Articles Tagged "Holidays"

Can you believe that it's already almost time to ring in 2023? With New Year's celebrations fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning for how you will cap off the holiday season this year. Northern New England communities will be going big with the New Year's celebrations, with events for all ages and celebrations to suit every taste. Our real estate agents have all of the exciting details on some of the best Northern New England New Year's events to look forward to as we turn the page to 2023.

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For many, gifts are an important part of holiday celebrations. Stocking stuffers, in particular, can be so much fun to give and receive. These gifts can be quite meaningful, even if they are not large or expensive. You can stuff them in a stocking or even fill a gift basket with them. If you find yourself running short on stocking stuffer ideas, consider taking a DIY approach. Here are a few DIY stocking stuffer ideas to spark your creativity.

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One way to make your new house feel like home is to decorate it for your favorite holiday - especially if that holiday is Halloween! You can put a carved pumpkin in the window or add a few cobwebs in the corners, but wouldn't it be more fun to go all out? Here are a few tips for decorating your home, inside and out, this Halloween.

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With the holiday season nearly upon us, now is the perfect time to think about how to give back to the communities that you know and love. Northern New England non-profits are very busy this time of year, helping to spread holiday cheer and provide vital support to community members in need. Here at The Masiello Group, giving back to the communities we serve is very important to us and all of our offices facilitate local give-back programs.

Supporting the end of food insecurity is another big part of our commitment to giving back to our local communities. Working in partnership with area food banks, our Masiello Cares program provides year-round support for families in need.

Whether you donate, volunteer, or help in another way, every contribution can make a big difference in someone's life. Our real estate agents have the details on 7 nearby non-profits where you can give back during the holiday season.

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With the start of the holiday season so close at hand, you're probably already thinking about how you're going to get all your holiday shopping done. This year, our real estate agents have challenged themselves to do what they can to help the small businesses that make every community a better place to live. Want to join them in their support of local entrepreneurs? Here are seven ideas to get you started.

Tips for Supporting Local Businesses During the 2021 Holiday Season 

• Chat with the Owners 
  When big businesses get so much of the local economy's market share, it's easy for local shop owners to begin to feel underappreciated. Take a few minutes to stop and talk with the owner of the store you are visiting. That person will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture, and you'll get a chance to learn more about their wares and what makes them special. You may not be aware of some of the small details that make their products special – for instance, maybe their café makes all of its food items with locally sourced ingredients.  
  
  Talking with the owner may also open doors for you if you discover they do not currently stock the product you were looking for. Many shop owners are happy to do the legwork of finding and ordering specific products for patrons if they know someone is interested in those items.  
  
  
• Look for Local Alternatives 
  Many of the items on your friends' wishlists are probably available from local retailers. They may not carry the exact item that was requested, but if you know the recipient isn't typically concerned with brands, you might be able to find a great substitute from a quality local producer instead. Stick to the spirit of everyone's gift requests instead of trying to follow them to the letter, and you'll end up with nicer gifts while also injecting money into your local economy. 
  
  
• Speak Up for Small Business 
  Instead of buying from a small retailer yourself, spread the word about these businesses to people who do have a holiday budget they want to spend. Recommend small local shops to your friends and family, and consider leaving the business a good review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Every bit of good publicity helps these small businesses grow their customer base and stay profitable.  
  
  
• Don't Forget About Food 
  Even if you aren't buying many presents this year, chances are good that you're still planning to have something special to eat during the holiday season. If so, remember that local retailers carry food too! Whether you're cooking a full festive dinner or just want a few small treats to indulge in, there is probably a butcher, cheesemaker, vineyard, confectioner, or other local business that sells what you need. As a bonus, their wares are probably much higher quality than what you would get at your neighborhood grocery store. The premium flavors and textures will add a little extra magic to your holiday table.  
  
  
• Shop Based on Your Values 
  Shopping local is an excellent opportunity to use your money to support the outcomes you want to see in the world. Many small businesses partner with local charities to raise money or organize important local events, so you can buy from a shop that is affiliated with a cause that is near and dear to your heart.  
  
  
• Look for Extended Deals 
  Small businesses know they are competing with many other retailers to win your dollars. To make shopping at their locations more attractive, many extend their Black Friday deals for longer than bigger stores do. You can often get excellent prices on all kinds of items well into December, making it easier to fit the cost of shopping local into your budget.
  
  It is still a good idea to shop as early as possible, though – unlike their competition, small retailers may not have a regularly updated Facebook page or website that you could use to find out when these promotions end. If you don't want to miss out, don't wait.
  
  
• Look for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Gifts 
  Local retailers rarely stick to selling the same old merchandise you could get from the big box store down the street. Instead, many of them pair up with local creatives to sell hand-crafted items you won't find anywhere else. Buying a handmade necklace, scented candle, or piece of furniture not only supports two local independent businesses at the same time – but it also gets you an incredibly unique gift that your loved ones are sure to treasure.  

Once you've experienced the magic of shopping local around the holidays, this practice is sure to become a household tradition for your family. Do your part to support your local economy today, and if you have an imminent move on the horizon, don't fret. Contact us for help finding a home and getting settled into your new community.  

Halloween decorating is a fun fall activity for the whole family, but it can also get a little bit competitive among neighbors. Whether you're planning a party or just looking to spook the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, our real estate agents created this guide of Halloween decorating tips to help you create the most mystifying home on the block. 

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The holiday season will look a lot different this year, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing! Our real estate agents encourage you to maximize your yuletide festivities with these six ideas for celebrating the holidays remotely.

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Hi Folks,

For many years now it has been a tradition to share with our TMG/Great East family, our business partners and friends the largely forgotten history surrounding our founding fathers and the meaning of July 4th.

Courage is not glamorous in the moment when all is being wagered on an uncertain outcome, only with hindsight does it get appreciated. We owe much to a small number people who had the leadership and vision to see a different world.

This is a wonderful piece to share with the kids so that they can appreciate what was consecrated on their behalf so many years ago.

Have a safe and fun holiday!

Christopher J. Masiello, President and CEO

Price of Freedom- 56 Men Who Signed

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? They gave us a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted...We shouldn't!!! So, take a couple of minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid....

• Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.
• Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
• They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
• Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
• Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags.
• Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
• Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
• At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
• Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
• John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
• Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.
• Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged:

"For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

"MAY ALL WHO COME BEHIND US FIND US FAITHFUL"

As we embark on another Memorial Day weekend let 's be sure to say a Thank You to the honored people for whom the holiday is dedicated.

Below are some  "Amazing Facts" regarding the Tomb of the Unknowns and a brief history of Arlington National Cemetery, a good read for our children and grandchildren.

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Gratefully,  C-

Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna (Custis) Lee, a great grand-daughter of Martha Washington. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

The holiday season is upon us, and the city of Portsmouth offers plenty of festive ways to celebrate. From hands-on activities to magical theater productions, there's something for everyone.

Our Portsmouth real estate agents want to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun, so we've gathered this list of our favorite ways to ring in the season. Check them out, and you might find a new family tradition. 

1. 28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest Exhibition
   The city of Portsmouth is known for classy and understated holiday celebrations. If this is your style, you'll love the 28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest Exhibition. The beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, created by local families, artists, and businesses, are proudly displayed on the first-floor gallery of Discover Portsmouth. The "winter wonderland" theme and surrounding large-format photographs are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
   
   

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Our Rockland real estate agents are experts when it comes to everything Rockland and all across Knox County. Rockland is one of the top tourist destinations in the state, and that means the would-be home buyers our agents meet are also enjoying a great Maine vacation. They soon find out that Rockland homes for sale are in the midst of some of the most beloved Maine traditions.

Like so many cities in Maine, Rockland has a lot of history. People have been living here since all the way back in 1767 when it first became a lumber camp. The shipping industries made it one of the most successful and fast-growing communities in the entire state. As the railroads set in, it became a local tourism hub, starting with the famous Point Bay Hotel. Nowadays, the engine of Rockland is its vibrant downtown area, replete with some of the best dining, shopping, and attractions anywhere in Maine.

There's plenty of fun to be had in Rockwell any time of the year, but the holiday season is extraordinary rings festivities beloved by locals and visitors alike. One of the most memorable holiday events is the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.

A True New England Treasure

Many cities all around the world have amazing Christmas tree displays, including most of the top cities here in the United States. However, there are some that are simply unique – and one of those is the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree exclusively here in Rockland, Maine.

TLC has even featured our Lobster Trap Christmas Tree on their TV show, "Extreme Christmas Trees!"

Sponsored by Rockland Main Street – a civic organization supporting downtown development – the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of the local Festival of Lights. It all kicks off at noon on Friday, November 23 as Santa Claus arrives courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard. That night, at 6 p.m., the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree enjoys its official lighting ceremony!

The tree is made from 155 standard, fully functional lobster traps spun into a tree decorated with more than 2,500 bulbs and an eighth of a mile of fir garland trimming. The final touch is more than a hundred lobster trap buoys donated by local lobstermen.

On Saturday, November 24, the festivities soar to a crescendo with the Parade of Lights, taking place just two days after Thanksgiving. The Parade of Lights features floats that compete for recognition by community voting, tallied using canned donations. Both the floats and the neighborhoods they visit are strewn with thousands of lights and are a sight to behold.

Come See the Tree and Stay a While in Rockland

Rockland is truly a treasure that you'll want to come home to – and the Masiello Group can help. We've been assisting people looking to relocate to Rockland and greater Knox County for many years. Our team combines service, experience, and unparalleled insight into the local area.

Contact our Rockland office to find out more. We can't wait to hear from you!