ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The Thanksgiving buzz abounds in OBA!  Show respect to our military service men and women and their families as a form of thanksgiving for their sacrifices that our Nation may have freedom.   

Thankful for and welcoming the snowbirds that make Orange Beach their winter home. Thankful for the abilities of our youth which is brought to our attention this week in Savannah Descalzo who made the Gulf Shores High School Lady Dolphins’ Softball team. Congratulations Savannah!

Also thankful for the work Tim Hull, Automotive Instructor at South Baldwin Center for Technology, is accomplishing with his class being awarded 3rd in the State because they passed 40 Automotive Service Excellence tests. Tim works hard to teach these young people the skills necessary for them to be successful in their chosen fields, then these tests provide them the certifications proving they are ready to work.  Thanks to Tim and all of our teachers!

Congratulations to Executive Chef John Hamme of the Perdido Beach Resort as he was named the Hospitality Department Manager of the Year by the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance at the 15thAnnual Stars of the Industray Award Dinner in Auburn. Also. Executive Sous Chef Brandon Burleson of the PBR was named a finalist for Chef of the Year.  Thankful for such talented employees.

Orange Beach Fire and Police Departments are certainly reasons to be thankful. These men and women, with other city employees, were recognized at the monthly dinner of Orange Beach Community organization. This community dinner is the first Monday of each month, 6:00 pm, at the Community Center; bring a dish. 

Thanks to all who donated to the 2md Annual $25 Christmas for local children event at Fisher’s sponsored by Wildflowers last week. Local’s night for November 20th will be at the FloraBama Yacht Club so come out at 6pm to meet new friends. 

Thankful for the “Friends” organizations that support our community!  Consider joining the Friends of the Arts, Friends of the Library or Friends of the Wilderness Trail. All of these organizations are 501(c)3 non-profits and are eligible for donation tax deductions. Consider joining and donating to the organization of your choice.

Welcome Leaf Marine and Secure Vision to Canal Road. The Secure Vision Spark cars are running around town. Tool Expo has expanded and moved 3 doors down next to China King. Reflexions’ Christmas Tree is brightly shining. It is time to decorate homes and businesses.  

November 18 at 4:30 pm is Open House at Orange Grove located at C-side shops, 25122 Perdido Beach Boulevard. November 19 at 10:00 am is Ribbon Cutting at Columbia Southern University’s new building.  Ice Skating opens at The Wharf on November 28.  Kaiser Realty Coastal Half-Marathon is planned for November 29. 

Also Santa pictures at The Wharf starts the 29th. The NAIA National Championship Women’s Soccer Tournament kicks off on November 30 at Sportsplex. 

Horse drawn carriage rides start at The Wharf on December 2.  Post all Coastal Christmas events at www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com. 

The National Shop Small Business Campaign with weekly prizes and events will be a part of Coastal Christmas 2014. Small Business retailer members of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber should sign up today.

Coastal Christmas concerts begin with Aaron Neville in Orange Beach on December 3.

Happy Thanksgiving Y’all!