The Kloster Group Proudly Supports Area Non-Profits Hope thru Soap’s Holiday Drive
Supporting community through essential services and a Thanksgiving wishlist
Brought
to you by
– Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate
As the holiday season approaches, local nonprofit Hope thru Soap is stepping up its efforts to support vulnerable individuals and families in the community. With three impactful programs — Hope thru Soap Mobile Outreach & Shower Program, Miller’s Market Food Pantry, and their Thrive by Hope Youth program Initiative — Hope thru Soap provides essential services year-round. This Thanksgiving, the organization is launching a holiday donation drive to collect items for those in need, bringing hope and comfort to community members during this special time.
Mobile outreach brings essentials directly to the community
Hope thru Soap’s mobile outreach team provides mobile showers, food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those experiencing homelessness. “We bring essential resources directly to the community, meeting people where they are at” explains Program Manager Mike Cardin. “With winter approaching, the need is even greater right now.”
Meeting basic needs with Miller’s Market
At the heart of Hope thru Soap’s food insecurity outreach is Miller’s Market, a community food pantry that provides fresh produce, pantry staples, meat, dairy and hygiene products for food-insecure neighbors. “Miller’s Market exists to ensure everyone has access to healthy nourishing food,” explains CEO Megan VandeBogert. “We want all of our neighbors to know they’re cared for, especially over the holidays.”
Youth empowerment with Thrive by Hope
Thrive by Hope focuses on equipping young people with their basic needs of shelter, food, and hygiene, plus essential life and workforce skills. Through workshops, job readiness programs, and partnerships with local businesses, Thrive by Hope opens doors for youth experiencing homelessness to pursue stable futures. “Supporting youth with the tools needed to succeed is one of our greatest priorities,” says Megan.
Thanksgiving Wishlist: Help us help others
Hope thru Soap is calling on the community to make a difference this Thanksgiving by contributing to their donation drive. The organization seeks non-perishable food, winter clothing, jackets, and small blankets. Below is the full wishlist:
• Non-perishable food: Canned chili, soup, oatmeal, pasta, rice, peanut butter
• Winter clothing: Winter Jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves
• Blankets
Donations can be dropped off at Hope thru Soap (2650 Pleasantdale Road Ste 14 Atlanta, GA 30340) from November 1st to November 20 Tuesday- Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. For those unable to donate items, monetary contributions can be made on Hope thru Soap’s website hopethrusoap.org, where they’ll be used to directly purchase needed items for the holiday drive.
With your support, Hope thru Soap can continue to bring warmth, dignity, love, and hope to our community this holiday season.
How to winterize your outdoor oasis
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Colder months are upon us, and it is time to think about prepping your backyard and indoor-outdoor spaces for winter. Whether you have a cozy patio, a lush garden, or a small urban balcony, winterizing these spaces ensures they remain beautiful and functional through the colder season. Here are a few of our best tips for year-round comfort and style, even when the temperature drops:
1. Protect plants and greenery. Start by identifying any sensitive or tropical plants that may not survive freezing temperatures. These can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse if possible. Plants that must stay outside may benefit from a bit of insulation, such as burlap wrapping or frost blankets. Add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and protect the roots from freezing.
2. Winterize water features. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc with plumbing if water is left to stagnate, so begin by draining fountains, hoses and any other water elements to avoid water freezing inside and causing cracks or other damage to pumps and pipes. If your water feature has a pump, remove it, clean
it thoroughly and store it indoors to extend its life.
3. Prioritize comfort.
There’s nothing nicer than enjoying colder temperatures in comfort. Start by layering your furniture with weatherproof cushions and keep blankets handy for warmth. Incorporate heat sources like fire pits and outdoor heaters, and consider adding outdoor rugs to provide warmth underfoot and insulate against the chill of hard surfaces like stone or concrete. To create a more intimate atmosphere, add soft lighting with string lights, lanterns or candles that complement the cozy vibe.
4. Plan for seasonal activities.
Think creatively about how you want to utilize your space during winter. From making s’mores to watching birds at the feeder to hosting a holiday get-together, each activity transforms your space into your home, because you put a piece of yourself into it. This is the key to transforming your outdoor area into a magical winter retreat.
As winter approaches, taking the time to create a cozy outdoor retreat ideal for cold-weather use is a smart way to deepen your connection with your environment and enjoy a stylish home year-round. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela
Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
The role of family meetings in estate planning
Family meetings play a crucial role in estate planning, offering a platform to address and align everyone’s expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and minimize conflicts down the road. Engaging in open, honest conversations about your estate plans can demystify your intentions and clarify how your assets will be distributed. By discussing your plans with family members, you can ensure that all parties are informed and involved, reducing the risk of disputes and fostering a sense of unity. These meetings also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions your family might have, allowing you to adjust your plan in response to their feedback.
Ultimately, a well-conducted family meeting not only smooths the transition of your estate but also strengthens familial bonds by demonstrating transparency and respect for each member’s perspective. This proactive approach ensures that your wishes are honored and helps maintain family harmony during what can otherwise be a challenging time.
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Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-4592292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.
bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy
affordable.
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’
New Homes Division Big Winners at 44th OBIE Awards
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association hosted the 44th annual Professionalism (OBIE) Awards Saturday, October 19th at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division, led by President Lori Lane, and their builder clients took home an astounding 22 gold and 6 silver awards. With over 100 different categories, the OBIE awards celebrate outstanding achievements in homebuilding and highlight those in the homebuilding industry for excellence in building, marketing, and personal achievement. This year Berkshire Hathaway’s New Homes Division was honored to receive
14 gold and 2 silver marketing awards including Best Website - Community, Best Website – Associate, Best Online Banner Ad, Best Interactive Tool, Best Social App, Best Marketing Campaign, Best Brochure, and Best Newspaper ad to name a few. In addition to winning numerous marketing accolades, Berkshire Hathaway’s builder clients Trilith Development, Patrick Malloy Communities, JW Collection, McKinney Builders, Baker Homes, Vision Development Partners, and David Patterson Homes all received top honors.
Lori Lane has earned her reputation as a powerhouse in the new home construction industry. Alongside her dedicated team, she has crafted innovative strategies for the marketing and sale of new construction, resulting in the accumulation of hundreds of
industry awards.
As a testament to their unwavering determination and tireless efforts, the New Homes Division also continues to deliver outstanding sales results. For the past 18 months, the New Homes Division has consistently held the position of the #1 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office in the region. It also earned a prestigious spot as one of the top 30 offices across the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network.
Lori Lane, the President of the New Homes Division at BHHS Georgia Properties and Senior Vice President of Luxury and Global, attributes this success to the team’s unwavering commitment. She emphasizes, “True success is a journey fueled by dedication and passion; it’s about building not just homes, but
lasting relationships and a legacy of excellence.” Lane expresses her deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with builder and developer clients she respects and enjoys.
Lane and her New Homes Division are redefining the landscape of new home and luxury real estate sales and marketing in Atlanta. Their continuous contributions are leaving a lasting impact on the city’s real estate industry.
The success of the New Homes Division reflects the resilience and commitment of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties as a whole. The division’s unwavering dedication to excellence in sales, marketing, and client relationships has propelled it to the top ranks of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices regional and global network. BHHSGANewHomes.com.
LAKE
Q4 home maintenance
The holidays are upon us and Rubbermaid bins of seasonal décor are coming out of storage. As you begin trimming your tree or setting up your snow globe collection, carve out some time to properly prepare your home for the changing season. A well-maintained home is overall less expensive throughout your ownership and will reap you a higher net sales price when you go to sell. In other words, it is worth every penny and more to keep it in tip top shape in every season! The perfect place to start is by doing a walk around the exterior of your home.
Here are a few key items to get you started on prepping your home for the fall season:
• Paint is not only key to keeping your home
beautiful, but its’ purpose is to act as sealant for the wood and other materials used on the exterior of your home. Check the windows, trim, and siding to see if there is peeling or cracking. This is an indicator that it is time to re-paint.
• Make sure to clean your gutters so that they are clear of debris as the fall leaves start coming down. This will help prevent water damage from overfilled gutters.
• Monitor cracks on your driveway and around your home to see if there are any potential problems arising before it becomes a larger concern. Fill these cracks as needed to prevent additional damage.
• Change your air filters and have your furnace(s) serviced by an HVAC professional.
• Check your windows and doors to see if you can feel a draft. A cost-effective solution for keeping your heating costs down this winter is to add weather
stripping to your windows and your doors where you feel a draft.
• Fertilize your lawn to prevent damage from colder temperatures and to keep your grass healthy.
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• As the temperatures begin to drop, drain your exterior faucets to prevent water freezing in the pipes before the unpredictable Georgia winter hits.
While this is not an extensive list of how to maintain a home, it is sure to get you started in the right direction. If you have questions on how best to maintain your home or prep your home for a sale, reach out to a real estate professional, like The Kloster Group, for a personal visit and advice catered to you. If you are interested in our home maintenance guide, please reach out to Rachel Provow at rachel@homegeorgia.com
Brought to you by – Rachel Provow at HOME Real Estate
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
While covering Milton election operations, Appen Media analyzed historical voter data and identified possible disenfranchisement.
This reporting caused a statewide watchdog to get involved and, eventually, the city moved to add a polling place to the area. Later in the year, Appen discovered that the feasibility report the City Council used when voting to run their own elections was not the original document. Two residents on a working committee had altered it after city staff had completed it and before its presentation to council. Appen Media reporters identified all of the differences between the two documents and then created an interactive digital document. Readers and officials were able to scroll through the materials and read notes from the newsroom explaining the differences. You can find this document at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.
