Southern Delaware Homes Political and Social CommentsDE Property Listings

Bargain Bill's has a new owner

2009-11-13T16:18:00.002-05:00

Bargain Bill's flea market has been around for 30 years or so, and now it has a new owner, Mike Mercer. Mr. Mercer wants to bring Bargain Bill's back to its glory days.

You can by almost everything at Bargain Bill's. That is the way it use to be and hopefully will be again, when over 200 vendors and home owners would come every weekend to sell their wares. Anybody can rent a table, and many people did. That helped keep the items fresh and attract a good crowd.

Mr. Mercer will reopen the convenience store and restaurant on 11/13/2009.
Uncle Fred
check out my website: www.fredsporch.com

Nanticoke Creekwatchers Win Governor's Award

2009-10-09T15:47:00.002-04:00

"Congratulations! The Nanticoke Creekwatchers won a 2009 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award. Although there many exceptional nominations, the review committee determined that your group, along with 32 other individuals and groups, best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism in Delaware"

This is a direct quote from the letter sent to me from the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, signed by Mr. Andy Kloepfer.

We will be honored at the 2009 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards dinner and ceremony on October 29, 2009 at the Dover Downs Hotel.

Our group worked very had the past 3 years and is receiving a deserved award.

Uncle Fred
www.fredsporch.com

Home Owners Associations

2009-09-29T10:10:00.002-04:00

I was showing some clients some houses in local subdivisions last week. They asked me to get the documents for the Home Owners Associations for two different sub divisions. They wanted to add an outbuilding/garage/shop for a race car they own.
These documents are usually quite boring and are similar in many ways. However, they are some very interesting exceptions. For instance, One claim that no pet or bred insects are allowed(the only thing I can think of is bee keeping). In another subdivision certain types of dogs, such as Bit Bulls, Dobermans, or Rottweilers are not permitted.
Any buyer should be aware of these restrictions before they buy in one of these communities, some as short as 5 pages and others run over 50 pages. The intent is to preserve the property values, however they are not for everyone.
Uncle Fred
www.fredsporch.com

Jeep Tribute to WWII Vets

2009-08-31T11:59:00.002-04:00

Joesph LaRosch is 25, and he has started a traveling tribute to WWII vets. He found a old jeep with some history. The 1944 Jeep saw service in Normandy, Belgium, Austria, and Germany. After the war it was sold to the Belgium Army, then bought by a California Man, who sold it to a man in Quakertown, PA. That's where Mr. Laroche found it. He has restored it to running condition. He talks the Jeep to events for Vets, i.e. nursing homes and has the Vets sign the Jeep. What a great thing to do. You can contact him at: 2221 Glasgow Ave, Newark, DE 19702.

Uncle Fred

Bryan's Bowling Center is OPEN

2009-08-31T11:30:00.002-04:00

Finally!!! Laurel now has a New Bowling Alley. There is not a black ball in the place,all are multi-colored. This is a high tech bowling alley with space age key pad that control the score and the display glows in the dark.

If you are thinking of coming to Laurel to live, please see my website: www.fredsporch.com.

Uncle Fred

Delaware is # 2

2009-08-04T12:07:00.002-04:00

According to an article by David Singleton in The News Journal, Delaware is # 2 in spending per capita, only Alaska is ahead of us. Check out the list below.
Delaware Ranking
Welfare #2
Public Schools #9
Higher Ed. #2
Highways #3
Environment #3
Police #1
Corrections #1
Parks & Rec. #9

These are real eye openers. I believe we need to rethink our spending--since we are out of money anyway.
Uncle Fred

Laurel to World Series for 5th Time in 6 Years

2009-08-01T10:23:00.002-04:00

The Laurel Women's Senior League Softball program will send its team to the World Series in Roxana, DE, for the third year in a row. This veteran team might just take it all this year.
The World Series starts on August 9th.
Go Laurel!!!

Uncle Fred
www.fredsporch.com

Laurel's Forth of July

2009-07-07T10:58:00.003-04:00

The weather was perfect for the Laurel 4th of July celebration. I ran the 5K race at 8:30AM and came in first in my age group!!! Sold tickets for the carnival in the afternoon and evening and watched a nice Fireworks display. My wife Donna helped with the Republican booth during the day and watched the fireworks from Bethel.
The Laurel Chamber of Commerce hosted a great day. For those of you who missed it , mark your calendars and come next year.

Uncle Fred
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home please visit my website: www.fredsporch.com

Seaford's Canton Inn Declared Nuisance

2009-06-11T13:56:00.002-04:00

On June 9th The Justice Department stated that all activity resembling adult entertainment will cease at the Canton Inn, in Seaford. The owner will not fight the Justice Department and will convert the GO-GO Joint into a Bar/Restaurant.
The Attorney General's office is using The Nuisance Abatement Law in different ways to combat vice crimes in neighborhoods.

Hip Hip Hooray, the Smut is Gone.
Uncle Fred

Check out my Real estate Website: www.fredsporch.com

Storm Drain Marking in Laurel

2009-05-22T11:43:00.005-04:00

Volunteers are need to mark the storm drains in Laurel on June 13, 2009, and will meet at the Town Hall at 10AM. There will be a short instructional period then groups will be formed to canvas the town and mark the drains.

The Marker will be a Medallion inscribed with, "No Dumping, Drain into Waterway" Laurel sits on the Broad Creek which drains into the Nanticoke River and then into the Chesapeake Bay. It is hoped that this will deter people dumping things in the storm drains and taking them to recycling center instead.

Anyone interested can call Jen Volk at (302) 739-9939.
Uncle Fred
visit my website: www.fredsporch.com

The Summer Season is Here!!

2009-05-22T11:36:00.002-04:00

The Delaware Beach Season starts this weekend. With it comes the traffic, crowds, sunburn, and FUN. Everybody drive carefully, have fun, and try to keep the sand out of everything.

While you are here, I would be happy to show properties to anyone interested in moving here. You can check out the available properties on my website: www.fredsporch.com. You can also reach me @ (302) 258-6983.

Shad Music and Heritage Festival - Vienna, MD

2009-04-21T14:29:00.002-04:00

Come one come all, to the Shad Festival in Vienna, MD. It starts this Saturday from 10AM till 7PM. There will be music all day, vendors, and Shad smoked on a Board ( the Shad is filleted and nailed to a cedar plank, it is then smoked with barbecue sauce), It is Outstanding. This is a great say for the whole family.

See You There!!

Uncle Fred

First Time Homebuyers - $8000.00 Tax Credit

2009-03-28T10:10:00.002-04:00

First time home buyer that purchased between 1/09/09 to 11/30/09
The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price, not to exceed $8000.00.
Principle residence only, includes houses, condos, co-ops, and townhouses.
Refundable credit which means any unused credit will e issued to you in a check.
Annual income not to exceed $75K (single) or 150K (couple)
No repayment due as long as home is kept for at least 3 years.
If home is sold within 3 years, repayment for the tax credit is required.
First time home buyer - Must not have owned a home in the previous three years, for couples neither spouse to have owned a primary residence for at least 3 years. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principle residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first time home buyer.
Possible disqualification - If any state or city bond programs are utilized in the purchase or purchasing from a close relative including but not limited to: Parent, spouse, grandparent, child, or grandchild (arms length transaction).

Georgia House Gives Back!

2009-02-26T14:43:00.002-05:00

The owners or the Georgia House Restaurants have made Monday nights as their give back nights to the community. Any community group who wants to have a fund raiser can do it at the restaurants on Monday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00PM.
They will provide a Beef, Chicken and Pasta Buffet, wash all dishes, provide service leaders to help in all areas, etc. The members of your group sell a 100 or more tickets, provide 10 people to help. Once the evening is completed, your group can make $5.00 to $7.00 per ticket sold or 30% to 40% of the ticket sales.

For more information, Contact Lisa @ 302 381-1367.

Georgia House Restaurants are located in Millsboro, Selbyville, Milford, and Laurel, Delaware

A Great Honor

2009-01-31T11:42:00.002-05:00

I have talked about the Nanticoke River Creek Watchers before, now a quick update. I am one of the volunteers who with Ric Johansen test two sites every two weeks. We are now 40 people monitoring 43 sites. Our season ran from April to December.
The program has been so successful the the sponsoring organization, the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, decided to give the Creek Watchers a seat on the Board of directors.
I was selected with Dick Work as a alternate.

It is a great honor for me!

Uncle Fred

Congrats to Stacking Super Star Foster Haynes

2009-01-31T11:19:00.002-05:00

Steven Purugganan an 11 year old from Massachusetts, a world record holder in speed stacking, competed in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Sport Stacking Championship. The event was held on Jan. 24, 2009 at the Laurel, Delaware high school. A local star Foster Haynes partnered with Purugganan this year. The winners compete at the World Championship in Denver, on April 5-6,2009.
If you don't know what speed stacking is , please visit the official website: www.speedstacks.com. It is a great non contact sport that develops hand-eye coordination.

Uncle Fred

Congratulations Joe Bauer

2009-01-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

Mr. Joe Bauer of Harrington is the 2008 Delaware Nutrient Management Program Environmental Steward. Also Kudos's to Craig Truitt of Seaford, Bruce Daisey of Millsboro and Chet Dickerson of Dover as the runners up.

Since 2001 the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission and Delaware Poultry Companies award a farmer or farm that contributes to the preservation of the environment and water quality.

This program strives to develop and implement the best practices to protect the environment.

Uncle Fred

The Laurel Stacking Bulldogs

2009-01-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

On January 24th the The Second Annual World Sport Stacking Association's Mid Atlantic Sport Stacking Championships will be at the Laurel High School. Expected will be 200 to 400 stackers.

This fast growing sport, the 3-3-3, 3-6-3, or the cycle have a competition type for everyone.

"Sport Stacking is an emerging individual and team sport where participants stack and down stack 12 specially designed high-tech cups (Speed Stacks) in pre-determined sequences with lightning quickness. This unique sport promotes hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, concentration, and sportsmanship." Laurel Star

Go Bulldogs!!

Uncle Fred

Holiday Message

2008-12-06T12:58:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving with their families. Donna and I traveled to Alabama to see our children and grankids. It is always a great time!

I have two new listings, see pics on the right. Good Bones is a classic 3BR, 2Ba rancher that needs about $20,000.00 in materials and a lot of sweat equity, to become that dream home.

Country Living home is the complete opposite. This 4BR, 2BA rancher has had a complete makeover. Totally new kitchen and baths.

Both of these homes are a Bargin in their respective price ranges. The Fed is lowering interest rates. If you job is secure and you are looking--Buy Now!!

Happy Christmas Shopping!

Uncle Fred

Democrats Run Wild in Delaware

2008-11-07T12:59:00.002-05:00

The Democrats ran Wild in Delaware, like they did in the rest of the nation. They have solid majorities in Congress, and our State House. One party rule is not always the best.

Now its their turn to screw up this country and state. NO ONE is talking about fiscal responsibility. When Congress spends us into bankruptcy, the current Bank crisis will look like a small bump in the road.

Congress had a lower rating than President Bush, but the public sent them back with bigger majorities. Go Figure!

Uncle Fred
However, Sussex county defied the tide and may yet survive!

Housing Will Bounce Back

2008-11-07T12:46:00.002-05:00

"We will hit bottom in late 2009 or 2010. Then, in 2011 we start to pick up the slack. By 2012 or 2013 we should be at 1600 or 1800 houses per year."

A quotation by Tom Halverstadt, general manager for Developer Carl M. Freeman Communities.

It's almost 2009 now, Its time to buy now. By the end of the year 2009, most of the foreclosure properties should sold and the market will not be artificially depressed. The builders will wait until 2010 or later. Resale of existing homes will rebound much faster, I feel the market is bottomed out in this market. Don't wait for the Seller's market to return. There are great bargains out there NOW.

Uncle Fred
www.fredsporch.com

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PUNKIN CHUNKIN 2008

2008-10-24T15:23:00.002-04:00

Ever wanted to throw a pumpkin? Our pumpkin farmers designed this venue as a way to have fun and also use up their left over pumpkins.
There will be over 100 machines, competing in five categories: human power, centrifugal, catapult, trebuchet and air cannon. Firing starts at 8AM each day.
This activity has really caught on, as the evening entertained includes Country Star Randy Owens, and the Charlie Daniels Band.

Where: Dale Wheatley's Farm, a mile east of the intersection of Rt. 404 and Rt. 18, Bridgeville,DE 19933.

When: Friday October 31 through Nov.2

More info: www.punkinchunkin.com
Uncle Fred

Woodland Ferry Will Reopen On 10/29/2008

2008-10-24T15:07:00.002-04:00

Since about 1743, there has been a ferry crossing at the Woodlands over the Nanticoke River. James Cannon is credited with starting the ferry around 1743.
The ferry ( 3 car capacity, and only a tenth of a mile in length) has been run by the county since 1883, the state has since taken over operation. A new 6 car ferry will resume operation on October 29th 2008. The county has grown a lot since 1961 when the last ferry was put into service. The new ferry doubles capacity, boy did we need that, now traffic jams will be down to normal 3-5 cars!!
The new ferry, with improvements cost the state $3.2 million
Uncle Fred
Come join us, check out www.Fredsporch.com

Lawn Tractor Racing Championship

2008-09-22T12:46:00.002-04:00

4th Annual Eastern Shore Lawn Tractor Racing Championship coming to Salisbury, MD. Sept 26, 27 & 28. The largest lawn tractor race in the US. Next to Shorebirds Stadium off of Hobbs Rd. Carnival rides, garden tractor pulling, mini grand prix racing & tractors which reach speeds of up to 70 mph, great food & live entertainment daily. Truly the greatest fun on turf. A family fun event. For more info go to www.lawntractoracing.org or call 410-543-7999.

Above is an ad in the Classified section of The Guide. It doesn't get any better than this!!
Uncle Fred
www.fredsporch.com

Jazz Funeral in Bethany Beach

2008-08-30T11:23:00.002-04:00

At 5:30 PM Monday Labor Day, at the north end of the boardwalk, a Jazz Funeral for the Summer of 2008 will start. For 23 years the "Friends of Summer" have held this service.

In the New Orleans tradition, there will be three bands -the Dixie Cats, the Downtown Dixieland Band, and the Jazz Funeral Irregulars. A procession of mourners of all descriptions, and a casket and mannequin (Summer of 2008) will shuffle from the north end of the boardwalk to the bandstand in the center of the boardwalk. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Hope everyone had a GREAT SUMMER!

Uncle Fred
Please visit my website: www.fredsporch.com for local Real Estate info.