Friday, January 11, 2008

Featured Home - Better Than New With Old-World Charm in Shadwell


One-of-a-kind custom home in Shadwell on 5 private acres with winter mountain views!


  • Easy commute to Richmond, Charlottesville... anywhere near I-64.
  • Old-world charm with post/beams & wide plank floors.
  • Gourmet huge kitchen: solid wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances.
  • First-floor master bedroom.
  • Antique ceiling beams, heartpine floors, fabulous family room
  • Must-see interior!
Come home to Blueberry Hill!

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Events in Central Virginia This Weekend (Jan. 10-13, 2008)


From the NBC29 calendar:

- Eli Cook Band presents Jimi Hendrix Classic Works Concert, Saturday, doors open 7pm, concert begins at 8pm. Four County Players/Barboursville Comm. Ctr, $15/person.

At Albemarle Family's calendar:

- Rivanna Trails Foundation Saturday Workshops. 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. Saturday 9am to 12pm. $free.

On The Hook's calendar:

- Macbeth: Something wicked this way comes! In Staunton. Thursday 7:30pm preview performance is pay what you will. Friday Stay after to chat with the cast and crew. Blackfriars Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton.

- Hike in the Mountains with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. $5 with club membership. Saturday 9am. Starbucks at Pantops.

- The Old Michie Theatre presents a marionette puppet show of the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin. Saturday: 11am, 2pm & 4pm. $5.

- "War Made Easy": This film questions the necessity of the multitude of wars occurring under many U.S. Presidents since World War II. Sunday 2:20-4:30pm, free. Charlottesville Senior Center.

At the Louisa Arts Center:

- Jennifer Kirkland & Bert Carlson concert. Dynamic duo featuring guitar wizardry and luscious vocals performing musical theatre songs, American popular music, jazz standards and blues.
They provide an engaging, entertaining musical experience. Sunday, 2:00- 3:30 pm (with short intermission). Tickets: $15.00

From the Virginia Is For Lovers calendar:

- Ann Cheeks & Jean Sampson Women's Playshop - Wintergreen - Friday-Sunday, Jan 11-13 - This Playshop (not workshop) is all about having fun and getting away from the real world for a little while. Jean and Ann will provide all materials and help you create your very own personal mask, “magic wands” and wild woman earrings – with quick, silly writing exercises thrown into the mix.

Have fun!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Affordable Housing In Albemarle County

Affordable housing... yes, we need it in Albemarle County instead of everyone moving to Lake Monticello. Thanks Albemarle County and others for assisting with this critical issue!

Read more in this article I found on NBC29 HomePlace 12/17/07:

Affordable Housing Dream Realized in Albemarle County

It took three years, but Albemarle County is now celebrating some new housing. The first homes built to a new policy requiring affordable housing are done and families have moved in.

In 2004, the board of supervisors approved a policy requiring 15 percent of all new development to meet affordable housing guidelines. The Avon Park Townhomes sold for $175,000.

C & F Mortgage's Bill Hamrick says there's hope for first time homebuyers. "Never think that you can't buy a house," he said. "I was amazed once I got into this just how much money there is out there."

More than 1,000 affordable housing units are in the works for the community.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Friday, January 4, 2008

Are Growth Patterns In Virginia Decreasing?


Growth... something we all need to consider. How do we grow while protecting the environment?

The Southern Environmental Law Center released a report recently showing a link between the energy costs of suburban growth in Virginia and an increase in global warming.

Read more in this article from the C-Ville.com:

http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=11432609071240842&ShowArticle_ID=11431312073615455

Do you agree?

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Interest Rates Down To 6.14%

Nationally 30-year fixed rate mortgages fell this week to 6.14%, the first drop in a month.

Read more at BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Jan0308_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=1#tab

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Luxury Condo, A Lifestyle Change!


  • Almost new arts-and-crafts luxury gated community with gorgeous mountain views! Premium location!
  • 3 Community tropical resort-style pools, huge clubhouse with wi-fi business center, fitness center, lounge with billiards, movie theater, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, putting green, trails
  • 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, walk-in closets, built-in bookcase, crown molding, high-speed internet and cable included
  • Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, pantry and breakfast bar
  • Shuttle service to UVA and area
  • Immediate occupancy
Karen
www.move2va.com

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Lake Monticello Strategic Plan Meeting


On November 29, 2007, a public hearing was held for the Lake Monticello Home Owners Association to discuss the LMOA Strategic Plan. Lake Monticello has over 4,000 homes which are more affordable for many, than homes in Charlottesville. Their strategic plan is imperative to how their community works. It will help them plan goals for the future, including communication, safety, managing assets and resources, protecting property values, preserving natural resources, and education.

Read more about it the hearing in this article from FluvannaReview.com:

http://fluvannareview.com/articleDisplay.aspx?NewsID=1918

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Central Virginia This Weekend: Jan. 4-6, 2008

It's a great weekend to get out and enjoy some local art...

- Tomorrow, Friday, January 4 is First Friday in Charlottesville. Click here to read all the events going on in the art community, from C-Ville Weekly.

I found this on NBC29's calendar:

- Sage Moon Gallery on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall presents Sarah Parks’ “Contours – Figures in Light”. Sarah Parks paints in the Classical Realist tradition with Impressionist elements. Refined brush strokes are softened by her natural palette. Superb attention to detail and surface texture, seen especially in her still life work, is evident in her figure painting as well. Graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk in both Art History and Studio Art, Parks brings a contemporary sensibility to classical compositions and subjects. Her figures are molded by the accurately captured interplay of light and shadow. The opening reception on Friday, January 4th from 5:30 until 8 and meet the artist! You can view her exhibit 7 days a week from 11am-6pm.


- Winter Nature Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area on Sunday afternoon, January 6th at 2:00 pm for a winter nature walk. Search out the plants, fungi, insects, and animals that are still visible in the winter. We’ll learn about their life histories, traditional uses, and how they are adapted to survival under winter conditions. Meet at the kiosk next to the parking lot.

- Saturday Kid's Quest, the first Saturday of every month, 11am to Noon. $3.00 per program. Children 4 +. January 5: The Magic of Music


I found these at Albemarle Family's calendar:

- First Saturday Bird Walk with Leigh Surdukowski of the Monticello Bird Club on the first bird trip of the new year at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Beginners welcome. Saturday at 7:30am. $free.

- How To Use A Telescope Class at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. Unravel the technical words and see how you can get the most out of your equipment. Get tips on observing the day and night skies. Saturday 8am to Noon.

From the Charlottesville Senior Center's calendar:

- Mardi Gras Indians, Sunday, January 6th 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Tribal Suits, Dance and Music in the Streets of New Orleans. Free and open to all!

Have a great weekend!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Deal of the Week: Red Robin Coupon


Join the Red Robin eClub and get a $3 coupon off your next dine-in meal, plus a free burger on your birthday.

http://apps.fishbowl.com/a/redrobin/join/agegate.asp

Karen
www.move2va.com

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year 2008!

New York:



London:



Sydney:



I wish you all a very happy and great 2008!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Friday, December 21, 2007

Fun Christmas Sites

Each year Alice Held, a RE/MAX associate from Arizona, publishes a great Christmas web site with links to lots of fun Christmas sites. Enjoy!

http://www.come2az.com/holidays/christmas/index.html

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Interest Rates Up A Bit To 6.21%

Mortgage rates edged up from 6.17% last week to 6.21% this week for 30-year fixed rate mortgages nationally.

Read more at BankRate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Dec2007_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Large Brick Home in Charlottesville, Room For All With 4 Levels


  • Room for all on 4 levels
  • Incredible gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, maple cabinets, a treat to cook in!
  • Large living room and dining room
  • Escape to every floor for something different
  • Fabulous yard with slate patio

Karen
http://www.move2va.com

Thursday, December 20, 2007

What's Hot In Luxury Homes?


Royal LePage is reporting that some of the most sought-after and unique accessories for luxury homes are: elevator car lifts, indoor carwashes; spas, gyms and yoga and Pilates studios; wine cellars and tasting rooms; media rooms; wrapping and sewing rooms; structured wiring and security; home elevators; and heated driveways, walkways and garages. Read more about these accessories at newswire.ca:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2007/04/c7136.html

Which of these would you love to have in your home?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Central Virginia Christmas Weekend (Dec. 21-25)


Looking for Christmas in Charlottesville and Central Virginia? Here are some ideas...

The Downtown Business Association had some Christmas fun in Charlottesville listed on their website, such as the Holly Trolley:

Holly Trolley offers tours of neighborhood Christmas light displays, today-Saturday. Contact Customer Service at CTS at 970-3649 for ticket information. Get there early to reserve your free tickets, they go fast!

Click here for a map of Christmas light displays around Charlottesville, from the cVillain blog.

Here are some events I found online at the Albemarle Family calendar:

Christmas At The Paramount With The The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle is Friday at 8pm. The 100-strong chorus, under the direction of L. Thomas Vining, will be joined by a professional orchestra. This festive evening of seasonal favorites includes a special setting of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the opportunity for the audience to join the chorus in traditional carols. A wonderful opportunity for family and friends to start the holiday weekend! $20 to $50, $15 Students.

Holiday City Market Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Located at the City Hall Plaza near the Downtown Mall. Buy crafts, baked goods, toys, greenery and more. Everything is locally made. Great gift ideas!

"The Elves and the Shoemaker", at the Old Michie Theatre, Friday & Saturday, 11am, 2pm and 4pm. The Grimm's Tale about an old shoemaker at Christmas time who is so poor that he only has enough leather for a single pair of shoes. With the help of some clever elves, however, the shoemaker's luck changes and he is able to delight his customers and stay solvent in his shop. The story has a seasonal message of giving and kindness, and is appropriate for the very young and the young at heart. The show features soft sculpture hand puppets, a toyshop set, music, audience participation and holiday lighting. Directions: 221 East Water Street, across from the Parking Garage. $5.

The Bethlehem Project at Hebron Baptist Church in Afton, Friday-Sunday, 6pm-9pm. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas. This little 1st century village contains over 40 costumed characters; period buildings including an inn, weapons shop, music shop, olive press, and weaving shop; camels, shepherds, wisemen, singing angels, and the Star of Bethlehem that can be seen for miles as it shines in the Afton night. Directions: 66 Tanbark Drive, Afton. $Free. Donations accepted.

Visit with Santa at the Charlottesville Ice Park on the Downtown Mall Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Get your wish list ready and come to Charlottesville Ice Park to share it with Santa. Come by anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 to sit on Santa's lap, talk with Santa's helpers, and tell them what you want most this year! $free.

A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas at Wintergreen Resort, Saturday thru Christmas Day. Celebrate the most magical time of the year with horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday craft workshops, Santa on the slopes, story time with Mrs. Claus and New Year's Eve Celebrations.

I found more fun at the NBC29 calendar:

Toys For Tots Collection, Friday-Sunday 6am-10pm at the Giant on Pantops, which is the drop off site, sponsored by the U.S. Marines.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service, Monday, at 5:30pm at Barboursville United Methodist Church.

The Boar's Head Inn offers special dining on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, be sure to make a reservation:

Christmas Eve lunch in The Old Mill Room, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm.

Christmas Eve dinner in The Old Mill Room, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Christmas Day brunch in The Old Mill Room, 10:45 am - 2:00 pm.

Christmas Day dinner in The Old Mill Room, 6 :00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Keswick Hall also has some Christmas fun planned as well as buffets, call ahead for a reservation:

Sunday Champagne Holiday Brunch, 12pm-2pm, Sunday. A great way to entertain family and friends during the holiday season (and take a well deserved break for yourself). Chef has designed an innovative and festive brunch menu that may inspire you to try some of our special dishes or desserts at your own holiday dinner table this season!

Christmas Eve Carols, Monday, December 24th, 6pm– 8pm, with George Melvin and Christmas Carolers in the Great Hall.

Joy To The World Christmas Lunch and Dinner, Christmas Day, Luncheon from Noon-5pm; Fossett's Dinner at 6pm. You and your family are invited to join us for a magnificent Christmas lunch or dinner to celebrate this cherished holiday. For lunch, guests may choose from a seating in our Terrace Level where we are offering an extraordinary combination of family style and buffet stations or in Fossett’s Restaurant where our a la Carte menu will feature special Christmas selections. For Christmas dinner, Fossett’s will be offering a five-course prix fixe menu along with a warm and welcoming ambiance to enhance your holiday celebration. Reservations required.

I wish you the merriest Christmas this year! Make some memories and relax..

Karen
www.move2va.com