Good morning, Rockville.

A toy drive organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County and InterfaithWorks is collecting new toys for local families today.

Local businesses and partners support the drive to spread joy & hope during the holiday season.

Montgomery County’s final episode of The Pulse airs now — the 30-minute show shares a local man’s transplant success, a basketball referee’s comeback, and practical advice on overcoming grief while previewing events ahead of the county’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Maryland Youth Ballet will perform The Nutcracker later this season (dates pending) as the director promises a memorable show with unique surprises for audiences.

The event is expected to be a festive highlight in the local arts scene.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said Samsung Biologics is buying the former GSK campus in Rockville — its first U.S. manufacturing facility — to retain over 500 local jobs and boost economic growth.

Montgomery County state delegates will consider four education bills, including raising school board pay to lawmakers' levels, a plan to track local food plus invasive fish in meals, and proposals for school holidays and attendance, discussed during a Dec.

11 hearing ahead of the Jan. 14 session.

CaringMatters in Gaithersburg offers grief support during the holidays, with CEO Allison Stearns advising residents to create new traditions and lean on understanding friends—advice meant to help those mourning adjust to loss.

The Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center near Damascus and Gaithersburg invites residents to try meditation for mental clarity and balance.

Bhante Rahula leads sessions that teach basic and walking techniques and recommends 15 to 20 minutes a day for personal healing (a method with ancient roots).

Local developers are set to convert six offices into housing starting in mid-2026 to ease office vacancies.

Projects include a 148-unit apartment in Silver Spring, a 386-unit apartment near Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda, townhomes in Rockville’s life sciences corridor, and a senior living community in North Bethesda (pending final approvals).

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.

Big Boy Little Band Live Performance

9:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 Cover — Experience deep blues that'll make you feel alive.