Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Montgomery County leaders and local sports groups are debating whether to use natural grass fields (which cool the area and absorb rain) or synthetic turf that stays open longer for play.

The debate continues amid concerns over safety and long-term costs.

Orange Pocket, a Japanese and Korean-inspired pop culture store, will open later this summer at 30 Grand Corner Avenue at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg.

The store will offer interactive attractions (such as gashapon capsule machines and Japanese snacks) for families and younger customers.

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved new principals for Argyle Middle School and Eastern Middle School on Thursday, June 25, with Nadia J.

Kline-Taylor now leading Argyle following her work at Potomac Elementary and Elizabeth J. Merino taking over Eastern after serving as assistant principal (at the same school).

Starting July 1, Montgomery County will expand its Minority, Female + Disabled Owned Business Program by recognizing three new certifications that will allow women and veteran-owned businesses to compete for County contracts.

Certified vendors should update their information to take advantage of the change.

Montgomery County government services will follow a holiday schedule for Independence Day.

Government offices will be closed Friday, July 3 while transit, pools, and libraries operate on modified schedules, with some services adjusting on Saturday, July 4.

Montgomery County announced that Metro's Red Line service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights will be suspended from Monday, July 6 through Sunday, Sept.

6 for station upgrades. Free shuttles using dedicated bus lanes along MD 355 (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) will keep buses running during the shutdown.

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health and Human Services will host a virtual community meeting (7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1) to update residents on PFAS contamination near Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue in North Potomac.

SummerFest at Bohrer Park

6-11 p.m. — Bohrer Park — $20 application fee — Apply to be a food or beer vendor at this fun-filled local festival.

Intro to Kinusaiga Craft Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Ticketed event — Explore the art of kinusaiga and create stunning fabric designs in a relaxed, hands-on environment.

Kentlands/Lakelands Group Run

7:00 PM — Lakelands Park Soccer Fields — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community run through scenic neighborhoods at your own pace.

Resin Art Lazy Susan or Plate Workshop

6:30-8 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Ticket required — Create an ocean-themed or abstract piece in this beginner-friendly resin art class.

Comedy Meets Jazz

7-9:30 p.m. — Mayan Monkey Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a night of sharp comedy and beautiful jazz with talented performers.

Gaithersburg Independence Day Celebration

7 p.m. — Bohrer Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and a lively concert in Gaithersburg.

Marvelous Masters on Canvas Summer Camp

All day — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Tuition required — Unleash creativity by recreating famous works of art inspired by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.

Summer Bracelet Stack Open Studio Workshop

10 AM – 2 PM — Locally Crafted Workshop — All-you-can-craft ticket — Create the perfect summer bracelet stack with friends and family.

Tween Crafternoon Workshop

4-6 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Drop-off event — Craft, snack, and make new friends in a creative afternoon.

Lash OUT Press ON - Press on Nails Pop Up

9 AM - 3 PM — Amazing Lash Studio — Free entry — Explore custom press-on nails and lash services while enjoying a day of Y2K-inspired beauty fun.