Local News and Events

Improvements to MD 650 / New Hampshire Avenue Will Lead to Traffic DelaysThe Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has started construction on a $5.2 million safety and resurfacing project along a 2.76-mile section of MD 650 / New Hampshire Avenue from MD 198/Norbeck Road to MD 200 (Intercounty Connector) in Montgomery County. The project is expected to be completed by next summer, depending upon weather, and will lead to traffic delays throughout the construction period.In addition to milling and resurfacing the pavement, the work will include: Replacing curb and gutters Reconstructing sidewalk ramps, driveway entrances and bus stops to meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines Updating traffic barriers and pavement markings Upgrading signage Repairin... 11/26/2024

‘An Exploration of Historic Ag Reserve Homes’ Online PresentationAs part of the “New Deal” in 1933, the National Park Service launched the “Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS).” How this led to researching the old homes in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve will be the subject of a free only presentation of Montgomery History. The presentation will be available for a one-week period starting Monday, Nov. 25.   To view the presentation starting Monday, register at History Conversations.“An Exploration of Historic Ag Reserve Homes from the 1936 Historic American Buildings Survey” will be led by historian Kenny Sholes. The original main project became known as the “HABS Report.”Guided by field instructions from Washington, D.C., the first HABS recorders were tasked with documen... 11/23/2024

  Diamond Head Theatre presents White Christmas Wed, Nov 27, 2024 , 7:30pm - Now through Dec. 15th   It's time to wax nostalgia with Christmas cheer... Diamond Head Theatre presents the heartwarming holiday classic White Christmas from November 22 through December 15 with possibility of extension. Join us at Diamond Head Theatre in Honolulu as we celebrate the season with this beloved musical. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, they follow a duo of singing sisters en route to their Christmas show in a Vermont lodge. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including "Blue Skies", "I Love A Piano", "How Deep Is the Ocean" and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome mu... 11/23/2024

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Holiday ScheduleThe Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. In some cases, special schedules also will be in effect on Friday, Nov. 29Schedule changes for the holiday celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28, are stated below. If schedules are altered for Friday, Nov. 29, those changes are noted in addition: 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 closed. Department of Permitting Services—Closed. Ride On Bus Service—Wil... 11/25/2024

Wheaton ‘Streetery’ Will Temporarily Close for WinterMontgomery County will implement a winter closure of the Wheaton "Streetery," located on a portion of Price Avenue at Elkin Street in Wheaton, beginning Monday, Nov. 25. The Streetery comprises streets closed off to vehicles, enabling restaurants to offer outdoor dining spaces for customers and areas for residents to gather.During the closure, the roadway will temporarily open to vehicular traffic to allow for winter maintenance, including snow plowing. The Streetery is scheduled to reopen in late March.The Wheaton Streetery was one of four “streeteries” created in the spring of 2020 by the County as a temporary concept to support businesses struggling from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and allow residents to gather freely on publi... 11/24/2024

Grateful Beyond Words: Celebrating Thanksgiving with the Best Team in Real EstateEvery year, I am reminded of how lucky I am to work with such an incredible team, and this Thanksgiving season was no exception. Tracy West and Marion Farinella outdid themselves yet again by hosting their annual Thanksgiving lunch for our office. This cherished tradition is one of my favorite events of the year, and it’s no surprise why.Their warmth, kindness, and attention to detail create an atmosphere where every single person feels welcomed, valued, and truly appreciated. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of gratitude and teamwork, a testament to the love and respect they have for everyone on our team.Working at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate is about more than closin... 11/23/2024

 THANKSGIVING DAY FOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS...GOBBLE WITH CARE! "I don’t get a seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table? This is a-paw-ling."... Anonymous Thanksgiving Day arrives in less than a week. Thanksgiving is the time for delicious food, family gatherings, and gratitude. However, for pet owners, it’s also a time to be extra cautious about what ends up in your furry friend’s bowl (or under the table). No one wants to end up at a veterinary emergency room on Thanksgiving. While those big, pleading eyes might tempt you to share a piece of your feast, many holiday foods pose serious health risks for pets. To keep tails wagging and avoid a trip to the emergency vet, it’s important to know which Thanksgiving treats are safe and which should stay off-limits.  As a pet mom, I know fir... 11/23/2024

Here is an interesting social club, Segway Riders’ Club!  Spent some time on their website learning about the club, into Segway’s here is your club.  I was very impressed with how active they are, the trips, the drill team, and the parades they participate in, plus they have trophies.  Plenty of information on their website and if interested you need to check it out.  You can find the site at srctv.org here is some information:The Segway Riders Club of The Villages plans monthly rides or "outings" to interesting venues throughout central Florida.  Most of our members own their own Segway but non-owners are welcome, too. You must either own or have access to a Segway in order to participate in a Club outing. Before you are eligible to attend monthly outings, you must live in The Villages... 11/26/2024

Celebrity lookalike contests are all the rage, and now it’s Austin’s turn to shine! Our city—famous for tech titans, quirky podcasters, and Hollywood glitz—is hosting a competition with a local twist. This Sunday, November 24th, Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake will transform into the ultimate runway for all things Glen Powell!Think you’ve got the charm, charisma, and jawline to match Austin’s hometown heartthrob? Then step up at 1 PM and see if you have what it takes to be crowned “The Newest Glen Powell of ATX!” No RSVP needed—just show up and channel your inner Glen.The Perks of Being Glen Powell 2.0:Organizer Kate Carpenter says the winner will walk away with a “cowboy hat crown”, “some money”, and eternal bragging rights. The prize pool will grow depending on how impressed the j... 11/23/2024

BOI Reporting Requirements PausedOn December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide injunction suspending the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act's (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. BREAKING NEWS FOR BUSINESSES! ( A Geller Law Group Announcement)A nationwide injunction has just put a pause on the enforcement of Beneficial Owner Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).This significant update arrives as businesses are gearing up for the Jan 1, 2025, FinCEN deadline.The current stay on the deadline offers a momentary halt, not a complete abolition of the reporting requirements. It's a critical window of opportunity for business owners to get their affa... 12/05/2024

Institute for Health Computing in North BethesdaBig news for Montgomery County! We're welcoming the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing to North Bethesda! Graduate-level innovation is happening right here, advancing life sciences with groundbreaking research. Welcome to the future! https://ow.ly/wx5450UfQwaThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Sedum + Imagination, Color Edited for our Imagination Series,Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8737ACanon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/03/2024

Vision Zero Annual Report11 Percent Reduction in Serious and Fatal Crashes Compared to Pre-COVID YearsMontgomery County's annual report for the "Vision Zero Initiative" includes details on progress made in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) on 127 projects undertaken between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Serious and fatal crashes dropped 11 percent compared to the pre-COVID-19 years of 2015 to 2019. The reduction was driven by a 28 percent decline in serious and fatal crashes on high-injury network (HIN) corridors, which are prioritized for safety interventions under the Vision Zero Action Plan. The "Vision Zero Initiative" is the County's multi-departmental effort to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. The complete FY24 Vision Zero annual report can be found on the County’s Visio... 12/03/2024

Sunday, November 24th  1:00 – 3:00 PM9907 Lavera Drive, Austin, TX 78726Step into luxury living in prestigious Canyon Creek! This stunning home, tucked away on a serene, tree-lined street in NW Austin, is a showstopper. From its rare three-car swing-in garage offering exceptional curb appeal to its thoughtful layout, this property has it all. Features You’ll Love: 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms: Primary and secondary bedrooms conveniently located on the main floor—perfect for families or multi-generational living. Gourmet Kitchen: A quartz center island, stainless-steel appliances, and a breakfast bar make it a chef’s delight and entertainer’s dream. Fresh Updates: Newly painted interior (October 2024), new carpet on stairs and upstairs (November 2024), and warm-toned engineered wood floors (N... 11/23/2024

Ice Skating by the Sea~ Hotel Del Coronado 2024 ~ The popular Skating by the Sea, at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, is open now until January 5, 2025. I think this is the only beachfront ice skating available in the San Diego area, although there are several indoor ice rinks! Imagine ice skating under a bright blue sky with nearby palm trees waving, the sun shining, and a gorgeous beach and ocean steps away! Yes, you might need a sweater, especially with our fall and winter ocean breezes, but typically at this time of year you can expect temps in the 50s to low 60s even at the beach during the day. Evenings can be cooler, however, so plan accordingly. There’s no snow to worry about of course, just beautiful ice and great views of the beach, ocean and The Del. The iconic Hotel Del ... 11/22/2024

Farmville VA:Prince Edward Co.Feeding Farmville 2024This Thanksgiving holiday the folks at Feeding Farmville are working hard to reach their goal of feeding up to 1,000 people within 30 miles of Farmville, by getting donations of food, money and volunteers. Their vision” is to help neighbors grow closer to God through an experience with His unconditional love.” Please visit their website https://feedingfarmville.org/ to find out more information, sign up to volunteer, and other ways to help.Want to be part of this great community? Call State Wide Realty Co at 434-392-6163 or visit www.VaStateWideRealty.com and let 1 of our local experts help you find your NEW place today!311 East Third StFarmville, VA 23901434-392-6163www.VaStateWideRealty.com  11/22/2024

Every year, I look forward to kicking off the holiday season at the Christmas Affair, hosted by the Junior League of Austin. It’s a cherished tradition that fills me with joy and a sense of community. This year marked the 49th anniversary of this magical event, uniting Austin in a celebration of generosity, holiday cheer, and stunning décor. Held on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, it always sets the perfect tone for the festive season. This year’s theme, “Christmas in Bloom,” couldn’t have been more fitting. Bloom symbolizes growth and transformation—something the Junior League is embracing with elegance. The decorations were breathtaking, with a show stopping tree and beautiful arrangements featuring my favorite flower, the peony. Their artistry brought the theme to life in every cor... 11/22/2024

Do you remember where you were when you heard President Kennedy was shot and had died 61 years ago, today, on November 22nd, 1963? I still remember it as if it was yesterday. In fact, I find it hard to believe 61 years have passed.61 years ago, today, I was  15 years old, a sophomore in high school, and was in a biology lab class when someone came in to announce that the President had been shot and had died. As I was attending a parochial high school, I remember quietly filing out with all my classmates to the school's chapel for prayers for the President and then an early dismissal of school.I suspect that those of us who were of a certain age in 1963 could ever forget where we were and how we felt when we heard this news. To this day, I believe that our nation's innocence was shattere... 11/22/2024

There is a lot to be thankful for in Flower Mound, Texas. North Texas Flower Mound High School Band will be the only Texas Marching Band to represent the Lone Star State at the 2024 Macy Day Parade. Band students from Flower Mound will be one of 11 bands selected from across the United States for the parade. For a sneak preview, click the Channel 5 News Link for the Flower Mound Band scheduled to march in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade There are about 400 Band Students at Flower Mound High School. Nearly a year and a half ago, students learned they beat out other high school bands in the State of Texas and will be the only marching band to represent the Lone Star State! Can you imagine what it was like to hear the news? There were cheers and tears of joy! Since then, their legs continuo... 11/22/2024

Celebrating the Opening of Russell Construction of Alabama in Auburn, ALAs a proud realtor and local expert, I’m thrilled to celebrate Russell Construction of Alabama’s new branch opening in Auburn! Attending their ribbon-cutting ceremony was an honor, and it’s exciting to see this established company bring its legacy of quality and excellence to our community.A Legacy of ExcellenceFounded in 1983 by Auburn University alum Steve Russell, Russell Construction has spent over four decades delivering exceptional residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the Southeast. From Walmart and Auburn University to local churches and hospitals, their commitment to quality has earned them numerous accolades and a stellar reputation. Now under the leadership of Josie Russell Young, the co... 11/22/2024

CHARLOTTE'S GIVING MACHINE: TURNING GENEROSITY INTO ACTION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Giving Machine Returns to the Promenade on Providence Shopping Center In Charlotte This Holiday Season Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? The Giving Machine is back, offering an easy and impactful way to make a difference in the lives of those in need. What Are Giving Machines?The Giving Machines are mobile vending machines — but instead of snacks or drinks, they dispense charitable donations. With just a few taps, you can provide essential items or services to individuals and families supported by local charities.  Why It’s SpecialThis isn’t just another way to give. It’s a tangible, heartwarming experience. Imagine knowing your $5 could provide needed supplies for a child... 11/22/2024