Good morning, Gaithersburg.

On April 14, Sandy Spring Friends School announced it will close after the 2024-25 school year at 16923 Norwood Rd. Members of the Friends of Sandy Spring coalition have pledged $15 million to cover operating losses, debt, and maintenance projects—pending board approval.

On April 10, MCPS welcomed 125 Business Management & Finance students from nine high schools to support 25 teams competing in a Shark Tank-style Business Pitch Challenge.

Winners from Northwest, Albert Einstein and James Hubert Blake high schools received prize money of $500, $300 and $200—showing strong creative ideas—while many students cheered.

The Ruppert Family Foundation pledged $1 million over five years to fund scholarships and academic coaching for early childhood education students at Montgomery College—this investment aims to strengthen the local workforce and address a shortage of childcare options in Montgomery County. Students began receiving these scholarships this semester and bilingual academic coaches will be embedded in select classes starting Fall to help lessen academic barriers.

Montgomery County Council committees will review the FY26 operating budgets and amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program on April 21—addressing supplemental appropriations for DHHS and the Diversion Center Project while also evaluating payroll expense proposals and collective bargaining agreements. The Government Operations and Health and Human Services committees will meet at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., respectively, and the Public Safety committee will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will hold a free forum on mental health and substance use communication in Silver Spring on May 17 at Montgomery College’s East County Education Center.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and will include breakout sessions, Narcan training + a resource fair with local support services.

Raymond Mitchell from Germantown won $6,500 as the Home Run Riches Contestant of the Game on April 16 when Jackson Holliday's grand slam marked the Orioles’ first of 2025 and added $5,000 to his prize; Mitchell, a 62-year-old federal worker — who previously won $2,000 in 2024 — said he plans to keep entering future games. The win came during the Orioles game against the Cleveland Guardians where additional homers by Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano increased his earnings.

Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame will posthumously honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver—founder of Special Olympics—with its first Lifetime Achievement Award at its induction ceremony on May 4 at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, where her son Mark Shriver will accept the award on her family’s behalf. The ceremony will also induct six new members and highlight how Montgomery County helped launch her work on sports inclusion.

Celebration of Quilts

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Asbury Methodist Village, Rosborough Center — $10 for 3 days, $5 on Sunday — Explore over 150 quilts along with vendors, raffles, and a scavenger hunt.

G-Works: Workforce Development Class

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Gaithersburg Robertson Park Youth Center — Free entry with membership — A professional development opportunity for high school students in grades 10-12.

Open House at The Chase at Quince Orchard

2-4 p.m. — 54 Garden Meadow Pl, Gaithersburg, MD — $795,000 — Explore this contemporary 4-bedroom, 5-bath townhouse just 3 years young.

Kentlands/Lakelands Group Run

7-8:30 p.m. — Lakelands Park Pavilion — Free entry — Revive your running routine with group runs through the scenic Lakelands and Kentlands neighborhoods.

Half Price Games Wednesdays

11 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Half price games — Enjoy affordable arcade fun every Wednesday at Dave & Buster's.

Active Aging Expo

9 AM – 2 PM — Bohrer Park — Free entry — An inspiring annual event empowering older adults to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Saints Row Pub Run

6-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a 3-5 mile run through Gaithersburg followed by pints with fellow runners.

Skywatching: Telescope Fun

6:30-9 p.m. — Observatory Park — Free entry — Discover the cosmos with hands-on telescope activities and expert help as you gaze at Jupiter.

Fashion Show Fundraiser

12-4 p.m. — Signature Salon Pro — Tickets available — Enjoy a vibrant fashion show, live music, and delicious hors d'oeuvres while supporting future beauty professionals.

Skywatching: Telescope Fun

6 AM — Bohrer Park — Free entry — Learn how to use a telescope through hands-on activities.