Montgomery Parks will be offering a variety of entertainment and educational activities throughout November. Activities are available for all ages and tastes.

Here is the event list:

1. Project FeederWatch is a community seasonal project where participants observe the type of birds that visit the bird feeder. Available from 11 a.m. to noon from Nov. 2 through Dec. 1. Reservations are required.
2. Maydale Nature Classroom: Community Celebration is a family fun event, including live music, bonfires and apple cider making. No registration is required. It will take place from 1 through 4 p.m. on Nov. 4
3. Virtual Family Trivia Night: Dark Sky Theme will feature quizmasters Jenn and Lu, in another trivia challenge at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville. It will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. This is a free event that does not require registration. However, it reaches its limit after the first 200 teams.
4. Full Moon Fridays is an event where you can walk during the full moon and sit by a campfire at Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda. This event costs $8 and registration is required for ages five and older. It will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 24.
5. Night Hike is an event where attendees embark on a one-mile, post-dusk hike and listen to nature’s night creatures. Registration is required and costs $6. It will happen from 5 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 27 [Montgomery Community Media].

18th Montgomery County History Conference

Join Montgomery History on Nov. 4 for the 18th edition of the Montgomery County History Conference. Montgomery History is partnering with Montgomery College and will hold it in person for the first time since 2020 in Rockville.

The conference will offer several opportunities to engage with local history, including a keynote address, eight breakouts, a boxed lunch, a performance, and a happy hour reception. Registration includes access to recordings of all 10 sessions following the conference.

Breakout sessions will cover topics such as Emory Grove’s renowned Du-Drop Inn, historic homes and barns of the Ag Reserve, the families of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Sentinel publisher Rebecca Fields, a history of enslavement in Kensington, the county’s Poor Farm, the seven enslavers who have public schools named for them and new techniques for indigenous archaeological research.

The event will end with “A Rockville Journal,” a peek back to 1850s Rockville with a portrayal of a local attorney by actor Steve LaRocque [Montgomery History].

Trip Advisor’s Fall 2023 edition lists some of MoCo’s best restaurants

Trip Advisor is a famous American online travel company that offers ratings of restaurants primarily from those who have traveled to a certain area. Here are some of the best recommendations from travelers who’ve visited Montgomery County recently.

1. Seasons 52, located at 11414 Rockville Pike in North Bethesda, is a rotating menu restaurant with seasonal American dishes alongside international wines in an upscale setting. With 499 reviews, Seasons 52 is the first ranked restaurant in North Bethesda. 
2. Copper Canyon located at 928 Ellsworth Dr in Silver Spring, provides full flavored, fresh American cuisine served in a casual and energetic atmosphere. With a 4 out of 5 rating after 471 reviews, Copper Canyon’s Silver Spring location comes in at number two in Silver Spring. The restaurant has an additional MoCo location at Gaithersburg’s Rio.
3. Coastal Flats, located at 135 Crown Park Ave in Gaithersburg, is a coastal-inspired restaurant serving traditional dishes from Maine to the Carolina low country, offering a spin on classic seafood, steaks and pasta. It comes number three with a 4.5 out of 5 rating after 643 reviews [The MoCo Show].

Today’s weather:

Mostly clear and sunny with a high of 58 degrees.

In case you missed it:

Police found family of 73-year-old who died in collision Saturday

Protestors rally for electric buses at school board offices

Around 95 firefighters respond to fire at Rockville strip mall on Thursday

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 The pan de muerto is not only a baked bread; it’s an essential component of the Mexican Day of the Dead, celebrated in Nov. 1 and 2 to honor the memory of the dead. During this holiday, which has ancestral roots in pre-Hispanic indigenous commemorations, Mexicans meet to honor their deceased loved ones, either in their homes or in cemeteries.

Made in a circular shape, the bread symbolizes the cycle of life and death through which every human being passes according to the Mexican culture. In the center of the bread, there is a small “ball” that represents the skull of the deceased.

“It can be made plain or filled with salty or sweet food. The salty one does not have sugar on the outside but has sesame seeds and is filled with Mexican stew,” baker Carla Mantecon said. “The sweet one can be filled with hazelnut jam, dulce de leche, and raspberry cream.”

Mantecon, 38, left her native Guadalajara 10 years ago and settled in Alexandria, Virginia. After months living in the United States, Mantecon said she began to miss Mexico and its traditions. “I slowly began to notice that it was challenging to find the traditional food of my country here, and that’s how I started the idea of my business,” she said.

Mantecon is the head chef of Cocolita Food, a gourmet Mexican food company she founded in 2016, which operates I delivery service and its kitchen is located in Washington, D.C. Her company specializes in pan de muerto and she bakes between 3,000 and 4,000 pieces of bread during October and November to serve the DMV area, including clients in Montgomery County such as Maria Bautista, 39, an immigrant from Honduras.

Bautista says she has always been passionate about cooking and learning about Hispanic recipes. After living in Silver Spring for three years, she said that she heard from neighbors that Cocolita Food had one of the most popular pan de muerto breads in the area and that the cook who bakes them just happened to have her kitchen in the National Union Building, where Bautista works in housekeeping.

One day, to her surprise, Mantecon offered Bautista the opportunity to teach her how to bake pan de muerto and proposed to work with her during her days off. “When she gave me a taste of the bread, I thought it was delicious and I had to learn how to bake it,” Bautista said.

“Baking the pan de muerto, I learned about the importance of this Mexican tradition and that there are different slices of bread filled with sweet and salty fillings,” added Bautista.

The pan de muerto, as an offering to the deceased, is placed on altars. People create a space in their houses where they place photographs of their deceased loved ones and candles, among other decorations.

The last days of October and the first week of November are the busiest for Mantecon, who sells each piece of bread for $2.50. Among the areas where she has the most clients in Montgomery County are Rockville and Silver Spring, where there are not only a large number of Mexicans but also Hispanics from other countries.

“In the last few year’, I’m proud to say that my clients have spread the word and I have a growing number of customers in Montgomery County,” added Mantecon.

Bautista mentioned that during sales, she could hear customers saying Ah esto esta muy bueno in Spanish and “this is very good.” “I feel very proud to be helping with this important tradition. Also, I realized that Silver Spring’s clients are not only Hispanics but Americans too.”

The pan de muerto is more than just a simple bread; it’s a deep-rooted tradition that honors Mexico’s cultural roots.

“With Cocolita, I represent Mexico and my roots” Mantecon said. “Beyond being a business, it’s an honor for me to be able to express my traditions.”

If you want to read this story in Spanish, click here.

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Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics 

Address: 6000 Executive Blvd., Suite 204  North Bethesda, MD 20852 

Phone: 240-802-8100  

Website: www.faulknerplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Brent Faulkner is a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with multiple Washington metropolitan area hospitals. Voted a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian and Bethesda Magazine, he has been in practice since 2007. He opened Faulkner Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in 2019 to offer a full range of cosmetic procedures, from chemical peels, microneedling and skincare to minimally invasive body contouring and complex surgeries. Through comprehensive, customized treatments and surgeries using the latest technology in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Faulkner is passionate about meeting patients where they are and helping them reach their goals. 

Dr. Faulkner was drawn to plastic surgery during his last rotation in medical school. “One particular surgical case — repairing a cleft lip in an infant — had a lasting impact on my desire to pursue this field,” he says. “The difference this one repair made on the lives of this infant and his parents was extraordinary.”  

Dr. Faulkner says he’s continually inspired by the strong relationships he builds with patients and their families. “The trust they put in me is humbling and motivates me to provide the best possible care,” he says.  

The best, most trustworthy surgeons distinguish themselves by recognizing when not to operate. Deeply committed to his patients’ health and well-being, Dr. Faulkner values open and honest communication—and will always tell patients when he doesn’t believe surgery is in their best interest. “Just because you have a surgical option,” he says, “doesn’t mean it’s the best option.” 

“It’s important for my patients to know they can trust me,” says Dr. Faulkner.  

Bio 

Dr. Faulkner graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Virginia. An award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon, he devotes part of his surgical practice to breast cancer reconstruction. “I want to be a resource for women facing the daunting challenges of undergoing breast cancer treatment,” says Dr. Faulkner. 

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6420 Rockledge Drive.
Bethesda, MD 20817 Suite 2200
410-762-5100

Alex Johnson, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist. He specializes in treating patients with conditions of the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. Dr. Johnson is the director of hip preservation at Johns Hopkins and is an expert in hip arthroscopy to treat hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement. Dr. Johnson is passionate about helping people of any age and athletic level return to the sports and activities they love.  He graduated with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in nuclear and radiological engineering. He then obtained his M.D., graduating cum laude from Emory University, and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins. While in residency training, Dr. Johnson also completed a National Institutes of Health research fellowship, investigating applications for head-mounted displays and augmented reality in orthopaedic surgery. Most recently, Dr. Johnson completed a sports medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. During his fellowship, Dr. Johnson served as assistant team physician for the Birmingham Barrons baseball team, the Alabama Ballet, the University of West Alabama Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Specialties and Titles:

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist
Director of Hip Preservation Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

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Dr. Richards is most renowned for his expertise in minimal incision face and neck lifts, breast augmentation, and body contouring.

Dr. Richards is also sought by individuals needing correction or improvement of previous cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Richards’ evaluations are highly based on the concerns and goals of the patient. His outstanding abilities inspire such confidence that fellow doctors and their spouses, when in need of cosmetic procedures, come to Dr. Richards. His surgical skill, trustworthiness, and approachability have earned him a lasting reputation. You can be assured that you will be treated with compassion and integrity from the first phone call to your last appointment. Committed to a sense of service, Dr. Richards has volunteered on several medical missions abroad and has had the privilege of serving his country as a member of the United States Armed Forces. He transformed the lives of dozens of children with birth defects and other deformities through his service missions in Haiti and Honduras. He had the opportunity to be an attending plastic surgeon at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service while he was the Burn Unit Director at William Beaumont Army Medical Center during Desert Storm.

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Address: 3204 Tower Oaks Blvd. Suite 440 Rockville, MD 20852 

Website: https://capitalpaincenter.com/ 

Phone: 301-841-6600 

Akshay Garg, MD is a double board-certified, fellowship trained, interventional pain management physician and the founder of Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center in North Bethesda, MD. He is a compassionate, patient-focused physician who offers the most advanced, multimodal pain-relieving procedures to address a wide range of painful and debilitating conditions, including spine-related pain, joint pain and arthritis, neuropathy, and sports-related injuries. 

Originally from the metropolitan D.C. area, Dr. Garg completed his undergraduate and medical school training as a part of the highly selective seven-year dual degree B.A./M.D. program at The George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Mount Sinai Hospital, one of the country’s most prestigious PM&R residency programs. Dr. Garg subsequently completed a highly competitive ACGME-accredited Interventional Pain Medicine fellowship at the world-renowned Weill Cornell Tri-Institutional Pain Medicine Program. Prior to founding the Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center, Dr. Garg served as an Assistant Professor at the George Washington University where he focused on providing patient care, resident, fellow, medical student education, and clinical research. 

When not in the office, Dr. Garg enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys. He’s also always cheering for a winning season for the local sports teams, especially the Washington Commanders! 

Dr. Garg and the team at Capital Interventional Pain and Spine Center welcome new patients and accept most insurance plans. 

Specialties: 

• Interventional Pain Management 
• Regenerative Medicine 
• Non-operative Orthopedics 
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/Physiatry 

Awards: 

• Washingtonian Magazine Top Doc in Pain Management 
• Bethesda Magazine Top Doc in Pain Management 

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Phone: 301-215-5955 

Website: brunobrownplasticsurgery.com 

Dr. Coleman Brown from Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery is a proud member of the metropolitan Washington, DC healthcare community. With his gentle humor and calm bedside manner, Dr. Brown has received accolades from the healthcare community and patients alike.  

Dr. Brown is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has received various awards for his work in his specialized fields of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. 

Originally a Louisiana native, Dr. Brown received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia before returning to Louisiana to complete his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine. 

After Tulane, he completed a residency in general surgery at Texas Tech University School of Medicine. This was followed by a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Brown then completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York where he trained an additional year focusing entirely on cosmetic surgery. 

Dr. Brown routinely lectures on advanced techniques in plastic surgery across the nation. He often participates in hands-on labs to help educate other plastic surgeons on more innovative ideas and techniques. 

Dr. Brown has been featured in national and local publications such as the New York Times, Capitol File, DC Modern Luxury, Baltimore Magazine, What’s Up Annapolis, and the Washingtonian, and more.  

Certifications & Memberships 

• Chief of Plastic Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine) 
• American Board of Plastic Surgery, Certification 
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member 
• National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member and Past President 
• American College of Surgeons, Fellow 
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Adjunct Faculty 

Awards 

• 2020 Top Doctor Washingtonian Magazine  
• 2021 Top Doctors Northern Virginia Magazine 
• 2021 Top Doctor Bethesda Magazine 
• 2021 Top Doctor Washingtonian Magazine  
• Top Medical Professionals DC Magazine 

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Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery

Phone: 301-215-5955
Website: brunobrownplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Bruno from Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery is a proud member of the plastic surgery community and thrives on patient satisfaction and results. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Dr. Bruno is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has received various awards for his expertise in plastic surgery.

Dr. Bruno received his undergraduate degree from Wilkes College, graduating cum laude. He attended and received his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, graduating summa cum laude.

Dr. Bruno earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He completed residencies in general surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bruno also did a fellowship in plastic surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

After his education and fellowship experiences, Dr. Bruno served as a clinical assistant professor at The Ohio State University, teaching students and residents while performing a range of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

He remains committed to plastic surgery education by serving as Off-site Residency Program Director at Sibley Memorial Hospital for the Georgetown University Hospital Plastic Surgery Residency Program. As a way of giving back to the community, Dr. Bruno volunteers at the Catholic Charities of the Archdioceses of Washington, treating underprivileged women and children.

Certifications & Memberships

• Section Chief of Plastic Surgery at Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• American Board of Plastic Surgery, Certification
• American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Certification
• American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Member
• National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Member
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member
• Executive Committee of the Medical Staff at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Member

Awards

• 2021 Top Doctors Northern Virginia Magazine
• 2021 Top Medical Professionals DC Magazine
• 2022 Washingtonian Top Doctors for Plastic Surgery

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Website: PotomacPsychiatry.com

Phone: 301-984-9791

Dr. Margery Johnson is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and young adult mental health. She takes a comprehensive approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors to develop personalized treatment plans. Dr. Johnson is skilled in addressing common psychiatric issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders in young individuals. She is also a specialist in forensic psychiatry and expert witness services for children and adolescents, involving custody and parental fitness evaluations, and personal injury cases. 

As a board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Johnson offers a flexible range of treatment options, including medication management and psychotherapy. She has worked extensively at the renowned Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, serving as the director of the outpatient psychiatry clinic. Her expertise extends across diverse backgrounds and identities. 

Dr. Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from Smith College and her M.D. from the George Washington University. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry and fellowship in child psychiatry at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. Currently, she holds the position of Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson. 

Licensed in multiple states, including Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, California, and Illinois, Dr. Johnson is recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow by both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her contributions to the field include authoring a chapter on “Treatment of Children and Adolescents” in the American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 

Awards: 

• Bethesda Magazine “Top Doctor,” 2023 
• Global Health & Pharma, “Most Comprehensive Mental Health Center 2023 – Mid-Atlantic USA” (National Practice Award) 
• Global Health & Pharma, “Excellence Award for Forensic Psychiatry & Expert Witness Services 2023 – Mid-Atlantic USA” (National Practice Award) 

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Website: PotomacPsychiatry.com

Phone: 301-984-9791

Dr. Paulo J. Negro is a highly regarded, Board Certified Psychiatrist known for his expertise in mental health treatment. Fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, he provides comprehensive care to diverse populations. Dr. Negro specializes in outpatient withdrawal management for individuals dependent on substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. He has extensive experience in addiction treatment, supervising the medical care of patients undergoing withdrawal and receiving medication-assisted treatment. 

With empathy, Dr. Negro combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with psychopharmacological treatment for trauma survivors. He also offers compassionate care to patients with eating disorders, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, mood, and behavioral conditions. Dr. Negro’s expertise in prescribing and withdrawing patients from psychiatric medications allows him to provide detailed assessments and tailored treatment recommendations. 

Dr. Negro earned his MD and PhD at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and completed psychiatric residencies in Brazil and at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He conducted research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and holds Fellowship status with the American Psychiatric Association. Additionally, he has trained medical and psychiatric residents and collaborated on research initiatives between the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Suburban Hospital. 

Beyond psychiatry, Dr. Negro is a scholar of human consciousness, conducting research on altered states of consciousness in religious experiences. He has explored neuroscience and philosophy, resulting in the publication of his peer-reviewed book, “A Blueprint for the Hard Problem of Consciousness: Potential States, Strange Loops, and the Realization of Information from Cells to Human Consciousness.” 

Awards:  

• Bethesda Magazine “Top Doctor,” 2023 
• Global Health & Pharma, “Most Comprehensive Mental Health Center 2023 – Mid-Atlantic USA” (National Practice Award) 

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