Introduction

What a glorious summer!  I know I’ve been enjoying it and I hope you have been, too.  I’ve been venturing into the Chef’s market on Thursday evenings and enjoying the music, fresh produce, a little vino and lots of people.  I’ve also checked out the Oxbow on Tuesday evenings.  It is locals night and there are some yummy food/wine samples, along with discounts on purchases.  Another fun venture is the Ceja tasting room on 1^st Street.  On Saturday nights they have salsa dancing lessons.  It’s a happening place with fun people and a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.  Check it out!

I would like to introduce a new neighbor to Napa.  Her name is Natalie Bradshaw and she recently purchased the “Vineyard Dog” store on Main Street.  A picture is included in my newsletter.  Please stop by the store and check out all the new merchandise and meet Natalie and her darling dog, Kylie!

My main article this month is about volunteering.  I got involved with the Big Brother Big Sister organization a little over a year ago and I mentor a 10 year old girl in Napa.  What a rewarding experience!

Sales in June were up from a year ago, however, the medium price of homes has declined, due to the dramatic shift in the sales mix of homes since the credit crunch in September 2007.  Read more in my Real Estate Update section.

In my Go Green Section, I have listed a few products that would make great gifts for the home and are priced under $40.  I’m always up for a bargain and they are green, unique and fun.

HIKE NV has its next hike on Sunday, August 24 at Skyline Park.  Details are listed on the website.  I hope you can join us!

Enjoy the newsletter!  Happy Summer!

Ingrid

Main Article

Getting involved in the community and giving back has been something I have wanted to do for a very long time.  I’ve had good intentions, however, it didn’t go much further than that.  Last year I did a personal growth seminar and decided it was time to step up to the plate.  My spiritual goal equated to weekly community involvement to me.  Since I don’t have children, I thought mentoring a child could be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.  I contacted the Big Brother, Big Sister Organization in Napa.   I went through an interviewing process that would help determine a good match for myself and the child. 

Meet Diana.  She is my little sister.  She will be 11 years old on August 16 and will be starting middle school at Harvest this year.  She has 2 older sisters.  Her Dad is raising all three girls on his own.  She is full of energy and is never short of words. She is funny, loves music and is a great dancer.   We do all kinds of things together including going to movies, ballgames, hiking, having picnics, walking my dog and just plain hanging out.  We get together almost every week.  We want to stroll into the Chefs Market, yet, together this year.

Studies show that the most important factor contributing to a child's future success is a positive adult role model. When that influence is absent, the Big Brother Big Sister Program is there to fill the void. Mentoring does make a difference, one child at a time.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay provides adult mentors to children in Marin, Napa and Solano counties who need caring role models in their lives - a friend, guide and supporter who can expand their horizons and help them realize a bright future. Their mission is to provide every youth in need who requests a big brother or big sister with a professionally supported mentoring relationship.

Founded a century ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters is an internationally recognized mentoring organization with more than 450 independent chapters nationwide. The organization is dedicated to providing positive, adult role models for children ages 6-17.

There are plenty of different organizations one can volunteer for.  If you think you would be interested in mentoring a child, I encourage you to call BBBS at 707-258-6346.  If you would like to talk with me about it, feel free to call.  I’d be happy to share more of my experience with you. 

Real Estate Update

It's a buyers market and now is the time to buy!  For a very short period of time (now until Oct. 1), the Nehemiah loan product will allow a buyer to purchase with very minimal dollars down.  The 3% required down payment, in addition to closing costs, can be provided in the form of a sellers credit.  This is a great opportunity and it will be going away on October 1.

67% of properties sold in California in June 2008, were under $500,000, according to the California Association of Realtors(CAR).  The market is ripe for first time homebuyers and investors.  Call me for a list of bank-owned properties and let's get a deal made for you!

Statewide home sales are up nearly 18 percent from a year ago.  According to the California Association of Realtors(CAR) President, William E. Brown, “Sales were driven in part by large shares of deeply discounted distressed sales in many parts of the state,” he said. “With lower prices and favorable interest rates, affordability also has improved significantly in recent months, paving the way for many buyers to purchase their first home.”

The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during June 2008 was $368,250, a 37.7 percent decrease from the revised $591,280 median for June 2007, C.A.R. reported. The June 2008 median price fell 4.3 percent compared with May’s $384,840 median price.

Homes priced $500,000 to $1,000,000 have been effected the most with the changed market. According to CAR, a year ago, homes for sale under $500,000 accounted for 40 percent of sales, the middle segment ($500,000 to $1 million) made up 45 percent, and the over $1 million segment captured 15 percent of the market.  As of June 2008, that has shifted to 67 percent, 24 percent, and 9 percent, respectively, as the crunch severely constrained funding to the market over $500,000, with a correspondingly dramatic decline in sales.  This really holds true for our local Napa market. 

Go Green In Your Home

Do you ever find yourself trying to come up with some unique gifts for people that are different, yet useful for the home and reasonably priced?  Well listed below I have 5 products for you that I think are fun and different and I know I would be delighted to get as a gift.  Or you may find you want to buy one for yourself.  Check them out.  These products are taken directly from the Greenhome.com website.

1.  Bamboo Molokini Chopping Board  $15

Bamboo is a superior choice of material for cutting boards.  It absorbs very little moisture and consequently does not shrink or swell as much.  It is 16% harder than maple which means less visible knife marks keeping the cutting board looking brand new for years to come. Many people like to use one side for cutting and the other side as a serving tray.   To get more information on Bamboo, go to:

http://www.greenhome.com/products/kitchen/tableware/108963/ 

2.  Recyled Glass - Cobolt Blue Tumblers, Goblets & Vases    starting at $35

Crisp cobalt blue and a group of dolphins jumping through the ocean bring refreshing thoughts to mind while enjoying a cool drink! These tumblers, goblets, and vases are created from the lower portion of reclaimed Westport Rivers Wine Bottles.
How does recycled glass become so beautiful? The bottles are washed and sterilized. The bottle is separated into two components; ‘head’ & ‘base’ . The ‘head’ (upper portion of the bottle) and ‘base’ (lower portion of the bottle) are smoothed, and then fire polished. The base becomes a tumbler. The neck is then heated, twisted to close it off and finally the original mouth of the bottle is ‘flared’ to form the new foot of the glass. The newly formed tumblers and goblet s then travel through an annealing (tempering) oven to remove all residual stress in the glass.  

http://www.greenhome.com/products/kitchen/glasses/107342/

3.  Organic Cotton Napkins      Starting at $38

These are beautifully bright solid colored napkins in red, blue, green and orange.  They come in a pack of 4 and are 100% Certified Organic cotton sateen napkins. They are sewn with organic cotton thread, then hand-dyed with low impact dyes and inks.  Add a splash of color to your summer meal and check out the napkins at:

http://www.greenhome.com/products/kitchen/kitchen_drawer/114820/

4.  Stainless Steel Food Carrier   $35

This handsome food carrier is a great way to take your food to go.  Get rid of the paper and plastic containers.  This highly resistant stainless steel carrier won’t leach toxins like many plastics can.  Its sturdy handle and light weight make this item convenient and easy to carry.  Click on the link below to order one. 

http://www.greenhome.com/products/kitchen/kitchen_drawer/109944/

 5.  Organic Cotton Placemats   $38

You may need some colorful placemats to go with the organic cotton napkins.  Available in a variety of gorgeous prints, these 100% Certified Organic cotton sateen placemats are sewn with organic cotton thread and then hand-dyed with low impact dyes and inks.  A great way to liven up the table.

http://www.greenhome.com/products/home_furnishing/tableware/114916/

 Meet Natalie Bradshaw & Vineyard Dog

If you haven’t visited the Vineyard Dog on Main Street in Napa (between Pearl & 1^st St.),  

now is the time to check it out.  Fun & unique merchandise for your pets!  Lots of toys, collars, snacks, clothes and gift items. 

  Treat your pet special and visit Vineyard Dog.

Lets Go Hiking

HIKE NV has been going on some incredible hikes.  Our last hike was at Lake Hennessey.  What a beautiful area and so quiet and serene.  Our next hike is at Skyline Park on Sunday, August 24.  We start around 9:00 and typically hike until noon.  Plans are in the works to have a picnic after this one.  The HIKE NV section of my website includes more details and also pictures from the previous hikes.  If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to get some exercise, join us on the next hike. We will hike to the lake and you will get a good work out from this one.