Local News and Events

There are plenty of things to do in The Villages, Florida but don’t forget just outside.  The town of Lady Lake which borders The Villages on the northeast part of The Villages has plenty to offer.  Farmer’s Market, July 4th fireworks and a Christmas Parade.  This year it happens on December 7th at 10:00 am, the parade route is Old Dixie Highway which runs parallel to 441/27, street next to Wawa on 466.The description on the town’s website https://www.ladylakefl.gov  The Town of Lady Lake's charming Small town Christmas Parade, themed "A Storybook Christmas," will bring beloved holiday tales to life with festive floats and cheerful music.As a kid growing up in a small town in south central Pennsylvania my dad loved parades.  Our town of 10,000 had 3 or 4 a year and we were on the curb o... 12/05/2024

Live Oaks Community Church will again this year host “Come to the Light”.  It is a great experience and I highly recommend.  The church is behind Walmart on 466 on the west side of The Villages.  This from their website https://cometothelight.churchThis special event is a one-of-a-kind Christmas light and sound experience presented by Live Oaks Community Church in The Villages, Florida. Join us December 5-21 (excluding Sundays) at our convenient outdoor venue called The Grove. Visitors will enjoy this 50-minute show from the comfort of their car or golf cart while watching on our Jumbotron! That’s right folks… A JUMBOTRON! Bring a chair and sit by your vehicle if you prefer. Enjoy watching the palms, oaks, and other objects come to life in this amazing Christmas spectacular!A free parki... 12/04/2024

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: NOVEMBER 30THSHOP LOCAL & MAKE A DIFFERENCE "In a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local."... robynliechti.com Small Business Saturday is the perfect day to shop and buy local in Greater Charlotte! Don't think of Small Business Saturday as just a shopping event. Think of it as a celebration of the hardworking entrepreneurs who make the Queen City community unique. Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's the perfect opportunity to support the small businesses that bring creativity, character, and heart to our neighborhoods in Charlotte and across our nation.   IMPACT OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY In the 15 years since Small Business Saturday was first introduced by American Express during the Great Recession,  approximately $201 billion has bee... 11/29/2024

Tips for Military Buyers: Buying a Home for the First TimeWith Charles Stallions, CME-Certified Military ExpertKey Signs You're Ready to Buy Comfortable Selling: Confident in pricing and selling a home if needed quickly. Open to Renting Out: Willing to manage a rental property as a long-distance landlord. Financially Prepared: Low debt-to-income ratio, substantial savings, and investments. Financial Readiness Essentials Credit Score Aim for 700+; below 620 may limit financing options. Boost your score by: Disputing errors on your credit report. Reducing credit utilization. Paying debts on time and avoiding new accounts. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Ideal: Below 36%, with <28% for housing costs. Improve DTI by: Paying off high-interest debt first. Making extra payments and avoiding new deb... 12/05/2024

🍗🏡 Thanksgiving without turkey? That’s like house hunting without a great agent! 🙃 Don’t let your dream home slip through your fingers—I’m here to help you find the perfect nest to host all your future feasts. Ready to talk real estate? Let’s chat!  #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #a112824 #househunting #thanksgiving #happythanksgiving #realestate #investment #realestateagent #realtor #dreamhome #thankful 11/28/2024

Influenza Vaccination WeekInfluenza Vaccination Week begins today! There’s still time to be vaccinated against the flu. For info on where to find a vaccine, visit: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/resident/flu.htmlThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Dahlia + Imagination, Color Edited for our Imagination Series,Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 7191 ACanon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/02/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from Nina Hollander, Coldwell Banker in Charlotte I'm Counting My Blessings & Grateful For Your Trust "When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears."... Tony Robbins This Thanksgiving I'm grateful, thankful and blessed for so much: for family, for friends, for a satisfying career, for health, for living in my much loved and beautiful Queen City. "Be consistent in your dedication to showing your gratitude to others. Gratitude is a fuel, a medicine and spiritual and emotional nourishment."... Steve Maraboli I'm especially grateful for my wonderful and valued clients, business partners and colleagues. It is you who continue to make my business possible and successful year after year. Thank you for continuing to put your trust in me and for allowing me to ... 11/28/2024

A Day to Celebrate Gratitude, Happy Thanksgiving!I have a lot to be thankful today and always, God has truly blessed me with many gifts.Most importantly the gift of knowing that God is always with me, always helping with what He knows that I need and surrounding me with many people who make my life complete.I was blessed to marry a perfect partner over 40 years ago, who constantly amazes me with so many gifts that make my life and the lives of so many others better each day.I have great children who impress me and make me proud of their accomplishments and their service to God, family and those around them.God has also graced me with many friends and family from near and far.  All of these friends and family members are appreciated much more than I take the time to let them know.Hopeful... 11/28/2024

I moved to The Villages October of 2011; I had lived in Ocala just north for 3 years.  Michelle who was a veteran of The Villages started introducing me to the lifestyle and of course I quickly fell in love with this place.  She told me we were going to a tree lighting at Spanish Springs, ok new experience!  Maybe this year might be your first Christmas here if so make plans to visit Spanish Springs.  On Friday December 6th from 3:00 pm until 9:00 you can have a fun day until 6:30 pm when you drive the 1.2 miles to my house!  Remember our Ugly Sweater or Christmas Pajama Movie night.Here’s the agenda, decorated golf cart Christmas Parade starts at 3:00, a fun must see event.  Rocky and The Rollers from 4:00 until 9:00, here are more details:Entertainment: Photo Booth, Stilt Walkers, Pla... 12/03/2024

What Are Your Thanksgiving Plans?Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and reflect on what we’re most grateful for. This year, I asked, “What are you doing for the Thanksgiving holidays?” Whether you’re traveling to see family, hosting a feast at home, or sneaking in some Black Friday shopping, this holiday is all about creating memories that feel like home.Speaking of home, as the best realtor in Auburn and the surrounding areas, I love helping people find the perfect place to build their own holiday traditions. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling to start a new chapter, I’m here to make the process stress-free so you can focus on what really matters—spending time with the people you care about.If you’re thinking about buying or selling a ... 11/28/2024

Activities in 55+ Leisure World of Maryland This Week Nov 27 - Dec 11THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE            Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., Inter-Faith ChapelAll residents and their families are invited to a service that will include traditional Thanksgiving hymns and guest speaker Rev. Barbara McKenzie, a Leisure World resident. GRILLE MUSIC        Friday, Nov. 29, from 7-10 p.m., Clubhouse I Grille  Boogie Lou brings a jet-fueled tour de force of Rock, Funk, and Rhythm & Blues with a PhD in partying! Enjoy appetizers and dinner from the kitchen, accompanied by your picks from the fantastic wine, whiskey and cocktails menu.   ‘A GREAT GATSBY PARTY’  Saturday, Nov. 30, at 2:30 p.m., Clubhouse II AuditoriumJazz vocalist Christiana Drapkin returns to the Leisure World stage with her quartet t... 11/28/2024

A Glimpse into the PastNestled in the heart of North Carolina, the town of Bethania stands as a testament to both the enduring spirit of its founders and the passage of time. Its rich history, dating back to the 18th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.Moravian RootsBethania's story is inextricably linked to the Moravian Church, a Protestant denomination with a strong emphasis on community and simplicity. In 1759, Moravian leaders, seeking to establish a self-sufficient farming community, laid the foundation for Bethania. Its unique layout, characterized by a linear street plan and communal land ownership, reflected the Moravian ideal of a harmonious society.A Living MuseumToday, Bethania remains a captivating destination for history enthusiasts. The town's well-preserve... 11/28/2024

More Information On Gulf Breeze, Florida Just Listed Homes Since 11/14/2024Some of the most popular restaurants in Gulf Breeze include: Crabs on the Beach Casino Beach Bar & Grille Dave's Oyster Bar and Grill Papa Nalu Aloha Grill Lillo's Tuscan Grille The C-Note is a short version of the monthly newsletter where we talk about all things real estate: investing, buying, selling, landlord, and tenant. We are Ambassadors for Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Whether you're a first-time guest or a frequent visitor, do as the locals do when you need to know something — whether about an excellent place to eat, job opportunities, or a real estate question. Call or text Charles Stallions at 850-476-4494 or email charles@charlesstallions.com. It's Who We "R."  Mortgage 101: Are you thin... 11/28/2024

Three squares three tree lightings and Brownwood Paddock Square is next!  Wednesday December 4th from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm all the fun happens.  Never been to a tree lighting in The Villages?  You need to attend one!  The Villages does all their events right and if you have been to one you hopefully agree.  Here’s what they have scheduled for the evening:Entertainment: Greg Warren Band, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Photo Booth, We Flip, The Villages Cheerleaders, The Mystic Jewels Dance Troupe, SUGAR N SPICE, Prime Time Twirlers Show Team, Sweet & Sassy Dance Team.Food Vendors: Rockabilly Pizza, Monsta Lobsta, Pepere’ Joes, Kona Ice, Hadley Family Concessions, Heavenly Soft Pretzels, The Kettle Corn Cabin,Make Me That – Santa Snacks, Downsized Desserts – Santa Snacks.Market Vendors: 46 too many t... 12/02/2024

Christmas season has sneaked up on me this year.  I was planning my articles for the beginning of December and started researching local Christmas topics and discovered the first event is November 30th.  The Villages does seem to start early as many residents go to be family in other parts of the country.  This year we start the season at Lake Sumter Landing with the tree lighting Saturday, November 30th from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm.Entertainment:  The Live Effect Band playing at the stage, Photo Booth, Merrie Melodies, Plant Guy, Stilt Walkers, Sounds o Scotland, Clown Alley #179, Sweet & Sassy Dance Team, Chinese Asian Dance Group, The Original Villages Belly Dancers, The Villages Twirlers & Drum Corps. Food: BBQ Brazil Express, The Kettle Corn Cabin, Hadley Family Concessions, Curbside... 11/30/2024

Join Montgomery County PoliceReady to make a difference? Montgomery County Police just launched a NEW recruitment website: http://joinmcp.com! Explore careers in law enforcement and public safety with $20K bonuses, 4-day workweeks, and more. Start your journey today! This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Gazania, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 2872Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/06/2024

 Welcome to this charming townhouse located in the desirable Delwood Estates at 1025 19th St B1. This unit has undergone several updates and improvements, making it a perfect blend of comfort and modern living. Step inside to find a spacious living area with a unique orange peel ceiling texture and recessed lighting that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The efficient kitchen boasts a stylish backsplash and a tankless hot water tank for endless hot water supply. The plant ledge cutout with additional recessed lighting adds a touch of elegance to the space. The unit also features a Spanish lace finish on the ceiling, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Outside, you'll find tropical landscaping with pavers, providing a serene outdoor space to relax and unwind.Area:    27 - Bay CountySub... 11/27/2024

Gaithersburg Achieves 100 Score on Municipal Equality IndexThe City earned a score of 100 points in the 2024 Municipal Equality Index, an initiative of the Human Rights Campaign that examines the inclusivity of laws, policies, and services with respect to the LGBTQ+ community. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. The City’s score in 2023 was also 100. The Index used 49 different criteria to rate 506 cities across the country.“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming community, and I think this rating demonstrates our continued commitment to being an inclusive city,” said Mayor Jud Ashman. “Regardless of where you come from, who you love, or how you identify, we want all ... 12/05/2024

 Step into your dream home! This contemporary single-family residence, built in 2017, offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, priced at just $254,900.🔹 Stylish Interiors: Enjoy the warmth of luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the family room and hallway. Plus, a stunning stone fireplace to gather around during those cool evenings.🔹 Chef’s Dream Kitchen: Equipped with abundant counter space, oversized hardwood cabinetry, and sleek stainless steel appliances—perfect for culinary creations.🔹 Eco-Friendly Touches: Benefit from solar panels with no balance owed—eco-friendly and cost-effective! 🔹 Scenic Views: Relish the serene views of your expansive backyard, perfect for relaxation or entertaining.🔹 Spacious Living: With 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths across 1,811 sq ft, there’s plen... 11/27/2024

Giving TuesdayGiving Tuesday is a global day of generosity taking place on December 3. Join the effort in sharing with those in need by donating to our Holiday Giving Program. Your monetary donations allow us to provide gift cards for families with children ages 1 to 17. Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Autumn Harvest Display, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 5354Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs  12/01/2024