Kathleen Cooper, Broker, SRES, REALTOR®

I was just watching The Weather Channel to see our never ending rainy forecast, and they had a story about a toddler dying in a car today because they were forgotten for over 9 hours boiling inside in the heat. There have been almost 1 1/2 dozen cases of this happening this year already, another just occurred the other day. Please remember to check for your kids and bring them with you when you run into the house or a store. Poor innocent little human beings are burning to death in cars over 120 degrees hot, trapped in their car-seats with no way out. Having 4 toddler aged kids and younger, this really saddens my heart. I can only imagine what these poor kids have to go through during their last hours here.

www.GGWeather.com/heat reports:

51% of children were forgotten in the car by their caregiver
30% of children were playing unattended in the vehicles
18% of children were INTENTIONALLY left by an adult
1% of cases were unknown

If your routine has changed because your kids are out of school, please be extra cautious when you're out, take a few extra seconds to make sure they're not sitting in your backseat. Remind your nanny or babysitter of this in-case they go out with your child. I can't think of something more sad than saying goodbye to your child one day on your way to work and then getting a phone call that they were now dead because the babysitter forgot to bring him/her in the house or store during a hot summer day and they couldn't get out themselves. Always double check and pass the information along to someone you care about. Everyone always says "that wouldn't be me", but 17 cases this year alone show, it very well could be.

I'm looking around for ideas on attracting investors and how to market commercial property. More specifically, I may have a 4 family and a 6 family coming on the market and want to attract the most possible buyers (of course!). I'm familiar with LoopNet and the Commercial Investment Multiple Listing Service, what else do you professionals suggest? I'm looking for all ideas, especially the creative ones!

Also, the sellers had a question about what kind of rates are available to investors these days. What are they looking at to purchase a 6 family which would be considered commercial? How about for the 4 family? Any good advice or programs you could point me to would be greatly appreciated! They are also willing to do some owner financing...I'll post more about the properties when they come on the market.

Looking for a 19th Century Independence Day celebration? Come join us at Old Sturbridge Village for fun, fireworks and festivities. General admission is $12 for adults, $10 for OSV members and kids 3 and under are free. There will be sack races, river boat rides, pie eating contests, live music and more. Fireworks start at dusk and seating will be open at 7:30PM. You may bring picnic baskets or eat there, there will be plenty of food choices. Beer and wine will be sold, but you may not bring in your own alcohol. Come hear Senator Stephen M. Brewer read the Declaration of Independence.

I'm praying for sunshine...I'm sick of this rain! Can't wait to see an awesome fireworks show with my kiddos! Have a happy and safe 4th of July wherever you are celebrating!

Ok.....so after doing some research on-line, it seems that cell phone numbers are NOT going public, but can go on a DNC list if you are interested and want to prevent telemarketers from calling you. You can only file a complaint against a telemarketer after your number has been registered for at least 31 days, but don't worry, your info isn't getting sold and the emails that read as below, are FALSE!

I received this email from a friend today:

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released
to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive
sales calls.

...... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
Even if the message is saved on your phone, you will be
charged for the minutes to listen to it.

To prevent this, call the following number from your
cell phone: 888-382-1222 .
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a
minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5)
years. You must call from the cell phone number you
want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different
phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.. It
takes about 20 seconds.

Welcome to Everything Central Mass - A group dedicated to posting and sharing about news, events and real estate in Central Mass. We are the heart of the Massachusetts, full of history, charm and livelihood. We're home to many great sites and have decided to build a place to showcase all of them. From Old Sturbridge Village to the EcoTarium, there's something for everyone! Please feel free to join and share if you're from the area and know of any great shops, restaurants, events or homes for sale.

http://www.activerain.com/groups/centralma

Have a wonderful day!