Local News and Events

My good AR friend, Kathy Streib wrote a great article about water safety for swimmers!  If you have a couple minutes...take a look at it below and pay attention if you have anyone near the water!!Water of any kind...rivers, lakes, ocean, pool, tub, irrigation canals, and so many more places to be diligent!Kathy is a great resource to follow as she is incredibly knowledgeable and writes great blogs...as well as sharing other great blogs every week!  Check her out!I wish a safe Summer for All!   Enjoy life and Have Fun!  Mike Summer Water Safety   It is the beginning of June, and already 22 children have drowned in the state of Texas.  That is 22 too many! Whether you and your family will be near a pool, lake, the beach, or a river, you need to know and practice water safety. *NEVER LET A... 06/20/2025

Sun City Texas Community Wide Open HousesSaturday June 21, 2025Rugg Realty will be there!Call Blaine Brownlow for details 512-635-5118.Your next home could be right here! 06/20/2025

Sorry but the first day of Summer is always depressing to me. We have hardly started our growing season here yet I know starting tomorrow the amount of daylight we receive will start shrinking.Timmothy's love of rhyme comes through with this cartoon. This is an example of a couplet type of rhyme.I have yet to even get out and camp this year. I love to camp but a wrench was thrown into the works this year with many campsites being closed due to lack of staffing.On the positive side our yard is looking better than it has for years as well as our garden. I hope to make up for the lack of camping in the next two months as we find other spots to park the camper. Finding new spots may be a fun challenge and I look forward to it.  06/19/2025

Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the long journey toward freedom in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free.This day, now recognized as a federal holiday, marks more than just the end of slavery in Texas, it represents a national turning point and a celebration of hope, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality.Juneteenth invites us all to reflect on the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the struggles that persist, and honor the generations who fought tirelessly for justice.May today be a meaningful day of remembrance, learning, and unity.   06/19/2025

National Pollinator WeekFrom buzzing bees to flitting butterflies to the ruby-throated hummingbird, over 80% of flowering plants rely on pollinators and we're home to hundreds of them! Plant native, ditch pesticides and bee a friend to pollinators https://ow.ly/1QXk50WbOyJIt’s National Pollinator Week!This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Tulips, Longwood Gardens Photowalk,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4445Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 06/19/2025

🌷🌞🌻WELCOME SUMMER THINGS TO DO AROUND WESTPORT, FALL RIVER, MA & TIVERTON, RI HOME TIPS & MORE! *FREE CONCERTS * CAR SHOW * RIVER DAY *BEACH INFO * FARMERS MARKETS * FARM STANDS  * SPLASH PADS * AND MORE!https://www.safeharborrealty.net/blog/14209/welcome-summer-things-to-do-around-westport-ma-home-tips-and-more  Safe Harbor Realty is a family owned & operated real estate agency in Westport, MA. We have been trusted by Westport, and the surrounding communities with their real estate needs since 2003. Helping Guide Home Sellers and Home Buyers in MA & RI navigate the complex & ever changing real estate market. If you are in need of real estate advice contact Safe Harbor Realty today for expert real estate guidance. We ♥️to help our friends, neighbors and community. Thank youEasy contact ... 06/18/2025

Staying Safe At Home With luck and statistics on our side, most of us will not have to endure a hurricane, fire, tornado, earthquake, or other natural disaster.  Earlier in the month, I wrote about the beginning of Hurricane Season and the importance of being prepared. However, if you are ever forced to shelter in place for more than a day, here are some suggestions for what to have at home as well as preparations to make..  FIRST AID AND PERSONAL MEDICATIONSHopefully, you always have a First Aid Kit at home with antiseptic and bandages. If anyone in the home has prescription medicine, make sure you’re not down to your last pill. Don’t forget your glasses and extra contacts.THE BASICSFlashlights and batteriesLanternsPaper goods…toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, paper plates, and fork... 06/19/2025

Concerts start at 7:30 PM (*one event starts at 10 AM)Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.Arrive early with a picnic dinner and make an evening of it under the sky!Refreshments and snacks are sold at the park.This week's line up:Wednesday 7:30 PM June 18 - Jimmy & the ParrotsThursday 7:30 PM June 19 - Philly Gumbo*Friday 10 AM June 20 - Steve Pullara & Cool BeansSaturday 7:30 PM June 21 - Three FourteenSunday 7:30 PM June 22 - Chico's Vibe                (open links for more details) All concerts are scheduled for one time only with no rain date.Cancelled due to rain?  Call 610-891-4455 for recorded message.GPS 1671 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063For more information 610-891-4455 or open this link  Rose Tree ParkThank you to the many generous sponsors who make these FREE concerts p... 06/18/2025

This Week in The Villages, Amy Alicea, Town of Lady LakeI had a great time interviewing Amy and learning all the Town of Lady Lake has planned to celebrate on June 28th.  Adding a shuttle bus from the sports complex on Rolling Acres Road to the event really makes it convenient to enjoy the festivities at the library area.  In years past we just went to view the fireworks from the driving range on Rolling Acres Road but now maybe catch the bus and enjoy everything else they have to offer.If you enjoy fireworks you have plenty of options, June 28th Lady Lake, July 3rd Wildwood, and Leesburg’s fireworks are on July 4th.  I will be providing more information on those two events soon.Any Questions here is Amy’s contact information, she is a joy to speak with:Amy AliceaEvent CoordinatorTown o... 06/19/2025

Coming Soon in Chimney HeightsRemodeled Move-In Ready HomeLisa McDonald, REALTOR® 203-733-1613Coming Soon! Available to preview Friday, June 20th. Stay tuned for professional photos and open house announcements.  This beautifully remodeled home in sought after Chimney Heights checks every box. Offering the perfect blend of modern upgrades, timeless finishes and a location buyers love. Featuring an open concept layout, stunning kitchen with center island, and a beautifully upgraded dual vanity bath with tub and private primary access, from the quartz countertops to the bluestone walkway, every inch has been thoughtfully redesigned. Just unpack and enjoy. Highlights include: Two-Zone High Efficiency Central Air Mud/Laundry Room 1 Car Garage New Siding, Windows, Gutters, Deck, Walkway Stor... 06/18/2025

…And Walk Where You Watch! You know the old saying…Watch where you walk and walk where you watch!The weather is warmer, and that means snakes are out. We’ve seen 2 copperheads at Kickerillo in as many weeks and a coral snake at another park. This is why it’s so important to watch where you walk…even on a paved walking trail. One morning, this little guy was on the path. You couldn’t miss him…unless you weren’t watching.  As it turns out, a young woman was walking her dog and looking at her device. She or her dog came this close to stepping on the snake. Everyone started shouting at her, and thankfully, she looked up in time to take a wide berth. We saw the coral snake (below) on the path. It was easy to see, but watch as it disappears in the grass.                                    Don... 06/18/2025

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for JuneteenthThe Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of "Juneteenth" on Thursday, June 19.Schedule changes for the holiday celebrating Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19: County offices—Closed. MC 311— Closed. State offices and courts—Closed. State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed. Libraries— Closed. Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Department of Permitting Services—Closed. Ride On, Ride On Flex and Ride On extRa—will operate on holiday schedule Flash—Will operate on holiday schedule for the Orange Route. The Blue Route will not be in service. MARC Train—R" schedu... 06/17/2025

Gaithersburg Juneteenth Holiday ScheduleIn observance of Juneteenth, City offices and most facilities will be closed on Thursday, June 19, with the exception of the following:The Mini Golf Course will be open 11am-8pmThe Water Park will be open 11am to 7pmFor more info visit: https://gburg.md/3FzHXPc Tulips, Longwood Gardens Photowalk,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4434Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 06/17/2025

 Honored to Meet Coach Larry Vickers—AU Women’s Basketball Just Got Even Stronger I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Larry Vickers today at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce—what a privilege! As Auburn University’s new head women’s basketball coach, his vision and energy are already making waves here in the Plains.A Proven Champion with a “Dialed” Mindset From July 2016–2025, Vickers led Norfolk State to a 177–99 record, including three straight MEAC Tournament titles and four regular-season championships facebook.comauburn.rivals.com+9auburntigers.com+9nsuspartans.com+9. He’s been a standout player, a respected assistant, then an award-winning head coach, including three MEAC Coach of the Year honors auburn.rivals.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4theplainsman.com+4. His “Dialed” Program: Hard Wor... 06/17/2025

I'd like to say "Easy Come - Easy Go" but those points did not come easy. The fact is I still work hard on collecting them every day.While it would be totally fun to spend them on myself I'm going to spend them on something a little more noble than myself.I don't know what it costs but being this is fantasy anyway I'd like to spend my points to purchase addiction counseling for someone/anyone I've helped through my jail ministry. Since I created "The Noodle Ministry" in 2019 my eyes have been opened to the large number of people who have become dependant on drugs even in a community as small as Minot ND.If my points could free one person from drug addiction it would be well worth it.The Noodle Ministry came about due to my friendship with a tiny little gal who would drop off her son at ... 06/17/2025

Kalamazoo’s Ableist Urban Planning: A Marxist Path to Disorder and ExclusionKalamazoo, Michigan, is unraveling under a wave of progressive policies that critics argue reflect Marxist principles of centralized control and deliberate chaos. At the heart of this transformation is a blatant ableism embedded in urban planning, where the needs of the disabled are sacrificed for ideological agendas like bike lanes. Coupled with the elimination of accessible public comment formats, a pro-criminal ordinance granting offenders protected class status, decriminalized public misbehavior, and a flood of marijuana businesses, the Democrat-led city commission is fostering a lawless, exclusionary environment. These policies alienate the disabled, normalize crime, and leave residents feeling unsafe, all ... 06/17/2025

This article provided by Kindal Glasgow, Realtor a member of The Betts Team We recently had company in town and wanted to treat them to something a little different from what we typically enjoy inside The Villages.  Since they love nature and hunting, we thought it would be fun to venture “outside the bubble” for a day of adventure and found the perfect spot! About 40 minutes from the northern part of The Villages, tucked away in Inverness, Florida, is The COVE Resort and Pub, a laid-back spot walking distance to the water with a great vibe.  They partner with All American Airboat Tours, which depart right from their property and offer a thrilling way to experience Florida’s natural side.  Tour options range from one hour to half-day, full-day, evening, and even bar-hopping excursions! ... 06/19/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. DFW suburbs Flower Mound, Mansfield, Frisco, and McKinney rank in the top 40.Flower Mound TX ranks number 14 in the Best Places to Live and number 8 in the Best Small Cities to Live. Mansfield TX comes in ranked at number 27 in the Best Places to Live and number 19 in the Best Small Cities to Live list. Frisco TX comes in ranked at number 30 in the Best Places to Live and number 10 in the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live. McKinney TX comes in at number 37 on the main list and number 11 among the medium-sized cities.Want to find homes for sale in these Dallas Fort Worth suburban cities? You can start your search on our website. 06/16/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. Not surprisingly, 2 of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina made the top 10.Apex NC ranks number 7 on the list. Cary NC ranks number 5 on the list. Both are suburbs located in the Triangle area of the state. Both rank with scores of 6.9 out of 7.Apex also ranks number 2 in the Best Small Cities to Live, behind Johns Creek GA. Cary NC also ranks number 4 in the 15 Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in.Want to find homes for sale in Apex? We can help you in your search. We can also help you find homes for sale in Cary. 06/16/2025

  There is an animal of sort loose in Wisconsin and it has some pretty scared. This beast is known as the  Beast of Bray Road (or the Bray Road Beast) and this creature is a cryptozoological creature and was first reported in the 1980s on a rural road outside of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. These same sightings have been seen well beyond the initial location, to any unknown creature from southern Wisconsin  Bray Road itself is a quiet country road near the community of Elkhorn. This animal or beast respectively called the  Beast of Bray Road is described by purported witnesses in several ways: as a bearlike creature, as a hairy biped resembling Bigfoot, and as an unusually large (2-4 feet tall on all fours, 7 feet tall standing up) intelligent wolf like creature apt to walk on its hind legs and ... 06/16/2025