Choose Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters This Shopping Season
As the holiday season approaches, consumers are bombarded with endless Black Friday deals. During these high-profile shopping days, when big box retailers and online giants often dominate the market with massive sales and promotions, choosing to shop at small and local businesses can make a big difference. While Small Business Saturday is a day specifically dedicated to shopping and supporting small businesses, the importance of choosing local businesses extends to the entire holiday shopping s…
Beyond Solo Reading: Perks of Book Clubs and How to Start Your Own
If you like to read, you likely enjoy those cozy solo moments when you get to be fully immersed in a new book. But when the book is over, you might have further questions or feel the urge to talk about what you've just read. Starting or joining a book club can transform your reading experience into a social and insightful journey. Let's explore the advantages of being a part of a book club in your community.
Enhance Your Reading Experience
By joining a book club, you gain the opportunity…
7 Fun Water-Based Summer Activities for Kids
When summer temperatures soar, finding ways to keep kids cool and entertained becomes essential. Don't worry; we've got you covered! These seven exciting water-based summer activities will ensure your kids (or any big kids at heart) stay cool and have a blast all season long.
Water Balloon Frenzy
A water balloon fight is a classic and thrilling way to beat the heat. Fill a bunch of water balloons and let the fun begin! Divide the kids into teams and set up obstacles in the yard for an epi…
3 Reasons to Donate To Your Local Thrift Store
Spring cleaning season is among us, which means it's time to figure out what to do with your unwanted items. Instead of letting your items pile up in storage or be thrown away, you should consider donating them to a local thrift store. If your items are desirable and still in good condition, there are many benefits to donating. Let's go over three of them!
Your Items Will Be Given a Second Chance
Donating to a local thrift store is a great way to "reduce, reuse, recycle" your unwanted…
4 Ways You Can Support the Art Scene in Your Area
Do you love art and want to support the local art scene in your neighborhood? If your answer is a resounding "YES!" we have four ideas to help you do just that.
Attend Local Art Shows or Pop-up Art Gallery Exhibits
A great way to support the local art scene is by attending art shows or art gallery exhibits in your area. You will be able to view a variety of different types of art from local artists and creators, as well as have the opportunity to support their work directly through donati…
3 Family-Friendly Fall Activities
Have you seen the leaves changing? Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes cooler weather, the return of school for some, and fun seasonal activities. Looking for family-friendly fall activities to do this season? Look no further! Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Going to a pumpkin patch during fall is a classic activity for many reasons. First—and most importantly—pumpkins are in season from September to November, which means there will be plen…
6 Great Reasons to Support Your Local Public Library
Many people are unaware of the benefits public libraries provide to communities. From free Internet use to library programs for all ages, the library has something for everyone! Let's discuss 6 great reasons why you should visit and support the library in your community.
1. Free library cards
It's true—most public libraries offer free library cards! Supporting your local library means supporting the love of reading and learning for people from all walks of life. Most library cards are f…
5 Great Ways to Learn About the History or Culture of Your Area
Discovering local history and culture is a fantastic way to spend your spare time and learn about where you live. Whether you are looking for something fun to do with kids or friends or want to find out more about the neighborhood you live in, here are a few activity ideas to get you started:
1. Look for Local Tours
One of the best ways to learn about the history of your town is to find local museums, historic sites, and other attractions that offer local tours. You may also find walking …
Fun and Safe 4th of July Activities That Don't Involve Fireworks
While 4th of July is all about celebrating the United States' independence (and eating good barbecue), it can become dangerous once fireworks are involved. During unprecedented dry weather and in places where wildfire danger is high, it might be best to skip the fireworks during your festivities this year. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and safe 4th of July activities you can try instead.
Celebrating at Home
Set up an outdoor movie theater at home and watch your favorite summer movieMak…
8 Tips to Help You Plan a Successful Yard Sale
If you're holding a yard or garage sale to get rid of some things you don't need anymore, it might take a little more thought and planning than you think at first. Let's look at a few of our favorite tips on how to prepare for a yard sale by deciding what you're going to sell, pricing items appropriately, picking the right day/time for your event, and more. We hope these tips help make your sale a success!
1. Decide What to Sell
You can't have a yard or garage sale without anything to sel…
5 Steps to Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteering in your local neighborhood is a great way to give back to your community and develop closer relationships with the people you live around. If you are in search of a volunteer opportunity, here are some steps that will help you find the perfect one.
1. Identify Your Skills
The first step in finding the right volunteer experience is to take stock of your skills and strengths. You should know exactly what you have to offer in regards to each particular volunteer role you conside…
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day - April 30th
Did you know that there are over 70 million homeless dogs and cats in the United States alone? That's a whole lot of pets without homes! National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day is coming up on April 30th and it's time to find your new best friend…
Interview with Johnathan Partridge with Liberty House Child Abuse Assessment Center
Johnathan Partridge, Director of Development & Community Engagement for Liberty House shares what Liberty House does, why it is important in the lives of children and families, and some of the ex…
Interview with Brooke Goldsby, President/Executive Director of Salem Angels
Brooke Goldsby, President/Executive Director of Salem Angels, shares what she appreciates about the people and businesses who are "wrapping community around children, youth, and families experiencing…