Potomac‑raised cellist Ellen Gira returns to Strathmore tonight with a sound forged in Glasgow and rooted here at home.

She first learned piano from a neighbor, picked up cello at Cabin John Middle, and played with Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra in the same hall where she performs her Artist in Residence Debut concert tonight at 8pm.

Expect the cello on both melody and groove, powered by the percussive “chop.” Her path runs from Scottish stages and performances for King Charles III to award‑winning work with Jocelyn Pettit and a new trio, Vandalia.

Meet the neighbor behind the bow

🔥 Space heater sparks Potomac house fire. A basement unit placed too close to combustibles caused about $50,000 in damage. Two adults escaped, and firefighters saved two cats. Read the report [WJLA]

🎄 Tree, set, relax. Good Earth Garden Market is now pre-booking Christmas-tree delivery and in-home setup, complete with stand attachment, placement, and watering. Pre-book your tree service

🛍️ Mayfield Market returns. Holy Child’s 21st annual holiday bazaar brings 50+ vendors, Santa photos, and Christmas Crafts this weekend. Plan your visit

Museum on Tap: Discovery of Planetary Radio Emissions | 7–8:30pm @ Saints Row Brewing
Sip a craft beer while learning how a River Road field once tuned into planetary radio waves, launching modern radio astronomy, with speaker Katie Rapp. Free entry 🍺

An Easy Walk Through the Woods with a Master Naturalist | 9:30–11am @ Locust Grove Nature Center
Join a Master Naturalist for a slow wander through autumn woods spotting wildlife and wildflowers, a relaxed outing for 55+ nature lovers and curious companions. Register in link 🍁

Lunch & Learn: Confidence in Your Numbers | 11am–1pm @ Founding Farmers, Park Potomac
Business Network International hosts bookkeeping pro Katie Hanna dishes real-world strategies for decoding your business finances so you stop guessing and start leading with clarity. Register in link + lunch included 💼

Open House | 3pm–7pm @ Aluna Aesthetics
Sip light refreshments, meet the pros, and score event-only pricing, skincare steals, raffles, and live demos on injectables, facials, and regenerative treatments for your best holiday glow. RSVP details in link 💄

Inside the College Admissions Committee | 6:30pm–7:30pm @ Potomac Library
Peek behind the admissions curtain with The Princeton Review, learn how committees recruit and score applicants, and sharpen essays, activities, and testing to boost odds for ages 14+. Free registration recommended to guarantee seating 🎓

Mayfield Market | Fri-Sat @ Connelly School of the Holy Child
Shop 50+ boutique vendors celebrating 21 years of Potomac’s favorite market, from personalized gifts, kids’ crafts, and free Santa photos. Fri 3:30pm-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm with Santa from 9-11am 🎄

Once Upon a One More Time | Fri-Sun @ Winston Churchill High School
Fairytales get a glittery remix in this student production packed with pop anthems, girl power, and Britney-fueled sass that’ll leave you shouting “Gimme More.” Tickets in link for Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm 🎤

Parents Night Out | 6–9pm @ My Gym Potomac
Kids blast off for an Outer Space–themed night of games, pizza, and play while parents score three glorious kid-free hours of orbiting freedom. Register in link 🚀

Winston Churchill Bulldogs vs Richard Montgomery Rockets Playoff Game | 6:30pm @ Winston Churchill High School
Friday night lights go playoff-bright as the Bulldogs defend home turf against the Rockets in a clash of grit & glory. Tickets in link 🏈

The Diary of Anne Frank | 7:30pm @ Congregation B'nai Tzedek
Theatre@CBT stages Wendy Kesselman’s contemporary adaptation, weaving survivor accounts and newly discovered diary writings into an intimate, urgent portrait of courage inside the Secret Annex. Tickets in link for Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm 🎭

Holiday Fine Crafts Show | 11am–3pm @ Fox Hills West Park
Have lunch at food trucks while checking out independent local arts vendors, including talented youth makers. 🎁

PCC Madness High School 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament | 4:30pm–10pm @ Potomac Community Recreation Center
3 on 3 basketball tourney with teams of 3–4 players, two guaranteed games plus a three-point contest. Register in link (Friday Middle School Tournament here) 🏀

Autumn River Views 5k & 10k | 7:30am–10:30am @ Carderock Recreation Area
Cruise the flat C&O Canal towpath with Bishop’s Events in a chip-timed 5k or 10k race. Walkers are welcome and medals, series points, and new PR’s can all be earned. Register in link 🏃‍♀️

See the 5 new job openings and all 35 local job openings in Potomac

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Forward the Loop to that neighbor who borrows your ladder and your opinions.

-Potomac Loop Team