Updated photos replace previously posted flier notification of the September, 2011 Homeless Vet Stand Down.
I was privileged to attend this event as a volunteer. I really did not do much but served as a runner for other volunteers needing things. In between times, I got a few photos of the scene and willing participants.
It was my honor to be in place to chat with some of these vets, and with some of those who serve the veterans as well.
It can amusing to be myself sometimes. Because I hang out with my camera getting some video, photos--and chat with anyone in my range; some people assume I am someone of influence. (Ha-Ha).
One particularly interesting conversation I had was with an enthusiastic client who was very pleased with services at the Gulf Coast VA. He insisted that I know and spread the word. The particulars of the conversation eluded me by the time I was able to write anything down--so, please, if you are a Social Worker or anyone who serves the Veterans from the Biloxi location--you ARE appreciated!
I have discovered homeless sleeping at the piers in several of my recent early morning walks. I actually spoke with one of the "Pier Residents" who is also a veteran.
South Mississippi is blessed to have Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Naval Construction Battalion Center/20th Seabee Readiness Group, and the Air National Guard in Gulfport. Camp Shelby, near Hattiesburg, MS is approx 65 miles or an hour and 15 minutes from the MGC (Mississippi Gulf Coast)
Mike Fearn gave me a call yesterday to inform me of the FHA 203 (K) seminar. If you have an interest in this type of loan, you may attend (You do not have to be a REALTOR, or a Real Estate Agent to attend). If you plan to attend without a personal invitation from Mike Fearn or Bo Smith, please give either a courtesy call/courtesy RSVP.
Mike Fearn said, "This is a Power Packed Seminar. Not your typical continuing ed.You may bring clients with you that may benefit from the FHA 203 (K) loan."
Recently I learned about this group and service through my nephew, Jeremiah who helps in Colorado Springs. I went to the website and was shocked at how much ANYONE can save on the food bill.
AngelFood ministries is nationwide and provides a convenient location finder at the website. There is no shame in saving on your food bill. Thrift is one way of being a "Good Steward".
Of course there are many ways that people can help out as well. Check out the video. For fun, find out the location nearest you and post it. There are 3 near me. The challenge will be figuring out which one to assist AND "patronize".
During the past few years as I participated in research studies as a Field Interviewer I learned some uncomfortable things about the way that some elders are living. Of course it would have been improper for me to have retained contact information--but I see how some could be helped by concerned individuals spreading the word with a door to door campaign (many elders and disabled may not have computers or the ability to use them) to let them know of this service, possibly take orders, then pick-up and deliver.
Visit! I was surprised at the nutritious assortment of foods and the ease of meal planning possible in buying this way. Even if you do not need to, or want to save on your grocery bill--utilizing Angel Food Ministries will help you eat nutritiously and save time in shopping and meal preparation.
Transitions can be intimidating even for those experienced in dealing with change. A bridge helps.
I was apprehensive about crossing this bridge. Then, rationalized that people live back there and cross it daily, if not several times a day. Then, I relaxed and realized what a beautiful setting I was in. I drove across and made it fine.
Great living parables don't come along every day. This was the message I received-)
Living in today's society we are taught to plan. Sometimes things just work out better if we make decisions when the need is presented to us rather than fretting and worrying about things ahead of time. We don't want to miss the joys and opportunities of "Now".
A bridge is symbolic of "help". For example, the other day I had a blow out on Highway 90 going to an appointment. Just as I placed my spare on the pavement and took the jack out, a couple of nice men in their 30's pulled over and asked if they could change it. I was rolling again in about 7 minutes. I made my appointment on time. Their help was my bridge. The same for the young man that took his time to go for tow rope and pull me out of a ditch which I had landed in by attempting to pull over and let him pass me on a barely 1 car lane. (The ditch was covered with growth so that I thought it was solid ground...sounds like another Parable:-)
Looking at the local paper; there does not seem to be many jobs available. However, in frequent drive throughs in the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area I have noted that several convenience stores have posted help wanted notices on their doors. At times, Craigslist posts valid jobs. A valid job on Craigslist should include a contact number and/or an address. There are many scams, so watch out.
I met this sweet natured dog while visiting an apartment/mobile home complex bordering the Back Bay in Biloxi. You may greet him at 2600 Old Bay Road. The complex Manager, Diane says that a person in a big black truck just dropped him off and left. No one can adopt him there as he is too big, although he has stolen the hearts of many residents.
I cannot take him. We live in town without a fenced yard. Otherwise, I would certainly bend my "no dog" rule. When I first visited this area, he came near me--but did not bark, growl, or jump on me. He appears to be in shape as if someone had taken care of him. He sits on command.
The Manager checked with the local shelter and found they were out of money and could do nothing for the dog with many names. She calls him "Stretch", some other residents call him "Big Boy".
Diane encouraged me to help and gave me her phone number if you wish to validate my information. It is: 228-388-3471. 2600 Old Bay Road. It is at the end of the road intersecting with Big Lake Road. He is a bit skittish. Residents are concerned about him being out in the cold overnight.
Several have invited him in--despite community rules, but he won't come into anyone's apartment yet. So, please--if you know anyone with a larged fenced yard and a big heart--pass this note along.
The decision not to renew my NAR, MAR, GCAR membership did not come easy. Although one may hold a real estate license without being a REALTOR; it really makes things difficult if one plans to be active in single family home sales.
My opinion is that if you intend to sell homes and have access to as much information as possible you need to be a REALTOR. Actually, if you are in the Mississippi Gulf Coast and wish to show MLS homes you need to be a member of the REALTOR Associations; or depend on the grace of member agents to work with you. I will not focus on single family home sales at large if I am not a REALTOR.
In some circumstances a licensee may represent new home builders without being a REALTOR. In that case the builder is represented. Should the prospect wish to look at other homes they will likely benefit more from working with a REALTOR.
The fees and dues of being a REALTOR, MLS Member, having the Supra E-key ready to unlock MLS listed property is not that bad--if--you plan to be active and consistently work the business.
For instance, in the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you have to be a REALTOR to access the agent side of the MLS, you haved to be a member of the MLS to be able to pay for the Supra key that unlocks the doors to MLS listings. Together these fees are less than $1,000 (depending on the type of supra key you choose). This is not bad if you plan to be active.
I found the Gulf Coast MLS office and REALTOR Association to provide great service at a great price.
However, according to the wonderful ladies in the Gulf Coast MLS office--I am not alone in making this decision, nor am I the lone ranger in losing the "passion" for real estate home sales (and working on straight commission).
I still have a MS Broker license (For Non Real estate professionals: You must have a real estate license to be a member of the National Realtors Association, but, you do not have to be a REALTOR to be a real estate licensee.) and will keep that active until further notice.
We all know that a real estate home sales career isn't for everyone. I am finally able to admit it is not for me. The aspects of real estate that I loved can be found in many other careers or real estate specialties:
Helping people solve problems
taking photos
photo-blogging
developing and placing ads
showing homes as a leasing agent
research
I will of course miss the MLS research capabilities. I guess I will need to look for other resources.
May you all have an outstanding 2011. I plan to have one. Please do not think I am sad. I am happy with my decision. I have many wonderful real estate memories.
I published this article early into the oil spill as there seemed to be irrational panic regarding air quality on the Mississippi Gulf Coast early into the Oil Calamity of 2010.
Public comments are encouraged through January 7th. The point of contact for Coast Transit Authority is Jay Curtis. His phone number is (228) 896-8080, ext 234; email him at: jcurtis@coast transit.com. Click here for the proposed changes (improvements) in detail.
The beautiful newly constructed multi-purpose "comfort stations" were designed to accommodateall beach visitors as well as being a pick-up point for Coast Transit. Long Beach was fortunate to be a recipient of these new beach accomodations which are also handicap accessible. Funding was a joint venture between Harrison County Sand Beach and the CTA.
It is easily understood that the CTA needs more riders to break even; it is understood that some of their funding has been cut. I can't seem to get rid of the feeling that if they would give us one more year... the Long Beach stop could be profitable. Hopefully we will have recovered by the damages the oil spill contributed to tourism in 2010. We have made great strides in re-building. Four new restaurants will be opening on HWY 90 or near it--within the first 4 to 6 months of 2011.
It seems there is a tentative, alternative plan for the smaller Western towns of the MGC. The hypothetical plan will require that Long Beach and Pass Christian contribute approximately $20,000 each per year. Will they do it? The current ridership, as CTA points out--is not profitable. Why would these small towns make a subsidy of this amount--especially if the entire Gulf Coast could benefit by connecting with Bay St. Louis-Pass Christian--and Long Beach?
Will ridership improve in the coming year? We won't be able to tell if we don't have the service.
Are you excited? If you found me, you are most likely thinking of moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and/or starting a business. I remember the excitement, anticipation and concerns about relocating. Therefore, I try to convey "slice of life" moments with photo-blogs and single photo uploads to assist you in getting a "real feel".
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I have discovered homeless sleeping at the piers in several of my recent early morning walks. I actually spoke with one of the "Pier Residents" who is a
lso a veteran. 
It may not be pretty, but for some weird reason I could not resist. I think I should include a more pleasant photo to go along with this one. 
I published 
being a pick-up point for Coast Transit. Long Beach was fortunate to be a recipient of these new beach accomodations which are also handicap accessible. Funding was a joint venture between Harrison County Sand Beach and the CTA.
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