The first Saturday in May participating comic book stores give away free comic books. At our local Captain Blue Hen Comics, the day has been devoted to face painting, food, and free drawing workshops. The food is being sold as a fund raiser by the Newark Arts Alliance. They are featuring hot dogs, fresh fruit cups, chips, drinks, snacks and Gelato from Café Gelato. The festivities start at 12:15 in Newark, De. Click this link and find a schedule and other information.
Washington Street Books in Havre de Grace is also celebrating Free Comic Book Day with guest artists and give-aways.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Putting Away Winter Clothes
This past weekend I put away my winter clothes and took out my summer things. As I was diligently working, I made sure to toss out things that I no longer like, are stained or that I just haven’t worn for a year. I got quite a good sized bag to give to Goodwill.
As I loaded the summer things into my drawers I noticed that I didn’t have too many short sleeved shirts. Right now we are trying to move into a new house and we are saving money for the move. All expenses have been reduced to a minimum to accomplish our savings goal. I thought about going out and buying more shirts. But then, because of the impending move, I changed my mind. I could make-do with what I have until later in the summer.
Then I decided to count how many shirts I had just to see how many I actually owned. I counted them and found 22 shirts. In my closet were hanging 14 short sleeved and sleeveless blouses. That is a total of 36 tops! Upon reflection, I don’t know how it seemed that I had so few tops when I put things away. Counting them put it into perspective.
This illustrates the difference between want and need. I do not need any more tops. I did want more before I did the count. After counting, I was able to stop and think about whether it was a want or a need. Common sense, and thrift, prevailed! Next time you think you need something, think hard about whether it is a want and not a need.
As I loaded the summer things into my drawers I noticed that I didn’t have too many short sleeved shirts. Right now we are trying to move into a new house and we are saving money for the move. All expenses have been reduced to a minimum to accomplish our savings goal. I thought about going out and buying more shirts. But then, because of the impending move, I changed my mind. I could make-do with what I have until later in the summer.
Then I decided to count how many shirts I had just to see how many I actually owned. I counted them and found 22 shirts. In my closet were hanging 14 short sleeved and sleeveless blouses. That is a total of 36 tops! Upon reflection, I don’t know how it seemed that I had so few tops when I put things away. Counting them put it into perspective.
This illustrates the difference between want and need. I do not need any more tops. I did want more before I did the count. After counting, I was able to stop and think about whether it was a want or a need. Common sense, and thrift, prevailed! Next time you think you need something, think hard about whether it is a want and not a need.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Ag Day at UD Campus
One of the best free events from UD is the annual AG Day celebration. It is tomorrow, Sat., from 10 am - 4 pm. Two years ago my sister-in-law and I took my nephews. We all had a great time. There is ice cream made from the UD cows, plant sales, information booths, hay ride and plenty to see and do. Even if you don't have kids it is loads of fun.
Free Car Show for a Cure at Fair Hill
This event intrigued me because it is free but donations are being taken for parking. All proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is tomorrow (Sat.) from 8 am – 2 pm. There will be free music and food will be for sale. After you view the car show you can hike or bike through the park. Here is the link to a flyer about the event:
http://www.asphaltangelsofmd.org/images/Car_Show_For_A_Cure_Apr09.pdf
http://www.asphaltangelsofmd.org/images/Car_Show_For_A_Cure_Apr09.pdf
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rural Development Home Loans
Last December, or early January, I read an article in the Cecil Whig about the Rural Development Home Loans. It was a great article and because of this very timely piece, we will be closing on a new home in the next 6 weeks. This home loan program is an excellent option for new home owners and I wanted to write about it to clue everyone into it.
The United States Department of Agriculture runs the program that gives “low income” rural families the opportunity to purchase homes. They run 2 loan programs. The Direct Loan Program is directed at truly low income families. Here are the income guidelines for our area (see the Philadelphia – Camden- Wilmington area) . The second loan, the Loan Guarantee Program, has much higher income limits. (again, look under the Philadelphia– Camden – Wilmington area.) The best part about the Loan Guarantee Program is that you do not have to have any down payment, are not charged any mortgage insurance (PMI) and the closing costs can be included in the loan for up to 6% of the loan. The trade off is that the USDA charges you $5000 as a guarantee of repayment. If you buy a house for $250,000, they add on the $5000 so your mortgage is for $255,000.
Here is the general information link to the Loan Guarantee Program: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_rhguar.htm
The link for the Direct Loan Program is here:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/indiv_sfh.htm#Direct%20Loan%20Program%20(Section
Most of Cecil County is eligible for the loan with the exception of the tiniest bit in the North East Corner (Fair Hill Area). The USDA has a searchable map of eligible property.
One of the things that the newspaper article talked about was the difficulty of finding a lender. Although my realtor gave me a contact or two, she hadn’t done one of these home sales in a long time, so the contacts were not good. I ended up calling around until I finally found someone who did the loans. In the interest of saving readers time and effort, here is her contact information:
LAURA L'ITALIEN
Home Mortgage Consultant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
206 South St
Elkton, MD 21921
Laura.LItalien@wellsfargo.com
410-620-2227
Now is a great time to take advantage of buying a house because there is an $8,000 credit to your taxes when you buy a home this calendar year. With this loan and the tax credit, we saved thousands of dollars. Now, maybe, you can too.
The United States Department of Agriculture runs the program that gives “low income” rural families the opportunity to purchase homes. They run 2 loan programs. The Direct Loan Program is directed at truly low income families. Here are the income guidelines for our area (see the Philadelphia – Camden- Wilmington area) . The second loan, the Loan Guarantee Program, has much higher income limits. (again, look under the Philadelphia– Camden – Wilmington area.) The best part about the Loan Guarantee Program is that you do not have to have any down payment, are not charged any mortgage insurance (PMI) and the closing costs can be included in the loan for up to 6% of the loan. The trade off is that the USDA charges you $5000 as a guarantee of repayment. If you buy a house for $250,000, they add on the $5000 so your mortgage is for $255,000.
Here is the general information link to the Loan Guarantee Program: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_rhguar.htm
The link for the Direct Loan Program is here:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/indiv_sfh.htm#Direct%20Loan%20Program%20(Section
Most of Cecil County is eligible for the loan with the exception of the tiniest bit in the North East Corner (Fair Hill Area). The USDA has a searchable map of eligible property.
One of the things that the newspaper article talked about was the difficulty of finding a lender. Although my realtor gave me a contact or two, she hadn’t done one of these home sales in a long time, so the contacts were not good. I ended up calling around until I finally found someone who did the loans. In the interest of saving readers time and effort, here is her contact information:
LAURA L'ITALIEN
Home Mortgage Consultant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
206 South St
Elkton, MD 21921
Laura.LItalien@wellsfargo.com
410-620-2227
Now is a great time to take advantage of buying a house because there is an $8,000 credit to your taxes when you buy a home this calendar year. With this loan and the tax credit, we saved thousands of dollars. Now, maybe, you can too.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Annual Clothing Swap!
The Elkton Presbyterian Church, at 209 E. Main St. in Elkton, is having their annual clothing swap!!! I found out about it today in the Whig. The Whig blurb did not have the hours printed in a clear manner so I called the church. Drop off is today from 8 am – 3 pm and between 6-8 pm today. Tuesday the drop off is from 8 am – 3 pm. Then pick up hours are from 6-8 on Tuesday, and on Wednesday from 8 am – 12 pm and from 5 – 7 pm. The clothes must be gently worn, clothing, shoes or accessories. Go to the Fellowship Hall for both drop off and pick up.
Here is a link to an article from the L.A. Times about clothing swaps, in general:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-swap15-2009feb15,0,2516914.story
If you like the idea try arranging for a clothing swap at your church, place of work, children's school, mom's club, etc. It may be a great thing for everyone!
Work was terribly busy today so I couldn’t get this posted until almost 3 pm.
Here is a link to an article from the L.A. Times about clothing swaps, in general:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-swap15-2009feb15,0,2516914.story
If you like the idea try arranging for a clothing swap at your church, place of work, children's school, mom's club, etc. It may be a great thing for everyone!
Work was terribly busy today so I couldn’t get this posted until almost 3 pm.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Buying a House in Cecil County
Back from Vacation!
I probably should have mentioned that I was on “vacation” last week. The college where I work was closed for Spring Break. I spent the days catching up on all the stuff one does at home. We also spent some time house hunting. We put in an offer but it was too low. We went out today and found a different house! We are hoping our offer will be accepted.
So, this is what we found out when we house hunted: The stagnant market has suddenly changed. Houses are selling rapidly and they seem to be selling for closer to the asking price than they had been selling for last Fall and Winter. We looked at 12 houses altogether. Many of the houses that we first looked at are already sold. The house we first offered on was put on the market about 3 weeks and they took someone else’s offer. The same day we saw that one, we looked at one that had been listed for a week. That one sold too!
Why is this happening? Could it be BRAC? I don’t think BRAC is playing a large part in this because we were looking in the $200,000-$300,000 range. If I sold my home in New Jersey for $500,000+ than I certainly wouldn’t look in that range! I think it is the $8,000 tax credit as well as people getting their taxes back. Plus, Spring is the time houses move. (I am not a realtor or an economist. This is just based on personal observation)
If you are looking to buy a house than buy this year! The $8,000 tax credit means $8,000 off of your taxes! We were going to buy a house anyway but the tax credit will be great.
I probably should have mentioned that I was on “vacation” last week. The college where I work was closed for Spring Break. I spent the days catching up on all the stuff one does at home. We also spent some time house hunting. We put in an offer but it was too low. We went out today and found a different house! We are hoping our offer will be accepted.
So, this is what we found out when we house hunted: The stagnant market has suddenly changed. Houses are selling rapidly and they seem to be selling for closer to the asking price than they had been selling for last Fall and Winter. We looked at 12 houses altogether. Many of the houses that we first looked at are already sold. The house we first offered on was put on the market about 3 weeks and they took someone else’s offer. The same day we saw that one, we looked at one that had been listed for a week. That one sold too!
Why is this happening? Could it be BRAC? I don’t think BRAC is playing a large part in this because we were looking in the $200,000-$300,000 range. If I sold my home in New Jersey for $500,000+ than I certainly wouldn’t look in that range! I think it is the $8,000 tax credit as well as people getting their taxes back. Plus, Spring is the time houses move. (I am not a realtor or an economist. This is just based on personal observation)
If you are looking to buy a house than buy this year! The $8,000 tax credit means $8,000 off of your taxes! We were going to buy a house anyway but the tax credit will be great.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Walgreens Announces Free Visits at Take Care Clinics
Walgreens has announce that through the end of 2009, they will provide free health care in their in-store Take Care clinics for those who are recently employed and lost their insurance. These treatments ordinarily cost $59+ for those with no insurance. There are a number of limitations, including:
1. For patients who lose their job and health insurance after March 31, 2009 (includes their spouses and kiddos who are not otherwise insured, too).
2. Care is limited to certain conditions, including respiratory problems, allergies, infections and skin conditions, among other ailments.
3. Free services will be offered only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4.They have partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer free tests for strep and urinary tract infections.
5. They will not be offering general free checkups, vaccinations (or any other injections) because they are focusing only on services which patients might otherwise have to go to an urgent-care center or even an emergency room to have treated.
6. "Patients have to show proof of unemployment, including a federal or state unemployment determination letter and an unemployment check stub. They will have to sign a form at the clinic saying they have lost their jobs and health benefits. If they find a new job or get new health insurance, they will no longer be eligible for the free care at Walgreens Take Care clinics."
7. Prescriptions and other OTC medications are not free.
The closest location to Cecil is: 216 Suburban DrNewark, DE
General Information on the Take Care Clinics:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/welcome-to-take-care.aspx
Information on free visits for those who have lost their jobs:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/recoveryplan/
1. For patients who lose their job and health insurance after March 31, 2009 (includes their spouses and kiddos who are not otherwise insured, too).
2. Care is limited to certain conditions, including respiratory problems, allergies, infections and skin conditions, among other ailments.
3. Free services will be offered only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4.They have partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer free tests for strep and urinary tract infections.
5. They will not be offering general free checkups, vaccinations (or any other injections) because they are focusing only on services which patients might otherwise have to go to an urgent-care center or even an emergency room to have treated.
6. "Patients have to show proof of unemployment, including a federal or state unemployment determination letter and an unemployment check stub. They will have to sign a form at the clinic saying they have lost their jobs and health benefits. If they find a new job or get new health insurance, they will no longer be eligible for the free care at Walgreens Take Care clinics."
7. Prescriptions and other OTC medications are not free.
The closest location to Cecil is: 216 Suburban DrNewark, DE
General Information on the Take Care Clinics:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/welcome-to-take-care.aspx
Information on free visits for those who have lost their jobs:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/recoveryplan/
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