The Center for Research on Vermont is presenting a free seminar for data professionals this month: Research-in-Progress Seminar #222: "Counting Vermont in the 21st  Century: The 2010 Census and Changes to Data on Our State and Communities."

Presented by Fred Schmidt (top) of the University of Vermont (UVM) and Chip Sawyer (bottom) of UVM's Center for Rural Studies, the session takes a look at the changing face of data collection in light of the new American Community Survey.

The deadline to take advantage of one element of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is fast approaching.

First-time homebuyers might be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000.

But you have to make your purchase on or after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.

Ask your VHFA participating lender for details.

We're always encouraging new homebuyers to attend a class given by the NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Centers of Vermont. The knowledge you'll gain will be well worth the modest price.

Ludy Biddle, Executive Director of NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, has outlined the nine topics covered by her organization's "Housing 101" course in an article that appeared in the Rutland Herald this weekend.

"With fluctuating interest rates, legal language barriers, confusing contingency clauses, home buying — your most important purchase ever — is a daunting adventure," she writes.

"The best way to begin is by getting an education."

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is taking nominations for its Vermont Downtown Awards.

The awards will be presented as part of the 2009 Vermont Downtown Conference, Friday, Nov. 6, at the Middlebury Inn and Town Hall Theater.

Deadline for nominations is Oct. 1.