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📰 TOP STORIES
Parade and Fireworks Coming July 10
The annual parade and fireworks are happening Friday, July 10, with this year's theme being "Celebrating 250 years of Freedom." Parade starts at 7pm, fireworks will follow. The fun continues on Saturday, July 11 from 10am-4pm for Celebrate Damascus Days.
Solar Project Proposed for Holsey Road: Hearing July 9
Alder Energy, a solar developer, has proposed a community solar project on about 52 acres at 9435 Holsey Road, off of Ridge Road, on land it would lease from a local family. The power would feed the grid, with Potomac Edison customers able to subscribe, and the plan also includes sheep grazing among the panels. A 2025 state law limits the county's authority to reject projects like this, so the Montgomery County Planning Board hearing on Thursday, July 9 (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, in person and online - link to come) is the main opportunity for public input. The full agenda posts around June 29. To weigh in, sign up to testify or email comments to [email protected] by noon Tuesday, July 7.
Damascus High School’s $306M Rebuild
MCPS shared updated plans for a full Damascus High School rebuild with a price tag of $306 million - WOW. This will enable the school’s capacity to grow to about 2,700 students. Sounds like the plan is too keep operations running in the current building until the new school building is ready. The current timeline puts students and teachers in the new school by the 2031-32 school year. The project is in the beginning planning stages so we’ll continue to cover developments in this story.
Damascus Library Is Getting a Makeover
Good news for book lovers, the Damascus Library at 9701 Main Street has an active refurbishment project underway through Montgomery County's Department of General Services. Construction is anticipated to be completed in November 2026!
👮 PUBLIC SAFETY
Help Find the Damascus Gardens Shooter
A man was shot in the leg at the Damascus Gardens apartments (9800 block of Bethesda Church Road) on June 16 around 10:30 PM. The gunman has NOT been found. Montgomery County Police are actively investigating. If you have any information at all, please reach out to MCPD.
🏆 HORNETS SPORTS
Three Damascus Hornets Headed to Camden Yards for the Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game
Damascus High School is sending three of its own to Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 1 for the 2026 Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game. Senior infielder Giacomo Iorio, pitcher Raffaele Iorio, and catcher Justin Witmer all earned spots on the North roster, representing the Swarmin' Hornets in one of Maryland's most prestigious high school baseball showcases. Giacomo also recently topped a statewide fan poll on High School on SI, earning the "2026 Maryland Baseball Player of the Year" title with 42% of the vote after a standout senior season that included a .411 batting average, 7 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases.
❤ SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Little Hands Preschool
We got a great email this week from Wendy Davis, Director and Owner of Little Hands Preschool right here in Damascus. Wendy, your note made our day - thank you for reaching out! Little Hands Preschool is a local gem for families with young children. Check them out at www.lhpreschool.com
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