Good morning, Rockville.

On Sunday afternoon, high winds toppled a tree onto a car in Potomac, and a 27-year-old driver narrowly escaped death by self-extricating and giving himself life-saving aid until Montgomery County Fire & Rescue arrived, and he was taken to the hospital with traumatic injuries.

Local businesses in the DMV are offering free and discounted services to help laid-off federal workers cope with job loss.

The offers include free therapy sessions, discounted Pilates training, free coffee and a 30% discount at a Rockville auto repair shop—other benefits include free headshots and financial planning sessions.

Montgomery County Police placed Parkland Middle School and Brookhaven Elementary School under modified shelter-in-place after a reported threat at Parkland Middle School—officials said the investigation is ongoing to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Students at two Rockville schools, Parkland Middle and Brookhaven Elementary, are in a modified shelter-in-place after a reported threat at Parkland Middle while Montgomery County Police investigate the threat's validity.

In a March 17th interview, Andrew Donlon, a bagpiper with Montgomery County's MacMillan United Pipe Bands, said he was 'full of hot air' while playing bagpipes at St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Donlon, who started with a youth bagpipe band at Rockville High School, explained that his Irish roots and family ties to fire service led him to embrace this tradition (the unique sound marked the festive mood).

The Gaithersburg Book Festival announced 12 finalists from over 130 civic duty themed entries in its high school poetry contest with former Poet Laureate Holly Karapetkova set to choose the winners.

Local readers may vote for their favorite poem online until May 9 at 11 p.m.—the fan favorite will receive $25 and all winners will be honored on May 17 at Bohrer Park.

Five years after Covid-19 forced schools to close in March 2020, educators in Montgomery County recalled how remote learning left many students—especially those with special needs—facing lower test scores and food shortages.

They warned that while some students adapted well, ending programs like the Virtual Academy and continued learning gaps mean new flexible schooling options and all-day preschool are needed (a measure being considered).

A group of 31 Montgomery County Public Schools student-athletes will travel to China from April 9 to 21 for a pickleball exchange trip that includes friendly competitions and cultural sessions in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing (students have been preparing with weekly practices and engagement sessions).

Students from six MCPS schools advanced to the Math, Engineering and Science Achievement program finals after 22 projects were submitted and judged by community members — all first-place winners will compete at the state competition May 3 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

The NCAA Tournament brackets have been released and DMV area college teams are preparing to compete, with men’s teams from American, VCU, Maryland and Liberty and women’s squads from William & Mary, Richmond, Maryland, George Mason and Liberty scheduled for key games from Wednesday through Saturday—each team aims to make a deep run in the tournament.

Bobby Thompson Band Live at Hank Dietle's Tavern

The Bobby Thompson Band, known for their electrifying live performances and unique blend of electric blues rock, will entertain audiences at Hank Dietle's Tavern.

Open House at 14302 Myer Terrace

3-5 p.m. | 14302 Myer Terrace | Free entry | Explore a charming rancher with 3 bedrooms and a spacious foyer in the desirable Manor Woods subdivision.

Open House: 102 Deep Trail Ln, Rockville, MD 20850

Come join me at our open house in this stunning home is nestled in the heart of Rockville’s sought-after Fallsgrove neighborhood. With amenities, including a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and playgrounds this home will not last.

Open House at 14013 Congress Drive

5-7 p.m. — 14013 Congress Dr — Price: $679,000 — Explore a charming Colonial-style home in the desirable Bel Pre Woods community.

Maryland Crab Canvas Workshop

7-9 p.m. — Hammer & Stain Rockville — $45 — Create your own masterpiece step by step in a fun acrylic painting workshop.

Live Music: ilyAIMY

6-9 p.m. — 7 Locks Brewing — Free entry — Experience a unique blend of folk that defies tradition with lively performances by ilyAIMY.

Sparklebot & Clem Fandango Live

6-9 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience an earworm buffet of original songs inspired by legendary artists.

Easter Celebration with the Bunny

12-2 p.m. — King Farm Village Center — Free entry — Families can enjoy a delightful Easter celebration with activities and entertainment near Coffee Republic.

Open House at 14106 Chinkapin Drive

1-4 p.m. — 14106 Chinkapin Drive — $1,350,000 — Explore a stunning 5-bedroom home in the sought-after Willows of Potomac neighborhood, featuring space and elegance.

Federal Pharmacists Network Blanket Making Event

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Earle B. Wood Middle School — Registration required — Help make blankets for children in need with the Federal Pharmacists Network and Project Linus.