Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Nonprofits in the D.C. region need more donations after federal spending cuts reduced funds, and many local leaders are feeling stress.

Executive director Matt Gayer said donors can use the Spur Local website – givelocaltogether.org – to search for local groups supporting the causes they care about.

Light Up the Lakefront returns to Rio in Gaithersburg on December 6 with live music, holiday treats and a fireworks show over the lake.

Hosts from HOT 99.5 and The MoCoShow will lead the event from 4:00 p.m. until the fireworks at 6:45 p.m.—free parking and safety measures are available.

The Amazing Art Studio will open a second location at White Oak Town Center while keeping its Downtown Crown studio open.

The business has signed the lease and finished planning—now it begins the permit process with details to follow.

Dunkin’/Baskin Robbins is set to replace the closed Starbucks at 898 Muddy Branch Road in Gaithersburg—one of five Montgomery County stores shut down in a nationwide restructuring plan—adding to the chain’s regional expansion with new projects in Derwood, Rockville, and Rockshire Village, though no opening date has been given.

Nash & Smashed will open its second Montgomery County location today at 13436 New Hampshire Ave in Colesville Center, moving into the space that was once used by Peri Peri Original & Kallisto Steakhouse.

The restaurant will serve hand breaded chicken sandwiches and a variety of smashed burgers — featuring options like the Mushroom Meltdown and a meatless pea protein burger — to offer a new dining choice for locals.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation has placed placards on nearly 400 Ride On buses for December to honor Rosa Parks (70 years ago she refused to give up her seat, sparking a bus boycott that ended segregation).

Montgomery County Public Libraries will reduce the number of branches open on Sundays starting Jan.

11, 2026 to maintain consistent staffing, support sustainable operations, and offer enhanced programming — eight branches will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. while an electric outreach van provides select services in areas without open branches and community feedback is welcomed.

Montgomery County Police released a video Monday morning with Chief Marc Yamada explaining that officers can be identified by gold badges labeled 'Detective' or 'Police' and matching name tags — the department will soon swap in updated patches and vests to help residents avoid confusion with other agencies.

Mosaic Holiday Ornaments Craft Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Cost info not specified — Create two unique mosaic holiday ornaments in this festive DIY session.

Saints Row Pub Run

6:15-8:00 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly run and some pints with fellow runners in Gaithersburg.

Hepcat Hoodie Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Beers & Cheers Too — Check venue for entry fee — Experience live music from Hepcat Hoodie as they bring good vibes and great tunes to Gaithersburg.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

12-7 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Special deals available — Score big with game day deals including 10 wings for $10.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — 10 wings for $10 — Score big with game day deals and enjoy fun activities for all ages.

Museum on Tap: Warrior Canine Connection

7-9 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Discover the therapeutic mission of training service dogs for veterans while enjoying a brew.

Holiday Happy Hour with FTG

4-7 p.m. — Coastal Flats — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with food, drinks, and fun alongside the Flynn Title Group team.

Ornament Making Workshop for Kids

10:00 – 10:45 AM — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Check studio for pricing — Engage your little artists in a festive ornament making experience.

Play More Pokémon Playtime

12-2 p.m. — Play More Games — Free entry — Engage with fellow Pokémon fans through trading and playing card games and video games.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — $10 for 10 wings — Score big with game day deals and enjoy a lively atmosphere.