Council postpones decision on Ripe Revival zoning proposal.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Will Kornegay, CEO of Ripe Revival, is pictured with the small business of the year award from the 2023 Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, the Nashville Town Council has postponed a rezoning request submitted by Kornegay for 55 acres of land, which Ripe Revival aims to develop for purposes beyond food processing, including agritourism, entertainment, and residential projects. During a public hearing on Tuesday evening regarding the rezoning of 55 acres of land acquired from the town of Nashville by Will Kornegay and Ripe Revival, local residents voiced their objections to the proposal. As a result, the council decided to postpone the hearing to a future date. Due to worries about whether nearby property owners were properly informed about the public hearing, the council decided to postpone the discussion.
27 Home Items That Amazon Shoppers Are Raving About Currently
Here's a sneak glimpse at what others are adding to their Amazon.com carts. (Spoiler alert: Expect to find adorable ladles, electric lunchboxes, and convenient faucet covers that make the January chill a bit more manageable.) Amazon.com has a list of products called "Movers and Shakers," which is pretty much just fancy talk for things that are currently ~trending,~ Here are some of the most useful and loved home products on the list this week: 1. An Ototo Nessie ladle you've definitely seen around, but if you don't have a little ladle sea monster in your own kitchen, what even is the point of life? I finally folded and got one of these for my own human self and I don't know why I delayed the inevitable for so long. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com , amazon.com Promising reviews: "Bought this just because I have other animal utensils in the kitchen that aren't obviously animals and this was just a lark on that order. But I actually used it one day and it really was a perfect size and shape ladle-wise. Could have knocked me over! It really stood on its own on the counter, blew me away. Now I use it all the time getting soup from the big cast iron pot on the stove into my delicate little soup cups!" —AvidCovidAmazon.comShopper Price: $16.94+ (available in four styles) 2. A Dreo smart humidifier with an app that will allow you to set schedules, check water levels, and get the *exact* right mist output to suit your space. Your skin, plants, and fam are breathing a sigh of relief as you put this in your winter Amazon.com basket ASAP. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "I got this because in the winter my throat gets super dry and it hurts so bad that I wake up several times throughout the night. Since I got this I sleep through the night and my throat doesn't hurt at all when I wake up. This was one of the best things I bought this year I love it. Very easy to put together very easy to use. The app is super cool you can turn all the lights off so that there's no light when you sleep." —Amanda Kirby Price: $48.44+ (available in five styles) 3. A Kitchen Mama automatic can opener that'll speed up those casseroles that involve a bunch of canned veggies and cans of broth without requiring another counter-based gadget. This one works with a quick click of the button, so you can totally do other prep things while this does the opening work for you! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Amazon.com Promising review: "Absolutely the best can opener I have ever owned. It is so easy to use and cuts the lid off your can without any sharp edges left behind. This is much faster than doing it by hand. A must tool to have in your kitchen." —Kathy Kalemba Price: $29.99 (available in four colors) 4. A two-piece set of Pyrex glass measuring cups because if we've learned anything from The Great British Bakeoff, it's that precise measurements are necessary to avoid soggy bottoms. These will last you forever, too, unlike the plastic measuring scoops that you're continually losing in your baking drawer. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com The set features a 1-cup and a 2-cup measuring cup, both of which are safe for use in dishwashers, microwaves, and freezers. Promising review: "Pyrex has always been a dependable brand known for quality. These measuring cups are a good example of that dependability. The handles make it much more comfortable for handling them when they are full of hot liquids. This particular set is versatile- one is good for smaller measurements and the other works well for larger needs. It works well for a small apartment because they stack and take up very little cupboard space. Very happy with this purchase." —Jacqueline Price: $15.99 5. A two-pack of collapsible waterproof laundry baskets reviewers love for their sturdiness and the durable handles that make "oops, I forgot to do laundry for a week or two" a more manageable task. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "I replaced my kids' laundry baskets with these. They are one of my new favorite purchases! They are so sturdy and stay upright. I will often have wet towels or clothes on the top of them to dry before placing them in and it stays upright under their weight. They are large and can fit at least two loads in them. I love the look of them and they are a nice thick quality which I wasn’t expecting. The best part is when I’m lugging them down two flights of stairs to the basement I can loop my arm thru the handle and carry them on my shoulders. I highly recommend them and can’t tell you the number of times I have thought about how much I love them." —Marie Price: $14.99+ for two (available in four sizes) 6. An easy-twist chicken shredder tool to kiss the irritating two-fork method goodbye for good. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "It’s a must have!! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for all these years!! I used to shred chicken with a fork and let me tell you….the struggle was real but this saved me!" —JE Price: $16.99+ (available in seven colors) 7. An extra large Christmas tree storage bag if your least favorite part of the holidays is the un-holidaying and trying to stuff your tree back into its box. No more with this handy bag! The reviews alone convinced me to ship this to my house. I'll have to find a new archenemy that isn't my taped-within-an-in-of-its-life Christmas tree box. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "The size is perfect - it fits my 7.5-foot tree with plenty of room to spare. The durability is impressive; the material feels strong and well made, ensuring it will last for many years. What I love most is how easy it was to pack my tree away. The bag was wide enough, and the zippers are smooth, making the whole process quick and hassle free." —Grisham's Price: $12.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors) 8. A pack of velcro outdoor faucet covers so you can protect the pipes in your home without having to mess with the traditional styrofoam disasters we've all cursed when installing. These also have reflective strips, so if you're doing a check to make sure they're still secure at night, no need to wander around and possibly knock out your shin in the process. Win-win! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "My mom lives in San Antonio Texas. The weather there can be unpredictable. I ordered these for her a year ago. They're about to go through their second winter. I like that my mom doesn't have to worry about the spigots freezing. So easy to use! It's ridiculous. Made well. Very functional. One size. I recommend." —Tawnya J. Luke Price: $5.93 for a pack of two (available in two colors and also in three and four-packs) 9. A set of slim velvet hangers to help free up some room in overcrowded closets if you're currently using those thick wooden or plastic hangers. Bonus: These also prevent clothes from slipping off onto the floor! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "These hangers have a thin design, meaning you can fit more clothing into your closet. They are nonslip. They are sturdy but lightweight, enough not to weigh down your closet rod. I bought them for all the closets in my home. I suggest you buy at least two sets." —CottageDesignsByErin Price: $15.68+ (available in seven colors and three pack sizes) 10. A Crock-Pot electric lunchbox because this is 2025 and you DESERVE a hot lunch whenever, wherever you want it. Just plug it in for an hour or two before lunchtime, and you'll have a delicious meal from home instead of whatever the cafeteria/drive-thru/brown bag is offering. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "I'm an aircraft mechanic and I don't always get hot lunch meals at work. This ended that! Quality construction, awesome color, works awesome! Very durable, doesn't leak soups, easy to transport. Takes about an hour and a half to heat once I pull the bowl out of my cooler and plug in the crackpot, making it the perfect hot lunch remedy." —RJ Price: $29.99 (available in four colors) 11. A veggie chopper you'll wonder how you ever survived without because meal prep seems far less daunting when you can simply squish your veggies into cubes in one fell swoop instead of, you know, fumbling around with your knife skills for a while. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Promising review: "Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper, which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food, and it has a generous container." —Amazon.com Customer Price: $23.99+ (available in five sizes and four colors) 12. A set of rug pad grippers because slip and slides are for outdoor heat waves in the grass, not in your house when you're on the way to grab a midnight snack. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , Amazon.com Promising review: "I didn't want a long non-slip rug pad that I would have to align on my rugs or runners, so I came across these perfect alternatives. They work better and without the hassle! Can be removed and reapplied easily without any residue left on back of rug or floors. Sturdy, soft rubber backing act like suction cups and they don't bunch up or pull up even while vacuuming thick rugs!" —jca-ny Price: $8.98 for a four-pack (also available in larger pack sizes) 13. A cute but hardy insulated lunchbox perfect for hauling around all your snacks and food containers. (Plus a few extras, because why not give yourself the option to have MORE treats on hand?) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "I love these bags! Ordered several in different designs as gifts for nurses. Keeping one for myself! They are big, sturdy handles and insulated inside with tons of room for items. Love the mesh pocket on side for drinks, bottles, etc. Exceeded my expectations and definitely recommend. Amazing buy for the price." —No more nonsense Price: $8.98 (available in 19 styles) 14. And some stainless steel salad dressing or sauce lidded containers so you don't have to go without your fave condiments just because you're on the go. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "I really like these cups there nice and hold a really good amount also very easy to open for kids! Definitely recommend." —Nestor L. Price: $5.99+ for a six-pack (available in two sizes and 14 styles) 15. A waterproof mattress protector no one thinks they need until they do. Hot cocoa season is upon us, and while I fully support sipping your mug cuddled up in bed, you and your mattress will be grateful for a super easy cleanup in the unfortunate event that you spill a drop or a hundred. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "It’s waterproof for kid that sometimes has accidents. I like the feel of the terry cloth, it doesn’t make noise or makes my child sweaty. It’s a great value. I also like how it fits tight on the mattress, but is super easy to put on." —Inescapable Price: $29.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king and five materials) 16. Some 100% unbleached cotton reusable cheesecloth to lend you all sorts of hands in the kitchen. Whether you're making yogurt, a turkey, butter, cheese, or just about anything else where a fine strainer would come in handy, this cheesecloth has got you covered! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising reviews: "Worked for what I needed it for. I needed to soak it in butter and cover my turkey with it and it came out perfect. There was also a lot of material there and I could have done two 20-pound turkeys with this one sheet." —Kirstie "Perfect for rolling out pastry such as cinnamon rolls and pie crust. Washes beautifully also. Great pastry cloth!" —Patricia M. Price: $5.45 17. A pack of windowed soft storage bags so you have plenty of storage options for the new sheets, spare quilts, and anything else you want to stuff ~artfully~ beneath your bed. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Ashley Schumacher for BuzzFeed I really appreciate the sturdy zippers on these, as they prevent any unexpected openings. Plus, they're incredibly squishable, allowing them to fit snugly under my low bed frame with a bit of effort. Promising reviews: "I do craft shows and these are sturdy and great to pack in my items and displays. The also do not take up space when they are empty. The window saves time and the stack well in storage between shows. I have several sets." —brgtstar "These storage bags are large and sturdy. They are definitely worth the money. The zippers are of good quality and like that they are of different colors for organization of items being stored. I will probably buy another set as I am so pleased with the first purchase." —Jasmine Price: $21.99+ (available in three-pack sizes and four colors) 18. A fast-heating space heater to keep you toasty and solidly in snuggle-weather territory, no matter what the thermometer outside may say. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "This is a small heater with great power. I took it to work because our office is always freezing and it works great. Not too loud and the adjustable settings make it perfect for different areas and temperatures. The auto shut off anytime it gets tilted or tipped is good for peace of mind and safety." —MBush Price: $22.99 19. A lumbar support cushion if you want to make your desk chair, car seat, or fave spot on the couch just a little more comfy and spine-aligning. Lots of reviewers love this one so much, they've bought several to keep in all their seats! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "I loved this pillow so much I went back and bought another! I have asked for yet another for Christmas. My PT has one on her chair at her office and she gave it her stamp of approval for herself so I thought it would also help my and it has made a huge improvement! No more slouching in the car or in my chairs. I feel much less fatigue at the end of the day after sitting in a properly aligned position. I put it behind me and adjust placement for whatever chair I am using. Excellent product!" —Lauren Price: $22.90 20. A mulberry silk pillowcase which can help keep your hair from tangling overnight and that many reviewers swear keeps them much cooler than their nonsilk cases. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "Rich colors and well-made with excellent invisible zipper. They're cooler than standard pillowcases, and they reduce the amount of tangles caused as you sleep. They wash very well, too!" —AnnieB Price: $9.47+ (available in four sizes and 24 colors and various two-packs) 21. A Snow Joe Shovelution snow shovel as effective as its name is epic. With a spring-loaded handle to give you some leveraging "oomph" and comfy handles with ergonomic design, why not make your snow life a lot easier? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "Wow, I should have bought this sooner! This is my 2nd winter living in a place where it snows. I was clueless last winter and bought a cheaper, more standard snow shovel. It took forever to clear snow and my back would be sore afterwards. That’s not the case with this snow shovel! As a short, disabled woman, I was able to use it to clear 8 inches of snow from this season’s first snowstorm quickly and easily with 0 back pain. Definitely recommend it." —Annie H Price: $37.99+ (available in three styles) 22. An electric coffee grinder because that whole-bean coffee you got over the holidays isn't going to grind itself, but it *practically* does with this handy gadget! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Promising review: "Grinding the beans right before making fresh coffee is the best! This does a great job, and I love that it comes apart and can go in the dishwasher!" —Margaret Maynard Price: $14.06+ (available in two colors) 23. A pack of small Command hooks perfect for tackling all those "new year, new organization" schemes you've been concocting. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "Love these hooks! Using them in my kitchen to organize my measuring cups. Affixed four hooks to the inside of upper cabinet door to hold my set of measuring cups. Now, I no longer have to rummage around in a drawer looking for the correct size measuring cup. It’s a small improvement that has greatly added to the functionality of my kitchen. Would highly recommend these hooks for lightweight applications." —CeeCee Price: $8.14 for a 10-pack 24. A milk frother wand since we're all trying to be better about making our beverages at home, but what we're NOT gonna do is sacrifice the foam. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "I've been using this handheld frother for a few weeks now, and I'm absolutely in love! It's so easy to use — just pop in the batteries, press the button, and voilà — creamy, frothy milk in seconds. The stainless steel whisk is sturdy and easy to clean. I've used it for both hot and cold milk, and it works like a charm every time. It's compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. Highly recommend!" —Nichole Price: $17.99+ (available in four styles and 39 colors) 25. A large bamboo cutting board if your old one is cracked and you want to replace it with something durable enough to withstand lots of kitchen work but also cute enough to use as a charcuterie serving tray. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "This board is made very nice I like the grip areas on both sides. The size is perfect on the counter not too large and not too small. The cutting board has room for large and small meats and vegetables." —Joe Pernick Price: $15.99+ (available in four sizes) 26. An elastic stretch furniture slipcover for couches and armchairs that need a refresh or need protection from your furry pals and all their shedding ways. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com , amazon.com Promising review: "Best couch cover I've ever purchased!. Easy to install and fit like a stretchy glove. Now my couch matches my recliner perfectly and they're protected from the cat." —Jorgenson Price: $23.19+ (available in eight sizes and 32 styles) 27. And finally, a BPA-free silicone mini muffin pan because part of adulthood is realizing you are your own muffin man, and these pans make it so much easier to live on Drury Lane. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. amazon.com Reviewer Tip: The lightweight design is excellent for easily retrieving treats from the tray, but it may lead to spills. For added stability when using in the oven, try placing it on a cookie sheet! Promising review: "I was looking for a way to make egg cups without making a giant mess. This is perfect. You don't even have to spray it with oil ahead of time. The baked eggs slide out easily and it also cleans very easily. By nature its not super stable. Id recommend placing on a cookie sheet before adding whatever you're baking." —EAndre Price: $8.99+ (available in six sizes)
Here’s the Typical Social Security Payment for Individuals at Age 67
For the majority of individuals reading this (particularly those born in 1960 or after), the designated full retirement age for Social Security benefits is 67 years. So, what is the typical benefit amount that an average person receives when they reach 67? In summary, a typical retired worker aged 67 receives approximately $1,883.50 each month in Social Security benefits. However, there's a lot more to consider regarding this figure. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image credit: Getty Images. Examining the average more closely First, this is slightly less than the overall average retired worker's benefit of $1,905.31 per month. The reason is that while the overall average includes a mix of people who started collecting their benefit early, on time, and after full retirement age, those who are 67 years old, by definition, cannot be in the latter group. To be clear, this is the average benefit of those who are 67 years old now – not the average of those who started receiving Social Security at that age. Waiting to take Social Security can result in significantly higher monthly benefits – in fact, if your full retirement age is 67 and you wait until you're 70 to start Social Security, your benefits can be permanently increased by up to 24%. To provide some context, a typical 67-year-old who begins receiving Social Security benefits before reaching their full retirement age receives approximately $1,666.70 each month. In contrast, those who choose to wait until after they have reached their full retirement age can expect an average monthly benefit of about $2,720.35. Additionally, it's important to mention that there are other types of Social Security in addition to benefits for retired workers. For example, the average spousal benefit for a 67-year-old is $833.43 per month, and the average survivors benefit for a nondisabled widow(er) who is 67 is $1,916.72 per month.
CoStar: In 2025, service-oriented brands are expected to dominate the leasing of real estate properties.
Last year, food and beverage tenants secured 20% of all leases. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Fitness franchises like Planet Fitness represented 12% of total leases. “During the pandemic, restaurants didn’t shut down. They moved into takeout kitchens, and delivery apps kept them in business,” said Brandon Svec, CoStar’s national director of retail analytics. Svec remarked, "Once businesses reopened, dining out emerged as a sensible option for people eager to enjoy themselves and spend their money. After being cooped up at home, many viewed it as an accessible indulgence." CoStar has indicated that demographic shifts have contributed to the growth of service-oriented businesses. Over the last few decades, the rates of marriage and childbirth in the United States have significantly declined. As reported by Statista, the marriage rate in 1990 stood at 9.8 marriages for every 1,000 individuals. However, by 2022, this figure had significantly decreased to just 6.2 per 1,000. In 2004, the birth rate was around 14 births per 1,000 people. Twenty years later, that number fell to just 11. What’s more, birth rates are highly affected by income levels. In 2021, the birth rate for families with an income of under $10,000 was 62 births per 1,000 women. The birth rate for families with an income of $200,000 or more—the ones most likely to dine out--was 47. Younger shoppers are increasingly finding themselves with disposable income, which they're directing towards services like doggy daycare, car washes, and gym memberships. For a long time, tenants at local centers avoided gyms because their patrons occupied numerous parking spots while contributing little to the businesses in the area. However, according to Svec, this trend has shifted. “Fitness brands have become a powerful force in attracting visitors to a center. They are no longer overlooked; instead, they are taking center stage,” Svec stated. “The TikTok generation actively participates in fitness centers and has integrated these activities into their personal identities.”
Highlight of the Sale: 6 Riverview Road, Jackson. Sold for $1,240,000.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The residence located at 6 Riverview Road in Jackson has undergone significant expansion over the years, offering stunning views and ample space for hosting gatherings. (PHOTO COURTESY) On December 16, a single-family residence located at 6 Riverview Road in Jackson was purchased for $1,240,000. The sellers, Julie A. Nichols and the Julie A. Nichols Real Estate Trust, transferred ownership to Farouk O. Al Shorafa and Katherine M. Al Shorafa, who are residents of Marblehead, Massachusetts. This four-bedroom, three-bath residence located along Jackson's famous Carter Notch Road was originally constructed in 1976. It underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2016, followed by an expansion in 2021, resulting in a spacious 4,175 square-foot getaway that beautifully blends classic and modern design elements.
'Unviable': REI closes its Experiences travel division, resulting in the layoff of 428 staff members.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. REI is closing its Experiences business, which includes adventure travel, day trips, classes and other events. Consequently, the outdoor equipment retailer based in Seattle will be letting go of 428 workers, comprising 180 full-time employees and 248 part-time staff. These individuals were involved in REI's Experiences division, which provided a range of indoor and outdoor classes, skills training, and travel adventures. On Wednesday, REI's CEO and President Eric Artz communicated the decision to all employees through a message. "After a thorough review and careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to exit the Experiences business altogether, effective this week," he said in the note posted online. In the note, Artz expressed, "You have fulfilled all the tasks assigned to you, put in tremendous effort, and successfully educated and crafted amazing experiences for almost one million individuals throughout the years." In 2024, the division catered to 40,000 customers, accounting for less than 0.4% of the total REI Co-op clientele. "It costs considerably more to operate than the revenue it generates," Artz stated. "In reviewing the total expenses associated with operating this business, which encompass marketing and technology costs, it’s clear that we are incurring millions in losses annually while supporting Experiences with profits from other segments," he mentioned in the message. "We have prolonged this situation as much as we could, but the reality is that Experiences is not a profitable venture for the co-op, and we need to change our strategy." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. What will happen to the employees of REI Experiences who are being laid off? All affected employees will receive a bonus for 2024, determined by their performance, and will have the opportunity to apply for other current and future positions within REI, according to Artz's message. He also provided detailed information regarding different employee levels: Full-time employees: Those whose jobs were eliminated will continue to get their regular salary through March 9, 2025, and get benefits through the end of March. "They will also be eligible to receive separation benefits including severance, healthcare coverage continuation via COBRA, and outplacement service support," the letter said. Shared employees: Those who split time between Experiences and stores were to meet with store managers about continued employment options. Part-time employees: Get benefits through January 2025 and will also be eligible for a severance payment.