Good morning, Gaithersburg.

On Friday morning, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fire on Roan Lane in Gaithersburg—displacing five adults, five children, and 2 dogs while they investigated the cause.

ICE arrested 26-year-old Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal Salvadoran national with multiple convictions, in Gaithersburg on May 12—he is now in ICE custody.

Gaithersburg Police arrested 65-year-old Nicola Khalaf for home invasion, robbery and second-degree assault after an incident on May 3 at about 2:21 p.m. at the 100 block of Chevy Chase Street where the suspect blocked a victim's garage, assaulted them and stole their groceries.

Police said a man aged 31 died after being stabbed in White Oak on Thursday night when first responders arrived near 10:30 p.m. at the 11400 block of Lockwood Drive; he was pronounced dead at a hospital and no suspect has been identified.

A Gaithersburg man, William Alvarenga, 21, was sentenced to 33 years in prison—with only five years to be served and five years of probation following his posting of a video showing him pointing a gun at a police officer at a red light in Montgomery Village on November 4—in a case that followed his guilty plea to multiple charges.

The 16th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival is held today at Bohrer Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—offering over 130 best-selling and award-winning authors in talks, panels, and workshops while providing free admission and shuttle service for attendees.

Councilmember Andrew Friedson stated that the FY26 Operating Budget and FY25–30 Capital Improvements Program aimed to keep costs low by avoiding new taxes—refusing property and retroactive income taxes—while funding housing, schools and parks.

The statement highlighted that the measures also provided support for public services and preserved affordable living for residents.

Montgomery Parks is installing new interpretive signs at three locations (Capital Crescent Trail, Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail near Cedar Lane and Agricultural History Farm Park) to honor the Piscataway people and share their rich legacy.

The project was developed with input from local tribal leaders, historians and cultural experts (as part of the Remarkable Montgomery: Untold Stories program) to ensure accuracy and respect.

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.

Kentlands/Lakelands Group Run

7-8:30 p.m. — Lakelands Park — Free entry — Enjoy a community run through picturesque neighborhoods with designated pace groups.

Jubilee Bowling League

2-4 p.m. — Gaithersburg Bowling Alley — $20 per person — Enjoy bowling with a friendly league every Tuesday and Thursday.

Classic French Cordon Bleu Cooking Class

6-8 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Learn to make Chicken Cordon Bleu in a hands-on class with Chef Greg.