Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue in Rockville (204 Lawrence Dr.) is launching a 12-day Swiftie countdown in honor of Taylor Swift’s album Life of a Showgirl, set to drop on October 3rd with adoptable pups representing each album era.

The rescue aims to raise $12,000 through daily posts and $12 donations to fund medical care for senior dogs.

The Kentlands Bar Crawl will take place on October 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Gaithards’ Kentlands neighborhood—proceeds will benefit Comfort Cases, a local nonprofit supporting children entering foster care.

Starbucks said Thursday it will close five stores in Montgomery County as part of a $1 billion plan to cut back on underperforming shops—these include locations in Aspen Hill, Rockville/Derwood, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and Takoma Park.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced a $10M early childhood education package—this includes a $6.125M grant for Head Start programs, a $4M facility loan fund and a shared resources collaborative to help child care providers add seats for infants and toddlers in underserved communities. The county will use the new programs to expand quality child care for young children.

A Gaithersburg woman won a $311,795 FAST PLAY 20X Cash progressive jackpot after buying a $20 ticket at Giant on Bureau Drive and visited lottery headquarters on Sept.

24 to claim her prize (the win is the new game’s first top-tier jackpot). She said the money will go entirely to her house fund (she has been saving a little each week).

The Montgomery County Council Audit Committee meets today at 9:30 a.m. to review the OIG report on the MCPS Background Screening Office—the committee will also hear an update on the plan to improve background checks for school staff, contractors and volunteers.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined 17 other state attorneys general in opposing a proposed class action settlement that would let Capital One keep over $2 billion in unpaid interest while customers would get less than $54 in direct compensation (a very small payment).

The attorneys general said the deal does not force Capital One to change its unfair practices (which misled many customers) and urged the court to reject it.

Young People for Progress members condemned Montgomery County police for using air pops and pepper ball rounds to disperse fighting students near Blake High School on Sept.

19—hundreds of teens ignored security efforts, and the group said the actions increased fear while calling for alternatives to militarized responses.

The City of Gaithersburg earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its report ending June 30 and received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2025 budget—honors given by the Government Finance Officers Association.

Janice Hartman said local finance staff secured these awards—maintaining nearly five decades of public financial excellence.

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will host the annual Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day on November 6 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to offer health screenings, employment help, housing support, free lunches, and volunteer opportunities plus serve individuals and families facing homelessness.

District 16 Delegate Sarah Wolek filed for a second term in the Maryland House of Delegates and said she would work to strengthen the state's social fabric, economy & support vulnerable communities while serving on key committees since joining in 2023.

She has championed efforts that include legislation for seniors, youth, housing and financial literacy and was recognized as Legislator of the Year.

Two Maryland restaurants in Montgomery County were named by Eater DC as top spots for happy hour.

Silver Spring’s J. Hollinger’s offers oysters and cocktails from 4 p.m. to close while Bethesda’s Aventino Cucina hosts happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m.—both venues provide unique drinks and snacks that attract local diners.

Today, the Gaithersburg Wolverines host Watkins Mill as part of Montgomery County’s high school football Week 4—a packed schedule of rivalry games that will test teams and set the midseason order.

Other local matchups also promise intense battles as contenders and underdogs vie for playoff momentum.

MCPS Varsity Volleyball posted match results from Monday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 24 that included Sherwood’s 3 to 0 win over Kennedy and Richard Montgomery’s 3 to 0 win over Blair.

Today the schedule lists several games such as Magruder at Blake—Damascus at Watkins Mill and others—setting up a busy week for the teams.

Pre-K Gymnastics

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM — Casey Community Center — Engaging classes for young children — Introduces basic gymnastics skills while fostering confidence and social skills.

3rd Annual Taste of Rio

2-6 p.m. — rio — Tickets from $5 — Indulge in signature bites and craft cocktails while enjoying live music by Priceless Advice along the lakefront.

Kentlands/Lakelands Group Run

7-8:30 p.m. — Lakelands Park Pavilion — Free entry — Reviving the Monday night group run with 3- or 5-mile routes in a friendly atmosphere.

Paint Branch & Springbrook Cross Country Meet

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Gaithersburg High School — Free entry — Experience an exciting cross country meet featuring local high school teams.

Let's Draw, Paint, and Sculpt

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Check website for pricing — A sensory class filled with hands-on art activities for young children and their caregivers.

Tween Night Craft Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Pizza provided — An evening of fun crafts and new friendships for tweens aged 9 to 12.

Skateboarding Group Lesson

10 AM – 12 PM — Gaithersburg Skate Park — Registration opens soon — Learn to skate with personalized instruction in a fun group setting.

Gaithersburg Sports Card Pokémon Collectibles Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center — $5 admission, free for kids under 12 — Discover a treasure trove of vintage and modern sports cards, Pokémon collectibles, and memorabilia.

Monday Night Bowling

7-9 p.m. — Bowlero Gaithersburg — Cost varies — Enjoy a relaxed evening of bowling with friends and good times.

Fall-Themed Resin Art Workshop

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Ticket required — Create a stunning leaf-shaped resin art tray with a fall motif in this beginner-friendly class.