Bloomington News & Real Estate

Sold! 2 Bdrm on Westside for $60,000 1019 Orris Drive, Bloomington Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:49:00 +0000

1019 Orris Drive
Bloomington, Indiana

This super clean 2 bedroom ranch on the westside sold by The Graves Team for $60,000 on March 10, 2011. The house pended after 67 days on market. Numerous updates are found here. Wood laminate in the living room. Eat-in kitchen and large living room add to the appeal. Walk-in closet in master bedroom. Close to downtown Bloomington. There is a one-car carport to the side of the home.

This Listing Pended in 7 Days! Ranch w/ 1,300+ Sq. Ft. for $128,500

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:55:00 +0000

804 Gatewood Drive
Bloomington, Indiana

This 3 bedroom 2 bath popped on the market and went pending in 7 days! The owner updated the exterior with a beautiful faux stone. Over 1,300 sq. ft., eat in kitchen with vinyl flooring, neutral carpet and paint throughout. Attached 2 car garage. Built in 2004. Located near S. Adams St. and W. 2nd St. in Westpointe

Sold by The Graves Team on 3/10/2011 for $128,500

Sold! Condo in Winslow Farms

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:54:00 +0000

This 2 bedroom + study condo featured a tile surround fireplace in the great room, neutral interior and a great screened in back porch with grassy area and stacked stone wall. The master has it's own bath with walk in closet area. 1558+/- sq. ft. overall, 2 car garage. The condo was sold by The Graves Team on 2/25/2011 for $165,000. It was originally listed at $179,900 and was on the market for 212 days before offer acceptance.

Just Listed: Townhouse with Upscale Details $144,500 - Basement 1800+ Sq. Ft

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Looking for an upscale condo in move-in condtition? This 3 bedroom condo has it all!! The quality is obvious from the moment that one arrives. The living room, kitchen and half bath on the main level have natural maple laminate floors. The eat-in kitchen has cherry finish cabinetry with high quality appliances. The living room entry has a floor-to-ceiling built-in shelf unit. The upper level has two bedroom suites. The lower level has laminate flooring with a bedroom, bath and study. There is an outside entrance with parking available. Don't miss this glistening home. Visual tour

Love to Garden But no Room at Home? Sign up for a Plot in A Community Garden!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:40:00 +0000

New gardeners may reserve plots at Willie Streeter and Butler Park Community Gardens beginning March 1.

Plots are available for rent April 16-October 31.

The Community Garden Program offers a variety of gardening opportunities for individuals, families, groups and organizations. Services provided include the initial tilling of the garden area, sources of water, maintained paths, composting facilities, fencing, the advice of the garden supervisor (if requested), and the Community Gardening Program newsletter. Communal tools are available at prescheduled times during the week. Gardeners with disabilities or other limitations will find gardening support, including wheelchair-accessible raised beds and access to adaptive tools. All gardens have plenty of conveniently located parking and are also accessible on Bloomington Transit bus routes. A limited number of plots and all the raised beds allow for year-round use, with permission from gardening program staff.

Registration and Garden Plot Rental

Returning gardeners in good standing from last season have from February 1-18 to renew the rental of the same plots gardened in 2010.
Also during this time, returning Crestmont gardeners in good standing may rent plots in the new Butler Park Community Garden.
From February 21-28, returning gardeners in good standing may rent plots other than those they rented in 2010.
New gardeners may register on March 1 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call 349-3700 or e-mail parks@bloomington.in.gov to receive Community Gardening Registration Forms (PDF 115.16 KB) and Community Gardening Contract. (PDF 116.63 KB) Prospective gardeners must complete and sign the Registration Form and Gardening Contract.
Registration forms must be submitted in person at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office, located at 401 N. Morton St. Suite 250 inside City Hall. The registering gardener can select from available plots and record the plot number on the contract.
Any new gardeners who want to rent more than one plot or a plot with year-round use must contact gardening program staff before registering. For more information, contact Robin Hobson at 349-3704 or e-mail hobsonr@bloomington.in.gov

Willie Streeter Community Gardens

Located in Winslow Woods Park on South Highland Avenue near the YMCA, the Willie Streeter Community Gardens are the Community Garden Program's oldest and largest garden area. Since opening in 1984, the gardens have grown to include 180 organic garden plots and raised beds.
Willie Streeter Community Gardens Plot Map (PDF 34.21 KB)

Code	Plot Size/Type	Cost
76503-A	Small Organic Plot (approx. 100 sq. ft.)	$26/in-city, $31/non-city
76503-B	Large Organic Plot (approx. 200 sq. ft.)	$52/in-city, $60/non-city
76503-C	Raised Bed (32 sq. ft.)	$26/in-city, $31/non-city
76503-D	Large Conventional Plot (approx. 200 sq. ft.)	$52/in-city, $60/non-city

Butler Park Community Gardens

Located in Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park at the intersection of West Ninth and North Fairview Streets, the Butler Park Community Garden enables gardeners to learn and practice the techniques of organic gardening. New in 2011, the garden includes 45 garden plots. All plots in this garden are organic and are available in two sizes. This garden also enables the expansion of the Community Gardening Program's partnership with Mother Hubbard's Cupboard by providing space for Mother Hubbard's Cupboard to maintain a hoop house as well as expand their youth gardening program.
Butler Park Community Gardens Plot Map (PDF 564.52 KB)

Code	Plot Size/Type	Cost
76504-A	Small Organic Plot (approx. 95 sq. ft.)	$26/in-city, $31/non-city
76504-B	Large Organic Plot (approx. 140 sq. ft.)	$40/in-city, $48/non-city

Crestmont Community Gardens

This season the Community Garden Program and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry will trial an alternative method of community gardening at the Crestmont Community Garden. Replacing the individual rental plots of past seasons, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard will coordinate a collaborative garden in which all gardeners at this site will garden the entire space together. The harvest will be shared by gardeners and Crestmont community members. Surplus harvests will be distributed through the Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry. For more information, call 355-6843 or e-mail mhc@mhcfoodpantry.org.

Gardening Education Opportunities

People's University, the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department's adult leisure education program, hosts a number of gardening and landscaping classes throughout the spring and summer. Check out the class list to find a class or course just for you!

Financial Aid Program

To ensure gardening opportunities are available to all members of the Bloomington community, the Community Garden Program offers financial assistance for those in need to help cover garden plot rental fees. For more information or to receive an application, contact Judy Seigle at 349-3710.

Banneker Green Thumbs Garden

The Banneker Green Thumbs Garden, located at the Banneker Community Center, enables youth enrolled in the Banneker Center's after-school and summer programs to learn the art of organic gardening. Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, a local food pantry, partners with the Community Garden Program to help educate the youth of our community while producing food to be distributed to community members in need through the Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign. For information on how to participate contact Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry or call 355-6843.

Plant a Row for the Hungry

To address local issues of community food security, Bloomington Parks and Recreation joins Worm's Way, Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, Bloomingfoods Market and Deli, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard and Hoosier Hills Food Bank in encouraging gardeners to grow an extra row for a hungry family. In 2010, the campaign raised over 40,000 pounds of fresh produce, which was distributed through the Food Bank. For more information on how to participate, call 349-3700 or e-mail communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov.

Spruce to Sell Now: Tips to Make Your Home Exterior Photo Friendly

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Spring is around the corner and so is the busy flurry of houses being placed on the market. But what can you do to make yours stand out online and in person?

1. Stain or paint your front door. If your door is showing major sun fade or peeling, buyers will already have pre-conceived notions about the wear and tear of your home. If you have extra money, buy new brass or brushed nickle hardware for it as well.

2. Remove window screens. Ratty window screens definitely need to be replaced and homes look better in photos without them.

3. Freshen your landscaping with new mulch. Black is best to contrast with those new spring lime green leaves and blades of grass, or watering the brown mulch before a showing or photographing can be just as effective.

4. Consider planting spring bulbs or planters of pansies or other early spring varieties for color splash.

This backyard was professionally spruced up with
spring bulbs and mulch.

5. When in doubt, call a professional. Several landscaping companies can give you cost effective ideas to spruce up your landscaping to give your home that picture perfect feel.

-Amanda Chitwood

http://www.movetobloomington.com/

Antique Shopping For A Cause?! I'm In!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:24:00 +0000

This weekend marks a tradition my mom and I attend every year: The Theta Antique Show at the Monroe County Bloomington Convention Center.This year marks the show's 50th anniversary and is always a crowd pleaser with collectibles ranging from silverware and dishes, antique quilts and crocks, camp blankets and turquoise jewelry, costume and gold and silver accessories, primitives, furniture from art deco to old hickory and more. It's like visiting a museum where you get to see all the items of yesteryear but better, it's the museum gift shop! A lunch kitchen will be there with yummy soups and baked goodies as well. Show starts Saturday February 26, 2011 10am-5pm, Sunday February 27, 2011 11am-4pm Tickets are $7 and last year the proceeds went to CASA of Monroe County, Jill's House, Olcott Center Girlfriend Fund, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Monroe County United Ministries, Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, Beta Nobler Woman Scholarship.

Hope to see you there!
Amanda

B365 #7 Craving a Pizza Night? Head to Max's Place Downtown Bloomington

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:25:00 +0000

I recently took my son Henry and met a friend and her sweet little baby Sadie to a restaurant called Max's Place. Max's is located on the square next to Gratzie. The atmosphere is super friendly, large booths great for large parties, live music, good range of food and decent prices. They have a family dining area and a bar sectioned off in the back. They offer lots of options including vegan friendly. Their menu spans from eclectic salads, brick oven pizzas, panini sandwiches and calzones. They have 13 different micro brews and draft beers on tap in the bar. They also feature live entertainment and open mic night during the week.

The pizza was fantastic and the waitstaff was enjoyable. Hope to see you there!

Menu

Cheers!
Amanda

House Shopping in Bloomington this Sunday? Come See Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:37:00 +0000

2237 Sweetbriar Circle Open Sunday Feb 20th 2:30-4:30

This 3 Bed + Study two story offers upper end laminate on the main level and tile in the kitchen. The kitchen has upscale appliances, breakfast bar and is open to the dining and living room area. There is a study on the main level and 3 bedrooms on the upper. Priced at $169,900 Visual Tour here.

3635 Upper Birdie Galyan Road Open Sunday Feb 20th 2:30-4:30

This 3 Bedroom + Study offers great energy effeciency features, passive solar, aggregate floors, electric heat pump or woodburning stove, custom cabinetry by Ferree in the kitchen, soaring ceilings and more. The landscape is amazing. 17 acres of both meadow and woods, backed by Sycamore Land Trust and State Forest. Priced at $250,000. Visual Tour here.

SOLD! By The Graves Team - 1207 Hearthstone Court

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:09:00 +0000

This 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Condo listing offers hardwood floors in the entry, kitchen and breakfast nook.
The flow is an open floor plan and there is a fireplace. The home has 1,686+/- sq. ft. and

has a rear deck facing a pond. This home sold on 2/14/2011 for 169,000. MLS:20103986

Incredible Price Drop on Condo!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:59:00 +0000

This Lake Monroe condo at 9327 Pointe Lasalles was $164,900 now $130,000

This 3 bedroom 3 bath condo at Pointe LaSalles has many upgrades in recent years. Beautiful, glistening ash hardwood floors upon entry are simply the beginning! Fantastic views are available on both levels overlooking Lake Monroe. Desiring a condo that is ready to move into? This one is the top notch winner! The dining room, kitchen and living room are very open with spacious windows. The Kitchen has newer hardwood floors, refinished cabinetry, storage shelves in pantry were added. The kitchen appliances include: range, range hood, dishwasher and disposal. The living room carpet has been replaced in recent years. There is a fireplace in the living room and another in the master bedroom There is one bedroom on the main with full bath. The upper level has a large master bedroom with generous windows for water views. There is a second bedroom upstairs and a bath off the hallway. The Seller has completed the following repairs in the past 5 years. Ash hardwood floors, carpet in living room, furnace, air conditioner, water heater element, dishwasher replaced, contemporary ceiling fans and lighting fixtures, 13 windows replaced, outside freeze resistant water faucet installed, kitchen cabinets refinished, shelves installed in pantry, outside storage shed, cable and DSL connections installed in all BRs, Larsen Storm/Screen door, all walls and ceilings repainted. Visual tour can be found here.

SOLD! Wooded Estate on 18 Acres for $325,900

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:54:00 +0000

This wooded estate of cedar, stone and shake shingles offers 18 acres of wooded bliss. The floorplan offers 2,000+ sq. ft. on the main level and 800+ sq. ft. on the upper level. Inside you'll find hardwood flooring in the kitchen, dining room, great room and master bedroom. The great room offers a two sided floor to ceiling limestone fireplace. Lots of storage features and a full master bedroom and bath suite. This home was sold by The Graves Team on January 31st for $325,900.00
758 S. Deer Trace - Bloomington, Indiana
MLS: 20104402

New Bloomington Real Estate Listing: LOVE the interior!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Beautiful quality and condition is found in this 1.5-story near IU campus and Bryan Park. This home has the charm and character of yesteryear with the amenities desired today. It was custom-built in 2000 The large covered front porch welcomes guests. The living room and dining room are very open and have glistening hardwood floors. The kitchen has tiled floors, natural maple cabinetry and granite countertops. The combination of cabinetry, granite and stainless upscale appliances provides a very striking appearance. These include: Refrigerator, gas range with convection oven, dishwasher, microwave and disposal. There is a large master bedroom with sumptuous bath alongside on the main level. The upper level has two additional bedrooms that share a full bath with newly tiled floor. There is a loft area that makes a great study or sitting area. There is a full unfinished basement with rough-in available for a bath. The high-efficiency furnace was installed in 2005. There is a water softener. The ceilings are very high so this could make substantially more living area in the future. The owners have loved the location, efficiency of the home, proximity to campus and Bryan Park, and the organic gardening in the backyard. Blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, cherries and a wide variety of vegetables have been enjoyed by the owners. Relax on the front porch or spacious back deck of an evening!
1014 S. Palmer Avenue MLS: 2011389 $289,900 Detail Link and Visual Tour

New Bloomington Real Estate Listing! 3 Bed + Study w/ high end laminate, South School District

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:07:00 +0000

|Outstanding 3-bedroom 2-story in Sweetbriar awaits those seeking excellent quality and condition. This charmer has warm, inviting oak-look laminate floors throughout most of the main level. Tiled floors in the kitchen with upscale appliances are sure to delight! There is a study available off the main entry that could also be used as a music room. The large living room/dining room are perfect for entertaining. The kitchen has lots of workspace available on the countertops. The master suite has a walk-in closet and a full bath. The two additional bedrooms share a full bath off the hallway upstairs. All of this with a 2-car garage and upscale landcaping makes this an enjoyable place to call home. Winslow Farms has great bus service available. Only 2.25 miles from the IU Law School. More details here. MLS: 20110388 $169,900

Looking for a Home? Come See Us This Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:51:00 +0000

From 12-2 Kathy and I will be in Winslow Farms. 2229 Sweetbriar is a three bedroom, 2 full bath ranch with an open floor plan. There is lots of cabinetry in the kitchen including a large pantry space. The interior colorings are neutral, and appliances including a washer and dryer are included with the purchase price of $150,000. Click here for more details. Hosted By Amanda.

2237 Sweetbriar is a two story that offers upgraded flooring. The plan offers a large kitchen with breakfast bar, three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This is a new listing so stop by to see the details! Hosted by Kathy.

3811 Westmont is a cute three bedroom, two bath ranch over walkout basement that offers a half acre lot. Newer features in the past five years including gas furnace, a/c hardwood floors. Click here for more details. $124,000 Hosted By Kathy 2:30-4:30

1922 Sussex Drive offers great value! 3,300+ Sq. Ft in south school district for $213,000. Great floor plan includes large kitchen, family and living room, hardwood floors in the bedrooms, fireplace, four bedrooms total. Click here for more details. Hosted By Amanda 2:30-4:30

See you there!

OPEN SUNDAY! Neutral 3 Bed Condo, 2 homes w/ great Campus Access & 1.5 Stry w/ Bonus Rm!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:40:00 +0000

If you're going to be out and about Sunday looking for your next home, be sure to attend these!

613 Moss Creek Circle ($162,000) in Winslow Farms is a neutral three bedroom, two bath condo.The master bath is quite large and has a garden tub, separate shower and walk in closet space. This unit does back up to water. Hosted by Kathy Stallsmith 12-2. More details here.

503 E. Dixie Street ($159,900) is a one owner home near the Henderson Street parking for Bryan Park! This 3 bedroom home has a 2nd family room and a kitchen with Aristocraft cabinetry. There is a 1 car garage and a large covered back patio. Hosted By Amanda Chitwood 12-2. More details here.

125 S. State Road 446 ($139,500) is also a one owner home off of E. 3rd Street. This 1940's 3 bedroom home offers a large wooded .69 acre lot but you can bee line to campus or downtown right on east 3rd street! The home offers 2 main level bedrooms plus a study and 3rd bedroom in the upper level. Sits over a full basement. Hosted By Amanda Chitwood 2:30-4:30. More details here.

2511 Brewster Ct. ($180,000) is a 3 Bedroom home with a great bonus room above the garage. There are 3 bedrooms plus a study. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and dining area. Located in well maintained subdivision with mature trees. Hosted by Kathy Stallsmith 2:30-4:30. More details here.

Bloomington Real Estate, Bloomington Open Houses For Sale

Planning on Building This Spring? Consider These Locations:

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:32:00 +0000

I guess I'm getting feverish about spring since I can see more grass than snow today. Right now we've got building lot listings in three different Bloomington area subdivisions, all offering a great location and city amenities.

The newest subdivision in town, Cedar Springs currently has 2 lots available, (45 and 46) with the rest of the phase available later on this spring. Cedar Springs is located between E. 3rd Street and Moores Pike, off of State Road 446. The whole area overall has lots of woods, a creek, and a wooded common area conservancy. The lots start at $75,000 and are up to 1.38 acres. Electric, city water, sewer, and fiber optic cable will be available for hook-on by Purchaser. Covenants and Restrictions are available for reviewal.
Schools should be Rogers/Binford, Tri North and North.

Another subdivision we have listed is Muirfield. This northside area offers estate sized lots as well and have woods and gentle slopes throughout the neighborhood. City water and sewer, electric and high speed fiber optic cable are available. Lots start right under $75,000 and range from 1-4+ acres. Plat, Cov and Restrictions are available. Schools are Arlington, Tri North, and Bloomington North.

We are also offering a choice cul-de-sac lot in Gramercy Park. This homesite is perfect for those desiring an estate-sized lot tucked in a woodsy setting just north of Lake Griffy. There are stately trees to the back of the property that will provide bursts of color in Spring and Fall. This lot offers 1.82+/- acres and is priced at $164,900. This lot has covenants and building restrictions, but you do not have to choose a specific builder. This lot offers water and electric, and is approved for septic.
All of these building lot listings can be found on our listings page. Or you can email us for a copy of plats or covenants and restrictions.

Cheers,
Amanda Chitwood

Bloomington IN Real Estate, Bloomington Lot Land Listings

Open Sunday, Sunday! Outstanding Buy, 3600+ sq ft under $190K!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:51:00 +0000

9350 Woodview Drive
Bloomington, IN 47401

This outstanding 4-bedroom home is perfect for those desiring one on an estate-sized lot. There are newer, glistening hardwood floors in many of the rooms on the main level. This home is in move-in condition. The living room is very large and has an adjacent dining room. The family room has hardwood floors and a brick fireplace. All four bedrooms are on the main level. The master suite has a full bath with double sinks. The three additional bedrooms share a full bath off the hallway. The kitchen and breakfast nook have numerous windows with views of the backyard and deck. The kitchen has Jenn-air built-in cooktop, oven and microwave, Whirpool refrigerator and dishwasher. There is a laundry room conveniently located near the kitchen. There are three rooms on the lower level that are perfect for a recreation room, music or hobby room, and family room. There is a workshop area in the mechanical room with a workbench. The home is sited on a large open lot with plenty of landscaping, including mature trees that border the property. This home has an outstanding location for those wanting to be close to eastside venues and quick trips to IU or downtown area. Listing Website

This house will be hosted By Kathy Stallsmith from noon - 2pm
on Sunday, January 16th.

Cheers!
Amanda Chitwood

B365 #6 Annual Bloomington Home Show Jan 28th-30th

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Cold weather and cabin fever have you dreaming about spring cleaning and sprucing? I long for the days where I can open my windows and clean while jamming to the radio. I long for the days of mulch piles and trimming boxwoods and starting tomato plants!

Ok enough of that. What I'm really wanting to share with my readers today is the upcoming 2011 Home Show at the Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center. Whether you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen, adding on a 2nd family room, or want to start from scratch, the Home Show will give you some great ideas. Lots of ideas and product demos will be happening over the three day event.

Sunday is Family Day with special activities for the kids provided by the Bloomington Boys and Girls Club, and a special appearance from Bob The Builder!

Home Show Hours: Friday,January 28, 4-8 pm; Saturday, January 29, 10:00 am -6:00 pm; and Sunday, January 30, noon- 5:00pm for the MCBA Home Show sponsored by the Herald-Times.

Tickets are $7/adult and $3 for children 6-12 years. Children 5 and under are free!
Discount coupons are available in the MailPak Magazine and on the MCBA website.

Cheers!
Amanda Chitwood

B365 #5 WonderLab Workshop: Build a Robot! Jan. 22

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:24:00 +0000

As if the Wonderlab couldn't be any cooler! On Saturday, January 22nd from 11am-12:30pm WonderLab is having a workshop on building a robot! Here are some details: How do robots sense their environment and use that information to perform a task? Find out at this workshop as you assemble your own working robot to operate and take home. Seating is limited, and advance registration is possible. To register, call 812-337-1337 ext. 11 or 25. Costs: $12/kit plus museum admission or $10/kit if museum member.

Also, check out their exhibit: The RED Zone: Robotics, Engineering & Design. The exhibit features a collection of seven different open-ended, three-dimensional building systems will stimulate your imagination and problem-solving skills as you design structures and vehicles, fanciful creatures, joints that mimic anatomy, abstract sculptures, and more. Some of the systems have moving parts or motors.

WonderLab Website

Cheers!
Amanda Chitwood

B365#4 The Week of Chocolate Benefit Jan 29 - Feb 5

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:33:00 +0000

For tickets and more event information please visit the week of chocolate website. Below is a snapshot about the event:

What is the Week of Chocolate?

A week-long celebration of chocolate covered events benefiting the host agencies!

Options began fundraising with chocolate in 1997 with Chocolate Fest. Running for 11 years, Chocolate Fest treated a few thousand people to all the chocolate they could manage to eat in one evening. Hundreds of people were also involved as volunteers organizing, serving, entertaining and competing for the best chocolate creations.

In 2004, we expanded the week and created the Art of Chocolate at the Indiana University Art Museum. It's an elegant evening of chocolates and hors d’ oeuvres from the finest local chefs. Oliver Winery serves favorite wines and the Malibu Grill provides a steady stream of chocolate martini's. Uplifting jazz or classical music plays through the atriums while people enjoy the Options silent auction and hosted gallery tours.

Since 2007, we have invited other non-profits to join in on the chocolate fundraising theme. We host our sole fundraiser, the Art of Chocolate on Sunday and they throw events the other days of the week. Each organization keeps the money they raise and our partnership promotes everyone's events into a community- wide, week long celebration.

Options Presents the Week of Chocolate 2011 Events

January 29th, 2011 - Saturday Sundaes on Saturday hosted by Monroe County History Center
http://www.monroehistory.org/
January 30th, 2011 - Sunday The Art of Chocolate hosted by Options
http://www.optionsfbl.com/
January 31st, 2011 - Monday Chocolate Bingo hosted by Bloomington Moose Lodge # 1081
February 1st, 2011 - Tuesday Inaugural Chocolate Luncheon hosted by Citizens Advocacy of South Central Indiana http://www.casciweb.org/
February 2nd, 2011 - WednesdayChocolate Olympics hosted by Girls Inc.
http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/
February 3rd, 2011 - Thursday
Death By Chocolate: " Murder High Class Reunion" hosted by Citizen Advocacy of South-Central Indiana http://www.casciweb.org/
February 4th, 2011 - Friday
Chocolate Prom: A Prom for Everyone hosted by Rhino's Youth Center
http://www.rhinosyouthcenter.org/
February 5th, 2011 - Saturday
Wonka’s Chocolate Carnival hosted by Amethyst House
http://www.amethysthouse.org/

Cheers!
Amanda Chitwood

Sold By The Graves Team! Brick Campus Beauty w/ Hrdwd Floors, Bsmt

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:41:00 +0000

SOLD!1125 Hunter Avenue - Bloomington, Indiana
3 Bed/1 Study/2.5 Baths/ 3,500+/- Total Square Feet

Choice 3-bedroom home within moments of IU! The character and charm are obvious as one arrives to this home. Brick exterior with limestone accents add to the instant appeal. The hardwood floors are found throughout most of the home, except baths. The dining room will accomodate several easily. There is a large family room with fireplace. The kitchen has beautiful cherry cabinetry and tiled backsplash. There is a home office, library or very large sunroom with hardwood floors. The master suite is upstairs and has its own full bath alongside. All three over the bedrooms are very generous sizes. The two bedrooms share a full bath off the hall, which has tiled floors. This home has a full basement with a walkout door available. This is a fantastic home for those that wish to immerse themselves in the numerous theater and musical events at Indiana University! It is very conveniently located to downtown Bloomington, too! Sold on 1/7/2010 By The Graves Team for $382,316.00

Cheers,
Amanda Chitwood

New Listing Near Bryan Park! 3 Bed One Owner Home for $159,900

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:31:00 +0000

503 E. Dixie Street - Bloomington, Indiana 47401

This is a real gem of a home located within walking distance of IU campus and only two blocks from Bryan Park! This 3-bedroom ranch is a one-owner home and gleams of pride of ownership. There is a large living room as one enters. The kitchen includes all appliances: Refrigerator, gas range and dishwasher. There are three original bedrooms with a shared bath. The owner added a family room dining room, 1-car garage, and covered back porch. If a person needed an additional bedroom or study, it would be possible to convert the family room to an additional bedroom. There are wonderful perennials with bursts of colors around this home as part of the landscaping. There is storage above the 1-car garage in the attic accessed with pull-down ladder. The home boasts replacement windows, good insulation in attic, and new shingles on roof within past two years. First time offered!! You'll be elated with the location, condition and price of this one.Items excluded from sale: washer, dryer, microwave, curtain in master bedroom, all lawn ornaments.

For full listing details and a visual tour, click here.

Cheers,

Amanda Chitwood

Sunday, Sunday! Open Houses Hosted 1/9 By The Graves Team

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:17:00 +0000

We are starting our first open houses of 2011! From 12-2 Kathy and I will be in the Winslow Farms area hosting both a single family residence and condo.

2229 Sweetbriar is a move in ready ranch with neutral tones. The kitchen has lots of cabinetry and breakfast bar area. It is an open floor plan, master bedroom with its own full bath, and a sliding glass
door to a patio space. Click here for more information. Hosted By Amanda Chitwood

713 Moss Creek is a new listing, it is a neutral toned condo that offers a garden tub in the full bath plus walk in closet of the master suite, and double sided fireplace in the great room/breakfast nook area.
Hosted By Kathy Stallsmith

2:30-4:30 Kathy will be hosting 1922 Sussex Drive, a spacious tri-level in Sycamore Knolls. There is a large kitchen with eat in dining area and window looking to the woodsy backyard. There is a large family room or den with lots of windows and woodburning fireplace. A few of the bedrooms have exposed hardwood. Click here for more information.

Also 2:30-4:30 I will be hosting 125 State Road 446 (On the corner of E. 3rd and 446). This well maintained and updated 1.5 story over basement has a freshened interior of paint and new carpet, remodeled bath and freshly painted basement. It has .69 acres with it and a limestone outdoor grill.
Click here for more information.

Cheers,
Amanda Chitwood

B365 Thing To Do #3 Bloomington Farmers Market

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Chitwood) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 04:16:00 +0000

For those who seek fresh produce grown locally and/or organically, Bloomington offers a Farmer's Market Saturday mornings, April thru Nov. It is currently located in Showers Plaza with a weekday location at the eastside Bloomingfoods grocery store.

The market has always had a special place in my heart. When I was little my Gramme and I used to go back when it was near the Monroe County Public Library. It was set up in a parking lot and we would wander through all the booths, walking while sucking on honey sticks and admiring black and red raspberries in green plastic containers. We took baskets with us to fill up on green beans, red potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, sweet corn and watermelon. There were also lots of mixed summer bouquets of sunflowers, dried floral arrangements and other natural crafts.

Once we got home, we sat on the swing in the breezeway and snapped green beans together into a cobalt blue mixing bowl for Saturday dinner. It was a big family event of my grandparents, parents, and my cousin and my aunt and uncle. We usually had grilled burgers, sweet corn, green beans, fried red potatoes and sometimes we got out the ice cream mixer and had homemade ice cream.

The vendors and crowd also made it a great Saturday morning stop. Betty Neal, a retired bus driver and great grandmother, sets up a booth and sells gladiolas, tomatoes and homemade tomato juice. She loves to talk about her flowers and has a beautiful clematis at her home, which looks like white stars have sprinkled onto her clothes line. At her home she has a produce stand with a coffee can for customers to put money in, and grab whatever produce they want.

There is definitely a buzz from all the people milling around the market. The market is a gathering spot for many locals, and a great place for inspiring chefs, gardeners and other artisans.

In addition to the produce and flowers, there are monthly arts and crafts fairs, music and fresh coffee and snacks to enjoy while strolling thru all the booths. It is a tradition to be enjoyed by all ages.

Cheers,
Amanda Chitwood