Learn more at the official Eastern Connector website at Albemarle.org:
http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=planning&relpage=9606
Which plan do you think is best?
Karen
www.move2va.com
I found these items at The Hook's calendar:
- The Old Michie Theatre presents a puppet show version of The Three Bears. Original hand-sculpted marionette puppets perform in a fairytale stage setting with audience participation, lighting effects, and not-too-scary bears. Saturday at 11am, 2 and 4pm. $5. Reservations recommended.
- Crafty little elves ages 4 and up can create their own holiday house with edible materials at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Saturday 10:30am-11:15am. $8/members; $10/nonmembers. Registration required.
- Starting Saturday, families are invited to cut their own Christmas trees from Ash Lawn-Highland's fields of Virginia pine and cedar. This is not a tree farm, so choppers may have to do some hiking, and the trees are growing naturally, not shaped. Check in at the Gift Shop for directions to the cutting fields. Bring a saw and a rope to tie the tree to vehicle. Daily 11am-4pm.
- Monticello holiday tour: hour-long, small-group house tours, which include the Dome Room, offer visitors an intimate look at how the holidays were celebrated in Jefferson's time, plus the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark. $40. Saturday 5:30pm and 5:45pm. Reserved tickets required.
- Photos with Santa Paws by portrait artist Kevin Blackburn at The Animal Connection. Santa hats, elf hats, and holiday dog wear will be available on site. No reservation necessary, first come first served. All pets should be well behaved and must be on leash. Sunday 1-4pm.
Yesterday the WINA website had these event listed:
- The Charlottesville Energy Fair will be held Friday at the Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.
- Tech Challenge State Championship (Robotics): Come see 48 High School Teams including the Monticello Mustangs compete at University Hall. Learn about First Robotics, a fun, hand on, team way to make meaningful connections with science, math, engineering and technology. Free Admission. Saturday 8:30am-6:00pm
- The Annual Piedmont Virginia Community College Pottery Club Sale will be held at PVCC's Dickinson Building Commons. Featured will be unique, handmade, high fired stoneware, priced to fit your holiday shopping budget. Free drawing for door prize. Cash sales only, please. Saturday 9am-12pm.
- Join the Outdoor Adventure Social Club for a Dog Friendly Hike, Sunday 10am-2pm. Meet at Fontaine Research Park. Cost is $5, plus membership.
- The Charlottesville High School Band presents their 67th Annual Winter Concert at Charlottesville High School. Free and Open to the public, Sunday 2pm-4pm.
- The Piedmont Virginia Community College chorus will perform its annual holiday concert on the main stage of the V. Earl Dickinson Building. Admission is free and open to the public. Sunday 3pm-5pm.
Here's more fun I found at AlbemarleFamily's calendar:
- The 3rd Annual Timo's Memorial 5K, in scenic Pleasant Grove in Fluvanna. Proceeds will be donated to Lake Monticello Fire Rescue and Palmyra Fire in memory of Timo Husted Wright. Saturday at 10am.
- Drop & Shop: Bring your children to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA to help decorate the facility decorating kennels, making ornaments, hanging stockings and other holiday fun. The SPCA will provide all craft needs, adult supervision and seasonal beverages and treats for a fun-filled afternoon. Saturday 10am to 2pm. $25 minium donation.
- Annual Holiday Bazaar at Waldorf School, children's activities, lunch, and entertainment. Saturday
- Brownsville Arts & Crafts Fair Saturday from 9am-1pm at Brownsville Elementary School.
- The Virginia Consort with The Virginia Consort Youth Chorale: Christmas music with organ, candlelight and decorations, and brass quintet. This concert is most appropriate for children school age and older. First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, Saturday 4pm and 7pm. $20, or $10 for students.
- Pancake breakfast and craft fair at Red Hill Elementary School in North Garden. Come enjoy breakfast, win a door prize and large selection of local crafters. Saturday 8am to 12pm.
- Victorian Christmas at Maymont Park in Richmond. Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas: tea with Father Christmas, as well as storytelling, musical performances and living history demonstrations. Festive horse-drawn carriage rides and tours of the lavishly decorated Maymont House Museum, complete with a 12-foot Christmas tree. The festive afternoon concludes with an old-fashioned carol sing to fill you with good cheer and Christmas spirit. Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
- Charlotte's Web musical by The Black Box Players,over 75 adult and children actors. Burnley Moran School Auditorium. Friday & Saturday 7pm. Sunday 3pm. $8 reserved seating.
- The Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra and the University Singers, under the direction of Conductor Michael Slon, will present its Family Holiday Concert. UVA's Cabell Hall Auditorium. Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3:30pm. $11-$25.
- UVa Women's basketball team takes on Fairleigh Dickinson! Free scoops of Ben & Jerry's ice cream to fans before tip-off courtesy of Albemarle Family. Stop by the AlbemarleFamily booth to meet our mascot Bumble and enter to win a prize! John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, Sunday at noon.
- UVA Wind Ensemble holiday concert. They will explore new literature as well as perform the masterworks of the wind band era. Old Cabell Hall, UVA, Sunday at 8pm. $10 General /$5 Students /5ARTS$.
I found this event at the Louisa Arts Center's calendar:
- 'Tis The Season ~ Celebrating the Season. Festivities begin at 7 pm Saturday with the Tree Lighting, followed by caroling and a special performance by The Spirits to follow in the Center. Visit the gallery exhibit, the Children's Christmas Tree, enjoy refreshments. Free.
Lots of holiday music and shopping this weekend! Enjoy!
Karen
www.move2va.com
Come out either tonight or tomorrow night and learn more about the three possible locations for an eastern connector that will connect the Pantops area with the 29 North corridor. The agenda items will be the same at both meetings:
- Tonight, Wednesday, 11/28/07 at 7pm in the Baker-Butler Elementary School cafeteria at 2740 Proffit Road, Charlottesville.
- Or tomorrow, Thursday, 11/29/07 at 7pm in the County Office Building at 401 McIntire Road, in the 2nd floor lobby.
We are growing and we all need to learn more about the possibilities for improved transportation, especially an eastern connector which is much needed.
Read more about the Charlottesville/Albemarle eastern connector at the CharlottesvilleTomorrow blog:
http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2007/11/easter_connecto.html
Karen
www.move2va.com
McDonald's Printable Coupon
Buy a McSkillet Burrito and get a free breakfast sandwich OR free McSkillet Burrito
Expires Dec. 24, 2007
Enjoy this deal while you're out shopping!
Karen
www.move2va.com
Keeping things light, bright, open and charming inside may lead to an early sale if you're trying to sell, or just enjoying your home more if you're there to stay.
In this article from the NBC29 HomePlace web page (http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=6386172), are some ideas that can create curb appeal for the exterior of your home as well, which is so important if you're selling.
Five Quick Fixes That Improve Curb Appeal for Under $500
(ARA)
- It's a known fact: Good-looking, well-maintained homes sell faster (and command a higher price) than houses that appear worn down and tired. In today's attractive roller coaster real-estate market enhancing curb appeal -- the first impression of a house as seen from the street -- can mean the difference between attracting serious buyers and resulting in a sale, or having the property languish for months as unsold. "Adding curb appeal is a quick and easy way to liven up the home's exterior and improve the value of the home," says Leslie Segrete, home improvement expert and television personality of The Learning Channel's (TLC) Trading Spaces and While You Were Out. Segrete offers the following tips for under $500:
Tip # 1: Refresh Exterior WoodOne of the most significant curb-appeal improvements homeowners can make is to refresh all exterior wood surfaces. Check wood siding, trim, doors, mailboxes, decks and fences for fading, dirt and peeling paint. If the wood is unfinished, use a wood cleaner; if it's finished, use a wood stripping solution. Next, add a fresh coat of stain so these wood surfaces look clean and new again. Consider adding color to outdoor wood furniture with an exterior wood stain; it's an inexpensive way to "decorate"
outdoors. The Flood Company's CWF-UV5 Designer Colors Premium Wood Finish is
available in eight sheer tones, including colors like Spring Moss and Grapevine
Grey. This premium exterior wood finish is also ideal for wood decks, siding and
fences because it's guaranteed to protect against water damage, peeling,
blistering and graying of the surface due to ultraviolet exposure. The Flood
Company also offers a line of wood cleaning and prep products.
Tip # 2: Prune Foliage and Shrubs, Add Mulch, Trim shrubs and trees, and
manicure the lawn.Consider energizing the landscape by planting fresh flowers
-- simply adding $100 in brightly colored annuals will instantly improve the
total appearance of the yard. Take time to prune dead branches, trim back
overgrown shrubbery and spread mulch or bark around trees, shrubs and flowers
for a weed-free, well-kept look. Also, small shrubs are great for concealing
unattractive aspects of a home's exterior, including unappealing
air-conditioning units.
Tip # 3: Freshen Up Windows, Shutters and GuttersClean windows that flank the front door and repair broken windows and torn screens. Repair and clean shutters to complement the revitalized front entrance, and remember to clean surrounding gutters as they can instantly ruin a first impression.
Tip #4: Lighten UpTo add warmth and add interest, consider installing exterior lighting fixtures to shed some light on a favorite tree, or illuminate the walkway. Remember to clean existing light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs.
Tip #5: AccessorizeA small number of accessories adds charm, especially at the home's entryway. Consider adding a few understated ornaments like burgeoning flowerpots, a colorful welcome mat, a name plate or a small rocking chair to make the space look "homey" and welcome. These small additions will attract homebuyers who can envision themselves in the lovely space.
Quick, easy and inexpensive, these five tips will infuse instant energy and appeal into any home's exterior. For printable guides on exterior home maintenance and
additional tips, visit http://www.flood.com/ or call (800) 321-3444. If you have used or plan to use a Flood Company product to brighten up your exterior space, enter
Flood's monthly "before and after" photo contest for a chance to win a $100 gift
certificate to Smith & Hawken or Crate&Barrel. Visit www.flood.com/flood/DIY/IdeaGallery/BeforeandAfter for more details.Courtesy of ARAcontent
I recently read on Waldo Jaquith's blog, www.cvillenews.com , that Albemarle County property tax reassessments should be flat or reduced next year.
Homes will sell for less. But keep in mind when buy you'll get a deal. This is the time to buy up and down, with low interest rates, etc.
Read more at CvilleNews.com:
http://www.cvillenews.com/2007/11/15/assessments-forecast-down/
"To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work."
--Sister Mary Lauretta
Sister Mary Lauretta is an American Roman Catholic nun and science teacher.
Karen
www.move2va.com
The Defense Department’s "America Supports You" program lets you show appreciation to our troops who are far from home for Thanksgiving this year.
It officially began Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22.
Simply send a brief text message to 89279.
Each message sent will receive a response from an active-duty service member.
AT&T, Sprint Nextel, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other major cell providers will provide access to the program.
Read more in this article from American Forces Press Services:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48161
What a great idea! I found out about this through a fax that RE/MAX International sent out to all offices yesterday.
Karen
www.move2va.com
First and foremost, the biggest event this weekend...
UVA vs. Virginia Tech, Saturday, at High Noon. UVA wants a sea of orange, so dress appropriately. Good luck finding tickets.
These events, and more, were on the Albemarle Family calendar:
- Turkey Trot at the Boar's Head Inn, Thanksgiving Day at 9am. Wrk up an appetite for a good cause in true Charlottesville tradition. Unite with friends and family to run (or walk!) the 5k course through Ednam Forest and raise money for the University of Virginia Children's Hospital. Tethered hot-air balloon rides are also offered that morning to participants or spectators.
- The Blessing of the Hounds service on Thanksgiving Day, before the Fox Hunt, in the churchyard of Grace Episcopal. 10am. Free.
- Barracks Road Annual Holiday Parade, Friday at 9am. Santa arrives with over sixty of his friends, including local civic organizations, marching bands, antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, and Charlottesville/Albemarle area princesses. Parade route begins in front of Harris Teeter.
- Charlottesville Tradition Grand Illumination, Friday 4pm-8pm. The Jeffersonland Chorus will make holiday music in Central Place. Charlottesville's Mayor, David Brown, will flip the switch, lighting up the entire Downtown Mall with brilliant Holiday lights. Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, and other historic characters gather on the Mall with musicians, performers and carolers. The Central Place at Downtown Mall.
- All The Hoos In Hooville at the Charlottesville Downtown Visitor's Center, Sunday at 5:30pm. An evening of Christmas fun featuring the cartoon, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", as well as the movie starring Jim Carrey . There will be caroling by local choirs and UVA acapella groups, free popcorn and hot chocolate during the movie. Free.
- Santa's Arrival at the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, Sunday at 1:30pm. Santa rides a horsedrawn carriage down the mall! Then he will set up shop in The Shops at April's Corner, where he will be available to listen to the wishes of children of all ages. The carriage will then be available for free rides on a first come, first serve basis. 1:30pm.
- Thanksgiving at Wintergreen, Thursday-Sunday at Wintergreen Resort. Traditional feasts, the grand illumination of the courtyard, gingerbread house and boxwood wreath workshops.
- The Moscow Ballet will present its Great Russian Nutcracker. At the Martin Luther King Jr., Performing Arts Center. Monday & Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
I found these at NBC29's calendar:
- Mistletoe Market in Fluvanna - A holiday shopping event open every weekend until Christmas. Wonderful selection of home decor, antiques, folk art and seasonal accents. Located on Union Mills Road (Route 616) Troy, VA- near the Fluvanna SPCA. Fridays & Saturdays 10am-8pm, Sundays 1pm-8pm.
- Marine Toys for Tots Stuff the Truck. This event will feature motorcyclists, cheerleaders, and other performing acts. Come support the Marine Toys for Tots campaign in it's 60th year by donating a new, unwrapped toy for a needy child for the holidays. Friday, 9am-5pm, Kmart parking lot Charlottesville.
These events were on the Virginia Is For Lovers calendar:
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight 2007, 5:30pm-9:00pm, Fridays-Sundays now through 12/9/07. Learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions; tour the candlelit mansion including the rarely-seen third floor; and meet historical characters including Martha Washington. On the grounds, guests enjoy caroling and free cookies and hot cider around a roaring campfire. $15/adults; $10 children.
- Holiday Open House at Valley Green Gallery in Nellysford, Friday, 10am-5pm. A festive occasion music and refreshments. A chance to "meet the artist and artisans". Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Wintergreen Resort.
- Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia, Thursday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. Explore the 17th- and 18th-century culinary practices of Virginia. At Jamestown Settlement, learn how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia's English colonists and Powhatan Indians. At the Yorktown Victory Center, learn about typical soldiers' fare during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from field to kitchen. $17.75 (adults), $8.50 (6-12).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen
http://www.move2va.com/
Receiving hundreds of spam emails a day is extremely frustrating and time consuming. We are hooked on email now, and it comes with the territory unfortunately.
How to stop it? Everyone is looking for ways to reduce it.
There are lots of spam blockers. Check with your email host to see if they offer spam filtering options.
Our web/email host, One World Hosting, offers NOSPAM, which is a great blocker. For only $5 per month they block out a huge amount of it from our inboxes. Then you can login to NOSPAM separately to check what they've filtered, just in case a good email gets filtered by mistake.
Read more about preventing spam in this article from Realtor.com:
http://www.realtor.org/libweb.nsf/pages/fg908
Here's another great article with 10 spam fighting tips from Microsoft's Crabby Office Lady:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA010701261033.aspx
What do you use to prevent spam? Please share your tips. We'll all be thankful for sure!
Karen
www.move2va.com
Why do turkeys always go, "gobble, gobble"?
Because they've never learned good table manners!
===================================================
Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Yes - a building can't jump at all
===================================================
Why does a pilgrim's pants always fall down?
Because they wear their belt buckle on their hat
===================================================
Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside
===================================================
What sound does a space turkey make?
Hubble! Hubble! Hubble!
===================================================
What sound does a turkey's phone make?
Wing! Wing!
===================================================
How do you keep a turkey in suspense?
I'll tell you at Christmas.
===================================================
What do Hippies put on their Thanksgiving potatoes?
Groovy
===================================================
Why should you keep your eye off the turkey dressing?
Because it makes him blush!
===================================================
Hope these made you smile! Be sure to share them with your friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen
www.move2va.com
Mold in homes and commercial buildings... insurance companies, buyers, sellers and mortgage bankers all have an interest in this subject.
I've been told that if your house has had a moisture or flooding problem that they may increase the insurance on your home, or when you sell it they may increase it significantly higher, but check with your insurance company to find out about your home's policy.
I guess that's why the Virginia Association of Realtors came out with a form for homeowners insurance and the fee, so we could protect our buyers from a rude awakening at closing for excessive rates on their dream home.
Mold can be corrected, but sometimes it can be very evasive. Of course, mold can be dangerous as well. We are lucky to have a mold expert in Charlottesville, Joel Loving. If you have any questions regarding mold or other environmental issues, call Joel. I'll be glad to furnish you with his contact information if you need it.
It's an issue today, so be careful.
Read more in "Bankers' Group Revisits Effects of Mold on Real Estate" from Realty Times:
http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20070726_moldeffects.htm
Read "Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips" from the EPA:
http://www.epa.gov/mold/preventionandcontrol.html
Karen
http://www.move2va.com/
"The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist, the opportunity in every difficulty."
-- L. P. Jacks
or L. P. Jacks(1860-1955), was one of the the best known British Unitarian ministers in both North America and Britain from 1914 to 1940. A prolific writer, educator and a modern philosophy interpreter. Jacks tried to convince his peers of the need for using twentieth century communication to reach the common man with religion.
I say always look on the bright side and look for the opportunities you can achieve. If you believe that you will be successful, you'll make it happen.
Karen
www.move2va.com
Movement in national mortgage rates was mostly modest this week. Read more at:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Nov1507_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab
Karen
www.move2va.com
