Volume 1 Issue 9 - July 7th, 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!! This week starts the second half of the year and it is time to start back-to-school prep!!! Lots of things are getting added to our calendar and it becomes more important than ever to start learning how to balance and keep all the plates spinning. Let's set up a call this week to plan out your goals and set some routines in place to help build the structure we crave with the flexibility needed for life.

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

• Devastating Flash Floods in Texas: Central Texas experienced severe flash floods last week, and the situation remains critical. The death toll has risen to over 80 people, including many children, and the search for missing individuals continues. President Trump has declared a major disaster to help with recovery efforts. Families across the country are likely sending their thoughts and support to those affected. You can find updates on this tragic event from various news outlets such as Global News and Newsweek.

• Significant Measles Outbreak Across the US: The United States has seen a concerning surge in measles cases this year, reaching the highest number since the disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago. Tragically, there have been deaths and hospitalizations, with a large percentage of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals. This highlights the importance of vaccination for families to protect their health. More details are available in the KION 5/46 news report.

Things in the House

Several House committees have hearings scheduled this week covering a range of topics:

• Energy and Infrastructure: On Monday, July 7th, the House Committee on Rules will hold a meeting on several bills related to undersea cable protection, the National Coal Council, cross-border energy infrastructure, and efficient review for modern infrastructure projects.

• Energy and Water Development: Also on Monday, there's a meeting scheduled for the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill.

• Veterans Affairs: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has a busy Tuesday, July 8th, with multiple markups scheduled for bills related to service dogs for veterans, territorial response and access to veterans' healthcare, VA data transparency and trust, Fisher House availability, HPSP improvements, prohibiting smoking at VA facilities, and VA mental health outreach. Additionally, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will have a markup on several other veterans-related bills on Tuesday afternoon.

• Workforce and Employment: On Tuesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold a hearing on "E-Verify: Ensuring Lawful Employment in America."

• Energy Policy: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security will hold a hearing on Tuesday morning titled "Exploring the Economic Potential of the Golden Age of American Energy Dominance" and another hearing on "Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy." On Tuesday afternoon, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will have a legislative hearing on bills related to combating obstruction against leasing, mineral extraction for renewable energy, and streamlining NEPA for coal.

• Elections: The Committee on House Administration's Elections Subcommittee has a rescheduled hearing on Tuesday afternoon on "Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters."

• Digital Assets: On Wednesday, July 9th, the House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on "Making America the Crypto Capital of the World: Ensuring Digital Asset Policy Built for the 21st Century."

• Forestry and Wildfires: The House Natural Resources Committee will have an oversight hearing on Wednesday morning on "The State of Our Nations Federal Forests and the Outlook for the 2025 Wildfire Year."

• Defense Acquisition: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday morning to discuss "Reforming Defense Acquisition to Deliver Capability at the Speed of Relevance."

• Higher Education: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold a hearing on Wednesday morning titled "Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty Funding and Ideology."

• Public Health Workforce and Rural Health: The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing on Wednesday morning regarding proposals to maintain and improve the public health workforce, rural health, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Disability and Employment: There will be a joint hearing of the Social Security and Work Welfare Subcommittees on Wednesday afternoon focusing on "Untapped Talent in America: Removing Barriers to Work and Supporting Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities."

• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Veterans Benefits: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will have a markup on Wednesday afternoon for bills related to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, increasing the housing loan guaranty entitlement for certain veterans, and the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act.

What the Senate is doing this week?

The Senate returned from a state work period today, Monday, July 7th. Following Leader Remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning Business.

Around the World - Global Events with Potential Impact

Based on the global news for this week that could impact American families, here are a few key areas to be aware of:

• Refugee Policy: A legal challenge against President Trump's indefinite refugee ban continues, with a status conference scheduled for Monday, July 7th. The outcome of this case could have implications for refugee families seeking entry into the United States. You can find more information from CWS Global.

• Immigration Issues: There are ongoing reports related to immigration enforcement, including the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles due to protests over immigration-related deportations. These situations can raise concerns within communities across the US about immigration policies and their impact on families. Global News covered this story previously.

• Canadian Wildfires: While the specific current status isn't detailed in the immediate search results, there were reports of Canadian wildfires causing significant smoke issues in June. Depending on the wind patterns, this could still potentially affect air quality in parts of the United States, particularly in regions bordering Canada.

• International Conflicts: The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with reports of attacks near aid distribution points. While this is an international conflict, it is a significant global event that many American families follow with concern for humanitarian reasons and its potential impact on international relations.

• Canada's Vaccine Injury Program: While primarily a Canadian issue, the news about Canada's vaccine injury program underestimating the number of claims could be of interest to American families as it touches upon broader discussions about vaccine safety and government support for those who may experience adverse effects. This was reported by Global News.

Things to Keep on Our Family Radar This Week

Given the news and events we've been discussing, here are a few things I recommend families keep in mind as they start their week:

• Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: While the severe floods are in Texas, it's always a good practice to be aware of the weather forecast for your local area (Braddock, Virginia) and any potential weather-related advisories.

• Prioritize Health and Well-being: With the news of the measles outbreak, it’s a good reminder to ensure your family's vaccinations are up-to-date. Also, encourage healthy habits like proper hygiene as you start the week.

• Engage with Your Local Community: Consider checking out any local events happening in Braddock or nearby Fairfax County. The COPA Tysons Soccer Fest on Saturday could be a fun family activity to look forward to.

• Have Open Family Discussions: If the news about the Texas floods or other national/global events has caught your family's attention, take some time to talk about it together at an age-appropriate level. This can help everyone process what's happening and feel more connected.

• Be Mindful of the Week Ahead: As you start the week, take a moment to think about your family's schedule and any potential challenges or opportunities. Planning ahead can sometimes help reduce stress.

It's all about staying informed, taking care of each other, and making the most of your week!

Jess C's Mom's Two Cents

Okay, if I had to wrap up my two cents for the week in just a few sentences, I'd say: Stay informed about important national and global news, but remember to focus on the well-being of your family and your local community. Take this week to connect with your loved ones, be mindful of your health, and perhaps find a way to engage with what's happening around you. While there are bigger issues at play, the strength of families and communities is what really matters.

Upcoming Events for The Hive Social Garden

• The Mysterious Bea-nedict Society - First Monday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on July 7th for mentorship and coaching

  • Queen Beas (25+)

  • Queens-in-Training (age 18-24)

• Sowing Circles - Second Thursday of Each Month at 8 pm EST in the Hive - Join us on July 10th for Show and Tell what you are working on in your garden. Whether crafting or planting, we love to share our creations!

• Femme in STEM - Third Tuesday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on July 15th!

• The Honey Bea Coven - Third Wednesday of Each Month at 1800 EST (Link will be emailed) - Join us on July 23rd

  • Sparks (age 14-17)

  • Tinker Fairies (age 5-13)

• Byte-Sized Adventures - Planned adventures in time and space, exploring quantum intelligence, social engineering, and sustainable globalization... To come play with us, you have to find us first

  • Pokemon Go July Community Day July 20th

  • Pokemon Go August Community Day August 30th

  • Hacker's Hyde-Away July 26th

• 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.

Additional Services Available to Members of the Hive Social Garden (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.

Weekly Local Outlook

Washington, DC (20001):

• Farmers Markets: Check the schedules for local farmers markets, as weekend markets would have taken place on July 5th and 6th.

• Library Events: Continue to check the DC Public Library website for ongoing "I SPY Discover Summer" activities and any new events. The "Celebrating Pride in D.C." exhibit at the MLK Library is likely still available.

• Events: The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series in Adams Morgan will kick off later in July, with the first event on July 31st. However, you might find other local music or community events happening this week – check local listings.

• News: Keep an eye on local news for any developments.

Wexford, PA (15090):

• Farmers Markets: Check local listings for any farmers markets open during the week.

• News/Events: The Butler Eagle reported on a new AI-powered prostate treatment available in nearby Mars, PA, and a fire at an asphalt plant in Scott Township on July 6th. There was also a report of a motorcycle crash in Venango Township on July 5th.

Leawood, KS (66206):

• Farmers Markets: The Overland Park Farmers' Market should be open this week on Wednesday, July 9th, and Saturday, July 12th.

• Government: The City Council will be discussing the schedule for public hearings on the budget, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and RNR this week, likely on Monday, July 7th.

Hillsdale, NJ (07642):

• Farmers Markets: The Hillsdale Farmers Market should be happening this week on Wednesday, July 9th. Demarest Farms Market in Hillsdale is also open – check their website for hours.

• Library Events: Check the Hillsdale Free Public Library's website for the ongoing "On Exhibit: Mixed Media, Mixed Minds" and for any Mah Jongg or Meditation Club meetings this week. Their summer reading program continues.

• Events: New Jersey Stage lists several events happening this week in NJ, including the State Theatre in New Brunswick offering free summer movies starting July 1st, an interview with Tim Palmieri of Lotus on July 3rd, and Twisted Livin' performing in Tuckerton on July 5th. The Newark LGBTQ Pride Festival is also running from July 7th to 13th.

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

• Library Events: Check the Brooklyn Public Library website for Saturday Storytime on July 12th at the Sunset Park branch and for other Summer at the Library events throughout the week at both Sunset Park and Borough Park locations.

• News: The Brooklyn Eagle reported on several local news items, including Japanese entertainment giant Bandai Namco expanding to Industry City and nurses at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn preparing to strike. A pedestrian from Dyker Heights sadly passed away due to injuries from a collision on June 30th. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon is hosting "Java with Jo Anne" on Monday morning in Cobble Hill.

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

• Library Events: Check the New York Public Library (Chatham Square) website for their schedule of events for children and families this week.

• Events: NYC beaches are open. NYC Parks has a lap swim event scheduled for Monday, July 7th, at Hamilton Fish Pool in Manhattan. Check NYC Parks Events for more activities. The Lo-Down lists various events on the Lower East Side, so it's worth checking their calendar.

Commerce City, CO (80022):

• Library Events: Visit the Anythink Library (Commerce City) website for their "mySummer" program schedule.

• Local Government: The Commerce City Council had a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, July 7th.

• News: Colorado Community Media reported that Evergreen medical team won recognition on June 30th, and the Elevation Celebration in the west metro area is coming up on July 2nd.

Ehrhardt, SC (29081) & Bamberg County:

• Events: Check the website for the Battle of Rivers Bridge for the current schedule of guided tours.

• Library Events: Visit the Denmark Branch Library's website or contact them for information on any programs planned for this week.

• News: Remember that the Bamberg County Clerk of Court's Office no longer accepts child support payments as of July 1st.

Fairfax, VA (22030) & George Mason, VA:

• Library Events: Continue to check the Fairfax County Library website for STEAM programs and Wonder Wagon schedules at your local branches.

• Events: Fairfax County's event calendar lists an "Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training" on Monday, July 7th. There's also "Yoga for Gardeners" listed as ongoing.

• News: FFXnow reported on July 7th that a plan for a hotel on Leesburg Pike in Idylwood, approved a decade ago, is still in development.

Have a fantastic week, everyone!