May 1st, 2026

Annual America’s Hometown Hound Contest Launches on May 4

Entries accepted through May 16; America’s Hometown Hound to be crowned at new America’s Hometown Hound Festival on June 13

PLYMOUTH, MA, ISSUED APRIL 28, 2026…Does your dog have what it takes to be named the next America’s Hometown Hound? 

Hosted by Just Around the Corner (JAC), the Plymouth area’s premiere pet-sitting and dog-walking business, America’s Hometown Hound Contest is a local competition for dogs in Plymouth and the surrounding areas, and culminates in one of the contestants being crowned America’s Hometown Hound. Nominations will be accepted online via Facebook and Instagram beginning Monday, May 4; entries will be accepted through May 16.

New this year, the winning dog will be crowned at the very first America’s Hometown Hound Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nelson Park in Plymouth, the dog-friendly, child-friendly, community event takes the place of “Bark in the Park,” previously coordinated by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the crowning of America’s Hometown Hound, the festival is expected to feature local vendors, demonstrations, and entertainment. JAC is partnering with Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals, and will donate 50% of vendor fees to this charitable organization dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners by raising funds to help pet owners in need.  

Debuting in 2020, America’s Hometown Hound Contest has crowned six previous winners: Charlie Brown, a German Shepherd; Otis, a Golden Retriever; Tim, a tiny mixed-breed, Daphne, a Basset Hound; Flynn, a Newfoundland; and Samson, a Pit Bull. Last year’s contest featured over 100 contestants, and generated more than 65,000 votes.

“We are thrilled that America’s Hometown Hound Contest has grown steadily every year, and with the community’s support, we aim to elevate this event to new heights for 2026!” said Pamela Ranheim, founder of Just Around the Corner and originator of America’s Hometown Hound Contest. “Our America’s Hometown Hound Festival will offer a day dedicated to dogs, community, and all things tail-wagging fun! We cannot wait to crown our next America’s Hometown Hound, and continue to demonstrate our shared commitment to promote responsible pet ownership while showcasing and enhancing our dog-friendly community.”

America’s Hometown Hound will also represent America’s Hometown at various events and appearances throughout the year, demonstrating local support at charity fundraisers, small business shopping events, and other community festivities.

For more information about the contest, submitting a contestant, or for sponsorship or vendor opportunities, visit https://jacpetsit.com/contest/ or follow  Just Around the Corner on Facebook and Instagram, or America’s Hometown Hound at AHH Facebook and AHH Instagram.

About Just Around the Corner, Inc.

Just Around the Corner (JAC) is an award-winning pet-sitting and dog-walking business serving the Massachusetts communities of Plymouth and Sagamore Beach. Just Around the Corner was founded in 2008 by Pamela Ranheim with two core beliefs: pet parents deserve peace of mind when they can’t be home to care for their pet; and one size does not fit all when it comes to pet care. JAC is licensed, insured, and a member of Pet Sitters International, and all employees are bonded and insured, and receive ongoing training. Most recently, Just Around the Corner was voted Best of the South Shore 2026 for pet care. 

Just Around the Corner is based in Manomet, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit https://jacpetsit.com or call 508-245-1389.

Photo: Charlie Brown, the first winner of the America's Hometown Hound Contest

Join us for a Mother’s Day Salt Tasting Open House, where you are invited to slow down, savor, and explore the craft of beautifully finished salts. Whether you’re bringing Mom or simply treating yourself, this is a flavorful way to give Mom a unique experience on this special day.

Enjoy:

• Tastings of our signature and seasonal salts
• A welcoming, open-house format—stop by at your convenience
• Gifts perfect for Mother’s Day

Discover new favorites, learn how to use salt in unexpected ways, and find a meaningful gift that goes beyond the ordinary.

Date: May 10, 2026

Time: 1-3pm

Location: Saltery HQ



Celebrate the women who make everything better—with a little extra flavor.

How Exit Planning and Selling Your Business Work Together webinar set for Wednesday, May 27th from noon to 1 PM.

PLYMOUTH, MA

Most small to mid-sized business owners look to maximize the sale of their business as a once in a lifetime event and are not quite sure where to start.

A panel of Exit Planning and M&A experts provide step-by-step advice in a  webinar set for Wednesday, May 27th from noon to 1 PM via Zoom. The event is sponsored by My Pinnacle Network, with three business-to-business, virtual groups emanating from throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Panelist includes business brokers Bob Karlis, Cabot Business Brokers, Hingham, MA and Paul Cronin, Touchstone Advisors, Boston, MA, as well as Paul Corrigan, of Rosetta Valuations, Quincy, MA. The panel will be moderated by Steve Dubin, founder of PR Works and My Pinnacle Network, Plymouth, MA. RSVP at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/w9uz8n9.

The round table format will explore how far in advance to properly plan your exit; the process of selling a business; the significance of a business valuation; the potential for buyer or seller remorse; what to consider for your next chapter in life; and more. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions.

Paul Cronin has over 30 years of professional experience in sales, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has owned three businesses including a data analytics business, a golf training business, and an exit planning/consulting business. He has been part of the M&A world since 2009, initially in the exit planning field before moving to transactional work at several firms.

An accomplished entrepreneur and marketer, Bob Karlis has served as president/CEO of multiple successful businesses including start-up divisions of Johnson & Johnson, Cadbury Schweppes, Millipore, and a series of smaller, privately held and financed ventures. With an impressive success rate leading business start-ups and turn-arounds, Bob founded CABOT Business Brokers as an outgrowth of his prior work with early-stage ventures and his identification of their need for a disciplined, experienced business approach when pursuing a sales transaction.

Paul R. Corrigan founded Rosetta Valuations to provide complete valuations services along with “feet on the street” business brokerage experience. He determined that one of the earliest and most critical issues in any decision to sell was the question of value.

Moderator Steve Dubin, founder of PR Works and My Pinnacle Network, has been helping businesses connect the dots for over three decades.



The webinar costs $9 to attend. Seating is limited to 40. Please RSVP at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/w9uz8n9.

Project Gurnet & Bug Lights recently received a $100,000 grant from the MA Preservation Project Fund, presented by Paul Holtz of the MA Historical Commission. The funds have supported the first phase of restoring Bug Light. Work began last summer and will continue this spring, with applying mending plates to stabilize Bug Light. Project Gurnet & Bug Lights is grateful to the MA Historical Commission for recognizing our efforts. There is still much to be done to restore Bug Light fully. More information, along with donation options to “Save Bug Light,” can be found at buglight.org.

For more information Contact:

Bonnie Templeman

508-747-0284 cell/text

Do you have a dog who missed out on Pups of Plymouth?

I had such an AMAZING response when I opened applications for my last book, Pups of Plymouth, and I’m excited to share that applications are now open for my book sequel, Downtown Dogs of Plymouth! 🤩

Spots are limited! Apply now to have your dog featured!

katiecarmicklephotography.com/downtowndogsofplymouth

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