Hammond, LA

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

You can help Hammond raise money for the American Cancer Society by donating money to teams participating in the 14th Annual South Tangipahoa Relay for Life in Hammond on Saturday, November 7th at North Oak Park (2311 N Oak St). Even though their goal of $185,000 seems lofty, they have already received more donations in their offices than they did the same time last year. So, their hopes are high. The thing that stands out the most with this year's teams is the ingenuity and creativity they have used to raise money. Instead of the standard car washes (which are always nice), a hair salon held a "cut-a-thon" and there was a Fall Frenzy fashion show and silent auction held to raise money by Beauty of Hope.

And the raffle prizes this year are some of the best South Tangipahoa's chapter of the American Cancer Society has ever seen. Just some of the prizes up for raffle are a Disney vacation, Beau Rivage getaway (with dinner), a football autographed by the New Orleans Saints (not just one member, but the WHOLE TEAM), a fun Dollywood vacation and even a great basket loaded with all kinds of techy gadgets, like an iPod and more.

Everyone is excited about the 80's theme, as well. Don't be surprised if you see acid wash jeans and lots of big hair. Survivors should register at the survivors' tent at 9:30 on the morning of the event. Opening ceremonies begin at 10am. The relay will start with a special "survivors' lap" to honor and celebrate all those who have survived cancer. After the relay, there will be entertainment provided by local dance teams, school groups and the local band Space Trumpet. Tons of food will be available from vendors in the area. Food for the day starts off with coffee, beignets and a pancake breakfast for teams that show up early and will eventually progress to hot dogs, jambalaya and BBQ later in the day.

A luminary ceremony will conclude the festivities at 5:30pm. All proceeds from the Relay for Life benefit the local chapter of the Baton Rouge regional office of the American Cancer Society to help cancer patients and their families in the local area, including Hammond. So, come out on Saturday to help celebrate and raise money for this wonderful organization. You can help and have fun at the same time. For information on purchasing raffle tickets, please call Andrea Arnold at 985-974-5744 or Juanita Lee at 985-974-3266.

Yvonne Martin, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home to Hammond real estate

Cate Street in downtown Hammond will be the place to be on September 26, 2009 from 8:30 am to 3 pm for the 3rd annual Dutch Battle Memorial Ride and Cook Off. Raffle tickets and gumbo will be sold at the event. All funds raised at this family day event will be donated to motorcycle safety awareness.

The Dutch Battle Memorial Chapter of the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign will sponsor the event that includes a gumbo cook off. The cook off includes vendor booths, great food, dance team performances, live music, face painting and a vintage bike display. A photographer will also be on hand to take pictures of children with some of the motorcycles that will be displayed at the event. The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Department will perform motorcycle safety demonstrations.

The Louisiana State Police will escort over 200 riders along an 82-mile route for the memorial ride which will leave Hammond at 9:30 am. The goal of the event is to make drivers of automobiles more conscious of motorcycle riders and to make riders more safety conscious so that everyone can get back to their homes and families safely. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each.

There is still room for riders and competition riders. The cost is $20. Each rider will be given a raffle ticket and a bowl of gumbo for their meal. Those interested in learning more can call 985-386-6191 or 225-567-1475.

Raffle Prizes:
Grand Prize: Honda Metropolitan motor scooter
Gift Certificates from various businesses
Necklace donated by Guzzardo's
Note: winners will be notified. You do not have to be present in order to win a prize.

The memorial ride will be held in memory of Dutch Battle, a former Ponchatoula resident. Dutch was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by an automobile and killed. Dutch was returning to his Summit, Mississippi home when the accident occurred. Dutch Battle served aboard the USS Ponchatoula during the Vietnam conflict. Dutch is remembered by many in the Ponchatoula area as an insurance agent and others remember him for his involvement in our local theater. I hope to see you at this event.

Yvonne Martin - Your Hammond Real Estate Professional

The Hammond Area Recreation Department would like to remind everyone it is time for league sign-ups.

* Fall 2009 Adult Softball (18 or older)

Divisions: Coed, Corporate, Men's Rec and Men's Competitive
Games Begin: August 24th
Registration Deadline: August 14th
Registration Fee: $375 per team
Registration Forms: Michael J. Kenney Center
Online Registration Forms: www.hammond.org/departments/recreation.php
Information: ill Skinner at 985-507-0092 or bskinner2@charter.net

Each team must have a representative attend the organizational meeting, which will be held at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 17th at the Michael J. Kenney Center.

* Co-Ed Volleyball (18 or older)

Divisions: B-League (beginner to intermediate) and A-League (intermediate to advanced)
Games Begin: on September 1st and will be played on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Registration Deadline: August 28th
Registration Fee: $125 per team
Registration Forms: Michael J. Kenney Center
Online Registration Forms: www.hammond.org/departments/recreation.php
Information: Sable Williams at 985-277-5905 or williams_sl@hammond.org.

Each team must have a representative attend the organizational meeting, which will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 25th at the Michael J. Kenney Center.

* Men's Flag Football (18 or older)

Teams: Maximum of 10 teams will be allowed to participate in the league
Games Begin: September 6th and will be played on Sundays at 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: September 4th
Registration Fee: please call for Sable Williams
Registration Forms: Michael J. Kenney Center
Online Registration Forms: www.hammond.org/departments/recreation.php
Information: Sable Williams at 985-277-5905 or williams_sl@hammond.org.

Each team must have a representative attend the team captain's organizational meeting, which will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 3rd at the Michael J. Kenney Center.

* Hammond Gator Cheerleading (5-16)

Cheer Season: September through March
Divisions: Junior Spirit Squad (5-7)* (8-16), Senior Spirit Squad (8-16)**
Cheerleader Activities: cheer competitions, fundraisers, local parades, youth basketball games, special events
Registration Deadline: September 2nd
Registration Fee: $30
Uniform Rental Fee: $90
Registration Forms: Michael J. Kenney Center
Online Registration Forms: www.hammondgatorcheer.yolasite.com
Information: Sable Williams at 985-277-5905 or williams_sl@hammond.org
Hammond Gator Booster Club: parent participation is requested but not required
Hammond Gator Booster Club Information: www.hammondgatorboosterclub.org

* Ages 5-7 are automatically assigned to the Junior Spirit Squad
** Ages 8-16 must qualify for the Senior Spirit Squad, which is limited to 16 cheerleaders. Evaluations for Senior Spirit Squad will be held on September 2nd, 3rd and 4th. All participants (8-16) must participate in the evaluations.

Yvonne Martin, the Martin Team - Let my Family Bring Your Family Home in Tangipahoa Parish real estate

Can you believe that it is the Fourth of July already? That means that it is time for the great celebration of the birth of our country. Today, I thought I would share with you some firework safety tips and where you can see great public fireworks displays in Tangipahoa Parish.

Home Firework Safety Tips:

* Obey local firework laws and restrictions. Fireworks are legal in Tangipahoa Parish. However, they are not legal within Hammond city limits.
* Do not alter the fireworks. Read the directions printed on the fireworks label and follow them.
* Do not place fireworks in any type of metal or glass containers.
* Always have an adult supervise children. It is recommended that no child under 12 should handle any type of fireworks.
* Always have a hose nearby. Place spent or misfired fireworks in a bucket of water immediately. Let them soak before disposing in a trash can
* Place fireworks on concrete when possible. Fireworks should be placed on a smooth, hard surface.
* Do not light fireworks while holding them.
* Light only one at a time and remember to move away quickly after lighting. Never try to relight a dud.
* Do not throw fireworks or point them at people, animals, structures or cars.
* Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings. Keep away from shrubs and brush.

Things To Remember:

* You must be 15 years of age or older to purchase fireworks.
* Fireworks and alcohol never mix. If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, have a designated shooter present.
* Never carry fireworks in your pockets; the friction from your body and clothing can set them off.
* Never allow children to pick up spent fireworks; they could still be "live".
* Sparklers burn hot, can cause third degree burns and can easily set clothing on fire.
* Animals are sensitive to loud sounds. T he noise and brillance of fireworks can cause them extreme stress and frighten them. Keep your pet indoors to ensure their safety.
* There have been 173 wildfires in Louisiana in the month of June, so please use caution when igniting your fireworks.
* You are responsible for any injuries to people or animals and damage to any property. Parents are liable for their children's misuse of fireworks, which causes injury or damage.

Tangipahoa Parish Public Firework Displays:

* July 2: City of Hammond's Light of the Sky

Zemurray Park, Hammond. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
The firework display will begin at dark.
For more details call Rose at (985) 277-5630 or visit http://www.hammond.org/blog/index.php?id=116

* July 2: Ponchatoula's 9th Annual PARD Fireworks Show

Recreation District Park in Ponchatoula. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9 pm
The firework display will begin at dusk.
For more details, call Cathy at (985)370-7273 or visit www.pard1.com.

Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, your Tangipahoa real estate experts