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Hey Hagerstown, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Outdoor movies, Star Wars casual meet up, and Brenda Thiam’s election bid + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New challenger enters race: After Hagerstown councilmember Sean Flaherty withdrew, Republicans tapped former delegate Brenda Thiam for District 2B. She will face incumbent Democrat Matt Schindler November 3, 2026, with early voting Oct. 22–29 -- read the full story.
Summer concerts in storied spaces: GreenSpring Music Festival will bring free concerts to Thurmont August 9–15, transforming historic churches and featuring 13 Festival Fellows with artists like Alexander Kordzaia, Colin Davin, and violinist Rachel Zhao -- see the full festival lineup.
State spending plans ahead: Maryland will host a virtual town hall on opioid settlement spending for Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties August 6 at 5:30 p.m. Residents can register in advance -- register and get the details.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Croffles and coffee magic: Delisha Bakery Cafe is turning weekday slumps into small celebrations with croissant-waffle mashups (hello, apple pie and Biscoff), fresh-baked gourmet cookies, and playful lattes like cherry blossom, blue butterfly pea, and pandan. Vegan-friendly picks, too... treat yourself this week.
Comfort food, zero fuss: When you want a laid-back pub night without the scene, The Cottage Pub & Restaurant just up the road in Chambersburg delivers classic no-nonsense eats and a chill neighborhood vibe. Keep dinner easy this week with online ordering or slide in for a casual catch-up that feels like your go-to spot should.
Hair worth a double-take: When you want length and fullness without the fuss, Elevations Beauty Bar is all about expert hair extensions and polished, healthy-looking styles. It’s by appointment, so consider this your nudge to grab a spot and roll into the week feeling put together.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🃏 Star Wars: Unlimited Casual Meet Up @ Fenris Gaming | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:00 PM – This weekly Star Wars: Unlimited meetup at Fenris Gaming is the low-stress shuffle you need, with free entry, friendly tables, and easy trading. Rookie Rebel or seasoned Imperial, you’ll get patient opponents, dry banter, and an excuse to stay out past the droids’ bedtime.
🎬 Outdoor Movies @ City Park | Friday (8/7) at 7:00 PM – Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, or your patience for band shell benches, and catch free outdoor movies at the City Park Band Shell, pre-show activities, and films at dusk. Expect kid-friendly hits, a Ferris Bueller nostalgia fix, concessions, stars, and easygoing Hagerstown vibes.
🚗 Cruise In @ Oak Ridge Family Restaurant | Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 AM – Swing by Oak Ridge for a laid-back cruise in where every make and model gets equal parking glory, and the coffee never judges. No charge, weather permitting, and the full menu runs all day, so breakfast for lunch, lunch for breakfast, your call.
👕 Community Closet @ Alice Virginia & David W. Fletcher Branch | Sunday (8/9) at 1:30 PM – Echoes of Tomorrow is stocking the second floor atrium, right by the stairs you always overshoot, with free hygiene essentials, baby supplies, food, and more. First come, first served, while supplies last, so arrive with tote bags, patience, and your best neighborly smile.
🚗 Car Show @ American Legion | Saturday (8/29) at 9:00 AM – Kick tires for a good cause at a family friendly car show benefiting veterans at the VA hospital and America’s VetDogs. Free for spectators, door prizes, a 50/50, and food and drinks for purchase, plus chrome, neighborly chatter, and stories about when gas was cheap.
🌙 Garden Night at the Museum @ Washington County Museum of Fine Arts | Friday (9/25) at 5:00 PM – Live swing in the Kaylor Rose Garden at the museum, a picnic, and the Silver Belles with the Silver Tones, that is a summer evening done right. Free Garden Night, so bring a blanket, chair, and snacks, then bounce between music outside and art inside.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Hagerstown report Weather forecastToday — High: 86°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind 1 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 52%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis like-new 4-bedroom home in Paradise Heights pairs modern ease with fresh, turn-key style on a spacious 0.53-acre fenced corner lot. Sunlit living spaces, a stainless steel and granite kitchen, and a bright family room set the tone. Upstairs, the primary suite shines with marble tile, a deep soaker tub, and a walk-in closet, while the walk-up basement waits for finishing touches.
Take a peek inside → |
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