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Holiday Concerts in WILLIAMSBURG

 

HOLIDAY CONCERTS in WILLIAMSBURG @ William & Mary



If Thanksgiving did not get you into the holiday spirit, try a little music!  The College of William & Mary is sponsoring a number of holiday concerts that will surely get your sleigh bells ringing!


Wednesday, December 3, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Symphony Orchestra
        Akiko Fujimoto, conductor
        "Carmen" Fantasy by Saraste featuring Renowned violinist Charles Castleman and Johannes Brahms' Symphony
        No. 4 in E minor
        $8 general/$2 students/free for children under 12


Thursday, December 4, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Wind Symphony
        Angela Holt, conductor
        Holiday musical journey from America, around the world and back to America, with a special appearance by the             W&M Middle Eastern Ensemble.
         $7 general/$3 students and seniors


Friday, December 5-6, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Choir, Women's Chorus & Botetourt Chamber Singers
        Brian Bailey, conductor
        Choral Holiday Concert of music by Mendelssohn, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Duruflè, Vaughan Williams and more!
        $10 general/$5 students


Saturday, December 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. & December 21, 2 p.m.
        The Virginia Regial Ballet and Heidi Robitshek presents:
        The Nutcracker!  A Spectacular Williamsburg tradition for over 30 years!
        

All at the Phi Betta Kappa Memorial Hall, 601 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg.  Call 757-221-2674 for more information.

Happy Holidays to All!


Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA  23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

       

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

 

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

 

Veteran's Day in WILLIAMSBURG

 

VETERAN'S DAY in WILLIAMSBURG


Colonial Williamsburg is honoring the sacrifices of military families with complimentary admission passes to active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans and their families from Nov. 7-11, 2008.

The Honoring Service to America pass includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and museums, including the Capitol, Governor’s Palace and Basssett Hall, the Williamsburg home of Foundation benefactor John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. 

The pass also includes an Orientation Walk, a walking tour that provides an overview of Colonial Williamsburg and its Restoration, free shuttle bus service to and from the Visitor Center, a viewing of the movie, “Williamsburg, The Story of a Patriot,” and free parking at the Visitor Center.         

The service member need not be present, and free passes will be provided to immediate family members of currently deployed troops, with appropriate identification. Military veterans who separated before retirement can bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, as identification of service. These tickets are available only at Colonial Williamsburg on-site ticket sales windows.

In addition to providing complimentary admission tickets to these honored guests, Colonial Williamsburg offers special rates to military personnel and their families at any of its five on site hotels, the closest lodging to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, museums, dining, shopping, golf, children’s activities and more.


Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE

757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

 

American Education Week @ FORT EUSTIS

 

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK @ FORT EUSTIS

Army educators join those from around the country in celebrating American Education Week. From Nov. 16 to 22, the Army will refocus on strengthening its resolve to educate America’s Soldier students to meet the challenges of leadership today and tomorrow.

This year’s theme is “Army Education: Strong Soldiers, Families and Communities,” which underscores the philosophy that started AEW.

The Fort Eustis Bateman Army Education Center hosts its annual Education Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at Bldg. 1500, Madison Avenue. Colleges and universities both local and distant will be represented to enable personal interaction with students.

Featured presentations include: Green to Gold Program, 10 a.m.; Troops to Teachers Program, 11 a.m.; and the new 9/11 GI Bill at noon. All briefings are open to anyone who wishes to participate. More information is available by calling 878-2083.

Education center counselors are available to provide career and academic counseling. Stop by for more information on Army Continuing Education programs and services. We offer a variety of programs to assist Soldiers in obtaining their college degrees, GED, certification, or licensure. These programs also take into consideration Soldiers busy careers and personal time.

 

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Be A Santa for SENIORS in WILLIAMSBURG with Meal on Wheels

 

Be a Santa to a SENIOR in WILLIAMSBURG with Meals on Wheels

Here's your chance to be and angel this holiday season.  In Williamsburg, Meals on Wheels and other local groups for the aging have partnered with Home Instead Senior Care to sponsor Santa for a Senior, a holiday gift-giving program. All you have to do is pick a senior's name from a Santa for a Senior Christmas Tree at theWalmart on Mooretown Road. Suggestions for items most needed and appreciated are included.

Gifts should be deposited, unwrapped, into a box at the store's customer service desk. Meals on Wheels will then deliver the wrapped gifts to the recipients, along with a hot meal. 

Happy holidays! 

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

 


 

 

FREE Health Fair for SENIORS Tomorrow in WILLIAMSBURG

 

FREE Health Fair for SENIORS on  Friday in WILLIAMSBURG

 

On Friday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 a.m. until noon the Historic Triangle Senior Center and other local organizations will host the Annual Senior Health Fair at the Williamsburg-James City County Recreation Center.

The Senior Health Fair this year will feature a variety of services for local seniors including vision, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, as well as free flu, pneumonia and tetanus vaccines.

A wealth of health and safety information will be available, ranging from topics like massage therapy, adult day care and nutrition, to home health care and social services programs. 

Seniors will also be able to enjoy an “Ask the Doctor” session, free computer access, therapy dogs to pet and play with, and a demonstration by the fire department on safety.

There will be lots of information regarding health and wellness that can really benefit seniors.  There will be a variety of venues throughout the recreation center.

Other sponsors of the fair include Olde Town Medical Center, the Peninsula Agency on Aging and Sentara.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Military Children & Education in Virginia

 

Military Children & Education in Virginia

 

Military children often face being the new kids every year when mom and dad get orders for a new installation. Trying to figure out which school they should go to and where they stand academically can be hard to do on your own. The good news is there are school liaison officers who work for the military and help parents and children have the smoothest transition into a new school as soon as possible.


There are a number of school issues about which every parent should be knowledgeable. Some are a result of the federal No Child Left Behind Act; others are Virginia education requirements; some are unique to the school district; and some are specific to your child’s school.


Fortunately, a lot of this information can easily be found at the Hampton Roads Joint Military Services School Liaison Committee Web site – www.military212link.com. Other district- and school-level topics addressed on the Web site include attendance policies, school calendars, closures/delays due to severe weather, emergency notification, dress codes, grading scales, supply lists, special education requirements, school objectives, transportation and program offerings.

Another valuable educational resource which recently became available for military families is a free online tutoring program entitled SOAR, or Student Online Achievement Resources. This program, in partnership with the Military Impacted Schools Association, is designed to assist families with children in grades three through 12 improve their skills in math, reading and language arts. Students take a test on state learning standards and are directed to tutorials which will improve their skills where needed. Parents can monitor the progress of their child from anywhere in the world. Children must be registered by their parent through the following Web site: www.soarathome.org. 

 

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com


 

FORT EUSTIS SPOUSE'S CLUB

 

The Fort Eustis Spouses's Club


Fort Eustis, Virginia


Having to adapt to military life is no easy task for a military spouse. Frequent transitions make it very difficult for military spouses to establish friendships and feel connected in a new community. The Spouse’s Club of Fort Eustis helps to overcome those challenges as it brings together military spouses for strength, support and friendship. It is a social group for military spouses to bond, be involved and share and gain knowledge from other military spouses. Whether it’s the monthly-themed luncheons or annual fundraiser galas, the SCFE provides the opportunity to socialize, congregate, have fun and be part of the community in an impactful way.

The Fort Eustis Spouse’s Club has been in existence for many decades, making it a tradition for military spouses. From what is known, the Spouse’s club has been around since the early 1940s. However, last year marked a new initiative, as both the Officer and Enlisted Spouse’s Club combined bringing together a broad group of talented individuals. The union has proven to be successful and is anticipated to continue being a success through out the years to come.



The Spouse’s Club is committed to serving the community and hosts a number of activities and events each year in order to raise funds. Funds are also raised through the Fort Eustis Consignment Shop, which is run by volunteers associated with the Spouse’s Club. All funds raised are used as donations to support organizations on and off the installation. Funds raised are also used to provide college scholarships to graduating high school students who are affiliated with the Army and spouses who are continuing their education.

Membership is open to all spouses of active duty and retired military members in all branches of the Armed Services who are assigned, attached or living at Fort Eustis as well as active military members and Department of Defense civilians and their spouses. Membership is welcome at anytime. Membership fees are $25, for the entire year, which includes the monthly newsletter. Spouses of E-4 and below pay only $15 per year. Presently the club is seeking members to fill vacant board positions, which include ways and means, newsletter and members at large for organizations on the installation.

More information is also available through the SCFE Web site at www.myspace.com/spousesclubofforteustis.

 

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Courtesy of Yvette Smith SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

 

Choosing Power of Attorney is a Critical Estate Decision

 

Choosing a Power of Attorney is a Critical Estate Decision



Who would you want handling your financial affairs if you are ever incapacitated?  Who would you want making medical decisions for you if you were unable to do so?  These are two questions CNN Money Magazine suggests asking yourself when planning a living will.


A living will is one form of an advanced directive that allows an individual to make his or her wishes known to potential caregivers in the event of becoming debilitated.


Designating a power of attorney provides an individual with a back-up plan if they are ever unable to make decisions for themselves.  This person can negotiate, enter into contracts, and settle matters for the person who has designated them.


While planning a living will it is important to designate both a durable power of attorney and a medical power of attorney.  A durable power of attorney can make decisions while you are still alive. This would be beneficial to elders, who perhaps due to senility are unable to continure making important financial decisions.  A medical power of attorney is there to help make choices pertaining to your medical treatment if you are unable to do so. This would include your desires regarding life-support matters.


Having each of these powers of attorney in place will help to elevate your family's stress during a difficult time. Without this important designation in place the court may be needed to intervene if the family  is unable to reach a unified verdict on what is best for you...which could prove to be costly.


Courtesy of Yvette Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Question of the Week from LYTLE TITLE in Williamsburg

 

    Question of the Week

from Lytle Title in WILLIAMSBURG VA



Question:


I've got a closing with an unreleased deed of trust, but the settlement agent who closed the deal is out of business and gone.  What do I do?


Answer:


Unfortunately we are seeing more and more of this as a result of the economy generally and the real estate market specifically.  If the problem is an unreleased deed of trust then sellers search their records carefully to see if they can locate anything from the closing-a payoff statement, HUD-1, etc.  We can usually track down the lender, verify payment, and get the releaase directly.  

If the problem is something else - proof of death in the chain of title, an affidavit, or something to that effect - then we can usually solve those problems as well, it just takes us some time to do so.  But this question really suggests two indirect observations.  First, if the seller had owner's title insurance then the seller would have a better chance of closing on time and would be protected if not.  Second, this is why that buyer should close with Lytle Title.  


Brian Lytle has been doing this work for  two decades and has every file that he has ever closed.


Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virignia  23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com