Local News and Events

Veterans Day 2023 A Day of Respect for Those that Have Served Today, in the United States, it's Veteran’s Day. It’s a day to remember all Veteran’s that have served their country in a time of war.It is also, the only Federal Holiday that will always be celebrated on its day and not moved to a convenient Monday.On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an Armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans o... 11/11/2023

Thank you to our Veterans for all they have done and do today for our great country, The United States of America. After all, we are the Land of the FREE and Home of the BRAVE! (D-Day WW2, WikiImages, Pixabay)Veterans have served like my father and grandfather to to allow us have FREEDOM and the right to think it and say it. Think of the other countries of the world where citizens live in fear of prison or death if they dare to speak what is on their mind or practice a religion of their personal choice. Countries that have no way to protect themselves against mandates from a one party unilateral oppressive government, where rights that we take for granted in America are denied through coercion or absolute force.Kate Smith singing God Bless America, "Stand beside her and guide her with a... 11/11/2023

URGENT: HELP NEEDED!The Hawaiian Humane Society is beyond critical capacity for the animals in their care. They need YOU! Come in to the Mo'iliili or Kosasa Family campuses to foster or adopt today to help alleviate the shelter space crisis. There is a Veterans Day adoption event this weekend until Nov. 15th with 100% off adoption fees!  Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living and lack of affordable, pet-friendly housing are often cited as the reasons individuals are forced to make the difficult decision to surrender their pets. With shelters and their partner rescue organizations full, they need you – all of the animal lovers in our community – to step up and help. Hawaiian Humane’s Pet Kōkua Outreach program helps keep pets with their families through its Pet Food Bank, wellness clinics and acc... 11/11/2023

With gratitude I offer thanks to our Creator for these Top 50 hikes in Arizona for you to enjoy this month after the eating of the Thanksgiving dinner and the extra left over pumpkin pie and on into the new year. There is so much to offer in the state from pine trees to deserts. Sure most people will immediately think of the Grand Canyon. However, without even leaving the Phoenix metro area we have over 60 miles of trails in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale not to mention Piestawa Peak #3, Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park #2 with awesome views of downtown and the Valley of the Sun. But there is so much more...Read on! (Photo: Apache Trail, Pixabay) See the links to these awesome 50 best hikes in Arizona! Next week is Thanksgiving and you will probably soon be feeling like ... 11/26/2023

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Southern California, the journey to Big Bear Lake has just become even more enchanting. After months of anticipation, Highway 38, the lifeline connecting the Redlands area to the mountainous oasis of Big Bear Lake, has reopened, revealing a road that's not just repaired but revitalized. The recent enhancements promise a safer and more enjoyable commute, inviting travelers to experience the beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains like never before.A Nod to Necessity:The decision to undertake extensive repairs and improvements on Highway 38 wasn't arbitrary; it was a response to the wear and tear that had accumulated over the years. The route, a vital link for both locals and visitors, was in need of attention to ensure a secure and smooth passa... 11/11/2023

Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served On May 13, 1938, an Act made the 11th of November a legal holiday each year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). This holiday was known as “Armistice Day,” a day set aside to honor the veterans of World War I. Over 15 years later in 1954, World War II deployed the largest number of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. The 83rd Congress strongly urged the Veterans service organizations to amend the holiday name by switching “Armistice” with “Veterans,” according to the DVA. On June 1, 1954, November 11 became the national holiday dedicated to honoring American Veterans of all wars.  On October 8, 1954, the first Veterans Day Proclamation was issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, according to the ... 11/11/2023

On this Veterans Day, we come together to honor and express gratitude to those who have served, are currently serving, and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we cherish. As many enjoy a day off from work, let us not forget the significance of this occasion.Take a moment to connect with a veteran personally and extend your heartfelt thanks for their dedicated service. If you know of a veteran who has passed away and rests in a solemn place, pay a visit to express your gratitude. Leave a small flag or flower at their grave as a token of appreciation, a simple act that speaks volumes.       Reflecting on the personal experience of my own loved one, Geno, who served in the Navy during the late 1950s aboard the USS Allen M. Summer and even embarked on a brief... 11/11/2023

 Happy Veterans Day  "On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans and let us renew our nation promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free."-Dan Lipinski Today we honor those who have taken up the call to duty and served our nation. Today let's give a big thank you to all of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our proud nation. You are a shining example of the best our country has to offer. As Winston Churchill famously said: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”  "It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”- Norman Schwarzkopf  Veterans include our families, friends, colleagues, a... 11/11/2023

We started a Holiday Tradition about 12 years ago hosting a Christmas Movie Night which we have hosted annually even during Covid when people stayed in their golf carts like a drive-in movie.  Few years ago, we added The Ugly Sweater to the movie night and this year we have added Christmas Pajamas to the program.  If by chance you already bought your Ugly Christmas Sweater, no problem just pick up a pair of Christmas Pajama Pants.Over the years, we have added more equipment for this event, a 10’ screen, on my second projector, great sound system so we are ready this year.  How it works we live on a cul-de-sac so we line golf carts up on our property and have an area for chairs so plenty of room.  One year it rained so we had wall to wall people inside but this year we do have room for m... 11/11/2023

 On this Veterans Day, we pause to express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. Your sacrifice and unwavering commitment have secured the freedoms we hold dear. As we pursue the dream of home, we are reminded that it's your dedication that allows us to cherish the safety and comfort of our homes.To the veterans in our community and beyond, we honor you. Your resilience, courage, and sacrifice inspire us daily. Today, we reflect on the immeasurable debt of gratitude we owe to those who have protected our land and upheld the principles that make our nation strong.As a token of appreciation, we extend our support to veterans navigating the real estate journey. Whether it's finding a new home or making strategic real estate decis... 11/10/2023

Hello, wonderful readers! As we approach the weekend, I'm curious—what exciting plans do you have in store? Are you embarking on a new adventure, indulging in a cozy retreat, or perhaps exploring local gems? Share your weekend plans in the comments below and let's inspire each other! 🌟 #WeekendAdventures #CommunityConnections 11/10/2023

As autumn fades into winter, Big Bear Lake, CA, transforms into a magical winter wonderland, offering an array of activities for visitors seeking snowy escapades and cozy moments. Here's your guide to making the most of your winter retreat in this picturesque mountain town.1. Skiing and Snowboarding:Big Bear Lake boasts top-notch ski resorts, including Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, these resorts offer pristine slopes and breathtaking mountain views.2. Snowshoeing Adventures:Explore the serene beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest with a snowshoeing adventure. Rentals are available in the town, and guided tours offer an immersive experience for all skill levels.3. Winter Hiking Trails:Discover the magic of snow-covered trails around th... 11/10/2023

 Philadelphia Steals and Deals are back by popular demand.  Here are some steals and deals you won't want to miss. With Black Friday coming up, many popular stores offer early deals to get you to spend your money. But are these deals worth it? Only time will tell. Please don't wait too long, though, as they may run out of stock soon!I checked out UGG last night, and they offered 30% discounted prices. Many cute deals were available on jackets, sandals, sneakers, and clothing. Although only a few boots were available( I will check back as I love the UGG boot in cold weather), a jacket caught my eye. It was similar to one I had purchased around five years ago, which I still wear. It looks new. Whenever I wear it, I get compliments, and it is my go-to jacket with a hood and faux fur, but t... 11/10/2023

It's refreshing to learn that a long-circulated email account of teacher Martha Cothern's lesson in freedom about veterans is essentially correct. Kindly read the Snopes.com verified account below. Thank you Veterans for your service!The text that now circulates in e-mail was drawn from former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee's 2 March 2007 address to the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC. That speech recounted events from the first day of classes in Fall 2005 for students enrolled in Martha Cothren's military history class at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas:As described in the narrative, Martha Cothren's classroom was indeed devoid of desks on that first day of instruction, with the missing furniture borne in at the end of the day by a gr... 11/10/2023

Honoring All Who Have Served… The Freedoms we have (and there are many) come at a price, paid for by the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces.   There are currently “17.9 million veterans about 6.8% of the U.S. Population. “ Veterans Day is about recognizing and honoring ALL who have served in our military. Whether or not they served overseas or stateside…flew a jet or navigated the high seas…all made a sacrifice.  All who serve in any capacity have sworn to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic...” If you have the opportunity to speak with someone who has served…and only if they are comfortable…ask them about their service.  WE CANNOT LET THEIR STORIES DISAPPEAR.   I would also encourage yo... 11/11/2023

Is it still there?This West Point ARK old sawmill post card showed up for sale on ebay and has no date on it.  I wonder how old it was and if the sawmill is still working.  West Point is a neighbor to Searcy AR and was once a thriving lovely place to live.  It is on the Little Red River and steam boats came by often in the past.  I did a blog or two on a  fantastic older mansion-style home that overlooks the river but can't find them right now.  I also did a picture of the 1956 girl's basketball tournament with the girls identified.  Click to go there. https://activerain.com/droplet/5pGy  And go back to 1953 and see another team.https://activerain.com/droplet/5pmVNow we need Searcy Sleuths to tell us about this sawmill and whether it is still alive and thriving in West Point. Help!!  11/11/2023

Presstige Printing was named Florida's Best Printer by the Florida Graphics Alliance at the 2023 Florida Print Awards, taking home the coveted Golden Flamingo Trophy for the first time in company history. Presstige Printing also won the most first place awards at the event, which convenes annually to recognize excellence in printed material within the state of Florida.“I am both honored and humbled by Presstige Printing’s recognition as Florida’s Best Printer,” said Wes Weidenmiller, president of Presstige Printing. “Thank you to our team of dedicated print professionals who bring their very best to the table each day, as well as the customers, designers and partners who trust us with their print projects and challenge us to produce the outstanding print products that allowed us to win ... 11/10/2023

Mold Basics  The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Why is mold growing in my home?Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees.  But indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Can mold cause... 11/10/2023

The busiest time of year is just around the corner! November 15 is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day, a time dedicated to getting your fridge ready for the holidays. Get to tossing those old condiments, and while you’re at it, keep these tips in mind for having an efficient fridge for years to come.1. Get rid of frost if you have it.Frost buildup can cause fridge coils to work overtime and make it more difficult for the unit to keep at a consistently cool temperature. It’s a bit of a process, but defrosting is totally worth it—plus, who couldn’t use extra room in the freezer?2. Avoid putting hot or warm dishes in your fridge.This seemingly small habit could make a big impact on fridge efficiency over time. Use Tupperware and plastic wrap whenever possible, and allow any food to cool do... 11/10/2023

Buyers Have Extra Time...Now is the season of Homes for the Holidays!Here’s one more reason why:Buyers have extra time off from work, which means more hours in their day to search for a home.Contact me for information about buying or selling a home this holiday season!#AuburnHomeForSale #AuburnRealEstate #HomeForSale #AuburnProperty #HouseHunting #DreamHome #HomeSweetHome #ForSaleByOwner #RealEstateInvesting #HouseForSale #OpelikaHomeForSale #OpelikaRealEstate #HomeListing #OpelikaProperty #HouseForSaleOpelika #OpelikaLiving #NewHomeOpelika #OpelikaHomes #RealEstateListing #OpelikaRealtorwww.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com 11/29/2023