Batesville Store is Closed

In Community by Jim12 Comments

Earlier today two representatives from the state of Virginia showed up at the store without warning, informed us that we were not in compliance with certain state regulations, and basically gave us no choice except to close immediately. … In fact, we have been inspected regularly by Warren Ollinger, the representative from the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who is responsible for inspecting the store, and he has always given us favorable reports on our operation. … Although we have always operated with an eye toward Virginia State Health Department guidelines (and have never been cited for a health code violation of any kind), we were in fact defined by the state as a country store and thus fell under the governance of the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. … THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET BATESVILLE STORE FOOD OR A MOMENTO OF WHAT WAS GENERALLY REGARDED AS THE FINEST COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT IN ALL OF BATESVILLE Thank you once again for your ridiculously wonderful support since we opened in 2007.

Crozet Housing Prices and School Quality

In Politics, real estate, Schools by Jim12 Comments

All the data in the world isn’t going to change my opinion, either as a Realtor or as a parent, that good, quality schools matter – to our kids and to our housing values.

…However, when purchasing a home, individuals do appear to consider the current test performance of students in the local school rather than the extent to which a community’s schools contribute to a cohort’s test performance.

… Brian Wheeler has presented a post with hard numbers – numbers that put into context what an increase in property taxes would mean for you – something that has been mostly lacking from most discussions I have read.

… … In an effort to get my head around the numbers, I have prepared the attached spreadsheet which evaluates (to the best of my ability with the data available) , the impact of the different budget scenarios and what different property tax rate increases necessary to close the funding gap.

How Often Do Homes Turnover in Crozet?

In Crozet, real estate by JimLeave a Comment

Basically, if you sold your house last year in Crozet* and it fit one of these two criteria, you were pretty lucky.

…Market report for homes in Grayrock and Grayrock North , provided by my real estate brokerage, Nest Realty Group. … Market report for homes in Cory Farm , provided by my real estate brokerage, Nest Realty Group. … Market report for homes in Cory Farm, provided by my real estate brokerage , Nest Realty Group.

News From Henley Middle School – 15 December 2009

In Schools by JimLeave a Comment

Since most middle and high school students ride the same buses, not combining their schedules would have required a third bus run each day to bring middle school students home at 4:00 p.m. … The projected revenue shortfall for the 2010-11 school year is between $8 and $11 million, depending on the tax rate agreed to by the newly elected Board of Supervisors. … The board is pursuing a budget amendment at the state level to recalculate the county’s ability to pay for education based on the actual revenues on hand after the $18 million in revenue sharing is given to the city of Charlottesville. … Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 6:30 pm, Location TBD ACPS School Board Public Hearing: Proposed budget, FY 2010/11 Wednesday, March 3, 2010, time TBA, Lane Auditorium, ACOB Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: The County Executive’s recommended budget, Fiscal Year 2010/11 Wednesday, March 31, 2010, time TBA, Lane Auditorium, ACOB Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: The BOS’s proposed budget, FY 2010/11 2010 calendar year tax rate Wednesday, April 7, 2010, time TBA, Lane Auditorium, ACOB Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: The BOS sets the 2010 calendar year tax rate.

Crozet Twitter Updates – Brief Notes for 2009-12-13

In Crozet, Twitter by JimLeave a Comment

Because they’re wonderful http://ow.ly/L4c5 and help transparency in Virginia & C’ville politics # @ rprav8r I am 99% sure the original plan was to have the Old Trail pool open to all of Crozet. in reply to rprav8r # The world is flat from a communication point of view. … # Find Christmas trees in Crozet – http://bit.ly/4AQ0A1 Thanks to one of my readers # Pleased that the Deputy was in the intersection at WAHS this morning. … Consensus to do next one at start or end of the day for those not fortunate to live & work in Crozet # http://bit.ly/8pJ6wQ tells me I should buy a Droid. # @@ stevebragaw In this case, wouldn’t it be a benefit for Old Trail homeowners to let their kids walk/ride bikes to school? … Back to Seesmic # @ stevebragaw Fardowners does have WiFi. in reply to stevebragaw # Crozet Tweetup – Thursday at Fardowners. http://bit.ly/4MS4cO # crozettweetup # Someone *did* move to Crozet because of the Library. http://bit.ly/6V1MGc # RT @ancym: Darrell Rose at Crozet Mudhouse next Sat the 12th, from 6 to 9 – http://bit.ly/6vBaRt @ jimduncan this is for you…

Support the WAHS Library – Buy books at Barnes and Noble

In Crozet, Schools by JimLeave a Comment

As much as I prefer to shop at local bookstores rather than chains, in light of the recession and the need for schools to earn money, the following presents an opportunity to support the Western Albemarle High School Library:* A book is a present you can open again and again!

…On those dates a percentage of all B&N purchases made with a WAHS voucher— including café and gift purchases —will be donated to the Western Albemarle High School Library Media Center ! … 12/13 @ 5:00 – Willie D-E singing original songs with guitar Far away friends and relatives can even support your child’s school library by taking the WAHS Book Fair ID number 583088 to any Barnes & Noble in the U.S . and making purchases on behalf of the WAHS Library from a distance! … In response to my question about what percentage of the proceeds actually go to Western, Clover Carroll, the school librarian kindly responded: “The more that is sold with WAHS vouchers on those dates (Dec. 12-14), the larger percentage we earn.

Things to Do in Crozet – Crozet Mudhouse

In Crozet by JimLeave a Comment

Mudhouse Coffee Fluid Jazz with R&B influence featuring keys, guitar, horn, and vocals. Steve Smith and Jim Wray bring the West Coast to the Blue Ridge.

…Steve Smith & Jim Wray lay out some fine West Coast Piano Jazz

… Time: 7:30PM Friday, December 4th Location: Crozet Mudhouse

Things to do in Crozet – 28 November 2009

In Community, Crozet by JimLeave a Comment

Join us for a Holiday Open House this Saturday, November 28th, from 12 – 5 PM! In addition to our regular tours and tastings, we will have local artisan vendors, live music and fun for the whole family. Start your holiday shopping early in our Tasting Room store or let us help you plan for your holiday parties. The Tasting Room will also be open on Sunday, November 29th, for tours and tastings.