Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Montgomery Parks launches Roots to Rocks, a free mountain biking program for kids six and up that offers guided trail rides, bike safety lessons, and equipment this spring+ registration is open with limited spots.

On April 30, Ruize Bell suffered a fatal heart attack while driving his bus on MD 355 and managed to pull it over safely—protecting his riders and nearby motorists.

Montgomery County transportation officials remember the 63-year-old Gaithersburg resident for his commitment and kindness, and they extend their condolences to his wife and ten children.

O’Donnell’s began in 1922 when Tom O’Donnell opened the Sea Grill in DC and later grew into a multi-location business that once served Gaithersburg with a branch in Kentlands from summer 1997 until it closed in July 2013 — today the fourth-generation family runs O’Donnell’s Market in Potomac offering fresh seafood, premium meats, and baked goods made from scratch.

A Gaithersburg man, 22, was sentenced by Judge Cheryl McCally to life in prison with only 30 years to serve plus five years of probation for his role in a fatal drive-by shooting and a separate assault in 2022—prosecutors linked him to other shooting incidents.

Jeffery Deaver, the New York Times bestselling mystery writer, will present his thriller South of Nowhere (A Colter Shaw Novel) at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 17 in Bohrer Park; he will speak at 2:15 p.m. in the Dashiell Hammett Pavilion and sign books at 3:15 p.m.

County Council President Kate Stewart said at a press conference yesterday that 99.8% of the MCPS operating budget for FY26 will be funded without an income tax increase—Board of Education President Julie Yang and MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor confirmed the plan uses one-time reserves to support public education.

Montgomery College will host a ribbon cutting event on Thursday, May 15 at 9 a.m. at Globe Hall on its Germantown Campus to launch its participation in Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator program.

The event will provide students with a cyber range that simulates attacks + prepares them for entry-level security roles + and will strengthen cybersecurity training for future job opportunities.

On May 13, Council Vice President Will Jawando explained that the proposal would fund 99.8 percent of the school system's requested budget for FY26 to keep classrooms, staff, and services running without immediate cuts—though he warned that using retiree health funds only offers a short-term fix. He said a more lasting funding solution will be needed for future budgets.

2025 Maryland Real Estate Law Update

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Cardinal Title Group's Rio Office — Registration required — Learn essential real estate law updates from experts to better serve your clients.

Gaithersburg Book Festival

8 p.m. — Bohrer Park — Free entry — Celebrate literature with over 100 renowned authors at this annual book festival.

Paws in the Park - Dog Walk & Fest

Afternoon — Montgomery County Fair — Support the Montgomery County Humane Society while enjoying music, games, and food trucks.

Sunday Climbing Practice at Sportrock

10 a.m. — Sportrock Climbing Centers — Free entry — Perfect opportunity for first-time climbers to get started with climbing practice.

Kentlands/Lakelands Weekly Group Run

7-8:30 p.m. — Lakelands Park — Free entry — Engage with fellow runners in a scenic group run through the Lakelands and Kentlands neighborhoods.

Beginner Crochet Bookmark Workshop

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Materials included — Learn basic crochet skills while making a unique bookmark to take home.

Coffee & Condos: Navigating Condo Lending

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Launch Workplaces — Lunch provided — Learn smart strategies for condo lending success with industry insights from a top lending expert.

Saints Row Pub Run

6-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic 3-5 mile run followed by a refreshing pint with fellow running enthusiasts.

Charm Your Shoes Craft Workshop

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Ticket required — Personalize your shoes with fun charms and embellishments to kick off the holiday weekend.

Sunday SIP

9 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — 1/2 priced drinks for service industry professionals — Enjoy discounted drinks and a free Power Card for gaming fun.