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10 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season Copy
The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year to gather together with family and friends and take time to reflect on the past year and the many things they have to be grateful for. Below are a few suggestions on ways you can show your gratitude by giving back to your community…
1. Volunteer at a local senior center or hospital.
Many Seniors and patients don’t have friends or family that can visit them during the holidays making them feel especially isolated and lonely at this time of year. Your visit to a local senior center or hospital would be greatly appreciated.
2. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
There are many ways to volunteer at local animal shelters. There is always a need for a dog walker, kitten cuddler, or bunny hugger. Crafting your hobby? You can knit or crochet a blanket for a puppy. More money than time? Check Amazon for your local shelter’s wish-list and have your donation delivered directly to the shelter.
3. Send holiday cards to deployed troops.
This time of year is especially hard for the troops that have been deployed abroad. A holiday card or letter is a thoughtful way to say, “Thanks for your service” and let them know you are thinking of them at this time of year.
4. Thank your local first responders.
While baked goods are usually the go-to item during the holidays, your health-conscious first responders need to stay fit and ready for action, so consider saying “thanks” with a veggie or sandwich tray for the station, or donate to a charity that benefits first responders.
5. Collect donations for a food bank.
Canned items, as well as pasta, rice, nuts, and peanut butter, are always welcome. Consider some holiday food items like cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or canned pumpkin. Many local grocery stores offer the option to donate a bag of groceries to a family in need at check-out.
6. Serve a holiday meal at a local homeless shelter.
For those that are local to Sonoma County, the Redwood Gospel Mission will be serving up to 5,000 hot turkey meals at their annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds. There are many volunteer opportunities available including pre-event tasks like food packing and flower arranging, as well as day-of-event tasks like coat distribution and foodservice.
7. Donate used clothes and coats.
With winter weather fast approaching, donations of coats are especially welcome. Safeways in both Healdsburg and Petaluma are participants in the One Warm Coat drive collecting and distributing coats to those in need. You can also donate gently worn clothing to the Redwood Gospel Mission and the Living Room.
8. Adopt a family for the holidays.
Many nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County offer low-income families and single moms assistance during the holiday season by offering meals, gifts, small toys, and more. The Volunteer Center of Sonoma runs a yearly program called Secret Santa Now offering many ways to help out. You can adopt a heart or letter and fulfill a wish or volunteer with the Secret Santa Coordinator or donate through the KZST Secret Santa Marathon.
9. Buy toys for children in need.
Many nonprofit organizations and Sonoma County businesses collect toys during the holiday season. One way to say Thanks to our local firefighters is to donate to their annual Toys for Kids drive, which runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Just look for the collection barrels at any Santa Rosa or Rincon Valley Fire station. Santa Rosa fighters will also be at the Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Center during the month of December collecting cash donations as well as donations of new unwrapped toys.
10. Donate blood.
Local hospitals and clinics are always in need of blood donations, especially after at times of emergencies or natural disasters. Blood drives are held in many locations throughout the County, check the Red Cross website or the Vitalant Blood Donation center for dates and locations.
10 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season
The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year to gather together with family and friends and take time to reflect on the past year and the many things we have to be grateful for. Below are a few suggestions on ways you can show your gratitude by giving back to your community…
1. Volunteer at a local senior center or hospital.
Many Seniors and patients don’t have friends or family that can visit them during the holidays making them feel especially isolated and lonely at this time of year. Your visit to a local senior center or hospital would be greatly appreciated.
2. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
There are many ways to volunteer at local animal shelters. There is always a need for a dog walker, kitten cuddler, or bunny hugger. Crafting your hobby? You can knit or crochet a blanket for a puppy. More money than time? Check Amazon for your local shelter’s wish-list and have your donation delivered directly to the shelter.
3. Send holiday cards to deployed troops.
This time of year is especially hard for the troops that have been deployed abroad. A holiday card or letter is a thoughtful way to say, “Thanks for your service,” and let them know you are thinking of them at this time of year.
4. Thank your local first responders.
While baked goods are usually the go-to item during the holidays, your health-conscious first responders need to stay fit and ready for action, so consider saying “thanks” with a veggie or sandwich tray for the station, or donate to a charity that benefits first responders.
5. Collect donations for a food bank.
Canned items, as well as pasta, rice, nuts, and peanut butter, are always welcome. Consider some holiday food items like cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or canned pumpkin. Many local grocery stores offer the option to donate a bag of groceries to a family in need at check-out.
6. Serve a holiday meal at a local homeless shelter.
For those that are local to Sonoma County, the Redwood Gospel Mission will be serving up to 5,000 hot turkey meals at their annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds. There are many volunteer opportunities available including pre-event tasks, like food packing and flower arranging, as well as day-of-event tasks like coat distribution and foodservice.
7. Donate used clothes and coats.
With winter weather fast approaching, donations of coats are especially welcome. Safeways in both Healdsburg and Petaluma are participants in the One Warm Coat drive collecting and distributing coats to those in need. You can also donate gently worn clothing to the Redwood Gospel Mission and the Living Room.
8. Adopt a family for the holidays.
Many nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County offer low-income families and single moms assistance during the holiday season by offering meals, gifts, small toys, and more. The Volunteer Center of Sonoma runs a yearly program called Secret Santa Now offering many ways to help out. You can adopt a heart or letter and fulfill a wish or volunteer with the Secret Santa Coordinator or donate through the KZST Secret Santa Marathon.
9. Buy toys for children in need.
Many nonprofit organizations and Sonoma County businesses collect toys during the holiday season. One way to say Thanks to our local firefighters is to donate to their annual Toys for Kids drive, which runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Just look for the collection barrels at any Santa Rosa or Rincon Valley Fire station. Santa Rosa fighters will also be at the Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Center during the month of December collecting cash donations as well as donations of new unwrapped toys.
10. Donate blood.
Local hospitals and clinics are always in need of blood donations, especially after at times of emergencies or natural disasters. Blood drives are held in many locations throughout the County, check the Red Cross website or the Vitalant Blood Donation center for dates and locations.
How to Remove Smoke Smell from Your Home
In the aftermath of the Kincade Fire, which ravaged the Sonoma County greenbelt burning 77,000 acres in 13 days, after the initial relief of finding your house still intact, like many of us, you may now be faced with the seemingly daunting task of removing the accumulated smoke from your home and assessing for damage.
Once the threat of fire is over and it’s safe to return to your home, even when there has been no structural damage, you still may find yourself dealing with the lingering after-effects of the smoke that can penetrate your carpets, furniture, clothing, and even the paint on your walls. The microscopic particles in the smoke also affect the air quality in your home and can be a major health risk.
Here are some tips for removing the smoke from your home after a fire…
Air out your entire house.
Open all of the doors and windows, use fans to improve the ventilation in your home.
Clear the air room-by-room.
Close off all but one room, direct the fresh air from outside into the room using a fan, and leave one window in the room open for the bad air to escape.
Do this for 15 minutes per room, then close off that room.
Repeat the process for all the remaining rooms of your home.
Give all of the surfaces of your home a thorough cleaning.
Wash or dry clean all clothes, towels, bedding, curtains, cushions, etc.
After washing, remove them from the affected area so they do not become contaminated again.
Hard surfaces such as walls, doors, baseboards, countertops, furniture, and light fixtures, need to be cleaned as well.
Use a solution of dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water. Uncarpeted/hardwood floors may require special care.
Rinse the mop in running water rather than dipping it into a bucket where the smoke particles will collect and end up back on your floor.
You may even need to repaint walls that have experienced heavy smoke damage.
Window panes should be cleaned inside and out along with window frames, sills, screens.
Wooden blinds and cabinets should be cleaned with a wood-safe soap, plastic blinds can be cleaned with a mixture of white vinegar and hot water.
Change air conditioning and furnace filters as soon as possible.
Have your HVAC system inspected to ensure there was no damage.
If the above methods are not effective, call a professional smoke removal specialist.
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to find out what services are covered, just keep in mind that filing an insurance claim may increase your premium.
Talk to your insurance agent about obtaining a smoke damage assessment before attempting the DIY clean-up.
Cleaning up the area will affect how much damage is perceived.
An air cleaner/purifier can help reduce the particle levels in your home.
Agent to Watch – Tiffany Knef
In our new Agent to Watch series, we will be featuring W Real Estate agents who are making a splash in the real estate industry.
One of our October Agents to Watch is Tiffany Knef. Tiffany got her start in real estate twenty years ago and has the esteemed designations of Senior Real Estate Specialist and Certified Residential Specialist. She prides herself on being a knowledgable resource to her clients for all things Sonoma County – what to see, what to do, and ultimately where to live.
We recently took some time to learn more about our Santa Rosa-based agent Tiffany. Continue on to find out what she recommends everyone must do when they visit Sonoma County and her favorite local happy hour.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Real estate and people are my passion. Helping others achieve their real estate goals is rewarding for all.
How do you think your clients would describe you?
Client-centered, solutions-oriented, calm, knowledgeable, accessible, excellent resource for reliable vendors, great communicator, strategic negotiator, professional, well-connected, and fun.
What is your motto?
Provide exceptional service resulting in exceptional outcomes and lifelong relationships.
What is something most people would never guess about you?
I am a credentialed elementary school teacher, lifelong volunteer, and adventurous world traveler.
What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Walkthrough the vineyards and meet our friendly, warm locals.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
Sensational days creating beautiful memories with friends/clients/family/community. Hot air balloons rising in the morning air, great food, golf in the afternoon.
What’s your favorite way to relax?
Great dining, new adventures, golf, wine tasting, local events.
What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Hop Monk.
Agent to Watch – Adrian Roach
In our new Agent to Watch series, we will be featuring W Real Estate agents who have caught the attention of their colleagues and community.
One of our Agents to Watch is none other than Adrian Roach. It’s no wonder our Windsor-based agent Adrian is having his most successful year yet. He is the epitome of calm, cool, and collected. Simply put, he makes people feel comfortable – an important thing to do in the sometimes stressful world of real estate.
We were recently able to track down the busy agent and ask him a few questions. Continue on to learn what Adrian’s perfect day in Sonoma County looks like and why he chose to pursue a career in real estate.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
To be able to help people achieve their dreams of homeownership along with increasing their wealth.
How do you think your clients would describe you?
That I am easy to work with and even-tempered.
What is your motto?
Work hard, enjoy life, and stay humble.
What is something most people would never guess about you?
I like to make crazy music videos with my wife.
What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Wine tasting, of course, but don’t forget the Charles Schulz museum!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
Being outside and watching my son’s band from School of Rock perform.
What’s your favorite way to relax?
Spending time with my family.
What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Kin on the Windsor Town Green
Agent of the Month – J. Belmont
In our new Agent of the Month series, we will be highlighting one W Real Estate agent with outstanding sales performance and work ethic.
Our first agent to be recognized is J. Belmont. He has been a full-time realtor in Sonoma County for over a decade where he is consistently ranked as one of the area’s top agents. In this business, it’s easy to get lost among the many talented agents but J. has a way of rising to the top.
Read on to learn J.’s keys to success and words he lives by.
To what do you attribute your success?
Common sense and always thinking of the client’s needs and goals first.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
My phone.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
It is hard… I haven’t found the answer yet.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma County Residential Real Estate market?
Geographical setting and demographics.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business?
Public advertising.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
Location. Location. Location.
What is a quote that inspires you?
“Never give up, always move forward.”
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Patience, don’t be greedy, think about others, and create a good reputation among your colleagues.
