Last nights, most of the discussion came over two issues:   1.  Changing the voting location for precinct 53.  Currently held in Chucker Creek Elementary school however the school board would prefer it not be in this school.  No vote was held.   2.  First reading of an ordinance to amend the concept plan for University Health Services, Inc.  University Health Services is seeking permission to construct phase 1 of construction.  Passed  Some language needs to be added to the plan and will go for a second hearing.  Phase 1 will consist of a 17000sqft building with between 15 to 18 doctors offices and a parking lot with 90 spaces.  The city council is only ruling on phase 1 and several of the members did warn that this plan may pass the second reading but University Health should expect gr... 04/27/2009

Hoorayyy!!!  The slab is finally done!   Guess we'll be hearing the saws and nail guns next week when the framing starts.    They did a 'slick' finish on the slab ....and it actually is so smooth that it shines!  Amazing :)  The guy in the pic above was just doing the normal smoothing/floating that they do with any job.     After this was done and the stuff started to set-up a little bit - they brought in another machine -  this gagdet:   like a giant fan - upside down.   This thing pushed the stone and other agragate materials down into the concrete and created the slick smooth finish.        THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICES WON'T LAST LONG----- IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, GET WITH ME NOW!!! These are going to be some great units - at a great location.  Get in now at a great price :)    Don't fo... 04/24/2009

JUST WANTED TO REMIND Y'ALL ABOUT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL TOMORROW DOWNTOWN! What:  Mead Hall's Annual Strawberry Festival                                             When:  Saturday, April 25th.  10am - 3pm   RAIN OR SHINE!! Where:  Downtown Aiken -  Greenville Street (Between Richland and Hayne Aves) More Info:  803.644.1122.       (If you want to be a vendor - please call Linda Serkiz at 803.640.2684 for more info)  There is fun to be had at this one!    Come on down and check it out :) Pony Rides - Petting Zoo - Frozen Casserole Sale - Games - Mechanical Bull - Bake Sale - Entertainment - Carriage Rides - Strawberry Desserts - Refreshments - Vendor Booths - Inflatables and more!!!                  Have fun and I'll see you there :) ***************************************************... 04/24/2009

                                                 FREE ADMISSION!                                                       SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2009                           COME CELEBRATE EARTH DAY :) WHERE:   HOPELANDS GARDENS -     1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken. (between Berrie and Dupree)                                                                          PARKING: AT GREEN BOUNDARY, WHISKEY ROAD ACROSS FROM HOPELANDS.                                                      WHEN:  8:30AM - 11:30AM                                                                FREE ADMISSION!! SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2009                                                                                                                                                             Some of the Exhibitors include: A... 04/19/2009

Another great Downtown Aiken Festival right around the corner!!  Literally!! - this one is right around the corner from our office :) What:  Mead Hall's Annual Strawberry Festival                                                        When:  Saturday, April 25th.  10am - 3pm   RAIN OR SHINE!! Where:  Downtown Aiken -  Greenville Street (Between Richland and Hayne Aves) More Info:  803.644.1122.       (If you want to be a vendor - please call Linda Serkiz at 803.640.2684 for more info)  There is fun to be had at this one!    Come on down and check it out :) Pony Rides - Petting Zoo - Frozen Casserole Sale - Games - Mechanical Bull - Bake Sale - Entertainment - Carriage Rides - Strawberry Desserts - Refreshments - Vendor Booths - Inflatables and more!!!                  I will definitely ... 04/17/2009

...just won't cut it here.  The Masters Golf Tourney is here!!   and when I say 'here'.....I mean RIGHT HERE!   Yes, y'all!!   For those of you who didn't know -  Augusta GA is right across the river (The Savannah River) from Aiken County, SC!   (about 17 miles between Augusta and Downtown Aiken) Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta, Georgia.       Did you know that The Masters is the ONLY MAJOR tournament played at the SAME course EVERY year?!   Yup :)   How 'bout that for a little bit of sports trivia! Here are some pics of Augusta National:                   It certainly is a beautiful time of year here in the Central Savannah River Area :)   The Dogwoods, Azaleas, Jasmine, Wisteria....and so many of the other flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom.   The flowery scents are carried ... 04/12/2009

I know that sounds a little confusing -- but the Columbia Kennel Club (a member of the American Kennel Club) is hosting a show right here in Aiken!   New Location -  Indoor Show!! :) Here's the scoop:   What:   Dog Show   (purebreds)                                 When:  April 18 & 19, 2009 Where:  Aiken Fairgrounds -  1566 Columbia Highway North - Aiken, SC More Info:   http://www.columbiakennelclub.org/index.htm                           Have fun at the show!   04/10/2009

It's been a slow week next door - not much to report.     The plumbers arrived and put their piping in place.  (sewer / water  and vent piping) Yohe Plumbing is doing the job.   (Stan - JD and Jason)             Jason (or was it JD?) tells me that they won't be back now until the framing is complete -- then they will come back and extend the piping all the way up!                            Paul and his crew are still working, too.  Right now they are compacting the dirt around the piping - then they will add about 4 inches of stone -- and then...... on to the Next step!!  Pouring the slab- Finally!!! Don't forget - here is what they are building:   Give me a call for the details on these great downtown residential units!  Perfectly located :) Talk to you soon !   04/09/2009

In my opinion anyway!    I just love it - and it is the perfect size, too :)   And the price is right!                                      Right here in downtown Aiken (on Laurens Street, near the corner of Richland) is the Sweet Cow Creamery ---  better known for their ice cream --- but believe me, they make a fantastic bag lunch!   Just take a look at the bag : YES -  THAT SAYS $2.89! (add .50 for your drink!)   I have tried them all - they are all great!!   Although, the pimento cheese sandwiches are my favorite, mmmm mmm mmm.   Soooo good :) The weather is perfect for eating al fresco --   grab a table out front!                                            And when you are done with your bag lunch -  you can have some ice cream for dessert!!!      This is my favorite place for lunch... 04/08/2009

What:         Aiken Spring Classic                                                  When:     April 15 - 26, 2009                 (April 15-19.  ASC Masters "AA")                (April 22-26.  ASC Finale "AA")                                       Where:      Highfields Event Center      147 Warehouse Road, Aiken, SC 29801 More Info:       803.649.3505 phone.      803.649.3577 fax                           on the web:  www.AikenSpringClassic.com       or email:   psjshows@aol.com   The Aiken Spring Classic is a great horse show to attend.  Come on down and check it out.  You can even become a sponsor :)  Several different sponsorship levels are available.  See you there.   If you have pictures of any local events that you would like to share, please send them to me.  I'm happy to share ... 04/06/2009

In honor of the Masters Golf Tourny being held just 'cross the river in Augusta -   Downtown Aiken is having it's own golf tourny!!                                     What:  Hole-In-One Days in Downtown Aiken When:  Monday, April 6 - Sunday, April 12, 2009.    Shop and stroll downtown.   Visit participating businesses and Take a shot at a hole-in-one and win a discount!!  More Information:  803.649.2221     or visit www.downtownaiken.com     I am happy to share this information. Golf Course Homes                  Custom Log Homes      Horse Properties                                                                          GENE MOCK ~ MAKING IT EASY! If you are looking for log homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further. My website is an excellent tool to help with your A... 03/31/2009

 What is the Good News Bad News on the Home Market! Numbers across the the State are still in the Negative's  But  Good News for Aiken buyers and Sellers we are number one   SC REALTORS® MLS Stats - February 2009   State Average Price -9.7%  Aiken -3.6% South Carolina REALTORS®   http://www.Aiken Market Report   03/30/2009

Not much to report -  except that the support walls have been poured  (and I can't believe I missed it --but I am told that the driver/operator of the concrete pumper truck was a woman!!)  Girl Power!! So- now they have removed the forms...and are filling in with some dirt - then they will compact it...fill some more - compact some more.....fill..compact...fill...compact...  and the final layer will be crushed stone.     That's alot of shoveling, lol. After that is done -  then the slab will be poured. Here is a pic of the support walls..... the long rebar will be repositioned to a horizontal position and will become part of the slab.     The smaller bolts that are sticking out of the top of the wall is what the framing will attach to.   Oh yeah - and the plumbers are here scoping out w... 03/30/2009

Every year 'National Geographic Traveler' puts out a list of 'where to stay'   This years list is '129 Hotels We Love' !!   And guess what? --    Aiken's own Carriage House Inn made the list!   Yaaayy!! Here is the list:      129 Hotels We Love Here is a link to the Carriage House Inn site if you wanted to take a closer look :)                                           The Carriage House Inn was originally built in 1872 and has undergone many transformations since then. Most recently this property was leased in '97 to Disney, for the remake of 'That Darn Cat',  and converted into Carriage House Inn in '99.  Family owned and operated by Bill and Anne Thomasson. If you are looking for a place to stay when you come to town - I highly recommend Carriage House Inn.    Or, if you are planning... 03/27/2009

EVER BEEN TO THE LOBSTER RACES? Haha -  yes - I said 'Lobster Races'!    We have them every year here in Downtown Aiken, and this year will be no different :)    I can't wait!!    It is a great night for all ages :)     So many people come back to town for just this event!  Come enjoy one of the biggest 'reunions' in Aiken :)        Here's the deal: What:  25th Annual Lobster Race When:  Friday, May 1st, 2009 Time:  5pm - 11pm Where:  Newberry Street Festival Site -  Downtown Aiken. Cost: $5.00   (no charge if you are wearing a 2009 Lobster Race T-Shirt!!) Proceeds benefit mentally and physically challenged individuals in Aiken County.     ADOPT A RACE LOBSTER FOR $125! More Info:  803.215.2003 03/26/2009

First reading of an ordinance regarding use in limited business zone (LM).  This ordinance will further restrict what businesses can be put in the LM zoning.  The council will have the authority to grant permission on an individual basis rather than having a set, written rule regarding what businesses are allowed.  This passed and will go to a second reading.  Please let you're city council member that you do not support this ordinance.  There needs to be set rules that govern all, not some.  This will lead to nothing but more red tape and the use of the "good ol' boy" system. 03/25/2009

AIKEN TRIPLE CROWN IS HERE!!   Part Three - The Third Leg   What:  THIRD LEG - Pacers and Polo  Come and watch one of the worlds most exciting, dangerous and glamorous sports.   And YES....you get to stomp the divets during half-time!! When:  Saturday, March 28, 2009 Where:  Powderhouse Polo Field Gates Open:  11am Match Begins: 1:30pm Tickets:  In Advance: $8 adults, $5 children             At The Gate: $10 adults,  $5 children Parking: General admin parking is $5 - includes game day program VIP Tent Party:  $70 per person  (if there are any left!) -  this includes lunch, open bar and parking.                                       Purchase your tickets at: Aiken Drug, Floyd & Green, USC Aiken Athletic Dept, Lominicks Drug, Odell Weeks. More Info:  USC-Aiken Athletic Department.  803.64... 03/23/2009

Hi Everyone -   It was great to see so many of you at the races on Saturday!    For the ones that couldn't get here to enjoy.....y'all need to plan on it for next year!!   A great time was had by all :)   Here are some pics from the day!     A sampling of the day!   Me, Melissa and Mark are in the top left..... Me and Tracy, Me-Tracy and Catherine ----  pretty hats worn by Sue and Jane Page....... horses jumping -   carriage parade - etc.....  The 'Chase is on!!!   It was a beautiful day.  The weather was great---- the sun was shining--- the skies were clear ----  a gentle breeze.....  just perfect!!   Hope to see you there next year :) 03/23/2009

COOKING CLASSES BEING OFFERED - DOWNTOWN AIKEN  What: "Cooking With Karen: Gourmet Meals Made Easy"                  Where:  Prestige Appliances & Accessories Location: 116A Pendleton Street, Downtown Aiken Time:  7pm - 9pm Cost:  $75 per person/per class More Info:  803.644.0103  Classes Offered: April 21st or 23rd:  'Don't Fear Fish' May 5th or 7th:  'Quick and Easy Dinners' Please call to register as class is limited to 20 people.                            Have fun - and enjoy the class!! I'm happy to share this information with my readers!    Don't forget - I'm here to help with your real estate needs whenever you are ready!!     03/16/2009

PAIRS AND SPARES - SENIOR ADULT CLUB A great way to meet new friends....and catch up with old ones! Ages: 50 and up Cost: FREE This group meets twice a month: 2nd Thursday -  Covered Dish -  4pm                           4th Thursday - Birthday Celebration - 1:30pm  More Info:  The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department.                  803.642.7631 Have fun :) I'm happy to share this information with my readers.     If you have any pictures to share from the Birthday Celebrations - or Covered Dish meetings, I'm happy to post them right here for you :)   03/16/2009