Potomac Almanac

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

Free Parking in Montgomery County Public Garages and Lots in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton on Saturday, Dec. 20

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY (EVERY SATURDAY)

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is offering free parking in all County-operated garages and lots on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Super Saturday.

The free parking days support local small businesses during high demand shopping days. Parking fees at on-street meters will still be enforced on those days to facilitate turnover for access to businesses.

“I am pleased to see MCDOT once again offer free garage parking during these key shopping days leading into the holiday season,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “By encouraging our residents to shop locally, we are able to support our small businesses, boost our local economy, and promote the many great shops and restaurants that make Montgomery County a special place to work and live.”

Small Business Saturday is a nationally recognized annual event that encourages in-person shopping to support local shops and restaurants. Super Saturday is the last major shopping day of the year before the winter holidays, typically falls on the Saturday before Christmas.

“We know many of our residents will do their holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday and Super Saturday, and we want to make their experience as stress-free and convenient as possible,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “All Ride On buses are now zero-fare, so if you prefer to leave the car at home, you can take a Ride On bus to County destinations. Search for the Ride On Trip Planner App on your device for easy trip planning.”

MCDOT’s Division of Parking Management supports downtown accessibility. Parking in County garages, lots and on-street meters are always free on Sundays and County holidays. Visit the Parking Facilities Information webpage for more details about the County's public parking facilities.

12/13/2025

NEW: We've revised our snowfall forecast UPWARD a bit ...

1-2" for Beltway area, w/ higher chance of boom than bust.

2-4" to NE toward Annapolis & Baltimore.

A dusting to an inch for south & west areas.

Timing: Late Saturday night to around sunrise Sunday. Worst travel conditions 4 to 7 a.m. Sunday. Snow could briefly be heavy.

Link to briefing with timeline, impacts, and more in the comments.

LET'S GO SNOW!

Posted 1203p Saturday

12/13/2025

Menorah lighting in Potomac Village tomorrow evening, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5pm!

12/13/2025

Save the Date for Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Winter Reading Marathon!

Can you read a total of 26.2 hours this winter? Challenge your body and mind this winter by joining the Winter Reading Marathon. Complete activities, read books, and learn more about physical and mental fitness. The Marathon begins on December 21, 2025—learn more details as they become available: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Library/programs/winter-reading.html

12/13/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Montgomery County from 8 pm Sat., 12/13 to 7 am Sun., 12/14. More information: ow.ly/7Ugp50XILTo

12/13/2025

Friendly reminder that tomorrow, December 14, we will be hosting our next Pet Food Pantry distribution in partnership with MCPAW at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (7315 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD).

If you or someone you know is in need of pet food and supplies, please come by! We’re here to make sure no pet in our community goes hungry. If you’d like to donate, we welcome small, unopened bags of pet food dropped off at the shelter. The link below includes a list of our most-needed donation items. If the center is closed, you may leave your donations by the front door.

Thank you for allowing us to be a resource to neighbors in need!

Donate: tinyurl.com/mcasacdonate
⏰ Hours: Sat-Sun 12-5pm | Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 12-7pm | Wed CLOSED

12/13/2025

Bethesda Magazine story about redistricting study raises awareness of proposals for Wootton.

A boundary option recently released by MCPS calls for moving Rockville’s Wootton High School permanently into the upcoming Crown High.

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

No more plastic shopping bags after Jan. 1

It's a bird, it's a plane... It's a plastic bag caught in a tree. Starting January 1, 2026, plastic bags are out, and paper bags are in.

Don't have a reusable bag? Stop by our offices at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton on any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and pick up a complimentary bag.

Want more information? Check out the website https://montgomerycountymd.gov/bag/residents.html

12/12/2025

Adopt a new pet this weekend!

12/11/2025