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Hey Germantown, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Costco anchoring a $2.8B project, Eid Mela shopping and henna, and a gem and fossil show + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Germantown protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Landmark financing paves way: Costco has signed on as the first anchor for VIVA White Oak in Silver Spring, a $2.8 billion project bringing housing, retail, and life science space to Montgomery County — get all the details.

Daytime disruptions for drivers: State Highway Administration crews will resurface, pave, and restripe multiple Montgomery County roads, bringing off-peak lane closures from 7am to 3pm. Work is expected to wrap up by mid-summer — get all the details.

Inspiring evening of art: Frederick is honoring female artists this Women’s History Month with performances and gallery shows spotlighting women in the arts, a short drive from Germantown, celebrating trailblazers who paved the way — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate Eid with shopping and henna
• Preschoolers build kindergarten readiness through play
• Explore the gem, mineral, and fossil show

🫶 We got your back

Your lunch MVP: At Sisters Sandwiches and Such, weekday lunches stay simple and satisfying, with crafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and the occasional sweet treat. Expect veggie-friendly options, easy online ordering, and catering for those office-hero moments… without overcomplicating your day.

Fresh-air micro-escape: Slip over to Germantown Town Center Urban Park for a quick nature reset with loop trails, boardwalks, and wetland views by the library and BlackRock Center for the Arts. Pack a snack, meet a friend, or lap the lawn and call it cardio. Simple, close, and mood-lifting.

Playtime upgrade, anyone? From puzzles and science kits to Jellycat plush and beautifully crafted wooden toys, Dancing Bear Toys keeps shelves fresh and gift wrap simple, turning last-minute birthdays into wins. Aisles brim with unplugged play that still rules, making rainy-day boredom vanish with finds that spark curiosity and smiles.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

📄 Free Tax Preparation @ Germantown Library | Tuesday (3/10) at 12:00 PM – Tax season is back, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has you covered. Free prep for seniors and folks with low to moderate income, February 9 to April 14, 2026. Bring your forms, your questions, and that shoebox of receipts you pretend is a filing system.

🤝 Teen Advisory Board Student Volunteer Hour @ Germantown Library | Thursday (3/12) at 3:30 PM – Got a teen, ages 13 to 18, chasing SSL hours? Send them to the library’s Teen Advisory Board to help staff with projects and program prep. One SSL hour per meeting, chances for more, and you get a blessedly quiet pickup.

✂ FamilySearch Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony @ Seneca Maryland Stake Latter-Day Saints | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Swing by the newly reopened FamilySearch Center in Seneca for a ribbon cutting, a short program, tours, and light refreshments. This free spot for genealogy sleuthing is ideal for confirming Grandma’s rumors, or figuring out why three cousins share the same chin.

🕌 Eid Mela 2026 @ Holiday Inn Gaithersburg | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – Bring the family to an Eid Mela packed with vibrant clothes, cozy shawls, sparkle-heavy jewelry, henna that actually lasts, and food you’ll swear tastes like home. Free entry, free parking, fewer excuses. Vendors, grab a table and call Ashaq Wani at 240-478-7420.

☘ Drop In Weekend: St. Patrick’s Day @ Gaithersburg Community Museum | Sunday (3/15) at 11:30 AM – St. Patrick’s Day is popping up at the Gaithersburg Community Museum with drop-in crafts and easy, self-guided activities. No reservations, no chaos, just free admission, green supplies, and a low-key way to entertain kids, grandkids, or your inner crafter without glitter regret.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Germantown report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 76°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 7%

Sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 1 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 2 to 6 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 51%

A chance of rain showers after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 2 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Maryland but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

This 4-bed, 3.5-bath Germantown charmer pairs a front porch with an open flow. An updated kitchen overlooks the fenced backyard and deck, and the main level adds laundry, half bath, and garage entry. Upstairs, the vaulted primary suite has an ensuite and walk-in. A finished walk-out lower level expands options. New roof, garage insulation, serviced AC, parks and I-270 nearby.

Take a peek inside →