Good morning, Gaithersburg.

PopUp Bagels will open its first Maryland location at the ground floor of the Solaire apartment building (7607 Old Georgetown Road) soon, as reported by Robert Dyer.

The bagel shop is known for its award-winning, small-batch bagels and already operates in several states.

Andy’s Pizza opened its new Kentlands location on November 19 at 145 Commerce Pl in Gaithersburg after taking over the former MOD Pizza space.

Owner Andy Brown expanded his brand locally, and local reporter Alex Tsironis praised the slice combo #4—featuring two slices and a fresh shaken lemonade for $15—while noting the thin, slightly charred New York-style crust.

Parents and teachers in Montgomery County raised concerns about the Academic Program Analysis that proposes a 6-region model for high schools as part of an ongoing boundary study aimed at expanding program access.

The county will hold new engagement sessions and present final recommendations in January—officials continue the plan amid mixed community feedback.

Montgomery Parks announced the Thanksgiving holiday weekend hours and programs from November 27 to November 30.

The schedule includes family events like the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens and nature center activities on November 29 while some facilities, including Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and November 28 — check local updates for reopening times.

County Council committees will meet today at 1:30 p.m. to review the MCPS Out-of-School-Time Strategic Plan and again on Friday at 10:30 a.m. for an update on actions following the Inspector General report on background checks—attended by members of the joint Education and Culture, Health and Human Services, and Planning, Housing and Parks Committee as well as the Audit Committee—focusing on after-school programming and employee screening efforts.

Food security advocates met yesterday in a virtual meeting to review how the federal shutdown hurt nonprofits and food programs that serve Gaithersburg residents.

Leaders reported that more people are returning to food pantries + they urged federal reforms to support those in need.

Montgomery County awarded a record $274 million to certified Minority, Female, and Disabled-owned businesses, which made up 21.21% of eligible spending in FY25, and $133 million to local small businesses—the highest share since 2009.

Officials credited expanded outreach efforts for these results that increased opportunities for underrepresented vendors.

Thirteen Maryland hospitals earned A grades in the Fall 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades — including two Montgomery County facilities, Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which were recognized for their strong patient safety measures.

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO will launch the Labor of Love campaign to support March of Dimes from Nov.

23 to Dec. 31—ABS retail stores will ask customers to round up their purchases or donate. The campaign aims to raise $90,000 for programs improving maternal and infant health through research, education and advocacy.

New data from the Greater Capital Area Association shows that in October, homes in Montgomery County sold in 30 days while D.C. homes took 50 days to sell, indicating that buyers are gaining a slight edge; the median sold price rose to $640,000 and pending sales increased even as the federal shutdown slowed listings in D.C. This shift points to a more balanced market for the region as activity picked up after a slower month.

Baba Oladotun (a top basketball prospect) committed to the University of Maryland at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring on Wednesday evening, and his live YouTube announcement was met with cheers from family, friends, teammates and local fans.

Churchill running back and linebacker Noah Zhang—named the Military Bowl Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week—rushed 26 times for a career-high 230 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 35 to 17 win over Richard Montgomery on Friday.

The Bulldogs, now 10 to 1, advanced to the Maryland 4A quarterfinals against Blair.

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.

Dinomania Weekly Class for Young Dino Enthusiasts

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Cost varies — A delightful class for little ones to learn about dinosaurs while creating art inspired by their favorite extinct creatures.

Game Days at D&B

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's - Gaithersburg — Enjoy game day deals — Score big with 10 wings for $10.