Looking for somewhere to ring in the New Year? Check out our list of events happening throughout the New River Valley! Happy 2012!

Blacksburg

New Year’s Eve at Sharkey’s Blacksburg
-Full dinner menu available
-Midnight celebration toast
-Dress: casual/semi-formal/formal attire
-No cover charge

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Gillie’s
-“Prix Fixe” specialized vegetarian menu
-5 courses
-$40 a person
-Reservations only 540-961-2703

Cabo Fish Taco New Year’s Eve Party
-Champagne toast
-Tequila
-Music by Boogie Burg
-Cover charge $3-5

The Cellar
-Big Thunder Rumblefish reunion starts @ 9:30 pm
-No cover

New Year’s Eve Celebration at PK’s
-DJ Bobby Hash 9pm-close
-Party favors
-Midnight toast

Gourmet Pantry
-Complimentary Wine Tasting
-11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Lyric Theatre
-Showing Melancholia at 7pm & 9:30pm
-$6.00 for public, $5.00 for members

India Garden
-New Year’s weekend special five course meal
-$40 a couple - available Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Roanoke

New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hotel Roanoke
-Two live bands (The Kings & The William Penn Quartet)
-Buffet dinner from 7-8:30pm
-Salads, three main course options, four sides and numerous desserts
-$175 a couple
-Tickets

New Year’s Eve 2012 Fashion & Benefit Gala
-Displaying Roanokes own stylists, designers and vendors
-Adult affair
-Semi-formal/cocktail attire
-$35 admission
-Includes Champagne toast and party favors

New Year’s Eve Bash: Yellow Dubmarine
-10 pm at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill
-$10 cover with Champagne toast at midnight

New Year’s Eve Celebration with The Worx at Awful Arthur’s Towers
-$15 cover
-9:30pm
-21 and over

New Year’s Eve Party at Corned Beef & Co.
-DJs playing all genres of music
-Champagne toast at midnight
-Full gourmet buffet
-Party favors
-Blue Ridge Entertainment’s Jo Jo Soprano from K92 in the mix LIVE
-$40 for individuals or $75 for couples
-21 and over

New Year’s Eve at Metro!
-DJ Rex Riddem
-Menu specials
-Champagne toast at midnight
-Reservations 540-345-6645

It's the time of the year for gathering family and friends. Having a home large enough to entertain them all is a challenge that Coldwell Banker understands. Coldwell Banker's newest advertisement addresses the issue of finding a home that will fit everyone, especially during the holidays. A recent study showed that 40% of consumers have more than 15 people living under one roof during November or December! Last month, Coldwell Banker partnered with NBC and launched "Crowded House."  The commercial ran during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockerfeller Christmas Tree Lighting. Whatever your holiday plans, remember Coldwell Banker is always there to help you find a home to accommodate your loved ones, even during the busiest time of the year.

Last Thursday, the Virginia Tech community was once again rocked with tragedy. This time a police officer became the innocent victim. Officer Deriek W. Crouse, 39 was preforming a routine traffic stop in the Cassell Coliseum parking lot when part-time Radford student Ross Ashley, 22 shot and killed him. Crouse lived in Christiansburg with his wife and five children and stepchildren. An Army veteran and former correctional officer with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Crouse took a job as a patrol officer with Virginia Tech in October 2007. He served as a member of the Virginia Tech Police Emergency Response team and received an award in 2008 for his commitment to the department's Driving Under the Influence efforts. Praised for his work ethic and professionalism, Crouse also enjoyed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Metallica and clowning around with his children. Crouse's heartbreaking death inspired a movement that no one imagined would reach such magnitude.

Two Virginia Tech seniors, Bethany Darnley, 22, and Drew Jenkinson, 21 created a campaign called Hokies for Crouse. The effort is aimed towards raising money for the family of the fallen officer. The evening after Crouse's passing, the account had already reached more than $5,000.  A simple Facebook page became a way to reach out to the community and entire Hokie Nation. Most recently, as of Wednesday, December 14, the pair has raised over $100,000. Additionally, RunAbout Sports will donate the net proceeds from its 9th Annual Frosty 5k on December 24 to Hokies for Crouse. Students can also donate books at the Blacksburg BookHolders, which will present the sale proceeds to the Deriek Crouse Memorial Fund. Please visit the Hokies for Crouse website to donate, volunteer or spread the word.

Thursday, December 8, the New River Valley Association of REALTORS (NRVAR) installed the new Board of Directors for 2012. Congratulations to Coldwell Banker Townside, REALTORS Mike Eggleston and Pat Tracy on their new positions and many thanks to all of the officers and directors who have chosen to volunteer their time.  The NRVAR supports REALTORS® in nine counties and two cities in Southwestern Virginia. These counties and cities include: Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Tazewell, and Wythe counties, the City of Galax, and the City of Radford.

Pictured: Upper Left: REALTOR, Mike Eggleston awaits his installation on the Board of Directors. Upper Right: The Virginia Association of REALTORS 2011 President, John Dickinson installs the new Board of Directors including (ninth in line from left) Mike Eggleston and (sixth in line from left) Pat Tracy. Lower Left: Agents of Coldwell Banker Townside, REALTORS wait patiently for the installation. Lower Right:  John  Dickinson installs new NRVAR president, Jeannette Boyd.  Standing beside her is past president, REALTOR, Dana Spraker.

Coldwell Banker Townside, REALTORS® knows how to celebrate the holidays! This week, Coldwell Banker Townside, REALTORS® hosted their annual Holiday Party! The event was held at Holiday Inn in Blacksburg. Agents and staff gathered for a celebratory brunch and White Elephant gift exchange.

Pictured From Left to Right: Agents enjoying brunch and holiday treats, General Manager Margaret Galecki addresses the crowd, Realtor Alison Whittaker opens her present, Gifts adorn the table for the White Elephant exchange, Agents celebrating friendly company, Beautiful holiday centerpieces.

Today begins the month of December. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, or any other holiday, make sure to kick off "the best time of the year" with some local activities and events!

Thursday 12/1

What: Hokie Holidayfest
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: GLC Multipurpose Room
A multicultural holiday event. Learn about holiday traditions of different cultures and religions through games, activities and live music. A Capella performances by Mixed Emotion and Latkapellas. Gift wrapping booth, contest prizes & special guest appearances.

Friday 12/2

What: Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. & Town of Blacksburg present: Winter Lights Festival with TubaChristmas and Holiday Parade
When:  4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Blacksburg
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf at The Lyric (bring your own camera) including Music from Blacksburg Children's Master Chorale onstage
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Crafts, Holiday Gift Market, foods, gifts, music
5:30 p.m.  Tree lighting with music from the Blacksburg Children's Master Chorale
6:00 p.m. TubaChristmas co-sponsored by the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. and the Department of Music at Virginia Tech
6:00 p.m. Mood Swing playing in Gillie's
7:00 p.m. Holiday Parade co-sponsored by Blacksburg Parks& Recreation Department & Virginia Tech Chapter of Circle K

Open House in downtown businesses on Main Street, College Avenue and Draper Rd. featuring 4-8pm, late night shopping, personalized shopping assistance, free gift wrap, snacks and beverages, and holiday specials in participating stores.
Open House at Clay Corner merchants- Alligator Alley, South Main Chiropractic, In Balance Yoga and Gourmet Pantry.

ART CRAWL to The Gallery at Mish Mish, Matrix Gallery, XYZ Gallery, Gillie's Gallery, Kent Jewelers, Creekmore Law Firm.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR at 130 Jackson
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit by stopping by the Holiday Craft Fair at 130 Jackson for unique handmade gifts for all ages.

SILENT NIGHT silent auction at XYZ Gallery
December 2, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $2 in advance, $3 at the door
Bid on students artwork and enjoy light refreshments and live music.

MERCHANT OPEN HOUSES
Featuring late night shopping, personalized shopping assistance, free gift wrap, snacks and beverages, and holiday specials in participating stores- Gourmet Pantry, Kent Jewelers, Fringe Benefit, In Balance Yoga Studio, Matrix Gallery, South Main Chiropractic, Mad Dog, Alligator Alley, Mish Mish, 310 Rosemont, Homebody, Tech Bookstore, Campus Emporium, Bookholders. 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Main Street Inn will offer hot chocolate and hot cider by the fireplace.

Vendors participating in Holiday Gift Market
The Cellar mobile kitchen
Hethwood Market Kettle Corn and wreaths
Jen Richter & Jen Huffman- arts and cards
Little Blue Woman - candles
Mystic River - lavender products
Beyond Homemade - wholegrain breads and baked goods, hot coffee
Greenstar Farm - produce, vintage jewelry and clothing, pottery
The Fresh Crepe - sweet and savory crepes
Glade Road Growing - produce
Chinkapin Hill Forest Farm - produce, hot coffee and chai tea, biscotti, paintings
Honeywood - wood grafts, honey and honey products
Cavalier Farm - produce, baked goods, preserves, wreaths
The Green Market - produce, preserves
Nanny's Garden - baked goods, spices, preserves
Birdsong Farm - beeswax products, body care products, honey, dried wreaths

What: Holidays at Smithfield
When: 12/2-12/3 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. & 12/4 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Live music, Greenery Sale, Susanna's Tea Room, Children activities, and exhibit of fashions.
Advance: $15 Adults, $7.50 Children
At the Door: $18 Adults, $9 Children

Saturday 12/3

What: Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. presents a FREE movie- "Elf"
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: The Lyric

Santa and Buddy the Elf will be available for pictures following the movie in the lobby. Bring your own camera.


Throughout December...


What: Fashions for Evergreens  
Where: The Inn at Virginia Tech
Featuring 13 professionally designed trees that each display their own interpretation of holiday cheer. Trees on display from November 24, 2011 through January 1, 2012.

Macy's 85th Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thrusday November 24th at 9am

For 85 years, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been the official kick-off to the holiday season. Every year, this Emmy-Award winning holiday tradition is seen by more than 3 million people who line the streets of New York and another 50 million people who tune in to NBC to watch the giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, the nation's top marching bands, and a host of celebrities!

In 1924 originally known as Macy's Christmas Parade, the Thanksgiving Day Parade was started by Macy's employees and featured animals from the Central Park Zoo! It was such a success that Macy's declared it would become an annual event.

The parade debuted it signature giant balloons in 1927. These helium filled joys were released above the city during the grand finale, but unexpectedly burst above Manhattan's skyline!

World War II brought the parade to a halt for the first time in history. Due to a rubber and helium shortage, balloons were deflated and donated to the government, proving 650 pounds of scrap rubber .

1969 introduced the first float in the parade. These floats can stand up to 40 feet tall, but can be folded to make their Parade Eve trip to NYC via the Lincoln Tunnel, whereupon crews toil through the night to reassemble them for the 9am step-off!

Through the years the spirit of the small group of 1924 Macy's employees lives on today with the participation of more than 4,000 volunteers on the famous 2.5 mile march through Manhattan's Streets!

Taken from "Truly There is No Place Like Home For the Holidays" by david_marine...

For most people, the holidays are spent gathered around the table at a relative's house. The holiday season offers a time for families to get together and share a traditional dish or memory. Recently, the folks at Coldwell Banker Real Estate decided to research "just how much a home truly means during the holidays." While surveying consumers, Coldwell Banker asked "how much their home impacts their holiday festivities." Nearly 40% of those surveyed had more than 15 people staying under one roof during the holiday season. Coldwell Banker discovered that the Christmas carol rings true to it's title, there truly is no place like home for the holidays.

Additional holiday facts found (1,000 people surveyed):

• 78% of Americans decorate their home for the holidays

• 77% of people surveyed admitted to never "snooping" for presents

• The kitchen and living room were split as the most popular spaces used during the holidays

Most Blacksburg residents know that the small town charm, college atmosphere and plethora of amenities make it a wonderful place to live. The rest of the nation now agrees.

Coldwell Banker recently released the "2011 College Home Listing Report" which ranks the average listing price of a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in iconic college towns across the country. Blacksburg made the list at #92 out of 116 with the average listing price of $258,332.00. The affordability and resources offered by a college town, such as Blacksburg, make owning a property very convenient. 



Blacksburg also made the headlines of Bloomsberg Businessweek as the "Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids." Nestled in the among the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the hometown of Virginia Tech offers some of the best resources for raising children. The community center, indoor pool, local trails, and municipal golf course offer athletic, educational and social activities. The low crime rate, temperate weather and low cost of living make it appealing to many residents. The excellent school system, local programs, affordable housing costs and low crime all contribute to Blacksburg's first place ranking. The "small town" of 41,383 consists of students and residents coinciding peacefully, sharing a mutual love for the university.

Blacksburg's seamless combination of southern hospitality, lively college atmosphere and beautiful surroundings create a town unlike any other. The town's recent publicity allows visitors and readers to recognize what Hokies have always known.... Blacksburg isn't just the best place to raise kids, "it's a fabulous place to live."

Smartphone technology and mobile applications strive to make life easier each and every day. Apps for the Android, iPhone, and other smartphones have become available for use within the real estate market. Here are a few apps that have proven helpful for real estate agents across the nation:

Excerpts taken from Catelaza Marketing's "Top Twelve Smartphone Apps for Real Estate Agents"  article by Christene...

1. Yelp –The purpose of Yelp is to connect people with local businesses. This is a great place to give advice to a client about the neighborhood and surrounding area.
2. DropBox – DropBox is a organization app that allows the user to save everything to a special file on the DropBox server –  transferring files from a flash drive or through email is no longer required.
3. Keynote – Keynote is a powerful presentation app where agents can create anything from basic charts to world-class presentations.
4. SLYDial – SLYDial is a great app for those agents who need to leave a quick message on a client’s phone. SLYdial will direct you straight to voicemail.
5. Realtor.com – Have a profile on Realtor.com? Stay connected to it on the go! 
6. Docusign – Docusign is a service that allows for an electronic signature, giving clients the opportunity to sign documents electronically.
7. Dragon – Speak into the phone and this app will type out the text. Dragon makes typing up to 5 times faster than on a normal keyboard.
8. Smarter Agent - A location-based application that enables widespread content distribution to consumers through apps.
9. Zillow - This app allows an agent to obtain estimated values, comparable sales and rental prices for a client. The app has handy features such as voice search, GPS, and ways to filter the search by price, home type, number of bedrooms and much more. Full color photos of the homes for sale are also available on the Zillow app.

Don't forget about the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Search app and our very own Coldwell Banker Townside, REALTORS app! Use our Coldwell Banker Townside app to contact agents and our national Coldwell Banker app to search properties in the U.S. & abroad, view recent home sales and much more!