Local News and Events

 Originally known as Decoration Day, it was a day that organized women’s groups left flowers on the graves of our soldiers who valiantly served Our Country. In 1971 this day was changed to Memorial Day and a day we honor and remember our fallen American soldiers. Take a few minutes to reach out to our servicemen and women to thank them for their sacrifices that are real and permanent.    God Bless America! This also is the unofficial start of the summer!  05/26/2025

🌵Events in the East Valley ~ 6-2-25 ☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian H2O Fest 2025This family-friendly water fest features playful water obstacles, food trucks, music and more! 3 sessions will be held to ensure optimal slide time for each participant. Participants are encouraged to wear swim shoes, bathing suits or clothing that can get wet!  To learn more about this event, click HERE. I specialize in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area - Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Apache Junction, and Gold Canyon☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian 06/02/2025

THE TOPIC OF PLASTICS & FOODThe topic of plastic is interesting. Now that RFK is the 2025 Voice for Health and Safety, it will be interesting to see how life changes because of eliminations to our food and diet. The problem with plastics is plastic is in everything! From the grocery stores, food packages, straws, containers, and even certain tea bags are made of plastic! Plastics have been found inside birds and other animals. It washes up to shore at the beach. And now we are learning when autopsies are done, there is plastic inside the human body!The first time I was introduced to plastics was when I was a teenager. A Recruiter set up an appointment for me to go on an interview in Downtown, Chicago to apply for a job. I applied and got a job at a Plastics Products Corporation. I was i... 05/26/2025

Memorial Day 2025   Remember I hope everyone has a great summerDavid HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com 05/25/2025

What a wonderful weekend!The Flathead Valley Exchange Club's 2025 Field of Honor® is winding down, but there is still time to honor a loved one with a flying American flag.Monday at 1pm the 2025 event will end, and the 1,000 flags that are flying for personal heroes, will be taken down, folded, and put away for the next year.To all those who made a point of coming to visit the field this year, thank you!To the romantic gentleman who came to the Field today and told us about how he gave his wife a red sports car on Valentine's Day, when she was dealing with serious cancer... a sports car filled with roses, thank you. And for your sharing about your comrades who all died in Vietnam within the first three months of service, 18 and 19 year olds, we appreciate you and your service members. T... 05/25/2025

This was a significant Memorial Day weekend in Newport, Rhode Island. Our friends invited my wife, Melissa, and me to take a road trip to Newport for the weekend. On Sunday, we rented e-bikes to ride around the area. The bike shop manager suggested we stop by Fort Adams, one of the oldest forts in the United States, to see Boot on the Ground. Upon arriving at Fort Adams State Park, we found the Fort and were unsure what to expect.  Entering through the main entrance was an awe-inspiring sight with thousands of American Flags in Boots on the Ground representing service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the global war on terror since 9 -11.   The boots are organized by State in alphabetical order, each representing a U.S. service member killed in action. Each boot is adorned with... 05/26/2025

We live in the greatest country on earth and are blessed with all its privileges, which have been passed down from generation to generation. God Bless America and us all.  Search MLS  For Your Next HomeWhat IS My Home Worth? How Much Home Do I Qualify For  The C-Note: Your Quick Guide to All Things Real EstateWelcome to The C-Note, the go-to source for everything real estate in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or managing rental properties, we’ve got you covered. With Charles Stallions as your trusted real estate broker, you’ll find expert advice and actionable insights to help you make confident decisions.Have a question about the local area, from top dining spots to job opportunities or real estate guidance? Call or text Charles at ... 05/26/2025

Photo Journalism with Reflections SUNDAY, 5/25/2025 - DAY BEFORE MEMORIAL DAYIn honor of Lim Company's 1st Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment that found themselves in Falluja, embroiled in some of the most intense house-to-house, hand-to-hand urban combat since World War 11, I am reading "We Were One," by Patrick K. O'Donnell. This is a brave true story about the soldiers who had been deployed to Iraq. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder marching and fighting  through the streets of Falluja as casualties mounted. The book was recommended to me by my daughter from her friends serving as Marines.Perhaps Greg Large and Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 and others who were on the last Zoom session may be interested in reading about what happened in Fallujah.   The Author has also written Bey... 05/25/2025

Pensacola will host various Memorial Day events in 2025, including a main ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and a celebration at Perfect Plain Brewing. The Memorial Day Program will take place at Veterans Memorial Park and Wall South on Monday, May 26 at 1 p.m. Visit Pensacola also has a Memorial Day celebration at Perfect Plain. What is happening in Pensacola, Florida .Search MLS  For Your Next HomeWhat IS My Home Worth? How Much Home Do I Qualify For  The C-Note: Your Quick Guide to All Things Real EstateWelcome to The C-Note, the go-to source for everything real estate in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or managing rental properties, we’ve got you covered. With Charles Stallions as your trusted real estate broker, you’ll find exp... 05/26/2025

As many of you know we had a home destroy due to a lightning recently.  I want to give you some information and put together some AI facts and reports from different new sources about Lightning in The Villages.The Villages, Florida, experiences a high frequency of lightning strikes due to its unique geographical location and weather patterns.  The Villages, located in central Florida, is susceptible to thunderstorms due to the combination of heat, humidity, and sea breezes.  Since 2004, 21 homes have been destroyed by lightning in The Villages, with multiple incidents reported in recent years.  Florida consistently ranks high in lightning deaths, emphasizing the serious risk associated with lightning.  In 2024, Florida came in No. 1 for the number of lightning strikes per one kilometer.... 06/02/2025

Exciting things are happening in Canyon Creek! The Texas Girls School is on track to open this fall in the former Bluebonnet School Pre-School location on Boulder Lane, and I’ve been watching the transformation unfold during my neighborhood walks. Crews are hard at work renovating the campus, and yes, they’re right on schedule!Let’s face it: far too many girls aren’t reaching their full potential, especially when it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Did you know women currently hold only 30% of high-paying, critical STEM careers? The Texas Girls School is on a mission to change that—not by questioning ability, but by reimagining the environment in which young women learn, lead, and shine.Their approach? A dynamic blend of personalized STEM-based academics, proj... 05/25/2025

Memorial Day 2025…A Day of Gratitude, Respect, and Reflection.  There are many inspirational and informative posts about Memorial Day. Doug Dawes reminds us of the differences between Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day. Dorie Dillard Austin TX ’s post is inspirational, and  Nina Hollander, Broker shares interesting Memorial Day facts.    One of my favorite movies is Saving Private Ryan…and one I’ve not been able to watch more than once. At the end of the movie, I sat in my seat and didn’t just sob or get teary-eyed…I cried.  As Capt. Miller (Tom Hanks) takes his last breath, he says to Private Ryan two words…                                EARN THIS                                                          When I reflect on the lives sacrificed in service to our country, I ... 05/26/2025

Memorial Day Remembrance: Honoring the Fallen A Moment of SilenceEvery year, as the end of May approaches, something powerful happens in communities across America — a quiet transformation. Lawns, parks, and public spaces fill with thousands of tiny American flags. To some, it’s a beautiful sight. To others, it’s deeply personal. But to all of us, it’s a reminder that freedom isn’t free.In Auburn and Opelika, we pause to remember. Memorial Day isn’t just the unofficial start to summer or an excuse for a long weekend. It’s a solemn day of honor — a time to reflect on the brave men and women who gave everything for this country. Their names may not be known to all, but their sacrifice echoes in every flag planted in the soil.As a local realtor, I have the privilege of helping families put... 05/25/2025

🥗Catholic Charities - SRAE☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email BrianInspired by posts that I see from others, I wanted to begin a weekly series of resources for people in need who are in the East Valley.  I think continuing to research this weekly series will also help me to discover what is out there for those in need.Teens today have a powerful tool at their disposal that past generations never had—the internet. They can get an answer to any question, including questions about sex. However, being tech-savvy will not protect teens from misinformation about sex. North Star Youth Partnership’s Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) encourages teens to approach the topic of sex with facts rather than embarrassment.” To learn more, ... 06/01/2025

There are almost as many outdoor public art installations in Addison, Texas as there are restaurants, and that's a lot. Back in January, I and several other participants took a chilly walk around one part of town to see the art.  Check out the first art walk stops here and here. Yesterday, after several delays due to rainy Saturdays, we toured more of the art, this time on the west side of town.     Our first stop: These powder coated steel sculptures by artist Chris Byars, titled Light and Energy were originally installed at an office complex in Addison.  The town stored them for many years after they were decommissioned and the Addison Arbor Foundation (AAF) worked with the town to have the original colors and condition restored before installing them at the north east corner of Marsh... 05/25/2025

Parades, Patriotism, Price Drops: Memorial Day By The Numbers Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer—a long weekend filled with travel plans, cookouts, and retail sales. But beyond the sunny weather and store discounts, the Memorial Day holiday holds a much deeper significance. It's a day of national remembrance, dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived."... General George S. Patton This solemn observance began in the aftermath of the Civil War and has evolved into a powerful tribute to generations of fallen soldiers. Across the country, Americans visit cemeteries, attend memor... 05/25/2025

Inspired by our Active Rain Legend Margaret Rome. Today's post will be about my backyard adventures. Bill  My true pleasure working in my yard, is I call my backyard area my REFUGE SANCUARY.  I focus on bargains at the Bi Box store, of abandoned plants in the markdown section.  This past year I have been dealing with medical issues, so I made a mission to start and finish a project in the 12-month period.  Last June I posted on out local FB page as well as our ND app.  Looking to see if anyone was wanting to get rid of these blocks.  Over the 12-month period I brought in at no-cost, except my labor and some gas. T finish off my backyard. YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUNFor ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate NeedsPHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952Text          Bill   at    602-9... 05/27/2025

Beckett played her last NWA Kickball game last Tuesday night, and you better believe I made time to be there! This was her first season, and she absolutely loved being part of the team. Her teammates are a fun, spirited bunch, and it’s been such a joy watching them grow together on and off the field.This league is something special. With more teams than ever, its clear kickball is gaining popularity, and I can see why! Last weekend’s tournament was a highlight, they snagged third place! But they still had one final game left to give it their all. I especially love watching Beckett step into the circle—focused, confident, and ready to kick! And when she rounds those bases? She goes for it! Every single run counts in these close matches, and she plays with all her heart. A big shoutout to... 05/24/2025

National Weather Service Predicts Active Hurricane SeasonAs hurricane season begins, staying safe means being prepared with communication plans, evacuation routes, and disaster supply kits. Last year’s season was the third most expensive on record, with high activity and several Category 5 hurricanes.Due to warm sea temperatures and the ongoing La Niña system, the National Weather Service predicts another above-average season, expecting 14 to 21 named storms, with three to six major hurricanes at a Category 3 or higher.To find helpful local, state, and federal resources, visit MDOA’s Emergency Preparedness page at https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/EmergencyPreparedness.aspx.This is a Maryland Department of Aging announcement.  Lilies, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IM... 06/08/2025

June is Alzheimer's Awareness MonthAs Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect more older adults in Maryland, it’s essential to strengthen policies and resources for comprehensive care and support.Early detection is key, and the free AD8: Washington University Dementia Screening Test is now available on Maryland Access Point (MAP) to help identify signs of cognitive decline. Individuals, caregivers, and health care providers can access AD8 at marylandaccesspoint.211md.org, with trained MAP counselors ready to assist.Maryland’s Caregiver Navigation Grant initiative further supports families by improving access to resources, guiding care decisions, and providing essential dementia care information. Visit MDOA's Brain Health page for more details at aging.maryland.gov.This is a Maryland Depa... 06/12/2025