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• 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL

  Written by Connie Langhorst 1 Comment
  Last Updated: February 11, 2010

  The 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL is scheduled to take pace at the Bilmar Beach Resort on Treasure Island Beach on April 16 and 17 . . . and NOW is the time to sign up and get involved!

  It seems that everyone knows someone, whether a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, who has been impacted by cancer.  The Relay For Life events, which are hosted and held throughout Pinellas County, are a great way to celebrate survivors, remember and honor those who have been touched by cancer, and to fight back through fundraising (or, as I like to refer to it, friendraising).

  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in our community, and in communities around the globe, a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember lost loved ones, and to fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events and 18 hours in length.

  Having lost my neice, Julie, to cancer (at the age of 21), I was proud to be invited to serve as co-chair for the first-ever South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life, which took place at Stetson College of Law in Gulfport, FL.   Now an annual activity, Relay For Life events are hosted throughout Pinellas County, which demonstrates our care and concern for the communities in which we live and work–and for each other.

  While every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

  Celebrate – The Survivors Lap
  Relay starts with a Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays–like those of each individual on the track.

  Remember – The Luminaria Ceremony
  After dark, people who have been touched by cancer and loved ones who have been lost to the disease are honored and remembered during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each bears the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

  Fight Back – Fight Back Through Fundraising
  There is a chance to fight back against cancer through fundraising.  In addition to what the fundraising teams do before the Relay, there are endless fundraising opportunities onsite.  From food, face painters, crafts and more, Relay teams have plenty of ways for participants and visitors to support the fight against cancer.

  No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.  You can make a difference by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

  Thanks to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society is helping create a world with more birthdays . . . a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

  Survivors are the reason we Relay.  They make up a group of nearly 11 million strong who are finding their way through the cancer experience and fighting back against the disease. At Relay For Life, Survivors are always the guests of honor.

  The Luminaria Ceremony is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. This is one of the most moving parts of the event that you will not want to miss. Honor or remember someone at Relay For Life with a luminaria.

  Just another special way that we care and share . . . in Paradise Found! 

  Visit the 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL website to learn more, to donate, or to sign up to participate. 

  To register your team or to participate in the survivor activities, visit www.relayforlife.org/gulfbeachesfl. 

  Or, for more information, contact Nancy Williamson, Team Development Chair, at 727-581-9644 or ACS Community Representative, Christine Hartman, at christine.hartman@cancer.org or 727-812-7026. 

  CREDITS:  Relay For Life Logo courtesy of the American Cancer Society and ACS Relay For Life.  Event photos (from 2004 South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life) courtesy of yours truly. 

• The Spirit of Giving

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: December 28, 2009

  Christmas has come and gone . . . and I, like others, am counting the hours, minutes, and (on New Year’s Eve) seconds, until 2010 arrives.

  The coming week offers a time of reflection and rejuvenation.   A glance back at the past and the promise of a new beginning.

  The year that is about to end brought ups and downs to our area’s real estate market.  Throughout Pinellas County, the good news is that our market appears to be rebounding (with record sales per statistics available online at www.tampabayrealtor.com). 

  This news is exciting and welcomed.  Still, 2009′s challenges greatly impacted real estate professionals throughout our community.  At year’s end, however, the takeaway is extremely positive and makes me proud to be member of Pinellas Realtor Organization (PRO). 

  Throughout Pinellas County and the year, Realtors and affiliate board members worked individually and cooperatively to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations, and charitable events.  This support is especially evidenced during the holidays.

  One example is the annual food drive and cash donation collection which takes place in conjunction with the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch Session. 

  Hosted by Baird Realty Group, a real estate office located in St. Pete Beach, and attended by Realtors and affiliate board members from throughout the area, weekly pitch sessions provide an opportunity for real estate professionals and service providers to meet and discuss real estate.  Along with others, I regularly attend these meetings to “pitch” property listings , learn about new listings and price adjustments, broker and public open house events, news for the good of the association, and to meet and hear from other board members.  The Holiday Pitch Session is the most special meeting of the year as it presents an opportunity to give back to the community in which we live and work.

  The 2009 Holiday Pitch Session was held in early December at Paradise Lutheran Church in Treasure Island.  The room was festively decorated.  There was a towering Christmas tree and everyone who attended was dressed in their finest (and, in some cases, funniest) holiday attire.  Yes, there were a few ugly sweaters and vests, lots of Santa caps, some twinkling name badges, jingle bell earrings and necklaces, and an abundance of good cheer!

  The pitch began, as all of the weekly meetings do, with coffee and networking.  However, due to the festive occasion, several affiliate board members volunteered to serve breakfast.  While everyone enjoyed the refreshments, members of a choir (comprised of affiliate board members) sang a holiday song, which they wrote and dedicated to the Realtors in attendance.  The joy in their warbling voices bolstered the already high spirits in the room. 

  A couple (she, a Realtor; he, a title company owner) brought their children to the meeting.  The toddler and infant, adorably regaled in festive attire, were surprised to hear jingling bells that announced Santa’s arrival.  Truth be told, many (read: much older) attendees were surprised, too!  The jolly old soul had a hearty laugh that jiggled his jelly-filled bowl of a belly.  The welcomed visitor distributed candy canes and hugs to all.  When he approached, I recognized the sparkle in his friendly eyes (Santa was another affiliate board member sharing good cheer).  The toddler climbed on his lap for the duration of the meeting. 

  Once started, we rose to our feet to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  The process of “pitching” listings and services began in earnest, followed by a discussion of items for the good of the association.  Then, the minister of the church was summoned. 

  During the time we were together, working and making merry as Realtors, affiliate board members, and friends, we opened our wallets and hearts, collecting over $550 in cash and box loads of food items.  The cash and food was offered to the minister as a donation to his church.  When presented with this gift, the grateful expression on his face and heartfelt words of thanks made us all feel proud to be a member of our Realtor community.  A roomful of caring people, having faced tough times and good throughout 2009, selflessly giving for the greater good of our community. 

  In reflection and with an eye to the future, I intend to take many gifts from 2009 with me into the New Year.  As with each passing year, it has been a time of highs and lows.  As the curtain falls on the passing year, one can only hope that it will rise again on January 1st to reveal the bright sparkle of renewed hope.  Indeed, I plan to carry a considerable amount of pride and gratitude into 2010–for a Realtor community that works cooperatively and embraces the spirit of giving–not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.  This, fellow residents and real estate professionals, is something that we can all be proud of! 

  May you and yours have a very Happy New Year . . . in Paradise Found!

  PHOTO CREDIT:  Group photo taken at the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch by Michael West of www.michaelwestphotography.com.

  

• Treasure Island

  Written by MyPinellas.com No Comments
  Last Updated: May 5, 2009

  When Treasure Island residents cross over one of the three bridges to their barrier island homes, the tropical light, colorful foliage and the sound of seabirds in the air let them know they’ve arrived someplace very special.

  The three and a half-mile beach that fronts the Gulf of Mexico makes up the western boundary of Treasure Island. Narrow at both ends and wide in the middle, locals claim that it’s the widest beach on the Gulf Coast. At the north end is John’s Pass, with Madeira Beach on the other side, and at the south in is Blind Pass, both accesses to the Gulf of Mexico from inland waters. In fact, Treasure Island is an island.

  Hotels, motels and condominiums occupy most of the beach front property while most of the town’s residents live along canals on the landside of the island. The proximity to the Gulf and the canal houses with boat slips make it a great place for boaters.

  In addition to its marina and three very busy public boat ramps, the town also provides wonderful land-based recreational facilities.  The Treasure Island park system was designed with the goal that every resident would be within walking distance of a park.  The Treasure Island Golf & Tennis Center includes a 9-hole golf course, 10 tennis courts, plus facilities for volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and shuffleboard.
   
  Life’s a Beach
  The town’s 7,500 permanent residents and 12,000 annual visitors enjoy an easygoing, flip-flop lifestyle. They have the advantages of living in a small, but well-serviced community where they essentially are on vacation every day of the week. Treasure Island features a lively restaurant and bar scene along the beach, catering to locals as well as the high number of annual visitors from near and far.

  A Beach Party
  An annual highlight of living in Treasure Island is the Sun, Sand and Swing festival held every May on the beach. A group of bands play most of the day and into the night, from 3 till 11 pm . It’s also a family event with activities like skim board contests for the kids.

  “Treasure Island was a really nice place to grow up. As kids we fished, went waterskiing and played on the beach and kids can still do that here. And you’ll not find better neighbors.  We stick together and really care about our community.” Butch Ellsworth, lifelong resident.

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  Factoids:
  Population: 7,450
  Land Area: 1.59 Sq. Miles
  Median Age: 52.4
  Statistics are an estimation only

  Points of Interest: The Sun, Sand and Swing festival, Beaches, Skim Boarding, Swimming, Fishing, Marina and three very busy public boat ramps, The Treasure Island Park System, The Treasure Island Golf & Tennis Center includes a 9-hole golf course, 10 tennis courts, plus facilities for volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and shuffleboard.
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