Thanksgiving in our home as empty nesters is filled with anticipation of welcoming our children Stu and Remi, and getting that long-awaited hug that fills my heart in ways words never can. For the past 28 years, we have looked forward to every Thanksgiving not only within our family, but also in the way our Lake Oconee community celebrates the season so beautifully. The annual Lighting at The Ritz transforms an ordinary evening into pure magic as children’s eyes sparkle when the Christmas tree comes alive. We reunite with friends, meet their extended families and see kids we have known for years, many are now grown, reminding us just how quickly time moves. Parents and grandparents point out the gingerbread house to their little ones while the excitement builds for Breakfast with Santa.
The holiday spirit continues with the OPAS Falala Holiday Concert where music fills the air with joy, and the ice-skating rink at The Ritz draws both the young and the young-at- heart. These traditions, stitched together year after year, weave a tapestry of connection reminding us how lucky we are to live in this community. While the world outside may seem divided, here at the lake, we gather with different families, stories and lives, finding joy in the same lights, songs, and traditions. And this is the true meaning of Thanksgiving. The gratitude that is meant to be shared and the laughter that fills the table where we count our blessings, not disagreements.
This year, as we carve the turkey and pass the stuffing, let us remember that Thanksgiving is about the miracle that happens when we gather together no matter how different we may be. What matters most are family, community and one simple truth….that there is always room at the table.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
Riezl Baker is the top Realtor in Lake Oconee, Greensboro Georgia and in the top 1% in the state with close to $1 billion in career sales . She has 24 years of real estate experience representing sellers and buyers in Reynolds Lake Oconee and the lake community. Riezl recorded $120 million in sales in 2024 and was recognized as the top individual agent in the Lake Country with the highest average sale of $2.2 million. She was recognized as Top Leader in Luxury Real Estate by Modern Luxury, Best Agent for Community Impact and Expert in Second and Vacation Homes by The Atlantan. In September of 2025, she was recognized as a Real Estate Luminary by RIS Media at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC for making an indelible mark on the real estate industry through decades of dedication and influence. Beyond her sales achievements, Riezl is deeply committed to service both locally and nationally. She plays an active role in healthcare and education initiatives in her community and was recently appointed to a national leadership position. A sought-after speaker at national conferences, she frequently shares her expertise on entrepreneurship, luxury marketing and the evolving landscape of real estate.
