Good morning, Rockville.

Gaithersburg Book Festival will take place Saturday at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm.

The free event will offer over 120 authors, writing workshops, and family activities plus a display of 125-year-old underwear during Jonathan Roth's 11:15 a.m. panel.

Twenty-two MCPS students from five high schools were awarded National Merit scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; they are among 50 Maryland seniors chosen from over 15,000 finalists, with each student receiving a one-time award of $2,500 for post-secondary education.

On Wednesday, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor emailed staff that budget talks could lead to nearly 900 job cuts — including teachers and support staff — as reductions range from $17.9 million to $89.5 million; the final vote is set for Thursday, May 21.

Montgomery County Public Schools hosted a Distinguished Service to Education Honors celebration to recognize teachers and staff for their years of learning and support.

The event honored the people who help build strong schools and thriving communities.

MCPS has issued guidance for school administrators on handling immigration enforcement near school property and at events.

Leaders must secure students and staff, and promptly notify legal services before sharing verified details with families.

Three first-generation students from Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park have been accepted to top colleges including UPenn, Holy Cross and Georgetown.

They work one day a week to cover tuition costs + gain essential career skills as DBCR prepares them for college.

Montgomery County Council approved $8.5 million for MCPS to cover extra costs — including snow removal, utility fees, and staffing for an extended school year — following January’s major storm that forced high spending on parking lot clearances and bus preparations.

A report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments shows Montgomery County saw a 26% decline in homelessness from 2025 to 2026—family homelessness dropped 47%, helped by the county’s SHaRP program that got over 300 households into permanent housing.

Montgomery County health officials are monitoring two residents exposed during air travel with a traveler linked to an international cruise outbreak and say no hantavirus cases have been reported here.

Dr. Kisha Davis stressed that the virus only spreads after symptoms appear (press conference on Wednesday).

The seventh annual USA Warriors Sled Hockey Tournament kicks off today at Rockville Ice Arena and runs through May 17.

Over 130 veterans and service members with disabilities will play round-robin games Friday and Saturday, with championship matches and medal awards set for Sunday + local teams join in the competition.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — 12276 Wilkins Avenue, North Bethesda — Includes materials and Turkish tea — Craft your own Turkish mosaic lamp in a fun and creative workshop.

Reggie Right Eye Duo +1

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No cover — Enjoy old school and original blues with eclectic covers from Reggie Right Eye Duo +1.

4th Annual Spring Concert: An Enchanted Spring

8 PM - 10 PM — F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre — $30-$50 — Celebrate Spring with an enchanting musical evening featuring the French Choir of Washington and a chamber orchestra.

The Thrills Concert

8-10 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience spine-tingling rock n’ roll with seasoned DC musicians.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — 12276 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD — Includes materials and refreshments — Craft a custom Turkish mosaic lamp in a fun and creative environment.

Patience

8:00 – 10:30 PM — F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre — $30 Adults, $28 Seniors, $26 Students — Enjoy a fresh take on a classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta filled with whimsy and love triangles.

Scott Ambush Band Performance

2-4 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — Check for admission details — Enjoy a lively afternoon of music with the talented Scott Ambush Band.

ChABSA Annual Scientific Symposium

Keynote Speakers Kelly Schultz and Rebecca Bradford — 9 a.m. — The Universities at Shady Grove — Check website for registration details — Engage with leading experts in biosafety and biotechnology.

Singles Mixer in Rockville

7-10 p.m. — Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge — Free entry — Connect with fun singles in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere filled with opportunities for new friendships.

The Poor Ellen Smith Band

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No cover — Experience the nostalgic sounds of Americana with vintage Bluegrass, Blues, and Country vibes.