Pay your overdue fines with food! From February 6-19, you can exchange canned goods and other nonperishable foods for library overdue fines to help the Family Resource Centers at Collins, Ockerman and Florence Elementary Schools. These Resource Centers are school-based initiatives whose mission is to ensure that children come to school healthy, safe, and prepared to learn. With the current economic downturn and high unemployment, 9% of the children living in Boone County are below the poverty line and 31% of the children in Boone County Schools are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program. Children who are hungry cannot learn and succeed in life.

How can you help? The Library will waive $1 in current overdue fines for each can or package of food donated during the drive (a maximum of $20 can be waived). Donations may not be used to waive replacement fees for lost or damaged items or collection agency fees. Don't have any overdue fines? That's OK, no need to have fines to participate. All donations are gratefully accepted. Food may be dropped off at all Boone County Public Library locations. Bring a can down to your local library and help feed our community! 

Items especially needed include:

*    peanut butter

*    jelly

*    canned meats (tuna fish, beef stew)

*    canned vegetables and fruit

*    macaroni and cheese

*    rice and pasta

*    breakfast cereal or hot cereal

Please note: The library cannot accept home-canned  items, items that are opened, cans that are past their expiration date, dented, damaged, or cans with bar codes that have been lined or scratched through.

Boone County Public Library was one of 16 public libraries, and the only one in Kentucky, selected for the grant by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation as part of Smart investing@your library®. This prestigious grant will help Boone County Public Library to provide effective, unbiased financial and investor education to the community. The Library was invited to apply for this funding opportunity and was one of 80 libraries to submit proposals.

"This generous grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation couldn't have come at a better time," said Library Director Greta Southard. "Smart investing@your library® allows us to meet a critical need for people to have information they can trust to help them arrive at a brighter financial future. We surveyed our community to discover which financial topics they wanted to learn more about and to find out how they preferred to receive the information.  We used the results from the survey to tailor our financial program outlined in the grant proposal to our community's needs and interests. We wouldn't have been able to write this grant without community feedback. Thank you, Boone County! We look forward to using the grant to create innovative programs to help you prosper!"

With the funding, the Library will partner with the Brighton Center to provide a year of financial learning experiences to families in Boone County. The initiative will be called "Earn, Spend, Save" and include collaborations with the State of Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and Boone County Schools. Targeted programs and print resources will be implemented for all age groups, from preschoolers to senior citizens.

"Our plan is to offer programs for all ages on the same nights at the same times," said Carrie Herrmann, the Library's project coordinator for the grant. "Families will be able to participate without having to look for childcare. We want to make it easy for everyone in Boone County to participate and benefit from this grant."

The Earn, Spend, Save program will launch in August, watch for more information.

--Submitted by The Boone County Library

Best view of the Cincinnati & Northern KY skyline ever*100% unobstructed view from the over 20 foot long covered deck*2 bedrooms with city view, 2 full bathrooms*Living Rm w/ vaulted ceiling & pictuques floor to ceiling skyline view*Fully equipped kitchen w/ all appliances incl washer & dryer*Master bedroom w/ walkout to covered deck*Assigned parking*Immediate possession*Also available for sale.

VIRTUAL TOUR of 111 WINDING WAY #B, COVINGTON, KENTUCKY

Simply the BEST unobstructed views of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky on both sides of the river!  Step inside this lovely condo and prepare to be delighted by incredible city views, two spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and immediate possession.  Entertaining has never been easier at 111 Winding Way #B.  This recently remodeled condo is perfect for viewing the famous Labor Day fireworks!  New carpet, GE appliances and fixtures make this condo the perfect place to call home.

Step into the amazing living room with stunning picturesque views from every way you look.  The living room also includes vaulted ceilings and a walkout to the 20 foot covered deck.  Just steps away sits the chefs kitchen with its ceramic cook-top stove, beautiful wood cabinets and amazing counter bar.  You'll love utilizing the counter bar for amazing appetizers and dishes when you entertain.  Other appliances included with the kitchen are the microwave, oven, refrigerator and dishwasher.  The washer and dryer are also included.

Nothing less than spectacular is how you'll describe the amazing covered deck.  Walkout to the deck from the living room as well as the master suite.  The master suite features wall to wall carpeting, double closets and an adjoining full bathroom.  The bathroom includes a tub/shower combination and ceramic tile.  The guest bedroom located just down the hallway, also includes double closets.  A full bathroom with tub/shower combination is just a few short steps away.

Located in the Bluffs community, additional amenities include assigned parking, a fantastic refreshing swimming pool, a fitness center and a clubhouse.  111 Winding Way # B is convenient to downtown Cincinnati, the bus-line, areas of worship, Devou Park, area attractions, fine dining, the expressway, shopping and so much more.  For your private tour of this incredible find, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700.  THIS PROPERTY IS ALSO FOR LEASE FOR $1200/MONTH.  CONTACT THE MIKE PARKER TEAM FOR MORE DETAILS.

VIRTUAL TOUR for 64 Creekside DR., FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

This super clean and well maintained three bedroom home is ready for you to move in.  Located in Florence, Kentucky in the Powder Creek Crossing subdivision, 64 Creekside Drive is loaded with great amenities.  It features two full bathrooms, a half bath, a two car garage, a wonderful family room with gas fireplace, a large kitchen with walkout to the amazing  fenced in backyard, a huge patio - perfect for entertaining and has been freshly painted through-out.

The chef in your family will appreciate the kitchen with its spacious cabinets, large walk-in pantry, large breakfast area with walkout and amazing views of the patio and backyard and includes the refrigerator, microwave, oven/range and garbage disposal.  The beautiful laminate floors are easy to maintain and are stunning.

All three bedrooms are located in the upper level and the master includes a walk-in closet, plush wall to wall carpeting and an adjoining bathroom.  Two guest bedrooms share a full bathroom with a shower/tub combination.

64 Creekside Drive sits in the Boone County Public School system and also includes ceiling fans, recessed lighting, smoke alarms, a garage door opener, a home warranty, nine foot ceilings and is cable ready.  This home is also super convenient to shopping, restaurants, places of worship, area attractions and much more.  For your private tour of the immaculate home, contact The Mike Parker Team today.  859-647-0700.

VIRTUAL TOUR of 103 HOLIDAY LN., LAKESIDE PARK, KENTUCKY

Step into this charming all brick cape cod and you'll want to call this one home.  This home includes four bedrooms, original hardwood floors throughout, a fenced backyard, a full walkout basement, a covered front porch and super convenient to everything!

The kitchen features an eat-in area, a pantry, a walkout to the large fenced backyard and vinyl floors.  Appliances includes are the gas range and the refrigerator.  Walk into the large living room with its rich hardwood floors and cozy atmosphere.  Down the hall sits two bedrooms and upstairs two more guest rooms await.

You'll love the location.  This home is located in the Kenton County Public School district and is only minutes away from shopping, the expressway, the public library, places of worship, area attractions, the busline and so much more.  A home warranty is included with the home as well as window treatments a built-in bookcase and lovely marble window sills.  Move in today as immediate occupancy is available.  For your private tour of this fantastic home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700 

Charming all brick cape cod offering 2 bedrooms on the 1st flr & 2 bedrooms on the 2nd flr, original hardwood flrs through-out & both levels have been freshly painted. Fenced backyard, full walkout basement & covered front porch. Situated on a quaint street convenient to everything. Available for immediate occupancy.

Immediate Possession! 2nd floor unit. 2 large Bedrooms, 2 full Bathrooms, huge open Living Room, Dining Room & Kitchen area. Gas Fireplace and walkout to covered deck in Living Room. Storage area on covered deck. Community pool & clubhouse. Convenient location.

Awesome river view from covered deck. End unit with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, Great Room with corner fireplace and upgraded kitchen with counter bar. For sale or lease.

VIRTUAL TOUR of 4850 US 455, Sparta, Kentucky

Welcome home to 4850 US 455 located in historic Sparta, Kentucky.  This wonderful three bedroom log cabin is loaded with features and offers tons of privacy.  Amenities include 14.699 rolling hills of beautiful acreage, two full bathrooms, a very open floor plan, a large kitchen, a first floor Master, a barn, a de-tached garage, hardwood floors, central air conditioning and MUCH MORE!!

You'll enjoy all the privacy around you including pasture land, hiking trails and loads of mature shade trees.  The property also features four acres of well fenced pasture and a pond.  So don't forget your fishing pole.  This property is also home to lots of wildlife but is only a few short mintues to the expressway.   The large barn features electric, a hay loft and city water.  There is also an animal shed located next to the pond.

Step into the log cabin and prepare to be impressed.  The living room includes wall to wall carpeting, a stone fireplace with wood burning stove insert, and a beautiful wood ceiling.  The chef's kitchen boasts rich hardwood flooring, an eat-in kitchen, wood cabinets, a pantry, an island with a counter bar and includes a gas range, refrigerator and the dishwasher. 

The first floor master bedroom is a great place to relax after a long day.  The bedroom includes wall to wall carping, an adjoining bathroom, a large walk-in closet and beamed ceiling.  The adjoining bathroom features  a double vanity sink and a tub/shower combination.

4850 US 455 is located in the Gallatin County Public School district.  Additional amenities include a home warranty, a large deck, multi panel doors, natural woodwork, a first floor laundry, ceiling fans, and public water.  For your private tour of this fantastic home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700.

VIRTUAL TOUR of 4211 IDLEWILD RD., BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005

Welcome Home to 4211 Idlewild Rd. located in historic Burlington, Kentucky. This magnificent five bedroom home is loaded with fantastic amenities and sits on 6.39 private acres. This home has been updated through-out and features two full bathrooms and one half bathroom, an over-sized two car side entry garage, a study, a full basement, a spacious kitchen, first floor laundry and an unbelievable backyard with swimming pool.

The chef in your family will love the enormous kitchen. It boasts ceramic tile, beautiful wood cabients, an island and a counter bar. Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher, the refrigerator and the microwave.

Entertaining is easy in the formal living room complete with hardwood floors. The dining room is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends over a home cooked meal.

Step into the family room and enjoy the gas fireplace throughout the cool months of the year. The family room also includes lush wall to wall carpeting and a walkout to the stunning backyard.

Retire in style in the master suite located on the first floor. This bedroom includes an adjoining bathroom, hardwood floors and a large walk-in closet. The adjoining bathroom features marble tile and a combination shower/tub. Four additional bedrooms are located on the second floor and they share a full bathroom with a tub/shower combination.

The backyard of 4211 Idlewood Rd. will leave you speechless. Enjoy the sights and sounds of summer in your above ground swimming pool then head over to the huge, tiered deck - a wonderful spot to entertain. Once the sun sets hang out around the fire-pit and roast marsh-mellows and tell your favorite ghost story. Next to the fire-pit sits the enormous covered full kitchen. A great place to cook out doors in rain or shine. Other amenities in the backyard include a wood fence, yard lights, sprinklers and the yard is surrounded by mature shade trees. A 50 x 26 Barn with 22 foot roof peak and concrete floors sits in the backyard. It truly is a slice of heaven!!

Located in the Boone County Public School system this home also features crown molding, a bonus room, multi-panel doors, an unfinished basement with walkout, recessed lighting, a security system and a home warranty. This home is convenient to area shopping, the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati International Airport, parks and recreation, area attractions and much more. For your private tour of this amazing home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today. 859-647-0700

For those of us with kids, the holiday season brings all sorts of magic through a child's eyes.  Not only do the kids really get into the holiday spirit but their behavior suddenly takes a turn for the better when they hear the "Santa is watching."  What better way to keep that spirit alive than having Santa call your house.   From now until Christmas Eve, Cincinnati Bell is providing FREE personalized calls from Santa.  You can have Santa call your house as much as you would like and as many times a day as you would like.  We do this each year in our home and my boys LOVE it!  They get such a kick out of hearing Santa say their name and hearing him on the phone.  Just follow the link below and get your official call from the big man himself:

http://www.cincinnatibell.com/consumer/holiday/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours....

VIRTUAL TOUR of 12895 FROGTOWN CONNECTOR RD., RICHWOOD, KENTUCKY 41094

Excellent business opportunity with high Interstate I-75/71 traffic visibility.  Set up your small business at 12895 Frogtown Connector Road located in Richwood, Kentucky today.  This wonderful property sits on 3 acres and features three model homes.  Two homes are stunning two stories and the other is a ranch.  EacTwo homes have a full basement for added storage or additional work space.  Each home also includes a garage, working electric, full kitchens, spacious bathrooms and more.  A large electronic message sign is located on the property and is extremely easy to read when you're driving by on the interstate.  Each home also has been professionally landscaped and is in mint condition.  Located only 20 mintues from downtown Cincinnati and super convienent to everything including the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, I-71 and I-275.  The possibilities are endless with this one....Contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today for your private tour.  This property is sold as a package.  Owner will not separate.

If you're looking for something to do to add a little jingle to your step, grab the family and head down to Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati for some holiday fun.  Saturday's in December (3, 10. 17) Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine Building, to the Macy's rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off an awesome holiday fireworks display.  The 20-minute family fun program also features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music.  The fun begins at 5:30pm when the choir starts to sing and Santa begins his decent at 6:30pm.

Immediately following the fireworks, join Mrs. Claus for some cookies, crafts and story-time at Macy's Fountain Place on 505 Vine Street.  You can also grab your skates or rent a pair and skate at the ice rink at Fountain Square.  Cost is $2.50 for admission and $2.50 for skate rental.  Hours are 10a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 10 a.m. to Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

See the sights and sounds of downtown on a carriage ride.  boarding at the corner of Fifth and Race streets take a free horse drawn trolley carriage ride through the heart of Cincinnati.  Rides run Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 from Noon to 5pm (final boarding at 4:45pm).

And don't forget to bring your camera for photos with Santa.  He'll be on Fountain Square from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sundays from Noon - 6 p.m. and Monday thru Thursday from Noon - 6 p.m.  He'll be there until December 24th right before he must leave for annual trip around the world.

Brought to you by The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Rarely, does one size fit everyone and the same goes for advice. The following suggestion is not right for everyone. However, for people with job security and who don't own a home; for people with good credit and enough savings for a down payment, there may never be a better time to buy a home.

Homes have had a significant price correction but in many markest, they have started to rise again. The lower prices combined with historically low interest rates make this an opportune time to buy a home if you can afford it.

One of the reasons homes are an attractive investment is that fact that you can use a small down payment and finance the balance for 30 years. The principle, called leverage, allows you to earn a return on the value of the home rather than the actual cash investment. Small appreciation can create a large rate of return on the initial investment of the down payment and closing costs.

The following example is a projection at the end of five years for a $175,000 home with 3% closing costs and a 5% interest rate for a 30 year term. The rate you see in each column is an annual rate of return based on the equity of the home at the end of the five year period due to both appreciation and amortization of the loan.

The nature of positive leverage will cause the returns to be higher with a smaller down payment. As you see in the table, the return is higher on the 3.5% down payment than with the 10% or 20% down payment.

If you're curious to see if this advice might fit your situation, you really need to sit down with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can help you assess your position. It's worth the time because there may never be a better opportunity than now.

Halloween is in the air which means it's time for the Boone County Parks Jack-O-Lantern Walk and Contest located in Central Park and join in in the fun.

From 8:30 - 9:30 am bring your pumpkins then return at 7:30pm until 9:30pm and walk the trails and enjoy all of the pumpkins.  They'll be lit up in all their glory.  The walk is free and to enter your pumpkin it only costs $1.00. 

Happy Halloween!!

Pumpkin Patches

Benton Farms

11946 Old Lexington Pike
Walton, KY 41094
859-485-7000

Shaw Farms

513-575-2022
Milford, OH

Daniels Petting Farm & Pumpkin Patch

1850 WALTON NICHOLSON PIKE
WALTON, KY 41094
859-363-8623

Kinmon Farms

4175 BURLINGTON PIKE
BURLINGTON, KY 41005
859-689-2682

McGlasson Farms

5832 River Rd.
Hebron, KY 41049
859-689-5229

Haunted Houses

BENTON FARMS
Haunted House
Weekends In October
11946 Old Lexington Pike
Walton, KY 41094
859-485-7000

USS Nightmare
Wednesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 11pm
Friday & Saturday 7pm - 1am...... Sun. 7pm - 11pm
Through November 1st .....

Located on the river at Newport on the Levee

St. Rita Haunted House
October 2nd -November 1st
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

Free Parking
The Haunted House is located on the school grounds.

Kings Island
Mason, OH
Halloween Haunt

Haunted Hayride
Sandyland Acres
Petersburg, KY
This hayride has won numerous haunt awards and offers individual and group rates.
859-689-4283 or 859-322-0516

Dent Haunted Schoolhouse
5963 Harrison Ave.
Cincinnati OH 45248
Every Friday and Saturday, The Dent Schoolhouse is open from 7:30 pm to 12:00 pm. On every Sunday The Dent Schoolhouse is open from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Land of Illusion
5 terrorizing events, choose one or enter them all!!  All at your own risk of coarse!!
8762 Thomas Rd.
Middletown, OH 45042
Open until November 1, 2009

HallZOOween
Discover the "creepy and the crawly," weekends in October, at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during the annual HallZOOween celebration. Little ghouls and boys, ages 12 and under, can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun, from 12 - 5 p.m.

The Grand Festival Parade takes place on Saturday morning at 10 am and festival goers can enjoy a round of stone toss or splashing grape stomp, sample some of Indiana's most delectable wines and be entertained by various music bands ranging from country to polka.

The festival is located at the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park where Indiana highway 56 and 156 meet.  Come on over to Indiana and enjoy the fun.

Vevay Indiana is located across the river from historic Warsaw, Kentucky.  The Mike Parker Team is proud to present the some historic homes near the Vevay area in Northern Kentucky.  Homes from yesteryear with today's conveniences.  For more things to do check out our blog series titled "365 Things To Do in Northern Kentucky."  Or "like" us on Facebook.

View Larger Map

Boone County Fair

Now that the weather had cooled out, grab the kids and head on out to the Boone County Fair at the Fairgrounds in Burlington, Kentucky on 5819 Idlewild Rd.  Admission is $8.00 after 2:00pm on Thursday and Friday and after 8:00am on Saturday.  Admission includes unlimited rides, grandstand entertainment and other events.  There is an additional charge to ride the live ponies.  Ride the rides, see the shows and taste all the wonderful food!!!

This is the remaining schedule:

There's so much to do in Northern Kentucky.  "Like" us on Facebook for more of our ongoing series titled "365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky."  Our Facebook page is also filled with community information as well as current real estate market updates.  Brought to you by The Mike Parker Team of HUFF Realty - Northern Kentucky Real Estate Experts.