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Welcome to the
Homefront Happenings e-Newsletter!


Dear <<First Name>>,
Since you joined the Downstreet family, you have been receiving these quarterly newsletters via snail mail, but in an effort to conserve paper, ink, and money, we are changing over to email newsletters.

We are happy to have you here and we hope you will enjoy the useful information, tips and tricks, recipes, and entertainment sections of this newsletter. We promise not to send more than 4 emails each year, so no worries about clogging up your inbox!

HOWEVER, IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE THIS QUARTERLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER, YOU MAY UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.
“Home is Where Your Story Begins.”

~Anonymous
IN THIS ISSUE
 
Before we get started...
We are all dealing with very stressful situations right now. COVID-19 has turned every one of our lives upside down, and it's pretty scary stuff. We just wanted to remind you that we are all in this together, and together we WILL get through it.

We also want to say a special thank-you to all of the essential workers out there -- just to name a few: nurses and doctors, police and fire departments, transportation and delivery people, food workers and grocery store staff, utility workers, and many MANY more who are working long hours so we can stay home and stay healthy. Please make the most of their sacrifice by staying home to help slow the spread of this virus.

We have put together a list of resources that we think may be helpful during these uncertain times. Please visit our website and look around for anything that might help you and your loved ones get through this difficult time. As always, feel free to reach out to Kira, Cheryl, or Pattie if you have any questions about how we are continuing our work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
DID YOU KNOW?

What FICO 10 Means For Your Credit Score
 

Feeling good about your credit score? A new scoring model could change that, but probably not drastically. FICO announced today that it’s rolling out FICO 10, the latest version of its scoring model used by lenders to calculate your credit score.
 
It’s actually releasing two versions: FICO 10 and FICO 10 T. The latter provides a view of your credit use over the past 24 months, considering the history of elements like your account balances. (VantageScore already does this with VantageScore 4, its latest version.) It’s the version more likely to have an impact on your score, which is typically a snapshot of your activity rather than a holistic view.
Continue Reading...
TIMELY TIPS

Whether you're filling tax returns this year or not, be sure to file your Vermont Homestead Declaration AND Property Tax Credit (HS-122, HI-144) by July 15, 2020.

The Vermont Property Tax Credit assists many Vermont homeowners with paying their property taxes. You may be eligible for a property tax credit on your property taxes if your property qualifies as a homestead and you meet the eligibility requirements described in this fact sheet. The maximum adjustment property tax credit is $8,000.00

Read More About VT Homestead Declaration
SPRING RECIPE
Spring Minestrone with Chicken Meatballs
 

 
4 Servings
Prep Time: 45 min
Total Time: 45 min
 

Ingredients
  • 6 ounces ground chicken (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan, divided, plus more for garnish
  • 4 garlic cloves, 2 minced, 2 thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 large egg, whisked to blend
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 5 cups low-salt chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup ditalini or other small pasta
  • 1 cup 1/2-inch rounds peeled carrots
  • 1 cup (packed) baby spinach
  • Chopped fresh basil
 
Recipe Preparation
  • Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, 3 Tbsp. Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, chives, egg, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl. Form into 1/2-inch-diameter meatballs (makes about 28).
  • Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Cook meatballs until golden all over, about 3 minutes (they will finish cooking in soup). Transfer to a plate; set aside.
  • Add leek to pot and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute. Add broth and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and carrots; simmer until pasta is almost al dente, about 8 minutes. Add meatballs; simmer until pasta is al dente, carrots are tender, and meatballs are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and remaining 3 Tbsp. Parmesan; stir until spinach is wilted and Parmesan is melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped basil and Parmesan.
Download the Printable Version
ON THE HORIZON
As a Downstreet home-owner, you are officially a member of Downstreet. Every year we have an annual membership meeting, and as a member, you are invited! However, In light of COVID-19 and with distant socializing practices in mind, we have decided to hold a remote Annual Meeting on April 16th from 5:30-6:30 PM.

We encourage you to take part in our Annual Meeting as we elect new board members, provide a financial organizational snapshot, and open the floor for questions to our leadership team. We hope to throw a separate Member Appreciation celebration event later in the year; the date is yet to be determined.
 
Ways to participate in the remote meeting on April 16th are as follows (please note, there will be a visual presentation).
  • Using your computer, join the Zoom Meeting by clicking the following link (please note, you may be asked to download Zoom). https://us04web.zoom.us/j/442414695
  • Using a phone, dial (929)-205-6099 and then enter the meeting ID: 442 414 695#
These instructions will be available on our website as well, www.downstreet.org

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or technical difficulties. An RSVP is not necessary. 

On behalf of all of us at Downstreet, we wish you and your loved one's excellent health and well-being during this time. For updates regarding Downstreet's actions and procedures related to COVID-19, please visit our website.
Click Here to Join the Zoom Meeting on April 16th at 5:30 pm
JUST FOR FUN
Yes, it has been chilly lately, and we have some fresh snow on the ground, but it IS spring, and warmer weather is just around the corner. Here's a spring word search for you to print and solve to get your mind warmed up! THINK SPRING!!

(To print the word search, right-click on the image and click "Save Image As"; save to your computer and print on a printer.)
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