Gail's Blog

Latest Plans for Ellsworth Field

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:01:01 -0600

The Parks Commission met this evening at the North End Library, but they didn't have a quorum so were unable to vote on the plans, but since so many people attended they decided to use the time to provide a public forum on the Ellsworth Field plans. Eleven people spoke during the public portion, some were in favor of the plans and others had concerns. The new restroom/concession/storage building is smaller in size and L-shaped. There will be lighting under the eaves of the building, but the lighting in the rest of the park has been eliminated. The splash park is still in the plans, but may not be built because of the cost.

Ho Ho Hope Fundraiser at The Field

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:37:07 -0600

Ignorance truly is bliss, but sometimes the facts come searching for you. This is what the Guarneri family found when their father, Carl, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four months ago. And those facts were devastating.

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an estimated 76% of patients will die within one year of diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and carries the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. But, even more startling, is the lack of awareness and funding for the disease. Only 2% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is allocated to this leading killer and, currently, there are no early detection or screening exams available for pancreatic cancer. What there is, is one determined family making strides to raise funds in the name of their father and those battling across the country.

The Ho Ho Hope for the Cure Fundraiser will offer area residents the chance to celebrate the holidays while celebrating a worthy cause. For a $20 suggested minimum donation, guests will receive free food and drink specials all night, a raffle ticket and an official Pancreatic Cancer Awareness bracelet. Additional raffle tickets may also be purchased for the chance to win a variety of valuable holiday prizes donated by several local businesses.

The event will be held at The Field Restaurant and Bar, located at 3001 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, Thursday, December 10^th, 2009 starting at 7:00pm. Net proceeds from this event will benefit a national pancreatic cancer organization for research, awareness and patient services.

Source: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock Community Blog

Update on Improvements at Ellsworth Field

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:40:50 -0600

The most recent plans for Ellsworth Field will be presented to the Parks Commission on Tuesday, December 8th at the North End Library (upper Madison Ave.). The meeting begins at 6:30 PM and there will be an opportunity for the public to speak if they sign up by 6:30 PM. There will also be opportunities for public input should the project move forward to additional board reviews (Historic Commission, ZBA, P&Z). The BRCC was been told that the building footprint was reduced in size by about 30% in response to the public forum held at St. Ann's. We have just received copies of the revised plans and have posted them above. You can see that the size was reduced from 27x42 to 27x35. A breezeway and hallway were removed, but the building still contains a concession stand, storage, and rest rooms.

Black Rock Train Station Update

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:34:47 -0600

According to an article in the Fairfield Minuteman on 10/29/09 the Black Rock Train Station is now scheduled for completion in late 2010 or 2011. The state has moved ahead in constructing the station, the platforms, bridge network (which is 60-70 percent complete) and handicap access ramps and elevators. The access road is the main obstacle now as the developer still owns the land and TD Bank is foreclosing on the property. The State, TD Bank, and Blackrock Realty are in discussions to resolve this issue so that the road can be built. The Town of Fairfield is not part of those discussions. First Selectman Ken stated that the town had received $2.2 million in new federal funds to complete work at intersections in the Kings Highway East and Commerce Drive area where the future train station will be located. The biggest piece of that work is the rotary off Exit 24 of the thruway which will need some new lights and other traffic measures. The bidding should get underway in November, after state engineers have signed off on the specifications.

Black Rock Garden Club Appreciation

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:32:35 -0600

The Black Rock Garden Club wants to thank COLORBLENDS BULBS and Lisa Miro, Conservation Coordinator for the City, for contributing over 400 bulbs to us for planting in Black Rock! They were donated to us with the proviso that they be planted ASAP in Black Rock. The Van Renesses, Garden Club members, have donated their time to plant at a variety of spots including the former Black Rock Art Center, the Black Rock Branch Library, the circle on Brewster St, and in St Mary's planters. We continue to Beautify Black Rock with Bulbs! Thanks all!!

Source: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock's Community Blog

December Events at Black Rock Library

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:26:41 -0600

There's a lot going on this December at the Black Rock Branch Library. Please take a few moments to check out our exciting December schedule of programs at the newly renovated Black Rock Branch Library. Since we reopened this past July we have endeavored to provide a wide variety of fun and informative programs and this December is no exception.

In addition to our programs the Black Rock Branch Library is a full service facility providing a wide range of library services to the diverse and vibrant community in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. These services include books, AV materials, computer access and Wi-Fi capability throughout the building.

* Thursday December 3rd 6:30 - 8:00 PM

"MEET THE AUTHOR"

Please join us for a signing and discussion of Bridgeport author Andy Piascik's new book:

Gridiron Gauntlet:

The story of the Men Who Integrated Pro Football, In Their Own Words by Andy Piascik

"Vivid and fresh, this is a terrific addition to the secret history of sports we all need to know if we are to understand today's players and games." Robert Lipsyte, sportswriter, The New York Times

About the Author: Andy Piascik is an award-winning author of two books. His articles have appeared in The Indypendent, Z Magazine, The Catholic Worker and many other publications and websites. He is a member of the National Writers Union.

* Tuesday December 15th 6:30 - 8:00 PM

"Artist Talk and Reception - ONE WEEK'S CASUALTIES" Presented in conjunction with: The Gallery at Black Rock Don't miss the closing week reception for Bridgeport artist Peter Konsterlie's deeply moving exhibit:

"ONE WEEK'S CASUALTIES"

About the time Konsterlie lost a high school friend to suicide, Konsterlie discovered a Life Magazine article full of photos of soldiers who died in one week's time in the Vietnam War (May 28th- June 3, 1969).

"One weeks Casualties" is an epic series of portraits (242) that Peter Konsterlie created over a two month period.

BLACK ROCK BRANCH LIBRARY DECEMBER 2009 HAPPENINGS IN THE CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT!

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS: Fun events for kids (and their parents) at 6:00 p.m.

December 1: Explorers Club-Enjoy books, readers theater, poetry, crafts, short films and more.

December 8: Pajamarama! Come in your p.j.s for bedtime stories! For ages 8 and under

December 15: Drop In Craft-Winter Craft

December 23: Family Fun Night-Hone your skills in games in preparation for those fierce holidays-with-the-whole-family competitions!

December 30: Surprise Night-fun for whoever is around!

TWEES! A story hour for children ages 2 and 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, songs, movement, books, and more in our Early Literacy program!

Every Wednesday morning at 10:30-11:45

A VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS (and community food drive) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your camera to take pictures of the whole family with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself.

We'll have some seasonally appropriate festivities to go along with the visit!

Child's admission: one can or box of non-perishable food for the two local food banks.

Black Rock Branch Library

2705 Fairfield Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06605

Framemakers Events

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:20:55 -0600

We will have the Small Works Show Opening Reception on Friday December 4th with Poetry Reading by Christopher Scott Baldwin. Show opens at 6pm, December 5th Poetry Reading by Professor Janet Krauss at 2:00, December 6th, Face Painting By Holly Osuch Tailor from 2-4 pm and Ms. Rebecca Brody, The Love Coach from 1-4 pm. Come celebrate the 1st Annual Holiday Art Trail. Our Gift Shop is now open with lots of gift's priced perfect !!! Framemakers Picture Framing and Art Gallery, 3142 Fairfield Ave. Black Rock, Bridgeport, CT 203-338-0332

Source: www.blackrockonline.org

Black Rock's Community Blog

Santa Claus is Coming to the Black Rock Library

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:14:14 -0600

Santa Claus is coming to the Black Rock Branch Library. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. along with the Community Food Drive. Bring your camera to take pictures of the whole family with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. We'll have some seasonally appropriate festivities to go along with the visit! Child's admission: one can or box of non-perishable food for the two local food banks.

Black Rock Branch Library

2705 Fairfield Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06605

(203) 337-9676

A Gathering Place for the Entire Community

Source: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock's Community Blog

Black Rock Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:11:05 -0600

The Annual Tree Lighting in Black Rock at flagpole (Grovers & Brewster) was held on Sunday, December 6. Attended by over 200 residents of Black Rock. Children's choir, roasted chestnuts, bonfire, mulled cider, tree lighting, and of course, Santa came on a red fire truck. The ornaments at the top of the tree were made by classmates at Longfellow School of the children who died in the fire at P.T. Barnum Apartments recently.

Source: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock's Community Blog

History of Conservation Efforts in Ash Creek Tidal Estuary

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:39:11 -0600

Conservation Efforts In Ash Creek

View more presentations from Ash Creek Conservation Assoc.

Update on Black Rock Train Station

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:42:25 -0600

Source: www.blackrockonline.org

Beautifying Black Rock with Bulbs

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:34:33 -0600

Feral Care Adoption Event

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:31:43 -0600

Sat., Dec. 5 11-4 pm Feral Care Adoption Event, wonderful cats and kittens looking for a good home. Sun., Dec. 6 10-4pm Holiday Photo Day, take photos with your pets, of your pets, just the humans in your family. 20% donated to Stratford Cat Project and Smilin Pit Bull rescue organizations. $25.00 for one 8"x10" or 2 5"x7" Refreshments will be served and Natura Pet, makers of California Naturals, Evo, Innova will be serving samples of their dry foods.

Gen Barthe, Owner Happy Tails at Ash Creek 203-382-1301

3008 Fairfield Ave (down from Timothy's Ice Cream, across from The Field) Black Rock, CT 06605

Visit us online for natural and organic foods, fine supplements, and services at www.happytailsatashcreek.com Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday 11-3 Self-Serve Dog Wash, please do bark ahead to be sure the room is ready for you.

Source: www.blackrockonline.org

Jazz Night and Wine Tasting at Black Rock Library Fundraiser

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:28:25 -0600

The new provisional Black Rock Rotary Club is hosting its first community fundraiser December 5th - a jazz night to support the Friends of the Black Rock Library from 7 to 9 PM at the Black Rock Branch Library. There there will be Jazz music, a wine tasting sponsored by Harry's, hors d'oevres, and dessert - all for $25 per person.

The invitation reply form is attached. Please fill out and mail with your check to:

Black Rock Rotary Club

1730 Commerce Drive, Suite E

Bridgeport, CT 06605

If you can't make the event, tax-deductible checks payable to the "Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library" will also be much appreciated. For more information or tickets, contact me or Catherine Milton at camilt@gmail.com. Thank you.

Source: www.blackockonline.org

Gallery at Black Rock's First Anniversary

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:24:56 -0600

Please Help us Celebrate our First Anniversary...

First year Anniversary Celebration

CHARLIE WALSH 2.0

WORKS ON PAPER
Opening Reception

December 3rd. 6pm until 9pm.

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW
Opens December 4th

Hand made and artisan gifts Under $100 over 30 artists. Shows run concurrent through January 7th 2010

--
The Gallery at Black Rock
2861 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport CT 06605
203.814.6856
www.thegalleryatblackrock.com

How Do You Picture Yourself at 80 or 90 or 100 years of age?

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:17:03 -0600

My mom just turned 97 last month and my dad is in his 90's as well. I found this video on John March's blog inspiring as I certainly don't picture myself in my 90's, but it could happen.

Via John March, Broker/Realtor Home Buyer & Investor Services (Keller Williams Realty):

Some people have an 80 year old mind and a 40 year old body. Many who are in their 50's would have a hard time keeping up with many of the folks you'll see in this video.

These people don't live in Sun City Hilton Head, but like them, there are so many here who have accepted the challenge of getting in the best shape of their lives and staying that way.

How about you?

Sun City Hilton Head is an active adult community for those 55 years of age an older. If you want to get fit, stay young...let me show you around our community.

You can call me at 843-368-9146

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook

This Weekend in Black Rock - 12/3/09-12/5/09

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:32:20 -0600

Acoustic Cafe, 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-335-3655) - Photographer Michelle A. Beaulieu's opening reception party. Joining her after a wine and cheese reception will be singer/songwriters Heather Fay, Sarah LeMieux and Chelsea Genzano on Saturday, December 5 at 8 p.m. Admission: $5. (203) 335-3655, www.acousticafe.com.

Field Restaurant, 3001 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-333-0043) - Greensky Bluegrass with Todd Shaeffer of Railroad Earth on Friday at 10 PM.

Ray Kelly's Pub, 2720 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (333-6278) - Spiral City on Friday evening and Talking to Walls on Saturday evening.

Source: www.blackrockonline.org

Spacious 1,363 SF Rental in Desirable Black Rock

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:57:02 -0600

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro | William Raveis Real Estate | 203-521-0768

92 Scofield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

Spacious 1,363 SF 2nd flr apt recently renovated w. new kitchen w. granite counters. hdwd flrs, french doors, sunroom, 2 porches, one bay of garage, 2

2BR/1BA Apartment

$1,050/month

Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,363
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$2,100

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- Central heat	- Hardwood floor	- Living room
- Dining room	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Granite countertop	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Laundry on-site

LEASE TERMS

One year lease with two month's security. Credit check at tenant's expense $20 each. Landlord's application.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Kitchen	Kitchen
Dining Room	Sunroom
Bathroom	Living Room

Contact info:

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro

William Raveis Real Estate

Licensed in Connecticut

203-521-0768

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 2, 2009, 7:38am PST

Black Rock Community Blog

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:09:25 -0600

If you are interested in learning more about Fairfield County's Hidden Gem, Black Rock, please visit our community blog at www.blackrockonline.org If an urban location in a waterfront community with great natural beauty is of interest to you, Black Rock may be the hidden gem you've been looking for.

How NOT to Price Your Home

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:33:37 -0600

I just had to reblog this one. Too good to miss.

Via J. Philip Real Estate LLC Briarcliff Manor, NY:

How not to price your home:

Take your mortgage balance.

Add your credit cards.

Throw in your cars.

Add a generous portion of all the money you borrowed from relatives.

Pile on your down payment for that other house you have your eye on.

Last but not least, give yourself an extra 50 grand just for being you.

Get a blank look on your face when you are told that the buying public doesn't care what you owe.

Wait.

Wait some more.

Decide you'll stay after all.

Here's a better plan:

Find out what homes like your have sold for in the past 90 days

Price the house at that number or 5% less.

As my son's teacher says "you get what you get and you don't get upset."

Pack your bags.

The buying public is utterly ambivalent about what you owe to whom as it relates to pricing your property. They only care about their own needs. What you need isn't on their radar, and if you aren't priced in line with the current perception of value, your listing will get stale and sit unsold for months as you chase the market.

Chasing the market is always being one price point behind what the public is willing to pay. You enter the market at $599,000 when you really ought to be at $549,900. You lower to $575 when the market for the house is $525,000. By the time you hit $499,000, it could be a year later and the public isn't willing to pay more than $450,000. Each price drop seems harsh, but your real enemy was starting out too high.

Sellers are in a war of attrition with buyers who lurk before they call, call before they look, and look at everything before they buy. You won't get a call, look or offer until your price conforms to what the public deems fair. The only offers overpriced homes get is low ball offers from bold types who wouldn't pay as much as fair minded people would on a fairly priced home. The only way to win the battle is to price as aggressively as possible and not allow your ego or personal preferences to cloud your objectivity.

Easier said than done!

J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. 2010 Vice President, Westchester Putnam MLS. Read my short sale bog here. J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton, the River Towns, Westchester County, and the bedroom counties of New York City.

Subscribe to the 40 Somethings Group. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.

Two Bedroom Condo with Elevator Access in Black Rock

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:42:11 -0600

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro | William Raveis Real Estate | robinsong@raveisre.com | 203-521-0768

3250 Fairfield Avenue, #332, Bridgeport, CT

High end upgrades in 3rd flr unit w water views and elevator access. 2 BR, 2 BA, teak balcony, french doors, vaulted ceilings. W/D in unit. D/W. C

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $239,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	1,145
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$163 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Stainless steel appliances	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Guest parking

- Elevator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Living Room	Kitchen/Dining
Kitchen	Kitchen/Living Room
Master Bedroom	Second Bedroom

Contact info:

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro

William Raveis Real Estate

Licensed in Connecticut

robinsong@raveisre.com

203-521-0768

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 28, 2009, 7:21am PST

How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:28:54 -0600

I just subscribed to this AR blog today. There is a wealth of valuable information on this site. This is just one example.

Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):

How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign

It's the time to pay thanks and what better way for real estate professionals to become actively involved in their communities than to put the power of social media marketing to a charitable use online? Today I am going to use the GiveNGoble Campaign to illustrate how you can use the power of social media and your local business connections to power a local charitable online marketing campaign.

The Give'n'Gobble Campaign is Sherwood Oregon's annual 5Krun/walk and 10K run on Thanksgiving. The money and food raised during the run/walk goes to Helping Hands, a local food bank associated with the Oregon Food Bank. This year they have turned to social media to fuel their donations and WOM(Word of Mouth Marketing) and it has served the campaign well.

Here is what they did that you can emmulate to drive a local charitable online marketing campaign,

1. Bought a domain and drove traffic to a designated website for the charity

The website gives all the necessary information about the charity as well as an eye catching left hand side bar with 10 reasons why to participate and photos of the past year's events. It also includes a sponsor list, a map(would've been nice to see a Google Map also), a lists of sponsors (which are logos that link back to the sponsors websites) a form for volunteers, and a press release section.

I would buy a designated domain. Domains are pretty cheap to buy these days because domain dealers are currently holding an excessive inventory. I might even go with a .org instead of a .com. domain. If you are lacking time and resources to host and create a website, I would contact a local website provider and ask for a donation.

2. Used a flickr account to display photos

Consumers like visuals and do image search daily. Adding a flickr account for your charitable online marketing campaign just makes sense. Make sure to tag photos well and mark your distribution rights accordingly. Here are 14 other image search engines to consider for your campaign.

3. Created a Facebook Fan Page to drive online awareness and donations

Some of the most effective advertising through Facebook Fan Pages has been as a result of viral quizzes, contests,giveaways and strategic campaigns. A Facebook Fan Page should be part of any online charitable marketing campaign. It should include updates on campaign activities and behind the scenes action shared through notes. It can include polls on the wall about topics surrounding the campaign. I would include stats on how the contribution will directly help the charity from past experience if you have those stats or in general if you do not.

Tap into the viral marketing power of Facebook by reminding visitors to share the page with a friend. Add the Facebook FanBox to the dedicated website for the charity.

4. Twittering with a Charitable Purpose

Micro blogging the charitable event before, during and after makes sense. Create a separate Twitter handle and list it in local twitter directories like Twellow. Geofollow, and localtweeps. Think about how contributions will serve the goal of the charity and that is how you want to craft your message on your Twitter Page to create an empowering call to action.

The GiveNGobble Twitter Page makes a smart call to action by directing visitors to its Facebook Fan Page.

5. Blog the charitable event before, during, and after it is over

Blog your charitable event before, during, and after it's over. The blog should be built into the designated website to increase search engine rankings for your targeted keywords. Include links to the blog in blog directories and pertinent web pages.

Invite guest bloggers who are either sponsors, volunteers or participants of the event.

Here's a few things I would add to the online marketing campaign mix

Radio-If you have an Internet radio show include 3 spots for the event- Before to build awareness, the day of to kick start the even, and after to discuss the results.

Video-Launch a YouTube channel for the event OR include videos of the event on your YouTube Channel.

Generational Marketing-Advertise the event through online resources where you can get volunteers like college websites.

Document Sharing- Include any marketing brochures or applications on document sharing websites likeDocStoc andScribd.

Business Branding-Give your real estate business some credit by including a link on the charitable website/blog to your website or at the very least a business citation. You will get some natural business branding by writing a press release and in return getting mentions in local and possibly national news.

Savvy Linking- Create buttons for sponsor, volunteers, contributors, to put on their website that will link back to the charitable website.

Don't forget that a key to success of this type of campaign will be to partner up with local businesses. Pop by in person or call them on the phone to get their assistance and their support.

It might be a bit late to ramp up a charitable online marketing plan like this in time for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is still a month away and there are charities all year round. You don't have to wait for a holiday to get buzz going and give thanks by helping others.

You can use the power of social media and local businesses to fuel a local charitable online marketing campaign anytime.

Subscribe to BloggingInTheRain, A Real Estate Marketing Blog

Osprey Platform Installed in Burr Creek in Black Rock

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:11:30 -0600

A new osprey nesting platform has been erected on Burr Creek in Black Rock. The Arthur Street Neighbors Committee received city permission to build and install a wooden nesting platform for ospreys on an unused utility pole on a small city green space directly on Burr Creek. The platform was put into place on November 21, 2009.

Bridgeport School of Aquaculture students constructed the 40 inch wooden square with mesh bottom and support beams with help from school teacher Charles Johnson. Material for the platform was donated by Wood, Steel and Glas Inc. of Madison. Local tree company, Bartlett Tree Experts and neighbor Steve Patalano installed the platform on top of the 35 foot pole using their bucket truck.

Madeline Dennis, Arthur Street resident and Connecticut Audubon Society employee, organized the project. "The neighbors of Arthur Street often see osprey fishing in Burr Creek." Ms. Dennis said. "We thought this would be a perfect location for a nest. We hope a pair of osprey will discover it and raise their chicks here early this spring."

The Arthur Street Neighbors Committee would like to thank the School of Aquaculture, the City of Bridgeport, United Illuminating, City Councilwomen Susan Brannelly, Wood, Steel and Glas Inc., neighbor Steve Patalano and Nate Burns and Jose Garcia from Bartlett Tree Experts. The Neighbors Committee would also like to thank the Ash Creek Conservancy Association, the Black Rock Community Council and neighbors Doug Fay, Betsy Ross, and Michael Raleigh for installation funding.

Source: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock's Community Blog

Housing Market Predictions: We've Heard Them All, Except the One That Matters ... Yours!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:15:46 -0600

Great post by Paul Slaybaugh. Right now interest rates are low, the homebuyers' tax credit has been expanded, and to my way of thinking, it's a great time to buy if you don't plan to sell for the next 7-8 years. The market will certainly appreciate over time, but probably not at the fast clip that it did from 2000 to 2005.

Via Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives):

Housing will not fully recover until 2012. That is when the glut of backlogged foreclosures is expected to be phased out of the market.

Housing will recover by the end of the year. Now that inventory has contracted to average levels for what constitutes “normal” regional markets in major metropolitan areas where prices have declined as much as 50% in the past three years, and month to month sales have steadily increased over the past six months, demand has realigned with supply to arrest the freefall in values.

The housing recovery began in early 2009. Median price increases in some markets indicate that even while many pundits were openly wondering when the bottom of the market would appear, it was actually several months in the rearview mirror.

Many factors and variables, and just as many divergent opinions to boot. So many, in fact, that you almost have to choose amongst the purported experts to determine whether you fall in the half empty or half full category. Job rates, interest rates, unemployment rates … psychiatric rates, for spending too much time poring over the data and extrapolations will render one in need of a head exam.

Overanalysis 101.

You don’t need flow charts to tell you where things stand at the moment. You won’t need a market report to tell you when things are better.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you no longer dread the trip to the mailbox or evening phone calls.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you can confidently re-enable automatic bill pay from your checking account instead of prioritizing which ones get paid this month by how far past due each is.

You’ll know that the market has recovered when you don’t have to decide whether you or a loved one is really ill enough to warrant the cost of a trip to the doctor.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you no longer have to explain to the kids why you can’t go to the zoo or stop for ice cream today.

You’ll know the market has recovered when sleep comes as readily as worry formerly did.

You can stop looking to someone else to tell you when the market is fully healed as the housing implosion is the root of these greater ails. It’s far easier to take stock of your own life, and those of your friends and family, to see where along its arc the pendulum is currently settled. As the finance/housing sector dragged our economy into the muck, it will again lead us back to dry ground. No need to watch the stars for celestial clues. Just do what no pundit can and watch your own life for improvement. You’ll know housing has recovered when both of your own feet are planted squarely on terra firma.

Most importantly, beware the forecasts that don’t jive with your own internal index. Those who would adamantly assert the rosiest or bleakest prognosis are likely more interested in influencing your behavior than in your well being.

“Buy now before prices shoot back up!”

“Sell now before prices erode further!”

When you stop listening to yourself, you risk placing all of your trust in the megaphones of those who have a vested interest in your fear.

Is the housing market improving? Is now the time to buy? The time to sell? For months, I have been asked to provide the answers to these questions. I have dutifully provided my vague predictions with the obligatory caveat that no one truly knows how a free market will behave from one day to the next. I realize, though, that in supplying answers to those who actually give the market context, that we have all been looking at this thing from the wrong perspective. It makes zero difference where I think the market stands at present, and where it is headed. The very consumers who ask me these questions are the ones who will ultimately provide the truth or fallacy to my various hypotheses. So I turn the tables and ask the consumer, the actual authority, the very same question.

“What is the state of the Real Estate market?”

Feel free to comment here or send me an email with your thoughts. Looking for opinions from consumers and laypersons, not agents or financial wizards (all comments welcome, though). I will post the results in a follow-up piece.

Mr. Homeowner & Mrs. Homebuyer, the floor is now yours.

Happy Thanksgiving from Black Rock Food Pantry

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:13:14 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You from the Black Rock Food Pantry. It is that time of year again when we pause, count our blessings and give thanks for what we have. During this time we also look outward and realize that there are many families that struggle each day to provide for their families the most basic of necessities. The volunteers at the Black Rock Food Pantry work throughout the year on a mission to seek out, help and feed families in need.

Over the last year we have had the privilege of serving over eight hundred families with an ever increasing demand. Last month alone we handed out a record 7,400 meals. Although we are proud of our accomplishments, we feel that we receive in personal satisfaction much more than we give. This holiday season we are most thankful for the community in which we live. We have been helped by many local people and organizations, organizing such events as Soup Bowls for Hunger hosted by Private Parties, and the Pogey Concert by the Norden Club and Black Rock Community Council raising a whopping $6,000.00 for their neighbors that needed their help, these events along with many food drives and personal contributions led to our great success this year.

We have truly been blessed with the ever growing list of volunteers. It is humbling to be in the presence of this special group of people to watch as they minister to each other while ministering to our clients. Thank you all.We ask that throughout the year you continue to keep us in your thoughts, continue to drop off food, visit our web site www.BlackRockFoodPantry.com and make a small donation, sign up as a volunteer and help us to seek out those who may need a little extra help.Please help us to promote our pantry by passing this e-mail along to your friends and family. May God continue to bless us all.Black Rock Food Pantry.

Posted on: www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock Community Blog