Merry Christmas To All My ActiveRain Friends In 2017.  The last couple of year's Christmas has been a little different.  Christmas has always been a day my wife and I have spent with our two son's, but now that both of them are married and out of the house we have to share them with others. My oldest son oldest son moved to South Carolina the beginning of last year, and even though my youngest son is still in CT we have to take turns sharing the Holidays with the In-Laws.  So we have had to get a little more creative then in the past. This year we are lucking out and it is our turn for my youngest son and his wife to spend Christmas with us.  We will have a special late lunch/dinner, and after  we eat we will gathered around the TV set, and FaceTime on our wide screen TV set with my ol... 12/24/2017

  This is a time of the year for Christmas Concerts and other special Christmas presentations.  One such special Christmas presentation is A Child's Christmas In Wales At The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown, CT.  On December 23th. Peter Loffredo, accompanied by John Cappaletti on piano, will bring Dylan Thomas' Holiday Classic "A Child's Christmas In Wales" to life at the Buttonwood Tree, in Middletown, CT.  "A Child's Christmas In Wales" is about a Child's memories of Christmas in Wales, in the early 1900's.  "A Child's Christmas In Wales" is a show the whole family can enjoy, and the price of admission is what each one in attendance chooses to give, as well as a donation of non-perishable food items for the Amazing Grace Pantry.  What a great way to welcome in Christmas Day. There will... 12/16/2017

32th Annual Holiday On Main St Middletown, CT   This weekend is the Final Week Of The 32nd Annual Holiday On Main St In Middletown, CT.  This is the fourth weekend of events leading up to Christmas week.  The first weekend was two days of events, and each weekend after has had events only on Saturday.  Every weekend has its own theme and is packed full of activities.  Below is the schedule for this fourth and final Saturday.   Saturday, December 9th 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. The Rotary Club of Middletown will be selling Popcorn & Hot Pretzel. Holiday Music by Harvest Woods Audio. The Fun Train will offer free rides on the sidewalk around the downtown throughout the day. Greet Santa and Free Horse & wagon Rides. Free Rides for Children & Adults on two mechanical animals. Holiday Photo Booth... 12/14/2017

One of the things I enjoy most about this time of the year is how many homeowners decorate their homes.  Some homeowner will put up a few decorations and lights, and then there are others who go ALL OUT!  This is the case on a street about a half mile from my house here in Middletown, Connecticut, on Sandhill Road.  The homeowners on this street go ALL OUT in decorating their homes and it is definitely My Favorite 2017 Holiday Display.  In fact this display of lights has been my favorite for several years. These homes on Sandhill Road are easily the best Holiday Display in Middletown, Connecticut, and I wish there was an award I could give them for the great job they do every year.  The residents on the street also put out a box for those who are stopping by to see their homes all lit ... 12/13/2017

 Winter Has Officially Arrived In Middletown, CT with our first 2017/2018 Winter snow storm.  We got about 5" of snow which is a good amount of snow for our first snow fall.This first snow fall was the very wet sticky kind and froze up very quickly, making it difficult to shovel, especially at the end of driveways because of snowplows.  I do not like shoveling snow, but even I have to admit it is beautiful when it first comes down turning everything white.Below are a few pictures of our first 2017/2018 Winter snow storm in Middletown, Ct., hope you enjoy them.         ******************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage... 12/10/2017

 This is the time of year for fun, holiday cheer, and celebrating, and local residents will get an excellent opportunity to do that at the First Church Candlelight Christmas Concert In Middletown, CT On Dec 10th. starting at 4:00 p.m.  The First Church is located at 190 Court Street, Middltown, CT right off of Main Street. At the First Church Candlelight Christmas Concert this Sunday you will get to hear all your favorite Christmas music and much more.  The concert is free, but there is limited seating, so if you plan on going make sure you arrive early.   First Church Candlelight Christmas Concert190 Court StreetMiddletown, 06457Sunday, December 10, 2017   ******************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto NMLS# 65149 is ... 12/08/2017

32th Annual Holiday On Main St Middletown, CT   This weekend is Week Three Of The 32nd Annual Holiday On Main St In Middletown, CT.  This is the third of four weekends of events leading up to Christmas week.  This first weekend was two days of events, and each weekend after will only have events on Saturday.  Every weekend will has its own theme and is packed full of activities.  Below is the schedule for this Saturday.   Saturday, December 9th 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. The Rotary Club of Middletown will be selling Popcorn & Hot Pretzel. Holiday Music by Harvest Woods Audio. The Fun Train will offer free rides on the sidewalk around the downtown throughout the day. Greet Santa and Free Horse & wagon Rides. Free Rides for Children & Adults on two mechanical animals. Holiday Photo Booth (fre... 12/07/2017

My Wife and went out for lunch today after Church, and I had to take a picture of where we ate at.  Those who follow Sally K. & David L. Hanson blog will know right off the bat why I felt the need to take a picture of Matty's Next Door Sports Bar.  Sally and David often blog about on or their favorite local establishments, Matty's Bar & Grill which is also a sports bar.  So as soon as I saw the sign above, I automatically taught of Sally and David.  By the way the food was very good.  ****************************************************************************************************** Info about the author:George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which... 12/03/2017

 Tis the season to be jolly and what better way to be jolly then purchasing delicious Holiday cookies at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Cookie Sale This Saturday December 2nd in Middletown, Ct from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The Woodrow Wilson Middle School Cookie Sale is not only a great way to purchase some delicious Holiday cookies, but a great way to help support the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Athletic Program at the same time.So make sure you get to the Woodrow Wilson Middle School Cookie Sale This Saturday December 2nd in Middletown, Ct from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m early and get you pick of your favorite cookies first! Woodrow Wilson Middle School Cookie Sale370 Hunting Hill AveMiddletown, 06457  ************************************************************************************... 11/30/2017

  The last Holiday Fair every year here in Middletown, CT is the Holy Trinity Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair On December 2nd.  So this is one last opportunity to find Christmas gifts for those hard to buy for people.  Holy Trinity Church is located in Downtown Middletown, CT, and right next to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, so it is an easy Holiday Fair to find and get to.  At the Holy Trinity Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair On December 2nd there will be something for everyone.  There will be: Crafters Christmas Decorations Silent & Teacup Auction Plants Gift Baskets Baked Goods Cookie Walk Tag Sale   Plan on stopping by the Holy Trinity Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair On December 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m to get some Christmas shopping done, and eat some good food. ... 11/27/2017

 Winter maybe almost here, but it does not mean you need to wait until Summer to enjoy swimming again.  In fact The Middlesex YMCA Is The Perfect Place To Swim All Winter Long.  At the YMCA families can take advantage of the Parent/Child Aquatic Program, or just drop by anytime and enjoy the pool at their own convenience.So don't miss out on Summer fun during the cold Winter months.  Join the the Middlesex YMCA and treat the family to great quality family time and fun!   *****************************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes #Mi... 11/26/2017

Thanksgiving Dinner At The Souto Household In 2017 Was Truly A Day To Be Thankful!.  Thanksgiving at the Souto house is a day of family, and giving thanks for how blessed we are.  This year the Souto Household received an extra special blessing.  For the first time in three years we were all able to be together again.  My oldest son Matthew, his wife Ashley, and my gorgeous granddaughter Elizabeth flew from South Caroline to be with my youngest son Brandon and his wife Leah, and my Renee and I for this very special Thanksgiving. Today we ate, we laughed, we prayed, and we were thankful.  My granddaughter Elizabeth kept everyone entertained, and made the whole day perfect.  I am so thankful for her, she is a beaming light.  She sees no wrong, and is excited by even the smallest of things... 11/23/2017

  Happy Thanksgiving 2017 I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving today.   Do not let the day go by without taking a few minutes to truly give thanks for all you have been blessed with, and if possible take the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  Today should not only be a day of giving thanks in word, but in deed as well.   Happy Thanksgiving From My House To Yours.   **************************************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator 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, #E... 11/23/2017

32th Annual Holiday On Main St Middletown, CT   This weekend is Week One Of The 32nd Annual Holiday On Main St  Middletown, CT.  This Friday & Saturday, Middletown will kick off the 32th Annual Holiday On Main St.  This will be the first of four weekends of events leading up to Christmas week.  This first weekend will be two days of events, and each weekend after this will only be one day.  Every weekend will have its own theme and will be packed full of activities.  Below is the schedule for both Friday and Saturday of this week.   Friday, November 24th    4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Free Wagon Rides along Main Street. Middletown High School Crew Team selling Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Desserts, in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity. The Kiwanis Club of Middletown will be selling Popcorn ... 11/22/2017

  I live right by the South Fire District Fire House in Middletown, CT, and at least once per year, usually around this time of the year, the South Fire Firemen do vehicle rescue training.  The sight of all the smashed up vehicles always catches my eye and brings me to a sobering realization just how devastating a car crash can be.  This scene of smashed up cars also causes me each time I see it to be Thankful For The Vehicle Rescue Training At The South Fire District in Middletown, Ct our local Fire Department are equipped and ready to handle these devastating events. The Vehicle Rescue Training At The South Fire District involves the use of heavy machinery like the Jaws of Life, to rescue passengers and drivers involved in a car accident.  Looking at the number of cars and school bus... 11/17/2017

  In September Lyman Hall High School had their first mattress fundraiser, and now Middletown High School had there third one this past Saturday.  Many showed up to purchase a new mattress and help to make the Middletown High School Mattress Sale In Middletown, CT.  a successful fundraiser. I have seen some creative school fundraisers during the time both my sons attended school, but this one tops them all.  This was not only a great opportunity to purchase a new mattress with up to 50% off, but it also help the students at Middletown High School raise money for the Middletown High School High School Music Department, in Middletown, CT at the same time!   *****************************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George... 11/12/2017

 Thanksgiving is not even here yet and Middletown, CT has already hosted a number of Christmas & Holiday Fairs.  This week  the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Christmas Fair On November 19th, is one of three Holiday Fairs, and there are a couple of more opportunities to attend Christmas Fairs before the month is over.Holiday Fairs are a great way to find Christmas gifts for those hard to buy for people. The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church is located on Randolph Road (RT155) in Middletown, CT, so it is very easy to find.As you can see in the sign below there will be something for everyone at the  Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Christmas Fair This Weekend.  There will be:  Plan on stopping by the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Christmas Fair This Weekend to get some early Chris... 11/11/2017

Veteran's Day 2017 Today is Veteran's Day 2017, A Day To Honor Our Veterans, and our Men and Women who are serving in our Armed Forces. I hope that everyone takes a moment out of there day to say thank you to either a Veteran they know, or one of the Men and Women presently serving.  It only takes a minute to do this, but the impact and meaning it has on the one you say thank you to is greater than you can imagine. Those who have served our country did so willingly and without expectation of anything in return.  They did it for the honor of serving the land of opportunity, and to secure the freedoms we enjoy. Many restaurants throughout the Country will be honoring our Veterans with free meals, and discounts.  Here in Connecticut the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has als... 11/10/2017

  There were several Christmas Fairs and Bazaars this past weekend, and the Fairs continue with three more Fairs this weekend.  Among them will be the St Francis Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair On Saturday Nov. 11th.   Like the Craft Fairs and Bazaars that went on last weekend the St Francis Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair will be a great place to get some early Christmas shopping done. Holiday Fairs are a great way to find Christmas gifts for those hard to buy for people.  St Francis Church is located at the corner of Elm Street and Silver Street near the post office in Middletown, CT, and is an easy Holiday Fair to get to. At the St Francis Church Middletown, CT Holiday Fair November 11, 2017  tomorrow there will be something for everyone: Arts & Crafts Religious Table Farmer's... 11/08/2017

Tomorrow is our 2017 Municipal Election In Middletown, CT.  Local voters will be going to the polls to elect our local government officials.  For some reason the Municipal Election have the lowest turnout compared to the State and Federal Elections.  This is strange to me since it is our local elected official who have the biggest impact on the taxes we pay, and the quality of life in the towns we live in.  Yet Municipal Elections seem to get the least amount of attention at election time.Hopefully the low turnout trend for Municipal Elections will change, and we will have a good turnout tomorrow.  After all you can't impact the direction a town or city is going in unless your get out and vote.  In my opinion those who do not vote do not have the right to complain since they choose to n... 11/06/2017