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From the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage press release:

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the largest residential real estate brokerage firm in New England, announced that Towne & Country, Realtors in Leominster MA has joined the company. The sales associates of the single-office residential real estate company, led by Gerry Bourgeois, will now operate under the banner of Coldwell Baker Residential Brokerage, serving Leominster and the surrounding communities in Northern Worcester County.

Bourgeois, broker owner of Towne & Country, Realtors, will join the Coldwell banker Residential Brokerage office at 4 Monument Square in Leominster in a sales capacity. The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Leominster office will continue to be managed by Fran Hendershaw…

A graduate of Bentley College, Bourgeois became a licensed Realtor in 1986 and has personally closed just under 1000 trandsactions in North central MA to date. He became broker owner of Towne & Country, Realtors in 2006, a well-established firm originally founded over 40 years ago by Gerald Bourgeois Sr.

Gerry has been a NCMAR Top Producer every years since 1993 and is a recipient of many designations. He is the Past Board of Director of the MA state CRS Chapter. Gerry has been quoted and/or features in both local and national media.

“I chose to join Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage because it is an industry leader and together we are well-positioned to provide exceptional service to homebuyers and sellers throughout Northern Worcester County,” said Bourgeois.

Gerry can be reached at 978-840-4014 for additional information. Gerry’s blog is RealtyMan.com

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the largest residential real estate brokerage company in New England. With more than 4000 sales associates and staff in 90 office locations, the organization serves consumers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.  Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, orperates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information please visit www.NewEnglandMoves.com

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Wondering what you can do in Central Massachusetts during this school vacation? Why not check out your local library? Most also have passes to museums available.

Leominster Public Library: 

Free Admission Passes:

Higgins Armory Museum Admits 4

Tower Hill Botanic Garden Admits 4

USS Constitution Museum Admits 9

Discount Admission Passes:

Children’s Museum Admits 4 ($6.00 ea)

Davis Farmland Admits 6 ($10.95 – $14.95 ea)
(Price varies depending on day of use.)

Discovery Museums Admits 3 ($5.25 ea)

Ecotarium Admits 2 Adults & 2 Children
(Adults $6.00, Child or Senior $4.00 ea)

Museum of Fine Arts Admits 2 ($7.00 ea)

Museum of Science Admits 4 ($7.00 ea)

Mystic Aquarium Admits 2 Adults & 2 Children
(Adults $23.00, Children $17.00)

New England Aquarium Admits 4 ($10.00 ea)
(This pass only available Labor Day through the end of June.)

Pawtucket Red Sox Admits 6 ($18 flat rate)

Roger Williams Park Zoo Admits 4
(Adults $9.00, Senior $5.00, Children $5.00)

Fitchburg Public Library:

Children’s Museum, Boston
Pass admits 4 for half-price.

Davis Farmland, Sterling
We are not subscribing to this pass this year due to cost to library and small savings to patrons.

Discovery Museums, Acton
Admits 3 for half price

EcoTarium, Worcester
Admits 2 adults and 2 children per vehicle for half price

Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg
Admits a family free

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Admits 2 adults for $7 each

Museum of Science, Boston
Admits 4 for $5 each

New England Aquarium, Boston
Admits 4 for $10 each – Not available in July/August

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston
Admits a family for free. NEW!!

Passes carried but do not reserve online
Discount passes on a first come basis- have a limited number. Ask at the Youth Library Desk.
Mass Audubon Sanctuaries of Central Mass (Wachusett Meadow, Broad Meadow Brook, Flat Rock, Lake Wampanoag, Cooks Canyon, Pierpont Meadow)
Mass ParksPass
Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum
Wheelock Family Theatre

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Image by Stuck in Customs via Flickr

10 am – 3 pm. 

Join Higgins Armory for a sweet competition as local bakers (professional and nonprofessional) compete for the #1 spot.  Museum guests will be asked to cast a vote for their favorite gingerbread castle.  We will have 2 categories this year – Adult and Youth (15 years of age and under).  Classical guitarist, Carl Kamp, will perform holiday favorites while the Master Singers of Worcester stroll the museum a capella caroling. Children will have the opportunity to decorate a delicious gingerbread cookie of their very own.  Last year 8 magnificent castles were on display with close to 500 guests in attendance.

11:00 – 12:30 pm – Carl Kamp, classical guitarist, performs traditional holiday tunes

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Master Singers of Worcesterstroll through the museum a capella caroling.

On-going – Children’s Craft – Decorate and enjoy your very own delicious gingerbread cookie

Higgins Armory Museum
100 Barber Ave # 11  Worcester, MA 01606-2444
(508) 853-6015

Fee – admission to museum $10 adults / $7 ages 3 – 16

Contact:  Joanne Roy, 508-853-6015 ext. 26 / jroy@higgins.org

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House Tour Fitchburg MA Saturday December 3-

This looks like a great informative time. Fitchburg is full of properties with period details and here is a chance to peek inside 10 homes. From the Fitchburg Historical Society site:

The annual House Tour will be Saturday December 3, 2011.  Tickets will be on sale at the Historical Society beginning Monday November 7.  Tickets are $15 for members and seniors, $18 for non-members  and $20 for non-members!  Ten homes are featured in this year’s tour.  These include  private residences built in the 1750s, 1884, 1898, 1919, 1940, 1948 and 1968.  There is exquisite woodwork and stonework in some of the homes and a variety of styles includeing tudor, colonial,Victorian, an expanded cape and a Cotswold Cottage.   The Fitchburg Art Museum, Applewild School  and the Cedar House will also be featured.  This is the first time the Art Museum has been part of the tour.  Cedar House was established in 1900 as an “Old Ladies Home” for aged women.  it had major renovations in the past year and is currently the home of 29 sorority sisters at Fitchburg State.    Once again, the tea room will be located at Applewild School.  Come join us for this lovely tour of Fitchburg homes!

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From the City Calendar:

FESTIVAL OF TREES AT CITY HALL

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This property features 5 total rooms, 1 full bath, 2 bedrooms, and is currently available for $1,200.

For complete details click here.

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2011 update- The Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture in Avon MA

Looking for something free and fun to do with the kids? Jordan’s Furniture rescued the Enchanted Village from oblivion and has restored it for all to see. From their site:

A Local Custom Continues

Jordan’s Furniture purchased the surviving pieces of the Enchanted Village at auction in May of 2009 and restored the vintage collection to its former glory. The surviving collection includes 59 mechanical figurines and 18 vignettes.

The Village is on permanent display in Avon, and will re-open on November 11 for all to enjoy!

Hours of Operation starting Friday November 11:

Monday–Friday	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday	10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday	11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Santa’s Hours:

Monday–Friday	12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday*	11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday	11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

*Note: Christmas Eve Saturday 12/24 Santa’s hours will be 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I remember going to Boston with my mom when I was little and seeing this display (and some reindeer too, if memory serves correctly which it does not always .

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Looking for something to do with the kids tomorrow? On November 19, there will be a live animal show at the Leominster Library from 3:00-4:00:

 When Sat, November 19, 3pm – 4pm

Where The Leominster Public Library, 30 West Street, Leominster Ma 01453

Join the Dr. Martin T. Feldman Children’s Room, Leominster Library, on Saturday, November 19, at 3pm for an interactive, live animal show! Kids will have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of exotic animals. Get an up close view of animals you don’t see everyday! You won’t want to miss the kangaroo! No registration required and all ages are welcome. Call 978-534-7522 ext. 4 for more information. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Leominster Public Library.

A kangaroo??? Too cool!

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Leominster has a hazardous waste collection day coming up on November 19. From the City Site:

Related articles

• How to Teach Children to Live Green in 5 Steps (mommasmoneymatters.wordpress.com)

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Snow is in the forecast for today, but it is still not too late to plan a pick-your-own apple trip.

In Leominster, Sholan farms is open this weekend for picking:

UPCOMING EVENTS

• PYO Apples

  Thursday, October 27 from 10:00am to 5:30pm

• PYO Apples

  Friday, October 28 from 10:00am to 5:30pm

• Farmers Market

  Saturday, October 29 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

• PYO Apples

  Saturday, October 29 from 10:00am to 5:30pm

If Leominster is not in your area, check out this great interactive map from all of Massachusetts, highlighting Pick-Your-Own Farms, Farm Stands and Christmas Trees.

Related articles

• Keeping Crispy Apples (whatdidyoulearninschooltoday.wordpress.com)
• Ode to Apples (thesevenblog.com)

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This is information regarding Massachusetts’ new law that addresses potential oil leaks from oil tanks. The law went into effect September 30, 2011, and homeowners have to upgrade their systems to prevent leaks from pipes and tanks.

This is from the Massachusetts site:

Related articles

• Oil prices rise on encouraging economic news… (avinashdw.wordpress.com)
• Heating oil shortage may be worse after late orders (telegraph.co.uk)

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According to the Massachusetts Vacation website, fall foliage color is peaking in Central MA this weekend. From the site:

Color is peaking this weekend in central Massachusetts. Taking the chairlift to the top of Mt. Wachusett in Princeton will give you a good lay of land. Some other popular routes are rte. 32 from Ware to Barre, rte. 9 through the Brookfields and rtes. 122 & 16 through the Blackstone Valley.

Locally we like following Route 119, and Route 2 takes you through some beautiful areas.  Yankee Magazine suggests a foliage drive that encompasses some of Route 2:

You’ll come out onto Route 2. Turn left to head east on Route 2. The first building on your right is home to the Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, perfectly placed for an infusion of coffee, cookies, and pastry.

Stretch your legs amid some lovely scenery on the trails at High Ledges, a 586-acre Audubon sanctuary in Shelburne. Point your car west on Route 2, take a right onto Little Mohawk Road, and bear left at the junction onto Patten Road. Continuing on Patten, go left at the next junction and then bear right. The sanctuary entrance is approximately a mile on the left, a twisting, turning half-mile-long dirt road (take it slow!) that empties out onto a small, grassy parking area. [You can see their entire trip by following this link.]

This weekend is supposed to be beautiful! Plan on getting out and enjoying it! And as long as you are out, check out our open house at 16 Walnut Court Leominster – ready to rent 2 family held open from noon to 2 on Sunday October 23.

Related articles

• New England Fall Foliage – There Is An App For That (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• Fall Foliage Hotspots and Reports – Updated (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• Fall Foliage 10-08-11 (eoghann.com)

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And don’t forget the Chili Chowder Chow Down in Leominster on Saturday October 15!

Click here to order tickets

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On October 15, let’s get together at High Country Workwear at 155 Hamilton St and sample some of the region’s finest Chili and Chowder! Towne & Country, Realtors will be there – hope to see you! Lyle Pierce will be adding a musical element.

Chili & Chowder Chow Down Leominster

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16 Walnut Ct Leominster MA

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We have written about the Haunting of Barrett Park/ Terror in the Woods in another post, but Leominster has other Halloween events going on as well.

For the wee ones, Leominster is sponsoring Halloween Tiny Tykes Trick or Treat with Musician Janice Cascone-Kenyon at the Library on Friday, October 28 from 10:oo am – 11:00 am.  Everyone is encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. No registration required. Call 978-534-7522 x 4 for more information.

On Saturday, check out Leominster’s Halloween parade from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. No theme; trick or treat at local businesses. Meet in the Walgreen’s parking lot.

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Halloween – there are a lot of things going on in Massachusetts with this holiday theme. Salem is a great place to start – check out their Haunted Happenings site.

But many of us just want to dress up or have a year ot two of our lives scared out of us. This post is for us.

Halloween has grown since I was a wee shaver from a one-day scrounge-around-the-house-for-a-princess-or-hobo-costume-so-you-can-get-candy into a huge and varied industry. They actually had to ban prizes for best costume at my child’s last school because the PARENTS were getting too competitive.

Anyway, there are literally scores of places where you can go to get your haunting fix. Check out a few of these below, and if you visit them, post a quick comment to let us know what you think.

Factory of Terror, Fall River – even the site is scary. 33 Pearl St through Oct. 31 – check site for exact times

Witch’s Wood, Westford – online special for tickets thru 10/3, open Thurs. thru Sunday nights

Old Sturbridge Village – Things that go Bump in the Night – fun for the whole family October 29

Kimball Farm Haunted Halloween Maze Haverhill MA – can be scary for small children

Spookyworld! and Nightmare New England – in Litchfield, N.H. but worth the trip

Haunted Halloween at Hammond Castle in Gloucester

Halloween Costume World in Fitchburg MA

Haunted Bed and Breakfasts in MA – we are not vouching for the presence of spirits

Leominster -HAUNTED TRAIL- 2011 – 2 Weekends – from the official city site - The Leominster Recreation Department will reenact a haunted trail at Barrett Park. You may even find out more than you wanted to know. Every year we add more scenes and more scares. Therefore, if you like the idea of Halloween in general and being spooked then don’t miss out - DATES: Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 TIME: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2011 COST: $10.00 per person

Or if you are feeling adventurous, plan a party. Local Halloween information will be posted as we receive it.

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Spooky Buddies at Leominster Public Library

From the City Calendar:

Kids Movie Day at the Leominster Public Library
When
Sat, October 1, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Where
The Leominster Public Library, 30 West Street, Leominster MA 01453 (map)
Description
Watch the movie: Spooky Buddies on Saturday, October 1, at 3pm at the Dr. Martin T. Feldman Children’s Room, Leominster Public Library. No registration required. Call 978-534-7522 ext. 4 for more information.

This Movie afternoon is sponsored by the Friends of the Leominster Public Library though Movie Licensing USA (all rights Reserved) Public Library Movie Division of Swank Motion Pictures 2010/2011 and is courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures 2011/ Rated G.

Looks like a great time! See you there?

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Johnny Appleseed Festival

Downtown Leominster on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Activities, food, moonwalk, crafts and performers! 9-5
The Greyhound Friends will be there! And make sure you catch the Beatles tribute band Beatles For Sale

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Septic Design in hand. Approved Buidable Beautiful lot. Location, Location, Location.

This property features 1.31 Acres, and is currently available for $55,000.

For complete details click here.

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