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.
The real estate market is on the rise both here in Tangipahoa Parish and across the nation. In Tangipahoa Parish, sales prices and activity are on the upswing and inventory is decreasing. It looks like the bottom of the market has been reached and the Tangipahoa real estate market is on the road to a healthy recovery.
Financing is still a major factor which will influence our recovering market. Loans are harder to get these days and large down payments are difficult for most. FHA offers a 3.5% minimum down payment. More realistically, the total funds need to purchase a home through FHA would be about 8-0% of the selling price. Do keep in mind that the First-time Buyers Credit can be monetized when using FHA financing. The Tax Credit can be used as an additional down payment and/or applied to closing costs.
USDA Rural Development still has 100% financing available to first-time buyers. Buyers and property must meet certain guidelines, but this loan program is certainly one you will want to check out.
The Tax Credit, which will expire in a few months, is a real boon to first time buyers (anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years). The tax credit does not have to be paid back and can be applied to 2008 or 2009 taxes. In addition, if the first-time buyer does not monetized the full amount of the tax credit, the remaining balance can be applied when they file taxes.
To learn more about the First-time Tax Credit and new homeowners (no first-time buyer requirement) read my blog post:
First-Time Buyers Rejoice-Tax Credit and Tax Deductions Await
Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home
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
The National Association of Realtors has designated June as National Homeownership Month. Hammond's Mayor, Mayson Foster, is a believer in the benefits of homeownership and has organized the Hammond Homeownership Fair.
Date: June 27th
Place: Hammond City Council Chambers (312 E. Charles St.)
Time: 12pm - 5pm
The event is free and open to all.
The focus of the Hammond Homeownership Fair is to emphasize how to become a homeowner. The Hammond Homeownership Fair will provide you with information, resources and assistance. Mortgage lenders, real estate agents and other real estate related industry representatives will be on hand for advice and to answer questions, all at no obligation.
Hammond has received funds from the American Dream Down Payment Initiative to help prospective buyers meet the minimum down payment requirements for a mortgage loan. Lenders will be on hand to explain the program.
Homeownership Fair Highlights will include:
* Mortgage Loans
* Down Payment Assistance Programs
* Applying the Tax Credit
* Credit Counseling
* Home Insurance
My next blog will feature the benefits of home ownership.
Yvonne Martin, the Martin Team, Let my family bring your family home
The Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa organization has made it their mission to become a dynamic part of stopping crime not only in our parish but throughout the world. The Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa are doing a great job of meeting their goals in helping to stop crime throughout the Tangipahoa Parish and Louisiana.
* Tip calls increased from 55 calls a month to 168
* Assisted in the recovery of over $16,700 in stolen property
* Assisted in the seizure of over $30,250 in narcotics
* Assisted in 57 arrests
* Paid over $13,000 in rewards
* Opened 67 cases
* Have already surpassed last years tips and arrest numbers
These figures are for this year alone. Very impressive, don't you think? Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa will host its 1st Annual Awards Luncheon on June 19th at Chesterton Square in Ponchatoula. I wanted to post this announcement today so that you would have plenty of time to mark you calendars and show your support for an organization that does so much to improve our community.
You can support the efforts of this awesome organization by purchasing tickets to the luncheon; all proceeds will go to the Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa general fund. More importantly, you can show your appreciation for all of their hard work and sincere efforts in keeping the community of Tangipahoa Parish a safe environment for our families and friends.
For information on how to become involved in Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, how to become a sponsor or purchase tickets for the 1st Annual Awards Luncheon, contact Jodie Powell (CEO and Executive Officer) at tangicrimestoppers@gmail.com. To speak with Jodie personally, call 985-634-0590. Tickets for the luncheon are also available at the Hammond, Ponchatoula and Amite Chambers of Commerce.
Yvonne Martin and The Martin Team, Let Our Family Bring Your Family Home
Hammond Chamber of Commerce
Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce
Amite Chamber of Commerce
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office supports Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa
Crime Stoppers USA
Yvonne Martin, providing real estate services for buyers and sellers. Areas servedL Hammond, Ponchatolua, Tickfaw, Loranger, Amite, Robert, Kentwood, Albany, Covington, Springfield, and Livingston.
Free Relocation Package Ask the Experts Special Report
I once heard a saying that "People don't care what you know until they know you care." That saying has become my standard in real estate. I want each and every client to know that I do care.
With my focus on Technology and my tremendous investments in marketing programs and my constant increases in advertising venues I strive to be the best real estate agent in the market, never losing focus on what is important, you, the client.
If you want an agent, who displays dedication and competence; someone who knows the area, and someone who cares about you and your family, then call me. When you are ready to buy or sell, I make this pledge to you: That I will be the hardest working, most trustworthy and simply the right person for you to hire.
This is the business that I have chosen. This is the business that feeds, clothes and shelters my family. I tell you this to let you know that if you want quality service, a name you can trust and a person working hard for you, then hire me. You'll see that I am different from most. I rely completely on this business and so I treat each and every client as if they were a true friend and most are.
If you are moving into the area or if you have been here for years and are ready to step up or down. I am here to help you "come home". I specialize in the Hammond, Ponchatoula, Covington and surrounding areas' real estate market. I strive for excellence to ensure quality service and a real estate team you can trust.
My family has been in the area since the 1850's. I have been a Realtor in the area for several years. I understand the unique niche that the Hammond, Covington, Ponchatoula, Springfield, Albany, Amite, and surrounding communities have to offer. I have been here a while and I understand the complexities of the region and the people that I serve.
Here's What They're Saying:
Thank you Yvonne, I have never been happier. I was looking for a nice home and surroundings to retire in and very happy with our choice. We couldn't have done it without you and I will always remember that and I will continue to spread yyour name. A lot of people know about you but aren't ready to make a move yet, but I still feel that they will....sooner or later. Thx much!! - Mike Lutz
~~~ I wanted to take a m-nute to thank you again for all the hard work you did in assisting my husband and me in purchasing our first home. Without your help we would have been totally lost. I was awed by your knowledge and expertise. You guided us through the entire process with professionalism and dedication. I'm sure ours was a small purchase compared to other clients'; however, you made us feel just as important. You were readily available to answer questions, you returned calls promptly, and you went out of your way to complete and deliver paper work in a timely fashion. I was amazed at how well the entire purchasing process flowed. I remember first seeing the house on June 11, and we had the closing on June 27. We could not have had such a quick and problem free transaction without your guidance.
It's been three months now, and we are completely satisfied with our decision. We were well-informed buyers due to our wonderful agent.
Thanks again for your hard work. We will definitely recommend you to anyone we know. _ Ora Lynn Anderson Smith
~~~ Yvonne Martin was my agent three years ago. Prior to my meeting her, I had been looking for the right house for one year, to no avail. I was exhausted and frustrated when we met. She was amazing. After my first meeting with Yvonne, she got a firm grasp on the type of house I was looking for. Within days, I had a purchase agreement on my dream home. She was a pleasure to work with, and extremely effective in carrying out her duties. She later sold a property for me, which again, she did an exceptional job. All I had to do was show up to sign the paperwork at closing. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a new home. - Jennifer V. Daigle
~~~ Yvonne is a great agent! She sold our house quickly despite difficult market conditions. Through Keller Williams, she has access to current market data, which she used to help us price our home and develop strategies for marketing it. She was prompt in getting our house featured in their on-line sites and also in returning phone calls. She was diligent about contacting potential buyers, and showed our home often while it was on the market. She advised us well throughout the process. Working with Yvonne was a very good experience, and we would certainly use her services again in the future. - Carl and Toni Phillips
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2013 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
