Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

Unionville has two great events coming up in the next few weeks: the Plantation Field Horse Trials and the Unionville Community Fair.

The 4th Annual Plantation International Field Horse Trials will be held September 16-18. This 3 star world class event will be located just west of Unionville north of Route 82 / Doe Run Rd (The equestrian sport of eventing is one of three disciplines represented at the Olympics). Entrance to the Trials will be off Apple Grove Rd. 

The competition will start with dressage on the 16th followed by cross country Saturday, and show jumping on Sunday.

This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit the The Barn at Spring Brook Farm and the Cheshire Land Preservation Fund. There will also be a trade fair, Kid's Corner, food, and sponsors tent. All the various activities are scheduled to finish up by early Sunday afternoon.

The Unionville Community Fair and Farm Show will be held two weeks later on September 30-October 2. Hosted by Landhope Farms and now in its 87th year,this is the largest fair in Chester County. The Unionville Fair will be filled with contests, exhibitors, vendors, a horse show, a rodeo, and pageant - all highlighting the agricultural products, handcrafts, and arts in the local area. The Unionville Community Fair supports the Barn at Spring Brook Farm and the Chester County Food Bank.

Be sure to take some time to visit both events and enjoy more of what our community has to offer!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com  

Just a quick reminder that tonight is the last 2011 Family Fun Night at Wilmington's Brandywine Zoo!

Again this year, 93.7 WSTW Family Fun Nights, sponsored by Del-One, are being held at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington. Admission is only $1 with kids under 3 FREE. There will be animal presentations, interactive games, and music along with Nancy and Spencer from WSTW.

The final Brandywine Zoo 93.7 WSTW Family Fun night will be held September 1 from 6-8PM at 1001 North Park Drive in the Brandywine Park.

It should be beautiful weather, a good way to begin the Labor Day weekend, and great night to relax with the family. Don't miss your last opportunity this year and ... Enjoy!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Wilmington DE/Devon PA
Direct:610-618-0808 - Office:302-834-3431
www.DelawarePAHomes.com 

Happy Fourth of July!

Take some time to relax, enjoy your friends and family, and get ready for the rest of the summer.

Also, just a quick reminder that the Summer Festival Concert Series at Rose Tree Park is now in full swing just off Route 1 on Route 252 in Upper Providence. Be sure to check out their calendar of events so you don't miss these great shows.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Devon PA/Wilmington DE
Direct:610-618-0808 - Office:610-225-7400
www.DelawarePAHomes.com 

As it gears up for its active summer season, Collen Brook Farm is holding its annual Spring Festival: Farm Life at Collen Brook  this Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00.

Be sure to visit Hagley Museum on Wednesdays or Thursdays this summer in Wilmington DE.

In July and August, Hagley Museum in Wilmington DE is offering reduced admission prices for events every Wednesday night and Thursday during the day.  Hagley Museum and Library are located on the site of the original gunpowder works founded by today's DuPont Company in 1802.  The main entrance is just off Route 141 as it crosses the Brandywine River close to Greenville DE.  It is just minutes off I-95 and Route 202 and easily accessible from all New Castle County.

On Wednesday nights, Hagley will be holding their Bike and Hike nights.  From 5 - 8 PM every Wednesday through August, admission will only be $2 per person allowing you the chance to enjoy the trails, walk the riverside, and picnic along the Brandywine.  Admission is free for members.

On Thursdays from 9:30-4:30 Hagley Museum admission is only $1 per person.  This will allow admission to both the museum and grounds.  This is a great opportunity to revisit, or visit the museum for the first time,  and explore the grounds and exhibitions.  Admission is free for members.

In addition, this will give you an ideal time to learn of the events already scheduled throughout the fall.  These include the Hagley Car Show and Hagley Film Showcase in September,  the Hagley Craft Fair in October, and Christmas at Hagley running from November 26 through the New Year.

Another great opportunity to enjoy all the area has to offer!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Bear, DE/Newtown Square, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the first meeting being held by the City of Chester PA as they begin the process of updating their comprehensive plan.

The City is holding a series of five public meetings to obtain input and ideas from the public on both the progress in the city to date and which items should be highlighted as priorities in the future.  The last Comprehensive Plan, Vision 2000, was completed in 1994.  The new plan, titled Vision 2020, is expected to be completed toward the end of 2009.  State law requires periodic updates to the plan.

The first meeting was held on an informal basis at the Eastside Ministries on 9th St allowing participants ample opportunity to learn about various facets of the plan.  There were multiple charts and graphic displays which provided a great overview of the situation today and the tentative plans for the future.   Many of the planners were in attendance providing an in-depth description of the projects currently under way.

The City of Chester has made tremendous progress recently with the addition of Harrahs, the waterfront development, the new soccer facilities now under construction, increased freeway access, and multiple housing projects.  They now want to build on this momentum as they plan for the future and highlight those areas that the community feels are the most important items to be included in the future.  Input from the residents will be used to prioritize the projects as they move forward.

Chester has planned four additional public open meetings to gather input:

-Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 6:30
at the Chester Senior Center, 721 Hayes St
- Monday June 15 2009 at 6:30
at the New Jerusalem Church of Chester, 2100 W 3rd St
- Wednesday June 24 2009 at 6:30
at the White Rock Christian Church at 308 W 3rd St
- Tuesday June 30 2009 at 6:30
at the North Chester Baptist Church at 2331 Providence Ave

Please be sure to visit any of these meetings to learn where we stand today and provide input for the future.

As always, if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Congratulations WAWA on the big 45!

For those of you in the area, nothing else needs to be said.

For others, the Philadelphia Inquirer probably gives the best anniversary details.

To another 45!

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As always if you have any questions, need any additional information, or are considering a move to the area, please feel free to contact me anytime.

This morning, Delaware and  the Old Swedes Foundation held Landing Day Services at the site of Fort Christina Park in Wilmington DE.

Unknown by many, Delaware was founded by the Swedes and Finns. In 1638, the first Swedish settlement was established at Fort Christina located just east of present day Wilmington just off 7th Street along the Christina River. They quickly formed the first permanent settlement in the future state.  The Swedes controlled the immediate area until 1655 when the Dutch took control and the future state of Delaware ultimately fell under British control in 1664.

In 1698 the Swedes and Finns built a new church on the site of their original burial ground.  The church was established as a Swedish Lutheran Church but in 1791 it became part of the Protestant Episcopal Church.  The Old Swedes Church is the oldest church still in use as originally built. 

Today was the 371st anniversary of the Swedes and Finns original landing on March 29, 1638.  In 1938, Fort Christina State Park was built before the 300th anniversary of the event and it was dedicated in 1938 with the attendance of President Franklin Roosevelt and Swedish royalty.  The Landing Day Services have been held every year since (except for two years) on March 29 and in 1988 on the 350th Anniversary the Swedish King and Queen once again attended the ceremonies.

This morning's event was held by the congregation and Old Swedes Foundation with both Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Wilmington Mayor James Baker providing remarks.  There were also proclamations delivered from the state, county, and city.  Despite the weather, it was well attended, well done, and continued the long standing tradition honoring our founding