Tag: Rockville

Helen Maroulis: Rockville’s Olympic Champion

July 25, 2024

Rockville, Maryland, has a proud connection to one of the world’s top wrestlers, Helen Maroulis. As she gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, her journey continues to inspire many in our community.

Early Beginnings in Rockville

Helen Maroulis started wrestling at age seven, facing the challenges of a male-dominated sport. At Magruder High School in Rockville, she mostly wrestled against boys and made a significant mark by becoming the first female to place in county and state wrestling tournaments. Her high school career record was an impressive 99 wins and 26 losses.

Olympic Achievements and the Road to Paris 2024

Maroulis made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics by defeating Japan’s Saori Yoshida, an undefeated three-time gold medalist, and becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in wrestling. After dealing with concussions, PTSD, and shoulder surgery, she returned to win a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 57kg wrestling freestyle.

A Hometown Inspiration

When not wrestling, Maroulis enjoys salsa dancing and playing the harp. Her journey from Rockville to the Olympics is a source of pride and inspiration for our community. We look forward to supporting her as she aims for another Olympic medal in Paris.

Sources:

WJLA: Rockville native qualifies for her third Olympic summer games in wresting
WBAL: 2024 Paris Olympics athlete profile: Helen Maroulis | Wrestling

Celebrate Independence Day in Rockville with Fireworks and Global Bites Fest Dining Days

July 2, 2024

Independence Day week in Rockville, Maryland, is a time of vibrant celebration, community gatherings, and delicious international culinary experiences. This year, the city is gearing up to offer two standout events that promise to make the holiday unforgettable: the spectacular Rockville Fireworks display and the mouth-watering Global Bites Fest Dining Days. Whether you live in Rockville, are a Montgomery County resident, or are a visitor from afar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Rockville this Fourth of July.

Rockville Fireworks: A Dazzling Display of Patriotism

A Tradition of Splendor

The Rockville Fireworks display has long been a cherished tradition. It brings together families and friends to celebrate the nation’s independence with a night of spectacular lights and sounds. Held at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, the event draws thousands of attendees each year, creating a festive atmosphere that epitomizes the spirit of the Fourth of July.

Event Highlights

·Date and Time: The festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 4th. The fireworks will light up the sky starting at 9:15 PM.
·Location: Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD.
·Pre-Fireworks Entertainment: Arrive early to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food trucks offering delicious treats.
·Parking and Accessibility: Free parking is available in lots along Shady Grove and Gaither Roads and on Piccard Drive, which are conveniently located near the event site.

Tips for a Great Experience

· Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, it’s best to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chair.
· Stay Hydrated: July temperatures can be high, so bring water bottles and stay hydrated.
· Safety First: Follow all event guidelines and watch children in the crowd.

Global Bites Fest Dining Days: Savor the World in Rockville

Adding to the Independence Day weekend excitement is the Global Bites Fest Dining Days, a celebration of Rockville’s diverse culinary scene. From June 22 to July 6, over a dozen restaurants offer exclusive deals and discounts through the Rockville Rewards Dining Passport.

Participating Restaurants and Cuisines

Rockville is known for its cultural diversity, reflected in its various cuisine options. During the Global Bites Fest Dining Days, purchase the Rockville Reward Dining Passport and visit participating restaurants.

Event Details

· Dates: June 22 – July 6
· Special Offers: Look for discounted dishes, gifts with purchase, happy hour specials, and more.
· Restaurant Participation: Visit the Global Bites Fest page for a list of participating restaurants and their unique offerings.

Making the Most of Global Bites Fest

· Plan Your Route: With so many options, plan your dining route ahead to ensure you can sample a bit of everything.
· Reservations: Some restaurants may require reservations due to high demand, so book early.
· Share Your Experience: Tag @ExploreRockville and @RockvilleRewards on social media to share your culinary discoveries and join the community celebration.

Independence Day weekend in Rockville, Maryland, offers the perfect blend of traditional festivities and culinary exploration. The Rockville fireworks display will fill the night with wonder and joy, while the Global Bites Fest Dining Days will take your taste buds on a journey around the world. Bring your appetite and get ready to celebrate this Fourth of July in Rockville with family, friends, and a whole lot of fun.

Whether watching the fireworks light up the sky or savoring the diverse flavors from around the globe, Rockville is the place to be this Independence Day weekend.

Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business & the Arts

May 10, 2024

Terry Thompson, a self-taught American artist born in Chicago, Illinois, now based in Baltimore, Maryland effortlessly blends creativity with discipline in his roles as a successful banker and a recognized visual artist. Alongside his in corporate America, Thompson is a renowned veteran club DJ, producer, and promoter, with releases on the London-based label Defected. Thompson began his art career with small shows, drawing influence from Romare Bearden, Picasso, and his friend, Spanish painter Salvador Bru. His unique artistic style now reflects inspirations from dance culture, fashion, and dreamscapes.

With a portfolio that spans across various mediums, Thompson’s art is both diverse and captivating. By embracing the spontaneity, exploration, and investigation inherent in his approach to painting. But what is the secret behind Thompson’s innovative thinking? According to him, it lies in the transformative power of the arts. Learning to write, play music, paint, or dance fosters the development of skills crucial for success in any endeavor—skills like seeing the big picture while focusing on execution, internalizing patterns, recognizing nuances, and expressing unique ideas.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our society and economy, one thing remains clear: art and culture are central to our collective journey towards understanding, empathy, and innovation. And in Terry Thompson, we find not just an artist, but a visionary whose creative spirit illuminates the path to a brighter future.

Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business and the Arts was curated by Julie Ann Cavnor and is on display at Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) office (51 Monroe Street, PE20, Rockville, MD) from May 20 – July 26, 2024. The show is open to the public:

· Wednesdays: 2pm-5pm

· Friday: 1pm-3pm

REDI invites businesses and community members to engage with Thompson’s work, and meet the artist on Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30pm. Visit https://terrythompson-artisttalk.eventbrite.com for more information and RSVP.

Exploring Rockville’s Eclectic Charm – a Highlight in Washingtonian’s February 2024 Issue

March 12, 2024

Rockville, Maryland, the heart of Montgomery County, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and experiences. Washingtonian magazine showcased Rockville’s diverse culinary scene, burgeoning retail spaces, and exciting developments in its February 2024 issue.

Some of the Washingtonian Neighborhood Guide highlights included:

The article also provided insight into some of Rockville’s current and upcoming projects including the mixed-used development, Twinbrook Quarter, and Shady Grove Innovation District – a development with state-of-the-art laboratories, luxury apartments, and public spaces.

Read the full Washingtonian article at https://www.washingtonian.com/2024/02/29/neighborhood-guide-things-to-do-in-rockville/.

A Tradition of Reflection and Renewal – The Lunar New Year

February 8, 2024

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant festival celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. The date of the Lunar New Year varies every year but is usually between January 21st and February 20th

Where is the Lunar New Year celebrated?

This celebration is observed in many countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and other East Asian countries. The festival is celebrated with regional customs and traditions that vary widely, but share the same theme – seeing out the old year and welcoming in the luck and prosperity of a new year.

How is the Lunar New Year celebrated?

In South Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday of the year and is celebrated with a feast shared with family. Many Korean families gather in hanbok, Traditional Korean clothes, where the younger generation performs saebae – the act of bowing deeply with respect to wish a happy new year to elders while saying Saehae bok mani badsaeyo. In return, elders gift envelopes filled with money along with a blessing.

Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan – the Vietnamese name for the Lunar New Year – marks a time of renewal and celebration. Families start with cleaning their homes and purchasing new clothes symbolizing fresh starts and new beginnings. Children receive ‘lucky money’ – lì xì – along with wishes for growth and success. Families and friends greet each other by saying ‘chúc mừng năm mới’- ‘Happy New Year’ and share traditional meals including bánh chưng, a sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork.

In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by putting up decorations, eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, giving red envelopes and other gifts, lighting fireworks, and watching lion and dragon dances. One popular tradition includes preparing and eating a whole fish (head and tail intact) as part of the New Year dinner. The word for ‘whole fish’ in Chinese (quán yú), is similar to the pronunciation of the word ‘surplus’ or ‘abundance’ (shèngyú), resulting in a play on words. The 15th day of the new year marks the end of the Lunar New Year and the celebration of the Lantern Festival. On this day families make and eat a rice ball soup as a symbol of their reunion in the new year.

Where can I celebrate the Lunar New Year in Rockville?

Events

Lunar New Year Celebration Every year, the City of Rockville hosts a free annual Lunar New Year celebration, inviting all community members to celebrate with performances, interactive displays, and more! Learn more at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/730/Lunar-New-Year

Rockville Town Square Lunar New Year Celebration

This free annual celebration welcomes families to Rockville Town Square to enjoy live performances, local vendors, red envelope giveaways, drumming, lion and dragon dance, and more! Learn more at https://rockvilletownsquare.com/events-news/

Food

Indulge in Lunar New Year traditional foods from local restaurants and supermarkets including:

Arirang Korean Restaurant

Chadol Korean BBQ

Wa Ja Jang

A & J Restaurant

Hello Vietnam! Restaurant

Pho Nom Nom