About Chittenden County, VT

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont.  Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, February 10, 2012

Pre-Valentine Book Sale

Hopeless romantics surprise their sweethearts with well-loved literature. Proceeds go toward the replacement of the water-damaged children's collection. Friday, February 10, 10AM–5PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference

More than 1500 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators and locavores gather for workshops, farmer-to-farmer discussions, keynote lectures, a seed swap and networking. Friday, February 10, 10AM–9PM at University of Vermont in Burlington. $45-60 per day.

Student Professional Awareness Conference

Engineering companies connect directly with students in the same field in this gathering hosted by the UVM student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. North Lounge. Friday, February 10, 4PM at Billings Hall, UVM in Burlington. Free.

Queen City Contra Dance

Rebecca Lay calls the steps to tunes by the Frost and Fire. Beginners session at 7:45 p.m. Friday, February 10, 8–11PM at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington. $8; free for kids under 12. Share the Love 2012: A Feel-Good FUNdraiser - Supporters of CarShare Vermont flaunt their affection for the nonprofit at a kissing booth, make-your-own-valentine station, silent auction and more. Deejayed tunes and food and drinks round out the affair. Friday, February 10, 7PM at Union Station in Burlington. $15-25.

Valentine's Day Dance

Two 30-minute lessons in the rumba and nightclub two-step get things moving for an evening of dancing to love songs and ballads. $15 per person or per couple for the whole evening; $10 per person after 8 p.m. Buy this half-price special in advance through Seven Days DealTicket at deals.sevendaysvt.com. Friday, February 10, 7–10PM at Champlain Club in Burlington.

Middle School Book Club

Burlington students lay eyes on awesome reads. Friday, February 10, 3–4:30PM at Hunt Middle School in Burlington. Free.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Friday, February 10, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

'Humble Boy'

The death of his father strains a man's relationship with his mother in Charlotte Jones' comedy about love, redemption and beekeeping, presented by Champlain Theatre. Friday, February 10, 8PM at Alumni Auditorium, Champlain College in Burlington. $10-20; free for Champlain College students.

Campfire Stories: One Night Stand

Forget the tent. Raconteurs spin true tales about love and dating as though they were sitting around the bonfire. No notes allowed; listeners welcome. Friday, February 10, 7–9PM at Spark Arts in Burlington. $5 suggested donation.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Pre-Valentine Book Sale

Hopeless romantics surprise their sweethearts with well-loved literature. Proceeds go toward the replacement of the water-damaged children's collection. Saturday, February 11, 2–5PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference

More than 1500 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators and locavores gather for workshops, farmer-to-farmer discussions, keynote lectures, a seed swap and networking. Saturday, February 11, 8AM–10PM at University of Vermont in Burlington. $45-60 per day.

Open Marley Nights

Local dancers take the floor at an informal sharing of in-progress pieces. Saturday, February 11, 7PM at Chase Dance Studio, Flynn Center in Burlington. $15 choreographer fee; donations accepted from observers.

An Evening of Sweets & Songs

A dessert spread meets entertainment by the Essex Junction High School Jazz Band and soprano Lindsey Soboleski and friends. Saturday, February 11, 7PM at First Baptist Church in Burlington. $10.

Drop-In Family Ski & Snowshoe Program

Weather permitting, kids and adults get some fresh air and exercise. Hot chocolate and art activities also provided. Saturday, February 11, 1–4PM at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Cost of rentals.

Valentine's Cupcakes & Cookies

Little lovebirds in grades 5 and under make sweethearts swoon with sugary treats. Saturday, February 11, 9–11AM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $15.

Valentine's Day Crafts

Artsy kids sponge paint a glass vase suitable for gift giving. Saturday, February 11, 1–3PM at Creative Habitat in Burlington. $3.

Introduction to Microsoft Windows

Want to be tech savvy? Learn how to open software, use the mouse and keyboard, and more. Saturday, February 11, 10–11:30AM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. $3 suggested donation; preregister.

Jo Comerford

The executive director of the National Priorities Project looks at "The Dollars and Sense of War Spending," with regard to our national budget. Saturday, February 11, 4PM at Burlington City Hall Auditorium in Burlington. $5-15.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Saturday, February 11: 2PM, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

'Humble Boy'

The death of his father strains a man's relationship with his mother in Charlotte Jones' comedy about love, redemption and beekeeping, presented by Champlain Theatre. Saturday, February 11, 8PM at Alumni Auditorium, Champlain College in Burlington. $10-20; free for Champlain College students.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Pre-Valentine Book Sale

Hopeless romantics surprise their sweethearts with well-loved literature. Proceeds go toward the replacement of the water-damaged children's collection. Sunday, February 12, 1–5PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference

More than 1500 farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, educators and locavores gather for workshops, farmer-to-farmer discussions, keynote lectures, a seed swap and networking. Sunday, February 12, 8AM–5PM at University of Vermont in Burlington. $45-60 per day.

Israeli Folk Dancing

Movers bring clean, soft-soled shoes and learn traditional circle or line dances. Partners not required. Sunday, February 12, 7:25–9:30PM at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. $2; free to first-timers.

Day at Leunig's

Diners get a little taste of Paris as 10 percent of their bill benefits local nonprofit Mercy Connections. Sunday, February 12, 9AM–10PM at Leunig's Bistro & Café in Burlington. Cost of food and drink.

Burlington-Area Scrabble Club

Triple-letter-square seekers spell out winning words. New players welcome. Sunday, February 12, 12:30–5PM at McClure MultiGenerational Center in Burlington. Free.

WELLness for Tanzania: Zumba Benefit

Dance fitness supports the African Empowerment Project's effort to drill a well in the village of Mnang'ole. Sunday, February 12, 11AM–1PM at IDX Student Life Center, Champlain College in Burlington. $20-50 donation.

Burlington Civic Symphony

Pediatrician Lewis First narrates a kid-friendly concert featuring Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Preconcert talk, 1:30 p.m.; concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 1:30PM at UVM Recital Hall in Burlington. $5-15; free for kids under 3.

NOFA-VT Children's Conference

Farmers and environmental educators oversee two action-packed days of cooking, building, crafting, fire building and more for kids ages 6 to 12. Sunday, February 12, 8AM–5PM at Edmunds Elementary School in Burlington. $25 per day; $40 per two days; additional children receive $5 discount; preregister.

Dimanches

Novice and fluent French speakers brush up on their linguistics — en français. Sunday, February 12, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of all ages and abilities break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, February 12, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Sunday, February 12, 2PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

Women's Poetry Group

Writers give and receive feedback on their poetic expressions in a nonthreatening, nonacademic setting. Call for specific location. Sunday, February 12, 3PM at Private home in Burlington. Free.

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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont.  Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, January 27, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Friday, January 27, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

PlanBTV Design Charette Midweek Presentation

Active Burlingtonians weigh in on the week's progress planning the future of downtown and the waterfront. Friday, January 27, 6:30–8:30PM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

International Folk Dancing

Louise Brill and Larry Gordon organize people into choreographed patterns from around the world. No partner necessary. Friday, January 27, 7–9:30PM at North End Studio B in Burlington. $5.

Campus Food Drive

Good Samaritans drop off nonperishable food items in the Davis Center atrium, Given/Rowell Brickyard, Waterman Building (at the College Street entrance), Patrick Gymnasium lobby and the Living/Learning Center's Fireplace Lounge. Friday, January 27, 9AM–5PM at University of Vermont in Burlington. Donations accepted.

Middle School Book Group

Page turners chat about favorite works of lit. Friday, January 27, 3:15–4:15PM at Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. Free.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Friday, January 27, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Saturday, January 28, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

'The Giant in the Washing Machine'

Vignettes dart between adult and children's perspectives in Joy Madden's work-in-progress piece. Local dancers Kelsey Wilson and Sarah Austin join in. Saturday, January 28, 7PM at Burlington Dances, Chace Mill in Burlington. $10-110 (choose your own price).

Honey Tasting

Me want honeycomb? Foodies sample the sweet stuff in its many forms in an edible education demo with Bill Mares and Scott Wilson of the Vermont Beekeepers Association and reps from Slow Food Vermont. Saturday, January 28, 12–4PM at Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington. Free.

Cervical Cancer Screenings

The Hicks Foundation organizes women's wellness exams for the un- or underinsured. Services include pap tests, breast exams, heart health screenings, and HPV DNA tests and HPV vaccines where appropriate. Held at Planned Parenthoods in Burlington, Newport and Rutland. Saturday, January 28, 9AM–1PM at Various locations statewide. Free.

Drop-In Family Ski & Snowshoe Program

Weather permitting, kids and adults get some fresh air and exercise. Hot chocolate and art activities also provided. Saturday, January 28, 1–4PM at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Cost of rentals.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Saturday, January 28: 2PM, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Sunday, January 29, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

Israeli Folk Dancing

Movers bring clean, soft-soled shoes and learn traditional circle or line dances. Partners not required. Sunday, January 29, 7:25–9:30PM at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. $2; free to first-timers.

'The Giant in the Washing Machine'

Vignettes dart between adult and children's perspectives in Joy Madden's work-in-progress piece. Local dancers Kelsey Wilson and Sarah Austin join in. Sunday, January 29, 4PM at Burlington Dances, Chace Mill in Burlington. $10-110 (choose your own price).

'Unmasked: Judeophobia and the Threat to Civilization'

Director Gloria Greenfield introduces and discusses her documentary, an in-depth examination of anti-Jewish ideology, at its Vermont premiere. Sunday, January 29, 7PM at Davis Center, UVM in Burlington. Free.

The Pennywise Pantry

On a tour of the store, shoppers create a custom template for keeping the kitchen stocked with affordable, nutritious eats. Sunday, January 29, 10–11AM at City Market in Burlington. Free.

Dimanches

Novice and fluent French speakers brush up on their linguistics — en français. Sunday, January 29, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

UConn Men's Basketball vs. Notre Dame

Huskies fans cheer on the team. The Vermont chapter of University of Connecticut alumni provides the food and first beverage. Sunday, January 29, 12PM at Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington. Free; preregister.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of all ages and abilities break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, January 29, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Sunday, January 29, 2PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

We all talk about trust, however, do we really know what it means or implies. We all have had experiences throughout our lives where we place our 'trust' in others only to find out that it was misplaced or betrayed. Do we trust in ourselves to know what we believe in and have the conviction to follow through with what we have promised to others. These are all valid issues and shape the course of our lives and how we view the world around us and also how we conduct our business.

I was brought up in a typical middle class family with two brothers and a normal family household. I placed my trust in my parents to provide me with a place to live, food to eat and clothing to wear. I think every person holds a certain belief that this is a necessity of parenting but more importantly, provides the basic building blocks of the foundation of trust.

I have twin brother who I am very close with and treasure the relationship we have built over time. The unspoken bond or trust, per se, between us severs as a support such like a cable to the Golden Gate bridge that is unwavering. This defines the trust we place on ourselves as individuals to do the right thing and to others who would return the same.

There have been many events in my life that have caused me to doubt the honesty and trustworthiness of people. I have grown to learn not to take things at face value because of the lack of trust from those who have made such promises. Do you turn around and run for the hills and never trust another person again? For some maybe so, while others apply what they have learned to strengthen their own convictions to treat others with trust and respect. It is only from these forms of betrayal can one truly understand and appreciate the power or trust and what is lost when it is broken.

I have certainly made my fair share of mistakes over the years, but have also gained valuable insight and wisdom of how others want to be treated and respected. How trust flourishes like a garden when properly nurtured and how it can quickly dry up like a desert when violated. It is because of these life experiences, that I believe I have grown as an individual and how I hold so true to my heart the need for trust in both my personal and professional life.

So what does trust mean to me? Trust is not just a word or an expression of a word, but more the sole of ones beliefs and values. To hold true to the belief not to cause harm in action or words that betrays confidence in another. Despite the circumstances, moment or condition, the solitude of your convictions stand strong to never compromise yourself to falter in your devotion to your family, friends, and fellow mankind not matter what the cost. In essence, put your faith and trust in yourself knowing what you believe is just and right and it will be returned ten times over.

In business, our clients trust us with their biggest asset not because we advertise more than the competition or because we have a better website, more importantly because we have dedicated ourselves to serve our clients best interests and needs. This partnership of trust serves similair to that of a child depending upon the guidance of their parents; so do our clients look upon guidance from us to take care of their needs. The foundation of trust completed. That is what trust means to me!

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont.  Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, January 13, 2012

Queen City Contra Dance

Chris Weiler calls the steps to tunes by the Contraindicators. Beginner's session at 7:45 p.m. Friday, January 13, 8–11PM at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington. $8; free for kids under 12.

Winter Shorts: A Film Night Guest Curated by Abby Manock

Film buffs screen works by Arlen Austin, James Bellizia, Pilar Conde, Pablo Diserens, Joe Gaetani, Christy Gast, Francis Gomila, Thyra Heder, Heloise & the Savoir Faire, Abby Manock, Rob Swainson and Josh Tonsfeldt. Friday, January 13, 8–11:55PM at BCA Center in Burlington. Free; cash bar.

Middle School Book Group

Page turners chat about favorite works of lit. Friday, January 13, 3:15–4:15PM at Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. Free.

'The Crucible' - "Witch!"

Arthur Miller's drama about the Salem Witch Trials, presented by First Light Theatre Company, serves as a metaphor for the McCarthyism of the 1950s. Friday, January 13, 7:30PM at South Burlington High School in South Burlington. $5-7.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rummage Sale

Treasure hunters give used goods another go. Saturday, January 14, 9AM–4PM at Odd Fellows Hall in Burlington. Free.

'Diversity in Dance, Diversity in Life'

Exuberant movers celebrate their differences in a benefit for Puppets in Education. Featured guests include Paul Besaw, the Blue Moon Company, Big APE, Burlington Taiko and more. Saturday, January 14, 7PM at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. $20-23.

Understanding Local Cheeses

Cheese monger Dave Lauber demystifies the world of artisanal cheeses — cave aged, washed rind and raw milk among them — and offers samples along the way. Saturday, January 14, 11AM–12PM at City Market in Burlington. Free; preregister.

'Martin's Big Words'

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids learn about the civil-rights activist and the history of African Americans through continuous screenings of this film. Saturday, January 14, 1–4PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Drop-In Family Ski & Snowshoe Program

Weather permitting, kids and adults get some fresh air and exercise. Hot chocolate and art activities also provided. Saturday, January 14, 1–4PM at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Cost of rentals.

Intro to Buddhism

Know what nam-myoho-renge-kyo means? Find out at this primer on the Eastern religion. Saturday, January 14, 1–2PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

'The Crucible' - "Witch!"

Arthur Miller's drama about the Salem Witch Trials, presented by First Light Theatre Company, serves as a metaphor for the McCarthyism of the 1950s. Saturday, January 14, 7:30PM at South Burlington High School in South Burlington. $5-7.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Israeli Folk Dancing

Movers bring clean, soft-soled shoes and learn traditional circle or line dances. Partners not required. Sunday, January 15, 7:25–9:30PM at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. $2; free to first-timers.

Hometown Hauntings

A paranormal investigation team reveals its findings on local supernatural spots — including the historic Allen house. Sunday, January 15, 2–4PM at Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington. Free.

'Martin's Big Words'

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids learn about the civil-rights activist and the history of African Americans through continuous screenings of this film. Sunday, January 15, 1–4PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Dimanches

Novice and fluent French speakers brush up on their linguistics — en français. Sunday, January 15, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of all ages and abilities break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, January 15, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3.

'Mamma Mia!'

A young bride-to-be searches for her absentee dad only to find there are three possible candidates in this rollicking Broadway National Tour musical that threads together ABBA gems. Sunday, January 15: 2:30PM, 8PM at Flynn MainStage in Burlington. $27-82.

Campfire Stories: At Your Service

Forget the tent. Raconteurs spin five- to eight-minute-long tales about the service industry as though they were sitting around the bonfire. No notes allowed; listeners welcome. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. to speak. Sunday, January 15, 7–9PM at Spark Arts in Burlington. $5 suggested donation.

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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Well okay... Actually it is!

I saw this monster while showing property in Charlotte, Vermont yesterday afternoon. We guessed he must've weighed 1,200 pounds. He was enormous and he had quite a set of vocal chords as he beckoned to all who would listen.

Ferdinand Lives!! And he's in Charlotte!

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please utilize my: Burlington Vermont Real Estate, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.