Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Kicks Karate has signed on to take over the former Amazing Lash Studio space at 5554 Norbeck Rd in the Rock Creek Valley shopping center.

Founded in 1994 by Master John Bussard, the academy offers classes to over 2,000 students along interstate 270 (opening date pending).

Construction has begun on the upcoming SWTHZ contrast therapy studio in the Kentlands as the City of Gaithersburg issued an $800K permit for the project at 107 Market St W — previously occupied by Poke Bros.

SWTHZ is launching its second Maryland location with opening details pending.

Chevy Chase-based chef Pati Jinich released her fourth cookbook Foods of La Frontera — a collection of 125 recipes and community stories from the U.S.-Mexico borderlands — to spotlight diverse culinary traditions.

The book was published Sept. 15 and draws on a decade of travel and research.

MCPS is planning a countywide review of elementary and middle schools due to declining enrollment, with community input sessions (Oct.

19–Nov. 2) and (Nov. 30–Dec. 10) scheduled during the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. Any closures or consolidations could take effect with the 2029-2030 school year.

Montgomery College celebrated its 80th anniversary when Montgomery County Council recognized its achievements during a Sept.

15 meeting. The college, serving over 47,000 students on multiple campuses, plans to expand its reach in East County with a future fourth campus.

The future of the MCPS student home-building program remains uncertain for the 2026-2027 school year after a report detailed significant budget cuts at Thomas Edison High School affecting program support.

MCPS is working with nonprofit foundations to finalize agreements that may allow students to continue building and selling a home.

Experts say monarch butterflies are visiting local gardens as they prepare to fly to Mexico, so planting native milkweed can help them.

Local events like the Monarchs and Milkweed Festival give residents a chance to learn more about this migration.

Olde Towne Plaza in Gaithersburg is now Sidney A.

Katz Plaza, renamed Friday at E. Diamond and S. Summit avenues to honor Katz’s 50 years in public service. Local officials praised his steady leadership (from planning commissioner to mayor) as key to the city’s growth.

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved funding for park upgrades that include a major renovation at Fox Chapel Neighborhood Park (in Germantown) and playground improvements at Casey Community Center in Gaithersburg.

The projects will add new playground equipment, sports courts, and picnic shelters as part of a statewide DNR grant program.

Montgomery County public servant Charles (Chuck) Short, who began his career in 1973 and served in key roles including director of Human Services, passed away after more than 50 years of service, and county officials offered condolences to his family.

Washington Spirit star Tara Rudd is urging D.C.-area families to nominate local soccer players aged 7–15 for the CVS Health Home Team Heroes contest by Sept.

25 in Montgomery County—where youth soccer thrives—offering $25,000 grants to two grand-prize winners and $10,000 to two runners-up.

Maryland hosts Virginia Tech today at 7:30 p.m. on FS1 — renewing a regional rivalry as the Terps hold a 17–15 series lead and both teams aim to boost local recruiting ties.