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Debbie Gilbert-- Farmington Valley's Finest Homes, West Hartford, CT

All Your Home Preparation Experts in One Place

Are you thinking of selling your house this spring? I don't have to tell you how important it is to prepare your house for showings because you already know that. To attract the attention of prospective buyers in today's market, your house must shine.

House for Sale

Imagine knowing who to call right now to make that happen. Imagine having pre-screened, trustworthy professionals and experts who are dedicated to your success and available to work for you immediately.

  • Pre-Listing Inspectors
  • Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing, Painting Contractors
  • Handymen
  • Landscapers and Gardeners
  • Organizers and Stagers
  • Movers and Storage Facilities
  • Rubbish Removal
  • Estate Sales

These are just a few of the people who can help you make the difference preparing your home for sale, getting you top dollar in today's market, and getting to SOLD!

Realtors build business rapports with all of these individuals daily. As we complete sales, we grow our lists, select the best, and can recommend several for you to interview. Loyalties are built, so when you call as our referral, these folks will answer. Wouldn't that be great?

And so, call a Realtor long before you think you need one. Make a plan together and take the steps necessary to prepare well now. Let years of real estate experience guide your activities and move you forward. It's dress-up time. Time to get ready for the spring dance! Call a Realtor today.

Gathering Goods for the Thanksgiving Holiday Season

At our meeting on November 20th, the Valley Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) contributed over 50 pounds of non-perishable foods in a collection for Foodshare. My fellow members and I have pledged to continue bringing food items until December 15th when I will bring them to Foodshare in Bloomfield, Connecticut for donation.

Other food donations have already been made at the Century 21 Clemens & Sons office located at 1001 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center, Connecticut. I announced the food drive on my website, www.YourNewHomeInConnecticut.com, on November 1st, and donations have been plentiful. I expect to deliver many baskets of items to Foodshare on behalf of the Valley Chapter, my clients, friends, and colleagues. Other donations are welcome between 9 AM and 5:30 PM at the Century 21 Clemens & Sons office. Thank you for your contribution!

The Valley Chapter meets every Thursday morning at Fresko's Grill and Wine Bar, 5 East Main Street, Avon. Business professionals network weekly to build teams of qualified, pre-screened partners. It is actively recruiting business partners from many professions throughout the Farmington Valley area. Everyone is welcome to visit.

More information about BNI can be found on the Connecticut website, www.BNICT.com or on the international website, www.BNI.com. For additional information about the Valley chapter, or for membership details, contact the president of the chapter, Joe O'Donnell, at 860-651-7283.

Stealth Tower Proposed for Simmons Family Farm

Cello Partnership (Verizon Wireless) has applied for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the construction of a cell tower at 199 Town Farm Road in Farmington, Connecticut.

Simmons Family FarmThe parcel under discussion is 9.9 acres of open space currently owned by the Town of Farmington and known as the Simmons Family Farm.

Design plans include erecting a 110 foot tower disguised as an artificial tree and enclosed within a 60 foot by 60 foot fenced area.

Complete application details can be found at the Connecticut Siting Council website's Pending Procedures page, under Docket #356.

Simmons Family Farm

A public hearing about the project is posted on The Town of Farmington website:

199 Town Farm Road Telecommunications Facility
The Connecticut Siting Council will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 3:00 pm. at Irving A. Robbins Middle School, 20 Wolf Pit Rd., Farmington. Sworn testimony will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public comment portion will begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact the State of Connecticut Siting Council at 827-2935.

Today's Lesson is Reading, Writing, and Saving Your Pennies

True to its name, Collinsville Savings Society in Canton, Connecticut is teaching the value of saving money to the students at Cherry Brook Primary School and Canton Intermediate School through its "School Savings Program". Elizabeth Kelly, Collinsville branch manager and Treasurer of the Valley Chapter of Business Network International, together with her fellow bankers, Casey Cahill and Tanya Barry, brought new life to an existing program. It is meant to encourage students to open savings accounts and learn some basic banking procedures.

Betsy Kelly, Casey Cahill, and Tanya BarryEvery Wednesday, participating students deposit their savings in sealed, labeled envelopes which are collected at their schools and deposited at Collinsville Savings Society. Receiving 0.54% interest, they learn the concept of interest rates and watch their savings grow over time. Their parents are the custodians of the accounts for the children's benefit. No minimum deposit is necessary, and so, the children are encouraged to save what they can.

It has been a resounding success. Parents approve of the program as a way to establish good savings habits at a young age, and teachers can integrate a real-life application into their arithmetic lessons. To date, 56 new savings accounts have been established. "Customers, who we have served for a very long time, remember when they first opened their savings accounts," commented Ms. Kelly, "Many have been with our bank for over sixty years, and started saving as children."

At the end of the school year, participants of the program will be eligible for a drawing to win a teddy bear. New accounts are still being accepted at Collinsville Savings Society. For more information, please contact Casey Cahill, the School Savings Program Coordinator, at 860-693-5912. To learn more about Collinsville Savings Society, established in 1853 with branches located at 277 Albany Turnpike or 136 Main Street, Collinsville, visit the website at www.CollinsvilleSavings.com.

Hartford Happenings-- Columbus Day Weekend

It's a beautiful Fall Weekend in Central Connecticut with the Fall Foliage reaching toward peak color. What's to do this weekend? Here's a list of some of the local activities:

  • The Hartford Marathon--- Hartford, CT
  • Salisbury Fall Festival, October 10-12, Salisbury and Lakeville, CT
  • Portland Fair, October 10-12, Portland Exchange Fair Grounds, Portland, CT
  • Riverton Fair, October 10-12, Village of Riverton, Rte 20, Barkhamsted, CT
  • Open Barn Tour at McCulloch Farms, October 11-13, 100 Whippoorwill Rd, Old Lyme, CT
  • Granby Artists Association Open Studio Tour, October 11-12, Granby, CT
  • Scotland CT Highland Games, October 12, Edward Waldo Homestead, Waldo Rd, Scotland, CT
  • Lyman Orchards Corn Maze, August 30 - October 26 November 2, Part of the Proceeds goes to the American Cancer Society, 860-349-6051, for more information
  • Tenth Annual Renaissance Faire, September 27 - October 19, Weekends and Columbus Day, Hebron, CT

The Janet Jackson concert at Mohegan Sun Casino has been cancelled. However, there are many other events this weekend throughout Connecticut-- something for everyone, young and old.

Farmington River TrailSome of the best activities include meandering throughout the local Trails by bicycle or on foot, relaxing in the beauty of the local landscape.

If you would like a copy of the Visitor's Guide 2008 for the Greater Hartford and Connecticut River Valley area, just contact me anytime-- 860-313-4057 x 764, or debbiewgilbert@hotmail.com. It has information about local attractions, sports, accommodations, dining, and transportation, including maps.

Have a wonderful weekend!