Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Montgomery Parks announced winter holiday schedule changes.

The Open Parkways on Sligo Creek Parkway (between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West) will open on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. with closures at 4 p.m., and family events like Garden of Lights are planned.

Ted’s Montana Grill in Downtown Crown will close next month when its lease ends after more than a decade in service, with its final day on Jan.

4, and the restaurant expressed thanks to its staff and loyal guests.

Sheetz is giving away one free self-serve coffee from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day at all locations, including the Gaithersburg store at 751 Progress Way - a new location is set to open at Walnut Hill Shopping Center in 2026.

Visit Montgomery earned three awards at the Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit for its digital campaign, partnership efforts, and CEO Kelly Groff’s leadership.

The honors underscore its role in boosting tourism in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W.

Taylor presented his recommended FY 2027 operating budget (a $3.775 billion plan that adds $179.7 million over FY 2026) to reduce class sizes, add a Resource Teacher in every elementary school, and boost staff salaries and benefits. The proposal will be reviewed in Board hearings starting January 6, 2026 before final adoption.

Montgomery County’s Resource Recovery Facility in Dickerson exceeded state limits for dioxins and furans, prompting Maryland regulators to issue a violation notice after Sept.

24–25 tests; Reworld repaired the bag house tear on Dec. 1 and is conducting further tests while the county evaluates long-term waste management options.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will hold a news conference Saturday, Dec.

20 at 1 p.m. at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg to honor Melanie Diaz and demonstrate new high-rise fire safety tools—portable smoke curtains, floor-below nozzles, and escape hoods—to boost safety in older buildings.

Governor Wes Moore announced $69.5 million funding for 226 revitalization projects statewide, including free home rehabilitation upgrades for low-income households in Gaithersburg.

The grants will support business expansion, infrastructure, and community development across targeted areas in fiscal-year 2026.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G.

Brown and 35 colleagues urged Meta on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to enforce stricter ad rules on Instagram+ Facebook to target misleading weight loss ads with AI-generated images. They call for clear risk disclosures and restrictions on non-FDA drug ads as the holiday season nears.

Local emergency rooms are seeing a simultaneous rise in flu and RSV cases this season — experts urge good hand hygiene, vaccination, and staying home when sick.

COVID cases have remained low despite the uptick.

Data from Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® shows home sales in Montgomery County and D.C. dropped by nearly 16% in November while active listings rose to 4,179 and homes took 38 days on average to sell — a trend that may force sellers to adjust pricing strategies.

Saints Row Pub Run

6:15-8:00 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic run through Gaithersburg followed by pints and camaraderie with fellow runners.

Comedy Night with Patrick Garrity

8-11 p.m. — Give a Hoot Comedy Club — Full La Mexicana menu available — Enjoy a night of sharp wit and hilarious stories from a seasoned comedian.

Gaithersburg Sports Card Pokémon Collectibles Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center — $5 admission — Explore a variety of sports cards and collectibles from local dealers, featuring both vintage and modern items.

Ultimate Music Camp

9 a.m.–3 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Registration required — Explore piano, guitar, violin, and music through fun games and crafts.

Stand-Up Comedy with Shaun Eli

7 PM — Give a Hoot Comedy Club — Free parking available — Experience the comedic genius of Shaun Eli, America's smart comic sharing hilariously relatable stories.

Candy Craft Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Check website for cost — Create a winter wonderland scene using candy art materials.

I Heart Sparkles Mini-Camp

9 AM – 3 PM — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Check local listings for pricing — Kids create shimmering projects filled with sparkles and glitter on a no school day!

Rebirth Christian Center iServe: Feed the Homeless

7-10 p.m. — 640 E Diamond Ave — Free entry — Come together to serve meals and support our local community's homeless population.

Game Days at D&B

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Special deals on wings — Score big with game day offers and fun for all ages.

Bingo Event

12:30 PM – 11:59 PM — Benjamin Gaither Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with friends and community members.