A little cleaning goes a long way

We are programmed from infancy to detest the chore of cleaning. Fairy tales, movies, and television shows illustrate characters such as Cinderella being punished with scrubbing floors, while Samantha of Bewitched simply twitches her nose, Mary Poppins snaps her fingers, and Sleeping Beauty’s fairy godmothers point their wands for immediate results. Perhaps you’ve dreamed that one day you too would find yourself with magical powers to help instantly transform a messy abode into a sparkling space. Until life is truly populated by storybook characters, here are a few realistic tricks and tips to preserve your sanity when dealing with the natural mess of a happy home.
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_MAY_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

Maine Home Sales down statewide? Not at Keller Williams

According to the Maine Association of Realtors lastest news release home sales were down 23.74% statewide, NOT at Keller Williams! Our sales for April 2011 were up 8.2%. KW's average sale price also increased 14.6%. 

If you have any questions about buyin or selling, contact me, I would be happy to help,

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

Deering Center Home

Solid home in highly desirable Deering area, complete with hardwood floors throughout, built-ins, front and rear porches, back yard, one car garage, charm, character and so much more!
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

Maine Walks for Haiti

Maine Walks for Haiti
Help the people of Haiti. Come walk or run around Portland's 3.4 mile Back Cove Trail.Participate in this family-friendly event and help improve health care in northern Haiti. Maine Walks For Haiti is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get involved with an international humanitarian cause and make a tangible difference in the lives of many Haitians.

Proceeds from the event benefit Maine’s Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome. Registration is $10 (school teams and children are free). After the walk enjoy refreshments, Haitian music, art, storytelling, and more! Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the après-walk fun. To register for the walk online, visit http://www.mainewalksforhaiti.org/

Saturday, June 4, 2011
Payson Park, Portland
Rain or Shine

Event Schedule
9:00 AM Meet and register at Payson Park
10:00 AM Welcome
10:15 AM Runners Start
10:20 AM Walkers Start
11:00 - 1:30 Apres Walk Festivities

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

Portland Cape

Charming cape style home with 1st floor master, large fenced in yard, off street parking, full basement, located in a wonderful residential neighborhood. Why rent when you can own?
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

antique reproduction Cape in South Freeport

Remarkable antique reproduction Cape in South Freeport. Many charming features such as pocket Indian shutters, extensive built- ins, 3 fireplaces, 1st & 2nd floor master suites, deck w/hot tub, bordering pond. Minutes to Harbor, Yarmouth

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

Multicultural Health Fair May 21

Multicultural Health Fair May 21

In May, Portland will hold its sixth annual Multicultural Exercise for Health and Love: a health fair that focuses on health screenings and referrals for racial and ethnic minority communities in the Greater Portland area. The event will celebrate the health and well being of Portland’s vibrant ethnic communities with multicultural food, dance and festivities. All attendees will be encouraged to take advantage of the culturally sensitive diabetes and heart health screenings, risk assessments and counseling. Admission is free.

The event is organized by the Minority Health Program of the City of Portland’s Health and Human Services Department, Public Health Division in partnership with Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center (MMC). Screenings will be conducted by the Maine Heart Center and the MMC National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP); and interpreters for more than twelve different languages will be available. At least eight hundred community members attend the fair and notable local health providers provide assessment services, answer questions and distribute health information on specific health issues facing these communities. Following the event, community health outreach workers will follow-up with attendees to connect individuals without a primary care service provider to this needed service. All Portland area multicultural communities are encouraged to come, enjoy, dance, learn and participate in the screenings – you won’t be disappointed.

For more information, contact Dr. Bankole, A. K at 207-874-8773, or via email bak@portlandmaine.gov.

When: Saturday May 21, 2011
Noon to 6:00 PM
Where: Portland Exposition Building
239 Park Avenue, 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

Bathroom Makeover tips

Bathrooms have long surpassed their utilitarian status to become somewhat of a destination space. A guest bath is likely to be seen by many, while the master in many homes has come to rival a luxury spa. Whether you plan to perk up your powder room or make over your master bath, there are a variety of decisions to be made and directions in which to go. Look no further than the latest trends for inspiration. They just might make you embrace a new style for a change.

Read more here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_MAY_11_01/18979/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

Arts District Condo

Convenient location near Downtown, Old Port & Arts District - this condo has hardwood floors, newer kitchen & bath and parking.

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

No Trash Collection for Memorial Day

No Trash Collection for Memorial Day


The Department of Public Services Solid Waste crews will not collect trash or recycling on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. Residents who normally receive collection services on Monday will have their trash and recycling collected the Saturday before, May 28th. Residents of Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island and Cliff Island will have their recycling and trash collection the following day, Tuesday, May 31st. 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 Memorial Day as well, and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 31, 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

Bathroom revitalization

Does your bath need a simple coat of paint, some colorful accessories, and a new faucet to bring it into the twenty-first century? Or is it completely outdated or seriously nonfunctional? Is it unsafe because there are no anti-scalding valves? Is there mold or mildew damage or evidence of leaks? Major concerns like these may demand a partial or complete renovation rather than just a few cosmetic touches.
Read the entire article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_MAY_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

Scarborough SHOW PLACE

Remarkable well maintained home w/flexible floor plan.Home offers 2 great rms w/cathedral ceilings & fireplaces,formal living & dining rms, lrg country ktchn, sunroom, master suite.Updated systems.Professionally landscaped grounds w/pool A REAL SHOW PLACE

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

Delightful 3 story townhouse in Portland

Delightful 3 story townhouse with all the upgrades, hardwood floors, large living/dining room w/gas fireplace, large eat-in kitchen. 2nd floor offers 3 bedrooms, master w/spacious bath, den, 3rd floor bonus room. 2 car garage, radiant heat, central air.

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

Historic 1914 Marlborough Condominium

Historic 1914 Marlborough Condominium offering gracious living intown,steps to The Arts district, Restaurants & Coffee Shops.This well decorated condo has large lvrm, formal dnrm, eat-in kitchen,2 bdrms,grand foyer & halls, rare "birdcage" elevator.

Watch the visual tour here: http://tour.previsite.com/D368CDE5-091D-16CB-F1DA-045A8B2DD516

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

Portland Green Space Gathering tonight

Green Space Gathering


Next week, the Portland Parks Commission will host its second annual city-wide parks forum, a Green Space Gathering. The public is invited to learn about the wide variety of green spaces within the city, efforts underway by the city and citizen groups to improve the parks and opens spaces, opportunities available to the public to get involved, and ways to start a community organization to adopt-a-park/spot in the city. The forum will also include a public discussion where members of the community can pose questions or provide feedback on their favorite park or open space to a panel of city staff and organization representatives.



Representatives from various neighborhood associations, the Friends of Deering Oaks, Friends of Eastern Promenade, the Friends of Capisic Pond Park, the Land Bank Commission, Spirits Alive, Peaks Island Community Garden, and Portland Trails will be on hand to talk about their organization and answer any questions.



The Green Space Gathering presents an excellent opportunity for neighborhoods and members of the public to work with the city through its Adopt-A-Park/Spot program to help maintain these areas. The Adopt-A-Spot/Park Program is designed to promote partnerships between Portland and its residents to maintain litter free neighborhoods, streets, and parks. The city provides the materials for the clean up including trash bags, gloves, rakes, and bark mulch as well as takes away any of the refuse collected and the organization or volunteers provide the labor.



For more information about the Parks Commission and the Green Space Gathering, visit http://greenspacegathering.blogspot.com/. To RSVP or reserve a table at the event, contact Melissa Graffam at mag@portlandmaine.gov or 874-8823.



When: Thursday, May 12, 2011

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Merrill Rehearsal Auditorium, Myrtle 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

Portland Rec Dept

Pick up you recreation guide


Portland Recreation has released its Spring and Summer Program Guide, which includes information on programs such as summer camps and activities for children and teens, adult fitness and athletic leagues, and aquatic programs for all ages. These fun and affordable programs are great option for families looking for ways to enjoy the summer without breaking the bank. From Little Shin Kickers Soccer for four and five year olds ($26 for four weeks) to a First Serve Tennis Clinic for five to seven year olds ($32.50 for five week session) to Camps Play All Day Long or Camp Xperience for kindergarten through 4th graders ($150 per week), Portland Recreation has a program for children of all ages. Adults looking for fun activities can try out Zumba fitness classes ($10 per class), take yoga classes ($9 per class), or enjoy a summer swim at the Kiwanis pool ($1 for children, $4 for adults).



The Spring-Summer guides are available at the following locations:



Portland Parks & Recreation Offices, 134 Congress Street

City Hall (1st floor Rotunda)

East End Community Center, Reiche Community Center and Riverton Community Center

All Portland Public Libraries



You can also access the guide online at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/azparks.pdf . For more information about Portland Recreation programs available, call 756-8275 or email vla@portlandmaine.gov.
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

Public Meeting May 12 to discuss Forest Avenue

Public Meeting May 12 to discuss Forest Avenue


In May, the City of Portland and members of the Transforming Forest Avenue Public Advisory Committee will host a walk of Forest Avenue between Park Avenue and Woodford’s Corner followed by a public meeting to discuss issues and challenges faced by local businesses, residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along this busy roadway. Forest Avenue is a critical transportation and development corridor linking the peninsula with I-295 and the city’s downtown with off-peninsula neighborhood centers with the section between Park Avenue and Woodford’s Corner home to a wide variety of uses including the University of Southern Maine, Oakhurst Dairy, the city’s largest grocery story and attractive residential neighborhoods. Over time, auto-oriented land uses have begun to impact and change the character of the area. Pedestrian, bicycle and bus accessibility have been diminished by vehicle speed, congestion and a lack of pedestrian amenities and parking have impacted business viability and residential use.

Funded by a $100,000 Federal Highway Administration grant administered by the Portland Area Transportation System (PACTS), the city, along with our partners, a consulting team and the committee will study and develop a design of this roadway that provides functional and safe pedestrian, bicycle, bus and motorist access that promotes business and residential activity.
For more information about the committee and the study, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/forestave.htm
When: May 12, 2011
4:30 PM - Site walk starting in front of the Glickman Library on Forest Avenue

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Public Meeting
Where: USM Abromson Center. Room 109/110
Bedford Street, 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

Birdwatching event

Warbler Week Coming in May


Next month, Maine Audubon staff will lead bird watching walks through two popular migratory spots in Portland. Walks will be offered at Evergreen Cemetery Woods and Capisic Pond, two of the best places in southern Maine to get a close look at migrating songbirds--particularly warblers. It’s possible to see more than twenty warbler species in a single morning, including the hard-to-find Cape May, bay-breasted, mourning, and Tennessee warblers. Southern "overshoots" (worm-eating, yellow- throated, hooded, or cerulean) can also be found at the parks this time of year. The walks are open to the public, all skill levels, and free to members of Maine Audubon. Non-members are asked to make a $5 donation to the organization for the guided tour. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides. For more information about Warbler Week, visit http://habitat.maineaudubon.org/articles/Warbler-Weeks-at-Evergreen-Cemetery/998/
 
Evergreen Cemetery Woods Walks:
Monday, May 9-Thursday, Maine 19 at 7:00 AM
Meet in the back of the cemetery by the kiosk at the southwest end of the ponds
Capisic Pond Trail
May 13 and 20
7:00 AM
Walks will begin at the Macy Street entrance.

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

NORWEGIAN EGGS

NORWEGIAN EGGS


Servings: 4 large or 8 small servings

Cook time: 45 minutes

4 English muffins

2 tablespoons white vinegar

8 eggs

8 ounces smoked salmon

8 cups baby spinach leaves



Hollandaise Sauce:

3 egg yolks

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

pinch of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons water

½ cup unsalted butter

Whisk together all hollandaise sauce ingredients except butter in a small saucepan. Cut butter into small chunks and add to pan. Heat pan on medium and whisk constantly until butter is completely incorporated and sauce is slightly thickened. Keep sauce warm on low and stir occasionally. Add 3 inches of water to a large pot and bring to a boil. While water is heating, prepare muffins for toasting.

Once water is boiling, reduce heat to medium for a simmer. Add white vinegar to water (this will keep eggs together). Crack 1 egg at a time into a small bowl and carefully pour it into the water as close to the surface as possible. Cook eggs 2 at a time for about 3 minutes each. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a large plate. Cover. Repeat with remaining eggs, 2 at a time.

While eggs are cooking, toast the muffins and place halves face-up on each plate. Place a thin layer of smoked salmon on each muffin, followed by a layer of spinach. Top each with a poached egg, then drizzle with hollandaise sauce, and serve immediately. Recipe by Kim A. Fuqua.
 
For more delicious recipes read the article here: http://www.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_APR_11_05/18979/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

Help raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS in Maine!

More than 25 years after the first case was detected, HIV continues to affect hundreds in Maine, including people close to me. That's why I'm participating in this year’s Southern Maine AIDS Walk. I’m hoping that you will consider joining me for this event.


Signing up is easy! Use the link below to check out my page and to register yourself. You can make a profile and start collecting donations online with just a few clicks of the mouse.

More than 1,400 have been diagnosed as living with HIV in Maine and its estimated that an additional 300 people are infected, but unaware of their status. I'm participating so that local AIDS organizations can continue to operate their programs that stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and help those living with the disease get the medical care, medications, and support they need to lead healthy and happy lives. The Southern Maine AIDS Walk is the largest annual Maine HIV fundraising event and its success is critical to the community.

You can also go to www.peabodycenter.org or call 207-774-6877 (x8013) for more information. I look forward to seeing you for this event to raise awareness and support! Thanks!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Frannie Peabody Center
 
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

First Friday at the Museum of African Culture

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

School Budget Vote May 10 - Make your voice heard!

School Budget Vote May 10

Next month, Portland voters will be asked to approve the Portland Public School System's budget in a citywide referendum. Maine’s School Administrative Reorganization Law now requires all school districts to hold elections for approval of their budgets. The budget must be approved by a majority of voters.

Voters will be asked:
1) Do you favor approving the Portland School Budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the latest City Council budget meeting?

Detailed information about the Portland school budget may be found on the Portland Public Schools Web site at http://www.portlandschools.org/

All qualified residents of the City of Portland are encouraged to vote. Absentee ballots are available upon request and can be returned to the City Clerk’s office in City Hall from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and must be returned by May 10. Residents can register to vote in person at the City Clerk’s office or on the day of election at their polling place.


All local polling places will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more detailed information about where or how to vote, contact the City Clerk’s office at 874-8677 or visit their webpage at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/voter/voter.asp

When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where: Your Local polling place; Voters can check online to locate their polling place, http://www.portlandmaine.gov/voter/pollplace.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