Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors Got a Brand New Look  We have looked the same for many years - in our professional photo at least.  Problem is, we got older and Richelle's hair style changed - nobody recognized her.  When she handed out our business card, the joke became "that's me with red hair and bangs".  People easily recognized Bob and knew he was a local Realtor. So, here are our professional photos.  We would love to hear your feedback on them. Old Professional Photo New Professional Photo   11/14/2009

A+ Bonus Bucks With A+ Bonus Bucks Everyone Wins! Stop & Shop is proud to offer our A+ Bonus Bucks program to help our community schools. Now parents and other supporters can earn great awards for schools to use as they choose! What It Is With A+ BonusBucks, points accrue with each purchase where the Stop & Shop Card is used. It even works with purchases made online with Peapod by Stop & Shop. At the end of each month, these points determine your school's cash total which is automatically credited to its account and school totals updated each month. (Please note: Gift cards, pharmacy, alcohol and/or cigarette purchases are excluded from accruing points.) How It Works A+ BonusBucks are rounded per transaction to the nearest whole dollar amount. At the end of each month, each school's do... 11/06/2009

 Local Service Companies Electric Northeast Utilities, CL&P                                                      1-800-286-2000    Telephone:   AT&T                                                                                       1-800-453-7638 Fuel:           Propane Leahy's                                                                                   1-203-748-3535 Mitchell                                                                                   1-203-744-0600 Holcomb                                                                                 1-203-426-5804 Sippin                                                                                     1-203-743-5709 Plumbing: Tim Conlan Company                                                            1-203-270-2911 ... 10/28/2009

    All Tickets $245 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470 Film Info 426-2475 (for movie recording) Managers Office Hours:  Mon - Thurs. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.   Any additional questions regarding the area please do not hesitate to contact Mandy Beckett; Prudential Connecticut Realty at (203) 733-2872or via e-mail.   FEATURE DATES AND TIMES ALIENS IN THE ATTIC (PG) - A family vacation takes a turn for the far out when they discover their summer rental home has been invaded by aliens in this silly, kid friendly family comedy.Running time: 1:30Starring: Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, Carter Jenkins, Austin Butler, Kevin Nealon, Doris Roberts, Ashley Boettcher, Andy Richter.With vocal talents of: J.K. Simmons, Keri Wahlgren, Thomas Hayden Church, Josh Peck FRIDAY, OC... 10/25/2009

Ladybugs and Newtown, CT  The very first Fall we lived in Newtown, CT, we were amazed at the number of ladybugs that were swarming my home.  Since then, every Fall, usually in mid-October, the ladybugs come - in HUGE numbers.  Richelle has a fondness for the ladybugs and don't particularly mind them, but not everyone shares her sentiments.    We have wondered about the ladybug and Newtown, CT phenomenon, so, we googled different aspects of ladybugs over the past few years.  Here's what we've learned over the years: The ladybugs are looking for shelter for their winter hibernation They tend to like bathrooms because of the water & moisture They'll fly into your home or squeeze through small openings to hibernate Ladybugs will form a large group for their hibernation Ladybugs are attracte... 10/25/2009

Prudential Connecticut Realty Honors Local Sales Executive 2009 - 3rd Quarter Honor Circle Winner Announced   Newtown, CT -The Newtown office of Prudential Connecticut Realty today announced that the following local sales executive has achieved the Honor Circle award for excellence in sales during the 3rd quarter of 2009. Mandy Beckett is recognized for outstanding effort and sales performance.  "Mandy Beckett continually strives to exceed the expectations of customers and clients," said Peter Helie, Chairman/CEO of Prudential Connecticut Realty. "The Honor Circle Award is about more than results, it's recognition of the hard work and motivation it takes to earn those results." In making a difference in your home buying or home selling call Mandy Beckett at (203) 733-2872.  Visit my we... 10/22/2009

WIN - Women Involved in Newtown  Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) is a non-profit organization made up of women of all ages from all over Newtown who are interested in working together for the goodwill of our community.  Our meetings are once a month from September to June, usually on the second Monday of the month at 7:30 PM.  Meetings are at a different member's home each month and we take turns providing food and drinks. Directions to each month's meeting are sent in a monthly email. Membership dues ($25) are payable in September and once paid ensure that you will receive the monthly meeting minutes via email. If becoming an Active Member is too much of a time commitment, you can receive the email minutes each month as an Associate Member. Associate Members are not required to attend ... 10/18/2009

Mandy Beckett | Prudential Connecticut Realty | (203) 733-2872 19 Kent Road, Newtown, CT OPEN HOUSE - October 18th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House offered at $929,999 Year Built 1998 Sq Footage 6,118 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 2.91 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Grace and elegance abound in this magnificent residence set atop nearly three acres on a cul de sac in the prestigious Taunton area. This grand home affords over 6,100 square feet of finely appointed living space that caters to luxurious entertaining and comfortable family living. Fine materials such as granite, marble and rich hardwood can be found, along with sophisticated craftsmanship and exquisitely detailed millwork. The home possesses a comma... 10/15/2009

           YOUR HEALTHY PET 224 South Main Street Newtown, Connecticut 06470 (203) 270-7387 Specializing in Natural Pet Food & Supplies High quality organic foods, treats, toys & supplements for dogs, cats, wild birds, fish & other small animals Monthly dog & cat adoptions On-site training events Health tips Guest speakers Friendly, knowledgeable service Newtown family owned & operated Conveniently located Mark your calendars for Your Healthy Pet's Grand Opening, Saturday, October 17th from 10:00am - 5:00pm and visit their website or e-mail Mandy Beckett at Prudential Connecticut Realty; 33 Church Hill Road; Newtown, Connecticut 06470. 10/13/2009

The Flagpole in Newtown, CT  Newtown, CT and its flagpole go hand in hand.  Located in the middle of the street at the Main Street, Church Hill Road and West Street intersection, Newtown's glorious flagpole stands proudly in the middle of the road.  One question that people commonly ask: "Why does Newtown have a flagpole in the middle of the road?"Well here is a little history on the flagpole in Newtown, CT.  It was written by Dan Cruson, the Town Historian, and I located this article in The Rooster's Crow, a newsletter printed 5 times per year by the Newtown Historical Society.  The information below comes from the September/October 1994 issue and is not reproduced in full.There appears to be no public flagpole in Newtown until the first of modern sequence of poles is erected in 1876. ... 10/10/2009

My Trip to The Cyrenius H. Booth Library in Newtown, CT  So, we moved to Newtown, CT in 2000 and today, was my first true visit to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.  I drive past the library all the time and point it out to clients when we're out looking at homes.  I've been wanting to get a library card so that I can stop spending loads of money on books that I only read once and then give away.  It's been on my list of things to do, but it just wasn't getting done.  Recently, I posted on Facebook - asking for subjects to post on this blog and someone mentioned the flagpole in Newtown, CT.  That's what brought me to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library in Newtown, CT today. From past experience when dropping my child off, I knew to pull into the rear of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.  There is p... 10/10/2009

View Results for 2009 CMT/CAPT Typically during the month of March, students in grades 3 through 8 took the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the students in Grade 10 took the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).  with several exceptions, Connecticut Mastery Test scores for Newtown students have shown overall continuous improvement in the following: Writing Reading Math (continues to be strongest area) In 2009 an alternate statewide assessment based on modified academic achievement standard's (MAS) was administered to qualifying students with disabilities.  The Connecticut Mastery Test, Connecticut Academic Performance and MAS testing is designed to be more appropriate for those special education students whose disability would preclude them from achieving grade-level proficie... 10/07/2009

The mission of the Newtown Public Schools, a partnership of students, families, educators and community, is to INSPIRE EACH STUDENT TO EXCEL in attaining and applying the knowledge, skills and attributes that lead to personal success while becoming a contributing member of a dynamic global community.  We accomplish this by creating an unparalleled learning environment characterized by:  High expectations Quality instruction Continuous improvement Civic responsibility  A Message from our Superintendent:  Janet Robinson, Ph.D. "School has begun anew after what seemed like a short summer vacation. After making up for the snow days last year, the beginning of summer was certainly later than normal. With the near record breaking rain, summer just couldn't seem to get started. Suddenly, it wa... 10/07/2009

Winter Wear Drive- Newtown Day 10/11 @ Treadwell Park Winter Wear Drive on Newtown Day Octouber 11th- REMINDERNewtown Youth Football & Cheer is continuing to help ours and local communities by holding a Winter Wear Drive on Sunday, October 11th, our "Newtown Day" of Football and Cheer at Treadwell Park.  We will be collecting gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants and boots under a tent at Treadwell. As you start your fall/winter clothing changeover and cleanout, please consider putting unneeded winter outerwear aside and bringing them on 10/11!  The following week, donations will be made to Newtown Social Services, Newtown's Faith Food Pantry and Daughters of Charity in Bridgeport to help ward off the cold this winter. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH TRANSPORTING THE WINTE... 10/05/2009

 Sal E Pepe Resturant  (203) 364-5053 Menu 97 South Main   Sal e Pepe Restaurant & Wine Bar offers superb Northern Italian cuisine with contemporary flair, imaginatively prepared and impeccably served.From our extensive wine list and fresh pastas and sauces to our unique specials and modern twist on familiar classics,you will feel like you are dining in Italy. Come join us for some   and friendly service,all in a very comfortable setting. Mona Lisa Resturant (203)426-6685 160 S. Main St. (2 miles from Flagpole) inNewtown, Connecticut Get Directions ... .  Fine Italian Cuisine. Menu We want a place that would be more than an place to have fun and make memories.  We want to give the area good food, fine dining and elegant service.  We do everything from the heart and that's why our custom... 10/05/2009

NAR's Green Designation is a real estate designation designed for residential, commercial and property management professionalslooking to green their businesses and their lives. When you earn NAR's Green Designation, you'll gain:  A comprehensive understanding of what it means to go green and the concerns of consumers seeking green knowledge about real estate Valuable real estate education that broadens your abilities in the eyes your clients, prospective clients and associates Enhanced ability to participate in the green real estate market Ongoing specialized training and resources that help you stay on top of green real estate issues and trends Access to customizable members-only marketing tools to help you build your business and gain a competitive edge Why Go Green?  There is a vari... 10/04/2009

 The Newtown Nighthawks are part of the Candlewood Valley League made up of youth football and cheer teams from Ansonia, Aspetuck, Bethel, Brewster, Bridgeport, Carmel, Hudson Valley, Mahopac, Monroe, Newtown, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Shelton, Somers, Southern Dutchess and Yorktown.  The Candlewood Valley League is a charter member of the American Youth Football League who participates in the "All American Division" (Unlimited Weight/Grade Specific).  AYF is the fastest growing youth organization in America and is the nation's largest youth football and cheer organization with over 450,000 members with leagues in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Western Europe and Asia. Athletic participation is a privilege that is EARNED!  Each football player and cheerleader will need to complete 10 hours o... 10/04/2009

The Matthew Curtiss House, located at 44 Main Street, is open to the public as a house-museum and serves as the Society's Headquarters.   The Newtown Historical Society is a group of individuals who share an interest in the history and early culture of Newtown. The society is dedicated to the discovery and preservation of documents, artifacts and historical images that inform of Newtown's evolution to the distinct community it has become today. It is also dedicated to education, that is the dissemination of the information that it collects and archives to the citizens of Newtown and others who share an interest in our town. To do this the society offers frequent programs on various historical subjects, publishes a periodic newsletter, and publishes occasional pamphlets and books on Newt... 10/04/2009

55+ Active Adult Communities in Newtown, CT: Market Update 10/3/09  Last month, we posted a general information blog about the different 55+ Active Adult communities in Newtown, CT.  Several people contacted us for more information about this type of housing and we thought it a good idea to update you from time to time about what is happening with 55+ Active Adult real estate in Newtown. As of today, there are 18 (eighteen) homes listed for sale in the different communities around Newtown 2 homes are marked as being under deposit The actively properties range in price from $284,500 to $565,000 The average list price is $417,926 The average market time for these 18 home is 147 days There are 6 homes that are pending sale 8 homes in the 55+ Active Adult communities have sold so far this y... 10/03/2009

First time homebuyers can claim a tax credit worth $8,000 as part of the Economic Stimulus Package. The credit is effective as of January 1, 2009 and will expire midnight November 30, 2009.  Only 58 more days left! The amount of credit is ten percent of the value of home or $8,000, whichever is less. The Eligible PropertyAny owner occupied, single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a principal residence. RefundableNo "repayment" required, unless home is sold within the first three years. Definition of First Time HomebuyerA buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Income LimitFull credit is availab... 10/03/2009