The Vermont Metro Gallery Now Open In Burlingtons Church Street District

Here is an ongoing indoor event that those who enjoy the fine arts will be pleased to know about. The Vermont Metro Gallery on Church Street in Burlington will be open to the public from January 24 to March 22, 2014. This year, the exhibit will display and offer for sale the assorted, unique and interesting works of art by some very talented Vermont based artists who are seeking more exposure in the local visual arts market. The featured artists whose work is being showcased this year are: Karen Henderson, Jennifer Koch, Gowri Savoor and Mary Zompetti.

Each of these art makers’ work has a special style that can only be fully appreciated in person. There are many delightful and enchanting pieces to see in the gallery, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, fabric manipulations, scanner experiments, ink transfers, abstracts, photographs, and impressions. I have viewed the gallery myself, and I can tell you that it is truly fascinating and well worth the visit. Who knows, you might even find a really special, rare and exclusive piece of art that you just cannot live without! So, if you love the fine arts as much as I do, and you are looking for something fun to do from now through March 22, I would like to make a personal suggestion that you go down to the Burlington City Arts Center and see these creative artisans and their amazing artwork.

The BCA is a non-profit organization who recognizes and supports creative minds in Vermont, and this is a wonderful way for you to be a part of their mission. Your kindness and generosity will enable the BCA to continue offering their comprehensive educational programs, which have benefited so many brilliant and artistic minds over the past 20 years that it has been a part of our great community. Go check it out when you have the chance; I think you will have a great time.

The BCA and the Vermont Metro Gallery is located in the old firehouse in downtown Burlington next to City Hall Park. The actual physical address for your GPS is: Vermont Metro Gallery, 135 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401. The Opening Reception for the exhibit was: Friday, January 24th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, the normal business hours to view the gallery are as follows: Tuesday thru Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The building is closed Sunday and Monday.

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Tips To Get Your Burlington Home Ready For Spring

Spring is the ideal time to inspect, clean and conduct repairs to one’s home. Getting these

chores done before summer gives one the chance to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor home environment once the weather warms up for good. Those seeking to sell their homes often find early spring the best time to prepare the property for visits from potential buyers who usually look for new homes during the spring and summer more so than the fall and winter seasons. Here are some important elements to consider when conducting spring cleaning in and around the home.

Begin a Walk Through Inspection of the Home’s Exterior

During the winter months, most people spend a lot of their time indoors. This means that a home’s indoor environment gets regularly cleaned and inspected while its exterior remains largely neglected. The first thing that one should do is to create a comprehensive check-list of items that need inspection, replacement or maintenance and use it to conduct a walk through investigation. Many home owners typically include the following items on their comprehensive check-list:

Roof

Chimney

Gutters

Windows

Siding

Foundation

During winter storms, roof shingles and tiles blow off exposing the home to precipitation if left unchecked for long periods of time. Usually replacing a few shingles is a small price to pay to keep the home protected against more serious damage. The hard part is safely accessing the roof to make the minor repairs. Hiring a handy person to make the repairs is smart if one is not sure how to navigate the roof safely. An inspection of one’s chimney and fireplace by a certified chimney sweep is also advisable.

Cleaning the gutters of leaves and other debris is a relatively easy chore for the average do-it-yourself weekend warrior. Also, nearby trees should be trimmed at this time to prevent excess leaves from dropping into the gutter and eliminate damage to the home’s structure from wind strewn tree limbs.

One should also investigate the windows and doors for potential moisture leaks. Clues that there is an issue with leaks around windows and doors are exceptionally high electric bills during the winter months. Spring is the time to fill in the spaces with caulking and other professional weather-stripping materials. Painting chipped or worn wooden siding as well as making sure water sources drain away from the home’s foundation are additional activities one should consider.

Conducting An Internal Inspection

Indoor items that should be inspected and maintained are the home’s heating and cooling system as well as the air and water filters. Smart home owners also conduct a test of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during this time and change batteries as needed. Thorough window cleaning also helps to brighten the home’s interior environment.

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Burlington’s 2014 Annual Mardi Gras Weekend Starts February 28

The 19th annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend will begin on February 28th. It will run all weekend until March 2nd, and there will be loads of entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Here is a look at all the excitement that people who attend will have to look forward to.

A Concert to Kick Things Off

The festivities begin on Friday night, February 28th with a concert at Higher Ground. The show will be a double feature, featuring Conspirator and Dopapod. Conspirator is known for their great electronic music, moving back and forth between dubstep, house and drum and bass. Dopapod is a jam band that fuses metal, funk and soul together to create a distinctive sound.

The Main Event

The highlight of the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend is the Grand Parade on Saturday, March 1st. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3 pm. It goes right down Main Street, beginning at South Winooski Street and finishing when it reaches Battery Street. Before the parade begins, there will be a costume contest for Kings and Queens as well as live music outside on Main Street starting at 12 pm.

After-Party

When the parade ends, the Mardi Gras Parade Post-Party begins. There will be a ton of live music to enjoy. There will also be loads of food stalls and Magic Hat beer for revelers to enjoy. When the live music shuts down, partygoers can enjoy heading in to one of the many fine restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy in the downtown area. The after-party will keep rocking until the bars close at 2 am.

Sunday

After a long day and night of partying at the Mardi Gras Parade and Post-Party, attendees will enjoy recuperating with a hearty brunch on Sunday. There are some fantastic restaurants that will be offering gourmet buffets to munch on. Some of the best spots for buffet eaters on Sunday include The Scuffer Ale House, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Leuinig’s Bistro and Halvorson’s.

The best way to end Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend in Burlington is to take a tour at the Magic Hat Artifactory. They will be offering tours between 1 and 2 pm, including free samples that will delight visitors’ taste buds.

Don’t miss the 19th annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend. It will be a great time, and there will be lots of fun music, food, beer and activities to enjoy. Make reservations now to enjoy yourself here this year.

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Burlingtons Grand Isle Lake House Is A 100 Year Old Lakeshore Hotel

Grand Isle Lake House is located on Lake Champlain. The lake itself has long been regarded as one of our state’s greatest natural treasures. The Grand Isle Lake House offers visitors and guests the perfect setting for their dream wedding, high-stakes corporate event, and important social gatherings at a beautiful and historical venue.

Brief History and Timeline

In 2003, the Lake House celebrated its 100th anniversary. Few historic lake-shore hotels have stood the test of time like this one. The hotel was initially named Island Villa Hotel and was popular among the notables of the early 20th century. Weekends here were filled with croquet tournaments, fancy dinners, and fishing in the lake during the day. After dinner, guests gathered by the fireside to enjoy parlor games.

In 1956, the Sisters of Mercy bought the property and turned it into a girls’ summer camp. Over the years, they hosted thousands of girls here, many of whom were not otherwise financially able to go to camp.

In 1997, the property that is currently Grand Isle Lake House was donated to the Preservation Trust of Vermont, who decided to create a facility for meetings and events. The Trust and its benefactors returned the building to its original glory. Now, the Lake House is used for both private and non-profit events and gatherings, preserving one of the waterfront’s greatest historical treasures.

Weddings

Grand Isle Lake House is the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding with grounds that can accommodate large tents for 250 wedding guests, just 2,500 feet from the lake-shore. The East and South porches have dinner seating for groups of 150. The historic dining room is now used for refreshments, cake, and dancing. The staff has more than thirty years of catering experience.

Other Events

Grand Isle Lake House offers the ideal venue for other types of events as well, including:

Corporate events/retreats

Business retreats

Non-profit events

This venue is growing increasingly popular as a site for corporate retreats because of the relaxing setting and amenities, which contribute to a better environment for focusing on goals while keeping the tone low-stress and fun. Non-profit organizations receive an substantial discount on accommodations and other services.

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LetGo your Mind: Lego Workshop At Maple Recreation Center Essex Junction, VT

The LetGo Your Mind: Legos in Motion activity will be held at the Maple Street Recreation Center in Essex Junction, Vermont, on Saturday, February 22, 2014. The ticket pricing for residents of the area is $21 apiece, whereas for non-residents it is $26. Parking for the event is free, however. The event will last from 10 am to noon and is designed to offer students between the ages of 6 and 13 an introduction to stop animation.

The event is termed the “Legos in Motion” activity because students will learn about engineering and physics concepts by creating vehicles with LEGOs. They will learn how to build race cars with LEGOs as well as how to use LEGO pieces to create a gear and motor that will demonstrate to them how the pieces work together.

The program focuses on teaching students about the vital STEM subjects, which include the following:

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Math

The LetGo Your Mind event utilizes the experience of state certified teachers to teach the students these concepts. With a low student to teacher ratio, students are given the one-on-one attention that they need to ensure that they fully grasp the material presented to them. The teachers are attentive to the different types of learning styles as well. For instance, they are knowledgeable about the different types of learning styles and know that verbal-linguistic learners learn best through lectures and reading material, whereas visual-spatial ones learn best through seeing graphs and pictures. Moreover, the activities are approved by the national standards for the subject matter, and all the students will be actively engaged in hands-on learning activities to ensure that they better retain the information.

Some of the skills that students are expected to develop more fully during the event include the following:

• Teamwork skills

• Problem solving skills

• Planning skills

• Analytical skills

• Interpretive skills

• Communication skills

• Higher level thinking skills

• Creativity skills

Not only does the program assist students with learning important concepts that they should know, but it also gives them invaluable skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. Additionally, it helps them build their confidence levels so that they will be more motivated to succeed in the future. This program is a challenging one that helps students unleash their potential. Parents might want to consider enrolling their children in this program as a fun and creative, yet educational activity for the summertime.

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Get Your Closet Organized While It’s Cold Outside

Its winter time and thoughts of going outside in the cold just gives you the chills in most of the country. So, why not look for something productive to do inside like cleaning out and organizing your closet? Closets are usually taken for granted because you can just toss things inside them and forget about it.

Think about how nice it would be to have a neatly organized closet.

A disorganized closet can look like it went through a storm, but with a little patience and by following some of the tips below, your closet can be quickly transformed into an organized space.

Get in Season

To get a fresh start on your closet, take out all the clothes that are out of season and neatly store them away in a plastic container or cedar chest. This way, they will be easily available when you are ready to use them again.

What Really Fits

Next, take out all the clothes you cannot or won’t wear again and give them to a local charity. This includes items on shelves in the closet as well as shoes. This creates plenty of space for more organization. Afterwards, vacuum, clean up any cobwebs and dust the closet. Start working from the top, down.

Get Organized

Next is the fun part – organizing your clothes. One great way of organizing clothes and shoes is by color. Start with the lightest colors and end with the darker colors. Clothes should be placed neatly on hangars and all facing one way. If you share a closet with a spouse, use a divider and organize the other person’s clothes in the same manner.

Tackle the Shoes

Shoes should be arranged in the same manner, from lightest to darkest. Use a shoe organizer or some shelves to give yourself more space in the closet. Continue this process with the rest of your closets until they all look the way you want them to.

The Small Stuff

A closet organizer serves a wonderful purpose helping you organize closets. You can find closet organizers in all sizes, and they serve any type of function you might need them for. They come in several styles and different prices ranges to fit all budgets. If you want variety in your closets, you have options.

Now you have organized closets that are easy to maintain and much nicer to look at.

We hope these tips help with your closets and if you need any help with mortgage and refinance questions, please contact us.

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Stick to Your New Year Resolution with These 5 Tips

New Year’s Resolutions are hot topics this time of year with many honestly wanting to make changes that will help them to be healthier, wiser and more organized people overall. While some stick with their goals for a few weeks or possibly even a few months, a very low percentage of individuals actually keep their resolutions for an entire year or incorporate their goals as sustainable parts of their lives. These five tips will help individuals make their goals more attainable.

1. Defined and Achievable

First, resolutions should always be easily defined and should be achievable. Many people set generalized goals for themselves, such as being thinner, becoming healthier or learning how to sew. However, without specific goals, chances are that this resolution will fall by the wayside before January is even completed. For example, instead of resolving to become thinner or even lose 20 pounds, one should resolve to hire a personal trainer, work out for 30 minutes 5 days each week or count and limit calories to 1,500 each day.

2. Start Small

Second, the best resolutions begin with small changes that gradually become larger. Someone who wants to run a marathon would find it impossible to start suddenly running 10 miles a day. It would be easier and less discouraging to commit to a running program that gradually immerses the individual in the exercise.

3. Tell Someone

Third, telling family and friends can be a great help when making a resolution. They will be an encouragement to the individual who is making life changes. Not only will they be the cheering team, but also they will be able to hold the individual accountable. People are much less likely to quit new routines if they know that someone will be asking for updates.

4. Think Positively

Fourth, positive thinking is necessary. If individuals have no faith that they can make a change, they will be discouraged from the start. Although fear or worry is normal when starting something new, these thoughts should not be allowed to take root in one’s mind. Positive, uplifting thoughts should be the focus.

5. Stay Strong

Fifth, those making resolutions should strengthen their willpower. They may be tempted to have just one cookie or stay in bed late just one time. Often, the best way to do increase willpower is to distract oneself when these tempting thoughts come. Distraction can be as simple as getting up and taking a walk or opening a new book or magazine.

After many years of making resolutions and failing to keep them, this is the year to make a change. The best resolutions are attainable and easily started. While individuals require willpower and positive thinking to succeed, family and friends may offer the extra boost of strength that is needed.

We hope this helps you stay committed to those goals for 2014. We are to help if one of your goals is home ownership. Contact us today.

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The Echo Center In Burlington Presents Alice’s Wonderland

The Echo Center, located in beautiful Burlington, Vermont is the perfect place for families to spend the day laughing and learning together. Adults and children of all ages will find a wide variety of exhibits at The Echo Center ranging from waterfront exploration labs and weather reporter stations to none other than the latest Alice’s Wonderland exhibit. This popular exhibit can be enjoyed at The Echo Center from January 18, 2014 through May 11, 2014. Both residents and those visiting Burlington will not want to miss the opportunity to explore Alice’s Wonderland. Best of all, this popular aquarium and science center aims to educate and teach others that everyone can make a difference through more than 100 hands-on, interactive experiences.

The Alice’s Wonderland Exhibit

A visit to The Echo Center during January through May of 2014 would not be complete without a stop at the Alice’s Wonderland exhibit. Whether you’re a fan of the famous classic by Lewis Carroll, “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” or are simply looking for something unique, fun and exciting to enjoy, this exhibit is one that you will not want to miss. This exhibit is designed to encourage imaginations, creativity and wonder in both children and adults alike. Here you will take a journey down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder where you will encounter popular characters from the story book.

Exhibit Features

Upon entering the exhibit, you will begin where Alice first falls asleep on her sisters lap. You will then make your way right into Alice’s dream world by following the White Rabbit through the rabbit hole and exiting the hole into a room full of doorways and optical illusions. You may never know what you’ll see each way that you look. Throughout the exhibit, visitors can enjoy a wide range of different educational and fun activities such as Digging to China, playing a game of Crazy Croquet against Alice and the Queen or even taking a seat at the Mad Tea Party. This adventurous and imaginative exhibit helps children to interact through play while learning different math and science concepts.

Burlington, Vermont provides residents and visitors with many different places to visit all throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreational activities or places to play indoors, you’ll find it all within Burlington. The Echo Center is just one of many premier attractions that this area offers.

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The Famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company Calls Burlington, VT Home

The beautiful and famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company is located in gorgeous Burlington, VT. This hot spot is one of the most famous in the area with thousands of people flocking to it every single year. There are many different things that the Vermont Teddy Bear Company can offer to individuals who go there for the fun of it. From children to adults, there is something for everyone when they make the trip to this beautiful location.

Burlington, Vermont is a gorgeous spot that is perfect for the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. It’s where the company got its start and it has been attracting visitors to the area ever since. This particular tourist destination is laden in bright colors and fun art both on the inside of the building and on the outside. On the outside, you’ll be able to take a few pictures next to bears or look at the large silo that is clad in bright colors. Walk through the front doors and a lot of magic awaits you on the inside.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory is ideal for kids and adults alike. The large gift shop has a number of different already-made bears for you to choose. From small to large, there are bears and other animals for you to choose and buy for yourself. You can also pick out different outfits to dress your stuffed toy in while there. Kids will have a blast making their own fuzzy friend in another room that allows them to choose a stuffed animal shell and stuff it themselves using a fluff pump.

This beautiful location that is found in gorgeous Burlington, Vermont is a great attraction for the young and young at heart. The factory tours that are given can also educate anyone on how the factory got its start as well as how their bears and stuffed toys are made. Whether you’re taking a tour around the factory or just want to pick up a few things from the gift store, there are a lot of things you can easily do while there. This is why this gorgeous location and tourist hot spot has attracted thousands of people to it each year and continues to grow with time. The quality and workmanship that goes into these beautiful stuffed toys is unlike any other that happens to be out there and this is why people continue to come back for more.

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First Time Homebuyer Tips from 7 Top Mortgage Professionals

Purchasing your first home will be one of the most exciting times of your life. It will most likely be the largest investment that you ever make. It is where you will entertain friends and family, and it is where you will go to rest and relax each evening. With so much at stake, it is easy to see why most people are nervous throughout the process.

While purchasing a home can be a little nerve wracking, it is also worth the trouble. In an effort to reduce the stress associated with purchasing your first home, we have gathered top advice from seven leading mortgage professionals.

Top Tips For First-Time Home Buyers

1. Scott Schubert (NMLS #523812): “It is advisable that as soon as you decide to purchase a home you meet with a mortgage professional to create a game plan. It can be one year or one month out from the actual purchase time, but it is still important. A lot of times potential buyers have one financial plan in order, such as paying down debt, when they really need to be saving for a down payment. Working with a mortgage professional first will help them to discover the best way to get approved for a loan.”

2.Wade Byers (NMLS #197143): “You need to make a realistic budget before looking for a home. Decide what you are comfortable with paying each month on a loan and stick to your budget. In reality, I can most likely get you qualified for a higher loan amount, allowing you to purchase a larger home. However, this is not necessarily in your best interest. Stick to a budget and I will work with you to discover what price range of home will meet these guidelines.”

3. Scott Layden (NMLS #164302): “ Make sure that you use professional and trustworthy realtor to protect your interests during the entire sale process. This same thought process should be applied to your mortgage professional as well.”

4. Melody Kennedy (NMLS #448262): “Always work with a realtor and mortgage professional that will explain everything to you in great detail. First-time home buyers are often unfamiliar with specific terms and processes and this can lead to disappointment and confusion.”

5. Valerie Springer (NMLS #198479): “Talk to your mortgage professional about interest rates and what makes them change. If they cannot give you a logical answer, move on to another mortgage professional. You cannot expect this person to provide you with the best interest rates if they do not understand how they work.”

6. Chris Young (NMLS #111276): “Most first-time home buyers were previous renters. They are unaware of tax deductions that are offered to home owners. There are many ways that home ownership can reduce your tax burden. By using the tax calculators on the IRS website to determine your tax burden, you can adjust your withholding tax to allow you to bring home more money each week to offset new home expenses while not having to worry about paying extra at the end of the year.”

7. Stacey Jordan (NMLS #23542): “ Your credit, income, assets and employment history is very critical to the approval process for a mortgage. However, communication with your mortgage professional is also very important. By working openly with your mortgage professional, you will ensure that you find the loan that fits your needs.”

These tips should help when considering to purchase your first home. If you need more help and would like to get started, contact us today.

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Get Involved in 2014! Burlington, VT Volunteer Opportunities

After moving to Burlington, there is no better way of making new friends and becoming part of the community than by your time and talent to someone else in need. Regardless of age, education level or financial status, our township has many options for lending a helping hand.

United Way of Chittenden County

Known around the world, the United Way brings people and organizations together to accomplish many different projects. All year long, the local chapter features opportunities for volunteering for programs that address the educational, health, income or transportation needs of community residents.

Fletcher Allen Healthcare

Besides the Burlington community, the expansive medical center serves the needs of more than one million residents in the Vermont and northern New York areas. The facility provides a comprehensive list of inpatient and outpatient services and includes the award-winning Children’s Hospital. Volunteer options at the facility are many from acting as a liaison between patient families and staff members to interacting and brightening the day of patients of all ages. Share a personal experience with a cancer or cardiac patient or spend the day entertaining children.

Burlington Food Council

The group has more than 100 members who meet throughout the year for the purpose of providing educational and food access programs to the community. The number of projects sponsored by the organization evolve around food, sustainable farming and nutrition. Volunteer options include the chance to work on the ½ acre Healthy City Youth Farm at Hunt Middle School. The school asks for assistance with farming duties, sampling the produce and cooking meals. Other projects include fund raising efforts, establishing mobile farm stands and fruit tree planting.

Burlington City Arts

Regardless of personal experience or education level, volunteer options provide local residents with the chance to enhance the relationship between the community and locally available fine arts. The many opportunities available include the “Art from the Heart” program that encourages self-expression in recovering hospitalized children through the efforts of compassionate volunteers. The Clay and Print Studios welcome guests to work as facility assistants, teaching assistants or monitors. Gallery volunteers help with installing exhibits, interact with the public or provide general support to facility staff.

Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

Striving to combat hunger in the community, the Food Shelf helps feed more than 12,000 residents every year and represents the largest emergency food service provider in the state. The facility also coordinates efforts to operate a local soup kitchen. Numerous options for volunteering are connected with the facility, which include unloading food donations when delivered, stocking shelves, picking up donations and delivering groceries to home-bound citizens.

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Often you will hear the term “escrow account” when applying for a mortgage. With some lenders, an escrow account is required, with others, it is an option. Often the criteria for whether or not an account is required is tied to the percentage of down payment made for the mortgage.

What is an escrow account?

Your lender will add on an amount to your monthly mortgage payment which flows to this account, and is a set-aside for property tax and insurance. If you live in an area covered by a Homeowner’s Association, on occasion, the monthly dues or maintenance fee payments can be added to the escrow account.

Advantages to Having an Escrow Account:

1) No Sticker Shock

If your property taxes are due annually or semi-annually, these payments can be large and sometimes inconvenient to your family budget. Having the payments amortized over the course of the year enables you to make the payments over the twelve months, and the payments are smaller.

2) Easier to Budget

Depending on what your escrow account covers, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or more, making one payment monthly to your mortgage holder for these payments eliminates the need to write multiple checks monthly, is easier to budget for, and requires less discipline.

One of the potential “downsides” is the fact that your property tax obligations may vary from year to year, as rate increases are made by your local government, or your property value is re-assessed in value. This will cause variations in your mortgage payments from year to year, however, the upsides in budgeting and smaller monthly payments for taxes and fees far exceed the downside.

How Can You Get an Escrow Account?

If you are not offered or required to have an escrow account with your mortgage, and it seems to offer advantages that you would like, your lender will most likely be happy to set one up for you.

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