Staples High School Boys Soccer advances to 2nd round of State Tournament
The final scoreboard said it all. Staples Boys Soccer successfully advanced through the first round of the State LL (extra large school) Tournament, besting West Hartford's Conard High School, 4-1.
The team started the game still pumped up from the adrenaline rush of capturing their 26th Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) title, last week. Fourteen minutes into play, they scored their first goal and settled into their game, never relinquishing the lead.
Just before the end of the half, Staples converted a penalty kick for a 3-0 lead
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The large crowd enjoyed the glorious fall weather as they came out to support the team. Fans will again have the opportunity to "fill the hill", on Thursday, when Staples meets Newtown, in the round of sixteen.
Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties, All Rights Reserved... Westport, CT - Staples Advances to 2nd Round of State Tournament
Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action
It was just a year ago that Westport First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, announced that the Town of Westport had contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc. for its Code Red emergency notification system. The system sends out emergency notifications based on geographic locations. Home addresses are used to select which phones receive alerts.
Although the town maintains a database of residential and business numbers, Westport residents were encouraged to register their home phones. They could also register their cell phone numbers, if they wanted mobile notification.
At the time, my husband registered our phones and I never gave the system another thought. So, I was quite surprised, Friday afternoon, when my cell phone displayed a call from "Westport Code Red." It was even more startling when the call started out "a missing person alert.." Who was missing? Why was I getting the call? 
The message continued...a 74 year old woman, suffering from dementia, wandered away from her home. Some details were provided of her description and where she was last scene.
Shortly after relatives notified the police, the town wide Code Red alert was issued. A resident who received the call noticed someone matching the woman's description, walking along the road. The police found her, a few minutes later, and brought her home.
A second message was issued, announcing the prompt and positive results.
The system was also effectively used a week ago, when shoreline residents were warned of possible flooding and urged to move their vehicles. The warning helped avert potential damage to their cars.
Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties, All Rights Reserved... Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action
Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 brought the much anticipated opening of "The Fresh Market", in Westport, CT. Local residents filled the parking lot, as they waited for the doors to open, at 9:00 A.M. Throughout the morning, shoppers were offered free samples of coffee, sushi, flavored tea and other treats. The first 1000 customers were invited to enter the Grand Opening TFM Pantry Giveaway, for a prize valued at approximately $500.
Corporate executives were available throughout the store, to speak to customers, listen to first impressions and answer questions about The Fresh Market and its products. The store is positioned as an upscale specialty market. The philosophy is to offer the service of an "Old Fashioned Grocery Store." The store is designed to evoke the feeling of open European style markets. Perishable items are available unpackaged for individual selection. Store departments include meat, seafood, produce, cheese, bakery, coffee, grocery, dairy and floral.
The company is based in Greensboro, North Carolina. There are currently 92 Fresh Market stores, in 18 states. Westport is the first New England store. The next store will be opened in Boston, in April or May, 2010.
Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties, All Rights Reserved... Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town
First-Time Home Buyers - Time is Running Out to qualify for your $8,000 Tax Credit
This past month, I've seen headlines proclaiming "120 days left", "115 days left", "95 days left" for the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Sure, this program is in effect through the end of November, but those headlines are misleading.
To qualify for the credit, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years. The full credit is available for single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples, with incomes up to $150,000. The credit phases out to zero, at incomes of $95,000 and $170,000, respectively.
In order to receive the credit, you must close on your home purchase no later than November 30, 2009
As of July 30, the Federal Reserve Board made effective the final changes to the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA). The final rules revise the disclosure requirements for mortgage loans made under the Truth in Lending Act (TIL), and apply to all local banks, major lenders, mortgage bankers and brokers. As a result, it can now take 45 and possible 60 days (FHA loans) from the time you finalize the contract on your home, until the closing.
Once you agree to a price on your new home purchase, you need to allow time to conduct inspections, possibly renegotiate the price, finalize your contract and secure your mortgage. Allowing for that time means you only have until the end of September, or certainly no later than mid-October, to find your new home and finalize your purchase contract.
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Interest rates remain relatively low, prices have softened and the government is offering you an incentive to buy.
Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties, All Rights Reserved... First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Time is Running Out
Photograph taken with a Point and Shoot Nikon, Coolpix S1. Photo has been cropped but not otherwise enhanced in any way. Photo displayed taken by Marilyn Katz and is covered by Copyright, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without express written permission,
Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties, All Rights Reserved... Wordless Wednesday - Westport Prudential Office - Flip Flop Party
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Working with buyers and sellers, downsizers and upscalers, relos and renters: Whatever your real estate need, my goal is to make your transaction as smooth as possible.
I've been a Westport resident since the early 1970's. At the time, interest rates were more than twice as high as current levels. The lending environment was not dissimilar to today's, with banks insisting on stringent requirements before one could qualify for a mortgage. With the help of a dedicated, professional REALTOR®, my husband and I were able to purchase our Westport home.
I immediately fell in love with the town. As I often joke, within weeks of moving in, I told my husband, should he be transferred, I would write to him, wherever he goes. Today, I take great pleasure in "paying it forward", as I get to be the REALTOR® who helps others move to "my" town.
If you would like to learn more about Westport, please visit my website. I would love to be your Westport REALTOR®.
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