Simmington Hills

 

All simday long yesterday, I was completely overjoyed to see how much support we received from the Sims Community!!  Thanks SO MUCH everyone!!  In total, we received 25 BIDS and several donations!! 

The winners of the Silent Auction are announced  below:

--Sabien Cunningham, Sr. 

No. 5, 1948 is an abstract painting by Jackson Pollock
(January 28, 1912 – August 11, 1956), an American painter
known for his contributions to the abstract expressionist
movement.  The painting was done on an 8' x 4' sheet of fiberboard,
with thick amounts of brown and yellow paint drizzled on top of it,
forming a nest-like appearance.  According to a report in The New York Times, on November 2, 2006,
the No. 5 painting was sold by David Geffen, founder of Geffen Records
and co-founder of Dreamworks SKG, to David Martinez, managing
partner of Fintech Advisory Ltd, in a private sale for a record
inflation-adjusted price of $140 million.  This sale would make the painting the most expensive ever sold,
privately or at auction.

Requires:  Nightlife

BIDDING STARTS at:  $17,500

Westin Charlemagne, Bluebell Valley - $72,450

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Dora Maar au Chat (Dora Maar with Cat) is a 1941 painting
by Pablo Picasso. It depicts Dora Maar, the painter's
Croatian mistress, seated on a chair with a small cat
perched on her shoulders. This painting is world-famous
and is now one of the world's most expensive paintings.

Requires:  Open For Business

BIDDING STARTS at $11,900

September Ash, Lannieville - $75,000

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Irises is a painting by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.
It was one of his first works while he was at the asylum at
Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France in
the last year before his death in 1890.  The painting was influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints,
like many of his works and those by other artists of the time.

Requires:  Bon Voyage

BIDDING STARTS at $13,475

Alexa Harrison, Tannu Tuva - $53,465

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Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier is a painting created in about
1893 to 1894 by French artist Paul Cézanne (January 19, 1839 –
October 22, 1906). It is considered the most expensive still life
ever sold at an auction.  Cézanne was famous for drawing still lifes, especially those which
expressed complex emotions while still being based upon reality.
These type of paintings would eventually lead up to the creation of
new art styles during the 20th century such as Picasso's cubism.

Requires:  Base Game (Sims 2)

BIDDING STARTS at $15,125

Laurie Jonas, Donnacove - $37,892

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A founder of Impressionism, Claude Monet (1840 – 1925) broke free
from the confines of traditional art to evolve into a groundbreaking
landscape painter. Part of a series painted to capture a scene in
various phases of daylight, his “Japanese Bridge,” features a wooden
footbridge spanning his Giverny home’s lily pond. The beautiful water
landscape is given the remarkable depth of a view seen through a
window.

Requires:  Seasons

BIDDING STARTS at $9,000

Adam Black, New Ithaca - $3,263,000!

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The Hurricane of Spring 1:  Period 4 (Simdays 16-20)

Apple Valley Red Cross - Help Center

"Kent Camp"

Event covered by Archive Librarian, Cameron Masters 

Ray Wilsonoff was pleasantly surprised to see his cousin Fiona Kent, from Apple Valley.  They spent hours talking about their family, standing in that one spot.

A lot of us...Judge C., me and a few others, like Lars...were able to make sure everyone was ok after the hurricane by socializing with everybody on a daily basis.  Spirits were very low, you can imagine, as a lot of Sims lost everything they had.  It wasn't really until the Kents showed up, that we all started feeling better.  We had an outsider come into our ranks and help us see the bigger picture.  "Everything was going to be alright!"  This is what the Kents said to us every day they were here. 

The camp had an open outdoor area for everyone to mingle.  Some folks still couldn't help but stand around in a daze.

Jesse Carr-Kent even found himself overwhelmed by the sight of all the devastation.  The crowd of all our sitizens being in one area, the loudness of the talking/laughing/crying, not to mention the nearby construction noise, really was a lot to take in.  It took him a minute to pull himself together and walk over to us.

Judge C. and Nick Michels, briefly discussed the budget and where the town stands financially.  Nick assured Sabien that he'll have details in our future Council Meeting, but we're ok financially.  There's no need for the NPP (Neighborhood Partnership Program) to step in.

Lord knows if we hadn't had any recreation, we would've died from boredom and stress.  The recreation room helped the time pass by faster.  None of us could wait to get back into our homes, whatever that meant.  All of us just wanted to have a place to call 'home'.  (I've never seen so much making out!  Judge C was telling me that some of these folks need to 'get a room', let alone a home.

We must've worn Fiona and Jesse out that 1st simday, because we looked around and they were nowhere to be found.  Must've turned in early... they know how to 'get a room.' :)

The next few simdays looked the same.  We got into a routine.  Ray would wake up before anyone else and cook breakfast.  Fiona, Jesse, Sabien and Ray would always be the first four to wake up at the break of dawn and talk about the status of Simmington Hills.  (Ray was there only to provide sustenance, and to visit with his cousin for as much as he could.  But, Sabien tells me that his input on the status of things was greatly appreciated.)

After breakfast, Jesse would lead a group of us in a daily yoga session.  The meditation of it really helped relax our minds.  (I am only showing the top athletic folks and Tomika.  She's not athletic either, but she said she had a great pose.  LOL!  It was far too embarassing to show the rest of us, that have no body skills...plus, Judge C. didn't want us showing his arse in tights!  He cracks me up...my wife Stacy looks great, doesn't she? *smiles*  Kudos to Honey Michels and Kimberly Spencer, too.  Wow.

At the end of the day, Fiona would lead us in song, and I believe the song had the words, "Everything will be alright" in it, on purpose.

She really sang that song.  It brought tears to our eyes. (In a good way) ;)

It came time for the Kents to bid us farewell.  She gave a big hug to Ray, and told him to keep in touch.  She said she will be happy to tell his parents, Ajani and Rayne Wilsonoff, how beautiful his girlfriend Lydia Sagacious is.  (Yes, Ray found love - or should I say - he found a crush at the camp.)

The time finally came.  Lars Larsson made an announcement in camp over the loud speakers.....It was time to go HOME!!  We all filed out of the camp almost single file for some reason; walking up the steep hill where buses awaited to take us 'home'. 

Stacy and I are fortunate that we were able to save most of our furnishings, so our home will still look like it did before, familiar to us....but, a lot of other folk are starting completely over.

Later that night....Judge C. told me that he invited Jesse and Fiona to dinner at The Magnolia, his new Mayor's Mansion.  (Granted to him by the Hood Council, of course.)

The night was filled with semi-drunken stories, some true, some made up...but, there was cause for celebration.  This marks the beginning of a brand new start.

Tomika served a wonderful turkey dinner in the formal diningroom, while the boys ate at the 'kiddie table' in the sunroom.  They were perfectly content with that, after having to sit through all those stupid grown-up stories.

Sabien tried to come up with some ideas on how Neighborhoods could participate more actively within the SUN Hoods, but all he could respond with is, "Active participation is contagious.  The more active we are, the more active other hoods will be."  Fiona didn't care too much for such a vague response, but she respected the wisdom in it.

The car came to take Jesse and Fiona to the airport, and back to Apple Valley.  She whispered to Sabien, "Don't be a stranger.  Everything is going to be alright."  She slipped him a book and told him to read it.  "Behind the Council:  Tales of a Hood Council President"  Sabien peeked at the book from behind Fiona's back...it was written by her mother!

And as fast as Fiona whirled into the Hills, was as fast as she left it.  We'll miss you, Kents!  Thanks so much for your support!

 

 

 

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Highlights From the Event:

*UPDATE 7-13-07   - (bottom)

Event covered by Archive Librarian, Cameron Masters 

 

Food Expo 2007 kicked off in the Hills, during our 3rd Period, at the Willow Community Park.  This is our first year celebrating this event, although it's been around since 2003. 

We were greeted by the latest, smoothest Hip Hop sounds as the DJ fired everybody up!  We were ready to celebrate!

Judge Sabien Cunningham was introduced by his son, Rashid.

And he gave a very touching welcome and cut the ribbon on our new park.

My most favorite part of his speech was when he told the crowd,  "This is not a day of official business, this is a day for FAMILY!"

Everyone erupted from their seats in cheers of "FAM-I-LY - FAM-I-LY - FAM-I-LY!!!"

I was the MC of the event, and made my introductory remarks as brief as possible.  I'm no speechmaker like Sabien.  I'd rather be at home reading a book.

People were ready to eat and mingle - I felt their pain. 

My wife, Stacy gave her speech on "Simple Gardening At Home".  She was tremendously nervous also.  I heard her gag a couple times while she spoke...I hope nobody else did.  Nothing she said made any sense whatsoever, but I was really proud of her for pulling through it.

The Fishing Contest started after the ceremonies.  All the guys gathered 'round the lake and started acting like we knew what we were doing.  Most of us had never even held a fishing pole before! 

"Mr. Cool" decided he wanted to cast his line up under the shade of the tree...he's heard that's where fish congregrate.  After an hour,  I heard a lot of foul language being muffled under his breath.  I know my buddy wanted to be the first to catch the Big One...sorry Sabien, maybe next time, ol' friend!  

We did have a winner after about 2 hours....Seth Guthrie!  Now just because we all dissed his catch as being a lucky one...we all know he's new to the Hills and all!  We really do have to give him his props!  So here it is, Seth, for everyone to see...Congratulations!! And, don't get too attached to that trophy!  

Sorry, I don't have pics of our ladies...they mostly sat over by the stage talking.  Maybe next time.

--Cameron

**Stay tuned for pics from our Chili Cookoff, Lecture by Sergio Spencer and Book Signing, and a Raffle!**

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Trying to predict the weather is hard nowadays, just a few simdays later, The Chili Cookoff event was stormy and rainy, for most of the day... 

We didn't think anyone would show up to this outdoor event, but boy...were we wrong!  Sergio Spencer's new cookbook, "Think Like a Chef", has been climbing the Best Sellers List since its release last week.  

Sims showed up in droves to buy this fantastic cookbook, and get their copies signed.  Thank goodness we had those tents.

As the early afternoon approached, we began our Chili Cookoff.  To the delight of our contestants, the sun came beaming out from behind the dark clouds and opened up.  Our contestants were:  Tomika Cunningham, Emerita Valdes, and Stacy Masters.  (Special thanks to Keith Dalton and SimCity Furniture for donating the appliances.)

Although this contest was a taste test, and not necessarily about who cooked the fastest.  I want to mention that Rita Valdes finished her chili first, then Tomika...and Stacy followed last.

The judges for the event were Townies chosen because of their 'unbiased' opinions.  We didn't want our Founders judging based on friendships.   Thank you to the judges who participated:  Joe Graham, (who just recently had a bad makeover done by our Fishing Champion, Seth Guthrie down at Seth's Barbershop.  Seth knew I'd comment, and asked that I include his words.   "...This is not a poor reflection of my work, Joe requested this bizarre new look.")  Abhijeet Deppiesse, and Melissa Fancey.

Abhijeet comments on how happy he is the sun came out.

And for the trophy!  The title of Best Chili and 1st Place Trophy goes to....Stacy Masters! 

2nd Place trophy, Rita Valdes 

3rd Place, Tomika Cunningham. 

 

**We also had a Raffle Lottery!  Much thanks to our neighbors over in Simmerville and their historic Grey Sims Organization for their help in sponsoring our Raffle Lottery

$500 Cash Prize winner - Honey Michels 

$100 Cash Prize winner - Nick Michels 

$50 certificate for dinner at Aldi's Supermarket & Restaurant - winner - Keith Dalton 

$25 certificate off groceries at Aldi's Supermarket & Restaurant - winner - Emerita Valdes 

This marks the end of our Food Expo.  We did great for our first year participating, and although the Food Expo 2007 continues on for July and August, SH will not be participating for those months.  

I was told by Judge Cunningham, that overall ticket sales brought in a meager - yet significant, $580 for our Administration. 

At this time, we are all experiencing a tremendous loss amongst our ranks.  The good news is that our neighborhood is continuing to grow, so hopefully we'll be back next year, stronger and more prepared!  Thanks again to all who participated, and to Sergio Spencer and Aldi's for making this event as spectacular as it was.  We're here for you, man...and wish you the very best.

--Cameron