On Saturday, Nov. 29: Santa will again visit with the children downtown from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and we will have the lighting of the Yule Log at dusk in front of our City Tree.

And on Sunday, Nov. 30: A Tree of Remembrance. This is a non-denominational ceremony at 3:00 pm at the City Christmas Tree, at Water St. and Ave E, to remember those no longer with us.

And don't miss our Festival of Trees from Nov. 28-Dec. 13. All over the city, special Christmas trees will be decorated by area professionals and groups.

And most importantly, don't forget to SHOP & EAT locally! Happy Holidays!]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=58 11/20/08 Our community garden is located on our preserved city squares on Ave F and 8th St. near our beautiful cemetery. This wonderful project began as a simple idea--one way to get the freshest vegetables for our local Food Pantry and all our citizens was to start right here!

With the OK of the City Commission we are off and running. We will be busy this winter fullfilling our garden plans and all should be ready for spring planting February 1. For a very small fee, citizens in Apalachicola will be able to rent correct organic raised beds complete with water supply. Most of our beds will be 4 feet by 24 feet--indeed, ample space for growing just about anything. And throughout the coming year, we will be hosting educational workshops on organic gardening and, of course, sharing food!

If you are interested in taking part in the garden, please let me know, and I can add your name to a plot. And if you are interested in volunteering, we would love to have you. Happy Gardening!

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=57 11/12/08 The plans outline design concepts for development and planning along our Apalachicola River and for our parks and city squares. Architecture professors are on site too to answer any questions you may have. This is a unique opportunity for you to see design in action and take part in our visioning project for our beautiful historic little city.

Public viewing is scheduled for Nov. 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th, from 9:00 am--12 noon and 2:00 pm--4:00 pm. The Apalachicola Museum of Art is located in the Frye Conter House at 96 5th Street. Hope to see you there!]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=56 11/06/08 Festivities will kick off this Friday evening with musical performances on the main stage across from Harry A's Restaurant & Bar on St. George Island Bay. Saturday begins with the fishing tournament at 7 am, the 5K Run at 8 am, the parade at 11 am, and the kayak race at 1 pm. Food, treasure hunts, and musical entertainment will continue through Saturday and Saturday evening.
Proceeds from the Oyster Spat Festival help support the St. George Island Lighthouse and other local non-profit organizations.

And mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Oyster Roast in downtown Apalachicola Friday evening, October 31st. This event joins many festivities that weekend during the 45th Annual Seafood Festival.
Enjoy this culinary extravaganza under the stars at Commerce St. and Ave E. It is always a sure bet for sensational home-grown seafood, fun musical entertainment and local good cheer. Tickets are $45 each or $80 for two, available at the Chamber office. Call 850.653.9419 to reserve yours today.

Photo: early fall hike at St. George Island State Park.

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=55 10/09/08 The first step is to contact the County Property Appraiser's office by phone or in person for an informal discussion. At this time, you should present facts supporting the requested change. The Franklin County Property Appraiser's office telephone number is 850-653-9236.

If you are unable to resolve the assessed value issue, you may file a formal petition for an adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board. Petitions must be filed on or before September 12, 2008. Please let me know asap if you need a form and I can email one to you. Remember, the form must be in by the 12th--that's soon!

Photo: Maya Itzkovtiz just a swingin' on the Apalachicola River.

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=54 09/09/08 Since the Board of Commissioners approved the Cotton Exchange to be run by the Board of History, Culture & Arts, we have put the building to good use immediately.

Various professional artists have begun teaching such as Leslie Wallace, clay artist and sculptor who recently moved to Apalachicola from Boston. The opportunity for the children has been equally thrilling for Leslie who sees lots of raw talent in these youngsters.

More art programs will be underway this fall and winter for both children and adults so stay in touch for these fantastic opportunities.

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=53 08/01/08 This bronze scuplture is the only authorized "detail," or partial sculpture, created from the original molds used for the Three Servicemen Statue by Frederick Hart (1943-1999) for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Linda Hart, wife of the sculpture, is planning to attend the ceremony; and Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Colonel Harry Buzzett, a local veteran whose Army career spanned WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

The location of this event is at the newly completed Veterans Memorial Plaza on Market St. in Apalachicola's North Historic District.]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=52 07/09/08 Here are a few photographs from our sweet bike parade and ice cream social in Apalachicola. Everyone comes out to decorate their bikes and golf carts in Lafayette Park and then we head down to Veterans Park for delicious ice cream made possible by our own Soda Fountain.

If you missed it this year, be sure to mark your calendar next year. It's always on the eve of the 4th and always a good time.]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=51 07/07/08 Poinciana Plantation is a fantastic deal on St. George Island right now. It is a 4 bedroom/3-1/2 bath home in the Plantation located on the west end of the Island.

And the Plantation is not a "cookie-cutter" gated community. It is the site of an old turpentine Plantation; it contains beautiful pine forests, space, and yes, some lovely homes. There are no golf carts in the Plantation, that is too modern and rowdy. One is meant to stroll or ride their 2-wheeled bikes here--much better. And the area has absolutely beautiful beaches.

Why is Poinciana Plantation such a steal? It is located on a beautiful corner lot, just across the street from the beach, and has views so good, you think you may be on the beach. It is lovely and comfortable, and it is the most well-priced home in its location. Priced at 875k.

So, tell all your friends, and let's take a look at it.
PS. Did I tell you the owner is motivated?

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=50 06/29/08 Please forgive me for my tardiness, but we have been busy planning our community's future.

At Tuesday's City Commissioners meeting, a Board of Culture, History and the Arts was unanimously approved.

The first project to be undertaken by this Board is the establishment of The Apalachicola Visual Arts Center to be located in our historic Cotton Warehouse in downtown Apalachicola.

The Apalachicola Visual Arts Center will be dedicated to arts education and artistic enrichment. It will exist to develop the capabilities of artists and aspiring artists from both the local and national art community by teaching the fundamentals of representational art and providing the general public the opportunity to participate in visual arts programs.

What does this mean? Painters, Sculptors, Ceramicists, Photographers, metalsmiths, etc. holding workshops and classes in this beautiful downtown building. Indeed, this prime location will not only serve to visually anchor our commitment to the arts but also will support the many fundraising activities that will be required to operate the program.

I will be in touch with volunteer opportunities!
And don't forget, if you would like to own a piece of Apalach's history, give me a call! ]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=49 06/05/08 Students were paired with nationally acclaimed Plein Air Arists to paint for two hours on Tuesday morning. For many of our students, it was their very first time working with oils, but they managed it with gusto.

Our Plein Air Paint Out culminates tonight at the Grand Patron's Party at the Historic Cotton Exchange in downtown Apalachicola. I hope to see you there!

Photo depicts Apalachicola Bay Charter School student, Jake Schuler with artist, Marci Oleszkiewicz.]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=48 05/17/08 Nationally recognized plein air artists are capturing the allure of our area during these 10 days.

Working artists can be found throughout the streets of our historic towns and along our beautiful pristine beaches and waterways stretching from Mexico Beach to Carrabelle.

Everyone is invited to join us for premier art exhibitions and sales. And many of these events take place in Apalachicola.

Daily, from 11am to 5pm, starting May 10-18, visitors can view the latest creations at the Wetroom Exhibit at our Historic Cotton Exchange in downtown Apalachicola.

Other event highlights at the Historic Cotton Exchange include:

May 10: A Wetroom Reveal Gala from 6-8 pm, $10

May 17: The Grand Patron's Party, Wine Tasting/Tapas Style with full bar & music. First opportunity to purchase Artists' Choice Paintings, "The Best in Show" 6:30-10:30pm. $40 ticket, $75 couple.

To learn more about all events taking place, please check out www.pleinairfl.com.

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=47 04/30/08 Many of Apalachicola's private homes and buildings can only be viewed from the exterior except for this unique day. For a donation of $18.00 (or $15.00 by April 25th), you may take a tour through architecturally and historically significant homes, churches, and commercial buildings.

All donations benefit the Trinity Episcopal Restoration Fund. Hope to see you there!]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=46 04/17/08 Mr. Anderson is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at FSU's College of Music and has studied and toured with many notable musicians including Ellis Marsalis, Victor Goines and others.

The event Sunday afternoon was well attended,and the weather and music spectacular. Just another great community event we enjoy here in historic Apalachicola!]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=45 04/14/08 I worked the children's art tent where several dozen children were able to create beautiful paintings before the rains came. And later in the afternoon, I served up two lovely Spanish wines at Tamara's new location at 71 Market St.

First photo depicts a budding young artist in the Children's Art Tent; and second photo depicts Apalachicola resident Susan Bachrach with friends sampling wines at area restaurants and galleries.

]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=44 04/06/08 From 12 noon-6pm: Visual artists and musicians will be set up on our city sidewalks preforming and selling their masterpieces.

From 3pm-6pm: Happy Hour starts Early! Wines will be sampled at participating locations throughout downtown Apalachicola. Tickets will be sold at participating businesses.

12 noon-4pm: Children's Art Area willl be set up in front of the Dixie Theatre. Activities are free and provided for generously by the Gulf Alliance for the Local Arts.

6-9pm: Culinary Guide: Participating restaurants will feature a highlighted "special" for the evening, and many will offer live music to accompany dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.

So come out, Celebrated and Dine!]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=43 03/31/08 But, as the downside bottoms out, the resulting flat side of the up curve will strengthen any sideways movement still apparent in the recovery.

However, if the overshoot of incline produces a rising but negative slowdown in acceleration of the leading indicators, the resulting outflow could mean additional pressure from all sides of a circular demand curve.

Whew! A fellow Florida Realtor shared these thoughts with me just last week.

Photo depicts Cooper eating azalea petals in Apalach spring 2006.]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=42 03/24/08 My husband and I are happy to have new neighbors, George and Leslie Coon and their dog, Edgar, from Boston, MA. Although, they came to the area by way of the St. Joe Company, George and Leslie quickly realized that Apalachicola had what they wanted in a home--a close, yet diverse community, beautiful historic homes, a thriving downtown filled with independent shops and restaurants, and great weather.

And George and Leslie add so much to our little city doing what they love to do. Leslie is an artist--sculpting in clay fantastic animal figures. Neighbors and visitors alike love stopping by her studio to see what she's come up with next. And George is a well respected architect currently working on projects as far-reaching as Apalachicola historic home re-models and our new city firehouse to the Walt Disney World Resort.

Indeed, it takes special people to live here. We give up many of daily life's modern amenities--Target, Starbucks, trains and planes--and gain things we thought we didn't need--long walks and sweet tea!

Photo depicts George and Leslie taking a cocktail cruise on our boat, Migration.
]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=41 03/20/08 This year Apalachicola joined 11 other superb communities across the country that have been reinvented through preservation-based revitalization and heritage tourism.

"Visitors to Apalachicola immediately know that they are in a very special place," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Tourism has not changed the face of the town or the lifestyle of its residents. It is Florida as it once was and its authenticity is one of the best reasons to visit this charming community."

Other communities that join the list this year with Apalachicola are: Portland, OR; Friday Harbor, WA; Crested Butte, CO; Portsmouth, NH; and San Juan Bautista, CA to name a few.

For more information about The National Trust for Historic Preservation, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.
]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=40 02/12/08 Here are the benefits we can expect from our vote:

1.        Increases the Homestead Exemption $25,000 (for non school board taxes).
2.        Caps non-homestead property assessments at 10% annually (when we have no such cap?that?s a big deal).
3.        Exempts approximately 1 million small businesses from the state?s tangible personal property (TPP) tax. Savings: about $500 a year.
4.        Provides for portability of the homestead tax advantage when homestead is sold.

It is also important to note that the portability provision of Amendment 1 is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007. Sellers may transfer their Save Our Homes credit provided:
1.        the residence sold last year was homesteaded;
2.        the new residence qualified for the homestead exemption as of Jan. 1, 2008;
3.        the owner applies for the exemption and transfer with the county property appraiser by March 1, 2008.

For questions about the property tax reform, please contact your local property appraiser. In Franklin County, Doris Pendleton can be reached at 850.653.9236.

Photo depicts the Huggins family enjoying the Apalachicola River.
]]> http://www.apalachicolahomes.net/myblog.cfm?id=39 01/31/08