Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac reopened Wednesday on Seven Locks Road after five years of closure due to flooding in 2019—community leaders, legislators and church members celebrated the refurbishment as Rev.

Dr. Evalina Huggins called the church a vital community landmark.

Last summer, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood sought approval to build a 10,000 SF restaurant at 151 Lakelands Drive which sparked local opposition and a petition with over 100 signatures.

The city of Gaithersburg now awaits updated plans before scheduling a public hearing to decide if the project, which would offer a lake view dining experience, will proceed.

A former State Department budget analyst from Montgomery Village (64) pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $650,000 by issuing 63 fraudulent checks between March 2022 and April 2024, with sentencing scheduled for September 18th and an agreement to repay a total of $657,347.50 (the case was investigated by the State Department’s Inspector General).

Montgomery County police investigated a robbery at a commercial business on Fenton Street on April 20th at about 3:33 a.m.—a white man roughly 5 feet 8 inches tall in black clothing broke a glass door, stole merchandise and fled—and detectives released video footage while urging anyone with information to come forward.

Maryland schools could lose $232.1 million in federal funds after a letter from the U.S. Department of Education canceled spending extensions on pandemic recovery money, officials said this threatens essential programs.

Local districts already face reimbursement delays (with $144.9 million at risk from the ARP ESSER program) and could cut salaries and programs (impacting roughly 2,000 teachers and 12,000 pre-K students) if the funds are not restored.

The Montgomery County Education Association praised the Education & Culture Committee’s unanimous vote on May 1 to recommend fully funding the 2026 MCPS budget.

The union said the move brings students and teachers closer to secure resources while warning that Councilmember Albornoz’s vote in May may still alter the plan.

MCPS released its graduation schedule for high schools for May and June — ceremonies will begin on May 28 at Wheaton High and continue through June 12 at several venues including DAR, UMBC, and HOME locations.

Johnny Hodges, a Quince Orchard graduate from Darnestown, was invited to the Los Angeles Chargers rookie minicamp, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported earlier this week.

The TCU linebacker helped his high school win the Maryland 4A state championship and earned honors in football and lacrosse.

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.

Let's Cook@Casey Jr.: Make Brunch for Mom

4-5:30 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Cost not specified — Young chefs learn to make delicious brunch items from scratch in this fun, hands-on class.

Tiki Bar and Grill Opening Weekend

6-10 p.m. — Tiki Bar and Grill — Enjoy tropical drinks and grilled specialties at the seasonal opening of this lakeside bar.

Gaithersburg Chorus: A Musical Epistle

11:30 p.m. — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church — Free entry — Experience a heartfelt musical journey through stories, reflections, and a variety of compelling genres.

Outdoor Mini Golf and Dinner

4-7 p.m. — Activity Center at Bohrer Park — Adult entry only — Enjoy mini golf and dinner in a relaxing outdoor setting for those over 50.

Mother's Day Brunch

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Gaithersburg — Adults: $59 | Kids (6-12): $26 — Celebrate Mother's Day with a delicious brunch from a highly decorated chef.

Synergy Dance Fitness

7:45 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Cost varies — Enjoy high-energy choreography and global music in a welcoming environment.

Networking 4A-Cause Breakfast

8:30-10:00 a.m. — Silver Diner — Free entry — Network with various business organizations and support charitable causes.