Good morning, Rockville.

Reza Zavvar returned home on judge order after 77 days in ICE detention and reunited with his family and dog Duke, while Silver Spring Ace Hardware staff search for their missing shop cat Victor—last seen between Downtown Silver Spring and Montgomery Blair High School.

Montgomery County leaders held a panel to plan improvements ahead of the county’s 250th anniversary next year.

The Montgomery County Board of Education hosted a legislative summit at Richard Montgomery High School on September 18 to review education priorities for the 2026 Legislative Platform - including graduation credit review, flexibility for community schools funding, relief from blueprint-required funding of AP/IB exams and minimum instructional time requirements. The board will formally adopt the platform in the coming weeks.

Sponsored by Washington Gas & WUSA9, the Eco Challenge Contest will open at 12:01 a.m. on Sept.

21 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31 for middle school teachers in eligible schools to enter environmental projects for a chance to win one of two $5,000 awards and free instructional materials; a panel will select winners around Nov. 5. Schools will work with the Smithsonian Science Education Center during the contest period.

Delegate Lily Qi said she is not considering running for County Council despite calls for her to move back to Rockville—she will instead seek re-election to the House of Delegates and return to Annapolis.

A battle is brewing over whether to add express lanes to a stretch of 495 over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge—no final decision has been made as discussions continue.

Montgomery Planning reported on September 19 that developers in the county say rent stabilization, high interest rates and rising construction costs are delaying about 29,500 unbuilt housing units from moving to the permitting stage.

Developers explained that a lengthy review process and high fees create political risk—issues that the planning board will address in upcoming policy briefings.

Mini-Golf and Picnic with Gaithersburg Police

10:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled morning of mini-golf followed by a delightful picnic lunch.

Friday Rhythms: Line Dance

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — Enjoy a fun line dancing session with a chance to learn new moves and socialize.

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble

5-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $25 — Experience soulful Creole music that gets everyone dancing with Curley Taylor's Zydeco Trouble.

Galloping Gourmets at Madrones

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — $20 — Enjoy a culinary experience at a top-rated restaurant with fresh options.

2025 Antique and Classic Car Show

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Rockville Civic Center — Free admission for spectators — Showcase of stunning antique and classic cars with awards and live music.