Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Expert Mark Kantrowitz and Montgomery County mother Kaitlyn Large say parents should use a 529 plan to save for college with tax benefits and avoid costly loans.

They advise setting up automatic monthly transfers—this steady method helps keep saving on track—so families can prepare for rising education costs.

The City of Gaithersburg received the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award in the Policy Category for its Retool Gaithersburg project — a major update to a zoning code that had not been revised since 1965.

The project, launched in 2023 and adopted in 2024, involved extensive community input to support sustainable growth and equal opportunities.

Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Laurie-Anne Sayles sent emails to district voters stating their opposition to a proposed 3.4% property tax increase by County Executive Marc Elrich to fund Montgomery County Public Schools and other essential services.

The council will hold a public hearing today at 1:30 p.m. at the Council Office Building.

Ride On Bus Route 15 began a detour on April 18 due to Purple Line construction closing Manchester Road from Wayne Avenue to Piney Branch Road — several stops are bypassed and no end date has been set.

Café Sophie in Gaithersburg offers breakfast, brunch and lunch with an up-close view of planes taking off and landing (at 7940 Airpark Road), serving a European-style menu made with local ingredients.

The café honors its family aviation roots and its outdoor patio (opening May 9) will let guests dine while watching airpark activity.

The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame will honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver with its first Lifetime Achievement Award on May 4 at 4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza—her son Mark Shriver will accept the award as she is recognized for founding Special Olympics.

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.