Hey, Rockville!

It's More Than Just a House: the Housing Market with Larry Giammo

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:32:37 -0600

Former Mayor and Planning Commissioner, local real estate agent, Larry Giammo, helps us wade through some of the more complicated aspects of the current real estate market — politics, finance, education, and everything else we can squeeze out of him in an hour.

https://www.larrygiammo.com/

Where we've been eating:
Azu Peruvian next to the Giant on the Pike
Chef Tony's Seafood
Petit Delices
Chateau de Rockville Cafe
Niwano Hana
Lebanese Taverna
Glenwood's
Bob's Shanghai

Per usual, Suzan has failed to eat at Il Pizzico, and it's still one of Jaime's top three Rockville restaurants.
We revisit a pod favorite, Ema Rossi, and give a shout-out to Chris Landers of the Clay Co-Op, who made some of the dishes Ema Rossi uses.

Coming up--Rockville City Council member Marissa Valeri on civil discourse.

Solving All the World's Problems

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:36:16 -0600

This season, we solve all the world's problems with help from our friends.

Where we ate over the holidays:
Lady Vintner
Royal Durbar Kitchen
Darband Kebab
Chef Tony's

What's on our radar:
Josh's Smack Shack
Baguette Antojitos

Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Some Make Pie

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:32:05 -0500

See that empty box in the episode photo? The pie was gone before we thought to take a picture.

Today Dini from Dini's Divine Pies hung out in the garage with us to talk all things pie and small business. Suzan manages not to talk about Texas, but Jaime, of course, slips in a pickleball reference. We also talked about the Thanksgiving Kim had to cut the pie Suzan made with a machete. Good times!

It's not too early to pre-order a holiday pie! Be a hero--bring a truly amazing, hand-made pie to the office, a party, or a holiday dinner (or all 3).

Dini's Divine Pies: https://dinisdivinepies.com/
Rocklands Farm Winery: https://www.rocklandsfarmmd.com/

Where we've been eating:
Bangkok Palace: https://bkgrockville.com/
Pho Nom Nom: https://www.phonomnom.net/
Dolan's Uyghur Restaurant: https://www.dolanuyghur.com/
Petite Delice: https://www.petitdeliceusa.com/

Why Pick Just 1? Ranked Choice Voting

Suzan Pitman — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:03:14 -0500

Suzan and Jaime have a conversation with Michelle Whittaker, Executive Director of Ranked Choice Voting Maryland. Michelle sheds light on what ranked-choice voting is, how it works, and addresses criticisms of this voting method. With the potential for building consensus in a time of great division, this might be a topic worth your time.

Ranked Choice Voting Maryland: https://www.rcvmd.org/
Google "ranked choice voting npr" for a variety of reporting on this topic.

Paris Baguette on Gibbs Street in Town Square
Eat a Lao in the Sunshine Square Shopping Center
Arepatecha on Fishers Lane across from the Trek store, adjacent to Twinbrook Metro parking lot.
Gilly's on Chapman Avenue -- if you know you know, if you don't know you should go there!

Summer Fun with Rec and Parks

Suzan Pitman — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:49:18 -0500

Chip Boylan is the president of the Rockville Rec and Parks Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization that raises money to help take our beloved city parks to the next level. Whether you are enjoying a pick-up basketball or pickleball game, cooling off with your kids at the Maryvale Park splashpad, or getting some me time in the garden at the Glenview Mansion, there is a park to be enjoyed by each and all.

Rockville Rec and Parks Foundation: https://www.rrpfi.org/

Rockville Recreation and Parks: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/346/Recreation-and-Parks

Explore Rockville with Explore Rockville!

Suzan Pitman — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:00:15 -0500

Staycationing this summer? Explore Rockville can help you plan a perfect not-getaway.
https://explorerockville.org/

Link to Rockville Ice Cream Trail Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvZywxFzSweg8taf7

Bookmark for next summer: Bethesda Big Train Baseball

Suggestions for a great day in Rockville:
Go for an early bicycle tour of Historic Rockville: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7b493987dad34f3697032d698164d795
Stop for lunch in Town Square or at Al Carbon in East Rockville.
Visit the Glenview Mansion
Pick up dinner from Don Pollo, Hello Viet Nam, Dona Cici's, or the Twinbrook Deli on Veirs Mill
Put up your feet and look for fall theatre/performing arts tickets or classes:
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
Vis Arts
Clay CoOp
Hammer and Stain
Or, if it's a Thursday, check out the Rockville Movies in the Park.

The Birds of Redgate Park Have Star Power

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:53:23 -0500

RedGate Park was a municipal golf course until the City of Rockville closed it in 2018. Now, it's a crown jewel of Rockville, providing green space for humans and habitat for animals.

At a time of deep concern for the steep decline in the bird population, RedGate is a haven for birds. Rockville-adjacent resident and documentary filmmaker Cintia Cabib caught a multitude of RedGate's birds on film, and in this episode, we learn all about it.

Bird Walk, the documentary: https://birdwalkfilm.com/
Friends of RedGate Park: https://redgatepark.org/
Cintia Cabib, Documentary Filmmaker: https://cintiacabib.com/
Il Pizzico: https://www.ilpizzico.com/
Anita's Guatemalen: https://www.facebook.com/AnitasRestaurante25/

All Things Pickleball

Suzan Pitman — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:42:14 -0500

Time for some summer fun, Rockville! In this episode, we learn about pickleball, a fast-growing sport.

MoCo Pickleball
Montgomery County Pickleball
App to get you started: Link and Dink

Where we've been eating:
Botenero's
Cava Mezza
Z&Z Manuoshe Bakery (again and always)
Kajiken

Sometimes, Things Change: A Conversation with the New Owner of First Street Tavern (Jonathan's)

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:11:28 -0500

Jonathan's Sports Pub, located in the Burgundy Shopping Center between East Rockville and Twinbrook, was a MOCO/Rockville legend. We talked to the new owner about the transition to First Street Tavern.

First Street Tavern
Suds & Soles 5k Registration

We missed the Bender JCC event with Dana Bash, but if your kids have enjoyed their programs like ours have, you can donate here.

Get Out and Ride!

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 04 May 2025 18:10:40 -0500

Spring is here, and summer is coming soon--a great time to ride bikes! We talk to Jake Jakubek, Chair of the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee, about bicycling in Rockville and the surrounding area.

Rockville Bike Hub: https://www.rockvillebikehub.org/
Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/327/Rockville-Bicycle-Advisory-Committee
Bike Rockville Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/bike-rockville/
Terrific Kids Bike Program: https://rockvillereports.com/free-reconditioned-bikes-for-terrific-kids-2/
Corned Beef King: https://cornedbeefking.com/
Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream: https://www.mimishandmade.com/

Back in the Garage!

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:36:51 -0600

Affordability is bigger than housing, and we've been talking about an affordability series for months. With "things" unpredictable, a little frightening, and life feeling especially hard right now we understand that people are hesitant to engage. Multiple experts on what affordability means, and what constitutes an affordable life, turned down interviews or never responded to interview requests. We get it. So we talked amongst ourselves and started a list of questions for Matt Perkins, sociologist and criminologist who will be our guest in a couple of weeks.

Also, how many Mexican restaurants in Rockville Town Center are too many (no such thing!), and will Jaime cave and start calling it "The Square?"

Take good care of yourselves. Sleep, exercise, eat healthy food, hug your friends, and let us know if you want to talk at heyrockville@gmail.com.

Center for Science in the Public Interest
CSPI Shop Smart page
Rockville Daycare Association
Grocery Affordability article (no surprises here)
We also contacted an economics professor at MC and a retirement specialist--no word, but we'll keep trying.

NEW! El Maguey--1203 Taft Street off of Gude near Norbeck
New-ish--try the breakfast taco and the $1 coffee--Little Miner Taco
NEW! Dirty Dough
Crumble Cookie
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery
Lavande Patisserie
Kiin Imm Thai
National Cathedral--great events, often on the less expensive or free side
2 Amys

Small Business Saturday Preview

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:47:33 -0600

Friend of the Pod Deborah Landau and Suzan drive around on a snowy, rainy fall day to preview local businesses for Small Business Saturday. Here's a short excerpt of their conversation and a couple of interviews with local business owners. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy Small Business Saturday!

Please note -- we do not sell advertisements and we have received nothing in-kind from the businesses on our list. These are businesses we have experience with or that have been highly recommended to us.

Interviews
Wool Winders--for knitters and crocheters
Shafa Blend Teas--highest quality teas, spices, fancy chocolate bars, tea accessories, and a few lovely gifts.

Other stops and recommendations
Gourmet Bazaar has gorgeous sweets, nuts, party food, cheese, and a nice variety of fancy rock sugar for the tea you pick up at Shafa Blends. They also have a take-out counter with hot food, subs, kabobs, etc. made to order.
Kielbasa Factory is under new ownership and is much the same, but fresh eyes have had a happy effect. They offer more than just sausage—pick up fresh Polish doughnuts or babka for holiday breakfast or brunch and European flour, butter, and jams for baking. They also have fancy candies and a small selection of Polish pottery.
Mariuchi Japanese Grocery and Gift is a few doors from the Kielbasa Factory. Pick up a rice cooker, chopsticks, or a sake set. Nice selection of Japanese groceries, and a really friendly staff.
Vignola Gourmet--Italian market with great items for foodie gift baskets and family meals for take-out. Across the parking lot from the Friends of the Library Bookstore, and technically in North Bethesda.
Purple Narwhal Music and Manga is a great place to find something unique for the vinyl and manga lovers in your life.
The Clay Co-op is across the parking lot from Purple Narwhal on North Stonestreet. In addition to classes, owner Chris Landers offers beautiful and functional tableware. He was sold out at last check, but keep an eye on his website for a restock.
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery--Recently on Bon Appetite's Best Restaurants in the US list, this little spot in Woodley Gardens offers prepared sauces, dips, spreads, and seasonings. Pick up a manoushe and a present after work.
Appalachian Spring offers hand-crafted gifts from around the country. They have unique, high-end handmade gifts for babies and young children and a nice selection of jewelry and home accents.
Humane Society Thrift and Gift is gentle on the planet and helps the community.

Town Center
Saints Valley--gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, pashminas, and other unique finds for your special people.
Nature by Trejok--fun boutique with new and vintage finds
Cottage Monet--classic gifts and decor
Maryland Women's Business Center Shop Local--creative gifts by women artisans and curators

Experiences
Hammer and Stain--fun and relaxed craft classes
Vis Arts--a variety of art classes
Clay Co-op--ceramics classes
Bones Jones Music--music lessons in a band setting with local performances.
Thrive Yoga--well-established yoga studio on the Pike
Rockville Civic Ballet--purchase tickets to the Nutcracker as an early gift.
Rockville Little Theatre tickets make great gifts that last beyond the holiday season.

The Ash Twins--Revisiting Competition and Cooperation with Mayors Monique Ashton and Jud Ashman

Suzan Pitman — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:27:53 -0600

We wrap up "the past, present, and future of Rockville" by bookending our conversation with Sunil Dasgupta with Mayors Ashton and Ashman, who talk about what cooperation and competition look like in practice. They had many restaurant recommendations, and hopefully we captured them all below. What a great hour!

Rockville mentions:
Rockville Holiday Drive
Engage Rockville
Global Bites
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival
Home Town Holidays (returning to Town Center in 2025!)
Interfaith Works
Rockville's Role in the Underground Railroad

Rockville Classics:
Bombay Bistro--Rockville legend
La Canela--gracious, family-owned, and run, you'll feel a little fancy when you go there.
Giuseppi's Pizza Plus--Community favorite and a tremendous supporter of Rockville, just signed another 10-year lease!
Hard Times Cafe
Il Pizzico

Good for informal meetings:
Japon Bakery
Finnegan's Wake
World of Beer

New or new-ish:
Yummy Bowl
Chef Tony's
Little Miner Taco
Kung Fu Kitchen

Vegetarian
St. Veg--recent award winner!
Yuan Fu

Gaithersburg Mentions:
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg Holiday Giving

Gaithersburg Restaurants:
Gemelli's (brace yourself--it's amazing!)
Inferno Pizza
Mayan Monkey
Ixtapalapa Taco
Vasili's Kitchen
Village Green

That One Time in Rockville...

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:12:33 -0600

Rockville is well-known for its diversity and its friendly, inclusive community. That didn't fall out of a coconut tree--today's vibrant Rockville has early roots in the Civil Rights Movement. The Gibbs decision played a crucial role in equal pay laws, and that decision was made right here in Rockville. Life-long resident Patrick Woodward shares his family's role in this monumental case that all residents of Rockville should know and be proud of.

Jaime and Suzan recently spent almost two hours talking with Judge Woodward and his wife, Patricia, about Rockville history.

An interview with Prof. Larry Gibson, author of Young Thurgood, which Patrick references:
https://youtu.be/soDusxjw65Q?si=DCXObTubxqZxc7tm

Jaime has eaten at the new Yummy Bowl in Twinbrook and highly recommends it.
https://www.eatyummybowlmd.com/

Moving Rockville Forward One Business at a Time with Cindy Rivarde

Suzan Pitman — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:26:57 -0500

Jaime and Suzan recently spoke to Cindy Rivarde, CEO of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) about the history of the organization, what it does for the City and its business community, and what's on the horizon. Of course, every Rockville business is her favorite, but she did highlight a few restaurants she's enjoyed recently.

Little Miner Taco, now open in Rockville Town Square
Arirang Korean Restaurant on Gude Drive
East Pearl
A&J
Eerkins
Kushi Sushi, now open in Rockville Town Square
Gyuzo
Thai Chef
Tea Mania
Mings

Not a restaurant, but a local food business, Maspanadas is the creator of the Pitman family's favorite empanadas.

You can read more about REDI on their website.
Some of the restaurants are listed on Explore Rockville.

Rockville's Future as a Pedestrian-Forward Community with Eric Fulton

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:54:54 -0500

In this episode, Suzan talks with Eric Fulton, founder of the Rockville Pedestrian Advisory Committee, about getting around without a car (spoiler--it's pretty great to walk places!).

Pizza Monkey
Gyroland
Arirang
Clear Skies Meadery
York Castle Ice Cream
La Speranza

Rockville Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Asphalt Art
Outlive (book)

We talk about the health benefits of walking--we are not doctors or health professionals, just people who have experienced the health benefits of walking. Please do not take our comments about walking and health as healthcare advice. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your health routines or medications.

Hey Y'all! It's Adam Van Grack!

Suzan Pitman — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:02:15 -0500

We lean Italian in this conversation with Rockville native and City Councilmember Adam Van Grack. Please congratulate Jaime on finally meeting someone who likes to eat almost as much as he does.

Adam's enthusiasm and love for Rockville is infectious and we hope you enjoy his insights into our City as much as we did.

Where we're eating:

Hello Vietnam
Kabuto
O'Donnell's
Giuseppe's Pizza
La Speranza
Ema Rossi
Fontina Grill
Amalfi's/Chef Tony's
Pines of Rome Express
Il Pizzico

Suzan finally gets a word in about Gourmet Bazaar (get the saffron soft serve).

Thanks to REDI and the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce for encouraging these local restaurants and all the other ones we love to visit!

The Fishbowl: Taking a Peek at Rockville as Part of a Larger Community

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:09:24 -0500

We talk with Sunil Dasgupta, local political science professor and podcaster, about Rockville in the context of the larger community. This is the first in a series on the past, present, and future of Rockville, and we thought it would be helpful to get a big-picture overview before diving in.

New Series: Rockville Past, Present, and Future

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:38:45 -0500

A quick intro the next set of episodes on Rockville's past, present and future.

Rainbows and Veggies with Molly Kogan

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:21:15 -0500

Jaime and Suzan visit with the delightful Molly Kogan, founder of Rockville Vegans. We talk about the whys and hows of veganism, and where to eat vegan in the Rockville area (we're looking at you, St. Veg!).

Improving Community Well-being One Park and Tree at a Time: HR! Friend, Debbie Landau, talks to Wayne Breslyn

Debbie Landau — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 13:51:30 -0600

FoP Debbie Landau spoke with Wayne Breslyn--RedGate Park Champion, Weed Warrior, and YouTube Celebrity--about the creation of the park, trees, doing better for the planet, and YouTube.

During his talk with Debbie, Wayne mentions:

Friends of RedGate Park:
www.redgatepark.org

RedGate Park Master Plan:
https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2311/RedGate-Park-Arboretum-Master-Plan

Reforest Rockville:
www.ReforestRockville.org

The One and Only Billy Jones

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:43:16 -0600

We talk to Billy Jones about running an arts-based business, the Rockville music scene, thriving as a small business during and post-COVID, Australia, and the coffee problem in Rockville. We also forget to mention Rockville and Rockville-adjacent Hank Dietle's, the Outta The Way Cafe, the Digits, Folk-n-Great house concerts, and Java Nation's live shows. We need to get out more. Seriously.

We touched on what seems to be a new business trend--a small storefront with food/additional food served from the food truck out front. Let us know your favorite, along with where you like to listen to live music at heyrockville@gmail.com.

Bones Jones Music
Corned Beef King
Taste of Montreal

Get Moving!

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:38:50 -0600

Jaime and Suzan talked to Dr. Lisa Patton, psychologist and fitness instructor, about getting and staying motivated to move when it's cold and wintry outside. We also talk about kids, gym culture and community, and, of course, where we like to eat.

Gold's Gym Wintergreen Plaza
Taste of Kabob
Julii
York Castle Ice Cream
Island Pride
Olney Farmers Market
Sides Barbeque

Chris Landers and the Intersection of Art, Business, and Community

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:40:43 -0600

Chris Landers is a Rockville artist and owner of the Clay CoOp on North Stonestreet. He talked to us about what it's like owning an arts-based business in the City and building community.

The Clay CoOp
More about Chris on MoCo 360
Rockville Art League
Rockville Cultural Arts Commission
Vis Arts
Bones Jones Music
Ema Rossi
Kiin Imm Thai
Niwano Hana
Bob's Shanghai

No website but mentioned in this episode:
Pines of Rome Express in Congressional Center
Jennifer Food Truck on Twinbrook Parkway
China Bistro

Rockville Adjacent:
East City Art
Underground Pizza

Taking a Peek Outside the Rockville Bubble with Dr. Sharon Freeman

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 17:13:33 -0600

Sharon Freeman has a lifetime of experience in international development. She has lived and worked all over the world, but has chosen to make Rockville home for the last 17 years. She is a prolific author and a committed pedestrian with gems of wisdom for Rockville.

33 Gems: Wisdom for Living Pieces of Life's Puzzle and other books by Dr. Freeman

Gems of Wisdom for 2024:

Connect with others.
Diversify our local economy.
Invest in education--industry chooses where to invest based on potential assets like an educated workforce.
Don't forget about the "little guy."

Happy New Year!

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:54:09 -0600

Hey Rockville! Thanks for getting us noticed by Bethesda Magazine!

We'll be back with more episodes on January 8th-ish and a terrific lineup of guests.

A New Player in Local Elections: Affordable Maryland

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 18:47:06 -0600

The 2023 City of Rockville election saw more non-candidate activity than elections in recent memory. Along with State Senator Cheryl Kagan's splashy mailer and social media activity on behalf of candidates, Affordable Maryland joined Greater Greater Washington and CASA as a prominent endorser. Unlike GGW and CASA, Affordable Maryland is solely a super PAC. Suzan and FOP (friend of podcast) Matt Perkins spoke to Jonathan Robinson, Chair of Affordable Maryland, about the formation of the PAC, local elections, and getting involved.

We also talk about:
El Papi Street Tacos: elpapitacos.com/
Mirabeau Bakery:www.mirabeaubakerycafe.com/
Masthia Bakery: www.mastihabakery.com/
Hello Viet Nam: www.hellovietnamfood.com/

Best Thanksgiving recipe from 2023: cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018707-sweet-potatoes-with-miso-ginger-sauce

Rockville City Election Wrap Up--Don't Get Excited, It's Just Us This Week

Suzan Pitman, Jaime Espinosa — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:50:33 -0600

A few days before the Rockville Mayor and Council inauguration, Suzan and Jaime sat down and talked about the election results--what was surprising and what wasn't.

Real People, Election Reality

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 17:46:08 -0600

We spoke with two of our neighbors--long-time residents who care deeply about the City but who are not part of the political machinery that operates behind the scenes. We use campaign literature to frame a conversation about what works with voters, and how this election is a little different than previous, especially when it comes to outside interests funding mailers.

Where we've eaten lately:
Ema Rossi on Norbeck
Villa Maya, also on Norbeck
Hello Vietnam! on Viers Mill in Twinbrook
Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream in Federal Plaza

MCPS is in a Funk

Suzan Pitman — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:08:27 -0500

MCPS is at a crossroads, and Caleb Michaud has something to say about it. With an alarming string of scandals and bad news, fresh voices and perspectives are needed for the good of our kids and the future of our city.

Girls Night

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:59:59 -0500

Suzan and special co-hosts Mayor Bridget Newton and East Rockville leader Dr. Debbie Landau speak with some of the women candidates running in the city election. Mayoral candidate Monique Ashton and Council candidates Marissa Valeri, Izola Shaw, and Kate Fulton share their views on women in leadership, building on success while leading for the future, and why the success of our schools is essential to the success of our City.

Monique Ashton
Marissa Valeri
Izola Shaw
Kate Fulton

City of Rockville Elections

Restaurant Recs
Hello Vietnam
Yuan Fu
Gourmet Bazaar

Old News

Suzan Pitman — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:43:54 -0500

Jaime and Suzan, with their friend Matt, talk about the campaign, some other stuff, and the campaign. Lots more has happened since this conversation took place, but if you're just starting to wonder where all the junk mail is coming from, this might be a good place to start.

Since this conversation, several public forums for the candidates have been held, and the first campaign finance reports have been filed. From small, grassroots local donations to a largely self-funded and staffed city slicker capital C campaign, to the public airing of personal problems during Council meetings, this year continues to be weird and unpredictable.

Between work and a horrific case of the flu, Suzan has been out of commission for several weeks. Not likely we'll get to all of the candidates, but we're working on getting some interesting perspectives on the City and its elections. Sunil Dasgupta, who hosts I Hate Politics, is interviewing candidates and will be releasing those episodes at some point. You can also check the City of Rockville Election page for candidate statements and recordings of the forums.

Along with the recordings of the official forums, there are unofficial ways to hear how the candidates answer the same questions at neighborhood forums and open houses. Twinbrook is hosting an open house on Tuesday, October 17 at the Twinbrook Community Center, and the West End Citizens Association is hosting a forum on Thursday, October 19 at 7 PM at the Rockville Presbyterian Church. In a year where there's not much differentiating most of the candidates, listening to how they respond to the same or similar questions is a good way to start refining your choices. Too many "I" statements and excessive negativity? Do they talk about themselves in the third person (always fun!), do their stories not ring true? It's great to run into a candidate when they are door-knocking individually, but it can be truly telling to hear them as a cohort and see who might work well together on the dais.

City of Rockville Elections https://www.rockvillemd.gov/415/Voting-Elections
Greater Greater Washington https://ggwash.org/view/91157/rockville-2023-election-endorsements
East Rockville Civic Association https://www.eastrockville.org/election
Twinbrook Community Association https://www.twinbrookcommunity.org/twine-blog/2023/10/7/2023-survey-for-rockville-city-council-and-mayoral-candidates
West End Citizens Association https://www.westendrockvillemd.org/

New restaurant we talked about: Hello Vietnam https://www.hellovietnamfood.com/

Opening the Aperture with Izola Shaw

Suzan Pitman — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 04:17:37 -0500

Izola Shaw is running for Rockville City Council. Her experiences as an advocate for equitable housing and living in Town Center bring a broader perspective to the field of Council candidates. She talks about her ideas for increasing community engagement and Suzan finally admits that it's definitely her at the Dawson's hot bar pretty much every day at lunch.

https://www.izola4progress.org/
https://dawsonsmarket.com/
https://www.jamaicanfoodrockville.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054405104432#_=_
https://www.thethaicuisinerockville.com/

Back to School with Jonathan Thessin and Amy Ackerberg-Hastings

Suzan Pitman — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:58:12 -0500

In this episode, we attempt a Zoom interview AND a two-interviewee interview for the first time. Amy and Jonathan are the MCPS PTA Cluster Coordinators for the Richard Montgomery cluster, and they help us understand the value of getting involved with the PTA, which you can do even if you don't have kids in MCPS schools. MCPS is a huge draw for Rockville and Montgomery County and is a vital part of our quality of life and economy, and we should all be working to maintain and improve our schools. Besides, they're all our kids.

FARMS refers to free and reduced-price meals. "Title I" refers to a provision in the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act that provides extra support to schools with large populations of low-income students.

MCPSPTA: https://www.mccpta.org/
MCPS: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
MCPS Support for LGBTQ Students and their families: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/LGBTQ/
Grandma's Waffles and Ice Cream: https://www.grandmasicecreamandwaffles.com/
OM Indian Restaurant: https://www.omindianrockville.com/
Airirang Korean Restaurant--no website, but it's on East Gude Drive and Jaime really liked it.
Z&Z's Manoushe Bakery: https://www.zandzdc.com/
Carmen's (like you really need a link for Carmen's!): https://carmensitalianice.com/

Rocktreal: Stephan Beauchesne Brings a Little Montreal to Rockville

Suzan Pitman — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:53:13 -0500

Jaime and Suzan interview Stephan Beauchesne, owner of Taste of Montreal and Rice Around the World. We kept it real with guest appearances by the dog and Dave's motorcycle.

Small businesses are part of the fabric of our communities, often serving as "Third Places" for the neighborhoods they serve. Stephan shares his experiences as a small business owner and what it's been like to pivot during the pandemic and in response to still empty office buildings.

Taste of Montreal:
https://thetasteofmontreal.com/

Letterkenny:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterkenny

MCPS Protests
https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-lgbtq-plus-opt-out-policy-trans-protest-mcps-parents-muslim-christian-religious-beliefs-board-of-education-meeting-children-students-teachers-letters-inclusive-books-us-constitution-maryland-education

City of Rockville Elections
https://www.rockvillemd.gov/415/Voting-Elections

Kiin Imm Thai
https://www.kiinimmthai.com/

Thai Chef
https://www.thaichefdmv.com/

Il Pizzico
https://www.ilpizzico.com/

Third Places
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/07/26/third-places-strengthen-community-heres-how-we-can-rebuild-them

The Nicest Guy in Rockville--An Interview with Barry Jackson

Suzan Pitman — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:32:42 -0500

In this episode, Jaime and Suzan talk to Barry Jackson, a candidate for Rockville City Council, President of the King Farm Home Owners Association, and non-profit professional. He's also a dad and a stroke survivor.

A few things we talked about:
Pho Nom Nom--https://www.phonomnom.net/
Barry's candidacy--https://www.votebarryjackson.com/about
Bear sightings in Rockville--https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2023/06/another-black-bear-spotted-this-time-in-rockville/

Bringing Home the Bacon with Monique Ashton

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:43:41 -0500

With Andrea and Jaime traveling for work, Matt Perkins pinch-hits as co-host. We interviewed City Council member Monique Ashton about women in leadership, what she loves about Rockville (everything!), and doing the work.

Restaurants we talk about:
Eko House
Il Pizzico
Island Pride
Cooper's Hawk
Paris Baguette

All That and a Bag of Chips: A Conversation with Kate Fulton

Suzan Pitman — Mon, 29 May 2023 14:11:45 -0500

Kate Fulton is the Deputy Director for Operations at the Federal Reserve Board and holds her own when the talk turns to Pizza Hut.

Bob Blaemire is a Ladies Man: Title IX (and a bunch of other cool history)

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:50:57 -0500

On February 28, 1972, Indiana Senator Birch Bayh introduced an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965, which was up for reauthorization. Title IX was part of the Equal Rights Act, which was coming out of committee and on its way to nowhere. But in the spirit of “what can we do,” Senator Bayh tacked it on the HEA as an amendment that made our country and, arguably, the world, a better place for everyone.

Title IX usually brings to mind women’s athletics, and while it’s true that women’s sports would probably not exist in any meaningful form today without Title IX, the meat of the amendment was about education—any educational institution accepting federal money had to provide equal opportunity for women.

So where does my friend Bob fit into this? Bob worked for Senator Bayh for 13 years, starting as an 18-year-old college student fresh from Hammond, Indiana. He drove the Senator and ran errands, and eventually became his political director. He had an inside view of the creation of Title IX, the ERA, the Bayh-Dole Act that revolutionized research and development through fair patent practices, and on life in electoral politics. He is also Senator Bayh’s biographer.

I contacted Bob, who lived in Rockville until recently, to ask for a few minutes of his time to talk about Title IX in preparation for a series of interviews with some of Rockville's women leaders. Instead of the 15-minute phone interview I initially asked him for, this incredibly busy and generous man joined us in the garage for almost two hours.

I was born the day before Title IX was introduced on the Senate floor, and although I’ve had my fill of “you’re so much prettier when you smile” and criticisms for returning to work after my son was born (he’s 20 and I’m still salty about this), I know I benefitted from Title IX in ways my older mentors did not when they were girls and young professionals. As someone who knew the world before and after, I asked Bob how he had benefited from Title IX. He talked about becoming a better person by shedding his prejudices, and he shares in a frank and direct way what he believed and how he behaved before and after Title IX and the Civil Rights Movement. His candor shows that we can fix ourselves, and how we uplift others when we do so. He also lit up when his daughter-in-law and granddaughter came up, and he talked about his daughter-in-law as a feminist. My initial response was, “yeah, so,” but in Bob’s pre-Title IX life, the act of feminism was revolutionary, and the fact that he takes so much pride that she, and his granddaughter, can be anything they want in the world he helped Senator Bayh create was another reminder of how far we’ve come, and that we should take none of it for granted.

The warm-up and sound check was so interesting in its own right, that it was not edited out. The conversation is far-ranging, moving from title 9 to other accomplishments Bob was party to during Senator Bayh’s tenure. He also has advice for local election candidates towards the end of the interview.

Enjoy!
Suzan

More on Bob Blaemire: https://www.blaemire.us/author-bio; https://www.indianaauthorsawards.org/honoree/robert-blaemire/

Bob’s book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/birch-bayh-making-a-difference-robert-blaemire/19036816?ean=9780253039170

More on Title IX: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/22/sports/what-is-title-ix.html

A documentary on Senator Bayh that features Bob as a SME and helps put Bob’s work with Bayh into historical context: https://www.wfyi.org/programs/birch-bayh

Deborah Landau is the Bees Knees

Suzan Pitman — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:27:06 -0500

We're still buzzing from our talk(s) with Matt Perkins and along came Debbie--ride-or-die, flame-throwing, BAMF ecologist. We love her so much!

Sometimes, the environmental crisis is overwhelming, but Debbie breaks it down to a personally manageable level. Hope you enjoy her talk as much as we did.

University of Maryland Extension Service
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/environment-natural-resources/program-areas/home-and-garden-information-center

Maryland Native Plant Society
https://mdflora.org/

City of Rockville Environment and Sustainability site
https://www.rockvillemd.gov/287/Environment-and-Sustainability

Edible Landscaping presentation slides from Fairfax County
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/food-council/sites/food-council/files/assets/documents/pdf/edible%20landscaping%20plants%20workshop_09_10_19.pptx%20(1).pdf

Pollinator plants for Maryland
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/habitat/wawhatsthebuzz.aspx

The Overstory
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-overstory-richard-powers/17315941?ean=9780393356687

Pho 75--Debbie's favorite pho
http://places.singleplatform.com/pho-75-7/menu?ref=google

Amalfi--Jaime is checking out the new Amalfi and will report back next time
https://www.amalfirockville.com/

Dawson's Hot Bar--where you can find Suzan most weekdays around 11:30. Try the curried chickpeas on Thursdays.
https://dawsonsmarket.com/menu/todays-hot-bar/

Managing the End of Marijuana Prohibition at the Local Level with Matt Perkins

Suzan Pitman, Jaime Espinosa, Andrea Nunez — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:12:14 -0600

"Take 2" with Matt Perkins. We had some technical difficulties the first time so we tried it again. We had even more to talk about this time and managed not to fight too much about Tex-Mex vs. Mexican food.

This discussion centers on what we might experience at the local level when recreational marijuana use becomes legal on July 1. How do we continue to be good neighbors in a time of social transition? We veer into culture, community problem-solving, and getting things right.

Book suggestion--Humankind: A Hopeful History
By Rutger Bregman

Rockville Community Policing Advisory Board
https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2347/Community-Policing-Advisory-Board

State of Maryland
https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/Legalization-of-Non-Medical-Cannabis.aspx#:~:text=The%20earliest%20adult%2Duse%20cannabis,Maryland%20is%20July%201%2C%202023.&text=When%20will%20it%20be%20legal,beginning%20on%20July%201%2C%202023

Local restaurants we talk about on this episode:
http://www.bombaybistro.com/
https://www.eastdumplingmd.com/
https://www.phonomnom.net/
https://bkgrockville.com/
https://www.zandzdc.com/

The food truck at the Twinbrook Laundromat
https://xintli.net/

Discussing the City of Rockville Charter Review with Marissa Valeri

Suzan Pitman, Jaime Espinosa, Andrea Nunez — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:50:16 -0600

Marissa Valeri, a member of the most recent Charter Review Commission, stopped by the garage to share details of the City Charter and the process for amending it. Rockville Mayor and Council have hearings scheduled at the end of January and in February to begin the process of reviewing the commission's work and possibly adopting their recommendations.

The City Charter is Rockville’s governing document and states our rules about elections and the way our local government is structured. The Charter Review Commission looked at a bunch of potential changes, with the proposal to add seats to the City Council and districting the City potentially having the biggest impact on the way our government interacts with residents.

Money and partisanship make national elections much more attention-grabbing than city elections, but it’s our local government that we experience in our daily lives. When our trash gets picked up, when we're looking for a parking spot downtown, and when the flowers in the medians bloom each spring we are experiencing our government at work. Charter review can be a pretty dry topic, but by learning more and getting involved you are part of what comes next for our favorite hometown, Rockville, Maryland.

Of interest from this episode:

https://www.discoursemagazine.com/politics/2022/10/14/the-importance-of-city-charters/

https://www.rockvillemd.gov/102/Charter-Review-Commission

Email the Mayor and Council at mayorandcouncil@rockvillemd.gov

Tomatillo Mexican Grill

Al Carbon

Pupuseria Mama Emelia