Congratulations goes out to Tommy Clapp for his recent completion of the GRI certificate program.

The GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute, designation is the most recognized and respected professional designation available to real estate professionals nationwide. REALTORS® who have earned the GRI designation receive in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and sales process.

Our New River Valley team of REALTORS® continues to grow! We’d like to give a warm welcome to our newest addition, Doug Veit.

Though originally from upstate New York, Doug has been a Blacksburg resident since 1977. He is a former graduate of Blacksburg High School, New River Community College and Virginia Tech. Professional experience includes real estate sales, property management, web development and virtual tour productions (tophometours.com). Personal interests include making music / drumming, online trading, spiritual growth and hanging with the kids. Doug's wife, Tammy is a Blacksburg native and Middle School Special Ed Consultant / Teacher. Together they raise two sweet girls.

For more information about Doug, visit his profile page on www.cbtownside.com, and if you’re in the office, feel free to stop by and say hello!

Doug Veit, REALTOR®

cell: 540-320-7325
email: dougveit@gmail.com

The Blacksburg office was excited to kick off 2012 with our annual Awards Reception on Jaunary 17th.  The night was sprinkled with great food, fun stories and agent recognization. The following agents were Award recipients.

Silver Award Winners: Steve Ayers, Gary Douglas, Cliff Dowdy, Susan Harrison, Brian Jauarena, Tina Piemonte, Greg Vidmar

Gold Award Winners: Diane Boon, Arthur Cennamo, Debra Chase, Sandy Grant, Susanna Lilly, Nancy Phillips, John Skelton, Pat Tracy, Alison Whittaker

Platinum Award Winners: Paul DiMaio, Wayne Elliott

Diamond Award Winner: Dana Orr

Spirit Award: Bernadette Alfonso

Hard Knocks: Elaine McKaughan, Alison Whittaker

Setting the Standard: Tommy Clapp

President's Council: Tommy Clapp, Paul DiMaio, Mike Eggleston, Wayne Elliott, Dana Orr

Team of the Year: The Eggleston Team

Listing Agent of the Year: Paul DiMaio

Sales Agent of the Year: Dana Orr

Agent of the Year: Dana Orr

The Generation Blue Experience brings together real estate professionals from all over the world to exchange ideas and inspire innovation.  Last year Coldwell Banker brought to you The Gen Blue Smack Down Ferry vs. Ferrara (highlighting the pros and cons of traditional vs. social media real estate techniques), which ignited passionate discussion that still resonates today.

This year Coldwell Banker wants to gain the same excitement through discussion, so they are thrilled to announce the "Housing Town Hall" featuring Karl Rove and Robert Gibbs.  The two legendary presidential advisors, will share their unique experiences in the White House inner circle and go head -to- head on critical issues that will impact us all for generations to come.  The state of the US housing market and how each party plans to approach housing in the 2012 Presidential election.

Rove, one of President George W. Bush’s closest advisors, has been described by U.S. News and World Report in this way: “no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.”  Gibbs served as one of President Obama’s campaign architects during the history-making 2008 election, as well as former Press Secretary to the 44th President. He is credited with helping make one of the most talked about presidential campaigns a success through social media and he stands among the President’s closest group of confidantes heading into the 2012 contest.  His power to mobilize supporters and establish strong social and grassroots support is second to none.

Reserve your spot at the Generation Blue Experience now, and don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!  February 29 - March 3 in New Orleans.

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.