Winston Churchill High School junior Sydney Mednik brought home ESPN's prestigious Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, proving that sometimes the best plays happen off the field entirely.

The 16-year-old soccer standout co-founded Pass with Purpose with her younger sister Ashley in 2022—a nonprofit that's collected and donated thousands of soccer uniforms to children locally and around the world.

The award comes with a $2,500 grant and year-long leadership training, though given Sydney's already been selected as one of just five nationwide DICK'S Sporting Goods "GameChanger Champions" and graduated from the inaugural Athletes For Hope Leadership Academy, one suspects she might be the one teaching the courses. (MoCoShow)

🥇 The Potomac Community Rec Center hosted the Maryland Senior Olympics Table Tennis tournament over the weekend. Upcoming MSO August events include bowling, volleyball, and a 5K where local Carolyn Eichberg may aim to defend her impressive Silver medal performance from last year’s sub-28-minute finish in the 65-69 age group.

🍽 Two of our regional favorites: Aventino Cucina & Melina secured coveted spots on Eater DC's influential "38 Essential Restaurants Around DC" summer list.

🏡 A custom-built California contemporary on Riverwood Drive earned Washington Post "House of the Week" honors for its $3.5 million asking price and delightfully eccentric features, including a 10-foot Bumblebee Transformer sculpture in the living room and an 800-pound petrified tree trunk sink.

👨‍🍳 Greg Knight from the William F. Bolger Conference Center advanced to Aramark's enterprise-wide ACE competition this October. The local chef will represent Aramark Destinations against teams from other industries proving that even corporate catering can have Iron Chef-level drama.

Leaf Boat Float. 11-12pm @ Meadowside Nature Center
Create a miniature boat using natural and upcycled materials, take a Naturalist led hike down to Meadowside's bubbling creek, and watch your boat float its way downstream Ages 6+, register in link. ⛵

History Conversations REWIND: Drinking Water in the DC Area. July 14-20 @ Virtual
The Executive Director of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin traces the history of providing drinking water to the DC area, the current system, and the outlook for the future. Recording available in link 🚰

Parks Playhouse Junior - Culture Queen. 10-11am @ Falls Road Local Park
Culture Queen, an acclaimed teaching artist and children's musician, brings dynamic Black History-themed performance proving educational entertainment without a screen. Bring blankets/lawn chairs 🎶

Coffee, Bingo, Disco & Crosswords. 10-1pm @ Potomac Community Rec Center
The Potomac Neighborhood Senior Program hosts a perfectly curated morning that transitions from caffeinated socializing to competitive number-calling to disco-era cardio, and concluding with the cerebral satisfaction of crossword puzzles. Contact Community Rec Center for more details. 🪩

From Trash to Treasure: Reconnecting with Urban Streams. 7-8:30pm @ Virtual
Part of Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center’s 60th anniversary webinar series, urban stream ecologist Rebecca Hale reveals how people are creating new relationships with streams and rivers that reconnect city dwellers with urban nature. Register in link 🌊

Parks Playhouse Junior - Culture Queen. 10-11am @ Cabin John Regional Park
Culture Queen brings the great performance to even more kids. Bring blankets/lawn chairs 🎶

Storytime with the Animals. 10:30-11am @ Meadowside Nature Center
Meet one of Meadowside Nature Center's animal ambassadors and sit down with them to listen to a story - where "sit, stay, and listen" applies to both the audience and the storytellers. 0-6yrs. 🐿

Book Discussion: “Incense and Sensibility”. 6:30-7:30pm @ Potomac Library
Monthly book discussion featuring Sonali Dev's novel about California's first Indian-American gubernatorial candidate and his stress management coach. Copies at Library. 📖

Nurturing Minds: Parents as Pillars of Children's Mental Health. 4-6pm @ TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
Panel discussion featuring Dr. Emily Aron from Georgetown, Dr. Abigail Romirowsky from Perspective Health DC, and Claire Noakes from Arlington County Council of PTAs exploring real-world strategies to support children's mental health starting at home. $25, free for TPC members, Register in link 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Adaptive Paddling Program. 5-7pm @ Seneca Landing Special Park
Montgomery Parks' new inclusive evening program designed for individuals with disabilities and their family or friends provides all necessary gear and trained staff accompaniment on calm, flat water. Register in link 🛶

Pvolve on the Green Demo Class. 9:30am @ Cabin John Village
Get a taste of Pvolve, Potomac's newest functional fitness studio opening in early August, with a free outdoor demo class offering founding member rates. Free, just bring workout shoes & water 👟

Fun Friday Outdoors on the Green. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Village
My Gym brings free fun and games to the grassy lawn behind Cabin John Village, complete with frozen treats. Register in link 🍧

Concert, Cookies & Cocktails Fundraiser. 6:30pm @ Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary
Asheville folk/Americana singer-songwriter Jane Kramer performs an outdoor concert fundraiser among rescued farm animals, complete with free cocktails, plant-based bites, and Midnight Treats cookies. $50, tickets in link. 👩‍🌾

This striking 3-year-old Siberian Husky mix has been patiently waiting at Montgomery County Animal Services since June for his perfect family. Crypto walks beautifully on leash, loves outdoor adventures (especially squirrel-watching), and gets along wonderfully with children and large dogs. This spirited yet affectionate pup needs an active home with Husky experience and a secure yard. Ready for a loyal, high-energy companion to join your family adventures? Contact Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center.