Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
At Proactive Wellness Center, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our patients by offering comprehensive programs that focus on reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and providing effective treatments for those with chronic illnesses. Our approach is three-fold, encompassing knowledge empowerment, disease prevention, and rejuvenation therapies tailored to each individual's unique physiology.
Empowering Patients with Knowledge: To achieve optimal health, we think that information is a powerful tool. Our programs are designed to educate and empower patients, equipping them with the information they need to take charge of their well-being. We provide comprehensive evaluations that incorporate patient-supplied information and utilize advanced diagnostics to assess health status thoroughly. By understanding their individual health profiles, patients can make informed decisions about their lifestyle, diet, and overall healthcare.
Disease Prevention through Comprehensive Evaluations: Prevention is key to maintaining good health, and we prioritize disease prevention through thorough evaluations. Our team utilizes comprehensive diagnostics to assess risk factors and identify potential health concerns. By addressing these factors early on, we aim to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall wellness. Our approach goes beyond a one-size-fits-all model, recognizing that each individual is unique and requires personalized care.
Rejuvenation Programs for Optimal Health: Our anti-aging treatments are supported by research and center on slowing down the aging process, increasing tissue regeneration, and lowering cellular degradation.We understand that everyone's needs and goals are different, so our programs are customized to address individual requirements. Through advanced testing and genetics, we tailor the treatment approach to each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their health and well-being.
At Proactive Wellness Center, we are committed to staying at the forefront of scientifically-validated therapies that reverse aging, prevent chronic diseases, and optimize health. For men who may be experiencing erectile problems, one of the proven therapies we offer is GAINSWave therapy in West Falls Church, VA. This therapy, among others, is part of our comprehensive approach to help patients achieve their health goals.
Our center is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care to our patients. We believe in equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health, focusing on disease prevention, and offering rejuvenation therapies tailored to their unique physiology. Together, we can work towards reversing the aging process, preventing disease, and optimizing overall health for a better quality of life.
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Bethesda, MD Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Alexandria, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Annadale, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Arlington, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Ashburn, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Bethesda, MD
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Burke, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Centreville, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Chantilly, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Chevy Chase, MD
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Fairfax, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Falls Church, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Franconia, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me George Mason, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Great Falls, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Herndon, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Idylwood, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Lake Barcroft, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Leesburg, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Lincolnia, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Lorton, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Manassas, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Manassas Park, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Mantua, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me McLean, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me McNair, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Merrifield, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Newington, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Oakton, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Potomac, MD
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Reston, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Rockville, MD
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Rosslyn, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Silver Spring, MD
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Springfield, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Sterling, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Tysons, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Vienna, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me West Falls Church, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me West Springfield, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Wolf Trap, VA
- GAINSWave Therapy Near Me Woodbridge, VA
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Bethesda, MD report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Bethesda, MD Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Bethesda, MD?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Bethesda, MD. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Bethesda, MD, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Bethesda, MD, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Bethesda, MD
July 4th Fireworks 2023 Around Bethesda
Mark Handhttps://patch.com/maryland/bethesda-chevychase/july-4th-fireworks-2023-around-bethesda
Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around Bethesda. |Updated Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 3:52 pm ETBETHESDA, MD — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near Bethesda in 2023.We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Bethesda so you can start planning now.Here's what's in store this...
Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around Bethesda.
|Updated Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 3:52 pm ET
BETHESDA, MD — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near Bethesda in 2023.
We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Bethesda so you can start planning now.
Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Bethesda:
When: Tuesday, July 4
Where: Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm, 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville
The City of Rockville will hold its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm on Tuesday, July 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Enjoy live music by Vertigo Red and a 20-minute fireworks display.
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds
Will feature live music, food and fireworks displays that will begin at about 9:15 p.m. The timing of the fireworks may change due to weather conditions. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted.
When: Saturday, July 1
Celebrate America’s independence with friends & family at SummerFest, Gaithersburg’s illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. The free event takes place on Saturday, July 1 from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The festival features live music, food trucks, local breweries, family-friendly activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display & SummerGlo After Party. Once it gets dark, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night with bursts of amazing colors & styles that launch up to 500 feet.
Washington, DC Fourth of July Celebration
When: Tuesday, July 4
Where: Around National Mall, Washington, DC
There will be various events for Fourth of July in DC, including the National Independence Day Parade from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW with marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more. A Capitol Fourth Concert is a free event held on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol at 8 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Fireworks will be held starting at 9:09 p.m., launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Kindbody Opens Bethesda, Maryland Clinic Expanding Access to High-Touch Fertility Care to Employers and Consumers in the Washington D.C. Metro Area
Kindbodyhttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kindbody-opens-bethesda-maryland-clinic-expanding-access-to-high-touch-fertility-care-to-employers-and-consumers-in-the-washington-dc-metro-area-301788978.html
National Fertility Clinic Network Opens 32nd Location to Meet Employer Demand for World-Class Fertility and Family-Building CareNEW YORK, April 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindbody, a technology-driven fertility clinic network and family-building benefits provider for employers, today announced the opening of a new clinic in Bethesda, MD. The announcement comes at a time of extra...
National Fertility Clinic Network Opens 32nd Location to Meet Employer Demand for World-Class Fertility and Family-Building Care
NEW YORK, April 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindbody, a technology-driven fertility clinic network and family-building benefits provider for employers, today announced the opening of a new clinic in Bethesda, MD. The announcement comes at a time of extraordinary growth for the company which owns and operates 32 clinics nationwide, including a state-of-the-art fertility clinic and IVF lab conveniently off of Dupont Circle and 19th Street in Washington, D.C. Kindbody Bethesda was built to meet the growing demand for comprehensive fertility and family-building benefits by local employers including Kindbody client GEICO, which is headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD, and employs nearly 7,000 corporate associates in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. In addition to GEICO, Kindbody serves 21 large employers in the region, covering more than 27,000 lives.
"Since opening our doors in Washington, D.C. last spring, we've seen unprecedented demand from local employers who understand the critical role fertility benefits play in attracting and retaining world-class talent and building inclusive workplaces," said Taryn Branca, Chief Revenue Officer at Kindbody. "Our new Bethesda location allows them to provide a premium fertility benefit with significant cost savings, as a result of working directly with the healthcare provider."
Kindbody Bethesda is located at 6000 Executive Blvd, Ste. 500, just inside the Capital Beltway, making it easily accessible to the entire Washington D.C. metro area. Kindbody offers a full-suite of fertility services including fertility consultations; egg, sperm, and embryo freezing; intrauterine insemination (IUI); and in vitro fertilization (IVF), to serve patients at every stage of their fertility journey.
Celine Orsini, Head of Health & Wellness, GEICO, and Head of Pharmacy Strategy, Berkshire Hathaway, said, "Providing equitable, accessible fertility and family-building care to our associates is a priority for GEICO. We are delighted that our partnership with Kindbody gives our associates access to best-in-class fertility and inclusive family building close to where they live and work, ensuring they have the support they need to build their family every step of the way."
Kindbody owns and operates 32 signature clinics throughout the U.S. in Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. To schedule an appointment, visit kindbody.com/book. Employers who wish to learn more about how Kindbody delivers the best patient experience and outcomes while reducing healthcare costs can contact solutions@kindbody.com.
Kindbody is a technology-driven fertility clinic network and family-building benefits provider for employers offering virtual and in-person care. Kindbody is the trusted fertility benefits provider for 112 leading employers, covering more than 2.4 million lives. Many thousands more receive their fertility care directly from Kindbody throughout the country at signature clinics, mobile clinics, and partner clinics. As the fertility benefits provider, technology platform, and direct provider of high-quality care, Kindbody delivers a seamless, integrated experience with superior health outcomes at lower cost, making fertility care more affordable and accessible for all. Kindbody has raised $290 million in funding from leading investors including Perceptive Advisors, GV (formerly Google Ventures), RRE Ventures, Claritas Health Ventures, Rock Springs Capital, NFP Ventures, and TQ Ventures. For more information, visit kindbody.com and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact:
Margaret RyanKindbodypress@kindbody.com
SOURCE Kindbody
Franciscan friars return to pastoral ministry at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Md.
National Catholic Reporterhttps://www.ncronline.org/news/franciscan-friars-return-pastoral-ministry-walter-reed-bethesda-md
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., is seen in an Oct. 2, 2020, photo. The Franciscan friars of Holy Name College Friary of Silver Spring, Md., returned to pastoral ministry to military members and veterans who are patients at the medical center June 13, 2023, two months after the U.S. Defense Health Agency decided to end their contract. DHA reopened bidding to provide the services in May and awarded the contract to the Franciscans June 8. (OSV News photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters)Gina Christian...
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., is seen in an Oct. 2, 2020, photo. The Franciscan friars of Holy Name College Friary of Silver Spring, Md., returned to pastoral ministry to military members and veterans who are patients at the medical center June 13, 2023, two months after the U.S. Defense Health Agency decided to end their contract. DHA reopened bidding to provide the services in May and awarded the contract to the Franciscans June 8. (OSV News photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters)
Gina Christian
OSV News
Send your thoughts to Letters to the Editor. Learn more
Franciscan priests have returned to pastoral ministry at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, two months after the center decided to end their contract.
The priests and brothers of Holy Name College Friary of Silver Spring, Maryland, resumed their service at the medical center June 13, according to a June 15 press release issued by the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, which exercises pastoral jurisdiction over the center.
The U.S. Defense Health Agency (DHA) has awarded a five-year contract to the Franciscans that is renewable annually.
On March 31, the Franciscans had been advised their contract -- which was set to expire but had routinely been upheld for close to 20 years -- would not be renewed.
The center instead assigned the ministry to Mack Global LLC, a secular defense contracting firm based in Mechanicsville, Virginia. According to its website, the company provides "telework consulting services, administrative and religious staffing, transportation and roadway services, (and) professional development and training." The "typical religious positions" staffed by the company, the site says, include music directors and musicians for "Catholic services," as well as coordinators for Catholic religious education and youth.
The move, announced hours ahead of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, was labeled "incomprehensible" at the time by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the military archdiocese, who also serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Catholic lawmakers -- among them, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. – -- also protested the decision by contacting Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The DHA reopened bidding in May and awarded the contract to the Franciscans June 8. As before, a team of five friars will alternate service at Walter Reed six days a week, ministering to hospitalized patients.
In his June 15 statement, Broglio said he was "very grateful" to the Army’s chief of chaplains, the Rev. Thomas L. Solhjem, an ordained Assemblies of God minister, who holds the rank of major general, for "his personal intervention and interest in resolving the question of Catholic pastoral care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center."
Solhjem had "moved quickly to assure the presence of additional Catholic priests from the Army Reserves as soon as the contract with the Franciscan Friars ended," said the archbishop. "He also made certain that the needs of Catholics were addressed in the renegotiation of the contract."
Broglio said it was "a source of great joy that the Franciscans have returned to the medical center and care for patients and staff there."
Dill Dinkers To Open 11-Court Pickleball Facility In North Bethesda
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD Patchhttps://patch.com/maryland/bethesda-chevychase/dill-dinkers-open-11-court-pickleball-facility-north-bethesda
Dill Dinkers has signed a lease to open a new pickleball facility in North Bethesda that will have 11 courts, the company said Tuesday.Mark Hand, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 5:47 pm ETNORTH BETHESDA, MD — Dill Dinkers Pickleball has signed a lease to open a new indoor pickleball venue in North Bethesda that will have 11 courts, the company's first facility in Montgomery County.The new courts, sch...
Dill Dinkers has signed a lease to open a new pickleball facility in North Bethesda that will have 11 courts, the company said Tuesday.
Mark Hand, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 5:47 pm ET
NORTH BETHESDA, MD — Dill Dinkers Pickleball has signed a lease to open a new indoor pickleball venue in North Bethesda that will have 11 courts, the company's first facility in Montgomery County.
The new courts, scheduled to open this summer, will be inside a two-story building that features 22-foot ceiling heights and more than 220,000 square feet of space, the company said Tuesday.
Located at 4942 Boiling Brook Parkway, the complex will be less than a mile from Rockville Pike, a half-mile from Viers Mill Road and four miles from Interstate 270. The site also is less than a mile from the proposed redevelopment of White Flint II.
The site is also near residential neighborhoods like Randolph Hills and Garrett Park Estates in Montgomery County.
Pickleball is a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association said in its 2023 Topline Participation Report that last year, the number of pickleball players grew by nearly 86 percent year-over-year and by almost 159 percent over three years. The trade group estimates the number of players over age 6 at 8.9 million in 2022, an increase of 4.8 million players accounted for in the prior year.
The new Dill Dinkers facility in North Bethesda will offer drop-in play, leagues and tournaments, and private lessons. Two “skinny courts,” measuring 15-feet wide, half the width of a standard pickleball court, will be dedicated for singles play. The facility will also be equipped with black lights for glow-in-the dark pickleball events and parties.
The North Bethesda location will have large bathrooms with space to change. It will also have a pro shop that features pickleball paddles, clothing and accessories. Outside the facility, a rotation of local food trucks will provide freshly prepared meals about once a month.
Co-owners Will and Denise Richards said they instantly fell in love with pickleball after their first lesson in 2021. After having trouble finding outdoor courts, the couple started to realize that there was a need for an indoor facility.
Bill Harrison, senior vice president, along with Ned Brady, principal, and Eric Skogmo, associate, of Lee & Associates represented the Richards in leasing the new space in North Bethesda. Randolph Buildings Limited Partnership is the landlord and owner of the building. Lee & Associates is a commercial real estate brokerage, management and appraisal services firm.
“Denise and Will Richard have created a highly successful and popular concept from day one and are now looking to replicate this formula both locally and regionally,” Harrison said in a statement. "The relative tightness of the light industrial and warehouse market will require creativity and diligence to uncover suitable locations to support this growth, but we are also encouraged by the vacant retail boxes in neighborhood strip centers and shopping malls that are being converted to this use."
Pickleball players can visit the Dill Dinkers website to be added to the membership waitlist for the North Bethesda location.
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Chip City Is Coming to Bethesda, Maryland, as It Works Towards Its Goal of 40 Open Stores by the End of 2023
PR Newswirehttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/chip-city-coming-bethesda-maryland-140000567.html
The gourmet cookie brand is opening its doors in Bethesda this year as part of its plans to scale beyond New York City and strengthen its brand position within the growing gourmet cookie segment.BETHESDA, Md., June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Chip City Cookies, the gourmet cookie brand that rotates its flavorful and sizable cookies every week, is coming to Bethesda, Maryland. The brand will open its doors at 4939 Elm Street this year, marking its first entry into the state.The new Chip City location is the latest addition to ...
The gourmet cookie brand is opening its doors in Bethesda this year as part of its plans to scale beyond New York City and strengthen its brand position within the growing gourmet cookie segment.
BETHESDA, Md., June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Chip City Cookies, the gourmet cookie brand that rotates its flavorful and sizable cookies every week, is coming to Bethesda, Maryland. The brand will open its doors at 4939 Elm Street this year, marking its first entry into the state.
The new Chip City location is the latest addition to the brand's growing footprint as it plans to cross 40 open units by the end of 2023 and strengthen its position in the competitive cookie segment.
Born in Astoria, Queens in 2017, Chip City Cookies began as a hobby between childhood friends Peter Phillips and Theodore Gailas, as the duo challenged each other on who could make the best cookie. A small storefront, some equipment and a dream led the entrepreneurial team to open store one. Now, they're taking on development in Maryland.
"We are thrilled to open our doors in Bethesda," said Phillips. "This opening is another incredible step forward for the brand and the business mission we have — to make communities smile through the quality of our products and to make our employees feel purpose in their communities."
Today, Chip City now has 18 locations across the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, as well as in New Jersey. In 2023, the brand also has plans to enter new East Coast markets, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida and Washington, D.C.
The brand rotates more than forty unique flavors every year, such as Peanut Butter & Jelly, the Everything Cookie, Oatmeal Apple Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake, S'Mores, Lemon Berry, the Cannoli Cookie and more. Each week, the menu changes to offer classic flavors and seasonal varieties.
In 2022, Chip City received a $10 million investment from Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), the growth equity fund associated with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The investment will be used to support the brand's multi-state expansion and growth of its direct-to-consumer business, bolstered by its ship-anywhere partnership with Uber Eats.
About Chip City Chip City was born in , in July of 2017 as a hobby between two childhood friends who sought to recreate the simple taste of their childhood. What began as a fun challenge to see who could create the best cookie turned into the Chip City we know and love today. The brand currently has more than 15 locations across , , , and , with plans to enter into new markets, including , and Learn more at .
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