Much to See at WLJT-TV’s Wedding Wonderland Bridal Vendor Show.

For my readers who have wedding bells in their future, here’s a chance to gather in the best ideas for every part of your special day–all in one location.   WLJT-TV’s second annual Wedding Wonderland Bridal Vendor Show is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lindell, downtown Martin.

Admission is free.  Plus, vendors have taken every booth available promising brides and their families a full array of wedding necessities and services to preview without the hassle and expense of traveling out of town.

I had a chance to ask Katrina Cobb, WLJT-TV’s assistant station manager and bridal show coordinator, about Saturday’s event:

Who should attend ?  ”This show is for everyone.  The bride is an absolute must.  She can bring her bridesmaids, and they can help her pick out the best cakes.  She can bring her mom and dad, and they can help her choose a photographer.  She can bring the groom, and he can help pick out his tux.  There’s something for everyone.”

What is a favorite of yours at the show ?  ”Last year, we all had a wonderful time.  It was so great to see these girls planning for their big day!  Some only brought one or two people with them, and there were others who brought the whole family.   One girl introduced me to her group of about eight people, and she pointed out her father to me.  I commented that he was the first father of the day.  He was quick to tell me that he was writing the check, so he wanted to see what he was paying for.”

Katrina continued,  ”This event just puts a smile on your face.  It’s beautiful, first of all, because the vendors take such pride in their displays.  The brides and their friends are all so excited.  And, well, it’s just something different to do on a Saturday in Martin, Tennessee. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

What prompted WLJT to begin offering this event ? ” With the state of the economy, we’re all looking for new ways to raise money – especially not-for-profits like WLJT.  Each time we consider a new event like this we ask ourselves several questions.  Is there a need for this?  Is there a “following” for this?  Is it a service that we can provide?  Can we be involved in this sort of event and still hold our heads up high and feel with spent our time and efforts respectfully? In the case of our Wedding Wonderland there was definitely a need.   No similar events closer than Jackson had been held in several years, and there’s always a following because there’s always new brides.  This is something that we can coordinate and be of service, not only to the brides, but also to the vendors who look at this as being a different avenue of promotion for their business.  We work with the absolute best vendors, so we’re very proud of the company we keep!”

I know the admission is free, and that vendors pay for their booth space. How does WLJT-TV benefit from this fundraiser? “The vendor booth revenue goes directly to the purchase of programs seen on WLJT and to the cost of outreach programs that we provide.  So we’re taking the vendor’s money and investing it back in to the services we provide for West Tennesseans.”

It takes a lot of time and organization to make an event like this successful.  To what do you attribute your success ?  ”A great group of people at the station doing something they love – meeting and serving the community – coming together with a great group of vendors that are dedicated to providing quality products and services to their customers.  It’s a winning combination.”

The Lindell is a special event facility offering an elegant venue in downtown Martin.

Any other information you would like to share about the event?   “We’ll be open Saturday, January 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at  The Lindell in downtown Martin.  Cost is absolutely zero, and the brides can register for some fabulous door prizes, make some new friends and take care of a lot of the wedding “to do” list.”

One of the most charming streets in our town is Poplar Street, a residential historic district off of Main Street and a quick stroll from downtown.  Although small in size with only twenty-eight homes, Poplar looms large for anyone who appreciates older homes and a residential area surrounded by schools and shopping.

Warner Pace is a Martin resident and Chairman of the Board of the Martin Historic Zoning Commission.  He has lived on Poplar Street since the late 1980’s when he bought a dilapidated, historic home on a run-down street.  I asked him his thoughts on reviving this neighborhood and living here:

Poplar Street Beauty

What do you like most about living in the downtown area of Martin and on Poplar Street?      “It’s close to area schools with the elementary and primary within walking distance.  Downtown  is only a block away, so you can walk to work and/or shop.  Plus, the neighbors are wonderful.”

What prompted you to buy an older home? “I love the charm and warmth a period  home offers.  When I first bought my house it was in ruins, with windows out, dogs living in it, etc.  The street was mostly rental property with the larger homes being divided into apartments.  There were only four family homes in 1987.  This was all before any historic zoning overlay was established.  With the families and I who were left, we worked on establishing Poplar Street and later downtown into historic districts with zoning overlays.  With this established, future residences (homes) on Poplar Street would have to be single family homes.  As of 2010, the whole street has been restored, except one property, back to their original state and are single family properties. It has been a long journey, but worth the effort.”

Springtime On Poplar St. Lovely Older Home

Since Poplar is part of the Martin Historic district, I know there are guidelines provided to help maintain the integrity of the “historic district” title.  How restrictive are these guidelines and what challenges, if any, did you run into with them while renovating your home? “The Martin Historic zoning is an overlay zoning to the city’s regular zoning laws.  It protects the property owners from new development that would not be period to the area.  The guidelines address anything that is on street view.  The theme is to restore, not remodel.  The Historic board will work with the property owner prior to the board meetings to offer suggestions and show samples of what has been approved in the past.  A Certificate of Appropriation (COA) must be submitted on each project.  The board was very helpful during the process of restoring my  home.”

You have taken a huge role in renovating buildings both downtown with your businesses, The Lindell and The Gallery, and on your home on Poplar.  You recently provided me so much support while I was working with a prospective new business owner on a building downtown.  Speaking from experience, what do you think are the most important factors someone needs to consider before buying an older home or building? “First, do you really love it?  Next, do you have the passion and the finances to see it through?”

Historic Home Marker, Winter 2010

What are the best resources for people who want more information about historic homes, etc.  I know you mentioned the link to city hall I can provide.  Any others?    ”There are state and national websites and agencies that we work with who will provide expert advice.”

Warner’s home now is a shining example of a successful restoration.  His example led others to join in recreating an area offering the closeness of downtown living within a well-kept and desirable neighborhood.  Like many Martin streets, Poplar offers an eclectic blend of styles from two bedroom cottages to sprawling two story homes.  The problem is homes don’t go for sale that often on Poplar.  Perhaps, this neighborhood is just too comfortable to leave.

Feel free to contact Warner at wpace@utm.edu for more information or visit the sites he suggested:  http://www.cityofmartin.net/historic.htm;      http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/hist/

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Here are the Poplar Street stats*:

Current Listings:                 1

Asking Price:                          $118,900
Htd. Square Footage:         2430

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Current Pending: 0

______________

Closed Sales (Past Year Jan. 2009-Jan. 2010): 0

Every one of our neighborhoods has its own story.  Join in the conversation and comment on what you love about our area.  Looking for more information?  Send me a note, and I’ll be happy to provide you with a detailed report on the homes on this street or other neighborhoods in Martin and surrounding areas.  And, if you know of a neighborhood you would like to see highlighted, just let me know.

*Stats Info.from MLS Data -Reelfoot Regional Association of Realtors

Martin Business Association Members:  You live in a small town. But, that doesn’t mean you know everybody.  You may have lived here in Martin all of your life, but there are new faces and new businesses around.

That’s why the MBA’s Mix and Mingle events are so much fun.  And this one coming up Thursday night at the UTM Elam Center is one to attend.

Don’t miss out on talking with old and new friends.  It’s a great chance to connect.  (I met a person new to town, at the first Mix and Mingle I attended, who later became a real estate client.  I became a believer in these events from that day on.) Obviously, networking is what it is all about, but getting to do so while supporting UTM athletics during this event is a plus.

Not a member and interested?  Join MBA today.  It is a free membership that is worth the time.

Here’s the scoop for MBA’s Quarterly Mix and Mingle:

UTM’s Department of Athletics, as the sponsor, is graciously providing hors d’oeuvres and refreshments for MBA members during the Mix and Mingle from 5 to 6 p.m.  You can stay afterwards and get free admission to the Skyhawk’s games against Tennessee Tech.  Plus, UTM says the men’s game is being shown on ESPNU, so be sure to show your support for the teams by wearing orange and blue.

Parking and Registration: I spoke with Trudy Henderson from the UTM department of athletics today about the event.   She said the best place to park is in the lot next to the tennis courts off of Mt. Pelia.   Enter in the Elam Center front doors by the indoor pool overlook.   Then, register at the MBA table located before you reach the ticket booth.  From there, Trudy says someone will direct you straight down the Skyhawk concourse to a private reception area.

More Info:  RSVP Deadline is Wednesday, January 13 by noon.  Make sure to email Trudy at trudyh@utm.edu and let her know you are attending.

The Skyhawk Club Room, Elam Center, UTM ; 5 – 6 p.m. this Thursday night, Jan. 14.

See you there.

In many parts of the world, Christmas is celebrated from Dec. 25 through Epiphany on January 6.  Celebrations continue and decorations remain up.  My family honors the twelve days of Christmas.   But, the pine scented greenery placed on our mantle is drying to a prickly, irritating mess.  And, another strand of lights on our pre-lit tree just blew out leaving black holes within the warm glow in the corner.  Only one day to go.

For some, the faster the decorations can come down, the better.   For the first few days following Christmas, Facebook updates spread the relief of friends who had conquered storing the tree and all the trimmings   I guess it is understandable.   Holiday decorations and preparations surround and bombard us months before December 25.  Frankly, by Christmas, many of us, overloaded and almost sick of the fanfare, succumb to the itch to put the holiday behind us and get on with the new year.  (Plus, I think it is bad luck to leave your decorations up PAST the last day of the season, so an early removal strategy could be better time-management.)

But at our house, the decorations are still up, and the lights are on through the bitter end.   The simple act of plugging in the Christmas lights each night helps me linger a bit longer within this holiday bubble. The new year, with all of its rush and excitement, taps at my shoulder whispering that school starts back today.  Vacation is over, and life must revert back to normal.   However, I’m intent on a change in attitude.   I tell my husband I want the peacefulness and closeness to my family and friends I’ve felt over this holiday season to continue on.

And like the familiar holiday song where a true love delights the singer with gifts for each of these twelve special days, the true presence of the holiday season can offer joy day after day if you can sit back, recognize and revisit the moments of what Christmas means to you.

With school out and kids at home, more time together as a family created memories for me as we laughed  through lively Scrabble and Apples to Apples games.  Noisy afternoons full of kids running, yelling and playing hide-and- seek inside and out of the house filled up our vacation days.  And a few, treasured nights of conversation over home cooked dinners with long-time, but seldom seen, friends rounded out a new year’s weekend.

This Wednesday, Christmas ends , as always, with the visit from the wise men.  Maybe the epiphany here is that whether we meet December 26 with a house as bare of Christmas as little Cindy Lou Who’s home when the Grinch stole everything, or if we face January 6 with dried out greenery, malfunctioning Christmas lights and a mid-week task of taking it all down, we can still savor the real beauty of the season and carry it through 2010.

Thanks for reading and for your support over 2009.   Now, take a minute to laugh and enjoy this awesome  acapella group I happily discovered on YouTube this year– Straight No Chaser and their hilarious version of the twelve days of Christmas.

“What kind of critters do you have here?” asked the lady from a northern city after she had settled on a home in a Martin neighborhood.  How many times had I heard that question?  Rolly-polly oppossums, raccoon families, deer, as well as a screech or a barn owl and one big, black snake have all made an appearance at some time or another in my Martin backyard, I told her.  Of course, that is in addition to domestic critters, like the strutting, independent tomcats who visit and the sweet, older neighbor dog who got caught out in a raging thunderstorm once and ended up cowering from the thunder in my garage.  These tame ones aside, it’s those unusual creatures that are a novelty to see when they are way out in the yard, but a closer look?  Well, that’s different.

Let’s see.  Our baby girl was still young enough to be sleeping in a bassinett in the master bedroom on the night of our visitor.  I was propped up on pillows reading.  Tim and the boys were all asleep.  Newton, our big, 80- pound briard, was in the den, and the cats were in the garage where they usually slept.  The house was calm.

Just as I reached to turn off the light, Newton ambled through the bedroom doorway, and I caught the slightest glimpse of a furry ringed tail stuck in the air and headed behind the bassinett and our bed.  Newton was calm with ears alert.  He wasn’t barking.  He ran up to the bassinet and stood there looking at the bed.  “It couldn’t be the cat,” I thought.  Our cats were altogether white.  Of course, in typical southern girl fashion when it comes to wild critters, I immediately sought out my husband to handle the situation.  I shook him awake.  “There’s a raccoon in here,” I whispered, trying not to wake the baby.  Tim, groggy with sleep, assured me it was only a cat and mumbled for me to turn off the light.

Hesitantly peeking under the bedskirt, I saw two wide, black, closely-set eyes staring back at me.  None of my cats looked like that.  I still can’t remember how I was able to snatch up our daughter in her crib and vault through the bedroom in two seconds.  My words trailed behind me as I hit the door, “Okay, if it’s a cat, you sleep in here with it. We are moving to the den!”

Newton, in the meantime, was prancing all around the bed nosing under the skirt trying to see what this visitor could be, but he never barked.  I could hear his paws on the wood floor.  Several long minutes ticked by, and I heard my husband get up, pause, (I assumed he was looking under the bed) and then walk down the hallway into the den.  “You’re right,” he said, wide awake now.  “It is a raccoon!”

And so began the saga of extracting a frightened, young raccoon from our bedroom to his outside home.  After first building a blockade of chairs and blankets to cordon off both Newton and the den, Tim and our son, Harrison, used broomsticks to corrall the creature from behind the bed and through the propped open back porch door.  They beat the floor with their sticks, yelling whatever guys yell at times like this, and pretty much drove that poor raccoon into a hasty retreat.  The last we saw of him was his little bottom and tail waddling as fast as his legs could take him off into the night.

We think our little, nocturnal creature was exploring the roof and fell down through the stone chimney into our den.  Newton simply followed it.  Since that night, our family dog has considered it his prime duty to sound the alarm and chase every raccoon that unfortunately found itself in our backyard.  Barking furiously and leaping at the door, he valiantly would protect his family.  Even now, aged and infirm, he will still stand at the window and issue a gruff warning.  But, that night, magically, he kept calm and close to the baby.  He didn’t knock over the bassinet trying to get to the raccoon.  He didn’t go nuts barking.  A pretty sharp critter there, wouldn’t you agree?  And, the baby slept through it all.

We didn’t have another close encounter with a wild animal until I looked across the street one morning right before school and spied a breathtaking creature in our neighbor’s front yard.  A startlingly, all white deer was regally standing before me.  It had these huge,  flat, broad antlers, I promise, like reindeers in Santa Claus movies, not the typical rack you see on West Tennessee deer.   It stopped for a few moments and then bounded down the street and back into a neighboring field.   I thought I was hallucinating until I ran outside, and my husband and sons, who were leaving for school, also confirmed the sighting.  (Several neighbors also saw the deer, just in case you think we all had something stronger than cereal and coffee for breakfast.)   Was it an escaped pet?   I believe it was, but I like to think of it as a moment of fairy-tale magic right here in my neighborhood.

Critters abound in our area, and every once in a while some get close– even in our town’s neighborhoods.  If you are from the city, just relax, get used to it and enjoy the surprise.

One of my good buddies, newscoma, told me yesterday that she liked to write about critters.  We decided everyone from around here probably has a critter story.  What’s yours?

A dear, special friend passed from this life this morning.  I learned of his death while I was at church sitting in a pew close to where he and his wife always sat.  The grief that washed over me was not for him.  I know he is free of illness, and I rest in the assurance that he has passed on to a place with God.

I’m grieving for all the rest of us who were better people in his eyes.  Someone has left this world who made each one of us feel important and unique. I speak for more than myself  because I know this gift he had wasn’t only showered on me.  Just talk to some of  his long-time friends who worked with him on countless church projects over the years.  You can tell how much they admired him and valued his friendship.   During the past few months, these friends were ever present, as his body grew tired, to gently assist him in his wheelchair into church and back home.  They were there to visit with him and laughingly plan his “escape” from his hospital bed or to bring him a favorite dish that wasn’t served at the assisted living facility where he spent his last months.  They were there to talk about kids and grandchildren and to continue to plan with him for the next church “covered dish supper” or the next night out to dinner.

I only knew him for ten or so years.  I can’t imagine the grief of ones who’ve known him for a lifetime.  He uncovered the hint of possibility and promise that is in each one of us.  I don’t know how he did it, but anytime I talked with or worked with him, I felt better about myself.  It is selfish, but I am grieving for my loss.

My friend passed on a day that is supposed to be a day of  joy in our Advent calendar.   Somehow, I find comfort in knowing he left us on a day of joy because he created so much within us.

What I wish for you is that you are blessed with a friend who believes in the best part of you.  I wish you a chance to be touched by a person whom God has blessed with the gift of creating hope in your heart.  I wish you a friend like my friend John.

I haven’t had time to clean out my closets.  They are crammed with memories in the form of kids’ school art, photo albums, 1990’s scarves and old jewelry.  Shelves are stashed with upcoming Christmas and birthday presents and with blue, pink, and yellow yarn balls from failed knitting projects.   There are also good jeans, sweatshirts and blouses in boxes and other clothes that are still hanging up because, at some point, my waistline will miraculously return to the size needed to wear them again.

Face it.  You have extra. I admit it. I can push more stuff into a closet than anyone.  Now, I’ve worked with a few sellers who could have written a book on closet organization.  I have a friend who really does have a system for donating and discarding items regularly.  But for many, me included, closets are quick and easily accessible depositories for all those items we don’t know what to do with.   For us, clearing out and letting go of  slightly-used items can be time-consuming, challenging and definitely a task we can do later.   I believe, though, that this arduous task can serve as an emotional move forward, whether or not a home move is on the horizon or a partner is threatening to put everything into one of those big, black lawn and leaf bags and deposit it in the garage.

Make the time. Why not take this holiday week and weekend and help someone else out?  We spruce up our homes for the holidays.  We clean and cook and put our best foot forward.  Why not reserve a bit of time from your hectic schedule and clean out a closet or part of a garage or an attic?  Take the time while watching a ballgame or while resting in between Christmas decorating or shopping activities.  Pick one area, even if it is only one closet.  Find the good stuff  stashed away.  Uncover the items that are in great shape and would be perfect for another use.

Share your abundance. A growing organization, started here in Martin, Catalyst Missions, is accepting these items for an upcoming mission trip to Appalachia in December.  According to team member Jana Ogg, the people they minister to would welcome adult and children’s clothing and slightly used household items.  We Care Ministries in Martin is also accepting donations right now for their successful Christmas Store set to start up on Dec. 14.  According to We Care Director, Betty Baker, children’s shoes, children’s clothing and toys with all of their parts are needed.   Both these groups need these items donated by the first week or so in December.  So, if you have not already donated items,  the call is to clear out now during the upcoming holiday week.   Use your time to move forward and, more importantly, help someone else out.

To learn more details on a Martin drop off point and date for donations to Catalyst and their upcoming Appalachia trip, email or call Jana Ogg at 731-514-2007 or Jane Ogg at 731-588-5220.  Additionally, We Care Ministries is accepting donations through December 11 for their Christmas Store, and you can drop off anytime between 9 and 3:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the 530 N. Lindell location.  Call Betty Baker at 587-6257 for more information.

Okay, I will start over.    I’m going to take the time to clean out one closet….

Happy Thanksgiving!

(polls)

Wanted:  A comfortable neighborhood tucked back into fields and yet close to everything.  Found:  Plantation Estates just off of Hawks Road in Martin.  

Homeowners here have told me, over the years, that location and convenience are just a few of the many benefits of living in Plantation Estates.  Turning off the bypass at the University Commons business district, you only have to drive a few minutes along Hawks Road to reach this u-shaped subdivision. 

A little history-   Stan McMinn, a former engineer with the Weakley County Municiple Electric Service, began development of Plantation Estates in 1978 when he purchased the property from Ms. Marjorie Gill.   With interest rates sky-rocketing during the late 70s,  the subdivision took its time finding itself.  Once the economy leveled out, lots began to sell and people began to build.  Now, this neighborhood is grown up and well established.   Thirty plus homes on Wheat Street, Cotton Boll Circle, Sugar Lane and Tobacco Drive, as well as the stately homes that front the subdivision on Hawks Road, make up this area.   To help you get a feel for the neighborhood,  I’ve selected a few of the great homes styles here to highlight. 

Colonial Styling

Traditional style-  Here’s an example of a spacious home with Colonial styling.  These traditional homes generally offer bedrooms on the second floor and windows are often alike with many small, square panes.  This home has a twist with a bonus room downstairs between the main part of the home and the garage instead of the usual second story bonus room.  And like many of the homes in Plantation Estates, the exterior is vinyl siding which provides time saved in maintenance compared to traditional painted or stained wood siding. 

Contemporary Highlights

Another Beauty with Contemporary Styling

A variety of styles-    A special set of more modern styled homes sit among their traditional neighbors and shine with their own personality.  The first example is of a wonderfully kept home built in the mid-80s.  Notice the stone facade and the skylights accenting the front entrance.  These features are characteristic of  a more contemporary design known for its combination of exterior materials–stone, wood and/or brick and its trend toward simple lines.  Many of the homes built in this style also feature exposed interior beams and a exterior that blends well with the landscape.  The second home also possesses a more contemporary flair.

Charming Design

It’s the wide open covered front porch that invites you into this unique home in Plantation Estates.  The clean lines and farmstyle accents illustrate a charming updated look to country living. 

Classic Lines

These classic one story homes provide spacious floor plans, built-in garages, side and front gable roof lines and, usually, a set of sliding glass doors or french doors opening onto a back porch or deck.  Here’s a fine example of a traditionally styled home that highlights Plantation Estates. 

Easy to find-  Turn onto Hawks Road off Skyhawk Parkway at University Commons.  Drive to Wheat Street on the right.  University Commons includes Comet Cleaners and Laundry, Hinds Clinic, Extendicare Home Health, Tennessee Quality Homecare & Hospice and Edward D. Jones.  Regency Park Condominiums and Hampton Inn are also located in this area.  The University of Tennessee at Martin baseball and intramural fields are across the highway from Hawks Road.  Restaurants and shopping are located just minutes away.

University Commons

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Here are the Plantation Estates neighborhood stats*:
Current Listings:                 1

Asking Price:                         $144,900

Htd. Square Footage:        2512 sq. ft.

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Current Pending: 0

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Closed Sales (Past Year Nov. 2008-Nov. 2009): 1

Asking Price: $133,500
Sales Price: $125,250
Median Sales Price: $125,250
Average % of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
Average Days on the Market: 87

Free free to join in the conversation and add your thoughts in the comments below.  If you need additional information on Plantation Estates or know of a neighborhood you would like to see highlighted as a Neighborhood of the Week in MartinTNLiving.com, feel free to call me or send me a note. 

*Info.from MLS Data -Reelfoot Regional Association of Realtors 

 Also, a special thanks to April Jones in the County Register of Deeds office for her assistance.

The updated Homebuyer Tax Credit, as it is called now, isn’t just for newbies anymore.  In its place is an extension of the previous first-time homebuyer credit and an additional incentive for current homeowners. 

As the deadline approached for the initial homebuyer credit, I worked with several clients who were overjoyed to move from renting to owning and happy to get a check back, thank you very much.   I’ve seen first-hand how the incentive helped push buyers toward a decision to act now. 

In fact, I worked with one couple whose window of opportunity for this tax credit was closing fast due to processing time of the loan they’d chosen.  We were high-fiving when we got to contract because we’d made it in the time-frame required, and it was so important to these buyers to take advantage of the incentive before it ran out.  The  extension and update gives others, who thought they had missed out, another chance.

Money Plans  This couple and others I worked with acted because by getting up to 10% of the cost of the home bought, up to $8,000, as money in their pocket they felt better about their purchase.   They planned on using their tax credit money as a fund for emergencies or repairs for their new home, such as funding replacement windows or a new heating and cooling unit.  One client earmarked his credit to pay off his motorcycle loan, so he wouldn’t have that payment every month in addition to his new house payment. 

New Version   Now, I am wondering how the updated homebuyer tax credit allowance for current homeowners will play out.   In the updated version, there is a credit for up to $6500 for homeowners who have owned their home and lived in it for five consecutive years out of the last eight.*

$6500 is nothing to sneeze at, especially these days.  Working with buyers and sellers who are counting every penny, this extra money could help make the decision on a specific property a little easier.

If you are a current homeowner, how will this tax credit affect you?  Take a minute to answer the poll to the right.

Want an easy way to get the latest from MartinTNLiving.com?  Subscribe through the RSS feed  for an easy way to stay informed.   And as always, please feel free to join into the conversation and add your thoughts, or contact me if you have questions.

*NAR Tax Credit Comparison Chart, Nov. 2009