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...

The Run for Recovering Heroes is next Sunday 9/15! Win 2 free registrations @ <a href="http://tims.us/Recovering_Heroes_Run.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tims.us/Recovering_Heroes_Run.html</a>

WIN 2 Run for Recovering Heroes registrations!

Neighbor News

Kensington

Potomac

Fairfax County

Michael O'Connell

McLean

Wheaton

Takoma Park

District of Columbia

Georgetown

District Of Columbia

Silver Spring

Arlington

Rosslyn

Clarendon

Alden Theatre

On Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m., come to the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center to be wowed by Zak Mirz, Magician!&nbsp;Zak Mirz amazes audiences by weaving magic into stories from his experience as a first-generation American. From being a kid growing up in Texas to becoming a father of two, Zak’s charismatic style easily connects with audiences and keeps them on their toes. This show will be unlike any you have seen before because YOU will be the one at the wheel deciding where the story goes next. Zak Mirz is a world-renowned magician, America’s Got Talent Season 20 semifinalist, and Penn and Teller: Fool Us winner. ASL Interpreted and Family Friendly $25 Standard/$20 Seniors/$15 MCC district residents.

Local Event: Magic at The Alden Theatre!

Magic at The Alden Theatre!

On Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m., come to the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center to be wowed by Zak Mirz, Magician! Zak Mirz...

Bring your family and friends to the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, April 25 from noon to 7 p.m. rain or shine. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Fireman’s Field Park and inside the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink at 250 South Nursery Avenue.

Enjoy a full day of live music and performances across multiple stages, along with an art exhibit, games, chalk art, and a variety of interactive activities. Browse offerings from local vendors featuring handcrafted goods, food, beverages, and more. There will be fun for all ages, including face painting, glitter tattoos, sidewalk chalk art, and t-shirt or tote bag decorating. Local non-profits will also be on-site sharing information and resources. Special activities will highlight and celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. 
Inside the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink—transformed into the Art Hall—you’ll find more than 30 works of art, live performances, art demonstrations, and hands-on activities including quilt square decorating and an Instrument Petting Zoo. Be sure to pick up a festival scavenger hunt booklet and complete it for a chance to win a prize! 
Thank you to the sponsors of the festival: Renewal by Andersen, The Back Nine Golf Leesburg, Northern Virginia Orthodontics, Bank of Clarke Foundation, Longhouse Architects, Valley Energy, the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink, MotoMember, and OHM Productions. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring this event, please email <a href="mailto:events@purcellvilleva.gov">events@purcellvilleva.gov</a>. 
The Purcellville Music and Arts Festival is jointly hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Purcellville Arts Council, and the Town of Purcellville. For more information about the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival please visit <a href="https://www.purcellvillemusicandartsfestival.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.purcellvillemusicandartsfestival.com</a> and follow PVilleMusicArts on Facebook.

Local Event: Purcellville Music and Arts Festival

Loudoun County

Leesburg

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival

Bring your family and friends to the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, April 25 from noon to 7 p.m. rain or...

ON St. Elmo

These shows are now bringing in the best comics from across the country!!!!
Your headliner this month:
CARMEN MORALES
Carmen Morales has a captivating and powerful style which incorporates opinionated quick wit and outlandish ideals. Taking from family, friends, and people from everyday encounters, she transforms personal experiences into hilarious commentary which leaves the audience doubled over in laughter. With a perfect combination of assertiveness, likeability, and vulnerability she has been well received by audiences internationally. Her stern silliness has gotten her on platforms like, HBO, Showtime, IFC, Freeform, Hulu, Comics Unleashed and The World-Famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles regularly. She’s been heard on Netflix is a Joke on Sirius XM radio and featured in the New York Times. She’s also headlined the San Diego Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Festival, Scruffy City Comedy Festival and more. Carmen is a real bringer of joy and buster of balls.
FEATURING
ADAM FREESMANAdam Freesman has been featured on Nate Bargatzes Nateland Live in Nashville and has appeared at renowned venues around the country including The Comedy Store, Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, The Stand, Second City, Capital One Hall and The Lyric Theater.

He regularly opens for Modi Rosenfeld and Kristin Key and clubs and theaters, and also often works with other touring acts including Geoffrey Asmus, Usama Siddiquee and Raanan Hershberg to name a few.
JACK SCHWARTZ
Jack J. Schwartz is a Washington DC based standup comedian and podcaster. Raised by a single mother in the cultural melting pot of Tampa Florida, Jack attributes his odd yet hilarious brand of comedic storytelling to his wacky upbringing in the sunshine state.
Hosted by
PETE BERGEN
He may look and sound gruff but he is a big bear of a sweetheart. You’ll love his take on his own sordid history and observations in general. He has opened for and performed with some great folks like Patton Oswalt, Rory Scovel, Bobcat Goldthwait, Annie Lederman, David Koechner, Kelsey Cook, Annie Lederman, Alonso Bodden and more while featuring and headlining some great venues like the DC Improv (DC), Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (VA), Magooby’s Joke House (MD), Nicks Comedy Stop (Boston), Governors (NY), Church Of Satire (PA) and The Drafthouse Comedy Theater (DC). He is also in recovery and is in demand for 12 step conventions all over. You may recognize Pete from his numerous appearances on Investigation Discovery shows or from his episode on the classic Americas Most Wanted. He always plays a cop because, well, look at him. Pete can also be seen as a contributor on local panel shows “Like It Or Not” and “The Final 5”, both on Fox 5 DC, offering up humorous takes on the days events.

Local Event: On St. Elmo Comedy Bunker 13: Carmen Morales 

On St. Elmo Comedy Bunker 13: Carmen Morales 

These shows are now bringing in the best comics from across the country!!!!
Your headliner this month:
CARMEN MORALES
Carmen...

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Come celebrate the story of Ruby Bridges, the trailblazing African-American girl who, at age 6, integrated the New Orleans Public Schools in 1960. This musical work by Portland-based composer Darrell Grant chronicles the story of Ruby Bridges in a multi-movement piece for eight instrumentalists, vocalists, and a narrator. Drawing on gospel, jazz and chamber music along with spoken word and images, it illustrates an emotional portrait of a dramatic time in US history.
The suite will be performed by the choir, soloists, and instrumentalists from the Cedar Lane music program along with guest vocalists and musicians.
Doors Open: 6:30 PM Concert: 7:00 PM Suggested Love Offering: $30 / seat<a href="https://qrs.ly/hyh480l" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Reserve your seat</a>
Proceeds to benefit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congregationactionnetwork.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Congregation Action Network</a>. Congregation Action Network is an vibrant interfaith coalition striving to create a community where everyone, no matter their immigration status, has the same access to rights and resources.

Local Event: Step by Step: The Ruby Bridges Suite, a Benefit Concert

Step by Step: The Ruby Bridges Suite, a Benefit...

Come celebrate the story of Ruby Bridges, the trailblazing African-American girl who, at age 6, integrated the New Orleans...

Step by Step: The Ruby Bridges Suite, a Benefit Concert

PNC Bank

Ch/Art Fest Returns April 26 Featuring 25+ Local Artists, Food, and Community Celebration
The Ch/Art (Chevy Chase Art) Fest – the outdoor art fair that fills a bank parking lot with great art, food and music - will return on Sunday, April 26, bringing together more than 25 local artists for an afternoon celebrating creativity, community, and the vibrant arts culture of the neighborhood.
The festival, run by the Ch/Art organization that also presents the popular Ch/Art Art Walk every fall, will feature a diverse range of artwork - including painting, ceramics, textiles, photography, jewelry, and mixed media - offering visitors the chance to meet artists, learn about their creative processes, and purchase original work directly from makers.
<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&amp;ik=7d1b9c32b6&amp;attid=0.0.9&amp;permmsgid=msg-a:r-4915467530015121369&amp;th=19d59e8d2089d502&amp;view=fimg&amp;fur=ip&amp;permmsgid=msg-a:r-4915467530015121369&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ9Kjy3_zD0xr7OGMiuvLz1-ny0IzMtiHky8OZyOAujy_WrsPKEhyrgJmLDKpgmqLjWP8I5OKsGBWLoF2J6kBWeqxI3Z2SWo5RZC76f2294g57dbrmFE0xNtyEg&amp;disp=emb&amp;realattid=ii_mnknxk1m8&amp;zw" alt="unnamed (3).jpg">
In addition to the artists showcasing their work under tents, the event will include live music, food vendors, and a welcoming vibe that will let folks gather, connect, and enjoy the energy of Spring in the neighborhood.
“Events like this create space for artists and neighbors to connect,” said Erin Joshi, Ch/Art Board Chair, “The Ch/Art Fest is about celebrating creativity in all its forms and making art accessible within the community.”
The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to come by, meet the artists, enjoy local food, and spend time exploring the work on display.
Event Details
 Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (rain date May 3) 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: [PNC Bank parking lot, 5530 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington DC] Artists: 25+ local artists Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.chevychaseart.org/new-page" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ch/Art Fest</a>

Local Event: Ch/Art Fest

Ch/Art Fest

Ch/Art Fest Returns April 26 Featuring 25+ Local Artists, Food, and Community Celebration
The Ch/Art (Chevy Chase Art) Fest –...

Veterans Plaza

🌼 Silver Spring Arts &amp; Crafts Spring Fair 🌼 Art, Crafts &amp; Love — A Spring Fair for Mom!
Celebrate spring with a beautiful afternoon of art, creativity, and community at the Silver Spring Arts &amp; Crafts Spring Fair.
Browse a wide variety of handmade art, crafts, jewelry, fashion accessories, home décor, gifts, and more from talented local artisans and small businesses. It’s the perfect outing for Mother’s Day shopping, supporting creatives, and enjoying a vibrant spring atmosphere in the heart of Silver Spring.
What to Expect: • Unique handmade and artisan goods • A charming outdoor spring setting • Support local artists and small businesses • Thoughtful gifts perfect for Mom
📅 Sunday, April 26, 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Veterans Plaza 📌 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
FREE ADMISSION. PET FRIENDLY. RAIN OR SHINE EVENT.

Local Event: Silver Spring Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Spring Fair @ Veterans Plaza

Silver Spring Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Spring...

🌼 Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Spring Fair 🌼 Art, Crafts & Love — A Spring Fair for Mom!
Celebrate spring with a beautiful...

Silver Spring Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Spring Fair @ Veterans Plaza

Come support local musicians at The Alden Theatre on Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://msmsfairfax.com/who-we-are" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Main Street Chamber Players</a> are a mixed instrumental ensemble whose collective experience spans more than 35 years. This group, hailing from our very own Fairfax County, has performed in the well-known Classical Cape May Series, Tuesday Concert Series, Lyceum Chamber Music Series and at other local performance venues. They perform works from the standard repertoire, as well as fantastic works by female composers, composers of color and living composers. Tickets are on sale now!

Local Event: Main Street Chamber Players at The Alden Theatre!

Main Street Chamber Players at The Alden Theatre!

Come support local musicians at The Alden Theatre on Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m. The Main Street Chamber Players are a mixed...

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

Annapolis

Mark Your Calendars: The Blue Angels Are Coming...

The Blue Angels will be in town soon, making appearances during Naval Academy Commissioning Week in Annapolis. Here's what you need to know.

Mark Your Calendars: The Blue Angels Are Coming To Town

Seasonal & Holidays

Germantown

Montgomery County GreenFest Scheduled For This...

The Saturday event will feature vendors, battery recycling and other activities, according to organizers. 

Montgomery County GreenFest Scheduled For This Weekend

Arts & Entertainment

New Details Released On School Employee Who...

Footage that led to the arrest of a county school employee dates back to 2018, police said. It showed four students in a changing room.

New Details Released On School Employee Who Filmed Students

Crime & Safety

Rockville

MD Chef Snags Food Network Win

Maryland restaurateur Bryan Voltaggio was named the victor of the Food Network's latest "Tournament of Champions" cooking competition.

'Until The Next One': MD Chef Wins Food Network Contest

Restaurants & Bars

MoCo Students Take On World’s Largest Robotics...

The largest robotics competition is being held this week in St. Louis, and among the thousands of competitors is a local STEM club.

MoCo Students Take On World’s Largest Robotics Competition

MD Students Tackle World Largest Robotics Competition

'Really Fascinating': MD Kids Tackle World Robotics Championship

'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.

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