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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
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...
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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
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Summer Rise 2026: Connecting Students to CareersHost Registration for the Montgomery County Public Schools’ Summer RISE 2026 Program Now OpenMontgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Summer RISE program is back and ready for another exciting summer.  Summer RISE 2026 Host Registration is now officially open. Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative of MCPS, implemented in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program is for rising MCPS juniors and seniors to participate in a career-based learning opportunity during the summer. Hosts provide participating students with 50 hours of real-world, hands-on career experience.Click here to learn more.This is a Montgomery County, Maryl...
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Book Recommendation: The Hidden City by Charles FinchThe Hidden City (2025, Minotaur Books) is the latest novel of the Charles Lenox Mystery series by Charles Finch. Dolores and I have read all of the books in this series and recommend them for your reading pleasure. Click on the link to learn more about the author and his books.NAMED ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST'S TEN BEST MYSTERY NOVELS OF 2025 and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES' BEST FALL MYSTERIES!Against the vividly drawn backdrop of Victorian London, amateur sleuth Charles Lenox must unlock a mystery concealed in the architecture of the city itself, in this new novel from acclaimed author Charles Finch.It's 1879, and Lenox is convalescing from the violent events of his last investigation. But a desperate letter from an old servant forces him...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
'Give Local' This Holiday SeasonMontgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is encouraging residents to participate in the "Montgomery Gives Local" campaign as the holiday season begins. The campaign highlights local nonprofit organizations that continue to face increased demand for services. Local nonprofits report higher requests for food, housing help, and emergency financial assistance, while charitable giving has slowed. The Montgomery Gives Local campaign aims to increase awareness of organizations providing essential services throughout the County and to connect residents with opportunities to help.Click here to learn more.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Spoon Chrysanthemum, 'Redwing', Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0249Canon PowerShot G11 ...
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Book Recommendation: The Great Contradiction by Joseph J. EllisThe Great Contradiction, The Tragic Side of the American Founding (2025) by Pulitzer Prize Winning author Joseph J. Ellis is a new book you will want to read if you have an interest in American history. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and his books.A major new history from the author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Founding Brothers and the National Book Award winner American Sphinx, on how America’s founders—Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams—regarded the issue of slavery as they drafted the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. In this daring and important work, our most trusted voice on the founding era reckons with the realities and regrets of our founding and the tragedy o...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Christmas Tree Safety TipsKeep your Christmas tree safe by placing it at least 3 feet from heat, keeping it watered daily (for real trees), using lights with intact cords, turning them off when away/sleeping, choosing fire-resistant artificial trees, and promptly disposing of dry real trees to prevent fire hazards, while keeping decorations and cords away from children and pets.    Tree Placement & Stability Away from Heat: Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, vents, and heaters. Clear Exits: Don't block doorways or escape routes. Sturdy Stand: Use a stable stand that won't tip over easily.    Real Tree Care Freshness: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don't fall off easily; a dry tree is a fire hazard. Water Daily: Keep the stand fille...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Free Virtual 50+ Employment ExposExpos are designed to meet the needs of all age 50+ jobseekers and age-friendly employers. No matter what your background or experience, you are welcome to join. Each Expo starts at 10:00 am with two workshops created to help the age 50+ jobseeker. Area employers present information about their job openings in the afternoon. Jobseekers will have the unique opportunity to engage with employers and ask questions using the Zoom chat feature, making the experience interactive and engaging. Employers: If you have at least three job openings to fill, thirty minutes of your time can introduce you to smart, accomplished professional employees.  You may register for more than one Expo at a time. Registration is open and complimentary for all the expos.  Jobseeker...
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Diabetic-Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies (Low-Carb + High-Fiber)Soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges — without added sugar or white flour.Ingredients 1½ cups almond flour ¼ cup coconut flour ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon (optional) ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil) ½ cup monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol) 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or 85–90% cacao chopped) Optional: 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat butter and sweetener until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Slowly stir dry mixture into wet mixture to f...
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The Golden Rule of Hosting: Remembering the Three-Day Rule for Holiday Guests  The holiday season is a beautiful time for warmth, connection, and, often, welcoming cherished friends and family into our homes. However, a little-discussed but vital piece of etiquette can be the difference between a joyful visit and a strained stay: The Three-Day Rule for House Guests. As we prepare for the festive influx of visitors, a gentle reminder of this unofficial-yet-crucial guideline—for both hosts and guests—can ensure everyone enjoys a harmonious holiday. What is the Three-Day Rule? The concept is simple: A house guest should not stay longer than three days and two nights unless a much longer stay has been explicitly and enthusiastically agreed upon by the host well in advance. This rule isn't ...
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First Day Hikes in Maryland State ParksMaryland State Parks once again will offer numerous First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2026. There will be something for everyone, including Ranger-guided hikes and self-guided adventures. Come out and celebrate the start of the New Year on the right foot!For a list of hikes near you, keep an eye on our First Day Hikes webpage, which will be updated soon. You can also check with your favorite park and sign up for email newsletters to keep you informed of upcoming outdoor opportunities. This is a Maryland Department of Natural Resources announcement. Dahlia, Unnamed Seedling, Duke of the Show Award, American Dahlia Society Show, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 5651Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyR...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Early Lessons of LifeThe December Challenge theme for ActiveRain blogger members is “Who Are You & Your ‘Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth” This is my fourth entry.When you are young, you often learn about things that will become more important than you realize during the coming years. My first three blog posts of this series related to my youth while growing up in the Cradock community in Portsmouth, Virginia. This is a continuation of those memories.When I was young, I was a weight lifter and was very strong for my age. The high school coach recruited me to play football during my freshman year. Those plans lasted a very short time. A severe knee injury ended my football career. I did not know it at the time but the injury would lead to a lifetime of problems with my ri...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Family LessonsThe December Challenge theme for ActiveRain blogger members is “Who Are You & Your ‘Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth” This is my Third entry.When I was a kid, while living at our home in the Cradock neighborhood of Portsmouth, Virginia, I had the good fortune to learn much from family members. I will share a few memories in this blog post.If you follow my blog posts, you know that I have an interest in photography and usually share a photograph or two in my blogs. When I was a youngster, a visiting relative, Harold Hilliard, encouraged be to get active with photography. He made sure I had a good start by advising me on the purchase of a good camera. I became active in the camera club at high school and expanded my interests with a friend. My father allowed ...
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WorkSource Montgomery Quarterly Career & Resource FairLooking for a job? Attend the WorkSource Montgomery Career and Resource Fair on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 1-4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Federal workers and job seekers wanting to meet employers who are looking to hire, won’t want to miss this event.Click here to register. Chrysanthemums, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0256Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Book Recommendation: Gathering Mist by Margaret MizushimaGathering Mist (2024, Crooked Lane Books) is the ninth installment of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series by Margaret Mizushima. I highly recommend this series for your reading list. Click on the link to reach her website to learn more about the author and her books.Secrets hide within the fog deep in the mossy forests of the Pacific Northwest, in this ninth thrilling installment in award-winning author Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series.Deputy Mattie Wray, formerly Mattie Cobb, is summoned to Washington’s Olympic peninsula for an urgent search and rescue mission to find a celebrity’s missing child. With only a week left before her wedding, Mattie is hesitant to leave Timber Creek, but her K-9 partner Robo’s trac...
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