PAW, otherwise known as Pet Appreciation Week, is an annual celebration of all things pets! Celebrated from June 4th-10th, PAW is dedicated to the beloved pets that humans share their lives with. Pet Appreciation Week was initiated in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association; it was designed to raise awareness about the beneficial effects of pets.
While Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new, some studies have shown a positive correlation between human health and the presence of pets. Animals serve as a source of comfort and support; their presence helps decrease stress, improve heart health, and assists children with their emotional/social skills. In fact, kids who read to the real animals have shown better social skills (i.e. sharing, cooperation, and volunteering).
The week-long celebration also functions as a reminder to take care of your pet. Check them for fleas, abrasions, and make sure their relevant vaccines are up to date. Additionally, be sure that their diet is meeting their needs and that they are remaining healthy and active.
June is National Homeownership Month! It celebrates the value that owning a home brings to families, communities, and neighborhoods across America. It helps spread the joys of being a homeowner and encourages others to achieve the same thing. Did you know that most Americans had no way of owning a home in the 1800s? Mortgages became common after the U.S. banking system came into being as a result of the 1860s National Bank Acts.
The lot has been vacant since Hurricane Michael in 2018. The McGuire parent company purchased the location last week; they estimate renovations will take around 12 months. A tentative opening goal for fall 2024 has been announced. 
The Marianna Police Department is stepping up on enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Happening now, the campaign will run until May 30, 2023. It’s an almost month-long endeavor designed to remind motorists to buckle up for safety. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign advocates for buckling-for-safety via 1) education and 2) law enforcement. 
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has a rich, forty-year history of showcasing smooth beats and imaginative solos. It’s the largest free music festival and features three days of live music on TWO different stages. Some of the 2023 performers will include Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy, Shemekia Copeland, the U.S. Army Ambassadors Jazztet, Marcus Miller, Larry Carlton, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
