Who is Joe the Plumber?
His name is Joe Wurzelbacher and he is a plumber from Ohio. Last night in the Presidential Debate, Joe the Plumber became a symbol of the economic troubles crippling the United States. Joe encountered Senator Obama while he was campaigning in Toledo, Ohio earlier this week. Joe wants to buy the company he works for, but purchasing it would make him a target of the Democrat's plan to tax the "wealthy." Joe told Senator Obama about his frustrations with Obama's plans to raise taxes on the "wealthy" and the Illinois senator replied that it was important to "spread the wealth around.
"Spread the Wealth?
Yes, Senator Barack Obama said he wants to "sprea d the wealth around." That means that he wants to take Joe's, and countless other small business owners', hard earned money. Senator Obama wants to raise their taxes so he can pay for his government mandated healthcare system and other big government programs. He wants to punish small business owners who are successful and about to climb the next step on the economic ladder by spreading their "wealth."It's No Surprise that Obama Wants to "Spread the Wealth Around"It's no surprise that Senator Obama wants to spread Joe the Plumbers "wealth." He voted for higher taxes 94 times in four years in the United States Senate. And, he requested nearly $1 billion dollars of your money for wasteful pork barrel spending. Imagine what he will do as the most powerful man in the United States. Obama's rhetoric sounds nice now, but it will feel like a painful sucker punch if he is elected and his plans to raise taxes are implemented.
Senator McCain will Fight for Every Joe the Plumber
John McCain consistently voted against tax increases and never once took a wasteful pork barrel project. As a result he was given an "A" rating by the National Taxpayers Union and has received awards from the Citizens Against Government Waste for being a good steward of taxpayer money. John McCain wants to lower your taxes and reduce government spending and has the record to back up his rhetoric.
Taken from Senator MC Cain for President
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Romance in Raleigh for Baby Boomers!
Most Romantic Cities for Baby Boomers
Home may be where the heart is, but for many baby boomers, home is also where guests stop by unannounced, "to-do" lists seem to grow longer by the minute and bills crowd the mailbox waiting to be paid.
In our latest study, we found the top 10 cities in the United States where romance blooms for boomers--no matter what the interruption. Interestingly, Pittsburgh came out on top as the number one city where the boomer set is finding special moments for romance.
In fact, according to our study, boomer marriage rates in Pittsburgh ranked eighth among the 50 largest metro areas in the United States. The study also found that Pittsburgh has the second-lowest percent of divorced and separated boomer adults among the 50 largest cities.
Living in the most romantic city, Pittsburgh boomers are ready for the special moments in a relationship and take the time to create them, by showering their true love in flowers and candy.Floral sales in Pittsburgh ranked number one and candy sales ranked number two among the top 10 cities.
Top 10 Cities That Have That Loving Feeling
Pittsburgh, PA
Salt Lake City, UT
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Providence, RI
Charlotte, NC
Hartford, CT
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, NY
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
See all 50
More than 78 million Americans are considered part of the boomer generation. The boomer couples living in these top cities are keeping romance alive and have shown they don't need a special occasion in order to spoil their one-and-only. This study suggests that it is often the little things that they do that mean the most when it comes to expression of romance.
The top 10 cities in our study had a very high number of married boomers and conversely a very low divorce rate for this generation. These factors weighed heavily in our study, while ballroom dancing, floral, jewelry and candy sales, and great restaurants--some of the ways boomers keep romance in bloom--supplemented our findings.
Fast Facts about Romantic Cities
The "Steel City" isn't the only place in the United States where romance is thriving for baby boomers. Other hot spots for romance include:
Dancing the night away keeps romance alive for boomers in Providence, RI. This metro area is where you will find the highest number of ballroom dance venues among the top 10 cities.
Baby boomers in Dallas, Texas keep romance simmering by taking time out of their week to schedule a dinner date. Ranking number one among the top 10 cities for great restaurants, Dallas offers boomers the most options for fine dining.
The city streets of Providence, RI and Hartford, CT are sparkling with romance. They ranked number one and two respectively among the top 10 cities for jewelry purchased as gifts.
Salt Lake City, UT has a sweet tooth that rivals other metro areas. It ranked first among the top 10 cities in chocolate sales.
Study Overview and Methodology
The "Where Romance is Booming" study was conducted by Bert Sperling of Sperling's BestPlaces and sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), the maker of Cialis® (tadalafil). The study evaluates the top 10 cities, of the 50 largest metro areas in the United States, where baby boomers are living life most romantically. For the purposes of this study, "baby boomers" are those aged 45 to 60.
Taking into consideration marriage and divorce rates in each city, as well as the number of great restaurants, dance studios, and chocolate, jewelry and flower sales, Sperling identified the top 10 most romantic cities for boomers.
Home may be where the heart is, but for many baby boomers, home is also where guests stop by unannounced, "to-do" lists seem to grow longer by the minute and bills crowd the mailbox waiting to be paid.
In our latest study, we found the top 10 cities in the United States where romance blooms for boomers--no matter what the interruption. Interestingly, Pittsburgh came out on top as the number one city where the boomer set is finding special moments for romance.
In fact, according to our study, boomer marriage rates in Pittsburgh ranked eighth among the 50 largest metro areas in the United States. The study also found that Pittsburgh has the second-lowest percent of divorced and separated boomer adults among the 50 largest cities.
Living in the most romantic city, Pittsburgh boomers are ready for the special moments in a relationship and take the time to create them, by showering their true love in flowers and candy.Floral sales in Pittsburgh ranked number one and candy sales ranked number two among the top 10 cities.
Top 10 Cities That Have That Loving Feeling
Pittsburgh, PA
Salt Lake City, UT
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Providence, RI
Charlotte, NC
Hartford, CT
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, NY
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
See all 50
More than 78 million Americans are considered part of the boomer generation. The boomer couples living in these top cities are keeping romance alive and have shown they don't need a special occasion in order to spoil their one-and-only. This study suggests that it is often the little things that they do that mean the most when it comes to expression of romance.
The top 10 cities in our study had a very high number of married boomers and conversely a very low divorce rate for this generation. These factors weighed heavily in our study, while ballroom dancing, floral, jewelry and candy sales, and great restaurants--some of the ways boomers keep romance in bloom--supplemented our findings.
Fast Facts about Romantic Cities
The "Steel City" isn't the only place in the United States where romance is thriving for baby boomers. Other hot spots for romance include:
Dancing the night away keeps romance alive for boomers in Providence, RI. This metro area is where you will find the highest number of ballroom dance venues among the top 10 cities.
Baby boomers in Dallas, Texas keep romance simmering by taking time out of their week to schedule a dinner date. Ranking number one among the top 10 cities for great restaurants, Dallas offers boomers the most options for fine dining.
The city streets of Providence, RI and Hartford, CT are sparkling with romance. They ranked number one and two respectively among the top 10 cities for jewelry purchased as gifts.
Salt Lake City, UT has a sweet tooth that rivals other metro areas. It ranked first among the top 10 cities in chocolate sales.
Study Overview and Methodology
The "Where Romance is Booming" study was conducted by Bert Sperling of Sperling's BestPlaces and sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), the maker of Cialis® (tadalafil). The study evaluates the top 10 cities, of the 50 largest metro areas in the United States, where baby boomers are living life most romantically. For the purposes of this study, "baby boomers" are those aged 45 to 60.
Taking into consideration marriage and divorce rates in each city, as well as the number of great restaurants, dance studios, and chocolate, jewelry and flower sales, Sperling identified the top 10 most romantic cities for boomers.
New Statistics about Raleigh and why people are moving here!
http://www.newsobserver.com/685/story/544185.html (Jobs in Raleigh)
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL3710740.html
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/1/2799.html
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/1/Education_1.html
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/states/NC.html
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL3710740.html
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/1/2799.html
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/1/Education_1.html
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/states/NC.html
Sunday, December 24, 2006
What is in and What is out for 2007 For Buyers!
What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers in 2007
In
The housing correction. My prediction in the 2006 "What's In, What's Out" I forecasted a soft decline in home prices in most markets. In 2007 I project a 5-8% decline in prices on average between single-family and condominium homes.
Homes that are priced right. It isn't the boom market of 2005, look at only the sold comparable's from the last six months. Forget the cocktail party chit-chat when all you heard was record prices in the shortest market times in U.S. real estate history.
Online home valuation sites ( Zillow.com). Mainly those that utilize up-to-date and reliable home sale data. Technology is great when it works, but tread carefully with online valuation web sites. Ask yourself how long does it take your recorder of deeds and real estate transactions to record them? If up-to-the-minute, okay, otherwise plan the lead time into the online valuation to spew out accurate information.
Market timing. Many buyers and sellers were on their own timelines in 2006 and they missed opportunities that were created by not recognizing the real estate markets ebb and flow. Spring is high market, the most demand by the largest number of buyers. Summer is a good market, fall is fair, and winter is the remnant market, the left-over buyers and sellers from the high, good, and fair markets.
Savvy buyers. With interest rates historically low and bent-up demand from a soft year in 2006, the deals and lack of frenzy won't last long. "Deferred demand" from 2006 could ignite a mini-frenzy in some markets.
Third places or officetels. Home offices are on the rise, though those who work from one, need more than a coffee shop or hotel lobby for business meetings. Look for alternative work spaces that bridge the home office with hourly rentals of conference room-type spaces that offer technology and privacy.
Upscale garages. It's no longer the out-of-sight-out-of-mind dumping ground. Today's garage owners want them decked out with cabinet and storage systems, mini-refrigerators, insulation, heating and air conditioning and durable but residential-looking flooring.
Caving. Man caves and Mom caves are coming out of the closet. Personal dedicated space for one person in a household can go and work on projects or "chill" without being disturbed and if so only in an emergency.
Two home offices. Rising gas prices and commuting times have created more two-work-at-home families. Size matters, make sure each is at least ten-by-ten feet.
Rejuvenation rooms. A one-stop space for exercising, meditation, yoga, sauna and fancy steam showers. Showers are going upscale too. Waterfall fixtures, programmable temperature and water flow are the next trend for "showerers".
Heated patios, walkways and driveways. Northern baby-boomers are tired of shoveling and are looking for ways to decrease winter maintenance, plus many have discovered how also heating the patio can add an extra couple of weeks enjoyment in spring and fall.
Snoring rooms. Offered as options in new homes, adjacent, second bedrooms to the master, offer relief from the "buzz saw" and an alternative to the couch. A godsend for millions of relationships nationwide.
Modular Housing. Many think of the out-dated double wide as the typical modular, but modular options and quality have exploded from the top end 11,000 square foot home, with every whistle and bell, complex finishing details, to the bread and butter 1200 square foot starter home. Low-cost, factory-built construction and quick conception to foundation times, make this the affordable wave of the future.
Sustainable Design. Sustainable design is based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation. Viewed as new-age in construction circles, sustainable design looks at homes holistically, and not just a group of unrelated systems thrown together. Natural forms of energy, such as wind, solar, and geo-thermal if available on-site, are maximized.
Structured wiring. Right up there with all the buzz about green homes is structured wiring, now entering the main stream must-have for technology based home buyers. Coaxial TV cable (RG-6), Category 5E voice and data lines, distributed radio, remote camera security are wired through out a home into multi-outlet boxes called in the trade, home network centers.
Mixing finishes on kitchen base and wall cabinets. Matchy-matchy is out in kitchen design. The new look is to have stained-wood bases and painted wood upper cabinets. The old-europe-look rules, but with today's appliances.
Out
"As is" in home sale marketing. Anything went in the boom market, but if you're planning to use "as is" in 2007, forget it. The two letter-two word kiss of death, buyers see it as a red flag about the home and you the seller. You have too much competition to be chasing buyers away.
Buyer incentives. Free cars don't sell houses, realistic pricing does. Gimmicks only confuse and distract buyers. Cut to the chase and deduct the cost of your free-with-purchase from your current price and send the signal to buyers that you're selling real property not personal property.
Endless Open Houses. The open house pendulum has swung from " the house sold in the first day" to "we need to have our house open every Sunday". Desperation is when your home is open every Sunday. Buyers know and track it. Plan on every three weeks to have a public open house.
Over-full-price offers. It was a strategy in the boom market to under-price a home and let the market set the selling price. Not today, one thing that won't change in 2007 is that every buyer will want a deal, and walk from one if they don't get one.
Bedrooms not large enough for a bed. In the boom, rehabbers and developers learned the fastest way to profit was to increase the room count of a home of an existing home. Bedrooms shrunk to walk-in closet size when a four-room one-bedroom was gut-rehabbed into a four-room two-bedroom. Or, the doorways and windows eliminate required wall space. Savvy agents kept asking, can you fit a queen-size bed in either room? And the answer was usually, no.
Loads of glass upper kitchen cabinet doors. Buyers say it looks great, but many who specified and experienced it, firsthand don't have the time to keep their kitchen cabinets organized. Plus if you hate washing the windows, having more glass in a greasy room like a kitchen is high-maintenance.
Bowl-shaped above-counter bathroom sinks. The splashing and over-all up-keep have earned these the reputation of nice to look at, but don't want one.
Any shiny metal finish. Brushed nickels and pewter's are in and antiqued and polished brass is out.
Stainless-steel refrigerators and dishwashers are a fading trend. The cold look and higher maintenance of steel is shifting buyers to specify warmer colors in kitchen appliances.
Spiral staircases. Once the rage for mid-seventies make over's, now death to a home seller. The boomers have aged, their kids don't like them, unfriendly to pets and young children. Take yours out and put in a standard staircase (inside or out) before you sell.
On the way out.
Bamboo floors. The first reviews are in on this popular eco-friendly flooring, and they're not pretty. Easily dented and scratched, and prone to warping from variations in our climate and humidity levels.
Hardwood laminate floors. The word is out that these noisy poor relatives of solid hardwood that don't stand up to multiple sanding's to change color or to remove stains.
Home sellers who smoke in their home while it is being marketed. Buyers hate second-hand and stale smoke odors. Marketing your home is not the same as living in it. If you have to smoke go outside.
In
The housing correction. My prediction in the 2006 "What's In, What's Out" I forecasted a soft decline in home prices in most markets. In 2007 I project a 5-8% decline in prices on average between single-family and condominium homes.
Homes that are priced right. It isn't the boom market of 2005, look at only the sold comparable's from the last six months. Forget the cocktail party chit-chat when all you heard was record prices in the shortest market times in U.S. real estate history.
Online home valuation sites ( Zillow.com). Mainly those that utilize up-to-date and reliable home sale data. Technology is great when it works, but tread carefully with online valuation web sites. Ask yourself how long does it take your recorder of deeds and real estate transactions to record them? If up-to-the-minute, okay, otherwise plan the lead time into the online valuation to spew out accurate information.
Market timing. Many buyers and sellers were on their own timelines in 2006 and they missed opportunities that were created by not recognizing the real estate markets ebb and flow. Spring is high market, the most demand by the largest number of buyers. Summer is a good market, fall is fair, and winter is the remnant market, the left-over buyers and sellers from the high, good, and fair markets.
Savvy buyers. With interest rates historically low and bent-up demand from a soft year in 2006, the deals and lack of frenzy won't last long. "Deferred demand" from 2006 could ignite a mini-frenzy in some markets.
Third places or officetels. Home offices are on the rise, though those who work from one, need more than a coffee shop or hotel lobby for business meetings. Look for alternative work spaces that bridge the home office with hourly rentals of conference room-type spaces that offer technology and privacy.
Upscale garages. It's no longer the out-of-sight-out-of-mind dumping ground. Today's garage owners want them decked out with cabinet and storage systems, mini-refrigerators, insulation, heating and air conditioning and durable but residential-looking flooring.
Caving. Man caves and Mom caves are coming out of the closet. Personal dedicated space for one person in a household can go and work on projects or "chill" without being disturbed and if so only in an emergency.
Two home offices. Rising gas prices and commuting times have created more two-work-at-home families. Size matters, make sure each is at least ten-by-ten feet.
Rejuvenation rooms. A one-stop space for exercising, meditation, yoga, sauna and fancy steam showers. Showers are going upscale too. Waterfall fixtures, programmable temperature and water flow are the next trend for "showerers".
Heated patios, walkways and driveways. Northern baby-boomers are tired of shoveling and are looking for ways to decrease winter maintenance, plus many have discovered how also heating the patio can add an extra couple of weeks enjoyment in spring and fall.
Snoring rooms. Offered as options in new homes, adjacent, second bedrooms to the master, offer relief from the "buzz saw" and an alternative to the couch. A godsend for millions of relationships nationwide.
Modular Housing. Many think of the out-dated double wide as the typical modular, but modular options and quality have exploded from the top end 11,000 square foot home, with every whistle and bell, complex finishing details, to the bread and butter 1200 square foot starter home. Low-cost, factory-built construction and quick conception to foundation times, make this the affordable wave of the future.
Sustainable Design. Sustainable design is based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation. Viewed as new-age in construction circles, sustainable design looks at homes holistically, and not just a group of unrelated systems thrown together. Natural forms of energy, such as wind, solar, and geo-thermal if available on-site, are maximized.
Structured wiring. Right up there with all the buzz about green homes is structured wiring, now entering the main stream must-have for technology based home buyers. Coaxial TV cable (RG-6), Category 5E voice and data lines, distributed radio, remote camera security are wired through out a home into multi-outlet boxes called in the trade, home network centers.
Mixing finishes on kitchen base and wall cabinets. Matchy-matchy is out in kitchen design. The new look is to have stained-wood bases and painted wood upper cabinets. The old-europe-look rules, but with today's appliances.
Out
"As is" in home sale marketing. Anything went in the boom market, but if you're planning to use "as is" in 2007, forget it. The two letter-two word kiss of death, buyers see it as a red flag about the home and you the seller. You have too much competition to be chasing buyers away.
Buyer incentives. Free cars don't sell houses, realistic pricing does. Gimmicks only confuse and distract buyers. Cut to the chase and deduct the cost of your free-with-purchase from your current price and send the signal to buyers that you're selling real property not personal property.
Endless Open Houses. The open house pendulum has swung from " the house sold in the first day" to "we need to have our house open every Sunday". Desperation is when your home is open every Sunday. Buyers know and track it. Plan on every three weeks to have a public open house.
Over-full-price offers. It was a strategy in the boom market to under-price a home and let the market set the selling price. Not today, one thing that won't change in 2007 is that every buyer will want a deal, and walk from one if they don't get one.
Bedrooms not large enough for a bed. In the boom, rehabbers and developers learned the fastest way to profit was to increase the room count of a home of an existing home. Bedrooms shrunk to walk-in closet size when a four-room one-bedroom was gut-rehabbed into a four-room two-bedroom. Or, the doorways and windows eliminate required wall space. Savvy agents kept asking, can you fit a queen-size bed in either room? And the answer was usually, no.
Loads of glass upper kitchen cabinet doors. Buyers say it looks great, but many who specified and experienced it, firsthand don't have the time to keep their kitchen cabinets organized. Plus if you hate washing the windows, having more glass in a greasy room like a kitchen is high-maintenance.
Bowl-shaped above-counter bathroom sinks. The splashing and over-all up-keep have earned these the reputation of nice to look at, but don't want one.
Any shiny metal finish. Brushed nickels and pewter's are in and antiqued and polished brass is out.
Stainless-steel refrigerators and dishwashers are a fading trend. The cold look and higher maintenance of steel is shifting buyers to specify warmer colors in kitchen appliances.
Spiral staircases. Once the rage for mid-seventies make over's, now death to a home seller. The boomers have aged, their kids don't like them, unfriendly to pets and young children. Take yours out and put in a standard staircase (inside or out) before you sell.
On the way out.
Bamboo floors. The first reviews are in on this popular eco-friendly flooring, and they're not pretty. Easily dented and scratched, and prone to warping from variations in our climate and humidity levels.
Hardwood laminate floors. The word is out that these noisy poor relatives of solid hardwood that don't stand up to multiple sanding's to change color or to remove stains.
Home sellers who smoke in their home while it is being marketed. Buyers hate second-hand and stale smoke odors. Marketing your home is not the same as living in it. If you have to smoke go outside.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
So You Want to Live Work and Play in Forsyth County?
County Departments
Animal ControlBoard of CommissionersConservation of Nat. ResourcesCooperative Extension ServiceElectionsEmergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental AffairsFireHuman ResourcesLibraryParks and RecreationPublic HealthRegister of DeedsSheriff's OfficeSocial ServicesTanglewood ParkTax AdministrationYouth ServicesVIEW FULL LIST . . .
Quick Links
COUNTY DEPARTMENT LISTAdoption and Foster CareApply for a JobCommunity Resource GuideCounty CodeCourt InformationFIRST LineGeo-Data ExplorerPets - AdoptionPets - Lost and FoundSex Offender SearchTax Bill Online ServicesTax, Property and Deed Info.Volunteer OpportunitiesVoter Registration Search
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Birth and Death CertificatesCounty Phone NumbersCourt InformationDrivers LicenseFIRST LineHealth InformationLandfillMarriage LicensesTax, Property and Deed InformationPublic TransportationVehicle RegistrationVoting and Elections
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Adopted Annual BudgetsBoard of CommissionersBoards, Committees and CommissionsCounty CodeOrganizational Chart
Related Government Websites
Cities, Towns and Surrounding CountiesState Association of County CommissionersState of North CarolinaUnited States Government
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Animals and PetsCulture and RecreationEducationEnvironmental Health ServicesEnvironmental ProtectionFree Internet Access at the LibraryPublic Safety
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Better Business BureauChamber of CommerceConvention and Visitors BureauNorth Carolina Visitors GuideNorthwest Piedmont Council of Government
About Forsyth County
Census InformationHistory of Forsyth CountyCities, Towns and Surrounding Counties
Animal ControlBoard of CommissionersConservation of Nat. ResourcesCooperative Extension ServiceElectionsEmergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental AffairsFireHuman ResourcesLibraryParks and RecreationPublic HealthRegister of DeedsSheriff's OfficeSocial ServicesTanglewood ParkTax AdministrationYouth ServicesVIEW FULL LIST . . .
Quick Links
COUNTY DEPARTMENT LISTAdoption and Foster CareApply for a JobCommunity Resource GuideCounty CodeCourt InformationFIRST LineGeo-Data ExplorerPets - AdoptionPets - Lost and FoundSex Offender SearchTax Bill Online ServicesTax, Property and Deed Info.Volunteer OpportunitiesVoter Registration Search
Community Information
Birth and Death CertificatesCounty Phone NumbersCourt InformationDrivers LicenseFIRST LineHealth InformationLandfillMarriage LicensesTax, Property and Deed InformationPublic TransportationVehicle RegistrationVoting and Elections
About County Government
Adopted Annual BudgetsBoard of CommissionersBoards, Committees and CommissionsCounty CodeOrganizational Chart
Related Government Websites
Cities, Towns and Surrounding CountiesState Association of County CommissionersState of North CarolinaUnited States Government
Community Services
Animals and PetsCulture and RecreationEducationEnvironmental Health ServicesEnvironmental ProtectionFree Internet Access at the LibraryPublic Safety
Community Links
Better Business BureauChamber of CommerceConvention and Visitors BureauNorth Carolina Visitors GuideNorthwest Piedmont Council of Government
About Forsyth County
Census InformationHistory of Forsyth CountyCities, Towns and Surrounding Counties
Forsyth County and Community Links
All About Winston Salem
Old SalemFORSYTH COUNTY (www.co.forsyth.nc.us) Forsyth County began as a Moravian settlement in 1753. The town of Salem was founded in 1766 as the central town in the area. In 1851, the town of Winston was named the county seat. Winston and Salem (www.ci.winston-salem.nc.us) eventually merged into one metropolitan area that is now the largest city in Forsyth County and the 5th largest city in the state of North Carolina. A one hour drive from Winston-Salem takes you to the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Visiting mountain communities for spectacular leaf watching, skiing, and shopping for handcrafted artwork are just a few of the weekend activities you can enjoy. A four hour drive has you walking along some of the most pristine beaches of the Atlantic coastline. Winston-Salem is home to the nations first arts council, The Stevens Center for the Performing Arts, The North Carolina School of the Arts, numerous museums, festivals, historic parks, performing arts theatres, and the Winston-Salem Symphony. The Piedmont Triad was ranked one in the top 100 cities for high-tech growth according to "Standard and Poor's" report on U.S. Metro economies. Wake Forest University has been rated as one of the most "wired" campuses in the US.
City of Winston-SalemWinston-Salem has the lowest cost of living within any metro area of North Carolina. With a population of about 174,000 people, Winston-Salem has big city opportunities with a small home-town feel.
Click here for moreTriad area links
City of Winston-SalemWinston-Salem has the lowest cost of living within any metro area of North Carolina. With a population of about 174,000 people, Winston-Salem has big city opportunities with a small home-town feel.
Click here for moreTriad area links
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Links for Forsyth County
County Departments
Animal ControlBoard of CommissionersConservation of Nat. ResourcesCooperative Extension ServiceElectionsEmergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental AffairsFireHuman ResourcesLibraryParks and RecreationPublic HealthRegister of DeedsSheriff's OfficeSocial ServicesTanglewood ParkTax AdministrationYouth ServicesVIEW FULL LIST . . .
Quick Links
COUNTY DEPARTMENT LISTAdoption and Foster CareApply for a JobCommunity Resource GuideCounty CodeCourt InformationFIRST LineGeo-Data ExplorerPets - AdoptionPets - Lost and FoundSex Offender SearchTax Bill Online ServicesTax, Property and Deed Info.Volunteer OpportunitiesVoter Registration Search
Festival of Lights is Now Open!Tanglewood Park is pleased to once again present the annual Festival of Lights running through January 1, 2007. Read More
Celebrate 2007 at The Festival of Bikes!Tanglewood Park and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society invite you to come out and celebrate the New Year on January 3rd with a 4-mile leisurely bike ride through Tanglewood! Read More
2007 Golf Clinics Now AvailableDoes your golf game need improvement? Be part of the most rewarding golf instruction sessions in the Triad! Read More
Charlotte's Web . . . a 4-H Movie?Yes . . . So much so that for every ticket certificate purchased to see Charlotte's Web, a $1 donation will be made by Hollywood Movie Money to 4-H. Read More
W-S/Forsyth Co. Beehive Launched!Looking for information about finances, health, schools, jobs, child care and other important topics? Visit the Beehive for all this and more! Read More
Contact Information
Forsyth CountyGovernment Center201 North Chestnut StreetWinston Salem NC, 27101
Job Opportunities
Accounting Technician I
Administrative Secretary II
Animal Shelter Attendant II
Community Social Services Assistant
Deputy Sheriff
Detention Officer
EMT-Paramedic
EMT-Paramedic - Part-time
Environmental Health Specialist
Financial Systems Analyst
Firefighter - Part-time
Human Resources Analyst I
Librarian - Children's Librarian
Maintenance Mechanic III
Maintenance Specialist
MIS Software Developer II
Nutritionist II
Physician III-A
Processing Assistant III
Public Health Educator I
Public Health Nurse I
Public Health Nurse I/10 Months
Soc. Worker/Investigative, Assessment & Treatment
Social Worker III
Social Worker III
Telecommunicator I
Youth Center Attendant I - Part-time View All County Jobs State Job Opportunity
Dental Hygienist II-->
Animal ControlBoard of CommissionersConservation of Nat. ResourcesCooperative Extension ServiceElectionsEmergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental AffairsFireHuman ResourcesLibraryParks and RecreationPublic HealthRegister of DeedsSheriff's OfficeSocial ServicesTanglewood ParkTax AdministrationYouth ServicesVIEW FULL LIST . . .
Quick Links
COUNTY DEPARTMENT LISTAdoption and Foster CareApply for a JobCommunity Resource GuideCounty CodeCourt InformationFIRST LineGeo-Data ExplorerPets - AdoptionPets - Lost and FoundSex Offender SearchTax Bill Online ServicesTax, Property and Deed Info.Volunteer OpportunitiesVoter Registration Search
Festival of Lights is Now Open!Tanglewood Park is pleased to once again present the annual Festival of Lights running through January 1, 2007. Read More
Celebrate 2007 at The Festival of Bikes!Tanglewood Park and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society invite you to come out and celebrate the New Year on January 3rd with a 4-mile leisurely bike ride through Tanglewood! Read More
2007 Golf Clinics Now AvailableDoes your golf game need improvement? Be part of the most rewarding golf instruction sessions in the Triad! Read More
Charlotte's Web . . . a 4-H Movie?Yes . . . So much so that for every ticket certificate purchased to see Charlotte's Web, a $1 donation will be made by Hollywood Movie Money to 4-H. Read More
W-S/Forsyth Co. Beehive Launched!Looking for information about finances, health, schools, jobs, child care and other important topics? Visit the Beehive for all this and more! Read More
Contact Information
Forsyth CountyGovernment Center201 North Chestnut StreetWinston Salem NC, 27101
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Reynolda Gardens
SciWorks - Science Center and Environmental Park
Winston-Salem Golf Courses
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New Neighnorhoods in Raleigh, NC
Dear JoAnne,Pulte Homes is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of three new communities: Glenwood Crossing, McCrimmon at the Park and Harmony, coming this January and February.Glenwood Crossing, located in Raleigh at the corner of Ebenezer Church Road and Marvino Lane, right off Glenwood Avenue will feature two-story town homes with one and two-car garages. The homes will have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and range from 1,490 to 1,760 square feet. In addition to this incredible location convenient to shopping, dining, and nightlife, Glenwood Crossing will offer a community pool and cabana.Grand Opening January 20th!McCrimmon at the Park, located in Cary, will feature single family homes with a two-car garage and town homes with a one-car garage. The single family homes will feature four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two-car garage and range from 2,217 to 2,474 square feet with basement available. The town homes will feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, one-car garage and range from 1,490 to 1,564 square feet. Located within minutes of Research Triangle Park, RDU International Airport, shopping and dining, this location is truly unbeatable. McCrimmon at the Park will have a community pool and cabana.Grand Opening February 3rd!Harmony, located in Cary, will embody all the beauty of Cary and all the ease of convenience. Located on Turner Creek Road, right off Highway 55, Harmony will include amenities such as the community pool, clubhouse and tot lot. Homes in Harmony will range from 2,217 to 3,650 square feet with basement opportunities available. Some homes will also offer a third story retreat and three-car garage option.Grand Opening February 10th! For more information about any of these communities, please contact us at raleighinfo@pulte.com. We look forward to helping you and your clients at our new communities opening in the New Year!Sincerely,Pulte Homes of RaleighWHAT'S NEW? Experience the delight shared by Pulte Homes homeowners directly through their testimonials.
New Neighnorhoods in Raleigh, NC
Pulte Homes is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of three new communities: Glenwood Crossing, McCrimmon at the Park and Harmony, coming this January and February.Glenwood Crossing, located in Raleigh at the corner of Ebenezer Church Road and Marvino Lane, right off Glenwood Avenue will feature two-story town homes with one and two-car garages. The homes will have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and range from 1,490 to 1,760 square feet. In addition to this incredible location convenient to shopping, dining, and nightlife, Glenwood Crossing will offer a community pool and cabana.Grand Opening January 20th!McCrimmon at the Park, located in Cary, will feature single family homes with a two-car garage and town homes with a one-car garage. The single family homes will feature four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two-car garage and range from 2,217 to 2,474 square feet with basement available. The town homes will feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, one-car garage and range from 1,490 to 1,564 square feet. Located within minutes of Research Triangle Park, RDU International Airport, shopping and dining, this location is truly unbeatable. McCrimmon at the Park will have a community pool and cabana.Grand Opening February 3rd!Harmony, located in Cary, will embody all the beauty of Cary and all the ease of convenience. Located on Turner Creek Road, right off Highway 55, Harmony will include amenities such as the community pool, clubhouse and tot lot. Homes in Harmony will range from 2,217 to 3,650 square feet with basement opportunities available. Some homes will also offer a third story retreat and three-car garage option.Grand Opening February 10th! For more information about any of these communities, please contact us at raleighinfo@pulte.com. We look forward to helping you and your clients at our new communities opening in the New Year!Sincerely,Pulte Homes of RaleighWHAT'S NEW? Experience the delight shared by Pulte Homes homeowners directly through their testimonials.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Check List for the Fall around the House!
Inman News
Your fall home-maintenance checklist Oct 13, 2006, 5:00 am PDT
Fall is already in the air, which means that another chilly winter can't be too far behind. So before the cold weather arrives and you snuggle up indoors again, here's your annual checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.
INSIDE YOUR HOME
Check smoke detectors: Please don't neglect that smoke detector any longer! Take some time right now to check the operation of detectors and to change the batteries. If you have an older house with a limited number of smoke detectors, you really need to install some additional ones. Battery-powered smoke detectors are inexpensive and very easy to install, so add one to each bedroom and make sure there is one centrally located on each level of the home as well.
Install a carbon monoxide detector:A fire is not the only danger you can face inside your home. As houses get closed up for winter, the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning gas appliances increases substantially. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that is fueled by propane or natural gas, now is the ideal time to install a carbon monoxide detector. They're available inexpensively from many home centers and retailers of heating system supplies, they're an easy do-it-yourself installation, and they can truly be a lifesaver!
Clean furnace ducts: A surprising amount of dirt can accumulate inside your home's furnace ducts, which can decrease your furnace's efficiency and add unnecessary dust to the indoor air. Now is the time to have a professional duct cleaning service come out and take care of this for you.
Change your furnace filters: Now is also the time to change your furnace filter and you might consider spending a few extra dollars and install one with a higher efficiency rating then the standard inexpensive filters have. While you're changing the filter, consult the owner's manual for the furnace to see if any annual fix-ups of belts, pulleys and other components are necessary - follow all of the manufacturer safety instructions for shutting the power and fuel to the furnace before servicing.
Clean and inspect the fireplace: Last winter your hardworking fireplace was building up a layer of soot and creosote and you've no doubt forgotten all about that during the summer. Before you light the first log, clean the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue using brushes approved for the size and type of flue you have, or consider hiring a chimney sweep to take care of this task for you - most do a great job at a very reasonable price. Clean out the firebox, making sure you place the ashes in a fireproof container with a tight lid for proper disposal. If you have an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert, check the door-seal gasket, and clean the glass on the door.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
Check weather-stripping: When you have gaps around doors, windows or other areas that penetrate the exterior of your home, you waste expensive heated air from inside as well as allow annoying drafts to keep you from feeling comfortable. Fall is the time to check the weather-stripping around doors and windows, and replace any that are worn. Everything you need can be found at home centers and retailers who specialize in doors and windows. Now is also a good time to close up a few more air leaks by checking the condition of caulking around exterior door and window frames and other penetrations.
Check and clean gutters: Time to break out the ladder and clean your gutters of leaf and pine needle debris and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Check the entire system for loose joints or other structural problems, and use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring. For any repairs or cleaning you don't want to undertake yourself, you can also consider the services of a professional gutter company.
Adjust exterior grade: Fall is also a great time to take a long look at the grade around your home, and make sure that everything slopes away from your foundation to avoid costly problems with ground water. Add, remove or adjust soil grades as necessary for good drainage.
Drain sprinkler systems:In colder areas, now is the time to be thinking about having your sprinkler and irrigation systems blown out. You can rent a compressor and do this yourself or contact a landscape or irrigation system installer and them handle this for you. This is also the time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.
Remodeling and repair questions?
What's your opinion? Send your Letter -JoAnne Mercer
Your fall home-maintenance checklist Oct 13, 2006, 5:00 am PDT
Fall is already in the air, which means that another chilly winter can't be too far behind. So before the cold weather arrives and you snuggle up indoors again, here's your annual checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.
INSIDE YOUR HOME
Check smoke detectors: Please don't neglect that smoke detector any longer! Take some time right now to check the operation of detectors and to change the batteries. If you have an older house with a limited number of smoke detectors, you really need to install some additional ones. Battery-powered smoke detectors are inexpensive and very easy to install, so add one to each bedroom and make sure there is one centrally located on each level of the home as well.
Install a carbon monoxide detector:A fire is not the only danger you can face inside your home. As houses get closed up for winter, the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning gas appliances increases substantially. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that is fueled by propane or natural gas, now is the ideal time to install a carbon monoxide detector. They're available inexpensively from many home centers and retailers of heating system supplies, they're an easy do-it-yourself installation, and they can truly be a lifesaver!
Clean furnace ducts: A surprising amount of dirt can accumulate inside your home's furnace ducts, which can decrease your furnace's efficiency and add unnecessary dust to the indoor air. Now is the time to have a professional duct cleaning service come out and take care of this for you.
Change your furnace filters: Now is also the time to change your furnace filter and you might consider spending a few extra dollars and install one with a higher efficiency rating then the standard inexpensive filters have. While you're changing the filter, consult the owner's manual for the furnace to see if any annual fix-ups of belts, pulleys and other components are necessary - follow all of the manufacturer safety instructions for shutting the power and fuel to the furnace before servicing.
Clean and inspect the fireplace: Last winter your hardworking fireplace was building up a layer of soot and creosote and you've no doubt forgotten all about that during the summer. Before you light the first log, clean the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue using brushes approved for the size and type of flue you have, or consider hiring a chimney sweep to take care of this task for you - most do a great job at a very reasonable price. Clean out the firebox, making sure you place the ashes in a fireproof container with a tight lid for proper disposal. If you have an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert, check the door-seal gasket, and clean the glass on the door.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
Check weather-stripping: When you have gaps around doors, windows or other areas that penetrate the exterior of your home, you waste expensive heated air from inside as well as allow annoying drafts to keep you from feeling comfortable. Fall is the time to check the weather-stripping around doors and windows, and replace any that are worn. Everything you need can be found at home centers and retailers who specialize in doors and windows. Now is also a good time to close up a few more air leaks by checking the condition of caulking around exterior door and window frames and other penetrations.
Check and clean gutters: Time to break out the ladder and clean your gutters of leaf and pine needle debris and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Check the entire system for loose joints or other structural problems, and use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring. For any repairs or cleaning you don't want to undertake yourself, you can also consider the services of a professional gutter company.
Adjust exterior grade: Fall is also a great time to take a long look at the grade around your home, and make sure that everything slopes away from your foundation to avoid costly problems with ground water. Add, remove or adjust soil grades as necessary for good drainage.
Drain sprinkler systems:In colder areas, now is the time to be thinking about having your sprinkler and irrigation systems blown out. You can rent a compressor and do this yourself or contact a landscape or irrigation system installer and them handle this for you. This is also the time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.
Remodeling and repair questions?
What's your opinion? Send your Letter -JoAnne Mercer
Fuquay Varina - So you Like This Town?
Local Jobs, People, HotelsFinancial ServicesAerial Photos & MapsArts & CultureCensus Data, Demographics & StatisticsCommunity OrganizationsEntertainment - MoviesEnvironment & ScienceGovernmentHealth & MedicalInternet ToolsJobs & EmploymentNewcomer InformationNewspapers, Radio & TVParks & RecreationPets & HobbiesReal Estate - Homes For SCurrent Conditions Forecast Sunrise & Sunset
Time Zone: Eastern (Standard Time: GMT -5 hours, DST: GMT -4 hours)
Coordinates: Latitude 35.59 & Longitude -78.78
aleScNear-by Hotels, Motels & Lodging
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Time Zone: Eastern (Standard Time: GMT -5 hours, DST: GMT -4 hours)
Coordinates: Latitude 35.59 & Longitude -78.78
aleScNear-by Hotels, Motels & Lodging
Jobs & Employment Center for Fuquay Varina, NC
Property & Area Report
Find a Contractor - Free Estimates
Search for People in Fuquay Varina, NC
Reverse Phone Number Search schools & EducationSocial ServicesTravel & Tourism
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Starring Bob Timberlake – North Carolina Realist Artist
______________________________
ENTERTAINMENT:
Bob Timberlake & Jerry Bledsoe In Conversation - the artist and author swap stories, recollections, and tall tales
Dr. Elliot Engel Literary humorist – discusses The Sir Walter Raleigh Nobody Knows
Kaye Gibbons Author of The Life All Around Me, Divining Women, A Virtuous Woman, and Ellen Foster, among others
Lynn Rumley Executive Director, Textile Heritage Center at Cooleemee - The World of NC Cotton Mill Folk
William S. Caudill Bag Piper and Director of Scottish Heritage Center at St. Andrews College
The Raleigh Ringers One of America's Premiere Handbell Ensembles
Nan Graham Public Radio Commentator and Author of In a Magnolia Minute, Secrets of a Late Bloomer, and Turn South at the Next Magnolia
The Catalinas Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame Members
WEEKEND PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Two nights accommodations (double occupancy)
Daily Southern-style breakfast
Friday night concert with The Raleigh Ringers
Ice cream social
Saturday night dinner and performance by The Catalinas
Admission to all 6 seminar
North Carolina Marketplace
Total cost $650 per couple
RESERVE NOW TO GUARANTEE SPACE
Reservations can be made by calling the Grove Park Inn at (800) 438-5800.For information about The Best of Our State, call Amy Wood at (800) 948-1409 or email (marketing@ourstate.com).
This Month in North Carolina- State Magazine
WESTERN
TryonOctober 8Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.Any and All Dog Show299 Harmon Field RoadFree, 50 cents entrance for each contestant.(828) 859-6109
CENTRAL
FayettevilleOctober 7Saturday, 8 p.m.Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 50th Anniversary ConcertCrown TheaterTickets are $10-$20.(910) 433-4690www.fayettevillesymphony.org
EASTERN
Morehead CityOctober 20-21Crystal Coast Book FestivalMorehead City Train DepotSome events are free.(252) 247-9265www.crystalcoastbookfestival.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
God Let Us Never Forget!!! 9-11
God Let Us Never Forget!! Pray for Our Troops and Pray for our Country!
Remember the Families today that Lost their Family Members!
Don't ever Forget!
God Bless America...
Open House Sunday September 17, 2006 2:00-5:00pm
Back on the market!
Ranch in Great Location- Suburbs of Raleigh, Nash County- Great Schools, Shopping-Close to I-95- NC Coast & NC Mountains!
3 Bedrooms & 2 1/2 Baths with Ceramic Tile- Hardwoods in Great and Foyer-Bonus over the Garage. 1 Acre lot close to Buckhorn Reservoir with Public Boat Access. Brick Veneer with Siding! 2200 Square Feet. $189,900.00- For Sale by Owners. New Construction!!!
Shopping, Culteral Ammenities, Peaceful Community
Directions to Open House Sunday!
Hwy 264 to Bailey, NC- take 581 Hwy South- second right- Left into Sandy Hill Subdivision, house on the left!
Please Call for Questions: 919-559-7584- Ask JoAnne
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
North Carolina on my mind.................
North Carolina on my mind...................Golf, peaceful settings, beautiful homesites.............
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