9th Annual Run the River

April 17, 2010
6:30 am	to	10:30 am
6:30 am	to	10:30 am

The 9th Annual Run the River 5K/10K race is around the corner.

Enjoy a scenic run/walk along the Chattahoochee River as you join fellow runners and walkers in the 9th Annual Choate Construction Run the River 5K/10K. Proceeds will be used to continue Homestretch’s mission of providing housing, hope, and life skills to homeless families.

This fast, flat, USTAF certified course (10K) is a great opportunity for a personal record or to just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Chattahoochee River. Awards for overall and masters M/F winners, plus 16 age categories. Fun Run participants also receive trophies. Everyone will enjoy a fun-filled post race party of music (provided by 97.1 The River), food, prizes, and MEE MEE the Clown. This is a family, children, pet friendly event. Baby strollers are welcome as are walkers.

Come and RUN THE RIVER…you’ll enjoy it!!!

The race will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 and begins at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 675 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA.

Race day registration is available and begins at 6:30 AM. Or simply click here to register online in advance.

5K start 7:30 AM | 10K start 8:15 AM | Fun Run starts at 8:30 AM

Homestead Exemption for Roswell Homeowners

Deadline quickly approaching for Roswell homeowners to file for their homestead exemption. You can apply for exemptions year-round by mail or in person; however, you must apply by April 1st to receive the exemption for that tax year.

If you purchased a Roswell home in 2009 or earlier, you have just a few days to file for the Georgia homestead exemption in Fulton County. If you purchased a home in Roswell this year, you can file at any time this year, but the homestead exemption won’t take effect until 2011.

Applications not filed by the deadline constitute a waiver of the exemption for that year. Your closing attorney does not apply for you.

Fulton County Homeowners will receive a $25,000 exemption for tax year 2010 and by 2011 the basic exemption will increase to $30,000. For those homeowners currently receiving a homestead exemption, no further action is required to get the increased exemption, unless there is an ownership change or if you become eligible for an additional exemption.

First time Fulton County homeowners or those applying for an additional exemption, have until April 1st to file. You can access the application at the Fulton County’s Tax Commissioner site.

To qualify you must own, occupy and claim the property as your legal residence on January 1st of the year for which you apply. The applicant’s name must appear on the deed to this property in order to qualify.

Exemptions are automatically renewed and you need not reapply if you refinance your home.

Roswell Georgia Census Information

The 2010 Census has begun for Roswell Georgia residents and it is important to ensure that every resident is counted.

By now, you should have received the census questionnaire forms in the mail. The questionnaire asks only a few simple questions of each person: name, relationship, gender, age, date of birth, race and whether you own or rent household.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s personal information with anyone, including other federal agencies.

Households should complete and mail back their questionnaires upon receipt. Residents that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April and census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person. For people who own more than one residence or who have been displaced from their homes due to natural disasters or other reasons, complete the form for where you reside most of the time.

The 2010 Census will also be used for redistricting at the local, state and federal levels. In addition, census data also has an impact on school budgets, specifically the distribution of Title I and special education funding.

By completing and returning your census form, you can ensure an accurate resident count for the City of Roswell, Georgia.

Roswell Participating in Earth Hour

March 27, 2010
8:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
8:30 pm	to	9:30 pm

The City of Roswell will be participating in Earth Hour. On March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m., World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour — Earth Hour — to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate their commitment to finding solutions.

The City of Roswell plans to participate in Earth Hour and has some ideas to pass the time with your friends and family:

• Play board games by candlelight
• Play flashlight tag
• Roast marshmallows on the fire
• Tell ghost stories
• Take a nap
• Go for an evening nature walk
• Read a book
• Play 20 Questions
• Play I Spy
• Put together a puzzle
• Camp in the back yard or even in the living room
• Write a story or do a Mad Lib
• Eat – stock up on snacks that don’t need cooking
• Sit on your lawn and name the stars

Roswell Household Hazardous Waste Collection

March 27, 2010
9:00 am	to	12:00 pm

The City of Roswell will hold the 3rd Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection on March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at 1810 Hembree Road (Public Works/Transportation/Fire Building). Roswell residents can bring unwanted household hazardous waste items for safe collection and disposal.

Proof of residency will be required – a resident decal is the best form or a City of Roswell Sanitation bill. Window decals are available at the Roswell Recycling Center.

Materials accepted will be:

Latex paint
Paint thinner/turpentine
Pesticides including: fertilizers, herbicides, flea and tick products, fungicides, insecticides and rodentcides
Undiluted pool chemicals
Household cleaners
Fluorescent bulbs
Propane gas cylinders
Mercury thermometers/thermostats
Household batteries (non-rechargeable)
Aerosols
Automotive brake fluid/used motor oil filters (no other automotive fluids will be accepted)

This event is for homeowners only – no commercial entities please.  The Environmental Quality Company will be handling and disposing of the materials. Materials cannot be dropped off prior to the event. Gates will close at noon.

For more information please contact Janet Liberman at jliberman@roswellgov.com or 770.641.3715.

Grocery Shopping in Roswell

Grocery Shopping in Roswell

I’ve often wondered what defined a “foodie.”  Does it define how well you cook?  Or about your level of interest in consuming food?  Or how much you eat?  Or is it about the amount of delight you get when you bite into something you love?

I met a couple a few weeks ago that are recent Roswell transplants.  In getting to know them, I felt the need to educate my new-found friends on where to get “the best . . . .”  We got into the subject of grocery shopping (which came after restaurants and then favorite foods) and it was at that point that I realized I do have an “educated palate”.   At the same time, I’m probably more conscious that most about what I put into my mouth, my body.  With that said, I still don’t know if I’m a foodie, but I do know that I have very high standards.  So let me weigh in on my weekend grocery shopping experience.

Kroger – Usually less expensive than Publix and where I buy most of my staples.  From time to time, you can find an incredible deal on California wines too.  Don’t forget your Kroger Plus Card or the deals I’m speaking about won’t apply.  In regards to the Kroger Plus program, I think it’s actually great targeted marketing.  Every month I get mailers with coupons for the brands and products I actually purchase. With that said, it does seem that the variety of brands and products that they carry keeps shrinking.  At the same time, the Kroger brand is growing . . . imagine that.

Publix – I think Publix is overpriced for the most part, but if I get into a position where I can’t make it to Harry’s for my vegetables, I go here first.  But only when I am forced into it.

Harry’s Farmers Market on Upper Hembree – LOVE this place for all produce, meat & fish.  It is more expensive to buy here but there is absolutely no comparison when it comes to the freshness and/or organic choices.  I promise that your fruits and vegetables will last two to three times as long as that bought in any grocery store.  They also have a great selection of international products, cheese, oils and wines.  I don’t buy a lot of prepared foods but they have a huge selection – oh yes, and an olive bar to die for.  This is one of the stores that I try to pick up a basket and fit everything in there – because if I don’t, my cart will be overflowing with “wants”, and not “needs”, when I leave.  While this store is now owned by Whole Foods, it still has the assortment and expanse of the old Harry’s.

Trader Joe’s – Let me lead with this is BY FAR the least expensive grocery shopping experience to be had in Roswell.  My #1 choice for good but inexpensive wines – the Trellis Cabernet at $6.49 a bottle cannot be beat for an everyday wine.  The value is obvious upon first taste.  Also my #1 choice for bread (huge assortment of healthy and organic), coffee (at half the cost of any grocery store), frozen entrees (no preservatives), cheeses, nuts, and green cleaning products.  If you are into organic, this is the store for you!  One word of warning though – I’m not so crazy about their fruit & vegetables – they always seem to be on their last legs and go bad quickly.  Oh yes, their flowers are less expensive too!

This was going to be a short article but, as usual, when I start talking about food I can get a little long-winded.  So does excitement about all things “food” make me a foodie?  Whatever!

About the Author

Mia Hannah is a local Roswell resident who loves to share your knowledge of the local market with Roswell residents as well as wannabe Roswell residents. Mia is a rockstar Realtor specializing in the Roswell real estate market. Contact us if she can be of assistance with your Roswell home search.

Roswell Foreclosure Alert

With two months left until the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the $6,500 move-up homebuyer tax credit expire, it’s time to get serious about your Roswell real estate shopping list. Now while the tax credit is a nice little incentive, you’d also like a great deal as well, right?

So we’ve compiled a list of the hottest new Roswell foreclosures for you. We have some high-end luxury foreclosures in neighborhoods such as Chatham Park, Cambridge Walk and Stonewyck priced anywhere from $600,000 to $1.6 million.

In addition, we have some foreclosures priced perfectly for the Roswell first-time homebuyer in neighborhoods such as Magnolia Walk, Foxhall, Brookfield Country Club and Horseshoe Bend.

Click here to see a complete list of Roswell foreclosures available right now.

Our team specializes in Roswell real estate and we’ll be glad to meet with you to get you started toward owning the perfect Roswell home. Contact us today to get started.

Cooking Classes with Chef John Wilson

February 9, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
February 23, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
March 9, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
March 23, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
April 6, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
April 20, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm
May 4, 2010
6:30 pm	to	9:30 pm

Barrington Hall Presents Cooking Classes with Chef John Wilson

Tuesday Nights: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join Roswell’s own Chef John Wilson in the kitchen at Historic Barrington Hall for an entertaining and engaging evening of gastronomical delight!

Chef Wilson will present a full array of classes based on classic European cuisine and cooking skills. Reservations are required and space is limited so make your reservations today! Cost is $50 per person per class.

For reservations, call 770-640-3855

Class Schedule

February 9 Couples Cooking for Valentines

• Mixed Greens with Pears, Cranberries and Walnuts/ Blue Cheese Toasts and Vinaigrette
• Rack of Lamb with Apricot Jus
• Whipped Russet Potatoes and Celery Root Puree
• Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes

February 23 Winter in New England

• Smoky Clam Chowder
• Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cider Sauce
• Blue Cheese Potato Gratin
• Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries

March 9 Western Cooking

• Western Rubbed and Mopped Flank Steak
• Baked Potato Cheese Pockets
• Wyoming Zucchini Saute
• S’Mores Pie

March 23 Spring in Italy SOLD OUT

• Spring Farro Salad
• Baked Eggplant Rolls
• Braised Pork Tenderloin in Onion Sauce
• Fresh Berry Crostata

April 6 California Cooking

• Baby Field Greens with Mignonette Dressing
• Roasted Gilroy Garlic Whipped Potatoes
• Vegetable Topped White Fish
• Chocolate Bread Pudding with Raspberry Sauce

April 20 Couples Grilling

• Roasted Corn, Green Bean and Grape Tomato Salad
• Bourbon and Honey Roasted Pork Tenderloin
• Rosemary Skewered New Potatoes
• Balsamic Glazed Red Onions
• Grilled Pineapple Slices with Chutney Glaze

May 4 Cinco de Mayo Festival

• White Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Dressing
• Spicy Black Bean Salad
• Corn and Three Pepper Salad
• Natillas (custard) with Fresh Fruits

5th Annual Roswell Reads Program

March 20, 2010
5:00 pm	to	8:00 pm

Roswell Reads

The Roswell Reads Selection Committee is excited to announce that Outcasts United by Warren St. John, has been chosen as this year’s book for Roswell’s community-wide reading program.

Roswell Reads is a community reading program that works like a giant book club, but with many additional related activities to enhance the experience for all those who participate. Book discussion and programs involving the book and its content will be scheduled.

“The Roswell Reads committee selected Outcasts United as a book which should appeal to readers of all ages,” explains Morgan Timmis, Historic & Cultural Affairs Manager. “With its themes of sports, refugee resettlement and its impact on a small southern community, we felt it would attract a very broad audience. And, the fact that the community is local makes it even more interesting for Roswell readers. We are extremely excited to be able to bring both the author and the Fugees’ coach to speak at our final event on March 20.”

Roswell Reads provides a variety of programs centered around the book and culminates at the final event in which the author, Warren St. John, and Coach Luma Mufleh will be speaking. Click here to learn more about the Roswell Reads upcoming programs and to register for the final event to be held at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center at 830 Grimes Bridge Road on Saturday, March 20, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.