Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Ed Levien, known as 'Pops' and Maryland's oldest active EMT, will appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show today at 1 p.m. to highlight his long volunteer service at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad—he has answered over 3,000 calls and continues training new EMTs.

Quince Orchard Marketplace, a Safeway-anchored shopping center in Gaithersburg, is now on sale by CBRE and has been listed since September 4; the 80,261 SF property sits on 15.05 acres at Quince Orchard and Darnestown Roads — it sees over 44,000 vehicles daily — and no sale price has been set.

In October, sky watchers in Gaithersburg will see Venus bright in the east and a full harvest supermoon rising on Oct 6, while the Orionid meteor shower is expected on Oct 20—21.

Local astronomy clubs are hosting viewing events and dark sky sites offer chances to see the Milky Way and winter constellations.

WalletHub published its report on 2025’s Best Small Cities in America on September 30, ranking five Maryland communities among the top 8%—with Rockville in the top 2%, Frederick in the top 4%, Annapolis in the top 5%, Bethesda in the top 7%, and Gaithersburg in the top 8%.

The report compared over 1,300 cities using 45 factors such as housing cost—school quality, restaurant numbers, and crime rates.

Niche released its 2026 list of Maryland's top 25 public high schools using factors such as academics, graduation rates, teacher quality, and reviews (which mixes federal data and family opinions) with Poolesville High School topping the list and several Montgomery County schools also featured.

Montgomery County and other local leaders testified on Monday to urge the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set upper payment limits on Jardiance — a heart medication — and Farxiga, used for type 2 diabetes and kidney issues, to lower drug costs starting in 2026.

County Executive Marc Elrich said the move will save taxpayer dollars for vital public services.

The Montgomery County Council approved a zoning update today to allow water cremation using alkaline hydrolysis in funeral homes and crematories—bringing the county in line with state law.

The new rule offers families a more sustainable and affordable way to honor their loved ones with fewer environmental impacts.

Montgomery County and state leaders announced today in Wheaton that new speeding laws will raise fines for drivers exceeding the limit by 16 mph or more and allow authorities to install speed cameras on high-crash roads under the Vision Zero Initiative — extra revenue will fund road safety improvements.

Governor Moore announced that Manny Welsh is named Principal Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer effective October 15 — a move that forms part of a reorganization led by incoming Chief of Staff Lester Davis.

Welsh will oversee day-to-day executive branch operations to ensure Maryland agencies function efficiently as the state seeks to diversify its economy.

Home sales have rebounded after a slow spring market, offering hope to realtors in Gaithersburg and nearby areas.

Corey Burr of TTR Sotheby’s said a government shutdown may lower buyer confidence and lead to more federal job cuts — a risk that could slow down the recovery in Silver Spring.

On Monday, Sept 29, MCPS varsity volleyball saw Rockville beat Wheaton 3-1, Richard Montgomery defeat Northwood 3-0, Sherwood top Blake 3-0 and Kennedy best Einstein 3-1.

Tuesday's contests were played while Friday's games will be held—additional matchups feature teams in key local contests.

John Cena, a top wrestling star, will wrestle his final match in Washington DC on December 13 at Capital One Arena.

Front row tickets reportedly cost up to $25,000—making the farewell historic for fans.

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.

Book Discussion - The Elegance of the Hedgehog

2:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Benjamin Gaither Center — Free entry — Engage with fellow readers in a meaningful discussion about Muriel Barbery's novel.

Saints Row Pub Run

6:15-8:00 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a community running event followed by pints with fellow enthusiasts.

Mini Makers Fall Preschool Workshop

9:30-11:00 a.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — $20 per child and adult, $12 each additional child — Engage in creative sensory play and craft projects with your little ones.