You know what the best feeling in the world is?  Giving a deserving cat or dog a forever home!  This week Sarahiously Speaking is featuring two animals who have been at the Fredericksburg SPCA for over a year.  It’s time these furry friends found a permanent home!

Meet Lemoncello! 

Lemoncello

Lemoncello is a 2 year old spayed female.  This beautiful girl has been at the shelter since July 2009.  She is a very sweet little girl who enjoys sitting in your lap while you pet her.  She is best with children over the age of 10.  She loves to run and play.  There are quite a few black cats that have been waiting for new families at the shelter for over a year.  Don’t make Lemoncello another statistic!  Take her home today!

Meet Nigel!

 

Nigel

Nigel has been at theFredericksburg Animal Shelter since January 2009.  That’s 2.5 years with no family!  He is a very sweet, almost 4 year old Terrier/ American Pit Bull.  His new family should have a fenced yard so he has plenty of romping room in the safety of his own back yard.  Like any dog, obedience classes would do him some good.  He needs an experienced dog owner.  He’s good with other dogs and adults.  He loves toys and is very playful.  If you need a friend to lounge on the couch with, Nigel’s your guy!   

 

The adoption fee for Lemoncello and Nigel has been reduced to $25!  That’s an incredible deal for a new best friend.  Microchipping is included in the adoption fee. 

If you would like to meet Lemoncello or Nigel, please contact the Fredericksburg SPCA at (540) 898-1500.

The Fredericksburg SPCA is located at 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407.

Oh Furry Friday!  How I’ve missed you!  I’m getting back into the swing of things and have horribly neglected the already needy animals at the Fredericksburg SPCA.  So, without further ado, let’s see who’s up for adoption!

   Meet Snookie!

Snookie is an independent gal who likes to be loved on her own terms.  She is not a cuddler, but loves to   play.  Snookie is a 2 year old domestic medium-hair mix.  Snookie does best in a home with children over 8 years old.  She has been a resident at the SPCA since December 19, 2008.  She is definitely looking for a forever home.  However, if you can’t find room in your home for her, but can find room in your heart, she can be sponsored for $25/ month.  This will allow the shelter to provide her with food and routine medical care. 

Meet Frankie!

Frankie is a young, male, black lab mix.  He is very smart and very crafty.  He has been known to let himself out of his kennel room at the SPCA.  Like most Labradors, I am full of energy and can run all day long.  Frankie has been in the shelter since June 8, 2010.   Frankie’s dream parent would be someone who enjoys jogs in the park or along the canal path.  He can be a little shy when he first meet someone, but soon we become best friends.  Frankie needs a parent who can train him and enjoy his energy level!  Frankie is also up for sponsorship.  For $25/ month the Fredericksburg SPCA can provide Frankie with wet and dry dog food and routine medical care. 

If you would like to meet Snookie or Frankie, please contact the Fredericksburg SPCA at (540) 898-1500. 

The Fredericksburg SPCA is located at 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407.

Sammy T's Frozen Yogurt

My first real job was as a yogurt girl at I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt in Greensboro, NC.  I loved that job.  We got free samples, I could pull a 9 oz sample in a sample cup, the product was fat-free, and I always went home smelling like vanilla.  I’ve missed frozen yogurt terribly since moving from North Carolina.  Well, miss it no more!  There is a recent boom in Fredericksburg with frozen yogurt establishments.  It started with Salad Creations in Eagle Village offering Red Mango frozen yogurt.  Then, Crave opened in Central Park.  Now, Sammy T’s brings frozen yogurt downtown! 

Sammy T’s Frozen Yogurt is located in the former smoke-free section of the restaurant off of Hanover Street.  They rotate over 70 frozen yogurt flavors; offering 10 flavors at a time.  (There’s an additional 5 flavors if you swirl).  I took the family for frozen yogurt this past weekend.  We sampled chocolate, strawberry cheesecake swirl, caramel, cookies & cream, and peach mango.  My husband’s favorite was cookies & cream, my favorite was caramel, and Sprinks liked peach mango.  At 45 cents an oz you do need to be careful how much you put in your self-serve, one-size-fits-all cup.  Being an experienced yogurt puller, the three of us shared 12 oz.  We skipped the toppings this trip.

Sprinks Tested and Approved

We’ll definitely be going back.  The quality of the yogurt is very good.  It has a creamy texture instead of an icy texture that so many yogurts can get.  The toppings selection was elaborate, although they are missing granola.  There is indoor and outdoor seating.  the hours of operation are Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm and Fri-Sat 11am-11pm.  I dare say that Sammy T’s Frozen yogurt will be giving Carl’s Ice Cream a run for their money.    

Sammy T’s Frozen Yogurt

801 Caroline Street (use Hanover Street Entrance)

Sun-Thurs   11am-1opm

Fri – Sat       11am-11pm

The Fredericksburg Jaycees Easter Bunny

It’s that time again!  The Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Kenmore Memorial Park is this Saturday, April 16!   This event is sponsored by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation and the Fredericksburg Jaycees.  Bring your children to find Easter eggs and take pictures with the Easter Bunny!  The Bunny will arrive at the park at approximately 12pm.  The hunt will begin at approximately 12:30pm.  Eggs will be handed in for bags of candy.  Photos are free; you will need to supply your email address to receive a copy.   

Kenmore Memorial Park is located in downtown Fredericksburg at the corners of Kenmore Ave, Mary Ball Street, and Washington Ave.  The Easter egg hunt will take place in the field next to the tennis courts on Mary Ball Street.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  Why not give the gift of a loving home to an animal in need this year?  Here are three adorable pets up for adoption at the Fredericksburg SPCA. 

Meet Bear and Buster!

Bear

 

Buster

Buster is just smitten with his sister Bear and is ready to love a new family.  He is a Labrador Retriever/ Chow Chow mix.  He is very sweet and energetic.  Buster is 4 years old and is good with adults and other dogs.  Buster us neutered and up-to-date on his shots.  Please remember that Buster and Bear are a package deal.  If you have room in your heart and home for these two, please contact the Fredericksburg SPCA today to make arrangements to meet them. 

Meet Twinkle

Twinkle

Twinkle is a 13 year old domestic short hair.  Her former family could no longer take care of her, so she finds herself at the animal shelter.  Twinkle is a very pretty girl with beautiful green eyes.  She is a very gentle cat with a delicate meow.  Twinkle is declawed in the front, so she needs to be an indoor cat.  She deserves a good home to enjoy her senior years.  If you need a companion who needs you just as much, Twinkle is the girl for you!

The Fredericksburg SPCA is located at 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407.  They can be contacted at (540) 898-1500.

It’s the beginning of 2011, but let’s look back at the 10 most expensive homes sold in 2010 in the Fredericksburg area.  The Fredericksburg area includes Fredericksburg City, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Caroline County, Orange County, and King George County.  All information and photos are courtesy of the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc, the local MLS service. 

10th Most Expensive Home – $920,000

400 Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Fredericksburg City’s only representative in this year’s Top 10 list.  This Victorian style home was built in 1900 and is just blocks from the downtown area and shopping.  It features 7 fireplaces, 4 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, off-street parking, and a fenced back yard.  The listing agents were Robin Marine and Janel O’Malley with Coldwell Banker Carriage House Realty.  The home was sold on August 30, 2010 by Anne Johnson with Coldwell Banker Elite. 

This Stafford County home was sold on February 17, 2010 for $927,000.  It is located on 2.57 acres on the Potomac River and features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bath, 2 master suites, a gourmet kitchen and a dock with a jet ski lift.  It was listed and sold by Edward Tennstedt with Long and Foster Realtors.   

11305 Honor Bridge Farm Ct Spotsylvania, VA 22551

 This home sold on June 8, 2010 and is located on 7.1 acres in Fawn Lake subdivision, a premier gated community in the Fredericksburg area.  It features 8000 sqft, 7 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 1 half bath, a main level master suite, home gym, gourmet kitchen, and a geo-thermal HVAC system.  The home was listed and sold by Rick Berry with Fawn Lake Real Estate. 

7th Most Expensive Home – $992,500 

15015 Beaver Dam Drive Spotsylvania, VA 22551

This home is located on Lake Anna and boasts 350 ft of waterfront, a luxury master suite with a waterfront porch, a covered dock with 4 lifts, a private ramp, and conveyed with all furniture except antiques.  It was listed by Betty Dunn with Realty World Lakeside Pros and was sold on September 2, 2010 by Tom Neal of Lake Anna Realty. 

6th Most Expensive Home – $1,014,000 

25 Osprey Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22405

This 4 bedroom, 5 full bathroom waterfront home is located on the Potomac Creek in South Stafford County on 12 acres.  Features include a 1,060 sqft master suite, a private dock and beach, and overlooks historic Crows Nest.  It was listed by Valerie Moss with Coldwell Banker Elite and sold on April 28, 2010 by Carol McCarthy with Exit 1st Choice. 

5th Most Expensive Home – $1,150,000

11104 Fawn Lake Pkwy Spotsylvania, VA 22551

This is the 2nd Fawn Lake subdivision property on this year’s Top 10 list.  Sold on November 30, 2010, this waterfront home includes 7 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, gourmet kitchen, full theatre, in-law suite, 163 feet of lake frontage, and a dock.  It was listed by Jeanie Andrew-Brennan of Keller Williams Superior Realty and sold by Ken Melton with Fawn Lake Realty.

4th Most Expensive Home - $1,150,000

3115 Lynn Allen Road King George, VA 22485

This King George County home is located on 14.35 acres on the mouth of the Potomac River with 907 feet of waterfront.  The main house has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms.  There is also a guest house on the property, and a clubhouse/ boathouse.  The home was listed by Wendy Babec with Allison James Estates and Homes and sold on June 21, 2010 by Paul Iracane with Coldwell Banker Elite.

3rd Most Expensive Home – $1,175,000

14818 Comfort Lane Mineral, VA 23117

 This 11.88 acre Lake Anna home, sold on April 28, 2010, has 800 ft of waterfront, 6 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 1 half bath, 2 master suites, an elevator, 3 fireplaces, a screened dock, and a boathouse with 2 slips.  The home was listed by Lori Petrovitch of Re/ Max Edge and sold by Gary Griffith of Dockside Realty.   

2nd Most Expensive Home – $1,310,000 

3874 Edwards Drive King George, VA 22485

The second most expensive home sold in 2010 is located in King George County on 12.73 acres and overlooks the Potomac River.  It features 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 half baths, a 10 person cinema, wine cellar, pool and hot tub, and outdoor kitchen.  It was listed by Robert Carney of TTR Sothebys International Realty and sold by Irene Morales Ward of Re/Max Distinctive Real Estate on December 28, 2010.

Most Expensive Home Sold in 2010 – $2,500,000

9160 Fair View Farm Road #A Somerset, VA 22972

The most expensive home sold in 2010 is a historic masterpiece located in Orange County.  It barley made the list having closed on December 21, 2010.  Built in 1856, this home is located on 58.99 acres, has 7 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half baths, an elevator, 12 fireplaces, and a professional horse facility, along with other dependencies.  The home was listed by James Bonner and Steve White of Roy Wheeler Realty Co and was sold by Justin Wiley of Frank Hardy Inc. 

Looking for something to do this Halloween weekend?  Here’s a list of activities that may just fit the bill.

The Fredericksburg Jaycees Haunted House

This is the 35th year of the Fredericksburg Jaycees Haunted House.  This year’s event is conveniently located in Central Park at the old Bogey’s near the old Ice Park (new go-cart racing building).  Central Park offers ample parking.  Tickets go on sale at 7pm and the first tour starts at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12.  You can download a $2 off coupon on the Fredericksburg Jaycees website.  Proceeds go to sponsor handi-cappable children at Camp Jaycee.  The haunted house will be open Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30. 

Wicked Woods Haunted Forest

This is the 4th annual Wicked Woods Haunted Forest, located in Spotsylvania near Lake Anna.  This is a self-guided outdoor attraction that does not allow flashlights.  You will wind your way through 10 acres of ghoulish scenes.  The attraction is open rain or shine.  Tickets are $15 October 29-31.  The Wicked Woods is not recommended for children under the age of 12.  The Haunted Forest opens at 7pm and tickets are sold until 10pm.  Discounts and directions can be found on their website. 

Ghost Tours of Fredericksburg

This 90 minute walking tour focuses on the colonial heritage of Fredericksburg, stories of the Civil War, and the ghosts that inhabit Fredericksburg City.  The tour starts at the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center parking lot at 706 Caroline Street.  Tickets must be purchased in advance online on their website.   Tickets are $11 per person.  Children under 7 are free.  If you need tickets for the 8pm tours on October 29 or October 30 you will need to call 540.710.3002.  Tickets are still available online for the 6:30pm and 9:45pm tours on October 30. 

The Mary Washington University Ghost Walk

This 90 minute ghost walk is organized by the Mary Washington Historic Preservation Club with proceeds benefiting the Historic Preservation Club.  The tour will leave every 10 minutes from Market Square on the corner of Princess Anne Street and William Street.  Refreshments and children’s activities will be offered throughout the night in Market Square.  Tours will run from 6pm-10pm on Friday, October 29 and 5pm-10pm on Saturday, October 30.  Earlier tour times are more child-friendly.  Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.  Advanced registration is recommended.  For more information or to purchase tickets email UMWGhostwalk@gmail.com or call at 540-654-1315.

Fredericksburg City:

• 51 days on market – this is 55 days less than in June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 93.81% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 9.76 months of inventory on the market
• 17 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 12 less than in June 2009
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999.   
• The median sold price was $250,00000, compared to $259,900 in June 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 4, FHA – 7, VA – 3, Cash – 4

Orange County

• 171 days on market – this is 21 days more than in June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 90.54% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 9.36 months of inventory on the market
• 44 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 10 more than June 2009
• The most popular price ranges were $300,000-$399,999.
• The median sold price was $193,250, compared to $212,500 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 14, FHA – 14, VA – 4, Other – 2, Cash – 9, Seller Financing – 1

Spotsylvania County

• 77 days on market – this is 38 less than June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 92.51% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.97 months inventory on the market
• 192 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 10 more than in June 2009 
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999
• The median sold price was $191,000, compared to $196,500 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 42, FHA – 72, VA – 30, Cash – 34, Assumption – 4, Other – 8, Seller Financing – 1

Stafford County

• 55 days on market – this is 38 less than June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 95.09% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.63 months inventory on the market
• 196 homes sold in June 2010 - this is 10 more than in June 2009 
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $265,811, compared to $237,450 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 45, FHA – 57, VA – 70, Cash – 16, Assumption – 4, Other – 4

Prince William County

• 33 days on market – this is 45 less than June 2009 
• Sellers received, on average, 96.97% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 3.77 months inventory on the market
• 779 homes sold in June 2010 - this is 16 less than in June 2009
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $255,000, compared to $195,000 in June 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 201, FHA – 314, VA – 134, Assumption – 11, Cash – 110, Other – 9

The 4th of July is a fantastic time to be in and around the Fredericksburg area.  The rich Revolutionary War history and Fredericksburg’s part in masterminding and securing America’s freedom makes this our own special holiday.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, here is a list I’ve compiled.

Stafford County

“The Complete History of America” Musical performed at the Riverside Dinner Theater. 

Friday, July 2- Sunday, July 4  (6:30pm dinner seating)  Tickets:  $42

www.rsdinnertheater.com/dt/upcomingspecialevents_2.aspx

Fabulous 4th of July at Ferry Farm

Saturday, July 3  (10am-5pm)  small admission fee

Interact on an 18th century farm while farm workers perform daily tasks around George Washington’s childhood farm.  Learn how the Patawomeck Indian tribe functioned in the 16oos.  Enjoy crafts, games, and live music.  Food vendors will be on site.  Trolleys will be running from the Fredericksburg City street festival, as parking is limited at Ferry Farm.

www.ferryfarm.org/events.html

Stars and Stripes Weekend at Potomac Point Winery

Wine tours and wine tastings will take place all weekend long at regular fees.  The band Blackstone will be playing on Sunday from 1-5pm.  A special July 4th menu is available for purchase. 

Saturday, July 2  (11am-9:30pm)       Sunday, July 3  (11am-6pm)

Spotsylvania County

Independence Day Kickoff Celebration – at Lake Anna Winery

The vineyard will feature live music, lite appetizers, and wine sold by the glass.  The $10 admission includes a winery tour and a souvenir wine glass. 

Friday, July 2 (6-10pm)

www.lawinery.com

Stars and Stripes Spotsylvania Spectacular

A fun event for all age groups.  Come and enjoy pony rides, moonbounces, a petting zoo, a tour of the historic Spotsylvania Courthouse and 1855 jail, and much more.  There will be 3 stages playing Bluegrass music, and the night is finished with a huge fireworks display!  Vendors will be on site for food and drink sales.

Saturday, July 3   (3-10pm)

www.spotsylvania.va.us/

Fredericksburg City

33rd Annual Rappahannock River Raft Race sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees

Come watch this very entertaining and traditional Fredericksburg event.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories.  The race starts at 11:30am at the Port of Falmouth Park on River Road in Stafford and will end at approximately 4pm at the City Docks on Sophia Street.  If you are interested in participating please contact the Fredericksburg Jaycees at fburgjayceescdvp@gmail.com.  Entry fees do apply. 

Saturday, July 3

Fredericksburg City Heritage Festival

The always fun Heritage Festival will take place over two days this year since July 4th falls on a Sunday.  The traditional street festival will be on Saturday, July 3 from (10am-4pm).  The Heritage Day Parade will begin at 9:30am on Carolina Street and is still looking for entries for this year’s parade.  The parade is limited to bikes, strollers, wagons, and walking. 

Heritage Festival 5 Mile – Saturday, July 3 (7:45am) at the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center on Caroline Street    Registration is $20 pre-race day and $25 race day  Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 male and top 3 female runners.  http://www.racetimingunlimited.org/raceinfo/HF10Info.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

The fireworks will take place on Sunday, July 4 at Pratt Park. Music will begin at 8pm and fireworks will begin at dusk.  The Frederickbsburg Jaycees will be on hand selling glow-in-the-dark jewelry to help make the celebration even more exciting.   Be sure to bring your own refreshments and blankets and chairs to the fireworks display.   

Heritage Day Festival and 5 Mile Run – Saturday, July 3

Fireworks – Sunday, July 4