Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 @ 11:52 AM
New Hampshire seasonal homes are a great asset, providing a summer getaway or vacation retreat for their owners. But they can also be a liability if they are not properly maintained, especially during the New England winter months. Winter temperatures, snow and ice can be damaging to your seasonal home, but there are preventative steps you can take to ensure that your New Hampshire seasonal home remains damage-free this winter.
Here are 9 Tips to Prevent Winter Damage courtesy of MMG Insurance from their Fall 2011 Newsletter:
1. Maintain the heat between 55-60 degrees
2. Install a temperature monitor. A battery-powered monitor can notify you if the temperature falls below a safe level.
3. Make sure pipes are properly insulated. Extremely cold temperatures can freeze water in the pipes, which can cause a plethora of issues.
4. Drain water heater and pipes, if the home will be unoccupied for a longer period of time. Once everything is flushed, double check that the main water line to the property has been shut off.
5. Remove any fire hazards. Discard loose papers, old rags or chemicals. Turn off all utilities and unplug all appliances.
6. Inspect the roof and replace missing or broken shingles to prevent leaks.
7. Trim overhanging or dead branches. Weight from ice and snow can cause branches to snap and potentially result in damage to your property.
8. Remove snow from your roof and decks. If there is a heavy amount of snowfall, arrange to have the snow removed to prevent ice backup and snow load issues.
9. Check on your property periodically. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask a trusted neighbor or hire a property management company to check on your home.
Find more Tips for Snow and Ice Removal Safety.
Although this is not one of New Hampshire's harshest winters, drastic fluctuations in temperatures and a cycle of freezing and thawing is just as dangerous for an unoccupied residence. So keep your New Hampshire seasonal homes safe and ready for your return.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC: Serving New Hampshire's Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, Upper Valley, Eastman & Vermont's Real Estate Buying and Selling Needs.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 01:25 PM
The Eastman NH community is holding its first Loppet for David's House on February 11, 2012. "'Lopp' is the Swedish word for 'race,' in this case a ski race" (Eastman NH News). This all-day event is a great opportunity to ski and snowshoe on groomed trails and promises fun for all ages. If you've already pre-registered to participate, here is the most recent update on the logistics for the event provided by David's House:
o Lack of snow on the Eastman cross country trails will mean the skiing portion will not take place at Eastman XC.
o Eastman does have enough snow in the woods to safely snowshoe so the snow shoe portion of the event will move forward. Eastman will provide free use of snowshoes.
o Individuals who signed up to ski have the option to snowshoe at Eastman or if they would like to ski, can ski free on Feb.11 at Trapp Family Lodge, Bretton Woods Nordic Center or The Jackson Ski Touring Center. This fantastic offer by these establishments will be honored only if participants have pre-registered online before midnight on Feb.9 (TONIGHT) and met the pledge minimums online. If participants have registered by paper we (Eastman) need to have the registration and pledges in hand by midnight on Thursday. Feb.9. Eastman will supply each establishment with a roster of participants who met the minimum so they can be checked in.
o Plenty of food and great entertainment from 11am-4pm, so we want to encourage anyone to come down, make a donation of and enjoy the food and music. Event organizers are encouraging a $10 donation at the door for adults and $5 for a child. Entertainment participants don’t have to ski or snowshoe.
(Image courtesy of David's House)
Funds raised will go to benefit David's House. "David's House provides a home-away-from-home and support for families with children receiving treatment through Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. " (David's House)
Eastman NH is a 4-season residential community that loves to come together for occasions such as these to support local organizations. CG Shepherd Realty, LLC has been serving the real estate needs buyers and sellers in Grantham NH and the Eastman NH community for over 30 years. Contact CG Shepherd Realty, LLC to learn more about this friendly and generous community.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Thu, Feb 02, 2012 @ 12:11 PM
The Grantham Historical Society, established in 1992, is in charge of archiving the history of Grantham NH, and there is an abundance of history to be discovered about a town that just 
celebrated 250 years.
The Grantham Historical Society publishes quarterly newsletters to inform Grantham NH residents and others interested of new information found by GHS and stories about the town. Their most recent newsletter contains an article about a search for the gravesites of the original settlers of the town. The names of 25 men are recorded in A History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, written by Lorenzo Dunbar, as the first settlers to come to western Grantham. (Pat Andrews, Grantham Historical Society Newsletter, Winter 2011-2012 Newsletter)
Though the town has grown considerably since its beginnings in 1761, especially since the addition of the interstate, Grantham NH remains a quaint New England town with a consistent sense of community. Nestled in the Sugar River Valley with beautiful views of the Green Mountains, Grantham NH boasts easy access to I-89 and the rest of the Upper Valley and outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.
To search for homes in Grantham NH, contact CG Shepherd Realty LLC.
CG Shepherd Realty LLC - serving the Upper Valley, New Hampshire's Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, Eastman and Vermont's real estate buying and selling needs.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 01:09 PM
Having your home on the market during the long New England winter season in New Hampshire and Vermont can be discouraging at times, but it is still an opportunity to bring buyers to your door. In light of the New Year, let our team of experienced Realtors® give you 5 tips for selling your home this winter so that your home can catch the eye of potential buyers this season.
5 Tips for Sellers this Winter:
1. Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere: Use the seasonal sights and scents of the holidays to create an atmosphere in your home that is attractive to buyers from the moment they step inside the door.
2. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature: People don't always realize that they're cold, but being uncomfortable in a home is a negative to buyers. Be especially aware of this if your home is winterized.
3. Keep walkways and driveways clear: With all of the snow and ice here in New England (even though it is unseasonably dry at the moment), it is important to make it safe for buyers and agents to come see your home. It helps sell the house too by showing buyers that there is manageable snow and ice maintenance.
4. Have photos from other seasons: Have pictures of your home and/or gardens in the spring or fall in full flower bloom to share with potential buyers.
5. Be patient: For some buyers, this is great time of year to look at homes, but for others, it is not ideal. So stay positive!
Read 5 More Tips for Selling Your Home During the Winter Season.
CG Shepherd Realty LLC hopes that you are enjoying the New Year and the opportunity that it holds for potential buyers.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Dec 16, 2011 @ 02:46 PM
The South Cove Activity Center in Eastman NH was named the 2011 New Hampshire Sustainable Building of the Year! This building alrealdy received its LEED GOLD Certification earlier this year (Read more at Eastman NH South Cove Activity Center).
The Eastman Community Association is an environmentally friendly community that takes pride in this award and what it means:
"This building opened in 2009, utilizing regional New Hampshire materials in construction and reducing energy consumption by more than 34%. The building is designed and located to fit into the natural surroundings of Eastman and maximize conservation land." (Eastman Building is Tops in New Hampshire)
This sustainable activity center in Eastman NH houses an indoor lap pool, fitness center, sauna, wireless Internet, four banquet/meeting/multipurpose rooms and more! This incredible facility is just one of many Eastman NH amenities. For more information about this activity center, visit eastmannh.org.
If you think Eastman NH might be the community for you, contact CG Shepherd Realty, LLC to find out more about Eastman NH and all that it has to offer for all four seasons, and search for real estate in Eastman NH.
CG Shepherd Realty LLC serving the Upper Valley, New Hampshire Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, Eastman, and Vermont real estate buying and selling needs.
(Image courtesy of: eastmannh.org)
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 09:25 AM
The Grantham NH community has numerous events going on during this holiday season. Here are a few of the upcoming events that were sent out in Grantham News on 12/09/11 courtesy of Lorie McClory.
Last call for 12 days raffle tickets: The drawings for the Grantham Recreation Park Holiday Raffle to raise funds for a pavilion are on-going. Tickets are on sale through Dec. 14 at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Winning tickets will be drawn each weekday through Dec. 15, ending with the grand prize drawing for a 32-inch flat screen TV. For more information, please contact Marsha Googins at 863-6124 or Missy Walla at 863-4974.
Koop speaks Dec. 14:Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop will reminisce about his years as Surgeon General and answer questions from the audience when he visits The Center at Eastman at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. The program is free and open to the public.
Gates offers vocals at JOSA:Vocalist Giacomo Gates performs this weekend during Jazz On a Sunday Afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at The Center at Eastman. Reservations at 763-8732; day of show after 2 p.m. call 863-8000. For more information, visit www.josajazz.com. A la carte menu and full bar service available from Bistro Nouveau during the show.
Hanukkah sing:Handel's Judas Maccabaeus Sing-Along with Congregation Shir Shalom in Woodstock, Vt. will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.hanukkahhandel.com. Donations appreciated at the door.
Book Fair Dec. 19-21 at GVS:The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the Grantham Village School Monday, Dec. 19 through Wednesday, Dec. 21 in the Multi-Purpose Room. For more details, visit the Grantham Village School website.
Benefit for David’s House:The Annual Giving Trees for David’s House Auction and Radiothon will take place on Dec. 15 & 16. Visit www.davids-house.org to view the great auction items and register to bid, or stop by and join David’s House and KIXX 100.5 as they broadcast live from Gateway Motors on Sykes Avenue in White River Junction, Vt. from 6 a.m. Dec. 15 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16. There also will be a door prize, Spin-and-Win Wheel and a cash booth, and Santa and his elves arrive by horse drawn sleigh at 5 p.m. both days.
Free program on dementia and the holidays:The holidays can be overwhelming to anyone, but particularly to those with dementia. A free program, Easing Symptoms of Dementia in the Holiday Rush, will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Aging Resource Center, 46 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon. The facilitator will be Kesstan Blandin, PhD, program coordinator, NH Alzheimer's Association. To register, please call the Aging Resource Center at (603) 653-3460, or email AgingCenter@hitchcock.org.
Bistro Nouveau events:Family Week: Dec. 27-30, open 12-9 p.m. each day with pizzas, specialty burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Come enjoy a game by the fire and family time without the cooking!
Pianist John Lovejoy, one of Grantham’s finest musicians, will play in the tavern at Bistro Nouveau from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 31 to help ring in the new year. There is no cover charge. There will be free favors and champagne toast at midnight. Bistro will be serving its regular menu as well as a special a la carte menu, including lobster ravioli and lamb osso bucco.
To reserve space at any of these events, contact Bistro Nouveau at 863-8000.
Snowdusters meet Jan. 3
The Blue Mountain Snowdusters will hold their 
regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 3 in the Lower Level of The Grantham Town Building. Please visit www.snowdusters.org or call Jodie 863-1551 with any questions.
There are so many events and activities to look forward to in Grantham NH!
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley, Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, New Hampshire, and Vermont real estate buying and selling needs.
(image courtesy of: Blue Mountain Snowdusters)
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Dec 02, 2011 @ 08:27 PM
Tomorrow December 3, 2011, Lebanon NH will hold it's annual Holiday Celebration in Colburn Park (the Lebanon Green) and the Lebanon Opera House from 2:00-5:00pm. This free celebration of the holiday season will include hay wagon rides, crafts, refreshments, musical entertainment, and a special appearance by Santa! Children can participate in a holiday coloring contest, and with the 
purchase of tickets all ages can view a performance of "Clara's Dream" by the City Center Ballet. Visit www.CityCenterBallet.org for more information and how to purchase tickets.
The community will also hold its 2nd Annual Silent Auction to benefit the Lebanon Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund. A wide range of items are available for auction, including restaurant gift certificates, accessories, and tickets to sporting events! View auction items at the Lebanon NH Recreation page.
Lebanon is a thriving city in the Upper Valley with a wonderful sense of community and fun. To learn more about Lebanon NH check out one of our previous blogs Discover Lebanon Nh with CG Shepherd Realty LLC or contact our office and staff.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley and Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region's real estate buying and selling needs.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 @ 10:24 AM
We often mention all of the incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation that the Eastman NH community provides, but there is so much more available to its residents. Even as we approach the holidays, there are activities and events for all ages. Here are some offerings, from large groups to small gatherings, that have occured recently and are available in the upcoming weeks:
Nov. 20th: Children’s Swim Opportunity with the Colby-Sawyer College Swim Team at the South Cove Pool begins.
Nov.18: Games Luncheon to enjoy board games, card games and the like.
Nov. 18: Acoustic music from Wayne Canney at Bistro Nouveau.
Nov. 20: Scrapbooking Group for an afternoon of productivity and “memory-making”.
Nov. 30: Master Storyteller Odds Bodkin presents A Christmas Carol, free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages.
Dec. 3 & 7: Winter Wellness Meeting to set your goals for this winter.
Dec. 3: Club Uno (singles and/or those who live alone) Holiday potluck and Yankee swap.
Dec. 5 & 6: Holiday Wreath Making
This only scratches the surface of the activities offered at Eastman NH.
If you want to learn more about the Eastman community, read one of our previous blogs about Buy Vacation Homes in Eastman NH and contact us at CG Shepherd Realty, LLC to find real estate agents knowledgeable about Eastman NH.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley and Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region's real estate buying and selling needs.
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Thu, Nov 17, 2011 @ 02:03 PM
If you're coming up to Lake Sunapee or Mt. Sunapee from the, you'll come across a very unique landmark in Newbury NH. Off Route 103, there stands a large rock with the words "Chicken Farmer I Still Love You" painted in white. Every couple of years, someone writes an article about this rock trying to make a new claim to it's origins. (View the recently published Valley News Article: A Love Story, A Mystery) People have painted over it, tried to have it removed, but it will always be a landmark in Newbury NH.
Look for it if you're coming up to Lake Sunapee or Mt. Sunapee from the south on Route 103 off I-89.
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley and Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region's real estate buying and selling needs.
Image: Valley News
Posted by Carol Shepherd on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 @ 12:48 PM
The Eastman NH Turkey Trot will be held tomorrow, Saturday, November 12th, 2011 beginning at the South Cove Activity Center on 25 Road Round Lake in Eastman NH. Registration begins at 9:30am and the race begins at 11:00am. You can pre-register online. Registration fee includes lunch. For more information, visit eastmannh.org.
This is your reminder to come out to Eastman NH tomorrow and join us for this wonderful event that benefits our community!
CG Shepherd Realty, LLC serving the Upper Valley and Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Regions' buying and selling needs.