Tammy Mitchell Hines

The Count-Down is on for The First-Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit!

By now you have most likely hear about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit that is available till November 30, 2009.

What a great opportunity to invest in your future and build financial security for you and your family. And, it is a buyer's market out there right now and the ability for individuals to use the tax credit at closing should have a meaningful impact on home sales and will allow thousands of families to achieve the dream of homeownership."

The process in purchasing a home is involved and you need to ensure that everything goes smoothly so your closing will take place before the November 30, 2009 deadline.

You need to allow four to six weeks for the loan process, which means your offer should be accepted by mid October and no later than Oct 31.

Don't let this amazing opportunity pass you by. Call me so we can discuss your options and receive your free mortgage pre-approval. We can start looking today and just think you could be a home owner by Nov. 30, 2009 - Just in time for the holidays.

I would be happy to assist anyone you know that would like to become a first time homeowner as well.

AUGUST Calendar of Events for Monroe County

COLUMBIA EVENTS

Sunday, August 2

Music at metter

Enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends at Metter Park. The Morland Drive band, an all ages rock group, will play at 5pm, and at 6:30pm The Sofa Kings will hit the stage with blues, folk, country and classic rock. Food and drinks will be available, and don't forget a lawn chair or blanket.

Location: Metter Park

Event time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Music by Morland Drive: 5pm

Music by Sofa Kings: 6:30 pm

Cost: FREE thanks to our sponsors: Ron's Pharmacy & First National Bank of Waterloo

Friday, August 14

Columbia Daze

Carnival rides, games, and vendors. Advanced ride tickets available at Ron's Pharmacy. Music by Out of Focus begins at 8:00pm.

Where: Metter Park

When: 4pm to Midnight

Music by Out of Focus: 8pm

Cost: FREE

Saturday, August 15

Columbia Daze & Parade

Carnival rides, games and vendors. Advanced ride tickets available at Ron's Pharmacy. Historic trolley tours depart at City Hall; parade at 5pm begins at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park and travels south on Main Street from Temple to Cedar St.

Where: Metter Park

When: 4pm-Midnight

Trolley Tour Rides: 9am, 10am, 1pm, and 2pm

Music by Aftershock: 8pm

Saturday, August 15

Optimist club-5k/10k Run/Walk

5^th Annual 5K or 10K Run/Walk

Where: Columbia High School

When: Registration begins at 7 a.m.

Race starts at 8 a.m.

Cost: See registration form

WATERLOO EVENTS

Monday, August 3

City council meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 pm

Monday, August 3

Public Hearing

Where: City Hall

When: 7:20 p.m.

Monday, August 10

Plan Commission Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 11

Sister Cities Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:00 p.m.

Monday, August 17

City Council Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 20

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, August 24

City Council Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 28 & Saturday, August 29

City Council Meeting

The Waterloo Homecoming is held annually the last Friday and Saturday in August on the Courthouse Square. The event features live music, carnival rides, games, and plenty of food and drink offered by local organizations. A parade is featured on Saturday with floats, marching bands, and other items of interest.

July Calendar of Events for Monroe County

Columbia Events

Friday, July 3

Celebration 2009-4^th of July

Many great activities are planned for the Fourth of July weekend. Traditional great food & drinks, washers tournament and fireworks can be found at the American Legion - in addition amusement rides, music and more fun in store.

Location: American Legion Memorial Park

When: Event time: 4:00-11:00 p.m.

Music by Where's Charlie: 8:00-11:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Saturday, July 4

Celebration 2009-4^th of July

Many great activities are planned for the Fourth of July weekend. Traditional great food & drinks, washers tournament and fireworks can be found at the American Legion - in addition amusement rides, music and more fun in store.

Where: American Legion Memorial Park

When: 11:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 5

Music at Metter-4^th of July Celebration

Outdoor summer concert - food and drinks available ... don't forget your lawn chair or blanket.

Where: Metter Memorial Park

When: 3:00-5:00 p.m. - Moreland Drive

6:00-8:00 p.m. - Michael Lacey & his New Orleans Swing

Cost: Free thanks to our generous sponsors: Charlie's CARSTAR & George Weber Chevrolet

July 19

Music at Metter

Enjoy a relaxing evening with family & friends at Metter Park. The Dynamic Combo Band will be playing a wide variety of music - Big Band, Swing, Latin, Polka's, Waltz's, and Country. Food and drinks will be available, and don't forget a lawn chair or blanket.

Where: Metter Memorial Park

When: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Cost: Free - thanks to our sponsors: Reliable Sanitation & Crown Linen Services

Waterloo events

July 19-26

Monroe County Fair

The fair runs July 19^th through July 26, 2009.

Visit the Monroe County Fair website for a complete listing of events, rules and entry forms. (www.monroecounty-fair.org)

Where: Monroe County Fairgrounds, Waterloo, Illinois

Monday, July 6

City Council Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 13

Plan Commission Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14

Sister Cities Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 1

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 20

City Council Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 27

City Council Meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

June Calendar of Events for monroe county

columbia events

Sunday, June 2

MUSIC AT METTER

Festive German music provided by Waterloo German Band celebrating "German Heritage Week". Bring your family and friends out to enjoy a relaxing Sunday evening at the park. Lots of room for the kids to play on the tennis and basketball courts and playground. Food and drinks will be available, and don't forget your lawn chair or blanket.

Location: Metter Memorial Park

When: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE - Thanks to our sponsors: HTC, Conrad Press, Conrad Travel and The Independent

June 12-14

Celebration 2009-Pageant Performance "Hail Columbia IL"

3 performances: June 12^th, 13^th, and 14^th

Where: Columbia Middle School

When: TBA

June 15-22

safety town 2009

Safety Town is a child accident prevention program that introduces safety awareness and preventive procedures to children between the ages of 5 and 7.

Where: Parkview Elementary School & Gymnasium

When: There will be two sessions- June 15-19 from 9 a.m. - noon and June 22-26 from 9 a.m. - noon

Cost: $40.00 per child

June 21

music at metter-Father's day celebration

Bring Dad and Grandpa to Metter Park for a relaxing evening with the entire family. The San An Tones will be playing some great classic country tunes for your listening pleasure, and Metter Park provides tennis and basketball courts and a playground for the kids to enjoy. Food and drinks will be available, and don't forget your lawn chair and blanket.

Where: Metter Memorial Park

When: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE- Thanks to our sponsors: Maverick Technologies & Royal Gate Dodge

Waterloo events

Monday, June 8

plan commission meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 9

sister cities meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:00 p.m.

Monday, June 15

City council meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 18

Zoning board of appeals

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 2

City council meeting

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

May Calendar of Events for Monroe County

COLUMBIA EVENTS

Friday, May 15

Ymca family picnic

Location: Monroe County YMCA

Cost: FREE - Open to the public

Sunday, May 24

COLUMBIA MAIFEST

Columbia will be celebrating its heritage with German food, beer and music by Die Spitzbuam.

Where: Metter Memorial Park

When: Noon - 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 30

COLUMBIA RECYCLING DAY

The City of Columbia will once again hold a recycling day. Due to the large amount of items collected last year, we found it necessary to move the event to the High School parking lot.

Where: Columbia High School (Parking Lot)

When: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WATERLOO EVENTS

Monday, May 4

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 11

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12

SISTER CITIES MEETING

Where: City Hall

When: 7:00 p.m.

Monday, May 18

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Where: City Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.