Local News and Events

Free Electric Scooter Class for Adults on SundayThe Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is offering a free electric scooter class from noon - 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at Westfield Montgomery (former Sears parking lot), located at 7101 Democracy Blvd. in Bethesda. Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips, and get details on basic e-scooter laws. No registration is required.Scooters will be provided free of charge. Individuals must be 18 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license or ID.Click here to read the press release.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Stock, Matthiola incana, 'Katz yellow', Conservatory Display, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 2688Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy an... 06/06/2026

Honoring All Heroes on D-Day   Today marks the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. The historic seaborne operation occurred on June 6, 1944, launching the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe.   Commemorative Events   • Normandy American Cemetery: The official ceremony takes place at the Normandy American Cemetery. The site is accessible to the public, though ceremony access is limited to official invitees.   • Langrune-sur-Mer: The official international ceremony is hosted in the seaside town of Langrune-sur-Mer (Sword Beach).   • General Dwight D. Eisenhower Monument: Preceding the main June 6th date, observances were held in towns like Sainte-Mère-Église to honor the paratroopers who first liberated western Europe   • National D-Day Memorial... 06/06/2026

As a real estate professional, one of my favorite things about following local news is seeing the stories that remind us why people love calling Berea home.This week offered several examples of the strong community values that continue to shape life in Berea and Madison County.The week began with recognition for Southwestern High School students who received Hurst Scholar honors through Berea College. Educational opportunities often play a significant role in why families choose a community, and achievements like these reflect the area's commitment to student success.Faith and community engagement were also highlighted through Youth Sunday celebrations, which encouraged leadership and involvement among younger generations.Economic development remained part of the conversation as Novelis... 06/05/2026

Retire • Relocate • Downsize with ConfidenceCharles Stallions Real Estate ServicesPUT Charles In Charge™Senior Living OptionsIndependent Living Communities University Pines – Sky Active Living (Pensacola) The Waterford at Creekside (Pensacola) Assisted Living & Memory Care YOURLife of Pensacola The Arbors of Gulf Breeze The Beacon at Gulf Breeze Senior Centers & Community Hubs Council on Aging of West Florida Bayview Senior Citizens Center Beulah Senior Citizen Center Felix Miga Senior Center Vickrey Community Center Things to DoOutdoor & Leisure Bayview Park Gulf Islands National Seashore Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Golf: Tiger Point, Osceola, Stonebrook Arts, Culture & Learning Pensacola Museum of Art Saenger Theatre PSC Continuing Education Health & Wellness YMCA senior fi... 06/06/2026

This Week…Remembering D-Day and a Special Birthday Every year on June 6, my post is the same. It is a post to help us remember D-Day, June 1944, Operation Overlord, and the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare.   Much has happened in the 82 years since the Allies, using over 5,000 ships and landing craft, landed 150,000 troops on five beaches of Normandy: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.  The facts are staggering, and so are the individual stories. One man told of carrying a rifle and trying not to punch a hole in the glider he was in. He also had a typewriter to record events of the day. Read more stories here.  Think about it…all they did without the technology we have today!    Last year, I shared a surprising fact: a dress rehearsal for the landing was conducted ... 06/06/2026

By Charles Stallions | Gulf Coast Homeownership AdvisorsPUT Charles In Charge™Tax planning isn’t a once‑a‑year chore — it’s a year‑round wealth strategy. The right questions asked at the right time can meaningfully improve your long‑term financial picture. Please seek the advice of a tax lawyer or your own advisor.  Key Principles for Better After‑Tax WealthChallenge “Same as Last Year” Thinking Home office deduction: square footage vs. room‑based — recalc annually Vehicle expenses: standard mileage vs. actual costs Standard vs. itemized deduction: run both every year. Ask: “Given my situation this year, what produces the best outcome?”  Plan All Year — Not Just at Filing Time Roth vs. traditional contributions depend on current vs. future tax brackets Charitable giving: bunching gifts ... 06/05/2026

Happy National Donut Day! 🍩Donut 🍩Miss Your Chance To Indulge In A Hole Lot Of Happiness Today! 🍩 Charlotte's Love Affair with DonutsIf it’s the first Friday in June! That means it’s time to celebrate one of America’s most beloved treats—guilt-free and maybe even for free! 🍩 Charlotte's Love Affair with DonutsCharlotte doesn’t just like donuts—it celebrates them. In fact, the city hosts an annual Donut Festival. And if you live in the Charlotte metro area, you're never very far from your next delicious bite. "That's my favorite food group: donut. I love the donut."... Laura Linney 🍩Donuts Worth the Dough: Where to Indulge in the Charlotte areaHere are 6 must-visit donut shops in and around Charlotte—perfect for National Donut Day (and every other day too). So donut miss out celebrating ... 06/05/2026

One of the questions I often hear from people considering a move to Madison County is, "What's there to do around here?"The answer is simple: plenty.This weekend alone, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of community events that highlight the family-friendly lifestyle and strong community connections that make Berea and Richmond such desirable places to live.Saturday kicks off with the Kids Fishing Derby from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, giving local children an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family.If treasure hunting is more your style, the Commerce Drive Community Yard Sale runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and offers shoppers the chance to discover unique finds while supporting neighbors.Nature enthusiasts can gather for the BFKA Members Native Collecting &... 06/04/2026

Beachfront Bliss & Dockside DiningThere is something about dining on the water in Naples that simply hits differently. Maybe it’s the Gulf sunsets that stop conversations mid-sentence. Maybe it’s the slow parade of boats drifting through the bay. Or maybe it’s that unmistakable feeling that for a couple of hours, life just feels easy.Waterfront dining here isn’t just about seafood (though we do that very well). It’s about atmosphere. It’s about lifestyle. It’s about understanding why so many people visit once… and then decide to stay.To make this easy, I’ve divided everything into two categories: Beachfront Dining – Direct Gulf views, sunset perfection, sand-and-sea energy. Dockfront, Bayfront & Canal-Front Dining – Marinas, intercoastal views, riverfront charm, and true Naples boating ... 06/04/2026

Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Candy today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler  #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore I want to tell you about a woman in Pennsylvania.  I’ll leave her name out of this because she’s already been through enough. She and her partner had been together for more than ten years. They built a life together, bought a home together, and shared everything two people can share.  They just never officially... 06/04/2026

 This weekends weather in the PoconosThursday: Sunny ☀️ 78° / 56° Friday: Sun & Clouds 🌤️ 80° / 60° Saturday: Sun & Clouds ⛅ 77° / 56° Sunday: Sun & Clouds 🌤️ 72° / 58° A beautiful stretch of weather is ahead for the Poconos! Perfect for lake days, hiking, backyard BBQs, and enjoying everything summer has to offer. 😎🌲🚤 📍 Pocono Mountains, PA 📞 RE/MAX Property Specialists | 570-972-2940 #PoconosWeather #WeekendForecast #PoconoMountains #LakeLife #SummerInThePoconos #BrokerJeff #REMAXPropertySpecialists ☀️🏡🔥 https://youtu.be/6qOSOl8gjkw 06/04/2026

JF Kennedy Waterbury CT: Class of 1966 Trying to Have a ReunionWell, we have all been there, I believe and when we got that diploma, the talk and tears were prevalent.  Some did stay in touch and others not so much, but when there were over 300 graduates, especially in 1966, the future had questions.We had a few reunions in the interim, I remember one in 1986, our 20th as well as a big one in 2016, our 50th.For those seeking yours truly, I am kneeling just above the word school, and my wife is beside me as we were classmates back then.Our class was special for the fact that we were the first graduating class for the new high school in Waterbury. We were not supposed to be together as there were other schools that would handle our numbers, but as we had been together 3 years at the Croft... 06/04/2026

Late-Night Student Parties vs Saturday Morning Lawn Crews: Which Is Worse? Late-night student parties vs Saturday morning lawn crews is one of those debates that almost everyone living near a college town eventually has.If you’ve lived in Auburn or Opelika long enough, you’ve probably experienced one—or both.A loud gathering that seems to go on forever.Or a lawn crew that arrives bright and early on a Saturday morning when you were hoping to sleep in.So let’s settle it.Which one is worse?The Case Against Late-Night Student PartiesFor many residents, late-night noise is hard to ignore.Common complaints include: Loud music Conversations outside Car doors opening and closing People arriving and leaving late Interrupted sleep The challenge is that late-night noise often happens when most p... 06/04/2026

Hiking the Paulina Lake Loop: Hot Springs, Volcanic Views, and One of Central Oregon's Best Lake Trails There are some hikes in Central Oregon that leave a lasting impression, and the loop around Paulina Lake is one of them. Yesterday, we completed the 7-mile hike around Paulina Lake within the spectacular Newberry National Volcanic Monument. With only 207 feet of elevation gain, the trail is relatively easy by Central Oregon standards, but what it lacks in climbing it more than makes up for in scenery, geology, and unique features that simply don't exist anywhere else in the region.   A Lake Inside a Volcano Paulina Lake sits within the massive caldera of Newberry Volcano, one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascade Range. The caldera itself is nearly five miles across and contains bo... 06/03/2026

Are You Ready? Ten Questions For You To Answer If you're thinking, "I don't live in a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or wildfire zone, so I don't need to worry," I sincerely hope you're right—and that you never have to face one.  A few years ago, a chemical leak south of Houston forced people to leave their homes. They were gone overnight and in some cases longer. Hurricane season is upon us, and even though it is forecast to be a below-normal season, you never know!  When we returned to Houston, I had no idea we’d spend 3 occasions in a closet due to tornadoes.   Below are 10 questions to ask yourself. 1. DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? Not just an “It’s in my head plan,” but one that is printed and/or on your phone that you or your family can refer to. DID YOU KNOW…It takes, on average, 10-30 se... 06/04/2026

In case you haven’t noticed I am trying to get you outside the bubble.  The bubble is what we call The Villages, Florida, it isn’t because we don’t love the bubble I want to share about short trips to see the real Florida!  Lake Griffin State Park is located less than 4 miles east from Colony Plaza on 466a, many don’t even know it is there!  The fee to enter the park is $5 per vehicle and $4 if by yourself, what a deal!  So, what all is there?  According to their website:www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-griffin-state-parkBoat Tours, Geo-Seeking, Picnicking, Camping, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing and Paddling.  Let’s start with the Swamp Trail, This 1.3-mile roundtrip trail takes you through a pristine swamp habitat where you’ll see several types of ferns and other pla... 06/04/2026

 Owning rental property isn’t just about collecting rent — it’s about building a long-term, wealth‑producing asset that supports your family, your future, and your legacy here along the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re managing one home in Pensacola or building a portfolio across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the fundamentals of landlording never change.Here’s the calm, confident, professional breakdown your audience needs — and the branded authority they expect from Stallions Real Estate Group. 1. Start With the Numbers — Not the EmotionSmart landlords treat rentals like a business. Know your cash flow Understand your expenses Budget for repairs Plan for vacancies A rental that “feels good” isn’t the same as a rental that performs. The winners in this game are the ones who run the math b... 06/04/2026

Wordless Wednesday…A Wonderful Surprise! Ready for an update? We’re waiting for the two baby bluebirds in Box 1 to fledge early next week. Larry and I peek in every few days to ensure the two chicks are there and doing ok.  Boxes 2 and 4 have vacancy signs, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.  Our box at home has four chicks that hatched a week ago. When I check the in-box camera, I’m usually staring at four babies with their beaks wide open, waiting for food.   And our wonderful surprise…Box Three not only has a nest, but there are now two eggs in it.  Yea!!!!! This is what we saw when we pulled up to park this weekend. If you look closely, you can see a few pine needles in the bird's beak.    And look what we found on Tuesday…    06/03/2026

Charles Explains Why It’s Best to Hire a Local Agent vs. a Big‑Box BrandWhen it comes to buying or selling a home on the Gulf Coast, the difference between a local expert and a big‑box brand isn’t small — it’s everything.Big-box companies rely on national scripts, national marketing, and national assumptions. But real estate isn’t national. It’s hyper‑local, and every neighborhood from Pensacola to Pace to Gulf Breeze plays by its own rules.As a local, full‑time Gulf Coast advisor, here’s what I bring to the table that the big brands simply can’t: Local Market Precision I know the streets, the schools, the insurance realities, the flood zones, and the pricing patterns because I live them every day. Big-box agents rely on national data. I rely on local truth. Faster, Smarter Problem Solv... 06/03/2026

Indian Trail Family Fun Day 2026: Saturday, June 6A Summer Tradition of Fun in the Heart of Indian Trail, NCTime: 2:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.Location: Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian TrailAdmission: FREE Get ready for a day packed with excitement at Indian Trail’s annual Family Fun Day 2026 on Saturday, June 6! It will be an unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment, rides, food, and fireworks at Indian Trail's Crooked Creek Park. Indian Trail Family Fun Day Event Highlights: Amusement Rides 🎡 Kids Activities 🎈🎠 A wide variety of vendors from across the Charlotte area High-energy live music 🎶 🎤 🎸 🥁 🎷 Tasty options from local food trucks 🚚 🌮 🍔 🌭 🍕 Spectacular Fireworks Finale 🎆 🎇– the best in Union County! These begin at 9:15 PM.  Important Parking Info🅿️:There is no o... 06/03/2026