Gentlemen of the Road

Traffic and Parking Impacts for Gentlemen of the Road


Next Saturday, the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover in Portland featuring Mumford & Sons will perform at the Eastern Prom. As a result the following road closures will be in effect:



Street Closures and Parking Restrictions

The top two parking lots on Cutter Street will be closed from 7:00 AM August 2nd until 6:30 AM, August 5th. The lower parking lot will be closed to all but boat traffic from 10:00 PM August 3rd until 6:30 AM, August 5th. The East End Boat Launch will be closed from 10:00 AM on August 4th until 7:00 AM August 5th. Boaters can access alternate launches nearby including the Falmouth Town Landing on Route 88 ($10.00 for nonresident, 207-781-7317), Bug Light Boat Launch in South Portland ($5 for resident, $6 for non resident) and Portland Yacht Services (207-774-1067).



On-street parking will be restricted for the following streets from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM, August 4th:



Eastern Promenade (both sides) from Morning Street to Washington Avenue

Fort Allen Park (both sides)

Walnut Street from the Eastern Promenade to Washington Avenue

Mountfort Street from Congress Street to Fore Street (both sides).

There are a number of parking garages and lots just a short walk from the Eastern Promenade, to view a list or map, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/parking/offstreet.asp.



At 7:00 AM on August 4, the following streets will be closed to the public until 10:00 PM in order to maintain an emergency access route:



Eastern Promenade from Morning Street to Walnut Street

Wilson Street from Morning Street to the Eastern Promenade

Moody Street from Morning Street to the Eastern Promenade

Congress Street from Morning Street to the Eastern Promenade

Turner Street from Morning Street to the Eastern Promenade

Quebec Street from Emerson Street to the Eastern Promenade

Melbourne Street from Emerson Street to the Eastern Promenade

Montreal Street from Willis Street to the Eastern Promenade

Walnut Street from Willis Street to the Eastern Promenade



Munjoy Hill will be closed to all traffic at 11:00 AM on August 4th. Handicapped parking is available on a first come first served basis along Cutter Street and Fort Allen Park. Clearly marked handicapped vehicles will be allowed to pass the barricades until 6:00 PM. Drivers must approach Cutter Street from Fore Street to enter.



Schedule:



Thursday, August 2, 2012



7:00 AM Top two parking lots on Cutter Street closed to the public



Friday, August 3, 2012



10:00 PM: Cutter Street and parking lots closed to the public (except for boat launch traffic)



Saturday, August 4, 2012



7:00 AM: East End Parking restrictions go into effect.



Internal street closures (those bordering the Eastern Promenade)



10:00 AM East End Boat Launch closed to the public



11:00 AM Munjoy Hill closed to traffic



Box office opens



Noon: Doors to festival area open

2:00 PM Festival starts

9:00 PM Festival ends
 
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 International 5k Road Race - Save the Date

SAVE THE DATE


Sunday, Oct 14th, 2012

Dear Internationalites,

The Reiche International 5k Road Race Will be 5 Years Old on October 14th, 2012!

We're almost ready for kindergarten!

The 2012 Costume Theme is...

Nursery Rhymes, Fairy Tales and Fables

Register now and start planning your team and costume(s)!

Join us for a beautiful 5 kilometer run through Portland's scenic West End neighborhood at the peak of the fall season. The race supports Maine's most ethnically diverse school, Reiche Elementary, by funding enrichment programs aimed at physical activity and inclusion.

We will again feature a centipede division—open to three or more closely attached runners.

As Always, participants are invited to wear a costume and walkers are welcome!

Check out this year's list of incredible race sponsors and click on their link to check out what great products and services each brings to our neighborhood!

http://www.reicheinternational.com/
 
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

Walking Tour of Evergreen

New Walking Tour this Sunday at Evergreen Cemetery


This Sunday, the Friends of Evergreen will host a preview of a new artist’s Walking Tour of Evergreen Cemetery. The hour-long tour will feature a discussion of many well-known and less well known individuals involved in the flowering of the arts in the Portland area in the 19th and early 20th century. From Mildred Burrage, B. Paul Akers, and Charles F. Kimball, to lesser known musicians, journalists, furniture makers and silversmiths, this tour has something for everyone. The cost for the tour is $7/$5 for members, children under 12 are free and are weather permitting.



At 239 acres, Evergreen Cemetery is the location of the city’s largest urban forest and is a sanctuary for various wildlife and migratory birds. The cemetery’s origins date back to 1851 when the city purchased fifty-five acres at Steven’s Plain to meet the needs of the community’s rapidly growing population and diminishing available space at the Eastern and Western Cemeteries. Designed by civil engineer Charles Howe, the Victorian garden cemetery was developed as both a sacred place for memorializing the dead and a green space that could be enjoyed by residents. Carriage roadways and walking paths lead to ponds, bridges and various family burial plots often featuring a central monument as focal point. Greeting visitors as they enter the cemetery, the Wilde Memorial Chapel was designed as a mortuary chapel by Mary Ellen Lunt Wilde in honor of her husband Samuel Wilde in 1902. Today the chapel is the location for funerals, weddings, lectures and other community events.



Maps of various points of interest and walking trails are available at the Evergreen Cemetery’s main office and online http://www.friendsofevergreen.org/.



When: Sunday, July 29, 2012



2:00 PM



Where: Information/Visitor’s Center

Evergreen Cemetery, 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

Join us for the First Friday Artwalk August 3, 2012

Earlier this year, 5 artists from Maine were featured in the "On the Wall / Off the Wall" fiber art exhibit in Marco Island, Florida. This August, artists from Marco Island will be featured in "Maine-ly Marco" at the Gallery at Harmon's & Barton's as a collaboration between artists from the 2 states. The August work is comprised primarily of oils on canvas and features 9 women artists focused on telling their stories within their art work.


Gallery - Harmon's & Barton's 584 Congress Street Portland Maine 04101 207.774.5946 www.harmonsbartons.com

Exhibit - "Maine-ly Marco"

Times - First Friday Aug 3rd 5-8 pm - WCSH6 Sidewalk Art Festival Saturday 8/25 - exhibit and sale through August - Gallery open 8 - 5 Mon - Fri, Sat 8-3, Sunday and evenings by appointment

Artists - Inez Hudson, Carolyn Burger, Jo-Ann Sanborn, Cathy Demko, Sandi Johnson, Bonnie Coleman, Wanda Coady, Tara O'Neil, Betty Newman
 
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

Riverside Golf Course Meeting

Public Meeting to Discuss Riverside Golf Course

Next week, the City of Portland and the National Golf Foundation (NGF) Consulting will host a public meeting to gather feedback on the Riverside Municipal Golf Course. The NGF has been hired by the city to assess the management of the public golf course and help identify opportunities for improvement. The management review is designed to ensure that the public is provided with a great golf experience and remarkable customer service. At the meeting, consultants with NGF will provide a brief update on their scope of work and work to date. The meeting is also an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on golf course operations, suggestions for how to better market the course to the public, potential capital improvement needs and other ideas to improve the golfers’ experience. Additionally, the public is encouraged to weigh in on winter operations and off-season uses at the golf course.

The public meeting follows the release of a survey by NGF designed to help gauge opinions and attitudes about the Riverside Golf Course from its loyal customers. Golfers who have played at the Riverside Golf Course at least one time in the last twelve monthsare encouraged to complete a customer satisfaction survey online at http://ngfgolfsat.com/cgi/start.asp?SC=riversidemuni.

First opened by the City of Portland in 1932, the Riverside Golf Course was expanded to eighteen holes using Workers Progress Administration funding in 1937. In 1961, the city purchased twenty-five acres adjoining the course for use as a practice and driving range. Designed by legendary architect Geoffrey Cornish, the South Course, which opened in 1969, 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, and trees, golfers can test their abilities at either the 6,406-yard 18-hole North Course or the adjacent South Course, a 9-hole layout over 2,900 yards.

For 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.

When:                  Wednesday, July 25, 2012

                             6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where:                 City Council Chambers, City Hall

                              389 Congress 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

Sebago Waterfront Estate

Exceptional lake front estate recently reduced to a value that is far below replacement cost This property must not be over looked at this price!

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

4th Annual Sgt. Johnsey & Sgt. Betters Benefit Memorial Ride

4th Annual Sgt. Johnsey & Sgt. Betters Benefit Memorial Ride

At the end of the month, the City of Portland will host the Fourth Annual Sgt. Johnsey & Sgt. Betters Benefit Memorial Ride from Portland to Naples. Organized by Portland Police Lieutenant Janine Roberts, the motorcycle ride raises funds for the children of two Portland Police Sergeants, Rob Johnsey and Rick Betters, who passed away unexpectedly four and five years ago, respectively. Motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome to participate in the police motorcycle escorted hour and a half long sixty-seven mile ride through Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Gray, Poland, Oxford, South Paris, and Harrison ending at Bray’s Brew Pub in Naples where the music of Daniel Taylor will greet riders and raffle prize winners will be drawn.

Participants can register the day of the ride, $20 per bike and $5 for passenger. Anyone interested in making a donation can mail a check made out to the “Johnsey/Betters Ride” to the Portland PD Federal Credit Union, 109 Middle Street, Portland Maine 04101. 100% of the proceeds will go to the families.

Sgt. Robert “Rob” Johnsey was hired as a Portland Police Officer in August 1999. During his nine year career with Portland Police Department, Rob served as a K-9 handler, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer, and was promoted to sergeant in January 2007. Prior to working for Portland, Rob was a Deputy Sheriff in Collier County, Florida and a member of the Army National Guard. In May 2008, Rob died due to an accidental gun shot wound to his femoral artery. He left behind his wife, Carol, and his two children, Rachel and AJ.

Sgt. Richard “Rick” Betters was hired as a Portland Police Officer in October 1985. During his twenty-three year career with Portland Police Department, Rick served as a patrol officer and team leader of the Department’s Special Reaction Team (SRT). He was promoted to sergeant in February 1999. Rick died of a heart attack at the age of fifty-two in January 2009. He left behind a wife, Jessica, and two daughters, Alexi and Fiona.

For more information, contact Lieutenant Janine Roberts at jrob@portlandmaine.gov.

When:                  Saturday, July 28, 2012

9:15 – 10:45 AM - Registration

11:00 AM - Ride start time

                Where:                Parkers Restaurant

                                1349 Washington 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

custom crafted log home

Rare opportunity to live in a remarkable home. This custom crafted log home offers open spacious floor plan, large living room with wood stove against stone fireplace, master suite, privacy of 17.5 acres with stone walls, resident beach access to Sand Pond.

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

Do you have a Story to Tell about Portland?

 

Do you have a story about the Portland neighborhood you grew up in, ponds you skated in, buildings that have long since vanished or the old businesses you used to visit? We’re collecting stories from four Portland neighborhoods, and we need your help. Did you grow up going to Tony’s Donuts?  Or chatting with ‘Tiny’ who worked at Red’s, over near where Denny’s is now? Remember the gray stone walls of the Monroe Street County Jail by Fox and Anderson Streets? Please join us for a series of interactive, place-based storytelling workshops lead by Art at Work’s Meeting Place and the Maine Historical Society.

Meeting Place is a project aimed at increasing pride, awareness, participation, and diversity in neighborhood organizations through targeted arts workshops and neighborhood celebrations. Maine Historical Society will start the conversation with historical images and details from each neighborhood, and then participants will be invited to share their own memories. We’re looking for all kinds of stories about the Portland neighborhoods: the hilarious, the ridiculous, the mundane and more!

Gathered stories will be linked to neighborhood’s larger Gateway Arts Projects through photography, block carvings, and poetry, all of which will be displayed throughout the neighborhoods in Meeting Place’s Neighborhood Open House/Celebrations on  two Saturday - September 22^nd for Libbytown & West End & the 29^th for Bayside & East Bayside.

Each workship will offer the chance for participants to share their knowledge of Portland in their own words.   Please come to the neighborhood workshop that you either live(d) in, work in, or have memories from at the Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street. And if you have any photographs that relate to your story, do bring it. We love the stories and the photographs.

West End: Tuesday, July 24^th, 2012, 6pm – 8:30pm

Bayside: Wednesday, July 25^th, 2012, 6pm – 8:30pm

East Bayside: Tuesday, July 31^st, 2012, 6pm – 8:30pm

Libbytown: Wednesday, August 1^st, 2012, 6pm – 8:30pm

*Free Parking Available behind MHS

*Maps and Historical Facts, Oddities and Photos from Each Neighborhood

*Food and Refreshments

*Please Bring Photographs to Share

To learn more about the Art at Work Meeting Place project visit: http://www.artatworkproject.us/projects/project.php?category=14

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

SUNSET FOLK SERIES AT WESTERN PROM PARK

Western Prom Sunset Concerts have begun, with the first last night. Here is the schedule for the rest of the summer:


SUNSET FOLK SERIES AT WESTERN PROM PARK

Sponsored by Families of the Western Prom Neighborhood

Concerts last approximately 40 minutes (Inclement weather… concert canceled)

Wed., July 18 7:45pm Darien Brahms

Wed., July 25 7:45pm Brad Strause

Wed., Aug. 1 7:30pm Robby Simpson

Wed., Aug. 8 7:30pm Will Gattis

Wed., Aug. 15 7:30pm Curt Bessette & Jenn Kurtz
 
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

Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie with Almond Crumb Topping

Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie with Almond Crumb Topping


Emeril Lagasse and Food Network

Ingredients:

Pie Dough:
1 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
1/3 cup lard
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

The rest:
7 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 pounds fresh rhubarb, root ends trimmed, peeled, and cut 1/4-inch thick
2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup rum
1 cup sliced almonds
8 scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Directions for the pie dough:

In a mixing bowl combine the flour and salt. Add the lard and work it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together when pressed. Form the dough a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll the chilled disk on a lightly floured work surface into a 12-inch round. Fit it into a 10-inch pie plate, fold and crimp the edges, and refrigerate until ready to fill.

Directions:

In a large saute pan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the sugar, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon flour. Stir the mixture for 1 minute, to dissolve the sugars. Add the rhubarb and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the strawberries and continue to saute for 3 minutes. Add the rum and carefully flame the mixture. Saute for 1 minute. Mix thoroughly and remove from the heat. Cool the filling.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and sliced almonds. Using your hands, blend well, until the mixture resembles a crumb-like texture.

Pour the rhubarb and strawberry filling into the pie shell. Sprinkle the crumb filling evenly over the fruit filling. Place the pie in the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. about 45 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven. Let the pie cool on a rack before serving, about 10 minutes. Slice and serve with the vanilla ice cream.

Photograph courtesy of FoodNetwork.com

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

Instant Home and Garden Makeover

How to Use the Three Ps of Decorating for an Instant Home and Garden Makeover


(ARA) - Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn't require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics.

"Vibrant tropical colors are influencing home decor and gardens this spring and summer," says Doug Jimerson, editor-in-chief of gardening for Better Homes and Gardens.

Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the "three P's" of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch.

Plants

"New tropical plants are easy to grow for any outdoor space," Jimerson says. "With fantastic colors and foliage, it's simple to add splashes of intense color throughout your garden, deck and patio."

Jimerson suggests going big and bold with gorgeous blooms of colorful hibiscus that come in dozens of bright tropical colors.

"Whether you're planning a summer luau, graduation party or just want a restful retreat, decorating your backyard with easy care, sun-loving hibiscus offer a blaze of color for any occasion. Cut hibiscus flowers floating in water make an exotic centerpiece, and using the blooms as garnishes takes al fresco dining to the next level," Jimerson says.

New Bloomtastic! and Patio Tropics! tropical plants from Hines Growers, offer immediate color and impact for any sized garden, deck, porch or patio. Simply leave them in their pretty pots to add lush flowers and foliage to your outdoor spaces or grow them throughout your landscape for a pop of vivid color.

One of the best hibiscus varieties is Bahama Bay Hibiscus "Amazon Queen" with huge blooms that match the Pantone Color Institute color of the year, Tangerine Tango. Pair it with the new bright yellow Bahama Bay "Enlightenment" hibiscus and add some Tiki lights for a festive garden party or luau.

"People have already warmed up to mandevilla for splashes of intense color throughout gardens and outdoor spaces and use them to create a natural privacy screen on trellises and arbors. And don't be afraid to mix plants, colors and textures when decorating your outdoor spaces," says Jimerson.

Cool tropicals like desert rose have a unique bonsai-like appearance. Adenium Kissable Pink, Red and Blush come in eye-popping colors and striking flowers and best of all, can be overwintered indoors.

For a garden party in a pot, the new Bougainvillea Garden Party Patio Tree's multi-colored flowers bring tropical flair and a formal topiary appearance to gardens, entryways and outdoor living areas like patios and decks. To see a full range of tropical plants and more inspiration, visit http://www.hinesgrowers.com/.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest, most economical ways to create a tropical feel inside or out. Choosing a color that reminds you of the beach sets the theme for your overall design.

Margie Grace, of Grace Design Associates, and a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), advises not to limit painting to just walls. "Paint an old set of chairs Caribbean blue, containers coral red and sunshine yellow," she says. "Just remember when choosing a shade, tropical colors aren't going to fade into the background. They're going to make a vibrant statement."

An accent wall on a deck or patio painted in key lime or ocean blue instantly transforms a space. Carry the tropics inside with a less saturated color like a warm mango tone or pair a rich, intense color accent wall with neutrals.

If you want to turn up the heat, try one of the eight new Bambino and Babybino bougainvillea in rich colors for a blast of gorgeous blooms for decks, poolside, patios and porches.

Punch

Adding tropical patterns and fabrics into your decor brings flexibility and endless possibilities.

Cushions in tropical colors, throw pillows with bold floral designs and tropical inspired linens on the table are an easy way to add punch to your outdoor decor.

Use a single pattern to underscore your tropical theme or mix things up with a variety of prints and stripes. Keep in mind the many patterns that fall into the tropical category, including floral, greenery, and ocean and beach elements. Think Hawaiian shirts.

Then kick it up a notch with a new intriguing Black Hawaiian Spider Lily, Crinum Purple Dream. "Crinum's exotic-looking dark purple almost black foliage and deep pink flowers on dark red stalks is trendy and looks nice mixed in the landscape or in containers," says Jimerson.

Surround yourself with lush tropical flowers and foliage for immediate impact and tropically inspired colors to turn your home into your favorite staycation paradise.

Courtesy of ARA Content
 
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

Tips for container gardening

Tips for container gardening

Containers: Any container will do, as long as it’s deep enough for the plant (check the seed packet). Just drill ½-inch drainage holes in the bottom.

Moss-Sprague suggests snagging 5-gallon food buckets from your grocery store or deli, or asking your neighborhood garden center for 5- to 7-gallon grower’s pots — both are free. Before using, wash out the container with a gallon of water mixed with a cup of chlorine bleach to kill off any lingering bacteria.

Soil: All-purpose soil is pretty goof-proof. But don’t use topsoil -- it won’t work because it doesn’t have the required nutrients.

Plants: Read instructions on the seedling or seed packet first. The same rules for sun, watering, space, and hardiness zones apply to container vegetables.

Top 10 container vegetables

1. Tomatoes: All kinds do well in pots. Try grape and cherry varieties for easy growing -- their small size makes them easy to handle. Put up a trellis because they love to climb.

2. Peppers: Bell and chili peppers are good container contenders. Peppers can be picky when starting out, so plant seedlings instead of seeds.

3. Lettuce: Any kind of lettuce will grow in pots. You can seed directly in the pot.

4. Spinach: All different varieties really thrive in containers. Scatter the seeds and thin them out as they grow.

5. Radishes: French Breakfast, White Icicle, and Short Cherry Bell are three varieties to try. Plant 1 to 2 inches between, and thin as they grow.

6. Green onions: Very pretty and very easy to grow.

7. Carrots: Any type of carrot will work in containers -- when they’re ready to harvest, soak the container with water first to making pulling easier.

8. Swiss chard: Seed directly in your container and trim leaves as needed — they’ll continue to produce. Chard is tastiest when it’s young.

9. Cucumbers: Another good plant for impatient gardeners, cukes add crunch to summer salads and sandwiches.

10. Green beans: So easy to grow, you can put your kids in charge.
 
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

tips for buyers and sellers in the short sale market

Here are some tips for buyers and sellers in the short sale market:


For sellers:

• Short sales take longer than traditional sales. Be prepared for an intensive process, even if the bank has already approved a selling price.

• Be thorough and timely with required documentation-- such as a seller's hardship letter, tax returns, W2s and financial statements -- to expedite the process with your bank.

• A short sale does not necessarily preclude you from buying another home in today's market. There are circumstances in which sellers can purchase anew in a relatively short amount of time.

For buyers:

• Even in the case of a short sale, your offer needs to be priced near market value since a seller's bank is unlikely to accept an extremely low offer.

• Have your mortgage approval ready. Lenders typically want a buyer to close within 30 days of acceptance of an offer.

• Consider doing an inspection before approval of your offer. That way, you won't waste time waiting for the green light on a deal you'll ultimately walk away from.

• To avoid unnecessary delays, have your agent find out if the listing agent has received the completed short sale package from the seller.

• The seller's lender may not give standard credits for prorated taxes or other common items at closing, but the discount you're getting should more than offset these expenses.
 
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

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUSSELS

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUSSELS


Makes 6 as appetizer

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 pounds cleaned mussels

1 cup sunburst tomatoes or grape tomatoes

3 sprigs thyme

1½ cups white wine

½ cup French feta cheese

¼ cup blue basil chiffonade

In a medium saucepot, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over a low flame. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and chopped garlic. Gently sauté until garlic just starts to brown. Add crushed red pepper flakes and continue to sauté for another 30 to 45 seconds. Add mussels, tomatoes, and thyme. Coat mussels in oil and butter mixture and cook approximately 1 minute more. Add wine and cover. Steam mussels until they are opened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, remove mussels from pot (retaining liquid in saucepot) and place in serving dish. Return saucepot to high heat and reduce liquid to a sauce consistency. Whisk in remaining butter and pour liquid over mussels. Sprinkle cheese and basil over mussels and serve with grilled or toasted Tuscan bread.

more recipes here: http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_JUN_12_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

Happy Independence Day!

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

Madame Butterfly at the Victoria Mansion

Victoria Mansion and PORTopera invite you to a joint benefit

Madame Butterfly

with the following artists from the 2012 PORTopera production:
Eliza Bonet, John McVeigh, Robert E. Mellon, Solomon Howard

Monday, July 16, 5:30-8 p.m. Victoria Mansion 109 Danforth St., Portland 

$75 per person, tickets are limited
Complimentary wine, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres

For tickets please call Tim Brosnihan at 772-4841, ext. *810
 
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

Freeport Events

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE LL BEAN


HOMETOWN CELEBRATION

A Tribute to 100 Years on Main Street of Freeport Maine

"Join us for four days of fun right here in our hometown of Freeport, Maine. You won't want to miss a single day of our biggest celebration ever, planned in honor of L.L.Bean's 100th anniversary. Come enjoy a whole host of events for the entire family, including live music, outdoor games, food and our spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to bring your lawn chair for free concerts every evening in L.L.Bean's Discovery Park." See all of the events and more listed here: http://www.llbean.com/shop/retailStores/100thcelebration/?stop_mobi=yes&qei=595611109&qs=3062563&cid=00104507062
 
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

MARINATED VEGETABLES

MARINATED VEGETABLES


For these simple sides, each vegetable is cooked separately and tossed in the same basic vinaigrette. I’ve added different herbs to each vegetable for variation, but the mustard vinaigrette is well-suited to mixing and matching or using other herbs, such as basil, for a combination. This dressing will also be used as the base for the Olive Oil Vinaigrette in the Charred Tomato, Cucumber, and White Bean Salad recipe.



Serves 4



Dijon Vinaigrette

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, crushed or

minced to a paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

dash of hot sauce

freshly ground black pepper



Whisk together the lemon juice,

sherry, mustard, and garlic. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Whisk in the salt, hot sauce, and pepper to taste. Divide the dressing evenly among 4 small bowls for each of 3 vegetables as well as the other vinaigrette.
 
More Summertime Recipes that Can Be Easily Packed Up for an Impromptu Meal Outdoors: http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_JUN_12_05/1148/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

LL Bean Food Festival

Come Celebrate great food from local Maine restaurants. Sample all kinds of delicious dishes, pick up some helpful cooking tips for your own kitchen and watch lively competitions among top chefs from the area. Plus, enjoy special savings on timeless items to spruce up your home or camp.

Freeport Maine July 14th 2012

https://100.llbean.com/event/food-festival/?page=&sort=date_asc&old=hide&region[]=&type[]=65844&events_month=2012-7

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

New Department of Environmental Protection

NOTICE OF AGENCY RULE-MAKING FINAL ADOPTION:  Effective 6/8/12, there is a new rule which has been adopted by DEP, under chapter 305, Permit by Rule Standards (Rule number 2012-146).  The rule will allow (subject to PBR application and approval) new development in moderate value inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat provided the development is located at least 150 feet back from the wetland and occupies no more than 20% of the lot within the habitat.  This type of development is now eligible for Permit by Rule.  Additional information is available at http://www.maine.gov/dep/rules/#318111  Contact: Mike Mullen Mike.Mullen@maine.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