Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Burlington secured a $900K permit to build a new store at the former Big Lots on Montgomery Village Avenue.

Construction will begin soon with an expected opening later in 2026 (the Gaithersburg location remains open) (pending final plans).

The first McDonald’s in Montgomery County opened on Jan.

6, 1960 on the 1300 block of Rockville Pike near Best Buy and still operates today; it began as a simple hamburger stand and shifted to a family-style restaurant in the mid-70s.

Montgomery Parks is hosting Black History Month events featuring free African American history booklets at Josiah Henson Museum and Park, a virtual History Book Club on Feb.

11, a family day on Feb. 14, a Jubilee Voices concert on Feb. 15, and a wood and wine event on Feb. 28.

Montgomery County native Chris Van Dusen, who attended Daly Elementary and Watkins Mill High, sees his series Bridgerton top Netflix after the fourth season’s first part premiered on Jan.

29. The period drama with modern flair will release part two on Feb. 26.

Montgomery County Public Schools were closed last week because of heavy snow and will have a two-hour delay on Monday, Feb.2 as cleanup continues+ meteorologist Amelia Draper warned lingering cold may cause further delays despite no new snow being forecast.

Resin Art Heart Dishes Workshop

6:30-8 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Ticket required — Create four heart-shaped trinket dishes in a beginner-friendly resin art workshop just in time for Valentine's Day.

Make Your Own Felted Yetis

6:30-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — $39 each or Buy 3, Get 1 Free — Unwind with a cozy craft night and create adorable felted yetis for Valentine's Day.

Needle-Felted Doughnut Magnets Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Locally Crafted Workshop — Cost varies — Craft cute, calorie-free doughnut magnets with wool and needle-felting techniques.

Women in STEM Celebration

1-3 p.m. — Casey Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the contributions of women in STEM with hands-on activities and inspiring discussions.

MINTD Card Show Lunar New Year

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center — Free entry for children 12 & under — Celebrate Lunar New Year with Pokémon & TCG vendors, Gym Challenges, and family activities.

Galentine's Night Celebration

6-8 p.m. — The Retreat at Crown — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with engaging speakers, shopping, live music, and light bites with bubbles.

International Gem & Jewelry Show

12 PM – 5 PM — Montgomery County Fairgrounds — Registration required — Discover an array of exquisite gems and jewelry for wholesale buyers.

Yoga Thai Massage

9-10 a.m. — lululemon — Free entry — Learn a rejuvenating Yoga Thai Massage routine with a partner on Valentine's Day.

Soft & Slow: A Self-Love Winter Frolic

1:30-3 p.m. — Bohrer Park — Free entry — Experience a serene winter silent disco focused on self-love and gentle movement.

Build a Candy Machine Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Kidcreate Studio - Rockville — Registration required — Young inventors create their own candy machines for a sweet treat experience.