Debe Maxwell, CRS is hosting the ActiveRain Challenge the month titled "November 2022 Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge".  This will be an easy challenge for me, because I have MUCH to have gratitude for.  For this challenge we get to write one blog per week for this month.  My first blog was about my beautiful granddaughter, and my second blog was about those who have given me encouragement and support in my career, and the third blog was for the gratitude I have for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my brothers and sisters, to have an opportunity for a better life.  This four blog is for the gratitude I have for being a part of sharing, caring and giving Church.I have attend the Meriden Church of Christ in Meriden, CT., since 1984, and in those 38+ years the Meriden Church of C... 11/29/2022

This week is the 2017 Relay For Life In Meriden, CT, On May 19th, At Maloney High School.  The walking track at Maloney High School is an excellent location for a Relay For Life Event, and the High School has plenty of parking for this event. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world's largest fundraising event to end cancer.  This event brings communities around the world together to recognize those who have battled cancer, and remember those who have lost their life to cancer. The 2017 Relay For Life In Meriden, CT, On May 19th, At Maloney High School is a excellent way to be a part of the effort to end cancer, contribute to a very worthy cause, as well as get some exercise.  If you have not made plans to participate I hope you consider it, and join the many who will be... 05/18/2017

Christmas Silver Lights Festival at Hubbard Park Meriden CTWith over 300 characters and hundreds of little silver lights, the central area of Hubbard Park in Meriden CT looks to be the perfect Christmas village. The annual festival runs from Tuesday Nov 22 through Monday January 2.  There's still time to appreciate the display.Even passing along the highway connector adjacent to the park the trees along the area are ablaze with lit snowflakes and images of flying birds. It is truly special. The video is a quick tease to the treat awaiting the passing cars that drive and pause on their way through the park. Hubbard Park is located at 999 West Main Street, Meriden CT conveniently located just down the road from the Interstate 691 Connector. Christmas Silver Lights Festival at Hubbard Park... 12/24/2016

  We are entering the Craft Fairs and Bazaars season.  Between now and Christmas there will be several Craft Fairs and Bazaars in both my town as well as surrounding towns.  One of the first Craft Fairs and Bazaars this year is the CT Baptist Homes Craft Fair On November 5th. In Meriden, CT.   The Baptist Homes Craft Fair will be located on 292 Thorpe Avenue, and will run between 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At the CT Baptist Homes Craft Fair On November 5th. there will be lots of food and crafts such as: Homemade Crafts White Elephant Gifts Toys Books Homemade Baked Goods Hot Dogs Hamburgers Clam Chowder And Much More   Once I saw there would be homemade clam chowder I was sold, and will plan to be there.  With all the homemade crafts at the CT Baptist Homes Craft Fair On November 5th. it w... 11/01/2016

 Run For The ARC 10K/5K On October 22 In Meriden, CT.  Run For The ARC is a USATF Certified 5K run & walk, and as well as a 10K run.  The 10K Run starts at 9 AM. and the 5K Walk & Run starts at 9:15 AM.All money raised by the Run For The ARC 10K/5K On October 22, will go to the over 350 men, women, and children who are receiving services and support from the ARC of Meriden-Wallingford, Ct on a daily basis.  As always with all events volunteers are needed in order to make this event a success.Online registration for The Run For The ARC 10K/5K On October 22, will end on Friday, October, 21, at 5:00 p.m.  The location for the Run For The ARC 10K/5K On October 22 will be 200 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT.For more information visit the ARC of Meriden-Wallingford website at http://www.runfort... 10/19/2016

 I am not a pet person, but I know many who are, including my son and daughter in-law who have 3 rescue dogs.  I also recognize the need to find good homes for dogs and other pets.  This weekend there will be an opportunity for those who do love pets to rescue one or more of them at the Dog & Puppy Adoption Event At PetSmart In Meriden, CT.PetSmart in Meriden, CT will be presenting an opportunity to adopt a dog or puppy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as follows:Friday, September 16th from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.Saturday, September 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PetSmart Meriden 533 S Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450 Hope all those who have room in there home for one of these dogs or puppy shows up this weekend at PetSmart in Meriden, CT and... 09/15/2016

 The Cuno Camp In Meriden, CT is a day camp run by the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden for kids age 6-13.  The camp goes on from mid June to mid August, and is comprised of 5 sessions.  The 5th and final session with be from this Monday, August 15th to the 19th., from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.At the Cuno Camp kids get to do swimming, kayaking, play games, do arts & crafts, and archery, as well as nature programs.  Even though the Cuno Camp is for kids 6-13, once a child reaches the age of 14 they can become a Junior Counselor and help to make the Cuno Camp experience a special one for the younger kids.The Cuno Camp is an excellent opportunity for parents to give their kids one more adventure before they head back to school.  Spots fill up fast so make sure to reserve a spot ASAP.  Boys & Girl... 08/13/2016

You Helped Me Buy My Dream HomeHelping  a first time home buyer in Connecticut realize their dream of owning a home gives one a very warm feeling.  It is not only the efforts expended on both parts, but the emotions the home buyer experiences while going through the process.  What made this purchase more challenging for the buyer was the fact that the home was an REO foreclosure with some issues that made it a perfect choice for an FHA 203K Loan.  To the buyer's advantage, the issues were minor, yet still totaled almost $5,000 which would be well beyond the resources of a first time buyer. The advantage and benefit of this re-hab mortgage for this First Time Home buyer was  not only was money available for the repairs that they did not have as reserves, but the extra money borrowed was ... 07/20/2016

If you enjoy a good glass of wine or a frosty beer from time to time, then you'll want to be in the Silver City on October 1st and 2nd as Meriden once again hosts the 16th Annual Nites in the City, a two night event showcasing some great examples of the best wine and beer from all over the world.Main & Vine Wine TastingThe festivities kick off on Thursday, October 1st with the Main & Vine Wine Tasting sponsored by the Meriden Rotary and the City of Meriden. Plan on sampling over 40 varieties of wine, both imported and domestic . You’ll be able to treat your palate to Chardonnays, Merlots, Pinot Grigios, Cabernets and other delicious varietals. (Personally, I hope they include a Riesling or two, preferably from Germany or the Pacific Northwest, but any Riesling is a good Riesling!) And i... 09/30/2015

The next Quinnipiac Chamber Business After Hours On August 20, 2015.  This Quinnipiac Chamber Business After Hours will be held at the MidState Medical Center's main facility at 435 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, across from the Meriden Mall.  This Quinnipiac Chamber Business After Hours On August 20, 2015 will provide an excellent opportunity to network with other business professionals, and see MidState Medical Center's newest service addition, LifeStar.  So make sure you register early by sending an RSVP to Brittany Bishop, and e-mailing her at brittany@quinncham.com or calling her at (203) 269-9891.  Quinnipiac Chamber Business After Hours MidState Medical Center 435 Lewis Avenue Meriden, CT 06451 Thursday, August 20, 2015 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.     **********************************************... 08/18/2015

Meriden CT 37th Daffodil Festival April 25 -26 2015 The weather is supposed to be perfect with high temps and all sun for the 37th Meriden Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park. It is a wonderful celebration of spring with plenty of activities for all. It's days' events start at 10 AM on both Saturday and Sunday morning. There are food tents set up as well as a festival boutique, rides for the kids, live music on 2 stages as well as the Daffodil Parade on Sat at 11:30 AM.    Throughout the park are displays of daffodils all planted by town caretakers. The beds get bigger each year with the natural off shoots of the flowers.  A full schedule of events and locations of parking areas with free shuttle service can be found on the Daffodil Festival web site. Meriden CT 37th Daffodil Festival Apr... 04/23/2015

Meriden's Annual Daffodil Festival Returns for 37th YearOver 600,000 daffodils. Over 100,000 attendees. Two days. One stupendous event! The 37th Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival in Hubbard Park is almost here and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 20 musical acts scheduled to perform this year and plenty of food, games, rides and activities on hand for everyone. The two day event kicks off on Saturday, April 25th and ends on Sunday, April 26th, but the amusement rides and food stations will be open starting at 5:30 PM on Friday, the 24th. The main event kicks off at 10:00 AM on the 25th, followed by the Daffodil Parade at 11:30 AM. The festivities continue throughout the day until a fireworks display at 8:30 PM leads to a 9:00 PM closing, then pick up again Sunday mor... 04/22/2015

  The Ct Hurricanes Girls' Fastpitch Softball League 2015 Tryouts are still open for the 2015 Softball Season.  The CT Hurricanes are a Fastpitch Travel Softball Organization for girls ages 9-18, and have four AAU Teams 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U Girl Softball Teams.  CT Hurricane players come from all over Connecticut from town such as Berlin, Cheshire, Cromwell,  Farmington, Hartford, Meriden, Middletown,  New Haven, Southington, Wallingford, Waterford, Wolcott, and other CT towns. The CT Hurricanes are equipped with an indoor practice facility located in Meriden, CT which is 4,000 sq. ft.  Within the practice facility there are batting cages and an open fielding area.  With 4,000 sq. ft. of space there is plenty of room for for batting, pitching, and fielding practice. The CT Hurricane H... 01/21/2015

     The 26th Annual Silver Festival of Lights is on full display at Hubbard Park in Meriden CT . The landscape of the park has been adorned with over 500,000 lights set up on over 300 displays.  The displays are on 24 hours a day and can be seen by visitors through January 6, 2015.     From adjacent I-691 it is a festive park and cars cruise though admiring the displays and occasionally stop to take photos of their favorites. The center pond area is circled with lights set out like garland, and the main music shell has lighted trees. The trees along the outskirts of the park also have large lights as well representing snow-flakes.     Admission to the Silver Festival of lights is free. Hubbard Park is located at the end of West Main St in Meriden CT. Enjoy the lights, drive slow and ha... 12/22/2014

South Meriden's Christmas in the Village 2014 When:    December 6th Hours:   2:00pm to 5:30pm Where: Main Street, South Meriden, CT Who:     Everyone! Admission:  FREE! Who to contact: Aprill at (203) 213-9308 or southmeridenfestivals@yahoo.com Just a few short weeks ago, it looked as though South Meriden's annual Christmas in the Village event was canceled, but the event organizers would have none of it and brought back this community favorite for a 16th year! The event starts off with the Santa Parade at 2pm and will include a variety of activities, including stage entertainment, pictures with Santa, children's activities, Touch-a-Truck, horse and carriage rides, a bonfire, a Christmas tree lighting and much more. Refreshments will include baked apples, hot chocolate, cider, popcorn, ... 11/18/2014

15th Annual Nites in the City Comes to Meriden If you’re like us and enjoy a good glass of wine or a frosty beer from time to time, then be in the Silver City on September 25th and 26th as Meriden once again hosts the 15th Annual Nites in the City, a two night event showcasing some great examples of wine and beer from all over the world. Main & Vine Wine Tasting The festivities kick off on Thursday, September 25th with the Main & Vine Wine Tasting sponsored by the Meriden Rotary and the City of Meriden. Plan on sampling at least 25 varieties of wine, both imported and domestic . You’ll be able to treat your palate to Chardonnays, Merlots, Pinot Grigios, Cabernets and other delicious varietals. (Personally, I hope they include a Riesling or two, preferably from Germany or the Pacific No... 09/15/2014

    Meriden CT Real Estate Update   There are currently 485 active homes sale in Meriden CT:   Low list price: $32,900 High list price: $599.500 Medium Listing Price: $ $156,080 Average Days on Market: 80 days Homes sold on average for 92.3 % of list price   There are 81 homes currently under contract, priced between $52,500 and $344,900. Based on the number of homes being sold, it would take approximately 7 months to sell the current inventory.     08/02/2014

Why would my lender allow me to sell my home short? It costs a lender $58,000 on average to foreclose on a home. The bank will attempt to sell the home at auction which is not always successful. If the home doesn’t sell, the property must go through the bank REO process, which can be lengthy. Because of this, many banks are now stuck with vacant properties that have been foreclosed on, each of which is only deteriorating with time. It is for these reasons that it is much easier for a bank to allow you to sell your home short, forgive you of the deficiency, and count their losses.     Can I get any money back from a short sale? Typically the homeowner does not receive any funds at closing from the sale of their home when performing a short sale.  Recently as part of the Making Home Affo... 07/15/2014

      2014 5K Run/Walk To Fight Pancreatic Cancer At Hubbard Park, Meriden, CT.  Last year one of our ActiveRain members here in CT lost her husband Bill to Pancreatic Cancer.  Over the years I have come to know and meet Gail Robinson.  Gail is one of the nicest, and most courageous person I know.  The battle her and her husband Bill fought with Pancreatic Cancer over the last few years have been both an inspirational, and heartfelt one.  The end of that battle for Bill was not the one many of us here on ActiveRain had hoped and prayed for.  But even though Bill's fight with Pancreatic Cancer came to an end, it does not mean others can not carry on the battle to bring an end to this horrible and deadly disease. While there are several Races and Walks for cancer going on in the area, thi... 06/19/2014

Meriden Daffodil Festival Celebrates 36th Year Over 600,000 daffodils. Over 100,000 attendees. Two days. One stupendous event! The 36th Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival in Hubbard Park is almost here and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 35 musical acts scheduled to perform this year and plenty of food, games, rides and activities on hand for everyone. The two day event kicks off on Saturday, April 26th and ends on Sunday, April 27th, but the amusement rides and food stations will be open starting at 5:00 PM on Friday, the 26th. Last year the abnormally warm weather caused the thousands of daffodils in the park to bloom early, but that doesn't seem to be the case this year, and they should be in full bloom for the festival. The main event kicks off at 10:00 AM on the... 04/19/2014