nevada county fair

Nevada County Christmas Fair Results 2012

Winner of the 10th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire Best of Show winner Wanda Dunn of Penn Valley
Winner of the 10th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire Best of Show winner Wanda Dunn of Penn Valley

Gingerbread House Competition Results and Canned Food Drive Results

A successful canned food drive, more than 100 vendors, and 55 gingerbread houses built made the 28th Annual Country Christmas Faire at the Nevada County Fairgrounds a success.

The 10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition was once again a crowd favorite, with 55 entries received. Of those entries, the Best of Show winner was Wanda Dunn of Penn Valley, and the People’s Choice Award went to Kathy Kinney of Penn Valley. The Best of Show is chosen by the judges, and the People’s Choice is selected through ballots cast by individuals who attend the Craft Faire.

First place winners in the traditional categories include MaKenna Chapman, Preston Lancaster, and Finn Becker (child 5 & under); Owen Strolle, and Delaney Aday  (child – ages 6-8); Aiden Keller (child – ages 9-12); Joe Ceselini (kits – ages 8 & under); Ariana Hoffman (teen – ages 13-17); Sherry Andreini (adult – 18 -64); Mary Abbott (adult – 65 & over); GVSD ASP Scotten Kindergarten, and Baylie and Brina Stratton (group – children).

First place winners in the non-traditional categories include Corbin Beals (child 5 & under); Keegan Thompson (child – ages 9 – 12); Toria Kinney (teen – ages 13-17); Wanda Dunn (adult – ages 18 – 64); GVSD ASP Scotten 3rd and 4th grade (group – children); The Jimenez Family (group – family); and Joanne Perilman and Company (group – adult 18 & over).

Winner of the 10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition of the County Christmas Faire People’s Choice winner Kathy Kinney of Penn Valley
Winner of the 10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition of the County Christmas Faire People’s Choice winner Kathy Kinney of Penn Valley

With the help of HOPE (Help Other People Eat) in Nevada County, Sunday’s canned food drive collected more than 480 pounds of non-perishable canned food, which is enough to feed 20 families for a month. These donations will be used at the organization’s December 15 food distribution. HOPE in Nevada County is a program established through the Grass Valley Elks, who partner with the Food Bank of Nevada County to feed those in need. HOPE distributes food on the third Saturday of every month to anyone in the county in need of food and emergency food. Additionally, the Wellmon family, who operate the Grinders food booth at the Country Christmas Faire, received $175 in tips at the event, and will match that amount and donate $350 to the local Food Bank.

The names of all the Gingerbread House Competition winners can be found on the Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. The 2013 Country Christmas Faire is planned for Thanksgiving weekend, November 29, 30 and December 1.

 

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Real Estate

When Buying a Home Factoring in the Cost of Commuting

 
A recent study by the Center for Housing Policy and the Center for Neighborhood Technology suggests that borrowers of moderate means would be smart to calculate the costs of commuting before buying.

  • The study, which looked at transportation and housing costs in the 25 largest metropolitan areas, found that transportation costs rose faster than incomes in every area over the last decade.
  • That has added to the financial burden shouldered by moderate-income homeowners, defined as households earning 50 to 100 percent of a metropolitan area’s median income.  Transportation consumes 30 percent of their income, on average.  Add housing costs to that and the combined cost burden rises to 72 percent.
  • The study also found that some metropolitan areas generally considered more affordable become less so after transportation is figured in.
  • Mortgage underwriters sometimes look at a home’s location relative to where the buyer works, but in most cases a long distance between the two is an issue only if it suggests that the buyer isn’t actually going to live in the house.

Read the full story

 

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Travel

New York City – Central Park Visit (Before Sandy)

httpv://youtu.be/rpucggKjfIc

This time our week long trip in early October 2012 was to New York City, John and I, along with John’s daughter Teresa, and her daughter Leah.

Day One – New York City –  Grand Central Park

Traveling from our Queens Hotel to the downtown area via subway, we arrived at the NYC Central Park at the south entrance, and saw the squirrels near the Heckster Playground. We then went walking past the Central Park Carousel (Since 1971, a carousel has operated at this location in Central Park. The current replaced the original that was destroyed in a fire in 1950. Built in 1908, the current carousel was originally on Coney Island and is famous for having the largest hand carved horses of any carousel.) PS: no picture in our video check the link.

We then strolled up the “Literary Walk”, and the Mall Pomenade, one of the few formal features of Central Park, the Promenade is flanked by American elm trees, a favorite of Central Park architects Olmstead and Vaux. There are many statues of literary figures along the Mall, including Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns. Located in the middle of the park, The Mall runs from 66th to 72nd Streets past an old white band shell for concerts.

Following that we visited the Angel of the Waters, also called Bethesda Fountain, rising from the Bethesda Terrace on “The Lake” in Central Park. (The statue references the Gospel of John, which describes an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda and giving it healing powers.) On our walk in that area we saw at least five (5) weddings!! It was amazing  – all different kinds of people and formality!

Walking west, we ended up at the entrance to the park at Merchants Gate, and saw the Maine Monument which commemorates the 260 American sailors who perished when the US battleship Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, then under Spanish rule. It is still unclear what caused the explosion on February 15, 1898, but Spain declared war on the United States by April 1898. The treaty, which ended the war in December 1898, freed Cuba from Spanish dominion, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam and surrendered the Philippines to the United States.

The gilded bronze figures atop the pylon represent Columbia Triumphant leading a seashell chariot of three hippocampi — part horse, part sea-creature that are said to be cast from metal recovered from the guns of the Maine itself. The figures reflect America’s new position as a dominant world force.

Unfortunately we only had one day to spend in the Park, and only covered (briefly) less than a third of its area. We now hear that Hurricane Sandy downed over 800 trees in the park. Sad.

Written by Judy J Pinegar

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Real Estate

Real Estate News November 2012

English: Los Angeles Times building in downtow...
English: Los Angeles Times building in downtown Los Angeles, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Times

Drop in U.S. mortgage delinquency rates led by California, Arizona
The national mortgage delinquency rate – the percentage of borrowers 60 days or more late on their payments – fell to 5.41 percent in the third quarter from 5.88 percent in the same period in 2011, said TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting companies.

Read the full story
San Diego Union-Tribune

How the U.S. mortgage settlement can help military members
The national mortgage settlement between 49 states and five of the nation’s largest banks includes protections for service members.  Under the settlement, participating banks have agreed to provide consumers relief, everything from granting short sales to modifying mortgages to make them more affordable for homeowners.

Read the full story
Los Angeles Times

FHA gives those who defaulted on homes another chance
The FHA, which backs nearly 8 million loans, is helping rebound buyers recapture the American dream, boosting the housing market in the process.  But that’s touched off a fierce debate about the financial and ethical wisdom of bankrolling borrowers who contributed to the last housing bubble – and the potential cost to taxpayers.

Read the full story

 

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holidays

Happy Thanksgiving To All

httpv://youtu.be/x6x66sKK-rQ

 

John O’Dell and O’Dell Realty, O’Dell Construction wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

 

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Business

Steve Jobs Spaceship Office Complex Construction Delayed

httpv://youtu.be/TkNMVtwBBTM

 

Apple’s ambitious new second campus, which looks like a spaceship design straight out of Hollywood, is being delayed according to new info from Bloomberg . The huge circular new headquarters won’t be fully operational until 2016, according to revised plans filed with the city of Cupertino on November 14..

Some minor revisions to the plans are causing a delay in plan approval. The plans have been modified to relocate an auditorium, elimination of a bridge over a creek and to avoid moving dirt offsite during the construction phase. All these changes were made by Apple and not a requirement of the city. Due to red tape on the city’s part, it’s doubtful if construction can start right away.

The circular-shaped building design planned in a 176-acre space in Cupertino, Calif., is now expected to be under construction until at least mid-2016, about a year later than originally projected

The city was made aware of the submitted changes in August, but by filing in November, an approval in early 2013 is unrealistic, said Brandt. Apple initially planned to have the complex completed by 2015.campus-project-delayed.

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Environment

Malcom Gladwell on the SUV Phenomenon & Gas Prices

2010-2011 Toyota Prius photographed in Manassa...
2010-2011 Toyota Prius photographed in Manassas, Virginia, USA. Category:Toyota Prius (NHW20) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malcom Gladwell is one of the funnier and more interesting writers of our time. His book “The Tipping Point” is one of my favorites. His recent article from the New Yorker, “Big and Bad” is a fascinating look at the history and marketing of SUVs, why people like them, and what the auto manufacturers have learned about how to make and sell them, to satisfy our craving for them.

When John wrote the article below, Gas Prices Too High? it brought home that, in a roomy and comfortable Prius, a 3,500 mile drive he took on his recent vacation cost him all of $249 in gas (at an average $3.35 gallon).

When John wrote the article below, Gas Prices Too High? it brought home that, in a roomy and comfortable Prius, a 3,500 mile drive he took on his recent vacation cost him all of $249 in gas (at an average $3.35 gallon).

In an area where many people (my wife included) commute to Roseville or Sacramento, or beyond to get those perpetually necessary paychecks, the result is quite a financial squeeze if you don’t own efficient vehicles. What’s the point of getting a higher paycheck if it is eaten up by the commute to work?

There are plenty of reasons for big powerful vehicles. Towing and hauling is a real requirement for many people. But you should really read Gladwell’s article to see why people REALLY buy SUVs.

It’s a hoot.

This article posted by Richard Webster

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Construction

What’s the Color of Your Front Door Say About You?

Photo Credit: Paint Quality Institute
Photo Credit: Paint Quality Institute

The front door of a home can be an attention-getting feature on the home’s exterior, beckoning potential buyers inside.

“Like a necktie, which is the focal point of an outfit, the front door is the focal point of the home,” says Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “The color there sends a strong message.”

So what message could the color on the front door of your listings be conveying? Color psychologists suggest that the color of the front door can make a powerful statement about the home or the owner. Here’s what they say the different front door hues can mean, according to the Paint Quality Institute:

  • Blue: Conveys a place of refuge or retreat
  • Green: Projects health, tranquility, and harmony
  • Black: Projects strength, power, and authority
  • Red: Conveys passion, energy, and excitement
  • Brown: Offers a natural look that can convey warmth, stability, and reliability

Source: On November 19, 2012, in Design Psychology, by Melissa Tracey

 

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Community Events, Nevada County Information

Get a 2013 Firewise Calendar for Completing a FREE Defensible Space Advisory Visit

The 2013 Firewise Calendar features native plants.

The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County in cooperation with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and National Firewise Communities are offering residents in Nevada County free defensible space advisory visits to educate citizens about Defensible Space.

California Public Resources Code 4291 requires every landowner to “maintain around and adjacent to the building or structure a firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 100’ on each side of the building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth”.

In addition, this code allows insurance companies to require landowners to maintain the firebreaks.

We live in a wildland urban interface area which has the potential for catastrophic wildfire.

Receive custom advice about:

  • Building materials.
  • Fire facts.
  • How to manage the vegetation on your property.
  • Plant species considered “high fire risk.”
  • Proper clearance from structures.
  • Proper signage for your property.
  • Answers to any questions you might have about the defensible space around your structures.
  • And a variety of other helpful information.

In addition, you will be provided with referrals for contractors and other resources that could help you complete your fuel reduction project.

Advisors will inform citizens about:

  • The burn permit process.
  • The California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP).
  • The FSCNC Chipping Program.
  • The FSCNC Special Needs Assistance Program.

Learn how to make your home and property more fire safe and get a 2013 Firewise calendar!!

 

For all your real estate needs
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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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Real Estate

New Short Sale Program Offers Relief For Underwater Homeowners

Photo courtesy: http://weburbanist.com/
Photo courtesy: http://weburbanist.com/


One of the federal government’s most-important financial relief efforts for underwater homeowners started operating Nov. 1.

Making sense of the story

  • Traditionally short sales, where the lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed and the house is sold to a new purchaser at a discounted price, are associated with extended periods of delinquency by the original owner.  The new Fannie-Freddie program breaks with tradition by allowing short sales for owners who are current on their payments but are encountering a hardship that could force them into default.
  • Eligible hardships under the new program run the gamut: Job loss or reduction in income; divorce or separation; death of a borrower or another wage earner who helps pay the mortgage; serious illness or disability; employment transfer of 50 miles or greater; natural or man-made disaster; a sudden increase in housing expenses beyond the borrower’s control; a business failure; and “other,” meaning a serious financial issue that isn’t one of the above.
  • Homeowners who participate in this new program should be aware that although officials at the Federal Housing Finance Agency – the agency that oversees the program – are working on possible solutions with the credit industry at the moment, it appears that borrowers who use the new program may be hit with significant penalties on their FICO credit scores – 150 points or more.
  • Other factors to consider are promissory notes and other “contributions.”  In the majority of states where lenders can pursue deficiencies, Fannie and Freddie expect borrowers who have assets to either make upfront cash contributions covering some of the loan balance owed or sign a promissory note.  This would be in exchange for an official waiver of the debt for credit reporting purposes, potentially producing a more favorable credit score for the sellers.
  • Finally, participants should be aware of second-lien hurdles.  The program sets a $6,000 limit on what second lien holders – banks that have extended equity lines of credit or second mortgages on underwater properties – can collect out of the new short sales.  Some banks, however, don’t consider this a sufficient amount and may threaten to thwart sales if they cannot somehow extract more.

Read the full story

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