Anne Ortiz's (anneortiz) Blog

In September, 2009, Georgia experienced a series of floods that greatly impacted the state. Nearly 20,000 homes and businesses sustained major damage and 17 counties were officially declared federal disaster areas. FEMA's floodplain maps for Cobb County are being updated. The most recent flood ma...

Raising the thermosat isn't the most economical or healthy way to keep your home warm this winter.  Electric power plants are the country's largest industrial source of pollutants. By snuggling under a blanket on the couch during these frigid days instead of turning up the heat you can save pound...

Ring in the New Year at The Earl Strand Theatre in Marietta, Georgia.  Marietta native, Billy Joe Royal, has had a long and successful career in music and it all started at The Strand. Welcome him back and enjoy the Top 10 hits he's best known for: Down in the Boondocks and Cherry Hill Park. Duri...

Since reopening after a fabulous renovation, The Earl Strand Theatre in Marietta, Georgia has offered many treats to its patrons.  As an early Christmas and late Hanukkah gift to Strand patrons and the community, The Strand offers a free "behind-the-scenes" peek of The Strand on Monday, December ...

Enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season this weekend.  The true meaning of Christmas is coming to The Murray Arts Center of Mt. Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Presented by Impact Dance of Atlanta, "The Toymaker's Christmas" is sure to become one of your holi...

If you plan to be near Marietta Square in the coming days, stop by and visit Santa Claus.  Santa will be in his Workshop and will be open to visitors December 18, 19, 22-24. Nestled in a red workshop (built by city staff), in Glover Park, Santa listens to each child's long list and poses for phot...

A stunning holiday tradition for more than twenty years has been the Lights of Life display at Life University in Marietta, Georgia. From late November through New Year's Eve, a 1 1/2 mile path through the campus is ablaze in colorful Christmas lights.  Trees, giant candles, wooden soldiers, a ca...

For the past few years, we have experienced a tumultuous housing market.  One bright spot, however, is a decline in mortgage interest rates.  Even if you are not in the market for a new home, you can still take advantage of low rates by refinancing your current loan. With rates hovering in the "l...

Earlier this year Congress passed a stimulus to breathe some life into the housing market.  An $8000 tax credit for first time homebuyers created a spurt of sales.  If you missed out on this opportunity or did not qualify, don't worry, it is still a great time to buy a home.  With a glut of inven...

For those of us who celebrate the Christmas season, nothing brings more cheer than a beautifully lit and decorated tree.  Each year, however, fire departments respond to a number of fires caused by Christmas trees.  Keep these few guidelines in mind when choosing and decorating your tree this sea...