Christina Dowell

It might be one of the toughest things families need to do upon moving: finding a school district that fits their needs. Here are a couple ideas you might want to try:

• Look at the real estate listing; many realty companies have links or will tell you the district the house is in. Contact the district directly to ask questions.
  

• Call the police department in the area; you'd be surprised how much you can learn!

• Call the County's office and ask where the boundaries are laid for each school and what choices you and or may not have.

• Look at your state's education department. Many times they have good information and statistics available.

• Many people love the website www.greatschools.net; I always encourage people to verify information found on third party websites to ensure it is accurate and timely information.

And of course, visit the schools, talk to their guidance offices and see how you feel on their campus. I once personally visited a school that on paper had excellent statistics but when I visited it was unbelievably huge (I was looking for a smaller setting for my kids...)

Bottom line, take time to do your research. Don't just ask a realtor or neighbor "are the schools good?" because people have varying ideas about what constitutes a good education or a good school district. It's much better to do the legwork yourself; only you know what will work for your family.

Source: www.realtor.com

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant a $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 6, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Hot Air Balloon Festival! August 8, 2009

Hudson Elks 99 Park St Hudson, MA 01749

6:00 am Lift-off - Hot air balloons will lift off from field behind the Hudson Elks. Come down and watch the take-off!

Beginning at 2:00 pm - Family Events - Vendors, entertainment and field events for the kids.

There will be live music all afternoon featuring the McMurphys from 2-5:30, the Country Kickers from 5:30-6 pm and the Bruce Marshall Group from 6-9 pm! Hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, fried dough, and cold drinks will be available.

6:00 pm - Lift-off - Approximate time for evening balloon lift-off from the pavilion field.

Come down and watch the hot air balloons lift off! Music, food and beverages will continue until early evening.

Dusk - Balloon Glow - The pilots will ignite their burners as night is falling creating an incandescent glow of the tethered balloons in the night sky while live music continues with the Bruce Marshall Group.

Morning Admission: Adults $2.00 Children $1.00 (under age 2 Free)

Afternoon Admission: Adults $4.00 Children $2.00, (under age 2 Free) Come for the morning lift-off and Adult paid admissions will get a coupon for $1.00 off afternoon admission price

Finally like Boston, Worcester is doing a Restaurant Week! August 3-14 dine out at local participating restaurants at a substantial discount. For $20.09 per person (plus tax and gratuity), you receive a three course meal. Most restaurants will have a limited set menu from which you can chose. However, it is still an excellent way to explore new restaurants and support the local economy.

For more information, visit http://www.worcesterrestaurantweek.com/

It's time for the Elm Park Summer Concert Series!

Sponsored by Park Spirit of Worcester, Inc., this non-profit organization, promotes citizen and community involvement in the preservation and growth of Worcester’s parks and play areas. So grab a blanket and head over for some sweet (and free!) tunes at dusk. To learn more visit www.parkspirit.org.

Schedule:

Beatles For Sale Thursday, July 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

Dennis Brennan Thursday, July 16, 6:30-8 p.m.

The Valves Thursday, July 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Worcester Jazz Orchestra Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8 p.m.

The Dinosaurs Plus: Art In The Park Opening Thursday, August 6, 6:30-8 p.m.

Red Riders Thursday, August 13, 6:30-8 p.m.

Directions: Elm Park is located between Highland Street and Park Avenue in Worcester. Free street parking.