Spring is in the air in New England, and residents love to celebrate the new-found warm weather with lots of outdoor events. May-June is an excellent time of the year for events in NH and MA. Be sure to mark these on your calendar!

Watch City Steam Punk Festival

Waltham, MA – May 10-12: This event is held outdoors in downtown Waltham. General admission is free, but in order to see and do some things you will need to pay for a button to let you in. Buttons are $15 for a day or $20 for the weekend and will also get you discounts at many local businesses. Proceeds support the Charles River Museum of Industry. Also, don’t miss special guest James Gurney author of Dinotopia! I visited this event last year and I plan to stop by again this year, it was a blast! I strongly recommend it.

Sheep, Wool & Alpaca Festival

Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield NH - May 11-12: Organized by the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders’ Association (NEAOBA), this event shows off the best of the best of NEAOBA members’ herds right in Deerfield, New Hampshire.  Tickets are $5, Seniors $4, and children 12 & under free.

NH Renaissance Faire

Kingston, NH – May 11, 12, 18 & 19: I’ve never been to this event but I’m hoping to drop by during the last weekend. Some friends have gone in the past though and say it’s a great time, and they recommend it for everyone. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for children ages 5-12.

American Craft Beer Fest 

Boston, MA - May 31-June 1: The 6th annual American Craft Beer Fest (ACBF) is the East Coast’s largest celebration of American craft beer hosted at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston by BeerAdvocate & Harpoon Brewery. The 2-day fest will feature 3-session and 600+ craft beers from 125+ American brewers. Tickets are about $50 for a session purchased online or $55 at the door, be sure to order them ahead online as they sold out early last year.

Rock’n Ribfest

Merrimack, NH - June 14-16: Rib-roasters, rib-lovers, and barbecuers from all over the United states converge at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for what Ribfest calls “New England’s premiere family weekend.”  Air shows, hot air balloon rides, concerts, and plenty more make this a must-see event for New Hampshire residents! Tickets are $7 online for advance purchase, $10 at gate, and children 8 and under are free.

Laconia Motorcycle Week 

Laconia/Weirs Beach, NH – June 16-18:  Motorcycle week is pretty famous here in New Hampshire, celebrating it’s 90th Anniversary in 2013. Riders from all over the world come to Laconia to celebrate the lifestyle of motorcycle riding, the friendships formed from group riding, and promote safe motorcycle practices.  If you’re coming from out of state, book a hotel room early because they sell out just about every year!

Bethany Dubeck is an e-certified Nashua based agent covering greater Manchester, greater Londonderry, and greater Nashua. For more information on Bethany, or to see her listings, visit her agent page.

Eleven children of the Mila Filatova Piano Academy, aged 5 to 15 years old, will perform piano concertos of Bach, Vogler, Haydn, and Mozart, with a chamber orchestra under the direction of David Feltner in a concert at 2 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Manchester Christian Church, 1308 Wellington Road, Manchester, NH. Admissions is free. Several of the piano concertos are very rarely performed, including a concerto Mozart composed while a child himself.

Recognizing that opportunities for very young children to play with professional musicians are very limited, Filatova organized the concerto concert as a community event where local children could perform as soloists with a chamber orchestra in a family-oriented, admission-free concert. “The idea is to inspire the children performing to achieve even higher performance standards and for the children attending to concert to see that it is possible for children to perform with an orchestra and inspire their interest in classical music,” Filatova explains. The community performance brings together soloists, chamber musicians, and a conductor from the local New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities. Even the concert grand piano for the performance is being generously provided by Darrell’s Music Hall in Nashua, NH.

The children performing have collectively won many prizes in state, national, and international piano competitions – many have performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall and across Europe. They include in alphabetical order (age, hometown): Angela Dow (13, Manchester, NH), George Kiu (9, Tyngsboro, MA), Kathryn Ly-Bishop (15, Manchester, NH), Alessandra Mariano (9, Manchester, NH), Anna Musteata (8, Hollis, NH), Maxine Park (8, Hanover, NH), Roxane Park (5, Hanover, NH), Elizabeth Rhodes (13, Concord, NH), Erin Tellier (15, Auburn, NH), Stephen Wang (11, Hanover, NH), and Annie Xu (12, Nashua, NH).

The chamber orchestra consists of area professional musicians from the Boston Classical Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Boston, Merrimack Philharmonic, Nashua Chamber Orchestra, and Springfield Symphony under the direction of David Feltner, music director of the Nashua Chamber Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Boston. Feltner has worked with young children in the past and was an enthusiastic supporter of the project.

The program includes: Haydn Concerto in F Major, H.XVIII, Vogler Concerto in C Major, Mozart Concerto #1 in F Major, K. 37, Bach Concerto in F Minor BWV 1056, and Haydn Concerto in D Major Hob. XVIII: 11.

Concert Details:

Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Manchester Christian Church | 1308 Wellington Road | Manchester, NH 03104

FREE ADMISSION

De Desharnais has an extensive background in residential construction and is the current Vice President of Operations for Ashwood Development Companies. Her responsibilities cover all aspects of new construction, from marketing to excavation. The skills she’s developed throughout her career are certainly beneficial in her new role as a real estate agent.

De’s draw to the real estate industry came from a strong passion for working with people and providing exceptional customer service. She has a great understanding of the sales interface and construction of new homes. Her broad knowledge and effective negotiating skills are sure to bring successful outcomes for her clients.

In addition to her work experience, in the past De’s served as National Director and Greater Manchester-Nashua President of the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire. Currently, she is a member of the Rochester and Nashua Chamber of Commerce and the Granite State South Board of Realtors®.

De’s husband Mark is also involved in new homes as a builder. They have four children together, three of whom are in college. Two are studying Electrical Engineering/Computer Science and the other studies Psychology.  Their fourth lives in Boston. In her free time, De enjoys reading and hiking with a dream to one day conquer the Appalachian Trail.

De is based in the Prudential Verani, Londonderry office, located at One Verani Way in Londonderry, NH. She can be reached at m: 603-321-9260 and e: de.desharnais@verani.com.

As the list of safe skating ponds and lakes grows, and NHL hockey starts up, it’s coming time to think of where you and your family will go to skate this winter. In a state and region known for good ice hockey, there are piles of hockey and skating rinks throughout the state. Sifting through the noise, we managed to come up with the top 10 skating locations in New Hampshire. Mostly indoor facilities, these locations offer more than just a slate of ice on which to skate.

1. Nestlenook Victorian – Jackson, NH

Nestlenook is an experience. Topping out the list overall and in the category of outdoor skating, this is fun for the whole family. Included in the experience are rentals, sharpening, and ticket packages for families, and wide open skating. Open rates are adults (13+) $10 and children 5-13 $7. Once you’ve skated enough, there’s no need to leave. Head on over for sleigh rides and snow shoeing around the scenic north country trails. Jackson is located just south of Mt. Washington, and just north of North Conway.

2. The Rinks at Exeter – Exeter, NH

The Rinks at Exeter come in a VERY close second to Nestlenook. There is a ton of activity here. This is arguable the nicest facility on the list, with batting cages, rentals, sharpening, hockey development, stick & puck, tournaments, figure skating, and more. If you’re okay with crowds, The Rinks at Exeter offer the best indoor skating experience on this list! Click here for more info about times and rates.

3. Mt. Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, NH

This is another “experience” skating opportunity. Part of what brought this toward the top of the list was that the use of this rink is FREE. Rentals are available for $5/hr. Skating here is year round and is only available for free skating (no hockey or figure skating). The second big factor Continue reading “Top 10 Skating Locations in New Hampshire” »

As part of the recent news announcing Prudential Verani Realty and Real Living | The Norwood Group merging their two residential companies, we are pleased to have Susanne Kimball from The Norwood Group join the Prudential Verani Team!

As a licensed NH Real Estate Agent since 2002, Susanne covers many Southern New Hampshire towns from Concord south, east to the Exeter area and west to Wilton. Her personal goal as a REALTOR® is to provide the best service she can. Susanne states, “It is so important to be able to trust and communicate effectively with your real estate agent. I make it my top priority to listen carefully to understand my clients’ real estate goals. I work with them to provide the most current data on market conditions so they can make the best choices along the way. Together, with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, we will get it done.”

Throughout the years, Susanne has built a loyal client base through hard work, honesty, commitment, and a strong focus on what matters most – her clients.

Susanne is certified for relocation services in Southern New Hampshire and is a member of the Greater Manchester Nashua Board of REALTORS®. She is married with two children and a cocker spaniel named Bear.

Susanne is based out of the Prudential Verani Bedford Office located at 165 South River Road in Bedford, NH. She can be reached at p: (603) 816-9933, m: (603) 533-4447 or by email at susanne.kimball@verani.com.

16 Races to Help Keep Off those Extra Thanksgiving Pounds

Famously referred to as “Turkey Trots,” runners around the country will be taking part in Thanksgiving Day races ranging anywhere from 1-10 miles. In New Hampshire, as of Monday, November 19, there are 16 publicized races that will be held on Thanksgiving morning. Trying to counter all that food with some good old-fashioned exercise? Below are all the locations throughout New Hampshire that are racing Thursday morning.

Click for details when available. Some races may allow walkers even if there isn’t a note below. Contact race directors by visiting Cool Running, NH for Continue reading “16 NH Towns to Host Thanksgiving Day Races” »

Thursday, November 1^st marked the official start of one of the largest coat drives in the state of New Hampshire. For the 11^th year running, Prudential Verani Realty will be collecting coats from all over the state and distributing them to charities in need. In past years the drive has brought in 12,000+ coats, and the coat drive team at Verani Realty looks to make 2012 another banner year of bringing warmth to those who need it in New Hampshire.

The Verani Realty coat drive was established 11 years ago. Since the initial coat drive in 2001, the Prudential Verani Realty Coat Drive has been responsible for distributing coats to the shoulders of well over 50,000 of those who needed help staying warm.

In 2012 the committee is headed up by Val Lewis. Val is a Customer Account Manager in the Londonderry office and is handling the coordination of the company’s coat drive efforts for the first time. Val has worked with Verani Realty for 6 years, and has participated in the coat drive since she started in 2006. Val is coordinating the efforts of 7 team leaders, Steve White from Londonderry, Tanya Verfaillie from Nashua, Suzanne Butcofski from Portsmouth, Debbie Paone from Salem, and Patty Bixby, Genevieve Gheorghiu, and Athena Henchey from Bedford. The coat drive team consists of several current agents, administrators, and corporate team members who are committed to making 2012 another great year.

If you have coats that you would like to donate to this cause, there are 5 primary drop-off locations in our Verani Realty Office lobbies:

Bedford: 165 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110

Londonderry: One Verani Way, Londonderry, NH 03053

Nashua: 187 Main Dunstable, Nashua, NH 03060

Portsmouth: 111 Maplewood Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Salem: 236 North Broadway, Salem, NH 03079

If you are interested in helping contribute as a drop-off location, large donation contributor, sorting volunteer, or any other form of volunteer, visit coats.verani.com for more information. If you are a charity in need of coats in or around any of the above cities, the coat drive is open to requests at coats.verani.com/charities.

Susan turned her passion for house hunting into a profession. After successfully finding herself her dream home, she worked at GMAC Real Estate, The Masiello Group and Nancy Hubert Real Estate. She obtained her real estate license in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  She has lived in Southern New Hampshire for 25 years. Her personal knowledge of the area is an asset in helping clients buy and sell homes. She is excited to be a part of Verani Realty. She joined for the family atmosphere and to utilize the latest technology and market research.

Her diverse background in administration, marketing and sales, teaching and retail management, makes her uniquely qualified for her chosen profession. Clients enjoy working with her and appreciate the efficiencies her knowledge brings to their buying and /or selling experience. She is a member of the Northern New England Real Estate Network.

Susan is currently working with new construction and relocation, helping people move from all over the country. She works in the greater Nashua area including bordering towns such as Bedford, Londonderry, Milford, Amherst, Hollis, Brookline, Mont Vernon, and Hudson.

Susan is married to a New Hampshire entrepreneur, whose company is in Nashua.  She has 2 children; her son plays high school football as a senior at Souhegan, and her daughter is in college earning a teaching degree in Boston. In her free time, she loves to travel and ski.

Susan is based out of the Prudential Verani Nashua Office located at 187 Main Dunstable in Nashua, NH. She can be reached at p:(603) 888-4600, m: (603) 682-7573 or by email at susan.perkins@verani.com.

As part of the recent news announcing Prudential Verani Realty and Real Living | The Norwood Group merging their two residential companies, we are pleased to have Sheri Cameron from The Norwood Group join the Prudential Verani Team as the Nashua Office Administrator!

Sheri grew up in a military family with a birthplace of Columbus, GA.  Her family moved 14 different times due to her father’s career, primarily throughout the Southern states and PA.  In 1985, a marriage brought Sheri to NH.  What a culture shock to live in New England, and to live in a home for more than just a year or two!  But over the many years, New Hampshire has become her home.  She currently lives in a Colonial she purchased 7 years ago in Manchester, which she has remodeled over time, drawing on the design/build experience she obtained while working for a premiere seacoast home builder for over 15 years.

Sheri has a biology degree, and an art background, but it is her love of homes and home building that ultimately made her decide to obtain her real estate license.  The license is currently inactive because she found that working for a real estate office, assisting brokers with their businesses was really what brought  a sense of accomplishment and joy to her life.  She was pleased to first become an administrator with The Norwood Group two years ago, and now with the merger of the two companies, she has found a home with Prudential Verani.

She has a 24 year old daughter, who is an accountant with a local Nashua firm, and who is also an accomplished equestrian.  She has her loveable 6 year old chocolate lab, Sadie, to greet her at day’s end.  Sheri is a member of a ladies book club, an avid cyclist who rides all summer and spins all winter, she has volunteered for Friends of Stark Park, The Manchester Marathon, and donates to the local animal and food shelters.  She loves to cook, garden and ward off the squirrels on her deck that devour the bird food intended for the variety of birds that come there to feed.  Don’t worry; her neighbors are used to it!

Sheri is based out of the Prudential Verani Nashua Office located at 150 Broad Street in Nashua NH. She can be reached at p: (603) 889-1875 or by email at sheri.cameron@verani.com.

Veranians’ Trick Or Treat Times

• Amherst: 10/31, 6-8 p.m.
• Bedford: 10/31, 5-7 p.m.
• Concord: 10/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Hampton: 10/31, 5:30-8 p.m.
• Londonderry: 10/31, 6-8 p.m.
• Manchester: 10/31, 5-8 p.m.
• Nashua: 10/31, 6-8 p.m.
• Portsmouth: 10/30, 5:30-8 p.m.
• Salem: 10/31, 6-8 p.m.

Don’t live in one of these towns? You can check with a few places to find out what time Trick Or Treating will be in your town. First, check your local city website for information. If you can’t find it there, NH.com has a list of times available. Still can’t find it? If you can’t find the info online, call your local town or city hall for information. It is essential for the safety of everyone that Trick Or Treaters are out during the designated times. Safety on Halloween is a top priority!

Staying  Safe for Trick or Treating in 2012

I remember trick-or-treating held during the day time on a weekend day in the fall for my entire childhood.  In the last few years trick-or-treat in Manchester, has been held on Halloween evening. This has brought some mixed feelings about having trick-or treat at night, we “Manchesterites” are used to having trick-or-treat during daylight hours.  If we wanted to trick-or-treat in the evening we would have to visit the neighborhoods of the surrounding towns.  Whether there are trick-or-treaters lining your streets on a crisp fall day, or a spooky autumn evening, we still must keep safety our #1 mission during the trick-or-treat season.   Here are a few safety tips that never get old!

• Trick-or-treat with friends and family, not alone.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Check your candy before you eat it. Make sure there are no holes or openings.
• Trick-or-treat with flashlights so drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks when you can.
• Use sidewalks! If there are none, do your best to stay off the actual road.
• Accept, but don’t eat home-made treats.
• Only go into homes (even the cool haunted ones) if you’re with an adult.
• Stay away from fire while you’re in costume, especially open candles.

Athena Henchey is a licensed REALTOR® based in the Verani Realty,  Bedford Office. She covers the Auburn, Manchester, and Hooksett markets, and is a specialist in foreign language. For more information about Athena, to contact her, or view her listings, visit her agent page.

safety tips courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/ . Image courtesy of inspector_81