Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Silver Spring’s favorite pawpaw treats nearly disappeared this season

Coming up on the Silver Spring Patch calendar: Vendor Members Group & the Markets of CRAFTS GALORE!

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Good day Silver Spring! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Silver Spring's favorite pawpaw treats nearly disappeared this season
  • T.J. Maxx leaves Ellsworth Place—what it means for Silver Spring
  • How a Silver Spring company could slash DC's mosquito problem

Also on today's calendar: Vendor Members Group & the Markets of CRAFTS GALORE! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 85 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 88, low: 59. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A morning shower possible, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Pawpaw panic: Regional shortage forces a chef, farmers markets to pivot (bethesdamagazine.com) — A Silver Spring chef and local farmers markets are scrambling after a late-April frost wiped out much of this year's regional pawpaw crop, sharply limiting supplies at the FreshFarm Silver Spring market and others. Farmers lost most of their stone fruit and apples too, prompting more flexible sourcing rules now but raising hopes for a bumper harvest next year.
   

2. T.J. Maxx is closing stores: Updated list of doomed locations for 2026 (fastcompany.com) — Silver Spring shoppers have lost their T.J. Maxx at Ellsworth Place mall, as the chain closed the store after a decade in operation, affecting about 60 employees. While the company frames this and a similar Boston closure as routine real estate adjustments, TJX continues to grow overall, with decades of comparable sales gains nationwide.
   

3. Trump wants to cut DC's mosquito population by 90%. Here's how (newsbreak.com) — A federal push to cut Washington, DC's mosquito population by 90% by 2028 is already drawing on technology from a company based in Silver Spring. This local firm released hundreds of thousands of specially treated male mosquitoes across DC and Maryland properties this summer, using bacteria that prevent offspring from hatching and could significantly reduce biting pests over time.
   

4. Costco Is Opening 33 New Warehouses in 2027—Could One Be Near You? (marthastewart.com) — Silver Spring is on Costco's short list of potential new warehouse locations as the retailer plans 33 openings in 2027, though no site or timeline is confirmed. The company is scouting several U.S. communities while continuing rapid global expansion and deepening its delivery partnership with Uber Eats.
   

📸 Around Silver Spring

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Came across a bunny on Littleton in the Stoneybrook neighborhood and he does not look like he is wild nor does he act it (came straight up to me).
    Posting here in case someone recognizes and can go and tell the owners, if he does indeed belong to someone. (Nextdoor Connecticut Ave)
  • Looking for ONE young, presentable guy to help set up for a kids event this Saturday in the Wheaton area.
    I'll provide a ride, and the pay is $18 an hour. The job is just setting up, then relaxing during the event, and helping break down afterward. The… (Nextdoor Forest Glen North of Beltway)
  • Macy's posted a job opening for Retail Merchandising Support Associate, Wheaton Plaza - Part Time in Silver Spring. Apply here.
  • The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Asset Protection Specialist in Silver Spring. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Silver Spring here.

Ok Silver Spring! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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