Southern Oregon this Appraiser's perspective

When John Mafrici of Park Place Mortgage invited me to the Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity  stakeholder Annual Event in October at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford, I thought it sounded like a good opportunity to start off the holiday season. Even though I'm out and about quite a bit appraising and driving the comps, I'm usually not chatting it up with other folks.

The lobby was packed for a rainy night - one of the first of the season - and I got signed in and headed for the food. Helena Darling fine catering provided a splendid array of spreads and breads and savories to keep me busy while I gandered at the rest of the "stakeholders". I decided Lemonade would be the wisest choice for beverage given the nature of the affair, and was pleasantly surprised at the nicely tangy, not too sweet offering. While I schmoozed I learned about ReStore a new and used Building Materials facility where 100% of the net profits support Habitat for Humanity. If you're anything like me - the Hardware Store is "my store" - you too can do your part and support Habitat for Humanity by purchasing new and used building and home materials at bargain prices.

Eventually we were ushered into the auditorium to watch and listen to the playlet depicting the life of one family as they apply for, are selected, and help build their Habitat for Humanity home. As an appraiser I've seen my share of substandard housing, and get excited about making sure homes for everyone are safe and habitable - not just a moldly, poorly insulated, rat infested roof over ones head.

I say all of this to say that the topper of the evening for me was the Helena Darling dessert table as I headed out the door. Among the miriad pastries and gooey sweets were small squarish cups of ....pear milkshake, or smoothie. It was so good I couldn't stop at one and ran home to try my hand at my own miserable rendition (I'm thinking Helena didn't use Tofu in her blend). A gourmet chef I am not, but my tastebuds know a good thing when they come in contact with it, and believe you me I have an eye out for the next opportunity to sample of this caterer's fare.