Becky Guschl | Patterson-Schwartz Blog

PSA Foundation Spotlight: The Mary Campbell Center

As a long-term care facility for disabled adults, The Mary Campbell Center strives to be a place where a resident’s independence is enhanced, family members are always welcome, and comfort and safety are paramount. The Mary Campbell Center is as unique and special to the local area as it is to those who benefit from its homelike environment. And for two members of the Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate family, the facility and its mission are especially close to heart and home.

Filling a need

Since the mid-1980s, Steve Crifasi of Patterson-Schwartz Greenville has been a member of the committee that organizes The Center’s largest annual fundraiser, The Charmie Welch Golf Tournament. For Steve, who is now co-chairman of this fundraising effort, his involvement is a family affair with roots in friendship.

Charmie Welch, the golf tournament’s namesake, was a little girl when she developed a life-altering disability. When her medical needs became too difficult to manage at home, her parents were dismayed to learn the only care options were nursing homes. Their struggle to find the perfect place for their daughter inspired the creation of The Mary Campbell Center.

In addition to Charmie’s parents, seven founders came together to bring The Center to life in north Wilmington in 1976. Bill Davis, a dear friend of the Welch family and Steve Crifasi’s father-in-law, was on the original golf committee in 1981. With his help, The Mary Campbell Center has grown every year due to the tournament’s success.

“My father-in-law inspired my involvement, and the tradition continues with his son, Bill Davis Jr., me, and my son, Steve Jr.,” says Steve.

“The Mary Campbell Center truly is a phenomenal facility that helps many individuals and families, but its needs are constantly evolving. I am proud of all of our fundraising efforts and grateful for the unwavering support we’ve had from sponsors like Patterson-Schwartz. Over the years we have been able to help The Center reach many goals, including the construction of an indoor wheelchair-accessible pool.”

Surrounded by support

Another member of the PSA family personally connected to The Mary Campbell Center is Hockessin sales manager, Sal Sedita. Sal’s daughter, Sarah, has been a resident at The Center for over 15 years.

“Every parent worries about who will take care of their child if they are gone or unable to do so,” says Sal. “This becomes a much more ‘real’ situation when you have a son or daughter who will need full-time care for their entire life.”

When Sarah completed school at age 21, Sal and his wife looked at multiple options where Sarah could live as an adult, but nothing felt right. Sarah had received respite care at The Mary Campbell Center before and the exceptional experience gave the whole family good feelings. Expecting to be on a waitlist of a year or longer, they consider themselves very fortunate that The Center had an opening for Sarah almost immediately.

“I compare The Center to a fraternity or sorority: a big home where she is surrounded by friends and people who care for her, care about her, and love her for her,” says Sal.

from left to right: Tom Shea, Director of External Affairs Mary Campbell Center, Juli Giles of Patterson-Schwartz, and Sal Sedita at the 2018 Guest Bartender Fundraiser at BBC Tavern & Grill in Greenville

“Every day, I am thankful for The Center, and the peace of mind it gives us knowing she is so safe and so happy. To have such a special facility so close to home where we can visit anytime is one of my biggest blessings in a very blessed life.”

Teeing it up to give back

Throughout the years, members of the PSA family have gathered in support of Sal, Steve, and The Mary Campbell Center. The Center has been a frequent beneficiary of the Hockessin office’s annual soup fundraiser and the recipient of all the proceeds raised at the 2018 PSA Guest Bartender event. Corporately, Patterson-Schwartz has donated holiday trees and lunches to the facility and returns year after year as a sponsor of the Charmie Welch Golf Tournament.

On September 13, 2021, the Charmie Welch Golf Tournament will be celebrating its 40th year. Like past years, Steve and Sal will team up in support not only as sponsors and colleagues but also as friends hitting the links for a good cause: they have been playing the tournament together as part of the PSA foursome for as long as either can remember.

The Patterson-Schwartz foursome at the 2015 Charmie Welch Golf Tournament at DuPont Country Club. From Left to Right: Joe Pluscht, Jr., Steve Crifasi, Sal Sedita, and Jason Giles.

To learn more about this year’s tournament (which includes a drone golf ball drop raffle open to the public) and how you can support The Mary Campbell Center mission, please click here.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

PSA Foundation Spotlight: Lasagna Love of Delaware

Home-cooked lasagna is considered by many to be the ultimate comfort food with its melted cheese, satisfying dose of pasta, and its ability to bring people together around a table.

At the beginning of the Pandemic, Rhiannon Menn of San Diego, California, was looking to help families in her community who were struggling. She started by baking and delivering seven trays of lasagna around her neighborhood. One year later, her Lasagna Love concept is now a national movement, with over 20,000 people cooking and delivering meals in their communities.

The PSA Foundation is proud to spotlight the local chapter of Lasagna Love and its efforts to strengthen our community one tray of homemade goodness at a time.

Cooking up kindness locally

Andrea Carbaugh of the Patterson-Schwartz Newark Office is a local volunteer for Lasagna Love. She recently shared with the PSA Foundation her experience with this grassroots organization gaining ground in Delaware.

“As the saying goes, we are all in the same storm, but not all in the same boat,” says Andrea. “When I was a teacher, I saw the effects of food insecurity on young children on a daily basis. And, as a busy real estate agent working long days, I know the struggle to get dinner on the table some nights! I love to cook, so last summer, when a random Facebook ad for Lasagna Love appeared on my feed, I jumped at the opportunity.”

She has been volunteering to make lasagnas for deserving recipients ever since.

Andrea Carbaugh of the Patterson-Schwartz Newark Office became a Lasagna Love chef in summer 2020

From one neighbor to another, with love

A Lasagna Love chef’s mission is to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families and individuals, and to provide a simple act of care during times of uncertainty and stress. To Andrea, being “matched” to cook for a family in her area seemed a simple way to show kindness, especially when she felt the daily news was full of nothing but negativity.

“The recipients have all seemed genuinely touched – their gratitude coming through in thankful texts. One family was in my own neighborhood – an eye-opening and humbling experience, to say the least. You absolutely never know who may be struggling.”

Delivery through Lasagna Love is contactless, keeping everyone safe and, in some cases, preserving the dignity of the recipient. Families may apply every 30 days, with volunteers who match frequency and distance parameters.

Andrea says she keeps herself prepared and organized by setting up an assembly line and making three lasagnas at a time.

“I make one for the recipient, one for the freezer in case I get a match when I have five buyers tours, and one for our dinner that night. There is support at all levels – even ‘Chef’ Facebook pages where everyone shares tips, recipes, and even sources for ingredients on sale!”

From prep to delivery, each batch of lasagna from Andrea’s kitchen is made with love

Lasagna Love in Delaware

In Delaware, there are over 120 Lasagna Chefs who await their meal assignments every week. On average, there are close to 65 weekly meal deliveries, with that number growing all of the time.

Their services have reached everyone from struggling or grieving families and those recovering from illness to over-worked frontline workers and sleep-deprived new parents. Most recently, the Delaware chapter provided 20 lasagnas to the nurses and staff who run unit 4A of BayHealth Hospital in Dover, a unit that is solely working with Covid patients.

Do you love to cook or know someone who would benefit from a homemade meal delivery? Click here to learn more about Lasagna Love and the many ways you can get involved. Monetary donations like the one from the PSA Foundation go towards the mission’s operations or volunteer chefs to reimburse them for their groceries.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

Patterson-Schwartz Opens New Middletown Office

Located in one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, the Patterson-Schwartz Middletown sales center is proud to announce it has relocated to 4417 Summit Bridge Road. The brand new 4,500 square foot office building by DSM construction features private parking, state-of-the-art conference areas, and expanded workspace for Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate and Fairway Independent Mortgage Company.

The new building is just around the corner from the office’s previous strip mall location. Opened in February 2001, the early sales office served the many new construction neighborhoods that started to replace the area’s vast farmland. In the subsequent years, residential, commercial, and industrial development has boomed, along with the population.

“Middletown is flourishing with new schools, new businesses, new jobs, and new housing opportunities. We are thrilled to be growing along with the community,” says Dave Watlington, Patterson-Schwartz Middletown Sales Manager. “We love having this amazing modern space for our agents to call home.”

Strong & Growing

Relocating during a pandemic had its challenges but the Patterson-Schwartz Middletown family of agents remained connected and strong.

To keep in touch with his team, Dave conducted meetings, round-tables, and education sessions over Zoom or chatted with the sales team via WhatsApp. Gifts celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary were distributed at a drive-up, mask-up event at the beginning of the year.

The Middletown sales center also welcomed many new agents over the last several months. There are currently more than 50 agents on the roster, 15 of whom joined the sales team in the first half of 2020. In addition to coaching from Dave, the new agents participated in an interactive, live-stream Successful Start program via zoom.

“Aside from it being beautiful & the perfect environment for incoming clients, our new office provides the agents with a lot more space for work, meetings, etc. As a Delaware brand, I see our new building as just another way Patterson-Schwartz shows care for the consumers & their convenience, as well as for the agents and the local community. I truly appreciate all the support and resources PSA provides.”
Rhonda Smith, Patterson-Schwartz Middletown Sales Associate

Lighting the Way

The Patterson-Schwartz Middletown sales center invites the public to visit our new home or to reach out to our agents via phone call, text, chat, or email. The new blue building and bright Patterson-Schwartz signs are there to light the way to expert local real estate guidance.

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New Patterson-Schwartz Lawn Signs Hit the Marketplace

Patterson-Schwartz is excited to announce the launch of our new lawn sign in the marketplace! The update features a modern, clean design while maintaining the traditional icon of our brand — the lantern.

2021 Patterson-Schwartz lawn sign rendering

Lighting the Way since 1961

As Delaware’s leading locally owned and operated real estate company for over 60 years, we take great pride in our brand and presence in the community. From our early office in Wilmington to our brand-new building in Middletown, we carried a version of our iconic lantern with us.

Did you know the carriage lanterns that hung outside of our former Delaware Avenue office directly inspired the iconic logo established in the late 1970s? They were refurbished and reinstalled outside of our current Newark sales center. This consistency in our brand shows that as much as we have grown, we remain true to our roots. Our lantern has always symbolized a warm glow of welcome and light to offer guidance.

1986 Patterson-Schwartz billboard with logo designed by Charlie Gaines of the company’s Marketing Department in the late 1970s

Iconic carriage lanterns flank the entrance
at Patterson-Schwartz Newark

When it comes to selling your home, our lawn signs in your yard are an extension of our commitment to provide superior guidance through the real estate process. And at Patterson-Schwartz, it’s the people connected to our company, especially the sales associates, who make the lantern on our brand shine by fulfilling that promise.

A Sign for the Times

During the last year, we saw many changes to our industry and our agents proved that they could pivot their business without sacrificing their commitment to customer service excellence. They learned new technology, used new tools, found new ways to connect, and forged ahead during uncertain times with care for the consumer.

A refresh to our lawn sign is just one way we invite you to experience what is new at Patterson-Schwartz and to get to know our brand and the sales associates lighting the way with the best tools, best resources, and the best expertise for the days ahead.

Long-time partner and local sign printer, PopDot Signs and Graphics, is busy bringing our vision to life, and we cannot wait for you to see us in a brand-new light.

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® with nine offices and over 450 full-time Sales Associates. We offer a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

PSA Foundation Spotlight: Renee’s Rescues

Our latest PSA Foundation spotlight is for the dogs! Renee’s Rescues is a local non-profit dog rescue specializing in the rescue and care of dogs and puppies saved from puppy mills.

Although based in Delaware, Renee’s Rescues supports rescue efforts across several states and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in particular. Their short-term goal is rescuing and safely adopting out puppy mill dogs and puppies to the loving homes they deserve. Long term, Renee’s Rescues works to stop the practice of puppy mill breeding by supporting local legislation and rescue efforts that increase awareness, provide stricter laws on breeding dogs, and advocate for animal safety and welfare. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, 100% of every donation goes directly to saving and caring for their dogs.

Dan Logan of the Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin sales office is a dog lover and long-time supporter of Renee’s Rescues. Over the years, he, his team of agents with the Dan Logan Group, and his golden retriever Isabelle have spread awareness, raised funds, and collected supplies for the local rescue through in-person events and Facebook campaigns.

Isabelle & Dan Logan of Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin

“My grown children each have two rescue dogs each from dogs from Renee’s,” says Dan. “I truly believe dogs are the perfect companions… Their loyalty and unconditional love can help owners through stressful times. The families that adopt from Renee’s receive something really special in return for helping these dogs overcome some tough situations of their own.”

A homeowner’s best friend

Dan is well-tuned into the special relationship between dogs and people. His golden retriever, Isabelle, passed her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test at 13 months and earned her AKC Community Canine designation at 2½-years-old. As a trained companion, Isabelle has gone everywhere with Dan over the last 8½ years. Pre-pandemic, they visited nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. They were also regulars at local community events, attended doggie daycare and swimming lessons, and even met some celebrities in their travels. They have never been apart overnight since she was a puppy.

These days public appearances are few, and community events are on hold. However, much to the delight of Dan’s clients, Dan and Isabelle are continuing to spread cheer by attending listing appointments, walk-throughs, and settlements together. Efforts to give back to the community also remain a priority for the Dan Logan Group despite the challenges. Along with a one-time monetary contribution from the PSA Foundation, Dan donates a percentage of his sales to Renee’s Rescues.

“Buying or selling a home is an important life event. Isabelle’s presence has a way of making the experience more pleasant, memorable, and far less stressful,” says Dan. “If we can help to make a difference in a rescue dog’s life at the same time, our service becomes a lot more meaningful than a business transaction.”

Now more than ever, non-profits need our support. To learn more about Renee’s Rescues, how you can lend your support, or how to become a much-needed foster home for a rescue dog, please visit their website. Follow Isabelle’s adventures at the Dan Logan Group Facebook page.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

PSA Foundation Spotlight: MOWD Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration

Dishes featuring double smoked-bacon chowder, spiced molten milk chocolate cake, and shrimp and grits with white wine butter sauce are designed to make your mouth water. But delicious culinary creations are not the only thing on the menu at the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration event. This annual Meals on Wheels Delaware fundraiser serves up support for area seniors in need and is our PSA Foundation spotlight for April.

MOWD is a non-profit organization that supports the delivery of nutritious meals to homebound seniors, age 60 and above, who may be battling hunger, isolation, or loss of independence. By raising awareness and funds, MOWD helps the various statewide meal delivery programs coordinate the charitable contributions that aid in their mission.

A history of support

From a guest bartender event to a homemade soup cook-off, PSA has supported the Meals on Wheels effort through many fundraising events over the years. Several members of the PSA family also volunteer their time to the meal delivery programs. Patterson-Schwartz is a proud returning sponsor of the Celebrity Chef event for 2021.

The 2019 Patterson-Schwartz Guest Bartender event raised over $7000 for MOWD

Mike Clement, a member of The Crifasi Group of the PSA Greenville Sales Office, has served as Board Chair for MOWD since 2019. He also has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2013 and as a Celebrity Chefs Brunch silent auction committee co-chair since 2005.

“So much can be gained from being a part of an organization like ours,” says Mike. “There is a sense of community and belonging to a network of like-minded individuals you can call friends. The best part of the experience is meeting our clients, the deserving homebound seniors across Delaware, who are so appreciative of the personal touch our home delivery programs provide.”

Now, more than ever, your contribution counts

Meals on Wheels Delaware supports five meal programs throughout the state. As a result of the pandemic, they have seen the number of home-bound seniors using their services increase more than 26%. In 2020, they reported the delivery of over 877,000 meals to 6,285 local seniors.

Like many recent fundraising events, the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration has gotten creative with its format. The event taking place April 19 through 25 will continue to showcase local chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities, and of course, the fantastic food, but in a hybrid experience. Guests and sponsors have a choice of dine-in and take-out options, with a virtual component that features interaction with the participating chefs, entertainment, and an online silent auction. To learn more about MOWD, this year’s event, and how you can participate, please click here.

Culinary delights from the 2019 Celebrity Chef’s Brunch, photos courtesy of Nicolette Pomije

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

Patterson-Schwartz Launches Coastal Rentals Division

In January of 2020, the Property Management team of Patterson-Schwartz was laying the groundwork for its Coastal Rental division. Their first major project was taking on the rental management services for the association at One Virginia Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. Little did anyone know that the start of this new venture would coincide with the challenges of a world-wide pandemic and state-ordered shutdowns.

Boardwalk access for One Virginia Avenue located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

“We are forever grateful for the trust that was placed in us by the owners of such an established property and active rental hub,” says PSA Property Management manager Brian Pomije of the One Virginia Avenue condos. “We owe a lot to Patterson-Schwartz leadership and the capable team at the helm of our Coastal Rentals division.”

Placing safety first and serving the clients and properties with care was paramount to navigating the rental market in 2020. As the year came to a close, Patterson-Schwartz Coastal Rentals successfully booked 198 weeks’ worth of rentals.

A busy season ahead

At this time, Patterson-Schwartz Coastal Rentals is in charge of over 50 rental properties with plans to grow. They recently launched a new web page and anticipate new rental opportunities in the days ahead.

Patterson-Schwartz has helped homeowners manage their properties since 1977 and has earned a reputation for professionalism. Their services include expert landlord guidance, property maintenance assistance, and tenant relations management. The Coastal Rentals division handles vacation/short-term and long-term rentals in the coastal Delaware community. The team, which operates out of the company’s Rehoboth Sales Center on Highway One, offers local expertise and is sure to be busy this rental season. They can’t wait to see people safely enjoying the Delaware beaches and all they have to offer!

Need someone to manage your property?

Patterson-Schwartz offers professional property management throughout Delaware and nearby communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Landlords may choose Full-Management, Non-Management, or the Landlord Assistance Program. Whether you are considering renting out your primary residence or seeking assistance with your investment portfolio, we offer service levels to fit your needs. Reach out today to get started!

PSA Foundation Spotlight: CHEF’s Winter Jam

This month’s Patterson-Schwartz Foundation spotlight is on the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation (CHEF) and their Winter Jam 2021 virtual event.

CHEF was created in 2006 to help the Cape Henlopen School District teachers raise funds for unbudgeted projects, support, and resources for their classrooms. Many students have benefited from the CHEF school supply distribution efforts, scholarship funding, and wellness programs over the years. By engaging the community in its support initiatives, CHEF helps local students obtain the tools to thrive and succeed.

Joe Lingo of the Patterson-Schwartz Rehoboth Beach sales office is a former teacher and active CHEF board member. Many of his colleagues from the PSA coastal Delaware team have kids in the Cape Henlopen School District.

“2020 was a year unlike any other and was very unpredictable,” says Joe. “By helping CHEF, you are helping the Cape stay strong, and our schools remain a positive place for students to learn.”

Winter Jam is CHEF’s annual fundraiser and Patterson-Schwartz is a returning sponsor. This year’s virtual event is on March 26 and includes live stream appearances from local celebrities and musical acts, and a online live auction and gift card drawing. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow.

Our Rehoboth Beach Sales Center is conveniently located on Route 1/Coastal Highway. Opened in June 2013, this full-service office is home to more than 30 REALTORS who are proud to serve the real estate needs at the beach and surrounding communities of Sussex County, Delaware.

PSA Foundation Spotlight: UnLocke the Light’s Sean’s House

This month’s PSA Foundation Spotlight is on Sean’s House of Newark, Delaware. Created by the local nonprofit SL24: UnLocke the Light, Sean’s House is located within walking distance of the University of Delaware campus and offers a mental health safe haven for young adults ages 14-24.

Sean’s House was developed in the hopes of reducing the rate of youth suicide by providing a place for young adults to feel safe, welcomed, and supported, and by promoting mental wellness through access to trained peer support specialists and assistance connecting with community mental health resources. Guests can use the space to do schoolwork, relax with friends, or simply pick up a hot cup of coffee.

Kate Bianchino of the Patterson-Schwartz Greenville sales office has been involved with UnLocke the Light and Sean’s House at various levels since its inception in 2018 through weekly volunteer work and contributions to annual fundraisers and special events.

“Mental health programs and support is something we all know is much needed,” says Kate. “The programs at Sean’s House and the community outreach that UnLocke the Light provides is removing stigmas and creating a safe and welcoming space for students and young adults on their path to health and wellness.”

At this time, many of our community’s charitable partners are suffering from the inability to hold large, in-person fundraisers, so they need our support now more than ever. To learn more about Sean’s House, the story behind the SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation, and how you can get involved, please visit their website.