Local News and Events

 Get ready to unwrap the magic and experience the holiday cheer like never before! Auburn, Alabama, is transforming into a winter wonderland, and there is a sleigh-full of Christmas events lined up to make your season merry and bright. Step into a world adorned with twinkling lights, where the spirit of Christmas dances through the air. The heart of Auburn is beating with festive joy, and you’re invited to join in the celebration.  Imagine strolling down festively adorned streets, with the aroma of hot cocoa wafting through the crisp winter air. Feel the thrill as the community comes together for joyful parades, dazzling light displays, and heartwarming performances that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.But that’s not all – Santa’s making a special stop in Auburn, ... 11/18/2023

Yesterday I went to Canter's, a well know Jewish Deli in Los Angeles.  Just to be clear, when I am near it, and conducting Real Estate I make it my time to stop and get some delicatessen or desert and have been doing it for the past 26+ years. A little history, The Canter family originally opened a deli in Jersey City, N.J in 1924 and came to California after World War Two around 1948.  Since the Fairfax District of West Hollywood has been predominantly consisting of a larger Jewish population, they decided to move and open a Deli there.Then after their success they expanded and moved to a better location and added a restaurant. If you ever wanted a perfect Matzo Ball Soup, take my word Canter's is the place.The sad part is what is going on in Israel today, it had a negative effect here... 11/17/2023

SAN MARTINBattaglia Ranch Christmas Tree Farm: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18-22, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 24-Dec. 17 and 9 a.m.-5 pm. Dec. 18-21 at 13580 Murphy Ave. Cut your own Leyland cypress, Monterey pine or Monterey cypress, or choose among the pre-cut Nordmann, Noble, Douglas and Fraser firs. On your way out, stop by the festive holiday gift and wreath shop. Choose-and-cut trees are $69.95. Pre-cut trees are individually priced. battagliaranch.comLOS GATOSPatchen California Christmas Tree Farms: Patchen runs two tree farms, including Old Town Farm, which is typically open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends Nov. 18 through Dec. 24 at 2217 Old Santa Cruz Highway. Patchen’s Rancho tree farm will operate during the same hours from Nov. 24 through Dec. 2... 11/17/2023

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24. County offices—Closed Thanksgiving Day. MC 311—Closed Thanksgiving Day. State offices and courts—Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 24. State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed Thanksgiving Day. Libraries— Closed Thanksgiving Day. Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores closed on Thanksgiving Day. Open regular hours (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) on Friday, Nov. 24. Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including the customer service lobby, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Offices will be open 7:30 a.m.-... 11/20/2023

Erma Louise Bombeck was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper column that described suburban home life from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s. Bombeck also published 15 books, most of which became bestsellers. From 1965 to 1996, Erma Bombeck wrote over 4,000 newspaper columns, using broad and sometimes eloquent humor, chronicling the ordinary life of a midwestern suburban housewife. By the 1970s, her columns were read twice-weekly by 30 million readers of the 900 newspapers in the U.S. and Canada Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are blessed to have our Texas son and the family in town today.To end the post, here is something as a child I tuned the AM radio to hear this Arlo Guthro goodie every Thanksgiving. Bill and Pam  YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLE... 11/23/2023

  Photographers!  Look at this great historic picture.  It shows probably all of the employees of Wood Freeman Lumber in Searcy AR.  On the trucks it gives the phone number as 446, Searcy and looks as if E. W. 's was 3200 and O. W. 's was 5000.  Last names must be provided by Searcy Sleuths.  See why I love photographers!Artists!  Look at this beautiful Phyllis Alexander print!  A little girl with her loving pet.  "The little dog laughed to see such sport" is written at the bottom.  Phyllis Alexander is one of Searcy's best artists and painted so many portraits of children in Searcy.  This one is reportedly one of her daughters.Collectors!!  Terry Williams, another one of Searcy's best artists, also collects!  He has been collecting for years and years and this weekend folks are invited... 11/17/2023

Holiday Giving: Thanksgiving Treat BagsThe Gaithersburg Holiday Giving program distributes over 400 Thanksgiving treat bags every November made by our partners at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church /w the help of generous donors, like you! Interested in donating? Visit https://gburg.md/holidaygiving to learn how!This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement.For more than a quarter century, the City of Gaithersburg and its generous partners have served an average of 600 families a year for both the Thanksgiving and December holidays through its Holiday Giving Program. This year, staff anticipate serving more than 500 families in November and more than 600 families and 1,300 children in December. The Holiday Giving Program needs the communities help to ensure we can adequately serve ou... 11/19/2023

Hey everyone! I’m back with another gem from Utah that you absolutely have to know about  — Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove!This place is not just a park; it’s a whole new world that’s just a short drive from Provo. And let me tell you, it’s the kind of adventure that sticks with you.Last time I visited Evermore, it was like stepping straight into a fantasy novel. Picture a land where knights, elves, and dragons aren’t just in books or movies, but right there in front of you. It’s a blend of Renaissance fair, theme park, and live-action role-playing, all rolled into one incredible experience.Evermore is a place where every corner tells a story. You’ve got the old European village, the mystical gardens, and the spooky haunted woods. But it’s not just about looking around — you get to be ... 11/19/2023

Lucky me! I had a window seat on a Chartered Bus and saw this amazing architectural art on the wall of a building near the UNT Dallas College of Law. The three-dimensional historical artistic representation was designed to pop off the building to get your attention! Why this post on Friday? Because Friday is Why Day. When it comes to learning, I am always interested in exploring eye-popping learning opportunities!Upon arrival at the UT Dallas College of Law Center I had to sit on the bus with everyone else to wait for security clearance to enter the building. The architectural features could easily be appreciated with its symetrical front facade, columns, dentils, cornice, and the architect's attention to details. A trip to the UNT Dallas College of Law Center is a privilege. Attending ... 11/17/2023

The holiday season is a busy time of the year here in The Villages and one of the unique events is the annual SantaCon Pub Crawl held at Brownwood Paddock Square.  The event kicks off at 3:00 pm on Thursday December 14th at City Fire and continues in Brownwood until 5:30.  Next the 200 lucky people who were able to buy tickets to the dinner dance at Belle Glade Country Club head there for more fun, the dinner dance is sold out.  I wrote about the event last year and the pictures on their official Facebook page were amazing.  The pub crawl is free and open to everyone and if like last year the square will be packed with Santa’s, elves, Grinch’s and famous characters from movies and other Christmas stories.  Patrinas a well know entertainer here in The Villages will provide the entertainm... 11/17/2023

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate Thanksgiving lunch, hosted with warmth and charm by Traci West and Marion Farinella, was an absolute delight, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a fantastic time. The event was a perfect blend of gratitude and camaraderie, as colleagues came together to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving. The sumptuous feast was complemented by the joyous atmosphere, where laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly. Traci and Marion's impeccable hosting skills ensured that every guest felt welcome and appreciated. As plates were filled with delectable dishes, bonds were strengthened, making the occasion not only a feast for the palate but also for the soul. Grateful for these moments, attendees couldn't help but acknowledge the outs... 11/17/2023

I am so grateful for my clients who allowed me to get this award. As most of you know I am a workaholic. When I am not working, then I am cooking or shopping for the next meal and when I am not cooking then I am on Active Rain.Thank you Debe Maxwell, CRS  to inspire me to write a gratefulness post. As I mentioned I could be writing these posts every day. Now with that said, I received an email from our Office, and they wanted to Congratulate me for a job well done.Well in all fairness I seldom go in the office and when we have meetings I do it on Zoom. At least that is how it has been for the past three plus years thanks to the Pandemic Shutdown. I have not been to the awards ceremony gatherings now or for the past three years. Keep in mind I get awards every year. There are a few other... 11/16/2023

Lynbrook High School's Annual Holiday Craft Faire is on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm (rain or shine). A tradition for over 40 years, the Faire features over 100 vendors of handmade goods for purchase. The Faire happens in the Gym and Quad of Lynbrook High School, located at 1280 Johnson Avenue in San Jose, Calif. Lynbrook High School is part of the award-winning Fremont Union High School District, commonly referred to as one of "the Cupertino Schools".        All items for sale are handcrafted, often by students, homeowners, parents and family members in San Jose, Cupertino and Saratoga. From hand-crocheted dolls to homemade ornaments to Russian nesting dolls, shoppers can find gifts for people on their Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa list at the Lynbrook Craft Fa... 11/16/2023

Local Event: Christmas Tree LightingFarmville VA 2023Photo from visitfarmville.comLocation: Downtown Farmville PlazaTime: 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM (Tree lighting at 6)It's that time of year to begin decorating (if you haven't already) for Christmas. This year the town of Farmville, VA will be kicking off the season with their annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday Nov 19th at 6pm. This event is FREE, extremely family friendly, offers live music and more. Brought to the community by the Farmville Downtown Partnership and the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce. For more details visit: https://visitfarmville.com/event/holiday-tree-lighting/. Looking to have a new place for Christmas?Let State Wide Realty Co help you find just the right one to put your tree in bycalling 434-392-6163 or visit www... 11/16/2023

Rockville Town Square Holiday Tree LightingFriday, Dec. 1 from 6-8:30 p.m.Rockville Town Square Gather together as Rockville Town Square lights its 2023 holiday tree to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy ice skating, grab dinner at local restaurants, shop small businesses, listen to live music and meet Santa.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Rockville, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 2796Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 11/30/2023

Coldwell Banker Howard County Helping OthersThe Howard County Regional Office of Coldwell Banker is helping those less fortunate than us during this holiday season.We are collecting clean coats in good condition for those less fortunate than ourselves as well as hats, scarves, and mittens.  Please bring your new or used, laundered coat or accessory to our office during office hours.  We are located at 6031 University Blvd, Suite 100 in Columbia, MD.We are also collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items (baby, toddler, adult diapers, feminine hygiene products), and pet food for the Howard and Baltimore County food banks.Our office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.  Please help those less fortunate than we are.This winter is supposed to be severe, let's help th... 11/16/2023

Gaithersburg Farmers Market in Kentlands, Sat., Nov. 25 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!     CASEY FARMERS MARKET 810 South Frederick Ave   OPEN MAY - NOVEMBER Thursdays 11 AM - 2:30 PM ____________   CURRENT CASEY MARKET VENDORS   SEE OUR FULL SCHEDULE OF FOOD TRUCKS HERE!   MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET 301 Main Street   OPEN YEAR-ROUND Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM ____________   CURRENT MAIN STREET MARKET VENDORS   SEE OUR FULL SCHEDULE OF ARTISTS & CRAFTERS HERE!   Bdot Breakfast: Savory and sweet breakfast food favorites.   Blended Desserts: Fresh treats baked without gluten or sugar!   Crepes d'Or: French-inspired prepared food and desserts.   Julie Gross Paintings: Original paintings, prints, and wearable art.   Just Pralines: All-natural honey-roasted nuts.   Kentlands Community Foundation: Learn a... 11/22/2023

GOT PUMPKINS YOU WANT TO DISPOSE OF?   Many of us have pumpkins we've been using for fall decorations around our homes that we are ready to dispose of. BUT, did you know that if you throw your left-over pumpkins into the trash when they end up in landfills and decompose they turn into methane, which is a harmful greenhouse gas?   “The pumpkin lies yellow, beneath the cold skies, it’s luscious and mellow, and ready for pies.”  ... Walt Mason, The Pumpkin   So if you have left-over pumpkins you want to dispose of, do it responsibly. Here are some ideas on how to do it:   Cook or bake them. Pumpkins can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pies, cookies, muffins, bread, soups, and stews. You can also roast or grill pumpkin.   Check out 56 pumpkin recipes. Donate pumpkins to farms to fe... 11/21/2023

Rockville Civic Ballet Presents 'The Nutcracker'Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Join Clara on her magical journey as the Rockville Civic Ballet, under the direction of Eleanor Simpson and Erin Kwong, performs this holiday classic.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Rockville, Maryland announcement. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2734Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 11/29/2023

Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation is seeking County high school students to serve as "Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors." The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are being accepted through Friday, Dec. 15.  Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply here.The program supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, whose goal is to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths.Students selected to be a youth ambassador are required to commit to the program that teaches them different aspects of Vision... 11/22/2023