Local News and Events

Relocating to Auburn University: Don’t Underestimate Jordan-Hare StadiumRelocating to Auburn University means learning something that can be difficult to appreciate until you’ve experienced it yourself: Jordan-Hare Stadium is enormous compared with the city surrounding it.Its official capacity is 88,043 people.On a football Saturday, Auburn Athletics describes a full Jordan-Hare Stadium as the equivalent of Alabama’s fifth-largest city.Think about that for a minute.An enormous concentration of people can gather in one stadium in the middle of Auburn.Then add everyone tailgating, working the game, visiting Downtown Auburn, eating in restaurants, walking around campus or simply coming to town without a ticket.That’s why I tell people relocating here:Don’t choose where you’re going to live... 09/12/2026

Auburn Football Game Day: Loudest Crowd or Biggest Upset?Auburn football game day can give you moments you remember for the rest of your life, so here’s today’s Auburn question:Would you rather experience the loudest crowd you’ve ever heard at Jordan-Hare Stadium — or witness the biggest Auburn upset you’ve ever seen?That’s a hard one.Because when Jordan-Hare gets loud, you don’t just hear it.You feel it.But there’s also nothing quite like watching Auburn win a game that people weren’t expecting Auburn to win.So which experience are you choosing? LOUDEST CROWDor BIGGEST UPSETIf you’re considering moving to Auburn, Alabama, this is another glimpse into why football Saturdays are such a distinctive part of living in a university town.Auburn Football Game Day Can Get LOUDYou can watch Aubu... 09/12/2026

The Last Weekend of the Maryland State FairThe Maryland State Fair will officially end on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for another year. Take in the birthing center for the piglets and calves, the petting zoo, horse racing, rodeo, all the displays of handicrafts (quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, rug hooking), preserves, arts and crafts, and 4-H. And the midway, the rides, and carnival games.There is something for everyone!What exhibits do you look for when you go to the fair?  I go to the birthing center to see the babies born during the fair and then I go to the Home Arts building for 4-H exhibits and of course, the quilts!!Enjoy!The Midway and buildings open at 10 am through 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 9 pm, but check the fair program for specific events.  09/11/2026

Inspiration Park: A Place of RemembranceBy Sandy Al-NazerSome residents and visitors may pass Inspiration Park without realizing the significance of this small and peaceful space in Kentlands. The City of Gaithersburg dedicated the park on September 11, 2002, in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.The memorial stone in the park reads:“Inspiration Park. Dedicated to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Peace.”Created as a setting for quiet reflection, the park features a winding brick pathway, two permanently anchored benches, rose-covered trellises at each end of the path, and a variety of trees, shrubs and perennial plantings.Inspiration Park is located at 905 Inspiration Lane, near the intersection of Inspiration and Firehouse L... 09/11/2026

As real estate professionals, we know that helping clients find a home isn't just about square footage and floor plans, it’s about the community surrounding the property. A active town center, strong civic pride, and reliable local infrastructure are huge drivers for long-term home value and neighborhood satisfaction.Here is a quick look at how Berea, Kentucky continues to stand out as a fantastic place to live and invest: A Thriving Cultural Scene: The Berea Arts Council recently hosted its ‘Stepping Out for Art’ event, bringing artists and supporters together. Berea’s reputation as the Folk Art and Craft Capital of Kentucky continues to attract homebuyers who value creativity and small-town charm. Civic Pride & Roadway Improvements: Our Madison County Fiscal Court recently celebrated ... 09/12/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, 2001 - Never Forget. This day began as an ordinary morning for nearly 3,000 innocent people who never came home. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends, coworkers, ordinary Americans simply going about their daily lives to make a living. In a matter of hours, their families were left with unimaginable horror, grief and empty chairs never to be filled again at their tables. We must remember the courageous firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Plus the passengers of Flight 93 who fought back, sacrificing themselves rather than allowing the hijackers to reach their intended target. The wounds of that day remain after the towers fell. Families lost loved ones. First ... 09/11/2026

Signature Matches: What Every Voter Should Know About Vote RecordsYour signature is more powerful than most people realize. In many states, it is the main way election officials confirm that a mail-in or absentee ballot truly came from you. If the signature on file does not closely match what you write, your ballot can be flagged or even rejected, often without you finding out until much later.This is why an independent researcher takes a few minutes to check their own signature on record. Many states allow you to view or update the signature tied to your voter file, usually through the same office that handles your driver's license or voter registration.Signatures naturally change over the years. An injury, a new pen grip, or simply aging can shift how your name looks on paper. That is... 09/11/2026

Auburn Football Tailgating: It’s About More Than the GameAuburn football tailgating isn’t just something college students do before a game. If you’re moving to Auburn, Alabama, or relocating to Auburn University, you’ll quickly discover that tailgating can be an all-day tradition involving families, alumni, longtime friends and multiple generations of Auburn fans.Some people arrive early.Really early.They bring tents.Tables.Televisions.Grills.Food.Games.Chairs.And enough Auburn decorations to make absolutely certain nobody forgets which team they’re pulling for. But the interesting part isn’t really the equipment.It’s the people.For many Auburn fans, the tailgate becomes a regular gathering place — almost like a family reunion that happens several Saturdays every fall.And that’s an impo... 09/11/2026

When people talk about real estate, the conversation usually centers around houses.How many bedrooms?What's the price?How big is the yard?How old is the home?Those questions matter. Obviously.But as a local Realtor serving Berea, Richmond, and Madison County, Kentucky, I think there's another question buyers should ask:What is there to actually do around here?Because buying a home isn't just buying a structure. You're choosing a community, a routine, and a lifestyle.And this weekend, September 12–13, 2026, Madison County has a pretty good lineup of local activities that show exactly why community matters.Here are a few things happening around Berea and Richmond this weekend.Saturday Morning Starts Early in BereaIf you're an early riser, the weekend gets moving quickly with the Sound Wal... 09/11/2026

September 11…25 Years Later Every year as this date approaches, I struggle with what to say that I haven’t already said. Yes, I could tell you exactly where I was, and about the numbness I felt for days.  As I reflected on that day and all that I witnessed, two words continued to come to mind: HOME and COMMUNITY. I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap. Ani DiFranco  On that day and for weeks after, the need to be HOME was strong…and not just our own homes but some SAFE HAVEN. Our friend was in Houston for a trade show and was headed for the airport when flights were cancelled. He called his son and said to do whatever it took to get him HOME.The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, wat... 09/11/2026

Some hikes are memorable because the trail leads to a beautiful destination. Others stay with us because the landscape tells a much larger story. Our September 8, 2026 hike to Jefferson Park from the Whitewater Trailhead offered both.We have hiked to Jefferson Park several times over the years, including before and after the fires that dramatically changed this part of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Our earlier visit, shared in Jefferson Park Hike Open and Spectacular, captured the excitement of returning after the trail had been closed for several years. Each return visit is a reminder that the trail we once knew is gone in many places, but the beauty of Jefferson Park remains—and the forest is slowly beginning its long recovery.Our hike measured 13 miles with 1,920 feet of elevation ga... 09/10/2026

There are plenty of car lovers in The Villages, and one group has been bringing Mustang fans together since 2007. The Villages Mustang Club started pretty simply. A few Villagers met at a local Dairy Queen because they shared a love of Ford Mustangs. Almost 20 years later, the club is still going strong. And it isn't just about standing around looking under the hood.Their 2026 calendar includes lunch cruises, trips, dinners, car shows and even outings that have nothing to do with cars. The club says the idea is to bring old and new friends together around a common interest.  That's really what so many clubs in The Villages are about. The Mustang may be what gets you through the door, but the friendships and activities are what keep you coming back.They currently meet at Eisenhower Recre... 09/11/2026

Looking for Some Fun In and Around the Pottstown Area This Weekend? Lower Pottsgrove Township's Community Day: Head to Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School (1329 Buchert Road) on Saturday from 10:00 AM for food trucks, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and a bounce house. Practical Magic Day: Visit Enchanted Elements Apothecary (105 East High Street) on Saturday starting at 11:00 AM for a movie screening, intuitive card readings, and a tea/mocktail bar. [1] Tractors in the Park: Visit Boyertown Community Park (419 Madison Street, nearby Boyertown) on Saturday starting at 10:00 AM for over 100 tractors on display, a petting zoo, and family contests. [1] Community Day and Car Show: Head to Keystone Villa at Douglassville on Saturday at 10:00 AM for antique cars, food trucks, and ki... 09/10/2026

Friday Flags: Some Days Just Mean MoreThere was a time when we felt secure with our isolation from the rest of the world for having borders with countries with whom we have a common respect and confidence. With the advances in technology, and a semblance of over confidence, that was lost 25 years ago, and our lives are different today.As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks that killed 3000 people and reminded us that being vigilant is necessary in our modern day.While we have not reached the degree of necessity as yet for more guardedness at our transportation hubs, we do need to keep our eyes open for anything that seems unusual.In 1941, Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed Dec 7, a date that will 'live in infamy'. Without the same type of declaration, Sept 11 will carry that s... 09/11/2026

The Field of Heroes: Historic Town Square • St. George, Utah Taking in the sea of red, white and blue flags adorning the expansive St. George Town Square, the enormity, once again hit me. The helplessness and horror experienced that morning of September 11, 2001, when the radio DJ announced that the twin towers had been hit, came fresh again. Tears sprang to my eyes as I read the signs and tags, naming each hero. I finally walked away with even more respect for those who ran toward danger while others were running away. They entered the World Trade Center buildings with courage, knowing only that someone needed their help. If you get a chance, make your way to the Field of Heroes at Historic Town Square and you will see 343 American flags standing proudly across the lawn, each one repre... 09/10/2026

Remembering 9/11September 11 is a day we will never forget.   We remember where we were and what we were doing.We remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the incredible courage of the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away.So much has changed since that day, but the memories remain. We remember not only the tragedy, but also the way people came together—with kindness, courage, and a renewed sense of what truly matters.We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 09/11/2026

We live in Northwest Montana, in the Kalispell area. We are surrounded by forest and see wildlife on a regular basis. We've set up a few trail cameras around our property. As a result, we have photos of animals that exist around the entire country, as well as a few that only live in certain areas.Below and above are a few photos of animals that have wandered around our area over the last few months, as well as a short description of each. Please note many of the photos are grainy in quality - they were taken at night while the animals were moving.Mountain Lions/Cougars (featured photo): Mountain lions are one of the more concerning animals in the area, as they can move silently, and are known to watch other wildlife as well as humans for long periods of time. The males can reach up to 8... 09/10/2026

If I were still in Denver, there would already be maps showing the areas and the dates best for leaf peeping all over the State.   Probably with not enough rain/snow this year, the tree leaves may start turning early.  Will have to ask my friends next time I talk with them.I have seen some leaves blowing around here, and wondered if the leaves actually fall here.   Haven't really seen much change yet, but it is still in the 80's and 90's.Here is what Google has to say -  Not all trees in the Algarve drop their leaves; it depends entirely on the species.  Evergreen Trees: Many iconic trees in the Algarve—such as olive trees, carob (alfarroba) trees, cork oaks, and pine trees—stay green all year round. Citrus orchards also retain their foliage through the winter.  Deciduous Trees: True de... 09/10/2026

September 11th: 25 Years Later... It Still Feels Like Yesterday... The Memories Have Not FadedTwenty-five years have passed since that horrific day on September 11, 2001.A quarter of a century.And somehow, that is still hard for me to comprehend.Because when September 11th comes around each year, it doesn’t feel like something that happened a quarter of a century ago.I still remember that day with a clarity that surprises me. It still feels like yesterday to me.I remember the disbelief of watching the planes hit the Twin Towers. I remember trying to process what I was seeing and not being able to. I remember the fear of not being able to reach friends and family by phone, especially those who worked in or near the World Trade Center. I remember wondering what was happening, what might h... 09/11/2026

L'shanah Tova!Happy Rosh Hashanah! "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and brought us to this holiday season."  Wishing my Jewish friends, clients, and colleagues a heartfelt Happy Rosh Hashanah. As the sun sets today and ushers in the year 5787, may this season of reflection and renewal bring you good health, joy, peace, prosperity, and countless blessings in the year ahead. "May it be your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, that you renew for us a good and sweet year" – Hebraic Berakhah During this sacred time of the High Holy Days, may your homes be filled with light and laughter, your days with sweet moments that blossom into cherished memories, and your hearts with renewed faith, inspiration, and purpose. May this n... 09/11/2026