Category: Education

National Pet Day 2023

Debbie Roney Smith on
Duke, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

Today is National Pet Day! Founded by Colleen Paige in 2006, it’s an annual opportunity to celebrate our animal friends. Paige is an animal welfare advocate and pet-and-family lifestyle expert who wanted to bring attention to the growing needs of many unhoused pets who are waiting to be adopted from shelters.

One of many sweet kitties who live with Debbie.

These animals include more than the standard dogs and cats; rabbits, pigs, birds, and many reptiles are often taken in by shelters or rescue organizations. The phrase “Don’t Shop! Adopt!” is the holiday’s motto. Celebrate National Pet Day by doing your furry family member(s) favorite things, volunteering at an animal welfare organization, or donating resources to no-kill shelters or rescue centers in your area. 

JD, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

Abe Springs

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Abe Springs was the seat of government for Calhoun County from 1849 to 1880. It was the location of a nationally infamous jail that was used so rarely that the county rented it out as a corn crib (a granary used to dry and store corn). Abe Springs is now an unincorporated community in Calhoun County. The seat of government was moved to Blountstown in 1880 after the courthouse at Abe Springs Bluff burned down. The historical marker for the old courthouse was erected in 1993 by The Florida Department of State. Learn more about Calhoun County’s history by visiting this blog about the genealogy and history of the county. 

Historical Russ House

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Jackson County is home to numerous historic sites, one of which is the Historical Russ House. Built in the 1890s, it underwent significant remodeling in 1910. Russ House is one of the most beautiful Classical Revival/Queen Anne homes in the U.S.A. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is available for rent for meetings, showers, weddings, and more. The house also functions as Jackson County’s official Visitor Center. Interested in renting or scheduling a tour of the Historical Russ House? Contact the home at (850) 482 – 8061. The House is open to the general public Monday-Friday. 

March Full Moon

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March’s full moon was for the history books. This month’s moon was a super moon, a term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle. It describes either a new or full moon that is close to Earth; this usually increases the visibility, brightness, and perceived size of the moon by those on the planet’s surface. March’s full moon goes by many names and is recognized by many cultures across the world. 

Northern Native American tribes refer to the March moon as the Full Crow Moon. Some groups call it the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, or the Sugar Moon. In Sri Lanka, it’s known as Madin Poya or Medin. The moon holds cultural importance for many cultures. In the Hebrew calendar, the full moon is linked to the observance of Passover. March’s full moon also corresponds with Holi, a Hindu celebration of the conquest of good over evil.

It is widely known as the Worm Moon thanks to the Native Americans who named it “worm” in reference to a type of beetle larvae that emerges from the thawing bark of trees. In some areas of the world, it’s known as the Worm Moon because of its association with the warming of the ground, the emergence of worms, and the return of spring. 

 

Senior-Specific Moving Service

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Seniors are a group of individuals who often relocate. There is a variety of reasons seniors move including retirement, downsizing, or access to better health care. No matter the reason, moving can be a lot to handle for the elderly. Hiring a senior-specific moving service can help make the process smoother and less stressful. This is important as 45% of Americans report that they find moving to be stressful.

Caring.com, a leading senior resource, has created a new resource that provides information on the best senior moving companies. It pulls together all the information seniors or their caregivers need to make an informed decision. The resource contains senior moving company details such as specific services, features, service coverage, and discounts. The resource also explains how to avoid scam companies.

Visit the resource HERE. 

Caregiver Appreciation Day

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Caregiver Appreciation Day is a national celebration that recognizes the individuals who provide care services to people who cannot care for themselves. These people include the elderly, the disabled, and those who are hospitalized or in need of temporary care. There are a variety of caregiver appreciation days but it is generally celebrated on either November 13th and/or March 3rd. The value of services provided by informal caregivers has steadily increased over the last decade; worth $450 in 2009, $470 billion in 2013, and $375 billion in 2007.(1)

This annual celebration honors and thanks the selfless caregivers who give their time, effort, and emotional energy to those who need it. Caregivers work with a spectrum of individuals who need assistance due to different conditions; some individuals who require full or part-time caregivers are those living with disabilities, illnesses, and the elderly. There are over 40 MILLION caregivers in the U.S.A. They play an essential role in communities and often go unrecognized for their work.(2) 

Science Spot for Tots

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The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida is currently holding a series of Science Spots for Tots. Located in Tallahassee, the Discovery Center welcomes all ages to the class although they are geared towards the 2-5 age group. However, the activities are adaptable so children of many ages/abilities can learn and participate. Entry to the event includes day admission to the museum! The event typically runs from 11:30am to12:30pm EST. 

The cost for members of the museum is as follows: $5 for the 1st child and $3 for each additional child. Non-members pay $6 for the 1st child and $3 for each additional child. For both purchases, one accompanying adult is free. The next available class is the February 28th Push & Pull event. However, there will be a number of events until the end of April:

  • March 7th – Light & Shadow
  • March 14th – Sound
  • March 21st – Growing/Animal Babies
  • March 28th – Materials/Things We Use
  • April 4th – Ants
  • April 11th – Spiders
  • April 18th- Rocks
  • April 25th- Backbone Bonanza

Great Oaks Historic Site

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Great Oaks is a Greenwood Historical Site. It’s an Antebellum style mansion built in 1860 for Hamilton Bryan’s mother. The house was originally erected on the 5,200 acre plantation owned by Elijah Bryan, Hamilton’s father. The home slowly fell into disrepair until Bryan desendants eventually sold the home to the Claude-Reese family. The family restored the home between 1961 and 1965; the home is built almost entirely out of heart yellow pine. It stands as a tribute to the era is was built in and is supported by the Jackson County Historical Commission. 

Securing a Mortgage While Self-Employed

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You can still become a homeowner while being self-employed. There are programs that take self-employed incomes into consideration and work to make the process achievable. One such program is the Bank Statement Program by Cross Country Mortgage LLC. This program allows potential homeowners the opportunity to qualify for a mortgage without some of the income documentation that is typically required. They offer loans up to $3.5M while accepting supplemental income and personal or business bank statements.

Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

Wondering if this particular program would benefit you? Reach out to Cross Country Mortgage LLC today! Not sure Cross Country Mortgage is right for you? Not ready to reach out to a company to get a mortgage but know it’s in your future? See the list of tips below for things to focus on that will benefit your future mortgage endevours: 

  • Maintain a low Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio – increase your income and reduce your debt! You want your DTI to be below 50%. Calculate your DTI by adding up your monthly minimum debt payments and dividing the total by your monthly pretax income.
  • Maintain or raise your credit score; credit lenders want to see a low credit utilization ratio. Find your utilization ratio by dividing your balance by your credit limit. 
  • Make sure to keep your personal and business expenses seperate to create a clear distinction and a favorable application profile. Keep expenses seperate by maintaining different bank accounts, credit cards, and financial documents. 

National Blueberry Pancake Day

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Today is National Blueberry Pancake Day! Pancakes are one of the world’s oldest foods. According to historical evidence, humans have been making flat, fried dough cakes since the Stone Ages.(1)

The word ‘pancake’ first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. By the 19th century, ‘pancake’ experienced a steady incline in usage in the United States. Pancakes are also known as johnnycakes, hoecakes, griddle cakes, and flapjacks. Adding blueberries is a time-honed tradition. Blueberries are one of the only native North American berries to still be eaten today. Even better, there are a large number of Florida native blueberries that you can grow and harvest from. Spring is coming soon and is a great time to plant blueberries so you can benefit from the late summer-early fall harvest.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, packed with nutrients, and have been linked to a number of health benefits including lower blood pressure, improved insulin response, and reduced risk of cancer. There are three popular methods of adding blueberries to the pancakes: 1) fold them into the batter, 2) add them after pouring the batter into the pan, and 3) top the pancakes with whole blueberries. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, blueberry syrup, or chia seeds for a little something extra.