Melissa Grant - Real Estate Coordinator Offering Virtual or On - Site Services

As the Arctic Cold front begins to sweep in on us, Crossville, TN temperatures will begin to drop. Below is what you can expect keeping in mind these temperatures do NOT include wind chill factors. Even outdoor pets should be brought inside as this cold air is dangerous to pets. Keep your pipes in mind as well. Information on preventing frozen pipes is listed below as well.

Many people have asked for information and suggestions about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. The following information is provided to address those questions.

Why pipe freezing is a problem :

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

How to Preventing Frozen Pipes :

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted thightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes - even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action :

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

How To Thaw Frozen Pipes :

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, and electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Courtesy of Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker, Third Tennessee Realty and Associates. 931-484-4173

Maybe you lost a loved one to Cancer. Maybe you cared for a loved one with Cancer. Do you know someone who survived Cancer ?

My name is Melissa Grant. I lost my grandfather to Cancer. By the time the cancer was found it was to late. Since then I have been actively involved in my community and raising money for the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society has a promise :

The Promise of the Future....

To dream of a world without cancer. The American Cancer Society's research program has worked toward making that dream a reality since 1946. Their progress has been evident :

• $2.5 billion directed to research over the programs lifetime
• $130 million invested in research annually
• 32 Novel Prize winners funded
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of the Papanicolau ( Pap ) smear in detecting cervical cancer
• Proved safety and effectiveness of mammograms
• Defined structure of DNA-genetic building blocks.

The American Cancer Society believe Education is the key ! It's all about being in the know because 60% of cancers are preventable, one of the strongest weapons you can give yourself in the fight against cancer is education !

The American Cancer Society's advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal level are fueled by the zeal and hard work of thousands of volunteers in communities just like ours ! They are fighting for a cure in city halls, state capitals and the Capital Hill in Washington, DC every day to ensure :

• Clean Indoor air
• Funding for cancer education, treatment and research
• Access for cancer patients to adequate treatment, medication and freedom from pain

Welcome Crossville, Tennessee !

This year I am the Team Captain for Third Tennessee Realty and Associateshere in Crossville, Tennessee located at 2008 North Main Street. You can help fight for a cause...fight for a cure..together we CAN make a difference.

• If you would like to sponsor a team -mate, help organize a team, walk with us, every step counts ! Every dollar sent counts !
• If you wish to have a luminary Candle lit for your loved one I can provide you with the application or send it in for you....

This year's theme is :

Once Upon A Time There Was A Cure !

Cancer is a burden...finding help shouldn't be

Volunteers...the passion behind the Mission of the American Cancer Society...

We fight together as husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, children, mothers. You can volunteer in your community or sponsor in your community by being involved :

• Relay for life
• Making strides against breast cancer
• Golf event, Galas, specialty parties and events
• Corporate Sponsorships
• Advocacy, community awareness, patient support

In the upcoming weeks and months please be on the look -out for garage sales, bake sales and the like within our community. All proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society !

The relay for life will quick off on May 9 , 2008, for more information on the relay, upcoming events or how you can help please contact Melissa Grant at 931-484-4173 ! or 931-210-8277 !

Courtesy of Melissa Grant, Third Tennessee Realty and Associates, 2008 North Main Street, Crossville, Tennessee 38555.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) has launched "Retire Tennessee," a pilot program promoting Tennessee as a great place for retirees to call home.

ECD has selected nine Tennessee communities to participate in the pilot program and we are proud and happy to be a part of these counties here in Crossville, Tennessee !

Tennessee is home to urban places and wide-open spaces, with lots of scenic room to roam. Tennessee lakes, rivers and parks provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Boating, fishing and hiking are popular outdoor recreational activities, especially at one of the 54 state parks. Fine arts thrive alongside regional crafts. Sports share the spotlight with great musical attractions. Major medical centers, colleges and universities, and active civic organizations enhance Tennessee and offer a sense of community for its citizens.

As the only state except for Virginia to have witnessed the most Civil War battles, Tennessee attracts history buffs throughout the United States. Tennessee is known for its historical preservation of Civil War battlefields such as Shiloh, Lookout Mountain and Stones River. Tennessee is also part of the scenic "Trail of Tears," beginning east of Chattanooga and heading north toward Kentucky.

Tennessee has three professional sport teams,the Memphis Grizzlies (National Basketball Association), the Nashville Predators (National Hockey League) and the Tennessee Titans (National Football League), also based in Nashville. Minor league baseball teams blanket the state with the Memphis Red Birds, Jackson Diamond Jaxx, the Nashville Sounds, the Chattanooga Look-Outs and the Tennessee Smokies, located in Kodak.

Property Tax

• Tennessee has no state property tax. Property taxes are locally determined and collected.

Sales Tax

• The Tennessee state tax is six percent on food and food ingredients and seven percent on all other tangible personal property, unless specifically exempted. There is no tax on prescription drugs.Tennessee cities and counties have the option of imposing an additional local option sales tax.

• Visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue, to obtain more information about Tennessee taxes.

Income Tax

• There is no state personal income tax in Tennessee. However, there is the Hall income tax strictly on interest from bonds and notes and dividends from stock.

Tennessee's climate varies from east to west, but it is generally considered to be moderate with four distinct seasons. The budding of wildflowers and dogwoods occurs in spring and honeysuckles welcome summer. Fall foliage and crisp air make Tennessee autumns memorable and the wintry weather brings mild flurries of snowfall.

Whether you are planning your first visit, or booking a return trip, making thorough travel plans is just a click away. Visit the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Web site, where you'll discover comprehensive tourism information to help you navigate our great state.

Crossville, Tennessee's array of amenities will please any interest. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle or prefer a more leisurely pace, Crossville provides natural beauty, a mild climate, urban conveniences and rural peacefulness. With reasonable living costs and quality health care, Crossville is a great [lace to call home.

Come experience Tennessee and we'll show you how the good life just keeps getting better.

Crossville - Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce