Category Archives: Vicki Reed

It’s that time of year…CARB DAY!

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Those of you who know me really well…and readers of this blog if you read the “It’s almost time” post from the beginning of the month…know that car racing is not my thing, but it is a HUGE thing for Indy and I support anything positive that brings focus to our great city!

Do you know the history of it?  Known for many years as “Carburetion Day,” and shortened only in fairly recent years simply to “Carb Day,” it refers to the day on which cars qualified for the starting field are given the opportunity to practice in “Race Day trim,” as opposed to the less-economical setups required for out-and-out speed during time trials. A major portion of this used to involve adjustment to the carburetors, but even after the introduction of fuel injection in the late 1940s, the original term “carburetion runs” continued to be used. For the record, the stock-block Ford-powered Lotus cars of Jim Clark and Dan Gurney in 1963 were the last to actually use carburetors on Carburetion Day.

So what does Carb Day mean to the fans…well, it’s an excuse to take the day off work, see the Pit Stop Challenge at 1:35, and this year…listen to one of the great “hair bands” from the 80’s…Poison!  Poison will take the Coors Light stage in the infield.  Click here for all the details!

From the IMS website, here are some Fun Facts about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway…

  • Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City all can fit inside the IMS oval, which covers 253 acres.
  • The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, with more than 250,000 permanent seats. If the seat boards from the grandstands at IMS were laid end-to-end, they would stretch 99.5 miles.
  • The first event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a helium gas-filled balloon competition on Saturday, June 5, 1909, more than two months before the oval was completed.

What about your memories of visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – here in Indy, we just call it “the track” – good, bad, had fun but can’t remember?  Share your memories with me!

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Vicki Reed

Way to go Pacers!

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Saturday night’s win over the New York Knicks was sweet, so excited about facing the Miami Heat, but that win over the Knicks made me think of “Boom Baby” and Reggie Miller…Reggie and I share a birthday, but he is a year younger!

Reggie was selected by the Pacers with the 11th pick in the 1st round of the 1987 NBA Draft. Fans were upset that the Pacers chose him over New Castle, Indiana native and IU Alum Steve Alford; Pacers President Donnie Walsh was actually booed for the selection.  Ultimately fans and even Alford embraced the decision. Years later Alford said, “Not only was it a much better draft choice than drafting me … Reggie turned out not to be a great pick, he turned out to be great for the state of Indiana.”  Steve Alford played in the NBA for four seasons, mostly with the Dallas Mavericks, though he spent a portion of one season with Golden State Warriors. Today, he is the newly minted coach of Reggie Miller’s alma mater – the UCLA Bruins!

Thank you Reggie Miller for helping to turn the Pacers into a perennial playoff team during your tenure!  Remembering your “animated discussions” with Spike Lee just made it all more fun to watch.  Also a shout out to Larry Bird for his work over the years to create the foundations for the team who are headed into the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now…on to the Miami Heat and the press already trying to get something started between our coach, Frank Vogel and LeBron James…really people?  If you are going to quote someone, please share the whole context of his answer, not just what you want!

The Indiana Pacers are championship contenders because of their main strengths—defense and rebounding, These are facets of the game which the Pacer’s are is better at than most of the recent NBA champions.

Do I think the Pacer’s have a shot?  Absolutely!  Boom Baby, let’s go Pacers!

Want to live in Indy and share the fun?  Let’s talk!  I can help you find the perfect home and Turn Your Dreams Into an Address…

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Vicki Reed

What’s a “Molly Run”?

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May of you liked and commented on my Facebook post from Saturday of my beautiful niece Riley and myself at the “Molly Run” in Madison, Indiana and I have had a lot of questions about what that really is!

Molly Dattilo was a 23 year old student at Eastern Kentucky University and from my hometown of Madison, Indiana.  She was living with her brother in Indianapolis and taking summer classes at IUPUI and on July 6, 2004 Molly attended two classes, ran some errands, and talked to friends. Around 7:30 p.m. she told her brother she was walking to a nearby Wendy’s to fill out a job application and hasn’t been seen since. Molly’s cell phone, ID, and ATM card were left behind at the apartment she shared with her brother.

The Molly Datillo Run/Walk is held annually on Madison, Indiana’s waterfront in mid-May.  Molly was an avid and enthusiastic local runner who attended Madison Consolidated High School, the events start with a 5K run and 5K walk open to all ages, is followed by separate girls and boys half-mile runs for grades K-3, and ends with two separate girls and boys one-mile runs for grades 3-5.

The format of the race evolved from earlier races held in Madison. In 1982, Tim Hoffman held a 5K race
that also featured a one-mile race for elementary students on the grounds of the Madison State
Hospital. This became an annual event. Girls, Inc. in Madison assumed sponsorship of the race in the
year 2000.  Molly’s early running career included winning the one-mile girls event as a third grader! The race
resulted in running clubs being started in most local elementary schools. When Girls Inc. could no
longer administer the race, Paul Kelly, the running club coach at Pope John Elementary for 24 years,
organized the present race committee to continue the tradition.

Money raised by the yearly running event goes to fund scholarships in Molly’s name for local students
active in Molly’s sports of running and swimming, as well as the running programs at Shawe and
Madison High Schools.  The Molly Datillo race committee is committed to remembering Molly and encouraging present and future runners. Cross-town camaraderie, instead of cross-town competition between Madison Consolidated and Shawe Memorial honors both Molly and our sport.

This is a great event and keeps the memory of Molly alive…you have a year, start training!

Riley

Vicki Reed

Tips for Life…

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This was re-posted in Ann Landers, Sunday, May 5, but is as relevant today as when it was initially posted:

1. Give people more than they expect, and do so cheerfully.

2. Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you’d like.

3. Don’t say “I love you” unless you really mean it.

4. When you say “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye.

5. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

6. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it’s the only way to live life completely.

7. In disagreements, fight fair. No name calling.

8. Don’t judge people by their relatives.

9. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?”

10. Call your mom.

11. Say “bless you” when you hear someone sneeze.

12. Don’t let a little squabble damage a good friendship.

13. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

14. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

15. Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older, good conversation will be one of the principal elements of an enduring relationship.

16. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

17. Read more books, and watch less TV.

18. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation.  Don’t bring up the past.

19. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.

20. Mind your own business.

21. Trust in God, but lock your car.

I think these are great tips and try to live my life accordingly…how about you?

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Vicki Reed

Red Day?

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What exactly is Keller Williams “Red Day”?  RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities.

Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of KW associates like myself, across the United States participate in a wide range of projects, devoting our time to renewing and energizing parts of the neighborhoods we serve.

RED Day initiatives run the gamut: From rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and so much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within its community.

Recognizing her leadership in guiding the culture of our company, RED Day is held in honor of Mo Anderson, Vice Chairman of the Board, Keller Williams Realty.  Most of you won’t know this, but when the consultant Gary Keller hired to help him expand the company, fired him, and Mo was named Keller Williams Realty’s president and chief executive officer in 1995. Known at times as the “Velvet Hammer” for her uncompromising approach, Mo’s astute business acumen and leadership abilities are uniquely matched by her faith and compassion. She has continuously cultivated the firm’s value system, inspiring tens of thousands of associates throughout North America to maintain high standards of character within both their personal and professional lives.

Indianapolis is home to four Keller Williams Market Centers and for the first time, we have come together to serve one project in the city on Thursday.  I moved my business to Keller Williams in June last year, so this will be my first Red Day and I am so excited about the opportunity to share in the Day.  This year we are working on the Boys and Girls Club at 1949 E Troy Avenue.  Painting, cleaning….going to be a busy day!

What do you do to “Renew, Energize and Donate” to your community?

Red Day

Vicki Reed

Think you are ready to sell?

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When selling your house, remember when you put it on the market, it is no longer your home, there are certain improvements that pay and others that don’t.

Check out this seller secret to understand why making costly improvements isn’t always your best bet.

Turning Your Dream into an Address

Want to know which updates will make your property most marketable?  Call me today to set up your free consultation.

Vicki Reed

Are you ready to run????

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May is upon us…and that means Indianapolis 500 Festival, kicked off by the Mini Marathon tomorrow morning at 7:30.  The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the nation’s largest half-marathon with 35,000 participants and has sold out for the past 11 years…really…35,000 people running and walking this race, I applaud the drive and stamina it takes to complete this feat, but it isn’t my cup of tea!

One of my favorite memories of working downtown for the once Bank One (now Chase) Corporation was when the Mini was held on Friday mornings.  The race started at Meridian and Ohio streets and I worked in the Bank One Tower, getting to work was sometimes challenging, but the sight of the runners filling at least the northern half of the circle and funneling North on Meridian to the starting line at Ohio was beautiful…and when the race started, watching the mass of people move North on Meridian and slowly start spreading out…it was great!  I am surprised however that the Bank One Tower didn’t fall over as nearly everyone on the 48 floors was on the West side of the building watching the spectacle!  Bob and Tom would broadcast from the pool deck at the Hilton (now Radisson) on the corner…some great memories!

Now the course has changed, it begins near the intersection of Washington and West streets, heads west toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway along Michigan Street and does a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track before heading back down New York Street to the finish line.  Because of the horrific events at the Boston Marathon, there are more stringent security measures in place, click here to view the most up to date information.

There are so many things happening this month, what events will you participate in?  Let us know!

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Vicki Reed

It’s almost time…

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I’ve lived in Indy since 1987 and there is one thing I still can’t get used to…the beginning of May signals Indy 500 month and all of the race festivities from the mini-marathon to the race (click here for IMS schedule of events).  I grew up in Southern Indiana, all of our TV stations (yes, this was before cable!) were out of Louisville so for me, the First Saturday in May = DERBY DAY!

I love Derby Day!  The history, the hats, mint juleps and of course, the horses!  It has long been said that the Kentucky Derby is the “greatest 2 minutes in Sports”, for me, it’s the entire experience!  Always hoping that whoever the winner, they continue to win at Preakness and Belmont, always in search of the next Triple Crown Winner.

Only eleven horses have won the elusive Triple Crown. The grueling schedule of three races in 5 weeks at longer distances than most have run previously in their careers is probably the most difficult task any horse will face in his racing career. Affirmed in 1978 still remains the last Triple Crown winner. Sadly, the last Triple Crown winner left alive, Seattle Slew, passed away on May 7, 2002. Several horses have come close in recent years, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to fail in the Belmont Stakes. Many thought Big Brown was a cinch to finally break the drought in 2008, but a bad hoof, and perhaps all the pressure to win, led to his debacle in the Belmont Stakes, pulling up in the turn and being eased while longshot Da’Tara won. I’ll Have Another had a chance to become the 12th Triple Crown winner after his victories the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, but sadly he was scratched due to an injury the day before the Belmont Stakes and retired to stud.

So who will win the “Run For The Roses” this year?   Normandy Invasion and  Verrazano are favorites by the experts…I’ll wait until closer to the day to make my pics…who will you choose?

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Vicki Reed

Co-Op? Not what you think!

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When you google Co-Op’s in Indianapolis, the results go to farm or food cooperatives…but did you know that we also have Co-Op homes in Indy?  I have personally assisted my dear friend Kate in her purchase of her new home…a Co-Op in Irvington!  I learned a lot during this process and thought I would share some it.

When I think of Co-Op’s, I think of those fabulous Park Avenue places in New York City…you know the ones, millions of dollars, thousands of square feet, very exclusive with a fabulous view.  In Irvington, there are 2 neighborhoods – Maplewood Court and Irvington Court.  A housing cooperative is a legal entity consisting of one or more residential buildings, a distinctive form of home ownership that has many characteristics that make it different than other residential arrangements such as single family ownership, condominiums and renting.

The corporation is membership based, with membership granted by way of a share purchase in the cooperative. Each shareholder in the legal entity is granted the right to occupy one housing unit. A primary advantage of the housing cooperative is the pooling of the members’ resources so that their buying power is leveraged, thus lowering the cost per member in all the services and products associated with home ownership.  Members, through their elected representatives, screen and select who may live in the cooperative.

Kate purchased her new home in Maplewood Court, these were built in 1917 and to the credit of the Board, somewhere along the way they added garages to the property along with a caretaker apartment and caretaker.  These units boast an unfinished basement with Laundry hook-up, main floor has a living room, dining room and kitchen – some have taken down the wall between the kitchen and dining which really opens the space – 2 bedrooms and a bath on the 2nd floor and most have finished the attic that really adds to the usable space!  They all have front porches and lots of period detail.  Kate’s unit even has the original doorbell on the beautiful wood and leaded glass front door!

Closing was the simplest transaction I’ve been involved in during my career…money transferred, a few documents signed and well, what took the longest was the issuing of the Stock Certificate – one of the board members actually used calligraphy and issued it from the original book of blank stock certificates!

Great process, lots of lessons learned, Kate has a fantastic new home and all is well.  Living in Irvington was Kate’s dream….what can I do to turn your dreams into an address?

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Vicki Reed

Opportunity is Knocking…

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Research tells us that real estate may very well be at its most affordable level, RIGHT NOW.

Check out this quick video to find out why home buying is more budget friendly than it’s been in decades.

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History is being made. When you look back, will you say, “I wish I had …” or “I’m so glad I did”?

Now is the time to BUY!  Let’s talk!

Vicki Reed