Charlottesville - One Of The Top Ten Healthiest Cities

Charlottesville has another kudo – AARP's magazine named our town one of the top ten healthiest cities to live in and retire to!

Read more in this article at inRich.com:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-24-0187.html

I love to tell people from out of town how we don’t allow industry in that will pollute, so we’ll always have clean air and water. We’ve turned away Motorola in the past who went to Richmond, and took their water issues to them instead. We’ve also turned down Coors, Reuben Donnelly and many others.

I personally love the way we’ve turned to tech for our area. We still have firms joining us, and in the future we’ve got 700-1000 people coming to NGIC. We also are welcoming many young retirees.

Charlottesville/Albemarle will continue to grow, but in the right way.

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

2008 Mid-Year Market Report Released Today

Dave Phillips, the CEO of the Charlottesville Association of Realtors, posted the 2008 Mid-Year Market Report on his blog today. I thought you’d like to see it. Forget reports on TV, radio, and other national news, this is local and here’s local statistics:

http://www.caarblog.com/?p=164

Karen
www.move2va.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Bush at Monticello for Naturalization Ceremony July 4th

Nothing to do with politics, but I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see the president on the 4th of July at Monticello. What an experience!

I wish they would've had a better exit strategy for us, but other than that it was a wonderful time.

Here are some of my pics:

New Citizens

President Bush

Security

Protestor

Another protestor, this guy was sitting a few chairs down from us.

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

4th of July Fun In Central Virginia - 2008

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT MCINTIRE PARK

Gates open 4pm. Food and drinks available. Amusement rides, and activities from 5 to 9pm. Live music. Fireworks begin after dark, approximately 9:30pm. McIntire Park. 4 to 10pm. All ages welcome.

More local Fourth of July Events: http://www.albemarlefamily.com/seasonal_fun.htm

Virginia Events: http://virginia.org/newsletter/eNewsletterJul2008.htm

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

See President Bush at Monticello's July 4 Naturalization

You've probably heard that President Bush is coming to Monticello's 46th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony July 4, 2008.

About 1,000 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at the Monticello Visitor Center building, located on Route 20 just south of Interstate 64.

The tickets will be distributed as long as the supply lasts.

No one will be admitted to the event without a ticket.

Read more in this press release at the Monticello.org website

Good luck!

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Events in Charlottesville This Week (June 30-July 1, 2008)

06/30 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
06/30 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
06/30 Independence Day Concert W - 29th Army Band 7:30pm
07/01 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
07/01 Short Fiction writing class 6:00pm
07/01 Creation Station - Fireworks All Day
07/01 State University of New York - Potsdam Archaeology Field School All Day
07/02 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
07/02 Discovery Zone - Rocket Launchers 11:00am
07/02 Discovery Zone - Rocket Launchers 2:00pm
07/02 State University of New York - Potsdam Archaeology Field School All Day
07/02 Creation Station - Fireworks All Day
07/03 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
07/03 Brass Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00pm
07/03 State University of New York - Potsdam Archaeology Field School All Day
07/03 Creation Station - Fireworks All Day
07/03 July 4th Celebration All Day
07/03 Rosh Kodesh - Sivan and Tammuz All Day
07/04 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
07/04 Car and Bike Show 10:00am

More Arts and Entertainment in and around Charlottesville

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Surveys, Appraisals & Titles... Oh My!

Are you wondering about the steps involved in a real estate transaction?

Your team of real estate professionals is what your Realtor is all about.

We all hold hands to make the transition smooth.

The first step in buying is choosing a lender and getting prequalified and preapproved. I can recommend several lenders to you. The lender orders the appraisal after a contract is ratified.

For closing you'll need an attorney or title company. Again, I can make local recommendations.

If you need a survey, your attorney or title company can order it, but many lenders don't require one. But you may want to know your property lines.

Read more in this article orginally printed in the "Real Estate Weekly", online at NBC29's "HomePlace":

Survey, Appraisal, Title Insurance....Know the Difference

Karen
www.move2va.com
Email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Buyers' Market Is Here!

There are still low interest rates, motivated sellers, and "let's create"!

The only thing that's missing is 100% loans, replaced now by 97% loans.

Some sellers will pay closing costs of 3% which on a $200,000 home amounts to 6%.

Personally I think we're at the bottom of the market now and starting to rise out of it. I'm seeing lots of contingents and pendings now.

So call today as at any time the mortgage market could get tougher and 97% could be replaced by 95% loans. I heard last week from a local lender that they received such notice from one lender already.

Click here to read more in the article, "Home sellers turn inventive with unusual incentives" by Brian McNeill from the "Daily Progress" newspaper

Karen
www.Move2VA.com
email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Charlottesville Events This Week (June 23-30, 2008)

06/23 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
06/23 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
06/23 Concert in the Park 7:30pm
06/24 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
06/24 Creation Station - Painting Handprint Art All Day
06/25 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
06/25 Discovery Zone - Ripples and Rings 11:00am
06/25 Discovery Zone - Ripples and Rings 2:00pm
06/25 String Of Pearls Early Bird 7:30pm
06/25 String Of Pearls Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/25 Creation Station - Painting Handprint Art All Day
06/26 Natural History Day Camp - Mud Camp 9:00am
06/26 Brass Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00pm
06/26 String of Pearls Early Bird 7:30pm
06/26 Creation Station - Painting Handprint Art All Day
06/27 Virginia Angus Junior and Senior Breeders Show 8:00am
06/27 Preschool Pals - What's That Sound 10:30am
06/27 Horse Show 6:00pm
06/27 String of Pearls 8:00pm
06/27 Creation Station - Painting Handprint Art All Day

More Arts and Entertainment in and around Charlottesville

Karen
www.move2va.com
email: Kehoe@Move2VA.com

Charlottesville Events This Week (June 16-21, 2008)

Charlottesville Arts and Entertainment

06/16 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
06/16 Concert in the Park 7:30pm
06/17 Creation Station - Shell Painting All Day
06/18 Discovery Zone - Tsunamis and Tides 11:00am
06/18 Discovery Zone - Tsunamis and Tides 2:00pm
06/18 String Of Pearls Early Bird 7:30pm
06/18 String Of Pearls Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/18 Creation Station - Shell Painting All Day
06/19 Brass Ensemble - Woodrow Wilson Library 10:30am
06/19 Brass Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00pm
06/19 Creation Station - Shell Painting All Day
06/20 Preschool Pals - Parachute Play 10:30am
06/20 Creation Station - Shell Painting All Day
06/21 String Of Pearls 8:00pm
06/21 Creation Station - Shell Painting All Day

More Arts and Entertainment in and around Charlottesville

Karen
www.move2va.com
email: kehoe@move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville This Week (June 9-15, 2008)

Arts and Entertainment Calendar
06/09 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/09 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/10 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/10 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/11 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/11 String Of Pearls Early Bird 7:30pm
06/11 The Beard Of Avon Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/11 String Of Pearls Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/11 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/12 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/12 All American Bluegrass Jam 4:45pm
06/12 The Beard Of Avon Early Bird 7:30pm
06/12 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/13 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/13 All American Bluegrass Jam 12:00pm
06/13 The Beard Of Avon 8:00pm
06/14 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/14 All American Bluegrass Jam 12:00pm
06/14 String Of Pearls 8:00pm
06/14 The Beard Of Avon 8:00pm

More Arts and Entertainment in and around Charlottesville

Karen
www.move2va.com

Need A Laugh?

One of my clients sent this to me:

Community Events in Charlottesville This Week (June 2-June 7, 2008)

06/02 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/02 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
06/02 Concert in the Park 7:30pm
06/02 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/03 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/03 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/04 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/04 String Of Pearls Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/04 The Beard Of Avon Pay What You Can 8:00pm
06/04 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/04 Rosh Kodesh - Sivan All Day
06/05 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/05 Brass Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00pm
06/05 The Beard Of Avon Early Bird 7:30pm
06/05 String Of Pearls Early Bird 7:30pm
06/05 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
06/06 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/06 The Beard Of Avon 8:00pm
06/07 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
06/07 String Of Pearls 8:00pm

For more events around Charlottesville, click this link:

http://www.americantowns.com/va/charlottesville/events

Karen
www.move2va.com

Charlottesville Events This Week (May 19-25, 2008)

Charlottesville Arts and Entertainment

05/19 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/20 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/20 Tuesday Travelers 11:00am
05/20 Poetry Club 4:00pm
05/20 Dolley Madison's Birthday All Day
05/21 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/21 Toddler Time 10:30am
05/21 The Beard Of Avon Pay What You Can 8:00pm
05/21 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
05/22 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/22 Toddler Time 10:30am
05/22 Magic School Bus After-School Science Club 4:00pm
05/22 The Beard Of Avon Early Bird 7:30pm
05/22 James Madison University Archaeology Field School All Day
05/23 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/23 Friday Fun 4:00pm
05/23 The Beard Of Avon 8:00pm
05/24 Exhibition - Transforming the Elements 10:00am
05/24 The Beard Of Avon 8:00pm
05/25 Freedman's Farm Tour, and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour 2:00pm

For more events in Charlottesville visit this web site: http://www.americantowns.com/va/charlottesville/events/arts-and-entertainment

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Charlottesville This Week (May 12-18, 2008)

Tuesday, May 13th
Tuesday Travelerswhen:May 13, 2008 at 11:00am where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment
Poetry Clubwhen:May 13, 2008 at 4:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment

Wednesday, May 14th
Toddler Timewhen:May 14, 2008 at 10:30am where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment

Thursday, May 15th
Toddler Timewhen:May 15, 2008 at 10:30am where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment
Magic School Bus After-School Science Clubwhen:May 15, 2008 at 4:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment
The Beard Of Avon Previewwhen:May 15, 2008 at 8:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Live Arts category:Arts and Entertainment

Friday, May 16th
Friday Funwhen:May 16, 2008 at 4:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Virginia Discovery Museum category:Arts and Entertainment
The Beard of Avon Opening Nightwhen:May 16, 2008 at 8:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Live Arts category:Arts and Entertainment

Saturday, May 17th
Alice in Wonderlandwhen:May 17, 2008 at 2:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA category:Arts and Entertainment
The Beard Of Avonwhen:May 17, 2008 at 8:00pm where:Charlottesville, VA from:Live Arts category:Arts and Entertainment
Glee Club Finals Concertwhen:May 17, 2008 where:Charlottesville, VA from:McIntire Department Of Music category:Arts and Entertainment

For more information on local events, click here.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Charlottesville Events This Week: 5/5/08-5/11/08

Arts and Entertainment Calendar

05/05 Quilts and Quaker Heritage 10:00am
05/05 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
05/05 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
05/05 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
05/05 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
05/05 Full Band Rehearsal 8:00pm
05/05 Rosh Kodesh - Nisan and Iyyar All Day
05/06 Beyond Jamestown : Virginia Indians Yesterday And Today 10:00am
05/06 Tuesday Travelers 11:00am
05/06 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
05/06 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
05/06 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
05/06 Poetry Club 4:00pm
05/06 Rosh Kodesh - Iyyar All Day
05/07 Beyond Jamestown : Virginia Indians Yesterday And Today 10:00am
05/07 Toddler Time 10:30am
05/07 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
05/07 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
05/07 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
05/08 Quilts and Quaker Heritage 10:00am

More Arts and Entertainment in and around Charlottesville

For more information and events please visit: Charlottesville, Virginia Community Information and Events

Karen
www.move2va.com

Charlottesville Area Events This Week: 4/28/08-5/4/08

Charlottesville Community Calendar

04/28 Mother Goose Time 10:00am
04/28 Mother Goose Time 11:00am
04/28 Jefferson Area Board Of Aging Board Of Directors Meeting 12:00pm
04/28 Jefferson Area Board Of Aging Advisory Council Meeting 12:00pm
04/28 Rivanna Water And Sewer Authority Meeting 2:00pm
04/28 Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Meeting 2:30pm
04/28 Charlottesville Redevelopment And Housing Authority Meeting 7:00pm
04/29 Monticello Area Community Action Agency Board Meeting 5:45pm
04/30 Storytime Stew 11:00am
04/30 Thomas Jefferson Water Resources Protection Foundation All Day
05/01 Toddler Time 10:00am
05/01 Preschool Power 11:30am
05/01 School Board Work Session Meeting 6:00pm
05/03 Free Comic Book Day 2:00pm
05/03 Saturday Mass 5:00pm
05/04 Sunday - Mass 11:00am


Arts and Entertainment Calendar

04/28 Quilters' Favorites - Bubblegum Pink and Poison Green 7:00am
04/28 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
04/28 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
04/28 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
04/28 Flute Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm
04/28 Full Band Rehearsal 8:00pm
04/29 Beyond Jamestown : Virginia Indians Yesterday And Today 10:00am
04/29 Tuesday Travelers 11:00am
04/29 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
04/29 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
04/29 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
04/29 Lunchbox Recital 12:30pm
04/29 Poetry Club 4:00pm
04/30 Beyond Jamestown : Virginia Indians Yesterday And Today 10:00am
04/30 Toddler Time 10:30am
04/30 Senior Art Show 12:00pm
04/30 Nancy Blackwell Marion 74 The Design Group 12:00pm
04/30 Its Not Elementary - Art By Children From The Campus School 12:00pm
04/30 Digitalis All Day
05/01 Beyond Jamestown : Virginia Indians Yesterday And Today 10:00am

More Charlottesville, Virginia Community Information and Events

Epilepsy Seminar 4/30/08 in Charlottesville

LEARNING FROM INSPIRING VOICES WITH EPILEPSY

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Registration 6:30pm
Seminar Begins 7:00pm

Doubletree Hotel Charlottesville
990 Hilton Heights Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22911

PHYSICIAN: Dr. Timothy Hormel

Light refreshments will be served

Free Parking & Admission

You’re invited to a FREE program with the Epilepsy Advocates as they share their inspiring personal stories of living with epilepsy. Epilepsy Advocates are people who have taken control of their epilepsy and refuse to be defined by it. The program also features a presentation from a Neurologist with expertise in treating epilepsy.

If you or someone you care about is living with seizures, this is your chance to:

• Learn More About Epilepsy
  
• Hear an Epilepsy Advocates’ Personal Story
  
• Hear About Treatment Options
  
• Meet Others Living With Epilepsy
  
• Ask a Neurologist Your Questions About Epilepsy
  

Bring your friends, your family, and your questions. Take home a connection to others in your community and the inspiration to LIVE on your terms.

Call 1−866−865−7305 or visit www.EpilepsyAdvocate.com to reserve your spot today.

Karen
www.move2va.com

2008 1st Quarter Market Report Is In

The 2008 1st Quarter Market Report is in, quoted from the Charlottesville Association of Realtors CEO Dave Phillips.

http://share.caar.com/Market%20Reports/2008%201st%20Quarter%20Market%20Report.pdf

Buyers are getting deals, sellers are taking the hit. Click the link above to view the report with graphs and information, all for your perusal.

Now is the time to buy. Rates are low, great deals, and you'll be helping the economy as well.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Local Neighborhoods Added To VA's List Of Historic Districts

The Martha Jefferson neighborhood in Charlottesville was added to Virginia's list of historic districts recently.

Also, a lot of southern Albemarle County was placed in a large rural historic district and the federal government recognized it as a place of importance, so it will be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Read more in this article from DailyProgress.com:

http://dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353847026&path=!news


National Register of Historic Places' web site: http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/

Virginia Department of Historic Resources web site: http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register.htm

Karen
www.move2va.com

North Pointe Development Rejected

The North Pointe development in northern Albemarle County, was rejected last month by the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors after years of debate over it.

Read more in this article from DailyProgress.com:

http://dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353845380&path=!news

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: Success doesn't "happen"

"Success doesn't 'happen.' It is organized, preempted, captured, by consecrated common sense."

-- F. E. Willard

Karen
www.move2va.com

Events in Central Virginia This Weekend: Jan. 18-21

Here are some fun things going on this weekend:

On the Virginia Sports calendar:

- Friday at 7pm: UVA Women's Basketball vs. Maryland, at John Paul Jones Arena.

From the Albemarle Family calendar:

- Friday is Public Night at the UVA McCormick Observatory from 7pm-9pm. 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.

- Saturday at 11am, go on a Teddy Bear Hike. Dress yourself and your favorite stuffed friend or toy warmly for a fun-filled winter hike on the Rivanna Trail. Discover how the city's forests help real animals stay warm in winter. For kids of all ages and their families or caregivers. Riverview Park. $free.

These events can be found at NBC29's Calendar:

- Special Olympics "Experience" Thursday-Saturday. Special Olympics Virginia tennis at the invitational tournament-the Boar’s Head Sports Club in Charlottesville. More than 30 of the most highly skilled tennis players from Special Olympics programs throughout the United States, including two of Virginia’s own Special Olympics’ star players, Jon Fried and Chris Raupp, will take to the courts during this special event, which marks Special Olympics Virginia’s first venture into an invitational with regional and national players. Free.

- Saturday the Charlottesville Swing Dance Society offers a high-energy evening of Swing Dancing and a variety of other dances at the Greek Orthodox Church Felowship Hall, located at 100 Perry Drive (off McIntire Rd) in Charlottesville. West Coast Swing and other favorites. The dance is held from 8 pm to 11 pm and our Dance DJ is Michael Smith. At 6:30 pm Terry Dean and Cindy Reynolds will teach a Beginner Salsa lesson followed by an Intermediate Salsa lesson at 7:15 pm. The lesson is included with the dance admission price. Singles and couples are welcome; no parter is needed. $12 general admission per person, $6 students (w/ID), $9 members.

- All day Saturday & Sunday T'ai Chi Workshops with Master Wang Fu-Lai, Chairman of the International Cheng Ming Martial Art Association, who will be visiting Charlottesville. This enlightening and enriching weekend of events is open to students of all levels, including beginners. Expand upon your practice or have your first experience with t'ai chi be a unique one! Master Wang's own practice and teaching style reflect a deep respect for these ancient internal arts - while also maintaining a friendly and accessible nature and attending to individual students' needs. He will offer workshops in Ch'i Kung Meditation; Push Hands; Cheng-Ming Forms; and Cheng-Ming T'ai Chi - 1-99 Steps.

- Sunday at 2pm Learn "The Three Stories of Ivy Creek": from 200 years of local history the overlapping stories of Hydraulic Mills, Hugh Carr and Riverview Farm, and the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir. Dede Smith will present the intertwining stories of the unique cultural and social history of the area around and within what is now the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Presentation will be in the Education Building followed by a walk to the Hydraulic Mills overlook.
From the Downtown Business Association's calendar:

- Sunday see the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band at The Paramount. "More than anything, Poncho Sanchez is a storyteller. Leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world, Sanchez lets his congas and seasoned ensemble do the talking -- spinning vivacious tales that pay homage to a half-century tradition born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. Sanchez and his well-traveled octet will explore traditional salsa and Cuban music, bebop-rooted and West Coast-seasoned Latin jazz, and vintage Latin soul in this exciting concert, a spicy amalgam of R&B and funk. Group discounts available. Half price student rush tickets 45 minutes before the show."

These were on the Virginia Is For Lovers calendar:

- The MAC Events Home Show at the Richmond Convention Center Friday-Sunday: will feature displays of the region's most innovative manufacturers and sellers of custom homes, window treatments, decks & outdoor lighting, kitchen cabinetry & custom furniture, hardwood & tile flooring, security systems, HVAC systems, patio & casual furniture, pools & spas, landscapers, closet systems, pianos, granite countertops, buidlers and remodelers, patio rooms, windows & doors, fireplaces, baths and so much more.

- The Virginia Boat Show is Friday-Sunday at The Showplace in Richmond. In addition to low boat show prices on all 2008 boats, attendees will have first opportunity to buy leftover 2007 boats. Boats on display will include runabouts, saltwater fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, jet boats, PWCs, motor yachts and bass boats. Numerous companies representing marinas, marine electronics, wake boards, boating accessories, boat lifts and other boating related products and services will also have exhibits. Displays will also represent several boating publications and boating safety.

- Saturday & Sunday are Wintergreen Resort Freestyle Demo Days. Bring yourself up-to-date. Test out the hottest ski and snowboard equipment on the market today. Weather permitting.

- Friday-Sunday, there will be Gwen Weaver Origami Workshops at The Meeting Place in the Wintergreen area. This getaway weekend will be a favorite, come join us, ....RELAX and ENJOY!
- Monday is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Fredericksburg at University of Mary Washington in Dodd Auditorium. Keynote lecture by Jim Lucas, acclaimed speaker and actor; a Cultural Awareness Series event.

Drive carefully in the snow tomorrow and have a great weekend!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Treesdale Park: More Affordable Housing Coming Soon

Last month the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors approved more affordable housing for Albemarle County... Treesdale Park.

Because of the location on Rio Road, there was much debate because of increased traffic on East Rio Road, which is already bad.

But the Supervisors voted to approve it because affordable housing is so desperately needed in our area.

Building Treesdale should cost between $15-$18 million. Officials are hoping they can reduce rental costs through tax credits from the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

Read more in "Controversial housing project passes board" at DailyProgress.com

Karen
www.move2va.com

Fluvanna Has Fun For Families

(say that 3 times real fast, I dare ya!)

Fluvanna is booming and experiencing double-digit growth since 2001. With this growth comes demands on recreational facilities. Businesses have been able to meet the family fun needs for residents as well.

Fluvanna is doing all the right things!

Read more in this article which I found on the NBC29 Home Place website 12/17/07:

Fluvanna Favors Family Fun

by Joanne DiMaggio

According to Money Magazine, Fluvanna County has experienced double-digit growth in population and income since 2001. With statistics like that, it's no wonder that more and more families are calling Fluvanna home. Just as the population has increased, so have the numbers of family-oriented activities.

Angell Husted of Angell's Fitness and Dance has been a Fluvanna resident since 1978. Husted, who considers herself "the ultimate example of a Baby Boomer in the Sandwich Generation," has seven children, ages 18 to 44, and four grandchildren. As a Fluvanna County resident for almost three decades, she knows the county well. "I tell people all the time what a wonderful place Fluvanna is to raise a family."

Kathleen Walsh, Director of Friendship Gymnastics Center in Palmyra, calls Fluvanna County "a rural community with a ‘big city' activity list" and says the county has come a long way in activities for families since she came to the area in 1988.

"I started the girls team in 1992 and it was probably the only year-round girls sport at that time," Walsh said. "The number of sports, activity choices, and events has exploded in the last five years. I think that Parks and Recreation, under the direction of Keith

Meryl, has brought many new family outings to the county. Fluvanna currently has three swim teams and I believe two are year-round. I know that Dawn Francis at Laurel Ridge has been working on a kids' golf program through a grant. Her community golf classes have grown steadily over the last year-and-a-half."

Whether native to the county or a recent transplant, families are finding Fluvanna a fun place to live. Katie Martin, a piano instructor and certified and licensed Musikgarten teacher, operates Joyful Noise Piano Studio. Although she and her family have only lived at Lake Monticello for a little more than a year, she gives Fluvanna high marks for family opportunities. "We love the sense of family and community here," Martin said. "We like having access to the lake, and our ability to ride our bikes and go for a walk around our neighborhood."

Cindy Silverman, who with her husband Robert owns LM Karate Academy, sees continuous improvement in the range of family activities. "We moved here in 1995 and there was very little. Now there's a lot. Parks and Rec has gotten better and things have definitely improved."

Christy Schwertfeger, an instructor for the USA High Steppers Twirling Team, agrees. "I think there's a lot to offer my family. We go to several family events throughout the year in Fluvanna. As the county is growing, they see that is important to the families and I think they are working on that."

Age-Appropriate Activities

From toddlers to teens, Fluvanna County offers a number of activities geared toward specific age groups so no one is left behind.

"At Lake Monticello they have teen movie night," said Schwertfeger. "Parks and Rec has lots of age-targeted activities for kids of all ages. The library has activities for younger kids. Sports are age-targeted. A lot of stay-at-home moms get play groups together for their tiny ones and a lot of home-schooled moms have activities for their groups. Family-oriented activities at the lake include a great 4th of July celebration that lasts all day long and entails activities for adults and kids. The Fall Fest at Central Elementary is a family-oriented activity for the community. Oktoberfest at Lake Monticello is for families and kids of all ages. The haunted house at Pleasant Grove is something for the whole family. The Christmas celebration at Carysbrook, sponsored by the Girl Scouts, is for younger kids. Old Farm Day is a great activity for the entire family. Breakfast with Santa at Lake Monticello is for the smaller kids. The local churches have a lot of family-oriented activities and the Sheriff's Department has a safety day."

Silverman said that while most activities are age-oriented, she sees entire families utilizing her facility. "I can't speak for other businesses, but whole families do things here, sometimes in the same class. I have families of 5-6 people where the whole family does karate and competes against each other."

Silverman, who has three children, ages 4, 7, and 10, said that her family enjoys other activities besides karate. " Baseball is a biggy with us. My husband coaches a baseball team, so a lot of our karate students play baseball for him. Our daughter does baton twirling. There's plenty of stuff. If you want to get involved, it's not hard to find."

Schwertfeger says her family's favorite activity is Old Farm Day. "My little girl loves going. They tell us about the rural atmosphere of Fluvanna. Kids can go riding. We love to do that. It's probably one of our favorites, along with the Christmas celebrations, 4th of July, and Fall Fest. We try to make it for all of those."

Walsh said several of the activities that Friendship Gymnastic Center offers have grown in popularity over the years. "We host one event each month that the parents look forward to, and that is Parent Night Out. The kids stay at the gym from 5:30 to 11 p.m. and the parents get to go out. Every spring we host the Friendship 5K Run, which I believe is the oldest 5K race in the county. Our big family event each year is Gym-Fest. It runs all day with shows, games, and activities for all. We see between 500 and 700 people in six hours."

New Residents Find Info Easily

If you're new to Fluvanna, it does not take long to find out about family activities. "Most of the local businesses have a Web site, so you can plug in ‘karate' and we'll come up or if you plug in ‘dance' Angell will come up," said Silverman. "Any of the other stuff, go to Parks & Rec. You don't even have to go-it will come in the mail with all the programs and options."

Schwertfeger said that Lake Monticello has their own TV station and posts all the activities in the community, as does the Fluvanna Review and the Rural Virginian. "Lots of flyers go out all over the community," she said. "At Lake Monticello, we have cubbies in our mailboxes and they're stuffed with activities all the time."

Private Businesses

Husted, Martin, Schwertfeger, Silverman, and Walsh all have their finger on the pulse of activities in Fluvanna because they are all actively involved in family-oriented businesses.

The Friendship Gymnastics Center is a fully equipped gymnastic facility (10,400-square-feet) that is open year-round, serving ages 1-1/2 to 18-year-olds. Among its activities are after-school programs; various summer camps; cheer classes, competitive JV and varsity cheer squads; Brushwood School of dance satellite program; a boys and a girls gymnastic class; Parent and Me classes; gymnastic teams; birthday parties; and golf classes.

Angell's Fitness & Dance offers ballet, tap, and jazz for all ages (the youngest student is 3 and the youngest-at-heart-dancer is 91); Mat and Power Pilates; one-on-one and small group personal training; and weight management consulting for teens and adults. The Kindermusik program, led by Melissa DiGrazio, offers a variety of classes for newborn through age 5 that include fun parent participation.

The intergenerational theme Husted follows also includes the annual "Timo's Memorial 5K," which she founded and which her business sponsors. This annual event is in memory of her son, Timo Husted Wright, who at age 17 was killed in a car accident on Route 53. This year's run is at 10 a.m. on December 1, with proceeds going to local fire and rescue units. "Whole families-children, parents, grandparents-enjoy participating each year in this run or walk event, and now there's even a ‘stroller brigade' category," said Husted.

Christy Schwertfeger started teaching baton twirling in Ohio in her late teen years. When she came to Fluvanna, there was nothing for baton twirlers. After her daughter was born, she decided to offer twirling classes and now has 20 students from toddlers to teens who perform at many local events.

"My goal for them is to improve their self-confidence and self-esteem where they can get out in front of people," said Schwertfeger. "I have shy little girls and when they get out on performance day and the audience is smiling, they feel good about themselves. That will help them in life."

LM Karate Academy has programs for two-year-olds up to senior citizens. "People are here for all different reasons," said Silverman. "Some for self-defense, some exercise, some love karate, and some want to learn karate and compete at a national level and we do that. We have people from all over, including Charlottesville, Louisa, and Kents Store. It's like a big family. We do demonstrations and perform at the Fall Festival at Central every year. We also perform at First Night Virginia."

Katie Martin's Joyful Noise Music Studio offers music classes in three groups. Musikgarten, for children up to age five, is early childhood music and movement classes, nurturing the musician in every child and giving children the tools that will serve them well as they go through school--the ability to listen well and greater control of their bodies. Private Piano Lessons, which offer a flexible, age-appropriate curriculum tailored for students ages 6 through adult, instills a love for music making as a whole through learning the piano. Enjoying the Piano Together is a non-pressured, non-stressful recreational music making class designed for adults who have always wanted to play the piano.

What's Missing?

What activities and programs would Fluvanna residents like to see in the coming years? Martin hopes to see miniature golf; Silverman wants to see more high school teams develop; and Walsh is looking for more evening activities for teens.

But for Christy Schwertfeger, it's parades. "I think our community is big enough to start thinking about parades," she said. "For the 4th of July, you need to go to Scottsville to get that big parade feeling from the community. The Scottsville parade is huge and they're a little community. I think Fluvanna County can handle parades at Christmas and 4th of July. I'd like to see that bring the community together."

Whatever the future may hold, everyone is in agreement that Fluvanna County is a truly family-friendly place to raise a family.

Karen
www.move2va.com

2007 Year-End Charlottesville Area Real Estate Market Report

All we hear is doom and gloom in the national real estate news, yet I personally am busier now than I was last summer. Buyers are getting incredible bargains, and sellers are selling, although they are taking a hit on price.

So sell your home for less, then buy a home at a great deal.

Also interest rates at 6% are a bargain.

Here's a quote from the CEO of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors, Dave Phillips about the 2007 Year-End Market Report he released today:

"We will end up with the 4th highest sales total in history for our MLS. This is an extraordinary time to buy a home in our area. Interest rates are amazing, the selection of homes is fantastic, and prices are low.

For first time home buyers, this is the best market we have seen in years. There are over 500 homes on the market for under $200,000 and there are special financing options for first time buyers."

Read more in the 2007 Year-End Charlottesville Area Real Estate Market Report:

http://share.caar.com/press/press/MarketReports/00_2007/2007%20Year-End%20Market%20Report.pdf

The time is now, call me or your favorite realtor and let's enjoy 08.

Karen
http://www.move2va.com/

Quote/Poem of the Week: "The Dash"

"The Dash" by Linda Ellis



Karen
www.move2va.com

Can Plants Decrease Your Utility Bills?

Yes! By up to 25%! But planning is everything. Plan out your plantings carefully and you'll definitley lower your utility bills... another way we can help save energy.

Read more in this article I found on NBC29's Home Place 12/17/07:

The Right Plants Can Yield a Break on Energy Bills

Updated: Nov 26, 2007 10:59 AM EST

By Celeste M. Smucker, Ph.D.

Wind and plunging winter temperatures are a challenge for homeowners who want to conserve energy. Fortunately, along with being a joy to behold and adding substantially to a home's value, well-planned landscaping can also help bring down your monthly power bills. This winter, as you dream about the beauty of next year's landscaping, think about incorporating elements that will be beautiful to look at while they also help you save substantially on what you pay for energy.

Studies show the right landscaping can reduce heating bills by as much as 25% while making an even bigger dent in summer cooling costs. While it is too late to help with this year's bills, if you start planning today, you may see some payoff as early as next winter. The biggest culprit when it comes to winter heat loss is the wind. Unless your home is very tightly insulated, you very likely experience drafts from time to time, due to cracks around a door or window or perhaps due to inadequate insulation around a light fixture or your attic access door. When the cold air comes in, it also forces warm air out, accounting for as much as half of your total heat loss.

Wind and cold also contribute to a process called conduction, whereby heat is lost due to temperature differences between inner and outer walls. The colder the outer walls, the greater will be the heat loss. Landscaping is important because it can actually modify the climate around your home (creating what's called a microclimate), thereby boosting your ability to stay warm inside.

For the biggest immediate impact on your heating bills, start by focusing on foundation plantings. Traditionally, the purpose of these plantings was to hide the home's foundation. Today, there is more emphasis on using them to complement the appearance of the home and make the entrance appear inviting. This means selecting a variety of different types of plants with differing colors and heights, rather than opting for one, long, undifferentiated hedge.

From an energy-saving perspective, foundation plantings are most effective when you allow at least five feet between them and the house. This creates a dead air space around your home that acts as insulation to reduce loss of heat from both conduction and air infiltration. The same principle applies in the summer, when the dead space helps save money on air conditioning. Allowing five feet of space between the plants and your house will also help prevent problems associated with moisture, such as mildew or fungal diseases. When choosing plants for this purpose, it is important to determine their approximate size at maturity, so that you know where to plant them in order to maintain the requisite five feet of space around your house as they mature.

A second way to use landscaping to save on energy bills is by planting windbreaks. The good news about windbreaks is that they can reduce wind velocity around your house by as much as 50%, which can translate into a 20-40% reduction in fuel consumption. The bad news is that if you are starting from scratch, it will be a while before you realize this kind of benefit.

The best windbreak has several rows of tall evergreens, usually conifers with needle-type leaves. Plant it at right angles to the prevailing wind, usually to the north or west of your house at a distance that is one to three times the height of the trees. A single row of trees can be effective, but several rows are more so and should be considered if space and your budget permit. Space them according to their expected size at maturity.

Windbreaks have other benefits as well as wind protection. For example, they can provide privacy for your family and a source of food and protection for birds and other wildlife. The trees can also help deflect sound. Since it may be several years before you realize the full benefit of your windbreak, you may want to incorporate walls or fencing into your plan to help hold off the wind until the trees are taller.

When selecting trees for your windbreak, the best choices are those that have branches that are low to the ground at maturity. Norway or Colorado blue spruce are possibilities, although they are relatively slow-growing, especially in the first several years. Arborvitae and cedar are also worth consideration, although a downside of arborvitae is that it is favored by deer. An excellent choice is Eastern Red Cedar, which is native to this area. It also provides red berries that are a favorite of winter birds, and the cardinals will thank you, since the bark is one of their favorite nesting materials.

Celeste Smucker is a writer, editor, and author of Sold on Me, Daily Inspiration for Real Estate Agents. She lives near Charlottesville.

Karen
www.move2va.com