Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation

Fall, 2003 Newsletter

Aug 29, 2003

State of the Development
As depressing as it may sound, the Summer of 2003 is quickly coming to a close. We?’ve had a lot going on within Buckingham Greene during the past couple of months. From 4th of July parades, to community improvements and maintenance, the summer has been a productive one. First of all, a very special thanks to all of you who have been so generous enough to volunteer and help. A few individuals have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and are deserving of some special recognition.

First, a very special thank you goes to Lani Gibson as she continues to lead the landscape committee. Lani has been caring for the landscaping around the entrance to the development for a number of years. Her efforts are most appreciated. Thanks again Lani!

Blair Nowland and Rita McCann continue to do a wonderful job leading our Social Committee. Both Blair and Rita were instrumental in organizing our second annual 4th of July community parade. The event was a great deal of fun for all of the participants (children and adults alike). After marching around the development in a full patriotic display of red, white and blue colors, snacks and refreshments were made available at the playground.

In addition, the Social Committee organized a Blue Rocks outing at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. Over 20 residents attended the game (one or two of the early birds were treated to a free baseball cap). Matthew Zoppi was even lucky enough to be picked to participate in the baby crawling race on the field between innings. The highlight of the evening was having our community name shown on the big screen scoreboard as they announced all of the groups in attendance. It was a wonderful outing and we all look forward to more events in the near future.

And finally, thank you Alan Herring for continuing to keep all of the community?’s financial business in order. As Treasurer, Alan is responsible for ensuring our bills are paid and the dues collected. He?’s done a wonderful job for the past number of years, and we as a community appreciate all of his efforts.

And remember, it?’s never too late to volunteer if you are interested in helping. Simply contact any member of the Board of Directors, or any of the committee members to participate. You can make a difference by giving just an hour of your time a month!

Deed Restriction Update
The Maintenance Corporation has hired Daniel Losco of Losco & Marconi in Wilmington to assist our community in revising our deed restrictions. At our last community meeting in February, the latest version of the proposed deed restriction amendments/modifications was reviewed. Additional changes/suggestions were made and incorporated into a document that was circulated throughout the community. Mr. Losco has reviewed those proposals and has made edits and additions to the language to enhance clarity and content.

Mr. Losco, or a designate from his office, has agreed to attend our next community meeting to review the amendments and answer any questions (scheduled for September 16th). Shortly thereafter, the document will be circulated throughout the community for signature (keep in mind that two-thirds of the homeowners must agree to any such changes). Thanks again for your support and patience during this process.

In Loving Memory of Eileen Poorten
We are deeply saddened to report that Buckingham Greene lost a very special member of our community recently. Eileen Poorten of 111 Scotts Way passed away August 12th at home after a long struggle with cancer.

Born in Buffalo, NY August 17, 1933 to the late Henry J. Poorten, Sr. and the late Theresa Koller Poorten, Eileen entered the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart of Philadelphia in 1952 and was a member of the congregation for 35 years. She earned a Master of Arts in European History from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY. She taught in Jackson Heights, LI, Atlanta, GA, Philadelphia, PA and West Chester, PA.

Eileen was also a counselor at Melrose Academy (Philadelphia) and D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY. She moved to Wilmington in 1980 to work at the newly established Marydale Retirement Community. In January 1986, she became executive director of Bayard House, a residential facility for pregnant women, where she worked until her retirement in 1999, establishing programs to support and nurture young parents and solidifying the economic base to maintain the program.

During her tenure at Bayard House, she was honored with the second annual MBNA Local Heroes Award. Upon her retirement, she was recognized by the Delaware State Legislature for her outstanding service. Appointed by then Governor, Thomas Carper, in 1995, she actively served on the Delaware Prenatal Board until her recent illness prevented it.

Eileen was also a member of the City of Wilmington Health Start Committee, past president of the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies, a member of the St. Francis Mission and Healthy Communities Committee, and an active volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. She was also a member of St. Joseph's parish, 1012 N. French St., Wilmington.

Eileen is survived by her stepmother, Rita Bernhard Hassenfratz Poorten; her dear friend, Eileen Schmitt, MD of Wilmington; brothers, Henry J. Poorten, Jr. of Hillsborough, NJ, Rev. William P. Poorten, SJ of Morristown, NJ, Robert J. Poorten of Walworth, NY; sister, Mary Grace (wife of the late Robert M. Demarse) of Batavia, NY; and many nieces, nephews and good friends.

Eileen was a remarkable person who made a tremendous impact on the many people whose lives she touched. And while she only spent a few years here in Buckingham Greene, her gentle smile and loving personality will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Eileen requested donations to the St. Clare Van, c/o St. Francis Foundation, 7th & Clayton Sts., Wilmington, DE 19805; or to Bayard House, 300 Bayard Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805. The community of Buckingham Greene has made a $50 donation to Bayard House in her memory.

Sidewalk Repaired
Joe McDonald, at 2214 Buckingham Road, was instrumental in assisting the Maintenance Corporation with getting the sidewalk along Weilers Bend repaired. During the construction of Mr. McDonald?’s home last year, Conectiv had to remove the sidewalk to run utilities from Buckingham Greene to the site. However, the construction company doing the work never fully completed the restoration of the sidewalk. Upon informing Mr. McDonald of the oversight, he immediately contacted the Guardian Construction Company and the sidewalk was completed within a matter of days. Thanks again to Mr. McDonald for his quick response to our request. The entire community wishes Joe and his family much happiness in their new home.

Community Services
Samantha Ross at 106 Scotts Way is again offering both baby-sitting and pet-sitting services to members of the community. She has completed her baby-sitting certification. Please feel free to contact Sam at 475-5830 if you are interested in hearing more about her baby-sitting and/or pet-sitting services.

Daniel Tryon at 110 Scotts Way continues to offer grass-cutting services to members of the community. Please feel free to contact Daniel at 475-5034 if you are interested in hearing more about his lawn mowing service.

Announcements
Brad and Kathy Shuts recently brought home a new addition to the Buckingham Greene community. Eric Edward Shuts was born June 12th, weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces and was 23 inches long. Mom, Dad, big brother Timothy and baby Eric are all doing well. Congratulations to the entire Shuts family!

In addition, Raymond House and Winnie Meyer were married on May 23rd. Ray and Winnie House reside at 103 Scotts Way here in Buckingham Greene. Congratulations to both of them. The entire community wishes you much happiness in your new lives together.

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
- Zippity Zoo Days (September 6th and 7th) ?– Interactive animal art stations, discovery carts, street-chalk drawing and close encounters with animals. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington. Admission is $4, 62 and older and ages 3-11 $2, 2 and younger are free. Call 571-7747 for information.
- Hagley Car Show (September 14th) ?– Hundreds of cars on display reflect makes and models that are part of automotive history. This year?’s show celebrates the centennials of Ford and Buick. Hagley Museum, Del. 141, along the Brandywine River near Greenville. Admission is $5, ages 6-14 $3, 5 and younger free. Call 658-2400 for information (www.hagley.org).
- DuPont RiverFest (September 27th) ?– Annual DuPont RiverFest Family fun event with free and fun entertainment for all. Wilmington?’s Riverfront and riverwalk. Call 658-1870 for information.
- Delaware AIDS Walk (September 28th) ?– 5K walk. Registration begins at noon, walk begins at 2 p.m. No fee, but participants may raise money prior to race. Rockford Park, Wilmington. Call 652-6776 for information.
- Harvest Moon Festival (October 4th and 5th) ?– Sponsored by the Delaware Nature Society. Family-oriented event offering horse-drawn hayrides, scarecrow stuffing contest, international turtle race, cider pressing, wildlife presentations and more. Coverdale Farm, Greenville. Admission is $8, 5 and older $4, and 4 and younger free. Call 239-2334 for info.
- Haunted Woods (October 24th and 25th) ?– Walk on designated trail where costumed characters wait to scare visitors. Recommended for age 12 and older. Brandywine Creek State Park. Admission is $7. Call 577-3534 for information.
- Boo at the Zoo! (October 25th) ?– Wear a Halloween costume and go on a spooky scavenger hunt, listen to Halloween stories and pumpkin decorating. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington. Admission is $4, 62 and older and ages 3-11 $2, 2 and younger are free. Call 571-7747 for information.

Community Newspaper Reminder
Back in the spring, we asked that everyone in the community remember to pick up the Brandywine Community Newspaper, which is delivered every weekend. Some of our neighbors have continued to express frustration with the delivery of the newspaper. While we understand your frustration, please do not leave the paper in the street, even if you don?’t read it. And feel free to contact the publisher directly if you would like to be left off the distribution list. While we appreciate your frustration, not picking up the paper will just exacerbate the problem. Please help keep our neighborhood clean! Thank you.

Small Retention Pond
It has been brought to the Board?’s attention that someone has been throwing rocks into the small retention pond in the back cul-de-sac. This is problematic for two reasons. First, the rocks can negatively impact the pond?’s ability to drain effectively. And secondly, our landscaper has had problems cutting the grass around and near the retention pond (actually damaging a mowing blade on one occasion). As your children play throughout the development, please remind them that it is critical that nothing is thrown into the pond. And if you see anyone throwing rocks or anything else into the pond, please let them know that doing so can cause damage to it. Thanks to all for your cooperation.

Buckingham Greene Under Attack???
A few weeks ago, you may have noticed a helicopter flying very low over our community (especially homeowners in the back cul-de-sac). While it may have seemed as though our community was under attack (several neighbors reported the disturbance), in actuality there was a far more unexciting explanation for what took place. Upon contacting Representative Wayne Smith, we were informed that the military was conducting a training exercise in the area. However, they are not to be flying at such a low altitude and were reprimanded by their commanding officer. We have been assured that such low-flying maneuvers will not take place in the future.

Former Neighbors wish to say Hello
Dan and Carolyn Baker recently sold their home and moved to Virginia after spending seven years here in Buckingham Greene. A few weeks ago, Blair and Will Nowland visited the Bakers in their new home. Dan and Carolyn are doing well and are back near both of their families. In addition, they are extremely excited to be expecting their second grandchild in March. They asked Blair to pass on their regards and say hello to the entire community. We certainly miss them here in Buckingham Greene and wish them all the best.

Community Directory
Last week we sent a memo out to each homeowner regarding the updating of our community directory. Miriam Sigler (42 Weilers Bend) and Rosa Wong (39 Weilers Bend) will once again be leading this effort. Please notify Miriam (529-9085) if you would like to add/delete any information in the directory. We plan on sending out an updated version in mid-September. Thanks again.

Tip of the Month
Did you know that Buckingham Greene has made special arrangements with Waste Management of Delaware for garbage pickup? They will pick up your garbage twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for just $54 per quarter. Give them a call at 1-800-345-7932 and mention that you live in Buckingham Greene to receive the discounted price.

Community Corner
Keep an eye out for upcoming communications from the Social Committee. We will be trying to organize both a community picnic (currently scheduled for September 13th), as well as a Halloween parade (late October). Anyone wishing to help organize either event should contact a member of the social committee (Blair Nowland, Rita McCann, Eileen Schmitt or Noreen Gawley).

Board of Directors looking for Vice President
As previously communicated, our community by-laws state that the Board of Directors should be comprised of five (5) members. A President, Treasurer, Secretary and two (2) Vice Presidents. We currently only have one Vice President. If you are interested in participating on the Board, please contact one of the Directors as soon as possible. Serving your community is a wonderful opportunity to get to know some of your neighbors. Please help if you can spare just an hour of your time per month.

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 will be September 16th at the Brandywine Town Center. More details to follow soon.

Enjoy the Fall