Connecticut Locations for the Gamers on your Christmas ListWhen many of us were younger, in the olden days before electronics, computers etc., having card collections would have been done with the kids gathering in a park and swapping or talking about the sports cards they had; what they needed and who had the most.Well, times have changed, and games are played on computers, and like the sports cards we played, there are also special cards that carry big values: for instance, one could be worth as much as $20,000 today and will most likely appreciate.There is a store in Branford that has been hosting card events for almost 3 years, Lotus Games Located at 242 Main St, Branford CT Tel 203-208-0640 The success of this store has them offering events and games in a satellite location at 199 ... 12/01/2024

Friday Flags A Waterbury Bank Branch Whose Name InspiresIt has been a very hectic week and in a period in which we are thinking ahead to the Thanksgiving Day table, I saw a flag waving in front of a bank building that made me smile.I appreciate the advantages I have been afforded just because of the country in which we live.A subtle reminder as I prepare the post, just before being called to carve the turkey.Friday Flags A Waterbury Bank Branch Whose Name Inspires 11/29/2024

 Thankful for The Ones That are Always There Today is a day to give thanks for the blessings that we have been fortunate to have worked for.We all enjoy the company of our family and the extended ones as well.I am very appreciative of the support my family has given me in my trying times.And there are those people that have touched us and we know that whenever we really needed assistance, they were there, no questions asked.I have been fortunate to have had that type of person in my life. I would also like to believe that when called, I was also that type of person.Life is easier when we know we have helped and also appreciated the help.Enjoy the day.    Thankful for The Ones That are Always There 11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving 2024!I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving today.   Do not let the day go by without taking a few minutes to truly give thanks for all you have been blessed with, and if possible take the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  Today should not only be a day of giving thanks in word, but in giving thanks in deed as well.Happy Thanksgiving From My House To Yours!!!  11/28/2024

Thankful That I was WatchingReal estate is a business that requires knowledge, caring and the ability to respond quickly. It is not about just opening a door, waiting for a buyer to look through a house and then wondering if this is the one they want to buy. Or at least that is my belief.When the market favors buyers, it becomes necessary to try and make sure that what they are seeing has the potential of offering the shelter and comforts they seek and not become a money pit, unless of course they are seeking a fixer upper. As a youngster, we were often with our father when he was doing a side job to help someone he knew and also make a few extra dollars. He had only 2 years of high school in Portugal and as this was in the early 1930's, it was necessary for all to work the land to surv... 11/25/2024

Friday Flags: Official Opening of The Mountain Grill Waterbury CTSaturday morning was a big day at the East Mountain Golf course as it was the official opening of the remodeled club house and the formal introduction to the general public of the Mountain Grill. As we were walking down the 17th fairway, we could hear bagpipes playing songs nearby.Then, as we were approaching the green on the 18th fairway there was a crowd assembled behind the green. For the way we had played that morning, we knew it wasn't for us.After 2 years and a cost of over $2.5 million the grand unveiling. Just prior to the speeches, the bagpipes started, and the Waterbury CT Police Pipes and Drums band marched around the 18th green.  Full credits were offered to all the people that worked so hard to allow the resto... 11/22/2024

It's Raining in Connecticut, Yeah!!!There is a line about water, water everywhere but not a drop to spare, which for residents in the Northeast, Connecticut specifically was more real than desired over the past 2 months.Early in September, our state was hit with almost 9 inches of rain in a 24-hour span. It caused major devastation that required FEMA funds to try and repair but that could not replace what was lost, including lives.Since then, we have been under flag warnings to be careful of starting fires as everything was so dry that it would be difficult to contain and stop.There was a fire in October in the Wallingford area that took days and numerous firefighters to contain and caused so much damage.We have gotten no rain since, and our reservoirs are in low states with as much as ... 11/21/2024

What’s My Wolcott CT Home’s Value October 2024Wolcott CT is a town bordered by Bristol and Southington in Hartford county, and Waterbury in New Haven county. It is primarily a suburban town located 80 miles from New York City with a commute of 20 miles to Hartford and 30 miles to New Haven. Only slightly greater than 50% of the towns land is developed as residential housing and commercial, light industrial businesses.Currently in Wolcott CT there are 29 active residential listings for sale. The homes for sale in Wolcott CT range from a 738 square ft, 1-bedroom ranch style house listed at $160,000to a 2,546 square ft, 4-bedroom cape listed at $550,000. Search for Homes in Wolcott CT The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Wolcott CT is $464,131. The average da... 11/20/2024

What’s My Waterbury CT Home’s Value October 2024Waterbury CT is the second largest town in New Haven County with a population of app115,000. It is 33 miles southwest of Hartford, 25 miles north of New Haven and 77 miles northwest of New York City. The larger factories that once dominated the Connecticut manufacturing economy are no longer in Waterbury, essentially changing form the brass mills they used for raw materials and converting to cheaper and lighter aluminum or plastic. Currently in Waterbury CT there are 105 active residential listings for sale. The homes for sale in Waterbury CT range from an 684 square ft, 2-bedroom cape listed at $127,000 to a 1,134 square ft, 3-bedroom cape on large acreage listed at $750,000. These listings are within the town zip codes of 06702, 06704, 0... 11/16/2024

Friday Flags: A Rehab Facility Proudly Displaying the Flag in Naugatuck CTWe have been visiting a family member that was at a rehab facility in Naugatuck. For as often as we were going there it was always a pleasant site to see the American Flag waving just outside the entrance.Glendale Center is part of the National Genesis Health Care system.  The staff are always attentive, friendly, courteous and quick to answer any questions. As I was leaving one afternoon the wind started do its thing so naturally, I did my thing.I appreciate the facilities that honor our country and display the flag and wish more would do the sameFriday Flags: A Rehab Facility Proudly Displaying the Flag in Naugatuck CT  11/15/2024

What Happened in The Prospect CT Real Estate Market Prospect October 2024?   Prospect CT is a town of App 11,000 residents located in New Haven County. It is bordered by Waterbury, Cheshire, Naugatuck and Bethany.  Once noted by Money Magazine as one of the top 300 towns in the Nation, it has since adopted the title of Best Small town in CT.It serves as a predominately residential community whose residents commute to the nearby towns.  It has a well recognized Regional school system shared with Beacon Falls CT.  It is also recognized as a well managed town with taxes under control.  Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 12 active residential listings for sale. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 732 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home listed at $ 85,0... 11/13/2024

Welcome to this new construction home in the heart of New Milford, CT, located just minutes from the historic Village Green. This beautifully designed, move-in ready home blends modern luxury with everyday convenience, making it the perfect choice for buyers looking to settle in Litchfield County. With 4 bedrooms, a possible 5th bedroom or playroom, and 2.5 bathrooms, this home offers ample space for growing families or those seeking a versatile layout.As you enter, you'll be greeted by a grand two-story foyer, leading into an expansive open concept living area. The chef’s kitchen is a highlight, featuring quartz countertops, white shaker cabinets, and a large center island with seating for four—ideal for entertaining. High-end stainless steel appliances and a spacious pantry make this ... 11/13/2024

Fall Has come and gone in Connecticut, which means it is time for me to conclude  my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started twelve years ago.  This is a series I hoped to continue for many years, and have been able to do so far, however, this year I started about a week to late. The first two years of this series, the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Ten years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So eight years ago I decided to change locations again to a site at Lyman's Orchards in Middlefield, CT.  But once again that site did not produce the colors I... 11/12/2024

Veteran's Day  Nov 11, 2024  Thank a Veteran for Their Service Today, in the United States, is Veteran’s Day. It’s a day to remember all Veteran’s that have served their country in a time of war. Originally it was known as Armistice Day, which was the day the articles ending World War I were signed, at the 11th hour of the 11 Day of the 11 month.On June 1, 1954, Congress changed the day and replaced Armistice with Veteran's Day in order to include the veteran's from WW11 and the Korean conflict. As today is a federal holiday, all government offices will be closed, as will be all schools.  Many restaurants will offer special meals for Veterans with proof of service.  If you should pass a person today and recognize them as having served, thank them for their service.This year especially a... 11/11/2024

Today is Veterans Day 2024, A Day To Honor Our Veterans, and our Men and Women who are serving in our Armed Forces.I hope that everyone takes a moment out of there day to say thank you to either a Veteran they know, or one of the Men and Women presently serving.  It only takes a minute to do this, but the impact and meaning it has on the one you say thank you to is greater than you can imagine. Those who have served our country did so willingly and without expectation of anything in return.  They did it for the honor of serving the land of opportunity, and to secure the freedoms we enjoy.Many restaurants throughout the Country will be honoring our Veterans with free meals, and discounts.  So let us join all the organization who are honoring our Veterans today and show our appreciation a... 11/11/2024

This is my weekly reminder that Tuesday, November 12th. is our next regularly scheduled ActiveRain Weekly ZOOM Meeting at 2:00 p.m. EST.  If you have not attended one of these meetings before, then you need to make this a try to attend meeting this week.These ActiveRain Weekly ZOOM Meetings are hosted by our long time member, the lovely Debe Maxwell, CRS, and are also attend by many of the ActiveRain Ambassadors, as well as other movers and shakers of our industry. This week our speaker will be Charra Hammett, and she will be speaking to us about "Website Privacy & Cookie Policies".  I have to admit that I am clueless when it comes to anything about websites, and especially the policies that apply to them.  So this will be a good ActiveRain Weekly ZOOM Meeting for me to attend. This wil... 11/10/2024

A November Sunset that Looked like Fire in the SkyConnecticut bordering on drought conditions and as the state is so dry fires are a large worry. Lat October saw a large 200-acre fire in the center of the state that had firefighters battling around the clock.It ws startling to me as I was driving up a hill to glance west and see the sky lit up fire red.I waited a few minutes trying to determine where it might be It could have been the forest bordering the Naugatuck/Middlebury lines with Interstate 84 running right through its center.The pause made it very clear that it wasn't a fire, just a brilliant sunset..Remembering the weather saying of evening red, morning gray helps the traveler on his way, it was going to be another sunny day following. A November Sunset that Looked like Fire in... 11/10/2024

Fall Has arrived once again in Connecticut, which means it is time for me to begin my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started twelve years ago.  This is a series I hoped to continue for many years, and have been able to do so far, however, this year I have started maybe a week to late. The first two years of this series, the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Ten years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So eight years ago I decided to change locations again to a site at Lyman's Orchards in Middlefield, CT.  But once again that site did not produce the co... 11/08/2024

Friday Flags: A Naugatuck CT Business Proud of Its CountryDriving south on Rt 63 in Naugatuck on the way to New Haven a flutter caught my eye. I pulled over as it was something that I needed to address,A small business, Quality Sheet Metal had a parking lot full of cars and just outside the main entrance, a large flagpole with the American flag waving for all to see.I walked over to the edge of the lot to try and get a better shot and below are the results.This week especially a sense of patriotism seems appropriate and hope that the future will mend our country, and that wisdom and common sense will prevail.Friday Flags: A Naugatuck CT Business Proud of Its Country  11/08/2024

Welcome to The Mountain Grille at East Mountain Golf Course After a 2 year absence, the club house at the East Mountain Golf Course is open with many changes designed for safety and comfort with a new 19th hole. There had been minimal changes to the inside of the club house since originally built in the early 1930's as a WPA project. As an aside, I have played golf with the son of one of those workers, whose job was to break up and remove the rocks from the fairways. I think he took too many breaks.All inside is state of the art and all mechanicals have been completed to modern day codes for the safety of all. The new owners, Pama and Mark Goggins, and Fran Phelan have intentions of operating The Mountain Grille as a year-round, family style restaurant. The building has new HVAC systems... 11/07/2024