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http://www.gwinnettparents.com/KidsActivities/SummerDayCamps/tabid/754/Default.aspx

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http://www.gwinnettparents.com/KidsActivities/SummerDayCamps/tabid/754/Default.aspx
Before you move…
How Exciting! You have sold your old home and are getting ready to transition to the new home!

There are a few things you should do before you move into your new home. First of all, make sure to call the utility providers to establish service in your name. Some utility services may take a few days to establish service, so it is always best to call a few days up to a week prior to moving. On the other hand, if you do not set up service in your name, the utilities can be disconnected with out any warning.
Second, you should call a company to begin monitoring your security system. As soon as you start moving in your personal belongings you will be ready to set your alarm.
Don’t forget to tell EVERYONE where you are moving. Send in written notices to anyone that you pay bills to, such as credit card company or cell phone provider. One of the most important things you should do while giving out your new address is to do a forwarding address at the post office so that important items like “bank statements” do not get lost in the mail.
After you moving in…
Make a file to store any manufacturer’s manuals or warranties for items like water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, etc. This way if you ever need to call about an issue or just need a friendly reminder of how to adjust the thermostat, you will know exactly where to look. If any of these items come with warranty information cards, fill them out and mail them in.
It is now time to change the address on your driver’s license or if you are moving from out of state it is time to get a new license… Same thing with your vehicle registration.
Register the children in the new school district.
Register to vote if you have moved to a new jurisdiction.
More Helpful Hints…
Label all cans of touch up paint with the room/rooms that they go to. Store them all together so it is easy to locate. Alternative idea~Some people are now just making photo copies of the paint can labels instead of storing the cans. You take the color number codes from the labels to any paint store and they will mix up the exact formula.
Make sure to locate all water main and gas main shut off valves.
Install furniture protector pads to any furniture that will be placed on hardwood floors.
Now… get out and meet the neighbors! They always have helpful information regarding the best places to eat, best dry cleaner, dentist, etc…
Take advantage of the cooler weather by finding fun activities to do outside, and have some ideas stashed away for the rainier days.

It is always so much fun to pack a lunch and head to the zoo with the kids and the neighbors and their kids… you get the idea-everyone loves the zoo! This time of year the days are not too warm and an excellent time tour the zoo. The Atlanta Zoo is now offering Wild Encounters where you can actually feed animals like giraffe and elephants!

If wild animals aren’t your thing, but you definitely want to stay outdoors, why not check out the AtlantaBotanical Garden. Every season brings a different view and there are always different social events. In May check out The Bonsai Society Show , take a tour of An Edible Garden, and top it off with Edible Lessons . It is a class designed to allow you to taste local produce and how to utilize it. You may even leave this class with a small gift to plant in your garden.
Have a game plan for the rainy days. Why not check out Disney Family Fun online and create some “bugs” to keep indoors. Or create some Plastic Posies to put outdoors when the sun comes to visit again.

Celebrating mothers should be a joyous occasion but can turn into a stressful situation without a plan. Don’t fret. Gwinnett offers events and activities that will help to make this Mother’s Day a success. This year, treat the moms in your life to a weekend filled with events from manicures and mimosas to dinner and dancing, performances and everything in between.
Weekend full of family-friendly baseball games.
When: 5:05 p.m. today, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, 2:05 p.m. Sunday
Where: Coolray Field, One Braves Ave., Lawrenceville
Cost: $6 to $35
For more information: Call 678-277-0340
Brunch for mom and the whole family.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Chew Chew Cafe, 106 Depot St., Lawrenceville
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child
For more information: Call 770-963-4294
The symphony includes pieces from Berlioz, Lauridsen, Liszt and Mozart that features the Gwinnett Symphony Youth Orchestra Showcase.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Performing Arts Center at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
Cost: $10 to $35
For more information: Visit www.gwinnettcenter.com or www.gwinnettsymphony.org
Nail spa event including mimosas.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Wingate by Wyndham
Gwinnett Place Mall, 3450 Venture Parkway, Duluth
Cost: $25
For more information: Call 678-477-2713
Dance lessons, dinner and dessert for mom.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today
Where: Thirsty’s Bar and Grill, 3907 Burns Road, Lilburn
Cost: $50
For more information: Call770-855-4393
An excursion around Lake Lanier, including food and entertainment.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford
Cost: $30 to $45 for children, $50 to $75 for adults
For more information: Call 770-529-8871 or visit www.lakelanierislands.com
An evening of dancing that includes a swing and rumba lesson, one crepe, a single rose for moms, unlimited access to a chocolate fountain and a raffle ticket to win prizes.
When: 7:15 p.m. today
Where: 550 Trackside, 550 N. Clayton St., Lawrenceville
Cost: $15
For more information: Call 770-855-4396
A traditional buffet with an intimate, neighborhood atmosphere.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Kurt’s Bistro, 3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Duluth
Cost: $39.50
For more information: Call 770-623-4128 or visit www.kurtsrestaurant.com
Spa Sydell hosts an open house event which includes refreshments, door prizes and giveaways, and an opportunity to purchase Spa Sydell giftcards with 10 percent of the proceeds benefiting abused Georgia women.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. today
Where: Spa Sydell, 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 330, Norcross
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit www.spasydell.com
Tea with mom.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grayson Senior Center, 485 Grayson Parkway, Grayson
Cost: $20
For more information: Call 678-985-7775 or visit www.cityofgrayson.org
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2012/may/09/mothers-day-events-2012/
Here’s a fun idea for the kids this weekend, take them fishing! Since 1972 The Rainbow Ranch Trout Farm has been providing family fun for all ages. This is not just for the little ones, teenagers enjoy it too! There is no excuse not to go because everything you need is provided there. For hours of operation, directions and other details visit, http://www.rainbowranchtrout.com/visitor-info. Have FUN! And hope you catch a BIG one!

Looking for that perfect place to take your mother on Mother’s Day this year? Look no further! Dancing4fun is hosting an event at 550 Trackside in Lawrenceville. While you are waiting for the food to be served from American Crepes, make your way to the dance floor for Swing & Rumba lessons! The dance floor will also be open for other dancing, like the Cha Cha, later on in the evening. You will also be able to enjoy the amazing vocal talents of Manuel Covington throughout the night! For a mere $15 per person for admission, you won’t be able to beat this night of fun! For more information, call 770-855-4396.
For link to the event – http://www.meetup.com/dancing4fun/events/61372492/


New home starting construction soon! Here is your opportunity to watch a home grow from the basement up!
As of a few weeks ago, the builder received a building permit from the county and has begun to clear away the trees and shrubbery. After that the lot was dug out for the basement. The next step will be to form the basement walls and pump concrete into them. It is all a very exciting process and I will certainly be aware in the next few days when this occurs as we will see the procession of concrete trucks in and out of the community.
After that, a home truly starts to emerge! It takes about one day for the framers to put in the floor trusses and frame the first floor of the home. It takes about another day to a day and a half to frame the second floor and put up roof trusses.
This home in particular is the Callaway. It is a wonderful floorplan at approximately 3475 square feet. It will include all of the bells and whistles as all of the homes in Stonewater Creek do!
This home features a two-story foyer that is perfect for greeting guests under a brilliantly lit chandelier. To one side of the foyer is the formal living room (some use it as a library) and on the other side of the foyer is the formal dining room. The dining room is adorned with an oil-rubbed light fixture and features the beautiful coffered ceiling and wainscoting. This really does show off when you have it painted a contrasting color, which the builder will be happy to accommodate.
The great room features a magnificent stacked stone, raised hearth gas fireplace with decorative wood trim mantle. There are picture windows on either side of the fireplace to let in the natural sunlight. The great room also features the decorative coffered ceiling as well!
The first floor features a bedroom and full bath. It would make a wonderful guest suite for anyone not comfortable with climbing stairs or for anyone wishing a bit more privacy from the other bedrooms.
There is a side entry two car garage and this particular home has the optional third car garage that is connected so that anyone using the third spot does not need to walk outside before entering the home again.
The kitchen is a chef’s delight! Entertaining will be almost effortless in this culinary work space. The four eye gas cook top is great for temperature control. This home features a walk in pantry to store all of your favorite goodies, the oven is a built in wall oven with a separate built in microwave. Did I mention that the appliances are stainless? This really facilitates clean up. The farm sink is correctly place under the window for gazing at the stars while washing up dishes from an evening meal. The size of the sink allows for soaking of large dishes, pots and pans. This kitchen also has an oversized work island that can also double as a breakfast bar!
The upstairs of this home features a bonus room perfect to house the oversized television and computer station, or would be a great place for an artist to set up shop!
There are three guest bedrooms upstairs each with vaulted ceilings. The builder offers a really neat contrasting trim that can be done on the outline of the vault that really makes it stand out. There are two guest bath rooms upstairs.
The master suite features an oversized bedroom with tray ceilings, a separate vanities, arch and sconces over the mirror, oversized garden tub, walk in tiled shower with decorative tile accents. The closet has been extended out over the garage to accommodate all of your splurges… these homes are a quick drive from the Mall of Georgia!
Are you ready to move in yet? The home should be completed in August of 2012, please visit often as it takes shape! We look forward to seeing you as part of Stonewater Creek!!
The National Association of Realtors® has awarded grants totaling more than $60,000 to 19 state and local Realtor® associations through the Housing Opportunity Program. The HOP grants program is a national effort designed to promote and expand affordable housing opportunities in communities across the nation.
“Realtors® are leaders in creating housing opportunities and these grants further our actions toward making housing affordable for all who are willing and able to become homeowners,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “The programs and activities these grants are supporting will raise awareness about the need for more affordable housing opportunities, as well as educate consumers about the home buying process, encouraging more responsible, informed homeowners.”
NAR’s Housing Opportunity Program Grants were established in 2006. Individual grants of up to $5,000 are awarded four times per year, in February, May, August and November. Since the program’s inception, nearly 200 grants totaling more than $660,000 have been awarded.
The grants support a wide range of housing opportunity activities, including housing symposia; home buyer education or housing fairs; counseling and financial literacy efforts; down payment or closing cost financial assistance programs; public opinion surveys; and Realtor® affordable housing education.
The following Realtor® associations received Housing Opportunity Program Grants in this year’s first round:
Arcadia Association of Realtors® (Arcadia, Calif.): $1,000 to support a forum for elected officials for a discussion related to the community’s redevelopment plans.
Akron Area Board of Realtors® (Akron, Ohio): $2,500 toward a housing summit with the theme, “Don’t Give up the Dream.” The event will connect those looking to buy, sell, save or renovate their home with the organizations that can help them achieve their goal.
Asheville Board of Realtors® (Asheville, N.C.): $3,000 to create a free short sales and foreclosure prevention course for the public.
Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association (Charlotte, N.C.): $5,000 to support a week of activities designed to raise awareness as well as encourage discussion and action about homelessness and other affordable housing issues in the community.
Cleveland Area Board of Realtors® (Cleveland, Ohio): $1,500 awarded to create a brochure highlighting a wide range of financial incentives offered by public and private entities for buyers, owners and sellers.
Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (Fredericksburg, Va.): $5,000 to support participation in a collaborative effort with several other local Realtor® associations to create an online, interactive resource providing information about affordable housing programs, financing options and best practices.
Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors® (Warrenton, Va.): $5,000 to support participation in a collaborative effort with several other local Realtor® associations to create an online, interactive resource providing information about affordable housing programs, financing options and best practices.
Hays Board of Realtors® (Hays, Ky.): $2,000 to conduct a survey of community housing needs to determine the best use of land for additional housing development.
Mainstreet Organization of Realtors® (Downers Gove, Ill.): $3,000 toward a program, in partnership with a VA Hospital, to provide security deposits for homeless veterans.
New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (Metairie, La.): $2,000 for a training event and fair with a focus on foreclosure prevention and recovery.
Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (Portland, Ore.): $5,000 for a “Road Show” to promote the association’s homeownership opportunities website to culturally diverse communities.
The Realtors® Association of Prince William (Woodbridge, Va.): $5,000 to support participation in a collaborative effort with several other local Realtor® associations to create an online, interactive resource providing information about affordable housing programs, financing options and best practices.
Richmond Association of Realtors® (Richmond, Va.): $5,000 to support participation in a collaborative effort with several other local Realtor® associations to create an online, interactive resource providing information about affordable housing programs, financing options and best practices.
Salt Lake Board of Realtors® (Sandy, Utah): $2,500 to conduct a housing fair to educate Realtors® and the public about a wide range of housing resources for foreclosure prevention, loan modification and purchase assistance.
Santa Clara County Association of Realtors® (San Jose, Calif.): $5,000 to fund and operate a foreclosure prevention center through a consortium of nonprofit housing agencies, the city and the local Realtor® association.
West Hawaii Association of Realtors® (Kailua Kona, Hawaii): $3,000 to hold a homeownership fair for residents and potential residents of West Hawaii.
West Metro Board of Realtors® (Carrollton, Ga.) $2,500 to work in conjunction with the city and housing authority to create a program to provide down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
Williamson County Association of Realtors® (Brentwood, Tenn.): $3,000 to create a website to inform the public about changes in the housing market, requirements for home ownership, and tips on being a responsible property owner.
San Mateo County Association of Realtors® (San Mateo, Calif.): $2,000 to present an educational workshop for first-time home buyers, which will explain the home buying process from start to finish.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. News releases are posted in the website’s “News and Commentary” tab.


What a beautiful neighborhood to come home to!
Stonewater Creek by Holt Builders has a remarkable amenities package to offer new home purchasers in this upscale Hoschton neighborhood.
As you drive down the road past the lush landscaping entering the community, you are welcomed home by gas lamp lights that add a feeling of warmth to the neighborhood. The flag stone guard house sits in front of the beautiful wrought iron gates.
The sidewalks go for miles in this community and are accompanied by streetlights to make your morning or evening walk more pleasant.

If you are up for a tennis match, this community has 4 lighted tennis courts and ample parking for you and your opponent.
The clubhouse is one of a kind with architectural details throughout the building. You are greeting by an oversized covered entry way with arched columns. Once you enter the building you notice the soaring ceilings with vaults, columns, and very elaborate trim work. There is a raised hearth stone fireplace win the main greeting room. Off to the side is a full wet bar complete with bar stools. There are two meeting rooms in the club house on the main level. As you go down the beautifully stained hardwood stairs you enter another gathering room of the building. This room is separated by French doors. As you pass thru the doorway, you see several high top tables and a full kitchen with stainless appliances and a kitchen island. There is seating for 20 plus guests in this area. This room is accessible from the pool. Once you step out of the back door you see a built in stainless grill perfect for a barbeque poolside.

The pool is an amazing feature all in its own. It is an Olympic size pool with two mushroom fountains in the zero entry portion of the pool. This is perfect for the toddlers in your life. For the more adventuresome there is a towering slide that rivals the nearest water park slides. For those who want a great work out, there are swim lanes marked into the pool.
The amenities package at Stonewater Creek leaves nothing to be desired! Bring your tennis racket, a towel and some sunscreen! We look forward to having you as part of our community!
