Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park - Have you experienced the amazing display of Holiday Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden yet?  This is a central Connecticut exhibit not to be missed!  The lights to over 300 displays were turned on November 23, and they will be lit every evening through the first week of January.    If you have ever been driving along I-691 after dark during the holiday season, you have undoubtedly noticed the snowflakes on the south side of the highway--these a just a tiny piece of the fantastic display of lights throughout the park.  Also along the north side of I-691, you really can't miss the lights outlining Castle Craig.  This is not part of the light display that you can drive to (the road to the castle closed at night), but it is a wonderful view for the... 12/07/2010

Back by Popular Demand - Cheshire's Technology Petting Zoo!  Did you miss your chance last month to get your hands on the latest and greatest technology at the Cheshire Public Library?  Well, all is not lost.  By popular demand, the Cheshire Library is once again offering to tell you all you want to know but were afraid to ask (a salesperson) about e-Readers not once, but twice, this month!  Cheshire Library Director Ramona Harten reports that last month's Technology Petting Zoo was quite successful, so she decided to offer it again this month; but demand was so great that she has to do it twice (lots of people want to get their hands on the e-readers before making holiday gift-giving decisions). This month's Petting Zoos are being held on Thursday, December 9, from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., a... 12/06/2010

The Cheshire Community Chorus will be presenting their "Sights and Sounds of the Season" concert on Sunday December 13 at 3 pm.  This will take place at Dodd Middle School at 100 Park Place, Cheshire Ct.  It is always very entertaining, and great family fun.  They will be performing a large selection of songs that will entertain all age groups!  Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students.  If you would like additional info you can call 203-272-0669 You can also check out their Blog at http://cheshirecommunitychorus.blogspot.com/ 12/05/2010

Calcagni Associates was featured on RISMedia today – Every weekday RISMedia sends out about 1 million e-mails around the country with interesting articles about home buying and home selling, and all the associated parts of both. Today’s e-mail came through with the Broker Spotlight on Calcagni Associates Real Estate. For all of you who would like to know more about Calcagni Associates Real Estate and its philosophy, be sure to check it out. And for more information on Calcagni Associates, here is the website (no I am not always on that front page of this website--just my own)! 11/22/2010

Text for Instant Listing Information and Pictures - Today I went out to the first of my properties to install a new hang sign for instant text information on the listing.  As you can see, I haven't abandoned my Flyer Box, because not everyone has a text plan or internet connection (for the fullest experience), so you still have your choice.  But just remember, the next time it is snowing hard, you don't have to get out of the car to find out more about my listings!                 Above you will see the two texts that will be received.  The first is the basic information on the property with a link to photos if you have internet capability on your phone, and the second is my contact information if you want to call me for even more information or a showning.  (Please note:  There is a gl... 11/18/2010

I Met Allan Dalton Today!  After years of knowing Allan Dalton as the head of Realtor.com and a speaker around the country, today I finally got to meet him in person at a Calcagni Associates Regional Office function at the Farms Country Club in Wallingford.  Allan and RisMedia put on the presentation to all the Calcagni Associates offices, and what he had to say was quite enlightening and thought-provoking.  I will be reading his book, Leveraging Your Links over the next few days, and I look forward to putting his ideas to practice in my business. Aside from the fabulous speakers, another important take-away from this gathering was new hang signs that will be showing up on most of the Calcagni listings that will direct buyers and the curious neighbors to text us for more information abo... 11/17/2010

Have You Experienced Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers Yet?  Be prepared to wait in line as it is usually out the door at lunchtime.  However, the line moves quickly, and it is worth the wait.  Seating is limited, so get there early.  I bring clients from all over to get a quick bite--all are intriqued by the "steamed" nature of the burgers; and then there is the special cheese and the home fries.  This all adds up to a rewarding lunch experience.  Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers is conveniently located about 30 seconds off I-691 on Broad Street.  Easy on and off at 1046 Broad Street, Meriden.  It is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. and Sundays from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., so you have plenty of opportunity! Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers is no stranger to publicity!  They ... 11/16/2010

Blackie's Hot Dogs - A Cheshire Tradition for Generations! - Imagine a hot dog stand that your children love that their great grandparents used to frequent!  That's what you will find in Cheshire with Blackie's Hot Dog Stand!  And what is even more unique, this hot dog stand has always been in the same family since it opened in 1928!  Oh, and did I mention the relish?  Blackie's has the most incredible Hot Pepper Relish! That alone is worth the trip! So the next time you find yourself in the area, unless it is Friday, be sure to stop by Blackie's Hot Dog Stand at 2200 Waterbury Road in Cheshire.  Why not on Fridays?  Blackie's is closed on Fridays all year round.  Thank you to CToriginals (Comment 4 below) for bringing to my attention the documentary they did on Blackie's Hot Dog Stand:   11/12/2010

Is school called off today?  Yesterday's freak snowstorm brought to mind how exciting it is for the kids to get a day off from school due to snow (or the possibility of it).  My kids always rejoiced when they received the gift of a snow day, even when they knew they would have to make it up at the end of the year.  Their favorite way to check for school delays or cancellations was Connecticut Weather Inc. because they could refresh the page and watch the list grow until Cheshire High School finally showed up on the list.  Then they could go back to sleep.  Other places to check for school closings are Channel 16 on Cox Cable (dedicated to all things Cheshire) and the local news channels (but you have to watch the list at the bottom of the page, and they always break for ads when it gets... 11/09/2010

Sunny with a High in the 50s?  Sometime during the night I woke to the sound of ice hitting my windows.  What happened to the "week ahead" (according to the Weather Channel) of Sunny with Highs in the 50s?  I washed my car yesterday, so I guess it is my fault!  Right now it is snowing those amazingly huge flakes that you only see with the first storms of the year . . . 11/08/2010

Cheshire's Lights of Hope - Tonight was the annual Cheshire Lights of Hope, and many luminaries lined the streets of town.  A full mile of luminaries on both side of Route 10 was an impressive sight along with a beautiful display at the Cheshire Acadamy and the First Congregational Church.  Cheshire's Lights of Hope mission is to unite as a community by lighting up our town in hope of a better world.  It was established in 2005 to encourage our community to have hope in the midst of the darkness that often seems more prevalent in our world. I hope that all who experienced tonight's wonderful display will come a way with a little more kindness in their hearts.  11/06/2010

Cheshire's Own Kind of Petting Zoo - Did you always love petting zoos when you were a kid or do you love taking your kids or grandkids to petting zoos?  Cheshire has a new kind of petting zoo coming to town--a technology petting zoo! On Monday, November 22, 2010, at 7:00 P.M., the Cheshire Public Library will present a "Technology Petting Zoo," a hands-on demonstration of eBook readers and other devices.  Library Director Ramona Harten will be in charge of the presentation which is for adults ages 18 and up.  Registration is required, so be sure to check out their website!  Here is your opportunity to hold and inspect the new wave of technology so you won't be afraid anymore!  I have been assured that all of the technology presented will be tame and none will bite.  So now is your chanc... 11/03/2010

Are you ready for Toys for Tots in the Cheshire Area?  This year's local drop points in Cheshire, Connecticut, are listed below for your convenience.  For more drop off locations in New Haven County, check out this webpage!  And if you are looking for spots in Hartford or Litchfield Counties, check out this one! You can drop off any new unwrapped toy during business hours. CPM Insurance Service - 90 Hinman Street, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 1 - December 15, 2010. Atlantic Inertial Systems (Goodrich) - 250 Knotter Drive, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 8 - December 10, 2010. Macy's Logistics and Operations - 475 Knotter Drive, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 8 - December 10, 2010. In Touch Massage & Spa - 350 South Main Street, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 1 - December 19, 2010. ACS ... 10/31/2010

All Aboard for the Santa Express!  Looking for a great family event this holiday season?  How about the Santa Express train ride?  This year’s event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in December (December 4 and 5, 11 and 12, and 18 and 19) departing at 2 P.M. from the Thomaston Train Station. The train runs along the Naugatuck River for one hour 20 minutes while your group visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their trusty elves!  The train you will travel on is a 1920s vintage train with warm and comfortable coaches.  Santa and his wife will visit each child. Tickets are free for age 2 and under (but the child must be seated on an adult lap).  Children 3-12 are $12; Adults are $14, and Seniors are $12.  You can purchase tickets online or at the Thomaston Station on the day of travel.  ... 10/31/2010

Cheshire's Lights of Hope is Saturday, November 6, 2010 - The annual Lights of Hope in Cheshire has been moved up this year.  In the past, the event has had to be postponed due to bitterly cold weather or impending blizzards, so this year the event is being held in November rather than January.  Cheshire's Lights of Hope started in 2005, and over the years has raised more than $260,000 for local charities.  All of the proceeds raised are returned to the community.  This year's charities are Cheshire Youth & Social Services, the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, the Petit Family Foundation, and the Cheshire's Lights of Hope Scholarship Fund.  The mission of Cheshire's Lights of Hope is to unite as a community, to light up our town in hope of a better world, and to raise funds for local cha... 10/30/2010

Farm Stands are Closing Soon - Get To One Near You This Weekend!  Is it really almost November?  Remember those great local Farm Stands will be closing down soon, so don't wait any longer.  Get to one near you!  Ives Farm at 1585 Cheshire Street in Cheshire is not holding its annual Corn Maze this year, but their Farm Stand is still open for business.  They have acres of pumpkins from which to choose, so be sure to stop by this weekend!    10/22/2010

R. W. Hine Hardware - Since 1910!  Can you imagine a hardware store that can hang in there for 100 years!?  R.W. Hine Hardware in Cheshire is that store.  R.W. Hine was founded at its 231 Maple Avenue site in 1910 by Raymond Walter Hine.  We have been going there for household items for more years than I care to admit, so we have watched the transformation.  It is now known as RW Hine Ace Hardware, but the people are still the wonderful folks we have come to know over the years.  They have a great rental department.  I am "looking forward" to renting a leaf blower from them in the next few weeks.  Celebrating 100 Years!   10/21/2010

Here it is . . . The New Photo!!  Oh, did I happen to mention that there would be a change in my brokerage?  Effective today, I am now affiliated with Calcagni Associates Real Estate in Cheshire.  I will continue to service all of central Connecticut.  Calcagni Associates Real Estate is a leading brand in the state of Connecticut with additional focus on New Construction, Land Development, Commercial, and REO properties.  I am pleased to join this organization that leads the industry in innovation and garnering results for our clients.  10/20/2010

Cheshire's Main Street Cafe is exactly what it says it is - a cafe on the main street.  However, its actual address is 209 West Main Street in Cheshire.  Its original location was on the 0.3 mile long Main Street, but the building in which it resided was torn down to make way for the new Rite Aid (opening soon), so they closed down for a little while and then re-opened right around the corner on West Main Street.  My children used to go to the old location about once a week while they were in high school.  It was a very sad day when it closed down as they didn't know at that time if they would be reopening.  Let me tell you, they have come back bigger and better than ever!  I had a cup of coffee at the Main Street Cafe this morning, and there wasn't a parking space to be found.  They ha... 10/13/2010

September 2010 Real Estate Sales Report for Cheshire Ct Currently in Cheshire Ct there are 189 active residential listings for sale, with 34 new listings being added in September. The homes for sale in Cheshire Ct range from a 565 square ft, 2-bedroom bungalow listed at $109,900 to a 5,600 square ft, 4 bedrooms, Colonial listed at $ 1,990,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Cheshire Ct is $460,753. The average days on market for these homes is 120 days. There are currently 14 homes under contract in Cheshire Ct, with three having gone under contract in September. In September, 13 homes closed in Cheshire Ct. They ranged from a 2,600 square ft, 4-bedroom colonial which sold for $459,900 to a 1,502 square ft, 2-bedroom Cape that sold for $182,000. Aver... 10/13/2010