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Memorial Day: A Brief History

Thursday, May 26, 2022
by The Hat Team

Many people look forward to Memorial Day weekend.  It has become the unofficial beginning of the summer vacation season and a much-appreciated long weekend for some people after a long winter and spring. The three-day weekend provides the opportunity to “celebrate” the whole time with picnics, parties, and family gatherings.  But the truth is, Memorial Day is a solemn “holiday”.  

Here is a brief history of how Memorial Day came to be:

This American holiday is observed annually on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  It was originally called “Decoration Day” when it was begun in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history.  Because of this, the country’s first national cemeteries were established.  By the late 1860s, Americans in many towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to the fallen soldiers. They decorated their graves with flowers and recited prayers.

Waterloo, NY was designated the birthplace of Memorial Day because beginning on May 5, 1866, it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated graves with flowers and flags.

The leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, General John A. Logan, decided on May 5, 1868, that “The 30th of May 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” He called it Decoration Day and chose the date because it did not coincide with the anniversary of any particular battle.


General James Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery on the first Decoration Day, where 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. 

Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day. While it originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War, after WWI, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. It continued to be observed annually on May 30th for decades, but in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to establish Memorial Day as the last Monday in May so that there could be a three-day weekend for federal workers. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

So, while it’s great to have a long weekend, and fun to celebrate the unofficial start of summer vacation season, take some time this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who lost their lives to save our freedom.


If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: thesunpapers.com, storyoftheweek.loa.org, timeanddate.com

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4524 Young Orchard Ct: Large Young Pointe Home in Gated Neighborhood!

Monday, May 23, 2022
by The Hat Team

4524 Young Orchard Court, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 516795

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / 1,773 SqFt / Young Pointe

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Quiet gated neighborhood with great convenient location! Situated on a large corner lot, this is one of the larger homes in Young Pointe. Spacious living room/dining room combination has soaring 20 ft ceilings and has a contemporary feel. Cozy den/family room with fireplace overlooks covered patio and private back yard and is open to the big family sized kitchen. Laundry room and powder room finish off the main floor. The second floor features main bedroom with private bath and walk in closet, two guest bedrooms and a hall bath. Attic provides additional storage space, and the 2-car garage has lots of shelving for storage. This Midtown Montgomery hidden gem is move-in ready and is very convenient to shopping, dining, and centrally located within the city!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Montgomery Summer Camp Guide 2022

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
by The Hat Team


School is almost out for summer and now it is time to figure out how to keep your kids engaged, entertained and happy while they are on their break. Whether you are looking for child-care or simply want some fun activities for your little ones, there is something for everyone in Montgomery. 

Here is sampling of in-person summer programs available: (click links for camp web sites)

  • Cloverdale Playhouse ​
Offering affordable, professionally-taught classes for acting students year-round.  Join them to explore the fun, challenging, delightful world of theater. We’ll explore what it means to communicate, share and listen, develop characters, explore the core of the story, and develop the craft of acting.
 
Click HERE for more info on their classes and camps. 
  • Challenger Soccer Camp – Half Day


Located at ALNG Armed Forces Readiness Center, this half-day camp is a popular player development program for kids ages 5-16. It will run outdoors for 3 hours each day and focus on coached skill development, games, challenges, and competitions. Campers will also learn about RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY, SPORTSMANSHIP & LEADERSHIP. All camp/clinic participants will receive access to our free skill-building videos that will motivate players to practice more at home! Each camper will receive a soccer ball, t-shirt, and access to virtual training.

Click HERE for more information on sessions and to register your child!

  • Camp Kids Groove at M.E.O.W. ACADEMY (Musical Education on Wheels)


MEOW Academy offers this summer enrichment camp which is a 2-week adventure in music lessons! Classes include guitar, drums, voice, and piano. Camp Kids Groove will take place the 2nd and 3rd weeks of July. Register Here

  • Snapology Workshops & Summer Camps


Snapology provides educational, fun, and affordable STEM camps! With the best S.T.E.A.M. camps in the area Snapology holds workshops year-round along with several camps, including summer camps. Kids love the fun camp topics and themes. Snapology serves the Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, Millbrook, and surrounding areas.

Click HERE for a list of available camps with dates and times and to register!

  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Summer Camps


ASF’s 2022 Camps are open for registration. You don’t want your child to miss these opportunities for young theatre lovers!Not only will campers have lots of fun in a theatre environment, but they will also come home and return to school with the beneficial FIVE Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and CONFIDENCE!

Camps offered include:

Camp Shakespeare (grades 4-6) June 6-10 or 13-17

Camp Shakespeare Extreme (grades 7-12) June 20-24

Behind the Curtain: Tech Camp (grades 8-12) June 20-24

Broadway South: Musical Theatre Camp (grades 9-12) June 27-July1

Click HERE for more information and to register.

  • Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camp (Alabama Wildlife Federation)


Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, and build character.

Camps include:

  • Tadpole Camp (age 5)
  • Nature Navigators (ages 6 & 7)
  • Trail Blazers (ages 8 & 9)
  • Heritage Explorers (ages 10 & 11)
  • High Adventure (ages 12-15)
  • ARTventure (ages 8-12)
  • Gross Out Camp Sponsored by Fresh Air Family (ages 6-9)
  • Busy Bee Camp (ages 10-15)
  • Boys in Action (BIA) (Boys ages 10-15)
  • Fishing Fundamentals (ages 10-15)

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

These are just a few of the camps being offered in-person in the Montgomery area this summer. Check out River Region Parents for even more camp options.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: challengersports.com, meowacademy.com, snapology.com, montgomeryadvertiser.com, alabamawildlife.org, parenting.firstcry.com

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Keeping Your Gas Grill Clean

Wednesday, May 11, 2022
by The Hat Team

Summer is almost here and for many families, that means it is cookout time!  One of the best things about cooking out on the grill is that there are fewer pots and pans to wash than with stovetop cooking. While you don’t have to scrub down your gas grill to shiny perfection after each use, it is important to give it a deep clean every now and then to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how!

  1. Gather your cleaning supplies - You may want to use gloves and you will need a grill brush or some other type of cleaning brush. You will also need old cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
     
  2. Turn off the gas supply – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the gas supply is turned off or play it extra safe and remove the gas tank from the grill while cleaning it.
     
  3. Remove the grill grates - Pull them out so you can give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse brush.
     
  4. Clean anything covering the burners - Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners and brush them clean. You will want all the gas grill parts to be spic and span.
  5. Clean the burner tubes - Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
     
  6. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid - Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
     
  7. Clean the grease collection tray - Use soap and water to clean the grease collection tray and replace any disposable pans as needed.  Make sure to dispose of grease properly - pour it into an empty can or bottle, wait for it to harden, then throw the whole thing away.
     
  8. Wipe down the outside of the grill - With a rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the grill and any side trays using soap and water.
     
  9. Put the grill back together - Now you’re ready for a cookout!!

Here is a delicious grill recipe for you to enjoy this summer:

Surf ‘n Turf Foil Packs

4 Servings, Prep time: 10 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1” cubes
  • ½ lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
  • 1 lime, sliced into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat grill to high. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.
  2. Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, onion, lime, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.
  3. Fold each foil pack crosswise over to completely cover the food mixture. Roll top and bottom edges to seal.
  4. Place foil packs on the grill and cook until shrimp is cooked through and steak is finished to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from delish.com

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: deeatatsunset.com, kingofmaids.com, amandascookin.com, charbroil.com

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1431 Midlane Ct: Spacious Garden Home in the Heart of Midtown!

Monday, May 9, 2022
by The Hat Team

1431 Midlane Court, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 516609

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 2,393 SqFt / Midlane

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This spacious and well-built garden home is in the heart of Midtown, close to shopping, dining, and MCC. Traditional layout has ample entry foyer opening to large light-filled living room with volume ceiling, fireplace, and nice built-in bookshelves. Cozy sunroom off living room is great spot for morning coffee or lounging. Spacious dining room has walk-in china closet and eat-in kitchen has center island with space on either end for stools, space for small bistro table, and lots of cabinet and counter space. The first floor has master bedroom with walk in closet, bonus closet, and split vanity bath. 2nd bedroom is also on first floor and has its own private bath. Upstairs is a BIG bonus room and additional closet storage/space. 1 car garage and sweet little courtyard out back. Very private!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team! 

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1030 Old Breckenridge Ln: Fabulous 5 Bedroom Home in Great Neighborhood!

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
by The Hat Team

1030 Old Breckenridge Lane, Montgomery, AL  36117

MLS# 516455

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3,588 SqFt / Breckenridge

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Looking for extra room? This fabulous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home in Breckenridge is ready for its next family! Open the beautiful wood double front doors to find a large two-story great room with fireplace that opens to a custom kitchen with center island work space and a breakfast bar, an elegant formal dining room, master suite with double vanities, and a bedroom and bath on the opposite side that would make a perfect in law suite. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms, two baths and a bonus room/man cave complete with a custom bar. Off the kitchen is a cozy screened porch overlooking the large backyard. Tons of storage and light filled rooms. Don't miss the awesome neighborhood clubhouse and pool! Come check it out today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Home Loan

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
by The Hat Team

You are ready to buy a house, and chances are you do not have a suitcase full of cash at your disposal. So, that means you will need to get a home loan. Before you start shopping for your home, you will need to shop for a mortgage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:


Step 1: Research Mortgage Lenders

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of finding the perfect house before they have shopped for a mortgage. All lenders are a little bit different in terms of interest rates, closing costs etc., so it is smart to comparison shop before choosing your lender. This process will also help you discover if there are any concerns lenders might have with your application so that you can take care of them before you find your dream home!

We work with many local lenders and know their special programs, so check with us first for a lender referral.  And keep your business local as that (1) gives the seller a comfort level and (2) helps if there is a hiccup along the way.


Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step that should not be skipped. It not only lets you know how much you can afford for a house, but it also lets sellers know that you are serious about buying and may give you an advantage over other buyers. 

Step 3: Get a Home Appraisal

Once you’ve chosen a lender, made an offer on a home, and signed a sales contract, your lender will want to schedule a home appraisal. A professional home appraiser will check out the home and assess its market value using comparable homes for comparison. It is also time to schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. Doing so will give you adequate time before your closing date to negotiate with the seller if the inspection reveals any unforeseen issues. Click here to learn the potential cost of skipping a home inspection.  


Step 4: Title Search

Once you have purchased your home, you will “take title” of the property. Congratulations!  You are now the rightful owner!  But your lender will want proof. So, they will ask for a title search.  A paid title company will search public records for any possible heirs that think the property belongs to them, for liens that might still be on the home, or other issues. Once the title is cleared, you can move forward to closing.

Securing a mortgage may seem like a long, time-consuming process, but when you sign the dotted line and become a homeowner, it will all have been worth it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: regentology.com, realtor.com, allianzebposervices.com

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