Sculpture on Route 250
I love the sculptures that adorn our area. This one sits on Route 250 near the Firehouse. My favorite of all, is the suit running with briefcase and splashing coffee cup, also on Route 250. This one though is an enigma to me: Open Apex by Rob Lorensen
"ArtInPlace presents outdoor
sculptures that provide the Charlottesville community with a wide range of artistic styles, themes and media to enhance our concepts of space and place and enliven our sense that art has the power to move us." I am still reeling from the price of $30,000 for this one.
Landscaping Can Add 15% to Property Values
I was at the Doctor's Office the other day, and while waiting perused an old magazine "Smart Money", March 2003 edition. The article was titled "Add 15% to Your Home's Value". You know I was hooked! It went on to say "one of your greatest assets may be your own backyard literally. As the housing market turns softer, Americans are realizing that one of the best ways to increase a home's resale value is to revamp the landscape. Their formula was landscaping + property = added value."
Some interesting statistics:
1. Consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3% higher than its base price, according to a Clemson university and University of Michigan study.
2. A Society of Real Estate Appraisers Survey revealed that 95% of the appraisers responding to the survey, believed that landscaping adds to the dollar value of the residential real estate, and 99% of them said that it enhanced the sales appeal of the property.
3. A variety of studies reveal that landscaping can increasethe value of residential and commercial properties from 5% to as much as 20%.
4. Homes with excellent landscaping can expect a sale price about 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with good landscaping, while improving landscaping from average to good can result in a 4 to 5 percent increase. Source: Clemson University.
It is interesting that in 2006 this article still truly hit the mark.I have several excellent landscapers whose work is displayed in both residential and commercial properties. Call me for a free recommendation.
Showing Homes with Pets
I am an animal lover. I have 3 dogs, (Guido, Otis and Oscar), and 1 cat (Ditty). Yes, their names spell the acronym GOOD! Guido by far is the most rambunctious of the lot. He is a Springer Spaniel, who as my neighbor has said "is so inbred he has no good sense left". He is loved by the other mutts in the house, and us though.
Last year my family moved, we actually lived the pain my clients feel. Strangers coming through the house, on relatively little notice. The house looked very tidy and well organized (truly staged). We can't live like that all the time, that is for certain. For every showing we removed the dogs from the house, what a hassle it was for my husband. Packing the dogs into his truck for an hour or so jaunt to nowhere. Drool and nose prints on his windows, paw prints on his seats, and excited doggies going on a great adventure, they thought!
Showing homes daily, I have run into all kinds of dogs. Some where I am amazed we were able to get through the showing with no one hurt. Others where the dog becomes such the center of attention that no one notices the house that is for sale- we all want the dog! The least favorite is the homes where the animal is obviously struggling with going outside for potty time.
A Realtor advises clients on many different matters in getting a house sold. One should be what to do with the family pet while the home is being shown to strangers (that is how the dog views, potential purchasers). There are legal liabilities if something should happen in the home while it is being shown.
Crating the dog can be a perfect alternative, since whether it is overly friendly, or not really trustworthy with strangers, the house becomes the focal point. Purchasers can envision their family at home here, while imagining how their belongings will look arranged in the house, while all are safe and secure.
The exception to this is a growling, barking crated dog. No one feels comfortable, and the aura of the house is tainted with stress. Best of all is taking the dog for a walk, or drive while the house is shown.
Love that Charlottesville Home!
Did you know that there are people who are comfortable doing everything digitally? I recently had the pleasure of selling a home to a family from the West Coast. The interesting part is, they literally did not see the house, nor any of the paperwork except in digital form, (that folks means on the computer)! Until the day before closing, when everything they had was on a moving truck headed to VA. and they arrived on a plane with their 2 cats to meet me and their new home (live and in person) for the first time.
I met them "online" and began emailing the family homes that were in the MLS, that fit the criteria of what they were looking for. When something caught their eye, they would email me to go and take more photos of the neighborhood, yard, and virtually tour the home. Then we found "the one" 90 pictures of it later, we were certain of it.
The offer was put together online, and emailed, printed, signed and faxed signature pages returned to me. The seller was also not in our area, and the process was repeated for them as well. Then, eureka- offer changed to contract!
I use a home inspector that does his reports digitally, and emails pictures of problems to the purchaser, and we forward to the seller. What a wonderful change from the old days. Now everyone can clearly see what you are talking about when there is a problem. A picture is truly worth a thousand words.
I admit I was nervous driving up to the house, that they would not be as happy now that it was live and in person. To my great relief and their great joy, it was even better than they thought! The cats made themselves immediately at home on the mantle over the fireplace!
Could this be one of the reasons that yours truly was chosen to be featured in the last 2 weeks of "The Real Estate Weekly" as a technology advanced Realtor? I certainly hope so, I am delighted being a part of this exciting chapter of a family's life. You can buy a home online with confidence, when you have a solid professional advocate working for you!
Welcome Home to Charlottesville my West Coast Friends!
Value of Home Warranty
You know the old adage "stuff happens". I was at the final walkthrough with some clients, when we discovered that the master bedroom toilet would not flush. Oh, it would swirl the water around, but just not swallow if you will.
We had done a home inspection and it had been noted that the toilet was not flushing, and the seller had gotten a plumber to come and repair it. They had even had him come back a second time, since the problem came back a few days before closing. They provided 2 invoices showing the problem repaired, at a pretty penny I will add.
So, here we are, with 2 families packed and loaded in moving vans, being held up by a rebellious toilet! American Home Shield to the rescue! Their position was since the plumber had made 2 trips and the toilet was still not working correctly, it was to be replaced.
Yep, that is exactly what they did. In a day, For free, Wow! So, I asked what was the problem with this toilet? The answer surprised me, Blue stuff! You know the blue toilet cleaning stuff you place in the tank. Seems that it is terrible for the system, we shouldn't use it. Go figure. I guess everything wants clear drinking water, hmmmmm.
Parrot Head Club
Celebrating margaritas, shorts and flip-flops the
Central Virginia Parrot Head Club has pulled together a social club, Jimmy Buffett's music, and they pitch in for community service projects.
"On April 23rd the Club traveled to Lynchburg to watch the local Carolina League team take on the Salem Avalanche! The weather was perfect and the beer was cold! A Phun time was had by all and we even have pictures to prove it!" The group even cleaned up 3 miles of highway in our area.
Where would this esteemed group meet?
Cheese Burger in Paradise and of course
The Lazy Parrot Cafe.
Unpleasant but Sadly Necessary Topic
- There are new 400,000 victims of sexual assault every year.
- There are over 550,000 registered sex offenders in the US.
- There are over 100,000 sex offenders that fail to register in the US.
Know Your Neighbor an adage that is so very important.
http://www.familywatchdog.us/facts.asp
Here's to Ultimate Service
Let's Face it; it is
just too easy to become a licensed real estate agent. The
Union Tribune article states"There's a good chance that the person who cuts your hair has received a higher level of training than the person who sold you your home", according to California Association of Realtors President Vince Malta.
The number of Realtors in Charlottesville is 1,294. It seems that just about everybody has obtained a license. Only a select few have a documented level of education, experience, professionalism, extensive knowledge and capability to offer clients solid service in all facets of the real estate transaction. I do not need to brag-I am the real thing. Actual credentials speak louder than someone screaming their multi-million dollar production records (which I also have).
It is quite interesting how much money is spent in the real estate community advertising things the public really does not care about, nor should they. Some generic and common examples:
Sold Millions and Millions
Free CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)
Number One Agent
First Class Service
Are we impressed with florists who advertise they arrange flowers? Water them? Deliver them? No, we expect them to do that. The same is true of Realtors, what is being offered that stands out to the public? What is the Realtor doing that delights the client to the point they are compelled to say "wow"?
This is what I am doing. Results speak louder than words. Live The Ultimate Lifestyle, you can click on these:
Coolest Kid in the Neighborhood helps families adjust in a matter of hours to their new home and neighborhood instead of weeks and months.
8 Day 7 Night Hawaiian OfferGet Pre-Approved Online for LoanNo Surprises, Worry-Free Sale of Home. This is a new program offered as an option to sellers, when listing with me. The menu offered includes, I will have the home inspected, the deficiency list taken care of, the home professionally staged, professionally cleaned. There are many sellers who do not have the time, desire, or affiliations to take care of all these details. I do, and it will result in a quicker sale, with no surprises. Purchasers and Sellers alike benefit with this approach.
Is it a good time to buy?
I have been asked many times lately is this a good time to buy a home?
As of this morning in the Charlottesville Multiple Listing Service there are 1203 homes active (on the market and available for purchase) in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City.
We have not seen this kind of inventory in quite some time. We are clearly in transition. This is proving to be a very smooth adjustment though. There have been price reductions and closing cost incentives offered by Sellers. The prices have truly become more stable, than in the past few years. Gone are the days of "just stick this price on it, and we will wait for offers"
Our area has experienced several years of rapid price increases, which is not healthy for the area economy. The price stabilization that we are experiencing in our area, is not severe, and has been more gradual than in some other markets nationwide. Wages earned have not increased at the same rate as home prices here. Homeownership is the best source of wealth for most Americans, that is not changing. There must be affordable homes for the wage earners in order for the community to continue to thrive. We need the teachers, nurses, firemen ,police officers and other service providers living in our community.
I believe we have entered more of a balanced market than a buyers market.
It is an excellent time to buy. You will have plenty of homes to choose from. It is also an excellent time to sell, homes in good condition which are accurately priced are selling well. You will be able to get the next home of your dreams at a very fair price, making for a very smooth transaction.
Charlottesville Tip # 2
Where is the best place to stay in Charlottesville? If you are looking for ambiance, proximity to the downtown mall, and a touch of history, it doesn't get better than
South Street Inn their website features wonderful photographs and all the information on the Inn,(a sample is below).
Meticulous detail went into every aspect of the Inn from the rebuilding of the neo-classical veranda to the restoration of the solid walnut two-story serpentine hand rail in the main gallery. We offer the traveler convenience and luxury. Every room has a private bath; some suites offer whirlpool bathtubs, fireplaces, canopy beds and private living rooms. 17 rooms, 3 suites.
In 1856, James Woods, a local builder, completed the larger of our two houses. He then sold the property to Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker, the son of Thomas Jefferson's close friend and the University of Virginia's first librarian William Wertenbaker. The house changed hands in 1882. Another distinguished family, the Valentines, moved in. Mr. Valentine was a prominent businessman with interests in a bank, the cable car company and the woolen mills here is Charlottesville. At this time the main building was the only building located on the block. The photograph in your room is the house as it was in 1903 when the Valentine family occupied it. Most of the original furnishings are in the Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Irene Valentine, whose husband Vinton was born in room 9 (the portrait of the young boy in room 9 is Vinton, age 3, painted by his older sister in 1888), resided on Park Street here in Charlottesville until recently. The Wertenbaker house took an interesting turn later when it became a girls finishing school, then a boarding house, and at one stage, a brothel (known legally in Virginia as a 'Bawdy House').
Choose which gorgeous room you would like to stay in from the photos on their website. The South Street Inn is So Very Virginia, don't miss it!
Feng Shui
Feng Shui (meaning Wind and Water in Chinese) is the ancient art of placement to promote harmony, wealth, success and health. Feng Shui deals with the location and architecture of buildings, along with interior design and exterior landscaping. Disney, Donald Trump, Richard Branson, Texas First National Bank and Mutual of New York have all used Feng Shui in their businesses. A working knowledge of Feng Shui may even help in home selling and home buying in today's multicultural world.
Does your home bring you a feeling of joy, abundance and tranquility?
The placement of furniture, the colors we choose, even our artwork can facilitate or impede the flow of positive energy (chi). By CREATING A GREATER SENSE OF BALANCE AND HARMONY IN THE HOME, feng shui:
• Increases prosperity
• Strengthens marriages and family relationships
• Enhances prospects for romance
• Promotes professional success and recognition
• Improves health
• Achieves academic success
Charlottesville Feng Shui Expert is
Dragonheart Feng Shui you can have a wealth corner added to your home too.
War on Electronic Waste!
Crutchfield to offer recycling options!
Central Virginia residents who are
looking to recycle electronic items will have a year-round option as a result of a new "one-stop" electronics-recycling center at Crutchfield's Rio Hill store.Discarded electronic parts often contain toxic elements, which make them problematic in landfills. To deal with that issue, agencies such as the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority have held occasional electronics recycling events to draw such items for proper recycling.Now there will be a permanent, year-round option.Thomas L. Frederick Jr., executive director of RSWA, said the new recycling center by Crutchfield would likely keep 15 to 20 tons of electronic equipment out of landfills each year.
What does One Million Buy in Charlottesville?
Social Hall Circa 1814, offered at a cool $1,000,000. Thomas Jefferson once played fiddle at parties in the building. There have been many recent restorations to the 5 bedroom, 4300 Square foot home. Boasting
one full bath, it is now being used as an office building.
It could easily be converted back to elegant family living with the large rooms, impressive mantles and high ceilings. No doubt one would want to address the one full bath situation then.
This is what I love about being in Virginia, and Charlottesville in particular: you can become linked to a significant part of our Nation's history. Short of George Washington slept here, it doesn't get better than this! So Very Virginia. Call me for further information on homes here.
Cost of Selling without a Realtor
NAR (National Association of Realtors statistics on For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Did you know?. . . the typical FSBO home sold for $198,200 compared to $230,000 for agent-assisted home sales.
FSBO Methods Used to Market Home:
Yard Sign . . . 61%
Friends/neighbors . . . 46%
Newspaper ad . . . 37%
Open House . . . 29%
Internet . . . 17%
Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers:
Getting the right price . . . 14%
Understanding paperwork . . . 17%
Preparing/fixing up home for sale . . . 16%
Attracting potential buyers . . . 9%
Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale . . . 8%
FSBOs are often mistaken as targets for low ballers. The adage buy a deal, sell a deal certainly has a ring of truth in these transactions. Purchasers feel that since the seller is unrepresented and not paying a commission to a Realtor that there is more room for discounting the price. Purchasers know that since the seller is obviously looking for a deal in the sale, by not using a Realtor, they should benefit too.
Selling a home requires paperwork and FSBO's generally do not have all the knowledge of real estate that they need. All questions asked from a potential buyer should be answered. This sounds easy, but if you are a FSBO who does not have all the necessary information, then it can become challenging. Your knowledge of financing should be on point allowing the buyer to be presented with all the available options.
Realtors do much more than facilitate a transaction. They share the risks of the transaction with you, from advertising costs to many liabilities associated with the transaction. For example, do you know how to properly fill out a disclosure? Most real estate lawsuits are brought by buyers and the most frequent reason is a dispute over property condition. A Realtor knows what you should disclose and how to avoid liability.
"I just don't want to overpay in commissions."
Seventy-five percent of buyers are represented by Realtors, and if the buyers are buying a home from the owner, they are going to expect the amount they pay for the home to be reduced because you aren't paying a Realtor for yourself.
So, if you don't hire a Realtor, all you've done is allow a professional negotiator who is working for the other side to get paid out of the transaction proceeds, you have reduced your price, exposed yourself to tremendous liability and received no help on your side to boot.
So you tell me -- how did you come out ahead?
Should You Call the Listing Agent?
In my humble opinion the NAR (National Association of Realtors) should do a better job of educating the public on the risks of calling the listing agent of a property. They have done an excellent job on educating the public on buyers agents, and the benefits they bring to the purchaser. Reasons not to call the listing agent are not as spoken of.
I admit, I have quite a few listings and receive many calls from the public on them. Truthfully, most do not buy the home they call on. Their call does give me the opportunity to establish a rapport and hopefully establish a relationship where they use me to find the home they desire. I offer many services that make the process much easier for them, and I can help them get more focused on homes they are truly interested in with less effort on their part. Negotiation is an art I am very accomplished at, this is critical in real estate.
For those who do call on the home they end up purchasing, you are entering into negotiation. Bottom line, the seller wants the most they can get for the house, and the purchaser wants the house for the least they can pay for it. The Realtor who has the home listed is bound to promote and protect the best interests of their client. Producing an uneven playing field for the public.
If you enter into a "dual agency" agreement, the Realtor is representing both sides. What must be understood is: The Realtor may not promote the interests of one client over another. In essence what this means, is the the Realtor has become "like Switerland" representing no one, but only a facilitator to the transaction. Advising no one.
Negotiating the price is not the end. Challenges usually arise during the process. Sometimes these are routine challenges, but other times they are not. Because the Realtor is seen as having conflicting loyalties, there is always suspicions about where the true loyalties lie. Mistrust then comes to full bloom! Mistrust takes a small problem many times and blows it out of perspective.
Information divulged to the listing agent during the initial phone call is shared with the seller. So, any information you have shared, is apt to effect your ability to negotiate the best contract later.
Do listing agents want the calls? Absolutely! The truth is though, having an agent on your side, acting as your advocate, removes the mistrust and keeps negotiations on an even keel. Any challenges that arise you are certain of where your agent's loyalties lie! Plus- the seller pays for you to have a buyer's agent, meaning in most cases your representation is free to you.
Do yourself a tremendous favor, get a buyer's agent. Call them with all the questions you have, about any property, and you will get the answers from someone who has your best interests at heart. When the right property is found, you then have the ability to negotiate from a position of strength. That is where your real power is! Truly curiosity when not properly directed can have a cost.
Did You Know?
In 1929, President Herbert Hoover sent an emissary to search for a suitable, summer residence in the
Shenandoah National Park. The search turned up a cool, well-hidden, stream-fed area just below Big Meadows, cut in two by the Rapidan River. (The term 'River' is a misnomer. It's a small stream, at best). It's elevation above 2500 feet ensured that the President and his party would not be disturbed by Mosquitos. It's location, nestled in a deep hollow, insured security and privacy.
When Hoover finally visited the new site for the 'Summer White House,' his inspection included what is now Big Meadows. Hoover was impressed with what he saw, and what potential it held for recreation if people could easily and safely get to it. Hoover was intent on someday seeing a road built along the tops of these mountains so that others could access the area by motorcar. This was years before F.D.R. finally made it a reality in 1935, when he dedicated the Park at Big Meadows, and in 1939, when the entire 105-mile highway was finally completed. Fortunately, President Hoover was alive to see and recreate along the road that he once dreamed of, although he never gets any credit for its creation.
Currently, the camp is under renovation and restoration to save what structures remain. But the NPS (National Park Service) still wants you to see it. So, they offer twice-daily excursions from the Richard Byrd Visitor Center. These excursions to Rapidan Camp are FREE, but require advance reservations that can be made at the Visitor Center. You will climb aboard a NPS van and be driven to the camp, where a guide will escort you through several structures still open, including the Presidential Cabin.
Charlottesville Market Breakdown
CAAR Market Break Down
Residential Homes
2005 Compared to 2006
We are on target for the second largest year ever!
I agree that the market seems very different this year. We do have a significantly higher inventory than we have had in years. Buyers are more willing to wait before placing offers on a home. They have not been able to do that in years. They seem willing to pass on homes when the seller is not willing to make needed repairs. There have been an enormous number of price reductions, even on new construction. We are seeing more incentives being offered by sellers.
Yes, a tough market calls for a tough marketer. No longer can we (Realtors) expect to put up the sign, enter a home in the MLS, and do a few print ads and get an offer.
I am doing some very creative things for my sellers, and buyers who work with me. Coolest Kid in the Neighborhood allows families to adjust to their new home in hours instead of months. My team takes care of all the details!
We have experienced a minor correction. Property values are still excellent. Interest rates are low. I remember in the 1980's when I closed on my first house here in Charlottesville at 14% interest! I thought I really did something when I refinanced for 10% interest. Never did I think rates would be as low as they are today.
When you consider that most Americans build their personal wealth through real estate, we are doing great in Charlottesville!
Mulch Match?
The Bossi and Rizzo families, visitors from out of town, were in Charlottesville Sunday evening to spend some time together. The two families were meeting in town to have dinner.
After searching the internet for possible restaurant choices, the Bossi's decided on
Ragazzi's , (Did you expect any thing else with names like Bossi and Rizzo?)
The Bossi's pulled into the Shoppers World and parked at Ragazzi's.
While waiting for their friends, they listened to the last four laps of the NASCAR race on the radio. (If your familiar with NASCAR, you know it takes no time to run four laps.) After a few minutes, Mrs Bossi thought she had smelled something burning, but excused it on the confirmation from her husband that she was confused, and, that all was fine.
After meeting with their friends, and upon entering the restaurant, they began engaging in small talk while waiting to be seated. (you know the routine) Not long into their conversation, a report comes in that there is a car on fire in the parking lot.
Several folks from the restaurant got up to see if it was their car a blazin! Unfortunately for the Bossi's, it was their's. 911 was called, and Charlottesville's finest arrived on the scene in what seemed to be only moments.
After further investigation by the Fire Dept, it was determined that the
mulch used for landscaping the center of the islands, was in fact the cause for the blaze. Apparently, the heat from their exhaust pipe was enough to ignite the mulch.
In the hot and dry conditions that we've had as of late, there is a lesson to be learned. And no!, its not about eating at Ragazzi's. Great food like Nonna used to make! Rather, that these dry conditions can bring an unexpected fire. Be safe out there!
Did you Know?
I was surfing around on the web, looking for some local activities to attend, when I stumbled across this interesting story on the Rotunda, and thought, I wonder how many people that live in C'ville actually know this?
On October 27, 18
95 an event took place that came to be known as The Great Fire
This coming October will be the 111th year anniversary of this tragic fire that destroyed the centerpiece of the University of Virginia.
The Rotunda was built in a span of 4 years, from 1822 to 1826. The estimated cost was around $60,000. I wonder what it's worth today, and what it's worth would have been if not destroyed by the fire? Something to think about I guess.
Jefferson, who was known as the Father and builder of the University, was born at Shadwell, in what is now Albemarle County, VA., on April 13, 1743. Unfortunately, Mr Jefferson died on July4,1826 before the completion of the structure.
Sixty nine years later, this expression of love to the people of Virginia as well as to the campus itself would burn, leaving only a brick shell and several lonely pillars. As you all know, it has been rebuilt since then.
University students saved what was, for them the most important item within the Rotunda - a life-size likeness of Mr. Jefferson carved from marble that was given to the University by Alexander Galt in 1861. The Rotunda was rebuilt, but with a modified design by Stanford White, a nationally known architect and head of a firm in New York City.
Whereas Jefferson's Rotunda had three floors, White's had only two, but a larger Dome Room.
In 1976 during America's Bicentennial, the Rotunda was restored, at a cost of $2.4 million, to Jefferson's original design. The Rotunda is the symbolic head of the Lawn and the University of Virginia. The Academical Village of which it is a part is one of only four man-made American sites to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(along with the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and Pueblo de Taos
Personal Foul!! Roughing called on ESPN's Cowherd
On July 24th Jerry Ratcliffe of the Daily Progress did a story on Colin Cowherd, an ESPN radio host who obviously dislikes UVA football.
Throw the flag!!! What a cheap shot, a roughing the passer if you will. Here's just a (bad) taste (left in our mouths) of what Cowherd said.
"UVA football is the softest bunch of creampuff, bow tie wearing, Brie cheese eating, ascot wearing, wussies I've ever seen, Cowherd said. There's not a softer bunch of cookie dough eating weenies than the UVA football program. Those guys wear makeup to games."
He went on to say that the most popular drink at Virginia tailgating parties was Zima, and that the Cavaliers had never won a big game in the history of the program, which he later amended after being informed of the win over Florida State in 1995.
"My bad", Cowherd said. "Mid-90s [UVA] beat Florida State. Eleven years ago. Congratulations."
After these comments, a cold Zima just might come in quite handy, or at least the bottle would. Ha! Ha! Ha!
By the way, what did we do (the fans) to get included in this bashing. Its bad enough to rip the most desirable city in America's football team, but to put the smack down on the greatest fans in college sports, well that's just another matter. I sure hope Mr Cowherd never has the need to move to C'ville, 'cause he just might get benched.
John Paul Jones Arena has First Event
We hosted
Cirque Du Soliel's Delerium at "the Jack" last night. The show was excellent, the building is incredible. Open, Airy, a true pleasure to be in. I admit, I was concerned traffic would be a complete nightmare, it seemed to go
quite well. Nothing in life is perfect- this though came very close! I believe the extra signage placed by VDOT made things flow well.
UVA's John Paul Arena (So Very Virginia) offers many opportunities to our community, and I for one am relishing the thoughts of the Basketball season, and thousands of other shows!
UVA Dean RickTurner What Happened?
The streets are filled with rumors and speculation on what has happened. Has Rick Turner sacrificed his career at the University of Virginia to protect a student? The facts are all missing but it seems from the outcome,
it was extremely ugly. This is the man who won the University's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, "given to one who helps others because of his love for, and commitment to mankind."
RickTurner has always stood up for African American Students, and he achieved the greatest increase in enrollment, and one of the highest graduation rates in the United States for African American students while Dean at the University of Virginia.
Monday the University
announced the interim replacement with Doctor Maurice Apprey. His goal is not change, "but maintaining and expanding the successes we have achieved and how we can maintain, that is my first goal." He starts on August 15th.
If it is true that Rick Turner gained thnotorietyoty at the end of his stellar career by attempting to protect the promising future of someone who made a tragic mistake. I certainly hope that the person who was worth such a great price, remembers all of his life, the cost to Rick and the University even our Community as a whole. The only repayment can be, to
Live Up to What is Expected of You!It is so easy to blame someone or something else, when things go wrong. Just like everything else in Rick Turner's life he continues to be an example. He has admitted his wrong, agreed to comply with the criminal investigation, and moved on.
We wish you the best Rick, we hate to see you go! It truly is our loss!
