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15 STATE STREET, MONTPELIER 229-4242 FEBRUARY 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 2

Home Buying – Help Is Available To Ease The Process

M ATT L UMSDEN Experience you can count on

Quality you can trust

But the sooner you know just how much house you can afford, the less time it will take to pinpoint homes that truly meet your needs and budget!!!

Your lender will: * Check your credit. * Determine your debt to

income ratio. * Discuss which mortgage

product best fits your situation. * Provide a Good Faith

Estimate, showing you what your closing costs would be.

Many a homebuyer has wondered in the midst of looking for a home... Is this how it’s done, because this is overwhelming? Well to help buyers figure out that the information overload age need not apply to them when looking for and in buying a house, I have detailed the buying process for better peace of mind below... less chaos. We will assume for the purposes of this article that you are buying a home, but much of the same advice might apply for any kind of property.

1. Become Educated If you don’t contact a realtor

first, do at least take time to get educated both about the real estate values by shopping online and about getting pre-qualified with a mortgage lender.

Maximize your opportunities to find the right home by eventually sharing your property wants/needs and timeframe with your realtor.

Your realtor can: * Direct you to competent and

reputable mortgage professionals to establish your

comfortable home buying price range.

* Help with advanced search methods or tools.

* Help you to understand neighborhoods and home features and their value in today’s market, as well as relevance to your buying needs.

* Conduct information gathering and research on specific properties for you.

* Create a venue for home buying advice and counseling.

* Discuss current market conditions.

* Commit to your agent of choice for the best professional service because commitment reciprocates commitment and genuine service, which is maximizing your opportunities.

2. Get Pre-Qualified Finding the right mortgage

lender or bank can be trying. Often times a good realtor will give the best recommendation. While finding a reputable lender to help you establish a comfortable shopping range is always a first recommended step, you do not have to settle on a mortgage lender or bank just yet.

* Determine what purchase price you qualify for.

* Write a “Pre-Qualification” (Pre-Approval if you take extra steps) letter that strengthens your offer on a home or property.

3. Find Your Dream Home After becoming pre-qualified

or pre-approved with a lender, it is time to find a home that truly meets your needs and budget. Get set-up on Email Updates. Email updates are when a new listing comes onto the market matching your criteria and you get a reference to that listing freshly emailed to you with all pictures and data relative to that new listing. Select those homes or properties that are of interest. If possible drive-by the listings to become accustomed to the neighborhoods, styles and curb appeal of your preference homes.

Let your realtor know which ones that you would like to see or know more about and he/she will research the homes you have selected and set appointments for those you are interested in. Please note that the realtor will have showing instructions on each listing you select, which

may or may not accommodate your desires of seeing it “right now”. If this is the case, there is usually still a courtesy call to the Seller that is appreciated protocol. So, give your realtor some ample time a day or two, if you can, to line things up. Often times, vacant homes require no advance notice and can be shown immediately.

Now, your realtor should be competent enough to guide you through getting an offer written and accepted, after which you may need to immediately start the loan process.

4. Getting a Loan Can you look far enough forward and perhaps think about becoming pre-approved, which is stronger than pre- qualified, even before you go shopping? I hope so, because below is what you are looking at and why do this after all that house hunting work, only to find out you have wasted everybody’s time. Not the least to mention is the seller having had to take their house off the (See Home Buying, 5)

Convenient, contemporary and stunning. This two bedroom home located within mintures from I-89 and within walking distance to downtown Montpelier, features a finished walkout basement, sauna, hot tub, hardwood floors, open floor plan, porch, and propane stove in the living room. Directions: Northfield Street, right onto Derby Drive, left onto Abbey Road. Home is on the left.

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What Everyone Should Know When Fighting Cancer

2 BCK Real Estate ~ The Matt Lumsden Team ~ 15 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 • 802.229.4242

Stress Relieving Tips in 60 Seconds Or Less By the time you finish reading this story, you could have stared at the

shapes of the clouds in the sky, enjoyed an indulgent snack or sent a long overdue e-mail to a close friend. More importantly, that 60-second break could keep your mental health and wellness in check.

With 92 percent of Americans looking to “take a break” from their daily routine according to a recent study, people need an escape, even if it’s brief. Many individuals don’t realize how empowering a short break can feel -- or how to go about setting aside the time.

“Finding time to treat the ‘you’ in yourself is important to maintaining a balanced life, especially during these hectic times,” says Stephanie Marston, lifestyle expert, speaker and accomplished author on topics surrounding life balance techniques. “Some people just need a little help getting started.”

Marston recently partnered with Kellogg Company to develop a list of these quick, stress-relieving tips as part of its launch for Kellogg’s Cinnabon Snack Bars. Enjoying a sensible but indulgent snack is one of many simple ways to hit the reset button on the day. These short breaks can take place between meetings, waiting to pick up the kids or on the way to the next appointment.

Other relaxing “Cinnaminutes” include: * Sing out loud to your favorite song while driving home from work. * Smell something refreshing like lavender. * Indulge by serving yourself your morning tea or coffee in a pretty cup. * Check out your favorite blog or Web site before diving back into your

task. * Spend some time today rereading a book you loved as a child. * Post an inspiring quote on your computer or mirror, where you’ll see it

every day. * Say or do something nice for someone you don’t know. The full list of Kellogg’s “Cinnaminutes” can be found at

www.KelloggCinnaminutes.com. “There are plenty of ways to combat stress,” Marston continues, “but no

one is going to force a minute on you to relax. Keep your mental health top of mind by writing yourself a note, scheduling time for breaks or even taping up this story at your desk as a reminder.”

It’s just about the worst news you can hear: you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. What you do next can make all the difference.

Knowing what to ask the doctor and keeping up with new advances can help you and your family plot a course to fight off cancer.

“Our efforts against cancer, including prevention, early detection and better treatment, have resulted in profound gains,” said Dr. Eric Kort, lead author of a new study in the journal “Cancer Research” that indicates cancer mortality rates have been dropping over the past three decades among both young and older cancer victims.

Educate Yourself About The Cancer

No matter what type of cancer has been diagnosed, educating yourself about it is critical. Find out exactly what type of cancer it is and whether it has spread. When researching the cancer, be sure the source you are accessing

is trustworthy - whether on the Internet, in the library or at a doctor’s office.

Learn About Recommended Treatments

For most cancers, the treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or watchful waiting. Before embarking on a path recommended by your doctor, learn exactly what the treatment is hoped to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for second opinions.

Ask About New Treatments Ask your doctor what new

treatments may be available for the cancer - even if he or she doesn’t necessarily offer it, or if it isn’t available at your hospital or doctor’s office. Just because your doctor isn’t an expert on a new treatment or doesn’t have access to it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue it.

For example, new radiation therapy systems, such as one called TomoTherapy, can be used

to target certain tumors more precisely without damaging surrounding tissue, and therefore are more effective while causing fewer side effects. However, many hospitals and facilities don’t yet offer this new treatment.

When it comes to cancer drugs, there are many innovative treatments just becoming available. One revolutionary drug called Reolysin is made from a common virus that causes stomach upsets and currently is being tested on patients with advanced head and neck tumors, and liver and breast cancer. The company behind Reolysin, Oncolytics Biotech Inc., has become the first to reach an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration on a Phase III trial of a drug made from this type of virus.

When it comes to your personal war on cancer, you need to partner with your doctor to arm yourself with the best available knowledge.

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BCK Real Estate ~ The Matt Lumsden Team~ 15 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 • 802.229.4242 3

Veal Sweetbreads with King Prawns

Serves 4

How to Live a Better Life with Diabetes

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verb [trans.] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the ingredients in various ways. shall I cook tonight?

8 ounces veal sweetbreads 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 8 king prawns, peeled 1 1/2 tablespoons grapeseed oil 4 asparagus, angle cut into 3 pieces 8 green beans, halved 2 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced Wakame (see note below) Salt and pepper All-purpose flour for dusting Mixed mesclun leaves Sauce 5 fluid ounces veal stock 1 tablespoon port 1/2 tablespoon Banyuls vinegar or sherry vinegar 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped shallots Salt and pepper A dash of walnut oil Garnish 2 tablespoons peeled, seeded and diced tomato 1 tablespoon julienned parsley Baby watercress Chives, cut into 3/4-inch lengths Wash the sweetbreads to get rid of the blood. Place in a saucepan with cold water, a punch of salt and tablespoon of vinegar, and bring to a boil over medium heat. (Do not put in boiling water.) Cook 15 minutes or until cooked, then refresh under cold water. Drain and set aside. Butterfly the prawns and remove the digestive tract. Score the prawns on a slight diagonal along the inside length. Pat dry the sweetbreads and break up into bite-sized pieces. Dust lightly with flour and brown in 1/2 tablespoon of the grapeseed oil. Once cooked, set aside. Very lightly dust the prawns with flour and cook in the same frying pan in another 1/2 tablespoon of the grapeseed oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. To make the sauce, combine the veal stock, port, vinegar, and shallots. Bring to a boil, adjust the seasoning to taste, then add the walnut oil. Take off the heat. Saute the asparagus, beans and mushrooms in the last of the grapeseed oil. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, place the wakame on the base of the plate and some mesclun leaves on top. Add the prawns and sweetbreads, then the vegetables. Top with the tomato, parsley, watercress, and chives, and drizzle over a little sauce. Note: Use fresh wakame, which comes packed in salt. Put the wakame in a strainer and rinse, then cut into the size required. Run the wakame under hot tap water for a few seconds -- the color will brighten. Rinse in cold water and squeeze dry. Dried wakame is probably more readily available. To prepare, put the seaweed in a bowl of cold water and drain immediately. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Feel the wakame: it should be soft. Do not soak in water or it will melt.

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to be the impediment to a productive life that it once was.

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2008 saw $171 million invested in researching cures and treatment. What all this means for the 23.6 million Americans afflicted with diabetes, is that there are many new medical innovations and simple lifestyle changes that can help keep the disease in check. Precautionary Measures

The most important precaution for those with diabetes is to constantly track blood glucose levels. Fortunately, there are a variety of blood glucose meters to choose from, each one fitting the needs and budget of most patients. There is even word of a special tattoo on the horizon that will change color when blood sugar levels change.

Maintaining oral health and hygiene is also important, as people with diabetes are at higher risk of gum problems. Keeping Limbs Healthy

Even with the requisite maintenance involved, diabetes can still lead to other, far more troubling, health problems. Diabetics can be prone to

circulatory problems in their limbs and to foot ulcers, which left untreated can eventually lead to deformity and possibly even amputation. But treated properly and early, limbs can potentially be saved. One product that has been found to be effective treating ulcers in several trials is Medihoney, a dressing now being widely adopted in hospitals and wound care centers to dress wounds and burns. Available in multiple formats for a wide variety of wound types, it’s a great way to keep a small problem from becoming much bigger. New Treatments Coming

A number of trailblazing ways to treat diabetes could also be on the way. While pancreas transplants have shown to treat the ailment, there are several newer less-invasive developments being studied.

For instance, Derma Sciences (DSCI), the company behind Medihoney, is in the midst of clinical trials testing DSC127, a new drug believed to activate a type of stem cell in a patient’s own body. What this ultimately does is help treat the lower- extremity ulcers that have proven to be such a problem in dealing with diabetes. If the product is approved for market, it could empower patients in a whole new way.

The key is to stay current on new treatments to deal with the daily challenges of diabetes. Over the past few years, diabetes research has come a long way. And considering the first insulin pump had to be strapped to a patient’s back like a knapsack, living with the ailment could soon become easier and safer than it has ever been.

Winter photos by Jordan Lumsden

4 BCK Real Estate ~ The Matt Lumsden Team~ 15 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 • 802.229.4242

Barefoot Running is Better for Your Feet Don’t go tossing out all

your shoes just yet. Scientists at Harvard have found that people who run barefoot or in minimal footwear are less likely to damage and hurt their feet than those who run in shoes.

But before you cast aside those expensive jogging shoes, pay heed to the researchers’ calls to ease into barefoot running and to choose your running surfaces wisely.

The key is in what’s known as “heel-striking.” Barefoot runners tend to land on the ball or the middle of their feet when running, whereas runners in shoes typically land on their heels.

“People who don’t wear shoes when they run have an astonishingly different strike,” says Daniel E. Lieberman, professor of

human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and co- author of the new research, which recently was published in the journal “Nature.”

“By landing on the middle or front of the foot, barefoot runners have almost no impact collision, much less than most shod runners generate when they heel- strike,” he says. “Most people today think barefoot running is dangerous and hurts, but actually you can run barefoot on the world’s hardest surfaces without the slightest discomfort and pain. All you need is a few calluses to avoid roughing up the skin of the foot. Further, it might be less injurious than the way some people run in shoes.”

It’s not just landing on your heels that can cause injury, say the scientists; it’s the basic position of your foot

and leg when you run in shoes that can cause you to repeatedly experience potentially harmful impacts.

By studying runners in the United States and Kenya, Lieberman and fellow researchers at Harvard, the University of Glasgow, and Moi University in Kenya

examined the running gaits of three groups: those who always had run barefoot, those who always had worn shoes, and those who converted to barefoot running from running in shoes.

The results were striking. Most runners who wear shoes -- more than 75 percent of Americans -- heel-strike, causing a very large and sudden collision force approximately 1,000 times during each mile they run. Those running barefoot, by comparison, usually land with a springy step toward the middle or front of their feet.

“Barefoot runners point their toes more at landing, avoiding this collision by decreasing the effective mass of the foot that comes to a sudden stop when you land, and by having a more compliant, or springy, leg,”

points out the study’s co- author Madhusudhan Venkadesan, a postdoctoral researcher in applied mathematics and human evolutionary biology at Harvard.

Of course, if you’ve always worn shoes and heel- strike when running, ease into barefoot running, say the experts. Today’s running shoes have been designed to make it easy and comfortable to heel-strike, with heel cushions that lessen the force of the impact.

For more information on barefoot running, visit barefootrunning.fas.harvard.e du on the Internet.

Just watch out for pebbles and don’t barefoot run when it’s too cold. And it couldn’t hurt to consult your doctor before kicking off those sneakers!

Getting Kids to Care About Current Events Getting kids interested in the

world around them sometimes can be tough.

While many parents have long been unsure how to properly address certain current events with their children, there’s no denying recent efforts to reach young people and expand the scope of their world.

A number of outlets have worked to establish news sources for children, while President Obama made some waves this past September when he delivered an address aimed specifically at the nation’s children. Even TV pundit Bill O’Reilly wrote a book for children.

With proper oversight and some good ideas, families can make current events fun for kids, ultimately expanding their understanding of the world.

“Children haven’t yet gotten

jaded or apathetic. They want the world to be a better place and they believe they can help make it so,” says author and human rights activist Elizabeth Hankins, whose new book entitled “I Learned a New Word Today... Genocide” teaches children about a heavy global topic. “Once you learn of the misfortune of others, you won’t look the other way. This can help avoid future mistakes that have continued to allow crimes against humanity.”

Here are some ways to make learning about current events appealing to children:

* Make it a Family Function: Combine quality family time with an opportunity to educate your children by coming together to watch the nightly news or read the local newspaper. While it’s important that parents filter the news slightly to make sure children

aren’t exposed to content for which they might not be ready, it’s a great way for families to draw closer. Be sure to participate in a dialogue afterwards and encourage children to ask questions.

* Find Good Resources Online: A number of media outlets have established online portals where children can learn about current events. Companies like Nickelodeon, Time Magazine, the Washington Post, and Scholastic have created

places where children can learn about the world. The U.S. House of Representatives even established “Kids in the House,” a Web Site where children can learn about America’s legislative branch.

* Check Your Library or Bookstore: There are a variety of books available today that take potentially-difficult topics and explain them to children in age- appropriate ways. Hankins’ novel, “I Learned a New Word Today... Genocide” is one such example for readers as young as 10, while Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” and Victoria London’s “Lucy and the Liberty Quilt” are other nice choices for kids.

* Start a Group and Become Active: There are many current events discussion groups in communities across the country where young people join to discuss issues. If you can’t find one in your community, consider

starting one. By partnering with similar groups and even writing to your congressman or town officials, you can tap more directly into the places where policies take shape.

* Turn it into Games or Projects: Educators encourage families to make current events fun. While combing through the newspaper, children can compile a scrapbook or piece together a collage composed of articles that matter to them. Family and friends can come together to act out sketches based on current events.

“Not all details of current events are suitable for young people, but by encouraging children to see what happens in the rest of the world and encouraging their curiosity, you might help shape a generation of well-read, influential individuals,” says Hankins.



15 STATE STREET, MONTPELIER 229-4242

Start Improving Your Relationship Today We often turn to

greeting cards, flowers, and heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates in attempts to improve our relationships and stoke the flames of love.

However, there is a lot more to a strong and healthy relationship than mere vegetation and sweets. So says Laura George, founder and president of The Oracle Institute, whose new anthology of essays and poetry.

“When these four facets -- body, ego, soul, and spirit -- are fused and run through the heart, our romantic relationships thrive,” adds Brenda Schaeffer, one of “The Love’s” contributing authors. “But if these four

facets are out of sync, if certain needs go unmet or old wounds go unhealed, our love relationships can become dependent or addictive.”

Here are several ways to strengthen our most intimate relationships, according to the experts anthologized in the new book:

* Don’t Judge: At the end of a long day, most people simply want a partner who will listen to their problems without passing judgment or engaging in confrontation. As a result, a loving partner occasionally has to become egoless and simply act as a sounding board for their significant other. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it can

prove critical in the success of a relationship.

“The hallmark of unconditional love is the absence of judgment, prejudice, and even preference -- a very high bar, indeed,” says George, whose book provides insights on the subject of love from many notable twenty-first century thinkers, including bestselling authors and Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Peace Prize winners.

* Love Yourself Too: In order to be a true partner in any healthy relationship, one has to be comfortable in his or her own skin. That personal exploration can take place within the context of a relationship, but eventually everyone needs

to take that journey alone. Doing so provides more balance to all our relationships.

“Proper love of self, and by that I mean an introspective and mature understanding of our interior motives and drives, is what defines an elevated soul,” says George. “We cannot expect to receive more than we produce in terms of romantic and familial love, let alone the more advanced stages of love like compassion, until we master our ego.”

* Be Realistic: Even the most well-rounded and healthy relationship encounters tough times marked by tension and sniping. Dealing with these is as important to a

relationship as appreciating the good times. By keeping the testier moments in perspective and resolving them properly, couples can achieve the empathy so elusive in many relationships.

While flowers and candy may provide temporary sparks, there are a number of deep emotional and psychological gestures which will strengthen the bonds of true romance with another soul. By pursuing these methods, our romantic relationships and our lives are vastly improved.

To learn more about “The Love,” visit TheOracleInstitute.org/ love.

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Keeping Asthma Under Control A new nationwide telephone survey of 1,001 asthma patients

found that while most patients with asthma understand the risks associated with uncontrolled asthma, they don’t always act accordingly.

“This finding demonstrates a serious disconnect between the perceived consequences of uncontrolled asthma and the necessary steps people should take to achieve better control,” explains Dr. Shailen Shah, an asthma expert with PA Allergy and Asthma Consultants. “Some people believe that asthma goes away when their symptoms do, but asthma is a chronic disease. The good news is that with the appropriate treatment regimen, the inflammation that causes the symptoms may be properly managed.”

Additionally, there are simple steps patients can take to avoid unnecessary complications, beginning with an open discussion with a physician and taking advantage of such free patient programs like My Measures For Success (www.JoinMeasuresToday.com), where patients choose the offerings they want, the way they want them, from a menu of free resources.

Understanding Asthma People with asthma suffer from chronic lung inflammation, with

symptoms ranging from coughing and wheezing to chest tightness and shortness of breath. Additionally, asthma triggers such as air

pollution, smoke, pet dander, pollen and mold can set off an asthma episode.

“Some asthma triggers that people may not initially think of are seasonal weather changes and air pollution,” says Shah. “If

allergens like pollen or mold trigger your asthma, or you live in an area with smog, take simple steps to limit your exposure by signing up to receive daily air quality alerts or pollen counts --

delivered right to your phone or e-mail -- at www.JoinMeasuresToday.com.”

It’s important for patients to understand that when their asthma is under control with the help of their physicians, through lifestyle modifications and the proper use of appropriate controller medication, they should exhibit few asthma symptoms.

Simple Steps to Asthma Control A physician can help create an asthma action plan

and determine if a controller medication, in addition to a rescue medication, is appropriate.

“To complement an asthma action plan, patient programs like My Measures For Success offer patients tools and resources to better help manage their disease,” says Dr. Shah. “I recommend patients utilize such features as the automated doctor appointment reminders and medication reminders, to help them stay on top of their treatment program.”

In addition to these unique tools offered through My Measures For Success, members also receive Success Points, awarded for regular participation in the program that can be redeemed for various health-related items.

“Using an asthma action plan in conjunction with a patient program can help patients stay in the know and in control of their asthma,” Shah stresses. “By understanding proper asthma management and appropriate use of medications, patients can help maintain control over their asthma symptoms and minimize the risks associated with uncontrolled asthma.”

To help make living with asthma easier, sign up for free resources at: www.JoinMeasuresToday.com.

366 East Montpelier Rd Montpelier, VT 05602

Tel: 802-223-3261 Cell: 802-595-0196

[email protected]

For all your energy needs For all your energy needs

Advice on Donating by Text Message for Haiti Relief

Following the Haiti earthquake, many Americans are donating via text message. Experts are urging people donate but remain cautious.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises people to confirm the number directly with the source.

Also, text donations aren’t immediate. They take from 30 to 90 days to be transferred. To donate immediately, give online through the charity Web site, call it directly or mail a check.

Review fine print. When you give you might also be signing up for text message updates from the charity. Check details on the charity’s site.

Research the charity. Giving wisely isn’t just about avoiding scammers. Choose charities best equipped to help in relief efforts and that responsibly use the money for its intended purpose.


ACROSS 1. *The Lincoln-Douglas

debates or the North vs. South, e.g.

6. To wish someone to break this means good luck

9. Biathlete necessity 13. Right-hand page 14. Given name of author

of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car”

15. Do this and shout? 16. Antonym of afar 17. Major time period 18. *Presidents and peppy

supporters do it on campaign trail

19. *4th President, capital of Badger state

21. Russian monetary unit 23. Short of given name of

actress Messing 24. Shaq’s favorite shot? 25. City dwelling, abbr. 28. Uh-huh 30. Beef or mutton fat,

e.g. 35. *Gossip or scoop dug

up in campaigns 37. League of ____ States 39. _____ prosequi 40. Having or resembling

wings 41. Relating to blood 43. ____ farewell, past

tense 44. Ski-racing

“Herminator” 46. Part of temple floor

plan 47. Black cat, e.g.

48. Pouted 50. Relating to the ear 52. “___ Which Way You

Can,” movie 53. A grand theft 55. Fleur-de-___ 57. Mulled wines 60. *His nickname was

“Old Hickory” 64. Island resort in Lesser

Antilles 65. Feeling of veneration 67. Garlic mayo 68. *The only President to

resign 69. Wade opponent 70. *2008 presidential

campaign cry: “_____, Baby, _____”

71. French idea 72. Drench 73. Road-tripping guide

DOWN 1. Pack to capacity 2. Singer and actress

Horne 3. Got an A 4. Characterized by

dignity and propriety 5. Horse-racing devotee 6. Right to another’s

property 7. Van Gogh’s missing

part 8. Twist into deformity 9. Q-Tip, e.g. 10. *Booth did it to

Lincoln 11. Small island 12. Pig pen 15. *”The Buck Stops

Here” president

20. African sorcery 22. Porridge grain 24. Warren Beatty/Goldie

Hawn movie 25. *He followed

Washington 26. Pilaff or plov 27. *Where presidents

campaign 29. This part of circle

equals pi times r squared

31. One of Los Lobos 32. Camel’s relative 33. Like days gone by 34. Teeny-_____ 36. Major bike maker 38. Cat-headed Egyptian

goddess 42. Given name of actress/

model Arcieri 45. *The oldest President

ever elected 49. Excavated 51. Very noisy insect 54. Former Russian

leaders 56. Hanging garment 57. Electrical system 58. Like sumptuous

accommodations 59. Double reed

woodwind 60. *Ike traveled in one

during WWII 61. Top ground? 62. Pot in Spanish 63. Musician Lofgren,

from Springsteen and Neil Young bands

64. Tropical American cuckoo

66. Romance

GET PUZZLED

See answers on page 14

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15 STATE STREET, MONTPELIER 229-4242

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2,328 SF

Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36,000 Cabot . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.57 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,000 Chelsea . . . . . . . . . . . .06 acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60,000

Waterbury . . . . . 3.95 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99,000 Cabot . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.10 acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,000 Barre Town . . . 25.41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119,000

RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS

R ENEE D EZOTELLE Sales Associate

BCK Real Estate Montpelier

Few real estate agents are as driven as Matt Lumsden. Whether you are buying or selling a home, Matt will bring strong negotiation skills to help you sell your home or move into the home you want to buy.

This 4 bedroom, 1 bath home is affordable, clean and ready to move in. Many updates. Cute starter home. Cheaper than paying rent!

Barre Town Price: $69,000 834 Square Ft

This 4 bedroom, 2-3/4 baths home is located on within walking distance to downtown. Large cobblestone paver patio & newer furnace.


3,290 SF

This 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath newly built home is energy efficient with an open floor plan and radiant heat throughout.


2,060 SF

This 3 bedroom, 1-3/4 bath home is secluded and peaceful. Large parcel seven miles from Montpelier, three miles from U-32.Heated pool and standing seam roof, fireplace & woodstove.


2,800 SF

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a corner lot is a great neighborhood. Lots of room to play, inside and out. Close to downtown.

Northfield Price: $248,500

2,552 SF

This 4 bedroom 2 bath well maintained home features a standing seam roof, newer vinyl windows, pergo flooring, Peerless furnance & large lawn.

Berlin Price: $224,900

1,798 SF


Caramelized Onion Shells Makes 12 Shells

3 large sweet onions 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 12 puff pastry shells 1. Cut the onions in half from the stem end down through the root end. Cut each half into 1/4-inch-thick slices. 2. Put the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to combine. Once the butter has bubbled, add the brown sugar. Stir well for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar has melted. 3. Add the onions to the skillet and stir well (it wil be a big pile at first) to coat all the onions. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking, until they’re golden brown. 4. Put the cream cheese, sour cream, pepper, and salt in a large bowl and mix well. Add the cooled onions and stir until well combined. Cover and put the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 5. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Thaw the puff pastry shells according to package directions. 6. Place the shells on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes -- they should puff up. Fill the shells with the onion mixture and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, checking to make sure the filling is warmed through before serving.

4 slices of Panettone 3/4 cup raspberries 3/4 cup strawberries 1/4 cup blueberries 1/4 cup blackberries Salt-free butter Confectioner’s sugar Vanilla ice cream Ice cubes In a blender, beat 1/2 cup of raspberries and 1/2 cup of strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 8 ounce glass of ice cubes, a few cubes at a time, with the blender turned on. Pour puree through a fine sieve and set aside. Cut the Panettone slices into medium-sized circles. In a skillet, add a tablespoon (one pat) of butter and brown the Panettone circles until crisp on both sides. Remove from pan and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. Place a little of the cold berry puree on a plate, then Panettone and a little of remaining raspberry, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and serve at once.

Panettone Sundae with Berries Serves 4

Great Tips For Heart Health Month verb [trans.] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the ingredients

in various ways. shall I cook tonight? Considering that by February most people

have forgotten their short-lived New Year’s resolutions, it’s a perfect time to observe Heart Health Month and make changes in your life. Since 1963, the month has been an

opportunity to learn about combating heart and cardiovascular disease, which remains the country’s leading killer. With this in mind, a few helpful tips and some dedication can make a difference in living a

healthier life now and extending your golden years. “Simply thinking positively will not get the job done,” says

Joseph Piscatella, an authority on heart-healthy habits and bestselling author of ten books, including the new “Positive Mind, Healthy Heart: Take Charge of Your Cardiac Health, One Day at a Time.”

“You need to take action and keep on doing it in order to develop new habits,” he stresses.

If you’re just starting out adopting new lifestyle choices to strengthen your heart, you first need to set realistic goals. By setting explicit, achievable goals, you’ll have an easier time adopting good habits. Unrealistic expectations ultimately can do more harm than good.

Once you get rolling, here are a few points to help guide you to better heart health:

* Think of Your Family: “Take some time to think about your kids or grandkids,” says Piscatella. “They need you to lead by example.” Motivation sometimes can be difficult to muster when starting to make significant lifestyle changes. What better way to push yourself than to think about how it might benefit your family?

* Forget Candy, Try Fruit: Diet is a big part of enhancing heart strength. Eating only broccoli and carrots isn’t necessary, but remember that many snack foods are high in trans fats and calories. Substituting apples, bananas, and other fruits for fattier snack foods is a great way to kickstart your new healthy lifestyle.

* Try Walking: We do it daily, but not all of us do it enough. You don’t necessarily need to hit the gym -- simply dedicating a small block of the day to a pleasant walk can make a major difference in getting your heart pumping. Once you’re comfortable walking, consider upgrading to a brisker pace. Eventually, you should feel a difference in your overall health.

* No More Crash Diets: The plight of dieters has been well- documented. According to Piscatella’s book, “Positive Mind, Healthy Heart,” 97 percent of crash dieters re-gain their weight and more within a year. This is particularly true of dieters attempting to drastically reduce daily calorie consumption. Simply choosing different types of foods and making gradual exercise changes is more sensible.

Before beginning any exercise program, consult your doctor. With our flimsy New Year’s resolutions already in our rearview

mirror, Heart Health Month couldn’t come at a better time. By adopting a few simple ideas starting in February, this year could turn out to be a major milestone for your heart.


To advertise in the next issue of The Matt Lumsden Team.com

Call Matt Lumsden at 802-279-5957

Fast and Easy Ways To Enhance Your Home in a Weekend Why suffer through a long

and expensive kitchen or bathroom remodeling project when you can give these rooms a quick facelift over a weekend?

Dingy cabinets and dull appliances can be spruced up without being replaced or refinished professionally. All it takes is some spray paint and DIY pointers.

“With fewer tools and less clean-up than traditional painting, you can easily give your home a professional looking upgrade using spray paint,” said Jane Ryder, Category Manager at Valspar. “Spray paint is not just for wicker furniture anymore. It has incredible versatility -- you can create an antique crackle vase, suede DVD rack or chalkboard all with spray paint.”

Jazz up your kitchen or bath with these projects:

Refresh Kitchen Cupboards

If your existing kitchen cupboards need upgrading, simply spray paint them to get the appearance of new units. This works best on cupboards and drawers made of MDF, pressboard or melamine.

* All you need is coarse sandpaper, newspaper, a screwdriver, masking tape

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath secluded post and beam, energy

efficient home boast views with 2 decks.

Middlesex Price: $349,000 3 Bed, 2 Baths 2,815 Square Ft

You can quickly spruce up kitchen cabinets using spray paint.

and the right spray paint, such as Valspar’s Cupboard Colors.

* Remove drawers and doors and strip off hardware including handles. If handles are glued on, wrap them with masking tape. Sand units with rough or damaged surfaces.

* Clean surfaces with a damp, soapy cloth to remove grease. Rinse and let dry.

* Lay down newspaper and make sure workspace is well-ventilated.

* Spray unit fronts with several thin coats of paint in a color of your choice, leaving five minutes between coats. Follow instructions on the can for the perfect finish

* Once fully dry, reassemble units.

Silver Appliances White appliances can

look stark in a kitchen full of warm colors. Give that refrigerator an upgrade by “silvering” it yourself.

* You need newspaper, masking tape, and special spray paint, such as Valspar’s Stainless Steel Appliance paint, which can be used on most metal surfaces except sinks, ovens, stovetops or any surface that reaches over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Empty and unplug the fridge. Remove it from the

kitchen to a well-ventilated space with room for you to reach the sides. Mask the surrounding area with newspaper.

* Wash the outside of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water to remove grease or grime, then rinse.

* Once dry, use masking tape to shield handles, gadgets or other areas from the paint.

* Spray the front, sides and top. Several thin coats will give the best result.

Frost Glass Doors An old, glass cabinet can

easily be turned into a bathroom centerpiece by frosting its windows with Valspar Glass Frosting, available at your local hardware store.

* You’ll need sandpaper, masking tape, newspaper, colored spray paint and Glass Frosting spray paint.

* Make sure the glass is clean, dry and free from grease.

* Lightly sand the cabinet to remove flaking paint, then remove dust with a damp cloth.

* Once dry, use a paper cut out or masking tape on the glass doors to create a design. Wherever there is tape or paper, the glass will remain clear.

* Spray very thin coats of Valspar Glass Frosting paint and allow to fully dry.

* Cover the glass with newspaper and masking tape, masking off handles or key mountings.

* Spray the cabinet with colored spray paint using thin

coats. You could also spray the inside for a neat effect through the frosted glass!

* Remove the tape and newspaper when dry.

For more easy home projects using spray paint, visit www.valsparspray.com.


FINANCIAL FOCUS Financial Gifts for

Your Valentine Valentine’s Day is fast

approaching, so you’d better get going with the flowers and chocolates for your sweetie. But this year, why not go beyond the traditional gifts and give a present that can make a difference in your loved one’s life for years to come? Specifically, why not give a financial gift?

Of course, you could always put some cash or a check in a card, but with a little creativity, you can make a financial gift that has a longer-lasting and more profound impact. Here are a few suggestions:

• Give stocks. You will almost certainly surprise someone by giving a gift of stock, perhaps representing a company that makes products or services favored by the recipient. If you’re giving shares of stock that you own, you can give up to a value of $13,000 per year without incurring gift taxes. Since the recipient will be liable for income taxes if he or she eventually sells the stock for a gain, you will need to provide the recipient with the stock’s “cost basis” - the amount you paid for the stock.

• Give bonds. Some people may not think of bonds as particularly exciting investments, but they have much to offer - including regular interest payments. Furthermore, if

you give a municipal bond, you may also be supporting a local infrastructure project, such as the construction or improvement of a hospital or school, that can benefit the community in which your valentine lives. And the interest payments on a tax-free “muni” are exempt from federal taxes and may also be exempt from state and local taxes. (Municipal bonds may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.)

• Help fund an IRA. If your valentine has an IRA, he or she has chosen a good vehicle in which to save for retirement. A traditional IRA’s earnings grow tax deferred, while a Roth IRA’s earnings can grow tax free. (However, distributions from a Roth IRA may be subject to taxes and a 10 percent penalty if the account is less than five years old and the account holder is under age 591/2.) While you can’t make a direct contribution to someone else’s IRA, you can write a check for that purpose. And it will likely be appreciated, because many people have trouble fully funding their IRAs each year. (In 2010, the IRA contribution limit is $5,000, or $6,000 if the IRA owner is over age 50, although these limits may be increased if they’re indexed for inflation.)

• Make a charitable gift in your valentine’s name.

Charitable organizations need financial assistance more than ever. Consider making a gift to a charity that’s important to your valentine. You’ll be supporting a worthy cause, and as an added bonus, you may receive a tax deduction yourself.

• Issue a “Get Out of Debt” card. You probably can’t take all your valentine’s debts, but you may want to give a card stating you’ll handle one car payment or a monthly credit card bill. The lower your valentine’s debt load, the more he or she can invest for the future.

By taking any of these steps, you can help make Valentine’s Day even more meaningful for your loved one - and your gift will be remembered long after the holiday is over.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and Financial Advisors do not offer tax or legal advice.

Matt A. Calhoun, AAMS Financial Advisor EDWARD JONES

89 Main St., City Center, Suite 10, Montpelier

Shopping for cars online is easier than ever, which is why an estimated 90 percent of people use online resources when hunting for vehicles, according to industry experts. However, with this convenience comes a growing number of scams putting vehicle shoppers and sellers at risk, and greater need to protect yourself against online fraud.

A new Harris Interactive survey sponsored by AutoTrader.com, the Internet’s largest auto classifieds marketplace, finds that two out of three Americans worry about online fraud, and nearly one in three has either already fallen victim to an online scam or knows someone who has.

Despite worries, many surveyed are not well educated on protecting themselves, with only one in eight saying they feel “very confident” they know enough to avoid online fraud.

Sid Kirchheimer, nationally renowned fraud expert, author and the AARP Bulletin’s “Scam Alert” columnist, advises consumers to learn about protecting themselves before researching or making any major purchases online.

“It’s easy for the average consumer to be duped into an online scam, especially when dealing with a high-ticket item like a car,” he says. “People need to know how to recognize common scams and what they can do to easily avoid them and stay safe.” Kirchheimer offers the following tips:

* Mind your money (and other paper): If shopping for a car online, ensure its existence by getting photocopies of vehicle title and registration, and a vehicle history report from a company like Carfax to note its location and accident and repair history. Never wire money to buy a car, and when selling one online, wait until the bank says the “money has been collected” on deposited checks from the “buyer.” It’s not enough to hear “the check has cleared.” Never provide sensitive information like Social Security, credit card or checking account numbers via email before inspecting the vehicle and striking a deal.

* Watch for scammers and “too good to be true” deals: Beware of ads urging the need for a quick sale at an incredible discount; research realistic prices on similar cars or other big-ticket items to learn general market prices. Be suspicious of “sob story” reasons for quick and cheap sales. Two common scams are the fake soldier departing for Iraq or the recently divorced woman needing cash.

* Know with whom you’re dealing: Many online classified sites like AutoTrader.com only advertise items for sale and don’t get involved in transactions. Other sites help facilitate transactions. If a seller claims to be using a transaction service from a site you know, make sure that site actually offers that service by visiting it yourself.

* Use the phone: Don’t rely only on e-mails when negotiating in cyberspace. Although there’s no guarantee scammers will provide legitimate phone numbers, phone contact can weed out foreign scammers placing bogus online ads.

* Don’t click on emailed links: Scam Web sites often resemble well-known banks, retailers and escrow services. Links in emails to these sites allow scammers to steal your money when you enter payment information. You’re safer accessing a site by visiting its home page than by clicking a link in an email from a stranger.

* Beware of overpayment or complicated payment schemes. Don’t agree to plans where the buyer asks to send a check for more than the sale price, requesting the seller refund the difference. Be suspicious of buyers who propose making payment through friends or agents.

For more on safely shopping online, visit www.autotrader.com/ fraudtips

Avoiding Online Scams When Buying a Car



MARKET REPORT

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR NONPROFIT AND COMMUNITY

ORGANIZATIONS

What People Are Saying Ab out M att Lumsden...

Dear Matt, Sorry to be a little slow, but the transaction from Vermont to Florida has been somewhat difficult. Just getting unpacked was an adventure. I did, however, want to follow through with my plan to write a thank you for the outstanding job you did for me in the sale of my Moretown property. If anyone had told me ahead of time of the effort and creativeness you proved capable of, I probably would have been a little skeptical. You proved more than worthy of earning your commission. The hours you consumed the creative methods you employed in gaining necessary paperwork and keeping me and my family up to date on status. I know my family joins me in thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for your outstanding performance and would certainly be happy to recommend you to anyone seeking to sell property, especially in these difficult times. If this memo would be of any use to you, please feel free to use it at your discretion. You have proven to be a true professional and we have no problem in our belief being shared with others.

Sincerely, Charles D. (Dave) McDonough

Largo, Florida 33771

Town . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acres . . . . . Bdrms . . . . . Full Bath . . . . . . . Half Bath . . . . . Year Built . . SF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List Price . . . . . . . . Selling price . . . . . . . . CostT/SF . . . . . . Closing Date . . . . . . DOM Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820 Stewart Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1973 . . . . . . . . . . 2,237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $199,000.00 . . . . . . $193,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/8/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487 Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Penny Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.95 . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988 . . . . . . . . . . 1,656 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $239,900.00 . . . . . . $230,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/14/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Browns Mill Road . . . . . . . . . . . 10.3 . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1848 . . . . . . . . . . 4,122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $249,900.00 . . . . . . $242,500.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/19/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567 Muzzy Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995 . . . . . . . . . . 1,836 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $355,000.00 . . . . . . $355,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/14/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Brookfield . . . . . . . . 6181 Vermont Route 14 . . . . . 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1900 . . . . . . . . . . 1,589 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135,000.00 . . . . . . $90,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/20/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Brookfield . . . . . . . . 68 Eagle Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.26 . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1850 . . . . . . . . . . 2,044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,500.00 . . . . . . $155,500.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/15/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Elmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4222 Route 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1 . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1976 . . . . . . . . . . 1,696 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $279,000.00 . . . . . . $265,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/12/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Montpelier . . . . . . . 336 Westwood Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 6.98 . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1978 . . . . . . . . . . 1,396 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $262,000.00 . . . . . . $250,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/20/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Montpelier . . . . . . . 48 Clarendon Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . 0.28 . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1939 . . . . . . . . . . 1,896 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,900.00 . . . . . . $285,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/19/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Montpelier . . . . . . . 62 College Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.39 . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1907 . . . . . . . . . . 3,008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $315,000.00 . . . . . . $300,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/19/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456 Moretown . . . . . . . . 1037 Route 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989 . . . . . . . . . . 1,272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000.00 . . . . . . $230,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/14/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Moretown . . . . . . . . 445 Stevens Brook Road . . . . . 10.3 . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $260,000.00 . . . . . . $237,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $237 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/15/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Washington . . . . . 1847 Scales Hill Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.6 . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 . . . . . . . . . . 1,792 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225,000.00 . . . . . . $160,000.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/13/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

IMPORTANT “802” NUMBERS Clar Construction – Dan Clar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-3447 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Jim Culver, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 479-3447 Home Inspectors – Better Home Inspection – Jim Breer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 335-5544 Insurance Services – Noyle W. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-7735 Lawn Service/Landscaping – Boulevard Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 479-2253 Mortgage Lenders – Chittenden Bank – Commercial Loans Sherry Goulette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-8550 Residential – Pam Dundon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-8545 Automobile – Lamoille Valley Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 472-5967 Rubish Removal – Casella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-7045 Electricians/Plumbers/General Services Ryal Plumbing & Heating Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-7925 Florist – Petals & Things (802) 223-2001 Hotel and Conference Center – Capital Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 223-5252 Barbers – Elm Street Barbers – Andrea Sanborn & Amy Niquette . . . . . . (802) 223-6148

BUY OR SELL A HOME WITH US... AND USE OUR TRUCK FOR FREE!

This report is and data is based on information from the multiple listing service of the Northern New England Real Estate Network. These properties were not listed or sold by BCK Real Estate or the Matt Lumsden Team and were listed or sold by various MLS participating offices. Website owned and maintained by Matt Lumsden of BCK Real Estate, Montpelier, VT 05602.

To view more listings, visit www.MattLumsden.com.

Give Matt Lumsden a call at 802.279.5957

Matt Lumsden Renee Dezotelle [email protected] | 802.279.5957

MARKET REPORT


How To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality It seems everyone is talking about the

environment these days. Yet, you don’t seem to hear much about the environment indoors. Considering how much time most people spend inside, it makes sense to give some thought to the air quality within your home.

Believe it or not, air inside a house can have two to five times the allergens and pollutants than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Ironically, the problem is due in large part to the efficiencies of today’s home,” says Victor Flynn, National Marketing Manager for the Panasonic Home & Environment Company. “With all the advancements in home building, new and remodeled homes are increasingly air tight, which is good in terms of saving energy. However, it’s important to maintain proper ventilation to avoid any harmful effects from trapped dust, mold and chemical fumes.”

Flynn is offering some simple steps to help protect your home and family. Here are a few of the most common indoor irritants and how to deal with them:

* Excessive Moisture: Moisture in walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture, or poorly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners can not only have negative health effects but can cause structural damage to a home. To prevent moisture problems, frequently empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators. Also, clean and dry or remove water-damaged carpets and install and use fans vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.

* Cigarette Smoke: By now, most people are aware of the potential side effects of cigarette smoke. Homes with one or more smokers may have particle levels several times higher than outdoor levels. One obvious solution is to not allow smoking in your house. If smoking indoors can’t be avoided,

increase ventilation in the area where smoking occurs and open windows or use an exhaust fan.

* Allergens: Microscopic particles that irritate allergies and asthma can become trapped in rugs, carpeting, furniture fabric and float free in the air. Integrating a quality ventilation system can remove a large measure of these contaminants.

* Other Pollutants: Paints, solvents, and other chemicals should not be stored in the house, but rather in a garage or shed. If the garage is attached, make sure there is an airtight seal between the home and garage.

In the past, many people were reluctant to install ventilation fans because they were noisy and intrusive, but technology has come a long way. For example, Panasonic’s Whisper Green line of ventilation fans are not only are quiet, but up to 460 percent more energy efficient than minimum Energy Star requirements. They even come with designer grille options that allow consumers to match their home’s decor.

“Even with the soft housing market, homeowners continue to show a high interest in green building standards,” adds Flynn. “By using simple, affordable solutions, consumers can contribute to environmentally conscious building and, perhaps more importantly, protect themselves from harmful indoor air pollutants.”

For more information about how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, visit www.epa.gov/iaq or www.Panasonic.com/ ventfans.

Proper ventilation can remove many home air contaminants.

Free Tax Help Available With tax season upon us, it’s easy to become overwhelmed

preparing your filings. But despite the bad rap it gets, the Internal Revenue Service is trying to help people readying returns.

As part of its partnership with community organizations, the IRS is opening nearly 12,000 free tax preparation sites for people earning less than $49,000. While the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax preparation services, the IRS also offers a Tax Counseling for the Elderly program for those 60 or older.

By bringing photo ID, valid Social Security cards and wage earning statements, taxpayers can be accommodated for free. For more information about the VITA and TCE programs, and locations, visit www.irs.gov.

Labrador Retrievers are an ideal sporting and family dog. Millions of Americans own and love Labs because of their even temperament, trainability and family-friendly nature.

German Shepherds are hailed as the world’s leading police, guard, and military dog, however this dependable breed is more than its nine-to-five job. Energetic, approachable and fearless, German Shepherds are loyal family pets and good guard dogs, the ideal choice for many families.

Yorkies offer big personalities in small packages. They serve as great companions for all ages, due to their loving personality and convenient, portable size.

With their friendly temperament, intelligence and eagerness to please, Golden Retrievers are popular as family companions. This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but requires daily exercise in order to thrive.

Beagles make wonderful family pets due to their merry personalities, compact size, and easy-care coat. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses, which can sometimes lead to a little mischief.

Selecting the right dog for you can be a rewarding journey. It is important to consider size, energy level, grooming needs, trainability, and temperament, and choose a dog that best fits your lifestyle.

For more information on all 164 dog breeds the AKC registers, visit www.akc.org


The Right Breakfast Can Help You Excel At

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(Continued from page 1) market with no compensation... when you may have been able to save yourself and your realtor all that running around by figuring out first, if you can really get a loan. These are some of the basics you will need in order to obtain financing.

* Proof of Income * Employed - 2 year tax returns or W-2,

1 month pay stubs * Commissioned -2 year tax return

including 1099 or W-2 and pay stubs * Self Employed - Federal tax return,

profit and loss statement, 2 years balance sheet

* Retired - social security awards letter * Other income * Rental property - copy of lease * Alimony or Child support - copy of

Divorce decree * 2 months bank statements * Driver’s license * Social security card * Home Owners insurance information * Bankruptcy information * Proof of Earnest money check

Your lender will: * Verify your information meeting the

criteria for the loan * Prepare all the required documents

and verifications * Upon a valid contract, submit your

package with the appraisal to the underwriters (who re-verify and give approval to release funds for this transaction) * Handle last minute conditions from the underwriters Once all conditions have been met, the loan is released from Final Underwriting and the true lender is committed to funding the loan. Your realtor or attorney can be checking in with your mortgage lender or bank as contingency dates grow close. Such dates might include making sure any appraisal condition or loan denial deadline is on schedule to be met. Thus, you, your realtor and lender should be working hand-in-hand to ensure that the loan details are being handled and remedied as needed.

Many a homebuyer can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that if you follow the “yellow brick road” along the home buying process, that it will land you a home... and there is no place like home!

Home Buying

The Top 10 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

It’s a good time to have four furry legs. Pet ownership has surged over the past twenty years, and dogs in particular are enjoying major popularity. But whether you already own a pooch or are searching for one that’s right for you, it’s interesting to note which are the most popular dogs in America.

For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be the last year for the Lab’s reign? According to American Kennel Club (AKC) 2009 registration statistics, the German Shepherd overtook the Yorkie and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades.

An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd became the number one breed of the 1920s, but slipped in popularity until after World War II.

“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But the German Shepherd has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad, and search and rescue efforts in Haiti.” The most popular dogs in the country according to the AKC are: 1. Labrador Retriever 2. German Shepherd Dog 3. Yorkshire Terrier 4. Golden Retriever 5. Beagle 6. Boxer 7. Bulldog 8. Dachshund 9. Poodle 10. Shih Tzu

The type of dog you choose can say a lot about your personality.

Whether you have a big day at work or are about to take an important test at school, the right breakfast can improve energy and concentration.

According to the Dietitians Association of Australia, the right breakfast can help on that big day.

Breakfast provides your brain with carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Try cereal with reduced-fat milk, topped with fruit and a sprinkle of almonds. Also beneficial is wholegrain toast with reduced-fat cheese and tomato, and a small fruit juice.

Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body, reduce fatigue and help your brain work. Limit coffee or caffeinated soft drinks. Caffeine can act as a mild stimulant, boosting alertness, but too much can make you feel nervous and restless.

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