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Turkey Trots

2020 Turkey Trots are still a go for this Thanksgiving. Here is a list of in-person and virtual events you can be a part of.

STATEWIDE

The Turkey Trot Challenge was created by The Virtual Run Challenge in 2018. As Turkey Trot runs and races are wildly popular among runners of all ages and skill levels, the same goes for our popular Thanksgiving run event, the Turkey Trot Challenge, which is not much different except for one thing, the Turkey Trot Race is a virtual Thanksgiving race.

THE VALLEY

Anthem AZ Turkey Trot – Get off the couch and join us at the 18th Annual Anthem Turkey Trot. Beginning and ending at the Anthem Community Center, this rolling course winds through the beautiful Anthem community in the shadow of Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak. Make this family friendly event part of your Thanksgiving tradition.

Arizona Road Racers Thanksgiving Classic in Peoria- Begin your Thanksgiving celebration with a great race while helping a great cause. This event features three distances: 10 Mile, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run. All three races start and finish at the Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 North 83rd Ave in Peoria. Members: Your ARR member discount will show on your total during checkout. If you do not see the membership discount, it may be due to a mismatch in your name, email or birth date compared to what is stored in the membership database.

Fat Turkey Trail Run in Tempe – Why come run the Fat Turkey Trail Run? Because you’ve eaten too much, because it’s in the red rocks of Papago Park, because it’s on the trails, because more than a 10k is too far when you’re this full, and because RUNNING IS FUN! Come race the Turkey (or at least someone dressed like one) on the trails of Papago Park. This fun and enjoyable trail turkey trot is great for the whole family. 

The Fountain Hills Turkey Trot Fun Run & Fitness Walk is are celebrating 30 years of trotting! Fountain Hills Community Services Department would like to invite residents and visitors to take part in the 30th Annual Turkey Trot Fun Run. Join us on Thanksgiving morning for a great Fountain Hills tradition and get some exercise before you hit the mashed potatoes and gravy!

Gilbert Turkey Trot has decided to move forward with the Virtual Gilbert Turkey Trot 9.5 – everyone gathering with their families on a smaller scale and having mini-races anywhere you want. This means next year when we’re able to gather together, we can have a large party celebrating our 10th anniversary – you won’t want to miss it!

Laveen Turkey Trot The Laveen Turkey Trot has a 5K, 10K, and 1-Mile course options for runners to take part in. Whether you are running to win or doing a fun, leisurely run or walk, you are sure to enjoy the beauty of the South Mountain, the Sierra Estrella Mountain ranges, Cesar Chavez Park, and Alvord Lake with its very own island.

The Mesa Turkey Trot 10K & Fun Runs are professionally timed and have a great family theme! We have over 2,000 participate in the 10K event, with over 1,000 participating in the 1 and 2 mile run runs before the 10K event. Many 10K runners cover the Fun Run with family before the main event, adding to the community and family feel of this traditional event. The 10K is run on the roads around Red Mountain Park in East Mesa, AZ, finishing in the center of the park. This will be a live event.

The Phoenician Turkey Trot 5K – Join this Thanksgiving for our annual Turkey Trot 5k run + walk! Wind your way through our newly renovated golf course, which highlights the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Race starts promptly at 7:30am. Costumes are encouraged!

Phoenix Turkey Trot – Join us by sharing miles together while miles apart! The Phoenix Turkey Trot virtual event will take place between November 23, 2020 thru November 29, 2020. 

Run, Turkey, Run 5K / 1 mile in Buckeye – This event has not yet been approved by the city of Buckeye.  They are waiting on approval/cancellation. If you register, and the event does not get approved you can defer to 2021 or you can get a refund minus the processing fees. Join Thanksgiving morning at the Annual Verrado Turkey Trot; Run, Turkey, Run! This mixed elevation course winds through the beautiful Verrado community at the base of the White Tank Mountains. Bring the whole family out for this fun, family-friendly event! (No pets please.)

Scottsdale Turkey Trot Virtual Challenge – Thanksgiving is a time for feasting with company and reflecting on all that we’re grateful for. But before all that comes the tradition of putting on your autumn running gear and taking part in the nearest Turkey Trot. Whether you’re participating in an official race or just touring the neighborhood with family and friends, Thanksgiving dinner always tastes better when you’ve tired out your legs a little.

The Leftovers 10K / 5K Run / Walk in Tempe – Help Us Burn Off Our Leftovers While We Burn Off Yours!

Thanksgiving Day Classic – Spend part of your Thanksgiving celebration with a great race while helping a great cause. This virtual event features three distances: 10 Mile, 5K, and 1 mile fun run. You can start your race any time during the window from Thursday, November 26 to Saturday, November 28.

Tortoise and Hare Turkey Trot in Glendale- Join Thanksgiving morning for a fun 3.2 mile run or walk. Bring your family and friends for a great start to the eating season! Bring non-perishable canned good to be entered in a big boffo raffle.  All proceeds will go to a local food bank. This event will start and end at Tortoise and Hare Sports. Lite snacks and refreshments at the end.

NORTHERN ARIZONA

Campbell Scramble A new Flagstaff Summer Run Series race, the Campbell Scramble includes Virtual running for both ACTUAL Campbell Mesa, Flagstaff routes and ANYWHERE courses at 10K, 5K and 1 Mile distances. Honoring NACA – Native Americans for Community Action and specifically taking a cue from Tommy Rivers Puzey in designating the race beneficiary, we invite all to celebrate the spirit of community and love through running.    

JRD 5K Turkey Trot Burn off those Thanksgiving calories with your friends and family. Course is a 3.64 mile run or walk along the bike path. Run starts and ends at the Jerome Recreation District. Register by Friday, November 20th to be guaranteed a shirt on race day. You WILL NOT receive a shirt if you register after November 20th. All donation go to Martha and Mary Food Pantry. Please limit the amount of vegetables donated. Families in need cannot prepare adequate meals with only canned vegetables. The food pantry is needing more protein rich food, baby products, and paper products.

Payson Turkey Trot New to this year’s race is the option to participate in EITHER the 5k walk/run OR the 1 Mile walk/run! Whichever you choose, we know you’ll have a great time! Pre-register through 11/17, or on site if space permits. Those who register after 11/8 may receive their sweatshirt AFTER race day.

Pre Thanksgiving Day Bartlett Lake Triathlon adult Olympic Triathlon PLUS 2000 m Swim, 37.6 mi Bike, 6.2 mi Run, Olympic Triathlon 1500 m Sw,, 24.8 Mi.Bike, 6.2 Mi Run,  Sprint Triathlon, 500 m Swim, 12.8 mi Bike; 2.2 mi Run, Adult Aqua Bike: 1500 m. swim, 12.8 mi bike, Sprint Duathlon: 2.2mi. Run, 12.8 mi. bike, 2.2 mi. run, Olympic two or three person Relay teams = Same distances as Olympic listed

Sedona Turkey Trot – Join us for the 11th edition of the Sedona Turkey Trot 5k! Run a beautiful 5k surrounded by the majestic red rocks of Sedona, then promptly stuff your face with as much pumpkin pie as you can handle. The start and finish will be at Posse Grounds Park in Sedona, AZ. There is ample parking in the lot across from the skate park.

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

2020 Turkey Trit 5K/10K in Yuma – Join family, friends, and your community the morning of November 14 for a quick run, jog, or walk along the Gateway Park path and under the Ocean to Ocean Bridge.

Pima Turkey Trot – Join on Thanksgiving Day for the 15th Annual Pima Turkey Trot!

#RunMarana Virtual Turkey Trot The Town of Marana has partnered with On Your Left Fitness to host this year’s VIRTUAL Marana Turkey Trot. Just like Thanksgiving dinner, the Marana Turkey Trot has become a local tradition. In 2020 we are going virtual, meaning you can challenge friends and family from anywhere to RUN now and GOBBLE later. Run, walk or trot your course anytime between November 1st and November 30th. USE COUPON CODE “TROT2020” FOR $5 OFF PER PARTICIPANT

Thanksgiving Cross Country Classic 5K and 1.5M Fun Run in Tucson is going virtual! Our first and foremost concern is your safety. Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, be part of this Thanksgiving tradition! We offer two course options for you this year. Option 1 is our traditional cross country course on grass and dirt. Unfortunately the hay-bales and water-jumps will not be on the course this year but with permission of Tucson Parks and Recreation, the course will be marked! The 5K course will be two loops and the 1.5 Mile course will be one loop. Course starts near Ramada #10 at the southwest corner of Reid Park, at 22nd Street and Country Club. Option 2 is for you to run the course of your choice. Run or walk your course between Saturday November 21st and Sunday November 29th. Post your results by midnight on Sunday, November 29th, for entry into the raffle drawings! 

Tubac Turkey Trot – Join the 8th Annual Tubac Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving at the Governor’s Mansion, Barrio de Tubac, for a 5K run or 2.5K walk.

October 31, 2020 by
Business, Education, Life, Real Estate

A message from our Director of Marketing, Nadine-Angela Sciarani

On Sunday we learned of an extremely hateful and racist video that was posted to social media showing one of our inactive Independent Contractors, Paul Ng, demonstrating abhorrent, unacceptable behavior. Upon learning of this video we took immediate action in severing his license, terminating his involvement with us effective immediately and condemning his disgusting  behavior. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty does not, and will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. Period. Never has. Never will.  

We have notified the Arizona Department of Real Estate pertaining to his severance as well as Sotheby’s International Realty, the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS, ARMLS and National Association of REALTORS. In addition, we are notifying the Arizona Department of Real Estate of Ng’s behavior with the recommendation that his license be revoked. 

Though Ng had not sold a home with us in two years, commissions we find going back further than that will be donated to local charities. 

Nadine-Angela Sciarani, Director of Marketing for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

October 26, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Fitness, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Homegating 2020

With attendance at sports events on hold, “home-gating” is the new tailgating and no one effortlessly combines outdoor entertaining with luxury-living like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate presents its most lavish top “home-gating” properties.   Six reasons that make “home-gating” the new alternative to traditional tailgating in 2020.   

The first stop on the exclusive “home-gating” tour is a 5 bed 7.5 bath one-level home in Desert Mountain. Located at 42725 N 102nd St, this property is listed at $10,999,999 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Tami Henderson. Dissappearing Glass Walls between the backyard and the kitchen, dining, and living rooms along with a 25-meter infinity pool, rainfall water feature and linear fire pit will keep guests entertained for hours at this exquiste estate that spares no expense on its grandeur and awe-factor. 

Next on the tour head north to Flagstaff, Arizona for a rare and beautifully built Dennis Dixon home that sits on 2.23 tree covered acres.  Offering the ideal outdoor space for entertaining, the home is located at 1485 Tolchaco Rd.  The 5 bed 4.5 bath home is listed at $1,600,00 by Agent’s Valerie Core, and Freddi Paulsrud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and boasts a full bar with an abundance of outdoor entertainment space for guests. From the moment guests walk through the grand archway, they will be greeted with soaring 19-foot ceilings on their way to one of many entertainment spaces, including a private guest retreat. 

The third stop on the “home-gating” tour takes us to Tucson for a Santa Barabara style home. The 3 bed 3 bath home, listed at $1,595,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Susanne Grogan, boasts an a generous Chef’s kitchen that includes Quartz counters and a full butler’s pantry for the ultimate“home-gate.” Located at 2255 E Ambassador Ct., the home also includes sprawling entertaining spaces outside  with a covered outdoor seating and built-in BBQ that opens to the dining area and kitchen, allowing for inside-outside entertainment space. 

Back in the Valley, the fourth stop on the tour on showcases at an exquisite Spanish Colonia Candelaria designed estate in Paradise Valley. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Michel Edery is offering this grand estate at 5239 E Roadrunner Rd for $3,000,000. Among the other jaw dropping amenities, the 7 bed 6.5 bath estate offers the ultimate rooftop “home-gating” experience. Sports fans can enjoy the breathtaking nearby mountain views by while enjoying a full kitchen and bar setting under the stars.  There’s also an adjacent home theatre when ready to head indoors.

Host the “home-gate” of your dreams at 23035 N Church Rd in Scottsdale. The 7 bed 10 bath estate sits on over 8 acres with an array of outdoor entertainment. Listed at $7,299,000 by agents, Frank Aazami and David Mayo of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the secluded estate is home to fire pits, an outdoor tennis court, pools, and a full outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Be the envy of all “home-gaters” at this exquisite property.  After watching the big game, guests can also head to the wine room for a 2006 Bordeaux or take a break at the putting green, and relax in the steam shower. 

The final stop on the tour brings us to 19042 N 102nd St, a 4 bed 7.5 bath Bing Hu designed Custom Home in Scottsdale. Listed at $5,900,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Chey Castro this high-end estate can host a variety of “home-gates”. Whether in the movie theater, or in the luxurious outside seating area, enjoy a breath-taking upstairs bar that opens to a 1,000-square-feet of covered patio space with a fireplace and incredible views of the city lights. 

View more homes to homegate at here

October 16, 2020 by
Business, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life

Jeff Fields Wins National Award for Preventing Teen Suicide

The National Association of Realtors® today announced Jeff Fields, with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale, as one its five 2020 Good Neighbor Award winners. As a volunteer and past board president of nonprofit Teen Lifeline, Fields has served more than 28,000 youth through a peer-to-peer teen crisis hotline while providing community education on suicide prevention.

NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards honor 10 Realtors® annually for making an extraordinary impact on their communities through volunteer work. Over the past 21 years, the Good Neighbor Awards program has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants to more than 200 Realtor®-led nonprofits. Their impact has been felt in 40 states, 15 countries and in Puerto Rico. 

Our Good Neighbor Award winners leave a remarkable impact on their communities every year, but everything these Realtors® have done in 2020 is even more impressive and more commendable. I am proud to honor Jeff Fields for dedicating his time and passion to giving hope to teens who had none.” 

NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, Calif.

Fields became passionate about saving teens from what he calls “the most preventable death” after losing several friends to suicide. To read his full story, go to magazine.realtor/JeffFields.   

With the award, Fields will receive a $10,000 grant for his charity and will be featured in the November-December issue of Realtor® Magazine. In lieu of the traditional ceremony held every year at the REALTORS® Conference and Expo, each winner will also be honored by their local Realtor® associations over the coming months. 

October 7, 2020 by
Art, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Life

PUMPKIN PATCHES in Arizona

Many of your favorite pumpkin patches and corn mazes are open this fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic and you can still hunt for your favorite pumpkin for your decorating and carving goals.

  • Vertuccio Farms – “Your Destination for Farm-Friendly, Family Fun”
    • Located at 4011 S Power Road, Mesa, Arizona
    • The corn maze is open from October 1st to November 1st.
    • Monday-Thursday 9am – 9pm
    • Friday-Saturday 9am – 10pm
    • Sunday 10am – 6pm
  • Schnepf Farms – Pumpkin and Chili Party
    • 24810 S Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, Arizona
    • Open from October 1st to November 1st.
    • Thursdays –  1:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Fridays –  10:00am – 10:00pm (Mask Required from 10am-2pm) 
    • Saturdays – 10:00am -10:00pm
    • Sundays – 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Mother Nature’s Farm– Brooke’s Pumpkin Patch
    • 1663 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233
    • September 26th – October 31st
    • Monday – Sunday 9AM to 9PM
  • Macdonald’s Ranch
    • 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona
    • October 3rd – November 1st
    • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Closed on Tuesdays
  • Tolmachoff Farms – Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze
    • 5726 N. 75th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona
    • Open from October 1st to November 1st
    • Monday & Tuesday closed 
    • Wednesday – Thursday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm 
    • Friday 12:00 noon – 11:00 pm 
    • Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm 
    • Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm 
  • Pumpkin Nights – At the Princess
    • 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 
    • Open from September 17 – October 31
    • Sept. 17 – Oct. 4 | Thursday-Sunday Nights 
    • Oct. 7 – 11 | Wednesday-Sunday Nights
    • Oct. 14 – 31 | Nightly
    • Weekdays | 5 – 10 PM
    • Sat. & Sun. | 4 – 10 PM
  • Halloween Town AZ – Pumpkin Patch
    • 4568 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032
    • October 22-31, 2020
    • Thursdays & Fridays, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    • Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Mortimer Farms – Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
    • 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey, AZ
    • September 18th – November 1st
    • 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Marana Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
    • 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey, AZ
    • October 3rd – October 31st
    • Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
    • Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
October 1, 2020 by
Business, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Jennifer Courtney

Lisa Wadey's head shot

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Jennifer Courtney, to the Camelback Tower office.  Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate Advisors strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Born and raised in Kansas City, Jennifer Courtney takes pride in combining her midwest roots with her adaptation to the sunny southwest. With an unrivaled work ethic and pursuit for greatness, Jennifer received her formal education from the University of Kansas, with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. 

An avid animal lover, Jennifer takes great pride in her two Japanese Chins, Jerry and Apple. 

Having relocated to Scottsdale 11 years ago, Jennifer has made luxury residential real estate her passion. A love of her community, mixed with her desire for sharing her knowledge of the area and her love of the unique desert landscape make Jennifer an obvious choice for your real estate goals and ambitions. With a background of over 10 years in the medical field, Jennifer has a desire for not only helping others, but for the details that are involved. No stone left unturned, each transaction will be carefully planned out and her clients will always be educated about their options. Jennifer is an excellent choice to guide you through what is likely to be the biggest transaction of your life. Her savviness of technology, mixed with her genuinely caring personality, make her the ideal candidate to represent you.

Jennifer’s confidence and ingenuity make her a natural for this business.Her passion for helping clients and attention to detail is evident. We look forward to the next stages of her career now that she’s partnered with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Sherri monteith, Managing Broker
July 30, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, COVID-19, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Sells Ahmers Nest

The luxury contemporary home sold for $5.5 million

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is excited to announce its agents represented both sides of the all-time record price sale in Fountain Hills.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty team Pellegrini & DeGeorge Partners Susan Pellegrini, Karen DeGeorge and Tony Pellegrini represented the sellers while Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agent Dave Pattison represented the buyer in the $5.5 million sale of Ahmers Nest located at 13950 Bighorn Parkway, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268.

The record sale shows Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and Pellegrini & DeGeorge Partners’ prowess in Fountain Hills. 

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Fountain Hills office is number one in the submarket for sales volume year-to-date with 13.8 percent of the luxury market (sales of $800,000 and above). The Fountain Hills office is also number one in the submarket year-over-year with 15.8 percent of luxury sales.

“We worked hard to sell this one-of-a-kind property. It shows Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and our team of brokers are the dominant force in the attractive Fountain Hills submarket,” Susan Pellegrini said.

The 10,480-square-foot home has 5-bedrooms and 7-bathrooms. “The contemporary gem sits on top of its mountain in Fountain Hills with incredible views and imported finishes,” Karen DeGeorge said.

Tony Pellegrini worked closely with the owner learning the intricacies of the property and said “I have never seen so much attention to detail poured into the design of a property, especially when paired with a one of a kind hilltop parcel.”

Dave Pattison also specializes in luxury listings throughout Arizona. “This one-of-kind home offered astounding views, a prime Fountain Hills location and the quality the buyers were looking for,” Pattison said. 

July 14, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Augmented Reality, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Technology

5 Incredible Places You Can Visit Virtual Right Now

with Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s summertime and you may have had travel plans that got canceled or postponed. Staying home doesn’t mean that you can’t still be well traveled; from UNESCO World Heritage sites like Machu Picchu to world-class zoos and aquariums, here are five incredible places you can visit right now from the comfort of your own home.

Machu Picchu

The first stop on our virtual vacation is the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Built in the 15th century, you can tour the citadel ruins and restorations with guided audio to give you important details along the way.

The Georgia Aquarium

Did you know that some studies show that visiting an aquarium can relieve stress? Featured on Animal Planet’s hit show “The Aquarium,” bring the Georgia Aquarium into your living room with one of its many live tank cams and relax as you watch colorful fish, otters, reptiles, and more.

Arches National Park

The United States is home to many wonderous national parks – more than 400 in total. With the help of Google Earth, travel the deserts of Utah and see Arches National Park where you can virtually walk through some of the more than 2,000 sandstone arches that are the area’s namesake.

The San Diego Zoo

Looking for some one-on-one time with your favorite exotic animal? The San Diego Zoo in California has you covered. With 11 live camera feeds you can spend hours with pandas, tigers, giraffes, penguins and more.

The Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza

One is the only true remaining ancient wonder of the world and the other is an iconic ancient Egyptian structure. We of course, are talking about the Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza. Through Google Earth’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites project, these are just two of the 30 significant places you can visit.

July 12, 2020 by
Art, Audio, Business, Entertainment, Life, Multi Purpose, Music, Technology, Working From Home

Reel Life: 5 Ways to Bring the Theatre Experience Home

with Sotheby’s International Realty

By now, many of us have gone through many different phases while adapting to a “new normal” and we might be feeling seemingly more adjusted to our current reality. We’ve discussed finding creative ways to stay fit and ways to broaden our personal skillsets, and now we want to shift gears and offer suggestions for you to sit back and relax with your family. Here are five ways to enjoy culture and the arts from the comfort of our couches.

Get the Latest Release

Even with major theater chains around the world closing their doors and many film studios pushing back the release of blockbuster films, there are still many new movies that have seen earlier-than-expected digital releases – or in the case of Universal Picture’s “Trolls: World Tour” –  skipped a theatrical release altogether. Grab a seat, open up your favorite on-demand video service and enjoy these newly released films.

The Brightest Lights of Broadway

The energy of attending a live stage production is difficult to replicate, but with lights temporarily darkened on Broadway and other theater districts, BroadwayHD is streaming hundreds of shows for your theater-going pleasure. From “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera,” to the “King and I” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” take in some incredible performances of world-famous shows.

Sit in the Front Row

If stage productions or films aren’t what you’re looking for, you can always take a virtual front row seat at a concert. Billboard has an ever-expanding list of livestreams and concerts  streaming directly to your TV or mobile device. It’s also a great time to see what your favorite artists are up to on platforms like YouTube for rare and intimate performances from their personal spaces.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Now more than ever, you may begin to realize that your TV or sound system could use a refresh. Take a moment to visit the Wirecutter and browse recommendations for ways to spruce up your multimedia experience. Sometimes even simple and low-cost updates can yield fruitful results in making your living room feel more like a theater or event venue. 

Don’t Forget the Snacks

Whether it’s a movie in a standard cinema, an elevated dine-in, drinks during intermission or in between sets, the food and drink at a theater helps complete the experience. With food delivery services like Doordash, GrubHub, Amazon’s Whole Foods delivery and more – you can round out your virtual viewing with the same snacks you normally would to help make it feel more “real.”

It’s important to keep doing the things that you enjoy – even if you have to find new ways to do them while staying safely at home. Is there something else you’re doing to bring the theater home? Let us know in the comments and remember, we’re all in this together.

June 27, 2020 by
Business, COVID-19, Education, Life, Stress, Technology, Working From Home

5 Ways to Balance Working From Home and Homeschooling

by Sotheby’s International Realty

During the course of a typical day, parents juggle many tasks between home and work. These unprecedented times have parents stretched further than before—adding homeschooling to their long list of roles. As we all work through this new reality together, here are five ways to help manage your child’s educational needs while also working from home.

Set a Schedule

Whether your child is in pre-school or high school, they’re no doubt accustomed to being on a schedule inside the walls of their school – and there are benefits from that. Write the day’s schedule in a highly visible and highly trafficked place or use devices powered by Alexa or Google to set reminders. Among other things, this sets clear expectations for what can be expected for the day.

Take Breaks

Every household will be different – just like every child. It’s important to tailor your schedule and workload to what works for your family. That being said, everyone needs breaks. Grab a snack, cup of coffee or a breath of fresh air with your child to break up your day; enjoy the quality time. Studies show that taking breaks help our brains perform better.

Lean on Virtual Assistance

Managing screen time is a point of contention when it comes to the age of your child and how often they’re on their phone/tablet, but in these times it’s important to get help from where you can. Let people like renowned children’s author and artist Mo Willems teach art class, let celebrities handle story time, or call on Les Mills to proctor gym class. There are also a plethora of worksheets available from places like Lakeshore to keep the activities going while you get some work done.

Mix it Up

Schedules and a catalog of resources are great, but variety will keep your learners engaged d and stave off the much-maligned sentiment of, “I’m bored.” Talk to your child and determine what’s working – and what’s not – before venturing out of comfort zones. Is your child an avid reader? Try Oxford Owl to foster some alone-time with an age-tailored story. Looking for a more hands-on task? Make organizing socks, toys, pencils, or the pantry into a game.

Lower Expectations

At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and your family and that means you can’t guarantee anything. Don’t live in a world of absolutes – if a schedule that has treated you well falls apart for a few days, don’t fret; staying flexible will keep both you and your child more content in the long run.

We are not the experts here – we’re all in this together. Learn more about succeeding at this balancing act from Money, The Atlantic, and the BBC. Share what’s working for you in the comments.

April 26, 2020 by