Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

The First Around the Fountain Festival will be held in the Cool Spring Reservoir Park this Sunday from 12:00-5:00.

This is another great opportunity to take the day off and enjoy more that 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

The Delaware State Parks 2010 Summer Concert Series is now under way.

Looking for some great free entertainment this summer?  Don't miss the 2010 Summer Concert Series now taking place at four state parks throughout the region.  The concerts include a wide range of both local and regional acts in a wide selection of musical styles.  The parks offer a great showcase of the bands and their different styles of music.

The concerts themselves will be held in four different locations:  Bellevue State Park, Killens Pond State Park, White Clay Creek State Park, and Rockford Park.  Bellevue began it's series on June 6 and will continue to hold concerts on most Thursdays and Sundays through August 29.  Killens Pond began on June 18th and will run until August 20th.  White Clay Creek also began on June 6th and will have its final End of the Summer Concert on Monday, September 6.  Rockford begins tonight and will continue until August 16th.

All the concerts are free.  A special thanks should be given to the Delaware State Parks and this year's sponsors:  The Wilmington Blue Rocks, Hockessin Athletic Club, Harrington Raceway and Casino, the Christiana Care Health System, Inc Now, and A&H Metals.  Thanks to all and now is the time to take off some evenings to enjoy the area and some great music.  Another chance to enjoy all the area has to offer.

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

The 2010 Greek Festival and Italian Festival arrive in Wilmington DE this week.

Today the 2010 Greek Festival opens for its traditional run through Friday June 4th at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 9th & Broom Streets.  It's a great opportunity to get a taste of Greece with food, entertainment, and dancing.  The festival will be open from 11:00AM - 11:00PM daily, and this year from 11:00-2:00 everyday, the festival will offer curbside pickup for those that are unable to dine-in at lunch.  Entertainment will begin at 7:30 nightly.  As in the past there will be a free lunch shuttle running from downtown at 9th & Market Streets.

Then, the St Anthony's Italian Festival opens on June 6th and continues until June 13th.  The festival will be open from 5:30-10:30 Monday through Friday and from 2:00-10:30 Saturday & Sunday.  This year the Festival will be focusing on the culture of the Umbria region of Italy.

The Bellinni Bar and Bocce will be returning for their second year.   As always, there will also be plenty of food, shops, rides, and entertainment throughout.  The annual Italian Festival Gala Concert will be held on June 6th including the Wilmington Children's Chorus as this year's headlining group.  Tickets will also be on sale for a chance to win the ultimate Italian Dream vacation.

Every year, both festivals offer the perfect opportunity to welcome the summer season in Wilmington with all that it has to offer.  Please be sure to  take some time to visit and support our local community.

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

Happy Memorial Day!

Remember to say Thank You for all the sacrifices of every member of the services. 
You will always be remembered.

Take some time to be with your family & friends.  Enjoy all the region has to offer.

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

The Wilmington Flower Market opened today in Rockford Park DE continuing its 90 year tradition of support for the local community.

The Wilmington Flower Market began its traditional Mother's Day weekend run on Thursday May 6 and will run through Saturday May 8.  Filled with flowers, plants, vendors, rides, and fun, it appears that it could not be a better weekend for the event.

The Wilmington Flower Market was founded in 1921 as a volunteer organization by Mrs A. Felix duPont to raise money to benefit children in the Wilmington area.  Through its history it has been held in Cool Spring Park, Brandywine Park, and since 1952 in Rockford Park and is run with support of the community and now over 6000 volunteers.

The market will be held Thursday through Saturday and is open from 10:00-7:00 each day.  This year's entertainment is provided by 93.7 WSTW and 1150 WDEL and will be presented by Horizon Services on the Arbys Stage.  Along with numerous local recording acts and celebrities, the line up also includes national recording acts We The Kings, Cartel, Mayday Parade, and Iyaz.  be sure to check out WSTW's site for the complete list with times.

So be sure to take some time this week, visit Rockford Park and enjoy all that the Wilmington Flower Market has to offer - Another great Delaware Tradition that everyone can enjoy.

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

Tavistock continues to be one of the preferred addresses in north Wilmington Delaware.

In 1901 William Bancroft founded the Woodlawn Company, now  Woodlawn Trustees, to promote housing, orderly development, and parks in the city and to acquire and develop property north of Rockland to preserve the land along the lower Brandywine.  As part of this continuing development, Woodlawn has developed much of the land west of the Concord Pike.  They sold individual building lots in various developments to both individuals and builders who followed approved subdivision plans.  These developments included Alapocas, Woodbrook, Sharpley, Edenridge and Tavistock.

As part of that development over the years, Tavistock has been developed to be one of the preferred communities of single family homes in North Wilmington.  The development is located just west of the Concord Pike in Talleyville between Garden of Eden and Mt Lebanon Roads.  This location provides immediate access north or south on the Concord Pike/ Route 202 into Wilmington or north into Pennsylvania.  It is also adjacent to the Brandywine Park with its trails, park, and open lands and offers quick access to Route 52/ the Kennett Pike across Rockland Rd.  It is also just minutes from I-95.

Tavistock is a diverse community of approximately 149 single family homes ranging in size from 1500 to over 3500 square feet.  Homes are found in all styles from traditional 2 story Colonials to clean Contemporary designs all located in a nice wooded suburban environment.  The bulk of the building occurred from 1970 through 1974 but the development contains homes from the 1950's through the 1980s.  This has created a close-knit community of active and involved homeowners who care and take pride in their community.

Like most of the communities, Tavistock has seen prices pull back from their peak but they continue to be very strong on a relative basis.  The average sales price peaked in 2007 when there were 3 sales averaging $557,000.  Since then prices pulled back with 2 sales in 2008 at an average sales price of $483,000, 5 sales in 2009 averaging $472,000, and 2 sales year-to-date in 2010 averaging $481,000.  There are also 4 homes currently on the market with an average asking price of $467,000 with no homes currently under contract.

With its great location, diverse solid housing stock, and involved homeowners, Tavistock should remain as a prime residential community for years to come.  If you are considering a move in the area, Tavistock is a community that should be added to your list.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

It's not that time of year, but due to the continuing changes in Washington, we are already seeing some movement in local races as the parties and politicians begin to position themselves for 2010.

It's too early to get a feel for who will do what in the next election, but I did have the chance to stop by both Party Headquarters to try to learn where we should be looking to get a feel for the future.  There are an unending supply of political sites both locally and nationally to satisfy almost any viewpoint, but if you just want to get up to speed on the local situation, these will provide a great place to start.  The first few can be used to learn the basics of the state government.  Then there are just a few current blogs representing both sides of the spectrum.

For basic contacts and information see:
- State of Delaware:  www.Delaware.gov
- Delaware General Assembly:  legis.Delaware.gov
- US National Government:  www.USA.gov
- New Castle County Government:  www.co.new-castle.de.us

For real-time current blog information and updates:

Democrats:
www.delawareliberal.net
www.deldems.org

Republicans:
www.DelawarePolitics.net
www.ResoluteDetermination.com

There are quite a few additional sites of all political persuasions and causes but this will provide a place to start.  After opening a site, simply review their blog log for additional site ideas.  Next year, 2010, will be an incredibly important year as many important changes could be coming up for a vote that will impact your homes, income, health, and welfare.  Everyone should stay involved (and keep a close eye on your wallet - Washington wants it) .

As always, if you have any questions or comments or need any additional ideas, please do not hesitate ot contact me anytime.

I just wanted to pass on a quick reminder from Rep Mike Ramone on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

It's that time of year for the annual Medicare Prescription Drug Enrollment review.  Each year, Medicare makes changes to their plans.  ELDERinfo and Delaware Medicare Partners will be providing information on the plans at community events throughout the State of Delaware.  ELDERinfo, the Delaware State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), provides unbiased information and counseling to people covered by Medicare.

For New Castle County, the scheduled events include:

Thursday, November 19, 9:00-12:00
Tuesday, December 8, 9:00-12:00
MOT Senior Center
300 South Scott Street Middletown
Call for Appointments at 302-378-4758

Monday, November 30, 9:00-1:00
Christiana Care Hospital
John H Ammon Medical Education Building
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, Christiana

Wednesday, December 2, 9:00-12:00
Newark Senior Center
200 White Chapel Rd, Newark

Thursday, December 10, 9:00-1:00
William Hicks Anderson Community Center
501 Madison St, Wilmington

Wednesday, December 16, 9:00-1:00
Howard Weston Senior Center
1 Bassett Avenue, New Castle

Please contact ELDERinfo at 1-800-336-9500 or 302-674-7364 to schedule an appointment or for additional information.

Now is a great time to visit the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts in Wilmington DE.

Thinking of a more "traditional" museum for your final summer activities?  You need to take advantage of the free admission to the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (DCCA) along the riverfront in Wilmington Delaware.

Now celebrating its 30th year, the DCCA is located at 200 South Madison Street on the rapidly evolving Wilmington waterfront.  Situated in a former industrial building, the facility now has 35,000 square feet of space offering 7 galleries, 26 artist studios, an auditorium, museum shop and support areas.  It is directly served by the Dart Bus Route 32 and is just around the corner from the downtown Amtrak Rail Station, Frawley Stadium, several shops, and great dining and entertainment options.

From their mission statement, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts is non-collecting art museum.  Their mission is to present exhibitions, offer exposure to the creative process, provide educational opportunities, and extend innovative programs to a diverse community.  Their success in following this mission is clear from the wide array of activities, exhibitions, events, and other programs that the center is offering on a continuing basis.  From camps and classes to its Artist-In-Residence programs, it works toward this vision everyday.

Most recently, the Alternatives Museum Shop at the DCCA was named this years Best Museum Store by Niche Magazine for 2009.  The award is based on the Retailers' Guide to Best Practices including Fair Business Practices and the support to the American craft community.

This is an excellent excursion for anyone in the region and offers a chance to catch up on the current trends in the art world - and then relax and enjoy the various restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues now found along the Wilmington Riverfront.  More great activities in our area.

As always, if you have any questions or need any information, call anytime.

Everybody should stop by Cosmos Diner Restaurant to experience the one of the best diners in Wilmington.

I admit it - I love diners.  I like the food, the service, and the people.  Situated off Maryland Avenue south of Wilmington and just north of Newport, Cosmos Diner Restaurant is one of the best in Delaware offering all the classic diner fare plus many Greek Specialties.  The restaurant has been a local stalwart for years.

Cosmos offers booths, table top, and counter dining options.  The service is excellent with a great friendly staff.  Having a wide variety of seating options, there is rarely a wait, and if you are bringing a large family or group, there is plenty of room to combine tables in the back.  They open everyday at 6:30 and close at 9:00 except for Friday and Saturday when they remain open till 10:00.

The food is excellent with great service and hearty portions.   I would personally recommend the Pastitchio, French Dip, or Omelets, but they have a wide range of standard items covering most every taste.  In addition, they do have weekly specials Monday through Thursday including Chicken and Dumplings, Ham and Cabbage, and Chicken Pot Pie.  These are complemented with a wide variety of additional daily specials.

Cosmos serves a great variety of Greek favorites everyday and offers periodic Greek specials.  To finish off any meal, you need to try one of their pies or pastries that are baked right on the premises.  I have only been there during the day/evening, but their breakfasts are renowned and are served everyday, all day.

They are easy to get to by following Newport Pike (Route 4) north from Route 141 in Newport or take Boxwood Road over to Maryland Avenue.  From the Riverfront (or from downtown Wilmington), they are just a few minutes south along Maryland Avenue just beyond the intersection with DuPont Rd at 316 S Maryland Avenue.

If you love good food and fast friendly service, you have to go to Cosmos Diner Restaurant.  If you just like to check out the local diners and restaurants, you need to add this to your itinerary.

Visit, Enjoy, and let me know what you think!