GAINSWave Therapy in Rockville, MD

ROCKVILLE, MD — An inspector with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services reported 45 violations, three of which were critical, at a food service facility in Rockville on Sept. 14.

On the same day, an HHS inspector found a Rockville ice cream shop out of compliance with the county health requirements in one area.

All Montgomery County licensed retail food establishments are inspected by the Licensure & Regulatory Services Program. Regular comprehensive inspections include evaluating an establishment's sanitation, maintenance and food service operations. These inspections include monitoring critical temperatures and food handling procedures.

Both of the restaurants that inspectors visited on Sept. 11 were cited for critical violations of food safety requirements.

"A Critical Violation means a food safety requirement that requires immediate correction," according to the health and human services website. "Failure for immediate correction results in cessation of some or all food operations or closure of the facility until violation is able to be corrected."

A Montgomery County Health and Human Services inspector visited the New York Mart located at 15108 Frederick Road in Rockvilleon Sept. 14. The visit was in response to two complaints filed about the food establishment.

The person who filed the first complaint reported that the New York Mart had dead fish and that the restrooms were dirty. The second complaint concerned a report of seeing moldy ceilings within the facility.

"Upon inspection the facility was observed to not have any dead fish at time of inspection but was observed to have dead shrimp in tank at time of inspection," the report said. "Additionally facility was observed to be selling dead crabs that were not harvested on site. Product was discarded at time of inspection. Facility restrooms observed dirty at time of inspection but significantly cleaner than images provided in complaint. Facility will clean as needed. Facility was observed to have moldy ceiling tiles at seafood and meat departments due to incorrect ceiling tiles being installed and a water leak. Facility is required to replace provided tiles with clean and correct tiles."

New York Mart was found to be out of compliance in three areas: it failed to keep food protected from "adulteration, spoilage, and contamination;" and both the cold holding temperature and hot holding temperature were incorrect for food storage. All three needed to be addressed in order to bring them back into compliance.

Though not all critical violations, the inspector reported 45 violations that the food facility needed to correct. These including using incorrect ceiling tiles at the seafood and meat area and algae growing on water pipes in the seafood department.

New York Mart took corrective actions on five of the 45 violations in the report:

Also on Sept. 14, an HHS inspector visited the Marble Slab Creamery located at 100 Gibbs St. in Rockville. The inspector reported finding one critical violation, which concerned food being separated and protected from contamination, adulteration, or spoilage.

"Unwrapped waffle cones on display observed stacked right-side up without any overhead protection at front counter," the inspection report said, adding that it was a repeat violation. The cones were moved to the back counter with an overhead cover to correct the violation.

The inspector noted two other repeat violations in their report:

The inspector noted four other non-critical violations that the Marble Slab Creamery needed to address:

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Rockville's Rising Overdoses: Battling Fentanyl and Finding Hope in Addiction Treatment - A Comprehensive Insight.

|Updated Tue, Oct 17, 2023 at 11:36 am ET

Rockville, Maryland, and its surrounding areas are confronting a grave and escalating challenge: the growing addiction crisis. Recent years have seen a rapid increase in drug overdoses, with a particularly alarming rise attributed to the presence of deadly fentanyl in illicit substances. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the addiction problem gripping this region, the perilous infiltration of fentanyl, the significance of seeking addiction treatment, the importance of seeking help outside one's local area, and the distinctions between private insurance-based and state-funded treatment programs.

The Opioid Crisis in Rockville and Its Surroundings

The opioid epidemic, which has swept through communities across the United States, has not spared Rockville and its neighboring areas. In recent years, the region has witnessed a concerning surge in opioid-related overdoses. This crisis is fueled, in large part, by the infiltration of fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid—into the illicit drug supply.

The Fentanyl Menace

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a highly dangerous substance when misused. Its presence in street drugs such as heroin and counterfeit pills is contributing to a staggering number of overdoses. Many individuals who use these substances are often unaware of the presence of fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose.

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Importance of Seeking Addiction Treatment

The path to recovery from addiction begins with seeking professional help. Addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Treatment provides individuals with the tools and support needed to overcome addiction, regain control of their lives, and work towards lasting sobriety.

The Need for Treatment Beyond Local Boundaries

One critical aspect of addiction recovery is seeking treatment outside one's local area. While staying close to home may seem comforting, it often exposes individuals to triggers and temptations associated with their past substance use. Getting away from familiar surroundings can provide a fresh start and a greater chance of success in recovery.

Private Insurance-Based vs. Free or State-Funded Programs

Individuals seeking addiction treatment in Rockville and the surrounding areas have choices between private insurance-based programs and free or state-funded options. Private insurance-based programs often offer a wider range of services, personalized treatment plans, and shorter wait times. In contrast, free or state-funded programs may have longer waitlists but can provide essential treatment for those with limited resources.

Conclusion

The addiction crisis in Rockville, Maryland, and its surroundings is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. Fentanyl's presence in illicit drugs has intensified the risks associated with substance abuse. Seeking professional addiction treatment is vital for individuals and their families, offering a lifeline to recovery.

Remember, recovery often requires a change of scenery, and treatment outside one's local area can provide a fresh perspective and improved chances of success. Private insurance-based programs and state-funded options both have their merits, catering to different needs and resources.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction in the Rockville area, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Contact the author or call Atlas Healthcare Group at 1-855-559-6975, or visit their website www.atlashealthcaregroup.com. Their programs, including Silicon Beach Treatment Center, Satori Detox, Detox LA, and their mental health program Satori Health, offer a range of care levels to match individual needs, providing hope and support on the journey to recovery.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Rockville

Montgomery County inspectors found critical health violations at a pizza restaurant and a senior living facility kitchen in Rockville.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Officials from Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services inspected two Rockville restaurants on Sept. 11. One inspection was in response to a complaint from a customer who reported seeing mold at a senior living facility. An inspector also observed droppings on the floor of a pizza restaurant.

All Montgomery County licensed retail food establishments are inspected by the Licensure & Regulatory Services Program. Regular comprehensive inspections include evaluating an establishment's sanitation, maintenance and food service operations. These inspections include monitoring critical temperatures and food handling procedures.

Both of the restaurants that inspectors visited on Sept. 11 were cited for critical violations of food safety requirements.

"A Critical Violation means a food safety requirement that requires immediate correction," according to the health and human services website. "Failure for immediate correction results in cessation of some or all food operations or closure of the facility until violation is able to be corrected."

A health and human services official visited The Village at Rockville-Glenmere located at 9803 Veirs Drive in response to a complaint from a customer who said they observed mold in the donning facility and in the back corners of the walk-in refrigerator.

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The customer also reported seeing flies around the drains and that there were no gloves available. In addition, the line food was cold and not at the correct temperature. The food had also been improperly stored and left out for long periods of time. The inspector noted that the manager was not aware of the complaint.

The health department official included the following in their report:

The inspector reported that the sole corrective action for these four violations concerned the temperature at which the food was kept.

An HHS inspector found the Vocelli Pizza located at 1331-A Rockville Pike to be out of compliance for Rodent and Insects, as well as for Cold Holding Temperature.

The inspector included these observations and corrective actions in their report:

"They have called a technician to repair the unit," the inspector wrote in the report. "According to the operator, the units were working properly in the morning. They also stated that the ambient temperature of the both units were below 40 degree F while they open the store."

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Residents voice concerns over mental health facility coming to Rockville

Montgomery County is getting ready to build a new mental health center but it’s location is causing controversy. The plan is to put it near a neighborhood in Rockville, and some people aren’t too happy about that – and they made that clear at a community meeting Thursday night. That is where we find FOX 5 reporter Nana-Sentuo Bonsu with the latest.

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Some homeowners in Rockville say they’re upset with a Montgomery County plan to place a round-the-clock mental healthcare facility next to their neighborhood.

A forum was held Thursday on the proposed "restoration center" that would provide 24/7 specialized care and evaluations for people experiencing behavioral mental health crises.

There were moments when things got heated during the meeting. But county leaders say they are moving along with the plan. They are currently in the design phase. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and the county needs additional space for people experiencing a mental crisis.

The idea of a mental health facility sitting in the seven locks community doesn't sit well with many residents who showed up to the forum wearing yellow T-shirts.

"Not in a residential area," one teenage girl said at the podium. "It is not reasonable."

"What type of site evaluation did you do?" asked another concerned resident.

But not everyone who lives in the community feels that way. Those in support of the center say people living in the community who need help and resources shouldn't be pushed away.

"The restoration center is a public good!" one woman said.

"When you tell people you aren’t welcome in my neighborhood that is stigmatizing," another woman added.

Neighbors who live near the proposed site of the restoration center say they aren't against mental health services. They agree it's necessary — but not in their backyards. Safety is a huge concern of theirs.

County leaders working on the project say the site needs to be in this neighborhood due to is proximity to the detention center.

The mental health facility is set to be built on Montgomery County-owned property next to the county jail.

Sara Devine of the Seven Locks Steering Committee says this isn't a "nimby’ situation. Folks have lived next to the jail for years, but they say this is different.

"The key difference between that detention center and this new restoration center is that restoration center is going to be a 24/7 open facility with an open door policy!" Devine said. "To get in, the current model says they have to be referred from the county most likely a first responder of some sort, police or fire."

Proposal to build mental healthcare facility in Rockville sparking controversy

Proposal to build mental healthcare facility in Rockville sparking controversy

Some homeowners in Rockville say they’re upset with a Montgomery County plan to place a round-the-clock mental healthcare facility next to their neighborhood. A forum is set to get underway Thursday on the proposed "restoration center" and FOX 5’s Tom Fitzgerald has more on the dispute.

Right now, when emergency officials respond to a person in a mental health crisis, they’re often taken to an emergency room. Dr. Earl Stoddard, Montgomery County’s assistant administrative officer, says they hear the community concerns and are trying to make the restoration center safe for both the patients and the neighbors.

"We’ve heard their concerns, but we think we can reduce those concerns through design and through implementation of this program in the right way," Stoddard explained. "We actually did a site survey to a location very similar in Newark, Delaware and that’s right next to an elementary school.

The Rockville City mayor and city council are opposed to the location. If the design process moves forward, the facility could open its doors in 2027. Some neighbors, however, haven't ruled out going to court to stop that from happening.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Registered voters in Rockville City will soon be receiving ballots for the Nov.7 election in their mailboxes.

Ballots will be mailed on or before Friday, Oct. 13 to all registered voters in Rockville. The deadline to register to vote or to update your registration is Tuesday, Oct. 17. Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Rockville City voters will be casting ballots for a new mayor and city council. They'll also be voting on an advisory referendum to allow 16 and 17-year-olds and non-citizens to vote in city elections; enact three-year term limits for the Rockville mayor and city council; and establish representative districts from which council members would be elected.

These are the candidates who are on the Nov. 7 ballot in Rockville City:

Mayor

City Council (Pick 7)

Completed ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off in person at one of the two outdoor drop boxes at City Hall and Montrose Community Center. They can also be dropped off at one of the four indoor drop boxes at the Rockville Senior Center, Lincoln Park Community Center, Twinbrook Community Center, and Thomas Farm Community Center during regular hours of operation.

Voters are not required to drop off their ballot in person. More information about how to register to vote or request a ballot is available online.