Last night Geri Reilly hosted a "girls' night" wine tasting/fundraiser to benefit the Lund Family Center, an organization that focuses on reducing child abuse and neglect by helping pregnant or parenting teens and young adults. They also help create new families through adoption being Vermont's oldest and largest private non-profit adoption agency. The Lund Center is also a leader in woman-focused substance abuse recovery services having the state's only residential treatment program for pregnant and parenting young women and their children. The fundraiser was held at Shelburne Vineyard, a unique winery with a state of the art tasting room offering award-winning wines. Their space is beautiful and a great place for people to mingle and enjoy some Vermont wine. The event was a huge success with over 70 women attending.

The Geri Reilly Team ranked the #1 Coldwell Banker Team in Vermont for 2008 and #3 in the Northeast Region which consists of 19 states (including Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois) and 862 Coldwell Banker offices.  Geri Reilly, herself, as been the #1 Coldwell Banker Agent in Vermont since 2000 and has held various spots within the top ten across the region over the years. She has been selling real estate in northern Vermont for over 28 years and there is a reason why she and her team hold such high honors. They have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right the first time, every time. Results like these matter given our current market and economy. Whether you're thinking of buying, selling or just need some real estate advice, contact her and her team now!Geri Reilly has been selling real estate in northwestern Vermont since the early 1980s and has consistently been a top producer. She specializes in listing homes, buyer brokering and consulting. She can be reached at 802.862.6677 or Geri@BuyVTRealEstate.com.Carolyn Weaver has over 13 years experience as a real estate agent and has marketed and sold hundreds of homes in Chittenden County. She specializes in neighborhoods, condominiums, new construction, custom homes and lakefront property. She can be reached at 802.846.9554 or Carolyn@BuyVTRealEstate.com.Bryce Gilmer has been selling real estate in both Vermont and New Hampshire since 2005 and has several years of sales management experience. His expertise and knowledge of the real estate market is an essential part of assisting clients in their search for a new home. He can be reached at 802.846.9546 or Bryce@BuyVTRealEstate.com.Chad Dion has over 12 years experience as a real estate agent and has marketed and sold hundreds of homes. He specializes in residential sales of condominiums, single family homes, and 2-4 unit buildings in Chittenden County. He can be reached at 802.846.9562 or Chad@BuyVTRealEstate.com.Joanna Gnaedinger has over 26 years of experience working as a Realtor in Vermont. In addition to her experience, Joanna also has remarkable interpersonal skills which give her the ability to connect with her clients and meet their every need. She can be reached at 802.846.9522 or Joanna@BuyVTRealEstate.com

 For more information, testimonials, tips or to search for Vermont property visit www.BuyVTRealEstate.com.

Even though the economy has been a little shaky lately, one thing that has helped our state's economy is the abundance of snow we've had thus far this winter season! As most know, Vermont has some of best skiing/snowboarding on the East coast. Even though most of our ski resorts make their own snow, they definitely rely heavily on natural snow to cover their trails. Thankfully this season, Vermont has had it's share of snow. We've had at least 5 or 6 decent storms so far, giving Burlington and the Champlain Valley over a foot of  snow on a few occasions and giving  higher elevations several feet of snow! This natural snow may be a pain sometimes - shoveling, plowing, icy roads, etc. - but for most of us Vermonters who live here for a reason and gladly endure 5 month winters, we love to play in it! Whether we're skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, or simply making snow angels, Vermont just wouldn't be Vermont without snow! If you like to play in the snow too, here are some great websites to check out:

Sugarbush Resort - downhill skiing and snowboarding. It's their 50th anniversary - check out their website for deals!

Mad River Glen - a cooperative resort (owned by its skiers) downhill skiing only (no riders) - Ski It If You Can!

Stowe Mountain Resort - downhill skiing and snowboarding - Vermont's biggest and most popular mountain.

Smuggler's Notch - downhill skiing and snowboarding - get $20 off coupons for lift tickets when you buy Coke products at participating Mobil Gas Stations!

Catamount Outdoor Family Center - for cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce's Visiting/Tourism Web Page - Winter Outdoor Recreational Activities

Leddy Park Arena - ice skating and hockey

Penguin Plunge - Vermonters jump in the icy cold Lake Champlain in February to support the Special Olympics!

Burton Snowboards -  leading snowboard manufacturer worldwide started in 1977 by Jake Carpenter in Londonderry, VT with it's headquarters and flagship store in Burlington.

Vermont Weather Forecast from WCAX

And if you're from out-of-state but just love Vermont and its long, cold winters and you're thinking about moving to our beautiful state - give me a quick call or email -  my team will help you find your dream winter home!

Camel's Hump Winter '08-'09