Local News and Events

Blakeney 2026 Sounds of Summer Concert Series🎶🎤🎸🥁🎷 In Charlotte's Blakeney Town Center...... Just Extended Into July & August! The always popular, live Blakeney Sounds of Summer Concert Series has been extended into July and August after a successful run in June. Concerts are every other Saturday evening from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm and FREE. The July and August concerts are sponsored by Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza and Craft Bar.  Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome. Location: The Blakeney Plaza at Ardrey Kell and Rea Roads in Charlotte's Ballantyne/Blakeney area. The July & August line-up is as follows: 🎵 July 11 – Nathan C. Davis Trio🎵July 25 – Fred Heintz Du🎵August 8 – Nate Dowdy Trio🎵August 22 – Ben Mignogna Duo There’s something special abo... 07/08/2026

Another Grovetown townhome is officially sold!I represented the buyer, who purchased this property as an investment with a 20% down payment.  The townhome needed very minimal repairs, and the transaction moved quickly and smoothly from contract to closing.Thank you to Mark Halvorsen with Movement Mortgage for helping make this such an easy transaction.  Congratulations to my buyer on the addition to their investment portfolio!Thinking about purchasing an investment property in Grovetown, Augusta, or the surrounding CSRA?  I’m always happy to provide straightforward real estate guidance—without the sales pitch.Celeste Henretty, REALTOR®Serving Grovetown, Augusta, and the surrounding CSRA 07/07/2026

Welcome to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome. Offering approximately 1,000 square feet of comfortable living space, this low-maintenance home features a functional open layout with a spacious living and dining area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen. The split-bedroom floor plan offers flexibility for a variety of living arrangements. This home also features a brand-new HVAC system for improved comfort and energy efficiency, as well as a new kitchen refrigerator. Additional features include updated flooring, ample closet space, a dedicated laundry area, and a private fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Conveniently located near UWF, West Florida Hospital, shopping, dining, and I-10, this home combines comfort and convenience in a central Pensacola... 07/09/2026

spacious and newly renovated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome offering 1,584 sq ft of modern living in a convenient Pensacola location. This two-story brick home features brand-new vinyl plank flooring, a freshly painted interior, and a kitchen outfitted with new appliances. The open floor plan features a large living area, a dedicated dining space, and a functional kitchen with ample cabinet storage. Upstairs, you’ll find four well-sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including a private primary suite. The fully fenced backyard provides outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining. A private driveway offers off-street parking for two vehicles. Located near Scenic Highway, UWF, Sacred Heart Hospital, major roadways, and local shopping/dining, this home offers convenience and comfort.🏡 P... 07/08/2026

Newly renovated central Pensacola townhome. This charming property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, featuring a spacious floor plan ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, you'll find generous living spaces filled with natural light, a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinetry, and comfortable bedrooms designed for relaxation. The master bedroom has a south-facing balcony overlooking the private back yard, a separate dressing room with a large walk-in closet, a full-length vanity with sink, and a door directly into the bathroom. Currently, this home is set up for 2 students/individuals, with a common key to the townhouse and storage room, and individual locks on the bedrooms, but can quickly be changed to a standard setup. The outdoor area provides a priv... 07/07/2026

 Chocolate Is Happiness You Can Eat! Why Not Unwrap Some Happiness Today On World Chocolate Day?  "Everywhere in the world there are tensions – economic, political, religious. So we need chocolate." Alain Ducasse  July 7th, is World Chocolate Day! It's one of my personal favorite days of the year! Now, I believe that  EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year should be Chocolate Day, if not a full national holiday! After all, isn't chocolate one of the primary food groups? And if it isn't, it sure should be! "To eat chocolate is to nurture one’s own soul, taking a moment of peace from a chaotic world and filling your heart with joy through its smooth texture and rich flavor.​"Chocolate Cherry Kisses 🍫 “Every year on July 7th, chocolate lovers around the globe unite to celebrate World Chocolate Day —... 07/07/2026

The Longest Day in the Woods: Celebrating the Summer Solstice on Wisconsin Forestland Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. The summer solstice arrives each June when the Northern Hemisphere reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun, giving Wisconsin its greatest amount of daylight. While many people simply notice that the sun rises early and sets late, our forests have been preparing for this day for months. For those who own, work, hunt, hike, or simply enjoy Wisconsin forestland, the summer solstice is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that the land keeps its own schedule. The Longest Day in the Woods: Celebrating the Summer Solstice on Wisconsin Forestland Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. The summer s... 07/08/2026

Planning the Perfect Wisconsin Northwoods Camping Trip There's something special about waking up beside a quiet northern Wisconsin lake. The call of a loon drifting across the water, a morning cup of coffee by the campfire, towering pines overhead, and evenings filled with stars instead of city lights. Whether you're planning your first trip or you've been camping in the Northwoods for years, like we have, a little preparation can make the difference between a good vacation and a great one. Planning the Perfect Wisconsin Northwoods Camping Trip There's something special about waking up beside a quiet northern Wisconsin lake. The call of a loon drifting across the water, a morning cup of coffee by the campfire, towering pines overhead, and evenings filled with stars instead of city ligh... 07/07/2026

One of the first things I request when I'm helping someone with an IRS problem is their IRS transcript.  Most people have never seen one or understand what it is.An IRS transcript isn't a punishment.  It isn't the IRS judging you.  It's simply a record of what the IRS has on file.Think of it like a bank statement. It shows what was filed, what was paid, penalties and interest that have been added, and what the IRS believes is currently owed.That's it.  In fact, transcripts often bring good news.I've seen clients convinced they owed much more than they actually did.  Others discovered the IRS was missing information or that penalties had been added that we could potentially have removed.That's why I always start with the transcript.  It replaces fear with facts.There are several differen... 07/10/2026

Groceries Distribution in Germantown on TuesdayThe next distribution is TOMORROW from 2pm to 3pm at Germantown Elementary School. Please share this information with any families that might need food assistance.Decorative Grass, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 9812Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 07/06/2026

UNCOVERING FLORIDA has listed West Melbourne as one of the safest towns in Florida!There’s something deeply unhurried about Satellite Beach that you notice almost immediately. Perched on a barrier island along Florida’s Space Coast, this small city has the kind of relaxed, tight-knit energy that makes it feel more like a permanent beach town than a tourist stop.Residents here don’t just live near the ocean — they live with it, and that connection shapes the entire culture of the community.Satellite Beach consistently ranks among Florida’s safer cities, and the reasons aren’t hard to understand. The population is relatively small and stable, the community is deeply engaged, and the local police department maintains a presence that feels protective rather than intrusive.Neighbors know eac... 07/06/2026

UNCOVERING FLORIDA has listed West Melbourne as one of the safest towns in Florida!West Melbourne West Melbourne sits comfortably in Brevard County, sharing space with the broader Space Coast region but carving out its own identity as a calm, family-friendly community. It doesn’t have the name recognition of nearby Melbourne or the tourist buzz of Cocoa Beach, and honestly, residents seem perfectly happy about that.Staying under the radar has its advantages — including lower crime rates and a stronger sense of neighborhood cohesion.The city has invested steadily in public safety infrastructure over the years. A well-staffed police department, active community programs, and responsive local government all contribute to an environment where residents feel genuinely protected.West Melbourn... 07/06/2026

Montgomery County Drone as First Responder ProgramMontgomery County Police is expanding its Drone as First Responder program with next-generation dock-based technology. The upgraded system will improve response times, expand coverage and maintain strong privacy protections. https://ow.ly/qNHy50ZkCfrThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Coneflower Seed Pod+ Imagination, Color Edited for our Imagination Series, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 5577Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 07/11/2026

SportsFest in GaithersburgExplore all things sports at SportsFest on Saturday, July 11 from 8 to 11 a.m. Youth entering grades K through 8 can test their skills in soccer, football, baseball, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and on an inflatable obstacle course. The day kicks off with a 3K Run for all ages at 8 a.m., followed by free kid’s sports challenges from 9 to 11 a.m. The event takes place rain or shine at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. SportsFest DetailsThis is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Columbine, Aquilegia, Longwood Gardens Photowalk,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4474Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 07/09/2026

New Rules On Out-Of-State Vehicle RegistrationsThe Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is reminding residents that new enforcement measures targeting improperly registered out-of-state vehicles will begin on October 1, 2026.The agency recently launched a new social media campaign with the message, “If you live in Maryland, it’s time to Plate Where You Live.” Under the new enforcement process: Beginning October 1, owners of vehicles with out-of-state registrations that are believed to belong to Maryland residents will receive a written notice giving them 60 days to properly register the vehicle in Maryland or apply for a qualifying exemption. After the 60-day period, owners who remain out of compliance may be fined $7 per day for up to 60 days. If the vehicle is still not properl... 07/08/2026

Montgomery County SHIP Presents Understanding Your Medicare ChoicesJoin SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free monthly Medicare seminars at County libraries. The Montgomery County SHIP Director will present expert, unbiased information about what you need to know before enrolling in Medicare. You will learn what coverage you need, how enrollment periods work, and how to avoid penalties.  No registration is required. For information, visit https://MedicareABCD.org/events/list/.Monday, July 6th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pmGermantown Library, 19840 Century Boulevard, GermantownWednesday, July 22nd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pmPraisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, BurtonsvilleMontgomery County SHIP is a federally funded program that provides Medicare counseling and informatio... 07/05/2026

Maryland Launches a New Resource for Families Impacted by Dementia When someone you love receives a memory loss diagnosis, life can become overwhelming. Concerns about your loved one's health and safety can lead to sleepless nights filled with unanswered questions about how to manage the emerging responsibilities of constantly shifting needs. Caregivers can spend hours scouring a sprawling network of resources and service providers for direction, often neglecting their own needs as they focus on their caregiving duties. The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist can help. An innovative resource developed by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in partnership with the Maryland Information Network and the Maryland Department of Aging, the Checklist helps families caring for some... 07/07/2026

Arcadia, with Homes in Phoenix with Water in a desert, it is a beautiful sight. (Water drop by Arek Socha, Pixabay)  Where is Arcadia and Arizona Falls?   Jeff Masich at Arizona Falls adjacent to GR Herberger Park at 5802 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 in Irrigated and Green Arcadia in Phoenix Arizona  Now, a waterfall in the Phoenix metro? Yes, (see early photo from 1800s) if you live in the neighborhoods of Arcadia and the site of Arizona Falls and Arizona's first Hydro Power Plant, now at Herberger Park.Arizona Falls in 1800s...Water in the Desert  Phoenix homes for sale with lush greenery and upscale neighborhoods, south of Camelback Mountain. Where? Read on to find out about Arizona Falls and Arcadia...   Arcadia homes are just south of local landmark Camelback Mountain.  YES... 07/04/2026

Republican Party of Kalamazoo County 12h ·     PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 4, 2026 THE KALAMAZOO COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY "FREEDOM RIDERS" DECLARE KALAMAZOO THE TRUE BIRTHPLACE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN — On this Independence Day, members of the Kalamazoo County Republican Party "Freedom Riders" are proudly reclaiming Kalamazoo's rightful place in American political history as the true birthplace of the Republican Party. Long before the July 6, 1854 "Under the Oaks" convention in Jackson, anti-slavery leaders across southwest Michigan were already organizing politically and morally against the expansion of slavery in America. Southwest Michigan men such as Dr. Nathan Thomas of Schoolcraft, Isaac Davis of Climax, Henry Montague of Kalamazoo, and Hugh Shafte... 07/04/2026

Celebrating the Oldest Democracy in the WorldHappy Birthday, America, a Democracy of 250 years and a light that shines for the world to see.It began as frustrated long-distance subjects felt neglected and abandoned by their King. Feeling as being taken advantage of for their location and resources, yet no way of having their concerns properly addressed. Disappointment and frustrations lead to actions to separate themselves from a deaf ear.July 4, 1776 was the date the adventure began.The beginning of our democracy, and in time, a sound that would be heard around the world.At times, it appeared that we would fail as loses and frustrations mounted. The British were cruel, and many times, their actions were the spark necessary to keep the patriots involved. The tide eventually started to t... 07/04/2026