Local News and Events

Help Shape Child Care Assistance Program Child care is one of the biggest expenses facing working families in Montgomery County. The Working Parents Assistance Program, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, helps eligible County residents pay for child care so parents can work or attend school while their children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment. The County has proposed updates to modernize the program’s eligibility criteria and operations and is seeking public comments before the changes are finalized. Residents can review the proposed regulation and instructions for submitting comments in the October 2026 County Register. Written comments are due by Wednesday, Nov. 5, and may be emailed to Leslie Frey at Leslie.Frey@montgomerycountymd.gov or ... 10/17/2026

Vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee The County Executive is seeking applicants to fill nine vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). Interested residents, industry representatives, and business users are encouraged to apply. The 16‑member SWAC advises the County Executive and County Council on issues related to solid waste and recycling management. Responsibilities include: Reviewing and recommending updates to the County’s 10‑year solid waste management plans. Evaluating program impacts on residents, businesses, institutions, and industry. Suggesting public education initiatives. Recommending State and local legislation supporting effective waste and recycling management. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Oct. 14. Apply Online  This is a Montgomery ... 10/10/2026

Share Your Feedback on Community Policing The Montgomery County Department of Police invites residents to participate in its 2026 Community Trust Survey, an annual survey designed to better understand police-community relations and public trust in law enforcement. The survey takes about one to two minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The survey is open through Thursday, Oct. 15. Resident feedback will be included in Montgomery County Police’s annual Police Statistical Data Report, which is scheduled to be published in early 2027. Take the SurveyThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Clematis Seed Head, Kentlands Photowalk,Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4489Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-250, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by... 10/12/2026

Happy National Handbag Day!Some women have a thing for shoes. Me? I'm all about the handbags! I've been all about the handbags since I was a teenager. Give me a beautiful handbag over another pair of shoes any day of the week. Big bags, little bags, classic bags, colorful bags, everyday bags and those special bags that only come out for certain occasions. I love them all! “A good handbag is a lifelong friend.”— Michael Kors And let's be clear. A handbag isn't just something to carry your wallet, keys, lipstick and the other 47 things you can't leave home without. (My husband refers to my handbags as my "suitcases.") It's a fashion statement, a little piece of your personality and sometimes the finishing touch that makes an entire outfit. “A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of ... 10/10/2026

The San Mateo County rain barrel sale is open now. You can buy a 50 gallon rain barrel for $85 each. The regular price is $152, so you pay about half.I live in Pacifica, and I love simple ideas that save water and help our community. This sale is one of them. Each buyer can order up to two barrels. San Mateo County residents, property owners, and property managers can all buy.Quick Facts About the Sale Price: $85 per barrel before tax (regular price $152) Limit: two barrels per buyer San Mateo pick up: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9 am to 12 pm Half Moon Bay pick up: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9 am to 12 pm Half Moon Bay sales close October 11 at 11 pm, or sooner if barrels sell out San Mateo sales: the official page says supply is limited and to buy soon No shipping, and no sales at th... 10/10/2026

Do you want to build an ADU on your property? A free event this Sunday can help you start. The ADU Fair for Homeowners is on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 12 PM in Burlingame.An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Think of it as a small extra home on your lot. Some people call it a granny flat, a backyard cottage, or an in-law unit.What Is the ADU Fair?The San Mateo County ADU Resource Center hosts the fair. The event is free. You can talk with ADU experts face to face and ask all your questions in one place.California laws now make it easier to build an ADU. More homeowners are using that chance every year.What You Will Learn at the FairYou do not need to know anything about building before you go. The experts will explain the basics in simple steps. What you are allowed to bu... 10/09/2026

Changes in weather and barometric pressure may influence how some people perceive joint and muscle pain. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature were associated with osteoarthritis pain, although weather-related effects are not consistent for everyone. Research on broader musculoskeletal pain also remains mixed.Chiropractic adjustments do not change barometric pressure or weather sensitivity. Their potential value is different: spinal manipulation may help selected patients with neck or low-back pain by improving mobility and reducing musculoskeletal pain. Clinical guidelines commonly include spinal manipulation as an option for these conditions. At present, there are no strong studies showing that a chiropractic adjustment sp... 10/13/2026

A couple of years ago, I spent the day on a boat near Clearwater Beach and saw one of those floating tiki bars cruising by. My first thought was, that looks like fun.Then I discovered you don’t have to drive all the way to Clearwater to try one.Cruisin’ Tikis Lake Dora operates out of Tavares, just a short drive from The Villages, and they offer several different cruises on Lake Dora. Their tiki boats hold up to six passengers and include a USCG-licensed captain, cooler, ice and bottled water. You can bring your own food and drinks and even connect your own music to the boat’s speaker system.Current options include a 1.5-hour sunset cruise starting at $59.95 per person, a 2-hour lake tour starting at $59.95, and a 3-hour sandbar tour starting at $74.95. Private cruises are also availabl... 10/14/2026

October 2026 ADVISOR: Bend Real Estate Market Updates & Central Oregon LivingAutumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Central Oregon, bringing brilliant fall colors, crisp mountain air, and a calendar full of local activities.In the October 2026 edition of Bend Premier Real Estate's ADVISOR, we explore the latest Bend housing market trends, including changing buyer activity, pricing strategies, and seller concessions. We also feature Awbrey Glen, one of Bend's established golf communities, along with October events, seasonal home-maintenance tips, a comforting pumpkin soup recipe, and a spectacular hike above No Name Lake and Broken Top.Whether you're buying, selling, relocating, or simply enjoying life in Central Oregon, our monthly newsletter brings together local real estate ex... 10/09/2026

Gaithersburg Traffic Alert: Oktoberfest in Kentlands on SundayTraffic Advisory Sunday, October 11, Oktoberfest will be held in the Kentlands. Please plan your travels accordingly. Starting at 6 a.m., many City streets around the Kentlands will be closed and won't reopen until approximately 9 p.m.Details: https://gburg.md/OktoberfestThis is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement.Dust off your dirndl, grab your lederhosen and get ready to Prost! The City of Gaithersburg presents the 33rd annual celebration of Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. The festival takes place in and around the Arts Barn, Kentlands Mansion, Kentlands Village Green and along Main Street and Inspiration Lane. Admission and parking are free. Free wheelchair accessible shuttle service ... 10/09/2026

Some of the trips I share I’ve already done. Others are on my bucket list. And a few? Nope, not happening. This one is definitely on my bucket list. Crystal River is close enough to The Villages for an easy late-afternoon and evening trip, and one option that caught my attention is a private sunset cruise out through Crystal River and into the Gulf.The boat holds up to six passengers, and along the way you may see dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, manatees and other wildlife before heading out to watch the sunset over the Gulf. The cruise generally lasts about 1½ hours and leaves one hour before sunset.The boat is operated by a licensed and insured captain, and they provide a cooler with ice and bottled water. You can bring alcohol, they’re pet friendly, and pickup is available from docks... 10/15/2026

 Home, Sweet Cozy Home: Where A Fall Weekend Feels Just Right “Home is not a place... it’s a feeling.” — Cecelia Ahern 🍁There’s something special about cozy weekends at home in the fall 🍂The air turns crisp, the light softens, and suddenly it feels right to slow down — to stay in, light a candle🕯️, make a warm drink☕, and let the world quiet down for a bit. “Peace — that was the other name for home.” — Kathleen Norris Whether you’re curling up with a book📖, cooking 🍲 something comforting, or just taking time to rest, I hope your weekend feels peaceful and cozy🛋️. “Happiness is simply staying at home.” — Unknown This weekend, here’s to small joys, warm blankets, and the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing in your home. “At home, I find the rhythm of the seasons — the scent of cinnamon... 10/09/2026

Old Town Placentia is a charming area that captures the essence of the town’s history. As you stroll the streets, you can admire the quaint shops and historic buildings. The atmosphere is inviting and full of character.  Each shop offers unique items, from handmade crafts to vintage treasures. Browsing through these local businesses is a delightful experience. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts and memorabilia that tell the story of Placentia.Historically significant sites, such as the old train station, add to the area’s charm. Informative plaques throughout Old Town narrate fascinating stories of the past, enriching your visit.A stroll around Old Town Placentia offers a relaxed way to connect with the community and appreciate its heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.... 10/08/2026

Placentia is in the heart of Orange County, CA and there are numerous activities in the surrounding area. Take a look. Go to the site for Placentia, CA and check out the details on the caledndar for October.  Saturday, October 10 Heritage Festival Heritage FestivalLearn More Monday, October 12 Centennial Steering Committee Centennial Steering CommitteeLearn More Tuesday, October 13 Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission Parks, Arts and Recreation CommissionLearn More Tuesday, October 13 Planning Commission Meeting CANCELLED Planning Commission Meeting CANCELLEDLearn More Wednesday, October 14 Heritage Festival Committee Heritage Festival CommitteeLearn More Buy or SELL your home in California with Broker, Lauren Selinsky Tuesday, October 20 City Council Meeting City Council MeetingLearn ... 10/08/2026

Selling your home this Halloween? You can still enjoy the season without letting your décor distract buyers! Keep decorations simple, protect your curb appeal, avoid overpowering scents, and let your home shine. Think seasonal accents, pumpkins, and mums—not spooky overload. A little festive styling can keep your home feeling warm and welcoming! Don’t Let Your Halloween Decor Haunt Your Home Sale.  Your home may be on the market, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate fall or Halloween. Buyers buy partly on emotion, and seasonal decor is a great way to convey “happy home.”   Keep in mind the basic principles behind staging or styling a home. Let the buyer see the space and remove anything that would distract them.   -Speak with your agent. They can help you decide how much you can de... 10/08/2026

Spooky Season at the Sea: Waikīkī Aquarium’s "Stranger Fins" Night!Looking for a family-friendly way to kick off the Halloween season with a tropical, 80s twist? Grab your costumes and head down to the coast this weekend! The Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium are hosting a special after-hours Halloween celebration, and this year’s theme is none other than "Stranger Fins."Whether you're a member or non-member, you're invited to step into the "Upside Down" for an evening of mysterious ocean creatures, interactive games, and festive frights.Event Details When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Waikīkī Aquarium (2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI) Contact: (808) 923-9741 Admission: Members: $15 Adults | $5 Keiki (ages 4–12) Non-Members: $20 Adults | $10 Keiki (ages 4–12) Free... 10/08/2026

This post is an entry into the Active Rain October challenge put forth by Kathy Streib and Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 . Their challenge is to let you know what makes my blog unique to the other 200,000 Real Estate blogs posted here on Active Rain. You can find the challenge HERE.It's easy to point out what makes my Blog unique, it's my son Timmothy Nathanial Timm. What other blogger has a professional artist, author, Nationally published cartoonist start every post with a banner from a man with such credentials?I admit that at times I'm jealous of a flashy AI generated banner created by a faceless, nameless non-human being BUT then I remember how good I have it to display the work of my own son.Timmothy is considered fully disabled due to the degree of his autism and in fact I doubt he c... 10/11/2026

When most people think of Pacific Grove, they picture Victorian homes, cottages, Lovers Point and quiet residential streets beneath the Monterey pines.But before many of those houses existed, Pacific Grove looked very different.It was filled with tents.Pacific Grove began in 1875 as a Methodist seaside retreat.Families came for religious meetings, education, recreation and time along Monterey Bay.And many of them lived in canvas tents for the summer.What's especially interesting from a real estate perspective is the way that early campground still influences Pacific Grove today.Many of the original Retreat lots measured only 30 feet wide by 60 feet deep — about 1,800 square feet.That's tiny by modern residential standards.But those parcels weren't initially designed for houses, garages ... 10/07/2026

Not to say that everyone on the Minot Air Force Base thinks of everyone else as family but they certainly are well aware of their obligations to each other. If not family they are certainly a "unit" working/serving together.For a military spouses view point please read this article by Nataly Zarrella as it is written in the Northern Sentry Newspaper (the official news paper of The Minot Air Force Base. Click on the picture below to read the article.   10/10/2026

Don’t Let Your Halloween Decor Haunt Your Home Sale. Your home may be on the market, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate fall or Halloween. Buyers buy partly on emotion, and seasonal decor is a great way to convey “happy home.”   Keep in mind the basic principles behind staging or styling a home. Let the buyer see the space and remove anything that would distract them.  -Speak with your agent. They can help you decide how much you can decorate.-Hold off on decorations until AFTER the MLS photos have been taken.  Seasonal decorations can date your listing.-KEEP IT SIMPLEDon’t feel the need to “Holiday” every room and flat surface of your home. -Don’t HIDE your home’s curb appeal.I love all of the large, scary, 7-foot-tall mechanical creatures you see at Home Depot, but save those f... 10/08/2026