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Moving to Springmill Saves You $$$ by Herb Allen, Springmill resident since 2001 By living in Middletown, New Castle County, residents can actually save money. According to Herb Allen, one of Springmill's first residents, all it takes is a little research and even less time. Moving from Smyrna, Delaware, Mr. Allen thought that perhaps New Castle County taxes would be different from Kent County. He discovered that not only were the taxes different, they could be reduced. Mr. Allen was happy to tell us how. County Taxes Residents of Middletown New Castle County pay three taxes: two county taxes, and one local tax for the town of Middletown. Of the two county taxes, one is a school district tax that covers the area’s two school districts: Appoquinimink School District and the New Castle County Vocational School District. The other county tax is a property tax. The tax year for both taxes runs from July 31 to June 30 of the respective year. School District - The Appoquinimink bill is the majority of the county tax bill, equaling approximately 75% of the total bill. Here's the savings: A resident of New Castle County who is 65+ is eligible for a senior tax credit on the Appoquinimink portion of the bill. This amount can reduce the tax bill by approximately 50%. Property Tax - This tax is an assessment of the value of your property. Here's the savings: As a resident of New Castle County, if you're 65+ and your income is under $40,000, you're eligible for a credit of approximately 40% to 50% of the property portion of your tax bill. Local Tax Middletown This tax is 30 cents per $100 of the assessed value of your property. The tax year runs from June 1 to May 31. Here's the savings: If you're 65+ and a resident of Middletown for one year, you can pay these taxes one time; and then, you won't have to pay again. You must be a resident for one year. However, there is no rebate if your one-year residency date and the filing date overlap. So how do you make all these tax savings happen? "It's easy," says Mr. Allen. "You obtain the tax forms from the municipal offices at New Castle County and Middletown, and you file - anytime." Please note: The above information is to be used for general purposes only. Specific tax questions should be directed to the county or town and/or an accountant.

Would it surprise you to know that nearly half of the first 65 homebuyers moving to Springmill are moving here from out of state? Traditionally, successful adult communities like this one appeal to residents within a 10-mile radius. But the low taxes, proximity to the beaches and the Chesapeake Bay, and the easy commute to see family and friends who live in the Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and New York areas have all provided major draws. Plus, our buyers tell us that no other adult community offers the wide open spaces, functional floor plans and tremendous value they found at Springmill. Thank you. We look forward to making more of you Delawareans soon.

The Excitement Is Growing... Mark your calendars for the CLUBHOUSE GRAND OPENING Saturday, June 22 The Festivities kick off at noon with a tantalizing cookout. Plus WJBR personality Jim Stoddard will be our DJ for the day, spinning you favorites for a dance party by the pool. More than 6,600 square feet of fun waiting for you! Come try out the fitness center, craft, card, and billiard rooms, outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce courts, and more!

Grab Your Towel & Join Us At The Pool Don't forget to tell your friends about Springmill - tell them to remember to say you sent them. Homebuyers who refer a friend who visits Springmill between now and June 22 will receive a beautiful new Springmill beach towel to enjoy by the pool. Best of all, you will be doing your friends a favor when you introduce them to the no stairs, no cares lifestyle here at Springmill. And, if they purchase a new home at Springmill, will reward you with a $500 appreciation gift. Tell them to come on down - there's no better time to take a look at Delaware's only resort-style community.

New Emerson Model Makes 5

The January opening of the beautifully decorated Emerson model proved quite a smash! Anticipation of the new design, along with unseasonably warm temperatures, attracted a record number of visitors. Great food and live entertainment kept the party going strong, while the Springmill staff was on hand to answer questions. And while Springmill's most recent residents toured the new design, they shared their delight in their new neighborhood with prospective homebuyers.

The Emerson model home is unique as it show-cases the many standard features that are offered at Springmill. It is the first model at Springmill to introduce a country-style front porch option that is sure to be a hit. Reasonably priced in the low $180,000’s, the Emerson is quickly becoming a popular design with Springmill homebuyers. Come find out why! 5 Furnished Models at Springmill: Open 10-5 daily, 12-5 Sunday.

We're Not Out of the Woods Yet But we will be soon! The choice home sites adjacent to the wooded open space are on the market right now and are going fast. The improvements to those homesites are almost complete with paving set to take place soon. In addition, a limited number of homesites that accommodate basements are currently available. These full basements add 1,000 or more square feet to your home and can be finished with an additional bath to really expand you living area. Stop by the sales center soon or call Carol Shaffer or Roseanne DeLucca at 302-376-5577 to see if your favorite homesite is still available. LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLACE TO EAT WHEN YOU VISIT Springmill ? The next time you visit, ask your sales counselor for the Springmill Restaurant Guide, assembled by the current residents of the community who have tried many of the finest eateries from Wilmington, DE to Georgetown, MD and passed on their critiques to the their current and future neighbors.

Neighbors Meet, Greet, and Party by JoAnn Stump Springmill resident since 2001 It didn't take long for the new residents at Springmill to become fast friends. Since the first residents settled in August, there have been a number of get-to-know-your-neighbor get-togethers, each more successful than the previous one. JoAnn Stump, who moved in last October, is keeping us abreast of the various neighborhood parties. The first cocktail party, hosted by Herb Allen and Kay O'Day Allen at their new home, was held in September. Attended by the first (and only) 10 residents (at the time), it was a wonderful evening. In December, a holiday luncheon was planned at the Kitty Knight House. The growing number of 24 residents, in addition to eight future Springmill residents, attended this shin-dig, and a good time was had by all. In January, a progressive dinner, held in four homes, attracted 30 people! A Soup and Bread Nite was held on April 13th at the home of Debra and Don Kupper where residents first wined, then dined on homemade soups and breads, then followed up with delicious desserts. But the social life at Springmill is not all about food. A book club has already formed and meets the first Wednesday of each month. The first book reviewed was House of Sand and Fog, by Andre Dubus. Also, a games club has formed, as well as playing Bunco, a game that reportedly requires no experience or skill - just the ability to throw dice and laugh. Plans are already underway for the May Social and perhaps a Block Party prior to the clubhouse opening on June 22nd. There is no doubt that Springmill residents know how to have a good time!

Meet the Construction Team at Springmill

When you purchase a new home at Springmill, this hardworking team turns that paperwork you completed with the sales staff into reality. Their teamwork and attention to detail is building a wonderful neighborhood one house at a time.

Jim Webb, vice president of construction, has been with for more than eight years and now oversees construction at all new homes communities. Jim says the philosophy of the is what makes every day enjoyable. "There is a team effort in every thing we do. The company provides us with all of the resources to get things complete and we strive for the highest quality possible." Jim and his wife Teresa have three children, aged between one and nine years old.
Butch Colazzo, customer service manager, plays a key role in this Company where customer service is a top priority. As a new resident’s primary contact to the construction staff, Butch is responsible for over-seeing all warranty work, including conducting the pre-settlement walk-thru with each homeowner. In his spare time, Butch enjoys spending time with his two sons. Bob Greenland, clubhouse project manager, joined to take charge of construction of Springmill's new clubhouse - no small task, but one he can certainly handle. Bob "enjoys working with his associates and is excited about growing with the Company." Though these days Bob is very busy meeting the June 22nd clubhouse grand opening date, he shares his free time with his wife, Arienne.
Diane Williams, project administrator, is the glue that holds Springmill’s construction team together. She manages the many activities of the construction office. She manages the mounds of paperwork required to build a home and to keep Springmill running smoothly. When she’s not working, Diane focuses her attention on her husband Troy and two children.
Mick Kenney, community project manager, joined three years ago at Fox Hill and made the move to Delaware with his wife, Jennifer and their two children to take charge of this community. As for being part of the family, Mick is "proud to work for an industry leader in adult 55-plus communities."
Beverly Markel, production assistant, completes the finishing touches to the homes once they are built and keeps the model park and entrances looking great. Her attention to detail is evident as she takes the time to ensure that each home received high marks for customer satisfaction from its buyer. Beverly shares her free time with her husband, Wayne.
Shane Martin, assistant superintendent, works diligently to complete the final construction details before settlement, getting each home into “move in” condition. Shane thrives on the feeling of delivering a great home.