Local News and Events

What you should do when calling 9-1-1April is National 911 Education Month. If the 9-1-1 center is busy and your call is not answered within 15 seconds, you will hear a recording indicating that operators are busy. STAY ON THE LINE, do not hang up and call back. http://bit.ly/49F6hb5 http://joinmoco911.comThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 1178Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/24/2024

Turn In a Gun, Get a Food CardJoin us for a gun buyback event on April 20 at United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley. Turn in your working guns, no questions asked and receive up to $200 in Giant gift cards. Drive-thru only, 9 am-1 pm. Save lives and get rewarded! More info: https://ow.ly/ow0750Ri8OyThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Orchid, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4349Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/19/2024

The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest land owner in the United States.   Things About Texas You Might Not Know: u The triangular region framed in by the cities of Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio is experiencing a wave of growth of historic proportions more than anywhere in the world. u In 2020, the population of the Texas Triangle reached nearly 21 million. u The Texas Triangle contains five of the 20 largest cities in the U.S., and was home to more than 70% of all Texans: City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, City of Austin, City of Houston and City of San Antonio. u The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is bigger than all of Manhattan. u The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest land owner in the United States. u San Antonio ... 04/20/2024

The first time I lived in Provo, Utah was in 1980. I was newly married with a young infant. We only lived here for a very short time before moving to be closer to family in California. Then we moved back to Provo in 1987, just seven years later. We lived here until 1990 before moving again to be closer to family — this time in Seattle, Washington. We eventually moved to Florida in 1995, and I lived there for the next 26 years. However, I always dreamed of moving back to the Provo Hills and Provo Canyon. I missed the mountains, the spirit, the people, and my church centrality. In Florida, I lived less than a 5-minute walk to the Wellington Chapel, but the geographical boundaries of our ward were so large. It was hard to connect and be close to each other, living so far from away. Most of... 04/17/2024

Overall Rank  City Total Score  Health Care Rank  Food Rank  Green Space Rank  1 San Francisco, CA 67.60 76 1 1 2 Honolulu, HI 64.28 99 4 2 3 Seattle, WA 63.68 28 10 11 4 San Diego, CA 63.08 81 5 6 5 Washington, DC 63.04 39 7 9 6 Portland, OR 62.65 47 6 8 7 Denver, CO 61.99 29 11 16 8 Salt Lake City, UT 61.18 42 18 3 9 Scottsdale, AZ 60.32 19 65 13 10 Irvine, CA 60.29 12 30 17 04/16/2024

Hey there Opelika adventurers!  Have you heard the buzz about the Creekline Trails? If not, you’re in for a treat!  Let’s dive into the excitement of this citizen-led project that’s taking Opelika, Alabama by storm!Picture this: a winding 10-foot-wide asphalt path, snaking its way alongside the tranquil creekside, beckoning you to lace up those sneakers or hop on your bike for an adventure like no other. That’s right, Creekline Trails is not just any ordinary pathway, it’s a vibrant tapestry of nature, community, and outdoor fun! But wait, there’s more! This isn’t your average trail. Oh no, it’s ADA accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can bask in the beauty of Opelika’s natural wonders. Ramps? Yep, they’ve got those too, making accessibility a top priority!Now, le... 04/16/2024

Cantonment, Florida: There is something new at the Cantonment Rotary Club each week, and YOU should be a part of it. Charles Stallions, former president and current Sargent Of Arms, brings you the happenings of the Cantonment Rotary Club. Cantonment, Florida, stands as a testament to the resilience of communities throughout history. From its military origins to its present-day vibrancy, Cantonment reflects the spirit of adaptability and progress. The Cantonment Rotary, rooted in the principles of Rotary International, is an active participant in shaping the community's future.As Cantonment continues to evolve, the Rotary's commitment to service remains unwavering. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and a dedication to making a positive impact, the Cantonment Rotary contributes to the ... 04/16/2024

2024 Carlsbad Village Street Faire is May 5 One of our more popular arts and craft fairs returns to Carlsbad Village on Sunday May 5, 2024. The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is reportedly the largest outdoor 1-day fair in the US, other than its counter-part, the Carlsbad Village Faire in November. This is the 50th year for this fair! The Carlsbad Village Street Faire takes place from 8 am until 5 pm, so there is ample time to enjoy over 900 vendors and shop all you want. The Carlsbad Village Faire takes place in the heart of the Village, along Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson. The Faire spills over onto side streets, too. (photo is from another art fair in the Village in the same area).  Given the number of vendor booths much of the public parking will not be available ... 04/15/2024

Maryland Cicadas 2024 Forecast While hordes of periodical cicadas will emerge from the ground later this spring to mate and leave their hollow shells behind on trees and lawns, the number expected in Maryland is fairly small. The cicadas we’ll see in Maryland — likely starting in mid-May and continuing through June — are part of the 13-year Brood XIX. The 17-year Brood XIII will emerge only in Illinois and Michigan, experts. In Maryland, Brood XIX is only expected to emerge in southern St. Mary’s County, according to University of Maryland Extension. The agency said it is awaiting first reports of emergence. Anyone who spots signs of emergence can report them through Cicada Safari. Click here to learn more.Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as immature nymphs but appear en ma... 04/22/2024

Arab Culinary TraditionsArab-American Heritage Free Online Presentation Arab-American Heritage Month will be celebrated with a free, delicious online discussion of “Arab Culinary Traditions” starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. The panel will be hosted by music promoter Mary Knieser and will feature an array of community members invited to share their own family food memories.Arab Culinary Traditions is being presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. To join the event via Zoom, go to Meeting Registration - Zoom.The organizers are still looking for a few more potential panelists with Arab heritage to join the discussion. Anyone who would like to share their own family culinary traditions should contact Lisa Martin at lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.Mary Knieser grew up listening... 04/21/2024

Newest Episode of ‘50+ in Montgomery County’Highlights Joys and Benefits of DancingThe joys and benefits of dancing could apply to just about everyone, and in the latest episode of County Cable Montgomery’s (CCM) “50+ in Montgomery County,” the show focuses on how moving to music can particularly benefit older residents. The show can now be viewed on cable or online via the County's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/montgomerycountymd.Montgomery County’s cable station produces numerous shows that can help residents or that better explain how County Government is using the funds in its budget. This show is co-produced by the County’s Commission on Aging.In this episode, host Katie Smith of the Commission on Aging leads the discussion about where seniors can find opportunities to ... 04/20/2024

Annual Sweeping of 4,100 Lane Miles of County Roadways The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) annual Street Sweeping Program began this week. The effort will run through June and will sweep more than 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways.Last year, more than 800 tons of debris were collected and removed by crews. Sweeping routes are prioritized based on their proximity to sensitive watershed areas that are identified by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection.MCDOT will post “No Parking” signs a few days in advance of sweeping operations. Residents can find the sweeping schedule online by calling MC311 or visiting MCDOT’s Residential Street Sweeping website at montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Highway/streetsweep.These efforts help to promote the h... 04/18/2024

Driveway-Paving Scams Warning As the warm weather approaches, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning homeowners about driveway-paving scammers who typically look to exploit them in spring. These scammers are a common problem not only in Montgomery County, but also across Maryland. Homeowners should be aware and take appropriate measures to avoid falling victim to it.In the last year, OCP has been taking measures against individuals who performed unlicensed home improvement work, particularly those who conducted driveway paving. As a result, civil and criminal charges have been issued against them, and several have been issued arrest warrants. OCP also has managed to suspend all websites associated with these criminals, either permanently or temporarily, thr... 04/19/2024

Art is Ageless Exhibit in GaithersburgCelebrate aging with the Art is Ageless juried exhibition at the Benjamin Gaither Center through June 30. This unique exhibit features 28 two-dimensional artworks by artists of all ages that raise awareness of ageism in society and advance positive age beliefs. Meet the artists at a free reception and panel discussion on positive aging on Saturday, April 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Lilies, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4322Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/17/2024

Gaithersburg Arts Barn Call to Artists The Arts Barn is seeking artwork for the Fiscal Year 2025 season brochure and related marketing materials. Artwork should prominently feature the diverse arts that are shared and celebrated at the Arts Barn. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3.Learn more and apply here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4341Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/18/2024

Gaithersburg Book Festival Volunteers Needed VOLUNTEER Sign up for a day full of books, authors, and fun! Saturday, May 18, 2024! The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an enormous undertaking that would not be possible without the generous assistance of numerous volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities associated with putting on this world-class event. Please see the job descriptions below, and if you are interested is helping, fill out the Volunteer Sign-up Form by clicking the link below. SSL and PAU hours are available. Please note the following two requirements for volunteering at GBF: You must be age 16 or older  You must attend a volunteer training in early May (multiple session options will be offered) If you have questions about volunteering, please email Kathleen Benson at ... 04/17/2024

Peter Chang Gaithersburg Offers Chinese-Style TapasThe region's newest Peter Chang restaurant will hold its grand opening April 18 in Gaithersburg with a Chinese tapas-style menu of small, shareable plates offered.Peter Chang Gaithersburg is located at 637 N. Frederick Ave. in what had been Ichiban RestaurantChef's special items on the Gaithersburg location's menu include: Chengdu garlic steamed pork, Xi'an cold-skin noodles, Chengdu spicy mouth-watering chicken and Sichuan beef jerky.Click here to learn more. Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3065Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/16/2024

What is Provo Utah Known For? Mountains, Brigham Young University, and Mormons, (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, shortened version: LDS).Over the years, Provo Utah has grown into the second largest city in Utah. Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah. Mormon Culture in Provo While over 93% of Provo Utah are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there are still people who are not members of the church who love to live here in Provo. There are other Christian domination churches in Provo. Catholics have churches in Provo and there is also a Buddhist Monastery. Utah itself is ranked by the Gallop Poll as the most religious state which can be quite surprising when you think of the southern bible belt. Provo is ranked as the most religiou... 04/15/2024

Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, is a destination rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy. As the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia holds a special place in the nation's history as the birthplace of the United States. From the iconic Liberty Bell to the historic Independence Hall, visitors can immerse themselves in the country's founding and explore the city's rich American heritage. But Philadelphia is not just about its historical significance. The city has evolved into a modern metropolis with a thriving arts scene, a diverse food culture, and a vibrant nightlife. From top-notch art galleries to world-class museums, from authentic Philly cheesesteaks to trendy cafes, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. In this blog, we ... 04/15/2024

Going Solar in Montgomery County Montgomery County is going solar! We're converting facilities to clean energy thanks to a $790K state grant. Imagine reducing emissions equivalent to taking 968 cars off the road for a year! We're shining a light on sustainability this Earth Month! https://ow.ly/64AJ50RfQGkThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  African Daisy, Arctotis, 'Kleat12610', Opera Rose, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6856Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 04/16/2024