Local News and Events

Local Event: Farmville VA Easter Egg HuntSat March 29, 202511-12:30PMCome join the fun at the Farmville, VA Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11 AM to 12:30PM. This event is an exciting time for the young and the young at heart. Find out more information at farmvilleva.com under the parks and recreation department.Hunting for that Perfect Property?Call State Wide Realty Co at 434-392-6163 or visit www.VaStateWideRealty.com today!311 East Third StFarmville, VA 23901434-392-6163www.VaStateWideRealty.com  03/19/2025

We've MovedThe Coldwell Banker office in Baltimore is now the Coldwell Banker Baltimore Regional Office and we have moved to 3355 Keswick Road, Suite 300 in "The Castle" in the heart of Hampden. Our office now has free parking and we are located within easy reach of The Avenue in Hampden. We are even better equipped to handle all your real estate needs! Are you thinking about buying a home? I am licensed in Maryland and Pennsylvania and have over 20 years of experience helping buyers just like you find the perfect home. Are you thinking about selling your home? I have helped hundreds of people make their next move. Let's talk about your real estate goals.   03/18/2025

Pelican’s SnoBalls Ribbon Cutting in Opelika: A Sweet New Spot for Families!If you’re looking for a refreshing treat in Opelika, look no further than Pelican’s SnoBalls! I had the pleasure of attending their ribbon-cutting ceremony today, and let me tell you—it was a fantastic experience. The owners have created a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with fun games for children and a variety of delicious flavors to choose from.My New Favorite Flavor: Red VelvetWith over 100 fantastic flavors, Pelican’s SnoBalls has something for everyone. I decided to try the Red Velvet SnoBall, and it did not disappoint—smooth, fluffy, and bursting with flavor! If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend stopping by and finding your new favorite flavor.A Local Business with Big DreamsPelican... 03/18/2025

On Wednesday I posted a video of myself welcoming you to come see the Titus & Philemon Art Gallery. That video and this one were recorded to submit to the website builder working on Timmothy's Art Gallery and Studio website.We appreciate your input. The developer would like us to submit at least one or two video's per week. After these two we will work on stories about each creation in the gallery as well as Timmothy recording "how to" create comics, acrylic fine art, and more.Please let us know what you think and feel free to include constructive criticism. 03/22/2025

Another "style" picture from 1970.Old yearbooks are a lot of fun to look through.  I was searching the 1970 one and saw this group picture of the Future Homemakers of America. Looks like all girls, doesn't it.  Then I noticed all those legs on the front row. Notice two girls with what we used to call "saddle oxfords" and they date way back to the 50's and were worn with socks, always with socks. Note there are no socks on these girls but all of the shoes look as if they need socks! A style change, I guess.And sadly, the reason I was checking the old yearbook was because one the girls, third from left on front row, was Vani Jo Quattlebaum Geroy who passed away this month.  She was lovely and always fashionable.  Notice the hairstyle in the picture below!  That style became so beloved so ... 03/22/2025

Owe the IRS more than you can afford? An Offer in Compromise (OIC) might let you settle for less than the full amount. Sounds great, right? Well, the IRS doesn’t make it easy. Most OICs get rejected because people don’t understand the process or submit unrealistic offers. Here’s how to do it right and boost your approval chances.What Is an Offer in Compromise?An OIC is a deal with the IRS where they agree to take less than what you owe. But they’ll only accept it if they believe they won’t be able to collect your full debt.To qualify, you need to prove one of these:✔ Doubt as to Collectibility – You can’t afford to pay the full amount before the debt expires.✔ Doubt as to Liability – You believe the IRS made a mistake and don’t owe the tax.✔ Effective Tax Administration – You technicall... 03/18/2025

Timmothy and I have been submitting materials to a web developer for his new gallery web page. I just sent them this video as an introduction. We, Timmothy and I, hope to upload several more in a short amount of time so I hope you will let us know what you think is good and what is not so good. Here is my WELCOME video.I hope to have a welcome from Timmothy by the end of the day that I will post tomorrow. I don't want to post to much at one time. 03/17/2025

Respect Fest for 6th-12th Grade StudentsDo you have a child in 6th-12th grade or are you a youth-serving provider? Check out Respect Fest! This event spreads awareness about dating violence and prevention. Students may earn up to 3 SSL hours for attending and other events will be held virtually.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Chrysanthemum. Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0263Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/22/2025

🌵Events in the East Valley ~ 3-24-25 ☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian Asian Festival 2025Asian Festival strives to bring people together to celebrate cultural diversity, promote peace, harmony, unity, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. This year’s festival is not only a platform for showcasing traditions but also an opportunity to foster connections within the community and beyond.  To learn more about this event, click HERE. I specialize in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area - Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Apache Junction, and Gold Canyon☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian 03/24/2025

Not that I believe in reincarnation BUT if that would happen I want to return as a dog living in The Villages, Florida!  I pass so many golf cars with dog proudly riding along, not to worry most are leashed, plus the 9 dog parks to hang out with buddies!  We see them on walks, at the squares, outdoor dining and are a big part of the community, so we need a social club for dog lovers and that is where the “Dynamitic Dog Club of The Villages” comes in!  Here is their Mission Statement from their website www.dynamicdogclub.com“The Dynamic Dog Club provides the opportunity to bring together Villagers with a shared interest and love of dogs for the purpose of creating a network of resources and knowledge of various dog related activities.  We support active participation in dog related progr... 03/20/2025

 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY ☘️ FROM NINA HOLLANDER IN CHARLOTTE, NCOne of the most cherished aspects of Irish folklore is the tradition of blessings—words of wisdom passed down through generations, offering good fortune, happiness, and protection. Whether spoken over a gathering of friends, written in a heartfelt card, or simply reflected upon in quiet moments, Irish blessings capture the spirit of kindness and hope. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are three beautiful Irish blessings to fill your day with luck, love, and laughter. ☘️ "May love and laughter light your days,and warm your heart and home.May good and faithful friends be yours,wherever you may roam.May peace and plenty bless your worldwith joy that long endures.May all life’s passing seasonsbring the best to you and yours!"... 03/17/2025

I have been hearing rumors from reliable sources big things are coming to Spanish Springs in The Villages.  Let’s discuss what we know already, FMK opened two very successful and busy restaurants on the square, Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse and Coastal Del Mar.  The developer opened Blondie’s adjacent to The Sharon L Morse Performing Arts Center.  Genesis Health Club has moved into the old theater, Amerikanos, Flippers and McCall’s all seem to be going strong.  The Village Center Community Development District Board of Supervisors is set to approve a bid of $1.2 million which includes the following work:  The project includes demolition, minor site work, curbing replacement at select intersections and utility modifications. The improvements consist of pedestrian concrete paving, pedestr... 03/18/2025

There are few places around the world where you can start the day in the mountains and end the day at the beach. Even fewer where this can happen in the space of a few hours on foot. Ventura County happens to be one of those place and the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025 is the event that allows this to happen.What: Mountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025Where: Ojai to VenturaWhen: April 12th & 13thContact: M2B Marathon Organizers via emailMountains 2 Beach Marathon 2025This unique marathon begins in the mountainous area of downtown Ojai (around 700 feet ASL) and hits sea level in just 22 miles, ending near the Ventura Pier. It also counts as a Boston Marathon qualifier (if you know, you know). But if a full marathon feels a little out of your league, you might want to opt for the half-marathon ... 03/17/2025

Not sure where I found this drink, as this recipe is written on a random piece of paper, so maybe I found it on Facebook or somewhere.   Sure is delicious, and has a deep green color - perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  It is called "The Grinch". It works best if you make this in a pitcher, and I use an orange juice pitcher with a plunger to make it easy to mix it up!   3 oz. peach schnapps3 oz. Bacardi 151 rum12 oz. orange juice4 oz. Sprite or 7-Up3 oz. Blue Curacao You could garnish each glass with an orange slice or cherries or an umbrella and pretend you are on a beach somewhere!  Be sure to serve with food, as these puppies do pack a punch!   Drink responsibly and don't drink & drive, call someone instead! Happy St. Patrick's Day, and today we all can celebrate being a ta... 03/17/2025

While going through very old boxes from my aunt who passed away, I ran across a newspaper column written long before (perhaps) many of us were born. The paper was dated April 13, 1944. All the articles in the paper were written by the people (without credit to their names), who wrote to the paper, to share their point of view. I would like you to read one now. This old paper was too valuable for me to throw away. I would like to dedicate it to all who worked for the Milwaukee Road, Soldiers, Wives, Mothers, and Children and all who had loved ones who served in World War 11. With the exception of the image I added, this was the entire article written inside a newspaper by one person on April 13, 1944. We can't all wear wings ---Author Unknown We know how you feel, young fellow ---that st... 03/18/2025

Irish Greeting"Top o' the mornin' to ya!"Irish blessing “Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.”     Old Irish Blessing "May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold—and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold."    Irish Blessing “May the winds of fortune sail you, may you sail a gentle sea, may it always be the other guy who says this drink's on me.”     Irish Blessing "May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."     Irish Blessing “May love and laughter light your days and warm your hearth and home.”       Irish Blessing "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back."     Bing Crosby "When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes a... 03/16/2025

One of my favorite foods any time of the day is a good donut!  Even though my family is Southern, I am not a Krispy Kreme fan.  I have always favored Dunkin' Donuts, which has a good thing since I lived in Boston for two years and both my husband and my daughter went to Boston College.  You can't throw a pebble in the Boston area without hitting a Dunkin Donuts!  One thing I like about Dunkin Donuts is that they will personalize donuts to celebrate the local sports teams - like these purple frosted donuts celebrating the Baltimore Ravens football team and the red white and blue donuts celebrating the Washington Capitals hockey team..                  Happily, the world of donuts has grown beyond the competition between Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts.  In Washington we have a number of b... 03/16/2025

🥗Catholic Charities - Mobility & Independence☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email BrianInspired by posts that I see from others, I wanted to begin a weekly series of resources for people in need who are in the East Valley.  I think continuing to research this weekly series will also help me to discover what is out there for those in need.At 65 years old, Lorena injured her knee and struggled to recover. She had problems walking and couldn’t get to her kitchen, bathroom or bedroom independently. Lorena had a fixed income and couldn’t afford expensive medical equipment.” To learn more, click HERE.☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the MLS for FREE 03/23/2025

National Quilting Day 2025March 15, 2025 is National Quilting Day!! All you quilters in The Rain, how did you celebrate the day?I drove to Intercourse, PA, to meet my quilting friends at The Old Country Store, and I bought some fabric to finish a quilt and some fabric for quilts I have in progress. Then we went for lunch in Leola, a great place called Gracie's.  If you are thinking about learning to quilt, there is no time like the present. Howard County Community College has a quilting class starting next month.If you are looking for a retreat experience, consider joining Mid-Appalachian Quilters and attending their summer retreat for 3 days of classes, lectures, and programs with great national quilt teachers and lots of other quilters.Quilting is my passion, my sewing desk is right n... 03/15/2025

What a way to start the year! Who says real estate is slow? February is going strong, and I’m thrilled to share that I made it into the Coldwell Banker NW Austin Million Dollar Club this month!Our office celebrated with 19 outstanding agents who each listed, wrote business, or closed sales worth $1 million or more—a testament to our collective dedication, adaptability, and perseverance.Navigating today’s market requires a sharp eye and strategic finesse. With properties spending more time on the market and pricing adjustments becoming the norm, we’re continuously honing our approach. Our team thrives on collaboration, sharing insights each week to analyze trends across different price points and neighborhoods. We know buyer demand varies from one community to another, and sometimes, a l... 03/19/2025