Falmouth was just named “Top City to Live and Learn”

Falmouth was just named “Top City to Live and Learn” by Forbes Magazine and GreatSchools in their second annual national study ranking cities across the United States. Falmouth schools earned an education quality score of 100.00. According to GreatSchools “Falmouth's got serious education chops, consistently outperforming state and national averages in achievement and earning the only perfect score on the educational quality index.”


Attributes cited in Falmouth’s schools were a focus on early intervention; teacher quality, professional development and collaboration; high expectations for all; use of data to guide instruction; full school and community involvement in creating regular improvement plans; and a K-12 commitment to service learning. As Carol Lloyd of GreatSchools wrote: “So where is the educational sweet spot? Wherever the impassioned middle class puts down roots. These are the towns, suburbs and cities across America where families consistently, and somewhat forcefully, support their local schools — come budget crisis or political battle. This kind of education-loving populace tends to multiply, attracting like-minded families to move there, too.”

Falmouth Schools are proud to be recognized for their commitment to educational excellence and citizenship efforts on behalf of all of their students.

Pertinent Links:
Forbes and GreatSchools Press Release: http://www.falmouthschools.org/announcements.cfm?ann=2/File/Supt/FOR_IMMEDIATE_RELEASE.pdf

Best Schools for Real Estate Buck article: http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/25/best-schools-for-real-estate-buck.html

Best Cities to Live and Learn article: http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/4062-best-cities-live-and-learn-2011.gs?page=1
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Organize your way to a better wardrobe

Universal Tips and Quick Fixes


For a painless segue into a major overhaul, start by sorting the contents of your closet. Assess each item, and if you haven’t worn something in one to two years, donate it. Read the entire article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_04/18979/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Closet Cleanup

A disorganized closet can leave you feeling strapped for storage and breed stress in your home. “The storage in our house plays a vital role in our daily lives because we are accessing our closets all the time,” says Seattle-based home organizer and interior designer Sara Eizen, of Nest. “If it’s your clothes closet that’s not organized, how can you figure out what you want to wear? Or with a linen closet, there’s nothing worse than everything getting shoved in and then falling out.”


Eizen’s cure for closet disorder is an easy one: revisit your closet spaces once a year to make sure everything is in its place and that the storage is functioning optimally. Spring proves the perfect season to tackle closet projects, as it gives you time to set your storage spaces straight before summer weather shifts our interests outdoors. To get you started, we’ve gathered tips from Eizen to help you organize the four main closets in your home. The time to get those shelves in order is now. Keep reading: http://www.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_APR_11_04/1148/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Bus Corridor Meeting for Congress Street

Bus Corridor Meeting for Congress Street


Later this month, the City of Portland in collaboration with Greater Portland Metro Bus, the Portland Downtown District, the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transit System (PACTS), will host a public meeting to discuss ways to improve mobility on Congress Street between State Street and Franklin Street including the feasibility of establishing a bus priority corridor from High Street to Elm Street.

A recommendation of the Portland Peninsula Transit Study, the City of Portland Mobility Project: Congress Street will examine the potential impacts of establishing a bus priority corridor in the city’s downtown in an effort to enhance mobility for all modes of transportation. A bus priority corridor would allow buses to remain in the traffic lane at stops. The study will determine whether such a corridor could improve transportation within the business district, enhance public transit operations, especially at peak rush hours, improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, and allow for additional street parking.

Prior to the meeting, the public is invited to participate in one of two guided walks along the corridor from Longfellow Square to Lincoln Park. For more information about the meeting and the Portland Mobility Project, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/congressstreetbus.asp. To RSVP for the tour or public meeting or to submit questions, email WBN@portlandmaine.gov.

April 27, 2011

Noon - Guided walking tour of the corridor from Longfellow Square
1:00 PM – Guided walking tour of the corridor from Lincoln Park

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Public Meeting, Institute for Contemporary Art Maine College of Art, 552 Congress Street
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Mortgage Rates Improve on Debt Warning

Mortgage Rates Improve on Debt Warning


With little economic data, it was a relatively quiet week for mortgage rates. The biggest economic news was a surprise warning from a major rating agency that it may downgrade US debt, but investors viewed this as positive for bonds. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week a little lower.

On Monday, S&P unexpectedly announced that it had lowered its outlook for US debt due to growing budget deficits. Basically, this means that S&P sees a higher risk that they will need to downgrade the credit rating for US debt over the next couple of years. A lower credit rating would increase the yield required by all investors to purchase US debt to offset the higher perceived risk. In addition, some investors are not permitted to own lower rated debt, and the selling from these investors would add further upward pressure to yields.

In recent months, similar warnings pushed yields higher in smaller European countries such as Greece and Portugal. The immediate reaction to Monday's S&P announcement was a rise in US bond yields as well, but yields soon moved lower as lawmakers began to use the news to support their plans for deficit reduction. Investors expect that the threat of a lower debt rating will make it easier for politicians to make difficult cuts in government spending. In short, what would normally be bad news for mortgage rates actually helped them improve.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Happy Easter!

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Organize your way to a better wardrobe

Universal Tips and Quick Fixes


For a painless segue into a major overhaul, start by sorting the contents of your closet. Assess each item, and if you haven’t worn something in one to two years, donate it. Although saying goodbye to a memorable party dress or an expensive suit can be difficult, the change will create welcome space for new purchases.
 
Read the rest of the tips here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_04/18979/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Urban Earth Day Celebration in downtown Portland

Urban Earth Day Celebration


Friday, MENSK, Flintstonecar and the City of Portland will host Portland's 2011 Urban Earth Day Celebration. The event brings together many of Portland’s environmental and non-profit organizations, artists, sustainable businesses and residents and will give the public an opportunity to learn about local efforts to promote the city’s green economy and improve Portland’s urban environment.

The celebration will feature local, organic food, compost demonstrations, agricultural presentations, seed/sappling give-aways, dance performances, art, street musicians, face painting, and much more. The event offers fun, free activities for all ages. Wolfe's Neck Farm will showcase local agricultural and environmental education activities for youth including displaying some of their farm animals. The Department of Public Services will provide information on ways residents can prevent stormwater pollution, an important environmental effort to improve the health of the city’s natural waterways.

Nearly thirty organizations including Local Sprouts Cooperative, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Maine Standard Biofuels, ecomaine, Open Sky Fund and Soma Massage & Wellness will participate in the celebration. For more information about the Urban Earth Day Celebration, visit http://www.menskmaine.org/

When: Friday, April 22, 2011 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Monument Square

Portland (Rain location – Portland Public Library, Rhines Auditorium)
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

The Victoria Mansion's Afternoon Tea

Join us for an afternoon of tea and fun!


Come enjoy a cup of tea with us on Sunday, May 15th at 1pm at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland. There will be tea and scones, live music, raffle and door prizes, a teddy bear craft activity, the crowning of Tea Princesses and much more, including a self guided tour of Victoria Mansion following the tea!

Save the date!

When: Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 1pm

Where: The Maine Irish Heritage Center
34 Gray Street
Portland, ME 04101

Contact: Tim Brosnihan 207-772-4841, ex. 10

Tickets: $20 for Victoria Mansion/Maine Irish Heritage Center members, $25 for non-members

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Mix it up

A Balance of Dark, Rich Furnishings and Light Accents Creates an Inviting Beach-Style Bedroom.
 
“In this bedroom in a seaside location in California, we wanted to create a simple, casual environment with a relaxing beach feel,” explains David-Michael, an interior designer with twenty-five-plus years of experience and the owner of David-Michael Design Inc. “Many of our residential designs have been lush and ornate.” In this room, however, he started with an eclectic mix of dark furniture and then added light to the space with airy draperies, ocean wall colors, and glimmering accessories.
 
Finish reading the article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_03/18979/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Ocean Ridge Condo with views!

"Designer Show House" it the only way to describe this stunning townhouse with views of Casco Bay from every room. Hardwood floors, custom built-in's, custom kitchen with all the bells & whistles. Master suite, 2 guest rooms, family room, & office.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Downtown Condo with rooftop deck overlooking the Harbor

Historic Stratton Place townhouse rarely offered. This 3 story townhouse has many original features, wood floors, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths, charm galore-Additional build able lot available. Rooftop deck overlooking harbor.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

North Deering Cape Cod Charmer!

Charming 1920's classic Cape, quiet North Deering neighborhood. Front to back fireplaced livingroom,dining room with built-in china cabinet, large sunroom, 3 bedrooms, hardwood floors. Well landscaped lot with veggie & flower gardens. 2 Car garage. New windows.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Happy Patriot's Day!

No Trash and Recycling Collection on Patriot's Day

The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews will not collect trash or recycling on Patriots Day, April 18, 2011. Residents who normally receive collection services on Monday will have their trash and recycling collected the Saturday before, April 16th. Residents of Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, and Cliff Island will have their recycling and trash collection the following day, Tuesday, April 19th. All items should be out by 6:30 AM to ensure collection. If residents have further questions about their trash/recycling collection, they can contact the Recycling Hotline at 756-8189.

The Riverside Recycling Facility will be closed on Patriots Day as well, and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Overnight success

When it comes to decorating our homes, we often make the main areas a priority, leaving the master bedroom at the bottom of the heap. If you let this highly personal space take precedence, it could become the most coveted spot in the house. Whether you simply need a place to rest your weary head or you crave a welcoming environment that can serve as an extension of your living space, this is your chance to make your master bedroom shine. Finish the article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_02/18979/index.html

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Park St Arts District Condo - New Listing

Outstanding McCormick Place condo with private entrance, open floor plan, hardwood floors, kitchen with cherry cabinets, stainless, granite. Large master , deck overlooking city & Casco  Bay. Close to Arts District, Old Port & Airport. Two car parking, heat in condo fee.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

It's Spring! The golf courses are open

Swing into Spring


The City of Portland’s Riverside Golf Course is now open to the public for 2011. Designed by legendary architect Geoffrey Cornish, the course has a reputation as being both player friendly and one of Southern Maine’s more challenging layouts. Rolling hills and a traditional beauty give the Riverside golfer an opportunity to enjoy open space in the city. With a number of challenges including sand, bogs, trees, golfers can test either their abilities at either the 6,406-yard 9-hole North Course or the adjacent South Course, a 9-hole layout over 2,900 yards. For more information about the golf course including fees, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/riverside/riverside.asp or call 207-797-3524.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Your opportunity to Weigh in on the Portland City Budget

Public Opportunities to Weigh in on City Budget


On Monday, the Portland School Committee will present its recommended budget to the City Council. The City Council will refer the school budget to the Finance Committee for review the following day (no public comment will be taken at this meeting). On Tuesday, the Finance Committee will continue its review of city department budgets including a discussion of the Police and Fire Departments as well as the school budget. At Thursday’s Finance Committee will hold a public hearing during which public comment will be received on all aspects of both the city and school budgets. Following public comment, the Finance Committee will discuss and vote on a recommendation of the school budget.

On April 25, the City Council will hold a workshop and public hearing on the school budget. Later that week, the Finance Committee will hold a second public hearing for the municipal budget only, followed by a discussion and vote on the city budget.

Monday, May 2nd, the City Council will hold a public hearing for the municipal budget only and will vote on the school budget. The school budget will then be sent to the voters for a citywide vote Tuesday, May 10. The City Council will vote on the municipal budget May 16. Please note the schedule is subject to change, visit the city’s website for the latest information on the budget process, http://www.portlandmaine.gov/financialreports.htm#FY12_Budget_Process
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Legislative updates regarding Maine Real Estate

If you own or rent, these laws could affect you!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Below is the status of some of the key legislation MAR is working on. You can get complete information about any of these (or other) bills by going to http://www.mainelegislature.org/LawMakerWeb/search.asp and typing in the LD number.


LD 290 - Amend the SAFE Act. This is our bill and has not yet been scheduled for hearing. It would track the HUD rules regarding seller financing which are in the process of being promulgated.
LD 544 - Eliminate the state lead paint form, and radon testing for rentals under 100 days. This has been reported out of committee, majority ought to pass and minority ought to pass as amended (the amendment is to delete the radon part of the bill). There appears to be enough interest to have a floor fight. The amendment is not yet printed, but should be any day. So debate may be this week or more likely the week of April 25 (week of April 18 is vacation for the legislature).

LD 1097 - Concept draft regarding the transfer tax. Not yet scheduled for hearing.

LD 1204 - Require energy audits at point of sale. Unanimous ought not to pass from the Committee.
LD 86 - Eliminates the possibility of a citizen retroactive moratorium. Unanimous ought to pass out of committee with an amendment regarding the delay between the town vote and implementation of the permit (reduced from 75 to 45 days). MAR expects this to be on the Consent Calendar in the Senate any day.

LD 322 - Repeals Informed Growth process ($40k and economic study). This has come out of committee Majority ought to pass as amended (9) and minority ought not to pass (3). The amendment is to set forth an opt-in process for municipalities to follow if they want to do such a study, and the process is more meaningful than the current process. MAR expects this to hit the floor of the House as a divided report in the next couple of weeks.

LD 872 - Reduces some habitat setbacks to 75 ‘. MAR has advocated for consistency, predictability, and flexibility. Still in committee.
LD 1022 - Amends the overboard discharge license law. This is still in committee, but anticipate a divided report. It will lengthen the amount of time for a new system to be installed after sale of property.

LD 1048 - To delay the implementation of the landlord radon testing and disclosure law. Unanimous ought to pass as amended to delay implementation until March 1, 2014.

LD 1135 - Would set up a payment system for takings of property. Hearing is not yet scheduled.

LD 1405 - Amends the sign/billboard law in many ways. We have added in one small section to exempt real estate for sale signs from the law. The bill is not yet scheduled.

LD 43 - to repeal MUBEC (building and energy code). Has had its hearing. Bill will probably be held waiting for other bills to be heard. Many opponents, including building and trades groups.
LD 74 – to make landlords liable for damages caused by a tenant’s pet. Unanimous Ought Not To Pass
LD 156 - to reduce protection zones around vernal pools to 75’. MAR believes the science would dictate changes to vernal pool protections, even though the 75’ buffer is too small. The hearing was postponed to April 25.

LD 159 - to improve the Site Law time lines and administration. Still in committee.

LD 188 - to license building contractors, still no hearing scheduled.

LD 548 - to create regular long term funding for Land For Maine’s Future acquisitions. We hope to move this into a resolve to set up a study condition. Still in Committee.

LD 645 - to make health insurance acquisition as easy in Maine as in New Hampshire

LD 670 - to make cell phones be hand held. Majority Ought Not To Pass. Minority Ought to Pass Report.

LD 699 - to require new hotel rooms (over 50) to have automatic lights that go on and off from the room key. Unanimous Ought Not to Pass.

LD 947 - would allow licensees in all professions and trades from other states to move to Maine and be grandfathered in to get a license with no more than a fee. MAR testified against, and the bill was reported out of committee Unanimous Ought Not to Pass.

LD 1006 - to provide statutory process for evicting a non-paying tenant even if the lease is silent on the remedy. Unanimous Ought to Pass from Committee.

LD 1012 - to require banks to return the recorded discharge to the mortgagor. Unanimous Ought to Pass as Amended (at request of lenders: longer time frames, and no certified mail expense).

LD 1067 - to require smoking policies to be make available by the landlord to the tenant. Unanimous Ought to Pass as Amended, with the amendment being to state that the tenant has no cause of action against the landlord for failing to enforce this provision.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Proposed Bike/Pedestrian byway in Deering Center

Going Byway?


This Wednesday, the City of Portland and the Deering Center Neighborhood Association will host a neighborhood meeting to discuss the creation of a Neighborhood Byway in the Deering Center neighborhood. A Neighborhood Byway uses local, residential streets to create a comfortable environment for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages. Byways are designed to encourage use by beginner or less experienced cyclists, kids and families traveling to and from local schools, and residents walking or riding to various neighborhood destinations. The Deering Center area was selected for the pilot project as a Neighborhood Byway would be able to connect a large number of locations and address long-standing neighborhood concerns regarding traffic and pedestrian safety. The pilot project will promote safer connections between four neighborhood centers, five schools and numerous trails and parks.

For a map of the proposed byway, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/

A Neighborhood Byway combines techniques such as landscaping and street trees, signs and banners, pavement markings and street crossing treatments to create connections between places residents are likely to walk or bike. Byways typically run parallel to and between busier streets while still allowing local vehicular traffic. Following the neighborhood meeting, city staff with a project working group will develop an improvement plan that will incorporate the input provided by neighborhood residents at Wednesday’s meeting. Funding is available to construct the plan this summer and fall.

The Neighborhood Byway initiative is funded in part by a $1.8 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the City of Portland’s Healthy Portland to prevent obesity by increasing physical activity and improving nutrition within the community. Funded through Communities Putting Preventing to Work (CCPW), the city’s obesity prevention program seeks to provide quality ways for Portland residents to lead active, healthy lives, including creating safe places to walk and bike.
For more information about the project, email Bruce Hyman at bhyman@portlandmaine.gov.

When: Wednesday, April 13, 2011
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Hall School
23 Orono Road, Portland
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Reiche School Gets a New Library Shelf

Reiche Gets New Library Shelf


This Monday, Portland Recreation and the Portland Public Library will install a new program, the Holds Shelf at the Reiche Community Center Book Nook. West End residents will be able to reserve library materials online, at any of the Portland Public Libraries, including the Main Library, Burbank, Peaks or Riverton Branches, or over the phone (871-1700) and, by selecting the Reiche Community Center as the destination, the book will be delivered to the center for pick-up. Visitors to the Reiche Book Nook can also access the center’s computer which has direct links to the library’s catalog to reserve materials. The Holds Shelf program was created to make it easier and more convenient for West End residents to access the Portland Public Library system.

The pilot program will run from April 11 through to June 11 and following a summer hiatus, will begin again in the fall. To participate in the program, residents must have a Portland Public Library card, available at all four libraries. Reserved materials will be delivered to the Book Nook on Tuesdays and Fridays. Patrons will be able to pick up the books during regular library hours at the center, (Monday 5:30-9:00 PM, Tuesday 5:30-9:00 PM, Wednesday 4:00-8:00 PM, Friday 2:00-5:00 PM, Sunday 8:00-10:00 AM).

For more information about the Portland Public Library, visit http://www.portlandlibrary.com/ . For details about the Reiche Community Center, including a calendar of activities, visit http://www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/reichecc.asp
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone:

Though you may need to sacrifice comfort for style in the world of fashion, the same cannot be said for home accessories. Today’s stylish selections also can soothe the soul, proving it’s the little luxuries that make a house a home

Before you buy anything new, consider which accent pieces should go and which have truly earned a place in your heart. Often, what you part with will give you the greatest peace of mind. That’s because household clutter can lead to stress.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_01/18979/index.html
 

Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.usJohn Hatcher

Portland Museum of Art 2011 Biennial Events

Meet the Artist Gallery Talks

Saturdays, April 9, 16 & 23, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m., Free with Museum admission.

Join us for this series of informal talks by Biennial artists and learn more about their process and inspiration.



April 9

11 a.m. Natasha Bowdoin, William Cox, Lesley MacVane & Rebecca Rivers

1 p.m. Jon Edwards, Alisha Gould, Siri Sahaj Kaur & Selena Kimball

2 p.m. David Caras, John G. Kelley & Beverly Rippel



April 16

11 a.m. Philip Brou, Carly Glovinski, Colleen Kinsella & Robert Monroe

1 p.m. Marissa Girard, Lauren O'Neal & Deborah Wing-Sproul

2 p.m. Alicia Eggert, Tyson Jacques, Andrew Thompson & Ellen Wieske



April 23

11 a.m. Kim Bernard, Avy Claire, Rachel Katz & Mark Wethli

1 p.m. Liv Kristin Robinson, Heath Paley, Robert Shillady & Suzannah Sinclair

2 p.m. Carol Aronson-Shore, Clint Fulkerson, Michael Shaughnessy & Richard Veit



The 2011 Portland Museum of Art Biennial is made possible by the William E. and Helen E. Thon Endowment Fund, with corporate support from Norton Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. Media support is provided by the Portland Phoenix.


John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Mortgage Rates Increase

Mortgage Rates Increase

An improving economic outlook was unfavorable for mortgage rates this week. The Dow stock index reached a new high for the year, as investors shifted funds from bonds to stocks. Weaker than average demand for the 7-yr Treasury auction also helped push mortgage rates a little higher.

The economic data released during the week generally was a little stronger than expected. Most significant was the monthly Employment report. Against a consensus forecast of 195K, the economy added 216K jobs in March. The Unemployment Rate declined to 8.8%, the lowest level since March 2009, from 8.9% in February. Stronger economic growth increases inflationary pressures, which is negative for mortgage rates.

The recently passed Dodd-Frank Act requires Federal housing regulators to define the characteristics of loans which will be exempt from new risk retention requirements. Such loans will be known as Qualified Residential Mortgages (QRM). Non-QRM loans will likely require higher interest rates than QRM loans. This week, the first proposed QRM characteristics were announced. In the proposal, all government guaranteed or insured loans, including FHA/VA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, will be QRM. Unfortunately, outside of these agency loans, the definition was very strict, making it hard to qualify. There will now be a 60-day comment period.
~Compliments of Casey Hamlin Reliant Mortgage Company LLC, Home Financing Specialist
PHONE: (207) 321-5350 | Email: chamlin@reliantloan.com
2320 Congress Street, Suite C, Portland, ME 04102 | NMLS #374491

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Attention homeowners in the HIstoric Distric of Portland!

Greater Portland Landmarks' first Historic Preservation Institute is: Preserving Historic Wooden Windows, a series of public workshops on restoration of historic wooden windows.

The workshops will give do-it-yourselfers the confidence to restore their own wooden windows and provide professionals an overview of the window preservation process. Marc Bagala of Bagala Window Works, a leading expert in the field, will teach the workshops with Christopher Closs, GPL's field service advisor.

Second Session workshop dates: April 6, and April 20

Each session consists of three workshops on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 4:30 pm:

Workshop #2: at Bagala Window Works in Falmouth as the Safford House window sashes are repaired (60 Gray Road, 3-4)

Workshop #3: at Safford House, 93 High Street, Portland, as the window sashes are re-installed.
Each workshop is $60 per person, $50 per person for GPL members, or $150 for all 3 workshops.

Please email me for a copy of the syllabus for the workshops for more information. To register: please email Greater Portland Landmarks at info@portlandlandmarks.org or call (207) 774-5561 x103.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Asian Fusion: Japanese inspired gardens

Sometimes inspiration can be found close to home. But for Joan and Gary Cunningham, it was a faraway land that would seal the fate of their Vancouver Island, British Columbia, garden. “We had somewhat of a vision of what we were going to do, but a trip to Japan made it all very clear,” says Joan, who was influenced by Marc P. Keane, a prominent garden designer and author of Japanese Garden Design, among other books. “I had always been interested in Japanese gardens and I had taken ikebana for many years. Japanese gardens have a very special feeling. They are just so magical and peaceful that you think, I could stay here for a while.”
Finish the article here: http://www.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_APR_11_01/1148/index.html

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Growing Roses

For centuries, the ubiquitous rose has been loved and desired more than any other flower. This simple and fragrant bloom that comes in every color of the rainbow has inspired poets and lovers—and it has both charmed and frustrated many a gardener.


A common myth is that roses are fussy and hard to grow. But, thanks to today’s improved hybrids—sturdy varieties that bloom repeatedly and resist disease—the rose is one of the easiest flowers to propagate. So if you’ve ever wanted to grow beautiful roses but haven't added them to your garden because you didn’t believe you had the skills, read on: http://www.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_FEB_11_08/1148/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us