Raise Your Credit Score In Only 3 Weeks

Here's a wonderful article from "Originator Times" on "Seven Simple Steps to Raising Credit Scores in Only Three Weeks", I think many will find this helpful:

http://originatortimes.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=2471&zoneid=5

In this housing market many will need creative lenders to assist.

The best way to buy a home is to first find a creative lender you can trust.

You'll need a team to help you: mortgage lender, realtor, and closing attorney or title company.

If you'd like, I'll email you a list or mortgage lenders and attorneys/title
companies I recommend in central Virginia/Charlottesville. Please email me (kehoe@move2va.com) or call me (800-818-7629) 24 hours/7 days for a free list.

Mortgage rates now 6.82% nationally, for 30-year fixed

Mortgage rates rose a small amount this week, and have been locked in a range between 6.74% and 6.82% for a month. Read more about it in this article from BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/July1907_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Keep in touch with your lender. If you need a lender in Charlottesville or central Virginia, please contact me, I'll be happy to provide you with a list of lenders I personally recommend.

Featured Home - Country Home In Fluvanna

- Home with 2+ acres for $359,900

- Home with 14+ acres for $799,900 (includes 5 extra lots)

- Or land only 5 mostly wooded lot subdivision already divided, 2-4.4 acres each, fabulous, rare opportunity for builder/developer or family for neighborhood for $499,900; buy at today's price and close December 2008 (land only).

FEATURES:

- Fluvanna County, near I-64, easy commute to Charlottesville/Richmond

- Large country house

- Bring your farm animals

- Over 2100 square feet

- Old-fashioned wrap-around covered porch

- Extensive ceramic tile floors in great room and first floor

- Kitchen with breakfast nook and appliances

- Bedrooms, including first floor master suite

- 2 car garage

For more information on this home or any other home in central Virginia and Charlottesville, please call me (434-980-2860) or email me (kehoe@move2va.com).

Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (July 20-22)

Tuesday through Sunday, July 17-22
ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL FAIR
Rockbridge County, Lexington.Great family entertainment with amusement rides, great food, live music, 4-H livestock competitions, arts and crafts, truck and tractor pulls, and so much more! Virginia Horse Center. Directions: I81 to I64 West. Use Lexington exit 55. Turn right on Route 11. At first stop light, turn left onto Route 39. Horse Center will be approximately 2 miles on the right. varies. $varies. All ages welcome. Contact: Wayne “Rexx” Rexrode. Email: info@rockbridgefair.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-463-6263.

Thursday through Saturday, July 19-21
MINERAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
The 24th annual Mineral Bluegrass Festival. The festival is co-sponsored by the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department. Bring the family and enjoy a weekend of music in beautifully shaded Walton Park, Mineral, VA. Many wonderful stars of bluegrass and the Grand Ole Opry will be there to entertain you. Check the concert schedule to the right for a complete listing of musicians and times they will perform each day. Sound by Gene Daniell. Tom Cat Reeder will be the MC. Bring your lawn chairs and remember no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the concert area. Walton Park, Mineral Town. Directions: 200 East Sixth Street, Mineral, VA. 9am to 9pm. $Adult Advance $30, Child - ages 6-13 $15, Child under 6 - free with parent. All ages welcome. Contact: Jimmie Dodd & Lloyd Runnet. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-894-9811.

Friday, July 20
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE
Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall. Free, all ages welcome, show begins at 5:30pm. This week's band is "Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun", band's web site: http://www.mojamusic.net

Friday, July 20
LOVE'S LABORS LOST - STAUNTON
Written around the same time as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, this giddy, extravagant comedy is Shakespeare's most exuberant wordfest-- a heart-stopping explosion of our English language. Here the Bard presents four young lords ripe for an education in love by four young ladies and, for even more fun, throws in the fantastic love-warrior, Don Armado; the lust-sick clown, Costard; and the pompous scholar, Holofernes. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 877-682-4236.

Friday, July 20
STAR STRUCK
The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 9-11pm (weather permitting). UVA's research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. Free. McCormick Road. 434/924-7494.

Friday, July 20
SHOWERS PREDICTED - RICHMOND
Mother nature's fireworks, the Perseid meteor shower, returns in August with as many as 60 meteors per hour. Astronomers expect the show to peak Sunday, August 12-- the same night as a new moon. Best viewing time is after midnight. The Science Museum of Virginia offers more facts at LiveSky, an interactive planetarium tonight at 6pm. Afterward, the Richmond Astronomical Society set up their 'scopes for Sky Watch on the museum's front lawn at 9pm with views of Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter. Free. Weather permitting. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. www.smv.org.

Friday, July 20
MUSIC AT TWILIGHT: BROADWAY BOUND
Ash Lawn Opera Festival. Festival singers perform a collection of hits from Broadway shows past and present. This energetic show offers everything from favorites by the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin, and Cole Porter, to the current hits direct from Broadway. Come hear some of your favorite showtunes and perhaps something you've never heard! Ash Lawn-Highland. Doors open at 6pm. Shows begin at 8pm. $11-$18. All ages welcome. Email: info@ashlawnopera.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/979-0122.

Friday, July 20
SERVING UP ACES
Two of the greatest tennis players of all-time will be facing off in the Serving Up Aces match featuring Pete Sampras and John McEnroe. Following the feature match, Boyd Tinsley of Dave Matthews Band will join Sampras, McEnroe and a special guest for a doubles match. John Paul Jones Arena. 7pm. $27, $37, $47, $67, $102. All ages welcome. Contact: John Paul Jones Arena. Email: johnpauljonearenainfo@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/243-4960.

Friday, July 20
MIDNIGHT MAGIC
Barnes & Noble Bookstore.Harry Potter Party! Come join all your pals from Hogwarts and count down the minutes to midnight when the last and final installment in the popular Harry Potter series goes on sale. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" holds lots of surprises and we're all wondering what its going to be like as Harry grows up! Jr Department of Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Directions: Barracks Road Shopping Center. 9pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-0461.

Friday, July 20
HARRY POTTER RELEASE PARTY
Join Z-95.1 DJ Jay Lopez this Friday from 10pm-Midnight and get your copy of the latest installment of Harry Potter. register to win free books, gift cards and more! Book go on sale at midnight! Kroger at Rio Hill Shopping Center. 10:00pm-midnight. $free. All ages welcome.

Saturday & Sunday, July 21 & 22
PICNIC WITH RICH AND FAMOUS
Robert and Luciana Duvall host a picnic at their farm to support the efforts of the Piedmont Environmental Council to fight a high-voltage transmission line scheme proposed by Dominion Virginia Power. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and a dessert to share as well as lawn chairs, sunbrellas and blankets. General admission: $50/car. Tickets available only by phone, no tickets sold at gate. 4-8pm. Byrnley, The Plains, near Warrenton. Info: 540-341-0175 ext. 7.

Saturday, July 21
ENVIRONMENTAL ART WORKSHOP
Scheier Natural Area: The Rivanna Conservation Society presents "Right Here, Right Now: Environmental Art Workshop" with James Yates, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Free. 2pm. Meet in the parking lot of Scheier Natural Area, a 100-acre parcel of land 10 miles west of Palmyra and 20 miles southeast of Charlottesville in Fluvanna County. 977-4837 or rivannariver.org.

Saturday & Sunday, July 21 & 22
WINTERGREEN PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL-CELEBRATION '07
Evans Center at Wintergreen Resort. Wintergreen Performing Arts presents its 11th Summer Music Festival. Celebration '07 will honor the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown and the 200th Anniversary of Nelson County with a full roster of chamber and orchestra concerts, lectures, master classes, and open rehearsals. The concert program will include familiar masterpieces such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World"), two chamber music world premieres and what appears to be the American Premiere of Ottorino Respighi's transcription of Claudio Monteverdi's magnificent 1607 opera Orfeo. The festival will conclude with conductor Peter Oundjian and violinist Robert McDuffie performing Bruch's magnificent G minor Violin Concerto, a gem of the German Romantic period. The festival will also include the world premiere of Peter Coy's play A Shadow of Honor about a 1907 murder in Nelson County. Consult the Wintergreen Performing Arts website for a detailed schedule http://www.wintergreenperformingarts.org and the Wintergreen Resort website (http://www.wintergreenresort.com ) for travel packages. For information: (434) 325-8292; (866) 984-6874

Saturday & Sunday, July 21 and 22
DAYLILY AND WINE FESTIVAL
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce; ESPOMA Organic Fertilizers and Primary Residential Mortgage.There will be fine wine and entertainment throughout the day, childrens tent with activities, crafters, artist and seminars and more. Andre Viette Farm & Nursery, Fishersville. Directions: I64W to Exit 91, North (right) on Route 608, West (left) on Route 250 (go under the railroad overpass), North (right) on Route 608 - Nursery is 2 1/2 miles on left. Sat 9am to 6pm; Sun 1 to 5pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-324-1133.

Saturday, July 21
PRUNING WOODY ORNAMENTALS
This two-hour workshop teaches proper ways to prune plants while enhancing their natural growth habitat. $10, reservations required. 9:30am. Tufton Farm, Monticello. 434/984-9822.

Saturday, July 21
STREAM MONITORING
StreamWatch hosts a volunteer stream monitor training session covering the fundamentals of stream biological sampling-catching and identifying aquatic invertebrates for the purpose of evaluating water quality and stream health. Please bring a lunch and dress for the outdoors. Free. 10am-4pm. Call to register and for directions: 434/962-3527.

Saturday, July 21
HIKE AT SKIMORE FORK
Join Wild Virginia on a hike in the North River Ranger District of George Washington National Forest at Skidmore Fork. This beautiful area includes many special species of biological interest and areas of old growth forest. The hike follows Skidmore Fork stream and includes some elevation gain. Bring lunch, water, and solid hiking boots. 8:30am. Meet at Java Java, 2214 Ivy Road. www.wildvirginia.org.

Saturday, July 21
THE WINTER'S TALE - STAUNTON
Shakespeare's next-to-last play is a roller-coaster ride from tragedy to comedy and finally to a place that few other works have gone. At the end of this play about the power of love and faith and loyalty, about wives and husbands, about parents and children, audiences arrive at one of the most miraculous moments in the history of theatre. Today's performance is a 2pm matinee. Blackfriars Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 877-682-4236.

Saturday, July 21
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Part of the 2007 Blandy Summer Concert Series, held at Blandy Experimental Farm, a UVA research station and home of the State Arboretum of Virginia. Come early to explore the Arboretum grounds, and bring a picnic basket and a blanket or lawn chairs. $7/adults; $2/children 5-12; free/anyone under 5 or over 100. Margaret Byrd Stimpson Amphitheater, Route 50 in Clarke County, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 20 miles west of Middleburg, between Route 340 and the Shenandoah River. 540-837-1758 Ext. 0, or www.virginia.edu/blandy.

Saturday, July 21
LA BOHEME ASH LAWN-HIGHLAND
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The Ash Lawn Opera Festival is recognized by Money Magazine as one of the top 20 international summer opera companies. Established in 1978, the Festival presents opera and musical theater sung in English and performed in the Boxwood Gardens of Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe. In 2007, the Festival will present Puccini's La Boheme. Performances are outdoors at 8 p.m.; grounds open for picnicking at 6:00. In the event of rain, performances are held under the pavilion. Tickets are $25 (weekdays), $26 (Saturdays). Group, senior, and student rates available; call Box Office between June and August for details. For general information, call the office.Visit the website for special packages on lodging and opera tickets with four of Charlottesville's leading hotels. Box Office (434) 979-0122 Office (434) 293-4500. Web Site: http://www.ashlawnopera.org

Saturday, July 21
KIDZ NIGHT OUT ACAC
Children play in the gigantic indoor play structure and enjoy a night of games, sports, computers and movies while parents catch a movie or have a night out on the town! ACAC Adventure Central Clubhouse. Directions: 200 Four Seasons Drive. 6 to 10pm. $Family $12, Member $17, Non-member $20. Recommended for ages 4 to 12. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/817-1747.

Saturday, July 21
PARENT SURVIVAL NIGHT
The Little Gym.The Little Gym® makes it possible for parents to enjoy a much-needed night out on the town, knowing their kids are safe and having a blast. Children enjoy an evening of friends, games, music and continue their motor skill development under the watchful eyes of our professional instructors. Must be potty trained. The Little Gym. Directions: 907 Gardens Blvd, Rt. 29N behind Pier 1. 6:45 to 9:45pm. $call for cost. Recommended for ages 3 to 12. Contact: The Little Gym. Email: tlgcvl@aol.com. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/975-5437.

Saturday, July 21
SWING DANCE
Enjoy a high-energy evening of swing dancing and other dance favorites with DJ Stacy Suter. At 8pm, Alyssa Lundgren teaches an Intermediate Cha Cha lesson upstairs. Also at 8pm, Cathleen Rhodes teaches a beginner East Coast Swing lesson downstairs. Lessons included with the dance admission. Singles and couples welcome; no partner needed. 9pm-midnight, $12/person, $9/CSDS members, $6/students with ID. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St. SW. 434/980-2744 or www.cvilleswingdance.com.

Sunday, July 22
PICNIC WITH RICH AND FAMOUS - WARRENTON
Robert and Luciana Duvall host a picnic at their farm to support the efforts of the Piedmont Environmental Council to fight a high-voltage transmission line scheme proposed by Dominion Virginia Power. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and a dessert to share as well as lawn chairs, sunbrellas and blankets. General admission: $50/car. Tickets available only by phone, no tickets sold at gate. 4-8pm. Byrnley, The Plains, near Warrenton. Info: 540-341-0175 ext. 7.

Sunday, July 22
ENVIRONMENTAL ART WORKSHOP
Scheier Natural Area: The Rivanna Conservation Society presents "Right Here, Right Now: Environmental Art Workshop" with James Yates, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Free. 2pm. Meet in the parking lot of Scheier Natural Area, a 100-acre parcel of land 10 miles west of Palmyra and 20 miles southeast of Charlottesville in Fluvanna County. 434/977-4837 or www.rivannariver.org.

Sunday, July 22
SUNDAY FUN-DAYS FOR FAMILIES: SALSA SIZZLER - RICHMOND
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.On the fourth Sunday of each month, families can enjoy children's entertainment, gardening and activities in the Children's Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Directions: Off I-95 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA. 5 to 8pm. $Regular Garden admission. All ages welcome. Contact: Beth. Email: bethm@lewisginter.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-262-9887.

Buying Or Building Green Homes

Green Homes are the latest, greatest thing in new housing. It can save you $’s in utilities, your home and you will be healthier, and you are also helping the environment.

Yes, it will cost you more upfront, but if you live in your home for years it may be worth it. You choose of course, which is most important to you.

Here is a link to an article from RISMedia, "Health Found to be the Most Powerful Motivator for Consumers to Build or Buy a Green Home" so you can learn more:

http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-07-17/health-found-to-be-the-most-powerful-motivator-for-consumers-to-build-or-buy-a-green-home/

If you’d like info on Green Builders in central Virginia including Charlottesville and Albemarle, call me (1-800-818-7629) or email me (kehoe@move2va.com) and I’ll be glad to furnish a list to you. We are waking up to a new way of building, and it’s very refreshing.

What do you think of green homes? Are they the wave of the future? Would you buy or build a green home? Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

Keep Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation

You’ve seen the movie "Home Alone", so here’s a great article from RISMedia with vacation tips to keep it safe in your absence:

http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-07-17/is-your-home-alone/

I would also suggest you let a neighbor know you’ll be gone and how to reach you in an emergency.

Also check with your insurance agent if you’re gone for an extended period of time because your insurance could be affected over a certain period of time with no one on the premises.

Please post a comment to share your tips.

Tax Tip: Window Tinting

Are tax tips helpful to you? I would suspect everyone likes to save $'s on taxes. Recently the IRS has decided window tinting now falls under the category of "other" energy saving home improvements, and can be used as a tax credit.

Here's an article from BankRate.com about how you can get a tax credit for adding window tinting film to your home's windows.

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/tax/20070716_window_tinting_credit_a1.asp

Please share your own tax tips... leave a comment!

Summer Travel Tips

Summer travel lately has seen a change, so be prepared. Here's an article from RISMedia with some great tips to make your travelling safer and less hectic. It also has links to websites to check regarding late flights, etc:

http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-07-17/how-to-avoid-summer-travel-snafus/


I'm sure we all know which cities to avoid, because sometimes they are notorious for late flights or cancelled flights.

Please comment and share your tips as well!

Albemarle County Rezonings & Special Use Permits

Rezonings and special use permits in process provided by the Albemarle County Department of Community Development (Excel Spreadsheet):

http://www.homecharlottesville.com/2001-2005-approved-units-zma-sp-and-pending.xls

Rezonings and special use permits are a part of Albemarle County, and this list (link above) shows those approved over the last 6 years. Please note the number of units and where they are, and feel free to check with the county for other special information on any of these areas.

We are growing, and the county is stringent as we grow, and I personally am thankful for that. We want to keep what we have: clean air, no pollution, and growth with care.

Do you agree?

Technology... It's a new world!

Technology is here to stay, we live in a different world now.

Tech knowledge can get you to the next step, and free up time that would be used talking to people or researching at the library.

Google is fun, and some day may replace the phone book, in fact for some it already has.

Scanning is my latest true advantage, and soon no need for overnight mail or faxing!

Here's an article from RISMedia on "Six Technology Travel Tips You Can’t Function Without", I hope you'll find this as interesting as I did, better to be safe than sorry:

http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-07-13/be-smart-before-you-hit-the-road-six-technology-travel-tips-you-can%E2%80%99t-function-without/

What's your favorite tech tip?
Happy Tech!

Karen
"The Key To Your Real Estate Success"

2nd Quarter Market Report Out Today

It's absolutely a buyers market, interest rates below 7%, both buyers and sellers can accomplish what they need to do. Just be smart and get comparables and financing, then proceed forward.

Click the following link to open the Charlottesville Association of Realtors 2007 2nd Quarter Market Report, prepared by Dave Phillips, CAAR CEO:

http://www.homecharlottesville.com/caar-2007-2nd-quarter-market-report.pdf

Featured Home - Steger Creek in Palmyra

Almost New One-Level Home With Over 2 Acres!

• Easy commute to Charlottesville & Richmond, only 10 minutes to Pantops!
• Gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and pantry
• King master bedroom suite
• High ceilings
• Gas log fireplace
• Occupancy 8/1/08, allows time to sell your home while locking in today's prices!
• One-level living with pizzazz!

Please contact me (kehoe@move2va.com or 434/980-2860) for more information on this home or any other homes you are interested in.

Mortgage Rates Nationally

Here are the overnight averages from www.BankRate.com(Rate may contain points):

30 year fixed mortgage
Today: 6.30%
Last Week: 6.28%

Keep in touch with your lender. If you need help finding a mortgage lender, please contact me (kehoe@move2va.com or 434/980-2860) and I'll share my recommended lenders with you.

Any comments or questions?

Central Virginia Events This Weekend (July 13-15)

July 13, Friday
CHICK-FIL-A'S COW APPRECIATION DAY
Chick-fil-A restaurant will award a FREE combo meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who visits the chain fully dressed as a cow! The offer is part of the chain's third annual "Cow Appreciation Day" celebration. Chick-fil-A. $free. All ages welcome. Special Needs Accommodation: Cow costume Contact: Wyatt Jefferies. Email: wjefferies@co-p.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 404-961-2238.

Friday, July 13
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE at the Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.
Show starts at 5:30pm. ALL AGES. Band is "New Monsoon" http://www.newmonsoon.com

Friday, July 13
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST by The Jefferson Youth Theater
Featuring over 50 local children, presents Beauty and the Beast-- on the Paramount Theater stage! 7pm, $12/adults, $6 children. Downtown Mall. 434/249-2803.

Friday, July 13
ROMEO AND JULIET
With its rapturous language and uproarious comedy, Romeo and Juliet celebrates love's triumphs and its trivialities. In this profoundly human and always surprising masterpiece, Shakespeare puts into theatrical balance the joys of the body and the pleasures of the play's glorious language. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 1-877-682-4236.

Friday-Sunday, July 13-15
WINTERGREEN PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Evans Center at Wintergreen Resort. Wintergreen Performing Arts presents its 11th Summer Music Festival. Celebration '07 will honor the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown and the 200th Anniversary of Nelson County with a full roster of chamber and orchestra concerts, lectures, master classes, and open rehearsals. The concert program will include familiar masterpieces such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World"), two chamber music world premieres and what appears to be the American Premiere of Ottorino Respighi's transcription of Claudio Monteverdi's magnificent 1607 opera Orfeo. The festival will conclude with conductor Peter Oundjian and violinist Robert McDuffie performing Bruch's magnificent G minor Violin Concerto, a gem of the German Romantic period. The festival will also include the world premiere of Peter Coy's play A Shadow of Honor about a 1907 murder in Nelson County. Consult the Wintergreen Performing Arts website for a detailed schedule and the Wintergreen Resort website www.wintergreenresort.com for travel packages. For information: (434) 325-8292; (866) 984-6874. Web Site: http://www.wintergreenperformingarts.org

July 13, Friday
PUBLIC NIGHT AT THE OBSERVATORY
UVA McCormick Observatory. Three telescopes at the McCormick Observatory offer amazing views of our galaxy (weather permitting) while astronomy staff and graduate students answer questions. A slide show and tour are also provided. Open every 1st and 3rd Friday. McCormick Observatory. Directions: From Emmet Street (Rt29) near UVA and Ivy Rd (Rt250) turn onto McCormick, follow signs up the hill. 9 to 11pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: jdh7h@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/924-7494.

Saturday, July 14
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
Young gardeners have a special place at the table at the Crozet Farmers Market offering special resources and activities just for them. 8am-noon. Free. 1156 Crozet Ave. 434/823-7878.

Saturday, July 14
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 admission. On the north end of Darden Towe Park past the parking lots. 434/979-2425. lewisandclarkeast.org.

July 14, Saturday
COSTUME CHARACTER VISIT: PETER RABBIT
Barnes and Noble Bookstore.Peter Rabbit will be at Barnes & Noble to visit his Charlottesville friends. Storytellers will read some of his adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden, and then he will greet his fans. Bring your cameras! Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Directions: 1035A Emmet Street. 11:30am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Allyson Johns. Email: CRM2559@bn.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-6598.

July 14, Saturday
DRAGONFLY WALK AT IVY CREEK
Ivy Creek Foundation. Jim Childress will lead a walk to see the dragonflies and damselflies of Ivy Creek. We will view them with binoculars and catch a few to look at them in hand. Come and learn to identify some of the mid-summer species and their habitats. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road/Route 743. 11am. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Saturday, July 14
MEET THE SHUTTERBUGS
Fluvanna County parks and rec hosts a reception today for winners of its annual photography contest. The contest theme-- photography that embodies life in Fluvanna County-- netted over 120 images in 10 categories. Free, 2-4pm. The show is up through July. Fork Union Community Center. 5725 James Madison Highway. 434-842-3150.

Saturday, July 14
GARDEN GATES: The gardens of the Elizabeth Lane property in Batesville
Originally part of the "Maxwell estate," in addition to the gardens, the place offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge. $5, 9am-noon. Dick Woods Road (Rt. 635). 434/872-4580.

Saturday & Sunday, July 14-15
MONTICELLO PLANTATION COMMUNITY WEEKEND
10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Monticello. Plantation Community Weekend. Costumed artisans help bring the sights and sounds of the early 19th century to Mulberry Row, the center of African-American activity at Monticello. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Included in price of general admission. Information: (434) 984-9822. Web Site: http://www.monticello.org

Saturday, July 14
MONTICELLO NATURAL HISTORY OF TREES
9:30 am. Monticello Garden Shop. The Natural History of Trees. This two-hour walking tour focuses on the identification of 50 species of exotic and native trees through an understanding of their ornamental, cultural, and historical character. 9:30 a.m., Garden Shop. $10; reservations required. Information: (434) 984-9822. Web Site: http://www.monticello.org

July 14, Saturday
FAMILY FUN! CREEPY CRAWLY FUN! Charlottesville Northside Library
45 minutes of stories, songs, and crafts your whole family will enjoy. For children of all ages with an accompanying adult. Registration is required. Directions: 300 Albemarle Square. 10:30am. $free. All ages welcome. Email: northside@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7893.

July 14, Saturday
HENNA HAPPENING - Louisa County Library
Experience the ancient art of henna in this hands-on workshop led by local expert Alpana Agarwal. Registration is required and begins on Saturday, June 30. Grades 6-12. Louisa County Library. Directions: 881 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA. 2pm. $free. Email: louisa@jmrl.org. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-894-5853.

July 14, Saturday
INSPECTOR WILD! MAPS N' ME
Wintergreen Nature Foundation. A fun treasure hunt with prizes will introduce basic skills in both reading and making maps. Young naturalists will create their own map and learn to follow those made by the professionals. Wintergreen, VA. Directions: 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. 9 to 11am. $10 members, $15 non-members. Recommended for ages 4 to 6. Email: info@twnf.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

July 14, Saturday
MASKED MARVELS AND WONDERTALES
Mask and mime master Michael Cooper will bring his heart-warming, family-friendly performance to Charlottesville's Paramount Theatre. Cooper's show combines the mythical and the auto-biographical and features breathtaking original masks, stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing, mime and a physical repertoire that ranges from madcap to sublime. If you would like to spend more time with the artist, attend the Mask and Mime Master Class with Cooper earlier that day (ages 9 to 11) at 11am. Paramount Theatre. 3pm. For details, please click this link.

July 14, Saturday
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
Rivanna Trails Foundation. Volunteer to come out to help with trail maintenance. Great for older kids or the whole family. Tools provided, but bring shears or clippers if you have them. Large groups please call in advance. . Directions: Meet at the trailhead on Melbourne Road just east of the Charlottesville High School football field and caravan to the work site. To drive self, call Diana Foster at 434/964-1022. 9am to 12pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link.

July 14, Saturday
THE VIRTUES OF HERBS: LIVING HISTORY WALKING EVENT
Agecroft Hall.Take a walking tour of Agecroft's gardens and learn age-old treatments for ailments such as the common cold, headaches, and upset stomachs. Along the tour you will meet some of the manor's 17th century inhabitants, portrayed by living history interpreters. In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be cancelled. Agecroft Hall & Gardens. Directions: 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Va 23221. 10am. $5. All ages welcome. Contact: Joy Mouledoux. Email: publicrelations@agecrofthall.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-353-4241.

July 14, Saturday
WILD! ADVENTURES: ORIENTEERING CHALLENGE
Wintergreen Nature Foundation.Understand your GPS unit by learning the basics of finding your way with a map and compass. Solve fun nature riddles to make your way through the woodland orienteering course. Nellysford, VA . Directions: 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. 1 to 4pm. $15 members, $20 non-members. Recommended for ages 7 to 12. Email: info@twnf.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, July 14
DOWN UNDER, UP CLOSE: DIDJERIDU PERFORMANCE
Enjoy a solo performance by didjeridu master Ash Dargan. 6pm (doors at 5pm), $7/adults, $4/seniors/students. Outdoors at the Kluge Ruhe Gallery, 400 Worrell Drive, Pantops Mountain. (Rain site: Newcomb Hall Theatre, UVA). 434/244-0234.

Saturday July 14
BASTILLE DAY PARTY
6:00pm, ZINC - 420 West Main St - Next to the Main Street Market. Americans have the Fourth of July, the French have Bastille Day; now Charlottesville has both! Authentic French cuisine, delicious desserts, drink specials, DJ spinning through dinner and into the late night, and more surprises to come. Join us at ZINC (right next to Main Street Market) on July 14th for the biggest Bastille Day Party in Charlottesville! Lunch served from 11:30-2:00. Dinner starting at 6pm. www.comptoirzinc.com 434-245-ZINC(9462).

July 15, Sunday
MIDSUMMER BUTTERFLY WALK
Ivy Creek Foundation.Learn to identify Ivy Creek’s butterflies on a walk with Mike Scott at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Mike will lead a brief identification workshop before the walk. Meet in the Ed Building. Meet in the Education Building. Directions: Earlysville Road/Route 743. 1pm. $free. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Sunday, July 15
TUBING ON THE JAMES
Float your cares away with members of the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. $10, plus membership. 11:30am. Monticello Visitor Center. 434/760-HIKE.

Sunday, July 15
DOG FRIENDLY HIKE & PICNIC
Fido, food, and fun, with members of the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. $5, plus membership. 9:30am. Fontaine Research Park. 434/760-HIKE.

Sunday, July 15
RIVANNA RIVER CANOE AND KAYAK TRIP
Get paddling with members of the Rivanna Conservation Society. Free with RCS membership. 10am. Location tbd by river level. 434/984-5678.

July 15, Sunday
SUMMER EVENING AT MONTPELIER
Musical Traditions of 18th-Century African-American People. The slaves on James Madison’s Montpelier plantation would have been familiar with the energy and rhythms of West African and Caribbean song and dance. In the colonial period this music would mix with European forms to generate the early African-American sound. In a program designed especially for families, the Chesapeake Atlantic Ensemble, led by Cheick Hamala Diabate, will play instruments including fiddle, banjo and flute to celebrate this musical journey. BBQ/picnicking at 6:30 and program at 7:30 on the Montpelier lawn. Open to both members and the public. Montpelier. Directions: Route 20, four miles south of Orange. 6:30pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-672-2728.

Keeping Your Cool This Summer... The Heat Is On!

Summer is upon us and many homeowners worry as the temperature continues to rise, so will their utility bills. No need to panic. There are several ways to control the comfort level of your indoor air while still keeping energy consumption down.

An Ounce of Prevention

One of the best ways to stay comfortable this summer and keep energy costs down is by properly maintaining your cooling system. A system that is not running properly may be working harder than it needs to be in order to maintain a comfortable temperature. “If properly maintained, your central air conditioner will keep you cool even during the peak summer heat waves,” said Rick Roetken, director of product marketing, Carrier. Roetken recommends these simple steps to ensure that your central air conditioner is kept in tip-top shape:

Regular Maintenance - Have your central air system inspected by a qualified service technician or contractor early on in the summer season. Remember to also clean the standard air filters once a month. When replacing filters, make sure you install a replacement that is the same size as the original. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the coil in your air conditioner to freeze up significantly increasing energy use. It's also important to make sure the outdoor unit or condenser of a central air conditioner is free of debris. Trim or remove shrubs or obstructions within one foot of the unit.

Proper Operation - Do not run a central air conditioner when the outdoor air temperature is below 70 F. Operating a residential air conditioner in cool temperatures may cause premature compressor failure. Instead, ventilate your home by opening windows. When you are running the central air, remember to keep the thermostat turned up. For most homes, 78 F is a comfortable temperature. Using a fan to circulate the cooler air will allow you to avoid turning down the thermostat. Use a programmable thermostat so you can automatically raise the temperature to 85 F while you are out for the day.

Beware of Wasted Energy
If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a high efficiency model now. Air conditioners are manufactured to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Beginning in January 2006, the new minimum will be 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). These units deliver about 23 percent energy savings compared to the current minimum 10 SEER models. “Purchasing a 13 SEER unit now will allow you to save on your utility bills sooner, rather than later,” said Roetken.

You can also eliminate wasted energy by choosing Energy Star appliances for your home. Older refrigerators tend to consume much more energy than newer models. If your refrigerator is due for replacement, look for an energy efficient model. You should avoid using appliances that use a lot of energy during the day when the outside temperature rises. By:

Running your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer later at night or first thing in the morning, and washing only full loads of dishes and laundry, you can slash additional utility costs.

Also remember to turn off your computer and monitor when not in use and turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.

Use fluorescent light bulbs, which last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs, wherever possible.

Direct sunlight streaming through windows can substantially raise the temperature inside your home. Close your drapes and curtains during the day to keep sunlight and heat out. Planting trees and bushes is an effective way to shade your home as well. If you plan to replace your windows, consider double-pane windows with spectrally selective coatings.

If you are concerned about the cost of comfort this summer, don't sweat it. These tips will keep you cool throughout the season.

Article courtesy of ARA Content & Jay Coleman at Cornerstone Inspection Services in central Virginia: http://www.cornerstoneinspectionservices.net/