Top Rankings, Health, & New Firehouse

Several news stories came in the past few days...

University of Alabama-Huntsville topped the rankings for best university in Alabama for Return on Investment for both In State and Out of State students.  Followed then by Auburn and Alabama. Full Report can be found here.

In the latest Census estimate Huntsville Metro Area added the most people in the state, while the Auburn-Opelika and Daphne-Fairhope-Foley Metro were two of the fastest growing Metros in the nation by percentage. Expanded Article from AL.com.

County Health Rankings recently released the healthiest counties in Alabama with Madison County coming in on the Top 5 in both areas of Health Outcomes and Health Factors. Limestone County also came in the Top 5 in the Health Outcomes Ranking. Click on the county in the report to get more detailed findings and then click on the graphs for yearly reporting graphs.

Last night, the Huntsville City Council voted to build a new Fire Station in Hampton Cove on Old Big Cove Road. For more information on the Fire Station, here is the expanded article from AL.com. Matheny Goldmon Architects did a wonderful job with the look of the new station. It should make a fine addition to the city.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Dangers of Lead Based Paint in Homes

Many posts we do are more uplifting and fun, however this one today is of a more serious nature.  Let's talk about Lead in the Home.  There are homes across the country which still have the lead paint on walls.  Since 1978, lead has been banned in its use as a ingredient in household paint.  Previously, lead was used as a faster drying agent, good durability so as not to have to paint as often, and the ability to be moisture resistant.  Now why the ban on lead in household paints?  Mainly because of its toxic nature.  They are especially toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.  In children, this lead can be disastrous in their early development especially when they are surrounded by it in a lead walled environment.  Any paint chips or cracking of the paint into dust consumed or inhaled into the system is a serious concern.

With older homes, agents have a duty to ask whether or not there is lead based paint on the walls and sellers must disclose if there is or is not lead to the best of their abilities.  Regardless of is or is not, there is a Lead Based Paint Pamphlet produced by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development that agents distribute to clients.  This Pamphlet is a very important source of information which includes "The What", "The How To", "What Do I Do", and "Who Do I Contact?"  If you are selling your pre-1978 home or buying a home constructed before 1978, please remember to read this Lead Based Paint Pamphlet to protect you and your family.

Today's Tidbit:  Remember the Romans of millennia gone by used lead pipes, utensils, jewelry, and cosmetics.  No doubt this hastened the onset of lead poisoning of many of it citizens.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Tomorrow 6/21/13 is the First Day of Summer...Huntsville events, road funds, and new entertainment districts

With the first day of summer looming around the corner what is everyone up to.  Seems like there are vacations about to go on or are being planned.  Everyone is getting involved in activities and volunteer groups on one thing or another, or people are taking more of an opportunity to go out more with families and friends.

Our local visitors center has put together more upcoming events.

In other news: One of our team members spotted Mayor Battle on the corner of Byrd Spring and South Memorial Parkway when he was discussing the deferred road funds for Byrd Spring & Lily Flagg.  And with the new open container legislation that has passed the city is putting out more information on the entertainment districts known as Quigley and Meridian.


Today's Tidbit: Remember rule of safety for summer, keep drinking even if you don't feel thirsty.  Dehydration can still hit you when its humid out and doesn't feel as hot.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Information on the 2013 Cotton Row Run

The 2013 Cotton Row Run is this Monday, May 27th.

We have found several links to go through for information and registration if you're interested.

The Main Site is the Huntsville Track Club

Information from Active.com

And information from FleetFeetSportsofHuntsville

Today's Tidbit:  This weekend looks to be great for outdoor activities so get out and enjoy it!

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Saturday May 18th Healthy Huntsville

We've been in and out of the office all week, but today something caught our eye that we thought we would pass along.  Tomorrow May 18th there is a free public health and exercise event hosted by Healthy Huntsville and other sponsors including Huntsville Hospital, Operation Green Team, the City of Huntsville and Hudson Alpha among others  are putting forth.  They are calling it Saturdays in the Park and it is a  morning of different types of exercise from Pilates to yoga, workouts to Tai Chi.

More information can be found on the City of Huntsville's website.  Press Release.   PDF Slide.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes