SOURCE TO SEA CLEANUP CROMWELL, CT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 2008 from 10am to 12pm   We all get busy with our lives and it is nice sometimes to step back and give back to the community.  So, COME ON over to Cromwell, CT!!!   On Saturday, October 4th it is time to get your feet wet, your hands dirty, and make the rivers cleaner.  Individuals, clubs, troops, students and businesses are going to help clean up the Connecticut River and it's tributaries. It is only for two hours, but imagine the impact we could have.  The Source to Sea Cleanup is a one day, coordinated effort in four states to highlight a clener Connecticut River.  They can use your help. Last year, I believe there was over 2,000 people that helped out in 4 states to clean up around the Connecticut River.. hopefully this year ... 09/22/2008

TASTE OF CROMWELL Friday September 26th, from 7 to 9:30pm at the Holy Apostles College The annual taste of Cromwell, Ct is fast approaching again.  Everyone who has gone to this in the past has had a good time.  From the sign above, there will be a wine tasting.  Liquor World is supplying the wine, and at present there will be 12 to 15 vendors.  Area restaurants will be catering the food.  Right now 15 restaurants are partaking in this event.  Mr. Cigar will be selling cigars and you are welcome to smoke them outside under the tent.  Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. There is going to be a silent auction and a Tea Cup Auction as well.  Proceeds will benefit The Children's Home and Community Projects overseen by the Rotary Club (just in case you can't read the sign).  ... 09/11/2008

Yes, it is September and this can mean only one thing.. ok, maybe two... The first, yes, children go back to school, but more importantly it is apple picking season.  You must know where I am leading with this.  It is time to go to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT  LYMAN ORCHARD'S Located at the Junction of Routes 147 & 157 Middlefield, CT I went this past weekend just to pick a few apples with my son Jakob.. you know, enough to get through a week.  My favorites are the Cortland.  Well, in 15 minutes we picked 18 pounds of apples.. I guess you could say I went a little overboard.. not really.  I've given some to people in my office, my sons have had them for lunch.. and best of all, I have enough for my homemade (completely from scratch) Applecake.  Hmm.  Ok, you can tell I haven't had... 09/09/2008

Recently I had clients that were looking for their first home together.  I was working with them for about 3 months, and had shown them easily 26 homes.. with no luck.  They were focusing their attention on homes in Cromwell, CT and the surrounding area.   Then one afternoon a new listing came up in Cromwell and I thought of them immediately and sent it to them.  They wanted to see it and we were there viewing the home in less than 24 hours once it hit the MLS.  They loved the home, we made an offer and it was accepted.  They just closed on the property last week, and are very excited.  At the closing when they were still on a high, I asked them if they would mind if I put on my on *their* property showing that we sold it.  They thought this was a great idea.  The next day my broker wen... 09/09/2008

Living in Cromwell, CT and selling real estate, I've seen a lot of changes in this town.  Once again this town is putting it's best foot forward in showing one of many things it has to offer people coming to town.  We are strategically placeing new "Welcome to Cromwell" signs on every road that enters/leaves the town. When you come to the Cromwell Riverport Festival, or any other time you come to Cromwell, you should check it out and see what it has to offer.       Info on author: Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor.  She can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT and the surrounding areas. Please visit http://www.ctrealtormls.com/ for your relocation and/or your local needs. Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johns... 09/08/2008

CROMWELL CONNECTICUT RIVERPORT FESTIVAL 2008   The 13rd annual Riverport Festival in Cromwell, CT is being held for 3 days, Thursday, September 18th through Saturday September 20th. This has always been alot of fun... there are carnival rides for the children, stage performances, food vendors, arts and crafts and much more.  This is a great time to come and meet people, get together with friends, and spend the day with your family.  Maybe I'll even see you there. My office at Johnson Real Estate is right around the corner... so don't be shy, stop by and say hello.     Info on author: Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor.  She can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT and the surrounding areas. Please visit ... 09/08/2008

BOY SCOUT BOTTLE DRIVE, CROMWELL CT (edit/delete) MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2008     Tomorrow, Saturday, September 6th is the first bottle drive of the school season.  Once again I am asking everyone to please come and bring all of your redeemable bottles.  Then go to your neighbors to get theirs.  The Boy scouts of Cromwell CT needs lots of bottles to keep them busy. Please pass the word along to your friends and family. This is Pack #36's primary source of funding for activities and badges. My son Kyle might even be there to help out.  Your time, and can/bottle contributions are necessary and appreciated.  There is a good chance that Hurricane Hanna will be hitting the area tomorrow, so this bottle drive might be postponed.  I haven't heard anthing about this, but if I do, I... 09/05/2008

I just want to take a moment to let everyone (primarily in the state of Connecticut) that if you don't have an earpiece for your cell phone.. don't talk and drive at the same time.  I hear the police are really clamping down on this.  As you know it is illegal talk on them and drive at the same time here in Connecticut.  I'm not sure what other states are affected by this. I was pulling out of my Cromwell office this afternoon, and there were 10 cars that were stuck behind a school bus going by me.  Out of the 10 vehicles that past, 6 people who were driving were literally speaking on their phone..with no earpiece involved.  Not good odds.  So either take a moment and hook up the earpiece or wait to make that phone call/or answer one until you can pull over.  I don't want to see anyone ... 09/03/2008

The town of Cromwell, CT school systems start the fall term tomorrow.  My children are not looking forward to it, and I, for one, am a parent NOT looking forward to this either.  When I am out at the bus stop, I will be thinking to myself, only 179 more school days until summer vacation next year. Today, I spent getting the last minute school supplies.. which right now have totaled close to $150.00 for two children.  This is only school supplies requested by the school itself.  This does NOT include, new shoes, socks, underwear, or new outfits.  Sports gear or music instruments is a whole other expense.  This still doesn't touch the cost for new backpacks, lunch bags or those, dreaded haircuts.  My two sons had their haircut today, and you would think I was torturing them.  I still need... 08/27/2008

Wednesday Evening Concert FINAL SEASON PERFORMANCE Pierson Park, West Street, Cromwell, CT Yes, I'm posting about a concert at Pierson Park, and this is the last one for the year.  The Park and Recreation Department of Cromwell, CT is putting on the final concert at Pierson Park on West Street, and it is FREE. The concert starts at 7pm, I would recommended getting there by 6:30pm at the latest for a good spot.  The performance will be the Musical Cavaliers by Joe Malardo with the music of Polka and Swing being performed.  08/26/2008

The town of Cromwell, CT is trying to raise money for new playscapes at the two elementary schools in town.  Right now the children have no playscapes at either school to play on, and parents would like to see their children have a safe place to play... not just blacktops. On September 6th, (raindate September 14th) from 9:00am to 2:00pm, the Children's Committee "Project Recess Rescue" is going to hold a fundraiser called "Touch a Truck" in efforts to raise money for playground equipment at Edna C. Stevens and Woodside Intermediate Elementary Schools. Admission to the event costs $5. The parents' group hopes to replace an old wooden playscape at the elementary school, which was taken down over a year ago and to also install a new playscape at Woodside which has never had one. So come o... 08/25/2008

Bethany Lutheran - GIVING CHILDREN HOPE   During our 100th Anniversary year, Bethany Lutheran Church of Cromwell, CT is raising money for the Giving Children Hope, and our goal is $15,000. Come over to Bethany Lutheran Church on 50 Court Street, in Cromwell, CT on Sunday, August 24th from 10:30 to 1pm to get your car washed. It is a time to help out other (orphans), and help in their quest to real their goal.  It is a win-win situation for all that participate. For a mere $7.00 you can get your car washed. Have two cars in your family, bring them both at the same time and get them washed for $10.00.  Have an SUV and haven't washed it all summer.. too much work for you, bring it on over and for $10.00 the youth of Bethany Lutheran Church will wash it for you. If you live too far away, b... 08/22/2008

Wednesday Evening Concert Pierson Park, West Street, Cromwell, CT Yes, once again it is Wednesday, and you know what this means.  The Park and Recreation Department of Cromwell, CT is puting on another concert at Pierson Park on West Street, it is free, and weather permitting. The concert starts at 7pm, I would recommended getting there by 6:30pm at the latest for a good spot.  Tonights' performance will be Jazz and Blues by Kitty Katherine.  Believe it or not, all going well, I should be there this evening... hope you will too. 08/20/2008

It is that time of year when soccer starts up in most towns.  Sue Schein of The Park and Recreation in Cromwell, CT is having their 4 annual soccer clet swap.  It is being held at the townhall, right outside the Recreation Department.  There are tables there with clets.. if it fits.. .it is yours. You can bring your old clets, and get a larger size.  Or if this is your first year of playing, come on town to get a pair.  If you don't wear them out... you can bring them back next year for a new size. This helps parents on a tight budget to be able to stretch it just a little further. 08/19/2008

In an effort to improve the town of Cromwell, CT.  The town is seeking a grant to add a boat launch to Cromwell Landing.  This would make big improvements in the efforts to revive historic downtown Main Street  and link it with the Connecticut River.   I'd love to see a restaurant built right near by, so anyone coming by boat would never have to leave and eat right there.  Hmmm.. maybe the town would consider puting up a building where retail would be on the bottom floors, and condos on the upper ones.   Ok, I'm getting to far ahead of myself at the moment.  Let's just hope the grant comes through first. 08/11/2008

Mitchell's  On Main 317 Main Street Cromwell, CT  06416 860.613.0770 Do you miss those homemade breakfasts that you used to get when you go out to restaurants?  They are back, and can be found at the restaurant Michell's On Main, in Cromwell, CT.  They have been open for a while now, and I have been in there a few times for breakfast.  Being that my office at Johnson Real Estate is almost right next door it is convenient.  Yes, I do walk there.  This way I can say I am staying in shape.. LOL. They have 3 other restaurants in Connecticut.  Two are in Rocky Hill, one is on the Sileas Dean Highway which was the first to open up in 1965.  The other is located down by the ferry that takes you over to Glastonbury.  If you live in Vernon, you are in luck, the 3rd one is located in this town. ... 08/11/2008

Here in Cromwell, CT the gas prices are coming down, just like they are in other places... but have you noticed the change that has occurred? It used to be the same price for credit cards as cash.  Now they have brought back the higher price for a gallon of gas if you pay by credit card.  Like who has $80.00 cash on them.  Who would want that much cash on them. So, now we have the lower prices being dangled in front of us.. but if we use the credit card, we are NOT.  Then if we don't pay off the total amount when we get the bill in, we are now paying more than before the prices went down. Gas prices here in Cromwell, CT are around $3.88 for regular unleaded... but the medium grade is at $4.19.  Why an increase of .30 cents a gallong for an octane that is only 2 higher? Trying to keep tr... 08/10/2008

I was completely taken aback a few weeks ago when I got a phone call from a old client.  I had sold her condo at Country Squire, in Cromwell, CT and it closed back in June.  She didn't need me for a place to leave, she had alreayd secured that prior to hiring my services.  She went to a community for over 55, which does NOT use realtors.  This was fine with me, I just thought this woman was wonderful to work with, and I enjoyed helping her sell her home.  She was floored that I would go out of my way to find a handyman/carpenter to help her with her bookcase.  She wanted to take it with her, but it was too tall for the unit she was moving to.  I found a person that was able to remove 2" fromt he bottom, and he even helped her move it in to her new home. Like I mentioned, out of the blue... 08/07/2008

MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE AUGUST 2, 2008     This Saturday is the next bottle drive. Please come and bring all of yours and your neighbors redeemable bottles. The Boyscouts 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. Your time, marketing efforts and cans are necessary and appreciated.   They will be in the Stop n' Shop parking lot in the Northeast Corner by Route 3/Shumpike and Route 372 in Cromwell. I wish to thank you in advance for all your contributions and your continued support of the boyscouts of Cromwell, CT.   Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Crom... 07/31/2008

When reading many different blogs on people, I am finding that AR members are trying to give some information on themselves to get a more rounded picture of who they truly are. With this, it is now my turn.  I have been procrastinating about commenting on this.. but maybe now it is time.  Tonight I am going to my high school reunion (class of '77) from Brookfield High School in Brookfield, CT.... another 5 years have gone by.  This will be our 30th reunion.  I wonder if I'll recognize anyone?  Man, where has time gone? This is going to be a two night celebration.  Being that I live in Cromwell, CT, it should be an easy drive.  If any of my classmates are reading this blog... hope to see you there. I plan on taking pictures and if they aren't that bad, I'll post them. 07/18/2008