Charlottesville & Albemarle County Utilities

While we were at it, we put together a list of utility companies that service Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Click the link below to see the list:

http://www.homecharlottesville.com/charlottesville-albemarle-utilities.htm

I will be looking for more resource information to post in the future. Please bookmark my blog or add it to your favorites so you can find these utilities easily.

Would you like other reference charts as well, and what would you like to see? Please leave a comment. Thanks!

Lake Monticello Utilities

We did some research recently on utility companies that service the Lake Monticello area. I thought I'd share it with everyone. Click the link below for a list of utility companies that service the Lake Monticello area:

This webpage is from our company web site, HomeCharlottesville.com:

http://www.homecharlottesville.com/lake-monticello-utilities.htm

Unique & Useful Tips

I haven't tried any of these tips yet, but they seem like they would work. Please leave a comment and let me know how they work for you...

Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, Set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy microwaved pizza.

Easy Deviled Eggs

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting

When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread

To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Broken Glass

Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken glass pieces of Glass- the fibers catch ones you can't see!

Squirrel Away!

To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Flexible vacuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling

Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.

Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?

Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.

Conditioner

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth.

Goodbye Fruit Flies

To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so especially f it rains, and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Take baby powder to the beach

Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When you're ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.

Why you should get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit

Click this link to use an advisor program from Bankrate.com to find out which is best for you, and to learn more:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/calsystem2/calculators/loanvscredit/default.aspx

It's a buyers market, and we need to be creative in buying a home. Every homeowner should have a contingency plan for illness, car replacement/repair, or fun things. It's wise to have one in place prior to buying a home, in case you need to buy without contingency of sale of your home.

It depends on your mortgage lender, but you can get it and never use it, and it will cost you nothing. If and when you do use it, you'll pay at that time.

Your local bank would be a good source, or the lender you're using to purchase your home.

Be prepared for life and all the events that can happen... both positive and negative. Any comments or questions?

The Pros & Cons of Reverse Mortgages

Baby boomers are here, and now anyone over 62 years old can get a reverse mortgage. It's not for everyone, but it can be just what you need for you at this time in your life.

Changes are occurring soon, and instead of only being able to get reverse mortgages on your home you live in, soon you'll be able to buy a home using reverse mortgage. Even if you have bad credit, and live in a home, you can probably get reverse mortgages.

I found a great article on the "Pros & Cons of Reverse Mortgages" at Bankrate.com, click below to read more:

http://bankrate.com/brm/news/mortgages/20070104_reverse_mortgage_a1.asp?caret=41

Welcome to the wave of the future, and let me know if you have more questions about reverse mortgages. Please post your comments/questions so we can discuss.

Featured Home This Week

Forest Lakes

• Northern Albemarle County near Hollymead Town Center
• Easy access to Charlottesville Airport
• Only 20 minutes to UVA/Downtown Charlottesville
• Neighborhood has trails, swimming pool with slides, playground, lake, trails, tennis, clubhouse
• Elementary school only a few minutes away
• Walk to the middle school
• Freshly painted
• Walking trail behind home

Please call me (434) 980-2860 or email me (kehoe@move2va.com) if you have any questions about this home, or other homes in central Virginia.

Mortgage rates fall for 2nd straight week

Click this link to read an article posted yesterday from bankrate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/mtga/June2807_mortgage_analysisa1.asp

Independence Day Fun in central Virginia

SUNDAY, July 1
SPOTSYLVANIA - STARS & STRIPES SPECTACULAR
Activities include Colonial re-enactors, music, children's games and activities, pipe-tapping demonstrations and historical tours of the Old Court House, 1855 Jail, Christ Episcopal Church, Spotsylvania Museum and Stubbs School. Fireworks will be visible throughout the Court House area. 3 to 11:30 p.m. (800) 260-3646 or http://www.visitfred.com./

TUESDAY, July 3
HENRICO - GENWORTH FINANCIAL CELEBRATE FREEDOM
The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will highlight this evening of music, children's activities and fireworks. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7:30. Fireworks are scheduled for 8:45. All at Genworth Financial headquarters, 6620 W. Broad St. 804/281-6699.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - 24TH ANNUAL RACE KIWANIS INDEPENDENCE DAY 5K RUN
The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville and The Charlottesville Track Club.Each entrant will receive a race t-shirt. Trophies will be awarded. Refreshments will be provided. Forest Lakes North Subdivision - follow signs from Route 29. 7:30am. $15 by mail or at the Ragged Mountain Running Shop by July 1, $18 on race day before 6:30am. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-4856.

Wednesday, July 4
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FIREWORKS FLY AT MCINTIRE PARK
McIntire Park will open for Fourth of July festivities at 4pm on the 4th of July. There will be entertainment and food vendors starting at 5pm. The fireworks will begin at approx. 9:15pm. There is no parking at the park, or golf course for the public. Both areas will be gated. Beginning at 4:00pm the CTS will offer free shuttle bus service from these satellite parking lots: K-Mart on Hydraulic Road and the Albemarle County Office Building. Two buses will serve Walker Middle School Upper parking Lot for passengers with disabilities, to McIntire Park. Return shuttle service until the park is empty. No dogs, alcohol, or personal fireworks will be allowed in the park. Fees for some events, but the fireworks are free. All ages welcome.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - MONTICELLO ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND NATURALIZATION CEREMONY
This outdoor naturalization ceremony for new citizens on Monticello’s West Lawn is one of America’s most inspiring July 4 events. The Charlottesville Municipal Band will perform patriotic music. West Lawn at Monticello. Directions: off Route 53. 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-9822.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - ASH LAWN-HIGHLAND CELEBRATING AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE WITH JAMES MONROE
In celebration of Independence Day, James Monroe will be "at home" at Ash Lawn-Highland. As visitors tour his historic estate, the fifth President will welcome them in the intimacy of his study where he will reminisce about his part in the founding of our nation. Craft demonstrations, colonial games and more. Bring your picnic and lunch on the lawn. Ash Lawn-Highland. Directions: 1000 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, 2.5 miles past Monticello. 1 to 5pm, rain or shine. $Free with admission. All ages welcome. Special Needs Accommodation: Wheelchair accessible, foreign language tours availble Email: mailto:info@ashlawnhighland.org?subject=Celebrating. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-9539.

July 4, Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - GRAVES MOUNTAIN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Graves Mountain Lodge.Celebrate Independence Day with a Fireworks display around 9 PM. Donations benefit Madison County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Graves Mountain Lodge. Directions: 29N to Rt 231 in Madison, go 5 miles to Banco and turn left on rt. 670 and drive 4 miles to the Lodge. 9pm. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@gravesmountain.com?subject=Graves. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-923-5071.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: NANNY MCPHEE (PG)
Regal Cinema and AlbemarleFamily.com.No reserved seating. First come first served basis. Kids meals available. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/980-3333.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
CHARLOTTESVILLE - FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: WALLACE AND GROMIT : THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (G)
Regal Cinema and AlbemarleFamily.com.No reserved seating. First come first served basis. Kids meals available. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 10am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/980-3333.

Wednesday, July 4
LOUISA FIREMEN'S FAIR & FIREWORKS
The Louisa County Volunteer Fire Department's fair all week, rides, games, food, at the Firemen's Fairgrounds in the town of Louisa. Also a fireworks display will be held July 4th, at approximately 9:30pm-10:00pm, at the Firemen's Fairgrounds in the town of Louisa as well.

June 29 through July 4, Friday through Wednesday
WINTERGREEN - 4TH OF JULY JUBILEE
Wintergreen Resort. Celebrate the red, white and blue at Wintergreen Resort! The holiday weekend is packed with fun-filled activities, including chairlift rides, live music, a family movie under the stars, and the annual Arts & Crafts Show. See fireworks light up the mountain sky on June 30 and July 4. Wintergreen Resort. Directions: I-64 west to exit 99 (Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. Turn right and Wintergreen is 4.5 miles ahead on Route 664. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@wintergreenresort.com?subject=4th. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-2200.

July 4, Wednesday
FUN ON THE FOURTH AT WINTERGREEN WINERY
Wintergreen Winery. Fun on the Fourth at Wintergreen Winery. Celebrate America at the winery… Sip wine, listen to live music, picnic by the river, shop, soak in the scenery and relax! Wine & gift shop specials. Light picnic fare and scenic riverside picnic area available. (Fireworks at nearby Wintergreen Resort.) Wintergreen Winery. Directions: Route 664, near intersection with Route 151 - Wintergreen. 10am to 6pm. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@wintergreenwinery.com?subject=Fun. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434-361-2519.

July 4, Wednesday
THOMAS JEFFERSON'S POPLAR FOREST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate America's birthday at the retreat home of the author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's era comes alive as living history interpreters re-create his time. Hands-on activities and period games make the day memorable for all ages. The day is highlighted with the reading of the Declaration at 3 p.m. from the back portico of Jefferson's home. Tours of Jefferson’s house available for a separate fee. Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Directions: 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Route 661. Take Rte 29S to 501 north. Exit at Graves Mill Rd, exit 11, and turn left onto Graves Mill Rd (Rte 1425). Proceed for 1.7 miles to Rte 221. Turn left on 221 and proceed for 2.5 miles to Rte 811. Turn left at the light onto Rt. 811. Proceed for 1 mile and turn left onto Rte 661. Go one mile and look for Poplar Forest entrance on the right. 11am to 4pm. $4 parking fee. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/525-1806.

July 4, Wednesday
SCOTTSVILLE - 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!
Town of Scottsville.A big 4th of July celebration happens in Scottsville each year starting with a parade at 10am, free concert at Dorrier Park at 6pm, and ending with a fireworks show at 9:30pm. The fireworks are an especially beautiful display over the river when viewed from the bridge! Town of Scottsville. Directions: 30-45 minutes south of Charlottesville on Rt 20. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/286-2623.

July 4, Wednesday
SCOTTSVILLE - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER CONCERT
An annual tradition that gets better every year! Pack a picnic and a blanket for this live concert and festivities. Featuring great local artists Silver Creek Band and Eli Cook, followed by fireworks over the James River. Dorrier Park. Directions: Rt. 20 South from Charlottesville. Travel 18 miles to to down town Scottsville. Turn right onto Main Street (last right before the bridge over the James River). Take the first left after the Scottsville Post Office. Dorrier Park is straight ahead. 6pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:rhythmontheriver@hotmail.com?subject=Rhythm. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/286-2247.

July 4, Wednesday
STAUNTON - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION ON THE 1850’S AMERICAN FARM
Frontier Culture Museum.Declaration of Independence reading at 12pm and 2pm on the Bowman Farm. Contests, games, and other old-fashioned fun as guests interpret the lives of our ancestors in the 1850’s. Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton. Directions: take I-64 west to I-81 north exit 222. 11am to 4pm. $general admission. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@fcmv.virginia.gov?subject=Independence. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-332-7850.

July 4, Wednesday
CROZET - INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH KING FAMILY VINEYARDS
Reds, Whites, and the Blue Ridge. Third annual Independence Day celebration at King Family Vineyards. Bring a kite or a frisbee and lawn chairs and enjoy live Bluegrass music compliments of "Willow Branch." Children under 10 free. King Family Vineyards. Directions: 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet. Take Rt. 250 West past Western Albemarle High School. Turn right onto Rt. 797 (Hillsboro Lane). Turn right onto Rt. 684 (Half Mile Branch). Go one mile, winery entrance on the left. 11am to 5pm. $5 per person for adults, children under 10 are free. Contact: David and Ellen King. Email: mailto:info@kingfamilyvineyards.com?subject=Independence. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/823-7800.

July 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday
LEXINGTON - 11TH ANNUAL BB&T JULY 4TH BALLOON RALLY
Enjoy piloted and tethered balloon flights, pony rides, children's field entertainment, and a hot air balloon "glow" at night! Food and craft vendors, antique automobiles, fire department demonstrations and more! Live music both nights! Fireworks on the 4th! Virginia Military Institute Parade Grounds. Directions: I81 to I64 West, Lexington exit 55 onto Route 11. Follow Rt. 11 into downtown Lexington, right on Letcher Avenue. 6am to 9:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@sunriserotarylexva.org?subject=11th. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-463-3777.

July 4, Wednesday
OAKENCROFT VINEYARD - RED, WHITE AND LISTEN TO THE BLUES
Wine tastings of all our celebrated wines, tours, stroll to the vineyards, picnic by the lake. Light fare. Enjoy LIVE MUSIC! Oakencroft Vineyard. Directions: 1486 Oakencroft Lane. 11am to 5pm. $10 includes your wine glass. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:mail@oakencroft.com?subject=RED,. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/296-4188.

Wednesday, July 4
ASHLAND
Fourth of July Celebration -- Line up for the 11 a.m. nonmotorized parade and stay for the apple pie contest, book sale, music, crafts and games. Horse-drawn carriage rides also will be offered. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Hanover Arts and Activity Center, 500 S. Center St. 798-2728 or http://www.hanoverarts.com./

July 4, Wednesday
HENRICO - OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY
Henrico Parks and Rec, Richmond.Free fun for the whole family! Join the fun for the spectacular event in celebration of America. Enjoy a multi-faceted array of festive entertainment and activities including musical entertainment, train rides, pony rides, patriotic arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo for children, contests and games for all ages, and much more! Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park . Directions: 3400 Mountain Road, Richmond, VA Take 95N to 295W to Woodman Road South Exit. Make a right at the first light onto Mountain Road. Go 2 miles and park entrance is on the right. 1 to 5pm. $Free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-501-5121.

Wednesday, July 4
HENRICO COUNTY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBATION AT THE RICHMOND RACEWAY COMPLEX
Activities at the Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., include a 5K race and 1-mile run, car show, kids' activity area, live music, ceremony honoring America's 400th anniversary and the armed forces, and fireworks finale. Gates open at 3 p.m. 804/777-7752. TOUR: Richmond Raceway Complex

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND, LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN
Let your children wave in a parade from the visitor center to the children's garden, where there will be beach music and kid-friendly crafts and activities. Bring wagons and strollers to decorate. 1 to 4 p.m. Parade is at 2 p.m. Garden admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children ages 3-12. 1800 Lakeside Ave. 804/262-9887 or http://www.lewisginter.org./ TOUR: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND - DOGWOOD DELL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Fireworks follow free concerts featuring Back'N Da Day, Lawrence Robinson and the Richmond Concert Band. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Dell, Byrd Park. 804/646-3355. TOUR: Dogwood Dell

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND AND THE REVOLUTION: FROM VILLAGE TO VICTORY, BUS TOUR
This 2½-hour bus tour of Richmond visits locations that played a significant role in the movement toward American independence, including patriots' homes and St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tour meets at 10 a.m. at Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay St. Cost: $24 adults; $21 children ages 6-18, history center members and veterans. To reserve seats, call 804/649-0711. TOUR: St. John's Church, Valentine Richmond History Center

Wednesday & Thursday, July 4 & 5
RICHMOND BRAVES FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
Fireworks begin after the 7 p.m. games against the Syracuse Chiefs at The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard. Game tickets are $8-$16. 804/359-4444 or http://www.rbraves.com/. TOUR: The Diamond

Wednesday, July 4
RICHMOND - ST. JOHN'S CHURCH RE-ENACTMENT
Re-enactment of the 1775 Second Virginia Convention, where Patrick Henry famously proclaimed, "Give me liberty or give me death!" 2 p.m., ticket distribution begins at 1 p.m. 2401 E. Broad St. 804/648-5015 or 804/564-1002. TOUR: St. John's Church

Wednesday, July 4
MOUNT VERNON - AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Fourth of July at George Washington's house. Activities include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War military demonstrations, wreath-laying ceremony at Washington's tomb and patriotic music. George and Martha Washington re-enactors will be on hand to greet and take photographs with visitors. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Estate admission: $13 adults, $6 children ages 6 to 11. (703) 780-2000 or http://www.mountvernon.org./

July 4, Wednesday
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Colonial Williamsburg.Celebrate Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg, where the idea of an independent country free from British rule first began. Listen to the Declaration of Independence read from the steps of the courthouse, just as it was more than 225 years ago. Enjoy performances by the Fifes and Drums, followed by fireworks set off in the style popular in colonial times. Colonial Williamsburg. Directions: I-64E to exit 238. Follow signs.. 9am to 5pm. $Free with admission. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 757-229-1000.

Wednesday, July 4
VIRGINIA BEACH STARS & STRIPES EXPLOSION
The annual Hampton Roads celebration will include several concerts: Symphonicity, the Virginia Beach Chorale and Doorway Singers will perform beginning at 8 p.m. on the 20th Street stage. Revolution -- The Beatles Tribute will play at 7 and 10 p.m. at the Beachstreet Starfish Pavilion at 17th Street. Bruce in the USA will play at 7 and 9:45 p.m. at Neptune Park at 31st Street, and Firefall will perform at 8:45 and 10 p.m. at the Beachstreet Seaside Palladium at 24th Street. Oceanfront fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. (800) 822-3224 or http://www.vbfun.com/.

SATURDAY, July 7
HENRICO
Independence Boat Parade -- Decorated boats will cruise the James River between Richmond and the Varina-Enon Bridge. Prizes will be given at Osborne Park, 9680 Osborne Turnpike, where there also will be livemusic and children's activities. 5 to 7 p.m. 804/501-5121 or http://www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com/.

Central Virginia events & fun this weekend

June 30, Saturday
4TH ANNUAL FAMILY FUN FEST
Louisa County Parks and Recreation.This family-oriented fun fest will offer inflatable moonbounce and slides, carnival style games and prizes, concession, and an opportunity to spend an enjoyable day at Louisa Town Park with your family. There will be balloons for the kids, along with face painting, tattoos, free raffle prizes, and many more fun things to do. Craft and vendor tables will be available for rent. Come out for this fun day of family recreation! Louisa Town Park. 1 to 3pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-967-4420.

June 30, Saturday
CROZET VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S FOURTH OF JULY PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Crozet Volunteer Fire Department.Come out the annual Crozet Volunteer Firemen's Fourth of July Parade. Summer festival will be held after the parade at Claudius Crozet Park with fireworks by the Crozet Community Association that evening. Claudius Crozet Park. Directions: take Rt 250 west to Rt 240 towards Crozet and follow signs to park. 10am. All ages welcome. Contact: Richard Morris. Email: ccp@avenue.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/823-4758.

June 30, Saturday
SUMMER JUBILEE
Wintergreen Nature Foundation.Celebrate summer as the Trillium House is transformed into a family carnival of nature crafts, snacks and games, open from 10am to 1pm. Barefoot Puppets will present Trickster Tales to entertain and enlighten the whole family at 11am. At 1pm, hit the trails for fun games and activities that explore the world of plants and animals that share our mountain. Trillium House. Directions: Nellysford, VA. I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. . 10am to 3pm. All ages welcome. Email: info@twnf.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

June 28 through 30, Thursday through Saturday
THE ALL AMERICAN BLUEGRASS JAM
Orange County Boosters Club.3-days of great bluegrass music in historical Orange County, Booster Park, Rte. 20, Orange. Larry Sparks, III Time Out, George Clark & Dixie Flyer, Carolina Road, Larry Gillis, Ralph Stanley II, Bluegrass Brothers, Nothin Fancy, Larry Stephenson, plus more. Free rough camping, food available at the park, rain or shine event, big tent in front of stage. Directions: 11177 Bloomsbury Road,Orange, Virginia. 12 to 11pm Thursday; 10am to 11pm Friday and Saturday. $25 to $30 adults, Children under 12 free with parents, 13-17 half-price. All ages welcome. Email: Clark1@bellsouth.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-825-5838.

Saturday, June 30
Expedition: The Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
is open at the Keelboat barn in Darden Towe Park teaching the skills of exploration: knot-making, compass reading, and nature observation, as well as carpentry and boat-building skills such as chiseling and drilling. The 55-foot replica of the Lewis and Clark Expedition keelboat is on display with some recent additions. 10am-2pm. Free. North end of Darden Towe Park past the parking lots. 434/979-2425. lewisandclarkeast.org.

Saturday, June 30
History Hike
The development of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway-- the creation of Kemper Park, Saunders-Monticello Trail, Saunders Bridge-– is an intriguing story full of heroes and drama, creative design, and clever construction. Monticello's Peter Hatch tells the story during a two-hour hike that focuses on the evolution of the project, the historical precedents for the design, and the panorama of practical, political, and human issues that have defined its history. Meet at the Monticello Garden Shop's temporary location. 9:30am. $10. Reservations required. Rt. 53. 434/984-9822.

Sunday, July 1
Land of the Free
Free Union Homemakers' Club hosts the town's annual Independence Day Parade. The patriotic procession starts at the Free Union Church of the Brethren on Rte. 601 and ends at Free Union Baptist Church on Millington Road. Community members are welcome to join the parade or bring a flag and watch. 4pm. Free. 434/973-3835.

Charlottesville expecting major price reductions in town...

Charlottesville is not one of the cities mentioned in this article from rismedia.com...

http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-06-27/home-prices-fall-at-fastest-rate-in-16-years/

...but yes we are experiencing major price reductions in town, but also keep in mind homes are selling. When we as realtors see no activity in sales is when our red flags go up.

Pricing is key in selling your home, and I agree it's a buyers market.

If you'd like a C.M.A. (competitive market analysis free of charge) for your home, via email please email me (kehoe@move2va.com) or call me (434) 980-2860.

It's not doomsday in Charlottesville and surrounding counties, so let's be positive, fresh and know that homes will sell if priced correctly. The higher end homes are taking the bigger hits for sure, but the majority of home buyers and sellers can make a transition.

Don't forget Lake Monticello still has a home, not a townhome, for under $180,000.

Does anyone have any comments on the real estate market, pricing, or just how great Cville and the surrounding counties are?

In my mind, even though we have lost a few notches in ratings due to our salaries and the cost of living, we are still #1!

Podcast from Move, Inc.

A podcast for you, please tune in to learn... Move, Inc., a media leader in connecting consumers with the when, where and how to move, has a webcast of its "Investor Day".

Chief Executive Officer, Mike Long, President, Lorna Borenstein, and other top-level Move, Inc. executives discuss the company’s strategy and key product initiatives.

Click the link below to hear Move, Inc.'s "Investor Day" podcast from investor.move.com:

http://investor.move.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=111114&p=IROL-Guestbook&UniqueId=&mp=irol-eventDetails&mpdp=EventId=1579438!WebCastId=659454!StreamId=932347&pu=http*^^www.iian.ibeam.com^events^thom001^23019^&pph=540&ppw=788&rdu=http*^^investor.move.com&rdt=&upv=2

Call or email me also any questions on moving, the market, recommendations etc. I'm here for you 24 hours, 7 days!

Albemarle County Transportation Projects

We are growing and need to do something with traffic. I found a web site to help us stay informed.

Visit this page at Albemarle.org for the latest updates and information on current Albemarle transporation projects. Currently they have information on the Georgetown Road and Jarman's Gap Road development projects, and the Eastern Connector Corridor Study:

http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=planning&relpage=8110

What are your concerns and comments?

Ahhh, peaceful sleep... enjoy a grin on me!

National Assocation of Realtors' Statistics for May 2007

In May 2007 existing home sales were unchanged. The national median existing home price was $223,700 in May 2007, which is 2.1% below May 2006, when the median was $228,500. Read this article from Realtor.org to learn more:

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2007/ehs_may07_market_under_performing.html

Comments anyone?