All Neighbors in Opelika, AL
Top Neighbors: The magic behind the mirrors
You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Yesterday evening, I enjoyed a wonderful intermission from the heralding beat of foreclosures, price reductions and low offers, when I went to hear The National Philharmonic of Russia perform at the Opelika Center for Performing Arts, sponsored by the Arts Association of East Alabama. It was an opportunity that affirmed, for me, that MUSIC is a natural "way of understanding" for all mankind. The National Philharmonic of Russia artistic director and principal conductor, Vladimir Spivakov, was brilliant in his remarkable interpretation of pieces by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev. A young, Japanese violinist, Mayuko Kamio, starred in the performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major. As if the content, form, beauty and skill were not enough of a bigger-than-life portrayal this piece, Mayuko's delivery of artistic genius was unbelieveable. After her final, most highly pitched note was bowed, like a fragile, fading whisper being carried off in a delicate breeze, you could hear a pin drop in the packed auditorium... a pause of complete awe, followed by a roaring, standing ovation. 
As a Realtor, practicing real estate, I can aspire to this model for conducting business, appreciating the counterpoint and precision of reliable services, knowing how to read and interpret the score, keeping harmony in check, paying attention, striving for the best presentation of skills and knowledge that comes from practice, learning, applying, practice, learning more and more practice, presenting my best for the teamwork that fine tunes every transaction.
Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.
In support of The Food Bank of East Alabama, The Opelika-Auburn Newspaper staff teamed up with the WRBL News 3 group, Praise 88.7 and The Well, to sponsor a day-long food drive on Saturday, Nov 1st. The event was held at the Opelika Wal-Mart Supercenter. It opened up with Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller, cutting a ribbon, marking the start of building community spirit and sponsorship for the drive that will be unceasing in its efforts to collect food for the fall and holiday season. This is the time of year when the supply of food begins to wane, and the Food Bank relies on our support for replenishing. Several of us volunteered to greet shoppers and distributed the shopping list of most needed items. A lot of shoppers participated, and it was heartwarming to see the efforts some of them made, no matter how small, all of the generous donations added up to a community gift for neighbors in need. When we share our resources, we provide essential nourishment and enrichment for the heart of our communities, blessing our homes and families. This day was big with blessings.
"I BAGGED HUNGER"
Volunteer, JR SMITH, Rotary Club
Volunteers, IWPU
Auburn Jr High School JAZZ BAND
