Communities

Chili Cook-Off in Richmond Hill December 5

November 25, 2014 by Helen Miltiades

Chili Cook-Off in Richmond Hill December 5

Have a favorite chili recipe? You will want to get involved with the Richmond Hill Chili Cook-off on December 5 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the JF Gregory Park.Fire Roasted Steak Chili with Beans

Judges will decide who has the best chili in town. This 13th annual Richmond Hill event will offer grand prizes for the best chili and the winner will receive a trophy as well as $350. The first runner-up will also receive a trophy with $200 and second runner-up, a trophy and $100. There’s even a third runner up who will also receive a trophy and 50 bucks. There will also be specific trophies given for People’s choice awards and best booth design. The contest deadline is December 3 and there are also many other craft and food booths available. This will be a really fun and festive time and if you love chili or are a “hothead” you won’t want to miss this fun event. I might be there to taste some of the fantastic chilies but here’s one of my favorite recipes for fire roasted steak chili.

Fire Roasted Steak Chili:

Ingredients:

2 to 3 pounds of stew meat
1/2 cup sherry wine
2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 small onion chopped
3 tablespoons of minced garlic
2 to 3 tablespoons of chili powder or blend
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh or dried oregano
1 teaspoon of salt
Pepper to taste
1 can tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce
3 cans of beans of your choice, black, Pinto, red, or kidney,

Directions

Prepare your slow cooker either with a liner or set it on low and begin cooking. Brown the stew meat on the stove until it is nicely crusted all over. Sear the meat in batches and add to the slow cooker. Deglaze the pan with the sherry wine, scraping up all the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and add to the slow cooker. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the beans and the breadcrumbs to the stew meat and cook on high 6 hours or low 8 to 10. During the last 30 to 60 min. of cooking add the breadcrumbs and the beans to the slow cooker. If your chili is too thick for your taste you may add the liquid from the can of beans. Stir to combine and serve when ready. This chili is best topped with shredded cheese, onions, avocados, and sour cream but any of your favorite chili toppings will work.

Community Events for Savannah November and December

November 18, 2014 by Helen Miltiades

Community Events for Savannah November and December

This Holiday Season is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and BE a blessing to others. Here are some great opportunities to serve our community over the Holiday Season.

Savannah Bicycle Campaign and Food Drive –

The second annual Savannah Cranksgiving Ride will be happening on November 22 sponsored by the Savannah Bicycle Campaign partnering with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. This great event was started in 1999 and each group runs the program a little bit differently with an overlying emphasis on a food drive. Registration will begin at 1:00 PM with the challenge beginning at 2:00 PM at Baldwin Park on the intersection of 41st St. and Atlantic Avenue. The cost is $15-$20 to purchase food for the drive. Second Harvest offers nutritious food to nonprofit agencies for at-risk elderly and youth. Hundred percent of the foods gathered goes to Second Harvest and on average this campaign raises about 250 pounds of food. The event starts at Baldwin Park where everyone accepts the challenge guide with locations and items listed and they head out to different grocery stores during the timed events. Riders will return by 4:00 PM to tally all the goods and get ready for a caravan of bikes on the way to the after- party at the headquarters.

Autumn Benefits Fair–

On November 19 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM you can learn about all the benefits you or your clients could be receiving including grocery discounts, utility discounts, neighborhood center discounts and senior companion programs. There are also volunteer opportunities and Medicare savings programs. The event is happening at the Senior Citizens, Inc. at 3025 Bull St. There will be light refreshments, giveaways, and information on benefits and help for seniors.

Pack the Truck for One Love Animal Rescue –

On November 20 from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM at the Habersham Street’s BAR.FOOD, we will pack the truck in a fundraiser for rescuing animals and taking care of homeless pets. They will need puppy and kitten food, canned puppy food, litter, toys and treats and leashes and collars. There will be a $5 raffle ticket for prizes and 10% of all sales will go to One Love.

Oglethorpe Charter School Winter Blood Drive –

On November 21 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Oglethorpe Charter School located at 7202 Central Ave., by appointment or walk-in, choose to give blood this holiday season and truly give the gift of life.

These are great holiday community events for truly getting into the holiday mood and the season of giving. Stay tuned for more events and updates around the Savannah Georgia area.

Buckhead East

November 12, 2014 by Helen Miltiades

Buckhead East – Brookhaven and Castle Oak in Richmond Hill GA

Buckhead East is a sister community to Buckhead North and Buckhead South, all located in Richmond Hill Georgia. Buckhead East features two distinct communities; Castle Oak and Brookhaven. Both communities offer new construction and newer homes just south of downtown Richmond Hill.

Brookhaven –

This community is located south of downtown Richmond Hill along Highway 144. It’s nestled around several small lakes and wooded areas south of the Ogeechee River.

Built primarily by Mungo Homes, Brookhaven features homes that started about $190,000-$450,000, depending on style, condition and location. These one and two-story homes offer open floor plans, entertaining kitchens, formal living and dining rooms, beautiful master suites with a downstairs master bedroom, bonus rooms and up to six separate bedrooms. Homes range from about 1600 ft.² to over 4000 ft.² with a variety of amenities and additional options to customize your new home.

Castle Oak –

These homes will start at about $260,000 and feature one and two-story homes, open floor plans and spacious master suites. These homes come in sizes up to five bedrooms with two and three-car garages from 2100 ft.² to over 4500 ft.².

Homeowners’ Association dues will cover common area and entrance maintenance, Pavilion, a resort style swimming pool, street lighting and maintenance of walking trails. Some amenities may include an additional association fee.

All homes will features state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, top-of-the-line flooring, deluxe cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, optional pull-down stairs for the attic, hardwood and carpeted flooring, optional double driveway, dry walled garage and energy efficient construction. Nearly every home will include an 80 gallon high-efficiency electric water heater, CFL bulbs, energy efficient insulation packages, HVAC systems, air barrier and sealing, water saving faucets and showerheads and much more.

Buckhead East is served by the Richmond Hill school district and utilizes the George Washington Carver upper elementary school, the Richmond Hill elementary and primary school, the Richmond Hill middle school and Richmond Hill high school.

Now is the time to get on board and find out more about the new construction homes available at Buckhead East in the subdivisions of Brookhaven and Castle Oak. These beautiful homes are going quickly and with such an ideal location, affordable home prices and extravagant amenities, you’ll want to jump on board as well.

Buckhead North in Richmond Hill GA

November 5, 2014 by Helen Miltiades

Buckhead North Subdivision in Richmond Hill GA

Buckhead North is a sister Homeowners Association to the original Buckhead, Buckhead South and Buckhead East but is in fact its own Homeowners Association. It’s made up of eight distinctive subdivisions: Cambridge Phase II, Chastain, East Chastain, Kingston, MacGregor, Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Cottages and Shadow Moss.

Buckhead North is located about 10 minutes from downtown Richmond Hill at about 35 minutes or 28 miles to downtown Savannah Georgia. There are numerous routes either along Interstate 95 or Highway 204 through Georgetown.

Buckhead North is a community of about 1000 residents, home to many military families because of its close proximity to Fort Stewart. There are a variety of real estate options for sale in Buckhead North including single-family homes, ranch or contemporary style properties. There are numerous winding streets and beautifully landscaped yards and lawns with affordable options and recreational facilities close by.

The Buckhead North community offers outdoor leisure activities such as sports complexes with tennis, basketball and soccer fields as well as numerous streets and pathways for jogging and walking. There’s picnic areas, a playground and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool complete with a clubhouse, perfect for events, parties, family reunions and get-togethers.

This fast-growing community is a fabulous place to call home with many options close by, including restaurants, civic organizations, libraries, markets, shops and entertainment.

Buckhead North is located within the famous Bryan County School District, which offers numerous opportunities for educational advancement. There are even teen services, senior events, and activities for kids throughout the community. Buckhead North is served by the Richmond Hill elementary school, the Richmond Hill middle school and the Richmond Hill high school all within 5 miles of this community.

The homes and real estate for sale in Buckhead North start at about $290,000 and reach as high as $400,000 depending on size, condition, location and amenities. Lots and parcels of land are also still available for building at less than $100,000.

For more information on the Buckhead North community or for a complete list of properties and real estate for sale please give me a call or contact me through my website.

School Systems Outside Savannah Georgia

October 23, 2014 by Helen Miltiades

School Systems Outside Savannah Georgia

Savannah may not have the top of the line school districts in the country but just outside its borders in places like Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Port Wentworth and Effingham there are little better ratings. Here’s what you need to know about relocating to this area and the school districts surrounding Savannah GA.

Richmond Hill seems hands down to offer the best publics schools in the area. Richmond Hill is part of the Bryan County School District and has received a nine out of 10 rating for some of the best public schools in the area. These schools include the Dr. George Washington Carver elementary school, the Richmond Hill elementary school, the Richmond Hill middle school and the Richmond Hill high school, all receiving a 9 out of 10 from greatschools.org. Richmond Hill has 11 preschools, six elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools and 12 private schools. “Wonderful! I’ve gone there for two years and I have two brothers that go there, excellent education resources” [GreatSchools.org]

South Effingham also has higher rated schools. It recently received a nine out of 10 rating from GreatSchools.org and a five-star community rating. “I am impressed by South Effingham! I love the school, teachers, staff and educational program. My kids have been challenged and had a good time. I love the school and looking to remain in this district!” [GreatSchools.org]

Chatham County offers excellent private schools but the homes are also a little more expensive than in areas around Pooler and closer to Savannah.

The Pooler school district receives a 6 out of 10 rating on average and a 7 for Godley Station School in the Pooler elementary school district. The West Chatham Elementary School had great marks while the Middle school was lacking in student cohesiveness.

Rincon is also in the Effingham School District and the Rincon Elementary School comes in at a 9 out of 10 rating. This school serves kids PK – 5^th with an average of 600 students. Many parents said that they have had multiple children in the school all 6 years with excellent results.

While each school is different and may offer general ratings it really comes down to the student and the teacher. There are great teachers in bad schools and vice versa. You have to take the information provided and make an informed decision for your family. Home prices may also play a factor when deciding on schools so for more information on budget, home values and communities around Savannah, feel free to call me anytime.