Looking for a place to go with the family that has something for every age and interest? It's hard to beat a visit to Annapolis, especially now that the nice weather is here.
Start by strolling along the waterfront or sit at City Dock and imagine what the city might have been during the 1700s when Annapolis was a busy Chesapeake Bay port trading with the world. As the first capital of the United States, Annapolis boasts the oldest capitol building in the nation. Steeped in history and tradition, the city is also home to the U. S. Naval Academy. Annapolis is America's Sailing Capital and hosts sail and powerboat shows every year that draw visitors from around the world.
Of course there are wonderful shops and plenty of places for good seafood in Annapolis, so bring your appetite as well as your enthusiasm when you visit this historic city. Start with these resources, and then plan a day or weekend in beautiful Annapolis.
Annapolis Maritime Museum Preserving and teaching 400 years of maritime history. Current exhibit: " The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Experience," gift shop. Thomas Point Lighthouse tours available mid-summer. Open Sat & Sun Call for hours. Group tours by appointment.
Banneker-Douglass Museum Museum of African American history and culture, changing exhibits, lectures, films, tours and educational programs. Open Tue-Fri., 10a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat, noon - 4p.m.
Charles Carroll House of Annapolis Home of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and one of the wealthiest men in colonial America. Partially restored House, 18th century terraced gardens overlooking Spa Creek. Open Fri. and Sun, 12-4p.m.; Sat. 10-2p.m. or by appointment. Fee
Discover Annapolis Tours One-hour air-conditioned trolley tours depart from the Visitors Center, 26 West Street, April - November, and most weekends December - March, to explore waterfront neighborhoods, U.S. Naval Academy (exterior), colonial history and surprises!
Historic Annapolis Foundation Offering two self-guided walking tours, "Historic Annapolis Walk with Walter Cronkite" and the "African American Heritage Walking Tour." available at the Historic Annapolis Foundation Museum Store
Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Foundation The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation supports development initiatives for the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial located at the City Dock in Annapolis. The Foundation encourages greater study and awareness of African American culture, history, and genealogy and supports the research of family heritage among Americans of all ethnic origins.
After you've visited Annapolis and fallen in love with the history and heritage, we can help you find a home that will keep you close to this city with so much to offer. The "Special" Ed Haraway Team has earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"
Did you know that rebates and fame could be yours?
City Rebate
If you are in the market for a new mulching mower, and you're a resident of Bowie, hang on to that receipt! As of April 2, 2008, the city increased the rebate and will now pay you $50 for choosing a mower that is good for you and the local environment. Mulching mowers save time plus they help lawns retain moisture while providing organic fertilizer in the grass clippings.
To obtain your cash rebate, bring proof of City residency and the receipt for the mulching mower to the Finance Department Cashier’s Window at City Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If the receipt does not specify that the mower is a mulching one, please also bring a manual or other documentation for the mower. To find out more, visit the rebate website.
Youth Leadership
Entering its eleventh year, the Youth Leadership Bowie program is designed to provide young people with experiential leadership opportunities while exposing them to career paths. Networking and relationship building will be key components of this program that motivates young people to get involved in their community. The program will run from September thru May and participants will meet one day per month for a group activity.
Students who will be High School sophomores and juniors in the Fall of 2008 are invited to apply, and all applications must be received by May 16, 2008. Contact Bowie City Hall (301-809-3014) or the Chamber of Commerce (301-262-0920) for more information. The application form can be downloaded from this site: http://www.cityofbowie.org/news/ylb_application08.pdf.
Be a Star!
National Anthem Auditions
The City of Bowie will be holding auditions to perform the National Anthem at city-sponsored events on Saturday, May 10th from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Bowie City Hall in the Multi-Purpose Room. Participants should come prepared to perform the National Anthem and one other piece a cappella for a judging panel.
Appointments can be made by calling 301-809-3078. Walk-ins are welcome, however, you must sign up before 1:00 PM.
The Voice of Bowie – Event Announcer Auditions
Do you like to be up in front of a crowd? Do your friends and family tell you that you should be on the radio or in show business? Here is your opportunity to shine and audition to be the voice of Bowie on Saturday, May 10th from 2:15 PM until 3:30 PM at Bowie City Hall in the Multi-Purpose Room. Announcing opportunities include events such as Bowiefest, the July 4th Celebration, and the Bowie International Festival. A script will be provided for you to read in front of event organizers to see if your voice is right for the occasion! All you need to do is show up ready to have fun!
Appointments can be made by calling 301-809-3078. Walk-ins are welcome, however, you must sign up before 1:30 PM.
Whatever kind of star you are, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team can help you shine when it comes to buying or selling a home. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"
A recent survey offers some interesting insights into what matters to mothers when they are going to move. At the top ofmany mothers' lists is a nicer home with more room. But right after that, they care most about the schools where they live. Even if it means a longer commute or a job transfer, Mothers will tend to avoid moving once their children enter school.
According to the survey, of the more than 2,400 mothers who moved in the last 18 months, more than 65 percent moved while they were pregnant or during their child's first two years. When children entered kindergarten, less than 15 percent moved. The study reinforces what real estate agents have long known – that families will move to improve their location and type of home until children enter school. Then, they settle in where they expect to stay for many years as their children go through school.
In Maryland, we are fortunate to have schools that are highly rated. Our elementary, middle, and high schools prepare children for higher education and the high-tech careers that will spell success in the future. When selling your home, be sure to have information on your local school system available for potential buyers. Success stories can make the difference in a young family's decision to see your home as the right place for them.
The "Special" Ed Haraway Team has more than 20 years of experience in the local market, and we can help with the all-important school information. No wonder we are known as the "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"
The folks at This Old House know all about fixing homes up to look their best. Now that spring is finally here in Maryland, people are ready to get outside and spruce things up, especially if they are thinking of selling. But before you dig that old can of paint out of the garage, take a few minutes to hear what the experts have to say about ramping up your curb appeal.
Don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Recognize that your home will be looked at in the context of its neighbors. Buyers will be looking at your home most closely, but also at the overall picture of the neighborhood. So, if you are thinking of adding a grand entrance portico, but everyone around you has a less formal style, your home could end up looking out of step with its neighbors. In the same way, keep your paint color and tones in line with neighbors' shades. Some neighborhoods actually compete for who can have the brightest and wildest color combinations. But in most cases, a paler shade with coordinating deeper accent colors for door and shutters is a better choice.
Nature is a great decorator. If you are lucky enough to have a big old maple out front that makes it a bit hard to see your house from the street, don't even think of cutting it down. Mature trees add to the value of a home, so if it needs trimming, hire a professional. More than just a nice, homey appearance, trees can actually help you save energy by providing shade in the heat of summer.
Nature will help your house look inviting throughout the year if you choose plants that have color in every season. Bright flowers in spring and summer, plants that change color in the fall, and colorful berries and evergreens for the winter make your house more attractive no matter when buyers see it.
Keep it simple. Before you decide on a major improvement, consider how much of the cost will come back to you when you sell. Remodeling Magazine's online edition does an annual survey of cost vs. return on a variety of projects. Check out the latest figures here: http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html before you start a major project.
Keeping it simple doesn’t mean you can ignore the little stuff. Details like visible house numbers, nice light fixtures, and attractive potted plants help dress up your home for spring.
With more than 20 years of experience in the local market, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team has knows how to help you sell your home and negotiate your best deal. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"
April brings Earth Day, baseball, and a whole range of events to Maryland. With the weather finally warming up and nature dressing in fresh new colors, it's time to get outside and enjoy these rare spring days. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:30 am - 10:30 am Final WeWhoWalk Tour Event Location: Westin Annapolis Hotel.
As part of a national campaign sponsored by UnitedHealthcare to spread the message of wellness through walking, the WeWhoWalk Tour from WalkStyles, Inc. is an ambitious, healthful endeavor covering all 50 states in just 50 weeks. It will make its fiftieth and final tour stop in Annapolis on Tuesday, Apr. 15. Annapolis-area leaders will meet for pre-walk festivities at the Westin Annapolis, 100 Westgate Circle at 7:30 a.m., where all participants will receive a light and healthy breakfast, an event t-shirt, and join in a group photo. Sue Parks, CEO of WalkStyles, Inc., originator of the tour, and WalkStyles Annapolis ambassador Delegate Bill Bronrott, District 16, The Maryland House of Delegates, will then lead the five-mile walk on a specially selected scenic route that showcases Annapolis, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
All walking enthusiasts in the Annapolis region are invited to join the pre-walk festivities and the five-mile walk, but must register online for free membership at www.walkstyles.com, by Apr. 14.
Friday, April 18, 2008 "Read and Hit a Home Run" and fireworks
Location: Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Highway, Bowie 20716
The Baysox first post-game Fireworks show of the season following the Baysox 7:05 pm game vs. Akron Aeros. April 18 is also the Baysox first "Read and Hit a Home Run" Reading Night of the season for Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne Counties.
Saturday, April 19, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Rain or shine
Annual Prince George’s County Livable Communities Clean-up Day and Earth Day
Location: Six stream locations
Over 200 volunteers will clear local Bowie streams of trash and debris. Working at six locations, Stream Team leaders will organize volunteers for the cleanup and City staff will provide supplies or they can participate at one of the stream locations on April 19th.
Behind Free State Mall(Meadowbrook section)
Yorktown Drive and Yellowstone Place
(Yorktown section)
Buckingham Drive and Bradford Lane
(Buckingham section)
Linden Lane and Lyric Place
(Long Ridge section)
Kavanaugh and Kemmerton Lanes(Kenhill section)
Holiday and Hindle Lanes(Heather Hills section)
Volunteers and the parents/guardians of minor volunteers will be asked to complete a release form prior to doing any work. Forms and more information about the program are available on the City’s website http://www.cityofbowie.org/Green/08spring_cleanup.htm
Saturday, April 19, 2008 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Earth Day Celebration
Location: St. Martin's in the Field Day School. 375 Benfield Rd., Severna Park 21146
St. Martin's in-the-Field Day School in collaboration with The Greater Severna Park Watershed Action Group and The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce will host an Earth Day Celebration. Rain or shine. This event is free and open to the public. There will be food, environmental activities, demonstrations, and exhibits by eco-friendly organizations and area youth. With activities for all ages, attendees will have the opportunity to talk to experts about rain barrels and rain gardens, see live nurse sharks, learn about organic fertilizers, talk to a master gardener about their garden at home and take the Fisherman's Pledge with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Free recycling and compost bins will be given out. The Men of St. Martin's (Church) will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for purchase.
Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:30 pm Meet the Baysox Location: Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Highway, Bowie 20716
The first of three Baysox "Meet The Team" events of the season. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the Baysox players and coaches up close with a FREE pre-game autograph session from 12:30-1:30 pm on the stadium concourse. The Baysox play the Akron Aeros.
Location: At Key School, 534 Hillsmere Dr., Annapolis
Now in its sixth year, the Annapolis Book Festival is an interactive, intergenerational celebration of the written word, fostering a love of literacy and learning in Anne Arundel County. Nationally-known authors will be on hand to speak about and sign their books. Hosted by The Key School Parents’ Association and held on The Key School campus, the event is free and open to the public and directly underwritten by sponsors from our community. Come hear Dee Dee Myers, Helen Thomas, Kenneth W. Starr, Tom Oliphant, and Walter Isaacson among others.
Maryland Avenue and State Circle Spring Festival Location: Maryland Avenue, Annapolis 21401
Come down to Maryland Avenue and enjoy our annual Spring Fling, support local business and Arundel Habitat for Humanity. Great live music all day, activities for the family, food and shopping at your favorite stores on Maryland Avenue and State Circle. Enjoy the wide variety of vendors on the street, from artists to fine craftsman.
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