Good morning, Gaithersburg.

A grandfather from Silver Spring won $770,000 after his Multi-Match lottery ticket—purchased on November 5 at Bel Pre Beer & Wine—matched all six numbers and he claimed the prize on November 14; his grandchildren will benefit while the store earned a $1,000 bonus.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Dickerson completed its 33rd season and was ranked the top haunted attraction worldwide by The Scare Factor—praising its handmade sets and creative details.

The family-run attraction will return in fall 2026 with new themes to keep its spooky tradition alive.

The Salgado Family Christmas Display, created by siblings Pahan and Supuli Salgado, will open this year at a new location at Hope International Church in Boyds on Friday, November 29 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The display, which moved from Germantown to offer more space for visitors, will run on select evenings through January 1 and feature lights, themed sections, animatronic characters, inflatables, snow machines, live music, and photo opportunities with Santa and reindeer—while also accepting non-perishable food donations for Manna Food Center.

A report by the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General said that Montgomery County Public Schools made over $1 million in purchases without board approval and broke its own policies when hiring consultants.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor agreed with the report's three findings and four recommendations (covering FY23 to FY24) (OIG Publication 26-08).

Montgomery County Public Schools released a master list of dance and theatre performances for the 2025—2026 school year as of November 17—additional updates will come as schools finalize their schedules.

More than 6,000 Montgomery County Public Schools students receive mental health services funded by over $6 million in a state grant.

School officials say that counselor and psychologist ratios far exceed national standards (with one psychologist serving 1-to-1,700 students instead of the recommended 1-to-250) while peer-led groups work to support student needs.

Students in Montgomery County Public Schools' ATF and Information Technology Foundation programs will hold a public sale at Gaithersburg High School on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.—they will sell reconditioned cars and refurbished computers that the students have prepared as part of their hands-on training.

Second Chance Wildlife Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for its new $5.4M facility in Clarksburg that will open for patient admissions on December 8 and replace its longtime converted farmhouse in Gaithersburg; the eight-acre campus includes specialized rehabilitation spaces and upgraded medical and nursery areas to treat injured and orphaned wildlife + the project was funded entirely through private donations.

Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González was honored with the Distinguished Advocate for Healthful Living Award from SHAPE MD for her work to improve parks, boost sports programs, and create safer community spaces (the award was given on November 15 in Ocean City).

The City of Gaithersburg will double its food assistance funding in the coming days by providing emergency grants to local food providers—this step aims to support families affected by the shutdown.

A new March of Dimes report gave the D.C. area an F for its 11.8% preterm birth rate in 2024 with 898 babies born too soon — nearly 25% of women did not get enough prenatal care and Black mothers were even less likely to receive proper care.

Maryland received a D-plus grade — local leaders are now working to improve care for moms and babies.

Eater DC released a roundup naming 18 restaurants with three Maryland spots from Montgomery County for the best sandwiches around D.C.

The list features Filippo’s in Wheaton + Vace in Bethesda + SOKO Butcher in Takoma Park.

Exploring AI with Senior Planet

11 AM – 12 PM — Benjamin Gaither Center — Free entry — Dive into the world of AI and learn practical applications and safety tips for its use.

Plushy Pals Clay Factory Weekly Class

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Check website for pricing — Craft cuddly creations inspired by plush toys in a fun clay class.

Saints Row Pub Run

6-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic run followed by refreshing pints with fellow runners.

Build Your Own Holiday Gnome Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — All materials included — Get creative and craft a whimsical gnome from upcycled materials for the holiday season.

Jimmie J.J. Walker Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Give a Hoot Comedy Club — Free parking — Experience a night of laughter with legendary comedian Jimmie Walker.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Game day deals available — Score big with 10 wings for $10 during Game Days.

Fall Frenzy by Student Union

1-5 p.m. — Activity Center at Bohrer Park — Registration required — Engage in sports, crafts, and fun with food and raffles at this vibrant community event for teens.

Authentic Pad Thai Cooking Class

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Cost not specified — Dive into the art of making Pad Thai and learn about its 15 essential ingredients.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Special deals on wings — Score big with game day deals at Dave & Buster's.

Saints Row Pub Run

6:15-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic 3-5 mile run followed by some pints and great company with fellow runners.