Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: January 2008

The Eagles will have a live performance May 14th at the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta. This is North Fulton's highly anticipated concert venue just off GA 400 near North Point Mall. Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Friday, Feb. 1st.

The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is expected to open in May on 45 acres of land in Alpharetta off Westside Parkway across Ga. 400 from the North Point Mall area at 2200 Encore Parkway.

The state's water crisis caused by years of drought caused the Woodruff Foundation, operator of the amphitheater for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, to dig wells on the property so the venue's lawn seating and landscaping can be maintained.

Alpharetta approved the issuance of up to $16 million in tax exempt bonds for Woodruff Arts Center to build the amphitheater.

Construction began in June 2007 on the amphitheater, which will seat more than 7,000 under its roof, and another 5,000 on a lawn area. The drought that jeopardized landscaping also gave contractors many construction days.

Designed by KKE Architects of Minneapolis, it will include a distinctive fan-shaped roof to be made of a translucent cloth-like material. Two wide plazas surrounding the venue will feature decorative facades and offer dining options for patrons.

Popular entertainment acts, classical performances, community festivals and graduations will use the amphitheater, according to Don Fox, CFO for the ASO.

Parking for more than 2,600 vehicles will be available in two lots adjacent to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, with additional parking in the immediate surrounding area.

Also scheduled for performances in July are Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Rush.

Wow! I remember when the first McDonald's came to Alpharetta and what a big event that was. Our little town has certainly grown up, and it's still a GREAT place to live! Contact us at Vanderhoff Real Estate today to find your Alpharetta home and you too can be a part of this great community.

The Forsyth County Department of Engineering will be holding a Public Information Meeting for the update to the 2025 Bike Transportation and Pedestrian Walkway Plan. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Forsyth County Administration Building, Commissioner’s Meeting Room (Suite 220, second floor), located at 110 East Main Street in Cumming, Georgia.

The Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways Plan has been developed to address and plan for increased bicycle and pedestrian facilities in and around Forsyth County. The Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was developed by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force, which consisted of countywide representatives, nonprofit representatives and private sector organizations.

Visit the Forsyth County Government website for further details.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an Atlanta developer wants to build the longest and highest indoor ski dome in the world just off Georgia 400 on the shore of Lake Lanier.

The $1 billion indoor winter wonderland would have three indoor hockey rinks, five half-mile ski runs, a half-pipe for snowboarding, a one-mile track for snowmobiles, four hotels, 30 restaurants and 800,000 square feet of residential and retail space each.

Known as "Mount Pegasus," the development would be one of the largest resort destinations in Georgia, covering 400 acres southeast of the intersection of Georgia 400 and Ga. 53 in Dawsonville. The site is across from the North Georgia Premium Outlets and a 900,000-square-foot retail project proposed by The Sembler Co.

The plans were presented to the Dawson County Development Authority board on Aug. 28, 2007.

Read more on this proposed development at www.atlanta.bizjournals.com.

Forsyth County residents have a new source for local government information. The Forsyth County government access channel, TV Forsyth, is now airing on Comcast channel 23.
TV Forsyth broadcasts live the meetings of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Those meetings are also rebroadcast on the channel, as are meetings of the Forsyth County Board of Education. The channel features original local programming focused on informing citizens about the county and electronic bulletin board messages providing information about government meetings, events, programs and more.

"We are very pleased to be able to provide this local programming to the citizens of Forsyth County," Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said. "The channel will serve as a valuable means of getting local government information to our residents."

The government access channel is made possible through the county's franchise agreement with Comcast and will receive capital support via Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) fees, which Comcast customers will note appearing on their bills.

The market anticipated another federal rate cut after the scheduled Federal Reserve Meeting later this week. But due to chaos after markets opened Tuesday morning, an emergency meeting was held and the Fed made a bold move by cutting two key interest rates by .75 of a percentage point. For more on this change read the article from CNN Money below. Mortgage rates are already adjusting down. Call Phil Blankstein, Sr. Mortgage Consultant with Covenant Mortgage today for details at 678.495.2815 or visit www.mycovenantmortgage.com.


Fed slashes rates to 3.5%
Citing weakening economic outlook, Federal Reserve makes biggest cut in nearly 24 years - three quarters of a point.

January 22 2008: 9:11 AM EST


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Federal Reserve slashed two key interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point Tuesday following an unscheduled meeting, citing continued concerns about a weakening economy and turmoil in the financial markets.

The Fed lowered its federal funds rate, which impacts how much consumers pay on credit card debt, home equity lines of credit and auto loans, from 4.25 percent to 3.5 percent. The Fed also lowered its discount rate, which is what it costs banks to borrow directly from the central bank, by three-quarters of a point, to 4 percent.

This was the biggest rate cut by the Fed since October 1984.

"Broader financial market conditions have continued to deteriorate and credit has tightened further for some businesses and households. Moreover, incoming information indicates a deepening of the housing contraction as well as some softening in labor markets," the Fed said in a statement.

Read the Fed statement

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington Tuesday morning, said that he hoped the rate cut would restore some confidence in the financial markets and U.S. economy.

"I think it's very constructive and what I think it shows to this country and to the rest of the world [is] that our central bank is nimble and able to move quickly to respond to market conditions and that should be a confidence builder," he said.

Stock futures, which have been pointing to a gloomy start on Wall Street after market sell-offs abroad Monday, moved off their lows following the rate cut but were still sharply lower.

Wall Street had been betting that the central bank would need to initiate an emergency rate cut before its next scheduled meeting, which concludes on Jan. 30, in an attempt to help keep the economy from tipping into a recession.

Since September, the Fed has cut the fed funds rate from 5.25 percent to 4.25 percent. Investors have been clamoring for more, and bigger, rate cuts in the hopes that it will kick start a moribund economy and encourage businesses and consumers to spend.

The Fed has also loaned $70 billion to banks through a series of three auctions since December to help mitigate the effects of the credit crunch on Wall Street. That appears to be working as the Fed said Tuesday that "strains in short-term funding markets have eased somewhat."

President Bush and Congress are also working on an economic stimulus package in order to help beleaguered consumers. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke endorsed this plan during a speech to the House Budget Committee last week and urged Congress to act "quickly."

But markets have plunged so far in 2008 despite this as investors continue to fret that the Fed may be doing too little too late to keep the economy from recession.

Still, others think the Fed needs to proceed cautiously, especially since it's fair to argue that aggressive rate cuts during 2001 may be the reason why banks are in the subprime mortgage mess they are in now.

To that end, William Poole, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, voted against a rate cut. According to the Fed's statement, Poole did "not believe that current conditions justified policy action before the regularly scheduled meeting next week."

Fed board member Frederic Mishkin did not participate in the emergency meeting.

Tax time is here, and if you just purchased a home in 2007, do not forget to read up on all the tax deductions that are allowed by Homeowners. Laws are always changing, so please make sure to speak with a tax consultant to get the most deductions on your taxes. Here are just a few items that should be able to be deducted on your 2007 taxes:

* Your property taxes.
* The mortgage interest on your primary residence, as well as any secondary residence you own. (There are limits, but relatively few taxpayers are affected.)
* The interest on up to $100,000 borrowed on a home-equity loan or home-equity line of credit, regardless of the reason for the loan.
* Points you paid when purchasing the house (or convinced the seller to pay for you).
* For homes purchased in 2007, the premiums paid for private mortgage insurance in 2007. (The right to this deduction disappears as adjusted gross income rises from $100,000 to $110,000 on a joint return and from $50,000 to $55,000 on a single return.)
* Home improvements required for medical care.

Did you also know that you can sometimes deduct the expense of moving your pets? If you are changing jobs and meet a couple of tests, you can deduct your moving expenses — including the cost of moving your dog, cat, or other pet from your old residence to your new home. Your pet — be it a Pekingese or a python — is treated the same as your other personal effects.

So, be sure to check with your tax consultant before filing your tax returns this year.

Atlanta Braves' Julio Franco will be at Vickery Village today to help celebrate the grand opening of Kumon.

The Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce will be doing a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the after-school math and reading program. The event is scheduled to last until 8 p.m.

There will be a tent set up with food catered by Atkins Park, Peckenpaughs, Cincos, Sogno Gelato and Sidney's Italian. The event will feature prize drawings, tours of the facility and kids activities.

Fantastic two story traditional home on a full, daylight basement in Timberline at Lake Lanier, a Swim/Tennis Community in North Forsyth County. Located at 7920 Timberline Overlook in Cumming, Georgia, this is a fantastic area at a great value. For only $244,900, this home features the following:

* 4 Bedrooms/3 Full Baths, Plus Additional Bonus Room
* Guest Room & Full Bath on Main Level
* Family Room Features Stone Fireplace w/Gas Starter
* Kitchen w/Hardwood Floors, Breakfast Bar, Pantry, Gas Range
* Kitchen Opens to Breakfast Area & Family Room
* Two Story Entry Foyer
* Separate Dining Room & Separate Living Room
* Full, Unfinished Daylight Basement w/Exterior Entry
* Basement Is Framed & Stubbed For Bath. Heating & Air Already Installed
* Master Suite with Trey Ceiling
* Master Bath w/Double Vanity, Garden Tub & Separate Shower
* Security System, Owned
* Beautifully Landscaped Spacious Yard Includes Small Garden
* Two Car Garage at Kitchen Level
* Rocking Chair Front Porch & Fenced Backyard

Timberline lies within the district for Chattahoochee Elementary, the all new Little Mill Middle that opened this year, plus North Forsyth High School.

For further information and photos, please visit www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and look under "Featured Listings". To schedule a showing, please contact Mike, Melody or Cheryl today. Let us be your bridge to success in your next real estate transaction.

Registered Forsyth County voters can take advantage of Advance Voting the week prior to the upcoming February 5 election. Advance Voting is a form of in-person voting now available to all Georgia voters. Registered voters can vote early at any of the Advance Voting satellite locations listed below between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from January 28 through February 1.

2008 Advance Voting Locations for Forsyth County:

Cumming Public Library
585 Dahlonega Highway

Sharon Forks Public Library
2820 Old Atlanta Road

Forsyth County Public Safety Complex
3520 Settingdown Road

Midway Park
5100 Post Road

No Absentee or Advance Voting takes place the Monday prior to any election.

The City of Alpharetta celebrates its 2008 Sesquicentennial celebration with the unveiling of an all new Alpharetta History Walk through historic downtown Alpharetta at 1 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The unveiling will begin outside Alpharetta City Hall (2 South Main Street), the first site marked for the Alpharetta History Walk and the former location of the old Milton County Courthouse constructed in the late 1850s when Alpharetta was the county seat. The unveiling will continue on a narrated visit of 15 other buildings, homes and notable sites located on several blocks in the Historic Downtown area. Members of the public are invited to join Mayor Arthur Letchas and other City of Alpharetta officials at the February 7 event. Admission is free and coffee will be served compliments of the restaurant Slice soon to open downtown.

The new Alpharetta History Walk, to be narrated by local historians from the Alpharetta Historical Society, will include downtown buildings, homes and sites of previous structures that were selected after extensive historical research because they represent a notable part of Alpharetta’s history.

Each of the historic sites included in the Alpharetta History Walk will be marked with either standing or mounted outdoor historical markers. The exact location of the markers will be unveiled on February 7, along with the historic text that will appear on each marker.

For those not able to attend the February 7 event, map brochures will be available at the Alpharetta Welcome Center and Alpharetta City Hall beginning February 8. The Alpharetta Historical Society (http://www.ahsga.org) will conduct ongoing Alpharetta History Walks throughout the year. Or, members of the public may use the map brochures for a self-guided tour. For more information on the history walks, phone 770-475-4663.

From Dahlonega through Forsyth County to Alpharetta, and all along the GA 400 corridor we saw beautiful evening snow showers. For an updated list of closings visit 11Alive.com.

If you are new to the area, you will soon realize that almost everything closes when the snow falls in Georgia. Many will complain, and not understand why all comes to a standstill at the sight of a snowflake, but not me! Snowfalls are rare here, and I'm glad we have an excuse to stop our busy lives for one day, go outside, play with our kids, build a snowman and drink hot chocolate by the fire.

So, I say, "Let It Snow"!

While most of us who decide to sell our home will use a real estate
agent, some may consider selling on their own. There are many risks
& obstacles to selling your own home that you should consider before
deciding to take this route. Even as a Realtor, I would ask another
agent to represent me. This alleviates a lot of emotional aspects of
selling your own home, that can truly cloud your decision on price &
negotiating. It gives you that objective viewpoint, as well as
additional knowledge to ensure that the best price is achieved. But,
of course, what else would an agent say? So, you decide for
yourself.....Here are just a few of the most common potential
downfalls of selling your own home.

SETTING THE WRONG PRICE - In the world of real estate, setting a good
asking price is absolutely critical. Owners frequently have a
difficult time setting a realistic sales price, even if they have
paid for an independent appraisal. Impartially evaluating your home
and all it's shortcomings (and selling points) is a lot to ask. An
overpriced listing can linger on the market and necessitate later
price drops. An under priced listing can either scare off wary buyers
or can result in a closing price significantly below market value.

UNDER EXPOSURE - Attracting serious buyers requires much more than a
classified ad and a sign in the front yard. Many of the marketing
avenues that agents utilize are costly or require resources that the
average homeowner just doesn't possess. Between 75 and 80 percent of
buyers use the Internet during their home search. Savvy agents come
equipped with a strong Internet presence that draws online buyers to
your listing.

LACK OF MARKETING EXPERIENCE - Most of us are not practiced in the
art of promotion, and don't possess a great deal of knowledge or
perspective when it comes to marketing real estate. A skilled real
estate professional knows the techniques to make your home
competitive with comparable properties in the local marketplace.

BUYER WARINESS - Some buyers will avoid a FSBO listing for fear
either there is "something wrong" with the property or that the
asking price will not be based on current market trends.

BUYER HAGGLING - A FSBO listing can attract buyers out to find a
"deal". These individuals are more likely to see the listing price of
a FSBO property as merely a starting point.

FAILURE TO DISCLOSE - Failing to disclose or fully disclose any
defects in your home is huge liability for any seller. Improper
disclosure or nondisclosure usually results in lawsuits, an
unpleasant prospect for all parties. Licensed real estate agents are
required to stay up to date on all mandatory local, state and
national disclosure requirements.

COMMISSION TO BUYER'S AGENTS - Nine out of ten homebuyers use a real
estate agent in the search process. If a potential buyer is using the
services of an agent, their commission will generally be taken out of
the selling price.

LACK OF NEGOTIATING EXPERIENCE - One of the most important services
real estate agents provide is the negotiation a sale. Working without
an intermediary makes it much more difficult to keep emotion out of
the process. Sellers without representation can employ the help of a
real estate attorney, but their primary function is to ensure that
the contract is not marked by errors or omissions.

AVAILABILITY FOR SHOWINGS - With a real estate agent, you also have the luxury of placing a lockbox on your home. This will enable other agents to show your home when you are not home. You do not have to come rushing home anytime you might receive a call to see the home. Plus, anyone entering your home will have an agent with them at all times. And, if you receive a call directly from a buyer without an agent, you can have the safety of your personal agent show them your home.

Now it's up to you to decide.

Come see our brand new listing in Cumming, Forsyth County. Located in the highly sought after Silver City Elementary school district at 5840 Briar Ct in Rose Hill Subdvision. Perfect for first-time homebuyers, this charming stepless ranch sits within a quiet neighborhood with no Homeowners Association Fees. The exterior of the home is low maintenance vinyl with a beautiful stone accent. A new roof was installed within the last 4 months. The open & flowing floorplan features tile and hardwood floors. The home is beautifully decorated, super clean and very well maintained. It truly shows like a model home. Listed at only $169,900, this home is a great value. Click on the above address for a detailed property flier.

To schedule a showing, please contact Mike Vanderhoff, or any of the Vanderhoff Real Estate Team today at 770-888-9269. Or email us at info@VanderhoffRealEstate.com. Please also check our our other featured listings on our website www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com.

Homeowners Associations: Are they good or bad? Most will have a strong opinion one way or the other. There are about 249,000 community associations in the United States today, up from 205,000 five years ago, according to Community Associations Institute (CAI), an Alexandria, Va.-based organization whose membership includes homeowners, associations, management firms, and others involved in the community association industry. CAI estimates that 6,000 to 8,000 new community associations are formed each year and that more than 80 percent of houses built in the past five to eight years are part of an association-governed community. So, most have been in, or will be in a relationship with some form of Homeowners Association.

Many believe they are good. They keep your neighbors from lowering the value of your home. Most will not allow boats or RV's parked in the lawn. They can enforce yard maintenance so you don't have a jungle next door. Many rules are enforced under an HOA to keep your neighborhood looking nice and appealing. If you ever need to sell, you can really appreciate the HOA.

So where does the negativity come in? Individuality can be squashed. If you really want a fountain in your front yard, it probably isn't allowed. A pink house has been your dream? Not in this neighborhood.

The bottom line is that you MUST understand the rules and regulations of a community BEFORE you buy a house in it. If you own a pet, make sure you can bring him to your new home. If you own a commercial vehicle that will be parked in your driveway, make sure you are allowed to park it in your driveway. Thinking of turning your home into a rental years down the road when you move on? That may be prohibited as well. If you want the protection & ammenities offered by a covenant community, then you must find one that best suites your lifestyle.

And remember, just because a subdivision does not have a Homeowners Association, does not mean that it does not have a set of covenants & regulations. If the seller does not have them, check with the local county's clerks office to determine if any exist. Any covenants and restrictions recorded with the county can be enforced by neighbors through legal means.

Making sure you understand a community's rules is essential when buying a new home. Do not hesitate to ask your real estate agent to find out this information for you. A good agent knows where to find these rules and pass them onto you before you make the decision on where you will live.

Know your house, know your community, know the area. All important factors with your real estate purchase. Please contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We would love to help make your next real estate transaction a success.

The current total ban on outdoor burning in Forsyth County will be lifted effective Monday, January 14th.

"The lifting of the previously imposed ban on outdoor burning should in no way be perceived as meaning that conditions are such that burning can be conducted in a careless manner,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “It is quite the opposite. No fire, indoors or out, should ever be trusted to chance.”

Anyone needing to confirm the parameters imposed on outdoor burning by current regulations can call Forsyth County Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.

If you are like many home buyers in Forsyth County and the surrounding areas, you may be considering purchasing a newly built home in a swim/tennis community. Before you make your decision, there are a few things you need to remember.

1. DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE LIST PRICE. New home sales have dropped in the past year. Builders are sitting on homes that they need to sell. Negotiate!

2. USE A LENDER YOU TRUST. Builders will often offer to pay closing costs with a preferred lender. Many times I see a buyer fall for this, then end up paying a higher interest rate in the end. Bottom line on obtaining a mortgage: Use a lender you trust.

3. PAY FOR AN INSPECTION. Just because it's a new home, does not mean there are no construction errors along the way. A multiple stage inspection is ideal: Foundation, Framing & Final. Any major problems need to be presented to the builder & resolved. This will also give you an idea of how your builder will respond during the Warranty Period, after you've moved in. (By the way, make sure the builder offers a Warranty!).

4. ASK THE NEIGHBORS. Don't be shy....ask homeowner's in the neighborhood how the builder rates. This is one of the best ways to find out your builder's reputation.

5. BRING YOUR OWN REALTOR. The on-site agent at the community represents the builder. Bring your own Realtor to represent you. It's the wisest decision you will make.

Please consider our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate to help you succeed in your next Real Estate transaction!

1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.

2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.

4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking. Once you sign a contract to buy a home, do not go out and make ANY major purchases. Lenders re-check your credit and finances just before closing to make sure your financial status has not changed.

5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.

6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?

7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as type of mortgage terms that suit you best. But, you should always consider features that will effect the resale of your home. Most people go into buying a home thinking they will be there for a long time. The average length of time in your first home is 4 years.

8. Don’t let yourself be house poor. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals. And, don't forget that you will also be adding taxes, insurance and possible Homeowner's Association Dues to your budget.

9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and if possible get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.

10. Get help. Consider hiring a real estate agent as a buyer’s representative. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. And usually, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment. Especially as a first-time homebuyer. You want an agent who is going to explain the process as you go, and look out for your interests in what is most likely your biggest investment.

Contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today and we'll help you to make your dream of home ownership a reality!

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) encourages Forsyth County residents to bring old Christmas trees to designated drop-off locations for recycling during the annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event to be held Saturday, January 5.

In 2007, Forsyth County residents recycled 6,745 Christmas trees at designated drop-off locations. Trees can be dropped off for recycling this year at the following locations:

· Home Depot
1000 Market Place Blvd.
Cumming, GA 30041
*Accepting trees January 5 only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Home Depot
2635 Peachtree Pkwy.
Suwanee, GA 30024
*Accepting trees January 5 only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Vickery Creek Elementary
6280 Post Rd.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 26 to January 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Coal Mountain Recycling Center
3560 Settingdown Rd.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 26 to January 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Old Atlanta Recycling Center
3678 Old Atlanta Rd.
Suwanee, GA 30024
*Accepting trees December 26 to January 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Tolbert Street Recycling Center
351 Tolbert St.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 26 to January 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A wood chipper processes the dropped-off trees into mulch. Uses for the mulch include nature trails, playgrounds and landscaping projects.

The mulch will be available for delivery by Davey Tree and Lawn Care on a first-come, first-served basis to Forsyth County residents. All deliveries must be coordinated by completing a mulch request form at www.forsythco.com.

To receive additional information regarding Christmas tree recycling or mulch delivery, call KFCB at 770.205.4573.

The Georgia State Flag is traveling across the state to be placed upon the USS GEORGIA submarine at Kings Bay.

During a trip across the state of Georgia, the Georgia State Flag will visit Forsyth County as part of the Georgia Flag Project today, Wednesday, January 2nd. A local ceremony for the project will be held at 1 p.m. in front of the Forsyth County Administration Building.

The USS GEORGIA is Georgia’s namesake submarine and is returning to service with new capabilities. The USS GEORGIA Return to Service Committee coordinated the Georgia Flag Project.

The project involves the Georgia State Flag traveling to all 159 Georgia counties. After visiting all counties, the flag will be presented by Governor Sonny Perdue to the Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGIA during the Return to Service Ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on March 28, 2008.

All Forsyth County residents, especially veterans, are invited to attend the local ceremony.