North Carolina residents may see car tax double.  A bill has been introduced by Senator Dan Clodfelter of Mecklenburg County that would more than double the sales and use tax that North Carolina residents would pay when buying or titling a car in this state.  The senator says it is needed to pay for highway projects.

As might be expected, there is much opposition and the auto dealers are leading the fight against this bill.  According to opponents a buyer paying $20,000 for a car would see the tax increase from approximately $600 to approximately $1350 which would result in an additional $20-40 per month in the car payment.

It appears that more fuel efficient vehicles has caused the collection of fuel tax collected to decrease.  As I recall North Carolina has one of the highest state gasoline tax in the southeast.  Why does it take so much more money to maintain our highways than neighboring states?  

Photo courtesy of Flikr - Old Woman Shoe 

Watermelons are as sure a part of summer here as firecrackers are a part of July 4th and when we say watermelon in Carteret and Onslow Counties, we aren't referring to just any watermelon but to Bogue Sound Watermelons.

County extensions agents say they receive numerous calls from people who want to know where they can buy Bogue Sound Watermelon seed  but the answer is--you cannot buy Bogue Sound Watermelon seed.  You see, it's not the variety of the watermelon that make the melons extra sweet and juicy--it is the soil it is grown in.  Only growers' whose land drain into Bogue Sound can use the brand and logo for Bogue Sound Watermelons and that includes an area from Swansboro to Morehead City. 

Farmers along Bogue Sound have grown watermelons for many years but it was not until 2005 that a group was formed to promote and sell watermelons branded as Bogue Sound Watermelons.  The founder of the group, Billy Guthrie, said it was a desire to preserve the tradition of the Bogue Sound Watermelon which his family has grown for more than 100 years, that led to the founding of the group and branding of the melon.

When you plan your trip to the coast of North Carolina, make sure you come during watermelon season which lasts from mid June through August.  The best place to find a Bogue Sound Watermelon is on Highway 24 between Swansboro and Morehead City at one of the local fruit/vegetable stands. 

You've not had watermelon until you've had Bogue Sound Watermelon.  Hmmmmm. 

 Photo Courtesy of Flikr - Bill Adams

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making House Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families with housing in Onslow County, N C 

                             Did you know Chuck Norris is an honorary Marine?  Yes, he was granted that designation and honor by the U.S Marine Corps.   So now that Chuck Norris is a marine,  the Marine Corps wants all marines to be Chuck Norris.  By the end of 2007, all Marines will be required to earn their tan belt in Kung Fu , the first stage of the Marine Corps' martial arts program.

The Corps version of martial arts:

• Tan belt - Techniques in how to fall, move and throw punches, counter attacks
  
  
• Gray belt - Basic skills in lower body strikes, choking and getting out of headlock
  
  
• Green belt - Skills such as ripping muscle from bone
  

 General James Conway stressed that in addition to the physical training, the Marines are developing mental skills and developing character.  He said "It has, at its center, the Marine Corps ethos that includes our core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as the legacy of selfless and honorable services passed from one generation of Marines to the next".

 Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families in locating housing 

Photo courtesy of Flikr by Lili 

Did you know it was against the law in North Carolina  for unmarried people to live together?  Well, actually the 201 year old law has been challenged and on July 19th it was struck down.

According to the story, in 2004 a Pender County, NC dispatcher who was living with her boyfriend was told by her boss, the sheriff, to either marry the boyfriend or make him move out and if not;  she would lose her job.  She quit her job and filed a law suit.  Last week, she had her day in court.  

How many people do you think were in violation of this North Carolina law? 

I can't believe I am doing this, I promised myself I would not but when you are stuck, you are stuck.  This is my 100th blog and I am stuck with no ideas for a post.  So, I have succumbed and am giving myself a pat on the back for the previous 99 ideas I had and expounded upon.  Why the mental block now?                                                   

Why?

• Did none of the post I read today trigger something in my brain?
• Am I not able to string together a few coherent sentences and write a story?
• Did none of the pictures I reviewed inspire me?
• Is number 100 any different than the 99 previous ones?
• Am I counting to see if I have 50 words yet?

If this is what milestones cause, I will not consider another post a milestone until I reach Number 1,000.

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist, Hubert NC 

 Photos courtesy of Flikr

Swansboro, NC is experiencing growing pains and dealing with the symptoms.  There has been a moratorium on building, renovation and demolition in the historic, waterfront area of  town since August of last year.  It will expire on August 15 of this year.  The planning and zoning department in conjunction with the historic preservation society have worked together and come up with a height restriction plan .

Those in favor of the height restriction plan say they want to keep the unique, quaint waterfront village appearance the town has and preserve the water views.  The residents and business owners who oppose the proposed plan feel it is not fair to impose higher taxes on residents when new businesses which would increase the tax base are being shut out by the proposed new rule.

This issue has caused heated discussions--no final decisions have been made.  

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes
We take pride in assisting military families in finding housing

    Thanks to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Bald Eagle--our national bird-has been saved from extinction.  In the early 1960s there were only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the United States.  When Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act, the Navy and Marine Corps installations began a concerted effort to protect and preserve the habitats of our national bird.  

Read the article that tells more about how the military played an important and active role in the conservation effort. 

 Photo courtesy of ARDaves -Flikr

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist        910 459 9189              Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

www.kingsbridgerealty.com      

We are proud to assist military families with their housing needs in Onslow County, N C

Great Building Lot on Queens Creek in Hubert NC --Wooded lot with beautiful creek view.  Water access, boat access, water view.and surrounded by beautiful upgraded homes. This is an excellent home site and is located approximately 15 minutes to the back gate of Camp Lejeune, 8-10 minutes to schools and approximately 15-25 minutes to area beaches.  $384,375

View looking across Marsh

Entrance to Subdivision                                                                      Subdivision                                                                                                                                                 Boat House

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Making Houses Homes  

We take pride in assisting military families with housing in Onslow County, N. C

www.kingsbridgerealty.com 

As most of you are aware by now, I am a staunch supporter of our military and hold them in high regard.  That said, I work very hard for the military families I work with and do everything I can for them to make their military relocation and settling in as pain free as possible.  

I understand that moving is expensive even if Uncle Sam is picking up the tab, there are some things just not covered.  Finding discounts that will benefit these military families has become a project for me.  There are local merchants in Jacksonville and Onslow County that offer military discounts and now here is a site where  these deserving families can search for more--take advantage.

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®,Onslow County Home Specialist  910 459 9189       Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes
   We take pride in assisting military families with their housing needs in Onslow County, N C

• Vegetables in season
  
• Fruits, berries and melons in season
• Jams and jellies
• Baked Goods
• Eggs
• Flowers
• Crafts

• July 24 - 9am to 3pm - Blackberry and Melon Day
• August 11 - 9am to 3pm - Guest Chef and Honey Day

This information is provided by:
 
Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR®, Onslow County Home Specialist           910 459 9189       Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc  Making Houses Homes

www.kingsbridgerealty.com

Staff Sgt. Mark Kyllingstad says he has the best job in the Marines, he is a dog handler.  These dogs have been known to save the lives of Marines and Sailors in combat.  Handlers and their dogs tract odors and detect explosives.  Though dogs have been used in combat since World War I, their roles have changed over the years.

These dogs go through a 2 year training program and are trained to obey their handler no matter what kind of distractions are around.  They are even trained to obey commands in as many as three languages.   Staff Sgt. Kyllingstad said 1 dog and his handler are equal to 5 marines.  Read the rest of the story.

There is support mounting to build a National War Dogs Monument in Washington, D.C.

 Cynthia Tilghman, ®  Onslow County Home Specialist       910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. -- We are Proud to Assist Military Families with Housing in Onslow County, N C 

www.kingsbridgerealty.com 

Most of us are very blessed and comfortable but there are those less fortunate who were it not for people like Tammy Rivera, founder of N C Outreach would not have the food or bare necessities for their families.

Tammy was inspired in October of last when she learned about a young boy and his family who needed food and presents for the upcoming holiday.  From that, she began this wonderful organization which helps people in Carteret and Onslow Counties.  The organization has outgrown Tammy's home and she is searching for a new location.  Let's get the word out and help Tammy find a place for this marvelous organization which is aiding local, needy families.

Call me and I will put you in touch with Tammy.

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR® Onslow County Home Specialist       910 459 9189      Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  , Making houses homes

Anytime we have a family get together, this is a "must have" and no matter how many recipes have been prepared,  it is never enough. This recipe has been in my family for as long as I remember. My grandmother, mom, aunts and cousins all consider this to be one our family's best---men especially like it.  An excellent accompaniment to steaks, burgers and beef roast--actually it goes with most anything!  I promise this is excellent.

Rice Casserole

1/2 stick butter, melted
1 cup long grain rice, uncooked (not minute or instant)
1 small onion, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup (Campbells)
1 can beef consume (Campbells)
1 cup water
 
Mix all ingredient together and pour into baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Note:    You will think it is not going to firm up--but it does just prior to end of baking time.

Serves 6-8.  May be mixed together and refrigerated prior to baking--will need to allow more cooking time.  

Photo:  Courtesy of Flikr 

It's summer time and the living is easy, so goes the song.  It is a great time to get outdoors with your family and enjoy our wonderful eastern North Carolina summer.  There are so many things to do ---where to start is the question and here are some answers.

Bicycling - Did you know Onslow County has bicycle routes? 
Jacksonville- City to the Sea Bicycle Route - This is a safer route than the main roads.  Check it out    
Richlands - Richlands' Loop Bicycle Route - A scenic route which goes through rural areas.

Parks- There are 8 public parks in Onslow County -   Most are open from 10am to 10 pm during the summer months.  Some of the park facilities are:  

• Picnic area with grills
• Play grounds with swings, slides, etc.
• Nature trails
• Soccer fields
• Softball fields 
•  Basketball courts  
•  Bathroom facilities 
•  Volley ball courts
• Senior citizens areas with shuffleboard, horse shoe and more
• Lighted tennis courts

      
Public Beach Access - The County provides 4 public beach access for the citizens of the county to use and enjoy - Features vary from access to access but some of the features are:

• Handicap accessable ramp that leads to the beach
• Surf fishing
• Rest rooms
• Showers
• Concessions
• Elevated observation deck

Kayak/Canoe Paddling Trail - The difficulty level is rated 2, 3 and highlights of the trip include        

• Salt marshes
• Wildlife
• Bird watching
• Alligators
• Limestone formation
• Beaver dams
• And more

No more sitting in front of the t.v, get the kids, load up the car and head for a fun day at one of the recreational areas provided by Onslow County. 

If this information was helpful to you, I'd like to hear from you.  Also, if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Onslow County, N C; I would be honored to assist you.

Cynthia Tilghman, REALTOR® 

Onslow County Home Specialist    Contact me      

910 459 9189 cell

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

www.kingsbridgerealty.com

• Day Camp
• Adventure Camp                 
• Athletic Camp
• Arts and Crafts Camp                          
  
  

Contact me

www.kingsbridgerealty.com

Photos courtesy of Flikr

What house features are most important to today's Buyers?  

A builder I work with is getting ready to open a new section of his subdivision  in Hubert, N C just outside Swansboro. We are in the process of choosing house plans and planning what will be included in these houses.  The topic of our current discussion is "features". It occurred to me that there is no better source of information as to what features are most important to today's Buyers than my fellow ActiveRainers. 

Help me out here and rate these features on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being most important.  Also feel free to add others that I may have omitted. 

Thanks for your help.

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• Photo courtesy of Flikr by it's nesses
  
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• Hardwood floors
• Granite counter tops
• Ceramic tile
• Whirlpool tub                                                                                                                                                     
• Gas fireplace
• Bonus room
• Upgraded appliances
• Upgraded light fixtures
• Upgraded
  
• faucets
• Security system
• Underground sprinkling system

Photo courtesy of Flikr by nancyhugointerior

• Swansboro High School is located at 161 Queens Creek Road in Swansboro and is the school for students living in Swansboro and Hubert, N C.  Some facts that will surely be interesting and helpful for parents follow:

Grades:   9-12

Enrollment:  998 students  2006-2007

Accreditation:  SACS

Overall Rating by Parents:  Scored a 4 out a possible 5

Teacher Experience:

• 0-3 years    17%   
• 4-10 years  23%
• + 10Years  60%

Student Economic Level :  23% (participation in NC Free Lunch Program)

NC End of Grade Test Scores: 

Math  71%
English 85%

 
Ethnicity: 

•  Asian 1%             
•  Black 12%
•  Hispanic 4%
•  Indian 1%
•  White 81%

Advanced Placement Exams:

• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• English Language and Composition
• U. S. History
• World History
  

 Information sources:  North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and College Board

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

Contact me

If you live on the East coast (I don't know about the West coast) and are looking for things to do and enjoy a good adventure--go flounder gigging.  I am going to assume here that you do know what a founder is, oh ok so you don't.  It is a delicious, mild fish--a favorite of many--that is found in our waters here in EasternCoastal North Carolina. 

Perhaps you think all fish are caught by hook or net but that is not necessarily true. On a calm night when there is no wind and the moon is shining brightly over the bay, is a perfect night for flounder gigging. No, you cannot gig during the day, it must be at night.   Let's see if I can explain how it idone.

Equipment Needed

• 1.  A gig --3 or 5 prong spear on a long stick
• 2.  Underwater lights --available at any hardware store, bait and tackle shop and even convenience stores
• 3.  A battery to hook the lights to (like a car battery)
  
• 4.  A clear and calm night with a medium tide
• 5.  Sand bar where flounder come in as the tide rises
• 6.  A flat bottom boat (nothing fancy here) --you're not going to be riding--the boat is to carry the lights and battery and perhaps one person that poles the boat (the motor is not allowed)
• 7.  Mosquito spray
• 8.  Your favorite beverage 
• 9.  Shoes you don't mind getting wet (remember you will be walking in the water) 
• 10. A couple of good friends  

Ok, you're set with all the equipment.  You have hooked the lights to the battery and put the lights in the water are now walking along, gig in hand.  How do you find the flounder?  As you walk along (remember I said the water needed to be clear and you will be on a sand bar so it is not deep) you look for the outline of the flounder in the sand.  It will be almost totally buried, but once you get the hang of it - you will see the outline of the fish very clearly.  Obviously, once you see one that is adequate in size (there are legal size limitation) you stab the flounder with the gig.  Easy enough?  Well, maybe and maybe not.  It is more of a challenge than you might thinkto get the fish with the first try (after all, you have been enjoying your beverage of choice on the ride out so your perceiption may be a little distorted) and if you miss, Mr. Flounder definitely does not stick around for you to try the second time.  But...once you get one, you're the one hooked! 

What a great way to spend a summer night was some friends, walking around in the sound with a spearlooking for buried fish!  Sounds a little primitive, doesn't it?  And talk about good eating, I make a stuffed flounder that is incredible.  Maybe I will post that soon.   

 Did you learn anything?    I'd like to know.

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

Contact me     

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.