Memorial Day Weekend Activities – Don’t Miss out

May 24, 2012 · Filed under Billerica MA, Joan Parcewski, Uncategorized, Woods Real Estate · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Memorial Day weekend – a time for barbecues, parades in honor of our military, rembrances at cemeteries around the Commonwealth.  In addition there are some special events in and around the Merrimack Valley area.  Check these out below
Verrill Farm - Asparagus Festival
Verrill Farm 11 Wheeler Road Concord, MA 01742               Venue Information
Saturday May 26, 2012 11:00 AM
This is a favorite event for many for 3 reasons: It features the first crop of the local growing season, attendees go to the fields and learn about where their food comes from and they enjoy a fabulous lunch! Reservations & prepayment required by May 25th, 978.369.4494. $25 per person
Lexington Tourism Committee - Revolutionary Revelry
Various Lexington Locations
May 1 – 31, 2012
Revolutionary Revelry celebrates Lexington every day in May, beginning with a May Day celebration complete with Maypole dancing and family picnic. Take a bike tour, or chat with artists at Open Studios or at the “Park Your Art” exhibit and auction. Visit the alpacas at the Lexington Battle Green BBQ Festival. Hear the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps at the Parade & Muster, or the Lexington Pops Chorus at their spring concert.
Lowell National Historical Park - Dickens and Massachusetts: A Tale of Power and Transformation
Lowell National Historical Park Boott Gallery John Street Lowell, MA 01852
March 30, 2012 – October 19, 2012
Join us in Lowell in 2012 to celebrate the Charles Dickens bicentenary with the major exhibition, Dickens and Massachusetts: A Tale of Power and Transformation, and over fifty public programs. While Dickens knew before arriving in the New World that he had become a famous literary man, it was the American trip that showed him the full extent of his power.
Great Brook Farm State Park          Lowell Road

Carlisle, MA              (978) 369-6312
 Nonmotorized boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback-riding trails and picnicking. Seasonal ice cream stand.  Farm animals and seasonal barn tours.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge          

Monsen Road            Concord, MA             978-443-4661
 Walking trails and wildlife observation trails.  Pets are not allowed. Restrooms available.  No admission fee.
Walden Pond State Reservation      Route 126       Concord, MA 01742

(978) 369-3254      Fax: (978) 371-6438
Contact: Jennifer Ingram
The Reservation encompasses 333 acres surrounding the pond, which is a 103 foot deep glacial kettle hole pond. 2280 acres of mostly undeveloped woods, called ‘Walden Woods’ surrounds the pond. The area is popular for fishing, swimming, and walking. To protect the natural resources of the area and ensure that Walden Pond remains a pleasant place for people in the future, the number of visitors is limited to no more than 1,000 people at a time. Dogs, bicycles, floatation devices and grills are prohibited. To avoid disappointment, visitors are encouraged to call the park in advance and check on parking availability.
The list goes on – enjoy your weekend – and stay safe
Joan Parcewski, Realtor     Woods Real Estate    www.JoanParcewski.com
c 978-376-3978   o 978-262-9665   Joan@WoodsRE.com

 

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MWRA To Begin Consruction of Water Storage Tank in Stoneham June 1st

May 24, 2012 · Filed under MWRA, Stoneham MA, Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , ,

MWRA to Begin Construction of Water Storage Tank in Stoneham June 1 – By Mark Ouellette

Work on the Spot Pond tank project is expected to get underway June 1, according to Town Administrator David Ragucci.   

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is expected to begin construction of the Spot Pond water tank June 1, according to Town Administrator David Ragucci.

“They will be working on that tank until the completion date, anticipating compeltion of the tank sometime in the fall of 2014,” Ragucci said during Tuesday night’s Selectmen’s session at Stoneham Town Hall. The MWRA has said they expect to complete the project in late 2014, according to a press statement.

Addressing Safety

Stoneham police have met with several agencies about the traffic in and around the construction site, including State Police, Department of Conservation and Recreation, MWRA and the Department of Transportation’s Highway Divisions, according to Ragucci.

“There’s going to be a lot of truck traffic coming in and out of that property for quite some time in removing the dirt, and then bringing cement trucks back in to fill the container,” Ragucci said. “The truck route is going to travel through Stoneham down to the (Middlesex) Fells, North Road, South Border Road to get up on (Route) 93, and then they would be coming back that same way.”

Selectman John DePinto said he wants to make sure the area stay safe while construction vehicles are working in town.

“I would like our police department, if we have the resources, to make sure those roads remain safe,” DePinto said. “No overweight trucks, no speeding. Those trucks, when they’re loaded, they go (fast) and that’s a busy roadway…and you don’t want to get in an accident with one of those trucks, especially when the cement starts coming in.”

What’s Being Built

The MWRA is constructing a 20-million-gallon water storage tank and pump station behind the site of the former Boston Regional Medical Center on Woodland Road in Stoneham, reads th statement.

“The new water storage tank is required to meet state and federal drinking water regulations and MWRA’s goal of providing at least a one-day emergency supply of stored water,” reads the statement.

The underground, concrete tank will provide water storage for MWRA’s Low Service area, which includes Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford and Somerville, according to the statement. The pump station will provide system redundancy for 21 communities currently served by the Gillis Pump Station, including Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn, the statement adds.

“When the project is completed in late fall 2014, the design calls for upland meadows to be planted on top of the buried tank, which would provide additional open space and public access adjacent to the Fells Reservation,” reads the statement.

Who is Doing the Construction?

MWRA’s contractor, Walsh Construction Company, is currently completing site preparation before beginning construction, according to the press statement.

When is Excavation Happening?

The project is expected to required “considerable excavation” for six to eight months during the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the statement.

“Once the excavation is complete, truck traffic will decline, but appropriate public safety measures will remain in place,” reads the statement. “MWRA and Walsh Construction have been working closely with the Massachusetts State Police and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop an efficient and reliable traffic management plan to ensure the safety of the drivers and pedestrians using the adjacent roads and streets.

“A designated truck route has been established, and message boards and signage will be placed along Woodland Road to guide travelers.” 

Throughout the construction period, access in and out of the Woodland Road Medical Building will be limited to the south driveway, reads the statement. The north entrance will only be accessible to construction vehicles, according to the statement, and signage will be put up at the entrances.

The MWRA will provide regular updates on its website, according to the statement.

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May – The Elixir of Dreams

May 23, 2012 · Filed under Billerica MA, Annette Presseau, Billerica Garden Clulb, Billerica Farmers Market · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Billerica MA is very lucky to have a busy Garden Club who maintains the area around the center and many other parts of town to make it a pleasure to drive and walk around.  They decorate the Clara Sexton House at the Holidays, work with seniors at Brightview Concord River Assisted Living in maintaining a small garden. 

They take every opportunity to brighten the landscape of Billerica and help others do the same.  Last year they became involved with starting a Farmer’s Market in Billerica Center that runs from the end of June to the end of October.  Their success translates into a return performance this year.

Many thanks to Billerica Garden Club member and guest blogger Annette Presseau. 

 

My Dream Garden

As I’m writing this Blog I’m sitting on my deck in 78 degree total sunshine light breeze weather and my mind is dreaming of this beautiful garden that I would love to have in my back yard.  I absolutely love this time of year and the crickets are singing along with many birds which are so beautiful to listen to.  I can also see that I need to do some cleaning up in my yard but one step at a time.  This year I want to plant something in memory of my mother she loved Azalea’s so I’m looking for a summer azalea to plant in my yard.  Memorial Day is coming up and I can get started planting all my flowers in I always wait until Memorial Day to plant most flowers because up here in New England we can get a frost in May.  Check out the website on My Dream Gardens and how they talk about a management method where you manage the amount of time you spend in your garden so that you remember to take a break it is a very interesting website: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

 

I can be in the garden for hours and forget the time and usually forget to take a break my mother used to work with me in the garden up until she was in her 80’s and she was my time management and I would see here getting tired and then I knew it was time to take a break.  Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of butterflies around and they are so beautiful I’m amazed at them.  Check out any butterfly gardens in your area there is one here in Westford Massachusetts see the website:  https://butterflyplace-ma.com/

 

 

Flower blooms everywhere

This year it isn’t difficult to find blooms everywhere because of the nice weather we have been having up here in New England.  When I go out somewhere and someone else is driving I look at peoples gardens as we drive by and there are some beautiful gardens out there.  Now is the time to weed out the bad and keep what is doing well and experiment and plant some new ideas.  I’ve even found plants that I thought had died growing!  I plan to have a raised garden this year with just one kind of annuals usually I plant a variety because I love having the different colors in the garden but this year I thought I would be different and see what happens who knows maybe it will become a tradition.  I just love seeing a grouping of the same annuals together it is very striking to look at.  I have 3 large Rhododendrons in my yard that are blooming profusely they are pink flowers and are just gorgeous to look at. What’s blooming in your garden?

 

 

Aerate your flower beds

A good practice is to aerate your flower beds I usually do this before I plant any flowers it helps to loosen the soil and makes better and more beautiful flowers.  You probably already did this in the fall or last month so you should be all set but if you didn’t now is a good time to check your soil and add something to it so that your flowers will become big and beautiful.

 

 

Visit a garden

Check out this website on the Blithewold gardens in Bristol, Rhode Island all I can say is “wow”

http://www.blithewold.org/  It’s great to visit different expert gardens so that one can visualize what they might want to see in their own garden.  Every time I go to these places I get some great ideas and also see different flowers blooming that possibly would look good in my flower garden.  Check out Garden in the Woods website for events it’s a really great place to visit: http://www.newfs.org/visit/Garden-in-the-Woods  it’s also a great place to see native plants sometimes we forget about planting what is native in our area and the plants can be really stunning to look at.  Also, people have garden tours at their homes so check a few out and get some great gardening ideas.  There are many places that you can visit this time of year.  You can even join a Garden Club they have many great speakers and one can learn a lot about gardening there.

 

Evasive Plants

When I first started gardening I always thought of evasive plants as weeds and in a sense they are weeds but are very difficult to control and there is a huge list of them which people are not supposed to sell but they do so check out the list and you will be surprised at how many are on there.  Here is a website of evasive plants in Massachusetts:  http://www.mass.gov/agr/farmproducts/prohibitedplantlist.htm

It’s interesting to check it out and see if you have any in your yard every state has a different list so check your state.  In my yard I have burning bushes four of them no less and they have been here before I moved but I’ve chopped them down and they come right back some day I will try to completely remove them.  I wasn’t even aware that burning bushes are evasive until I heard people talking about evasive plants and I checked the list out.

 

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Check out this website on the 15th of every month to go out in the garden and take pictures and post to your blog?  I think it is a great idea.  I can’t wait until my Peonies start to bloom!  This is also a great way to keep a log book of what your garden looks like at different months of the year then you can plan out next year as to what you think will grow best in your garden.

 

Herbs in a Flower Garden

Consider adding Herbs in your flower garden they will give a nice smell they are great to look at and you can eat them.  Check this website out: http://www.pulvermedia.com/fullstory/8d68bceed47246b63a46e  You can add rosemary, sage, mint, thymes, oregano, lavenders, lemon grass just to name a few and you can plant them in containers you don’t have to plant them in the ground.

 

I love the cat in the picture!  Add different ornamental stuff to accent your garden.  Ornaments in the garden add different dimensions and are eye catching.  Put a rabbit statue in one spot or maybe place a water fountain in another use your imagination and before you know it there will be something peaking out at you when you walk around your garden!

 

Ornamental Grasses

Don’t forget to add Ornamental Grasses for a backdrop in your flower garden they provide texture, uniqueness and beauty to your garden they are easy to grow and maintain and will evolve with the seasons.  They are a great addition to the garden because they produce full green foliage all season and then wow in the summer to fall with their interesting, feathery plumes.

 

Making a Rock Garden

Have you ever thought of making a rock garden?  Do you have a sloped or awkward piece of land that you are having trouble planting? Rock Gardens not only provide a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution to those hard-to-plant places, but are aesthetically pleasing by contrasting rough, jagged rocks with delicate, gorgeous blooms. They are actually quite simple to create – All you need is time, rocks (which can often be found on your property) and a few durable, low-maintenance plants. Once complete, the rewards of the Rock Garden will pay for the effort ten times over.  Check out this blog on how to make a Rock Garden for more information: http://blog.americanmeadows.com/

 

So I hope some of these ideas will get you started in the right direction I’m off now to work in my garden.

 

Happy Gardening!

Annette Presseau  stitchlady.netti46@yahoo.com 

https://www.bigtent.com/groups/gardenclub

http://www.billericafarmersmarket.org/

 

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May Springs Forth with Sunshine – guest blogger Annette Presseau

May 23, 2012 · Filed under Annette Presseau, Billerica MA, Reliv · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is the time of year that everyone wants to be outside.  Use it to help your health – see what guest blogger Annette Preseau has to say.

Spring is here I love this time of year it is great for long walks and I can’t wait to walk along the ocean this year!  I hope everyone gets a chance to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather.

May is National Physical Activity and Sports Month the perfect time to highlight the benefits of playing sports.

According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Americans of all ages need to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. Adults need at least 30 minutes of activity, five days each week.  Even if you just get 15 minutes a day that is really good too.  You can just change a few habits like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away so that you can walk it doesn’t take much to adjust your habits.

The Association for Applied Sport Psychology reports that the mental health benefits of sports include improved self-esteem, improved confidence and pride in physical accomplishments.

Incorporating sports into your workout regimen can help you kick it up a notch. Team sports can also help you meet new friends or reconnect with old ones. Besides, hitting the same gym routine can get boring after a few months. Mix things up by getting sporty this month!

Hoop It Up

  1. Basketball Benefits:      Many communities have recreational leagues for a variety of skill levels.      Basketball is a fun cardio sport that can be played indoors or out. If you      don’t have a full team of five, you can always play one-on-one or      three-on-three.
  2. Calories Burned Per Hour: 300-800

A Fitness Ace

  1. Tennis Benefits: When it comes to burning major calories, tennis is no racket. Many public parks offer free tennis courts, and the required equipment — balls and a racket — isn’t very expensive. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, tennis is excellent cardio conditioning.
  2. Calories Burned Per Hour:      600-1,000

Fore Sure

  1. Golf Benefits:      Golf is a relaxing sport that can be played solo or as part of a group.      Golf makes a perfect walking activity for all fitness levels and ages      since it’s a slower-paced sport. The average 18-hole round of golf      includes five miles of walking. A study showed golfers who walk 36 holes      per week will burn around 2,900 calories.
  2. Calories Burned Per 9-Holes:      700 (walking) 400 (riding in a cart)

What’s your favorite sport? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources:http://www.fitnessforweightloss.com/how-many-calories-do-i-burn-playing-basketball/, http://appliedsportpsych.org/resource-center/health-and-fitness/articles/psych-benefits-of-exercise, http://golf.about.com/od/fitnesshealth/a/golfphysical.htm, http://www.fitnessforweightloss.com/how-many-calories-do-i-burn-playing-tennis/

Never Too Old To Play!

May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our communities. Since 1963, communities across the nation have come together to celebrate Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to recognizing the contributions and achievements of older Americans.  The Theme for Older Americans Month is that you are never too old to play and the U. S. Administration on Aging encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities.

I have often heard people over 60 say I’m too old to do that and my response is you are never too old to do things age is a state of mind.  My mother at 98 years of age still wanted to do things and I used to get a kick out of her when she wanted to shovel snow in the wintertime!  She stayed active up until the end of her life.  My motto is try to do something and if you can’t do it that is ok just try something else but keep in mind that you also have to use your common sense too.

If you have elderly parents or relatives why not give them a call and visit them maybe give them a hug or take them for a walk just to let them know that you are thinking of them it means a whole lot and believe me it will lift your spirits too.  Too often we neglect our elders and it’s really sad because we are missing out on a lot they still have a lot to share with us.  I recently lost my mother and have wonderful memories with her but there are a lot of seniors who are very alone and don’t have anyone to visit them and lift up their day.  Get involved with your Senior Center or volunteer at a Nursing Home in your community.  The Billerica Garden Club does gardening at three Nursing Homes here in Billerica and they love it.  Never be too busy to take time to talk to an elderly person even to just send a note to them don’t forget that we all will get there someday and wouldn’t it be nice to be remembered?  I know I would like that!

 

 

Smile!

 

Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out while helping your body to function better. Smile to improve your health, your stress level, and your attractiveness. Smiling is just one fun way to live longer and it is contagious! Have you ever noticed when you smile to someone they smile back (usually) and it makes you feel good?

 

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away — but a smile draws them in and lifts up their spirits too.  I remember a few times when people have smiled to me when I was frustrated and it lifted my spirits and made me feel good.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

 

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.  I love drawing smilies on a piece of paper it’s fun to draw!

 

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.  Also, have your ever noticed that it’s easier to smile than to frown?

 

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed.

 

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

 

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

 

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better.

 

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

 

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

 

So the next time you’re feeling grumpy make a smile and see what happens!

 

Study Suggests Coffee May Be Linked to Longer Life

Coffee drinkers are getting a bit more reassurance that their beverage of choice may not be bad for them, and possibly even can be linked to living longer.  So coffee drinkers you are doing good with drinking some coffee!  I love my coffee coolatta in the summer who would have guessed that it could be good for me.

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that people who drank coffee had a slightly lower risk of dying over a certain period than those who didn’t, though the finding comes with a lot of caveats and will surely not end the debate over the health effects of coffee.

Check out the rest of the information on this website:  http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2012/05/16/study-suggests-coffee-may-be-linked-to-longer-life-but/

I think I’ll start drinking more coffee!  I’m mostly a tea drinker and will not give that up but I can add some coffee to my regimen.

“virtual” colonoscopy

 

Now I have had three colonoscopies over the years and it has saved my life a lot of people don’t get a colonoscopy and colon cancer can be prevented with this test so it is very important to have this test done if you’re over 50.  There is great news in that there is a new method for performing a “virtual” colonoscopy that requires less unpleasant preparation was shown in a new study to accurately detect larger precancerous polyps—and was a better experience for patients.  Check out the website http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2012/05/14/new-method-easing-preparation-may-encourage-colon-checks/

It is a much better way to do a colonoscopy than what is prescribed today and all I can say is it is about time!  This is from a person (me) who has had multiple colonoscopies and hates every one of them because I get sick after each one and sleep for about 4 hours so when it is time for a new colonoscopy I dread it but it did save my life the first time I had one so it is very important procedure and one that I get done.

 

Check out this website from the World of Pschology:  http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/05/18/best-of-our-blogs-may-18-2012/

 

This is the first paragraph from it “From the seeds planted yesterday, hope grows. It grows from the conflicts we dealt with not avoided, the courage to look at our problems not from a distance, but face-to-face, and the steps we took to better ourselves instead of trying to deny them and put on a happy face.”  I really like this paragraph it speaks to my heart about facing life and accepting what comes our way my mother and father had a great attitude on life they faced whatever came their way and moved on because they know that things would always get better in time.  I was always amazed at how my mother accepted what came her way and very blessed to have her as long as I had.  Thanks mom!

 

May is . . . . National Salad Month, National Egg Month, National Barbecue Month, National Hamburger Month, and Fungal Infection Awareness Month in the U.S.

 

 

Did you know?  In 1899 the Second International declared May 1 a worker’s day in honor of the fight for the 8 hour working day. Today it is still celebrated as an international labor day.

 

Be healthy and stay well.

Annette Presseau/Reliv Distributor   http://annettepresseau.Reliv.com

 

 

 

 

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Reminder for those in the MWRA – RE High Fells Reservoir in Stoneham

May 18, 2012 · Filed under MWRA, Stoneham MA · Tagged , , , , ,

The MMRA is reminding everyone – not to swim in at the High Fells Reservoir in Stoneham. Please read below.
Summer is here and with the warm weather, people head to the local swimming hole to beat the heat. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority wants to remind residents that swimming is not allowed at the High Fells Reservoir in Stoneham.

MWRA’s primary concern is public safety. The Fells has many rock outcroppings and swimmers who are tired or hit their heads while diving are a long way from emergency medical help. The facility is not staffed and there are no lifeguards on duty. There have been fatalities at this site in the past and more recently at nearby Spot Pond.

Protection of the public water supply is also critical. The covered storage tank was constructed as part of MWRA’s $1.7 billion program to modernize the water system, and was put into service in 1998. This facility provides the drinking water for Melrose, Saugus, Stoneham, and Wakefield. However, the open reservoir, constructed in 1899, still serves as an important component of the MWRA’s emergency water supply system.  In an emergency situation, the reservoir could be put into service as a drinking water supply in a very short time. Swimmers and dogs in the water pose a real threat to water quality.  

The MWRA recognizes that the Fells is a valued recreational resource in the area and has worked closely with local communities over the years to maintain a balanced use of this beautiful site that allows accessibility while protecting the public water supply. Illegal swimming has resulted in vandalism, damage to fencing, trash left at the reservoir, and fires.

The MWRA has asked the Massachusetts State Police to increase their patrols of this critical facility during the summer. The MWRA also needs the help of local residents to ensure public safety and protect public health.

Please call the MWRA’s 24-hour Security Hotline at 877-697-6972 to report swimming or any other harmful behavior.

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New School Gets Initial Wakefield OK – Vote Looms

May 17, 2012 · Filed under Massachusetts School Building Authority, Wakefield MA · Tagged , , , , , , ,

The following article appears today in the Boston Globe online www.boston.com as written by John Laidler, Globe Correspondent.

A proposal to build a new Galvin Middle School  cleared Wakefield’s Town Meeting by an overwhelming margin, but the $73.96 million plan still faces a critical vote next month.

By a vote of 1331 to 7, the annual Town Meeting in its opening night Monday authorized the town to borrow and spend $73.27 million for the project, representing the full cost minus $686,400  previously appropriated.

But the vote was contingent on voter approval of a debt exclusion to fund the town’s share of the project. The debt exclusion, or temporary tax increase, will be the subject of a special election June 9.

The project calls for erecting a new 187,733-square-foot fifth- to eighth-grade school on the site of the existing Main Street building, which would be razed. If the debt exclusion passes, it would add $188 to the tax bill of a single-family home valued at about $400,000 in fiscal 2014, according to town administrator Stephen P. Maio.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has committed to reimbursing the town for 54.67 percent of eligible costs, or up to $34.69 million, leaving the town’s share about $39 million.

Town clerk Mary K. Galvin said turnout at Monday’s Town Meeting session was the largest she recalled in her 29  years working for the town.

A total of 1,419 voters were present at 10 p.m.  just before the vote on the Galvin School project, with slightly smaller numbers earlier in the session, according to Galvin. The session’s only other actions were approval of a fiscal 2013 budget and a $5 million appropriation to fund improvements to the athletic fields and other facilities at the high school.

Even supporters said they were impressed with the show of voter support for the Galvin School proposal, which had earlier garnered the unanimous backing of the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and the School Committee.

“It was a positive sign to see the sheer number of people who showed up to vote for it,” said Lisa A. Butler,  a member of the School Committee and of the Permanent Building Committee, the panel overseeing the project.

“We expected parents to come, and we didn’t expect a whole lot of opposition. . . . But we were surprised at the number of people” that turned out, she said.

Based on the Town Meeting outcome, Butler said she is “cautiously optimistic” that voters will approve the debt exclusion. But she said supporters are taking nothing for granted.

“I feel that the support is out there. . . . But people still have to come out and vote,” she said. “We are going to need more than 1,300 people to come out for the ballot vote. We are telling people, ‘Don’t think that this is it. The next step is June 9.’ ”

The current school opened in 1955 as the town’s high school, becoming the middle school in 1974. A 16-classroom addition was built about that time.  Officials have said the school has worn-out mechanical systems and is not designed for the needs of a modern middle school.

Maio, who supports the project, said he was pleased by the large number of voters who turned out to back the plan.

“I think they see a real need for it,” he said. “They see the fact that by going this route, we are able to get close to 55 percent back from the state on it.”

Maio said another factor that might have helped generate support for the project is that “for the first time in my memory, you have the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the School Committee all in agreement that this is the most fiscally responsible way to go.”

Opponents have argued that the town should carry out a less costly upgrade to the existing school that would avoid a tax increase. But Maio said a simple repair project would cost the town more than $20 million and a full scale renovation about $70 million,  and that the state would not provide any reimbursement for either of those two options.

Butler said she believes tthat Monday’s action action reflects a change in voter attitudes in town that goes beyond favoring a solution to the middle school building issue.

“People realize if you want to improve your town, you have to invest in it,” she said, citing the vote to fund improvements to the athletic facilities at the high school another sign of that new attitude.

Should the project go forward, it would be conducted in two phases. The first, set for completion in August 2014, would involve construction of the new building save for the auditorium.

The second phase, set for completion by the end of 2015,  would involve the construction of an auditorium, the razing of the existing building, and site work.

 

This is similar to what Billerica did for the Parker School which is scheduled to open in the fall of this year.       Joan Parcewski, Realtor  Woods Real Estate  Joan@woodsre.com   www.JoanParcewski.com   978-376-3978

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Check Your Credit Annually

May 17, 2012 · Filed under AnnualCreditReport.com · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

This information is taken directly from Money Management International’s website http://www.moneymanagement.org/Budgeting-Tools/Credit-Articles/Credit/How-to-Get-Your-Credit-Report-and-Credit-Score.aspx

 

Prior to 2003, consumers who were interested in reviewing their credit file disclosure (commonly called a credit report) either had to pay a fee, live in one of the states with state-mandated free reports, or have been denied credit. However, at the end of 2003, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), was signed into law. This act gives every American consumer the right to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To facilitate the credit report request process, the three credit reporting agencies collaboratively developed a Web site, AnnualCreditReport.com, where consumers can request a copy of their credit report from each of the credit bureaus (alternatively, you can call 877.322.8228). You can order all three credit reports at the same time, or choose to order one at a time throughout the year.

Beware the ubiquitous “free credit report” Internet ads and emails–AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official Web site where you can order your free annual credit reports. These other Web sites often require you to subscribe to credit monitoring services that you most likely don’t need. Make sure you type the address correctly, as impostor Web sites also exist.

While the FACT Act gives you free access to only one report annually per credit bureau, you are still able to obtain a free credit report if you are denied credit, employment, or anything else as a result of your credit report. When you are denied a loan or revolving credit, the company that denied your credit application is required to tell you which credit bureau supplied the information used to base their decision. Submit your credit denial letter along with a request for your credit file to the credit bureau. In addition, residents of Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont have free access to their credit reports under state law. These can be ordered in addition to your free FACT Act annual credit reports.

Free credit reports ordered through AnnualCreditReport.com do not include your credit score. Credit scores can be ordered at the same time as your free reports for a nominal fee. While some organizations offer score monitoring services, and scores do frequently fluctuate, most consumers only need to review their score and their credit reports once per year and before making a major purchase. Victims of identity theft will want to monitor their reports more regularly.

 

It is important for everyone – whether you are buying a home or not – to check your credit annually and be sure to check all 3 bureaus as information is not always reported to all three.  And make sure to get things corrected as soon as you find a mistake.

Joan Parcewski   Joan@woodsre.com   www.JoanParcewski.com   978-376-3978

 

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FHA National Servicing Center Loss Mitigation Services

May 16, 2012 · Filed under Federal Housing Administration (FHA), H4H (Home for Homeowners), HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program), HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), HUD, NSC (National Servicing Center) · Tagged , , , , , ,

Communities across the United States are experiencing steady and even increasing rates of foreclosure, as well as an increase in the number of homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Each foreclosure event represents a potentially devastating impact on the homeowners that lose their homes, on the neighborhoods that experience a growing accumulation of vacant and abandoned housing and on the nation’s economic recovery which is largely dependent upon the stability of the housing market.
In response, The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is working aggressively to halt and reverse the losses represented by foreclosure. Through its National Servicing Center (NSC), FHA offers a number of various loss mitigation programs and informational resources to assist FHA-insured homeowners facing financial hardship, and whose mortgage is either in default or at risk of default.
FHA Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): FHA HAMP is designed to help FHA-insured borrowers who meet HAMP eligibility requirements to avoid foreclosure by permanently reducing their monthly mortgage payment through the use of a partial claim. The partial claim defers the repayment of mortgage principal through an interest-free subordinate mortgage that is not due until the first mortgage is paid off. Under the partial claim option, lenders are authorized to advance funds on behalf of a borrower, to reinstate a delinquent loan that is up to 12 months delinquent. HAMP will allow HUD to bring eligible FHA borrowers’ payments down to an affordable level. This will be accomplished by bringing the mortgage current, buying down the loan by up to 30 percent of the unpaid principal balance and deferring these amounts in a partial claim.

HOPE for Homeowners (H4H): The HOPE for Homeowners Program will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments, but can afford a new FHA-insured loan. Call (800) 225-5342 for more information.

In addition to HAMP and H4H, FHA offers a variety of standard loss mitigation program options. A more extensive explanation of these options is available online here, and include:

FHA Loss Mitigation Home Retention Programs and Policies:

- Special Forbearance Fact Sheet
- Loan Modification Fact Sheet
- Partial Claim Fact Sheet
- FHA HAMP Fact Sheet
- Servicing Loss Mitigation FAQs
- Loss Mitigation Policy and Guidance

FHA Loss Mitigation Disposition Programs and Policies

- Preforeclosure Sale Fact Sheet
- Deed In Lieu Fact Sheet

FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program (HECM):

- HECM Assignment Requests
- HECM Foreclosure Sales Program, June 1, 2009
- HECM Servicing FAQs
- HECM ML 2011-01 FAQs

CONTACT FHA

FHA staff are available to help answer your questions and assist you to better understand your options as an FHA borrower under these loss mitigation programs. There are several ways you can contact FHA for more information, including:

- Call the NSC at (877) 622-8525
- The Online FHA Resource Center
- Call the FHA Outreach Center at 1-800-CALL FHA (800-225-5342)
- Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339
- Email the FHA Resource Center

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Borrowers:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development National Servicing Center 2 West 2nd Street, Suite 400 Tulsa, OK 74103 Phone: (800) 594-9057 or (918) 292-8900 Fax: (918) 292-8984 Email: HECMServicing@deval.us

There are still homeowners in trouble with their mortgage.  Check the resources provided through these website links.   

Joan Parcewski, Realtor   www.JoanParcewski.com  978-376-3978   Joan@woodsre.com

 

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Three Things A Home Inspection is Not! – guest blogger Dave Cobosco from Housemaster

May 16, 2012 · Filed under inspection · Tagged ,

So many buyers go into a home inspection with incorrect expectations from the inspection.  Here Dave attempts to set the record straight as to what an inspection is.

Welcome to Dave is our newest blogger on greenjoanrealestate. We look forward to a long partnership.

A home inspection is NOT a pass/fail test.  A home inspector does not give the house a “passing” or “failing” grade. A home inspection documents the condition of major elements and systems in a house. It’s up to the buyer to determine whether or not the home meets their own criteria. Buyers looking to totally renovate an older home may feel that the need for significant repairs isn’t a concern for them as long as the structure is in good shape. Conversely, a young couple with limited resources, looking to buy a “starter home” in which they plan to live only a few years, may find that a home with numerous defects is not for them.

A home inspection is NOT a to-do list for the home seller.  The role of a home inspector is to document an opinion of the home’s condition at the time of inspection, not to create a “to-do” list of repairs for the home seller. Because each real estate transaction is different, buyers should consult with their real estate sales professional or lawyer regarding how any repair needs should be addressed. These professionals are well qualified to provide guidance because they understand the buyer’s financial position, how long the buyer plans to live in the home, and local market conditions — all of which factor into real estate decisions.

A home inspection is NOT insurance.   It’s important to remember that there are many risks associated with buying a home. Every home buyer must do their homework and learn as much about the property as possible. A quality home inspection should be just one of the steps taken in this important process.  Read on for more tips on making the most of your home inspection.

 

Making the Most of Your Home Inspection

• Choose wisely when it comes to selecting a home inspector.  

Price should not be the reason to select a home inspector. Even in areas where there is mandatory licensing, credentials among inspectors can vary dramatically. Look for an inspector who has access to the highest quality initial and on-going training, from an organization such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors®. 

Make sure the inspector will provide an easy to understand inspection report which contains pertinent details on the condition of major elements of the home.  Also, ask if the inspection company provides any type of written guarantee to back up their service. Obtain a copy of terms, conditions, and limitations associated with the guarantee if applicable.

• Look for a home inspector that encourages you to go along on the inspection.

The inspection is a terrific learning experience, even for a seasoned home buyer. A professional inspector should be happy to invite you along, answer your questions, demonstrate how to operate various systems in the home, and provide helpful maintenance suggestions. Plan on the inspection taking an average of 2 to 3 hours.

• Heed the inspector’s advice.

Read the inspection report in its entirety. Address any outstanding concerns found on an inspection as soon as possible. Deficiencies will continue to deteriorate with usage and the passage of time. Additionally, you should arrange to have elements that were obstructed due to storage or furnishings, or that could otherwise not be inspected, evaluated prior to closing.

 

A professional home inspection is the smartest investment a home buyer can make. HouseMaster would be happy to answer any of your questions regarding home inspections or schedule a convenient appointment to conduct your professional home inspection.

For more information about home buying and inspection, contact:

HouseMaster

Dave Cobosco

Owner/Operator

409 Middlesex Turnpike

Billerica, MA  01821

C:  508-479-1773

O:  866-313-7732

dave.cobosco@housemaster.com

www.housemaster.com

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8 Things to Know About Buying A Home Today – Reprint from Inman News (Lowes)

May 16, 2012 · Filed under Inman News, pre-approval · Tagged , ,

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This article was written by Dian Hymer, a real estate broker with more than 30 years’ experience, is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of “House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers” and “Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer’s Guide.”.

The home-sale market is showing signs of life. More buyers are confident now than they were a year ago that now might be a good time to buy. Interest rates are near all-time lows and home prices in some areas are back to 2002-2003 levels.

Some analysts are finally suggesting that we may be headed for recovery. If you have a secure job, plan to stay put and feel this is the right time for you to buy a home, consider the following.

In most places in the country, home prices are still declining. It has only been recently that the market picked up and it’s too soon to know if this will result in a sustainable increase in prices.

The recent home sales in areas around California’s Silicon Valley defy the norm. Significant job growth in the area combined with a low inventory of good homes for sale has resulted in multiple offers with buyers bidding the price up sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars over the asking price.

In other high-demand, low-inventory areas, you may find yourself bidding against other buyers, perhaps even more than once. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the price will be bid up significantly over the asking price. This will vary from one listing to the next depending on property location, condition and price.

It’s important to research the local community where you want to buy. Find out what homes are selling for, if multiple offers are common and if listings are selling for more than the asking price. This will help you make a realistic offer that might be accepted when you find a home you’d really like to buy. It helps to work with an experienced local real estate agent.

Some sellers in high-demand niche markets intentionally list their home at a low price hoping to stimulate multiple offers. If you see such a listing and there are a lot of buyers wanting to make offers, you will be better able to know how high your offer would need to be to win the contest if you have done your due diligence.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Whether you’re anticipating competition or not, you should be preapproved for the mortgage you’ll need to complete the purchase before you write an offer. In competition, this will make a big difference, particularly if everyone else who is offering is preapproved. It also lets you know what you can afford. And, it puts you in a good bargaining position with the seller.

Buyers aren’t the only participants in the housing market that have heard the news that the market has improved. Some sellers are putting their homes on the market because they’ve been waiting for a better time to sell. This is good news for buyers looking in low-inventory markets.

You should expect that you will have to negotiate. Many of today’s sellers are selling for less than they paid. Even though the market has improved a bit, sellers may be disappointed with the current market value of their home. Be prepared to negotiate, not just the initial price, but after inspections are completed if items come up that you hadn’t anticipated.

Include realistic contingency time frames in your purchase contract for loan and appraisal approval if you’re applying for a mortgage. The recent uptick in the market means that lenders are suddenly overwhelmed.

In mid-March, buyers in Oakland, Calif., who were seeking approval for a jumbo loan were told they could close a transaction in 21 days. Not only could they not close in 21 days, it took more than 21 days for loan approval due to lender backlog.

THE CLOSING: Underwriters could require that additional conditions be met before you can be approved. Act quickly to avoid further delay.

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