MD Company Solves The DIY Wedding Bar Problem

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events

If you're planning a wedding in Maryland you've probably had this conversation: "We love your bartending services, but we just can't afford $3,000." Courtney Smith, owner of Chesapeake Bartenders and Events, heard that line hundreds of times. After serving 150+ weddings across the DMV, she finally did something about it. She took everything her team does to plan seamless wedding bars and packaged it into a $99 digital guide couples can use themselves. "I got tired of watching couples stress over their wedding bar," Smith says. "They'd find some random calculator online, and I'm thinking, 'That's either way too much or not nearly enough depending on your crowd." The Real Problem: Most couples make the same mistakes: buying wrong quantities, forgetting ice melts faster in summer, not accounting for setup time, choosing glassware that breaks easily. "I've seen couples run out of alcohol at 9 PM because they used a generic calculator," Smith explains. "Or bought $500 worth of liquor they didn't need." What She Built: The DIY Wedding Bar Planning Guide includes interactive calculators that adjust for your actual wedding—time of day, season, guest demographics. It includes a 16-part audio guide and a real wedding case study showing what 155 guests consumed over five hours. The guide answers: - How much does ice melt in July vs November? - Should you buy champagne for toasts? - What's the cost difference between wine bottles and boxes? - How do you set up a bar so guests aren't waiting? Who It's For: Budget-conscious couples, couples whose venues require in-house bartending, or anyone wanting to understand what they're paying for. Smith, who has 20 years of bartending experience and runs three businesses including 1631 Event Venue, says: "Free calculators tell you what to buy. We tell you why, and how to avoid disasters." The guide is available at chesapeakebartenders.com/diy-wedding-bar-planning-guide

Montgomery County

Gaby Arancibia

Washington Metropolitan Area

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Maryland

 If you're planning a wedding in Maryland you've probably had this conversation: "We love your bartending services, but we just can't afford $3,000...

Arlington Language School Marks 40th Anniversary

ICA Language Services

ICA Language Services (ICA), a family-owned, woman-led small business based in Arlington, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking decades of supporting the U.S. military and diplomatic community through language training and testing. Founded in April 1986 as Inlingua Foreign Language Center, a 6-classroom language school, ICA expanded under the leadership of Deidre Doyle, an entrepreneur with a background in organizational management who joined the company the same year. As a military spouse, she had developed a deep understanding of military organizations and culture, helping shape ICA into a trusted provider of language training and testing for military professionals. Doyle became a partner in 1993 and sole owner in 2009, when she changed the name to ICA Language Services. Today, ICA operates a 60+ classroom schoolhouse in Rosslyn and has delivered nearly five million hours of language instruction and more than 30,000 language assessments across 120+ languages. ICA also provides training on military bases throughout the US and abroad. The company is now led by President and CEO Lexie Casey, Doyle’s daughter, who joined ICA in 2009 after a decade in government contracting. Casey became a partner in 2014 and assumed day-to-day leadership in 2015, when Doyle transitioned to Chair of the Board. ICA has employed more than 1,300 individuals from 131 countries, often providing a first job in the United States for language professionals. Certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, ICA provides proficiency- and performance-based language training and testing services supporting diplomacy, security, and global engagement. For more information, visit www.icalanguages.com.

Arlington County

Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn

Virginia

ICA Language Services (ICA), a family-owned, woman-led small business based in Arlington, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking decades of...

Afternoon Tea in Pike & Rose 🫖🥐🥯

Tea Room at Hello Betty

Delight in a curated selection of premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artful pastries—each crafted to be savored slowly and shared generously. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply elevating your afternoon, our tea service is an invitation to pause, sip, and indulge in something beautifully refined.

Delight in a curated selection of premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artful pastries—each crafted to be savored...

New Baseball Training Facility at the Rockville Sportsplex 

Player Development Lab of Rockville

Designed for baseball players who want to train like pros, with coaches who’ve developed them. At the Player Development Lab, baseball training is a motivational journey. It’s where aspiration meets reality and progress can be quantified with modern metrics. Through time, effort, and access to well qualified trainers and equipment, members now have a private environment of their own and a staff of the best baseball minds in the area to consult with. Our philosophy is to make training fun, challenging, and rewarding, but equally as important - focused and accessible. Come see what we’re about at the Rockville Sportsplex.

Designed for baseball players who want to train like pros, with coaches who’ve developed them. At the Player Development Lab, baseball training is...

Your Kids Can Have An AWESOME FUN Summer!

Summer At Sandy Spring

Summer At Sandy Spring is a great Summer Day camp offering equal parts fun and uniqueness. For over thirty years, we have provided families with a safe, engaging, and active summer camp experience for children three years old to fourteen. With the sprawling Sandy Spring Friends School campus, we offer summer experiences for your children that will provide lifelong memories and friendships. Your children will have opportunities to explore Adventure Park, swim in our man-made pond, partake in our weekly theme weeks, enjoy daily hot lunches, and so much more! Some of our exciting activities: Adventure Challenge • Archery • Archery Tag • Art Bonanza • Bubble Soccer • Computer Programming • Dance/Poms • Fishing • Flight Science • Karate • Lego Robotics • Outdoor Living Skills • Painting • Paper Maché • Photography • Rock Climbing • STEAMers • Theater • Video Production and much more! Phone number: 301-774-7455 ext.167

Montgomery Village

Summer At Sandy Spring is a great Summer Day camp offering equal parts fun and uniqueness. For over thirty years, we have provided families with a...

Want to take your baseball to the next level? The Rockville Rockets 13U travel baseball team will be holding tryouts for the fall season. Tryouts are open to any player (born after May 1, 2000) wishing to play competitive baseball in the MCBA league, plus select tournaments. Our tryouts will take place: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 21 @ 3:00-5:00 pm, at Dogwood Park (Walter Johnson field). For details or questions, contact: <a href="mailto:rob@rbba.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rob@rbba.org</a> <a href="http://www.rbba.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rbba.org</a>

13U Baseball Tryouts in July

Community Corner

Kensington

Potomac

Fairfax County

Michael O'Connell

McLean

Wheaton

Takoma Park

District of Columbia

Georgetown

District Of Columbia

Silver Spring

Arlington

Rosslyn

Clarendon

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.⁣
This spring, take the first step toward a transformative education. MacGillis Global Academy, a Maryland-certified and Cognia-accredited online school, invites local families to our community Open House on Thursday, April 30th, at 7:00 PM.
At MacGillis, we believe in planting the seeds of academic success by providing a supportive environment where students can develop their passions to the fullest. Whether you are looking for a full-time private school experience or specialized support for your home education journey, we offer:
<ul><li>Authentic Online Instruction: Unlike many programs, our classes are 100% live, fostering real connection and critical thinking.</li><li>Comprehensive Homeschooling Support: We partner with homeschooling families to provide high-quality, accredited curriculum options and expert-led courses.</li><li>Dedicated Homework Support: We offer the extra guidance students need to master complex subjects and build confidence outside of regular class hours.</li><li>Small Class Sizes: We keep our groups small (10–16 students) to ensure every scholar gets personalized attention from our master faculty.</li><li>Expert Educators: Our students learn from licensed instructors and college faculty who average over 20 years of teaching experience.</li></ul>
Event Details:
<ul><li>Date: Thursday, April 30th</li><li>Time: 7:00 PM</li><li>Registration: <a href="https://www.macgillisglobalacademy.net/open-house" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">macgillisglobalacademy.net/open-house</a></li></ul>
Join us this Sunday to see how our unique blend of academic rigor and flexible support can help your student branch out and reach new heights.
MacGillis Global Academy - Local Expertise Meets Global Reach!
#Homeschooling #OnlineLearning #COGNIAAccredited #EducationSupport #VirtualLearning #HomeworkSupport #GlobalAcademy

Local Event: MacGillis Global Academy Virtual Open House

Howard County

Ellicott City

MacGillis Global Academy Virtual Open House

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.⁣
This spring, take the first step toward a...

We’re proud to share our upcoming Hope Connections Breast Cancer Summit, bringing together expert voices and a supportive community in one space.
You’ll find something meaningful for anyone affected by breast cancer. You can view the full program and <a href="https://hqip5ecab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZfoeYfgfktYbLOddQaDeEy0Ub47hXZdw3bGoxtX70fDElGYezasJ-RByyX9Xxoby0r5m3mX1sVVa_xiLaazEKqMQvx8tvf8p0Q3Fg3T_XIa4TXBcCf-ML-GN89_CZ8Z9aNadFvd_yyG7UJZm2KMS5kmkUFn4ZjaX1u7o8mymS5k=&amp;c=MaTPECli1JOCq2An6YZv8SQWI4ByllT8UAP4i6E8bEqFMqHgd3J46g==&amp;ch=aAvrU_7j4MTDA-ArAHrPENk-S03Pm8bA2d7tOBvsbWlU04oof_5d1A==" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">register here</a>.
We hope you’ll join us on&nbsp;Saturday, May 2 at Hope Connections for Cancer Support.

Local Event: Hope Connections Breast Cancer Summit

Hope Connections Breast Cancer Summit

We’re proud to share our upcoming Hope Connections Breast Cancer Summit, bringing together expert voices and a supportive...

REI Rockville

Calling all hikers, walkers, backpackers, forest bathers and more! Join us at REI for a day of community and fun - with a little learning sprinkled in!&nbsp;Event is free. Refreshments and giveaways! Let us know you're coming (registration suggested but not required)!You'll get tips on preparing for a day on the trail, discover new trails to explore, and connect with others that share your passion. Meet reps from local hiking clubs and outdoor organizations, and check out cool gear for the trail.

Local Event: Hike Community Day

Rockville

Hike Community Day

Calling all hikers, walkers, backpackers, forest bathers and more! Join us at REI for a day of community and fun - with a...

Westbard Square

Celebrate the season with a vibrant weekend featuring a curated selection of local 40 URBNmarket handmade and vintage vendors and live music. Enjoy a lively atmosphere while browsing unique goods and local talents at this community gathering. Kids Activities, Food, Free Parking (Dog Friendly too!) Saturday and Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Westbard Square 5400 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland

Local Event: Spring Makers Market

Spring Makers Market

Celebrate the season with a vibrant weekend featuring a curated selection of local 40 URBNmarket handmade and vintage vendors...

Alden Theatre

On Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m., head to the Alden Theatre to enjoy the mesmerizing voices of The Doo Wop Project!&nbsp;The Doo Wop Project tells the story of the genre from the beginning: tracing the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of guys singing tight harmonies to the biggest hits on the radio today. In their epic show, these vocalists take audiences on a journey featuring foundational tunes from the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through the vocal artistry of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Seasons. Then, they go all the way to doo-wopified versions of modern hits! With charisma out the wazoo and stellar Broadway voices, this group can’t be missed! $45 Standard/$35 Seniors/$30 MCC district residents.

Local Event: Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!

Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!

On Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m., head to the Alden Theatre to enjoy the mesmerizing voices of The Doo Wop Project! The Doo Wop...

Dock5 Event Venue

The DC&nbsp;Big Flea Boutique Antiques Event at Dock5 in The District
Curated show for the District from the promoters of the DC Big Flea in Nova!
May 2-3 Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-4 $20 both days&nbsp;Sneak preview May 1 7-10pm
Dock5 Union/Market 1309 5th St. SE Washington, DC

Shop one of a kids finds of jewelry, art, mid-century modern, furniture, pottery, vintage clothing, and so much more!

Local Event: The DC Big Flea Boutique Antique Event

Washington DC

The DC Big Flea Boutique Antique Event

The DC Big Flea Boutique Antiques Event at Dock5 in The District
Curated show for the District from the promoters of the DC Big...

Capital One Hall

As featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes!$7 TICKETS AT THE DOOR!
Equity
 Arc presents a powerful afternoon of classical music showcasing 
exceptional pre-college and collegiate musicians of color from over 80 
U.S. cities. This inspiring concert highlights the next generation of 
talent through dynamic works by composers like Tchaikovsky, Florence 
Price, Jessie Montgomery, and more.&nbsp;
This concert comes almost 
exactly one year to the date (May 4, 2025) when Equity Arc’s Wind 
Symphony was supposed to perform alongside the U.S. Marine Band “The 
President’s Own”(USMB), but was cancelled due to President Trump’s 
executive order entitled “Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and 
Preferencing.” The story got national attention and was featured on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E48GgDX2NCA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CBS's 60 Minutes with Scott Peley</a>&nbsp;when,
 in the wake of the cancellation, Equity Arc contacted retired members 
of the premier military and military academy bands to recreate both the 
mentoring and performing experiences&nbsp;in Washington, DC previously 
scheduled for the students.&nbsp;That concert was closed to the public, but 
this one is wide-open with subsidized tickets at only $7 when you 
purchase at the door! Join us!
More info at <a href="https://www.capitalonehall.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.capitalonehall.com</a> and <a href="https://www.equityarc.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.equityarc.org</a>&nbsp;

Local Event: EQUITY ARC Presents Festival Ensembles

Tysons

EQUITY ARC Presents Festival Ensembles

As featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes!$7 TICKETS AT THE DOOR!
Equity
 Arc presents a powerful afternoon of classical music showcasing...

The DC Big Flea come to the District at Dock5 @Union Market May 2-3 with a preview night May 1st &nbsp;7-10 PMShop one of a kind finds for less! Join is for this curated event!!

The DC Big Flea come to the District at Dock5 @Union Market May 2-3 with a preview night May 1st  7-10 PMShop one of a kind...

Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ

The Thirteen begins an exploration of Monteverdi's secular music after their comprehensive review of his sacred works over 
five programs and two recordings, hailed as “shimmering in loveliness”&nbsp; by MusicWeb International. The performance will start with Monteverdi’s madrigal form, pairing it with
 near-contemporary works of the Renaissance-Baroque transition by Carlo 
Gesualdo and Barbara Strozzi. They will present these works in conversation 
with secular song by contemporary composers, including Eric Whitacre, 
Ildebrando Pizzetti, Morton Lauridsen, and more.Promo Code - Partner15 - Save 15%&nbsp;

Local Event: The Thirteen's MONTEVERDI REFRACTED

The Thirteen's MONTEVERDI REFRACTED

The Thirteen begins an exploration of Monteverdi's secular music after their comprehensive review of his sacred works over...

Virtual 

Limited Spaces Remain in Select Grades - Join us for a virtual introduction to our Kindergarten through Grade 6 program. <a href="https://info.mcleanschool.org/virtual-open-house" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Register Today</a>
You’ll hear from our Head of School, as well as the Heads and Assistant Heads of our Lower and Middle Schools. Gain a deeper understanding of <a href="https://www.mcleanschool.org/about/abilities-model/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">McLean’s Abilities Model®</a>, which sees students’ strengths first and teaches the way they learn.&nbsp;This abilities-driven approach enables bright college-bound students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, to be successful in and out of the classroom. 
Attendees will learn about:
<ul><li>Our research-based approach to reading, writing, and math which provides both support and acceleration.</li><li>How our educators nurture curiosity, build confidence, and empower students to advocate for themselves.</li><li>Our warm, inclusive community where every student feels known, supported, and celebrated.</li><li>Our full-scope program of opportunities that allows every child to explore, create, compete, and contribute—both inside and outside the classroom.</li></ul>

Local Event: McLean School Virtual Open House (Kindergarten-Grade 6)

McLean School Virtual Open House...

Limited Spaces Remain in Select Grades - Join us for a virtual introduction to our Kindergarten through Grade 6 program....

McLean School Virtual Open House (Kindergarten-Grade 6)

Anne Arundel County

Odenton-Severn

Historic Johns Hopkins House In Anne Arundel...

The sale happened despite another group's year-long effort to purchase the property and preserve it. 

Historic Johns Hopkins House In Anne Arundel County Sold To Nonprofit Group

Historic Johns Hopkins House Sold To Nonprofit Group

Coalition Challenges MCPS' Wootton HS Decision

A coalition has appealed to the Maryland State Board of Education after the March 26 decision to relocate students to a Gaithersburg school.

Crime & Safety

Teen In Custody After Blake HS Shooting Leaves...

A 19-year-old is in custody after a shooting unfolded in a parking lot at James Hubert Blake High School. One boy was injured, police said.

Teen In Custody After Blake HS Shooting Leaves 1 Person Injured: Police

Armed Robbery Reported At MoCo High School: Police

A boy was taken into custody Tuesday after police received reports of an armed robbery at Albert Einstein High School.

Germantown

MoCo's Largest Flea Market Returns This Weekend

The Germantown Community Flea Market is making its return this weekend. Here's what you need to know.

Neighbor News

'Pharmageddon' Could Close Pharmacies: What To...

Pharmacists in several states are participating in a “Pharmageddon” protest of working conditions at CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacies.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Community Corner

13U Baseball Tryouts in July

Aric Caplan, Neighbor

More from Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Custom Interiors Options Wow Residents of The Grandview

Armed Robbery Reported At MoCo High School: Police

MD High School Team Makes History With Penn Relays Title

MacGillis Global Academy Virtual Open House

Hope Connections Breast Cancer Summit

Hike Community Day

Spring Makers Market

Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!

The DC Big Flea Boutique Antique Event

EQUITY ARC Presents Festival Ensembles

The DC Big Flea Boutique Antique Event

The Thirteen's MONTEVERDI REFRACTED

McLean School Virtual Open House (Kindergarten-Grade 6)

ICA Language Services

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events

Tea Room at Hello Betty

Player Development Lab of Rockville

Summer At Sandy Spring