Local News and Events

If you know me well, you know that I LOVE horses! Pictured: Kelly and MaxI started dressage lessons when I was 12 and restarted lessons again in my 40s!  I went every single week, and it was the best part of my week, hands down!  One thing I really loved about my lessons was that during them, it was the only time I wasn’t thinking about anything else. When I’m doing almost anything else, there’s always something in the back of my mind—a person, a task, an upcoming appointment, a reminder, a holiday, or something else—constantly competing for my attention. I’m not sure if that’s normal, but it’s normal for me.When you’re on a horse, the most important things you learn are power and trust, built through communication and being fully present. Every movement you make signals the horse to re... 03/28/2026

Visit the Butterfly Experience at Brookside GardensStep into a world bursting with color and wonder and visit the Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens from Wednesday, April 1 through Labor Day. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors to Brookside Gardens will be welcomed by a stunning display of live butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Watch in awe as these beautiful insects flutter among vibrant flowers in the South Conservatory House. Join us to explore the amazing world of butterflies! Click here to learn more.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Urn Plant, Aechmea fasciata, Longwod Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 1505Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Dolores KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/29/2026

April is the beginning of alligator mating season!  April is prime courtship time for alligators with mating season through May and June.  Why is that important for you to know that if you live in Florida?  It is estimated there are 1.3 million alligators in Florida and they can get very active and you might find them where you least expect it.  This time of the year a little extra caution should be taken around bodies of water especially if walking a dog.I have lived in Florida for 18 years and have only seen alligators where you expect to see them, close to ponds and lakes, a few on golf courses close to water.  During mating season, they can be spotted where you don’t expect them.  A few years ago, a man hear something at his front door, opened it and got bite by a gator.  As far as ... 04/01/2026

Just up the road from The Villages, Florida is St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Belleview.  They are hosting their 26th Annual Greek Festival, I have attended in the past and I highly recommend the short drive north on 301 or 441 to attend, The festival includes a Greek Band with Dancing, Food and Pastries, Shopping with Vendors, and Chapel Tours.  From their website:  www.stmarkgreekfestival.comIf you love great entertainment and exceptional Greek food with an international flair, Ocala’s Greek Festival is an event you won’t want to miss!Join us April 24–26 for three fun-filled days celebrating all things Greek. Admission is FREE, so bring the whole family and enjoy delicious food, lively music, and traditional Greek dancing throughout the weekend.The festival takes place on our churc... 03/30/2026

This past week in Berea and Richmond really highlighted something I always tell my clients, real estate isn’t just about homes, it’s about the community around them.We’re seeing continued signs of growth across Madison County. From a proposed retail development that could bring a new Walmart Supercenter to Berea, to an increase in manufacturing jobs, there’s clear momentum building in the area.And with reports showing population growth tied to industrial expansion, it reinforces what many of us already see on the ground, more people are choosing to call Berea and Richmond home.Of course, not every update is about growth. Like many communities, there are ongoing conversations and challenges around social divisions. These moments remind us how important strong, connected communities reall... 03/28/2026

Notice of Public Meeting, 30-Day Public Comment Period, and Public Hearing of the Gilroy City Council  For the Draft Program Year (PY) 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and Draft Citizen Participation Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) The City of Gilroy invites the community to review and comment on the draft PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and draft Citizen Participation Plan during the 30-day public comment period, beginning March 13, 2026, and ending April 13, 2026.   The draft PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan describes the programs and projects planned from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, that address the priority needs and goals identified in the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan. This plan is also required by HUD, in order to apply for federal housing and com... 03/27/2026

Join Us to Celebrate Arbor Day with a Tree Planting and Compost Giveaway Wednesday, April 22 You and your family are invited to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at our annual community tree-planting event. This year, we’ll be gathering at Sunrise Park on Wednesday, April 22, at 2:00 PM.   City Council Members, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and City staff will be on hand to help plant new trees and host fun, family-friendly activities.   We’ll also have free compost available in 5-gallon buckets, while supplies last. Compost is a great way to enrich your soil naturally, helping plants grow stronger, retain more moisture, and stay healthier throughout the year.   Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or joining us for the first time, we value your participation in strengthening ou... 03/27/2026

November 2026 Election What You Need to Know The next City Council election will take place in November 2026, and voting will occur by district. Voters in Districts 4, 5, and 6 will elect their representatives during this election.   Polling places may have changed since the last election, so it’s important to confirm your district and polling location before Election Day. Information on polling locations will be available closer to Election Day.   Looking ahead: In November 2028, voters in Districts 1, 2, and 3 will elect their representatives, and the Mayor’s seat will also be on the ballot.   Use our interactive map to find your district, and don’t forget to watch for information about where to vote.   Learn more and find your voting district: www.cityofgilroy.org/vote 03/27/2026

City Council Upcoming City Council Meetings Gilroy City Council Meetings will be held in person at City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Street and are available for viewing via live stream on the City's website.  City Council Study Session I April 2 City Council Meeting I April 6 City Commissions Upcoming Commission Meetings Individual meeting agendas will provide information on how to attend and provide public comment.   Planning Commission | April 2 Youth Commission | April 13 Arts & Culture Commission | April 14 Parks and Recreation | April 21 Personnel Commission | April 27 Library Commission | May 13 Open Government Commission | May 14 City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, for a city holiday and will reopen for regular business at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, April 1. 03/27/2026

Gaithersburg Recreation Super PassLooking for a fantastic way to enjoy our City's recreational facilities all year round? Look no further than our Recreation Super Pass! With the Recreation Super Pass, you'll get unlimited access to the Gaithersburg Aquatic Center, Water Park, Fitness Zone, and Miniature Golf Course.Click here to purchase your Super PassThis is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Tulips, Longwood Gardens Photowalk,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 1130Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/28/2026

City Manager Tanisha Briley Named 250 Champions HonoreeCongratulations to City Manager Tanisha Briley, who was named a 250 Champion honoree by the National Academy of Public Administration and Local Gov 250. The initiative recognizes a diverse range of public servants who show excellence in public service and inspire those around them.“I’m honored to be selected as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration,” says City Manager Tanisha Briley. “This national initiative celebrates the vital role of public service as our country approaches its 250th anniversary. I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many inspiring public servants who make a difference in communities across the nation every day.”Click here to read th... 03/31/2026

Arab American Heritage MonthJoin Gaithersburg in celebrating and honoring Arab American Heritage Month in April with programs and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Arab American neighbors.An official proclamation designating April 2026 as “Arab American Heritage Month” in the City of Gaithersburg will be presented at the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 16 S. Summit Ave., watch it live on YouTube or watch it via Teams by registering here.Accepting the proclamation is Reem Sharaf, a dedicated community leader and longtime volunteer at the Islamic Center of Maryland (ICM) in Gaithersburg. Through her work at ICM, Reem has organized and supported numerous initiatives that s... 04/01/2026

Book Festival Announces High School Poetry Contest FinalistsThe Gaithersburg Book Festival has selected the finalists for its 8th annual poetry contest for high school students. More than 120 entries were submitted from around the region by students who wrote poems on envisioning a better future. Winners will be announced at the festival on Saturday, May 16. The 12 finalist poems can be found on the Gaithersburg Book Festival website, where visitors also can vote for their favorite. Fan favorite voting will close on Friday, May 8, at 11 p.m.Click here to read the press release.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Conservatory Display featuring Aglaonema 'Siam Aurora', also known as Chinese Evergreen, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0461Canon Powe... 03/30/2026

Loans for Federal Employees Impacted by Shutdown Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the authorization of a second round of payments through the state’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program to provide financial relief to federal workers impacted by the partial government shutdown. The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, offers $700 no-interest loans to “excepted” federal employees, including TSA agents, who are working without pay and are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Since reactivation in February 2026, the program has distributed $35,000 in loans, with TSA employees accounting for 42 percent of applicants. The state has also expanded support efforts by reactivating a centralized resource website outlining protections such as foreclosure and eviction safegua... 03/27/2026

Royal Palm Academy is advancing its “Welcome Home” campaign as construction continues on a new permanent middle school building expected to be completed by August 2026, marking a major milestone in the school’s long-term investment in Catholic education in Naples.The project is part of an $8 million campaign designed to enhance campus facilities while preserving the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. More than 79 percent of the campaign goal has already been secured through grassroots philanthropic support from families, donors, and community partners.When completed, the new 22,000-square-foot building will allow Royal Palm Academy to expand its middle school program and potentially welcome up to 40 additional students, ... 03/26/2026

Imagine this. You're one of the biggest movie stars in the world.  Your movies are everywhere.The checks keep getting bigger.  Now imagine someone tells you something that sounds incredible:"You don’t actually have to pay taxes on any of that money."That’s exactly what happened to actor Wesley Snipes in the late 1990s.  And it cost him almost everything.At the height of his career, Snipes earned about $37 million.Then two men entered the picture: An accountant named Douglas Rosile An anti-tax activist named Eddie Ray Kahn They told Snipes something called the “861 argument.”  The claim was simple.  They said U.S. citizens don't owe taxes on income earned inside the United States.  According to them, the IRS could only tax certain foreign income.Sounds clever, right or stupid?It wasn't t... 04/09/2026

One of the things I always tell my clients is this, when you move to Madison County, KY, you're not just buying a home… you're stepping into a lifestyle.And this weekend is a perfect example of that.From family-friendly Easter events to interactive learning experiences and local sports, there’s something for everyone happening across Berea and Richmond.Saturday kicks off with a creative Crushed Glass Easter Decor Craft Party, along with a fun and festive Bunny Brunch and Egg Hunt—great options for families looking to celebrate the season.If you’ve got kids (or just love seeing them light up with curiosity), the Saturday Morning Science: Chemical Reactions event is a fantastic hands-on experience that blends fun with education.Then on Sunday, you’ve got a couple of great ways to spend yo... 03/26/2026

Looking around for different social clubs to share I found “Wine Divas of The Villages.”  Looks like a very active group, to find them Google Wine Divas of The Villages, AI will give you a short story then look for Meetup site.  From Meetup:Welcome to the Wine Divas of The Villages Meetup group for women aged 55 and over! Join us to explore and learn about wines from all around the world. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to expand your palate, this group is perfect for those who enjoy good wine and good company. Let's sip, swirl, and savor together as we discover the wonderful world of wine! Cheers!There are $10 annual membership dues for this group. You will have 30 days as a trial period when you join the group. If your dues are not paid at the end of 30 days, Meetup ... 03/29/2026

I met Erica Schreiber from Lift Disability Network and Breakaway Camp Director at Live Oaks Community Church on Sunday as she was there doing an information meeting about the camp.  We had a conversation while she was there and our conversation piqued my interest and offered to help get the word out.  The Breakaway Camp is held at Lake Yale Conference Center outside Leesburg about 20 miles from The Villages, Florida.  I did two videos with Erica and it is easy to see she is very passionate about Breakaway Camp.  It was an easy interview as I just sat there and listened to her.  Many of you watched my video about My Special Place here in The Villages Florida so I wanted to share about Breakaway Camp.You can get more information and get involved by visiting their website: www.LiftDisabili... 03/26/2026

Journal Entry 3/25/2026 Location: River Walk Flower Mound, TX Mar 26 - Mar 29    The circus reimagines the traditional American circus as a theatrical experience that celebrates artistry, storytelling, and human connection. Gone are the days of animal and risky circus acts. The feud between heirs, Kevin Feld and his sister Karen Feld of their father's circus ended tragically, but the Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos Circus lives on and travels cross country for new generations to get a taste and feel for the lives of people who still believe in the Greatest Show on Earth for family entertainment. Flower Mound is pleased present Venardos circus on March 26 through March 29th.  World-class performers include jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, and comedians from around the world to en... 03/25/2026