Marilyn Katz - ABR, e-PRO - WestportCTProperties.com

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

Sitting at Compo Beach, our first summer in Westport, watching a parade of boats power and sail in and out of the harbor, I knew that I wanted to spend future summers out there, on the water. One of the many attractions of living in Westport, CT, is its location along Long Island Sound. Boating is a popular resident activity, with local accommodations available at private yacht clubs, public and town owned marinas,

Our first boat was a 17 ½ foot, inboard/outboard, complete with camper top. Armed with the knowledge gained from our Power Squadron Safe Boating Course, we ventured out, onto the Westport waters.

After zipping around the local waters, we often anchored off Cokenoe Island, sometimes flipping the engine up and pulling the boat close enough to walk ashore. In 1967, United Illuminating proposed building a nuclear power plant on the island. A group of Westporters filed suit against UI's proposal and their challenge prevailed, in court. As a result, Cokenoe remains a favorite anchorage for Westport boaters.

It didn't take us long to realize that we wanted to expand our horizons and cruise Long Island Sound, docking at inviting ports, along the way. Our second boat was a 25-ft ChrisCraft Express Cruiser, with a v-berth and convertible dinette, just large enough to allow our family of four to stay overnight. After a couple of summers, we again traded up. By now, we were members of Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, surrounded by ever larger vessels. Our sights were once again set on a larger boat. We now wanted a twin screw boat, large enough to sleep six, with air conditioning, two heads, full size refrigerator and color TV.

I recall a boating friend of ours quipping that the first 25 feet of boat you buy for yourself. After that, the additional size is for guests. Although our larger "yacht" allowed us to spend extended vacations travelling to Montauk, Block Island and Newport, I can't totally disagree with his assessment. Friends and relatives were regularly invited for a day trip which might include swimming, fishing and, of course, lunch. Weekend jaunts often found us rafted up with a half dozen member boats, at selected harbors along Long Island's North Shore. While the Captains/husbands plotted the course, checked the tides, and made sure that engines, generators and navigation equipment were all in working order, the more important preparations guaranteed that galleys were well stocked and ready to provide extensive cocktail hours and elaborate dinners.

In recent years, we've done more boating at the dock, than at sea. Over time, most of our cruising companions left boating or moved away. Our boat has become our summer home. We still spend weekends (and some stolen weekdays) onboard. From my perspective, the surroundings are terrific. My view from the back deck is of boats and water. It's a great spot to pull up a chair, put my feet on the railing and read a good book.

As for the guys' perspective...Well...They can always find something interesting to do in the bilge!

Copyright © 2009 Marilyn Katz, WestportCTProperties.com, All Rights Reserved, Westport, CT Pleasure Boating - A Gender Perspective