Merry Christmas from Roy and Dolores KelleyBest wishes to you and your family for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Chrysanthemum, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0349Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs  12/25/2025

Gaithersburg’s Holiday Giving ProgramGaithersburg’s Holiday Giving Program proudly celebrated its 27th year by serving children ages 1 to 17 identified as needing holiday support. Thanks to the generosity and strong partnership between the City of Gaithersburg, local businesses, congregations, and community members, 1,400 children were supported.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Herb Wreath, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2408Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/3.2, 1/60 sec., ISO-160, 6 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/25/2025

The Red Brick Courthouse, Rockville, MarylandOne of Rockville’s most iconic landmarks, the Red Brick Courthouse, stands proudly at the corner of East Montgomery and Maryland avenues. This historic building, completed in 1891, has weathered numerous threats of demolition over the past 50 years, only to be saved time and again by the passionate efforts of Montgomery County residents, businesses, preservationists, and even schoolchildren. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style by architect Frank E. Davis, the Courthouse remains a symbol of community resilience and the enduring value of historic preservation.Today, the Red Brick Courthouse serves as the headquarters for Peerless Rockville and continues its legacy as a working courthouse. Once the focal point of local government and commun... 12/24/2025

Be the Candle or the Mirror: Creating Value in Real EstateEdith Wharton once observed, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." For residential real estate professionals, this elegant metaphor offers a profound framework for understanding how we create value in our clients' lives and communities.The Candle: Being the Original SourceSome agents are candles—original sources of light in their markets. These are the professionals who illuminate paths others haven't seen. They're the listing agent who stages a home in a way that transforms how buyers perceive an entire neighborhood. They're the buyer's agent who identifies an emerging area before it appears on anyone's "hot market" list. They're the broker who pioneers a new approach to client... 12/24/2025

A Holiday Letter to Those Who Are Struggling: Finding Yourself in the Spaces BetweenThe holiday season arrives each year with its familiar soundtrack of joy and celebration, its glittering promises of togetherness and cheer. But for many of us, this time of year feels less like a celebration and more like a mirror held up to everything we're missing, everything we've lost, or everything we're struggling to hold together.If that's where you find yourself right now, I want you to know something: your struggle is not a deviation from the path. It is the path.The Myth of the Instant TransformationWe live in a culture obsessed with breakthrough moments. We celebrate the dramatic reveal, the sudden epiphany, the life-changing realization that arrives like lightning. Social media feeds us a st... 12/23/2025

Book Recommendation: A Deadly Clue by Victoria GilbertA Deadly Clue (Scheduled Publication Date: January 13, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is the third novel of the Hunter and Clewe Mystery series by North Carolina author Victoria Gilbert. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her books.Hunter and Clewe are back in the third Hunter and Clewe mystery, from acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert, when a closed case is reopened after another member of a prominent family is murdered.Cameron Clewe and Jane Hunter, lovers of all things bookish, are slowly cataloging Cam’s private collection of first edition books acquired from the deceased patriarch of the wealthy Stewart family. When Jane finds a note from Kimberly Stewart Ward, one of the daughters of the Stewart ... 12/23/2025

Montgomery County, Maryland Holiday ClosuresThe Montgomery County Government and programs and services impacting County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.Schedule changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25: County offices—Closed. MC 311—Closes early on Dec. 24, with hours 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Dec. 25. State offices and courts—Closed. State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed. Libraries—Branches will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. Closed on Dec. 25. Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Closed on Dec. 25. Department of Permitting Services—Closed. Ride On—On Dec. 24, will operate on a Weekday service sc... 12/22/2025

Gaithersburg Launches New Planning Project Web MapThe City’s Department of Planning and Code Administration announces the launch of its new Planning Project Web Map. This interactive online map provides residents and property owners with a location view of current planning projects that are located within one-half mile of a property. Explore the new Planning Project Web Map here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement.Cup of Gold Vine, Solandra maxima, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2490Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/250 sec., ISO-800, 25 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/22/2025

Book Recommendation: The Tin Men by Nelson & Alex DeMilleThe Ten Men (2025) is the third book of the Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor series by Nelson and Alex DeMille. Click on the link to learn more about the authors and this novel.At a top-secret Army training facility in the Mojave Desert, Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor plunge into a deadly web of military suspense, AI technology, and robot soldiers as they unravel the shocking murder of a senior scientist in this gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling authors Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille.Army CID Special Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor team up for their toughest assignment yet as they are dispatched to Camp Hayden to investigate the death of Major Roger Ames, the chief scientist in charge of the top... 12/22/2025

Shrimp and Fennel PieThis savory pie combines tender shrimp with the subtle anise flavor of fennel in a creamy filling, all wrapped in flaky pastry.Serves: 6 | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutesIngredientsFor the filling: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish) 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1½ cups whole milk ½ cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust (or 1 package puff pastry) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) Instructions Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fennel and onion, cooking f... 12/21/2025

Gaithersburg Holiday ClosuresHoliday ClosuresIn observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, City facilities and offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026.Early closures are also in effect for December 24 and 31 with the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Arts Barn, Casey Community Center, Gaithersburg Community Museum, Kentlands Mansion, and Benjamin Gaither Center closing at 4 p.m. Gaithersburg Youth Centers will be closed December 24 through January 2 during MCPS Winter Break. Read the full list of closures here. Recycling and Bulk Pickup Collection The collection of recycled materials for residents whose regular recycling day is Thursday, December 25, 2025, will take place the FOLLOWING Saturday, December 27. The collection of recycled... 12/21/2025

Here’s a diabetic-friendly oatmeal chocolate chip combo cookie that balances fiber (oats), protein (almond flour), and low-glycemic sweetener for better blood-sugar control — while still tasting like a classic.🍪 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Low-Sugar, High-Fiber)Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet without added sugar.Ingredients 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant) ¾ cup almond flour 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, adds fiber) ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp salt ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil) ½ cup monk fruit or erythritol sweetener 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or 85–90% cacao, chopped) Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment... 12/20/2025

Rockville Concert Band Presents ‘A Winter Celebration’ Sunday, December 21, 20253:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre603 Edmonston DriveRockville, MD 20851Directions Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m.A musical celebration of light, laughter, and holiday spirit. Dr. Christine Lopez Higley, Music Director.Free and open to the public. $5 donation suggested.This is a City of Rockville, Maryland announcement. Begonia Rex and Kalanchoe blossfleldiana,Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2195Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/3.2, 1/60 sec, ISO-100, 6 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/20/2025

New 2025 Tax Provisions Help SeniorsThe standard deduction for 2025 was raised to $15,750 for single filers, up from the $15,000 previously in place. For married couples filing jointly, it is increased to $31,500, up from $30,000. And for heads of households, their standard deduction will be $23,625, up from $22,500.Most filers take the standard deduction because it is higher than the total of itemized deductions they are eligible to claim (e.g., mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, medical expenses, etc.). Anyone born before January 2, 1961 and who has a valid Social Security number may now take a $6,000 deduction (or $12,000 if married filing jointly and each spouse qualifies). This new deduction is taken on top of your standard deduction or itemized ded... 12/20/2025

Gaithersburg Loose Leaf Collection Wrapping UpFall loose leaf collection for single-family and townhouse owners wraps up on Friday, December 26. Rake your leaves to the street curb by 7 a.m. on your regular recycling day. Please note that there will be no loose-leaf collection on December 25.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Cordyline fruticosa, Ti Plant, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2165Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/19/2025

Book Recommendaton: Nash Falls by David BaldacciNash Falls (November, 2025) is the first novel of the Walter Nash series by the New York Times bestselling Virginia author David Baldacci. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for your reading list. Dolores and I have read all of the many books by this author. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and his books.When Walter Nash is recruited by the FBI to help bring down a global crime network his life is turned completely upside down in this thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.Walter Nash is a sensitive, intelligent and kindhearted man. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried h... 12/19/2025

Seeking Applicants for Commission on Landlord-Tenant AffairsCounty Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs for two landlord, two public-at-large and one tenant and one tenant alternate positions. The County Executive encourages minority participation on the County’s boards, committees, and commissions to ensure that a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are considered. One landlord incumbent, one public incumbent and one tenant incumbent are eligible to apply for reappointment. All members must be Montgomery County residents. The fifteen-member commission hears landlord-tenant disputes. A landlord member must be an owner of rental housing located in the County; a manager, or an employee of a manager, of rental... 12/18/2025

Bring Nature Home This Holiday: Creating a Wildlife Tree for Your NeighborhoodDuring the holiday season, there's a special gift we can offer to the creatures who share our community year-round: a wildlife tree adorned with edible ornaments made by hand. This simple yet meaningful project transforms the festive spirit into an act of kindness toward the birds, squirrels, and other animals who enliven our neighborhoods, especially during the lean winter months.A wildlife tree is exactly what it sounds like—a tree decorated not with glittering baubles and tinsel, but with nutritious treats that local wildlife can enjoy. Unlike indoor holiday trees that sit behind windows, a wildlife tree becomes an outdoor celebration that connects us with nature and provides real sustenance to animals when... 12/18/2025

Animal Services to Waive Adoption Fees Dec. 20–21  Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood will host a “Home for the Holidays” pet adoption event on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20–21, with adoption fees waived for all available animals.To help reduce wait times, MCASAC will use an appointment system on Saturday, Dec. 20. Walk-ins will be welcome on Sunday, Dec. 21, based on counselor availability. Appointments can be scheduled beginning Sunday, Dec. 14 via the “How to Adopt” page and on the shelter’s social media accounts.MCASAC is open from noon to 5 p.m. both days and is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.Click here to read the press release.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Poinsettias, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pe... 12/17/2025

Book Recommendation: The Curious Case of the Poisoned ProfessorThe Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor ( Scheduled publication date: February 24, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is the first novel of A Welsh Village Mystery novels by Lucy Connelly, a pseudonym used by aurthor Candice Havens. I enjoyed this novel and recommend it for your reading list.A new job can be killer in this series debut mystery set in Wales, perfect for fans of Shelia Connolly and Paige Shelton.After crossing the pond, Dr. Gwen Griffith finds herself in the quirky place she fell in love with, Dillynaidd, Wales. A former managing editor for a Texan newspaper, Gwen is ready for the next stage in her life as the head of the journalism department at the local university in town. With her best friend, Carolyn Sparks–who... 12/17/2025