Received orders and need to sell?
Homeowners’ Assistance Program
The Department of Defense released guidelines last week for a $555 million program designed for Military homeowners who must sell their homes for a loss after receiving transfer orders, wounded who need to move for medical reasons, surviving spouses of those killed in action or DoD personnel suddenly ordered to relocate. The program is also available to the widows of DoD civilian employees killed in the line of duty. It builds on a program to help homeowners near military bases being closed.
The department could reimburse you for part of your loss from selling your home; assist you, if you don’t have funds from the sale of your home to pay-off your mortgage; purchase your home by paying off the mortgage; or help, if you default on your mortgage.
For an overview and specific information on the benefits go to DoD’s Homeowners’ Assistance Program Benefits Overview page.
Who is Eligible?
The law provides some monetary relief to eligible service member (including Coast Guard) and federal employee homeowners who suffer financial loss on the sale of their primary residences when a base closure or realignment announcement causes a decline in the residential real estate market and they are not able to sell their homes under reasonable terms or conditions.
Homeowner Assistance Program and American Recovery Reinvestment Act
The HAP program has been expanded to include BRAC ‘05 personnel, Warriors in Transition or Surviving Spouse, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS). There are specific eligibility requirements and some of the benefits are temporary.
The reason for the expansion of the program, according to the HAP website:
The program was temporarily expanded to assist three major service member homeowner groups whose medical or professional situations require them to sell their primary residences and relocate beyond a normal commuting distance. The intended beneficiaries are homeowners who cannot ‘ride out’ the depressed real estate markets until their home values can recover-they are moving because of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order, or they are moving because of an injury or death of a service member spouse.
How Do I Apply or Where Do I Get More Information on Eligibility?
To apply, go to DoD’s Homeowners’ Assistance Program application page for the application package and a checklist of items you will need to include in your package.
Not sure if you’re eligible or need additional information? Go to DoD’s Homeowners’ Assistance Program eligibility page. They’ve included a fairly comprehensive set of FAQ’s that should address any concerns or questions you might have. If you have additional questions or need more information beyond the FAQ’s, go to their Contact Page and select the appropriate region to contact the HAP field office that covers the territory in which your property resides.
Marine CH-53
The Museum of Naval Aviation Science and Technology
Headed to NAS Paxtuxent River Air Expo to see the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, and other attractions this weekend? Why not stop and take a moment to learn about the science and technological story behind some of the aircraft you might see. The Museum has an outdoor aircraft park and indoor exhibits and smaller aircraft.
In the Museum’s outdoor aircraft park are an F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, AV-8B Harrier, CH-53 Sea Stallion, E-2B Hawkeye, and others. Some of the aircraft, like the CH-53 Sea Stallion pictured above, are still actively in use in today’s Military. Most of the display aircraft were the actual test vehicles used at NAS Pax River. Inside the Museum you’ll see drone aircraft, a variety of aircraft engines, exhibits on G-forces, ejection seat and helmet development.
The Museum is located at 22156 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, MD at the Pegg Road intersection, adjacent to the Gate One access road for NAS Pax River. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday 10am-5pm.
Admission and parking are FREE.
photo credit jamesdale10’s
Blue Angels Featured at NAS Pax River Air Expo '09
NAS Pax River Air Show
Did you miss the 2009 Joint Services Open House Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base last weekend? Or did you go and get rained out??? No worries! The weather looks good this Memorial Day Weekend for the Air Expo ‘09.
It will take off May 23rd and May 24th as Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, hosts the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, the Army’s Golden Knights, and the F-16 Viper East Coast Demo Team.
No advance tickets are required. Gates open at 9 a.m. The show will start at approximately 11:30 a.m. with the Army’s Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, followed by an exciting line-up of civilian and military performers.
Parking and admissions are FREE and Handicap parking is available.
According to the NAS Pax River Air Expo Website:
Those who have Department of Defense identification cards and DoD automobile decals, or DoD identification cards only, enter the Air Station through Gate 1. All others should enter the Air Station through Gate 2.
Keep in mind NAS Pax River is a Military installation. There are rules and restrictions you must follow. Before planning your trip this weekend, I suggest you read their FAQ’s – First Timers Brief, Tips and Seating Information (including safety and comfort), directions from Washington, DC, Northern and Southern Virginia, as well as their Schedule of Events. For questions or additional information email info@paxairexpo.org or call call 301-757-3976.
Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat for you and the kids, plenty of water, and ear protection!
Freshly tilled field in Southern Maryland
What’s in Season?
Looking at the Harvest Guide, it looks like rhubarb, strawberries, asparagus, beans, beets, and greens are ready for picking! There’s nothing more delicious than fresh food at it’s peak. Use the Harvest Guide chart to find Southern Maryland farm products year-round. Please note the harvest times are approximate.
Want to Know More?
When you “buy local,” you support farming families and help to promote and preserve the agricultural heritage of the area. The Southern Maryland, So Good Farm Guide / Guide is designed to help you find local farm products, services and activities from the five Southern Maryland counties.
Visit Southern Maryland, So Good for information on how to support local farms, including a searchable database of area markets and farms. Southern Maryland, So Good local farms and markets are located in the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s. The guide also includes directories of Regional Markets in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Healthy Plate, Healthy Planet – Think Global Eat Local
Start thinking now about the Take the Buy Local Challenge! Pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, which is always the last week of July. In 2009 it’s July 18th-26th. Discover the benefits of buying from your local farms, farm stands, farmers’ markets, wineries, grocers and markets that stock genuine local products, and dining at restaurants that serve local farm food.
Visit your local welcome center for ideas on things to do...
St. Mary’s County Welcome Center
The St. Mary’s County Welcome Center is located off of Route 5 in Charlotte Hall, MD two miles south of the Charles County line. The Welcome Center is located in what was originally the headmaster’s house of the Charlotte Hall Military Academy. While at the Welcome Center, take some time to enjoy the tiny hamlet of Charlotte Hall, a National Register Historic District and named after Queen Charlotte of England in the 1600’s. Visit Ye Coole Springs, learn about the history of the venerable Military Academy, or hike down the multi-use Three Notch Trail to the Amish Farmers’ Market (open seasonally)
From the St. Mary’s County Travel and Tourism website:
Make it your first stop, your last stop, or a destination in and of itself! The Welcome Center staff are experts on what to see and do in St. Mary’s County and Southern Maryland. Pick up a map or guidebook, or learn about the weekend’s special events. Find a beach, a room with view, or a seafood restaurant. Stretch-out on the terrace or shake-out the miles with a stroll through our expansive lawns.
I agree! The Welcome Staff ARE the experts on what to see and do. Each and every time I visit them, I walk out learning something new or happening in St. Mary’s County. You WILL receive a warm Welcome!
Looking for Something to do?
Not sure what to do this weekend? Visit your local Welcome Center. They’ve got the ins and outs on what’s happening, it’s the repository of local information. I’ve found my Welcome Center to be an excellent source of writing material :) You’d be surprised what’s happening right in your own backyard!
Yay! The pool is clean!
Spa and Pool Saved the Day
The pool is finally clean, but not without a little.. ahem… a lot of stress. The pump wouldn’t turn, so I was at a stand still. I could turn the shaft by hand, but would only hum when I turned the power on. With the cover off and the water exposed to the warming sun and falling organic material, I knew the clock was ticking and I only had a few days before green algae would form. I went to a couple of pool stores and explained my predicament. One tried to sell me a pump and motor for $600. Being a decent DIY’er and having worked on pools as a kid, I knew I should get another opinion.
I went to Spa and Pool in Waldorf, MD. I use them every fall to close my pool, but haven’t had a need to use them during the spring opening. With my motor in hand, not without racking a couple of knuckles and using “colorful” language, Dave (the owner) put it up on his workbench and began to plug away. No new motor was needed, just the housing for the impeller and a new seal. Dave “saved” me $400.Two hours later, I was reinstalling the motor and had the water turning over. Disaster averted… Thanks Dave!
For any pool or spa needs, ie; chemicals, maintenance, service, parts, or just advice… Go to Spa and Pool in Waldorf, MD. Ask for Dave, he’ll treat you right!
Spa and Pool, Inc.
2240 Crain Hwy
Waldorf, MD 20601
(301) 645-1606
Thunderbirds F-16's in flying formation
Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base
The three-day Air Show and Open House takes place May 16th-17th. Friday, May 15 is open to Department of Defense card holders, retirees and school-sponsored children only. Anyone who has a DoD card that allows normal access to any Military installation may attend on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Admission is FREE.
If you are concerned about inclement weather, please call their information line to check on show delays or cancellations 301-981-4600.
According to the Joint Services Air Show website:
Security and parking space prohibit unauthorized vehicle admission to Andrews Air Force Base. Guests can park at FedEx Field where shuttle buses will provide transportation to Andrews. Shuttles will also run from the Branch Ave Metro Station.
Keep in mind Andrews Air Force Base is a Military installation. There are rules and restrictions you must follow. Before planning your trip this weekend, I suggest you read their Saftey and Security guidelines and well as their Schedule of Events.
Don’t forget sunscreen!
photo credit Ack Ook
Warm sun, cool breeze, listening to the waves...
Fishing for Rockfish
The Chesapeake Bay supports many species of fish. From small minnows to striped bass several feet long can be found in the region. In the region, striped bass are also known as rockfish or stripers. I can tell you it’s some good eating! The 2009 Spring rockfish season runs from April 18 – May15.
DNR recommends…
…minimizing the catch and release of striped bass once anglers daily bag limits have been achieved to minimize stress on striped bass. If anglers must release a fish, efforts should be made to release the fish at the side of the boat with a dehooking device, and avoid removing the fish from the water. If a fish has to be removed from the water, handling should be minimized and out of water time should kept to 15 seconds or less. More information on ethical practices for catch and release fishing can be found *here*.
Anglers on private vessels, charter boats and those fishing from shore in the mainstem of the Chesapeake, stretching from the mouth of the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line and including the waters of Tangier Sound will be allowed to keep 1 fish per person per day, 28 inches or greater in length. There are also specific striped bass catch and release areas that will remain open in order to provide additional opportunities to anglers.
Are you gonna feed us or what ???
A Little Background
Zekiah Farms is located in historic Bryantown, MD and through the environmentally rich Zekiah Swamp. The Zekiah Swamp is a 20-mile long, 0.5 mile wide, bottomland swamp that runs through the heart of Southern Maryland. Zekiah Swamp is a nationally recognized and protected wetland area which provides a natural habitat for many rare wildlife and plant species and migratory birds. Several of the plant species are unique to the swamp.
The Zekiah Swamp watershed extends to more than two-thirds of Charles County, from Southern Prince Georges County, through Bryantown and to Allens Fresh where the main stream becomes the headwaters of the Wicomico River. Thus its bogs and marshes provide an essential natural filter for millions of gallons of waters before they enter the estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Where’d “Zekiah” Come From?
Prior to the arrival of the English colonists, the swamp was a favorite camping and hunting area for the Algonquin Indians. In fact, the present name is derived from the Algonquin-Fox dialect “Sacaya,” meaning “a dense thicket.” Through the years there have been many spellings: “Zachiah,” “Zachia,” “Sakiah,” and now “Zekiah.”
Zekiah Farms
Local seasonal fruits and vegetables are available in the farm store. The store hours are Monday though Friday 2-7 and 10-7 on the weekends. The also sell naturally raised USDA inspected meats. Have a need for a unique gift? They got you covered. They sell local artisans and craftmans items.
According to Zekiah Farms website:
Zekiah Farms makes the perfect place for family, school, youth, or corporate outings. Zekiah Farms has developed programs to help educate and give memorable farm experiences. These programs will not only be educational, but entertaining and fun as well. Our goal is to share an understanding and love for agriculture and the environment.
They have a corn maze in the fall with over 3 miles of pathways. Hayrides, maze challenges, face paintings, a covered picnic area, plenty of free parking, and farm animals. They’ll teach you about the different breeds they raise. Like the cows above :)
How Do I Get There?
Take Route 5 South in Md until you get to the at traffic light on Route 5 (Leonardtown Rd) in Bryantown. Turn left onto Bryantown Road. Proceed approximately 1.0 miles and the farm will be on your left. Their street address is 5235 Bryantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601. You will see two white barns with greens roofs and don’t forget… it’s a farm… wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
Cindy and David Thorne
Zekiah Farms, LLC.
P.O. Box 784
Phone 240-216-4065
Fax 301-579-2635
info@zekiahfarms.com
Tobacco Barn
Hughesville, MD at a Glance
The census-designated place of Hughesville has a total land area of 11.2 miles. Because Hughesville, though small, is considered the strategic geographic center of the Tri-County Southern Maryland region, it houses institutions such as the Electric Company, Humane Society, Economic Development Council, and Board of Realtors, which serve the Tri-County area. The local Fire Department, Hughesville Fire and Rescue Company 2, are located in Hughesville as well. New businesses and community opportunites are emerging in Hughesville such as the Hughesville Running Club and the Hughesville Hurricanes.
A little Bit of Hughesville’s History
Settled as part of the Southern Maryland Region in 1643, the area known as Hughesville was established as a crossroads agricultural community in the late 19th century. Hughesville and the surrounding region quickly established their economies and currency around the tobacco agricultural industry. As a result of that industry and the establishment of the railroad, the village continued to grow during the first half of the 20th century.
Tobacco remained the economic keystone of the region and the primary economic engine until the latter portion of the 20th century. Today, along with other areas in the Southern Maryland Region, Hughesville continues to try and deal with the issues created by the decline of the tobacco industry.
The village today contains a variety of historic resources including bungalows and other early 20th century mail-order homes, tobacco warehouses, department stores and filling stations. Small tobacco farmsteads and a Quaker cemetery are located on the historic fringe of town. Hughesville is approximately 620 acres and has recently been augmented with a bypass along MD 5 known as the Hughesville Bypass.
Hughesville Bypass
With the build of the Northeastern Alignment for the Hughesville Bypass, the County recognizes that changes are coming to Hughesville. In order to ensure that these changes are positive, the County Commissioners decided that a planning process for Hughesville should be undertaken. In doing this, the entire community will be afforded an opportunity to provide input into a planning process, which will lay the foundation for a desired future for Hughesville. The Plan will help to identify what the future can and should hold for Hughesville. The efforts will focus on the business aspects of Hughesville’s future by looking at those areas currently planned, zoned or used for commercial or industrial use.
Planning Process and Revitalization
This study will focus on possible revitalization/physical improvements to the existing village. As a result of this study, Hughesville may retain its village designation or be upgraded to a higher designation. The plan will provide and explore the necessary background and historical information, existing conditions and projected activities to answer the following questions:
- What type of economic development is necessary to revitalize the existing Hughesville Rural Village?
- What physical improvements are necessary for revitalization of the area?
The focus of the plan will be on the identification of revitalization strategies, with specific emphasis on the economic development potential of the Village and future physical enhancement projects. Community involvement is encouraged to engage growth and influence change.
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