Covington GA Living

Newton County BOE Rushes Boldly Into 20th Century!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:16:05 -0600

Finally! After prolonged, consistent "lobbying" efforts by a small group of parents and citizens concerned with the education of their children and grandchildren in Covington and Newton County, the county Board of Education is establishing two theme schools for next school year. Finally, our school system is moving out of the educational Dark Ages.

An elementary theme school will open next year at Fairview Elementary. Clements Middle School is being turned into a theme school for middle school students. Meetings are scheduled all during the month of January to provide more information to the public on the schools and their curriculums.

According to "The Covington News," the elementary theme school programs will "...integrate research-centered/hands-on projects and critical thinking skills, especially in math and science, and increased reading assignments at home and during the summer break." Middle school students will additionally be offered "a comprehensive, interdisciplinary educational program" based on those elementary skills.

Here's the most important part... parents of students attending the theme schools must get involved! That's not just a platitude, but a requirement. That's the only way the schools will be successful.

Look at the best schools in the County today. It's easy to do. You can count them on the fingers of one hand. They're the schools where the teachers are happy because they can teach rather than discipline. They're the schools with parents active in PTO, booster clubs, and fund raisers. The ones where parents show up for sporting events, lunch with their kids, parent-teacher conferences, and special school meetings. They're the ones where parents make their kids do their homework, are involved in their lives, and concerned about the quality of their education and their future.

Congratulations Newton County Board of Education for finally taking the initiative. We may be just now "rushing boldly into the 20^th century." But at least we're rushing toward something noteworthy... a quality education for the future leaders of our country.

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Fix Housing - Fix the Economy: Finally Someone Gets It !

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:29:05 -0600

When I checked my email late last night, I had a message from U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's (R-Ga.) office about a new bill he introduced called the Fix Housing First Homebuyer Tax Credit Act to expand the homebuyer tax credit passed by Congress last year.

Considering the provisions of Senator Isakson's bill and his speech to colleagues on the Senate floor about the bill, I think someone has finally gotten this thing figured out!

Senator Isakson has already met with President Obama's team, explaining the bill and urging their support, and told his Senate colleagues of his hope that they will... "embrace this concept of incentivizing the housing market so we can stabilize values, stop the continuing erosion of equity, and begin to reflate - not inflate but reflate - the housing market.

What the bill proposes is repeal of the "now-you-see-it / now-you-don't" $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers passed last year, and replacing it with a tax credit between $10,000 and $22,000 for every home buyer. The tax credit for this year could even be claimed against 2008 income taxes, immediately incentivizing the marketplace.

Why did Senator Isakson introduce the bill? He believes the deployment of the first half of TARP money meant to stabilize the banking system, ease consumer credit, and help the housing market has had disappointing results. "While it probably did stabilize the banking system, there has yet to be a loosening of credit and there has yet to be a recovery in the housing market," Senator Isakson said. And throwing the remainder of the $750 billion TARP allocation into the market without specific plans and directions for its use would only be addressing the ... "symptoms of a serious illness rather than treat (ing) the illness."

Having been in the real estate business for over 30 years, Isakson was around during the collapse of the housing market in 1974 - one even worse than the current situation. At that time, President Gerald Ford and Congress passed a tax credit bill for families buying and occupying a home from the standing 3-year inventory of homes on the market. "Within 1 year's time, which was the limited time of the tax credit, two-thirds of the housing inventory on the market was sold, values stopped declining and started improving, and we had a stabilization of our economy, the end of a recessionary period, and the beginning of prosperity," according to Isakson.

I believe Isakson is right when he states, "...the housing market led us in; the housing market will lead us out. It is time for us to fix housing first." But he faces an uphill battle. Not only does he have to convince the current administration and his colleagues on both sides of the isle, but the Barney Frank(s), Christopher Dodd(s) and Nancy Pelosi(s) of the world who got us into this housing and economic crisis in the first place.

For more information about the current housing crisis and its effect on current economic conditions, read the text of Senator Isakson's speech to the U.S. Senate and my blog, "Six Degrees of Separation." Your comments are always welcome.

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Covington Market Watch - Year End 2008

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:13:25 -0600

With the current state of the economy in the U.S., fueled for the past several years by the housing market, it's probably no big surprise that 2008 was not a stellar year in real estate in Covington and Newton County.

Here's how the year ended in Newton County, according to statistics drawn from the Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS).

A total of 1355 single family homes sold in Newton County during 2008, a decrease of almost 400 from those sold in 2007.

Total Sales volume in December 2008 was almost $8 million less than in January. And the average sales price during that period dropped by over $43,000 per home, on average.

New homes were hardest hit with only 328 new homes selling during 2008. It took an average of 6.5 months to sell each of those new homes, and there's still a 14.3 month supply of newly constructed homes on the market in the county.

There were 779 single family property foreclosures during the year. But, they were not just low-cost and starter homes. These foreclosures can be found at virtually every price point and in most neighborhoods county wide.

Will 2009 be a better year in the housing market? With unemployment in metro-Atlanta standing at 7% and expected to rise during 2009, it's hard to say. But housing is the key to economic recovery in this area overall, and unemployment usually lags the start of recovery. So watch the housing market this year to see how our economy is doing.

The good news in all of this is that it's still a great time to buy a home, especially if you're in a position of not having to sell before you buy. There is ample mortgage money available for new loans for those with good credit at some of the lowest interest rates in years. And there are plenty of homes on the market for you to choose from - 1862 active single family home listings in Newton County today - at better prices than you're likely to find for years to come.

If you have a home to sell, give it a try. It costs you nothing until the home is sold, so you have nothing to loose. And if you sell for less than you'd like, be assured that you'll be buying for a lot less than you would expect also!

If you have a home to sell, contact us, "Your Traditional Neighborhood Specialists," by either phone, email or text message. We'll be glad to advise you on things you can do sell your home faster in this market.

And if you're looking for a new home, we have access to hundreds of new, bank-owned and foreclosed properties throughout Covington, Newton and the surrounding counties. Call or text 770-337-5262 or 404-925-3676, or email billblair@bellsouth.net. We'll make it work for you!

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Six Degrees of Separation

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:52:17 -0600

You've probably heard the theory that everyone in the world is separated from everyone else by only six degrees. That is to say, considering all the people you know and have come in contact with, all the people they know and have come in contact with, etc. to the sixth degree, you indirectly know or have come in contact with everyone living in the world today. If you think about that theory, it can also explain the state of our economy here in Covington and, indeed, the world.

I received a call this week from a friend who's an architect and residential builder. He is helping Newton County officials put together an application to receive some of the federal "bail-out" funds to help our local housing industry. He asked if I could get some statistics for him on our local housing market to help support information in the county's application.

What I realized in putting together those statistics is how closely related the housing market in Covington is to the state of our local economy and the economic woes around the globe.

New home sales in Newton County dropped from 1226 in 2003 to only 329 in 2008. In 2003, new homes were selling in an average time of 159 days for an average price of 101.1% of the asking price. In 2008, it took, on average, 198 days to sell a new home, and then at only 93.4% of the asking price. The housing bubble had burst, and home builders in Covington and Newton County effectively stopped building new homes. (There are currently only 329 new homes on the market in Newton County, but a 16.2-month supply of resales and foreclosed homes.)

Economists report that the housing market is a leading indicator of the state of our economy. So, what happens when builders can't sell their new homes and stop building? The six degrees of separation theory takes over.

When builders aren't building, they don't need developers, banks, material suppliers, realtors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywall hangers, landscapers, brick layers, concrete workers, or house cleaners.

Developers, banks, material suppliers, realtors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywall hangers, landscapers, brick layers and concrete workers don't need land, new offices, office supplies, advertising, lumber, nails, tools, wiring, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, drywall, sod, plants, pipe, brick, concrete, or new trucks.

Banks foreclose on the builders' inventory and tighten credit on everyone because they don't have money to make new loans. (There were 779 foreclosures in Newton County in 2008.)

Municipalities loose revenue from taxes and utilities, putting law enforcement, firemen and sanitation workers out of work.

There's no need for manufacturers' products so they don't need as many factory workers. Nor do they need freight carriers' trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes to deliver their goods.

Builders, developers, bankers, wholesalers, realtors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywall hangers, carpenters, electricians, landscapers, brick layers, concrete workers, house cleaners, cops, firemen, sanitation workers, factory workers, and truckers are unemployed. They don't have the money to shop at the malls, buy new cars or eat out. Retail workers and restaurant workers become unemployed. Unemployment rises to 7.5% (in Georgia).

A simplistic explanation? Probably...

Realistic? Yea, it's happened...

So, did housing market problems in Covington and Newton County cause all our economic woes?

No! But when the same thing happens in Covington and Atlanta, and Orlando, and Hillsdale, New Jersey, and Spokane, and Denver, and Walnut Creek, California all at the same time, there's only six degrees of separation between us, a U.S. recession, and a global economic crisis.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the Rain"

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You Have To Believe It To See It!

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:20:42 -0600

I'm a Republican. I've never been, nor will I ever be a Democrat. To my daughters' chagrin, I'm much too conservative. But - politics aside - what happened in this country yesterday with the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44^th President of the United States cannot help but cause a sense of pride, inspiration, and hope for our nation.

The special thing that happened yesterday was not that the first black president was inaugurated, not that his speech was great (or not), not that Michelle's outfit was lovely (or not), or that Aretha's hat was tacky (it was!). The special thing that happened was that almost 2 million Americans on the mall in Washington endured hardship, celebrated together, and demonstrated by their "actions" that all people are created equal.

The special thing was that millions of other Americans celebrated with those in Washington, sensing a bond of freedom and equality with their countrymen and a new pride in their nation.

Many people throughout history have said that all people are created equal. But few have shown it in their actions or inspired others to act as if it were true. It does no good to say it and not believe it. It does no good to believe it and not act like it. It does no good to act like it and not try to make others believe and show it through their actions.

I don't know whether President Obama will be a great leader or not, whether or not his leadership can resolve this nation's problems, or whether he can really change the way our government works for the better. Those are things all of us will have to watch, and call him to task for if he doesn't live up to his promises. That's our job.

But I do know that, yesterday, President Obama inspired millions of Americans to simultaneously believe and act like all people are created equal. For that alone, he deserves our respect and support.

It is now up to us - to all of us - to ensure that yesterday was not one brief, shining moment. It is up to us to ensure that yesterday was not special because of a bond we "shared," but because of a bond we "share." It is up to us to believe and to act like all people are created equal. For until we do, it will not be so.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the Rain!

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10 Reasons Real Estate Buyers Want to Low Ball, Steal the House, and Stick It to the Seller

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:22:45 -0600

I had a buyer in Covington call me last week about a great home I have listed... beautiful home, like-new condition, move-in ready, great location, wonderful school district, fantastic value. He had looked at the home before and loved it, but he was calling to see if the price had been reduced yet or if it had gone into foreclosure. "It's still too high for this market. I think I'll wait until things bottom out so I can get a real steal," he said.

I tried to impress upon him what a great value it was for his family, how it was on the market due to a corporate transfer, would not go into foreclosure, and that it might not be there when he perceived the market had bottomed out... if, indeed he could read the market that well at all. But all to no avail!

Following is piece written by Janet Guilbault, a mortgage adviser in Walnut Creek, CA. It is so insightful that I felt compelled to reprint it here for the beneift of buyers, sellers and Realtors in our market. As Janet points out, getting the BEST HOUSE in YOUR LOCATION OF CHOICE at a hugely deflated price should make anyone happy. What else is there?

Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (RPM Mortgage):

What is the biggest misconception in the mind of the guy about to make an offer on a house?

This seller must be absolutely desperate to sell this house.

I will ignore the asking price, because all houses are priced with plenty of negotiating room.

Sellers expect low ball offers in this market.

Any seller would be lucky to have me buy their house.

It can't be a good buy unless I am able to steal the house.

If this offer doesn't go through, I'll just keep on low balling until I get another house.

I am a brilliant negotiator.

If the seller won't take this offer, I will walk away for a few weeks and let them stew until they do.

No one else would want this house, anyway.

No one pays full price in this market unless they are stupid.

The sorry state of our economy and the desperation of the retail world have combined to brainwash our clients about buying real estate. Somewhere along the way, "stealing the house" and "winning the negotiations" became more important than landing the best house in the best location at a price you can afford.

Extreme bargain hunting has become a national addiction, and it is spilling over into the real estate industry.

When EVERYTHING we buy from automobiles to clothes is marked down 50% or more, has a coupon attached for a further discount, and comes along with freebies on the side, is it any wonder buyers of real estate have developed an attitude of EXTREME superiority, believing sellers are mere beggars?

Can you see how they have been conditioned to believe that as a buyer, they can call all the shots, no matter how ridiculous?

Many think those beggar sellers must be thinking this:. "Please, buy my house. I am desperate, you know, and expecting your ridiculous offer".

And you know what they say, beggars can't be choosers. And so the stuggle to convince buyers that a house, ANY house, is priced "right" continues.

Here's a news flash: beggars may not be able to be choosers, but losers can sure be snoozers.

Buyers should ask themselves this: Am I willing to risk losing the house I love because I am addicted to scoring an extreme bargain?

Isn't getting the BEST HOUSE in your LOCATION OF CHOICE at a hugely deflated price enough of a high?

Or has extreme bargain shopping become like a drug addiction? You will sacrifice your long term well-being and logical thinking for that 10 minute high of feeling ever so smart because you "stole" the house?

Before you smile just thinking about how to make the seller squirm, remember this:

There is just that one piece of real estate in the whole world. That is what makes a house different from buying a car or a sweater.

Remember these things too: You cannot return it. You can sell it, but the cost of doing so will probably be far more than any savings from your extreme bargain.

Then get your priorities straight. It is about getting the house. Not getting the extreme bargain you can brag about at your next party. That feeling of superiority will last what? For a few days?

Getting the right house can give you a lifetime of pleasure and satisfaction. Even if you pay full price, you will look back and be amazed at the EXTREME BARGAIN these economic times served you up on a silver platter.

Want to know another secret? Sellers are not nearly as desperate as you think.

Written by Janet Guilbault, Mortgage Lending Expert Based Out of the San Francisco Bay Area

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Covington Restaurants... Smiley's

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:58:14 -0600

I grew up in the South eating home-cooked Southern food. My Mom was a great cook, as is my wife. But Mom always cooked in ways that we've come to realize weren't so good for you. Her biscuits were made with lard. Chicken, or pork chops or steak was fried. Most veggies were cooked with fat back. And the cornbread was always slathered with butter. The result... yummy food, bouts with being overweight, and cholesterol pills.

Now, I'm not sure they cook like Mom did, but you can still get that great Southern home-style food at Smiley's in Porterdale.

No white tablecloths, just wooden tables and straight-backed chairs. But the staff is friendly, the service is great, and the food will make you slap yo' mama!

Everything is served buffet-style after the waitress brings your sweet tea. This past Sunday at lunch, the buffet featured fried chicken, roast beef, baked ham, biscuits, cornbread, salad bar and veggies, including green beans, butter beans cream corn, fried okra, mashed potatoes with two kinds of gravy, cornbread dressing, boiled cabbage, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and probably a few others I've forgotten.

Yellow cake with chocolate icing and, as always, fresh banana pudding (made with real custard - no instant vanilla pudding here!) rounded out your meal - and you. And everything tasted just as good (well 99%) as Mom used to make.

Smiley's is only open on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. But it's worth the wait and the drive to Porterdale. Just don't eat too much during the week and be sure to wear your expandable waist pants!

If you want some great Southern cooking like your Mom used to make, Smiley's is still here and still serving it up! I give it two big thumbs up!

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A Christmas Hope

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:59:05 -0600

I'm fortunate enough to have a friend who is also a fine poet. He writes verse all during the year. But every year around this season, there's always something special.

His latest is "A Christmas Hope." This was published in our church program this past Sunday, but deserves to be read by more than just our Presbyterian friends. It evokes vivid images of Christmas past, and inspires belief in the future. It's what this special season is all about. I think you'll enjoy it. It's printed here with permission.

A Christmas Hope

by Reed Blakeney

It's strange to see you now, old friend
I hardly knew your face
There was a time when we would spend
Long hours at your place

Do you remember Christmas Eve
In nineteen fourty-four?
That's when old Jessie had to leave
And go away to war

But you and I were under age
Not old enough to fight
We acted on the high school stage
And knew we'd be all right

For hope was in our corner when
our boys were true and strong
This war would end all evil, then
The nations would get along

Hope was high as battles won
Created much speculation
The war would end and a soldier son
Would get an earned vacation

It's strange the way it all worked out
Since that Christmas long ago
We wonder what it's all about
But we still have much to show

For yes, we've taught Democracy
To nations across the world
We wanted people to be free
We marched with flag unfurled

What do you think, old friend of mine -
This Christmas, two thousand and eight?
I'll treat you to a glass of wine
And set the record straight

It's love that makes the world go 'round
It's hate that turns it sour
There's still much joy to be found
In every Christmas hour

Let's drink a toast to you and me
And good friends we remember
We've lived a long time, don't you see
And hope lives each December

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Who Can I Believe?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:58:31 -0600

I've always been an optimist. There's nothing to be gained from being pessimistic. Of course, there's nothing to be gained from being an optimist either. It just feels better. But, who can an optimistic Realtor® believe these days?

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors is quoted in the latest issue of "Realtor" magazine as saying "...there's good reason to believe the housing market has turned the corner." But, last night on CBS's "60 Minutes," an interesting piece with Scott Pelley questioned whether there was "A Second Mortgage Disaster on the Horizon."

Whitney Tillson, an investment fund manager with Amherst Securities, specializing in mortgages, told Pelley we're at the beginning of a second wave of mortgage defaults. When rates are reset for Alt-A and Option ARM mortgages written during the boom years, the result could be even more defaults and foreclosures than we've seen with the subprime market implosion.

According to Tillson , there were about $1 trillion in subprime mortgages, and there are about $1 trillion in Alt-A mortgages and another $500 to $600 billion in Option ARM mortgages out there which could be in serious trouble when their interest rates reset within the next several months. He expects a default rate of 50 to 70% on the Atl-A and Option ARMs.

60 Minutes' Pelley wrapped up the piece talking with Sean Egan who runs a credit rating firm, and is one of six people who "Fortune" magazine says predicted the fall of Wall Street's financial giants. Egan predicts that 2009 is going to be "miserable," and 2010 to be even worse. The housing market is "core" to the recovery of our financial woes, Egan says. And, he is looking at three... four... maybe five years before the supply overhang of housing is worked through.

So, who can Joe Homebuyer, Suzie Homeseller and an optimistic Realtor® believe?

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"Hollywood of the South"

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:12:30 -0600

Covington and the surrounding area have long been known by the nickname "Hollywood of the South." Film-makers, producers and directors all seem drawn to the locale by the character and charm of its Southern-style buildings and homes.

When the film credits roll, "Filmed on location in Covington, Georgia" shows up on productions such as "In the Heat of the Night, The Dukes of Hazard, My Cousin Vinnie, and Six Pack," among others. Now Covington - more specifically Covington's Traditional Neighborhood Development, Clark's Grove - is the backdrop for yet another video.

Taylor Braun, the young, upcoming Nashville star, filmed her latest music video in Clark's Grove this past August. It was just released, and is making its way on country music television. Also featured prominently in the video is Clark's Groves great little coffee shop, Town Center Breads.

If you'd like to take a look at the video right away, here's a link... Just click on Taylor's photo. Taylor and her music are great. And the backdrop is spectacular!

For more information on Covington, "The Hollywood of the South," or Clark's Grove, give me a call or leave a comment.

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Covington Restaurants... Yummy's

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:50:06 -0600

It's something of a tradition with a large number of families in Covington to eat Sunday lunch out after church. In fact, I've heard from a number of clergy in town that some members of their congregations get a bit upset if services run overtime so that they don't beat the Methodists/Baptists/Presbyterians, or whomever to their favorite restaurant.

This past Sunday, my wife and I tried a place new to us... Yummy's. It's located past Oxford at the intersection of highways 81 and 142 in one end of a small strip anchored by a Texaco service station. Here's our personal impression of the place.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: You have to stretch some when you're in one end of a Texaco station, but Yummy's was nice for it's location... very clean, light and airy with table seating for 30 to 40, mainly at tables of four. No table cloths, but more of a family place. The menu was pretty extensive, offering everything from burgers to full dinners with meat and vegetables.

Service: Servers and staff at Yummy's were very friendly and attentive. Service was fast, and someone was coming by often to refill tea and water glasses and see if there was anything you needed.

Food: On this Sunday, we opted for a full lunch of meat, vegetables, bread and salad. The salads were cold and crisp with standard ingredients... iceberg lettuce, cukes, tomatoes, onion, croutons. I had chicken-fried steak and gravy, mashed potatoes and fried okra. Jean ate fried chicken, mac and cheese and green beans. Portions were adequate, and though the food was tasty, it was "institutional." By that, I mean that nothing was "homemade," other than perhaps the fried chicken. The steak was a patty you can buy in pre-packaged bulk. The potatoes weren't home mashed with cream and butter. The mac and cheese could have been from a Kraft box, etc.

Overall, Yummy's wasn't bad, but only adequate. I'd rate it 2 and 1/2 forks out of 5. The burgers and other "faster food" items may be homemade and wonderful. But we didn't try that kind of fare. It might be a good place to drop in for a bite if you live in the immediate area. But as a destination restaurant that one must make an effort to get to, Yummy's might have a problem.

If you've eaten at Yummy's, let me know what you think. Or if there's another restaurant in Covington or the surrounding area that you really enjoy, I would love to hear about it, as I'm sure other readers would.

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November Real Estate Market Watch

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:31:41 -0600

Whether you're in the market to sell your home or buy a new one; whether you're a real estate investor or just have a single property; whether you watch the world market or just your local neighborhood, there are some interesting real estate statistics for the Covington and Conyers real estate markets for November.

Foreclosures continue to dominate the local real estate scene. There were 54 new foreclosures in Newton County during November, and 39 in Rockdale County. This brings the totals for 2008 to 687 foreclosures in Newton and 378 in Rockdale. That's only 26% more for Rockdale over the 2007 figure, but a whopping 60% increase in foreclosures in Newton County over the previous year.

Is anything selling? Yes. 665 single family homes sold in Newton County during November. The problem is that it took an average of 148 days per home to sell them. Pretty much the same holds true for the Rockdale market...429 homes sold with an average days on the market of 151 days per home.

What's interesting is that, of the 665 sales in Newton County, 366 - or 55% - were priced below $125,000. In Rockdale, 144 homes - or 33% of those sold - were priced below $125,000. In both cases, this price range also had the lowest "Days On Market," times, selling in about 127 days. These are pretty good indicators that a large part of sales in both counties were foreclosed properties. This is constantly reducing the number of foreclosed properties on the market, and is good for the market overall because it reduces the total number of homes available and helps to stabilize property prices.

As of the end of November, there were 1622 single family homes for sale in Newton County - a 14.7 month supply - and 1031 active listings in Rockdale County - a 14.5 month supply for that market.

The most difficult segment of the market in either county right now is homes listed between $250,000 and $350,000. They are taking longer to sell (up to 214 days), and are selling for between 89% and 92% of the asking price.

All this said, believe it or not, this is still a great time to buy a home. Interest rates are low and predicted to go even lower before the end of the year. There's plenty of mortgage loan money available for those with good credit. The average sales price of homes in November was down between 13% and 19% over 2007 prices. And inventory is great.

What's going to happen in 2009? Diana Olick has a pretty good idea in her article written for CNBC's "Realty Check." Take a look at her predictions in "Predictions: 9 For '09 in Real Estate."

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No "Oooo's" and "Ahhh's"!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:47:03 -0600

I took my 6-year-old granddaughter, Abbey Grace, to Covington's historic square last night to watch the "Lighting of the Courthouse." This Covington tradition signals the start of the Christmas season.

Santa arrives in town in a horse-drawn carriage (well, we are in the South here!), there's free hot chocolate and cider on the sqaure, and merchants decorate their shops and extend their hours for early shoppers.

Then, as darkness sets, there's a little ceremony on the steps of the historic courthouse, people crowd into the street to watch, and a local "celebrity" throws the switch to turn on the courthouse's Christmas lights.

All that happened last night, but there were no "Oooo's" and "Ahhh's!"

I knew it might be a long evening when Mr. and Mrs. Claus came by in the carriage. Abbey Grace jumped up and down and waved, then suddendly turned to me and said, "Hey...I know that lady! She works in the office at my school!" At least, she gave the elderly gentleman standing next to us a good laugh!

By the time I explained how the "real" Mrs. Claus was probably pretty busy supervising all the elves, so had to send a "helper," it was time for the festivities on the courthouse steps to begin.

Our community orchestra played a couple of carols... much too slowly. The fantastic Oxford Singing Children performed... but the sound system was lousy and you had to strain to hear them. The welcoming speechs and introduction of the "celebrity" lighter were long enough to loose the crowd's attention. And though I think I have a pretty good basis in the community, I still don't know who the "celebrity" was.

Worst of all, when the switch was thrown to light the courthouse, there were no "Oooo's" and "Ahhh's." The only lights there were, were on a wreath around the clock on the tower, and around arches atop the courthouse steps. I've seen more lights than that on a double-wide!

Come on Covington!

I know it will cost a little money, but at this time of year, let's tastefully string lights to highlight the architecture of our beautiful, historic courthouse!

Let's get a sound system that can be heard all over square!

Let's hear some rousing carols to put people in the spirit of the season!

Next year, when we throw that switch, we need some "Oooo's" and "Ahhh's!"

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'Tis Like A Morn In Spring

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:05:45 -0600

Ireland... 40 shades of green, thatched cottages, quaint villages, pubs, St. Patrick, leprechauns, friendly, ruddy-faced people, sheep, a pint of Guinness and a dram of good Irish whiskey. All those things pop to my mind when I picture Ireland. But it's all that and so much more!

My wife and I and two of our closest friends, Hal and Harriette, just returned from two weeks in Ireland. Hal and Harriette had visited several times before, but this was the first trip for Jean and me. Although we've lived and worked and traveled all over the world, we'd never made it to Ireland. We're so happy we finally got there!

The first part of October is a great time to go. The tourist season is almost over so the crowds are gone. The weather is still comfortable... upper 40's at night, lower 60's during the day. Just look for rain at any minute. And if it doesn't rain at that minute, look for it the next minute. We had a total of four rainless days during the 14 days we were there.

Months ago, Jean and Harriette read a book called "Last of the Donkey Pilgrims" by Kevin O'Hara. O'Hara was a Viet Nam vet who set out in the late seventies to pull his life back together by walking the entire perimeter of Ireland with nothing but a donkey and a cart, like Irish pilgrims hundreds of years ago. One year, and a book full of adventures later, O'Hara made it back to his starting point, and so impressed Jean and Harriette that we set out to follow most of his route around the Emerald Isle.

After a couple of days in Dublin visiting Trinity College to see The Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol (jail) to learn some Irish history, Guinness brewery to down a few pints, and Jameson distillery to get my certification as an official Irish whiskey taster, we set out on our trek in a rented van on the "wrong side" of the road.

There's no way I can show all the 400+ photos I took. And it would take days to explain all we saw and experienced. But here are a few highpoints.

We headed north to Newgrange to see the passage tombs built by Neolithic Stone Age Irish inhabitants. The tombs, huge mounds of dirt and stones, are older than the pyramids. Once each year, on the summer solstice, the rising sun shines through the passage into the tomb lighting the interior chamber for exactly 17 minutes, offering the promise of summer and another season of growth. It's hard to comprehend the age of these monuments and the primitive intelligence required to build them.

We visited more passage tombs at Knowth before coming to the Hill of Slane where St. Patrick angered the Irish King of Tara by lighting a huge bonfire which, by tradition, could only be lit by the King. The Hill is now site of an old cemetery filled with Celtic High Crosses, the ruins of an ancient monastery, and a memorial to St. Patrick.

Still traveling north, we saw more castle and monastic ruins, Celtic High Crosses and round towers. Ireland is an ancient land, inhabited for millennia by Celts and invaded periodically by Vikings, Normans and Anglo-Saxons. The remains of castles and the round towers of Irish Chieftains dot the entire countryside, sharing space with sheep, dairy cattle and thatched or tile roofed cottages, all nestled among those 40 shades of green.

On the northern coast is the Giant's Causeway, an amazing formation of hexagonal columns rising from the earth with a volcanic eruption over six million years ago. Legend has it that the columns once reached across the channel and were the stepping stones over which giants traveled between Ireland and Scotland.

Further along the donkey pilgrim's path are the spectacular Cliffs of Mohr, the Dingle Peninsula, ancient stone "beehive huts" where Irish monks "saved civilization" by copying the bible and ancient books smuggled off the European continent, and the ruins of countless castles and abbeys. Two castles not to be missed are Bunratty Castle, with its medieval banquet and Irish folk village, and Blarney Castle where you too can kiss the blarney stone and receive the gift of "eloquence" - or, as my wife calls it, "bulls**t", which she swears I already possessed!

Our final "sightseeing" sight was the Waterford crystal factory in Waterford. Watching the glass blowing, etching and cutting was fascinating. But unless you purchase a piece that is exclusive to Ireland, don't buy your crystal at the factory. It's actually less expensive in the U.S.

If you intend to drive through Ireland, consider taking along a GPS system. It makes the trip much more enjoyable not having to pre-plan every route. There are few "motorways" in Ireland, so it takes longer to get wherever you're going. But the drive is worth it. Most roads are narrow two-lane passages between quaint rock wall fences and beautiful fuchsia hedges. I thought fuchsia only grew in pots on my patio, but in Ireland it grows in tall, lush hedgerows defining walking paths and roadways.

The Irish economy is flourishing - as much as it can be during the current economic crisis. But, the Irish culture is changing. Thatched cottages are disappearing due to the lack of craftsmen who know how to "thatch" roofs. Communities of summer homes are springing up in the countryside for more affluent and retired families moving out of the cities. And over 1500 pubs have closed, not because of the "off premise" sale of alcohol, but because of recent "no smoking" ordinances. Most Irish now had rather buy their Guinness and drink it at home where they don't have to go outside to smoke. Funny - and rather sad - how such small things can affect changes in an entire culture.

The Ireland experience was fantastic... beautiful, educational, and inspiring. But, I must admit, my favorite place was Sean's Bar, a small pub in the old village of Athlone. Sean's is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pub in the world. Its original reed and wattle walls have been carbon dated to 900 A.D.

The weekend we were there, Sean's was chock-a-block with happy locals. An impromptu group of musicians, tucked into a corner of the pub beside the peat-burning fireplace, played authentic Irish tunes nonstop. We could have spent all night listening and singing and sipping Guinness and fine Irish whiskey. In fact, I think we might have!

Ahhh... ‘tis like a morn in spring!

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Most Important Thing on the Ballot!

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:26:58 -0600

What's the most important thing you'll put your "X" beside when you go to the polls in Covington on November 4^th?

The name of the next President? We hear more about the Presidential race than anything else. In fact, we've been bombarded for months with positives and negatives about each candidate, what they allegedly stand for and what they'll do for us if elected. That's pretty important stuff. But, most important?

The name of your next Senator or Congressman? Heck, if elected, they'll be part of the 535 people who really run this country. That makes their election or rejection pretty important too. But, most important?

Equally important as either of those races is whether you put your "X" beside the "YES" or "NO" on three Georgia Constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. These three amendments will be instrumental in directing the continued intelligent growth and quality of life in our State and local communities for years to come.

The Georgia Association of Realtors Board of Directors has voted to support each of the three. And my inclination, even before that endorsement, was that they would benefit our State and community too. As the amendments are stated on the ballot, however, may cause some not to vote for the initiatives because of the confusing and even misleading way they are presented. So, if there is anyone out there who hasn't investigated what the three amendment questions are all about or hasn't taken advantage of early voting, here's a quick tutorial...

Amendment 1: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly by general law shall encourage the preservation, conservation, and protection of the state's forests through the special assessment and taxation of certain forest lands and assistance grants to local government?"

The primary things this amendment does is to allow property owners with 200 acres or more of forested land to voluntarily enter into a "covenant" with their local governing authority to preserve their land for a period of 15 years, and get a reduction in their property tax on that land by entering the covenant. It costs the general taxpayer nothing, preserves some of the state's natural beauty, is environmentally friendly, and can be bought out of at any time by paying back taxes along with some penalties. It's the same deal that farmers have today with Agricultural Conservation Use Covenants which are about the only thing keeping their property taxes low enough to make farming a viable profession.

Amendment 2: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize community redevelopment and authorize counties, municipalities, and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes and programs?"

At first blush, this sounds like we may be taking school funds to redevelop and cure slums and blighted areas. Not true! If this amendment passes, school systems will not lose any tax dollars, but in the long term will gain. This amendment would authorize the use of school tax funds for the redevelopment and revitalization of blighted areas within "Tax Allocation Districts (TADs)" with out raising our taxes. Once the redevelopment is complete and property taxes within the TAD increase, the increased tax revenue would pay off development bonds. Once the bonds are paid off, the local government and school systems continues to reap the benefits of the higher tax base and associated revenues.

Amendment 3: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts for the provision of infrastructure as authorized by local government?"

This could be the greatest thing for intelligent, controlled growth within our state and local communities since the hard hat. The establishment of Infrastructure Development Districts (IDDs) within a particular area offer an essential means of financing and building new infrastructure - roads, bridges, sewer, parks, street lights, schools, municipal services, etc. - by taking the burden off the taxpayer and shifting it to the private sector.

Through bond sales by a private board overseeing the IDD, growth is financed and paid off by the renters or purchasers of the new development, resulting in tax growth, greater job opportunities, planned growth, environmental safeguards, and greater quality of life without higher taxes for anyone.

There's no most important on the ballot this year. Everything there is important. But, isn't that the way it always is? Make your voice heard on all the important stuff on November 4^th. Vote!

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