Community Corner

šŸŒ± Patch AM: How bad is the maintenance crisis at Gaithersburgā€™s own public schools?

And check out Lafayette Federal Credit Union Food Truck Friday on the Gaithersburg Patch calendar

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Greetings Gaithersburg! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How bad is the maintenance crisis at Gaithersburg's own public schools?
  • Want your poem featured at the 2027 Gaithersburg Book Festival?
  • Why a Quince Orchard star is topping Kentucky's 2028 recruiting board.

Also on today's calendar: Lafayette Federal Credit Union Food Truck Friday and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Monday: Partly sunny and comfortable, temps: high: 79, low: 56.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 81 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. MCPS: district experiencing growing $3B maintenance backlog (bethesdamagazine.com) — Gaithersburg families should know Summit Hall Elementary and Quince Orchard High are among MCPS's most deteriorated buildings, part of a $3 billion countywide maintenance backlog. The district is scrambling to complete bathroom renovations at Quince Orchard before school starts, while acknowledging thousands of open work orders, staff shortages, and recent building closures tied to failing infrastructure.
   

2. Gaithersburg Book Festival Opens 2027 High School Poetry Contest (mocoshow.com) — Gaithersburg teens and other area high schoolers can now submit original poems for the 2027 Gaithersburg Book Festival contest, built around the theme "The Things We Carry." Open to grades 9–12 in MD, VA, and D.C., the competition offers cash prizes, online features, and a live winners' announcement during the May 15, 2027 festival in Gaithersburg.
   

3. Storylines to track in the 2028 recruiting cycle (on3.com) — A Gaithersburg-based standout from Quince Orchard High, defensive back Ryan Drakeford, is already a top safety target for the University of Kentucky's 2028 football recruiting class. Coaches have told him he's at the top of their board, and his brother's spot on the team could further boost attention on this local athlete as more programs compete for his commitment.
   

4. Five Auto Thefts, Two Stolen Airbags and Gunfire at Long Branch Park Included in August 20th Crime Summary (mocoshow.com) — Montgomery County Police reported a vehicle stolen in the 6th District area that includes Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village, part of a countywide snapshot of August 20 crime. The same daily summary details additional auto thefts, stolen airbags, and gunfire reports in other nearby districts like Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
   

📸 Around Gaithersburg

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Gaithersburg

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Gaithersburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday August 23
  • Tai Chi for you
    Montgomery County Seniors White Oak Library11701 New Hampshire AvenueSilver Sprin
    10:00 am
  • Pooch Pool Party
    Montgomery County Parks and Rec Upper County Outdoor Pool8211 Emory Grove RoadGaithersb
    11:00 am
  • Volleyball - Family - All Ages - Drop-In
    Germantown Community Rec Center Germantown Community Recreation Center
    12:00 pm
    • Monday August 24
  • Basketball - 55+ Drop In
    Germantown Community Rec Center Germantown Community Recreation Center
    9:00 am
  • Basketball Family - All Ages - Drop-In
    Germantown Community Rec Center Germantown Community Recreation Center
    3:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • CCACC Welcomes Its New Board of Directors —CCACC Read on Patch
  • An HOA Double-Bills an Elderly, ESL Homeowner —Steven Lapham Read on Patch
  • Be Her…….
    The happy woman who gets excited about the little things.Her coffee, her walks, her playlists. A sunset,clean sheets. A quiet morning,she doesn't… (Nextdoor Flower Hill)
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Gaithersburg. Apply here.
  • Bowlero Corporation posted a job opening for Greeter / Counter Desk Attendant in Gaithersburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gaithersburg here.

Ok Gaithersburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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