Local News and Events

Latest Update on the Pacific Palisades, CA, Fires!The good news is, the containment is now at 49%, sadly it took 11 days to come to this point. Needless to say, we are not there yet. 23,713 acres have been affected by the fires.Hard to believe, but a crew of 5,677 firefighters has been working on the site and they managed to contain 49% of the fire by Saturday evening. The fire fighters are from all over the country, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico to name a few.I am hopeful, that tomorrow will bring better percentages, because my understanding is that next week there are more winds expected. Needless to say, the winds are not helpful for the fire fighters.Just to give you an idea the firefighting effort, as of this writing involve 551 engines, 48 water tenders, 43 helicopters, ... 01/18/2025

Does the current Polar Vortex with brutal cold and snow got you down? May be time to take that exit for the Carefree Highway in Phoenix Arizona to the suburb of Carefree. (Photo: Sundial Park, Town of Carefree website)Does LIFE feel like a Jumbled Mess full of STRESS? Are you looking for a less stressful existence? Maybe it is time to live more carefree in Carefree Arizona? Hey, I can help you with that....read on.Stressful life? Maybe, live in Carefree Arizona (Image  Waleed Khalid, Pixabay)What should you do? Well take that "Carefree Highway" mentioned in Gordon Lightfoot's namesake song (Carefree Highway is the actual street name that leads to the town of Carefree from Phoenix). (Leave the Crowd Image by Waleed Khalid from Pixabay)Gordon Lightfoot saw the exit sign for "Carefree High... 01/18/2025

Prepare for the Sunday Winter Weather: SnowNow is the time to prepare for the forecasted winter weather event scheduled to start tomorrow morning. NWShttps://tinyurl.com/45x2csduThis is a Montgomery County (MD) Department of Transportation announcement. Coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, 'Marrakesh', Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6777Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs  01/18/2025

What better way to celebrate love than with a $200 Dinner for Two? 🍽️✨ Whether it’s a romantic night out or just an excuse to indulge, this one’s on us! 💝Here’s the best part: YOU get to pick the restaurant! With so many amazing spots to choose from in Irvine, the options are endless. 🌟 Whether it’s a cozy favorite or a trendy new place you’ve been wanting to try, this prize is all about making your Valentine’s Day magical. 🌹🍷And it gets even better—we’re picking TWO lucky winners to enjoy this fabulous treat! 🎉 Double the winners, double the fun! 🥂Ready to enter? It’s super easy: Fill out the form, dream about your perfect dinner, and cross your fingers! Good luck! 💌  Fill out my Wufoo form! GENERAL: NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. Promotion begins at 08:00 a.m. (PST) on 01/16/2025 and ends ... 01/18/2025

We have been enjoying 50's and 60's the last couple of weeks.  I know we need moisture, but having warmer weather in December/January does happen, but you always know the cold weather will come.It's here.   About noon Friday, you saw the dark gray clouds come in, and the cold wind.   The temps plunged quickly, and Friday afternoon we saw light snow falling.   This morning, we are at 10 degrees, but so far, no electrical outages across the City.   This artic cold is expected to keep Denver frigid will last through Tuesday morning.Be careful when walking the pups, as it doesn't take long to see frostbite.   Even leaving a pup in a doghouse, unless it is insulated.    The roads were icy, and snow is still falling, and expecting up to 6", not much.   The wind chills are what will affect us.... 01/18/2025

According to data from United Van Lines, North Carolina ranked 5th in the top states to move to in the United States in 2024. The top 10 inbound states in 2024 were:1. West Virginia2. Delaware3. South Carolina4. Washington DC5. North Carolina6. Alabama7. Rhode Island8. Oregon9. Arkansas10. ArizonaMake your own move to North Carolina's Triad or Triangle areas in 2025! 01/18/2025

If you were affected by the fires of the greater Los Angeles area here are some helpful links I found and thought, they might be of help to you.My heart is with everyone affected by the recent wildfires. If you or someone you know needs assistance—whether it’s finding temporary housing, resources, or simply support—I am here for you. do not hesitate to reach out to me.I am so grateful that I live near LAX and have electricity, internet and the list goes on and on. On the other hand, if you need help, please email me homes@endrebarath.com  or call me 310.486.1002 (m) and I will do my best trying to help you.If you prefer reaching out directly let me share a few links that might be of help to you.:1. https://www.redcross.org/local/2.https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-dist... 01/17/2025

Gaithersburg Martin Luther King Jr. Day ClosuresIn observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most City of Gaithersburg facilities and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025. Recycling will take place as scheduled. Bulk pickup is unavailable. Note that the regular Mayor and City Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 21.Click here to read more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Chrysanthemum, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6775Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/17/2025

The Tone of Your Voice MattersThe following quote was a Worth Sharing message on Facebook. It would have been appropriate to direct the message to me because I really need to change my tone of voice. I could blame my tone of voice on impatience or old age or the way I feel but those would be unacceptable excuses. So, this is a condition that I need to change and I am going to try my best to improve my tone of voice. Please join me in this effort if you are also in need of improvements.YOUR TONE OF VOICE MATTERS.When we speak to someone, our tone of voice carries more weight than we might think. Even if our intentions are good, the way we say things can linger in someone's heart long after the words have been spoken. A harsh or careless tone can echo in their mind, replaying moments that... 01/17/2025

I could probably write a year’s worth of articles about place to eat in The Villages, Florida.  I do enjoy trying new places and sometimes will share when I go but we need to eat at home occasionally!  With FMK have maybe a dozen or so restaurants, all the country clubs can be a good choice and all the free-standing restaurants you can stay busy.  I recently read about another option at The Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumter Landing, Calypso.  Let me share what they say about the restaurant: Calypso invites you to a vibrant, sun-soaked dining experience on picturesque Lake Sumter, where Caribbean flavor fusions and bold, fresh tastes come alive. Enjoy radiant rum-infused cocktails, and zesty bites in an atmosphere inspired by lively island vibes. With immersive, energizing music and a stunn... 01/17/2025

Another update on the Pacific Palisades fires...sort of... The good news is that we are at 27% per cent containment with all the help from Fire Fighters, from Texas and Mexico to name a few.  It has burned 23,713 acres after being an active fire for nine days now. A crew of 4,471 firefighters has been working on site Clearly, we still have a long way to go, I will feel much better when the numbers are around 80 -90% contained.Today, the US Postal Service dropped off a flyer and I thought I would share to help those in need. Please look at the photos in this post and hope it helps.It breaks my heart to hear not only that all those who were affected by these fires but, that some of my fellow agents in my office were sharing stories about losing their homes. They were others who were, sad,... 01/16/2025

I could probably write a year’s worth of articles about place to eat in The Villages, Florida.  I do enjoy trying new places and sometimes will share when I go but we need to eat at home occasionally!  With FMK have maybe a dozen or so restaurants, all the country clubs can be a good choice and all the free-standing restaurants you can stay busy.  I recently read about another option at The Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumter Landing, Calypso.  Let me share what they say about the restaurant:Calypso invites you to a vibrant, sun-soaked dining experience on picturesque Lake Sumter, where Caribbean flavor fusions and bold, fresh tastes come alive. Enjoy radiant rum-infused cocktails, and zesty bites in an atmosphere inspired by lively island vibes. With immersive, energizing music and a stunnin... 01/17/2025

Hearts of Carlsbad Village Scavenger Hunt  The 5th Hearts of Carlsbad Village blown glass scavenger hunt in Carlsbad Village is coming soon. What a fun opportunity to spend time in Carlsbad Village outdoors exploring! The Carlsbad Village Association and Barrio Glassworks are sponsoring this fun treasure hunt on February 8th.  The event is supported by Visit Carlsbad, the official tourism marketing organization in the City of Carlsbad. February is American Heart Month, and Valentine’s Day is 6 days after the event. What’s more appropriate than a heart-themed treasure hunt? Here’s how the Hearts of Carlsbad Village works.  300 colorful hand-blown glass hearts created at Barrio Glassworks will be “hidden” in popular locations in the Village. Each engraved glass heart is numbered and dated... 01/16/2025

MLK Days of Service: January 18 & 19To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Mayor and City Council proclaimed January 18 and 19 as “Days of Service” in Gaithersburg. Residents are encouraged to participate in service projects that strengthen our community and foster a spirit of equality and inclusiveness, not only during these days but throughout the year. The Montgomery County Volunteer Center continues the tradition of honoring Dr. King through service projects and volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Hibiscus, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 5831Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/125 sec., ISO-80, 25 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 01/17/2025

What a wonderful cause.  Milestone of 1 Million Trees Planted in Maryland Maryland Forest Service staff, along with volunteers from MedStar Harbor Hospital and the National Aquarium, plant trees at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore in a 2024 planting for the 5 Million Trees Initiative. DNR photo Before the close of 2024, Maryland planted more than 1 million trees towards the state’s 5 Million Trees Initiative. The millionth tree was planted in western Maryland in the fall, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources data. The milestone came as the state saw a substantial increase in tree plantings in the past year. The rate of tree plantings for the initiative increased by more than 100% from 2023 to 2024. “Maryland made an ambitious commitment with the 5 Million Trees Init... 01/16/2025

For my Chicagoland friends you know about Potbelly Sandwich Works and locally The Villages, Florida is about to learn around Potbelly!  The first store is about to open on 441 and Rolling Acres Road next to Starbucks.  According to published reports the franchise owner plans on four more locations in Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties so maybe one coming closer to you!  Don’t know about Potbelly you will learn quickly.Back in 1996 Bryant Kell bought Potbelly and over the next 12 years they open 250 shops.  From the company website:  From the comforting, melty cheese of a toasted sandwich made with love, to classic photos of Jimi Hendrix shredding a guitar solo at Woodstock, Potbelly is just a fun place to be. We're a first-class dive. A place to take a break from it all. Sure we make the ... 01/16/2025

Surprise Package: Penzy's RESIST SeasoningA surprise package was delivered to our home and we discovered that it contained a box of Penzy's RESIST Seasoning. Click on the link to visit the website. RESIST! SeasoningOur RESIST! seasoning is nicely spicy with a hint of smokiness. Sprinkle RESIST! heavily on hummus or chopped avocado and it will be spicy. Sprinkle it on a burger, or wings, or vegetables before roasting and its heat fades with cooking, leaving just wonderful tastiness. Use RESIST everywhere by itself or alongside your favorite seasonings to add a new spark. RESIST! is Good.Hand-mixed from: Black pepper, salt, paprika, cayenne red pepper, white pepper, chipotle pepper. 27 Trial Bags #83056 $49.75 We discovered that this gift includes a political message.Penzeys Spices is tur... 01/15/2025

I found an online directory of Kalispell City ordinances and thought it would be intriguing to see what some of the ordinances of the past were. The last post covered a 1933 ordinance called "Montana Beer Act." Nothing very interesting happened during the following few years, so we're jumping ahead to 1936 for the Cosmetology and Beauty Shops ordinance #455.In 1936, the licensing of Cosmetology and Beauty shops began in Kalispell MT. Specifically, it became unlawful to practice or teach cosmetology (specifically "hair dressing" and "beauty culture") for compensation without a license. That included any work that was done to embellish, clean or beautify hair, scalp, face, arms or hands.Each Kalispell beauty shop owner would pay $5 per calendar year for the license and any other operators... 01/15/2025

Property Relief for homes impacted by the fires in the greater Los Angeles area. There is a lot of things homeowners need to know and do if their homes were damaged or destroyed by the fires. If you are a homeowner who was affected by the fires, let me just say I am heart broken by the devastation caused by the wildfires and my thoughts are with everyone whose lives have been impacted. Just to be clear if your loss exceeds $10,000 of the current market value you as a potential homeowner may qualify for reassessment.There are so many questions homeowners have and sadly to many of these questions I have the answers. Now with that said feel free to reach out to me directly and I will try to answer them for you.Let me give a few examples here:1. How do I change my mailing address on file wi... 01/14/2025

Atlanta Buckhead Midtown- "Wolf Moon" Mid-January - One Of Many Names  Over the centuries, cultures have gazed into space and observed distant images.The WOLF MOON is the Native American name for the first full moon of the year. it seems to have stemmed from the wolves howling in hunger in the middle of the winter.       Other names include: The Ice Moon; The Old Moon; The Moon After Yule (Twelve Days of Christmas);  The Duruthu Poya (Buddhist); The Shakambhari Purnima (Hindu); The Paush Purnima; The Thiruvathira or Thiruvathirai - that is The Arudhra Darisanam Festival Moon (Hindu); and The Start of Prayag Kumbh Mela (Hindu). In Chinese culture, first Full Moon is the middle of the 12th and final month of the Chinese Year - end of the Rabbit. The new Moon on January 29 will be Chinese ... 01/14/2025