This past Tuesday was the Republican Presidential Primary.  I was the Head Moderator for the primary, so as the Head Moderator I get to see the voter turnout throughout the day, and it was not good.  We have 14 Voting Districts here in Middletown, CT, and they vary in size, but the percentage of Voter turnout at each was very close except for one.  The 8th District is a small district, but with a very high Democrat registration, which means that it has very few Republicans, 43 to be exact, of which not one of them voted in the Primary. Overall we have 3,417 registered Republicans in Middletown, and 496 of them voted on Tuesday.  That is a very disappointing 14.5% turnout, this dismal turnout was pretty much repeated throughout the State.  Some towns might of had a little better turnout,... 04/30/2012

  This brought back some very old memories.  I was 10 years old when the Beatles invaded the U.S., and still remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan Show.  I call it an invasion because they were the only thing that the younger generation talked about, especially young girls. The Middletown High School, in Middletown, CT will be holding a Beatles Concert on May 5th, and I am hoping to be there.  I am looking forward to this concert not only because the kids will do a great job putting it on, but because I am curious as to how the younger gereration's take is on a group that was the hottest thing around a half a century ago. Today's music is very different than the songs that the Beatles sang, but their music will live on forever.  There songs just like Elvis before them are timeless, i... 04/27/2012

  This is an event that the whole family can be involved in, and that is not something that you can say about many events these days. The Sunshine Kids Foundation provides group activities for kids with cancer, and try's to make kids with this horrible diseses feel like other kids.  Their objective is for these kids to "have fun and celebrate life!!" So register the whole family, and help to raise money for a worth while cause.   *************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Had... 04/16/2012

This Sunday is Easter Sunday, and the South Fire House is a great place to stop and by some Easter Flowers for the special person in your life.  As you can see from the picture below they have a wide variety of beautiful flowers at great prices. I plan on being their tomorrow morning to get my wife a couple of these beautiful plants, before everyone else picks out all the best ones. So stop by and not only make that special someone very happy on this Easter Weekend, but also help support this fundraising activity by our Firemen at the same time.     *************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George r... 04/05/2012

I would like to introduce the Newest Loan Originator For McCue Mortgage.  His name is Matthew Souto, and you might just somehow recognize the last name :) Matthew went through the training program at McCue Mortgage for 45 days which prepared him to go through the National and State Licensing Test, as well as equipped him with some of the product knowledge that he will need.  After a lot of hard work and studying Matthew passed the National Licensing Test a couple of months ago, and his State License Test a month ago.  He then had to apply for his license and go through the finger printing and background checks by the Banking Commission, which took another two weeks. After only being out on the road calling on Realtors and other possible referral partners, Matthew turned in his first loa... 01/13/2012

Well, this one hits a little too close to home.  A mile and a half from home to be exact.  Earlier this week, our city of just under 50,000 was rocked when reports surfaced of the use of  "scream rooms" at Farm Hill Elementary School in Middletown.  If a school in your town makes national media for a story like this, it's definitely not a good thing. Huffington Post , Fox news, and several other national media outlets picked this story up. There will be many residents who say any combination of the following statements: "I don't have kids in school, it does not effect me," or" I have no grounds or standing to complain about this issue"........  My only response is YES YOU DO! If you don't think this matter concerns you, just wait until you put your house on the market this spring and t... 01/13/2012

2011 saw 246 closed residential single family sales in Middletown, CT.  Here is a deeper look into the sales numbers: Overall Sales Numbers - 246 sales   Low sales price - $20,000 High sales price - $590,000 Average Sales price - $226,924   Average days on market - 85   Short Sale Sales Numbers - 16 sales   Low sales price - $49,000 High sales price - $535,000 Average sales price - $189,525   Average days on market - 166   Current active and under deposit inventory levels - 214 listings   Low list price - $10,000 High list price - $1,250,000 Average list price - $260,054   Average days on market- 116   Current short sale inventory - 31 listings   Low list price -$89,000 High list price -$463,500 Average list price - $209,945   Average days on market - 112   Sales / List price           ... 01/07/2012

  The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce has announced the speakers of their Monthly Member Breakfast Meetings.  Since I am a huge UCONN Basketball fan the March 12th and October 1st Member Breakfast Meetings really stand out for me, and will most likely be sold out.   If you have never been to a Middlesex Chamber of Commerce  Member Breakfast Meeting, then you are in store for a surprise if you attend one.  The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce  Member Breakfast Meetings generally pull 600 to 800 attendees every month, and with speakers like the ones listed below it is easy to see why. Member Breakfast Meetings 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. @ Crowne Plaza, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT   January TBA February 13th - Senator Richard Blumenthal, sponsored by Pratt & Whitney March 12th - Geno Auriemma, Women's... 01/04/2012

Being stabbed in the back by Craigslist AGAIN!!  You can now add me to the list of Realtors that have been unjustly raked over the coals by another scam on Craigslist. My first bit of advice... CONSUMERS STAY AWAY! I have a 4 bedroom Colonial for rent in Middletown CT.  This was just posted the other day on Realtor.com.  Yesterday, I received a call at the office from a possible customer wishing to take a look at this rental.  A red flag went up in my mind at this point.  Why did they call the office??  My cell phone number is what is listed in the MLS.  Hmm. I called this gentlemen back (let's call him Steve, this is not his real name), Steve said he saw this listing on Craigslist.  He was looking to move closer to Middletown CT (if not in Middletown), and he was willing to pay more th... 01/03/2012

  There are several Toy Drives going on right now, and I have already provide a gift to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Toy Drive that I blogged about earlier this month.  This past week I also provided a couple of gifts to a Toy Drive that I have contributed to for the past several years at Sterling Realtors, and organized by one of their Realtors, Marilyn Phillips.    Marilyn has been involved in organizing this Toy Drive even long before she joined Sterling Realtors, and does a fantastic job in collecting and distributing toys to many of the needy kids in Middletown.  Sterling Realtors is a very convienant place to drop off a toy at.  They are located at 27 Pleasant Street, which is right at the end of South Main Street, in Middletown, Connecticut. If you have not participated in ... 12/17/2011

Middnight on Main 2012   New Year's Eve   This year will mark the first year of an event that we hope will become a tradition for many years to come Middnight On Main.  As the name indicates this event will be held on Main Street in Middletown, CT.  It is an alcohol-free event, so it is appropriate for all members of the family.  There are many performers and activities planned for the evening of fun to welcome in the new year. Among the things to do up and down Main Street are: Stories Tellers Songs Workshops Dance Crafts Cookery Film and entertainment Rooftop fireworks   Events Activities Schedule   Events will begin at 3 pm and run through New Year at midnight.  This is a great way to bring in 2012, with the whole family. And all this is FREE *****************************************... 12/14/2011

    Middlesex Chamber of Commerce is holding a toy drive for the Christmas Holiday.  If you are a member or even a non member and are in downtown Middletown, please stop by Middlesex Chamber of Commerce at 393 Main Street, and drop off a gift for a child that might not have anything this Christmas season without your help. Many toys were collected at the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Realtor Council Holiday Luncheon, sponsored by McCue Mortgage, at Billie "T's" in Cromwell yesterday.  But many more are need for children whose parents are not able to provide one for them.  Many area residence are out of work, and struggling to pay their bills, so there is most likely no money available for Xmas presents.  The Middlesex Chamber along with other area organizations will be trying to identi... 12/09/2011

Recent reports show that Middletown Connecticut Economy Is Looking Up as 2011 comes to an end.  The Middletown Press today reported on the "State of economy bright" for Middletown Connecticut for employment, foreclosures, and storefront vacancies. Unemployment is down in Middletown Connecticut from 8% to 7.5%.  Some of the decrease in unemployment may be credited to the temporary seasonal jobs, so we will have to wait until the end of January to get a better handle on this figure.  But even if temporary jobs contributed to the decrease in unemployment, it is still good to see it go down. The housing market in Middletown Connecticut is also looking better.  It is anticipated that Middletown Connecticut will finish the year with fewer foreclosures than it had in 2010, and with the lowest ... 12/06/2011

  26TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ON MAIN STREET   The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce is one of the busiest Chambers in Connecticut.  The Chamber always has several events throughout the each month that they host, or assist the City with.  This time of the year the Chamber is particularly busy assisting the City of Middletown with its holiday events. This year the City of Middletown along with the assitance of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce have several Holiday activities for the whole family.  The activities will start the Friday after Thanksgiving and continue through the end of the year.  Friday, November 25, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Free Hay Rides. Saturday, November 26, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM Free Hay Rides.   Saturday, December 3, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM Free Hay Rides, Santa, Holiday Movie at Wesleya... 11/18/2011

MIDDLETOWN CT MARKET REPORT OF AUGUST 2011   My market report gives you the real estate activity for the Town of Middletown CT for the month of August, 2011. Middletown is a great residential town with easy access into Hartford, and is an excellent location for first time home buyers because of the values of the homes. If you are a seller and are strongly thinking of putting your home on the market, I would encourage you to see what your property is worth. If you are looking to purchase a home, now is an excellent time to do so. Real estate in Middlesex County is an excellent investment, prices or at their best, the selection is great, and the rates are still low. Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, whether you are a seller, or purchasing a home. 860.883.8889 ... 09/28/2011

  I have been meaning to post this all week, but I keep on forgetting the camera that the picture was on at work.  I took this picture of Harbor Park in Middletown, Connecticut, a couple of days after Hurricane Irene had passed through.  The flooding that you see is the result of all the rain that came flowing down the Connecticut River from up North.  I tried to get closer, but the police was not letting anyone closer than were I was, and as you can see they were escorting out anyone who attempted to get closer. The cars that you see are on RT9, and as you can see the water had almost reached RT.  That means that the water had to of risen 16 to 20 feet on the river.  I have only seen it higher than that one time before, and that was in the mid 80's when the water rose over the guard r... 09/05/2011

PAY IT FORWARD... Giving someone a ride.  You know how we have all had *those* days when no matter what we do, we are running behind.  This happened to a lady I met this past Thursday.  I was pulling into a parking garage in Middletown CT, when I saw this woman running past me... I noticed that she was trying to make the commuter bus to Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT.  She was half way down the ramp, when the bus pulled out.  She stopped, looked at her watch and shook her head.  Being dressed a hospital uniform of sorts, I didn't feel awkward about approaching her. Just having pulled into the garage, I drove up to her to see if I could give her a ride.  She said another one was coming in a half hour, but once again she looked at her watch, and remarked "If you don't mind I could r... 09/04/2011

 Board of Education & CommitteesCalendar of Meetings   When my two sons were in school I made it a point of attending every Middletown Connecticut Board of Education & Committee Meetings.  I found that it was the best way to stay informed of what was going on in the district, and to have a voice before decisions were made.   I would encourage parents that still have children in school to attend all of these meetings, or better yet start attending them before you have children in school.  Not many parents attend these meeting, so those that do are able to have more of an impact then at most other City Government Meetings.   Below is the link to the monthly regular Middletown Connecticut Board of Education Meetings, followed by the links to the Middletown Connecticut Board of Education Co... 08/15/2011

THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 94 MINER STREETMIDDLETOWN, CT 06457 Strawberry Shortcake Festival (and craft sale)   Thursday, June 9th, 2011 from 11:30am to 4:30pm (Approx)   The Third Congregational Church on 94 Miner Street in Middletown, CT is holding its annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival, tomorrow, Thursday, June 9th from 11:30am to 4:30pm. This festival has been going on for over 120 years.. yes, you heard me correctly 120 years. People in the area look forward to this event every year. The strawberries are native to the area and picked fresh. Even the biscuits for this heavenly dessert are made from scratch.  Guess what is on top of fresh strawberries and homemade biscuits.. what tastes better... you got it REAL HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM. My mouth is salvating already. If you haven't... 06/08/2011

PAY IT FORWARD.... It only took a quarter.  After this holiday weekend, and having 5 teenage boys over my house, I needed to go grocery shopping... again.  Seems this is a neverending scenario. Someone recommended, Aldi's, Supermarket in Middletown CT.  I've been to this store, but not for quite some time, I completely forgot about it.  This makes a lot of sense, prices at this store are about ½ price there compared to others around. So this past Tuesday, I went to Aldi's, got a carriage and loaded up on food.  After putting the groceries into my van, I went to return the carriage.  At this store in order to get a carriage you need to deposit a quarter into a slot in each one in order to use it. As I was going over, I noticed a woman that was going through her purse, shaking it, trying ... 06/05/2011