About Wallingford's Wallingford Center

Wallingford Hosts Hyperflite Skyhoundz Disc Dog Competition

When I was a kid, we had a dog who loved to chase frisbees.

Notice I said "chase", not "catch".

If you threw the frisbee, Shep would run underneath it and watch it until it hit the ground, then he'd wait until it was finished bouncing, rolling, skidding or otherwise came to a full stop before he'd pick it up and bring it back to you, covered in doggy drool, and drop it at your feet, waiting for you to launch it into space again.

Those were the days...

Well, if you can relate to my Heinz 57 mutt and maybe have one yourself that actually catches the frisbee BEFORE it hits the ground, then this event just might be for you.

On Wednesday, July 27th from 6 - 8:30 PM, the Wallingford Department of Parks & Recreation will once again hold the Hyperflite Frisbee Dog Competition at Doolittle Park. Sponsored by Hyperflite, the premiere maker of doggie flying discs, this will be the 19th edition of this amazing competition to find the area's best frisbee fetcher. At the first event in 1993 there were six competitors, but now this contest has grown to over fifty frisky entrants, and they can't wait to see that first disc whizz into the air! Be sure to bring along a picnic lunch and watch all sorts of leaps, bounds and amazing catches by some talented animals.

Registration is open to anyone who is interested in seeing how their K-9 companion matches up against the best of the best, and Hyperflite will provide plaques to the top three finishers. In case of rain, the event will be held Thursday, July 28th.

My Shep would NOT have gotten a plaque...

Click below to find directions to Doolittle Park:

Wallingford Market Update for December 2010

Here's the way the housing market is shaping up in Wallingford as of December 31, 2010:

There are currently 161 single family homes for sale in Wallingford (down 9% from last month):

• Low list price: $109,900
• High list price: $895,000
• Average list price: $334,555
• Median list price: $289,900
• Average Days on Market: 63 (down 12% from last month)
• Homes sold on average for 96.7% of list price (up 3% from last month)

There are 34 homes currently under contract, priced between $89,900 and $999,900. Based on the number of homes sold in December (17), it would take approximately 9 months to sell the current inventory, down 10% from November. As for condominiums, there are currently 76 condos for sale (down 17% from last month):

• Low list price: $64,900
• High list price: $574,900
• Average list price: $234,166
• Median list price: $209,900
• Average Days on Market: 159 (up 47% from last month)
• Condos sold on average for 96.8% of list price (up slightly from last month)

There are currently 17 condos under contract. Based on the number of condos sold in December (11), it would take 7 months to sell the current inventory, a decrease of 22% from November. The following chart shows annual home and condo sales in Wallingford for year-to-date 2010:

Sales of single family homes remained stable for December, but was the fourth consecutive month without an increase. Condo sales were up marginally for a second consecutive month, while inventory levels for both segments continue to fall. Interest rates continue to inch upwards on a weekly basis, but are still in a good range for home buyers, and coupled with home prices that continue to fall this should be a good omen as we head into the Spring real estate market.

The following chart compares average days on market (ADOM), or how many days it took to sell a home or condo during the month, for the year to date:

Average days on market for both market segments again headed in opposite directions, with condos hitting a yearly high of 159 days, while single family homes dropped to 63 days, which helped to bring the average for the year down to 78 days.

For more market info or to inquire about our services, please call Harriman Real Estate at (203) 672-4499!

Data used was provided by the CTMLS (Connecticut Multiple Listing Service), and is considered reliable but not guaranteed.

Related articles

• Wallingford Market Update for November 2010 (wallingfordwired.com)
• Wallingford Market Update for October 2010 (wallingfordwired.com)

Gaetano's Tavern on Main Still Going Strong

There has been a rumor that one of Wallingford's best eateries, Gaetano's Tavern on Main, is closing down. Well, to paraphrase Twain, the reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Gaetano's, located in Simpson's Court at 40 North Main Street in Wallingford, has no plans of going anywhere. In fact, the Meriden Record-Journal recently announced the winners of their annual Reader's Choice awards and Gaetano's did very well, placing 2nd in the "Best American Food" category and 3rd in both the "Best Banquet Facility" and "Most Romantic" categories. Sisters Debbie Pacileo and Cheryl Milot have worked hard to bring their customers the best in service and food since they opened in 2003, and they have not disappointed.

The restaurant is divided into two areas, the dining area and "Patsy's Pub", the bar area named after their grandfather. The dining room is at once quietly elegant and romantically casual, with tiled floors, accent lighting and an alcove reminiscent of a gazebo. The bar is a throwback to old-style pubs, with a wooden bar, high-top tables and a wide front window.

We're frequent visitors to Gaetano's, and one of my favorite meals is the Pastrami Bomb sandwich, a fabulous concoction of pastrami. onions, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, Russian dressing and melted Swiss cheese on a grinder roll. Served with their zesty french fries, it's a meal I highly recommend! The rest of their menu is equally as tasty, and the portions are generous while the prices are very reasonable. During the summer months you can even enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio instead of inside.

Gaetano's does on-site and off-site catering as well, and also runs weekly specials and is currently offering a dinner (or lunch) for four for $20, including dessert, every Monday through Wednesday. And if you're the gambling type, they also have a weekday raffle for a free lunch; they will give you a raffle ticket before you order, and if they pick your number, your lunch is on them!

Their hours of operation are:
Sunday: 9 AM to 11 PM
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 1 AM
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM - 2 AM

Make sure you visit Gaetano's Tavern on Main soon, and tell them Pat & Wayne Harriman sent you!