Hammond, LA

It's official! Hollywood has come to Hammond. Over the next couple of weeks, Dark Horse Pictures will be filming in the area and using our beloved City of Hammond as the backdrop for its new sci fi/paranormal thriller "Seconds Apart". In fact, approximately 2/3 of the movie will be filmed here in the Hammond area, with the rest of the filming taking place in New Orleans. While the actors are from out of town, some of the construction crew is comprised of local workers. In addition to scenes being filmed in the downtown Hammond area, some scenes will be shot in nearby Ponchatoula. "Seconds Apart" is about twin teenage boys with supernatural powers who live in present-day Louisiana and stars, amongst others, actor Orlando Jones. Let's show them what southern hospitality is all about by welcoming Hollywood to Hammond with open arms.

Craig and Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, your Hammond real estate specialists

With Mardi Gras only a month away, now is the time for entrants to join the Omega Mardi Gras Parade in Hammond. Set to begin at 6:30pm on Friday, February 12th, the 24th Annual Omega Mardi Gras is now accepting applications for people interested in participating in this little piece of Mardi Gras fun in Hammond. "Mardi Gras Krewes" is the theme for this year's parade. Commercial entries are welcome as well as community groups. Entries must be received no later than February 1st to be accepted. You can pick up an application at:

• Kentwood Chamber of Commerce
• Amite Chamber of Commerce
• Hammond Chamber of Commerce
• Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce
• Ponchatoula City Hall
• Independence Chamber of Commerce
• Independence City Hall
• Captain Joyce Smith (985-345-3442)
• Co-Captain John Guzzardo (985-345-7467
• Online at Krewe of Omega website

The annual Mardi Gras Ball hosted by the Krewe of Omega will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic School in Ponchatoula on Saturday, February 6, 2010 beginning at 8pm. Celebrating "A Salute to Broadway", you can pick up your tickets for the Mardi Gras Ball at Rexall Central Drugs, North Cypress Fitness Center or Rossie's Furniture in Hammond. If you are interested, please join the Omega Mardi Gras parade in Hammond this February. It will be tons of fun for the whole family.

Yvonne Martin, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home to Hammond Real Estate

With the temperatures dropping, it is time to get ready for the cold in Hammond. This means protecting your pipes, pets and and plants. Wrap your pipes up so that the cold temperatures don't freeze them, possibly making them burst. Make sure your pets have adequate shelter against the cold temps and plenty of fresh water. You will need to cover any cold-sensitive plants and give them plenty of water.

In addition to your pipes, pets and plants, check in on your elderly friends or relatives to make sure they have an adequate heat source. Many of our senior citizens tend to be colder normally than their younger counterparts. So, dips in the temperature can affect them immensely. If you find that a senior citizen is in need of help, you can always contact the local government to see what programs they offer for such situations.

Keep any combustible materials at least three feet away from a heat source, especially portable heaters that are so popular this time of year. Another heat source that people don't think about is the stove/oven. Don't use this to heat up the house because they are not meant to run constantly. Combustible materials need to be kept at least three feet away from these as well. Also, keep an eye on children with blankets so that they don't get too close to a heat source. Paper is a major combustible that must be kept safely tucked away from any heating source as well.

Getting ready for the cold in Hammond by following the above tips will help you get through the cold weather this year. Let's all stay safe and warm!

Yvonne Martin, the Martin Team, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home to Hammond Real Estate

Hammond Square is welcoming some new businesses.  Last Saturday, December 12th, LSU student Travis Hood officially opened up his very own business, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, at 524 Palace Drive in Hammond Square.  This 21-year-old junior business management student is offering special holiday flavors like peppermint and eggnog and is even offering gift cards that will make great stocking stuffers.  Make sure to stop in at Menchie's when you're in town.

East of Italy, an Italian-style restaurant, will be opening its doors on January 29 in the same building as Phil's Grill and Albasha Greek and Lebanese Restaurant on Hammond Square.  They will offer pizza, pasta, seafood and salads.  For anyone interested in working at East of Italy, their hiring process will begin on January 3rd.  There are 20 part-time jobs available for kitchen and wait staff.  For more info, please call Hui Nguyen at 504-296-9333.

Smoothie King has broken ground in Hammond Square and plans on finishing up their construction after the holidays.  They plan on holding a late March opening.  Smoothie King is a nutritional lifestyle center that not only offers healthy smoothies, but vitamins, minerals and protein powders for sale to the general public.

Nagoya Sushi and Japanese Steakhouse will be opening its doors on Hammond Square in March 2010 in the same building that will house East of Italy.  They will offer hibachi-style open dining (similar to places like Benihanas) as well as sushi, dumplings, tempura and other typical Asian cuisine.

We're always happy to have new places to dine in Hammond.  So, help Hammond Square welcome these new businesses in the next few months and help support local Hammond businessmen.

Yvonne Martin, the Martin Team, Let my family bring your family home to Hammond real estate

Santa Claus is coming to Hammond early this year. The 5th Annual Starry November Night will take place this Friday, November 20th from 5-10pm behind the Downtown Development District's office. Every year, the Downtown Development District hosts this fantastic event filled with fun for the entire family. There will be a horse-drawn carriage taking passengers around downtown Hammond, snow on the grounds outside the Downtown Development District's office, carolers spreading the sounds of the season, live music at La Carreta, wine tasting, an art stroll and Santa has even promised to make a special surprise appearance for all the good little girls and boys in Hammond. This is a fun way to kick off Christmas season. Bring the family and gather your friends to enjoy Hammond's 5th Annual Starry November Night this Friday evening from 5-10pm. You'll be missing out on a great time if you don't!

Yvonne Martin, your Hammond real estate specialist