The United States Adventure Racing Association will hold its 2008 Golite Natural Adventure Racing Championships in Blue Ridge, GA, according to race organizers.

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race LLC will host the 2008 national championship race on November 6, 7 and 8. According to Chamber of Commerce president, Jan Hackett, BRMAR race managers, Chamber leaders and local officials are looking forward to welcoming teams from across the country to the North Georgia mountains, beginning with registration on November 6, the 24-hour race November 7, and awards banquet on the 8th.

Currently there are 65 teams registered from across the country, including Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Kansas, Washington, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana and Iowa. Teams are required to navigate a series of checkpoints using only a map and compass to guide them while transitioning between several disciplines such as: Trail Running/Trekking, Mountain Biking, Paddling and Orienteering. These teams will have to push the boundaries of human endurance and teamwork just to finish the 24-hour race.

Each of the teams competing in this year's race have proven themselves in one or more of the regional qualifying events held across the United Stated during the 2008 season. This alone will ensure fierce competition at the GoLite USARA National Championships in November. Add the lure of being crowned best of the best and determination to win turns to a will of steel. Last year over 15 of the top 20 ranked teams in the US competed in the National Championship Race. There are a lot of adventure races in the US each year, none of them offer such a competitive field racing for such high stakes. 

Headquarters for the national race will be the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, in downtown Blue Ridge in the historic Fannin County Courthouse. Host hotels are Comfort Inn and Ramada Inn, and the awards banquet will take place at Cadence Equestrian Community, also in Blue Ridge, according to BRMAR race director Ron Zadroga. Race organizers and the Arts Association are planning special events and activities for everyone before and during the national race November 6-8, 2008. One event will be a national juried art show sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Artist Guild from October 18 through November 14.

The GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship is the "Heart & Soul" of Adventure Racing in the United States. Co-ed teams of 3 compete in 45 USARA regional qualifying events across the U.S. for a chance to battle it out for the title of USARA Adventure Race National Champion. 

The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, held each April in Blue Ridge, enters its 12th year in 2009. It is one of Georgia’s most popular adventure races, drawing up to 100 teams of three each year who run, canoe, mountain bike and orienteer their way through the Chattahoochee National Fore

The United States Adventure Racing Association will hold its 2008 Golite Natural Adventure Racing Championships in Blue Ridge, GA, according to race organizers.

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race LLC will host the 2008 national championship race on November 6, 7 and 8. According to Chamber of Commerce president, Jan Hackett, BRMAR race managers, Chamber leaders and local officials are looking forward to welcoming teams from across the country to the North Georgia mountains, beginning with registration on November 6, the 24-hour race November 7, and awards banquet on the 8th.

Currently there are 65 teams registered from across the country, including Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Kansas, Washington, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana and Iowa. Teams are required to navigate a series of checkpoints using only a map and compass to guide them while transitioning between several disciplines such as: Trail Running/Trekking, Mountain Biking, Paddling and Orienteering. These teams will have to push the boundaries of human endurance and teamwork just to finish the 24-hour race.

Each of the teams competing in this year's race have proven themselves in one or more of the regional qualifying events held across the United Stated during the 2008 season. This alone will ensure fierce competition at the GoLite USARA National Championships in November. Add the lure of being crowned best of the best and determination to win turns to a will of steel. Last year over 15 of the top 20 ranked teams in the US competed in the National Championship Race. There are a lot of adventure races in the US each year, none of them offer such a competitive field racing for such high stakes. 

Headquarters for the national race will be the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, in downtown Blue Ridge in the historic Fannin County Courthouse. Host hotels are Comfort Inn and Ramada Inn, and the awards banquet will take place at Cadence Equestrian Community, also in Blue Ridge, according to BRMAR race director Ron Zadroga. Race organizers and the Arts Association are planning special events and activities for everyone before and during the national race November 6-8, 2008. One event will be a national juried art show sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Artist Guild from October 18 through November 14.

The GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship is the "Heart & Soul" of Adventure Racing in the United States. Co-ed teams of 3 compete in 45 USARA regional qualifying events across the U.S. for a chance to battle it out for the title of USARA Adventure Race National Champion. 

The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, held each April in Blue Ridge, enters its 12th year in 2009. It is one of Georgia’s most popular adventure races, drawing up to 100 teams of three each year who run, canoe, mountain bike and orienteer their way through the Chattahoochee National Fore

12:00 p.m. - Nottely Marina Boat Parade

Judging for the annual July 4 boat parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Nottley Marina, located just north of Blairsville on Hwy. 129. At 12:00 p.m., trophies will be given out to the winning boats and the parade will begin. The parade typically heads down Lake Nottely to Eagle Bend before breaking up. Contestants can use any theme for their boat that they wish. Past themes have included "Christmas in July," military, and a superhero boat with Superman and Wonder Woman.

1:00 p.m. - Ole' Fashioned Games at Meeks Park

The Union County Lions Club is all ready for the 2nd annual 4th of July ole' fashion games at Meeks Park on Wednesday, July 4 at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The games will begin at 1:30 p.m. sharp and continue to 3:30 p.m., ending with the watermelon eating contest. Games for all ages, four years and up. For the 15 and up group there will be football throw, softball throw, relay races, age group races, frisbee toss and ending with a tug of war made up of teams from different groups. See more information on page 6B.

Blairsville fireworks The annual fireworks display for Blairsville will be held at Meeks Park on July 4 and is scheduled to begin after dark:." The public is encouraged` to arrive by 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. in order to secure a good spot. Other locations such as North Georgia Technical College and areas along Hwy. 515 are also good spots for viewing the display. The event is sponsored by the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Suches fireworks

The fireworks will begin at dark but the festivities start earlier as the Suches Community and visitors gather around 7:00 p.m. for hot dogs, soft drinks and snacks and a chance to meet friends, old and new, in what has become a Suches tradition in the past few years. It is also hoped that there will be patriotic and old time mountain music both recorded and live featuring local musicians. See more information on page 6B.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is often a necessary expense that companies buying a house with less than 20 percent down in cash.  PMI allows you to purchase a home with a small down payment and helps the lender resell your mortgage the secondary market to an institutional investor.

PMI is additional insurance designed to protect the lender from individuals who default on their loan and who have less than 20 percent equity in their property.  Mortgage experts say that home buyers who make small down payments ar more likely to default on their home loans that those who put down the traditional 20 percent of the purchase price.  Lenders require those buyers to purchase PMI to insure the lender against the extra risk of foreclosure. 

Most states have regulations prohibiting lenders from making a loan in excess of 80 percent of the purchase price without PMI.  The difference between putting down 20 percent and 15 percent or even 1 percent, wouldn't see to make a substantial difference on the surface but the MBA says that 20 percent provides a necessary cushion for both home buyers and lenders.   

For the latest property listings in North Georgia Visit http://www.buyblueridgegeorgia.com

I accumulated these 15 Tips to Protect Your House Against Fire from several sources.

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE:

1. Replace electrical cords at the first sign of cracks or damage.

2. Use only one extension cord at a time, and don’t plug more than one into an electrical outlet. 

3.  Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order. Keep one in the kitchen and one in every bedroom.

4. Keep space heaters away from anything that could catch fire and turn them off when you leave the room.

IN THE BEDROOM:

5. Don’t smoke in bed.

6. Don’t tuck in sides or ends of your electric blanket.

7. Turn off heating pads before going to sleep.

IN THE KITCHEN:

8. Keep towels, curtains, and other flammable items away from the stovetop.

9. Store paper grocery bags away from the stove and the back of the refrigerator, where they

could use the unit to overheat.

10. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM:

11. Clear the dryer vent regularly.

IN THE BASEMENT/GARAGE/OUTSIDE:

12. Have your furnace serviced at least once a year.

13. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

14. Don’t put fireplace ash in a paper bag.

15. Store gasoline, paints, solvents and other products that give off vapors well away from the furnace or other ignition sources.

For the latest Ellijay Ga, Blue Ridge Ga and Blairsville Ga listings goto http://www.quicklistingalerts.com. Or contact Doug Moore a Local Realtor.

Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such. Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are:

• Paying too much

• Losing a dream home to another buyer

• Buying the wrong home

When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Get the information you need
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor®. A professional Realtor® can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity. Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests.

Buy YOUR home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.

Check the title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Realtor® can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title.

Update the survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for.

Minimize the unexpected
For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. Their expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report’s findings.

Get pre-approved
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.

Remember additional costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.

Take a deep breath
Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don’t rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily.

Epworth to hold annual festivities

Epworth’s annual Fourth of July celebration will start at the Epworth Campus with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. then come down to the park for family fun. There will be bingo, a dunking tank, old fashioned hay rides, face painting, a country store, cake sale, food and more. Don’t miss the antique car show! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the noon patriotic program, rain or shine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are many ways you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. You can enjoy blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year- perfect for outdoor activities. Albuquerque, NM is a destination like no other.

There is much to do for a visitor to Albuquerque.  Such as the Albuquerque Aquarium which is a part of the Albuquerque Bio-Park. As a visitor you can take a journey down the Rio Grande, observing the denizens of rivers, coral reefs, and the open ocean. Some highlights include sea horses, an eel tunnel, sea turtles, and sharks. 

There is also the Sandia Peak Tramway whick is the world's longest aerial tramway. Rising vertically from the base to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak, a ride on the tram offers a panoramic view of 11,000 square miles of New Mexico. Once at the top, you can enjoy dining at High Finance Restaurant, which specializes in prime rib, seafood, and some of the world's most spectacular sunset views! In winter, you can ride up the tram and then ski down the other side, enjoy the Sandia Peak Ski Area.

Albuquerque Horse Properties Expert 

There are any number of possible places in and around Albuquerque for horse-lovers to settle.  And Laura Warden is your local expert.  As Laura puts it on her webstie, "if you want to avoid seeing "equestrian estates" with a citified agent who tries to mince through the barn in high heels, doesn't know reining from dressage, and enthuses about the place's "ideal horse fencing" when it's strung with barbed wire, give Laura a call!"  

Her website has many great tools to help you locate your ideal Albuquerque Horse Property. Be the first to know about new listings as they become available with her listings sent to your email service.  Go ahead and search the local MLS for your dream property from her website.  You can search through many neighborhood maps to really get to know the surrounding areas of Albuquerque.  And she has great information on her website about the Horse Friendly Areas of Albuquerque. 

Laura and her husband Brian,  are long-time horse owners who have raised four daughters, all of whom have ridden competitively. The Wardens know horses, from Arabs to Warmbloods, and they know horse properties of all types throughout central New Mexico.

Contact Laura today and she will find your dream Albuquerque Horse Property. 

 

Recently I had to deal with a house that was suspected of having asbestos.  I had to do a lot of research so here are some basic facts that I thought I would share with you. 

 

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a silicate mineral made up of tiny fibres. When it is disturbed, it produces a dust that contains asbestos fibres. Fibres breathed into the lungs can cause a range of health problems including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

How Can I Identify Asbestos?

Asbestos has no odor and can not be identified by visual observation. There are some common products that were produced over the years that may contain asbestos (such as 9″x9″ floor tile which contains asbestos 95% of the time). Visual inspection can not determine if there are asbestos fibers in it. Asbestos fibers are very small and some times invisible to the human eye. As a result, microscopic analysis is the only way to determine if a product contains or does not contain asbestos. Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are the only two approved methods of analysis to determine asbestos content in a material. PLM is the US EPA accepted method. In addition, the lab performing the analysis must be an approved laboratory and participate in the National Voluntary Lab Accreditation Program (NVLAP), a certification program that evaluates analysts in determining the type and quantity of asbestos in a material.

Sampling of suspect asbestos materials must be performed by an inspector accredited by the State of North Carolina. Inspectors are trained to look for certain materials in buildings that may contain asbestos and are also trained in proper sampling techniques.

Does Asbestos Need to Be Removed?

At present there is no requirement in some states to remove asbestos materials from commercial and industrial buildings unless the identified asbestos material has deteriorated to the point that it may become air-borne and, therefore, a possible health hazard. Even in a deteriorated condition, asbestos does not have to be removed if it can be repaired or enclosed. Depending on the type of asbestos that is deteriorating (flooring, pipe insulation, etc.) repairs may include wrapping asbestos pipe insulation in polyethylene plastic, or covering flooring material with a non-asbestos flooring material. Some people prefer removal as an option, but repairing or enclosing the asbestos is usually less expensive than removal. If removal is the option of choice, caution must be used by the owner in deciding who will remove the asbestos material.

Friable asbestos is the more dangerous and the most regulated type of asbestos. Removal of friable asbestos should be performed by an asbestos contractor with a Supervisor and workers accredited by the your state.

Non-friable asbestos is asbestos where the fibers can not easily be made air-borne. An asbestos release will not result simply from touching non-friable asbestos such as floor tile. Non-friable asbestos must be beaten or broken (such as floor tile), cut or sawed (as in sheet linoleum), or sanded (as in the mastic (glue) under flooring). Non-friable asbestos can become friable and a hazard if handled improperly, but normally an asbestos contractor is not required to remove this material unless it is already in a deteriorated condition or will become friable during removal.

Non-friable asbestos may be safely removed by a homeowner or non-asbestos contractor if handled properly. This includes no sawing, cutting, or beating apart the material or using any power tools to remove it. Precautions should be taken when removing non-friable material such as keeping breakage to a minimum and keeping the material wet when disturbing it.