Life in Chesapeake Harbour

Phase II CH Beach Clean Up !!!

2011-11-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, Bernice pulled it off...FREE Dumpster, coffee and donuts and voila, we had a crew of residents show up and finish beach clean up. As with the first time, it was much fun; certainly didn't seem like work...ALL ENJOYED !!!

Phase ONE of CH BEACH CLEAN UP !!!

2011-11-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

October 1st was first beach clean up after Hurricane Irene; fantastic turn-out. It was mighty chilly but residents braved temps and removed a major amount of debris from beach. Free Coffee and Donuts saved the day.

FIRST VILLAGE CELEBRATES NEW BOARD !!!

2011-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

First Village has two new board members, and it was a great excuse to have a party at our new First Village Grill ... Kirby Mehrhof and Al Craig were the guests of honor after being elected to the FV Board in October. CONGRATULATIONS to them both.

CHESAPEAKE HARBOUR BIRTHDAY BASH !!!

2011-08-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

First Village Residents in Chesapeake Harbour threw a Birthday Bash for our favorite lifeguard, Gorgi, who turned 23 on Sunday, August 21. A pot luck dinner party was a huge success and the surprise for him was too. Gorgi comes to us from Bulgaria, and our hope is that he returns again and again to add to the summer fun.

CHESAPEAKE HABOUR OPEN Sat June 4 ... LIVE ON BAY for 339K

2011-05-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

This unit at 2014 Quay Village Ct. in Cheapeake Harbour has been reduced to $339,000.
LOOK at this view ... privacy galore ... backs up to bay; motivated sellers have dropped price to $339,000 ... OPEN SATURAY June 4 from 1:00 - 3:00....don't miss out on this FAB condo...come and see for yourself...pix taken from deck of unit.

OSPREYS ARE HERE FOR SUMMER

2011-05-16T17:39:00.001-07:00

The annual rite of passage has been complete. After evicting the Goslings from their nest, the Osprey settled in and now watch from their various perches, this one being atop a chimney overlooking the Bay !!!

TALL SHIPS in ANNAPOLIS MD

2011-05-07T14:11:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking of buying this spring in Annapolis, come to Chesapeake Harbour and see this unit at 7044 Harbour Village Ct., #101. Look out onto the Bay and see views like this (the "Tall Ship" cruising by). You can also watch the sailing races on Wednesday, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and unsurpassed views of the Chesapeake. This is one that is hard to beat .... owner has put in every bell and whistle possible.....hardwood floors, brand new kitchen, built-ins, way too many to list. Come visit Chesapeake Harbour on the BAY and be captivated, not only by the views, but the lifestyle...like no other in Maryland.

Mr. and Mrs. GOOSE present their new 'goslings' .....

2011-05-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

This was the first annual sighting of Mother Goose, Father Goose and all the little Goslings, who just made their first appearance on May Day, and course, they are adorable. As happens every year, they have moved out of their temporary rental, which is actually a nest owned by our Chesapeake Harbour Osprey, who return every May 1st to relaim it. It's always a difficult and long struggle for the Osprey to evict Mrs. Goose, but year after year she flatly refuses to leave until her eggs are hatched, the goslings are safe, healthy and ready to leave the nest with her. They have now made their official debut and will be seen roaming throughout our community, splashing in puddles, learning to swim in the bay, and now they will move on. Meanwhile, the vulture birds will clean out the nest, and the Osprey will happily return to their nest for the 'season'.

LARGEST MOON, March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Crowds filled the larger of the two piers in THE HARBOUR tonight to take in the splendor of this Fabulous View of the Moon, which will not be seen this bright or large again until 2029.

BUY NOW OR PAY LATER ...

2011-03-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 13, 2011 AA County home sales rebound…according to statistics released last week by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS ). Quoting one realty company, “The numbers in Annapolis are exactly double as of this date in 2010; it's just unbelievable.” People just looking at houses over past couple of years are now buying, due to pricing and more certainty in the economy." “Consumer confidence is on the upswing.”
According to MRIS, in the past year, median home prices countywide jumped 6.17 percent from $270,000 a year ago up to $286,650 last month. The total dollar value of homes sold in the county also increased by 21.22 percent from February 2010.
It's the second consecutive month this year that county home sales have increased. Last month, sales jumped nearly 30 percent over the same time period a year earlier.

WANTED: Information on CARR'S BEACH

2011-02-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

If you have any information on the history of CARR’s Beach and wish to participate in this book (see letter below), please let me know. It will be coming out this Spring. All contributors will be recognized.

REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE PHOTOS

January 28, 2011

To: Judith Fallon
Chesapeake Harbour Real Estate
Annapolis, MD. 21403

From: Andrew Karyle

I am preparing a book tentatively entitled A HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN BEACHES. It will be published by Harvard University Press in [SPRING 2012] and is intended for a scholarly audience. I am requesting your permission to use the material indicated below in my book, in all forms and in all languages, including future editions and translations.

Weekly Judyism

2011-02-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sellers' Take Heed
Put Away What You Don't Need !!!

Clutter can often prevent any hope for a sale...make it as clutter-free as possible.
Take those photos, notes on frig, extra appliances, toys, placemats and box them up.

A cluttered home leaves buyers with a cluttered memory.

SO, de-clutter to make it show, and get it to glow.

WINTER IN THE HARBOUR

2011-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

Mr. Snowman (architect/builder unknown) seems to have a smile on his face this bright sunny day, while the Bay looks not only cold, but 'crystallized' icy cold. I'm not seeing too many boaters out there at this time but plenty of walkers out on this nice day stopping to enjoy our 'soon to be gone' snowman. But don't worry, "he'll be back again next year".

My Weekly Judyism

2011-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Heard interesting fact today....at this time last year, we had 50% more NEW listings on MRIS, which means we will have less inventory this spring. For all who are serious about buying, please take note: if you see it, like it, and it's priced right, "BUY IT". Less inventory leads to more competition, and prices will start to increase. Rates will also be going up sometime this spring. So as our economy gets better, and the real estate market does the same, these 'bargains' of today will be those "shoulda', coulda', woulda's" of tomorrow. Don't pass up "deals".

A COUPLE OF OUR "FOUR" LEGGED RESIDENTS

2010-11-22T14:38:00.001-08:00

Sammy and Rosie both have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Sammy (a "Chiweenie"; half Chihauhua and half Dachshund) was five months old when adopted and given a reprieve days before he was about to be 'put down' by a Rescue Foundation in Queen Anne's County. He was deemed 'un-adoptable' because of his penchant for snapping at people, obviously due to abuse as a puppy. After two years, he still thinks he is a big tough dog, but he is working very hard, and improving, on his social skills. He is very sweet with his family, who treat him like a little prince. He also has great respect for one family resident, ... his brother "Tigger", the very independent double-pawed family cat, who takes little or no abuse from him. So all 15 pounds of Sammy realizes how good a life he now has.
Rosie also was saved by her new family just days before being euthanized. They drove down to North Carolina after seeing this precious Jack Russell on line. Rosie had a very difficult time 'settling in' and was emotionally and physically sick for a couple of weeks before finally realizing she was here to stay and now is in her element...and why not? She is so loved AND has quite the wardrobe, which consists of sweaters, jackets and even a rain coat with hood. Her emotional condition is now fabulous, and she loves to socialize and entertain anyone she sees on her many outings. Pictures show Sammy in his blue sweater and Rosie, dressed as a sailor, on her first Halloween. Both were warmly welcomed to the community.

VIEWS LIKE NONE OTHER !!!

2010-09-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

One of the many geat sights I see right from my deck .... this came by last night with flags waiving and sail boats gliding by .... after a long day, it just doesn't get any better than to sit out there on these fabulous fall evenings and relax....living in Annapolis is marvelous but "living in Chesapeake Harbour, the only condo community in Annapolis on the Chesapeake" is so special that I just know I could never find a better place in the world to live .... it's just the absolute BEST .... come visit and see for yourself before all these great prices are gone for good!

CRABS IN CHESAPEAKE HARBOUR

2010-09-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

NOT the two-footed kind, but this is officially THE 'crab season' in Annapolis. This picture of some local crabbers was taken from my deck this week at 5:45 a.m. So, come visit and have some great local seafood. Also, come take a look at the GREAT prices in Chesapeake Harbour; priced like they were in the 80's. Never will you find prices this reduced, great rates (lowest in years) and a fantastic selection of homes. Come enjoy a visit, have some of our plentiful and LARGE crabs and stop by and let me take you on a tour of Chesapeake Harbour.

LIVING AND BUYING IN CHESAPEAKE HARBOUR

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is officially crab season in Annapolis, and this year they are plentiful and LARGE. Come visit us ... we have plenty of great seafood !!! You will also never find a better time to buy in Chesapeake Harbour...not only is the seafood great, prices are a steal of a deal (priced like they were in the 80's). Don't miss out on the crabs,and don't miss out on buying in this great community for prices you will never see again.

USS COMFORT HEADS TO HAITI

2010-01-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at 12:30 p.m. I watched the U.S. COMFORT manuever under the Bay Bridge and slowly makes its way down the inner coastal way headed to Haiti; granted it was very far out to take advantage of the deepest channel in the Bay, but to see it go by was probably the most dramatic experience I have ever had while living here. Hopefully, this ship will soon be able to restore life to Haiti and the devastated residents. I was so very proud to even be a part of watching this happen.

CARR'S BEACH: GALA REUNION PARTY !!!

2009-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Click here to see if you are on video:

Carr's Beach Party

CARR's BEACH PARTY PICTURES

2009-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

The First Annual Carr's Beach Reunion Party was held on Sunday June 28th, hosted by Sam's Restaurant in Chesapeake Harbour. Enthusiastic guests and residents dined, danced, and listened to five fantatic bands. It was a perfect day weather wise, and all agreed they would be back again next year. Carr's Beach was one of only two beaches that Blacks were allowed to use in the 50's and 60's; the other was Sparrow's Beach. Both were located where Chesapeake Harbour stands today. During the week, the beaches were used for friends and families to get together and visit, cook out and swim. On weekends, however, the beaches became the place for people from all over the Baltimore/Washington area. That's when the adults would come to see stars such as Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and many others. But on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. ... it was show time!!! People would pack into the pavilion to listen and dance to the music of Major R&B stars of the day, who's voices and music could be heard throughout the area for miles. There was Little Richard, James Brown, Lloyd Price, Etta James, The Shirelles, The Coasters, The Drifters and Fats Domino, just to name a few. ALL the great names came to Carr's Beach. So this annual reunion will be held in June to remember those great days.

ANNUAL BLUE ANGELS PERFORM

2009-05-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today was practice day for the Blue Angels, who will fly over after the commencement ceremoies at the Naval Academy tomorrow morning. The noise is deafening, the site is spectacular, and there is no place else that you could see this fly-over as you sit on your deck on a gorgeous day in Chesaeake Harbour.

Renters Kicked Out ...

2009-05-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

After settling into her nest this April, Mother Goose prepared to hatch her goslings ... unaware that the nest she was inhabiting belonged to the Ospreys who built the nest. And they have returned here every spring for the last five years to reside in it. The Osprey allowed her to hatch her eggs, feed her young, and waited while they were taught to jump into the water and swim off. However, while she was awaiting their arrival, the Osprey let her know how unwelcome she was by constantly pecking at the nest, hovering over head and vocally letting her know she was most unwelcome. As soon as she departed, the Osprey immediately claimed their nest and now voraciously protect their Chesapeake Harbour perch.

The following post is Mother Goose and her goslings on our beach without a nest to which they can return. They have been evicted by the rightful owners.

Newest Residents

2009-04-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken from my deck last week...it's our family of geese that has once again returned to Chesapeake Harbour. The mother goose takes the babies down to the water and washes them off, while Father Goose keeps watch, and he will hiss if anyone gets in the way of his family. Then back they come each afternoon to enjoy the sun and stoll the community. I feel so fortunate to have the view of the Chesapeake Bay and watch nature parade by me right from my condo.

Landscapers at Work ...

2009-04-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see, our landscape crew (all in purple) are hard at work and have begun the annual process of preparing our community to look its absolute best. The fresh mulch has been laid, the flowers are up, and now we are officially into the spring season in the Harbour. The boats will start to sail in, the 'snow birds' are returning, and next month the heated pool will open. It is truly the BEST time to be in Annapolis and especially in Chesapeake Harbour, where you can walk to the restaurant for their early bird specials and see all your friends and neighbors. It's also the time for the various Villages to start their weekly cocktail parties and barbeques. Happy Spring !!!

SPRING is in the AIR ...

2009-03-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

The very best season in Chesapeake Habour is the spring. The landscaping is spectacular, bikers can bike, joggers are out at all hours of the day and night, and it's my favorite time of year to walk the beach with my granddaughters. They love to collect beach glass, and last weekend, for the very first time, we found a perfect piece of red beach glass...something you rarely find. There is plenty of brown, green and white, but red and cobalt blue are hard to find. But we did.
There is just nothing to equal walking the beach on a gorgeous afternoon at a time of year that is still quiet....so quiet that we still have deer roaming the property; they have had a very quiet winter and now will go into hiding. I watched their mother deliver these two, and they live right behind me on the beach where I watch them romp, eat vegetation and run to the water's edge. They hide out someplace during the day, but every evening at dusk they appear. This is just an amazing place.

U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD

2009-03-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

When the founders of the United States Naval Academy were looking for a suitable location, it was reported that then Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft decided to move the naval school to "the healthy and secluded" location of Annapolis in order to rescue midshipmen from "the temptations and distractions that necessarily connect with a large and populous city." The Philadelphia Naval Asylum School was its predecessor. Four of the original seven faculty members came from Philadelphia. Other small naval schools in New York City, Norfolk, Va., and Boston, Mass. also existed in the early days of the United States.
The United States Navy was born during the American Revolution when the need for a naval force to match the Royal Navy became clear. But during the period immediately following the Revolution, the Continental Navy was demobilized in 1785 by an economy-minded Congress.
The dormancy of American seapower lasted barely a decade when, in 1794, George Washington persuaded the Congress to authorize a new naval force to combat the growing menace of piracy on the high seas.
The first vessels of the new U.S. Navy were launched in 1797; among them were the United States, the Constellation, and the Constitution. In 1825, President John Quincy Adams urged Congress to establish a Naval Academy "for the formation of scientific and accomplished officers." His proposal, however, was not acted upon until 20 years later.
On September 13, 1842, the American Brig Somers set sail from the Brooklyn Navy Yard on one of the most significant cruises in American naval history. It was a school ship for the training of teenage naval apprentice volunteers who would hopefully be inspired to make the Navy a career.
However, discipline deteriorated on the Somers and it was determined by a court of inquiry aboard ship that Midshipman Philip Spencer and his two chief confederates, Boatswains Mate Samuel Cromwell and Seaman Elisha Small, were guilty of a "determined attempt to commit a mutiny."
The three were hanged at the yardarm and the incident cast doubt over the wisdom of sending midshipmen directly aboard ship to learn by doing. News of the Somers mutiny shocked the country.
Through the efforts of the Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, the Naval School was established without Congressional funding, at a 10-acre Army post named Fort Severn in Annapolis, Maryland, on October 10, 1845, with a class of 50 midshipmen and seven professors. The curriculum included mathematics and navigation, gunnery and steam, chemistry, English, natural philosophy, and French.
In 1850 the Naval School became the United States Naval Academy. A new curriculum went into effect requiring midshipmen to study at the Academy for four years and to train aboard ships each summer. That format is the basis of a far more advanced and sophisticated curriculum at the Naval Academy today. As the U.S. Navy grew over the years, the Academy expanded. The campus of 10 acres increased to 338. The original student body of 50 midshipmen grew to a brigade size of 4,000. Modern granite buildings replaced the old wooden structures of Fort Severn.
Congress authorized the Naval Academy to begin awarding bachelor of science degrees in 1933. The Academy later replaced a fixed curriculum taken by all midshipmen with the present core curriculum plus 18 major fields of study, a wide variety of elective courses and advanced study and research opportunities.
Since then, the development of the United States Naval Academy has reflected the history of the country. As America has changed culturally and technologically so has the Naval Academy. In just a few decades, the Navy moved from a fleet of sail and steam-powered ships to a high-tech fleet with nuclear-powered submarines and surface ships and supersonic aircraft. The academy has changed, too, giving midshipmen state-of- the-art academic and professional training to be effective naval officers in their future careers.
The Naval Academy first accepted women as midshipmen in 1976, when Congress authorized the admission of women to all of the service academies. Women comprise about 13 to 14 percent of entering plebes--or freshmen--and they pursue the same academic and professional training as do their male classmates.

World War II Memorial

2009-03-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

World War II Memorial
Dedicated May 27, 1990
This lasting tribute to the men and women who fought for the principles of freedom, both abroad and at home, recognizes their contributions as well as educating present and future generations about World War II and its impact as the world's greatest military effort to date.
Maryland's World War II Memorial is unique. Visitors will walk through history when visiting the four-sided open-air amphitheater surrounded by a 100-foot diameter ring of 48 pillars, that represent the 48 states at the time of the war. Etched in granite are the names of 6,454 Marylanders who lost their lives, providing a lasting tribute to their ultimate contributions. Twenty plaques describe wartime milestones and key events, in addition to contributions made by those 288,000 Maryland military men and women and those who served in industries at home. Two 14-foot diameter globes depict the location of key battles in the eastern and western hemispheres. A seven-sided obelisk, representing Maryland's status as the country's seventh state, is accented by a star which is illuminated each night.
The World War II Memorial is located at Route 450 at Naval Academy Bridge, 1920 Ritchie Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

FREE FORECLOSURE Information ...

2009-03-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

I now have a 'program' to search for all foreclosed properties in the State of Maryland. If you would like to know what is in your area, or an area in the State you would be intersted in having an investment property, let me know.
I can send or e-mail you all properties within your price range, and of course, this list is free.

Foreclosures and Short-Sales are plentiful. Perspective buyers can see the property and make an offer (just as you would with a normal purchase), however, it is a more involved process due to the Government's involvement and the final approval from the banks who now own the properties.

But I have sold many of these properties to buyers who have been able to obtain great houses for rock-bottom prices, including waterfronts, up-scale condos and homes with acreage. Take advantage of this while they exist. The banks have been able to speed up the process with extra staff and inventory will be depleting, so don't wait on this great opportunity !!!

History of Naval Academy

2009-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY

2009-02-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

With stocks hitting an all-time low, Suzy Orman suggests that people realize that a better investment for them might be real estate. Here is an example why:
I have a client who sold her GE stock four years ago for $200,000 and invested in a condo in Federal Hill (downtown Baltimore, MD). She was just gloating the other day when I did a Market Analysis for her and came up with a re-list price of $229,000 for her. I thought she might be disappointed that it had not appreciated more, and I was ready with all the accompanying graphs, data, 'houses sold', etc. but that was unnecessary. Had she held on to her GE stock, its value today would be $9,000. I have one very happy seller!
Rates are as low as they were in the 40's, inventory is plentiful and the economic forecast for real estate is looking good ... as inventory dimishes, competition will drive prices up. So, if you are thinking of buying this spring, get started. You could not pick a better time to do some investing, and IF you are a First Time Buyer, you also will get a 'gift' of $8,000. Don't pass up this once in a lifetime Federal Free Money.

The Echoes of Carr's Beach

2007-04-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Edgewood Road which brings you into Chesapeake Harbour is in the process of being renamed "Carr's Beach Road", and the City of Annapolis is considering making a five acre parcel of land where Carr's beach was into a memorial park. During the 1950's and early 60's, Anne Arundel County was still segregated. There were only two beaches that Blacks were allowed to use, and they were Carr's Beach and Sparrow's Beach in Annapolis, both located where Chesapeake Harbour stands today.
During the week, the beaches were used for friends and families to get together and visit, cook out and swim. On weekends, however, the beaches became the place for people from all over the Baltimore/Washington area. That's when the adults would come to see stars such as Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and many others. Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m., it was show time, and people would pack into the pavilion to listen and dance to the music of Major R&B stars of the day, who's voices and music could be heard throughout the area for miles. There was Little Richard, James Brown, Lloyd Price, Etta James, The Shirelles, The Coasters, The Drifters and Fats Domino, just to name a few. ALL the great names came to Carr's Beach.
Over the years, I got to know one of the resident's, Annie Crawford, who resided in the cottages during that era and lived directly behind my condo, and she said they could STILL can hear the music on late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning all summer long ... the music of times gone by; a great era that should be preserved for her and all those who were a part of that great time.