Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: December 2008

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful announces new items that are now being accepted at the County’s Recycling Centers. As we look towards the beginning of the new year, we often look to de-clutter and clean up the house after the busy holiday season. Recycling helps keep items out of landfills, and now more items are being accepted. Below is list of new items. To see a complete list of accepted items and to find out where you can recycle your Christmas Tree, visit the forsyth county website at www.forsythco.com.

Used Cooking Oil
After the Thanksgiving holiday, many residents began to ask what they could do with cooking oil left over from frying a turkey. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) located a company that collects and processes the used oil for a variety of uses. Residents can now bring used cooking oil to any of the three county recycling centers to be recycled at no charge.

Books
Book bins have also recently been placed at the county’s recycling centers. The books are collected by Reading Tree, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own books. Reading Tree donates all usable children’s books it collects to elementary schools, hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, literacy programs and other organizations serving children in need. Those books deemed unusable due to condition are recycled for their paper content or shipped overseas for literacy efforts in other countries. Reading Tree has saved more than 45 million books from going into landfills.

Plastic Bags
The most popular new item now accepted at the centers is plastic bags. Not only are plastic bags a high volume item in landfills, they are also a common source of roadside litter due to their lightweight nature and ability to blow. Keep plastic bags out of the landfill and off the roads by recycling them. Recycled bags can be used to make many plastic products including more bags and plastic building materials.

Labels: books, christmas tree, cooking oil, forsyth county, keep forsyth county beautiful, plastic bags, recycle, recycling

The 12th Annual Polar Bear Swim, organized by the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, will start at 2 p.m. January 1, 2009 at the Olympic venue off Clarks Bridge Road.

Due to ongoing drought conditions, the high jumps cannot be used. Jumpers will use the docks on the finish tower side of the venue.

Prizes will be awarded to the best themed costume and best jump.

Hot chocolate, coffee and pastries will be offered prior to the jump, and club members will be cooking chili to help the brave jumpers re-heat afterward. All jumpers will get a T-shirt and the first tax write-off of 2009.

Early registration ended on December 20th, but there is still time to register. The price is now $25 per individual and $60 per family. Admission is free for spectators.

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club is a 501 c3 organization for Olympic flat water canoe and kayak hopefuls.

For more Information, Contact Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club at 770-287-7888, or Polar Bear Coordinator Tim Watson at timfwatson@yahoo.com; or www.lckc.org.

Labels: 2009, canoe and kayak club, lake lanier, olympic venue, polar bear swim

3 bedroom / 2 bath ranch home on 7.9 acres for $170,000. Beautiful horse country in the former North Alpharetta area, now in the City of Milton and located at 2360 Birmingham Rd. This is a foreclosure sold AS-IS with no disclosures. Approximately 50 percent of the land is in a flood plain. Perfect for horse farm, nursery or future estate home. Click on address above for more listing details and photos. To search other foreclosures in the area visit our website at www.vanderhoffrealestate.com. Contact us today and we'll help you find your next home or investment property.

Labels: Alpharetta, birmingham road, city of milton, foreclosure, just listed, vanderhoff real estate

Labels: merry christmas

Labels: christmas eve, cumming, georgia, mountain lake church, services

Forsyth County government is considering the implementation of increased water and sewer rates for 2009, to help offset projected revenue shortfalls. A Public Hearing regarding the proposed rate increases is scheduled for the January 8, 2009 Board of Commissioners meeting.

The proposed increase would change the residential water base rate from $12 for the first 3,000 gallons to $12 for the first 1,000 gallons. The senior citizen water base rate would change from $9 for the first 3,000 gallons to $9 for the first 1,000 gallons. Customers using 1,001 to 2,000 gallons monthly would pay an additional $3.40; those using 2,001 to 3,000 gallons monthly would pay an additional $6.80. The same tiered rates in effect now would remain in place for every additional 1,000 gallons used over 3,000 gallons.

The proposed new residential sewer base rate would be $10; the proposed sewer base rate for commercial accounts would be $20. In addition, accounts would be charged a usage fee in accordance with existing rates.

"The proposed water and sewer rate increases are necessary because of a decrease in revenues due to several factors including the ongoing drought, the outdoor water restrictions that remain in effect and the slowdown in development," Chief Financial Officer Bill Thomas said. "If the rates are not increased, we are projecting a $5 million operating loss for the Water and Sewer Department for 2009."

The rate increases would be considered interim, while Forsyth County awaits the completion of a rate study that will lead to development of a long-term approach. Thomas anticipates being able to present the rate study to the Board of Commissioners in the second quarter of 2009.

The Water and Sewer Department is an enterprise fund which does not utilize funding from the county's General Fund. Water and Sewer operations rely solely on user fees, and do not receive property taxes or sales tax. Water and Sewer operations are required, by accounting standards, to be self-supporting.

The Public Hearing on the proposed rate increases will be held Thursday, January 8, 2009 in Suite 220 of the County Administration Building, located at 110 E. Main St. in Cumming. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. All interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend.

Labels: forsyth county, public hearings, rate increase, sewer, water

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) reminds all Forsyth County residents to bring old Christmas trees for recycling during the nineteenth annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event. This statewide Christmas tree recycling program will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009. However, certain drop-off locations will be accepting trees anywhere from December 26th through January 17th.

Drop off Christmas trees at the following designated locations in Forsyth County:

• Home Depot
1000 Market Place Blvd.
Cumming, GA 30041
*Accepting trees January 3 only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Home Depot
2635 Peachtree Pkwy.
Suwanee, GA 30024
*Accepting trees January 3 only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Vickery Creek Elementary
6280 Post Rd.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 26 to January 3 anytime
(drop off ends January 3 at 4 p.m.)

• Coal Mountain Recycling Center
3560 Settingdown Rd.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 27 to January 17, Monday through Saturday from
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (center will be closed New Year’s Day)

• Old Atlanta Recycling Center
3678 Old Atlanta Rd.
Suwanee, GA 30024
*Accepting trees December 27 to January 17, Monday through Saturday from
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (center will be closed New Year’s Day)

• Tolbert Street Recycling Center
351 Tolbert St.
Cumming, GA 30040
*Accepting trees December 27 to January 17, Monday through Saturday from
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (center will be closed New Year’s Day)

In January 2008, Forsyth County residents recycled 6,863 Christmas trees at designated drop-off locations. A wood chipper processes the dropped-off trees into mulch. Uses for the mulch include nature trails, playgrounds and landscaping projects.Visit www.keepgeorgiabeautiful.org and complete a request form for free Christmas tree mulch to be delivered to your home or business by Davey Tree and Lawn Care. A standard delivery load of mulch will cover 15-20 cubic yards.

In Forsyth County, free Christmas tree mulch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on County Way, across the street from the Georgia State Patrol Post 37. The county’s Road and Bridges Department maintains a small mulch yard at this location. All residents will be responsible for loading and hauling their own mulch from this location.

“Bring One for the Chipper” started in Georgia in 1991, and Forsyth County has participated each year since 1994. From 1994 to 2008, Forsyth County residents have recycled 55,859 trees. Free seedlings will be available January 3 at all Forsyth County sites while supplies last.

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

Labels: bring one for the chipper, christmas tree, forsyth county, free mulch, recycle, seedling

Sunday, December 21st is the first day of Winter this year. Although it has not felt like Winter over the past week here in Georgia, according to forecasters, a cold front will move through tomorrow and temperatures are going to drop 20 degrees. Winter officially begins Sunday at 7:04 am. So bundle up and enjoy the First Day of Winter!

Labels: 2008, first day, georgia, winter

Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Rates
30-yr Fixed = 5.00%
15-yr Fixed = 4.875%

Jumbo Rates
30-yr Fixed = 6.50%
5/1 ARM = 5.875%
7/1 ARM =6.00%

FHA Rates
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.50%- 6.50%

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

Labels: 30 year fixed, covenant mortgage, FHA, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners does hereby provide notice of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 5 p.m. in the Forsyth County Administration Building - Commissioners Meeting Room - regarding the potential acquisition of a parcel of property that will be purchased, in whole or part, with Forsyth County Park and Recreation/Greenspace bond funds. The proposed acquisition involves a 185.9-acre parcel located on the south side of Wallace Tatum Road just south of its intersection with Matt Highway. The present owner of the parcel is the Wallace Tatum Investment Holdings Corp. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners may determine to complete the acquisition of this parcel.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners does hereby provide notice of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 5 p.m. in the Forsyth County Administration Building - Commissioners Meeting Room - regarding the potential acquisition of a parcel of property that will be purchased, in whole or part, with Forsyth County Park and Recreation/Greenspace bond funds. The proposed acquisition involves a 63 +/- acre parcel located along the North and East sides of Caney Road just west of the intersection of Caney Road and Brookwood Road. The present owner of the parcel is the Estate of Arlene Harrison. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners may determine to complete the acquisition of this parcel.

All interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend.

Labels: forsyth county, greenspace bond, property acquisition, public hearings

Just Reduced by 10K to $114,900! This Pilgrim Lake Townhome at 1611 Indian Way, Cumming, GA 30040 is priced to sell. The 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, charming, bright and open townhome is a great value and won't last long at this price. The home features new carpet throughout. Each bedroom has its own private bath. Blinds throughout will remain, and it's in clean, well maintained and ready to move in condition . Great deck in back for entertaining or relaxing. One car garage, plus a basement that can be finished for additional room or storage. Convenient location close to GA 400.

For more information and additional photos, click on the property address above, or visit www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and go to our Featured Listings. If you would like to see this great townhome, please contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today!

Labels: cumming, forsyth county, GA 400, pilgrim lake, pilgrim mill, townhome, vanderhoff real estate

It was announced today that the Forrest Wood Cup - the largest fishing tournament in America - will come to Lake Lanier in 2010:

* Prize money: $2.5 million
* Sponsors: BP and Castrol
* Dates: Aug. 5-8, 2010
* Location: Laurel Park's new mega-ramp
* TV: Broadcast to 81 million Fox Sports Net subscribers

There will be large accompanying shows at the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome.

Sonny Perdue announced the news in Atlanta today:

“The Forrest Wood Cup is the largest fishing tournament in the country, and bringing this tournament to Georgia is exactly what I envisioned for the mega-ramps we are building as part of Go Fish. This tournament will provide nationally televised exposure for our fishing resources, generate excitement about fishing in Georgia and provide a positive economic impact on our local communities."

The tournament was on Lake Murray, South Carolina this year and its arrival in Lake Lanier is a large vote of confidence in our region.

Labels: 2010, forrest wood cup, lake lanier

Here are 6 things you should know about the First Time Buyer Tax Credit.

1. Buyers have until July 2009 to make a purchase that qualifies.
The tax credit was passed in July of this year as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3221). It’s worth up to $7,500 and can be taken in a single tax year. Authorization for the credit ends July 1, 2009, so if you buy in the first half of 2009 you will be able to take the credit on your 2009 tax return. Taxpayers can take the credit on their 2008 tax return if they bought their house this year after April 9th.

2. Buyers don't really have to be "first-timers."
The tax credit is actually available to any individual or household that hasn’t owned a home for at least three years.

3. Even if buyers exceed the income limit, they can benefit from the credit.
The actual credit amount is set as a percentage of the home purchase amount. That percentage amount is 10 percent, so you can get 10 percent of the home price credited against your tax liability, up to a maximum $7,500. Sounds like a great deal. But what if you make more money than the income limit of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for households? Good news: Individuals whose income exceeds the $75,000 limit but don't make more than $95,000 can still take the credit but on a reduced basis. The same thing applies to households earning up to $170,000. By the way, any house is eligible as long as it’s a primary residence and is in the United States.

4. Think of it as an interest-free loan.
The federal government requires the tax credit to be paid back in small, 6.67-percent increments over 15 years, although repayment will be no more than $500 yearly and payments will not start until 2011. For that reason, some analysts have likened the credit to a 15-year, interest-free loan to help make home buying affordable. The National Association of Realtors is pushing congress to remove the repayment provision, making this tax credit a true tax credit rather than an interest-free loan.

5. You don't have to be authorized before making a home purchase.
There is no pre-purchase authorization, application, or other approval process. Eligible buyers simply have to claim the credit on your IRS Form 1040 tax return and/or any form that the IRS might devise.

6. New-home construction qualifies.
For a home that a buyer constructs, the purchase date is the first date the buyer occupies the home. However, any home that is not a primary residence, such as a vacation home or income property, does not qualify.

Labels: first time home buyer, hr 3221, tax credit, The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) plans to conduct additional testing of the county’s new outdoor severe weather sirens throughout the week of December 15, weather permitting. Testing will occur Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. During this siren system test, both the warning alert tone and the test tone will be heard.

“We are continuing to work on getting the new sirens fully operational and in service,” Forsyth County Fire Chief and EMA Director Danny Bowman said. Forsyth County recently installed 12 new weather sirens (11 new locations, one replacement) throughout the county to notify residents who are outdoors that severe weather is in the area. In the event Forsyth County is placed under a tornado warning, the sirens will be activated.

Once the system is in service, monthly testing of the audible siren will take place at noon on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting. The test tone produces the Westminster Chimes sound.

Labels: EMA, forsyth county, siren, tornado, weather

Christmas is an exciting time in the City of Cumming. Each year the City of Cumming lines the streets with beautiful Christmas lights. They also offer photos with Santa and an Arts and Crafts Show.

Christmas in Cumming Events

Arts and Crafts Festival
December 12th - 13th
Friday the 12th @ 4 PM - 10 PM
Saturday the 13th @ 10 AM - 5 PM

Free Photos with Santa
Friday the 12th @ 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturday the 13th @ 10 AM - 2 PM

Arts & Crafts Admission
Adults.........$1.00
Children 12 and under........Free

Labels: alpharetta heritage festival, arts and crafts, christmas, Cumming Fairgrounds, lights, photos, santa

Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department will host a Holiday Parent/Child Workshop today, Friday, December 12th, from 10am to 2pm at the Crabapple Government Center. Parents are invited to bring their young children to make a fun holiday art project. Children will make a gift for someone special while parents make a holiday card. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, email arts@alpharetta.ga.us or call 678-297-6165.

Labels: Alpharetta, arts and crafts, crabapple, holiday cards, recreation and Parks, workshop

John Wieland's newest North Fulton neighborhood, Braeburn, is conveniently located on Birmingham Highway in the city of Milton's expanding Crabapple district minutes from GA 400. Braeburn's unique land plan incorporates resort-style amenities and neighborhood commercial space as well as homes. At the neighborhood's entrance, Braeburn Office Village will encompass 33,000 square feet of office and professional suites in ten buildings. Braeburn's initial offering of homes is priced from the mid $700s.

Homes at Braeburn will offer detailed exterior architecture in stone and brick combinations as well as thoughtfully designed interiors with today's best features. Every home will be protected by John Wieland's industry-leading 5 Year - 20 Year Warranty and homebuyers will also benefit from John Wieland's exclusive no-cost Value Protection plan.

Homeowners will enjoy a variety of planned neighborhood amenities including a private clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, playground and neighborhood park. In addition, Braeburn is served by three nationally ranked public schools, including Milton High, all within walking distance.

For more information on this and other great neighborhoods in the Milton, Crabapple and Alpharetta area, contact Mike & Melody today at info@vanderhoffrealestate.com or 770-888-9269.

Labels: Alpharetta, Braeburn, city of milton, crabapple, john wieland, milton high school, vanderhoff real estate

Thinking about buying a home? We thought you might be interested in this New York Times article. Click Here to read.

If you are thinking about buying your first home, contact us today at Vanderhoff Real Estate. We would love to help you with any questions, and to make sure you understand the process of buying a home in today's market. It is a great time to buy a home in the Atlanta area!

Labels: atlanta, buying a home, first time home buyer, real estate, vanderhoff real estate, when to buy

Tonight will be the first meeting of the 1071 Coalition. 1071 Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining water levels in Lake Sidney Lanier.

With Lake Lanier near its record low water level, this new grassroots group aims to improve management of the lake and bring the water level back up to 1071 feet. All are welcome.

* Website: 1071Coalition.org
* Meeting: December 9th, 6pm at Lake Lanier Islands

Here's a quick round-up of the water level situation:

* The lake dropped almost a foot this month.
* We were on course to break the record low but rain on Wednesday may postpone that day.
* The Corps reduced outflows from Buford Dam by 15 percent in an attempt to reduce losses
Lake Status
Level: Down 19.83 feet
Temp: 53 degrees

Boat Ramps Open
Charleston Park
Shoal Creek Park
Tidwell Park

Labels: 1071 coalition, buford dam, lake lanier, lake lanier islands, lake levels, meeting

The cold weather has arrived at our doorstep. How often do you take the time to thank your fireplace for all the times it kept you warm during cold fall and winter nights? How about those nights when its flickering flames sparked an evening of romance, or when its unmistakable smell brought comfort and calm to your life? There’s a great way to thank your fireplace: take good care of it!

No matter how well you care for a fireplace, the flue inside your chimney suffers a gradual build-up of creosote (hard-layered residue from the wood-smoke), which can catch fire. Periodic chimney-cleaning is necessary in order to avoid such a catastrophe. This isn’t a do-it-yourself project; you need to hire a professional to clean your chimney.

Have your chimney cleaned once a year if you use it a lot. If you use your fireplace two or three times per week during colder months, have it inspected and cleaned each year. Another handy method is to inspect and clean after every 70 fires. Ask the chimney inspector about the condition of your flue liner and (if you have a masonry chimney) mortar.

So how can you reduce creosote build-up and keep your fireplace and chimney as clean as possible this season?

First of all, encourage good draft up your chimney, simply by keeping a window open a crack when you burn a fire. The air entering your room will get sucked up the chimney. Opening a window also ensures that your indoor air quality stays good while you burn the fire.

If you have glass fireplace doors, invest in a screen to block the fire instead of using glass. Doing so will also aid in ventilating the fire and encouraging airflow through the flue.

In addition to the aforementioned ventilation tips, you can reduce creosote build-up by using only dry hardwood logs, which burn more completely.

Clean the ash out of the fireplace. Wearing a dust mask, open a window in the room and then open the damper to let the draft suck any airborne ash out of the fireplace. Then, using fire gloves, remove the old coals. Carefully sweep the remaining dust into a dustpan. Remember to wait about three days after your most recent fire to do any of this; embers stay hot for a surprisingly long time!

Cap your chimney. Not only can an uncapped chimney collect gunk and debris, but it can also cause your damper to rust or even invite animals to make it their unlucky home.

Glass cleaners, brick cleaners and other appropriate cleaners are available for purchase to maintain the happy appearance of your fireplace. If you have dish soap handy, simply dilute it to make your own glass cleaner.

These simple steps can ensure that your enjoyment of the fireplace is not dampened by lingering doubts about safety.

For related “how-to” articles, go to www.howtodothings.com/home-and-garden.

Labels: chimney, clean, fireplace, Home, safety

Everything magical about the holidays comes to life at The City of Alpharetta’s 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration 5 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008. The celebration will take place in the Milton Square City Park at Milton Avenue in Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

The City of Alpharetta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which has been an anticipated event with local families for 31 years, was recently recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

A holiday entertainment program will lead up to the lighting of the City of Alpharetta’s 45-foot live tree with over 10,000 white twinkling lights at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a City of Alpharetta fire truck.

The entertainment program offered by the City of Alpharetta will feature renowned singer and songwriter James Casto. The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance Program will perform.

Of course, the 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting festivities would not be complete without the opportunity for children to visit with Santa in the Milton Square Park gazebo and share their wishes. Parents may also take their own photos.

Children can enjoy free holiday craft activities, and the entire family can snuggle together for an old-time horse draw trolley ride with Black Magic Carriage through Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

The City of Alpharetta will serve complimentary punch and cookies in the park, and the Starbucks Cheer Patrol will warm the evening with free coffee. The Alpharetta Welcome Center invites families to drop in for holiday refreshments, and the Alpharetta Historical Society’s Log Cabin will be open for folks to visit and enjoy hot cider and cookies.

The Cannery on Old Roswell Street will offer the fourth in a series of beautiful Alpharetta ornaments hand-made from Georgia clay. Other shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Alpharetta will also feature holiday activities and specials during the Christmas Tree Lighting.

In addition to the City of Alpharetta special events staff and public works department, the 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is made possible by the generosity of volunteers.

The 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is free to the public. All of the evening’s activities are offered free by the City of Alpharetta. For more information call 678-297-6078.

See you there!

Labels: Alpharetta, annual christmas tree lighting, december 7

Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Rates
30-yr Fixed = 5.125%
15-yr Fixed = 5.00%

Jumbo Rates
30-yr Fixed = 6.75%
5/1 ARM = 5.875%
7/1 ARM = 6.00%

FHA Rates
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.50%- 6.50%

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

Labels: 15 year fixed, 30 year fixed, covenant mortgage, FHA, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

The Treasury Department is considering a plan to drive mortgage rates as low as 4.5 percent. As rates are already at historic lows, the treasury feels people can refinance already into a low rate, but the main purpose of this program will be to get the housing market moving. A 4.5% rate would attract a lot of new home buyers which will hopefully help to reduce the available inventory. It will be interesting to see what the outcome will be over the next few weeks. We will keep you posted.

Labels: 4.5 percent, housing market, mortgage rates, treasury department

Bring your family and friends this Saturday, December 6th for fun and festivities as the Christmas tree atop of Northside Hospital - Forsyth is set aglow! The free event will bring more than 3,500 people together for an afternoon of fun and celebration. Activities will include food, face painters, clowns, local school bands, choral performances and dancers. Santa Claus will also be on hand to take pictures and visit with the children.

Lights on the trees can be purchased in honor or memory of family and friends. Festive cards will be sent to honorees and families of those memorialized. All gifts are tax-deductible and benefit Northside Hospital’s Cancer Care Program. For more information visit www.northside.com or call 404.851.8389.

Activities
From 4:30-6:30 p.m:

• Entertainment from local schools and dance groups - West Forsyth High School, Lanier Middle School, Settles Bridge Elementary School and Sawnee Ballet
  

• Photos with Santa
• Face Painters
• Clowns
• Balloons
• Caricatures
• Cookie Decorating
• Arts & Crafts
• Storytelling
• Petting Zoo
• Refreshments
• National Marrow Donor Program registration T-shirt sales

6:30 p.m.

• Tree lighting Fireworks

And don't forget to come out early for the 2008 Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival Parade on Market Place Blvd from 3:30-4:30 p.m.! The parade starts on MarketPlace Blvd and ends at Northside-Forsyth. See you there!

Labels: christmas tree, december 6, fireworks, lighting, marketplace blvd, northside forsyth, northside hospital, parade cumming

Voting for the General Election Runoff is taking place today, Tuesday, December 2 at all voting precincts throughout Forsyth County. All precincts will be open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All registered voters are eligible to vote in the December 2 Runoff even if they did not vote in the November General Election.

Click here to confirm your voter registration status and voting precinct or to view your sample ballot online. Call 770.781.2118 to receive additional information.

Labels: december 2, forsyth county, general election, runoff, voter registration

That “most wonderful time of the year” is here again!! And the best way to get into the spirit is by treating yourself to a special day in Historic Norcross. This is a celebration of the City’s charming past, a joyous preface to the holiday season, and an excellent excuse to spend the day with friends. The whole Historic District is decked out for the festivities, and you can enjoy it all at your leisure. There are quaint boutiques and charming restaurants in the downtown area, a perfect opportunity to relax and begin your holiday shopping. Then when you’re ready to Tour, stroll our sidewalks, or take a shuttle to see our homes. These are six of Norcross’ most beautiful residences, resplendent in holiday decor and vibrant with the sounds of live music. Whether you simply appreciate exceptional design and architectural details, or are looking for new ideas on how to decorate your own home, the diversity of styles and the seasonal finery are sure to delight.

Then at dusk, there’s a pause…..as the whole community joins in to light thousands of luminaries. It’s a breathtaking path, glowing and inviting, as it guides our guests through the evening Tour, now filled with candlelit romance.

All day and into the evening, the Historic Norcross Holiday Home Tour is a very special event, unique and wonderful in every way. We invite you to join us to experience all of Historic Norcross. More than a Tour, it’s a Tradition!!

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Daytime Tours – 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Candlelight Tours – 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

For a map, tickets, and more information, please visit www.norcrosstourofhomes.com.

Labels: december 6, historic, norcross, tour of homes