Good morning, Rockville.

Raphael Mayorga of Frederick was found guilty of second-degree assault and traffic charges for hitting police Sgt. Patrick Kepp in an October 2023 crash—county leaders said the verdict did not warn drivers enough about the dangers of speeding—and lawmakers will soon sign a new law that will add tougher penalties for speeding.

A new report by Synapse says Maryland ratepayers could save an average of $546 a year from 2025 to 2040 if PJM Interconnection speeds up its approval of energy projects.

The study, released Tuesday, found that faster project reviews could reverse a projected 60% rise in electric bills and boost battery storage by 59 gigawatts—leading to lower costs and emissions.

Montgomery County Public Schools is studying which programs should be available to all high schools to ensure fair access.

An opportunity design team (families, community members, and school staff) will give its suggestions by June so that changes can begin in January 2026.

On April 13, hundreds gathered at Bethesda Central Farmers Market to mark Food Waste Prevention Week as the county DEP started a Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off Program—an effort to help residents turn food scraps into compost.

The program offers drop-off bins at four market sites in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Olney, and Derwood—making it easier for households to support the county’s zero waste goal.

Montgomery County will offer free rides on all county buses Tuesday, April 22 to mark Earth Day.

County Executive Marc Elrich urged residents to use the service—supporting clean transit and helping reduce emissions.

Montgomery County received a $3 million state grant for the proposed Wheaton Action Sports Park in Wheaton Regional Park—part of a $5 million package for park improvements, with the park design including a skate park, bike skills track, climbing wall and other features.

The design phase is underway and construction will begin in 2027 as officials work to restore a $2 million cut to keep projects on track.

A county report released Friday showed that despite Montgomery County's high vaccination rates and long life expectancy, Black and Hispanic residents experienced higher heart disease and infant mortality rates.

County Executive Marc Elrich said local health programs will be improved to address these disparities—especially in maternal health—and new efforts will be guided by the data.

April is Parkinson's disease awareness month and Dr. Perry Smith at Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville said people should watch for signs—like tremors and stiffness—to get treatment early.

He noted that about one million Americans have the disease and research shows the number may reach 1.2 million by 2030.

The Wharf Rats Live Performance

9:00-11:55 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience a captivating long format jam sound with The Wharf Rats, a band evolved over fifteen years to blend unique originals with classic influences.

Billy Coulter Band Live Performance

9-11:59 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — General admission — Experience the authentic sound of DC's Billy Coulter blending Rock and Pop influences.

Pike's Peek 10K Race

7:50-11:50 AM — Shady Grove — Registration fee applies — Compete in a USATF Certified 10k race known for its personal record potential.

Certified Infant Massage Instructor Training

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Reginald S. Lourie Center — $720 — Learn to empower parents through the Loving Touch® Method© of Infant Massage.

Springtime Cherry Blossoms Modern Calligraphy Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bonchon — $65 — Discover the art of modern calligraphy amidst the beauty of cherry blossom season.

Open House at 601 Reserve Champion Dr

1-3 p.m. — 601 Reserve Champion Dr, Rockville, MD — $1,049,000 — Explore a modern colonial home with impressive upgrades and a gourmet kitchen.

Swing Dance Lessons for Beginners and Intermediates

7-8 p.m. — Dawn Crafton Dance Connection — $140 for eight weeks — Master the fundamentals of swing dance in a partner-friendly class environment.

Open House at 5104 Oakglen Drive

1-3 p.m. — 5104 Oakglen Drive — $649,000 — Explore a beautiful home in a serene lot close to the metro and shopping options.

Pine Leaf Boys Concert

8:30-11:59 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $25 — Experience the energetic sounds of Louisiana's Pine Leaf Boys blending Cajun, Zydeco, and more.