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October 2007
|
 We've
added some REALLY useful data this month -
a preview
selection of new communities
which are not yet listed on our web site - you'll
find out first . . . Plus the usual articles of interest:
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Focus on Central
Florida
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New Community
Review - Tampa Bay's "Southshore"
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Financial Insights "The Repricing of Risk"
by
Abner, Herrman & Brock Asset Management
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25 New Active Lifestyle Communities
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Reader's Corner
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Birthday Section
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And don't forget to visit our
Sponsored Communities
Thanks for visiting us and
feel free to
send us your input! Lisa and Stephan LaCount |
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Focus on Central
Florida
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 What better place to retire to than where
the proverbial Fountain of Youth was
originally searched for and supposedly
discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon? You want
active – I think central Florida may just be
the most active place you can be with Disney
World, Cypress Gardens, Sea World, etc.,
and, after all, Jerry Seinfeld’s “parents”
loved it didn’t they? Their neighbors were
certainly busy at least….
Florida is believed to have been about 300
feet lower than it is now with over twice
its land space and was inhabited by over 100
different tribes of Indians. None of them
spoke the same language so it was easy for
an outsider to claim it and try to organize
it. Ponce de Leon claimed it for Spain and
named it La Pascua Florida, which means
flowery Easter, but later the country traded
it to Britain in exchange for control of
Havana, Cuba. The U.S. took control of the
area in 1819 and it became a state in 1845.
 During the late 19th century
Florida became a tourist destination as the
railroad expanded into the area to handle
all the imports. The first theme parks
emerged inth
century it became a major hub for the U.S.
Armed Forces and by the early 60’s the Space
Race was in full swing. To date, all manned
orbital U.S. spaceflights have been launched
from Kennedy Space Center.
Florida’s populations are continuously
changing. It was transformed by the advent
of air conditioning and the Interstate. The
Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to a large
influx of Cuban immigration. The state’s
climate has led to it becoming a haven for
retirees. The average temperature in
summer is 81 and in winter it is 53 in the
northern part of the state and 69 in the
lower portion.
Although the state is 22nd in
total area it is 4th in the U.S. for
population with over 17 million persons.
With no state income tax, only five states
have a lower combined tax burden. Their
economy is based largely on tourism, as over
57 billion a year is spe nt there per year
from over 76 million tourists. The space
industry adds another 4.5 billion, with the
economy rounding out with software
companies, biotech industries and university
research. Agriculture is also a large
contributor to the economy with over 75% of
the U.S. oranges being harvested there. The
state is also aggressively pursuing the TV
and film industries. Politically, the state
is dichotomous in that most of its
registered voters are registered as
Democrats but the government is Republican
controlled. It is speculated that the state
will be a major battlefield for the 2008
Presidential election as 27 electoral votes
are at stake. Let’s hope the hanging chad
issue is gone.
Recreationally, Florida has more golf
courses than any other state. The state has
11,000 miles of rivers and streams and 663
miles of beaches. You can find every major
sport there and the extreme fans to go with
it. As a Broncos fan, I will say nothing
further…(Ed. Note: it’s fun to be an editor
as I get to throw those things in!)
I
encourage you to check out this retirement
mecca. K.C. Wilson represents three
different communities that you can read
about below and she would be happy to answer
any questions about life in central
Florida. Keep sending me your questions and
comments. I respond to all of them
personally sometimes later than sooner! We
continue to strive to make this an
informative site for you. Next month look
for our new quarterly special on
international living with a focus on
retirement in Mexico and our regular monthly
edition with a focus on Texas. If there is
something you’d especially like to know
about either, let me know.
Dee Chandler, Editor |
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In-Depth Community
Review - Tampa Bay Area |
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Southshore Falls, Valencia Lakes & Sun City Center
Tampa Bay, Florida
 You'll find
one of Central Florida's most desirable locations on the
South Shore of Tampa Bay, between Tampa and
Sarasota, across the Bay from St. Petersburg, and just a
bit over an hour from Orlando. Arts and cultural
centers, major sports entertainment, sugar sand gulf
beaches, great shopping and fine dining are all nearby,
as well as regional and international airports for easy
access from anywhere. This area, known by locals as "Southshore",
consists of a few small (but rapidly growing) towns and
is home to three exceptional active adult
communities.
Sun
City Center is the "Big Daddy" of all adult
communities, with over 10,000 active adult households,
four fantastic recreational facilities offering
activities of all kinds, and 162 holes of golf. An
entire town has grown up around the community, and its
spirited residents actually drive their golf carts to
nearby shopping, dining, and even medical facilities.
Southshore Falls in
Apollo Beach is a beautiful resort-style gated adult
community of about 400 homes, with a planned total of
around 800. The happy residents of the lovely villas and
single family homes enjoy a fabulous clubhouse with
lagoon-style pools, state-of-the-art fitness center,
internet cafe and so much more.
Valencia Lakes is a
new gated active adult community which will offer 1,000
single family luxury homes and a magnificent clubhouse,
due to break ground later this year. Meanwhile, the
early residents enjoy introductory prices and an interim
lifestyle center, complete with fitness facilities,
activities, and a full-time Lifestyle Director.
 Your
host for these three great communities is KC Wilson,
a 4th generation native Floridian who has been licensed
to sell real estate in Florida since 1969 and has earned
the National Association of Realtor's coveted
designation "Seniors Real Estate Specialist". Says
KC..."Come on down and let me introduce you to my
favorite part of Florida....this buyer's market is a
great time to choose your perfect home and start to
enjoy the wonderful weather and recreational activities
this upcoming season brings!"
You can reach KC at 813-270-0292
By E-mail
at
kc@SouthShoreDreamHome.com
Be sure to visit
her website for active adults at
www.SouthShoreDreamHome.com.
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Financial Insights |
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“The Repricing of Risk”
As we entered the third quarter of 2007 the economy appeared
poised to regain its growth after a slowdown
in the first
quarter. Most economists and market strategists were
positive regarding the outlook for the economy and the
equity markets for the remainder of the year. Both the
Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index
registered new highs after having peaked seven years
earlier in 2000.
 However,
investors became cautious after the announcement that
several hedge funds had financial difficulty as a result
of investments in mortgage backed securities. This led
to a more detailed evaluation of the deterioration of
the housing market and particularly sub prime lending.
The repricing of risk and the commensurate decline in stocks
and high yield bonds in the summer of 2007 began several
years ago. Traditional investments for investors are
portfolios comprised of stocks and bonds. These
securities are at the very heart of a capitalistic
economy as they offer ownership with liquidity. As the
inflation rate declined over the last several years the
rate of return on bonds also declined. With declining
interest rates investors lengthened the maturities in
bonds to capture a higher rate of return. As this
process continued, interest rates on longer maturities
declined. Eventually a flat yield curve developed with
lower interest rates across all maturities.
In a response to these lower interest rate yields, investors
were encouraged to take higher risk either by borrowing
to leverage their investments or by lowering the quality
of their investments to achieve higher returns. A
variety of investments were created to achieve these
objectives. It began with sub prime mortgages and
expanded to high risk corporate borrowing. These issues
were then packaged into mortgage backed securities and
collateralized debt obligations. The pyramid continued
with credit derivative issues and other forms of lesser
quality securitized investments. The rating agencies
such as Standard & Poors and Moodys were encouraged to
provide high quality ratings to these packaged
securities in order to attract investors.
A “repricing of risk” for a variety of investments was the
logical next step. In this process there became a
realization that several excesses had developed in the
economy besides the obvious ones in housing. Many
financial service firms had over expanded and are now in
the process of scaling back. Of course those industries
that support housing are also experiencing slowdowns.
 We expect a return of the positively sloped yield curve where
higher yields are provided for longer term maturities
giving recognition to their higher risk. In the equity
markets, we expect a continuation of the movement to
large capitalization stocks. This is all part of the
process of repricing risk and adjusting values more
realistically. In this process, investors with long term
horizons will continue to be rewarded.
Abner, Herrman
& Brock Asset Management
Founded in
1981, Abner, Herrman & Brock Asset Management manages
portfolios individually structured to assist each client
in achieving their investment objectives. Stock
portfolios are managed utilizing a Core Equity
philosophy, investing in both large capitalization value
and growth disciplines with an objective of long-term,
after-tax appreciation and below market volatility.
Portfolios are diversified across economic sectors,
industries and companies. Bond portfolios are managed
to provide a high rate of current income. Portfolios
are invested in staggered maturities of U.S. Treasury,
government agency and investment-grade corporate bonds
and where appropriate, investment-grade municipal bonds.
Portfolio managers are available to meet with clients
upon request.
Please visit
our web site at
www.ahbi.com for a
more detailed description of our investment
Philosophy, Process and People. |
|
Our Preview of Active Lifestyle Communities |
State: VA
(End of Oct. 2008)
City: Prince George
Community Name: Tinsley Charter
Age Restriction: 55 +
Type of Home: Single Family, Villas
Home Square Footage: 1470 - 2400 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: Mid $200's
Number of Homes: 230
Amenities: Maintenance Free, Clubhouse, walking trails,
putting green, two ponds, swimming pool, age
qualification of 55-years or older.
State: NC
City: Derita
Community Name: McKee Place
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Townhomes
Home Square Footage: 2323 - 2345 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $261,000 - $266,000
Number of Homes: 53
Amenities: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park
adjacent to the community or take advantage of the wide
variety of fine dining and upscale shops in the area.
McKee Place is conveniently located just 1 mile off of
Providence Road, 1.5 miles from I-485, and 9 miles from
uptown Charlotte.
State: NC
City: Mooresville
Community Name: Emerald Green Village
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 1224 - 2376 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $194,500 - $329,900
Number of Homes: 56
Amenities: Located close to major shopping,
restaurants, medical facilities, a public golf course
near by. The amenities are by a group activity director
with social activities that are both inside and outside
the community.
State: NC
City: Mooresville
Community Name: Villages at isle of Pines
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 1517 - 2694 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $249,500 - $383,500
Number of Homes: 24
Amenities: Walking Trails and Natural Areas, Private
Community, Nearby you'll find: Golf, Sailing, Fishing,
Powerboating, Professional Sports, Concerts, Theater,
Museums, Shopping and Fine Dining, Healthcare and
Services,
Memberships available at The Point Lake and Golf Club
State: MO
City: Cottleville
Community Name: Villas at Crimson Oaks
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Condominiums
Home Square Footage: 1650 - 2030 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $248,500 - $321,000
Number of Homes: 64
Amenities: None
State: MO
(Coming Soon)
City: Wildwood
Community Name: Homestead Estates
Age Restriction: Luxury
Type of Home: Single Family, Homesites
Home Square Footage: 2747 - 5063 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $769,500 - $991,500
Number of Homes: 60
Amenities: Will have amenities coming soon, will build
when community is done.
State: CO
City: Loveland
Community Name: Seven Lakes
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family, Patio Homes
Home Square Footage: 3696 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $288,400 - $393,484
Number of Homes: 130
Amenities: Maintenance free home, winding recreation
paths throughout Seven Lakes, connecting the
neighborhood with Seven Lakes Park, Boyd Lake State
Park, and the Loveland recreation trail system. You’re
close to all the conveniences like, shopping, hospitals,
and highways are all just minutes away.
State: CO
City: Windsor
Community Name: Highland Meadows Golf
Age Restriction: Golf Course
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 2672 - 3331 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $298,900 - $544,900
Number of Homes: 300
Amenities: A magnificent, full-service clubhouse with
the 18-hole championship golf course, a community
swimming pool provides relief for summer heat, over 30
acres of open space let you get away from everything,
State: GA
City: Greensboro
Community Name: Hidden Harbor at Harbor Club
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 2000 - 3500 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: Low $300's
Number of Homes: 78
Amenities: Gated Entry with Security Guard, Golf Course
Ranked in Georgia’s Top 8 Courses, Clubhouse with Pro
Shop and fabulous Restaurant, Tennis Courts, practice
before going out to golf on the Putting Green, Swimming
Pool,
Boat Dock Access, 9 Miles Lake Oconee Shoreline,
Maintenance Friendly Exteriors.
State: GA
City: Smyrna
Community Name: Magnolias at Barnes Mill
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family, Villas, Townhomes
Home Square Footage: 1721 - 3560 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $219,000 - $400,000
Number of Homes: 210
Amenities: Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, 4 Tennis Courts
and Convenient Walking & Biking Trails, 50 Acres of
Greenspace with Winding Sidewalks, An Active
Neighborhood Association with Covenants and Restrictions
to Protect your Investment.
State: IN
City: Carmel
Community Name: Westwood Estates
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family, Lots
Home Square Footage: 1823 - 3378 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $75,000 - $250,000
Number of Homes: 53
Amenities: We have 3 lakes, putting green, a relaxing
gazebo, and enjoy a stroll with a loved one or a friend
on the walking trail.
State: IN
City: Avon
Community Name: Grant Park - The Parks at Prestwick
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Ranch Homes, Townhomes
Home Square Footage: 1340 - 1978 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $139,990 - $170,990
Number of Homes: 110
Amenities: Maintenance free means no mowing, raking,
shoveling, no worries. No real amenities in this
community.
State: IN
City: Greenfield
Community Name: Summerset of Greenfield
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 1230 - 1627 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $162,000 - $186,500
Number of Homes: 53
Amenities: Included is the lawn care and snow removal to
ensure our residents have the best in low maintenance
and high satisfaction living.
No other amenities at this time.
State: TX
City: Willis
Community Name: Texas National
Age Restriction: Golf Course
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 1659 - 2233 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $140,000 - $200,000
Number of Homes: 375
Amenities: Texas National’s par 72, 18 hole course is
located on the highest plateau in the Greater Houston
area. All eighteen (18) holes are a challenge to the
low handicapped, yet the The golf course features 6,700
yards of lush greens which includes a full service
Clubhouse, Pro Shop and a Meeting and Banquet room.
State: CA
City: Carlsbad
Community Name: Match Play at La Costa
Age Restriction: Golf Course
Type of Home: Condominiums
Home Square Footage: 1568 - 1760 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $789,900 - $889,900
Number of Homes: 8
Amenities: Condos are fully-prepped for wheelchair
access, secure underground parking, professional
landscaping, incredible views, private storage rooms,
Fairway frontage at world famous La Costa Resort & Spa
Golf Course.
State: FL
City: New Port Richey
Community Name: Cross Creek at Summertree
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Ranch Homes
Home Square Footage: 1902 - 2049 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: Low $200's
Number of Homes: 49
Amenities: Close to Expressway, Shopping, Has a
Community Clubhouse, Conservation Area, Fitness Room,
Nine-hole golf course and billiard room Heated Pool and
Spa, Tennis Courts, Bocce Ball Courts, Shuffleboard,
Billiards room and a Ballroom.
Located approximately 4 miles West of the Suncoast
Parkway
State: ON, Canada
City: Peterborough
Community Name: Westview Village
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Condominiums
Home Square Footage: 1087 - 1446 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $234,000 - $309,000
Number of Homes: 80
Amenities:
Steps away from your front door, you’ll find a
hospital, a community college, various sports venues,
shopping, fine golf courses and 8 acres of green space
so you can walk along the trails, putt on the putting
green and enjoy the natural surroundings.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Woodstock
Community Name: Villages of Sally Creek
Age Restriction: Golf Course
Type of Home: Single Semi-Detached, Townhomes, Mid-Rise
Condominiums
Home Square Footage: 1150 - 2234 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $229,000 - $339,000
Number of Homes: 450
Amenities: Green landscape, clear creek, the Sally Creek
Golf Course, nature lovers will enjoy the trails for
jogging, biking and hiking within this adult-lifestyle
community.
Fully equipped community centre with indoor pool, sauna,
exercise facilities, greenhouse solarium, games room,
library and computer lab, crafts room and workshops.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Markham
Community Name: Swan Lake Village
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: English Cottage Style Bungalows
Home Square Footage: 1500 - 2390 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $403,000 - $644,000
Number of Homes: 700
Amenities: We have a Clubhouse, Tennis Courts, Pool and
endless activities for you and your friends to enjoy.
We also have an indoor pool, sauna, fitness studio, a
cozy lounge with fireplace, game room and a crafts room,
and a wrap-around terrace that overlooks the lake. In
the nearby village we have a restaurant, shops, pubs and
our famous Farmers Market.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Beamsville
Community Name: Royal Orchard Estates
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Attached Bungalows
Home Square Footage: 1141 - 1225 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $219,900 - $250,000
Number of Homes: 54
Amenities: Beamsville's downtown has much to offer like
shopping, dining, fine local wineries, walking trails,
as well as many fine shops and restaurants just outside
of Beamsville, all of which are close. You can be
sitting down to a meal overlooking the lake at the
Lakehouse Restaurant in about 5 minutes.
State: ON,
Canada
City: London
Community Name: Coventy Walk
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Bungalow, Condominiums
Home Square Footage: 1220 - 2163 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $220,000 - $320,000
Number of Homes: 115
Amenities: Lavish indoor pool, fully equipped exercise
room, library, putting green, and very well groomed
ponds.
State: ON,
Canada
City: London
Community Name: Riverbend Golf Community
Age Restriction: Golf Course
Type of Home: Single Family, Villas
Home Square Footage: 1478 - 2548 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $214,600 - $363,500
Number of Homes: 140
Amenities: Golf at your back door. Gated for privacy
and fully maintained for your convenience. 400 acres of
gently rolling hills on the western edge of London,
Ontario, RiverBend's golf course, Clubhouse - 28,000 sq.
ft. of first class dining and fitness facilities and a
beautiful saltwater pool, a place where residents can
share a new experience every day.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Welland
Community Name: Residences of Lochness Links
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Bungalows, Townhomes
Home Square Footage: 1120 - 1715 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $247,900 - $321,900
Number of Homes: 100 +
Amenities: Gardening in your backyard, join friends
for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, gathering
for a game of bridge or drinks in front of the
fireplace, enjoy the club and community centre
privileges including tennis, indoor swimming pool,
whirlpool and sauna, a fully equipped fitness centre,
billiards room and more. Maintenance fee ensures your
lawn is cut and snow is shoveled all year round.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Flamborough
Community Name: Antrim Glen
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Single Family
Home Square Footage: 923 - 1524 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $169,000 - $254,000
Number of Homes: 200
Amenities: This 10,000 sq. ft. recreation facility
features banquet, billiard and games rooms, as well as
an aerobics area, sauna, jacuzzi, and outdoor swimming
pool. A short drive away you can take in a round of golf
at one of the 18 different golf courses, go for a hike
along the Bruce Trail, enjoy a picnic lunch at Webster's
Falls, or browse through the many antique shops and
farmer's markets. Also relax and enjoy not having to cut
grass and shovel snow while this is all taken care of
for you.
State: ON,
Canada
City: Vineland
Community Name: Cherry Hill at Vineland
Age Restriction: Active Adult
Type of Home: Bungalows, Bungalofts
Home Square Footage: 1000 - 1750 Sq. Ft.
Priced from: $179,900 - $299,000
Number of Homes: 216
Amenities: Enjoy on average, 255 growing days a year,
also enjoy on average, 180+ frost-free days a year, and
210 days of sunshine a year Within a 20
minute drive from Cherry Hill are all the amenities,
such as Cultural, Shopping, Medical/Dental, and the
fabulous Wine Culture. Bruce Trail, the Niagara
River and the Welland Canal has the popular recreational
trail system. The Niagara Escarpment is one of Canada’s
most scenic landforms. The Greater Niagara Circle Route
links all of the Region’s recreational corridors, for
the joggers, walkers and cyclists alike. Camp, swim,
fish, hike and picnic in our many conservation areas and
nature reserves. Our long growing season, you can also
pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables at many of our
local farms, several of which are less than 5 minutes
from Cherry Hill at Vineland.
For many more
new communities
click here |
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Sponsors |
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Reader's Corner |
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Hello!
Welcome to our new expanded Reader’s Corner. I have been
receiving lots of questions, some of them similar, so I thought
maybe others might benefit from knowing the answers. Please
continue writing in with queries, types of articles you’d like
to see, details about your search for an active adult community
or just amuse us with your humorous stories. I appreciate it!
From
Joanne in MA: How do I find a single story active adult
community home in the lower part of my State?
A: Go to the web page at
www.activeadultliving.com and scroll down to the state you
are looking for. Click on the state and a list of communities
will appear in alphabetical order by city. Then click on the
city you are interested in and you can read a description. From
there, if you have more questions you can fill out a form with
your question or on some pages there are phone numbers and
e-mail addresses listed.
From
Linda: What does an age restricted active adult community mean?
A: When a community is listed as age restricted (usually 55+)
it means that the properties are meant for persons around that
age and up. This allows for an adult only community usually
with no children. Active means it is meant for medically
independent persons who are interested in finding onsite or
nearby activities to make for an active lifestyle.
From
Robert in California: I would like to see a state article on
Oregon. Will that be coming up soon?
A: The editorial calendar is done several months in advance for
our own planning purposes. I will make note of your request
when I update that calendar again.
Thanks again to all who wrote in. Have a great month everyone!
Dee Chandler
Editor
Dee@ActiveAdultLiving.com |
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Birthday Corner |
Dates In History
-
Oct. 27, 1904
New York Subway opened
-
Oct. 28, 1886
State of Liberty was dedicated by Grover Cleveland
-
Oct. 30, 1938
Orson Welles stirred a panic with the radio broadcast of
War of the Worlds
-
Nov. 8, 1793
originally a royal residence the Louvre opens as a
museum
-
Nov. 11, 1918
WWI ended
October Birthdays Of Note
-
Oct. 27,
1939 John Cleese
-
Nov. 2, 1734
Daniel Boone
-
Nov. 14,
Prince Charles
-
Nov. 17, 1942
Martin Scorcese
Don’t forget the birthdays and other
occasions of your friends and family.
Stay
on top of birthdays and special events for friends and
family by using the free online reminders service
from American Greetings! It's easy to create an online
calendar for free and get automatic reminders sent to your
email for birthdays, anniversaries and more! Plus,
AmericanGreetings.com has a wide selection of birthday
ecards and printable birthday cards
you can personalize and send. Become a member today and
send unlimited cards free for 30 days!
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Active Lifestyle FOR SALE BY OWNER
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