Tag Archives: indianapolis

This is your year…

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There are so many self-help, self-improvement, books on the market, it’s tough to know what books are the right ones for you or even where to start!  I am so blessed to have Shelly Aristizabal in my life and her willingness to share her trials and tribulations is extraordinary, yet she is one of the most positive people I know.

She was lead to buy and become CEO/President of Business Women Connect (BWC) when it’s founder Linda Rendlemen elected to focus her energies on her Women Like Us Foundation.  As part of the re-launch of BWC, I attended the first meeting in Indianapolis and have had an opportunity to be part of the focus group for it’s continued success…so much fun and so many things happening, changing, what works, what doesn’t.

Shelly Aristizabal is one of the world’s leading Community Commerce Executives, an author, speaker, coach, and a passionate student in the area of personal development and achievement. A product of the success principles she teaches, Shelly is committed to sharing the basic life skills and lessons of success with women through Business Women Connect.

In addition to working to expand BWC (now in Indianapolis, IN; Naples, FL and Atlanta, GA!) Shelly is committed to encouraging others to design and pursue the life of their dreams everyday and  has enjoyed her mission to discover her own true purpose and to live a more meaningful life. This journey has lead her to trust God completely and follow her heart. In addition to BWC, she blogs, speaks, writes and is a published author of a wonderful book “This is Your Year”!

“This is Your Year to Design and Live the Life of your Dreams” has a page for each day of the year, it is truly inspirational and motivational to spend 15 minutes each morning to read, ponder and hopefully…do the action items as you think about your life and the changes you want to make.

Shelly and what she is doing for us is inspirational, check out the book, it really will help this be Your Year…

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Vicki Reed

Six numbers have the power to change your life…

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It’s happened again…a single ticket has won the estimated $400 million Powerball…one ticket that beat the 1 in 175,223,510 odds and drew the winning numbers: 7, 10, 22, 32, 35 and Powerball 19.

We’ve all heard the statistics.  You are more likely to die from a bee sting (one in 6.1 million) or be struck by lightning (one in 3 million), but we keep playing — most likely because the thought of winning even $1 million is much more fun than the thought of being attacked by a shark (one in 11.5 million).

We may never know the name or names of the winners. South Carolina lottery rules lets winners remain anonymous if they want.  The ticket was sold Wednesday afternoon at a Murphy gas station in that 5.8-square-mile town of Lexington, South Carolina, home to just 17,800…in a town this size, you know all the neighbors are looking at each other and thinking…it wasn’t me, was it you?  

Wednesday’s haul was the fourth largest lottery price in U.S. history.  The biggest payload was $665 million in the Mega Millions game in March 2012. The greatest Powerball jackpot was the $590.5 million won with a single ticket in Florida this past May.  But $400 million, with a cash value of $223 million, is still pretty sweet.

So why do we play?  When my Dad quit smoking decades ago, he decided to put his smoke money toward buying lottery tickets, I buy tickets because…well, you never know!  When I’m feeling particularly stressed about money, Dad tells me to make sure and get my tickets and put them under my pillow to dream on them…I did win $400 once in the Powerball and win a few dollars here and there on the Hoosier Lottery, it’s like going to the casino…only take what you are willing to lose – I’m good with losing a few bucks a week on a game of chance!

According to an article on CNN, human behavior expert Dr. Wendy Walsh said last year when the Mega Millions jackpot hit $656 million. “We have the Cinderella complex — there’s a fairy godmother who’s going to come in and save us.”  people love to have a rescue fantasy.  What do you think?  I just think it’s fun, I was raised to depend on myself for my lifestyle…my parents instilled a great work ethic in all of us, I work hard for what I have and with the pending sale of my home, I could be out of debt by the end of the year!  So looking forward to that and will talk about my future plans in a later post.

In December, during my 12 Wishes of Christmas series, I shared my thoughts on what I would do if I won…what would you do????

Hoosier Lotter Ticket

Vicki Reed

Dumb Move Day…

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Reading today’s news items, two of them jumped out…

From WTHR:

INDIANAPOLIS – A loaded handgun and four full magazines were found in the travel bags of a man at the Indianapolis airport.  A screener detected the gun and ammunition while the passenger was passing through security Monday. Metro Police arrested (name removed by me), who told them he forgot the gun and ammunition was in his bag. He was released.  The TSA kept the gun and bullets.

and from The Indianapolis Star:

Truck driver misses signs, rolls into south split construction

A truck driver this morning told police he simply failed to notice signs and barricades directing motorists away from a Downtown construction project at the south split of interstates 65 and 70.  

About 5 a.m. today, truck driver (name removed by me), drove through the barricades, got stuck and had to be pulled out of the construction area by a wrecker.  “Basically, the truck driver said he was just taking his normal route and there has always been a ramp there,” said Cpl. Wiley Mimms of the Indiana State Police. “Apparently he was not looking at all the signs and everything.”…  You can read the story here if you want additional information.

So my big question for the loaded handgun guy…why are you carrying a loaded gun in a bag you are traveling with and how do you “forget”?  I can see forgetting some TSA rules – shampoo bigger than whatever the current size is, but a GUN?

Now, about this trucker…every sign, every electronic sign, every traffic report on the radio and even the national news has talked about the closures on I-65/I-70 through downtown Indianapolis…how do you not know or notice the bright orange “CLOSED” on the big green signs and the BARRICADES set up to keep you from driving through….no offense, but you deserved the ticket at the very least…arrest at the very most.  How much money did this cost the taxpayers in the slow down of the process?  Repair of what damage was done?

So…did you make any dumb moves today?

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Vicki Reed

Historic Irvington Home Tour!

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I’m so excited…this spring, I was able to work with my friend Kate Bilyj in the purchase of a Co-op in her dream area of Irvington and drum role please…her unit has been chosen to be on the Irvington Benton House Tour of Homes on Sunday, September 15, 2013!

This tour showcases the history, charm, and architecture of Irvington neighborhoods.  In it’s 40th year, this tour brings inspiration, education, and home improvement ideas to the.  Guests can enjoy viewing the properties of homeowners who truly fuel the Irvington neighborhoods. Many of the homeowners not only live in Irvington, but, invest further in the development of this 143 year old community.

Featured on this years tour is a beautiful ranch with a three room conversion into a dream kitchen. Recent bathroom renovations, and a finished basement.  In the Irvington Terrace area is a charming tudor with unique architecture, original details, and beautiful front and back gardens. Also on view will be a chic bungalow where budget and hip design style play a central role in creating an inspired home. The newly constructed Irvington Lofts are also included on the tour. Kate’s unit is in the Co-op neighborhood of Maplewood Court and boasts many of the original features including my favorite part…the original doorbell!

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, there will be a tour/hog roast celebration at the Downey Avenue Christian Church, a complimentary cupcake as well as music and festivities on the lawn of the Benton House.

The home tour is the largest fundraising event for the historic Benton House, raising funds for the preservation of the 140 year old landmark. What started 40 years ago as a group of eager neighbors opening their homes for neighbors to tour and share ideas has now turned into the longest consecutively ran home tour in the city of Indianapolis showcasing nearly 200 homes and landmarks over the years.

The 2013 self guided Irvington Tour of Homes starts at noon and continues until 5:00pm on September 15, 2013. Biking and walking is encouraged. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 the day of the tour. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased starting August 28 at local Irvington shops and restaurants to include Central Ace Hardware, Dufour’s, Black Sheep Gifts, Snips and Bookmamas. Purchase tickets the day of the home tour at the Benton House, 312 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219. For information please call 317-372-2372 or email bentonhousetour2013@gmail.com

Think you might want to live in Irvington?  I can help with that!  In addition to homes currently on the market, I will have a home for sale ON Pleasant Run Parkway South drive, directly across the street from Ellenberger Park.  My friend and fellow agent Jeffrey Tabler will be holding this home open on Sunday during the times of the tour…stop in and say hello! I will be at Kate’s home helping her with the tour…yes, I am a full service agent!  Please stop by and say hello!

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Vicki Reed

Homes for Heroes Celebrating 12th Anniversary

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Indianapolis, Indiana – Homes for Heroes is celebrating its 12th year of bringing savings to our nation’s heroes. The program was created to honor those that serve our communities every day and ensure a legacy of remembrance for those that lost their lives that tragic day.Ruth Johnson, President and CEO of Homes for Heroes, is one of the five founding members who started Homes for Heroes, Inc. in 2002. “We all remember where we were. We all recall how we felt. WE decided to do something about it!  We created a forever remembrance, a never ending thank you, to all the Heroes that day. We all share admiration for the people who serve our community, often selflessly and wanted to recognize and show our appreciation in a meaningful way, “said Johnson.The Homes for Heroes program has grown to become the nation’s largest hero savings program with over 1,000 affiliates in 47 states. It is comprised of realtors, lenders, and other real estate-related providers who are willing to offer substantial savings and discounts to when buying, selling or even refinancing their home. Nationally, the program has given back well over $3 million to heroes all over the country, a total that continues to grow on a daily basis.Homes for Heroes has served thousands of heroes across the country including Minneapolis Police Sergeant, Tim Hatchner, “This is not a gimmick. There is no extra paper work or special guidelines or income limits. Homes for Heroes is comprised of full service real estate, mortgage and title company professionals, who have long established reputations in the Twin Cities. Both the sale and the purchase of my home went off without a hitch. Homes for Heroes saved us nearly $5000.00 at closing. When raising a young family, every penny counts! I would definitely recommend this program to my fellow officers.”

If you would like more information about Homes for Heroes or to see other relative media regarding the national program go to www.homesforheroes.com.  

I have partnered with this program in the Indianapolis region and would love to talk more about the program.  Please visit my website vlrrealestate.com and visit the Featured Partner page.
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Vicki Reed

Homes for Heroes®

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Do you know about Homes for Heroes®?  Their mission is to provide extraordinary savings to local heroes who provide extraordinary services to our community every day.

Homes for Heroes® is a company that affiliates with Realtors® (like me!), lenders and other real estate-related service providers who offer substantial rebates and discounts to the Heroes who serve our nation and its communities every day. Our Heroes include military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others who make our communities a better place to live.

This program was created after the tragic events of 9/11 as a “Thank you” to the men and women who have given so much. Heroes across the country register on the website every day looking for the savings. They are matched with Homes for Heroes® Affiliates in their area. Homes for Heroes® is now expanding its discounts beyond the home buying and selling process with the Friends of Heroes® program.

Thanks to Don Shanley and The Shanley Team at Inlanta Mortgage, this program is available in the Indianapolis area and I am so proud to one of the Realtor® Affiliates available to help our Heros achieve their dreams!

So how does the program work?  The key to the program is that there is NO COST TO THE HERO!  Here’s an example of how the program is working with Inlanta Mortgage:

Buy a $125,000 Home:
Average Realtor Commission (3.5%)*  = $4,375.00
Realtor (again…that would be me!) credits 25% BACK TO HERO AT CLOSING = $1,094.00
CREDITED TO YOU FROM INLANTA MORTGAGE = $1,350.00
TOTAL CREDITS AT CLOSING = $2,444.00
*Based on a 3.5% Commission. Credit is off actual commission paid to the Buying or Selling Agent

It’s a lot of information to take in, stop by the Indiana State Fair and meet me and The Shanley Team to talk about what we are doing for our local Hero’s as well as what we can do for YOU!

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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

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