in Cloverly is holding a Grand Opening event this morning. At 10:00 AM, the first 100 guests in line will receive free coffee for a year. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, you can take a selfie with Dunkin' mascot Sprinkles, or take a chance at winning with the Dunkin' Prize Wheel. Jesse Luis of the local franchisee Luis Group will host a ribbon cutting alongside members of the community at 11:00 AM this morning.

If you haven't been to one of the new Dunkin' next-generation stores in Montgomery County, today is your chance at the Cloverly location. The 2,200 square-foot store will be open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It features Dunkin’s new restaurant design, including modern finishes, lighting and interior layout; the brand's new Premium Pours coffee tap system; a dedicated mobile pickup area, and environmental features that make it about 33% more energy-efficient than the standard Dunkin' restaurant model.

Best of all, there is a drive-thru! Indoor customers will enjoy free WiFi.

Smoke Out BBQ Festival this Saturday at Strosniders Hardware in Kensington

The annual Smoke Out BBQ Festival at Strosniders Hardware in Kensington is this Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Attendees will enjoy live barbecue demonstrations - and free samples of the results, raffles and giveaways. The festival is also known for being the best time of the year to buy a grill at Strosniders.

Deals on grills will be the best of the year at Strosniders during this Saturday's event. And every qualifying grill purchase will earn you a free goodie bag. The Smoke Out is being held at all three Strosniders locations this Saturday - Bethesda in the Bradley Shopping Center at 6930 Arlington Road, Potomac at 10110 River Road, and Kensington at 10504 Connecticut Avenue.

Ski-masked man attempts to abduct girl in Wheaton

Montgomery County police are investigating the attempted abduction of a child in Wheaton on Monday. Sometime between 4:15 and 4:30 PM on October 3, 2022, a girl was walking in the 2000 block of Georgian Woods Place. A black, 4-door sedan with tinted windows pulled up behind her. The driver, wearing a black ski mask, got out and instructed the girl in Spanish to get into his car.

When the driver grabbed the girl's arm, she was able to pull it free and ran. As she did, she noticed a second male suspect inside the car.

The driver is described by police as a Latino male, about 5'8" in height with a thin build. In addition to his ski mask, he was wearing black clothing and black gloves. The second male suspect was also wearing black, but did not emerge from the car at any point, the girl told police.

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects or the vehicle involved.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400. Callers can remain anonymous.   

Westfield Wheaton mall to host Hispanic Heritage Month celebration October 8

Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall will host a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM in the Macy's Court on Level 1. Special guests will include video personality Tia Maria, influencer Stefani Gamboa, TV and radio personality Chele Gonzalez, and radio host Cesar "El Tra" Garcia. Attendees of all ages will enjoy live music, dance performances, activities, "surprises," and more.

Performers will include Capital 51, Jenny Osoria of Jenny O. Fitness, FSC Diablada Boliviana, and DJ Flako 502. Community non-profit Nueva Vida will have representatives and resources for Latinos impacted by cancer.

“At Westfield Wheaton, we take pride in celebrating the diverse and rich culture of our community,” Westfield Wheaton Senior General Manager Stuart Amos said in a statement. “We know this year’s event will be a joyous celebration of a vibrant culture. We have planned a day full of music, dance and creativity to honor a community that we deeply value and service with pride here at our center.” 

Montgomery County Council "reprimands" Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, 2 commissioners in alcohol controversy

The Montgomery County Council met in closed session yesterday, to discuss recent revelations in a Maryland-National Capital Park And Planning Commission's Office of the Inspector General report that Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson had kept a full bar in his government office. A whistleblower told the OIG that Anderson had pressured others to drink in his office after working hours, a charge Anderson strongly denied. The OIG investigation determined that some commissioners on the Planning Board had also consumed alcohol on the premises. This morning, the Council announced it would be taking a light touch in addressing the alleged behavior, which occurred in a department that has terminated rank-and-file employees in the past for alcohol policy offenses.

A Council press release states that it has chosen to reprimand Anderson, and Planning Board commissioners Carol Rubin and Partap Verma. The Council statement vaguely refers to the OIG report, but does not explicitly mention alcohol, or what the officials are being specifically penalized for. Anderson has previously issued an apology for his actions, stating that he has disposed of the alcohol in his office, and that he only drank after business hours.

This morning's press release states that "the Council has issued reprimands that will result in Chair Anderson losing four weeks of his salary and Vice Chair Verma and Commissioner Rubin each losing one day of their respective salaries. The three commissioners also must attend Employee Assistance Program counseling which is consistent with the Commission’s protocol.”

The press release goes on to say that the “Council is extremely disappointed in the violations of Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) policy by Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, as detailed in an advisory memorandum from M-NCPPC’s inspector general. The memorandum also found violations of Commission policy by Vice Chair Partap Verma and Planning Board Commissioner Carol Rubin."

Anderson is one of the most powerful public figures in the county, and serves at the pleasure of the Council. Extraordinary legislative steps were taken to allow Anderson to serve an unprecedented third term as chair, at a record salary for the position. Planning Board commissioners also are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the County Council. 

The Council has stated that it will not say anything publicly about the case because it is a personnel matter. That assertion is patently false, because the individuals involved are political appointees holding public offices, not career employees. 

Royal Jewelers to open store at Wheaton Plaza

Royal Jewelers will open a new store at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall. "Coming soon" signage has been posted at its future space, in direct sight of a competing Kay Jewelers store. But Royal Jewelers' niche is a bit different, targeting the hip-hop market of upcoming rappers and their fans. The Annapolis-based firm specializes in "Tennis Chains, Hip-Hop Luxury Watches, Grillz, Micro pave rings," and custom-designed pieces.