Gaithersburg, MD February 2026 by City Lifestyle

The Heart of February

February always brings a quiet pause. It invites reflection rather than rush, and encourages us to look more closely at the people, places, and systems that shape our daily lives.

This month’s issue is rooted in that idea of love expressed through care, service, and intention. Not the kind that asks for attention, but the kind that shows up consistently.

Inside these pages, we spotlight the city leaders and department heads who keep Gaithersburg running every day. From public works and public safety to parks, planning, communications, and human resources, The People Who Make Gaithersburg Work offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and collaboration that residents rarely see, but rely on constantly.

We also step into the personal side of local entrepreneurship. Our February cover feature takes readers inside Ginger Nail Spa, where craft, wellness, and precision shape a modern approach to nail care, guided by founder Qi Qi Huang’s hands-on leadership and attention to detail.

Community celebration is another theme woven throughout the issue. We share highlights from the inaugural Black in Business Awards, honoring Blackowned businesses and leaders whose work continues to strengthen Montgomery County’s economic and cultural landscape. And through a thoughtful Q&A with the Potomac Community Foundation, we explore how legacy, education, and history are being translated into long-term opportunity for African American descendant communities as the county approaches its 250th anniversary.

Together, these stories reflect what “love local” truly means. Showing up. Investing in people. And recognizing the work that sustains a community over time.

Thank you for continuing to read, support, and engage with the stories that make Gaithersburg feel like home. We hope this February issue leaves you feeling more connected, more informed, and proud of the place we share.

Here’s to a month rooted in care, purpose, and local pride.

ANICIA JUAREZ, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @GAITHERSBURGCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Adam Taylor | adam.taylor@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Anicia Juarez | anicia.juarez@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

KC Cole | kc.cole@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Deborah Blumberg

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heaven Brown, Imagine Photography, Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, M3 Mitchell Media and Marketing, Chris Norris, Sean Hart, HARTISTRAW

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

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inside the issue

Ginger Nail Spa

Where

Mayor of the People

How

GINGER nail spa

Where skill, consistency, and care define the modern nail experience.

ARTICLE PROVIDED

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. CEYLON MITCHELL, M3 MITCHELL MEDIA

Nail care today blends beauty, wellness, and personal expression. At Ginger Nail Spa, that balance is shaped by how the work is done and how consistently it shows up from appointment to appointment.

When entering the spa, you will experience a rich environment of luxury fragrances, marble and quartz appointments in the salon and spotless restrooms.

Founded by Qi (Chi) Huang, Ginger Nail Spa reflects a hands-on approach that prioritizes both beauty and creativity. Qi Huang was born in Chengdu, China, an ancient city of 21 million people, rich Szechuan cuisine, and the home of the Panda bear. She was classically trained in nails and facials. Qi Qi remains closely involved in daily operations, setting service standards, overseeing technique, and shaping the overall experience of her Rockville studio. Her presence is felt in the studio’s attention to precision, its thoughtful service menu, and an environment that feels elevated and warm.

Each appointment begins with a conversation that narrows those ideas into something workable. The absolute highest quality colors are refined, techniques are discussed, and execution is deliberate. The focus stays on accuracy and wearability, so results look polished on day one and continue to hold up.

Spa pedicures include options such as the antioxidant-rich Green Tea Spa, Lavender Spa, and Golden Mystique treatments, each incorporating soaking rituals, exfoliation, massage, and hot stone elements. The experience is designed to feel restorative, not rushed.

Behind the scenes, the studio has invested in one of the state’s most advanced fresh air recovery systems, continuously replacing indoor air with filtered outdoor air to support comfort and long-term health.

The experience extends beyond the main floor, with waxing services thoughtfully located on a dedicated second level,

offering added privacy while keeping the primary space calm and uncluttered.

Ginger Nail Spa succeeds by narrowing its focus rather than expanding it. The work is careful. The environment is healthy. And the experience feels considered in ways clients notice and return for.

Ginger Nail Spa 966 Hungerford Drive, Suite 9A Rockville, MD 20850 (240) 488-3487 gingernailspa.com

Mayor of the People

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH BLUMBERG

How Mayor Jud Ashman has helped write Gaithersburg’s next chapter

Aerial view of Route 355

Jud with Diego and family

When Gaithersburg Mayor, Jud Ashman founded the Gaithersburg Book Festival in 2010, he drew from a lifetime love of reading, including childhood books like Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge, stories he read growing up in Miami.

Now, the long-time mayor and small business owner has grown the festival into an annual event that draws thousands of readers and over 100 prestigious authors. It’s one of dozens of initiatives the affable longest-serving elected official in Gaithersburg—Maryland’s third largest city— has brought to his community the last two-plus decades, driven by a love of people and deepseeded desire to improve lives.

“There’s no more immersive and intimate way to get to see the world through somebody else’s eyes than to read a book,” says Ashman. “You’re exercising your empathy muscles, and the more empathetic we are, the better we are as a society.”

Ashman, the second-longest serving mayor in Montgomery County, owns Web Mobile Image, which helps businesses design, optimize and host their websites. “I enjoy serving people well and making them happy,” he says. “And I embrace the accountability.”

He got a taste for community leadership in 2001 when he organized parents to testify at city hall about a proposal to address school overcrowding. In 2005 when he ran for city council, he lost by 44 votes. In 2007, he tried again and won. Seven years later, voters elected Ashman mayor, and have consistently since. Under his watch, the city boasts the lowest property tax rate of any large city in Maryland and a low and falling crime rate.

Gaithersburg is rated among the 25 best places to live in the country by AARP, and it’s grown by 14% over the last ten years.

Among Ashman’s proudest achievements is the approval of redevelopment plans for Lakeforest Mall, a project decades in the making. Now, he’s laser-focused on attracting more private-sector investments and jobs to Gaithersburg. Over the course of a given year, he might march in the Gaithersburg St. Paddy’s Day Parade, get dunked to support the Gaithersburg Police Foundation, and join residents at a Lunar New Year celebration.

“The secret to doing all this is less sleep and less exercise,” he jokes. “Most of what I do as mayor doesn’t feel like traditional work—it’s very gratifying. I really enjoy doing it.”

Ashman and his wife, Lee, travel widely, with trips to Budapest and Berlin the last few years. Their daughter, Jenna, works as an event planner in the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and son, Jeff, and family live locally. Ashman loves spending time with his grandchildren, grilling, watching the Quince Orchard Cougars, and working out, and he’s gearing up to run for County Council this fall.

When asked why voters keep supporting him, Ashman admits it’s an uncomfortable question. “Campaigns force you to talk about yourself in ways in which could otherwise come across as arrogant or immodest,” he says.

“But I feel like I’m relatively humble. I’m a good listener. I’ve always believed leadership begins with listening. I have a level-headedness about me. And, I think I have an ability to bring people together, to earn trust and build bridges. That helps in getting things done, and getting things done helps get votes. It also helps that I love people and have a lot of patience. I just love being mayor of Gaithersburg.”

votejud.com/meet-jud

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FEBRUARY EVENTS NEAR

GAITHERSBURG

January 28 - February 7

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: A NEW STORY

Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington, DC

A new stage play set in the world of the terrifying Paranormal Activity film franchise, this thrilling new play will haunt you long after the lights go out. We can’t say anything else. shakespearetheatre.org

January 30 - February 8

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE

Warner Theatre, Washington, DC

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Washington, DC, for an expansive 11-performance engagement at the historic Warner Theatre, DC’s monument to entertainment, sharing unforgettable performances for over a century. ailey.org

February 1

BILLY PRICE BAND & CHRIS O’LEARY BAND

Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis

A soulful, blues-forward concert perfect for date night. ramsheadonstage.com

February 5

TASTE OF MARYLAND AGRICULTURE

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Hanover

The 56th annual celebration of Maryland agriculture with tastings, wine, and farm-to-table experiences. mdagriculturecouncil.com

February 8

LA INDIA: LA MAS QUE CANTA

Capital One Hall, Tysons

Salsa icon La India, known as “La Princesa de la Salsa,” brings her powerful voice and celebrated catalog to the DC area. capitalonehall.com/events/detail/ india-la-mas-que-canta

February 14

NEW EDITION: THE NEW EDITION WAY TOUR

CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore

Featuring special guests Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton, celebrating the iconic group’s legacy and the street renaming in Boston. Fans can expect an evening of R&B classics. cfgbankarena.com

February 14

COUPLES COOKING CLASS –FRENCH VALENTINE’S DINNER

Sur La Table, Pike & Rose

Couples are invited to share a romantic, hands-on evening learning French culinary techniques while preparing a multi-course Valentine’s dinner together, guided by a professional chef in an intimate kitchen setting. surlatable.com

February 15

MARDI GRAS AT THE WHARF

The Wharf, Washington, DC

A full afternoon of Mardi Gras festivities takes over The Wharf with a waterfront parade, roaming performers, live music, and a fireworks finale, bringing New Orleans energy to DC’s waterfront. wharfdc.com/mardigras

February 21

ROCKVILLE’S 18TH ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville

Celebrate Rockville’s Asian cultures with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts and to-go snack boxes at the city’s Lunar New Year celebration. rockvillemd.gov/services/ lunar-new-year-celebration

February 20 - 22

AMERICAN CRAFT MADE BALTIMORE

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore

The East Coast’s largest juried craft fair, featuring hundreds of artists, live demos, and immersive craft experiences. craftcouncil.org/events

February 22

LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE –YEAR OF THE HORSE

Chinatown, Washington, DC

DC’s Chinatown will come alive for the 65th annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, a vibrant community-based parade featuring various cultural and community performers. The grand finale will include a spectacular firecracker show in the middle of H Street. dcparade.com

ONGOING

MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET – WINTER MARKET

301 Main St., Kentlands

A longtime Kentlands tradition, this year-round farmers market brings together locally grown produce, artisan foods, plants, handcrafted goods, and specialty drinks, with live music from local musicians on select Saturdays. gaithers burgmd.gov/recreation/farmers-markets/ main-street-farmers-market

CASEY FARMERS MARKET –WINTER EDITION

Casey Community Center, Gaithersburg

Held every Thursday, this community farmers market features fresh, locally grown produce and eggs, freshly baked breads and sweets, and locally brewed coffee, beer, and spirits from regional makers. gaithersburgmd. gov/recreation/farmers-markets/ casey-farmers-market

WORLD

DISCOVERY

Why Choose Us?

Experienced & Caring Educators – Our passionate team supports each child’s unique growth.

Engaging Curriculum – Hands-on activities in literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning.

Safe & Inclusive Space – A welcoming environment where every child feels valued.

Flexible Programs – Full-time, part-time, and preschool options for busy families.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY FOUNDATIONS MUSIC, ART & STEM EXPLORATION CONFIDENCE-BUILDING SOCIAL PLAY FULL & PART-TIME OPTIONS AVAILABLE

How the Potomac Community Foundation is preserving African American descendant history while expanding educational access, community trust, and long-term opportunity across Montgomery County.

ROOTED IN LEGACY

Launched in April 2025, the Potomac Community Foundation is entering its first full year with a focused mission: honoring legacy while expanding opportunity for Montgomery County’s African American descendant communities. As the county approaches its 250th anniversary, the foundation’s work centers on ensuring descendant histories are fully recognized and meaningfully supported today.

Led by inaugural Executive Director Krystal Davis, the foundation operates at the intersection of history, education, and long-term investment. Early efforts have focused on uncovering overlooked narratives, building trust with descendant families, and rethinking how educational support can better reflect lived experience. Rather than functioning solely as a grantmaking organization, the Potomac Community Foundation positions itself as a long-term partner, translating historical understanding into tangible opportunities for future generations.

AS THE INAUGURAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHAT DREW YOU TO THE POTOMAC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

What drew me to PCF was the opportunity to build something that honors the past while creating new pathways forward. This work is deeply personal. I grew up in Montgomery County without realizing I was part of a descendant community with a rich history. Learning that later reshaped how I see myself and what I believe is possible. That realization now guides our work. When histories are visible, they inspire pride, confidence, and connection.

WHY IS PRESERVING DESCENDANT HISTORY ESSENTIAL TO EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY TODAY?

Descendant families share a journey shaped by displacement, exclusion, and resilience that still influences trust, access, and belonging. When these histories remain invisible, so do the realities that shape opportunity. Without that understanding, well-intended efforts risk missing the mark. Bringing these narratives forward creates space for understanding, healing, and more equitable investment.

WHY IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH DESCENDANT COMMUNITIES CENTRAL TO PCF’S APPROACH?

Meaningful progress begins with listening. Too often, decisions are made about communities rather than with them. Descendant communities have distinct lived experience, and honoring that knowledge leads to stronger, more lasting outcomes.

WHAT EARLY IMPACT BEST REFLECTS PCF’S DIRECTION?

In our first year, we’ve focused on building trust. We’ve strengthened academic support, engaged families as partners, and contributed to momentum behind the Montgomery History Center. For a young organization, our impact is reflected in relationships and a shared sense of long-term commitment.

As Montgomery County approaches its 250th anniversary, this moment calls for responsibility, not just recognition. Supporting legacy preservation, investing in education, and committing to sustained partnership will help descendant communities shape the county’s next chapter.

Learn more at potomaccommunity foundation.org

Potomac Community Foundation leaders Dr. Jason Wingard, Krystal Holland Davis, and Paul Tukey

A I T

H ERSB U RGAT W O R K

Cities run on details. The kind most residents never see, but feel every day. In Gaithersburg, that work spans public safety and public works, parks and programs, planning, communication, human resources, and legal guidance that supports nearly every decision the City makes.

In this feature, we highlight eight department leaders who keep Gaithersburg moving through steady service and long-range thinking. Some oversee crews working overnight to clear roads after a storm. Others manage the systems that keep residents informed during emergencies, guide future development through master planning, or help staff across departments solve problems before they become bigger issues.

THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP THE CITY MOVING

Photo by: Chris Norris/ City of Gaithersburg

BRIAN FIELDS CAROLYN MULLER

Director, Department of Public Works

WHAT DOES PUBLIC WORKS OVERSEE IN GAITHERSBURG?

Fields oversees Engineering Services, Facilities Maintenance, Capital Projects, Operations, and Environmental Services, managing the City’s technical design, construction, and infrastructure needs.

WHAT MIGHT RESIDENTS NOT REALIZE YOUR DEPARTMENT HANDLES?

Public Works provides on-demand bulk refuse collection for all single-family homes and townhomes, including appliances, mattresses, and furniture.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR TEAM RIGHT NOW?

During the most recent snowstorm, crews reported at 10 p.m. on a Saturday and worked through the night to ensure City streets were safe the next morning.

Director, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture

WHAT DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT DO FOR THE CITY?

Parks, Recreation and Culture touches every age group, overseeing 30 parks and 15 facilities while offering hundreds of cultural, recreational, and community activities.

WHAT DO PEOPLE OFTEN OVERLOOK?

Beyond camps and youth programs, the department offers extensive adult programming, from farmers markets and fitness classes to arts programs and senior day trips.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

The opening of Pleasant View Park and progress on Crown Farm Park, Blohm Park trail improvements, and planning for the renovation of Walder Park.

COURTNEY DAVIS FRANK JOHNSON

Director, Department of Communication and Public Engagement City Attorney

WHAT IS YOUR DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR?

The department keeps residents informed through social media, the City website, digital signage, newsletters, and GTV, while also managing the City’s brand and design.

WHAT’S SOMETHING RESIDENTS MIGHT NOT REALIZE YOU DO?

The team is part of the emergency weather response, communicating closures and delays before most residents start their day.

WHAT RECENT WORK ARE YOU PROUD OF?

A complete City website refresh completed in under six months, improving usability, layout, search, and homepage video integration.

WHAT DOES THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE DO?

The office provides legal advice across all departments, helping prevent issues, support coordination, and guide opportunities as they arise.

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE RESIDENTS?

The office is involved in much of what the City does—from contracts to service support—often preventing issues before they escalate.

WHO IS AN UNSUNG HERO?

Bry-Nia Barnes, the legal assistant who manages contract and document approvals across every department with consistency, patience, and care.

GREG MANN MARK SROKA

Director, Department of Planning and Code Administration

WHAT DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT OVERSEE?

Planning, zoning, permitting, and inspections, including Master Plan updates, development review, and building safety compliance.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU PROUD OF?

Build Gaithersburg 2040, the City’s Master Plan update focused on Land Use and Transportation, shaped by ongoing public engagement.

WHO ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES?

Administrative technicians who process applications and help residents and businesses navigate the permitting system.

Chief of Gaithersburg Police

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY ?

Providing 24/7 coverage and responding to calls for service within City limits.

HOW DOES THE DEPARTMENT APPROACH PROBLEM SOLVING?

Through community action teams and collaboration when appropriate.

WHAT GUIDES DEPLOYMENT DECISIONS?

The Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS), using data analysis to focus resources where they are needed most.

TOM LONERGAN-SEEGER

Assistant City Manager

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

Overseeing community, neighborhood, and housing services, supporting vulnerable populations, and managing special projects.

WHAT MIGHT RESIDENTS NOT REALIZE YOU HANDLE?

Cell tower and cable franchise agreements between service providers and the City.

WHAT RECENT WORK ARE YOU PROUD OF?

Updates to the Landlord-Tenant Relations code, strengthening protections and aligning with State and County regulations.

COMBINING ARTISTRY AND PRECISION TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILES THAT RADIATE CONFIDENCE.

Looking to enhance your smile with personalized cosmetic dentistry treatments? Our practice offers every cosmetic dental service, from whitening to veneers, and everything in between. We specialize in finding the right solution to create a radiant, confident smile.

Our Smile Makeover is a personalized treatment plan that combines various cosmetic dentistry treatments and restorative dental procedures to enhance the appearance and health of your smile. Dr. Markogiannakis will work with you to create a custom plan that addresses your unique concerns and goals.

We offer ZOOM! Whitening treatment for immediate results with our in-office professional supervision. Our whitening solutions can remove years of stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, revealing a dramatically brighter smile.

Restore damaged teeth or replace missing ones with our custom-made crowns and bridges. Crowns cover and protect weakened teeth, while bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth.

For minor imperfections, dental bonding and contouring offer a quick and effective solution. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close small gaps, or improve the shape of teeth. Contouring involves gently reshaping the enamel to improve the appearance of slightly misshapen teeth.

Our practice also specializes in dental crowns and bridges, tooth colored fillings, gum contouring, porcelain veneers, and orthodontic options. Your journey to optimal oral health begins in a setting where expertise meets elegance, and your comfort and satisfaction are always our ultimate goals.

BLACK IN BUSINESS AWARDS

A new celebration of Black-owned business leadership in Montgomery County

The inaugural Black in Business Montgomery County Awards brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders for a powerful evening of recognition and celebration on November 20, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg. Hosted by The Black Business Council in partnership with MBA Growth Partners, the event honored Black-owned businesses whose vision, resilience, and leadership continue to shape the economic and cultural landscape of Montgomery County.

Designed as more than an awards ceremony, the program served as a platform for connection, empowerment, and storytelling, highlighting trailblazers who are building opportunity,

strengthening communities, and redefining what success looks like across the region. Guests witnessed the creativity and determination that fuel so many Black-owned enterprises, as honorees shared personal stories, professional milestones, and the inspiration behind their work. From emerging founders to established industry leaders, each individual represents the spirit of excellence that propels progress.

This historic first year marks the beginning of a new tradition that is committed to uplifting Black entrepreneurs, expanding access to opportunity, and amplifying the impact of those whose work moves Montgomery County forward. Learn more at blackinbusinessawards.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN HART — HARTISTRAW