Keep Abita Beautiful Leads the Way in Litter Prevention and Community Improvement

The Town of Abita Springs may be small, but its spirit of environmental stewardship is mighty, thanks to the local organization Keep Abita Beautiful. Since its establishment in 2018, this group has garnered significant recognition for its dedication to litter prevention and community betterment, earning awards, grants, and praise for its innovative programs aimed at creating positive change in their town, state, and beyond.

Recently, Keep Abita Beautiful was one of twelve organizations in Louisiana to receive a Healthy Communities Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The $7,912 grant is funding several impactful initiatives to address litter and promote sustainable waste management. Sandra Slifer, the nonprofit’s president, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its role in fostering environmental responsibility and community engagement.

The grant is supporting multiple projects, including the design and construction of permanent anti-littering signs, sponsorship of two glass recycling events, and the purchase of new recycling cans marked with clear decals for proper waste sorting. Additionally, signage for three key programs of Keep Abita Beautiful is being developed to further their mission of environmental education.

The benefits of these efforts were already evident during the Abita Fall Fest on October 11 and 12. Volunteers from Keep Abita Beautiful utilized the new recycling cans to collect and recycle approximately 30 cubic yards of waste, demonstrating the tangible impact of their work in real-time.

Educational programs are a cornerstone of Keep Abita Beautiful’s mission. Their “Recycle What?!” initiative simplifies recycling for the community by clarifying which items can be recycled, reducing confusion and encouraging participation. From cleaning supplies to personal care items, residents are guided to save these items for designated recycling days instead of discarding them as trash.

The organization’s Better Choices Initiative highlights waste reduction strategies shared by locals, inspiring others to adopt similar practices. For instance, they encourage using reusable containers for leftovers at restaurants, showcasing simple but effective ways to minimize waste.

Puppets with Purpose is another standout project. Originally created by Keep Mandeville Beautiful, this program continues to thrive in Abita Springs. Through engaging puppet shows featuring original scripts and songs, young audiences learn about the importance of litter prevention and recycling. These performances, held at schools, farmers markets, and other venues, make environmental education entertaining and accessible for all ages.

Keep Abita Beautiful’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener community is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts. By combining education, innovation, and volunteerism, they demonstrate that small towns can lead the way in making a big environmental impact.

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Builder News

The Southern Hotels’ New Addition to Gloriette

Gloriette is the newly renovated restaurant located in The Southern Hotel in Covington. The restaurant will now have a new chef. The new executive chef will be Alex Harrell.

Harrell is no novice to the industry as he comes from the Virgin Hotel’s restaurant Commons Club. Before that, he was well known for his own restaurant Angeline and was also the executive chef at Hotel Peter & Paul in Marigny. He is excited to be on the Northshore so he will be closer to more of his vendors.

“It gets me closer to some of the farmers that are on the north shore and explore what’s there for growers and producers. It’s an opportunity to explore a different part of the area and meet and get to know a different part of the clientele,” Harrell explains.

Gloriette has a perfect local atmosphere that just gushes Southern Louisiana. This makes it a perfect place for locals to go for a night out on the town. The food is a nice mix between classic French and contemporary Louisiana flavors. It has a nice garden theme that blends into the hotel setting.

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Builder News

Purchasing An Investment Property or Second Home

This custom built home is close to New Orleans in Covington.

A great way to invest in real estate is in either a second home or an investment property. This type of real estate is a sound and profitable way to build wealth and generate a passive income. Fixed mortgage rates keep mortgage payments the same each month, so investors can predict their cost and profit. There is a risk with investment properties, so consider these four tips to find out if you are ready to purchase an investment or a second home.

Be sure to do your research and get advice

Like any decision, you will want to do your research before making the decision to purchase. There are many factors you will need to consider such as the condition of the property, location, and the area’s demand for rentals. Before you take a step, do your due diligence when it comes to your finances. You will want to make sure your income can support two mortgages even if you plan on renting your second investment. Also keep in mind that there will be additional expenses such as home repairs, maintenance, and furnishings.

Budget for the expected and the unexpected

Second properties have some expenses that are different than your primary home. If you purchase a second property either to sell for a profit or rent, many areas have permitting fees and additional taxes for investment properties. Remember to work with a tax preparer who will help you with capital gains or an increase in income.

Knowing when the time is right

Right now home prices are rising, so you may be able to use the equity on your primary home to pay for your second home. This can be done through a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. A cash-out refinance is the most popular choice. There are no limitations on what you can use the money for. A home equity line of credit is secured by your primary home’s collateral. Right now is a great time to take advantage of these types of financing with such low rates.

Understand how you plan to use the second home

Either way, you need to speak with a mortgage lender whether you a using the second property for rental income or a second residence. Lenders follow the guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that you are able to afford both mortgages. There are different terms you must meet to be approved for a mortgage on a second home.

If the property will be a renovation or resell you will more than likely have to pay a higher downpayment and interest rates. Lenders take more of a risk when they lend money to someone who is purchasing a second home or investment property. Do not plan on trying to obtain a VA or FHA because these two types of loans cannot be used on second properties.

Not only do you want to secure a lender, but also secure a Realtor to help you with your purchase. A realtor can navigate the purchase from searching for your second home to closing the deal.

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