Check out this open house tour that came via email today:

WHAT: Green Building Open House Tour
WHEN: Wednesday, August 11 | 6:00–8:00 pm
WHERE: Doyle Center, 464 Abbott Ave, Leominster, MA

Join us for a FREE tour of our state of the art LEED certified, Gold rated building. The Doyle Center features geothermal source heating, energy efficient building design, photovoltaic panels, composting toilets, and recycled and renewable materials in both the building construction and the furnishings. For more information and to register: call 978-840-4446 ext. 1900. Registrations are encouraged, but not required.

Interested in building a Green home using some of the techniques that you see here? Contact us for more information – we have land listings and know builders who can help!

originally from 365 Things to do in MA

Many towns and cities in our state sponsor summer  concerts on their commons or town fields. Today 365-things is listing some of these for you.

New date for Starburst 2010 – Aug. 7 (rain date Aug.8)- a night of music and fireworks. Admission is free.

Summer Fun on Wednesday Nights (Leominster, July, 6:00) (link is pdf file – scroll to page 6 for this information, although other summer events are included here too)

And don’t forget “First Thursdays” in Fitchburg – always music at this Citywide Block Party!

Some other dates and links here:

Waltham MA – concerts start in July (7:00, free)

Foxboro Concerts on the Common (through the summer, Thursdays at 7:00)

2010 School’s Out Summer Concert Series in Plymouth (through summer, free)

Hingham Evening Under the Stars (NOT free, prices vary)

Concerts on the Grafton Common (starts in July, see link)

Do you have any links to add? Please post in comments!

Winning T-shirt design for Lilac Sunday

If you are like us, this snowy weather is making you yearn for warm weather, and color.  Check out these ideas that will remind you of both!

Western Massachusetts Home and Garden Show- schedule:

-Click on their flower to go to their website. This is at the Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA.

Another flower show is being held at the other end of the state at the same time. The Boston Flower and Garden Show will be from March 24 to March 28 2010 at the Seaport World Trade Center. There are all sorts of smaller events within the larger event – check out the site for details.

Don’t want to be tied to a particular weekend? Tower Hill Botanical Garden offers an ongoing calendar of events. Its Spring Open House is April 11th, and is free. Their hours and contact information are online.

Another must-see for any time of the year is the Arnold Arboretum. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset every day (Visitor Center hours are more limited) and admission is free (donations accepted). The Arboretum is located in Boston on 125 Arborway and you can take the train in and use the subway instructions that are available on the site to find it. Lilac Sunday is on May 9 this year- this is a hugely popular event and you are advised to use public transportation. If you want to drive, parking at Alewife and picking up the T there might be an option.

The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA is another place to find color- from the native and exotic butterflies that are everywhere inside as well as from the flowers that feed them. This local gem is reopening on March 21 (call first or check site). If you dress in brightly colored clothes, the butterflies will sometimes land on you, so they say- and it seems to work!

Spring will be here before you know it!

Buyers are already coming out in droves- want to discuss listing your home? Call me at 978-537-6401 x24 or email me at gerry@realtyman.com

Valentine's Day

Here are two ideas that are a little different than the usual dinner-and-movie (don’t get me wrong- those are good too!!)

Valentine’s Day Pizza Party Dance with Eight to the Bar at the Leominster Elks Club

Have a Valentine’s Day Swedish Massage at Face It

And if you are going the out-to-eat route, here are a couple of specials at local restaurants.

The Gondola is serving a $39.95 dinner for two.

Sneak away to the Sheraton for a romantic couple of days:

Our exclusive Valentine’s Day Package is available from February 13 and includes:
• Accommodations for two with rates starting from $200 per night
• Romantic dinner with champagne for two
• Complimentary admission for two to “Chicks for Charity”
• Full American breakfast for two

Still undecided? Look through these top-rated restaurants before making your reservations.

Feel the urge to get out of town? Head out to the Spirit of Boston and take a dinner cruise- there are several different options/dates available.