Charles Town, WV

What Would You Name YOUR House?

Here is a house that I just learned about this past week. It was built by George Washington's youngest brother, Charles, back in 1780.

Charles Washington surveyed Charles Town and named all of the streets. 'Happy Retreat' is what he named his home.....and yes, George Washington slept there on a regular basis.

A newly formed group called 'The Friends of Happy Retreat' is raising funds to purchase this property in order to secure it for the public. I sincerely wish them well in their efforts. ( heck, I'd LOVE to tour this house!)

I visited Charles Town last week while accompaning my Mom on her trip home. Mom grew up in Burkittsville, home to the Blair Witch movie. (Remember that?) I enjoyed the trip to Burkittsville, but I have to admit I was intrigued by the house named, 'Happy Retreat'.

To hear it's name, just made me feel good.

I enjoyed my brief time in Charles Town. I especially enjoyed the Charles Town Race Track. I had such a FUN time watching the horses and trying to pick the winners!

This experience made me think about naming my house. My home is a 'Happy Retreat' to me, but that name is taken. Perhaps I could call it 'Chrissy's Castle' or 'Happy Home'. I know these names don't roll off the tongue as easily as 'Happy Retreat', so I need to work on this a bit more.

I wonder if my home will still be in good condition and still standing 231 years from now? What did Charles Washington wonder about back in 1780? This is so much to consider, isn't it?

We should all be so lucky to have a 'Happy Retreat' at some point in our lives.

So ----- what WOULD you name your house?

Homes for Heroes is proud to introduce our new Affiliate, Anne Strider!

As a Buyer Specialist, Anne’s focus is on residential real estate, both resale and new construction, and relocation. Anne strives to provide the absolute best service to her clients before, during, and after a transaction closes. No detail is too small for her attention, which allows her buyers to relax and enjoy the home buying process. Her belief that integrity, both personal and professional, is of paramount importance means everyone involved in your transaction will be treated honestly and fairly. Anne will handle your home purchase as though it was her own!

As a life-long resident of Jefferson County, Anne delights in sharing her enthusiasm for the area with her buyers. She and her husband reside in Charles Town with their two sons. During her free time, Anne relishes activities involving family and friends. Ask her about her quirky interest in far-flung grocery stores.

Homes for Heroes would like to give a warm welcome to new Affiliate, Missi Boober!

Since 2003, Missi’s customer-focused approach has helped her clients throughout the area achieve their dream of home ownership. Whether you’re an experienced home buyer or shopping for your first home, Missi will help make your experience the best it can be. She will find the best home in your area within your price range to suit your needs. Missi listens to her clients and works tirelessly on their behalf to find the right house to call a home. Missi’s expertise also includes listing homes. Her client-involved listing plan aims to sell your current home as quickly and as easily as possible.

Missi has been a resident of the Eastern Panhandle of WV since 1995 and fully believes in supporting the community and Homes for Heroes. She also brings experience as a paralegal to The Kable Team. She resides in Martinsburg with her husband, Dave, a Sergeant with the West Virginia State Police and their four children. When she isn’t working, she spends time with her family, enjoys cooking and baking, and likes to golf. Missi loves football season!

You can reach Missi by email at missi@thekableteam.com, or you may call her at 304-279-9421.

In the latest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce newsletter, the following events are shown as scheduled:

• February 11-13 - "Southern Hospitality" at Old Opera House
• February - Spaghetti Dinner - JCCOA
• February 13 - Father/Daughter Dance - Parks & Rec
• February 24 - Monthly Membership Meeting - Asbury United Methodist Church
• March 8 - Women's Network Workshop at Clarion Hotel In Shepherdstown
• March 19 - Silent Auction for Independence Day Celebration at Hollywood Casino
• March 23 - Next "Get A Life" program at Wildwood Middle School
• April 22 - 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Cress Creek
• May 21 - 10th Annual Ranson Festival at Ranson Civic Center

We are also reminded that some families struggle to pay high heating bills in the winter. These are family, friends, and members of our community. Every dollar you can donate is matched by the WV Dollar Energy Fund. You can visit Warming Hands and Hearts and make an online donation or call 304-263-0603. You can also mail a check to United Way of the Eatern Panhandle, 218 W. King St., Martinsburg, WV 25401, put Warming Hands and Hearts in the memo line.

Here is a littlel history lesson. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln's bodyguard was born in Summit Point, WV. He wrote a manuscript in 1880. Chamber member Bob O'Connor found it in 2007 and has published a book "The Life of Abraham Lincoln: As President", You may find this book at the Charles Town Visitors Center, at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center, at the Four Season's Books in Shepherdstown, WV or online at www.boboconnorbooks.com

For more news, go to Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

ROCK & TILE.

That's the name of my new favorite tile store. Located just across the West Virginia border (Potomac River) from Harper's Ferry out Route 340, I had an adventure selecting material for a new back splash for my kitchen.

JOIN ME IN MY ADVENTURE of selecting new tile to create and build a new back splash for my kitchen.

The card to the right introduces Kevin Culihan, a lovely gentleman who knows the tile business.

This supplier also offers all manner of rock, stone, granite, gravel, and a huge selection of interior tiles.

Enjoy!

*

*

*

*

JOIN ME IN A TOUR OF THE ROCK & TILE SHOW ROOM IN CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA.

Friendly service and a fantastic selection of tiles. Large show room to browse.

Comfortable seating to take your time with selections. Spectacular glass, ceramic, marble and more.

Since I'm looking for "earth tones", I focused on these offerings. EUREKA! I FOUND IT!!