Summer is Over! School Starts Tomorrow in Manchester CT - 08/31/10 12:37 PM

 
Although the temperatures will be in the 90s through Friday, summer is officially over because school starts tomorrow in Manchester for the elementary schools and the middle school.  The high school will start on Thursday.  For general information, visit the Board of Education website.
Manchester has around 7,300 students.  There are ten elementary schools: Bowers, Buckley, Highland Park, Keeney, Martin, Nathan Hale, Robertson, Verplanck, Waddell, and Washington.
The town has a sixth grade academy, Elisabeth M. Bennet Academy; seventh and eighth grade students attend Illing Middle School.  Manchester High School serves students in grades 9 through 12; Manchester Regional Academy … (3 comments)

Jem's Farmstand, South Windsor, CT - 08/30/10 01:26 PM

 
My favorite farmer's market is just down the road from me.  Jem's Farmstand on Pleasant Valley Road, just past the Clark Street intersection, is open everyday during the season until 6:00 p.m.
The owner of Jem's Farmstand sells everything from tomatoes, corn, eggplant, and zuccini to herbs, flowers, and homemade jams.  She sells her own home-grown products as well as vegetables and fruits from nearby farms.
I stop in several times a week for my favorites--cherry tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, and lettuce (she grows an awesome, very spicy mesclun mix).  I've also bought about a bushel of basil to make … (0 comments)

Real Jersey Girls! - 08/29/10 04:44 PM
I recently discovered Cato Corner Farm in Colchester, CT.  They make award-winning raw-milk cheese from about 40 Jersey cows (the real Jersey girls).   I had read about this family-run cheese-making operation and wanted to see (and taste) it for myself. 
We went into the cheese-tasting room to sample some cheese.  They make about twelve varieties of cheese, although only six or seven were available for tasting on the day we went.  All I can say is that the cheese was divine!  Each one had its own characteristics, some aged longer than others, and all were very delicious.  I bought a little … (6 comments)

It's Apple-Picking Time! - 08/28/10 08:35 AM
Apple season actually started a few weeks ago (somewhat early, they say), but I went apple picking yesterday for the first time this year.  Recently, I have discovered the bounty of farms and orchards in South Glastonbury, and previously wrote about blueberry picking at Belltown Hill Orchards and Rose's Berry Farm.  On Friday, I went to Dondero Orchards and was absolutely amazed at the wealth of fruit and products that they offer.
We went to pick apples and filled our bags with Macintosh and Macoun.  They also had Honey Crisp, Cortland, and Fuji apples ready to pick, but I preferred the … (6 comments)

He's Not a Flipper; He's a Neighborhood Revitalization Specialist! - 08/27/10 12:11 PM
I participated in a Brokers Tour this week to show off my listing, which is a fabulous renovated cape.  My client purchased the bank-owned property, fixed all the plumbing and electrical issues,  totally remodeled the kitchen and two full bathrooms, repainted, landscaped, and tended to all the details to make this house look great.
The house is completely move-in ready and just waiting for some new owners.  So at the tour, I was invariably asked if the owner was a flipper.  I replied, "I prefer to call him a neighborhood revitalization specialist." 
The number of bank-owned properties are increasing, and neighborhoods … (39 comments)

Manchester CT Market Report - 08/17/10 03:59 PM

The Manchester CT real estate market was a busy one during the month of June, which was completely expected because of the deadline for the first time homebuyers' tax credit.  In June 2010, there were 63 closed sales according to the MLS, compared with 44 sales during June 2009.
The median price was down slightly at $192,500 compared with a median price of $199,000 in 2009. 
In July, there was a lull as the tax credit incentives disappeared.  There were only 23 closed sales, compared with 46 from July of 2009.  However, the median sales price increased to $210,000, compared … (1 comments)

What a Day It Was for Picking Blueberries! - 08/16/10 09:33 AM

 
Saturday was just the most perfect day for picking blueberries! I went to Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury on Matson Hill Road, rode the tractor to the blueberry fields, settled myself in one spot, and picked about eight pounds of blueberries. What a glorious feeling to have an almost bottomless bowl of blueberries.
Also available for picking were peaches, nectarines,and apples.  Maybe next time; today I am in blueberry heaven!
 Belltown Hill Orchards is a scenic 150-acre farm offering not only pick-your-own fruits but plenty of activities throughout the year.  There is also a farm market with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, … (3 comments)

Open House Sunday in Manchester CT - 08/13/10 12:38 PM
Open House Sunday in Manchester CT.  Join me this Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 220 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT from 1:00 to 4:00 to see this charming remodeled cape in the Bowers School District. 
 
This move-in ready home is attractively priced at $174,900.  With a fully remodeled kitchen, including new cabinets, sink, faucet, and GE stainless steel energy-efficient appliances, and two new full bathrooms (one on the main floor and one upstairs) with all new fixtures and beautiful decor, you are sure to find this an inviting place to call home.  There are beautiful hardwood floors throughout, a formal … (4 comments)