Local News and Events

  It is that time of year where we spend time with loved ones and celebrate what Christmas truly means.    However, if you celebrate (or don't) enjoy your day.  If you spend your time with friends or family, give them an extra hug, and enjoy this blessed day.    It is also that time of year we reflect on past Holidays with family members no longer with us. So to all who celebrate the Holidays, whether it is Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanza, have a good one!     12/25/2025

For the past 3 years I have made reservations at the Gourmet Room at the Riverside Resort in Bullhead City.   Every year I have enjoyed a fabulous dinner, any exactly why I continue to make reservations every year!The first year they had Sea Bass which was FABULOUS and I always order escargot with a good glass of Red wine.   Last year they switched up the menu, and ordered Orange Roughy, which was very good.This year I was in line to get in, and there was another couple behind me and they said they did not have reservations.   I was pretty sure they would not get in tonight, so was prepared to invite them to my table.   When I checked in, they allowed me to go from a 2-top to a 4-top, and we all got in.  This couple is from San Diego, and was a bit worried about having conversation with... 12/25/2025

Summer Camp FairsDreaming of warmer days and planning ahead for summer?  Montgomery County Recreation is hosting free Summer Camp Fairs Jan. 10–11, with hands-on activities, staff on-site, and help applying for financial assistance. https://ow.ly/hV0g50XO1T4This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, AC Rooster, National Capital Dahlia Society Show,Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 2988Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/30/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄To my friends, my family, and the customers who’ve trusted me this year — thank you—your support, encouragement, and belief in what I do mean more than you know.May your home be filled with peace, your gatherings with laughter, and your hearts with the kind of joy that lasts well beyond the season. I’m grateful for each of you, and I’m wishing you a Christmas full of warmth, blessings, and moments that truly matter.Remember, giving is good, receiving is better, and may you and yours receive the blessing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ forever.Here’s to a bright and meaningful year ahead.Merry Christmas from my home to yours, and God Bless.Charles Stallions 12/25/2025

Christmas Blessings to All on this Second Day of Christmas! Hoping you all enjoyed a wonderful start to the Christmas season yesterday, it is important to celebrate with friends and family and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas.Remember the Christmas season has only just begun and will be going on until the Epiphany on January 6th thus the traditional 12 days of Christmas.So, let us continue the celebrations, continue to reach out to friends, family and neighbors, sharing Gods love and abundance. Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings this Christmas season!Bob 12/26/2025

Merry Christmas!Wishing you and your loved ones Blessings through the Holiday seasons and the New Year!We hope that 2024 has been a wonderful year for you and your family, hoping that you are enjoying some time to celebrate the holidays, and wishing you even more blessings in the new year!The Crane Family and Woodland Companies 12/25/2025

The Most Wonderful Night Of The Year: Christmas Eve...... When All Is Calm, All Is Joyful, All Is Holy "Christmas Eve is not just a night—it’s a feeling that wraps around your heart.".... Unattributed In just a few hours it will be Christmas Eve night. My “personal” Christmas always begins on Christmas Eve. When I think about Christmas Eve it's always against the backdrop of a night that represents all that is calm, all that is bright, all that is holy. Christmas Eve is an evening full of joy, hope, anticipation, peace, and love. The calm and holiness of Christmas Eve never disappoint and never fail to restore my spirit. As someone once said, "Christmas Eve is proof that even in the darkest of nights, light and love can shine through." Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year, and t... 12/24/2025

Did You Know... Christmas Eve And National Chocolate Day Fall On The Very Same Day?That's not a coincidence—that’s destiny! Because while the world is busy trimming trees and wrapping gifts, chocolate quietly claims its rightful place at the center of the celebration. Let’s be honest: if there was ever a day that needed chocolate, it’s Christmas Eve.So forget the other so-called chocolate holidays. This is the one that makes sense. A day built for indulgence, anticipation, and just one more treat before the big day. Go ahead—deck the halls, fill the stockings, and celebrate Christmas Eve exactly as it was meant to be celebrated…... with chocolate.  "As long as there is chocolate, there will be happiness."... Wayne Gerard Trotman I totally admit to being a card-carrying "chocoholic." So ... 12/24/2025

2026 MLK Day of Service & Volunteer FairRegistration is now open for the 2026 MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair. Join us on Monday, January 19 to give back, take part in hands-on service projects, and connect with local nonprofits offering year-round volunteer opportunities.Registration is required. https://ow.ly/WPlO50XNjp8This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens,Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 2991Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/29/2025

There is a great Italian restaurant just outside The Villages, Florida!  I want to share what they say on their website first then I’ll share my story.  This from their website:  www.Napolinos.comServing The Villages Since 2016!Just a 5-minute drive outside The Villages, Napolinos offers fine dining with an intimate ambiance that transports guests to the historic city of Napoli, Italy. We cater an elegant dinner with our exquisite cuisine and exceptional service. Enjoy a drink at our full bar or a dinner in one of our romantic alcoves.  Not only do we offer elegant dinners, we also offer monthly lunch and dinner specials.Delivery - Our newly updated DoorDash page is loaded with all of the customizable options from the takeout menu!This is a great place to eat!  I have had business meeti... 12/31/2025

This will be my third year of coming down to Bullhead City for a couple weeks around Christmas.   The weather is usually nice, sometimes a bit windy though, but warm.   Plus, no snow.....   The first year I found the Riverside Resort, and just love it.   Not a big gambler, but have to say, I found the penny & nickel poker machines, and can sit there for a long time on $20.    Throwing away hundreds gambling doesn't do anything for me.  I would rather buy a $100 bottle of wine or have a really nice dinner.    BUT, this resort has several pretty nice restaurants.   For 12/24, I made reservations at the Gourmet Room, and have enjoyed the last couple of years.  They did change their menu, and seriously enjoyed the Sea Bass the first year.    Their escargot is superb and they usually have a ... 12/24/2025

  Norad in Colorado Springs has a website that tracks where Santa is currently, and can be fun for the kids to watch how many presents have been delivered.   They do ask the kiddos to go to bed by 9 pm to make sure Santa gets to their home on time.Start Tracking Santa Now   Log in on December 24th to track Santa's flight around the world.    The kids SO enjoy watching this until they have to go to bed.               Merry Christmas!      12/24/2025

How appropriate we start our country club series with the first country club in The Villages, Florida.  First opened in 1985 and remodeled and changed countless times and changes in management now is the pride of the original part of The Villages.  Under the management of FMK Hospitality Group which manages fourteen restaurants in The Villages it is a great place to stop by.  This from their website: www.OrangeBlossomHillsCountryClub.comDelicious Cuisine, Refreshing Beverages, & Memorable Moments!In the midst of a community where everything is new, locating a historic restaurant may seem challenging. However, cast your gaze towards the hill, and you'll discover a recently revitalized historic destination that encapsulates the essence of the Villages. Since 1985, OB Hills has been a corn... 12/23/2025

  May The Happiest Season Bring You Plenty of It! Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas to ALL!P E A C E   o n  E A R T H !     For expert Real Estate Sales and Pet Friendly Property ManagementIn Honolulu, HawaiiCONTACT HI Pro Realty TODAY! 12/24/2025

Montgomery County, Maryland Holiday ClosuresThe Montgomery County Government and programs and services impacting County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.Schedule changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25: County offices—Closed. MC 311—Closes early on Dec. 24, with hours 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Dec. 25. State offices and courts—Closed. State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed. Libraries—Branches will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. Closed on Dec. 25. Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Closed on Dec. 25. Department of Permitting Services—Closed. Ride On—On Dec. 24, will operate on a Weekday service sc... 12/22/2025

Journaling for December 22, 2025 Winston Churchill is quoted as saying "Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection." This past weekend I watched a very old black and white movie. It was the story about a couple. Both loved each other very much but neither one of them had much money to buy each other a nice Christmas gift. I woke up this morning reflecting on that old movie I saw many times before, but my reflections went deeper. In the movie, the woman had her hair cut off by a wig maker who gave her $20.00 for her long hair. She and her husband liked her beautiful long hair very much. She used the money to buy him something to attach to his pocket watch he inherited from his father. What the woman did not know, is he sold his pocket watch to buy his wife combs for he... 12/22/2025

Been looking at the VCDD Club website searching for state clubs and found two more.  The Vermont Club meets monthly at the Savannah Rec Center, for more information you can email bwsohero@gmail.com I also found The Maine Club.  That group meets at Colony Cottage Rec Center and you can email them bevjanderson1@aol.com.I did find a unique club which figures The Villages would have, “Elaine is Our Name” club.  Yep you must be Elaine to join and apparently there are a bunch of Elaine’s.  Picture this you show up for the meetings and you don’t have to worry about forgetting names of your fellow club members!  I found an article in Lake Sumter Style Magazine that was a fun read.  If you are an Elaine you can email Elaine at elainebastl@gmail.comDick Betts, REALTOR®The Betts TeamLPT RealtyThe ... 12/30/2025

🌵Events in the East Valley ~ 12-29-25 ☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian Christmas at Schnepf Farms 2025Christmas at Schnepf Farms is a holiday wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family. Guests can enjoy ice skating, trolley rides, hayrides, and visits with Santa, along with unique activities like the Sleigh Bell Slide, Snow Globe Mini Golf, and pine cone decorating. With holiday light displays, giant photo ops, Christmas caroling, bonfires, movies, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions such as bounce houses, crafts, games, and rides, it’s a magical destination to celebrate the season. To learn more about this event, click HERE. I specialize in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area - Gilbert, Mesa, Chan... 12/29/2025

There’s a quiet revolution happening in Naples - one that’s not on the golf course or at the country club, but behind elegantly frosted doors and velvet ropes. While Naples has long been known for its luxury real estate, pristine beaches, and world-class golf, a new kind of exclusivity has arrived: the private dining club.These aren’t your typical restaurants. There are no crowded reservation books or online booking links. Instead, entry is by invitation, application, or recommendation - and inside, members are treated to a world where every cocktail, every seat, and every experience feels tailor-made. From tableside dry-aged tomahawks and rooftop champagne lounges to rare wine lockers and curated social events, these new venues are redefining how Naples’ most discerning residents dine,... 12/22/2025

Good post by Charles today, and worthy of our daily Re-Blog.BillGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler Protecting Your Pensacola‑Area Home From Deed FraudWhat every homeowner in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze needs to knowDeed fraud—also called title theft—is one of the fastest‑growing real estate scams in the country. Criminals forge documents, impersonate homeowners, and record fake deeds to steal equity or even “sell” a property they don’t own. It sounds extreme, but it’s happening nationwide, and Florida’s high‑equity homes make our region a prime target.Seniors are hit especially hard, often losing more money than any other age group. Vacant homes, rentals, inherited p... 12/22/2025