Monday, December 30, 2013

New Years Events Near Lexington

There are several events this year in and around Lexington, MA.

1. Science Discovery Museum: Tuesday, December 31 from 12-3pm at 177 Main Street Acton MA 01720. Make some noise this New Year’s Eve! Construct your own noise makers to use as you celebrate the coming of a new year. Help us count down to 12 (noon) with a dance party with special guest Bessie!


2. Fenway Park: Tuesday, December 31 from 5-10pm. The Boston Red Sox will introduce their first "New Year's Eve at Fenway Park," an ice skating and sledding event for families and children. Tickets are on sale now at redsox.com/newyears at $40 per person. The event is part of Citi Frozen Fenway, a 17-day period in which the ice rink will serve as host to a variety of skating and hockey events.

Fans can select a specified half hour to skate when they purchase their tickets (subject to availability) but are welcome to come to the ballpark at anytime from 5-10 p.m. to enjoy the festivities. Ticketed patrons will have access to the new 'Monster Sled' throughout the night.

The State Street Pavilion Club and EMC Club will provide areas of warmth and comfort, including free hot chocolate for kids. In addition, groups of up to 22 people can make separate arrangements to celebrate, skate, and have dinner in a private suite that looks out over the ballpark. To book a suite, please call 617-226-6888..

The World Series Trophies of 2004, 2007, and 2013 will be on display on the field and available for photographs. Fans are also invited to come  down and take pictures on the warning truck and in the dugouts.

Traditional ballpark fare will be on sale at concession stands in the temperature-controlled Home Plate Concourse.

The event is the first at Fenway Park in which skating and sledding are open to all of New England.

3. Odyssey Boston New Years Eve Fireworks/Dinner Cruise: Tuesday, December 31 from 8pm-1am at the Boston Harbor. Boston's most luxurious cruising vessel awaits. enjoy a champagne toast at midnight and spectacular views of the fireworks. For more information and pricing please visit http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/boston-new-years-eve-fireworks-dinner

MBTA riders should note that there will be no fares after 8pm on New Year's Eve.



Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Eve Caroling

Lexington’s Annual Christmas Eve Caroling

Please bring family and friends to Lexington’s 10th annual Christmas Eve Caroling event!  As always, caroling will take place from 4:00 – 4:30 pm on December 24, 2012 at the Hastings Park Bandstand in Lexington, which is located at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Worthen Road.  

Join in this town tradition that is enjoyed by several hundred residents and neighbors each year who gather to sing an assortment of traditional and favorite carols.  Children will be invited up onto the bandstand with the musicians to ring bells to the final song - Jingle Bells, of course!  

Song sheets, hot chocolate, and cookies will be provided to all!  Please bring your own candles or flashlights.   

Contact: Jackie Piscitello   781-861-8772   jackiepiscitello@gmail.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Prepare Your Lexington Home for Winter

Convert to Gas
Nothing communicates home-loving coziness like a fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, traditional wood burning fireplaces tend to lose more energy than they produce, pulling heated air out of the house and sending it up the chimney (and burning wood adds to air pollution). If you have natural gas or propane heating, consider having gas logs installed. A direct-vent system is best for new, air-tight homes; it pulls in air from outdoors, pushes it past the firebox, and sends the warmed air into the room. Vent-free systems require no chimney, flue, or outside exhaust. They're relatively inexpensive to operate, warm the room efficiently, and meet national standards for indoor air quality

Call the Chimney Sweep
If gas logs aren't in your budget and you use your wood burning fireplace often during the winter, have it cleaned and inspected before winter. Burning wood releases volatile gases that cool and condense on the inside of the chimney, forming sticky, smelly, highly flammable creosote. Allow enough of it to build up, and you run a risk of a chimney fire. Also make sure the damper is working properly and that the chimney is capped with screening to keep out critters.

Put the Ceiling Fan in Reverse
Check your ceiling fan for a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of blade movement to turn clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. Warm air rises, and the clockwise rotation of the blades forces the warm air down to where people benefit from it.

Wash the Windows
Yes, it's a tedious job, but washing the windows inside and out twice a year--spring and fall--rewards you with sparkling views, unobstructed light, and the opportunity to check for cracks and damaged caulking. Use a commercial window cleaner or make your own by mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Newspaper makes the best "cleaning rag" because it's absorbent and won't leave lint, but wear gloves to protect your hands from the newsprint.

Make Windows Airtight
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 10 percent of the air that leaks out of a house exits through the windows. Caulk around window frames and apply weather stripping between the sash and window frame to eliminate air leakage. Tension seal and magnetic types of weather stripping are durable and effective for double-hung windows. For casement and sliding windows, apply self-adhesive V-strip weatherstripping to the side of a clean, dry sash or window jamb. Measure the length you need, cut the V-strip to fit, then peel off the paper backing while pressing the strip in place.

Rearrange the Furniture
Changing the furniture arrangement is an easy way to give your rooms a new look and feel for the winter. Pull seating pieces close to the fireplace to create a cozier mood, and bring out soft chenille or fleece throws to ward off the chill. Set up a new display on the mantel to create a wintertime focal point--dark colors and layers of objects supply rich texture that adds increases the cozy factor. Some homeowners keep two sets of slipcovers, white for summer and a dark, warm color for winter.

Put Up Storm Windows
Install storm windows to reduce air leakage year-round. You can find storm windows with vinyl, wood, or aluminum frames and glass or plastic panes. Glass is heavier but longer lasting and clearer than plastic, which scratches easily and yellows over time. Interior storm windows are generally mounted inside the window jambs or flush with the molding. They're easy to install but must be removed when you want to open the windows to let in fresh air. An exterior double-track or triple-track storm window is permanently installed on the outside of the window, and the lower half of the window moves in a separate track from the screen so you can lower or raise it to control air flow.

Clean the Gutters
Whether your gutters have become roofline planters like this one or have simply accumulated a season's worth of fallen leaves, get them cleaned out before winter rains and snows arrive. After scooping out leaves and debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with a strong stream of water from a hose. Make sure the gutters fit snugly against the house and repair any cracks or damage. Many companies offer leaf guards that claim to prevent leaves from collecting in the gutters, but most don't keep out dirt, debris, and seeds, so you'll still have to flush them out.

Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Experts recommend replacing the batteries in smoke alarms twice a year, and if your smoke alarm is between 5 and 10 years old, replace it with a new one. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your house and one in or near each bedroom. Safety experts recommend similar placement for carbon monoxide detectors--high on the wall, one on every level of the home, and near bedrooms. Where NOT to put them: within 15 feet of gas appliances, furnace, or fireplace because these give off small amounts of carbon monoxide when they're first turned on and would trigger false alarms.

Have the Furnace Inspected
Call an HVAC professional to check the fan belt that runs the blower, vacuum out dust and debris, and oil the bearings if necessary. Buy enough filters to see you through the winter months and change them monthly--when filters become clogged with dust, the furnace doesn't operate efficiently and your energy bill goes up. Set the thermostat at 68 to save on energy costs, and consider replacing a manually controlled thermostat with a programmable one. This allows you to set the temperature at a comfortable level when you're in the house and cut it back to a cooler level when you're at work. Used properly, programmable thermostats can save up to $180 a year on heating and cooling costs.

Time to Go Tankless?
Conventional storage water heaters use energy to keep the tank full of hot water at all times; a tankless heater provides hot water only when you need it, which requires less energy thus saving you money. Whole-house tankless heaters are probably not cost effective for most homeowners--they cost more upfront than storage water heaters, and installation costs are also much higher and more complicated. Point-of-use heaters, however, are small and installed where you use them--at the kitchen sink or in the bathroom--and because they only need to furnish enough hot water for fixtures in that area, they can be efficient, cost-effective, and green. Gas-fired models deliver hot water at a faster rate than electrical models, which require upgraded wiring if they have to do much more than supply hot water to a bathroom sink.

Plug Hidden Leaks
About 30 percent of the cold air that leaks into your home comes through holes where pipes, vents, or electrical conduits run through the walls, ceiling, and floors. Check under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom and in the basement for gaps around pipes, and fill them in with an insulating foam sealant. Small gaps can be effectively sealed with caulk

Protect Pipes from Freezing
To minimize the possibility of water freezing in your plumbing pipes causing them to burst, wrap each pipe in a blanket of foam insulation. Check hardware stores for these foam tubes, which have a slit on one side. Just cut the tube to the length you need, pull the slit open, and push the tube onto the pipe. If the slit doesn't have self-adhesive edges, use duct tape to secure it.

Add Insulation
Check the attic to see whether you need to add insulation -- experts recommend a depth of about 12 inches. Ultra Touch from Bonded Logic is an eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free insulation made from the scraps and waste left over from the manufacture of blue jeans. It's treated with a boron-based solution to prevent mold and mildew growth, discourage pests, and retard fire, and it won't irritate your skin during installation.

Courtesy of http://www.bhg.com/





Monday, December 9, 2013

Parking Changes Coming to Lexington

Town developing an action plan to tackle long-standing parking issues in the Center


The Town of Lexington needs the community’s participation to launch the development
of an action plan to address long-standing parking issues in Lexington Center. The goal
is to make parking more accessible for all users, from regular lunch-goers to employees
and tourists. A proposal for action will be developed and presented to the Selectmen in
spring 2014. The public is invited to join the effort on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from
6:00PM to 9:00PM at the Lexington Depot, located at 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA
02420. You can also provide valuable input by going on-line to fill out a five minute

Over the years, town staff, committed residents, and business owners have studied
parking patterns in the Center as well as learned new approaches to better manage
parking. Beginning this December, the Town and Nelson Nygaard’s parking consultants
will engage stakeholders in a series of public meetings and coffee sit-downs to create and
advance an implementation package to the Board of Selectmen.

The implementation package may include new technology, enhanced payment methods,
paid parking, and changes to employee parking. Associated issues such as circulation
patterns, enforcement, and alternative modes of transportation will also be assessed for
their integration into the parking system. Fiscal analysis and ongoing maintenance will
ensure that final recommendations are implemented responsibly and sustainably.

Pre-registration is encouraged in order to provide refreshments and snacks; however,
drop-ins are always welcome. Please register at Eventbrite look for “Lexington Parking.”

Future meetings are scheduled as the effort evolves, please mark your calendars:
January 15, 2014 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at the Lexington Depot
January 29, 2014 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at the Lexington Depot

Can’t attend the meetings? Please join the conversation by visiting our online public
forum “LexEngage” and look for the topic entitled, “Parking Management.” You can also
visit the Town’s parking webpage at www.lexingtonma.gov/parking

Contact: Melisa Tintocalis David Kucharsky
Director of Economic Development Transportation Planner
Telephone: (781) 862-0500 ext. 257 (781) 862-0500 ext. 247

Email: mtintocalis@lexingtonma.gov or  dkucharsky@lexingtonma.gov 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

7 Tips for Selling Your Lexington Home This Holiday Season!

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties and events has everyone in a festive spirit!  Yet, there are those of you who may have your attention divided during the holidays if your Lexington home is currently on the market.  Selling your home this time of year may seem impossible, but there are buyers out there who like to take advantage of not having as much competition!

In fact, selling your home during the holidays can have an advantage!  Buyers get to see your home in the best light with appealing holiday decorations, cozy atmosphere and the joy of the season as a backdrop.  These elements can help buyers envision themselves hosting their own holidays in your home! 

As a Lexington Real Estate agent, sellers ask me all the time what they can do to help their home sell.  Below you’ll find seven easy tips that will boost your Lexington homes’ appeal this festive time of year!

1. Highlight the Highlights- Draw attention to a beautiful fireplace mantle with a few tasteful ornaments or enhance an arched doorway with hanging mistletoe.
2. Add Holiday Adornments- Again, you don’t want to go overboard, but a simple evergreen wreath, a poinsettia center piece or light holiday decorations can create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Of course it’s best to avoid overly religious flourishes as this can be off-putting to some.
3. Complement Your Décor- You’ll want to make sure that your Christmas decoration palette matches or complements your current décor. If the colors clash or seem to be fighting for attention, this can be very distracting to buyers and can take away from the great features of your home you’re trying to highlight.
4. Give Warmth- Just before a showing, be sure to turn up your thermostat a few degrees to make it extra toasty inside. Put a fire in the fireplace to add an extra sense of warmth and highlight the cozy atmosphere that this feature of your home can bring.
5. Go Light on the Lights- An abundance of outdoor lights can leave Lexington buyers wondering what the front of your home looks like. And, while you may love your giant inflatable lawn ornaments; it may be best to leave those in storage this year. Everyone has different tastes and you don’t want buyers to be met at your home with a sense of “tacky.”
6. Mind the Tree- While a tall Christmas tree can showcase a two story living room, be sure to be careful of the tree’s width. The last thing you want is to have your Lexington home appear smaller than it really is. Also, you’ll want to stick with a cohesive theme for your ornaments. The family homemade ornaments can be meaningful to you, but can quickly make your tree look gaudy to outsiders. Keep it simple this year and remember, there’s always next year when you can display those keepsakes in your new home!
7. Offer Tasty Treats- While you don’t want to come across as trying to bribe buyers, everyone loves holiday treats and having a plate full of cookies and candy can make the home showing a little sweeter. Hot chocolate and apple cider are always welcome and buyers will feel that you have their best interest in mind.
Buyers will be drawn to your Lexington home if you follow these tips for showcasing your home at its’ best!  Of course, I’m always available to answer your questions about selling your Lexington home, and would be happy to help you throughout the entire home selling process!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington's Holiday Festival Night 2013

* Lighting with Santa *  Shopping * Dining *
  Performances & More 



Friday, December 6th, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m 

With the holiday season approaching, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce is already busy
planning this year’s upcoming “Holiday Festival Night” in Lexington Center event. The
celebration is filled with activities for all ages to enjoy. Festivities include the Holiday
Lighting Ceremony (at 6:30 pm on Depot Square) where you can see Santa with great
fanfare arrive aboard a fire truck to illuminate the holiday tree & greet families with children.

Downtown businesses participate by staying open late, offering refreshments, hosting
raffles, and featuring special discounts. During the evening, a variety of musical
performances take place outdoors throughout the Center and within specific indoor venues.
The Lexington Symphony hosts two performances of their “Holiday Pops” in Cary Hall that night, an early show for young children at 4:00 p.m. along with the primary performance at 8:00 p.m. Children can expect visits from Santa Claus to the downtown businesses, and a good time is had by all well into the evening.

Be sure not to miss Lexington’s official kick-off to the holiday season!