BUBBLEMANIA an evening of family fun CROMWELL HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 20TH, AT 7:00PM  Bubblemania is coming to Cromwell High School, in Cromwell CT.  I bet you are right now thinking "What is bubblemania?"  That was my first thought too when I saw the signs around town. Bubblemania in short is where Casy Carle entertains you with soap bubbles.  He has been all over the world and people are amazed at how he can bounce bubbles, juggle soap bubbles, blow bubbles out of just about anything, have you ever seen a bubble cube?  Now is your chance. For find out more you can visit Bubblemania on the web. After viewing the website I am even amazed at what he can do.. it looks very exciting and intriging, that I am now going to check it out. So come by with your children and have an evening of entertai... 03/17/2009

BOY SCOUTS OF CROMWELL CT MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE MARCH 7TH, 2009 This bottle drive is going on RIGHT NOW.. stop by with your recyclables. Can you believe a month has gone by since the last time I mentioned this bottle drive?  It seems that the word is not out there yet for this event, and the boys scouts can use your help with the donation of every recyclable cans and bottles you have.    This is short notice as a reminder, but tomorrow, Saturday, March 7th, this the monthly bottle drive for the boy scouts of Cromwell CT.  I'm sure you have many soda, beer bottles, etc., that need to be recycled. I know you don't want to hold onto them, and would like to make room.  This is your opportunity to dispose of them, and make a difference at the same time. Please come and bring all of yours and ... 03/06/2009

DAIRY QUEEN FUN NIGHT Cromwell Middle School Fundraiser 5:00pm to 8:00pm There never seems to be a dull moment here in Cromwell CT when looking for something to do.  Monday, March 2, 2009 will be no exception.  The Cromwell Middle School PTO provides much needed school supplies and computer technology, student scholarships, and sponsors school activities to the students of town.  They are looking to keep this standard up, but need our help. So, on the first Monday evening of every month... starting this coming Monday, March 2, 2009, the Dairy Queen in the Expect Discount/KMart Plaza, will donate 10% of their net sales for the evening to the Cromwell Middle School PTO. So, moms, dads and families, come on over and have dinner and dessert.  At the same time you will be helping the CMS PTO... 02/28/2009

FAMILY GAME NIGHT in CROMWELL CT MARCH 20TH, 2009   Looking to spend more quality time with your family?  The Recreation Department of Cromwell CT is sponsoring their semi-annual FAMILY GAME NIGHT at the townhall gym. Bring the whole family, or come by yourself.  Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. So, come and have some fun.  There will be donated prizes for the winners. This is a very popular event, and is limited to the town of Cromwell only.  Just you have a few more days to register... don't miss out on this opportunity to have fun with the family.  Pre-registration is required by March 10th.  Please call the Cromwell Recreation Department with any questions and/or to register at 860.632.3467. A DONATION OF $5.00 FOR REFRESHMENTS WOULD BE APPRECIATED... 02/26/2009

This morning, Sunday was a crazy time.  It is the last day of school vacation and my sons wanted to make the most of it.  So they slept in and didn't get up until 11:00am.  At this point it didn't want to cook breakfast, then turn around and make lunch.. so I took them out to Mitchell's here in Cromwell, CT, the breakfast's there are phenomenal. Any way, it is pouring rain, and instead of getting working on getting my hair presentable, I just graped and put on my *Realtor* hat (baseball cap).. and ran out the door. Would you know when I was waiting for a table, Sister Susan (yes, a nun) asked me if I sold real estate, after seeing my hat.  They agreed with the media and jumped on the bandwagon by saying that the real estate must be bad.  When I told them that it IS picking up in this ar... 02/22/2009

As I've mentioned in the past, there seems to be a lot of negativity about real estate.  The media generalizes and just comments all the time that it is "BAD".  They never say where, just that it is bad.  Shame on them! This blog is to bolster the moral of the members here and the people who live in the area of Cromwell CT, along with the area towns of Berlin CT, Rocky Hill CT, Middletown CT, Glastonbury CT.  It isn't all that bad.  I've read some blogs where activity is picking up for some.. and I wanted to let you know that yesterday, Friday, this is happening here too. 1) I received a call from a neighbor that is looking to sell their home, and purchase a condo. 2) Another client wishes to sell their home, and purchase two others.  3) Also, received a call about a referral coming int... 02/21/2009

This past Monday was Groundhog's Day, and yes Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow.  Still celebrating Groundhog's Day?  I'm am, and I'm not Bill Murray who was caught in the movie Groundhog's Day. Some of the members here might have noticed that I haven't been as active on AR as usual... and this would be correct.. Why?  Friends and I have been celebrating this holiday before, during and after February 2nd.  Why? Not only is it Groundhog's Day, but it is also my birthday.  This year I toasted in my 30th birthday for the 20th time.  LOL. It started out with a trip to Boston when my sister (who flew in from NC) invited me to stay with her for the weekend.  We went to the North End of Boston for a great Italian meal, when to my surprise it wasn't just the two of us.. but friends from arou... 02/07/2009

BOY SCOUTS OF CROMWELL CT MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE FEBRUARY 7TH, 2009   This is short notice as a reminder, but tomorrow, Saturday, February 7th, this the monthly bottle drive for the boy scouts of Cromwell CT.  I'm sure you have many soda, beer bottles, etc., that need to be recycled. I know you don't want to hold onto them, and would like to make room.  This is your opportunity to dispose of them, and make a difference at the same time. Please come and bring all of yours and your neighbors redeemable bottles. The Boy Scouts of Cromwell needs lots of bottles to keep them busy. Please pass the word along to your friends and family. Please remind your neighbors and family to bring down their redeemable bottles and cans. This is the Pack's primary source of funding for activities and badges.... 02/06/2009

For those of you that live in Cromwell Hills in Cromwell, CT and for others in the surrounding area, are you tired of listening to the media and the hype when it comes to the real estate market?  If you are looking to move or buy in the near future and would like to *truly* know what is happening in the local area of the real estate market, you can see how I, Valerie Osterhoudt, of Johnson Real Estate can assist you.  Make a call to your local realtor, and also by reading the ad below.    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, as well as the surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs. Va... 01/29/2009

FAMILY VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE The Cromwell CT Recreation Department is sponsoring a family Valentine's Day Dance at the Townhall gym on Saturday, February 7th, 2009, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  This is really a great idea.  Dad's this is a great opportunity to dance with your daughters and mom's with your sons.  How often will you have the opportunity to do so? This is for children in grades Kindergarten to 5th grade and their parents or a special adult. A D.J. will supply the musical entertainment.  This has been a hit in the past and space is limited so you will need to register early.  This is being limited to 150 people. There is a donation of $5.00 a family.  Sign-up by Sunday, February 1st to reserve your spot.  Not sure if you can make it???  You can come the night of the dance and pa... 01/21/2009

CROMWELL HILLS, CROMWELL CT... TAKING ON A NEW LOOK                 SIDING BEFORE...                                                   SIDING AFTER...   As we all now the economy is not at it's peak.. but this doesn't mean that you can't make an investment that will pay off in the long run.  Right now, Cromwell Hills, in Cromwell CT is undergoing major renovating.                In the past year it has repaved all the parking lots and the main drive.  Now they are taking on residing these units... 316 in all.              Just a few years back the association rebuilt the two tennis courts from the ground up...   If you are looking to make money in real estate, where there is potential for an increase, this is where you need to invest.  Great place for first time home buyers too. Johnson... 01/19/2009

OK, I've noticed this yesterday, but didn't want to say anything for fear of jinxing it and making it worse.. but it seems that this has happened all on it own. Yesterday the gas prices hear went up 4 cents a gallon.. today it has gone up another 8 cents a gallon... so in less than 2 days we are looking at a 12 cent increase.  In Cromwell, CT we are looking at the price of $1.79 a gallon for gas at the Cumberland Farms on Route 372.  Right next door at the Gulf Station it is $1.75 a gallon.  Is this a change we will keep seeing again?  I hope not.. lower prices meant people could spend money on other things like grocery and other products for the home.  If they do go up, I'm hoping not to the over $4.00 a gallon like before.  That would be a catastrophe for this economy. How are prices ... 01/07/2009

 BOY SCOUTS OF CROMWELL CT MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE JANUARY 3TH, 2008   Happy New Year everyone!!!   Now that we have celebrated and enjoyed friend's and family's company.  I'm sure you have many soda, beer bottles, etc., that need to be recycled. I know you don't want to hold onto them, and would like to make room.  This is your opportunity to dispose of them, and make a difference at the same time. This Saturday, January 3rd (always the first Saturday of the month) is the next bottle drive. Please come and bring all of yours and your neighbors redeemable bottles. The Boy Scouts of Cromwell needs lots of bottles to keep them busy. Please pass the word along to your friends and family. Please remind your neighbors and family to bring down their redeemable bottles and cans. This is the Pack'... 01/02/2009

JOHNSON REAL ESTATE CROMWELL, CT REINDEER VEHICLES It has been snowing lately and I've heard that people were having problems traveling.  Most would just sit back and wait for the plows.. but when it comes to real estate, Johnson Real Estate will go to the enth degree to make sure contracts are signed, dates met, checks delivered.  How do we do this, you are wondering.. very simple... we have our Rudolph antlers and nose on. Yes, that is yours truly in the middle. These vehicles have made people smile when they have passed by.  Everyone loves the antlers and red nose in the front... and being happy this time of year is what we are trying to do.  When you see us go by... wave.. we'll wave back. If we go to this extent to bring a smile to your face, imagine what we can do when it comes to... 12/24/2008

Today, I was running errands, and doing some last minute shopping. I found myself traveling North on Route 9 going through Middletown, CT to Cromwell, CT.  Off to the right was the Connecticut River.  It looked so peaceful.  There were forms of ice that looked like it was just sitting there.   I decided to take time off and enjoy the view...  here are some shots, so you can enjoy too...   Here I was not 5 minutes from Route 9 and all the traffic.  As I stood here it was amazing to see how fast the ice was moving... I'd say around 10 mph.  You could hear the ice as it collided into each other.  Standing in the snow.. and looking north, I forgot about everything for just a moment.  I hope you do too. If you would like to know what this is like and are ready to move, I'll be glad to assist... 12/23/2008

WHITE CHRISTMAS   As most of you know, today and yesterday it has been snowing in and around Cromwell, CT.  All of the state for that matter.  I has been wonderful to see the while stuff.  It brings a peace and tranquility to the area.. looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. The last 3 or 4 years there hasn't been a white Christmas.. I'm hoping all this snow stays until then.  I wouldn't mind if it snowed again and *stalled*.. for about another 2 to 3 feet to fall. What most don't realize is that the snow also acts like an insulator.. it covers up cracks and small holes, which could make your house warmer... if nothing else the view should warm your heart. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend... LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE SNOW!!!         Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwe... 12/21/2008

For all of you that read my previous blog THIS IS THE TIME OF GIVING..SO WHY ISN'T THERE HELP, and gave me wonderful suggestions, they were very helpful.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get a hold of anyone that *Could* help last night. However, today that was a different story... Rudolph the Red-Nosed Van was to the rescue.  If Rudolph can make it through and dense fog, or snow.. so should Rudolph the Red-Nosed Van. :) I brought the groceries over to this woman.. and she was VERY thankful.  I also helped in shoveling her driveway with her daughter.  Her daughter made it into town from New York at 1am this morning.  Neighbors even came over to help... HOORAY!!  Let's hear it for the Christmas Spirit. When we had a chance to talk I mentioned some of the organizations that members here suggest... 12/20/2008

In my opinion the media today is trying to bail themselves out for an inaccurate (once again) forecast of the weather.   Yesterday, all I heard on the radio, when it came to the weather, is that a storm is coming through Connecticut and we should see snow anywhere from 3 to 4 inches.  Living in Cromwell, (central part of the state) I was looking forward to this... so were my children... they were hoping for a day off... but would settle for a 90 minute delay. The storm was supposed to start Tuesday afternoon... then it was moved to 10pm with a big inch 2 inches (dumped) on us. Come on people.. where is this a storm?  It is just a snowfall... barely. This morning in Cromwell, there was nothing but rain.  There was ice on the windshields.. but nothing much.  There is NO school delays here... 12/16/2008

CROMWELL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE For a small town, Cromwell, CT really gets into the Christmas spirit.  This past Saturday, I wrote a blog about Santa Claus is coming to town via fire truck.  How Santa went on every street riding on a fire truck to hand out candy cane. Las Wednesday, December 10th, he appeared again, when Cromwell held a Christmas party for the less fortunate in town.  This is an annual event that has been going on for the last 23 years.  Ann France from youth services has been there every  year. The party was sponsored by the Cromwell Youth Services and Cromwell High School students.  There were 40 students that helped to wrap gifts and be there during the course of the evening.  The Middle School Band came to play too. Pizza was brought in for everyone ... 12/15/2008

  For everyone who lives in Cromwell CT that has children.. today is most likely a day they have been looking forward to for a while. The Cromwell Fire Dept is driving all over Cromwell CT with Santa on the top of the truck giving out candy canes to all the children that are outside waiting for them. This takes a lot of planning on the part of the fire department... because they go on every street.  They start first thing in the morning and finish around 6pm. So when you hear fire trucks today, it might not be that they are off to a fire.. they might be heading to your house with candy canes... Here is yet another reason why Cromwell CT is a great place to live. Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase a... 12/13/2008