Cheryl Westwood

The Lake Havasu Detachment of the Marine Corps League is setting up its annual Christmas tree lot through December 20th next to Jack's Auto Parts (off W Acoma Blvd and State Route 95). The Marine Corps League is comprised of retired US Marines as well as a women's auxilliary. They have approximately 440 noble and Douglas fir trees for sale that range in size from a petite 3' to a majestic 9'+. Prices (based on size and type) range from $20-$95. All proceeds from the sale of these trees go right back into the Lake Havasu community through such programs as Toys for Tots, the Community Food Bank, Hospice of Havasu and college scholarships for high school seniors. The Christmas tree lot hours are Mondays-Fridays: 12-7pm and Saturdays and Sundays: 9am-7pm. Get out to the Marine Corps League's Christmas tree lot before December 20th to put some Christmas beauty in your home and holiday cheer in the lives of those who benefit from the proceeds. Happy Holidays, everyone!

The economy has had its effect on local Lake Havasu citizens. The Interagency Council Food Bank is in dire need of food and cash donations to help feed families in need this holiday season. Unfortunately, the requests for food boxes this Thanksgiving has almost doubled from the same time last year. And that doesn't even include the 50 families on the Food Bank's waiting list. Because their normal tri-weekly requests have more than doubled, the Food Bank's resources have been fairly depleted. Another hiccup they have had to face is that there is a shortage of canned goods available. Now that shoppers are starting to ask for more fresh produce, the production of canned goods has decreased, creating a shortage of damaged cans that are normally donated to food shelters. While many of Lake Havasu's major grocery chains have donated frozen foods, there is still a need for more donations, specifically canned goods since they are easy to open, mostly precooked and usually easy to heat and serve. For more information on how you can help, please call the Interagency Council Food Bank at 928-486-0408. Happy holidays to everyone!

With the average median price of a Lake Havasu City home falling to $166,750 in October (down almost $40,000 from the same time last year) and interest rates on the decline, many people are taking advantage of the huge buyers' market in Lake Havasu. First time buyers are realizing that, sometimes, it is cheaper to own a home than to rent one. The lower prices have created a lower sales total (from $21 million in home sales in September to $20 million in October), but the total units sold jumped from 70 in October 2007 to 94 in October 2008, continuing to keep local Realtors busy. Approximately 75% of the homes sold so far this year have been foreclosures. It's important for buyers to keep in mind that they shouldn't hesitate to scoop up the bargains while they can. These prices may not be this low next year. And sellers need to remember to keep an eye on the competition. If your home isn't priced competetively to sell within the first 60 days, you may be forced to reduce your asking price. So, before you put your Lake Havasu real estate on the market, make sure to get a realistic picture of what buyers are willing to pay for your property.

With its expanding population and low precipitation levels, Lake Havasu City has experienced a bit of a water shortage. The city has used effluent water (also known as grey water) to help curb water usage for its landscaping needs. The effluent water is recovered from toilet and bathtub water. With almost 3 million gallons of effluent water created a day and 40-79% of that water being used again for irrigation, the use of effluent water for the upkeep of city property is a great way to help ease water usage. Rotary Park, London Bridge Resort, Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens Cemetary, Crazy Horse Campgrounds, London Bridge Golf Course and Island Ball Field all use varying amounts of effluent water for their landscaping needs. The new landscaping along State Route 95 is expected to use effluent water as well. The City of Lake Havasu hopes to encourage new residential developments to install effluent lines to their homes so that residential use of effluent water can take effect as well, further curbing water usage in the city.

Schools, banks and government offices in Lake Havasu will be closed this Monday, November 11th, for Veteran's Day. It's a great opportunity to take some time this weekend to enjoy time with the family. Grace Arts Live (2146 McCulloch Blvd) is performing a musical adaptation of Charles Schultz' "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday's performances are at 7:30pm and Sunday's performance is a 2pm matinee. Also on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Desert Hawks RC Club will be sponsoring the 22nd Annual London Bridge Seaplane Classic at Lake Havasu State Park Windsor #4. This is a fun fly of remote controlled airplanes. The 39th Annual Gem and Mineral Show takes place at the Aquatic Community Center on Saturday and Sunday. Fishing enthusiasts can participate in either one of two tournaments this weekend: the US Angler's Choice Fishing Tournament or the Won Bass Team Fishing Tournament at Windsor Beach. And, finally, the 3rd Annual Veteran's Day Car Show will take place on Saturday at the Anderson Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership (3920 N Hwy 95) from 9am-3pm. There is no end to what fun you can have with your family this weekend in Lake Havasu City.