http://www.bainmortgage.com/MortgageMarketWeekInReview & Daily Mortgage News Advisory  http://www.bainmortgage.com/DailyRateLockAdvisory     Newsletter-April 18th, 2011 Provided by Dana Bain  &  Robin Dunbar Bain Dana BainPremiere Mortgage Services11 Malvern Hill RoadSterling, MA 01564Phone: (978) 422-2311Fax: (978) 422-2313E-Mail: dana@bainmortgage.com     Market CommentMortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. The data was mixed. The headline retail sales figure was slightly weaker than expected while the ex-autos figure was higher than expected. Producer prices rose 0.7%, weaker than the expected 1% increase however the core, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose a higher than expected 0.3%. Tame core consumer inflation data Friday mor... 04/18/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - see footloose at Wachusett High School in Holden.  The week end my family has been waiting for is finally here.  This is the three performance of footloose at Wachusett High school.  Leanne, my oldest, has been waiting so that she can see the show and say hi to all her friends who are still at school.  Bobby and I have been waiting to see the play and enjoy my daughter, Sarah in the performance.  Sarah, well Sarah has been working hard at the rehearsals and its time to raise the curtain.  Don’t miss Footloose, the musical this weekend in the WRHS Auditorium.  Tickets are available now at the main office or at the door for all 3 performances.  Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.  Adults, $15.  Students and Senior Citizens $12. And ... 04/09/2011

  365 things to do in Worcester County - Celebrate coming to America Day.  Many of you are celebrating St. Patrick's day today, March 17, 2011.  And it is a wonderful and worthy holiday.  St. Patrick did a great thing for the Irish people.  He got rid of all the rats who have been infesting the "Greene Isle".  My family is a little different.  On March 17, we celebrate coming to America Day. Over 30 years ago, my family and I left the Soviet Union and on March 17, 1979 we arrived in New York.  We were finally in our new home – America.  Little did I realize how lucky I was, to come to this wonderful country.  Now that I am quite a bit older, I realize how serendipitous, coming to America on St. Patrick ’s Day really is.   Being in the Real Estate industry for almost two decades, I reali... 03/17/2011

The Town of Holden is a small suburban community located in central Massachusetts just south of the Wachusett Mountain ski area and west of the City of Worcester.  Holden is a residential town with a limited business district and one industrial park off of the main street, which is Route 122A.  The town is governed by an elected five member board of selectmen and an appointed town manager and is known for its forward thinking management philosophies. For more information on Holden Ma view the link: www.townofholden.net  Holden, Ma. Real Estate Market Report Single Family Homes Only Last 6 Months Hillview Realty/Dennis Duvernay All Stats Pulled From Local MLS    Total Active Listings ... 107      Average Days on Market ... 217 Lowest Price ... $109,900         Highest Price ... $1,250,00... 03/08/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester - Attend a science fair at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden.  Wachusett High School in Holden has fantastic programs and encourages it's students to do extracurricular activities.  One of the better known programs is the schools participation in the Science Seminar program.  Wachusett is cellebrating it's 52nd year in the program. The Program consists of a mentor relationship between the high school students and the scientists who volunteer.  Every Tuesday night in the fall and winter, this group of dedicated young adults and experienced pedagogues, gather and present and discuss relevant topics. I guess you could say that my daughter Sarah is carrying on a tradition of being involved in the Science seminar program and the science fair.  Some twenty... 03/03/2011

The town of Holden maintains a small-town charm. The land where the town common now sits, was donated by a prominent patriot and the first governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock. Originally a rural farming area, Holden has grown into a prosperous, community-spirited municipality. Holden is in the 01520 zip code and 508 area code.Founded: 1741Population: 16,608Size: 35 sq. milesSchools:http://www.city-data.com/school/Holden-Massachusetts.htmlWebsite:www.thetownofholden.com Looking to buy or sell a home in Holden? Give me a call! 01/28/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - install insulated Garage doors in Holden.  Today is truly the coldest day of the year.  My computer said it's -3 F, but I think that I saw -17F this morning.  What a perfect day to do everything I can to keep my home insulated.  As it happens, my garage doors came off the tracks.  Well, my husband's side broke first, but when mine broke, well, that's that.  Something has got to be done.  Last Thursday, Kevin Bruso, a garage door installer, came out to take a look at my doors.  He told me that they are "builder's grade" and meant to last 12 to 15 years.  Since my home will be 12 years next month, I was convinced he knew what he was talking about.  He also showed me how flimsy they were, you can see light through the sides and there is very little in... 01/24/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - Family reading night in Holden - In expectation of a huge snow storm, my family buckled down after getting firewood closer to the house and grabbing a few groceries at the store.  The snow did not come until after dark so it was a fairly lazy afternoon of family games and chores. The highlight of the evening was an hour of reading which we do once in a while.  We gather in the living room, My husband, Bobby starts a fire in the fireplace, Sarah, my yongest, roasts marshmallows and Leanned does a puzzle while I put business cards on calendars I will be sending out next week   This is the time where the four of us take turns reading a book out loud for the family to enjoy.  In today's world of high tech, I suppose it is a bit old fashioned.  But the ... 12/26/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - entertain friends for the Holidays.  Today was a very busy day for me.  I ran out this morning and went shopping at Sam's.  I bought all kinds of yummy food.  I got Tackitos, a Mexican rolled up corn taco filled with chicken and cheese.  I got Spinocolli, spinach and cheese filled filo dough.  All kinds of finger foods filled my carriage. In the afternoon, I ran home and cleaned the house.  My husband and I changed some lightbulbs, we did the dishes, I washed the floors.  My husband started the fire in the fireplace. Our fist guest arrived shortly after 5:00 pm.  We had may be 20 people and as always, people gathered in the kitchen.  Isn't it funny how we have these gigantic living rooms but people feel more at home in the Kitchen.  This is why whe... 12/17/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - enjoy a holiday concert at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden.  This is the part that refers to "good Cheer".  We've mentioned holiday lights, we mentioned holiday cooking.  Now we are on to Holiday concerts.  I had the privilege to enjoy a holiday concert at Wachusett Regional High School yesterday. The first part was mesmerizing.  An all female chorus comes out in total darkness with a single lit candle each.  The acoustics were so fantastic that you felt the melodious voices surround you.  This feeling is so hard to describe so I better take you there: The concert proceeded with many musical numbers, both vocal and instrumental to celebrate the season.  I especially like this Hanukkah song.  It is less known but just as festive, enjoy: If ... 12/15/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - learn to make Latkes for Hanukkah.  Even if you are not celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, it is still cool to learn how to make a holiday favorite.  I'm a foodie so I love to eat.  There is nothing better than comfort food.  I put Latkes in that category.   Latkes are fried potato pancakes.  They are easy to make and even though there are variations on the recipe, the idea is the same.  Take 4-6 large potatoes and shred them in a food processor or by hand.  By hand might take you the whole 8 days, so if you want to enjoy them during the "festival of lights", I suggest the food processor.  Add two eggs, a bit of milk, a cup of flour and salt and spices to taste.   That's all. Mix the ingredience, fry it up and enjoy.  Watch the video below... 12/06/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - See "And then there were none" at Wachusette Regional High School in Holden  Got Plans this week end?  Nothing to do, you say?  Well I have a sugestion for you.  Why not support your local school and see a murder mystery?  I know where, when, and how.  Who:  The Theater Company at Wachusett Regional High School        Director: Dave Bronson        Technical Director:  Dave Plante        Producers:  Mary Kay Fox and Mimi Paquette        Stage Manager:  Sarah Becker        House Manager:  Caitlin LaheyWhat:  Proudly Present         And Then There Were None        by Agatha ChristieWhy:  Muder and MayhemWhere:  Wachusett Regional High School Auditorium, 1401 Main Street, Holden, MA  01520When:  Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 & 20, 2010 @ 7:30 PM; Sunday... 11/19/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - Protect identity through shredding day in Holden.  On November 13, 2010, the town of Holden is sponsoring recycling day.  This program is specifically geared in proper disposal of confidential documents so that we are protected from identity theft. The event is held at the Holden Cenior Center and will take place from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  There is no charge for Holden Residents and a nominal charge for non-residents.  Cassella is partnering with the town to bring the event to it's residents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the town of Holdentrash and recycling and speak to Teresa.  Don't forget to say hi from me and make this one of your 365 things to do in Worcester County - Protect identity through shredding day in Holden. 11/05/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - have a meal at Val's Restaurant in Holden.  As I am writing this blog, I am considering if I really want to promote Val's as one of my 365 things to do in Worcester County.  I mean I went there with the best intention of blogging about the restaurant.  I mean the food has been really, I mean really good.  The restaurant changed over the menu a few years ago and since then the quality of cuisine has improved exponentially.   But unforutunately the service was less than mediocre.  And for some reason it gets progressively worse as the time for the check approaches.  The biggest complaint is the empty drinking glasses.  Of course the fact that the waitress couldn't be found to pick up the credit card, did not help matters either.  What gets me is that... 10/29/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - listen to a concert at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden.  So it is one of my favorite motherly duties, to go to my children's concerts.  Not only am I supporting and encouraging my children, but I am also enjoying the very talented performance of Wachusett Regional High School Music Department. Wachusett High School is nationally known for their music department in fact I am proud to say that the high school has won 6 Grammy awards for outstanding musical program.  I have been lucky enough to have two children participate in the program.  My oldest, Leanne played the clarinet for four years and even traveled to perform at Walt Disney World.  My youngest, Sarah is involved in Honors Jazz Choir and will be traveling this year to the same dest... 10/25/2010

365 things to do in Worcester county - play with your pet in Holden.  So Holden is just an example.  You can play with your pets in Sterling, in Shrewsbury, In Auburn or anywhere you might live and guess what not just in Massachusetts but all over the world.  Yes, pets need love too, not just your family, although I will make a blog on family game night, just you wait.  I have a zoo.  My zoo has birds, cats, fish and a dog.  I have a full, hairy house.  I love my zoo.  But I love my job too.  It's hard to find the time to give everyone my full attention. So I have a schedule.  My Persian cat, wakes me up by purring in my ear, definitely better than alarm.  I rub her belly and give her lots of affection.  My next chore is my blue and gold macaw, I make her breakfast.  That's right you he... 09/13/2010

Holden, Massachusetts 01520, 01522 Real Estate Market Report July 2010 The Donna Plouffe Team - Your Reliable and Honest Real Estate Team This information is created to give YOU an insight into the Real Estate Market in YOUR area!!  In June 2010, there were 19 HOMES that SOLD in Holden , Massachusetts. This is an increase in sales from the 12 HOMES that SOLD in July 2009.Average List Price for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2009: $300,250Average List Price for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2010: $311,805Average Sale Price for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2009: $284,158Average Sale Price for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2010: $303,318 Average Market Time for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2009:  194 daysAverage Market Time for homes SOLD in Holden for July 2010:  108 daysThere were 8 HOM... 08/15/2010

365 things to do in worcester county - Holden Gale Free Library Concert - I had an opportunity to catch up with Deborah and get some fun information about her upcomming venue.  She told me that she is really excited about her concert at the Holden Library is next Thursday, Aug. 19th 6-7 pm.    The concert is to Benefit the Gale free Library and the concert is planned to be outside, so let's hope for some good weather.   The Duo, Chas and Deb love Country, Blues, Pop and Rock.  They will be preforming hits from Dillan, Beatles and other rock starts.  If you enjoy their concert at the Gale Free Library in Holden, please feel free to come and see them again at the Wachusett Greenways Rail Trail Celebration on Sept 25 at the Springdale Mill Site on the West Boylston portion of the beautiful... 08/13/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - Holden Pizza is the best pizza in town.  Now, Orbit Pizza is a close second but Holden pizza's Mediterranean is mouth watering good.  In Holden, we are lucky to have many options when it comes to pizza.  We have several restaurants that serve Italian style, thin crust or Greek style thick crust.   Personally, most thin crust pizzas just don't do it for me.  I prefer a pizza that is loaded with ingredients and bread that you can chew and enjoy and it tastes like bread, not that "cardboard" stuff that holds the cheese in place. My recommendation, when visiting Holden Pizza on Main St., in Holden is their specialty pizza, Mediterranean.  This pizza has not only the crusty pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce, but also, tomatoes, onions, ol... 08/08/2010

Holden, Massachusetts 01520, 01522 Real Estate Market Report June 2010 Every Month, I will be posting market reports for single family homes in select towns that the Donna Plouffe Team services in the Central Massachusetts area.In June 2010, there were 22 HOMES that SOLD in Holden , Massachusetts. This is an increase in sales from the 18 HOMES that SOLD in June 2009.Average List Price for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2009: $230,369Average List Price for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2010: $295,859Average Sale Price for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2009: $221,040Average Sale Price for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2010: $290,370 Average Market Time for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2009:  106 daysAverage Market Time for homes SOLD in Holden for June 2010:  90 daysThere were 22 HOMES th... 07/11/2010