Colorado Springs - Home to New National Cemetery?
February 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Fort Carson Army Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (home to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC).) all are based in Colorado Springs. The military is a large part of the foundation of our local economy, as it has been for decades.
We have been seeing a growth in the amount of Veterans who are choosing Colorado Springs as the place that they retire and call “home.” This growth has sparked a request for a National Cemetery in the Colorado Springs area, in hopes to meet the needs of Veterans in El Paso (i.e. Colorado Springs), Fremont, Teller and Pueblo counties.
Now, federal regulations prohibit National cemeteries from being built within 75-miles of each other. A proposed national cemetery in Colorado Springs would fall within the 75-mile limitation, so approval has been hard to get. However, it has been fought for because of the growing Veteran population, in Southern Colorado. All we have needed is approval from Veterans Affairs.
In March of 2006, legislation to allow a National Cemetery to be built in Colorado Springs was introduced by U.S. Senators Wayne Allard (R) and Ken Salazar (D) from Colorado, and was reintroduced again this January. “Establishing a service area outside the 75-mile radius will get Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration to take a badly needed second look at this region’s veteran population,” Senator Allard said. (taken from KRDO website)
Good News!
Jim Nicholson, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has just offered an alternate plan: If Colorado agrees to provide that land, the Department of Veteran Affairs would pay to develop the cemetery.
So if Colorado is willing to donate the land, it looks like we will finally have a National Cemetery for our Veterans in Southern Colorado.
Posted by: Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate
Hillsborough County Schools Near MacDill AFB
February 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
For anyone with children moving to Tampa, schools are an important consideration. The Hillsborough County School District has an excellent website loaded with information that should answer just about any question a parent may have.
Hillsborough County School District Website
The Florida Department of Education has a school accountability program that grades all public schools in the state. The state also has a program that gives parents options when their child is attending a school that receives a failing grade. No parent wants their child stuck in a failing school.
The “school locator” is a helpful tool that will identify the school district of a particular home. So if you are home hunting and find a home you like, you can find the respective school district and begin your research. Alternatively, you can use the school grades as a guide in helping you to find which school districts to target.
Hillsborough County School Locator
Florida School Report Cards (Grades)
Hillsborough County schools follow a fall/spring, 2 session schedule that allows for a summer vacation for students.
Hillsborough County Schools Calendar
The Hillsborough County School Board recently approved the 2007-2008 school calendar that has some changes, including a later start in August and fewer religious holidays.
2007-2008 Hillsborough County Schools Calendar
Mold Often A Problem In Tampa Bay Area Homes
February 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Let’s face it: Tampa is in a geographic region of the USA that experiences a high level of humidity for much of the year. Add to that the fact that we receive about 43 inches of rain, on average, every year, and you can understand why mold can be a problem. Most of the mold that I see in homes is caused by water intrusion from the exterior of the home. If these problems are not resolved in a timely manner, mold can, and does become an issue. The way to keep mold from becoming a problem is to control moisture.
Here are 10 things to consider regarding mold:
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish washing, and cleaning.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
When purchasing a home in Tampa, the best course of action is to include a “mold inspection” addendum that gives you the right to inspect for mold in the home. If mold is found, you will have the right to cancel your agreement if the cost to remove the mold is greater than a pre-determined dollar amount set by you.
Seller’s are required to disclose any known presence of mold, but mold often grows in areas that are not easily observed by the homeowner. If you are concerned about mold, it is best to have samples taken in and around the home to see what kinds of mold exist and in what concentrations.
For more information on mold, visit the EPA’s mold site.
Colorado Springs City Links
February 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Here are some city links that may come in handy when making Colorado Springs your home.
The City of Colorado Springs – This is the page where you can find out about Parks and Recreation (city parks, adult and youth sports, swimming pool facilities…), Cemeteries, Municipal Golf Courses, the Pioneers Museum, and the City’s Special Events Calendar.
The Colorado Springs Police Department – Here you will find contact information, code enforcement information and links to graphs and facts regarding crime in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs DMV – Find out all the places in Colorado Springs that you can wait in line for hours on end to get a license or tags or take a drivers exam.
City Council – Learn “all about how [Colorado Springs’] government is organized and how [they] go about doing the city’s business.” There are links to each council member as well as links to the different topics that get discussed.
Public Transportation - No. We are not known for our great public transportation system, but I heard we are getting better? So, if you DO want to know more about METRO (Mountain Metropolitan Transit), this would be the site to check out.
Posted by: Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate
Nellis AFB Warrior of the Week - Stephen Graybill
February 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
(Contributed by Nellis Bullseye staff writer.)
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Airman 1st Class Stephen Graybill42nd Attack Squadron Hometown: Ceres, CA |
What do you do?
– I’m a computer nerd and spend a lot of time on it outside of work.
What do you drive and how does it match your personality?
– A Volkswagen Jetta. I’m laid back and like to cruise.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
– Super-speed, so it wouldn’t take an hour to get to Creech.
If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and why?
– I’d be a cheetah, so I could make it to Creech in under an hour.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas?
– Play on my computer and not gamble my money away.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
– Pepperoni.
What song do you have on your MP3 player that you wouldn’t want anyone else to know about?
– Is this a trick question?
What would you like to change on/about Nellis?
– Its proximity to Creech.
What stresses you out at your job, and how do you relieve stress?
– Nothing yet … I play video games to relieve all stress.
In high school what were you - a dork, jock, or something else?
– I was an in-between … played a few sports that weren’t that big, but never a jock.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what would you bring?
– A boat to get off the island.
What is your favorite Air Force uniform and why?
– BDU’s because they are comfortable.
If you could appear on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?
– Survivor. To win a million dollars.
What is your favorite part of your job?
– The fact that I finally have responsibilities.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
– Pismo Beach, Calif.
How do you unwind?
– Computer.
How do you spend quality time with friends and family?
– Go … do … pretty much anything, anytime, anywhere.
What is one thing you would recommend everyone do while living in Las Vegas?
– Walk The Strip.
(The Bullseye is published by Aerotech News, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Bullseye are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.)
MacDill To Host AirFest 2007
February 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
After canceling the 2006 air show due to other military commitments, MacDill AFB is hosting Airfest 2007, scheduled for March 31st and April 1st.
Gates will be open from 8am to 5pm and the show is highlighted each day from 3-5pm by a Blue Angels demonstration.
Approximately 750,000 visitors are expected during the 2 day show and admission is free of charge.
Get details and see a promotional video at MyAirFest.com.
Thunderbolt Offers MacDill News and Events
February 21, 2007 | 1 Comment
The MacDill Thunderbolt is a weekly newspaper published by Sunbelt Newspapers, the publisher of The Tampa Tribune. The Thunderbolt offers weekly news stories regarding MacDill AFB, as well as information on events happening on and around the base. The Thunderbolt also features a special pullout section called “Primetime”, that contains a calendar of base events and ads for various services offered on base.
The 6th Services Squadron has a website, MacDillServices.com, that offers information on dining, lodging and other services on the base. The 6th Services Squadron also publishes a monthly magazine, Base, Bay & Beyond for members.
