Photos: 2025 Menorah and Tree Lighting

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 / Anna White

On December 14, 2025, perhaps the coldest, windiest day in NWCA’s long tradition of lighting the holiday tree and menorah on the first night of Hanukkah, 75 neighbors, friends, and pets turned out to join in good cheer, song, hot cider, treats, and an appearance from Santa. A miracle!

At long last, some photos of the event! Many thanks to all the neighbors who contributed to event in a myriad of ways.

If you’d like to make an online donation to support the event go to our Simpli Dues page, and choose “Holiday Fund.” For information on how to donate by check go to our dues and donations page.

And many thanks also to the neighbors who kept the menorah lit over the course of the next week.

Holiday Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration

December 1, 2025December 7, 2025 / Anna White

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting* and Hanukkah Celebration will be on Sunday, December 14, 4:45 pm, at the Luzerne/Glen Ross island. Note: Rain date is Monday, December 15, 6:00 pm.

The celebration begins at sundown with the lighting of the menorah, a holiday singalong and tree lighting, visit from Santa Claus, and refreshments, including latkes (potato pancakes) and hot cider. Scroll down for the program and song sheet.

The first night of Hanukkah this year is December 14, so the first candle of the neighborhood menorah will be lit that evening and lighting the remaining candles will continue for eight nights. If you would like to help with setting up or cleaning up, preparing refreshments, posting street closure signs, or any other aspect of this event, please contact Melinda Frederick, program coordinator.

SSL service hours will be available to MCPS students who volunteer for this event.

The NWCA community will be notified via the listserv of any event updates. Donations to defray the costs will be gratefully received at the event or online.

Singers Wanted: Our Tree Singers group performs holiday music at the above event, and we’re always looking for new members. It is a cappella four-part harmony, so some choral experience and music reading skill is helpful. I can give you music in advance. We usually have two rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the event. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me. Thank you! – Julie Lees

2025 Hannukah and Christmas program Download

* Recent historic newspaper research suggests that this year is the 99th anniversary of the first community holiday tree lighting in 1926. Wow, the tradition is much older than we realized!

Photos: Halloween Fall Funfest 2025

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 / Anna White

Before we turn the calendar page from November to December, enjoy some photos of the community event that kicked off the month…

On November 1, 2025, the Linden and North Woodside civic associations came together once again to host a festive neighborhood Halloween celebration filled with fun and seasonal cheer. Families, kids, and pets showed off their costumes in lively parades, while live music set the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of relaxed, community-centered fun, with great food, happy neighbors, and plenty of chill vibes. At a time when togetherness matters more than ever, the event was a great reminder of the importance of the strength that comes from being united and supporting one another. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event and made it a memorable time. — Mona Alzate, NWCA event volunteer

And a gallery of some of the costumed canines (and other furry friends) who attended:

Neighbor to Perform at Urban Winery

November 19, 2025 / Anna White

Jeff Weintraub, a vocalist and guitar player from the North Woodside neighborhood, will be performing at the Urban Winery on Thursday, November 20, from 7 to 9 pm. Joining him will be Jack Gruber on keyboards, Percy White on bass. They will play a wide sampling of jazz, blues and folk tunes.

The Urban Winery is located at 2315 Stewart Ave. in Silver Spring. For more information, go to www.weintraubmusic.com.

Fancy Cakes & Patisserie by Selam Anniversary Celebration

November 18, 2025 / Anna White

Fancy Cakes & Patisserie by Selam invites North Woodside neighbors to a one year anniversary celebration this Sunday, November 23, from 3-7pm. Free drinks and pastries.

Fall 2025 Neighborhood Meet & Greet

November 11, 2025 / Anna White

Join Us for a Neighborhood Meet & Greet!

The NWCA is hosting a casual Meet & Greet for neighbors on Sunday, November 16, from 10:00 am to noon, at the grassy area by the bench at 3rd Ave. and Lanier Dr. It’s a great opportunity to form new connections with neighbors or simply enjoy a relaxed morning outside with friendly faces.

We’ll have free seasonal refreshments, and we also welcome contributions of snacks or drinks if you’d like to bring something. No formal introductions or agendas, just a chance to get to know who’s around. Wear something warm so you can linger and chat comfortably. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact welcome@northwoodsideca.groups.io.

2025 Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk

October 28, 2025November 7, 2025 / Anna White

Begun in 2018, the Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk is an annual family-friendly local community event that weaves together neighborhoods once divided by racial segregation and fittingly takes place during Montgomery County’s Remembrance and Reconciliation Month. All are welcome! Come join us in shining our lights in the darkness, promoting unity over division, remembering the past and taking steps toward a brighter future.

WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 5:00pm.

Gather: 5:00-5:15 pm
Short Program & Lantern Walk: 5:15-6:00 pm
Community Reception: 6:00-7:30 pm

WHERE: Rosemary Hills Elementary School parking lot, just below intersection of Talbot Ave. and Lanier Dr. Address: 2111 Porter Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The route will start and end at the same place, crossing over the new Talbot Avenue Bridge twice and going around the two blocks closest to it, one in North Woodside and one in Lyttonsville. To view the route, click here and scroll down.

BRING: Warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a lantern

RSVP: CLICK HERE

For more detailed event information and updates: see event webpage.

The Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk is organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee and co-sponsored by the Lyttonsville Civic Association, North Woodside Citizens’ Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association.

2025 Lantern-Making Workshop

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 / Anna White

Come one, come all to a lantern-making workshop this weekend! Make a lantern to carry in the 8th Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk* the following weekend.

When: 1:00-4:00pm, Sunday, November 2 (drop by any time)

Where: Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Center
2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, 20910
Come to the Art Room (2nd floor, located to right at top of stairs, across from elevator)

Cost: FREE

For more information, click here.

* The Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk is organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee and cosponsored by the Lyttonsville Civic Association, North Woodside Citizens’ Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association.

Halloween Fall Funfest 2025

October 5, 2025 / Anna White

October is here, and with it comes the coziness of fall and the spookiness of Halloween! We’re excited to announce our neighborhood Halloween Fall Funfest 2025 is coming up!

Similar to last year, North Woodside is teaming up with Linden Civic Association to co-host this event. Everyone is encouraged to dress up, bring a neighbor or a friend, and enjoy the spirit of the season together. Event is rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather. Read on for more info and scroll down for a downloadable flyer.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: November 1, 2025
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Montgomery Hills Park, 2103 Seminary Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910