GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR's Blog

WHEN AND HOW TO PULL THE CORD ON AN OVERPRICED LISTING?

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:09:55 -0700

I try not to get caught in this trap but too many times lately I have gone against my better judgment and spent so much time and energy trying to make deals work that were loaded with red flags and flashing yellow signs when I first took them.

My latest attempt was accepting a listing on a beautiful 5 bedroom/4 bath colonial sited on 3 acres surrounded by wooded preserve land. The owners had expanded the house to include a glass-walled In-Law Suite (complete with its own full kitchen) on the lower level. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!

So what's the problem you ask - if you were to pick that house up and move it half mile down the road it would double in value. But the house had been over improved for its location and, to complicate matters, the owners refused to accept that fact. So OK I take the listing thinking that it is such a beautiful home that I might be able to find a buyer who falls in love with it and, by some miracle, find an appraiser that will put on heavily tinted rose colored glasses and appraise it close enough to the selling price so I can make the deal.

So here I am 5 weeks later with no offers and the showings have slowed to a trickle. I know what the problem is - the home is overpriced - and I am kicking myself for not listening to that inner voice that we all have, but too often ignore, that said "DON'T TAKE THIS LISTING".

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AVAILABLE IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:02:00 -0700

New two and three bedroom single family homes are now available in Franklin Township, New Jersey. This is part of a redevelopment plan approved by the Township Council and the Township's Redevelopment Agency. Leewood Renaissance developers purchased the property in order to build affordable housing in the area.

Home start at $99,990 and flexible mortgage arrangements are available for qualified buyers.

All of the homes are Energy Star certified.

APPEALING TO THE SENSES TO SELL A HOME

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:00:23 -0700

If a homeowner really wants to sell his/her home there are some basic features that must be addressed and here is the second on the list:

#2 APPEAL TO THE SENSES

Homes that promote lots of natural light are more appealing - keep windows clean, consider replacing harsh fluorescent fixtures, use well placed mirrors to intensify light in a room, light paint colors should be used on walls, and open drapes and blinds and turn lights on prior to showings.
Neutral colors are best used both outside and inside - white, beige and gray are popular exterior colors, while white, off-white and pastels are best used on the interior; if using wallpaper avoid bold and bright patterns, bright colors can be used as accents and introduced into a room with area rugs, pillows, towels, flowers, etc.
A quiet and peaceful feel is usually part of the appeal of a home so take into account the sounds of a home - try to avoid sounds like barking dogs, vacuum cleaners, diswashers, lawn mowers, mechanical problems and banging pipes. Soft music is always a help in creating a pleasing atmosphere.
Smells in a home can work for or against you - those smells that can work for you are newly painted walls, treated wood floors and furniture, cleanliness, fresh flowers, and fresh baked cookies. Those that can work against you are pet odors, gas or oil smells, and strong tobacco odors to name a few.

Remember the objective is to present the home as one that has been lovingly maintained.

USING CURB APPEAL TO HELP SELL A HOME

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:34:48 -0700

If a homeowner really wants to sell his/her home there are some basic first impression points that should be addressed and here is the first in the series:

#1 CURB APPEAL - Did you know that within the first 15 seconds a buyer has developed an opinion about your property? Here are some fundamental elements to share with your sellers to help ensure that their home makes a good first impression:

make sure the street in front of your house is free of litter, debris and anything else that might give the appearance of neglect (that includes weeds and snow);
if your property has a fence then make sure it does not have any rust or peeling paint;
paint or replace that old mailbox, it says the owner cares about detail;
make sure all outdoor light fixtures are free of rust and look well maintained;
of course take the time to trim the shrubs and cut the lawn (make sure the lawn looks healthy);
if there is a walkway and/or a driveway leading to the house, then pay attention to condition of the surface and ask the seller to have the surface resealed if necessary;
if the seller has to leave a car parked in the driveway then make sure it is clean and looks well maintained;
a fresh coat of paint does wonders as an attraction so ask the seller to consider painting the front door and shutters to help spruce things up;
windows should be sparkling clean and, of course, free of any cracked or broken glass or broken seals;
a well-maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property so replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles, repair flashings where needed, but if the roof needs to be replaced then ask the seller to have the work done before placing the home on the market;
neat and trim gutters and downspouts will help to keep the well-maintained image of the home intact;
and finally, make sure that the rear of the house looks as good as the front.

DO OPEN HOUSES SELL HOMES?

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:44:38 -0700

On Sundays many of us place Open House signs at key directional points in an effort to entice potential buyers to view our listing. We arrive a half hour early to (1) inspect the home to make sure it is ready for visitors, (2) strategically place our signs, business cards, log sheets, and home information with the hope that we will have a good turnout and find that special someone who wants to buy this house. So we spend approximately 6 hours meeting and greeting.

However the pros and cons of Open House-sitting have been discussed, and even debated, among real estate professionals for a long time.

Some experts state that reports show that a very small percentage of buyers buy the home they first saw during an Open House and that the only benefit of an Open House is to provide buyer leads for the agent. They believe that most visitors are just looking and the time it takes to convert an OH lead to a buyer is no better than a call-in from a sign or website.

Others believe that an Open House provides exposure for the seller because this may be the only time members of the general public (those not represented by a Realtor) will be able to actually tour the home that may be of interest without feeling any obligation to take further action.

I have taken the position that hosting an Open House certainly can't hurt and it demontrates to the seller that you are flexible in your marketing strategy.

WHY DID THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR SELL AND MINE DIDN'T?

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:01:23 -0700

What do you say to your client when they learn that the house down the street just went under contract to a buyer who had also looked at their home?

Sometimes sellers forget that a number of weeks/months ago, when the Listing Agreement was signed, you advised them to respect the information that was presented as part of the Comparative Market Analysis(CMA) and price their home accordingly. And sometimes sellers forget that they decided to ignore the recent sales information and opted to offer their home at the price that their next door neighbor got back in 2007 - "not for nothin' but I have an inground pool" so I should be able to sell my house for more.

Sure location and amenities all have a price tag but the main thing that contributes to the sale of a home, in any market, is the price of the home as compared to others on the market. One of our main objectives as Realtors is to advise and help our clients create a perception of value when they decide to sell their home. If we are successful then our client's home will be sold quickly and for the best price - if we are not then the sale will go to the house down the street.

I HAVE DECIDED TO MOVE INTO THE ACTIVE RAIN COMMUNITY

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:38:44 -0700

ACTIVE RAIN has been a tremendous resource for me with input from knowledgeable professionals in the real estate community as well as blogs from some very interesting (and funny) people. I have been in the real estate business a long time and have never been exposed to such a diverse group who always seem willing to share information and assistance. So I have now decided to join in becoming an ACTIVE RAIN-maker.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP AGAIN NAMED TO LIST BY MONEY MAGAZINE

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:49:09 -0700

For the 2nd time in 2 years MONEY MAGAZINE picks Franklin Township as one of the best places to live in the United States:

FRANKLIN NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST PLACES TO LIVE

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey-July 13, 2010-Franklin Township officials were pleased to hear that the Township was named No. 34 in Money Magazine's 100 Best Places to Live 2010. Franklin held the top ranking of New Jersey towns that made the list.

The magazine wrote, "It isn't rare to come across a cow crossing in Franklin. Despite being just an hour away from New York City, this 46-sauare-mile township contains quite a bit of farmland. There are miles of walking trails overlooking green pastures. Recreation opportunities are varied, including cricket fields and skateboard ramps. The township's rich cultural diversity is reflected in its many restaurants."

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100712/NEWS/100712036/Franklin-Piscataway-rank-high-on-Money-magazine-s-Top-100-Best-Places-to-Live

OPEN HOUSE FOR THE PUBLIC - SUNDAY, JUNE 13,2010

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:12:05 -0700

Please join me at my Open House in Quailbrook Cluster Homes on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 1-4 PM. Beautiful 2 Bedroom/2.5 Bath Townhome;

159 PICADILLY COURT

SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY 08873

FAR HILLS RACE - ANNUAL EVENT IN FAR HILLS, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:08:06 -0700

The annual Far Hills Race Meeting is a landmark event, gathering more than 50,000 spectators to experience the height of culinary skill, modern and traditional fashion, top thoroughbred jump racing and traditional camaraderie in an unbeatable social event. 2010 marks the 90th running of the Far Hills Race Meeting on Saturday, October 23rd at Moorland Farms, in Far Hills. The event has helped raise over $17 million to benefit Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. The Far Hills Race Meeting is sponsored by Open Road Auto Group.

The Moorland Farms grounds open to the public at 8 a.m. on Race Day. The Far Hills Race Meeting will be held rain or shine. For additional information, contact the Far Hills Race Meeting Association at 908-685-2929 or visit the association's Web site at farhillsrace.org.

Visit us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/FarHillsRaceMeeting to become a fan, and to receive new updates for 2010!

Website: http://www.farhillsrace.org

Address:
Moorland Farms
50 Route 202 N.
Far Hills, New Jersey 07931

ANDRE WATTS PERFORMS AT THE McCARTER THEATRE IN PRINCETON

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:20:43 -0700

André Watts, piano
Monday, October 25, 2010 - 8pm
Program: All-Liszt, including the great B-minor sonata.

McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts in Princeton is one of the most active cultural centers in the nation, offering over 200 performances of theater, dance, music and special events each year. The Center has a rich history. It was built as a permanent home for the Triangle Club with funds from Thomas N. McCarter, from the Princeton University class of 1888. The theater opened its doors on February 21, 1930 with a special performance of the 40th annual Triangle show, The Golden Dog. McCarter is supported by Princeton University, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and over 3,000 individuals, corporations and foundations.

Tickets to McCarter's current performances are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call 609-258-2787, visit www.mccarter.org, or order in person at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540. TTY: 609-252-0915.

THE GREAT AMERICAN FOOD & MUSIC FEST

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sun, 09 May 2010 09:18:35 -0700

The Great American Food and Music Fest, a one-day event celebrating the rich traditions of classic American fare and music, will be held at the new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday, June 13, 2010. At the festival, legendary purveyors of classic American food, celebrity chefs and extraordinary musicians will come together at an affordable price. The event will run from noon to 10pm.

MODERN OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE IN HILLSBOROUGH, NJ 08844

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sun, 09 May 2010 09:10:13 -0700

Recently renovated office space is available for sublease. Space includes 3 private offices, 2 bathrooms, storage room, large reception area and staff lounge.

The 2-story office building is in a great location off of Route 206 and provide more than ample parking for staff and visitors.

Space is designed for medical office use but can be easily adapted to other professions.

37th ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL IN PISCATAWAY, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:36:12 -0700

St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway will be hosting its 37thAnnual Greek Festival May 14 - 16, 2010. Hours of operation are Friday, 11 AM - 11:30 PM; Saturday, 11AM - 1 AM, and Sunday, 12 - 8 PM. The 37th Anniversary of this Festival commemorates the longest, continuously-running Greek Orthodox Church Festival in the state of New Jersey. This annual three-day-event attracts thousands of people each year for homemade Greek food, live music, traditional Greek Folk Dancing, as well as Church tours and cultural information.

Taverna Night Returns in 2010! In addition to its regular amenities, the 2010 Festival will again offer its popular Taverna Night on Saturday, with the outdoor bar, souvlaki and gyro stands remaining open until 1:00 AM. There will also be music provided by a DJ. Admission to Taverna Night is included with the regular $2 Festival admission donation.

The 2009 festival attracted over 10,000 people! Homemade Greek food and pastries, wine, ouzo, gyro, souvlakia, ethnic folk dancing, live music and singers, will be a few of the amenities one will be able to enjoy in our air conditioned community center. The outdoor Taverna, Take-Out Booth, Bakery, and Gift Shops also return in 2010. Master Card and Discover Card accepted. Free parking and shuttle service is available at the Church and Rutgers Stadium. Patrons wishing to order their food for take-out by email may do so by sending their orders to: Greek.Festival@comcast.net. Please include a contact name and phone number with your order, and allow 10 minutes for pick up.

Proceeds from the 37th Annual Greek Festival will assist St. George Church, Piscataway in continuing its cultural and community programming.

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Event Details:
Event Name: 37th Annual Greek Festival in Piscataway
Event Venue: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Piscataway
Event Street Address: 1101 River Road
Event City: Piscataway, NJ, 08854
Event County: Middlesex
Event Date: Fri May 14 (11 am - 11:30 pm); Sat May 15 (11 am - 1 am); Sun May 16 (12 - 8 pm)
Event Admission: $2.00; Children under 12 Free; Free Admission Friday, May 14th until 4 pm
Event Phone: (732) 463-1642
Event Website: http://www.stgeorgepiscataway.org/

37th ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL IN PISCATAWAY,NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:02:26 -0700

St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway has announced its 37thAnnual Greek Festival will take place May 14 - 16, 2010. Hours of operation are Friday, 11 AM - 11:30 PM; Saturday, 11AM - 1 AM, and Sunday, 12 - 8 PM. The 37th Anniversary of this Festival commemorates the longest, continuously-running Greek Orthodox Church Festival in the state of New Jersey. This annual three-day-event attracts thousands of people each year for homemade Greek food, live music, traditional Greek Folk Dancing, as well as Church tours and cultural information.

The 2009 festival attracted over 10,000 people! Join in the 2010 Festival, a Central Jersey tradition celebrating three days of being GREEK. Homemade Greek food and pastries, wine, ouzo, gyro, souvlakia, ethnic folk dancing, live music and singers, will be a few of the amenities one will be able to enjoy in our air conditioned community center. The outdoor Taverna, Take-Out Booth, Bakery, and Gift Shops also return in 2010. Master Card and Discover Card accepted. Free parking and shuttle service is available at the Church and Rutgers Stadium. Patrons wishing to order their food for take-out by email may do so by sending their orders to: Greek.Festival@comcast.net. Please include a contact name and phone number with your order, and allow 10 minutes for pick up.

Proceeds from the 37th Annual Greek Festival will assist St. George Church, Piscataway in continuing its cultural and community programming.

HOMESFRONT'S RUN FOR HOPE - MAY 8, 2010

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:23 -0700

Go WI Team!

Sign up now to run (or walk) in HomeFront's Run for Hope on May 8. HomeFront is organizing the Women's Initiative team now, so sign up, and sign up family and friends. Go to www.homefrontnj.org. Click on the Run for Hope icon on the left and follow the instructions to register. Be sure to sign up as part of the WI Team. Registration for the Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. at ETS on Rosedale Road in Princeton. The Run begins at 10 a.m. There is also a 1 mile walk if you want to walk with your kids!

NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN OPENING IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP,NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:20:48 -0700

The Community Garden to be constructed in Naaman Williams Park will be completed in April and should be ready for use by residents on May 15, in time for the growing season. There will be 34 plots available, each measuring approximately 14 feet long by 8 feet wide.

Those interested in obtaining a plot and participating in the Community Garden can click here and provide their name, address, phone number and e-mail address by May 1. Residents that are unable to respond to the website may register by calling Environmental Commission Member John Walker, at 732-422-0894 in the evening. Anyone interested in serving on the Board that will oversee the operation and maintenance of the Community Garden should so indicate in their response.

If more than 34 residents sign-up for the Garden by May 1, a lottery will be held to determine the residents that will be receiving plots.

NJPAC IS LOOKING FOR ARTISTS

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 07:29:30 -0700

Newark, NJ - Artists who have always dreamed of performing at NJPAC, or for a crowd of up to 3,000, have the opportunity to do so at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) this summer. Sounds of the City, NJPAC's highly anticipated free outdoor summer music series, is seeking musicians to perform as part of its summer 2010 series of concerts in Theater Square, NJPAC's public plaza, on ten Thursday evenings beginning June 24. Offering the most diverse music anywhere in the state, the series brings thousands of people nightly and over 30 groups of musicians to downtown Newark.

Three groups are featured per evening, each performing one 30-60 minute set. A modest honorarium is awarded to each group that is chosen to perform. Artists are also given the opportunity to present and sell CDs and tapes and promote other upcoming area performances.

The NJPAC's Sounds of the City committee is currently canvassing the area's clubs and live music venues looking for groups for the twelfth installment of the annual series. Musicians are required to submit an entry form along with a CD, DVD or cassette demo with basic biographical information and a hi-resolution photograph of the band no later than April 30, 2010. NJPAC's Sounds of the City committee members review each submissions and groups are notified if they will have a chance to showcase their music by May 14, 2010. Groups are selected based on a combination of artistic integrity and NJPAC's desire to represent a variety of music.

For more information on NJPAC's Sounds of the City 2010, or to be faxed/sent a submission form, please call NJPAC's Sounds of the City Hotline at 973-353-8046 or download form directly from www.njpac.org.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is the sixth largest performing arts center in the United States. As New Jersey's Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over 6 million visitors (more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit www.njpac.org for more information.

Programming has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS IN PRINCETON

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:56:07 -0700

The Paul Taylor Dance Company brings more than a half century of dance excellence to McCarter Theatre on Wednesday, March 31 at 8pm. The program will feature Taylor's two latest works: Beloved Renegade (set to Poulenc's Gloria) and Changes (set to songs of The Mamas and the Papas), plus an early classic: Scudorama. For more information call (609) 258-2787; order tickets online at www.mccarter.org; or in person at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ.

JUST LISTED - 1300sf OF MODERN MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE IN HILLSBOROUGH, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:47:30 -0800

1300 square feet of modern medical office space is now available for sublease for only $14psf GROSS.

The available space includes a private office, two(2) designated exam rooms, private file/storage room, shared reception and kitchen/lounge areas. This is a gross lease that includes utilities, CAM and office cleaning charges.

Great location off of Route 206 near major highway access and is home to some of the regions most well-known medical specialists with support services nearby.

The building is multi-storied with an elevator, access for those with disabilities, and has ample parking for patients, staff and visitors.

PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:15:42 -0800

In a unique collaboration that pairs great art with great music, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and the Princeton University Art Museum will present "Romance, Majesty and an Orchestral Icon," an afternoon of related events featuring a pre-concert talk, concert and museum tour, on Sunday, March 21. Inspired by the museum's new exhibit, "Architecture as Icon: Perception and Representations of Architecture in Byzantine Art," the program opens with a talk at 3 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus, followed by a concert by the PSO at 4 p.m., with orchestral works chosen to complement the museum-going experience. Members of the audience are then invited to tour the "Architecture as Icon" exhibit, which opens on Saturday, March 6 and continues through June 6.

Symphony Orchestra
Event Venue: Richardson Auditorium
Event Street Address: off Nassau Street
Event City: Princeton, NJ 08542
Event County: Mercer
Event Date: Sunday, March 21, 4 p.m.
Event Admission: $20-$50
Event Phone: (609) 497-0020

FITNESS WALK EVENT IN EWING, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:02:12 -0800

Save the Date for Enable's "Possibility Pursuit", a 5K Run, Fitness Walk and Dog Walk to be held at PEAC Health & Fitness in Ewing, N.J. on Sunday, February 28, 2010. The event is for persons with disabilities, their families and friends, community citizens, volunteers-anyone that wants to participate. All pledges and funds raised support the services Enable provides to persons with disabilities and their families.

Schedule of events:

* Indoor Registration Opens: 12:30 Noon
* Outdoor 5K Run on a USTAF certified course: 2:00 pm
* Indoor and Outdoor Walk: 2:05 pm
* Outdoor Dog Walk: 2:30 pm
* Awards Presented: 3:00 pm

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Event Details:

Event Name: Enable, Inc. Possibility Pursuit 5K Run, Indoor Walk and Dog Walk
Event Venue: PEAC Health & Fitness
Event Street Address: 1440 Lower Ferry Rd
Event City: Ewing, NJ 08618
Event County: Mercer
Event Date: Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 2-3pm
Event Admission: $25 per person, children under 12 are free
Event Phone: (609) 987-5003, ext. 124
Event Website: http://enablenj.dojiggy.com/

NEW ZEALAND'S BLACK GRACE DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS IN PRINCETON, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:19:32 -0800

New Zealand's leading contemporary dance company Black Grace will make its McCarter Theatre debut on Tuesday, February 23 at 8:00 pm. For over 15 years this all-male dance troupe has fused Pacific traditional cultures with contemporary dance onstage, performing to music ranging from Samoan indigenous music to Bach and hip-hop. Named after a New Zealand expression that translates to "daring and brave," Black Grace continues to unfold founder and director Neil Ieremia's dynamic, bold vision, blending athleticism with innovation onstage.

The company's McCarter Theatre program will include the signature work Minoi, showcasing Samoan slap dancing and singing; Surface, which traces the masculine traditions of the Samoan culture; and a new work entitled Gathering Chords. Throughout 2010, Black Grace will be performing in the United States, including performances in Hawaii; Austin, Texas; and Philadelphia. The company has also been invited to perform at the Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver, Canada, in March.

One of New Zealand's national treasures, Black Grace has toured extensively throughout New Zealand and internationally to perform with critical acclaim. The company made its U.S. debut in August 2004 at the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires of Massachusetts where, by the end of their weeklong engagement, they were "playing to vociferously enthusiastic, [to] sold-out houses" (New York Times). In 2005, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary and performed to sell-out seasons in Auckland, New Zealand, followed by an extensive tour of the United States and Mexico. Most recently the company toured to Zug, Switzerland, followed by performances to thousands throughout Germany in 2009. A documentary on the group, Black Grace: From Cannon's Creek to Jacob's Pillow, premiered in June 2007 on PBS.

At the forefront of New Zealand's most accomplished choreographers, Black Grace Founder and Artistic Director Neil Ieremia imbues Black Grace with an explosive mix of rhythm, spirit and energy. Following his graduation from the Auckland Performing Arts School in New Zealand, Ieremia joined the acclaimed Douglas Wright Dance Company. He founded Black Grace in 1995, and has since choreographed all of the company's major full-length works and created the concepts behind "New Works," "Black Grace & Friends" and "UrbanYOUTHMovement," a program for young adults. Ieremia has also choreographed work for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Opera New Zealand. In 2003, he was nominated for the prestigious international Rolex Mentor Programme, and received the 2005 Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award for outstanding creative achievement and his contribution to the arts. In 2009, he received the Paul D. Fleck Fellowship in the Arts from The Banff Centre, Canada.

Tickets, starting at $39 ($12 for students), are available and can be purchased by calling (609) 258-2787, online at http://www.mccarter.org, or at the McCarter Theatre ticket office at 91 University Place, Princeton.

FREE VETERAN'S RIGHTS PROGRAM

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:49:53 -0800

The program is free, but registration is required by calling (732) 565-2400. Parker will also offer a free H1N1 flu vaccination prior to the program.

The talk is timely because during the economic downturn, many in need of healthcare are looking for additional assistance from government agencies. But many senior veterans or widows of veterans do not know what programs are available or where to turn for help. Charbonneau is expected to answer some of those questions.

"I am proud to report that our VA medical centers in New Jersey are providing exceptional state-of-the-art services in a clean and comfortable setting," said Kenneth Mizrach, director of the Veterans Administration Health Care System in New Jersey. "I encourage our newest generation of veterans, as well as those from the wars and conflicts of the past to utilize the system that was created for them. I wholeheartedly assure the citizens of the state they can be proud of the outstanding health care services available at the VA New Jersey Health Care System. Our nation's heroes deserve no less."

His remarks are backed up by several magazine articles:

"The VA's radical overhaul has caught the attention of health care policy wonks, who have in turn sung the system's praise in prestigious medical journals," Catherine Arnst wrote in Business Week magazine.

Douglas Waller added in Time Magazine: "No longer a nation's shame, veteran care is acing competitors. ...VA hospitals scored higher than private facilities."

Parker Adult Day Health Services is an affiliate of Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, Inc, a not-for-profit long-term care provider servicing seniors since 1907 in New Brunswick, Piscataway and Highland Park. For more information visit www.FrancisEParker.com .

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Event Details:

Event Name: Free Veteran Benefits Seminar
Event Venue: Parker at The Pavilion Adult Day Health Services
Event Street Address: 443 River Road
Event City: Highland Park, NJ 08904
Event County: Middlesex County
Event Date: February 23rd at 6PM
Event Admission: Free
Event Phone: 732-565-2400
Event Website: http://www.FrancisEParker.com

HOME BUYERS/SELLERS SEMINAR IN EWING, NJ

GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:10:08 -0800

EWING MAYOR'S MEETING - FEB 17, 2010

Ewing Township Mayor Jack Ball has invited members of the Mercer County Association of REALTORS® to make an informal presentation on buying and selling a home in Mercer County at his Mayor's meeting on February 17, 2010 at 7:00p.m. The meeting will take place at the Ewing Township Municipal Building, Two Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ 08628.
Residents, especially those that are considering buying or selling a home in Mercer County, are encouraged to attend the meeting and learn how to take advantage of the current housing market from some of the area's top REALTORS®.

MCAR member David DePaola of R.A. DePaola, Inc. will begin the program with helpful tips for homebuyers and sellers such as effective negotiating, financing options, the inspection and home disclosure process, preparing and presenting your home sale, foreclosures and short sales. Mr. DePaola's family owned firm was established here in Ewing 56 years ago and he has personally been practicing realty in the area for 27 years. "Buying and selling a home is the largest financial transaction most people ever undertake," said Mr. DePaola. "We appreciate the opportunity to share our expertise as local REALTORS® at this Mayor's meeting, and are hopeful that residents will look to the Mercer County Association of REALTORS® as a resource to help them navigate through the complex process of buying or selling a home."

Frank Mancino, Vice President of Gateway Funding, will follow Mr. DePaola with an overview of the recently extended Federal First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, which gives first-time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit for purchase of a new home until April 30, 2010. Current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010 can also apply to receive a tax credit of $6,500 under the plan. Mr. Mancino will offer guidance on how homebuyers can take advantage of this beneficial program and discuss other incentives that buyers and sellers may find worthwhile. "The record-low interest rates coupled with the terrific incentive programs that are available right now, make it a prime time to buy a home in Mercer County," said Frank Mancino. "I look forward to sharing some insight on how buyers and sellers can best utilize these programs at the meeting on February 17."

There will be a question and answer period at the end of the meeting where residents can ask the REALTORS® follow-up questions and all attendees will be given hand-outs with detailed information on all the items discussed.