was the week before Christmas and all through the house not a creature is stirring, except for the Scouts. It’s the giving time of year. The time of giving and the time for building a “Pine Wood Derby Car”, that is! Yes, that is correct, the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts troops receive their official derby car kits in mid-December. They will envision, like NASA engineers, what will make their car the fastest and look the coolest, of course. Will the traditional wedge shape work? Or should we build something completely innovative? This is important business as the official Pine Wood Derby is soon after the New Year. Wheels will need to be greased and smoothed down to prevent friction. The center of gravity and maximum weight must be precisely executed. After all, the Pine Wood Derby is something the local Scouting community looks forward to all year. It is traditionally held at the New York Military Academy gymnasium in late January. Some say it’s the most important race a “Scout Dad” will ever win! I particularly like to root for the cars that obviously had the maximum participation in building by the Scout himself.

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

Submitted by
Brenda Guttenberg
RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group
New Windsor, NY

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riday night my daughter talked me into going with her for a late night, light dinner. It was 8:30 p.m. so we knew we would have to stay close to home. We headed up to the Fish River Grill. In case you aren’t familiar, Fish River Grill is located behind Arbys in the Rouse’s shopping center, right smack in the middle of Gulf Shores. Luckily we made it in time because this time of year they close at 9 p.m. on the weekends. The menu at Fish River Grill is extensive, ranging from burgers to delicious seafood including the famous “Cajun Pistol”. We were very surprised that there was live music with “Top Hat & Jackie”…pleasantly surprised! I was told that Friday night music is a regular happening at Fish River Grill. Our server, Amanda, was spectacular being both efficient and friendly….make sure you ask for her when you visit!  What a wonderful evening we had! Make sure you stop in and give them a try next time you are in town.

Gulf Shores, AL

Submitted by
Dana Tapia
RE/MAX of Orange Beach
Orange Beach, AL

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f you are anything like me, you get excited when someone recognizes your hometown – in a movie, in the news or on TV. Battle Creek has made news headlines for years as the “Cereal Capital of the World” with Kellogg’s, Post/Kraft Foods and Ralston all claiming our city as their home base and starting point.

But, even though we are big in the food industry, Battle Creek has many other claims to fame. We were known for years as the “Health City” and the home of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. In the late 1800’s, the Battle Creek Sanitarium was a worldwide destination for those seeking a healthy retreat with diet and exercise. In fact, you might even call us one of the original “spa” destinations in Michigan!

About five weeks ago, CBS released a new series on Sunday nights titled simply “Battle Creek”. It’s a combination of drama and a bit of saucy comedy between an old school cop and a new tech FBI agent, with our fair city as the backdrop. Conceived and written by Vince Gilligan and David Shore (“Breaking Bad” and “House”), this show has many of us hooked on the mere fact that this is about OUR city, OUR hometown, with OUR name as the title! The opening credits show parts of Downtown Battle Creek, the BC Bombers, Cruise the Gut, and our stone sign that welcomes visitors into our city at the end of the 194 expressway.

I must confess, that I went to the Red Carpet premiere and have not missed an episode in the past 5 Sundays. Battle Creek may not be a household word, yet – but I’m sure we are well on our way. Stay tuned for more episodes, we are in season 1 and the best is coming!

Battle Creek, MI

Submitted by
Cathy Jewell
RE/MAX Perrett Associates Inc.
Battle Creek, MI

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