Month: November 2010

Thanksgiving is the time of year for getting together with family and friends, sharing good food, making happy memories, and kicking back to watch a football game or two.   It’s a time when we set aside the concerns of everyday life that weigh heavy on our minds.  It is also of course a time for counting our blessings and giving thanks for what we do have. Among the many things that Prudential Waterfront Properties and The Willard Companies are thankful for is the opportunity to work here at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake!

This being the week of Thanksgiving, we compiled a collection of inspirational—and some humorous—quotes commemorating the holiday.

• “I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.”—Elbert Hubbard
• “Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don’t.”  –Author Unknown
• “What we do for ourselves dies with us.  What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”—Albert Pine
• “You can tell you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out.”—Jay Leno
• “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”—Melody Beattie
• “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”—William Arthur Ward
• “An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.”—Irv Kupcine
• “Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.”–Author Unknown
• “When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.”—Sam Lefkowitz
• “Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.”—Northrup Christiane

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful.  Be thankful everyday and see what new wonders your ‘attitude of gratitude’ will open up for you.  Take time to appreciate the ones you hold close to your heart.  Thank those who have made a difference in your life as doing so will surely make a difference in theirs. (See how by clicking on the link below.) On behalf of our companies, we wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Holiday Season filled with love and laughter.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

http://www.appreciationmovie.com/

The Willard Companies is again rewarding patrons who shop local at participating retail businesses within the Westlake Towne Center beginning Friday, November 26 (“Black Friday”) through Wednesday, December 22, 2010.

Customers who spend a minimum of $40.00 will receive two free movie passes to Westlake Cinema. Customers who purchase $100 or more will receive four free movie vouchers. And, any purchase of $500 or more will receive eight cinema passes. The movie vouchers are good for all show times, but do not include concessions. Promotion is limited to one transaction per customer while supplies last.

The following Westlake Towne Center businesses are participating in the “Shop Local” promotion include: Haywood’s Jewelers, Westlake Salon & Spa, The Cottage Gate, Smith Mountain Building Supply, UPS Store, Kitchens by Connie, Kinetico Water Systems, Interiors by Kris, City Electric Supply, Lake Home Medical, Smith Mountain Lake Wellness & Fitness, and Ferguson Kitchen and Bath.

According to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing for The Willard Companies, parent company of Westlake Towne Center, “We continue to emphasize the importance of shopping local. This program is a small token of our appreciation to thank those who support our local businesses this holiday season.”

Qualifying customers can pick up movie vouchers by bringing store receipt to The Willard Companies corporate office located at 75 Builders Pride Drive, Suite 200 (behind Smith Mountain Building Supply and beside Ferguson Kitchen and Bath) between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The offices are closed from 12 – 1 for lunch. For additional information, please contact (540) 721-5288.

Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE:PRU] company, announced its 2010 Third Quarter Sales Professional award winners.

Within the Prudential Real Estate Network, Vicki Millehan, REALTOR® with Prudential Waterfront Properties, was named 2^nd place Sales Professional Award winner for the state of Virginia for sales measures in both closed residential GCI and closed residential units during the third quarter of 2010.

Since 1991, Millehan has remained one of Prudential Waterfront Properties top producers. Millehan received the “Top Individual Sales Award” by Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Millehan is a member the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce. During her real estate career, Millehan has earned the certified Fine Homes Specialist and the Resort & Recreation professional designations. Millehan has also placed in Prudential’s prestigious “Chairman’s Circle” five consecutive years and is a “Legend Award” recipient.

The Blue Ridge chapter Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) held its annual Summit Awards Gala on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Hotel Roanoke. Prudential Waterfront Properties and the GO Agency were honored with two Summit Awards.

The Summit Awards recognizes the best practice of public relations in Southwest Virginia and highlights the creative and effective ways in which communications impacts our lives.

The companies received a Gold Summit Award in the “Public Relations Campaign” category for “Bridgewater Pointe”. This award recognizes a public relations campaign featuring a variety of elements designed to promote a product or service. The companies also received a Silver Summit in the “Lin Chaff Award for Creativity” category for the “Check Our References” campaign, which features customer-based testimonials. This award recognizes outstanding creativity in any project, program or public relations tool.

According to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and PR for The Willard Companies, Prudential Waterfront Properties parent company, “We are extremely humbled to be recognized for our public relations and marketing efforts. Whenever we set out to create a new campaign, our goal is to generate interest as well as expand on the strong brand identity that we have built for over twenty years.”

According to Micah Gaudio, President of the GO Agency, “It’s great to be recognized for not just your creative work, but what matters the most is the results. PRSA scores highly on campaign effectiveness and execution. If good design doesn’t sell, then it’s just art.”

Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced additional appointments to various Virginia boards and commissions. Local Smith Mountain Lake REALTOR®, Jane Sullivan Horne with Prudential Waterfront Properties, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority. Sullivan Horne will serve a term of four years ending June 30, 2014.

Sullivan Horne has enjoyed a successful real estate career for over 23 years and has remained one of Prudential Waterfront Properties top producers. Sullivan Horne is a member the National Association of Realtors, Virginia Association of Realtors, Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors and Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce. Sullivan Horne is a Certified Residential Specialist and has also achieved the certified Fine Homes Specialist and the Resort & Recreation professional designations. Sullivan Horne has placed in Prudential’s prestigious Chairman’s Circle five consecutive years and is a Legend Award recipient. A native of North Carolina, Sullivan Horne resides in The Water’s Edge and became the first permanent resident of the community in 1986. Sullivan Horne has a degree in Political Science from Appalachian State University. Sullivan Horne is married to Bill and has one son, Trey.

The Willard Companies is pleased to announce Smith Mountain Lake’s Fourth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Westlake Towne Center on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The companies are also partnering with “We Care of Franklin County” for a holiday toy drive during the event. The first 150 individuals who donate a new, unwrapped toy to “We Care of Franklin County” will be given a complimentary ticket to a special showing of “Miracle on 34^th Street” at Westlake Cinema. The holiday classic is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. following the event. Collection boxes will be located inside the retail stores during the event and movie vouchers can be picked up after toy donation. Tickets are not available for purchase.

In addition to the tree lighting and toy drive, several other festive events will take place including holiday photo opportunities with Santa Claus as well as horse and carriage rides sponsored by Kroger. Live entertainment will include a radio remote, holiday concert featuring the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers and a performance by two local elementary school choirs. Also, Blue Ridge Pets R.E.A.D. will also be at Westlake Library during the event for children to read Christmas stories to service animals. There will also be an antique car show at the Kroger Fuel Center during the event. Participating Towne Center businesses will be offering previews to exclusive holiday gifts while serving refreshments including Kroger, Westlake Library, Haywood’s Jewelers, Westlake Salon & Spa and Cottage Gate. Also participating at the event are Carilion Clinic and Smith Mountain Building Supply. All events will take place in front of Westlake Library.

The Douglas-fir holiday tree, picked from Joe’s Tree Farm in Craig County, will stand approximately 20’ tall. The tree will be centrally located at the retail shopping center and stand in front of Westlake Library at Westlake Towne Center.

According to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Willard Companies, “We are very excited to continue offering this wonderful forum for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season while at the same time collecting toy donations for a worthy cause.”

Today we will pause to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who served in previous wars, who are serving today, and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  The origin of Veteran’s Day dates back to 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I.  The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.  The name of this historic day was changed to Veteran’s Day by Congress in 1954.

We honor each of America’s veterans who served so faithfully and with courage and commitment.  Through your sacrifices you have secured for millions of others the blessings of freedom, democracy, and the unmatched opportunity that we enjoy in the U.S. today.  Our message this week salutes these heroes.  We are deeply thankful for the veterans who served our country with great honor in the past, and to those who uphold their duties today.

Heroes

By Jared Jenkins

In war, there are lives risked and lives taken

Men and women giving their best to defend what they love

They defend their country, their honor, their people.

Some call them soldiers

Others call them heroes.

Our veterans have risked their lives for us

They have lived through hell and fought with honor

Many have killed, and regret doing so.

For every life, there is a soul

For every soul, there is a life

For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance

For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle

Some, memories of defeat

Some, memories of victory.

Our veterans were more than soldiers

They were, and still are, heroes.