Good morning, Rockville.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams from Potomac launched on Thanksgiving Day from Kazakhstan to join the International Space Station with two Russian crewmates.

Williams, who attended Herbert Hoover Middle and Montgomery Blair High, brings local pride to the region.

Zahara Weeks, a 16-year-old from Suitland, fulfilled her wish to swim with whale sharks last summer in Cancun on a Make-A-Wish trip with her family.

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic will spotlight its work on Wish Wednesday this December.

Tariffs are increasing the cost of artificial Christmas trees by 10-15% this season—the American Christmas Tree Association reported.

Local retailers are absorbing extra costs while many families continue using their current trees.

Longview School students turned their art projects into unique stationery — with notecards and envelopes sold through Copy-Plus — and the proceeds support the school’s specialized program.

Parents and staff at Sherwood High School at 300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road are contesting mold, poor air quality and outdated HVAC issues through a petition that has gathered over 576 signatures while officials admit temporary fixes have not resolved the long-standing problems.

Remediation efforts are expected to take years.

MCPS is advancing new boundary options for Woodward High and Crown High and reviewing a regional program model, with community meetings set for December (and recommendations expected in January) to guide school assignments.

Maryland faces extra costs as state errors on SNAP benefits risk adding $240 million a year to the budget—officials say the nearly 14% error rate may trigger penalties when new rules take effect by 2027.

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.

Beatles Tribute Night at Dietle's

5-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate the 50th show of Beatles music with classic hits and album cuts performed live by local talent.

Winter Jubilee Celebration

1-4 p.m. — F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre — $10, $8 for residents — Celebrate the season with games, crafts, and festive gingerbread house building.

The Buds Concert

2-4 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 — Enjoy a mix of roots, blues, rockabilly, country, and power pop from the talented band, The Buds.

Winter Craft Week Camp

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Rockville Makerspace and Tool Library — Registration required — Enjoy three days of winter crafts, ice skating, and hot chocolate for kids aged 5-12.