Local News and Events

I have two kitties right now, that want to know what is going on in this house, why are you moving so much around?   Nina & I are both cat people, and love our fur babies!    The Cat’s Out of the Bag… and It Has Questions! 🐱❓🐾❓ When Your Cat Has Questions, Today’s the Day to Answer   Attention, cat parents! January 22nd (yes, today!) is National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love cats, which is why I share a reminder about this day every year.   Today is all about bonding with your cat(s) and showing appreciation for their individual personalities. Whether they’re intently staring at you, meowing with purpose, or following you from room to room, National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day is a great excuse to pause, engage, and enjoy the special rela... 02/06/2026

One of the things I love most about Berea, KY is how involved people are in shaping their community, and this past week was a great example of that.Berea, KY Weekly Community Update | February 1–6, 2026From students stepping up to protect education programs, to residents advocating for safer neighborhood planning in Stoney Creek, Berea continues to show that growth here is thoughtful and people-driven. Even statewide conversations about job quality and worker protections connect back to the values we see locally every day.Infrastructure updates, like the long-awaited Farristown bridge replacement, remind us how important planning is for daily life, commutes, and long-term property value. Meanwhile, support for improved ambulance funding reflects the priority Berea places on safety and e... 02/06/2026

Gaithersburg Ranked 3rd Most Ethnically Diverse City in U.S.WalletHub ranked Gaithersburg as the 3rd Most Ethnically Diverse City in the United States. Gaithersburg was ranked #2 in the Small City Category for communities with populations under 100,000. WalletHub compared more than 500 of the largest cities in the U.S. based on three key measures of ethnic diversity, including ethnicity and race, language, and birthplace.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement.Most Ethnically Diverse Cities (3 of the 5 are in Montgomery County, MD) Germantown, MD Jersey City, NJ Gaithersburg, MD Silver Spring, MD Federal Way, WA Rose, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 1826Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley ... 02/05/2026

 Aurora joins annual metro-area celebration of Winter Bike to Work Day If you want to do your part to reduce traffic congestion and get outside for some winter fun, then register now to participate in Way to Go’s annual Winter Bike to Work Day—this year on Friday, Feb. 13. The city of Aurora joins the Denver Regional Council of Governments and other metro-area municipalities in participating again in this annual winter event that asks participants to commit to traveling by bike on that day, whether to work, run an errand, or spend time with friends. To participate in Winter Bike to Work Day and earn a chance to win prizes, visit BikeToWorkDay.co and pledge to ride. Stop by our breakfast station for a free coffee and breakfast burrito (sponsored by Bicycle Aurora) from 6:45 to 9 a.m. alo... 02/05/2026

One of the things I love most about Madison County, Kentucky is how active and connected our community is. Local events don’t just fill the calendar, they create opportunities for neighbors to connect, small businesses to thrive, and our towns to grow stronger.This week, especially on Saturday, February 7, there’s a great mix of events that showcase what makes our area special.From the Renew & Revive Wellness Expo in the morning to creative experiences like Nature Journaling Through the Arts, there are options for residents of all ages and interests. Community-focused gatherings like the Shared Member Gathering with the Madison County Tenants Union and Kentucky People’s Union highlight how engaged and invested people are in this area.As the day winds down, live music at Chenault Vineyar... 02/05/2026

Pensacola is a diverse city with plenty to do. We are known for our white sands and the ocean blue, but when you deep dive into the city, it is a treat for all ages and will blow your mind. 🎶 Pensacola Unplugged Songwriter ShowcaseLocal talent takes center stage with intimate, acoustic performances at the Studer Community Institute. A great pick for clients who love discovering emerging artists.🏒 Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Knoxville Ice BearsHockey Night Returns to the Pensacola Bay Center, bringing fast-paced action and a packed house of local fans. A classic Pensacola weekend experience.🎼 Pensacola Symphony Orchestra: Icon – The Voices That Changed MusicThe Saenger Theatre hosts a powerful symphonic tribute to the artists who shaped modern music. Perfect for those who enjoy culture, his... 02/05/2026

We head to the south end of The Villages to Boosters Bar & Grill located at Shallow Creek Championship Golf Club.  For you not familiar here is the address, 8003 Landstone Blvd, The Villages, FL 34762 for your GPS.  Full disclosure I have not made it there yet, on my list but with probably about 150 places to eat in The Villages it is hard to visit each one!  Here is their website:www.boostersbarandgrill.comIn exploring the website, I am greeted with Raise a Toast to the New Game in Town.  They are fairly new and am sure those living in the south end of The Villages enjoy having them close by!  Some highlights, 30 plus TVs, there no such thing as a bad seat, impressive drink menu, fun sports themed menu, overall a fun place to stop by!Dick Betts, REALTOR®The Betts TeamLPT RealtyThe Vill... 02/05/2026

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY:  February 6, 2026 It Really Is About More Than Just A Color!Help Wipe Out The "Silent Killer" Of Women By Wearing Red For Women Today! "There is a shade of red for every woman."... Audrey Hepburn Let’s Talk About Heart Disease in WomenHere’s the thing—heart disease doesn’t always come with loud, obvious warning signs. In fact, it often shows up quietly, which is why it’s earned the nickname “The Silent Killer.” And unfortunately, it’s the #1 cause of death for women. That’s why spreading the word is so important. To help raise awareness, the American Heart Association started the Go Red for Women® campaign. And every year, the first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day—in 2026, that’s February 6. It’s a day to throw on some red and show support for women’s ... 02/06/2026

Back in September, I had a tooth that started bothering me. I went to the dentist, and he told me the tooth already had a root canal, and I needed to see a root canal specialist. He gave me antibiotics, and within a couple weeks, the pain went away.And like a lot of people… once it stopped hurting, I stopped worrying about it.Life got busy. I didn’t make the time to see the specialist.Fast forward to December. That same tooth flared up again, and this time I knew I couldn’t mess around. I have heart issues, and I know dental infections are not something I can ignore.I found a root canal specialist who got me in the next day. He started working… and the crown popped off. There wasn’t enough tooth left to rebuild it. I walked out $700 poorer and still not fixed.Next stop: an oral surgeon.... 02/06/2026

Read Aloud Day is Today! Do you remember your mom or dad reading out loud to you, especially at bedtime? For many of us, it was part of our nightly ritual. I remember being at our friend’s home at her children’s bedtime. She had 3 young ones, but that did not stop her from reading to each one of them after she tucked them in for the night.    Today is World Read Aloud Day. Besides being a way to bribe a child to go to bed, reading aloud is important to them (and to you) in other ways. ~It forms a connection between you and the child. Being read to wasn’t really about the book. It was about presence. It was about slowing down at the end of the day and connecting, even if just for a few quiet minutes.~It creates neural pathways that are important for emotional and academic success~The sto... 02/04/2026

Understanding santa cruz county tax assessment trends is an important part of buying, owning, or selling property in Southern Arizona, especially for homeowners in and around Tubac. As a local Realtor working with buyers and sellers in Santa Cruz County, I often find that property taxes are one of the least understood but most impactful aspects of long-term homeownership.Santa Cruz County operates differently than many larger Arizona counties, both in how properties are assessed and how values change over time. For residents of Tubac, a community known for its art scene, historic character, and retiree population, understanding santa cruz county tax assessment trends helps with budgeting, pricing decisions, and long-term planning.How Property Tax Assessments Work in Santa Cruz CountyPro... 02/05/2026

Understanding wa senior citizen tax exemption income limits is essential for older homeowners in Bellevue who want to manage housing costs and plan for long-term financial stability. As a local Realtor working with many senior homeowners, downsizers, and multigenerational families on the Eastside, I often see confusion around how these exemptions work, who qualifies, and how income is calculated.Washington State offers meaningful property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners, but eligibility is based largely on income thresholds that can change over time and vary by county. Knowing how wa senior citizen tax exemption income limits apply in King County and Bellevue can make a real difference in whether a homeowner chooses to stay, sell, or downsize.Why Prope... 02/05/2026

Jupiter FL housing affordability 2026 is a question I hear often from buyers and sellers trying to plan ahead in one of South Florida’s most desirable coastal communities. As a local Realtor working daily in Jupiter, I see how affordability is shaped not just by home prices, but by lifestyle expectations, property taxes, insurance, inventory, and long-term ownership costs. Looking ahead requires separating confirmed market fundamentals from forward-looking assumptions, while staying grounded in how Jupiter actually functions as a housing market.Jupiter has never been a bargain coastal town, but it has historically offered better value than many comparable oceanfront and waterfront communities in Palm Beach County. Understanding what may influence Jupiter FL housing affordability 2026 st... 02/05/2026

Living in Eden and Huntsville UT appeals to buyers who want mountain scenery, four-season recreation, and a quieter pace of life without losing access to Northern Utah’s job centers. As a local Realtor based in Farmington, I work with many clients who are drawn north toward Ogden Valley after exploring Davis County and the Wasatch Front. Eden and Huntsville offer a lifestyle that feels distinct from suburban living, and understanding what day-to-day life looks like here is essential before making a move.Set in Ogden Valley, these two towns are surrounded by Pineview Reservoir, ski resorts, and the Wasatch Mountains. The appeal is not just scenic. It is about space, community, and access to outdoor amenities that shape how people live year-round. For buyers considering living in Eden and... 02/03/2026

If you are exploring homes near Iowa’s most well-known private lake community, understanding lake panorama subdivisions is an essential first step. As a local Realtor based in Panora, IA, I work with buyers and sellers who are often surprised by how diverse the neighborhoods around Lake Panorama really are. Each subdivision has its own character, price range, lake access options, and long-term value considerations.Lake Panorama is not a single, uniform neighborhood. It is a collection of distinct subdivisions that surround the lake and the broader Panora area. Knowing how these subdivisions differ helps buyers choose the right fit and helps sellers position their property accurately in the market. This guide is designed to give you a clear, practical overview of lake panorama subdivisio... 02/03/2026

35th Annual Hawaii Collectors ExpoCalling all collectors, it’s time to get on the brick-a-brack track to The Hawaii Collectors Expo! This annual 3-day event is where you can deep dive into the wide world of collectibles and curiosities. The Expo offers an in-person marketplace for vendors to promote and sell a variety of collectibles ranging from Vintage clothing, anime, sports cards, rare coins, Hawaiiana, movie memorabilia, toys, jewelry, antiques, trading cards, arts and much more.This is the islands biggest 3-day collectible show representing vendors from around the state, mainland and Japan and are NOT affiliated with any other collectors show.Tickets on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com or at the Box office.www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=hawaii+collectors+expoFor more info, please e... 02/03/2026

Alert Montgomery - Cold Emergency Alert UpdateMontgomery County has extended the cold emergency alert until Tuesday, 2/10 at 12pm. Residents should be prepared for wind chill values to be below 20 degrees. These dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin within 30 minutes and/or hypothermia. Try to stay indoors if possible. Take extra precautions if you work or spend long amounts of time outdoors. Wear extra layers and when possible, take frequent breaks in a warm location. If you need relief from the cold, visit County facilities such as Libraries and Recreation Centers during business hours. Public shopping centers are also available as warm locations during their hours of operation.Residents concerned about the well-being of a homeless individ... 02/03/2026

I feel for so many people back east that is getting the snow and the cold temperatures in the last couple of week.  Roy Kelley is getting the word out about the cold in his area. Cold Emergency Alert Continues through Early Next Week  Cold weather will persist through the weekend, prompting a Cold Emergency Alert for Montgomery County through Tuesday, Feb. 3. Residents are warned to prepare for wind chill values below 20 degrees at times. That could cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes or hypothermia. If you are experiencing homelessness or see someone without shelter, contact the Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 for assessment and connection to shelter and support. During extreme cold or other dangerous weather, if the situation appears to be a medical emergency, ple... 02/03/2026

We all love the fun parts of having pets—the snuggles, the goofy personalities, the “how are you even real?” moments. But February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month, which is basically the universe’s gentle nudge to remember that being a pet parent comes with some real responsibility, too, to ensure your pet leads a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.    February Is Responsible Pet Ownership Month 🐾 AKA: a reminder that having a pet is more than cute pics and cuddles   This is your friendly reminder from Nina Hollander, Greater Charlotte’s Pet-Friendly Realtor® 🐶🐱about Responsible Pet Ownership Month—because loving where you live also means taking great care of the pets who live there with you.   We all love the fun parts of having pets—the snuggles, the goofy personalities, the “how ... 02/06/2026

If health, fitness, and wellness matter to you, Naples is one of the best places to be. Sunshine, year-roundoutdoor living, and a community that actively prioritizes well-being create the perfect setting for staying strong, mobile, and energized. Whether you’re into high-intensity workouts, mindful movement, or next-level recovery, Naples has something for every fitness personality.Naples isn’t just known for its beaches, restaurants, and sunshine - it’s also home to one of the most diverse and fast-growing wellness and fitness scenes in Florida. Whether you prefer an early morning beach run, a high-energy spin class, a luxury Pilates studio, or a recovery lounge with cryotherapy and red-light therapy, Naples has become a true health and fitness destination.Below is an overview of types... 02/03/2026