Focus on The Towns: Brighton, NY

This week’s focus is on Brighton, NY.  Located within the Rochester metropolitan area, Brighton has a population of over 36,000 residents.  It boasts some of the finest schools and parks in New York and is filled with historical charm!

According to Citytowninfo.com, Brighton was first settled in 1790 but not formally established until 1814.  The town was named after Brighton, England and became a brick making and farm community in the 20^th century. 

Although it may not be a farming community now, it has one of the city’s most popular farmers markets!  And since opening day of the Brighton Farmer’s Market is Sunday, May 30^th, I thought it might be fun to talk about.   The market was established in 2008 as part of the Town’s Color Brighton Green initiative, encouraging residents and businesses to partake in environmental sustainability.  

The Brighton Farmers Market tells us more about what sustainability means: “The market aims to support farmers who use sustainable growing methods and to encourage farmers to move toward greater sustainability. Some of our farmers are certified organic, which means they submit to a rigorous, government-regulated certification process. Others have chosen not to be certified, but nevertheless raise their crops following the same methods, using no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. “  A sustainable food system is something the whole community can benefit from!

In addition to opening day, the market is hosting a Color Energy Green Fair where local companies will offer information on energy related topics.  The fair is June 13. 

The Brighton Farmers Market is one of the city’s finest gems and I encourage you to check it out! 

Focus on The Towns: Penfield, NY

I thought I would change things up a bit and focus on Rochester, NY's fabulous suburbs.  And what better way to start? Penfield, NY.  Of course, this is where I grew up and I have a long history in this town serving on its boards and just trying to make it a better community! 


And Congratulations are in order because 2010 marks Penfield's Bicentennial!  In the past, Penfield was known for it's rich milling and agricultural community and now, even though the mills are gone,  it has grown to over 35,000 residents! 


Want to help celebrate Penfield's Bicentennial? Or maybe just take the family for a night out?  Here are some June Events you might enjoy:
June
4 - Taste of Penfield - 5:00 pm @ Penfield Amphitheater
5 - Music Fest Weekend - Penfield Amphitheater
6 - Music Fest Weekend - Penfield Amphitheater
13 - Penfield Bicentennial Interfaith Prayer Service & Crop Walk
21 - Bicentennial Golf Tournament - Shadow Lake Golf Course


Of course, you can always visit the website at http://www.penfield2010.org/Home_Page.php for additional information. 

I've Been Workin' on The Railroad (Jack tells all...)

I was so excited…Dad got us tickets to Thomas the Train!  With eager anticipation I waited, and waited and waited.  With all the trees in bloom and warm weather we were having, this was sure to be the best day of my life!  Come on!  I get to see all my island of Sodor friends!  ( and there are hardly any girl trains…which I am glad about because I am not fond of girls…except Mommy and Nonna…and Aunt Holly…never mind, I take that back)

So, I am not sure because I am still a kid, but this was the coldest and nastiest day (weather wise) ever!  But hail, wind and rain were not going to stop me and my pops from going to see Thomas.  I was going to take that 25 minute ride if my life depended on it!  And that was exactly what I did….it was so fun…I think even Dad enjoyed himself.  And I got to meet Sir Topham Hat, to boot.  There were times when we were talking, that I thought the wind would blow over Sir Topham Hat and Dad…but they stayed strong.  I want to be just like that when I grow up!

I am the coolest kid ever…I got to be a junior engineer for the day.  I got a cool hat and a special certificate stating how I have completed all of junior engineer requirements: riding the train, shaking hands with all the right people,  doing the maze and playing in the “Engine Shed”.  My life is good….

I wonder what Daddy has planned for me next???

Carmen helps the Senior Citizens

I just want to thank everyone for your kind words and recommendations.  It is indeed a pleasure to serve you and I thank you for joining Rochester's future leader in sales and service.  I wanted to share with you a recent recommendation from a senior citizen couple I am working with:

"Carmen Lonardo  has helped us tremendously.  As senior citizens, with lots of questions, Carmen is patient and insightful.   We feel that Carmen always strives to deliver better than expected results, as he has connected us with third-party resources to deliver advice, guidance and a new kitchen! Carmen is a trustworthy, personable, and diligent realtor.  His strong work ethic coupled with his attention to detail will sell our home quickly and for a great price.  Thank you, Carmen for taking us under your wing and making this a very smooth process."  Ray and Beverly P. 

With this recommendation in mind, I recently posted an article on Facebook regarding Seniors Looking to Downsize .  I thought it would be appropriate to say a few words on this subject. 


Ray and Bev are in their 80's but are still very active and social.  The apartment they will be going to will have activities, outings and lots of people!  Phoebe Chongchua says in her article,"Specific items that tend to appeal to this group are buildings with doormen and onsite maintenance staff, alternate transportation such as a senior shuttle or bus stop nearby."  
These types of amenities will allow them to keep their freedom and still be able to be safe. 


Even though Bev and Ray are excited about downsizing, it is also a trying time. So, when looking for senior housing for your family or friends, do your research.   A great article to start with is Cutting Your Stuff.  Not only is selling your home a large financial decision, it can be a huge sense of loss. 


I would be happy to answer any additional questions regarding selling your senior citizen's home.  And provide additional references if needed!


Thank you again!

Sorry that is not covered....

Whether you like it or not, you will have to get homeowners insurance if you are getting a mortgage. What if something happened to your new home? Well, if you have insurance, you get money to repair or rebuild depending on the nature of the misfortune. Without insurance, you are out of luck… The mortgage company requires that you have insurance to protect their investment in your home. They want to be able to get their money back if the home burns down too. After all, it is their investment.

Here are some things you should know about a homeowners insurance policy. For instance, what does it cover? In general, your policy will cover the repair costs to fix or rebuild your home (and even structures on your property like a shed or detached garage) in the case of some catastrophe, or peril. Some perils covered are a fire in your home, water damage from a broken water pipe in a bath or kitchen, damage due to a fallen tree, or even wind damage.

Be careful, though…many homeowners policies do not cover losses due to flooding, especially if you live in a flood plain. Many natural disasters or catastrophes are only covered with additional policies. If this is your first mortgage policy, the mortgage company should tell you what type they need.

Here’s a bonus- your policy will cover most of the personal items in your home ( not including cash, jewelry, furs, personal papers). Ask your insurance carrier exactly what is covered. While you are at it, ask about Personal Injury coverage too.

What is personal injury coverage? It protects you against any personal injury claims like if someone slips and falls on your property. And , in the case of liability, members of your household can be covered even if they are away from your home.

Most importantly- ask your insurance carrier lots of questions, because you do not want to hear them say, “Sorry that is not covered” after something happens to your home, or personal items, etc. Here’s a tip- You should also touch base with your insurance company at least annually to review your policy coverage to make sure you are fully covered. In this case, surprises are not good.