2016 King George Virginia Home & Craft show

27

th

KING KING GEORGE GEORGE HOME HOME && CRAFT CRAFT SHOW SHOW

A Special Supplement To The Journal

2, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

27 annual home & craft show th

Event continues to grow each year Richard Leggitt The recent stretch of cold, ice and snow has kept many King George area families cooped up indoors, but the 26th Annual King George Home & Craft Show will help end the home bound fever when it takes place March 7-8.

"After this winter, people are ready to get out," said Tommy Burrell, one of the founders of the home show, which began in 1989.

The home show was the idea of Burrell, the president of the King George Builder's Association at the time, and Ruth Herrink, the late publisher of The Journal.

"We worked hand-in-hand with the Journal. It was good for us in that it helped get the various business get known to the public and it was good for the Journal also," said Burrell, who is helping on this year's home show as a volunteer.

"When we first started, it was mostly real estate companies, agents and contractors. Then we started doing crafters to make it larger and have more things for people to do.

The first home show was at the

File photo

This year's King George Home & Craft Show is expected to draw several thousand people. old King George Firehouse and had 100 exhibitors. It is expected to 12 exhibitors and drew a crowd of draw a crowd of several thousand. several hundred people.

Burrell, who owns Thomas M. "It just kept getting bigger and Burrell Inc., and has been generatbigger," Burrell said. ing home sales from his home show "It's going great and we are going exhibit since his first home show to keep it going." exhibit, said, "we've all worked toThe 2015 show, which will again gether to make it successful." be sponsored by The Journal and The King George Builders Asthe King George Builders Associa- sociation, which was founded by tion, will be at King George High Burrell and five other builders, has School and will feature more than grown along with the home show it

sponsors.

Today, it has more than 48 different businesses involved including Realtors, lenders and contractors.

"The home show has become an important community event," said Ella Hubbard, who is the current president of the KGBA and the first female president of the organization. "It's a great time for people to come out and see their friends."

Hubbard said increased advertising this year is hopefully going to help build the crowds and participation in the home show.

"We've done more advertising this year, including online advertising, radio and even advertising on transit buses in Maryland to try to increase participation," she said.

Hubbard and Burrell credited Lori Deem of The Journal, who is serving as the director of this year's show, with helping create and develop the current successful home show plan.

"There have been a lot of good people, like Lori, involved," Burrell said. "That's why this has worked so well."

Serving Residential & Commerical Customers Across Virginia’s Northern Neck

VISIT WITH US AT THE HOME & CRAFT SHOW

(888) 936-COOL (2665) southernprideservice.com

March, 2016, 3

Welcome to home show As Chair of the King George

County Board of Supervisors, I would like to welcome everyone to the 27th annual King George Builders Home & Craft Show.

Whether you are a citizen of our community or a visitor for the day, we are glad you could join us at this event. The Show provides a needed outlet for showcasing those entities that are a very necessary component of our local economy, from our outstanding builders to the affiliated industries. Taking advantage of the opportunity to attend this weekend provides an exceptional venue for meeting and getting to know these businesses on a personal level. As we continue to improve and grow this occasion, please do not hesitate to provide us with your comments regarding what works well and what you would like to see changed.

Thank you again for attending and hope to see you there!

King George County Board of SUpervisors Chairwoman Ruby Brabo.

4, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

KG chamber hard at work helping area development King George Chamber of Commerce The King George Chamber of Commerce is hard at work trying to increase members in the organization.

We want the community to know they do not have to be business owners to belong to their Chamber. The Executive Board has been working to increase the Chamber's visibility within the county by attending business grand openings.

We have attended Board of Supervisor's meetings in support of members seeking changes from the Board of Supervisors.

The Executive Board and Chamber has been working to forge a positive relationship with the economic development director for the county. We have

worked to bring programs to our meetings that are helpful to our members. We highlight businesses at our monthly meetings allowing the business owner to share information about what exactly their business does in the area.

We are continuing to work at developing contacts with our neighboring chamber in Colonial Beach. We have worked to rekindle our relationship with the KGBA and look forward to working with them in the future.

We have undertaken a fund raising activity to support our scholarship fund to benefit graduating seniors who are going into a study of business.

Our Chamber website is currently undergoing a major makeover that will have links to business websites and other contact information.

Lowdown on down payments StatePoint

You may have heard the rule of thumb that you shouldn't buy a home unless you can put down 20 percent of the purchase price.

However, today’s home buyers have many choices when it comes to the size of the down payment.

While this magic number of 20 percent will save you from paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage, you can pay considerably less than this if you want.

“Today's consumers persistently overestimate the size of a down payment they need to finance a home,” says Christina Boyle, SVP and Head of Single-Family Sales & Relationship Management at Freddie Mac. According to the results of a recent survey conducted by Zelman & Associates, 39 percent of those surveyed estimated that the minimum down payment requirement for a home is at least 15 percent of the purchase price. The reality is

quite different however, as qualified buyers can get a conventional mortgage with a down payment of as little as three percent.

In fact, recent statistics show more than one in five borrowers who took out conventional mortgages in 2014 put down 10 percent or less.

Educating potential homeowners on the rules of down payments – and available assistance programs – plays a large role in getting qualified borrowers off the sidelines and into homeownership, according to Boyle, who also notes that today's historically low mortgage rates, coupled with affordable home prices in many parts of the country, make it an attractive time to consider buying.

“If putting 20 percent down will deplete all of your savings and leave you with no financial cushion, it's probably not in your best interest,” she says.

If you don’t put down 20 percent, the cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay be-

tween $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed. While it’s no doubt an added cost, it enables buyers to purchase now and begin building equity versus waiting five to 10 years to build enough savings for a larger down payment.

Additionally, once you've built equity of 20 percent in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that added expense from your monthly payment.

New homeownership opportunities are poised to grow.

Carefully evaluate your finances to determine how much you can afford and talk with your lender or housing professional about what makes best sense for you and your particular situation.

Advertise your moving sale in

the

Journal

call Bonnie at 540-7752024

Visit us at the King George Home & Craa Show | March 5 & 6

www.coldwellbankerelite.com

King George | 540.469.4300 | 15417 B Dahlgren Rd. King George, VA 22485 Colonial Beach | 804.224.3501 | 233 N. Irving Ave. Colonial Beach, VA 22443

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 5

Who's going to be at this year's show n Tommy Burrell, Inc. n Few Oaks Farm n Potomac Kitchen & Bath Designs n Legacy Homes n Weston Homes n George Mason Mortgage n Rankins Tru Value n Permatreat n KG YMCA n Southern Pride Service n Deputy Land Surveying n Union First Market Bank n Dale Breer, Realtor n NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union n Remodel USA n Westbrook Homes n REMAX Supercenter n Peoples Community Bank n Coldwell Banker Elite —

Latana Locke n Garcia Enterprises, Inc. n Professional Plumbing Solutions, Inc. n Gateway Power Equipment n Custom Concrete Curbing n Leaffilter North of Virginia n Mid Atlantic Waterproofing of Va., Inc. n FitzGerald Financial Group n EXIT Realty Expertise Hugh C. Gardiner, Inc. n NSWC Federal Credit Union n ADT Security, LLC n Shilo Building Supply n L.R. Reynolds, Engraving n John Buckner, Stump Grinder n Community Bank of the Chesapeake n Green Acres n M&M Homescaping

Crafters/Vendors n Nat-Aura-ly Made n Marie’s Crocheted Creations n Mary Kay Cosmetics n Designs by Gerry n Naturally You, LLC n Khunying Jewelry n Pampered Chef n Old 2 New n Wild Willow Soap n County Weaver

Non-profits / Community Groups n Fancy’s Friends n American Legion Post 89 n KG Summer Lunch Bunch n St. Anthony’s Catholic Church n KG Education Foundation

Call Lori at 540-709-7495 for all your personal and business printing needs

n Woodwork by Richard Compton n Fairytaled Impressions n Buy Mick’s Soup n Peery’s Cheese n Herb Fancy n The Bra Fairy n Thirty-one n Jockey Person to Person n J&R Crafts n The Dolly Mama n Cruise Planners

n Meandering Dragonfly n Real Time Pain Relief n Rayr Findz n KG Family Chiropractic and Physical Therapy n Tastefully Simple n Meyerhoff Gems n Marty Galusha n Phyllis Stevens n Creative Crafts by Kathy n Scrappe Totes & More n Potomac Breeze Pottery

n KG Toastmasters n KG Animal Rescue League n KG Early Childhood PTA n Love Thy Neighbor n Girl Scout Troop 812 n Boy Scout Troop 191 n KG County Historical Society

n Eden Estates Pool n Community Care Clinic n KG Farmer’s Market n KG Ruritans n KG Office of Econ. Dev. n KG Parks & Rec n KG Office of Solid Waste & Recycling

Subscribe to the Journal all the local news call 540-775-2024 ORGE ELE E C G

IC TR

KIN G

Exhibitors/Builders

Electrical, Heating & Air Conditioning

Dick, Bob & Alan Tremblay

540-775-7866

6, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Report touts benefits of energy efficient construction RICHMOND — Housing Virginia recently released the findings of a first-of-its-kind study that demonstrates the impact of energy efficient construction requirements in affordable rental housing. The new report shows the average resident of an energy efficient apartment saves $54 per month on their electricity bill, which amounts to $648 annually.

The year-long study conducted by Virginia Tech’s Center for Housing Research also finds apartments built to higher energy efficient standards, including third-party testing and inspection, outperform new standard construction housing by more than 40 percent with respect to energy consumption.

The study is the first of its kind in Virginia and one of the first in the nation to verify actual electricity usage in apartments built to meet high-level efficiency standards.

“Virginia has been a leader in encouraging energy efficiency in the affordable rental housing market and this study verifies the effectiveness of this strategy,” said Robert Adams, Executive Director of Housing Virginia. “The energy

efficient design and standards add to the economic benefit that these lower-income families and seniors receive. Every dollar not paid for utilities can go to other important family budget items, including food, transportation, and healthcare.”

Another key finding of the study is that construction standards of this type do have a significant impact on the affordability of apartments for lower income families and seniors. The impact is greater as incomes are lower. For example, at 30 percent of median income, the average tenant will see their ability to afford housing increase by nearly 10 percent. In Northern Virginia, 30 percent of area median income is an income of $32,100 per year for a family of four.

The target communities are affordable rental housing that is developed through the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s (VHDA) Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The study included senior housing and family housing. It also looked at the differences between new construction, rehabilitated housing and adaptive re-use.

Beginning in 2007, VHDA implemented a set of incentives in the LIHTC program that encouraged developers and builders to use a recognized third-party standard in design and construction in order to reduce long term energy usage. The incentive required the use of rigorous standards, third party testing and inspection from EarthCraft Virginia and LEED. Virginia was one of the first states to provide these types of incentives in the LIHTC program and has been a national leader in this regard. This study confirms that these policies are achieving their intended goals.

Construction of EarthCraft homes with these energy efficiency features costs no more than 3% more than that of traditional construction.

“When VHDA made changes to its tax credit program several years ago to encourage green building construction techniques, it created a very positive effect on affordable housing developments in Virginia,” said VHDA Executive Director Susan Dewey. “One of the best results from these changes is that utility bills have been significantly lowered for tenants, thereby

improving their quality of life. I am pleased that this study confirms that we are on the right track.”

“Through VHDA’s leadership and the work of our development partners, 196 developments representing more than 13,500 apartments have been certified in Virginia since 2007,” added K.C. Bleile, Executive Director at EarthCraft Virginia. “This study demonstrates the value of green building implementation through public-private partnerships to achieve monthly utility savings for residents, maximize financial investments, and support sustainable communities.”

The study was conducted by the Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech. Dr. Andrew McCoy, the Center’s Director, served as the principal investigator for the project. During the spring and summer of 2014, researchers visited 15 affordable apartment complexes across the state and met with residents to conduct energy usage surveys. Tenants provided permission to allow access to actual utility consumption for the previous 24 months. The behavioral

surveys and consumption data were correlated to the apartment’s original energy usage estimate that was calculated when the unit was built or rehabilitated.

The energy use behavior survey revealed a number of findings that point to opportunities to achieve even greater savings. Residents reported setting thermostats at levels that exceed typical comfort temperatures, which impacts utility costs and building durability. This indicates a need for better education about the potential savings and strategies for adjusting resident behavior. Resident responses also indicated a need for more education about the equipment and design of their apartments in order to take full advantage of efficiency technologies.

“Our interaction with residents reveals that there are substantial savings that can still be achieved with more effective education and incentives. We have also learned some lessons that will help us to refine design standards and make better decisions on what technologies to deploy,” stated Dr. McCoy.

We build elegantly crafted homes on Your Lot or Ours.

Ask us about our Special Home Show Upgrade Package.

Come see us at the King George Home & Craft Show 540-899-2333 • www.westbrooke-homes.com We build elegantly crafted homes on Your Lot Our Ours. Ask us about our Special Home Show Upgrade Package.

27 annual home & craft show th

Help for senior safety Our parents have cared for us all of their lives. Now, for those of us with parents of advancing age, it's our turn to care for them.

But what are the best options for providing 'round-the-clock supervision and support to an elderly parent?

"The average yearly cost of an assisted living facility is $43,200 per year, and the cost of a nursing home with private room is over $90,000 a year according to the 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey," said health care systems expert Jason Carroll, senior sales manager of the fast-growing health technology company, Vitall Inc. "But even for families where such costs are not prohibitive, parents are often reluctant to be relocated from their own homes, which are filled with years of happy memories, and placed into an unfamiliar environment living with strangers."

As an inexpensive alternative to relocating parents to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, Carroll's company has developed HeyMomDad — www.heymomdad. com — the world's first two-way

communication and wellness monitoring system for seniors. The system allows children and loved ones to see and hear, in real time, that their elderly parents are safe and well simply by opening an app on their smartphones any time during the day or night.

"The system allows your mom or dad to press one button to talk to you or, if necessary, notify you if help is needed," said Carroll. "Once the notification appears on your phone, you just tap the HeyMomDad icon and you can instantly see, hear, and talk to your parent through the high quality HD video and two-way audio component that's part of HeyMomDad." Carroll said the HeyMomDad monitoring solution isn't like other systems that simply call a monitoring service or dial 911.

"Most seniors are very reluctant to call 911 in an emergency because they're embarrassed or they don't want to cause a fuss or incur an expense — which can be as high as $1,200 even for false alarms where See Aging, page 8

March, 2016, 7

KG made strides in 2015 By all accounts, 2015 was a very successful year in King George County from an economic development standpoint. This year alone the county almost doubled its retail tax base, adding over 100,000 square feet of new space, according to a news release from the King George County Department of Economic Development. Major retail openings and announcements this year include: Peebles, Petco, Famous Footwear, Rue21, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie, and Tractor Supply just to name a few.

Major corporations with strong reputations are starting to see King George as a destination, and that is exciting, the release stated. The King George County Industrial Park is also beginning to see significant interest and growth.

A major part of this growth is due to the Board’s support of infrastructure improvements including fiberoptic cable for high-speed Internet and the plans to have gas to the industrial park by the end of 2016. The

only vacant building in the industrial park which had been unoccupied for over 7 years was filled this year with a wonderful company in CCE Specialties. The Economic Development Authority will sell its first lot in the Industrial Park in over 8 years to Faddis Concrete. Faddis is already in the park and the County is happy to help support its growth and expansion needs. Due to the investments in infrastructure, the county is seeing interest from major industrial users both nationally and internationally, according to the release.

Naval Support Facility Dahlgren continues to be the major economic engine for King George County infusing over $1 billion into the regional economy yearly. The county recently worked with the other localities that surround the base and its test range on finalizing a Joint Land Use Study which focused on encroachment issues, traffic concerns and the long term vitality of the base.

One indicator of small business growth can be seen in new business licenses issued year over year

in King George County. This year we have seen an increase of almost 23 percent in those licenses. In 2014 the County issued 104. As of Nov. 30, King George had issued 128 new licenses. The county continues to try and facilitate small business growth through outreach programs. One specific initiative that has been successful is the Quarterly Economic Development Forums which provide tools and resources for small business start-ups, and existing industry growth.

This year the Board of Supervisors also voted on new King George Welcome Signs at the four major entrances to the county. Though a small initiative, the new signs replace those which were there for over 20 years and give a strong first impression to tourist, residents and potential new businesses that enter King George County.

King George County continues to offer a quality of life and rural character that is appealing. Tourism See 2015, page 8

Our Services Include • General & Pediatric • • • • • • • •

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

540.775.7671

804.529.7339

11060 Smile Way King George, VA

367 Northumberland Hwy Callao, VA

•

Dentistry Fillings Extractions Implants Root Canals Orthodontics & Invisalign Snore Guards Lab Tech On-Site Dentures / Nonmetal Partials Nitrous Oxide

www.CottrellSmilesVA.com

Delta • CareCredit® • Aetna Dr. Richard Cottrell is licensed as a general dentist in Virginia

8, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Five simple ways to reduce your home's energy costs Metro Creative Graphics Homeowners spend thousands of dollars per year on energy. Whether a home is big or small, energy costs are a concern for homeowners.

Though some of the costs of home ownership are beyond a person's control, there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce energy costs and save substantial amounts of money as a result. n Address any leaks. One of the most effective ways to cut energy costs is to weather strip doors and windows throughout the house.

Doing so will keep warm air in the house when it's cold and prevent drafts that occur when cold air enters the home through cracks and leaks. If a home has an attic, be sure to seal pipes, chimneys or ductwork. Addressing leaks can save homeowners as much as 10 percent

Aging: Security for elderly From page 1

paramedics were dispatched," Carroll said.

"But with the HeyMomDad solution, seniors have a choice: press

on their annual home energy costs. n Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs instead of incandescent lightbulbs. CFLs use one-quarter to one-third less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs.

In addition, the Alliance to Save Energy notes that CFLs can last up to 10 times longer than traditional lightbulbs. n Be mindful of the thermostat.

Most homeowners and their families spend a good portion of their day out of the house. Home heating costs can be reduced by as much as 20 percent if homeowners simply lower the thermostat during the day by 10 F. For homeowners who feel they won't remember to do so on a regular basis, a programmable thermostat will do the job on its own. n Lower water temperature.

Lowering water temperature can also lead to substantial savings.

Homeowners can save as much as five percent on their water bill by lowering the temperature on their water heater by as little as 10 F. When doing so, touch the outside of the water heater. If the outside is cold, the water heater has sufficient insulation If the water heater is hot to the touch, wrap a water heater jacket around it to increase efficiency. n Replace older appliances. Older appliances, be it an older central air conditioning unit or an older water heater, often need to expend more energy than they did when they were new. What's more, especially older appliances might not meet Energy Star standards, which can cost homeowners substantial amounts of money over the course of a year. Homeowners who replace such appliances might be eligible for tax credits when buying more energy efficient products.

the blue button on the Instant Alert Pager to alert only family and friends, or press the red button to alert family, friends and 911."

Carroll said the system's high definition camera can be controlled through the smart phone and directed to any location in the room, permitting a full 270 degree view.

The camera even boasts night vi-

sion for clear viewing in dark rooms where lights have been turned off.

"What we're offering families with elderly members is a way to stay close; a way to know in a second if your parent or grandparent is doing well. One button push and they're connected to you." Carroll said.

"Just as importantly, HeyMom-

Advertise your moving sale in

the

Journal

2015: making strides From page 1

remains a priority with destinations including Caledon State Park, Oak Crest Winery, Dahlgren Heritage Museum, and Belle Grove Plantation.

Belle Grove, James Madison’s birthplace and bed and breakfast has been recognized numerous times over the last year. TripAdvisor ranked Belle Grove No. 2 out of 707 bed and breakfasts in the Commonwealth and Virginia Living Magazine voted them “Best of Virginia” in the categories of best bed and breakfast, best special events venue and best tourist attraction.

Moving forward King George County is well positioned to offer a quality of life and a model for healthy sustained growth.

Got to http://www.king-george. va.us/economic-development/ main-page/economic-development. php, or call 540-775-9181.

Addressing leaky doors and windows is an effective way that homeowners can cut energy costs around the house.

Dad is a way for our parents to keep their independence and live life the way they want - with honor and dignity in their own homes. Not only does it address the needs of seniors and their caregiving family members, it's an excellent, low-cost alternative to engaging a nurse or moving to a senior living facility."

The HeyMomDad monitor-

ing solution is easy to install with simple plug-and-play functionality.

The only requirement is a reliable connection to the Internet via any existing Ethernet modem (not included).

For additional specifications, system options, and pricing information, go to www.HeyMomDad. com.

AMERICAN STANDARD INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

call Bonnie at 540-775-2024

Carrie Scott

(540) 663-0190 (Corner of Dahlgren Rd. & Rosedale Dr.)

• Dahlgren, VA

You are empowered to know what goes in & on your body.

Lou Foster Holistic & Metaphysical Products & Services Jewelry • Herbs • Teas Reiki • Crystal Therapy • Chakra Balancing I’m the Dreamer • Animal Totem Seer Reiki Master / Teacher

herbfancy@yahoo.com • www.herbandcrystals.com Dahlgren, VA

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 9

a new house of windsor

Montross man finds post-career business handcrafting chairs Richard Leggitt William Jenkins flew missions as a U.S. Air Force pilot in Vietnam and then flew as a pilot for United Air Lines for more than 30 years.

Today, the Westmoreland County native is leading a more down-toEarth life, crafting Windsor chairs that are in wide demand.

Jenkins, who grew up on a farm near Montross, came home to his family’s century-old farmhouse after he retired in 2001. He began a new career in woodworking after his wife, Lucylin, told him she wanted some comfortable dining chairs.

“We had some ladder-back chairs, very straight and very uncomfortable,” she said.

Jenkins, who had taken some woodworking classes when he went to Washington & Lee High School, went back to school to learn how to make the chairs.

“I talked to a number of woodworkers and went to a conference

in Williamsburg,” he said. “I went to New Hampshire for a five-day course on Windsor chairs with a woodworker named Mike Dunbar.

I have continued to take courses at Dunbar’s Windsor Institute. There are so many types of Windsor chairs.”

Jenkins developed his craft and his brand – Locust Farm Windsors – but struggled with the marketing at first.

“I got some cards printed and put them in post offices,” Jenkins said. “Nothing. Then I started going to farmers’ markets, arts shows and other places looking for ways to market chairs.”

Jenkins got his big break in 2005 when he got a call from a California film company asking him to make chairs for a Tom Hanks-produced mini-series “John Adams.”

“I eventually made 39 chairs for ‘John Adams’,” Jenkins said.

The mini-series, which was filmed in Virginia and first broadcast in

William Jenkins, a retired U.S. Air Force combat veteran and a former United Air Lines captain, has built a flourishing third career handcrafting Windsor chairs and settees.

Richard Leggitt

2008, wanted sack-back Windsors – named because feed bags often were draped over the curved open backs in the winter — like those used by John Adams and the Continental Congress, as well as a special swivel Windsor with a writing arm that was designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Windsor chairs first were made in England near Windsor Castle,

and British royalty made them very popular. In America at the time of the Revolution, there were many different styles being crafted for the Founding Fathers and others in places like Philadelphia and Boston.

Jenkins, 73, works at least eight hours daily making chairs in an old dairy barn and an old smokehouse behind his home. He works alone

Birchwood Power Partners, L.P.

using a lathe to help craft the chairs out of white pine, red oak and maple.

“At my age, it is a good physical activity,” Jenkins said. “But it is pretty much a one-man operation.”

Jenkins produces 50-plus chairs and settees per year. They sell for between $500 and $2,000 each.

“On average, it takes a week to make one,” he said.

He crafts at least 18 different styles and has a six-month backlog of orders from across the country and Europe.

“I’ve made chairs for people all over America, as well as England, Norway and Denmark,” he said. It’s wonderful to build something that will last 200 years. “These chairs will make people happy, and they will enjoy using them for their lifetimes. As a pilot, there is nothing physical to show what you did. But the Windsors are a strong, enduring beauty that can be passed on from generation to generation.”

10, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Ways to outfit home with smart technology sectional garage door from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Last second delivery, but nobody is home? Lying in bed, but can’t remember if you closed the garage door? Now you can easily monitor and manage your garage door or use the controller to easily grant guests access via the garage.

StatePoint Last year went down in history as the year smart home technology went mainstream. Rapidly evolving security, entertainment, cleaning and mobile technology have made smart home solutions more affordable and easier to integrate than ever before.

Feel like you’re still living the Stone Age? No need to fret, now is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of smart home convenience. The best part is that there are ways to modernize every part of your home.

Driveway

Front Door Arms full of shopping bags?

Ditch fumbling with your keys and upgrade your front door with the Kwikset Kevo powered by UniKey. Featuring Touch-To-Open technology, unlocking the front door is as simple as tapping your lock, without needing to remove your phone from your pocket. Have guests visiting? No problem! Send them an electronic key (eKey) to grant them instant access.

Living Room

A leading trend for audio products has been to make them as small and unobtrusive as possible.

For the music and home theater enthusiast, a smartly engineered pair of compact speakers, such as SVS Prime Satellite speakers, can produce big-time dynamics from a tiny cabinet so you can enjoy your favorite movies and music without the bulky audio equipment.

Subscribe to the Journal all the local news call 540-775-2024

Garage Cleaning the garage used to be a pain, but smart home technology can make it quick and convenient. For example, the mountable Vroom Garage Vac from H-P Products has an attached 40 foot hose that can help you remove sawdust, metal shavings, sand, debris and even tiny shreds of paper from the furthest reaches of any

garage, basement, or workshop, eliminating the need for schlepping a bulky shop vac. There now are smarter ways to keep garage messes under control and even vacuum the car.

A clean garage deserves an intelligent garage door. Linear’s Z-Wave Garage Door Operator Remote Controller allows you to open, control, and monitor your

If you’re working in your driveway or yard, why not use the time to listen to your favorite music while protecting your hearing?

Headphones like Tough Sounds from ION Audio have you covered. Perfect for outdoor work or for streaming music inside, the ruggedly crafted Tough Sound hearing protection Wireless headphones with Bluetooth reduce external noise by 25 decibels, while letting you listen to AM/FM Radio or your own tunes streamed from your favorite device. Tough Sounds also allow you to make and receive calls so you can take advantage of hands-free communication while you work.

Investing in some smart home tech can make life less stressful.

We’re Number 1 with Number 2!

180 Ft. of Hose We Install Filters

Fully Complies with Requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Act! Health Department Approved

Electronic Equipment to Locate Hard to Find Tanks

Quality Work Reasonable Rates

ANTIQUE SEAT WEAVING AND CANING Restoring Family Heirlooms

Call 24 Hour 7 Days

Rush, Seven Step, Wide Binding, Splints County Weaver

MARK CAWTHON

Locally Owned & Operated by Art Colbert • licensed • bonded • Insured

American

TANK CLEANING Inc.

(540)775-4658 • countyweaver@gmail.com 9664 Mohawk Drive • King George, VA 22485

www.americantankcleaning.com (540) 226-3133 • 1-800-360-1269

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 11

LIFE FEELS GOOD. SO SHOULD YOUR BANK. Checking • Savings • Loans • Wealth Management • Mortgage

Photo by Joel Davis

Unique Antiques mall boasts 25,000 square feet, 140 vendors, and a variety of special activities planned throughout the year. Owner Vicki Enos is proud of her business.

'Unique' home decor Joel Davis

Union Bank & Trust. Member FDIC. bankatunion.com Union Mortgage Group NMLS #: 173406 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

10045 Kings Highway, King George 540.775.9300

Home and Craft Ad.2016.indd 1

2/26/2016 4:13:54 PM

HOMEOWNERS & PROFESSIONALS KNOW RANKIN’S IS THE PLACE TO GO

For All Your Home & Garden Needs

Unique Antiques is true to its name.

Where else could a set-dresser for “Ithaca,” a movie being filmed in Richmond, find enough goodies to fill a couple of trucks, then come back for more and find what she needed? What other store off Route 301 consistently draws tourists from all over to browse the 25,000-square-foot space with about 140 vendors? Where else in the Northern Neck has Cliff, the mailman from “Cheers” — played

by John Ratzenberger — stopped by to browse for some collectibles?

Unique indeed.

“The store has been here for six years,” said owner Vickie Enos.

“We’re celebrating our anniversary April 2.”

The planned celebration should be huge, with a “Dress in the ’50s” theme, food, a live DJ, vendor discounts and more.

“We’re inviting people to dress in ’50s fashions, most of the vendors will have sales, and we’re going to have classic cars on display,” Enos said.

The independent vendors allow Unique Antiques to display a

range of items that would be impossible for a single proprietor.

“There is a lot of really nice quality antique furniture,” Enos said.

“We have painted and cottagetype furniture, handmade home decor, collectibles, just anything you can imagine, stamps, coins, books, signs.”

Though local folks and collectors around the region home in on the wide variety of items available at unique antiques, Enos said the store has also excelled at pulling people — like Ratzenberg — off U.S. 301 for a bit of shopping.

“The majority of our people come from off 301,” she said. “People are avoiding [Interstate] 95. A lot plan a vacation around a stop at our store. It’s become a destination.”

Unique Antiques is planning its sixth anniversary celebration April 2 with a ’50s theme, a DJ, vendor discounts, food and classic cars.

The store hosts its Christmas open House, with holiday-themed goodies, music and more, Dec. 3.

It hosts its annual scavenger hunt at the end of February — the 2016 version was Feb. 24, with 35 or 40 items for visitors to find, prizes and discounts.

Want To Give Your Bathroom A Facelift?

Shop On Line With Free Shipping To Our Store www.truevalue.com

Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Rankin’s Hardware

540-775-5994 • RANKINSKING@yahoo.com 11475 Ridge Rd., King George, VA 22485

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

~ 50th Anniversary Sale!! Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th ~

Try A Glass Showerstall or Tub Enclosure!

[804] 224-3770 • [540] 775-3770 www.eastsideglass.net

12, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Location plays large role in home's value StatePoint It may seem like the size of your home is the be-all and end-all of your home’s value.

There are many other factors that come into play when determining the listing price of a particular home.

A new report offers some insights. The Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, the most extensive home price comparison tool currently available in the country, ranks the average listing price of four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes in nearly 2,000 markets across the country.

Analyzing more than 51,000 similar-sized listings, it addresses how much a home in one market would cost if the same home were

located somewhere else in the United States.

For example, the report reveals that for the price of the average home in Los Altos, Calif., you could purchase 30 similar-sized homes in Cleveland, Ohio, nine homes in Charlotte, N.C., eight homes in Chicago, five homes in Miami or two homes in Seattle.

Why are there such discrepancies?

“It’s amazing how much location impacts a home’s value,” says Coldwell Banker Real Estate consumer specialist Jessica Edwards.

“Typically, urban markets are more expensive, while suburban and rural areas tend to be more affordable.

"However, many factors contribute to the average price of a

home, such as commute time or proximity to the waterfront. The Home Listing Report is a helpful reference, so you can gauge how your area compares to other parts of the country.”

Local industry plays a role as well. In the case of Los Altos, which is ranked as the most ex-

pensive market in America, the continued success of many tech companies contributes to the boom.

This information can be useful, whether you’re planning to put your property on the market or you’re looking to relocate. For example, if you are scoping out a

BEST-IN-CLASS

ON ALL COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS**

3E Series

• 31.1–37.3 engine hp (22.3–27.4 kW) • Hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals • Standard four-wheel drive • Category One 3-point Hitch compatible

Advertise your moving sale in the

neighborhood where home prices are on the verge of increasing, area features to look out for include cultural institutions — such as art galleries and performance spaces — as well as such factors as unique architecture and proximity to mass transit and other trendy areas.

Journal

0% FOR 60 MONTHS & $1,000 OFF*

1

WITH PURCHASE OF 2 IMPLEMENTS

call Bonnie at 540-775-2024

LESS DOUGH. SAME DEERE.

5E SERIES

• 45–100 engine hp (33.1– 75.0 kW)

0% FOR 60 MONTHS

*3

Lawn Care & Planting, LLC LICENSED & INSURED

Landscaping and Design

FREE ESTIMATES

1023E SUB-COMPACT TRACTOR Worker’s Comp.

1 Million Bond

• 22.1 engine hp (16.5 kW) • Starting at only $11,7484

0% FOR 60 MONTHS & $500 OFF

*2

WITH PURCHASE OF 2 IMPLEMENTS

ROLLINS

ENTERPRISES INC.

Greenline Service Corporation www.greenlineva.com 11417 TIDEWATER TRAIL FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408 540-373-7520

*Offer valid on purchases made between February 2, 2016, and May 2, 2016. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial.

1 Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months plus $1,000 off implement bonus on 3E Series Tractors.

2 Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months plus $500 off implement bonus on 1 Family tractors.

3 Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months on 5E Series Tractors. Implement bonus is in addition to low rate financing and requires the purchase of two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for complete details and other financing options. Valid only at participating U.S. dealers.

4 Price shown is manufacturer’s suggested retail price and does not include taxes, setup, delivery, freight or preparation charges. Prices and model availability may vary by dealer. Attachments and implements sold separately. **Beginning January 1, 2016, all compact utility tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere dealer come standard with a six-year/2,000-hour (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at dealer for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

A0D030ECU2F66472-00018623

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 13

Avoiding a home ownership nightmare Metro Creative Graphics The dream of home ownership is one that lives on in spite of the global economic struggles. The process of buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster ride, with feelings of excitement mixed in with exhaustion, fear and uncertainty.

In the last several years, the real estate market has been turned upside down, and many prospective buyers have begun to question some of the conventional wisdom associated with buying a home.

While such skepticism might be a healthy attitude in the current market, prospective buyers -- particularly those who have never purchased a home before -- should avoid the following mistakes that buyers make regardless of whether the market is up or down. n Failure to get qualified beforehand. Mortgage qualification is essential when buying a home, as it gives buyers preapproval for a loan before they make any offers.

Making an offer on a home before you know what the bank is willing to lend you is a waste of time

for everyone involved, including you, the seller and the real estate agents involved. Some agents will not show a home if you don't have a preapproval. Once preapproved for a loan, don't take any steps that might put that approval in jeopardy. This includes anything that might drastically alter your credit score. n Being blindsided by additional costs. First-time homebuyers, once they have moved into their home, often experience some sticker shock when the additional expenses associated with home ownership arise. These additional expenses include property tax and insurance costs and can be substantial. Even those buying a condominium or co-op should expect monthly maintenance fees even if their new place is brand new and needs no maintenance. n Shooting for the moon. The ongoing recession is in part the result of predatory lending that saw banks grant excessive loans to applicants who, in hindsight, could not actually afford all that they were approved to borrow. The result was many people buying homes they could not afford, and

then suffering some steep consequences, including foreclosure, when the first mortgage payment came due or the interest rate rose.

First-time and even veteran buyers must avoid shooting for the moon when it comes to buying a home, and instead only buy one they know they can afford. What the banks says you can afford isn't always the same as what you know you can afford. Only buy a home you know you can afford, regardless of whether the bank has approved you for a larger loan. n Pigeonholing yourself into an inadequate living situation.

Just like buyers shouldn't go overboard, they also must avoid compromising on the things that are most important to them. For example, many of today's buyers, fully aware of the rash of foreclosures and all the housing horror stories of the last several years, are reticent to commit to a home, and might compromise with a condo or co-op. But if a home is what you really want, and another living situation that mirrors apartment life is going to make you miserable, don't settle for that situation for the sake of security. Doing so

could cost you financially, especially when you realize the situation isn't what you'd hoped for and look to sell earlier than is ideal. n Skimping on the cost of an inspector. An inspector is your last chance to find out if a home is your dream home or a money pit.

Even if a house appears to be ev-

erything you want, don't close on the sale until the house has been thoroughly inspected. The old adage that advises against judging a book by its cover certainly applies to buying a home, and prospective buyers should enlist the services of a qualified inspector before closing on the sale of a home.

Get results!

Gotta love a good combo Dennis K Dodson Ins Agcy Inc Dennis Dodson, Agent 2304 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Bus: 540-373-2300

Advertise your yard

… especially when it saves you money.

I can help you save an average of $480. Talk to me about combining your renters and auto insurance today.

Get to a better State .

Get State Farm.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

Supporting Local Businesses for Over 50 Years

Come join us!

The King George Chamber meets the second Monday of each month.

For more information call 540-358-1542 • 540-358-(1KGC) or email kgchamber@gmail.com.

Officers: Officers: Christopher Bryant, President Marshall, Vice President Christopher Bryant, President•• Gale David Clare, Vice President David Clare, Treasurer • Yohanna Gonzalez, Secretary Gale Marshall, Treasurer • Yohanna Gonzalez, Secretary

P. O. Box 164, George, Virginia P.O. Box 164,King King George, Virginia 224 85 22485

*Average annual per household savings based on a national 2010 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

1201143

sale in

the Journal call Bonnie at 540-775-2024

14, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Take precautions against bad weather your total wattage requirements. Additionally, determine which type of Whether you like to hibernate fuel you prefer and what your priall winter or you enjoy hitting the mary use will be. slopes, don’t forget to be prepared for For example, generators are not power outages, especially this year, as just handy for home emergencies; the “Old Farmer’s Almanac,” known they can also be useful on camping for accurately forecasting weather trips, for tailgating before the game since 1792, is calling for the “worst or for the job site. If you plan to use winter in years.” your generator on trips, ease of porThis winter, hundreds of thou- tability and flexibility is important. sands of homeowners learned the • Quality. Above all, a generator hard way about the importance of should offer durability, reliability, having immediate back-up power. performance and security.

As more people work from home, For example, the Firman Platipower outages become more than num Series Generators powered by an inconvenience, but an economic Kohler engines are known for these impediment as well. qualities and are offered at various In addition to weather-related price points. outages, the electrical grid has been Their wheel barrow design proplagued by more and worse black- vides ease of mobility, and the simouts in recent years, due to aging ple-to-operate control panel comes wires, pole transformers and other with outlet covers to protect against lagging infrastructure. In fact, non- the elements. Additionally, they are disaster-related outages affected at designed for quieter operation, makleast 50,000 consumers last year. ing them ideal for use at home. These This, coupled with increasingly vola- generators are sold at Home Depot tile weather patterns and an increas- and on Amazon. ing reliance on technology, create a • Ease of operation. Features such perfect storm for outages. as a pull cord, electric and/or remote To mitigate the inconvenience, start, and durable tires for portability cost and danger of inevitable power can make using a generator easy for outages, it’s becoming increasingly anybody. important that every homeowner • Don’t wait. You never know consider a backup generator. Don’t when you might need a generator. be intimidated by the prospect of And an emergency situation is not purchasing and using one. With a bit the right time to do your research of understanding and research, you and find one. For online resources, can find an easy-to-operate unit that generator selection and a wattage is right for you home. Here are some calculator, visit www.FirmanGenerthings to consider when seeking out ators.com. a generator: Protecting your home, family and • Know your needs. What devices home business from power outages you will need to power in the event is crucial. Consider outfitting your of an outage? List running watts and home with a backup generator to starting watts for each device, and stay comfortable, safe and connected add them together to determine no matter what.

StatePoint

Beautiful King George County has so many options... * Waterfront homes & land * Homes in a subdivision with clubhouse & amenities * Purchase your own land & choose a builder * Rental properties

Helping buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants reach their goals Call or text me today!

Carol Rollins REALTOR®

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

G

EXIT Realty Expertise 7947 Kings Highway King George VA 22485 540.842.3260 • www.carolrollins.com

L CONTRACTO A R E R EN

Advertise your moving sale in the

Journal

call Bonnie at 540-775-2024 Mid-Atlantic Laboratories, Inc. a full-service environmental testing laboratory

State Certified in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina

No Job Too Small Or Too Large!

224 Main St., Suite 1 • Port Royal, VA 22535 Mailing Address: 14294 Big Timber Rd., King George, VA 22485

Cell: 540-809-9414 • Fax: 540-775-1374 TommyBurrellinc@msn.com 10459 Edgewood Drive, King George, VA 22485

Class A Licensed & Insured

27 annual home & craft show th

King George Animal Control

March, 2016, 15

Youth Outreach Real estate agent John for Animals Seggerman outlines

forecast for expansion through 2017

Sally Spade Sadie Spade

Teaching Pet Kindness, Care, Safety and Population Control to the Youth in Our County

In 2015, King George Animal Control adopted mascots Sally and Sadie Spade and beProud to be a Partner in Education with the KG Education Foundation gan work on an outreach program. They attended community events including The KG Home & Craft Show, National Night Out, Patriotic Palooza, the Fall Festival parade and the KG Tree Lighting. They visited the pre-k class at Dahlgren School and the Parks and Recreation summer camp. Their goal is to raise awareness for shelter pets and to teach responsible pet care to the youth in the county.

McLean, VA — Seggerman Homes is gearing up to assist homebuyers and investors as forecasters foresee continued economic expansion through 2017.

According to a three-year economic forecast from the Urban Land Institute Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate that was released last fall, the real estate market is projected to continue expanding at healthy and fairly steady levels through 2017.

Seggerman explained that the ULI Real Estate Consensus Forecast, a semi-annual outlook, is based on a survey of 48 of the industry's top economists and analysts representing 36 of the country's leading real estate investment, advisory, and research firms and organizations.

Seggerman, who is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., went on to point out that the US economy and real estate markets are in much better shape than in most other countries, but global economies and capital markets are increasingly inter-related. Still, the vast majority of indicators in the forecast indicate favorable economic and capital markets in the U.S., as well as moderately strong real estate fundamentals and investment returns.

According to the ULI report, the Consensus Forecast predicts that single-family housing starts will increase to $745,000 in 2015, $842,000 in 2016, and $900,000 in 2017, but still remain below the 20-year average. Home price increases are expected to

If you want to help Here are the drop-off locations for the Love Thy Neighbor food pantry: n The Journal Press n Two Rivers Baptist Church n Rocky Top Embroidery n Blue Phoenix Computer Repair n Lock-It-Up Storage n King George Citizen’s Center n King George Feed Store n King George YMCA n EXIT Realty Expertise n American Business Card n St. John’s Episcopal Church n Union First Market Bank n Dutch’s Mart Needed items include green

arco-roofing.com

A Virginia-based real estate agent hones in on a semi-annual forecast for the real estate market that’s less bullish, while yet still foreseeing continued economic expansion for the next two years. moderate to 5 percent in 2015, 4.3 percent in 2016, and 3.9 percent in 2017. Compared to six months ago, forecasts for housing starts in 2015 and 2016 are more optimistic, while the forecast for 2017 remains unchanged.

Regarding real estate capital markets, commercial real estate transaction volume is expected to remain stable at around $500 billion in all three forecast years.

Issuance of commercial mortgage-backed securities is expected to continue to grow steadily through 2017, with projected increases to $110 billion in 2015 to $130 billion in 2016 and to $140 billion in 2017.

For more information, go to www.seggermanhomes.com, http://www.johnseggerman.com or stop by Seggerman's Main Office at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101.

beans, corn, peas, lima beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, dressing mixes and canned pumpkin or apples for pies.

Cash jar locations n The Hitching Post n King George House of Pizza n Tims II Fairview Beach n Unique Antiques Mall n El Charro’s Mexican Restaurant n Howard’s Restaurant.

Love Thy Neighbor’s website is capable of taking donations by credit card. Please go to www. lovethyneighbor-kg.org..

Call Lori at 540-709-7495 for all your personal and business printing needs

16, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Upgrade fireplace to improve efficiency StatePoint Heating and cooling your home typically comprises nearly half of the average American’s utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Unfortunately, a portion of that expenditure is lost.

While most homeowners know that insulating, patching and weatherizing can reduce heat loss, there is one major energy eater in your home that you may not have considered -- that charming staple of dens, family rooms and anywhere people gather: the fireplace.

Traditional masonry style wood-burning fireplaces are a leading source of indoor air loss and draft, even more so than windows and doors.

“Traditional wood fireplaces have a lot of charm, but unfortunately, they can be inefficient even when they aren’t in use,” says Becky Scribner, brand director at Heat & Glo, a leading manufacturer of gas and wood fireplaces, stoves and inserts.

However, you don’t need to sacrifice your fire this winter to lower your bill -- in fact, it’s possible to convert your fireplace into an energy efficient heat source with the following tips:

• Don’t send your hard earned money up and out the chimney.

When your fireplace is not in use, make sure your chimney damper is closed. You may also install a flue sealer, which is an

JACK’S SEAMLESS GUTTERS ~FREE ESTIMATES~

affordable, inflatable stopper that fits below the damper to further seal off the chimney.

• Ensure your chimney and fireplace is inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. A

contractor can ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.

• Add doors or a cover to the front of your fireplace to help reduce the draft and add a nice aesthetic.

• Consider a gas fireplace insert. In addition to lowering your energy bills and generating more radiant heat, they’re cleaner to maintain -- no ash, soot, or smoke -- and are low maintenance, turning on and off with the flip of a switch. Plus, a new insert like the Escape from Heat & Glo looks great and uses energy-saving firebox technology to increase efficiency. Learn more about the benefits of a gas fireplace insert at www.heatnglo. com/Rekindle.

• For those who love the smell, crackle and process of building a real fire, don’t despair. Pellet and EPA-certified wood inserts can be an easy, clean and efficient alternative as well.

In the pursuit of energy-efficiency, don’t say goodbye to tradition. Instead, give your fireplace a much needed upgrade.

M embership means...

...Owning your own home

(540) 373-6644 Fredericksburg, VA “We Keep Our Minds in the Gutter”

Residential & Commercial

Check out our 15/15 Adjustable Rate Mortgage!

No PMI with 90% LTV Easy online application LOW Rates Lower Payments

Southern

HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. New Flooring Showroom In Montross!

Full Service On All Flooring.

We are a certified dealer for Sunspace Sunrooms, West Windows an CertainTeed Vinyl Railing and Fence

Sales & Service Class A Liscensed & Insured

(804) 493-8509 15115 Kings Hwy., Montross, VA 22520

Apply NOW while the rates are still low at NSWCFCU.org The 15/15 Mortgage is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). The term is 360 months. Your initial rate is locked in for the first 180 months. The rate for the remaining 180 month term will be based on the then current index plus margin. Rate caps include maximum increase/decrease of 4%.

Lifetime cap of 4% over the initial rate. The rate and payment amount can increase after origination. Payment Example: A mortgage loan of $200,000 at 3.462% APR will have a monthly payment of $884.19 for the first 180 months. Taxes and insurance not included, your actual payment obligation will be higher. No subordinate financing permitted. Member eligibility required. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions apply and are subject to change at any time without notice. NSWC Federal NSWC Federal Credit Union is Federally insured by the NCUA. Contact Credit Union the Credit Union for more details.

27 annual home & craft show th

Let

BEST BUILT

Barns & Sheds

help you make your backyard

A PERFECT PLACE

for family get-togethers this Spring!

SWING SETS & PLAYHOUSES

AUTHORIZED DEALER

GAZEBOS

BARNS & SHEDS

Visit our website www.bestbuiltsheds.net to view a wider selection

FREE

Ask about our Rent-to-Own Program!

Delivery & Installation

NO Credit Check Everyone is Approved 16010 Crain Hwy, Brandywine MD 20613 • 301-372-1119 5159 James Madison Pkwy, King George, VA 22485 • 540-644-1002

$75 off 8'wide sheds $100 off 10'wide sheds $125 off 12'wide sheds Must present this coupon. Some restrictions apply . Offer expires 5-2-2016.

Popular Neck Woods A 12 lot subdivision close to Fredericksburg and Dahlgren, lightly wooded with lots ranging from 2 to 5 acres.

March, 2016, 17

King Spotsoline 4-H Camp registration open 4-H Junior Camp will be held July 24-28, 2016, and is for youth ages 9 to 13 as of Sept 30, 2016. Youth from Caroline, King George and Spotsylvania counties will be camping together at the 4-H Center in Front Royal. The camp is a fun-filled educational experience where youth will meet others, make friends, and have lots of fun, according to a camp news release.

In today’s busy, electronically stimulated world, youth need a safe “time-out” to simply relax and have fun. However, camp is much more than a vacation or a place to enjoy nature—it is also a place to learn, to grow, and to develop life skills.

Four-H Camp offers children a fun, safe, and challenging experience. The center has a resident staff that is trained in swimming instruction, canoeing, shooting education, recreation, first aid and youth development.

Adult volunteers, teen counselors, counselors-in-training and Extension personnel from Caroline, King George, and Spotsylvania counties attend to help supervise campers and coordinate group activities. A large variety of

classes is available, and class selection will be open in early June.

Youth enjoy an evening campfire each day, and class options including tie dye, horse basics, outdoor sports and rocketry. A favorite camp activity is ga-ga, a form of dodge ball that is played in a pit.

Camp cost is $300, with $100 due at registration. If you have a limited income and need to apply for a partial scholarship, please contact me. Registration will be open until April 15, and is on a first come, first served basis.

Transportation is provided from King George to camp via charter buses.

The brochure is available at http://offices.ext.vt.edu/kingge orge/w hats-ne w/2016-4hcamp-brochure.pdf. Registration can also be initiated electronically by entering camper information at https://goo.gl/4DS2oH and sending in the deposit. Contact Terry Misch, 4-H Agent, for more information, or find the Extension Booth at the King George Home Show on March 5-6.

Email: tmisch@vt.edu, or call 540-775-3062.

Call Lori at 540-709-7495 for all your personal and business printing needs

King George Termite & Pest Commercial • Residential

One level living! Approximately 1500 s.f. one story home on a full basement, full width covered front porch, rear screened porch and split bedroom layout. Other plans and lots available, we can build on your lot or ours!

Kenton Dunn, Realtor®

kentondunnrealtor@gmail.com htt://Cville-land.com/ htt://app.kw.com/KW2753CS9 3510 Remson Court, Suite 301 Charlottesville, VA 22901

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Licensed to sell real estate in the Commonwealth of VIrginia

• CERTIFIED • TERMITE CONTROL • MOISTURE CONTROL • 100% GUARANTEED

775-0000 “Call Today For Your Free Inspection”

~Your Full Service Pest Control Professionals~ “Where We Treat Your Home As If It Were Our Own”

Trane Sales Pl

27th annual home & craft show

Five home improvements that raise the resale value StatePoint

Before you decide on a home improvement project, it’s a good idea to learn which ones will help raise your house’s value and recoup the most money when you decide to sell.

From replacing your front door to adding a deck, there are many midrange improvements that won’t cost a bundle but will deliver great bang for your buck. It’s not about spending the most money; it’s about improvements that best hold their value.

The experts at “Remodeling” magazine recently released their 28th annual Cost vs. Value Report, comparing construction costs with resale value for 36 of the most popular home improvement projects.

When it came to midrange projects, the report found homeowners recouped the highest percentage of costs on these five improvements: steel entry door replacement, installation of manufactured stone veneer on home exteriors, garage door replacements, vinyl siding replacement, and wooden deck additions.

“Making your home stand out from others on your block and others on the market is achievable if you plan wisely when it comes to remodeling projects,” says Phil Wengerd, Vice President of Market Strategies at ProVia, a leading building products manufacturer. “This year’s statistics indicate that moderately priced exterior projects can significantly enhance home resale values.”

This year’s analysis of top midrange home improvement projects provided definite direction for homeowners: • Steel Entry Door Replacement: The 20-Gauge Steel Entry Door has consistently delivered the best return on investment for resale, holding the top spot in the midrange product category since its debut in this report in 2009/2010. The steel entry door is the only project that, on a national basis, more than pays back its investment, typically recouping 101.8 percent. At ProVia, for example, the company’s Legacy Steel Entry Doors are a consistent top sales performer.

Parts • Sales • Service

TR

SALES PLAN #: PROGRAM NAM

Spring will be here CHANNEL: before you know it.

PUBLICATION D OWNER: When you are ready SAV Best time ev to do some work outdoors 0% inter make sure your power equipment CALL T is ready too.

Trane Sales Plan

18, March 2016

10031 James Madison Pkwy. - 540-775-2241 www.gatewaypowerinc.com

Come see us at the Home & Craft Show

CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO OFFERS

B

Largest Indoor Market in Southern Maryland • Manufactured Stone Veneer: A new project on this year's report is the installation of manufactured stone veneer on home exteriors.

This category zoomed to the top of the midrange list, grabbing second place with a 92.2 percent cost-value return. Increased product demand for Heritage Stone is a reflection of this trend, observed by Wengerd and others.

• Garage Door Replacement: The installation of new four-section garage doors on galvanized steel tracks proved to be a valuable project with homeowners recouping 88.4 percent of their costs.

More resources on home improvement projects, along with information on entry doors, vinyl siding and manufactured stone veneer, can be found at www.proviaproducts.com/cvv.

©Trane 2015

BETTE

TOGET

See your independent Trane Dealer for complete progra must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where charged with approved credit at participating merchants. in equal payments during the promotional (special terms 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on th advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance

BUN

**Products are eligible based on availability and must be sold/installed/claimed exceptions are allowed. Eligiblity is based upon a Trane comfort system config or financing program for each eligble Trane system is listed above.

H Cons These Special

Chesapeake • Estate Management Services • Residential & Commerical Real Estate

• Estate Auctions • Appraisals • Business Liquidations

www.chesapeakeauctionhouse.com 5015 St. Leonard Rd. • St. Leonard, MD 20685 Market Place: (410) 586-3725 • Auction House: (410) 586-1161

www.ChesapeakeAuctionHouse.com

Call f3 (540)

www.rob

TRANEwarranties.

SALES PLAN worry–free CALL TODAY FOR A SP521C FREE HOME VISIT SALES PLAN #: 2015 Fall National Consumer Promotion - US DSO Version 1 Julie Starnes

PROGRAM NAME: CHANNEL: PUBLICATION DATE: OWNER:

Trane Sales Plan

27 annual home & craft show th

Assembly OKs bill to license VA home inspectors

SAVE MONEY!

Best time ever to get a new heating or cooling system.

0% interest, cut fuel bills, special rebates, RANE SALES PLAN worry–free warranties.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE HOME VISIT SP521C 2015 Fall National Consumer Promotion SP521C

CATCH A GREAT OFFER 2015 Fall National Consumer IT PromotionBEFORE - US DSO AWAY. : VersionFLIES 1 Julie Starnes VE MONEY!

ME:

DATE

ver to get a new heating or cooling system.

rest, cut fuel bills, special rebates, worry–free warranties.

TODAY FOR A FREE HOME VISIT

0$1000 % 0

SAVINGS GREAT FINANCING EARLY No Interest until January 2021 Sale NoBIG Interest until January 2021 OR Trade-In Allowance up to 1,000 BIRD OR Trade-In$ Allowance FINANCING OFF up to 1,000 CHOOSE BETWEENBuy a qualifying system andBuychoose: a qualifying system and choose: TWO OFFERS OR *

% *

Equal Payments with Equalwith Monthly Payments

A SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR UNIT, INDOOR UNIT AND TRANE CONTROL.**

$

**

$ 1,000 $600 OFF FOR BIG SAVINGS OR GREAT FINANCING % 72 MONTHS OR $400 OFF APR $1,000 OROFF FINANCING 48 MONTHS UP TOOFF FOR BIG SAVINGS GREAT FINANCING $350 $OFF 600 TRADE-IN % 72 MONTHS $ FINANCING OR OFF 1,000 BETTER OFF $ 200 OFF 400 ALLOWANCEAPR FOR 600 OFF **

System *The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged withXV20i approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. This information is accurate as of 01/06/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 5/30/2016. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Copyright © Trane 2016

0

XV18i System XL20i System

CHOOSE BETWEEN deal TWO OFFERSWe’ve hatched another great XL18i System (2 Stg) this spring.

A SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR UNIT, INDOOR UNIT AND TRANE CONTROL.** XL16i System (2 Stg) Experience the efficiencyXL16iand reliability that Stg) System (Single on select models with CHOOSE XL15i System Trane Proprietary & Confidential -1Trane is famous for duringXL16cour Early Packaged Units Bird equalSale. payments if paid in full

©Trane 2015

FINANCING FOR

XV20i System

But hurry, because while a Trane will keep you within 72 months comfortable for yearsXR17toSystem come, XV18i Systemdeals (2 Stg) these OR XL20i System A SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR UNIT, INDOOR UNIT AND TRANE CONTROL.** only stick around until May 31st, 2016.

0$1000

%0 TOGETHER

$

XV20i System

$

XV18i System XL20i System

©Trane 2015

% 72OR MONTHS APR

0

XR16 System (Single Stg) XL18i System (2 Stg) XR15 System (Single Stg) XL16i System (2 Stg) XL16i System (Single Stg) XL14c Packaged Units XL15i System

on select models with CHOOSE -1equal payments if paidFOR in full FINANCING ON QUALIFYING within **72 months TRANE QUALIFYING EQUIPMENT: XR17 ELIGIBLE SYSTEM COMPONENTS EQUIPMENT System (2 Stg)

OR

Trane Proprietary & Confidential XL16c Packaged Units

350 OFFUP TO 400 OR B U N D L E 300 48 MONTHS FURNACE$200 OFF DUCTLESS $350 OFF BETTER 200 $

48 MONTHS

$1000 Considering doing a replacement?

XL18i System (2 Stg) XL16i System (2 Stg) Furnace must be purchased with any Trane Control for discount.

XL16i System (Single Stg) on select models withand restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales See your independent Trane XL15i Dealer program eligibility, dates, details Systemfor completeCHOOSE must be to homeowners in theXL16cUnited States. wherepayments prohibited. The Home in Projects® Lender. Special terms for 72 months apply to qualifying purchases Packaged Units Void equal if paid full Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing XR16 System (Single Stg) XC95(m) charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full Mini-Splits XR15 System (Single Stg) within 72 months

$ OFF Trane Proprietary & Confidential

TRADE-IN B. PAYNE OFF T 200 ALLOWANCE R TOGETHER E Housing Lender.

IN *The Home Projects Visa HURRY! credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal

$

THER

TRADE-IN $100 OFF OFF ALLOWANCE OFF 200 OFF ON QUALIFYING $ ** XT95/XR95 100 OFF EQUIPMENT: ELIGIBLE SYSTEM COMPONENTS TRANE QUALIFYING EQUIPMENT $

in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions.

For newly opened accounts, the APR for Purchases is XL14c Packaged Units XR17 System (2 Stg) $ cash advances, the cash 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 7/1/2015. If you are charged interest inXV95 any billing$cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you useMulti-Splits the card for advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Subject to credit approval, see store for details. Offer expires 11/15/2015.

UP TO

ER

-1FINANCING FOR

**Products are eligible based on availability must(Single be sold/installed/claimed during the promotion period. No substitutions or XR16andSystem Stg) exceptions are allowed. Eligiblity is based a Trane (Singlecomfort Stg) system configuration and use of Trane products. The allowance XR15upon System or financing program for each eligble Trane is listed XL14csystem Packaged Unitsabove.

B ng merchants.

OFF Special terms for 72 months apply to qualiBfyingUpurchases creditO at participati300 N D charged L E with approved FURNACE DUCTLESS Furnace must be purchased with any Trane Control for discount.

® ® Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales See your independent

C OFF 100 200 OFF

OFF for The special terms ue to appl100y untiExpire l all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthl200 y payment These Special Soon!

300APR wil continOffers

R

Call for a FREE Home Visit Considering doing a replacement?

(540) 373-5876

.

must be to homeownersON in theQUALIFYING United States. ** Void where prohibited. The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial$National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 72 months apply to qualifying purchases TRANE QUALIFYING EQUIPMENT: SYSTEMcredit COMPONENTS $ for the purchase in full XC95(m) chargedELIGIBLE with approved at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay EQUIPMENT Mini-Splits Furnace must be purchasedinwithequal any Tranepayments Control for discount. during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR for Purchases is am eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales $ $ 27.99%.

This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 7/1/2015.

If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00.

If you use the card for e prohibited. The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 72 months apply to qualifying purchases XV95 Multi-Splits cash advances, the cash $ $of forthethecash XC95(m) OFFpayment advance is 5.00% amount . The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly for thisfee purchase will be of the the amount that will pay purchase in full but not less than $10.00. Subject to credit approval, see store for details. Offer expires 11/15/2015.

Mini-Splits OFFadvance,

NDLE

T B. PAYN

$100 FURNACE this purchase wi200l beOFF theDUCTLESS amount that wi200 l payOFF for the purchase in full in equal payments duri ng the promoti XT95/XR95 OFF onal

d during the promotion period. No substitutions or guration and use of Trane products. The allowance

XT95/XR95

.

R

R

for a FREE HomeCall Visit for a FREE Home Visit 373-5876 .

R

(540) 373-5876

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

(540) 373-5876

.

R

.

R

.

EI R (special terms)$100periOFFod.RTheT APR apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if youBuseEthe YNE wilHURRY! B. forPAPurchases NC E I HURRY! Naccounts, card for other transacti o ns.

For newl y opened the APR for Purchases i s 27.99%.

Thi s APR may vary wi t h O B C sidering doing replacement?

O These Special Offers Expire Soon! marketabased on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 7/1/2015. If you are charged interest in any bil ing l Offers ExpiretheSoon! . PforAcash YNadvances, cycle, the minimum interest charge wil be $1.00. If you R useTtheBcard the cash advance fee is EesI5/31/2016.

5.00% ofwww.robertbpayne.com the amount of the cash advance, but not lBessEthan $10.00. Offer expirHEATING NC &**See AIRyourCONDITIONING O iRnTdependent Trane Deal e r for compl e te program el i g i b i l i t y, dates, detai l s and restri c ti o ns.

Speci a l financi ng offers B. PAYN bertbpayne.com E OR trade-in alElHEATING Iwances P A .

Y B NC from & AIR CONDITIONING N B o $100 up to $1,000 val i d on qual i f yi n g systems onl y .

Offers vary by equi p ment.

All T EI O ERCopyri NC HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING sales must be to homeowners inwww.robertbpayne.com the United States. Void where prohiObBited. ght © Trane 2016

s) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card** forProducts other transactions. opened accounts, for Purchases is during the promotion period. No substitutions or are eligible For basednewly on availability and mustthebeAPR sold/installed/claimed $a Trane he U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 7/1/2015. If you are charged interest inXV95 any billing$cycle, the minimum interest charge be $1.00.

If you isusebased the card cash comfort advances, the cash exceptions arewill allowed.

Eligiblity uponfor system configuration and use of Trane products. The allowance Multi-Splits e, but not less than $10.00. Subject to credit approval, see store for details. Offer expires 11/15/2015. or financing program for each eligble Trane system is listed above.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

(540)(540) 373-5876 373-5876 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

March, 2016, 19

(540) 373-5876

The Virginia General Assembly recently overwhelmingly passed legislation creating a licensure system for professional home inspectors in the Commonwealth.

Senate Bill 453, patroned by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Moneta) passed the House of Delegates on a 100-0 vote. Senate Bill 453, which previously passed the state Senate 309, now heads to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s desk for review and signature.

“The home inspection has become such a critical part of the residential real estate transaction and this legislation creates a consumer protection for buyers and sellers,” said 2016 Virginia Association of Realtors President Bill White.

“Our Realtor members supported this key initiative as part of our 2016 legislative agenda.”

The home inspection process is used to determine the current condition of the major systems in a house such as the roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. In 2003, the state legislature created a voluntary certification program for home inspectors. Since then, Virginia added the need to have a home inspection performed to the real estate “buyer-beware” disclosure form, which all potential home buyers are required to receive.

“This legislation is simply about protecting consumers,” said Stanley. “The Commonwealth has been moving in this direction for a number of years, and as the home inspection becomes more critical to the process, we wanted to make sure that everyone is operating under the same regulatory system.

This is the last piece of the puzzle.”

“For years, we have encouraged our Realtor members to recommend a certified home inspector to their clients. Now this will become the standard throughout Virginia,” noted White.

The Virginia Association of Realtors worked with legislators and stakeholders from the home inspection industry, home builders and lending industry to create the consensus legislation.

“As a Realtor, I see the real life impact of the home inspection on real estate deals on a regular basis,” said Del. Jackson Miller

"This legislation will help buyers know they are working with a professional ..."

Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors President David Rushton (R-Manassas) who introduced the companion House Bill 741. “From buyers and sellers to lenders and insurance providers, many stakeholders consider the home inspection report during the transaction.

This new law will allow all of those parties to have confidence that the inspection is being done by a licensed professional.”

Miller’s House Bill 741 was approved 99-0 by the House and will be heard by the Senate in the coming weeks.

"As home inspectors, we take great pride in providing buyers with knowledge and information about their new home. For most people, this is the largest purchase they will ever make. This legislation will help buyers know they are working with a professional who has the appropriate level of training and expertise," said Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors President David Rushton.

The legislation includes a provision to grandfather in home inspectors who have already earned their voluntary certification. It also contains a delayed enactment of July 1, 2017, to give the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation time to prepare and implement the new program.

The Virginia Association of Realtors is the largest professional trade association in the state, representing approximately 31,000 Realtors engaged in the residential and commercial real estate business. VAR serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information, go to www.varealtor.com or follow VAR on Facebook and Twitter.

20, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show

Keep tabs on what's happening in your home StatePoint Ignorance is not always bliss, as parents, pet owners and homeowners know all too well. Whether you’re away on vacation and unsure if you left the lights on, at work and worried about the kids, or even sitting on your couch wondering what mischief the dog is up to in the yard, knowing what’s going on inside your entire home is crucial for peace of mind.

Instead of worrying, be proactive. Several strategies, new and old, can help put your mind at ease.

Tried and True Trusted neighbors can serve as a second set of eyes when you’re not around. You can even take it one step further and make them their own set of keys. If they’re friendly enough, your neighbors may even be willing to feed pets or help you out in other ways.

You can also rely on your kids for regular status reports (if they’re old enough). Have them call you when they get home safely and consider giving them some responsibilities, such as making sure the house is in order and your pets are safe and sound.

“Monitoring devices can provide peace of mind and minimize those lingering anxieties about being away from home,” says Lisa Knierim at Panasonic.

Professional Services Even when you’re home to keep track of things, it’s tough to handle everything on your own. In certain cases, you may want to use professionals to help keep everything humming along.

If doors jam and fail to latch or you notice cracks in your walls or floors, you may want to call a structural engineer to assess the strength of your foundation. Weeds en-

croaching on your prized tomato patch? Hire a gardener to fight off intruders or invasive species.

A professional heating and cooling service can assess the condition of your air conditioning and heating systems, including inside vents and ducts where you can’t see. The health of your home is important, and sometimes it’s better to go with the hired hand.

From trustworthy friends and cutting edge technology to knowledgeable professionals, the tools at your disposal can keep your finger on the pulse of your home.

Affordable Quality Built Homes

Sherwood.Moore@gmail.com www.Sherwoodmoore.com 990 Colonial Avenue • Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Residential • Commercial • Land Knowledge + Experience = Results Each office is independently owned and operated

METROCAST

BEGINS WITH

WESTON HOMES, INC. One of the areas most respected builders!

We can build on our land or yours. n Your

plans or ours.

VIDEO - INTERNET - PHONE

n n

THE METROCAST VIP BUNDLE The most advanced services. All on one bill, from one company, for one low price.

Save hundreds of dollars each year off á la carte pricing.

Technology Innovative technologies are providing consumers with new ways to keep an eye on their homes.

Such products have evolved and are now easier to use and more affordable for the average family.

Indeed, brands like Panasonic are leading the charge. Their new Home Monitoring System offers four distinct kits, each of which bundles different surveillance products together.

Depending on your budget and required level of monitoring, you can outfit your home with tools like motion sensors, outdoor cameras and indoor cameras to monitor your baby or pet.

Keeping tabs on your home from near or far is easy, as the footage can be viewed on your computer monitor, smartphone or tablet.

In addition to surveillance, Panasonic’s technology may prove particularly advantageous to those away from home, as it allows for remote control of home features like lighting and other appliances.

Call: (540) 760-5110 Fax: (804) 224-7208

DIGITAL VIDEO with popular channels in stunning HD, plus TV Everywhere is included FREE.* HIGH SPEED INTERNET with speeds up to 75 Mbps.* Stream videos, download, shop, play games, & more.

DIGITAL PHONE with unlimited calling anywhere in the U.S. & Canada.

AND ASK US ABOUT

Home WiFi: Connect up to 3 computers and multiple wireless devices.

Save on your smartphone and tablet data plans.* Multi-Room DVR: Watch and record programs in up to 3 rooms.

Video On Demand: Enjoy hit movies & TV shows on your schedule, hundreds of hours FREE.* *All services may not be available in all areas. Subscription to Basic Service required to receive any other level of video service. Additional subscription fee, HD-capable television and HD set-top converter required to receive HD channels on Expanded Basic service and above. Not all channels are available in HD in all areas. TV Everywhere services are authorized based on customer’s video subscription level; all services may not be available on all devices. MetroCast Internet speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Modem required. For best performance, use of a MetroCast-approved cable modem is recommended. A DOCSIS 3.0 modem is required to receive the fastest speeds (up to 75 Mbps High Speed Ultra tier) and is strongly recommended for all other tiers. All channels may not be available in all areas. DVR recording capacities vary. On Demand programs may not be recorded with DVR. Some On Demand titles available with purchase only. Equipment may be required. Credit check may be required. Other terms, conditions or restrictions may apply. Money-back satisfaction guarantee requires cancellation within 30 days.

540-775-5680

Email:

westonhomesinc1@gmail.com www.westonhomesinc.biz

Home & Craft Show WiFi is provided by: SM

.com

1.877.959.4863

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 21

Be on the lookout for signs your roof needs replacing Metro Creative Graphics

Replacing a roof is a costly venture few homeowners look forward to. According to Remodeling magazine's "Cost vs. Value" report, the national average cost of a roof replacement is nearly $22,000, a costly endeavor considering the tenuous nature of the economy. What's more, homeowners who choose more upscale roofing materials can expect to spend almost $40,000 on their roofs.

Such costs make it no small wonder that many homeowners fear the dreaded diagnosis that their home needs a new roof.

While there's little homeowners can do to reduce the cost of a roof replacement, there are warning signs homeowners can look for that might indicate a roof replacement is on the horizon. Recognition of these

Each office independently owned and operated

Richard Snow, Owner/Broker

(540) 775-6555

signs can help homeowners be more financially prepared should the day come when the roof needs to be replaced. n The presence of algae If the roof has lots of dark streaks and stains clinging to it, that is likely algae, which can grow on the roof for quite awhile. Algae does not necessarily do any damage to a roof, but it does do some damage to a home's physical appearance, as algae on the roof is not very pleasing to the eye.

Algae is most often found on the roofs of homes located in climates that have warm, humid summers.

If algae is a problem on your roof, spray washing with a mixture of water and bleach can effectively remove it. n Buckling shingles Like algae, buckling shingles are another unsightly problem on a roof.

But buckling shingles are more than

EXIT REALTY EXPERTISE CONGRATULATES OUR 2015 TOP PRODUCERS! 1ST PLACE

7947 Kings Highway King George, VA

just an eyesore, they actually might indicate significant problems. When shingles buckle, that's typically because hot air from the attic is forcing the shingles away from the home.

Buckling shingles also indicate that the roof is poorly ventilated, which can take years off the roof's life expectancy while driving up home cooling costs along the way. n Granule loss Granule loss is typically a byproduct of normal shingle wear and tear that results from inclement weather, such as hail. Older roofs might experience granule loss, but granule loss can also occur on a new roof if a defective roofing product was used.

Any granule loss, even if slight, should be addressed, as the side effects of granule loss include a weakened roof and leaking. If granule loss is not addressed, the consequences could be severe the next

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

Licensed in VA and MD

time a storm occurs. n Mold Unlike the warning signs already discussed, mold is not visible on the outside of the home. Instead, homeowners should look in the attic of a home to see if there is any mold growth. If there is, the roof is likely leaking, and the health risks of mold growth in a home are substantial.

Mold is not necessarily easy to detect, so a professional inspection might be in order if mold growth is suspected. If a professional determines mold is, in fact, present, then the mold will need to be removed and all options, including a roof replacement, must be considered to keep mold from coming back. n Roof rot

Perhaps the most discouraging sign a homeowner can see on his or her roof is roof rot. Roof rot appears when a roof is in considerable decay and, if not addressed, its consequences can stretch far beyond the roof, damaging other parts of the home thanks in large part to water getting through the roof. If roof rot is either not noticed or just ignored, it won't take long for water to get through the roof and blaze a destructive path through the rest of the home.

Homeowners might fear a full roof replacement because of the cost associated with such a project. But if ignored, problems with a roof could eventually prove far more costly than the price of replacing the roof.

DEPUTY LAND SURVEYING, INC. DAVID L. DEPUTY Located right here in King George

Gary Butler 540.847.7733

www.ExitRealtyExpertise.com

Jeff Robinson 540.846.2338

Koontz Campbell 540.809.4012

Thinking of a New Career? Call us about Real Estate Classes!

Professional Land Surveyor Virginia & Maryland 540/775-5585

Get a Key! Stop by our Booth!

Come Meet our Agents! Many Giveaways!

Residential • Land • Commercial • Rentals • Property Management • Moseley® Real Estate Classes

7947 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485 • 540-775-6555 • www.ExitRealtyExpertise.com Our Office is a Proud Member of the King George Builders Association!

22, March 2016

27th annual home & craft show Looking For Your

Potomac Kitchen & Bath Designs

HOME! You Found It!

HONEST UP-FRONT SERVICE ALL MAKES -Foreign & Domestic We Can Handle Your: • Factory Maintenance Schedule • Muffler & Exhaust System • State Inspections • Tune-ups • Wheel Alignment • Brake Service • Air Conditioning • And Much More!

We Accept Visa & Mastercard

11399 Ridge Road ~ King George 540-775-4211

Specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom design, sales & installation for remodeling & new construction.

“We Build With You, And We Do What’s Right For You” We cover Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

Thomas M. Burrell, II tommyburrell1966@gmail.com

Phone: 540-903-1066 Fax: 540-625-2385

Over 25 years experience in the new home, remodeling and construction industry.

Commercial • New Homes • Remodeling • Additions Replacement Windows • Custom Decks Sun Rooms • Garages • Vinyl Siding Shingles • Porch Rails • Painting • Sheds • Custom Kitchens

• Truss designs for roof & floor trusses • We work closely with architects, building designers and contractors • Develop roof truss systems for housing developments with a variety of Regional house builders, churches, and government buildings • Feasibility studies for all roof projects

27 annual home & craft show th

March, 2016, 23

Ways to affordably upgrade your kitchen StatePoint You may not get paid for your culinary efforts at home, but you can still treat yourself to a professionally outfitted kitchen. If the idea of financing this upgrade has held you back in the past, consider different options that can help you affordably transform your ordinary space into the kitchen of your dreams.

Amazing Countertops If you’ve longed for luxury granite countertops, consider quartz, which offers the same beauty as granite at a fraction of the cost. Since quartz is a durable, non-porous material, countertops will be easy to clean and maintain over time, and resistant to the nicks and stains caused by everyday wear and tear, making it a sound long-term investment. Quartz is available in a variety of colors and patterns, and by investigating your options you can get the look and feel that complements your kitchen.

Professional Range

To ensure you’re never limited as a cook, start by upgrading your cooking appliances, which are at the heart of any kitchen. One versatile range option that delivers top-of-the-line professional performance at a consumer-friendly price is the Verona Dual Fuel or all gas range, available in 24, 30 and 36 inch sizes. Sealed burners pack plenty of BTU power, delivering pinpoint accuracy and flame control for optimal heat transfer. As a result, foods cook quickly and evenly with less fuel than standard burners.

Verona ranges are equipped with full-width storage compartments, as well as European convection ovens that circulate heated air for more consistent temperature, allowing you to prepare your meals faster than with a conventional oven.

Inspired by professional-style Italian design, Verona ranges can be tailored to suit your kitchen décor, with custom options such as round oven handles, island trims and brilliant colors. Whether you prefer the professional look of stainless steel or

a bolder palette such as burgundy, white, antique white or matte black, make your kitchen pop both visually and functionally with the right prostyle range. More information can be found at http://veronaappliances. com.

Task Lighting Task lighting can be a gorgeous, functional addition to any kitchen.

And these days, beautiful fixtures can be purchased at any price point and come in a number of styles, both traditional and contemporary, making it easy to add flair and style to your kitchen in a way that meets your taste. In addition to your ambient lighting, consider installing a row of task lights over your kitchen island, above your sink, and in or other key areas where you do the most cooking prep -- after all, this is how the pros do it.

Equipping your kitchen with the functionality and beauty that a professional chef enjoys does not need to break the bank.

• WATER HEATERS • DRAIN CLEANING • FAUCETS & FIXTURES • HOME ADDITIONS • WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS • VIDEO INSPECTION & LOCATING EQUIPMENT • DRAIN AND SEWER CLEANING • BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELING Owned & Operated By Master Plumber

Matt Hayden

(540) 775-1500 • www.MyPlumbingSolutions.com

Where the community comes to bank.

From personal checking and savings accounts to a complete range of business banking solutions provided with exceptional care, we are the region’s community bank.

Personal and Business Banking • Online/Mobile Banking • Loans and Lines of Credit • Exceptional Service Fredericksburg - Central Park 1340 Central Park Blvd, Suite 106 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-412-6475 Fredericksburg - Downtown - Coming Soon 425 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-940-2202

540-412-6475 • cbtc.com AD_KG_10.25X6.5.2015.indd 1

MEMBER FDIC

2/26/2016 11:55:45 AM