top of page

Volume 1 Issue 7 - June 23rd, 2025

“Here’s what I know: Time must be explicitly managed, like money. You can always change your plan, but only if you have one. Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on the right things? Develop a good filing system. Rethink the telephone. Delegate. Take a time out. Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think.” - Randy Pausch


Happy Monday!! I know delegation and planning can be difficult and overwhelming. Many of you have been with me along this journey of building my own business and I want to ensure that I am bring added value into your life. Because of this, I would like to schedule a strategy and planning call with each of you before the end of June. We are going to create a family roadmap with your needs and goals for the second half of this year. We are going to work to understand all of your needs and proactively plan the coming school year.


We are also going to make additional services available to you (Let me know if you'd like to get started with these):

  • Family Album - Organize your pictures and share securely with family!! Also order photo gifts.

  • PrivacyBee - Cleaning up your digital footprint and protecting you against spam, doxing, fraud, scams, extortion, identity theft, and cyber bullies!!

  • Monarch Money - Budgeting and Savings!! Protecting your bottle line from subscriptions that you no longer use, are of no use to you, and are difficult to cancel because you have to make 47 calls to cancel.

  • Communitique - On Communitique, you can find new or well-maintained clothes in your fit and style for free, and easily pick them up in your area.


What's the Buzz?


Alright everyone, gather 'round the kitchen table! It's time for our weekly buzz to keep our families in the know. Here's what's happening across our communities this week:


On the Home Front - National News & Your Family's Well-being

One thing I know is always top of mind for us parents is keeping our little ones safe. Good news on that front: there are new federal safety standards for car seats going into effect very soon, on June 30th! These updates are focused on making car seats even safer in side-impact collisions. Now, don't panic and rush out to buy a new seat if yours is still in good shape – as long as it hasn't expired or been recalled and fits your child correctly, you're all set.


For those of you with older kids thinking about college, there's been some news in the world of higher education, particularly around research funding and some legal and policy changes affecting universities. It might be something to keep an eye on as your children get closer to that stage.


Around the World - Global Events with Potential Impact

Alright, let's talk about what's making headlines around the world. One of the biggest news stories right now is about the United States reportedly attacking Iranian nuclear sites. According to news reports, the US military launched missile strikes and used bunker-buster bombs on facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The situation is very tense, with Iran condemning the action and warning of a strong response. Their UN ambassador stated that Iran will decide the timing and scale of their retaliation. Some experts are worried this could lead to a wider conflict in the region.


Now, how does something like this affect us here at home? Well, big international events can have several ripple effects.

  • Economic Impact: You might see changes in things like the price of oil. When there's instability in the Middle East, which is a major oil-producing region, the cost of oil can go up. This could eventually affect the price of gasoline and other goods we buy every day.

  • Security Concerns: Major international conflicts can sometimes lead to heightened security concerns around the world, including here in the US.

  • Diplomatic Relations: Actions like this can have a big impact on the relationships between countries. The US Secretary of State has reportedly called for direct talks with Iran, while the President has even mentioned the possibility of regime change. These kinds of shifts in international relations can have long-term consequences.

It sounds like the world is watching closely to see what happens next and how Iran will respond. It's definitely something to keep an eye on in the news.


Things to Keep on Our Family Radar This Week

I came across something called Stolen Children's Month, which happens in June. It's a movement to raise awareness about the history of family separation and its impact on certain communities. It's a good reminder to cherish our families and advocate for those who might be facing challenges.


On a related note, June is also Prevent Child Injury Month, and organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide are sharing important tips on keeping kids safe from things like drowning, car accidents, and injuries around the home. It's always a good time to refresh our knowledge on these things.


Jess C's Mom's Two Cents

Well now, let me give you my two cents on all this hubbub. It's a worrisome time, isn't it? As a mom, my first thought always goes to our kids. All this talk of conflicts and potential escalations can be really unsettling for them, even if they don't fully understand the details. It reminds us of how important it is to create a sense of security and stability at home.


This situation with Iran... honestly, it makes my heart sink a little. You never want to see things spiral into more conflict. I truly hope that cooler heads will prevail and that our leaders will find a way to de-escalate things through diplomacy. War always has such far-reaching consequences, not just for those directly involved but for everyone around the world, including our own families. The potential for economic ripples with the price of oil is something we'll all feel in our wallets, and the broader uncertainty just adds another layer of worry to our already busy lives.


My hope is that we can focus on what we can control – being there for our families, supporting our communities, and fostering understanding and peace in our own little corners of the world. It's a big world out there, and sometimes it feels overwhelming, but we have to keep our focus on what's important right here, right now. Let's all take a deep breath and hope for a more peaceful path forward. That's my two cents!


Upcoming Events for The Hive Social Garden

FreshFarm Farmer's Markets are happening in June!

  • Columbia Heights Market: Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm


Sowing Circles: Second Thursday of Each Month at 8 pm EST in the Hive - Join us on July 10th!


Pride Prom with Safe Space NoVA!!! THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE TORPEDO FACTORY!!! Safe Space NOVA organizes a Pride Prom for ALL youth ages 14-20. This year's theme is Enchanted Garden, and if you have individuals in your life that struggle with connecting with others their age, I highly recommend it. Tickets are on sale. There is lots of security and adult supervision. There is a quiet room, a dance floor, arts and crafts, and door prizes. They have trained counselors if anyone needs to talk, and the Fairy Godmother will flying around helping anyone who looks lost find a friend to enjoy the night with. Tickets can be purchased or donations made at Pride Prom 2025 


Virtual Summer Camp is in full swing!! - The goal is to fund our Mobile Innovation Center while educating the public on how to secure their private information and intellectual property, share their experiences in non-judgmental environments, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. All of this is part of our larger goal of helping work towards the United Nations Sustainability Goals for Agenda 2030.



Weekly Local Outlook

  • Washington, DC (20001):

    • Farmers Markets: The Takoma Park Farmers Market was on Sunday, June 22nd, so hopefully you got your fresh goods! The Eastern Market will be open again this Saturday and Sunday.

    • Library Events: The DC Public Library's "I SPY Discover Summer" scavenger hunt continues this week, providing a fun activity for the kids. The "Celebrating Pride in D.C." exhibit at the MLK Library is also still available to visit.

  • Wexford, PA (15090):

    • Farmers Markets: The Farmer's Market at Pine Community Park took place on Sunday, June 22nd.

  • Leawood, KS (66206):

    • Farmers Markets: The Overland Park Farmers' Market will be open this week on Wednesday and Saturday.

  • Hillsdale, NJ (07642):

    • Farmers Markets: The Hilldale Farmers Market will be happening this week on Wednesday, June 25th. Also, don't forget that Demarest Farms Market in Hillsdale is open.

    • Library Events: The Hillsdale Free Public Library continues to host "On Exhibit: Mixed Media, Mixed Minds." Check their schedule if you're interested in joining their Mah Jongg or Meditation Club meetings this week.

  • Brooklyn, NY (11220 - Sunset Park/Borough Park/Dyker Heights):

    • Library Events: The Brooklyn Public Library (Sunset Park) will likely have their Saturday Storytime, and the Brooklyn Public Library (Borough Park) will continue their Summer at the Library events. Be sure to check their websites for the specific schedules.

  • New York, NY (10002 - Lower East Side, Manhattan):

    • Library Events: While some of the events from last week have passed, it's worth checking the New York Public Library (Chatham Square) website for any new events or ongoing programs for children and families this week.

  • Commerce City, CO (80022):

    • Library Events: See if Anythink Library (Commerce City) has any other fun "mySummer" activities planned for this week.

  • Ehrhardt, SC (29081) & Bamberg County:

    • Events: If you missed the Battle of Rivers Bridge guided tours earlier this month, there might still be opportunities this week – check their website for the latest schedule.

    • Library Events: The Denmark Branch Library will be hosting "Science Heroes" on Wednesday, June 25th.

  • Fairfax, VA (22030):

    • Library Events: Fairfax County Library branches like the Herndon Fortnightly Library typically have their STEAM programs on Tuesdays and the Wonder Wagon on Wednesdays, so check with your local branch for this week's schedule.


That's what's on the radar for the week of June 23rd. Have a fantastic week, everyone!

Comments


bottom of page