Thumb's up to giving blood!

One of my New Year's resolutions was to give back to my community more this year.

I've thought about volunteering somewhere but it seems hard to find the time. I've thought about cash donations, but sometimes cash isn't as fluid as you'd like! One easy way (if you're not afraid of needles, that is) is to give blood! The American Red Cross is always in need of healthy blood donors. And the Red Cross is always offers incentives for donating! So it's a win-win situation!

I went to give blood a few weeks back just before Christmas, but I had a cold at the time, so they denied me and said to come back when I was feeling healthy again. They still gave me the incentive of a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a lift ticket at Smuggler's Notch and a free movie pass to Essex Cinema! Yeah! So now I'm feeling better and will be making my appointment by going online at www.RedCrossBlood.org. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or walk-in at any American Red Cross location. We have one at 32 North Prospect St. in Burlington. Sometimes they also set up Blood Drives. In fact, South Burlington is having one on Thursday, January 13th from 12-5 pm at St. John Vianney Church (Geri and her family's church) on Hinesburg Road.  All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free 1 lb. bag of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts! Who doesn't love free coffee?!!

As for me, I'll pass on the free coffee only because they already gave me my incentives. Went and saw "Little Fockers" at the movie theater - hilarious flick - I give it 3.75 stars! And I have yet to get on my snowboard and hit up Smugg's, but as soon as we get some more snow, I'm there! I think I'll most likely be giving blood again this year, but they ask you wait 3 months in between donations.

What will you do to give back to the community this year?

-Keeley Higgins, Marketing Coordinator for Geri Reilly Real Estate

On exhibit at Geri Reilly Real Estate is Vermont artist, Natasha Bogar's Archival Giclee Prints on canvas. These limited edition prints are embellished by the artist with acrylic paints. The collection includes beautiful paintings of Vermont's Camels Hump, Burlington Bay, Stowe Mountain Lodge and ski trails at Stowe Mountain. It also includes a lovely portrayal of Ames Pond at Deer Isle in Maine as well as several other landscape pieces.

Natasha Bogar received her painting BFA from the University of Maine. She spent a year a Studio Giambo in Florence, Italy studying ceramics, mosaics and fresco painting. Natasha also attended the School of Italian Plasters Decoration Academy. As a certified applicator of Safra Plasters from Verona, Italy, she creates many old world wall finishes. Her twin sister, Saskia Reinholt, is also an artist and the two of them often collaborate on large murals and stained glass commissions. You can explore their works on www.twinspirations.us. Natasha's design sense is inspired by the natural world, especially the beauty of Vermont. Her studio is located in the backside of 144 Main Street in Stowe and welcomes visitors!

Geri Reilly Real Estate also welcomes visitors! Stop by and check out Natasha's exhibit. You might just find that perfect gift you were looking for!

[gallery columns="2"]

FREE WORKSHOP! Getting Ready to Buy or Sell a Home? Learn how to work with Real Estate Agents & Lenders!We'll cover all the basics and answer all of your questions. The Burlington Free Press along with Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty and PrimeLending will be offering a free workshop that will help you understand how to navigate the home buying and selling process successfully. A light meal will be served.

To register for the workshop:burlingtonfreepress.com/reworkshopor 802.651.4866Sponsored by Geri Reilly of Hickok & Boardman Realty, Barb McHenry of Prime Lending, The Burlington Free Press & Leunig's Bistro & Cafe