Good morning, Gaithersburg.

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center saw more pet surrenders from residents facing job layoffs and economic hardship and is now expanding free support to help families keep their pets—by offering pet food pantries, behavior consultations, low-cost medical care, spay/neuter clinics, and free rabies shots.

L.E.A.D. will host a carnival at Westfield Montgomery from October 1—5 outdoors near Frank Pepe Pizzeria and The Cheesecake Factory while charging $5 admission with extra tickets needed for rides.

Butler's Orchard in Germantown is hosting the 45th annual Pumpkin Festival now through November 2, offering hayrides and pumpkin picking (at 0.79 per pound) along with other fall attractions (such as a corn maze and live music).

Hershey’s Restaurant & Bar in Washington Grove remains a local landmark since the 1950s and is known for its signature fried chicken that traces back to Doris Hershey's original recipe.

The restaurant at 17030 Oakmont Avenue keeps its historic charm while owner Lisa Gorman has made modest updates to the decor.

Montgomery County residents can now purchase award-winning Tequila Rimari at MoCo Liquor Stores including Gaithersburg via Oak Barrel and Vine—created by Clarksburg couple Dheeraj Naidu and Vrunda Parekh, the tequila made with sake yeast and wild fruit strains earned six medals before its launch.

A Maryland finance professor, David Kass, said that reaching the American dream takes disciplined saving and a long-term plan—each family’s spending and saving needs vary—and that starting early can help money grow over time.

This guidance follows a report from Investopedia that estimates a $5 million cost for living the dream.

The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Parks Committee will meet on Sept.

29 at 1:30 p.m. to review the University Boulevard Corridor Plan and consider a subdivision regulation amendment that would ban flag lots for workforce housing optional method development—details include recommendations along a three-mile stretch of University Boulevard.

Montgomery County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience and Grants Management awarded $2.3 million in FY26 to 13 organizations to provide food support at 96 MCPS schools, reaching over 9,000 households.

The funding will expand support to 30 new sites in the 2025–26 school year—delivering nutritious, culturally tailored meals—while continuing assistance at more than 60 existing schools.

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.

Galloping Gourmets at Vinny's Cafe

10:00 AM – 2:30 PM — Benjamin Gaither Center — Cost not specified — Experience authentic Italian cuisine made from scratch at Vinny's Cafe, a local gem for over 45 years.