Good morning, Rockville.

Local groups in the DMV area will give away turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving to help residents prepare for the holiday—more details on times and locations will be announced later.

Rockville shoppers are warned by local expert Kevin Brasler from Washington Consumers' Checkbook that many Black Friday sales may be misleading + his research shows retailers often use fake discounts that do not save money.

Montgomery County Public Schools posted a Thanksgiving video message on November 24 — Superintendent Taylor expressed thanks to students, staff and families as they prepare for the holiday.

Olympic gold medalist Quincy Wilson (the Bullis School standout) is staying in Maryland for college and will enroll at a local institution to continue his strong community ties.

Montgomery County Public Schools celebrated National Family Engagement Month by featuring specialist Sally Ruiz Miller, a longtime educator who helped families navigate school challenges.

She supported a Quince Orchard High School senior by connecting her family with essential resources for graduation, childcare, and nourishment (ensuring the student graduated on time and planned to pursue nursing).

Blake High teacher Nicole Murray-Lewis won nearly 40% of the votes from certified educators to serve on the Maryland State Board of Education and will begin her four-year term on July 1 after state Senate confirmation; she said she plans to make classroom realities part of policy, address teacher workload and student attendance, and be a strong voice for educators + support fair schooling for every student.

The annual After School Dance Fund—Baila4Life Latin Dance Competition was held on November 25 at the Music Center at Strathmore where Montgomery County Public Schools students danced salsa, cha cha, bachata and other styles.

Winning entries from Gaithersburg High, Northwest High, Albert Einstein, Clarksburg, Watkins Mill, Quince Orchard and Seneca Valley were recognized in several categories.

County officials, local leaders and WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments announced plans to relocate and rebuild the Lakeforest Transit Center—key to the MD-355 Bus Rapid Transit network—as part of the Lakeforest Mall redevelopment near Russell Avenue.

The developer will upgrade about 2 acres of land for MCDOT to purchase for approximately $5.9 million before construction begins.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will run five Flash Lights holiday buses in December, with each bus decorated with winter lights and a neon sign reading 'Happy Holidays'—county officials say the service aims to brighten the festive season.

An inspector general report shows Montgomery County Public Schools did not get board approval for over $1 million in payments to seven vendors in 2023 and 2024 (which has raised serious spending questions).

Current leaders blame past practices and say they are taking steps to fix the issue.

The Thrills Live in Rockville

9:00 PM — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience spine-tingling rock n’ roll with local music heroes.

Yoga: Breath and Movement Course

7-8 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — Check website for entry details — Experience a Viniyoga-inspired class focusing on breath and seamless flow through postures.

Hanukkah Celebration for Families

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with crafts, games, and tasty snacks for all ages.

The Longtimers Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Enjoy high energy Americana roots rock from DC's finest old-school band.

White's Ferry Nature Walk and Lunch

10:20 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — Cost not specified — Take a scenic 1.5-mile walk followed by lunch at Bassetts in Poolesville, MD.

Silver Spring B&O Station December Open House

10 AM – 2 PM — Silver Spring B&O Railroad Station — Free entry — Explore local history with family activities and special guests showcasing inventive creations.

Memoir Writers Club

12:30-2 p.m. — Benjamin Gaither Center — Free entry — Explore your memories and creativity in a supportive community of writers.

Dan Hovey Live Performance

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No Cover — Enjoy finger-style guitar by the former Nighthawks guitarist in a vibrant tavern setting.

Candlelit Sound Bath Experience

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Kentlands Mansion — Cost info not specified — Immerse yourself in a soothing soundscape featuring crystal bowls and chimes to rejuvenate body and mind.

Dan Hovey Live Performance

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — Free entry — Enjoy finger-style guitar inspired by Takoma Park legend John Fahey during happy hour.