Amy Jones (licensed in LA)

I was recently in need of a good plumber. Many times we only share horror stories. I'd like to complement Al's Plumbing Company for a professional, quality job from start to finish.

Buyers are free to have extensive inspections on a house during the inspection period of the contract (at their expense) according to the Louisiana purchase agreement. The purchasers had a video inspection of the plumbing performed. It was discovered that some roots were invading the closeout. My clients were not previously aware of the situation. The purchasers requested the repair be preformed by a licensed plumber prior to the closing as part of the inspection response. My sellers agreed to the request.

I contacted a plumber who had a good reputation with many of my associates. He agreed to go to the property that evening or the next morning. I did not hear back from him. I even went to the house to see if there were any signs he had been there. After stalking calling him for a couple of days, I left a message that I would contact another plumber. Still no response. I assume he has plenty of business and has some reason for not showing up or returning my calls.

I had been taking a Certified New Home Sales Professional course offered by my local HBA. I checked their website, St Tammany & Washington Parishes Home Builders Association , and browsed through the associate members list. My call to Al's Plumbing was answered in a professional manner. I was pleased to hear that they could go to the job at 9:00 a.m. the next day. My phone rang at ten till 9 the next morning, they were in the area earlier than expected! I met them at the home. They had arrived in a professional looking van, and both servicemen were wearing Al's Plumbing polo's. We discussed the job further and I gave them the go ahead to do the work. My client had requested that I do so. Upon completion, I returned to the home. They explained the scope of the job and thanked me for the business. The cost came in lower than the video inspector's estimate.

The next time I am in need of a plumber, or know of any one who is, I will not hesitate to reccomend Al's Plumbing Company.

Although Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm, Please take emergency preparations seriously. There have already been some power outages reported in areas in Southern La. Some flooding and power outages are likely.

I wrote about St Tammany Parish schools Emergency Alert system at the beginning of the school year. I am very impressed with the system. Yesterday evening, we were wondering about the status of school schedules for today. Before I logged into the STPSB.org, the home phone rang and I had an incoming text. The school system sent a notification that they were watching IDA and preparing. Within the hour, another text and call came through. The St Tammany Schools would close 3 hours early. Channel 13 also runs updates. To sign up for updates go to http://www.stpsb.org/CommServices/signuppage.htm

This morning NOCCA notifed parents that they are closed today.

Additional links with Tropical System information can be found on my website JonesSellsHomes.net

My prayers are with the victims who have already lost their homes and lives to Ida.

Wishing everyone a Safe Day.

I have been reluctant to post any information regarding an extention of the tax credit. The cliche- don't count your chickens before they hatch comes to mind. As of now, the credit has not been signed, but has passed. Now is a good time to review the old school house rock songs!

Congress passed the Unemployment Insurance bill on November 5. The bill included the homebuyer tax credit. It is now being sent to President Obama for his signature.
A few of the main features include an extension of the first time homebuyer $8000 tax credit through April 30, 2010, income limit increases of $125,000 single or $225,000 married, and a $6500 credit through April 30, 2010 for current homeowners who have consecutively maintained the home they want to sell as their primary residence for five of the last eight years. The are some other additions as well.
The National Association of REALTORS has put together a table showing the comparisons of the current tax credit and the tax credit extension. Please feel free to contact me for additional information.

Update on my update ;o) According to Associated pess reporter Jim Abrams, the bill has been signed. The bill is H.R. 3548.

I pass Mandeville City Hall almost daily. They have an electronic message board with important messages or upcoming events posted. This week sign showed Oktoberfest- Mandeville Trailhead. I've been living in Mandeville for over 15 yrs, and have lived nearby my entire life. I've never heard of an Oktoberfest Celebration in Mandeville! I looked into it today. It looks like a very interesting event! Lots of good causes will be supported. Mandeville has another fun event for locals. I hope it is the first year of a long standing event.

I live fairly close to the Trailhead. Many times I can hear the music from the bands at the Trailhead. I checked the lineup. If I hadn't have know about this event, I would have certainly wondered what was going on- Yodeling and Polka music!

For more information about events at the Trailhead visit MandevilleTrailhead.com events .

"

German Bands, Brats, and lots of Beer!!
Plus nightly beer stein races, kids activities, chicken drop contest,
Yodeling contest, and much more!

Friday, Oct. 16th 4:00pm - 9:30pm - FREE ADMISSION!!
Featuring:
Miss Claudia and Her Biergartners
A-Polka-lypse N.O.
Plus - Entertainment and Contests with Cats Meow Karaoke!


Saturday, Oct. 17th 4:00pm- 9:30pm - $5 ADMISSION . Kids under 12 FREE
Featuring:
Mel Rogers. Wienerschnitzel Orchestra
Benny Grunch & the Bunch
Plus - Entertainment and Contests with Cats Meow Karaoke!

In the Foodgarten:

Scott's Wish will be serving German sampler plates with Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad, and a Kaiser Roll. Sausage and Hot Dogs on buns will also be available. Log on to www.ScottsWish.org to learn more.

The St. Tammany Spay & Neuter Group will be selling a variety of German and American Desserts to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth!


In the Biergarten:
What's on tap? Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest, Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Shiner Bock, Miller Lite

In the Weingarten:
Schmitt Sohne's Relax Red (chillable Red), Superstition (Riesling Pinot Blanc) and Anything Goes (Riesling)

Cocktails:
Jagermeister cocktails including our Fest Featured Shot - The Chicken Drop.

Plus..
Cult Energy Drinks
Soft Drinks & H20 ~ Sno-balls


Please remember . NO OUTSIDE FOOD & DRINKS!


Where? Mandeville Trailhead Amphitheater
The newly upgraded, scenic and safe local setting offers all of the amenities desired for a quality experience for the entire family. There are now full service concession stands, clean indoor bathrooms, and safe children's play
areas. The terraced grassy area offers unobstructed sight lines of the built-in performance stage for all attendees.

What should I bring?
~ Lawn chairs, blankets, cameras, and children are all welcome!
~ NO outside food or drink allowed. Concessions sales keep it free!
~ NO PETS PERMITTED AT THIS EVENT DUE TO THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN.
~ NO FOOTBALLS, FLYING OBJECTS, SKATEBOARDS, OR ROLLERBLADES!
~ ATM on site
~ Trailhead Office Lost and Found: 985-624-3147

Volunteer Information:
If you are interested in volunteering, call the Mandeville Trailhead at 985-624-3147 or e-mail us at MandevilleTrailhead@charter.net

Directions to the Mandeville Trailhead from Slidell or Hammond:

• Take 1-12 east or west to the LA 59 exit, Exit Number 65.
• Go approx 2.9 miles south on LA 59, where it becomes LA 59/Gerard Street.
• Continue South on Girod Street less than 1/2 mile (fire station on left).
• After crossing old RR tracks (now Tammany Trace) - Trailhead on right.
• Parking available on street and on opposite side of venue off of Lafitte Street

Directions to the Mandeville Trailhead from Metairie:

• Take Causeway Bridge North to Mandeville.
• Stay in right lane when coming off of bridge, and veer to right.
• Approx. 300 yards you will come to a traffic light (Monroe Street)
• Take a right on to Monroe Street.
• Go east on Monroe Street, and continue to first stop sign (Lafitte Street)
• Turn Left on to Lafitte Street.
• Proceed two blocks north-Trailhead parking all around venue"

The organizer's have put together a blog for this event. CLICK HERE TO VISIT the BLOG!
LEARN ALL ABOUT the NIGHTLY CONTESTS AND FUN!!

Wild Things Features Something for Everyone October 17, 2009 -

New attractions this year will include the recently-opened Southeast Louisiana Refuges' visitor center, several new trails around the grounds and an expanded music lineup. Last year's popular "hayride shuttle" will return to make getting around the 110-acre site easier. We're also bringing back the casting pond where kids can try their luck hitting targets with spin-cast fishing gear. The Kid's Tent will offer other fun nature crafts and learning games.

Pontoon boat tours will be offered on Bayou Lacombe, and more energetic types can paddle their own canoe on a guided trip among the cypresses and Spanish moss of this beautiful waterway. Van tours will escort visitors even further into Big Branch Marsh refuge for a look at how the refuge manages areas for endangered species.

Fly-tying demonstrations will be offered, and local wildlife artisans will be displaying their talents and products. Plenty of live animals will be on hand. Throw in continuous live music and delicious food, and you've got the makings of a great family event. Proceeds from food and drink sales benefit the non-profit Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, who assist us with countless projects on all of our refuges.

Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots will headline the expanded music lineup this year. First up, beginning at 10:30 am, will be the bluegrass group The High Ground Drifters. The members of the group are New Orleans based and have appeared at Jazzfest, Abita Opry, and Steam Train Festival, among other gigs. Next, the Blues Rangers will take to the stage. Dave Allen,Wildlife Biologist, and Tate Thriffiley, District Ecologist for the De Soto National Forest perform songs that cover topics ranging from the increasing loss of greenspace to the need for prescribed burning and the importance of being "Firewise". They have performed to audiences all across the United States highlighting current natural and cultural resource management issues. Capping the lineup will be Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, led by Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes. Sunpieis a master harmonica player, accomplished accordionist, and a jam-up drummer who leads his band through a beautiful mix of blues, Zydeco, Caribbean, and New Orleans style music. He and his band have performed throughout the country and in many locations abroad. The event music is courtesy of the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges with support by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs/Department of Cultural and Governmental Affairs, St. Tammany Parish.

Wild Things is a great place to learn about how you can take part in exciting volunteer activities and projects on area refuges, or get involved with other conservation organizations in our area.

Last year over 2500 visitors enjoyed Wild Things! Admission, parking, and all tours and programs are free.

10 am - 5 pm
Southeast Louisiana Refuges
61389 Hwy 434 in Lacombe

How to get there: From I-12 take Exit 74 toward Lacombe (Hwy 434). Go two miles to the headquarters entrance on the right. Or, from Hwy 190 in Lacombe go north on Hwy 434 for ¼ mile and turn left into the headquarters entrance. For more information phone 985-882-2000."

I attended this fest several years ago with my cub scouts. As den leader, it was a helpful and informative festival. I had an agenda to achieve for the scouts. I hope to attend this year and enjoy the relaxing fun side of the event!