Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation

Spring/Summer, 2006 Newsletter

May 26, 2006

Sunny Days
Well, the warmer weather is finally here?…thank goodness. We?’ve had a lot going on over the past few months here in Buckingham Greene. Following is a quick recap of some of the happenings within the development and the surrounding community. And be sure to have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Community Meeting Held
Residents met at the Brandywine Hundred Library on May 3rd for our semi-annual community meeting. Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order

First on the agenda was guest speaker Wayne Smith. Wayne spoke briefly about issues affecting local communities such as gas and electric rate increases, as well as all-day kindergarten. Wayne also reminded everyone that he holds a weekly open forum at the Brew Ha Ha Restaurant, located in the upper part of Branmar Plaza every Tuesday morning. The meetings are from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. and provide residents an opportunity to discuss issues or concerns, or simply a chance to hear what issues are on other people?’s minds. The coffee is on Wayne.

Next, our new neighbors were welcomed to those in attendance. Thea Amato and Alan Hobbs at 18 Weilers Bend (October ?’05) and Dianne Bowen and Chris Klaber at 20 Weilers Bend (February ?’05) were introduced. In addition, Gary Liu and Sherry Xu at 43 Weilers Bend moved into Buckingham Greene in the spring of ?‘05. Please be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to our newest neighbors. Welcome to all!

The 2006 proposed assessment of $120 per lot was voted on and approved. Invoices have since been distributed with payments made payable to the ?“Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation?” due to the Treasurer (Alan Herring at 113 Scotts Way) no later than June 15, 2006. Please be sure to pay your dues as soon as possible. We remind everyone that those who serve on the Board of Directors do so on a completely volunteer basis. Having to send late notices to homeowners who do not pay on time just creates additional work for the residents in our community who have agreed to volunteer to help manage the Corporation. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

It had been suggested that the ?“rip-rap?” basin near 22 Weilers Bend was in need of some landscaping improvements. However, given that this particular basin has been the center of the lawsuit with Arden, and that New Castle County is responsible for its maintenance, Ann Diggins advised against doing anything at the present time (other than simply removing any debris from the area). The residents in attendance agreed.

In addition, all of our neighbors living from 2 to 22 Weilers Bend need to be mindful of trash in the street gutters in front of their homes. When it rains, any trash in the gutters washes down to the end of Weilers Bend and accumulates in the gutters/drains at the bottom of the street near the cul-de-sac. This creates extra cleanup for the residents who live at the end of the street.

Deed restriction update: Jimmy and Lauren Jarrell will be moving and, as a result, Jimmy will be unable to continue notarizing the amendments to the deed restrictions. Shelli McGrory volunteered to help get a new notary and to organize an effort to get signatures from the remaining households. This initiative has been ongoing for several years because we need signatures from 2/3rds of all homeowners in order to ratify any modifications. Stay tuned for more information from Shelli soon.

A number of homes in the development have tested for elevated levels of radon. Having your home tested is easy and inexpensive. Simply purchase a home test kit from any local hardware store. Call the Delaware Help Line at 1-800-464-HELP, and ask for the Radon Program for more information. Your home may be in need of a remediation system.

We had been short a member for the Architectural Review Committee (normally a committee of 5). Miriam Sigler, at 42 Weilers Bend, volunteered to participate as the 5th member. Thank You Miriam! As a reminder, any exterior building additions, change in exterior walls, color changes, changes in grade of lot, installation of fences or decks, or other exterior construction improvements require written approval from the Maintenance Corporation. Plans and specifications, with illustrations, showing the nature, kind, shape, color, height, materials and proposed location should be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee for review and approval. Please contact Loren Kahlbaugh at 66 Weilers Bend (Committee Chairperson) with any questions (phone 475-0935).

Lani Gibson, who heads our Landscape Committee, would like to rework the landscaping at the entrance to the development. Anyone interested in helping with this effort should contact Lani at 529-7476.

Mike and Jackie Duffy (73 Weilers Bend) recently brought home a new addition to the Buckingham Greene community. Sean Michael Duffy was born April 28th, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces. Mom, Dad, big sister Lauren, and baby Sean are all doing well. Congratulations to the entire Duffy family!

A suggestion has been made for a community progressive dinner party, possibly in September. The idea would be to have appetizers and drinks at one house in the development, then break up for dinner at 3 or 4 different houses, and then end the evening with dessert and coffee (and more drinks of course) at another house. Baby-sitting would be available at a separate home if needed. And best of all, no one would need to drive. Anyone who might be interested in participating (either hosting or simply attending) should contact Paul Zoppi at 529-7760. Hope everyone can join us for a great evening together.

Kudos to Tom Tryon for his part in a recent episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Tom and his employees worked on a home in Philadelphia that was featured on the April 30th show. In addition, Lani Gibson appeared in a recent article in the News Journal regarding health and fitness (including an action shot of Lani exercising). Congratulations to both Tom and Lani for the recent publicity.

We have had several households express an interest in having a community yard/garage sale in June. Anyone else who may be interested should contact Thea Amato at 18 Weilers Bend (phone 475-6147) ASAP.

Miriam Sigler informed the residents in attendance that she is thinking about planting a tree along the edge her property that borders the community playground. She is open to other thoughts/ideas from members of the community as to what to do. Please contact Miriam with suggestions if you have any (529-9085). Thank you for your thoughtfulness Miriam!

Available Community Services: Contact Olga Kotler for any needed clothing alterations. Olga (friend of Miriam Sigler) can be reached via phone at 792-0664. In addition, Guy Amato (Thea Amato?’s brother) is offering his painting services to residents of Buckingham Greene. Please call him at 478-7840 for an estimate.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help with anything can contact a board member. We are not asking for a lot of time. Simply giving one hour of your time per month can have a profound impact on our community (and it?’s a great way to get to know your neighbors). Let?’s all chip in to help make Buckingham Greene the best development in New Castle County.

Spring Egg Hunt
In April, the Social Committee organized our Spring Egg Hunt for members of the community and their friends and relatives. The event was a tremendous success with more than 15 children participating. The day was filled with fun prizes and candy for all of the participants. The entire community owes a great big thank you to Blair Nowland for planning and organizing such a terrific event. Keep an eye out for more fun events in the near future. And if you have any ideas for an outing, or would like to get more involved with the Social Committee, please contact Blair, Rita McCann, Lani Gibson, or Tammy Zoppi directly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2006 Assessment:
Thanks once again for your prompt attention to the 2006 annual assessment. If you have not had a chance to send in your payment, please make every effort to do so as soon as possible (payments are due by June 15th). As we have previously communicated, the Maintenance Corporation is in need of raising funds for grass cutting, playground maintenance, insurance, snow removal, etc. Please make checks payable to ?“Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corp.?” and send to our Treasurer, Alan Herring, at 113 Scotts Way. Thanks to all for your cooperation

Community Services
Alan Herring (113 Scotts Way) is currently accepting new tax clients. Alan is a CPA with an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, as well as a Masters degree in taxation from Widener University. He has over 30 years experience and would be happy to discuss his services with you. If you are in need of tax advice, or know of any individuals or small businesses looking for assistance, please feel free to contact Alan directly at 475-7976 (or by email at abhcpa@aol.com). Thank you!

Announcements
Buckingham Greene would like to welcome some of our newest neighbors to the development. First, Daniel Shufler recently moved into 63 Weilers Bend. In addition, James and Debra Smith recently moved into 16 Weilers Bend. Please be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to all of them. We all wish you and your families much joy and happiness in your new homes.

Congratulations to Alan Herring for leading his team to victory for the 2nd consecutive year in the B?’nai B?’rith Bowling League. Alan won more points than any other player in the league. Way to go Alan!

Don?’t forget, if you have anything you would like to announce to your fellow neighbors (i.e., birth announcements, anniversaries, birthdays, business advertising) please contact Paul Zoppi at 109 Scotts Way (feel free to email Paul with the specifics at pzoppi109@cs.com.). Thank you.

Upcoming Local Events
Wilmington Memorial Day Parade (May 30th)
Wilmington Memorial Day Committee is having its annual parade. Rockford Park, Delaware Avenue, Wilmington.
?· Admission is free
?· For information call 994-2061

St. Anthony?’s Italian Festival (June 11th-18th) Annual event of food and music features outdoor cafes, live entertainment, rides and more. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and school grounds, Ninth and DuPont streets, Wilmington.
?· Admission is free, fees for activities
?· Visit www.stanthonynet.org for more information

51st Annual DFRC Blue-Gold All Star Football Game (June 24th)
Fund-raiser for DFRC, a nonprofit organization that strives to raise awareness of the abilities and talents of individuals with cognitive disabilities. University of Delaware Football Stadium, South College Avenue, Newark.
?· Admission is $8
?· For information call 454-2730

New Castle County Rockwood Ice Cream Festival (July 15th-16th)
This annual event recalls ice cream socials of the Victorian era, with children?’s activities, ice cream, music, and more. Fireworks display at dusk on the 15th. Rockwood Mansion Park, Washington Street Extension, south of Shipley Road, Penny Hill.
?· Admission is free
?· For information call 761-4340

Riverfront Blues Fest (August 12th-13th)
Lineup includes The Chicago Legends, Johnny Winter Band, Phil Guy and more. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington.
?· Admission is $15 in advance ($20 at the door)
?· Visit www.riverfrontbluesfest.com for more information

Community Yard Sale
As previously communicated, there has been some interest expressed by several neighbors in holding a community yard sale once again. As a result, the yard/garage sale will be held on Saturday, June 17th starting at 8am. An ad will be placed in the News Journal promoting the event. If you are interested in participating, please contact Thea Amato at 18 Weilers Bend by phone (475-6147) or email (thea_amato@ici.com). Thank you!

Woodshaven-Kruse Park Saved ?– A letter from Representative Wayne Smith
Following is a letter that Wayne Smith sent to the Maintenance Corporation back in March in response to his effort to save the park. We wanted to share it with all of you.

?“Dear Friends,

Good News. It appears the threat to use some of our new Woodshaven-Kruse parkland for home sites is over.

The developer who bought the Brookview property and is going to redevelop that location had asked New Castle County to consider allowing the company to build homes in Woodshaven-Kruse Park in exchange for creating an equal sized park at the Brookview site. As I told you in my November letter on the issue, I am very much opposed to allowing building on the Woodhaven-Kruse Park and communicated my opposition to New Castle County Executive Chris Coons. Many of you also communicated your opposition to county officials and I want to thank you for letting the county understand community opinion on the issue.

County Executive Chris Coons told me that he has told the developer that he did not support the developer?’s request to build homes on Woodshaven-Kruse Park. (He also stated that he was eager for suggestions from the community to increase use of the park. Mr. Coons invited citizens to email him at chriscoons@nccde.org with suggestions. If you have some ideas, I would encourage you to contact our county executive).

So it appears we have saved the park from this threat of development. Again, I want to thank the citizens who contacted me on this issue and got involved in letting the county know your position on saving our only park in our Claymont community.

Sincerely, Rep. Wayne Smith?”

Tip of the Month
Are you in need of handyman services? If you require cleaning services (windows, gutters, power washing), deck staining, various home repairs, electrical work, carpentry, tile work, etc., give Ron Iorii a call at 302-427-2807. Through the years, Ron has accumulated a list of specialties with an excellent core of workers. He will always go that extra mile while providing expert craftsmen who are knowledgeable, safe, and courteous. He is very proud of the network of people he works with, and they will enjoy working for you as well. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to give Ron a call for a complimentary estimate.

Contact us with Ideas
If you have anything you would like to see published in our next quarterly newsletter, please drop off a note at 109 Scotts Way, or send an email to pzoppi109@cs.com. Your input and feedback is greatly appreciated. As always, we are looking for volunteers to help with putting the newsletter together on a quarterly basis. It doesn?’t have to take up a lot of your time, and it should be a lot of fun. Please feel free to contact any of the Board Members if you are interested in participating.

Next community meeting TBD

Happy Summer