Good morning, Rockville.

Montgomery County was ranked the second best place for older adults to live by AARP on Friday, Dec.

12, with Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park also recognized among top mid-size locales. A senior living community is under construction in North Bethesda to boost access to transit and nearby arts.

Montgomery County Libraries announced that starting Jan.

5, residents can print or copy five black-and-white pages or two color pages per day for free at all branches except the Noyes Library for Young Children. The change will let staff focus on helping patrons+reduce cash handling.

On Dec. 12 in Rockville, 186 Holocaust survivors gathered at Café Europa at Bnai Israel Congregation to light a menorah, share lunch, and dance to klezmer music.

The annual event, sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, strengthened community bonds as survivors prepared for Hanukkah.

Darnestown Elementary celebrated Inclusive Schools Week from Dec.

8 to 12 with a Q&A that highlighted how teachers and parents support inclusive practices and community spirit. The event showcased school efforts to welcome every student (including those in self-contained classes) and build a caring community.

The Montgomery County school board approved the 2026–27 academic calendar on Dec.

12 — setting classes to begin Aug. 25 with a student transition on Aug. 24 — that features a 12-day winter break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 and a 10-day spring break from Mar. 26 to Apr. 4.

MECCA Business Learning Institute, Montgomery County’s only public charter school, filed a petition with the Maryland State Board of Education this week to challenge MCPS recommendations to revoke its charter.

The school said it is working in good faith to meet requirements — citing procedural concerns in district actions.

Inclusive Schools Week ran Dec.

8–12 at Burning Tree Elementary, where a Q&A highlighted how integrated classroom pods and buddy activities helped all students feel welcome — a program coordinated with the PTA to extend inclusion beyond the classroom.

Metro officials propose a 2026 fiscal budget that keeps fares unchanged, boosts bus service 15%, cuts Blue, Silver & Orange rail wait times from 12 to 10 minutes and Red waits from 10 to 8 at night, and allocates $15.8 billion in upgrades with February hearings and an April vote.

Jared Smith started Monday as CEO of Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. and aims to fill three top leadership roles while completing a four-year strategic plan due in July.

He plans to support local businesses & residents as the county works to recover from recent federal job losses.

Today at 3 p.m., Navy (9-2) plays Army (6-5) on CBS at M&T Bank Stadium as America’s Game returns to Maryland.

Navy seeks a winning streak in this storied series after last year's loss while local fans can watch a matchup featuring strong rushing and defense tactics.

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.

Dan Hovey Live Performance

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No cover charge — Enjoy finger-style guitar reminiscent of John Fahey during happy hour.