From Bradley Boulevard to Annapolis: Aasish Selvaraj's flood rescue just earned state recognition.

Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller presented the 12-year-old Potomac hero with a Governor's Citation recently: a prestigious state honor for extraordinary heroism and public service.

If you recall the initial story: the seventh-grader climbed out of a submerged SUV during July's flash flood, pulled his nanny's young son to safety on a tree branch, and kept both safe while 200 feet of raging water separated them from help. What started as a summer camp pickup became an act of remarkable courage.

Since the July 31st rescue and his family's $10,000 donation to MCFRS, Aasish's story has reached the State House. At just 12, he's among the youngest Marylanders to receive such distinction.

As one firefighter said during their August reunion: "Hopefully someday he becomes a firefighter, because he has it in him."

Don’t forget to get flood-ready with Montgomery County’s safety guide.

🦀 Crab cake season hits Potomac. Market at River Falls rolls out its August special for its award-winning crab cakes today through Saturday (8/20-23). Order yours today and tell them the Loop sent ya 😉

🚲 Adult bike classes are back. Montgomery County’s $10 sessions (free if you’re a WABA or Bikeshare member) run Sept 7–Nov 15 in Rockville, Bethesda, and beyond. Great for rusty riders or fresh starts. Register now

✈ DCA gets a high-tech upgrade. CLEAR and the TSA start piloting facial‑recognition “eGates” this month Reagan National next week to fast‑track identity checks ahead of 2026’s travel surge. See what that means for your next airport visit (Axios)

🍣 Bethesda’s sushi scene just leveled up. Takumi Japanese Bistro & Bar is now open offering omakase, sashimi platters, wagyu fried rice, ramen, more. Browse the full menu

In American Mahjong, exposing a pung (three-of-a-kind) too early locks your hand, and your options.

It’s a classic mistake that can kill your flexibility.

Jill, the Charleston Coach, teaches players when to hold back, giving you room to pivot as the tiles shift.

The Charleston Coach. Get her smart, friendly guidance and keep your game wide open.

*This space sponsored by someone cool (and local)

Book Discussion: The Secret History of Bigfoot. 6:30–7:30 pm @ Potomac Library
Discuss John O’Connor’s witty exploration of Sasquatch folklore, from Pacific Northwest forests to cryptozoology conventions, and unpack why Bigfoot still stalks America’s imagination. No RSVP required 👣

Disabled Writers Mixer. 5:30–7 pm @ The Writer’s Center
An informal mixer for DMV-area writers who identify as disabled—bring a drink or an appetizer to share and some friendly writing conversation. RSVP in link ✍️

Senior Cinema: Bad Shabbos. 10:30 am @ Avalon Theatre
Catch Bad Shabbos, a heartfelt comedy with open captions, at this $5 senior screening that feels like brunch with friends. $6 tickets, no reservation required 🎬

Maryland State Fair Opening Day. 5 pm @ Timonium Fairgrounds
The fair launches three weekends of fun with opening-night highlights that include glass-blowing, otter shows, pig races, and mirror-suited performers. Buy tickets in advance in link for best price 🎡

Movies in the Park: IF. Dusk (~8 pm) @ Woodley Gardens Park
Spread a blanket under the stars for IF, a family-friendly film about imaginary friends. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks 🎥

ASC Field Trip: Expert-Led Trail Run Workout. 6:30–7:30 am @ Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Push yourself with a 3-mile guided trail run featuring bodyweight and core exercises at one of the DMV’s most scenic spots. $40/person, details & registration in link 🏃‍♂️

King Arthur: Ask the Baker. 11 am–2 pm @ Shops at Wildwood
Meet King Arthur’s bakers at their Bethesda pop-up, ask your baking questions, and pick up pro tips along with fresh bread. 🍞

Pawpaw Party. 3-5pm @ Seneca Creek State Park Nature Shack
Discover North America's largest native fruit that tastes like tropical custard meets mango-banana bliss plus taste the "hillbilly mango" while learning foraging secrets from naturalists. RSVP to [email protected] 🥭

Fridays at the Farm Crab Feast & BBQ Buffet. 5:30–8:30 pm @ Smokey Glen Farm
Enjoy a country-view buffet with all-you-can-eat crabs, ribs, mac and cheese, pies, and more, the perfect way to spend a summer Friday evening. Tickets in link 🦀

Air Plant Terrarium Workshop. 11am @ Good Earth Garden Market
Create a no-soil oasis with Tillandsia air plants in decorative terrariums while learning low-maintenance houseplant secrets from Rachel, their resident green thumb guru. $39/person, register in link 🌿

Park Potomac Ice Cream Social & Backpack Drive. 11am @ Park Potomac
Join the community celebration partnering with Washington Commanders star Santana Moss' foundation to collect school supplies, featuring food, games, entertainment, and local business vendors. Bring new backpacks & school supplies to donate 🍦

Pitango Gelato Pop-Up, Part Deux. 2-6pm @ Glenstone Museum Split-Rocker
Back by popular demand: Enjoy classic gelato and sorbet flavors served from a charming green pushcart while you contemplate iconic outdoor sculptures. 🍨

Sip & Paint with the Pigs Fundraiser. 4:30-6:30pm @ Rosie's Farm Sanctuary
Rescue pigs Beaufort, Teddy, Ollie, Winston, and Marty create snout-stamped masterpieces while you sip beverages and enjoy vegan snacks at this unique sanctuary fundraiser. Register in link 🐷

Fall Wildflower Walk. 10am-11:30am @ Locust Grove Nature Center
Master Naturalists lead leisurely strolls through nature's final spectacular show of goldenrods and purple asters before autumn's arrival in this three-part seasonal series. Register in link 🌸

Pooch Pool Party. August 23-24, 11am-3pm @ Upper County Outdoor Pool
The ultimate canine celebration where furry friends swim freely in their own private pool party before winter closure, while humans cheer from the sidelines. Register in link + provide written proof of vaccination & county dog license 🐩

Now go share this with that neighbor who has plays their pungs too soon.

-Potomac Loop Team