NEWBERRY – Residents will have multiple opportunities to support local businesses, enjoy family activities and learn more about their community over the coming weeks as organizations across Newberry host a variety of events extending into the fall.
Newberry Neighbor Challenge
Leading the calendar is the Newberry Neighbor Challenge, a communitywide initiative sponsored by the Newberry Business League that begins July 16 and continues through Oct. 30.
The challenge encourages residents to visit participating local businesses while completing activities on a challenge card. Completed cards will be entered into a raffle for a gift basket featuring items donated by local businesses.
According to organizers, “This event is all about exploring local businesses, meeting new people and giving back to the businesses that make our town special.”
The Neighbor Challenge also features an ongoing Business Spotlight recognizing local organizations that contribute to the community. The inaugural spotlight highlights Glanzer Realty. Other participating businesses and organizations include Newberry Jam, Capricious Local Eatery, Edward Jones, The Yellow Acres, Mitchell’s Specialty Meats and Bakery, Two Sisters Coffee Co., Newberry Parks & Recreation and the City of Newberry.
Recreation and Enrichment
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will continue offering summer recreation and enrichment programs through Aug. 31. Weekly activities include open gym pickleball on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, open gym basketball on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, the Motiv8U program and the MyTime Summer Enrichment Program.
Free Community Car Wash
Newberry High School students will host a free community car wash July 18-19 at the school’s bus loop. Sponsored by Quikrete Cement, the event is open to residents of Newberry and Archer who present proof of residency. Students will wash cars, trucks, vans and SUVs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
Operation Cool Down
Families looking for relief from the summer heat can take part in Operation Cool Down on July 20 at Newberry Place.
Hosted by the City of Newberry and the Newberry Fire Department, the event will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and will feature water activities, opportunities for children to meet local firefighters and frozen treats.
Organizers noted that drought conditions and ongoing water conservation efforts have limited the number of neighborhoods included this summer, but additional locations may be added if weather conditions improve.
Homeowners and Property Taxes
Homeowners will also have an opportunity to learn more about property taxes during a free educational program on July 22.
The session, titled “New Builds, New Bills — What Every Newberry Homeowner Should Know About Property Taxes,” begins at 6 p.m. at the Newberry Municipal Building, 25420 W. Newberry Road.
Presented by the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office, the program is intended for residents who recently purchased a home, moved into a new subdivision or simply want a better understanding of how property values, exemptions, assessments and new construction can affect future tax bills.
The informational session is free, although organizers encourage participants to register in advance.
Additional information about the Neighbor Challenge and other upcoming events is available through the Newberry Business League’s Facebook page.
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