Local News and Events

Fall market report for buyers Northern Virginia Buyers Could Save Thousands During This One Week in 2026 Sept 27 to October 3 Realtor.com's pick for the best week to buy a home this year, and what it means for buyers here at home. I f you have been thinking about buying a home in Northern Virginia, there is one week coming up that deserves a closer look. Realtor.com has named September 27 through October 3 the best week to buy a home in 2026, based on the combination of more homes for sale, less buyer competition, lower listing prices, more price reductions, and a slower pace than buyers typically experience during the spring and summer markets. For buyers searching in Northern Virginia, NoVA, or the greater DMV, that timing is especially interesting because the local market is already... 09/24/2026

Things to do this weekend What to Do in Northern Virginia and DC This Weekend: 9 Events for September 25–27, 2026 The first weekend of fall is bringing plenty of reasons to get out of the house. From Oktoberfest celebrations and outdoor art shows to an airshow, cultural festivals, wine tasting, and a major Smithsonian anniversary, there is something happening in almost every corner of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. If you are looking for things to do in Northern Virginia this weekend, here are nine events worth adding to your September 25–27 plans. 1. Lovettsville Oktoberfest Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Downtown Lovettsville, VA Northern Virginia is getting a little taste of Bavaria this weekend. The 30th annual Lovettsville Oktoberfest returns with German-inspired foo... 09/24/2026

Greystone Mansion: A Quiet Love Letter to Los AngelesThere are places in Los Angeles that impress you immediately.And then there are places that quietly stay with you.Greystone Mansion is one of those places for me.Tucked into the hills of Beverly Hills, behind stone walls and mature trees, Greystone feels almost removed from the city surrounding it. You are only minutes from the energy of Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, yet once you begin walking through the grounds, Los Angeles seems to become quieter.Maybe that is what I love about it most.A Little Piece of Old Los AngelesCompleted in 1928 for Edward “Ned” Doheny Jr. and his family, Greystone Mansion was designed by renowned Southern California architect Gordon B. Kaufmann.And it was quite an estate.The Tudor Revival mansion contai... 09/23/2026

Start your engines...but this time, you may be heading for a roller coaster!Circuit of The Americas has long been known for Formula 1, racing and big-name entertainment, but COTA is about to add something completely different to the mix.COTALAND Theme Park officially opens Saturday, September 26!Located right at Circuit of The Americas, the new theme park brings together the excitement of motorsports with roller coasters, water rides, children's rides and family-friendly attractions. In other words, COTA isn't just for race fans anymore!From Race Track to Roller Coasters!There are plenty of attractions that caught my attention:🎢 Palindrome — The first infinity shuttle coaster in the U.S., sending riders both forward AND backward along its course—and even soaring over an active road!💦 Th... 09/24/2026

Waikiki Makers Market - Monday 9/28 - 4PM - 8PMGrab your friends, bring the Ohana, and holo holo to the Waikiki Makers Market!The perfect Monday evening spot to check out one-of-a-kind local finds and score some ono grinds.The Details When: Monday, September 28, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Waikiki Beach Walk (226 Lewers Street, Honolulu) Admission: FREE! What’s in Store?Ono Eats & SweetsCome hungry because the food line-up is seriously top-tier! Grab a hot bite from Santi’s Paella, savory Dicks Lechon, or fresh French crepes from LA CREPE PARISIENNE. Need something sweet? Cool down with a smoothie from Oh's Kitchen or pick up local treats like Diamond Head Taffy and Honolulu Crispy Beef Jerky.Local Crafts, Jewelry & ApparelSupport local artisans and creators while shopping for uniqu... 09/24/2026

When I first wrote about the Freshwater Fishing Club in March 2023, I was amused by the question mark the club had put after its name. Their explanation was that none of them were really professionals, just legends in their own minds! I still like that attitude.The club welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced anglers, whether they own a boat or not. Members exchange fishing tips, enjoy friendly competition and get to know others who share their interest in freshwater fishing. There’s more to the club than fishing outings. It offers monthly clinics at ponds around The Villages, where members can learn techniques or improve the skills they already have. The club has also helped make fishing more accessible through a rod loaner program at several recreation centers.Interested in ch... 09/25/2026

One of the things I love about Austin is that there is always something a little different going on!This weekend, you can watch a historic Austin landmark become a giant work of art. And a few weeks from now, you can literally run through bubbles! Only in Austin. 😊✨ WATERWORK ~ THIS WEEKEND!On Friday and Saturday nights, September 25 & 26, the historic Seaholm Intake Facility will become a spectacular canvas of art, light and motion.Using projection mapping, the building's Art Deco façade will come alive with artwork created by Central Texas artists. This year's theme is “Transformation,” celebrating the relationship between Austin's urban landscape and our natural surroundings.📍 Seaholm Intake Facility📅 Friday & Saturday, September 25 & 26⏰ 8:30 p.m.💰 FREE!You don't need a ticket to en... 09/23/2026

Rocktobierfest, Saturday, Sept. 26Rocktobierfest returns to Rockville Town Center this Saturday!Enjoy live music, food, local breweries and artisan vendors from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is FREE. Learn more: https://rockvillemd.gov/RocktobierfestThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Coleus, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia USA IMG 1107Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 09/24/2026

One thing I enjoy about living in The Villages is discovering activities I knew very little about before moving here. With more than 3,500 resident-run clubs, there’s a good chance someone shares an interest you already have, or can introduce you to a new one. The Villages Air Gun Club is one example. Members enjoy target shooting with air rifles and pistols, organized competitions and the fellowship that comes with a shared hobby. The club emphasizes safety and good sportsmanship. When I first wrote about the club in 2024, I mentioned three ranges. I checked again, and Rio Grande, Soaring Eagle and Sugar Cane are still the three air gun ranges in The Villages. Equipment is available for residents to check out at nearby recreation centers, so someone interested in trying the activity ca... 09/24/2026

 Pensacola Beach: What to Know, What to Do & Where to EatPUT Charles In Charge™Pensacola Beach is one of the Gulf Coast’s true gems — a place where sugar‑white sand, emerald water, and laid‑back Florida charm come together in a way that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year. Whether you’re planning your first trip or have been coming here your whole life, a few things are worth knowing to make the most of your time on the island.First, Pensacola Beach offers easy access. Parking is simple, the Boardwalk is walkable, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers miles of untouched coastline that feel worlds away from the crowds. If you’re looking for calm water, head to Quietwater Beach on the Sound side—perfect for families, paddleboarding, or relaxing without the waves.... 09/28/2026

Discover Navarre, Florida: Coastal Charm and Local FlavorNestled between Pensacola and Destin, Navarre, Florida is one of the Gulf Coast’s best‑kept secrets — a place where turquoise waters meet small‑town hospitality. It’s the kind of destination that feels like home even if you’re just visiting. Whether you’re here to relax on the beach, explore nature, or enjoy a great meal, Navarre offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty and community warmth.Charles suggests starting your day at Navarre Beach, known for its sugar‑white sand and calm surf. The Navarre Beach Pier, one of the longest in Florida, stretches out into the Gulf and offers breathtaking sunrise views. Early risers can watch dolphins play offshore while anglers cast for redfish and pompano. Just across the causeway, the Navarre... 10/03/2026

Discover Gulf Breeze, Florida — Neighborhoods, Eateries & Things to DoGulf Breeze, Florida is one of the Gulf Coast’s most desirable communities—a peninsula town known for its safety, top‑rated schools, and easy access to both Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. It’s a place where coastal living meets convenience, and every neighborhood has its own personality, pace, and lifestyle.Neighborhoods: A Community With OptionsGulf Breeze offers a mix of established communities, waterfront pockets, and newer developments. Neighborhoods like Forest Bay Estates and Cambridge Park provide modern homes, family‑friendly streets, and quick access to shopping and schools. Victorian Village offers charm and walkability, while Sandpiper Village sits close to parks, trails, and the water, making it ideal for ... 10/04/2026

Charles Sell Pace Florida — Where Community and Lifestyle MeetWhen you think of Pace, Florida, you think of family, growth, and the kind of hometown pride that makes every handshake matter. For me, real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about connecting people to the places that define our community. That’s why these two graphics, featuring Benny Russell Park and Stonebrook Golf Course, capture what Pace living is all about: balance, beauty, and belonging.Benny Russell Park represents the heart of Pace — a place where families gather, kids play, and neighbors become friends. It’s where weekend mornings start with laughter and the smell of fresh-cut grass. When I help families find homes nearby, I’m not just showing them a property; I’m introducing them to a lifestyle built ar... 09/29/2026

Have you ever wondered how Eastport, the newest town center in The Villages, got its name? The answer takes us more than a thousand miles north, to a small community called Eastport in Michigan.The Morse family has deep ties to that part of northern Michigan. Tracy Morse and her siblings, Mark Morse and Jennifer Parr, grew up in the nearby Central Lake area. When the family was naming the new town center in The Villages, they drew on those childhood memories. Eastport was a familiar name from the east end of the lake where they grew up.  And there’s another connection. The lake at our Eastport is called Central Lake, also a nod to the family’s Michigan roots. So the next time you visit Eastport, take a look at the lake and the town square. Their names aren’t just part of a new developme... 09/27/2026

Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Roy today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler  #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore New Emergency Alert Translations Service The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has launched a new translation service for emergency alerts sent through the County’s Alert Montgomery system that will help more of our residents get timely and potentially life-saving messages. Th... 09/22/2026

Child Passenger Safety WeekIt’s Child Passenger Safety Week!Did you know Montgomery County residents can schedule a FREE in-person or virtual car seat check with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service? Make sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. Learn more: https://ow.ly/tyPj50Tq3TwThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, 'Rustic Orange', Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0700Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 09/22/2026

Fall Festival Coming to KentlandsBy Patrick HerronKentlands Market Square will host its Fall Festival / Artisan Market on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring local makers, handcrafted goods and seasonal activities.The fall event will give visitors an opportunity to shop from local artisans while also exploring the shops, restaurants and other businesses throughout Kentlands Market Square.Organizers describe the event as a day of fall fun, unique finds and seasonal offerings. Vendor opportunities are available exclusively through Chic Events DC. The MOCO SHOW Coreopsis, Coreopsis grandiflora, Kentlands Photowalk,Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 5041Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-400, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photo... 09/28/2026

I fell way behind on this topic but then again you can see that Timmothy only wrote the cartoon two weeks ago.This cartoon is based in an article written by Amy Allender for the Northern Sentry Newspaper, the official newspaper of the Minot Air Force Base. The article is titled "Why I shop for winter in August". It's an excellent article and here is a link to it.Again, I should have got this out when the article ran but I still think it's revelant.This is a good reminder to me to weed through my mountain of winter clothing and see what may be useful to another and what should be tossed. One thing I do know... I don't need to purchase anything new, I'm set for life on winter clothing. 09/23/2026

Charlotte’s Festival in the Park returns September 25–27 for its 62nd year! Enjoy live music, local art, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and a beautiful evening atmosphere at Freedom Park. With thousands gathering each year, this beloved Charlotte tradition offers something for everyone. Discover why it continues to draw crowds! Festival In The Park: 62 Years Young, Still Drawing The Crowds September 25-27, 2026   For 62 years now, Festival in the Park has been a cherished part of Charlotte’s cultural life, bringing together music, art, and unforgettable experiences. And after 62 years, Festival in the Park is still drawing the crowds. The festival typically attracts some 125,000 people to the three-day event. In 2024, the festival saw attendance reach an estimated 150,000. ... 09/22/2026

New Federal Medicaid Requirements to Take Effect in Maryland Jan. 1New federal requirements will bring changes to Medicaid coverage for some Maryland adults. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, certain adults ages 19-64 will be required to show they are working or participating in qualifying activities to maintain coverage and will need to renew their Medicaid eligibility every six months instead of annually. Maryland Health Connection will send letters in September to residents who may need to meet the new requirements. Residents are encouraged to keep their contact and household information up to date and read notices from Maryland Health Connection. Separate federal changes affecting Medicaid eligibility for some immigrants will begin Oct. 1, 2026.Click here to visit the website.This is a Montgo... 09/27/2026