Welcome to this special edition of the Montgomery Extra, a comprehensive guide to our community. It includes important information on how to get around the area, where to shop, how to contact elected officials and where to go when you need help or you want to help.
   The Guide will be updated as new information becomes available and we welcome your feedback. E-mail TheGuide@washpost.com or call 202-334-4548. More information about this guide is in our editor's note.

Essay
In many ways, Montgomery is a tale of two counties. To see the real county, you have to travel around a bit, ready to enjoy the old and new.
Jay Mathews: Schools
When picking a school, there's often more than one right answer.
Real Estate
Home buyers should prepare to pay more for coveted close-in neighborhoods.
Where to Eat   |   You Haven't Lived Here if You Haven't...
John Kelly's Washington
Meet the people behind a few local spans.
Sports
Baseball has returned to the area. How will the Nationals stack up?

Graphic
Scenes and Sites
Washington's suburban communities are home to a wealth of nationally known attractions.
Traffic
Learn the language of area traffic.

    County Officials
    Municipalities
    Public Safety
    State Senate
    Congress
    School Boards
    School System Phone Numbers
    School System Officials
    Business Organizations
    Child Care
    Civic Organizations
    Hotlines
    Seniors
    Trash and Recycling
    Utilities
    Volunteers
    Arts
    Community Events
    Farmers Markets
    Libraries
    Museums and Historic Sites
    Shopping Centers
    Sports and Recreation
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