Coastal Point • Laura Walter: Indian River High School’s Teacher of the Year recipient, Alison Walt, teaches science at IR.What are two top traits in a teacher? “A caring personality and rock-solid knowledge of science.” That’s how science teacher Alison Walt was described in her Teacher of the Year nomination at Indian River High School.

“Mrs. Walt has the ability to build relationships with all students, but especially those struggling to find their place in the world,” according to one colleague. “Her caring demeanor, respect for all students and willingness to help students with personal issues, resulted in students regarding her as a mother figure, in addition to as a teacher.”

“As an administrator, I could never ask for more than what Mrs. Walt gives every day,” said Principal Bennett Murray.

“I want them to understand there’s somebody that cares about them,” said Walt, who teaches chemistry and physical science to grades 9, 11 and 12. “I want this class to be a place that they know that no one’s going to ridicule them. I just love them all, even when they get on my nerves,” she joked.

The motherly atmosphere is likely an extension of her own children and their friends visiting her classroom over the years as they completed their educations at IRHS. The classroom just became a safe haven for those who sought it.

Walt grew up in Dorchester County, Md., but after studying science at the University of Delaware, she began a doctorate program that was less than thrilling. Forget the doctorate, Walt decided — the best part about the Ph.D. program was teaching undergrads.

“It was just really fulfilling. I enjoyed interacting with the students and being able to share my knowledge with them,” she said.

With a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, she initially worked in Perdue labs, but then earned a teaching certification and began a 12-year career at Seaford High School. She leapfrogged a year at Epworth Christian School and has now finished her 14th year at Indian River.

Walt said she loves teaching science. It’s not all boring, but it’s not all explosions, she said. Even teaching the same lesson several times a day, Walt presents the material in different ways, and each class brings different questions.

“I just really enjoy when kids say … ‘I thought we were just having fun, and then I realized I learned all this stuff about science,’” Walt said. “I like challenging them, too. I’ve done all different levels. I’ve done AP down to the lowest level — we call them ‘tech’ — with special education.”

She said she loves learning, so she’s always reading to better understand and teach the lessons. (“I never stop reading about what I’m teaching,” she said.)

In education, the biggest challenges can be things that don’t relate to instruction (such as paperwork and testing) and sometimes the teaching itself (keeping the kids interested by comparing the sometimes-dry material to interesting topics, such as rollercoaster physics).

She had about 100 total students this year but has had as many as 160 in the past, which is a hefty load of grading.

Sometimes, she said, she wishes teenagers had more time to just be kids. They’re pulled in so many directions, in and out of school: in-school testing, after-school jobs, activities, sports matches that sometimes don’t end until 9 p.m. and more.

That’s why Walt assigns less homework than she used to — meaningful assignments, not busy-work.

“Sometimes we ask so much of them, and while I understand challenging them is important, I think them knowing that they’re important — not just because of what they can do for the schools — just in and of themselves, I think that’s important, too,” Walt said.

“I really do feel like parents nowadays maybe make their kids grow up too quick. Let ’em be kids,” she encouraged.

Since they put the kids first, Teachers of the Year don’t typically seek the spotlight.

“I’m usually up here as a supporting role for everybody,” said Walt.

She thanked all her students, because the award is based on her relationship with them. For Walt, earning a student nomination is just as meaningful as winning the award. She has been nominated previously, but this is her first win.

She also thanked colleagues Corinne Keller and Stacey Holladay, plus her former college classmate and IRHS colleague Kim Henry, who encouraged Walt to teach at IR.

Walt has been a leader in school and district science programs. When not in school, she enjoys reading, visiting her son at the University of Delaware and serving as a Mary Kay consultant.

She and other Teachers of the Year were honored at a school district celebration in April.

Coastal Point • Shaun M. Lambert: Kevin Martin and Stephanie Baker show off some of the new menu items at Taco Taco.They’re doing it quick. They’re doing it simple. They’re doing it the customer’s way.

And now, they’re doing it for breakfast, too.

Kevin Martin and Stephanie Baker first introduced their “good food fast” philosophy to Millville with Taco Taco in the winter of 2016, enjoying a successful first summer season while offering up “fresh Mex” fare for both lunch and dinner, whether dining in or ordering out.

That’s the same concept that Taco Taco will stay true to this summer, with the addition of the all-new a.m. menu-options making their burrito-board debut by popular demand.

“Just about anything that you could want for breakfast, we’ve got it here,” said Kevin Martin. “Everyone who’s tried it has had nothing but good things to say. People are coming back. We’ve even had people come in from California and the Southwest and tell us that it was the best breakfast burrito they’ve ever had.”

“We come in for breakfast all the time,” added Rebecca Chandler, part of the team at All About U Salon & Spa next door, who have been Taco Taco regulars since the beginning. “My go-to omelet is the veggie. The breakfast burritos are on point, too. And Kevin and Steph are great — very friendly, very fun, always a good laugh.”

Starting at 6:30 a.m., beachgoers and Taco Taco regulars alike can head in for a cup of fresh brewed coffee and chose from an array of early-morning options, such as breakfast burritos served with crispy homefries, three-egg omelets or just a good old American breakfast sandwich served on a bagel, toast or English muffin.

Meat options include chorizo, bacon and sausage, but South of the Border meets Sussex County with Rappa scrapple and Taylor’s pork roll added to the lineup.

Ordering is made to be simple, with burritos and omelets typically wrapped up with peppers, onion, pico de gallo and either American, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; but adding on sides — including the house-made guacamole or melted queso dip — is more than cool with the Taco Taco crew, too.

“We’re easy. You can mix it up if you want,” said Martin. “The eggs are cracked right in front of you. The scrapple and chorizo and the sausage are all cooked right on the grill. Fresh brewed coffee. It’s just worth it to be able to offer good, fresh products.”

Breakfast is available all day, but there are also some new happenings when it comes to the lunch menu this summer, too.

Ordering been further streamlined for tacos, burritos, salad bowls and quesadillas, with either “Baha style” or “traditional” options, and Taco Taco’s new “Big Kids” menu features cheeseburgers, hot dogs and grilled cheese, all served with a side of french fries.

Sides of house-made salsa, guac, chile con queso, tortilla chips, Spanish rice and beans, and black bean soup are all still available, and cooler drinks, including Jaritos sodas, Mexican Coca-Cola, Gatorade and juices, have been added for on-the-go ordering as well.

As for new dessert options, Martin said that it was the house-made tres leches that takes the cake.

Right now, Taco Taco is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but they will stay open until 7 p.m. starting Tuesday, June 13. The restaurant will stay open through the winter for breakfast and lunch, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as call-ahead ordering.

Taco Taco is located at 35831 Atlantic Avenue (Route 26) in Millville, across the street from Atlantic Auto Repair and Lord Baltimore Elementary School. For more information or a full menu, visit www.tacotaco.us or www.facebook.com/tacotacofastfreshmex, or call the restaurant at (302) 829-8024.

Coastal Point photos • Shaun M. Lambert: Owners Darin Dryden and Adam Lehman show off some of Top Dog Grill's offerings.They may not be saving the skies in the 1986 action-thriller “Top Gun,” but Darin Dryden and Adam Lehman might as well be Goose and Maverick when it comes to saving Bethany Beach from what they see as the usual options of boardwalk dining — and their mission to serve up the town’s “Top Bun.”

With Dryden’s experience in business and Lehman’s in the culinary arts, the two long-time friends teamed up last summer with the aim of offering the area something new, opening the doors to Top Dog Grill in June of 2016.

“We’re trying to offer a good, affordable option in Bethany, and trying to do it a little differently than everybody else,” said Lehman.

“It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for a while,” added Dryden. “Both of us are here every day. He’s got the culinary background. I’ve got the business background. My wife’s an accountant, she does the books. It’s a good team.”

Located just off Garfield Parkway, next to Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop, in the heart of downtown Bethany — just as their name suggests, Top Dog Grill features a wide-selection of specialty hotdogs, corndogs and beer-battered brats.

Whether it’s the Delmarva Dog with homemade crab dip and Old Bay; the Cowboy dog with barbecued pork, homemade slaw, onion and bacon; or the Seattle-style dog, with cream cheese and fried onions, the Top Dog duo prides themselves on using fresh quality products just as much as they do the uniqueness of their concept.

The buns are delivered fresh daily from Liscio’s Italian Bakery in South Jersey, while the sides, sauces and dressings are all made in-house using local ingredients whenever possible, and even the footlongs are 100 percent all-beef.

“It’s grilled to perfection, the bread is nice and fresh — everything is just fantastic,” said Bethany resident Audrey McCarthy, who was introducing her parents to their first Top Dog experience during a recent visit from New Jersey. “This is my second time here. I came in for Memorial Day weekend and had a hotdog that was fabulous.”

“We’ve got the Chicago-style, the New Yorker, Seattle… the Sonora is a New Mexico-style… the Delmarva,” Lehman went on, explaining that the menu includes a “build-your-own” option as well. “We tried to do some regional things, and then we tried to do some just creative things, too.”

But dogs done differently isn’t the only thing being differently done at Top Dog Grill.

Interestingly enough, both Dryden and Lehman said that despite the handle, since the beginning, Top Dog’s tacos have been just as popular with customers as the dogs.

The menu features 10 styles of taco available on either flour or corn tortilla, all with homemade works, including pico de gallo, pickled onion and Top Dog’s signature ranchero sauce.

The pick of the list so far includes both the shrimp and Mahi-Mahi fish tacos — each additionally garnished with signature house slaw and crema, and available blackened, fried or grilled.

The Hawaiian pork taco, with house slaw, sweet-and-sour cabbage and pineapple salsa has also gotten its fair share of the limelight since getting added to the menu, which also features the more usual taco-type suspects, including shredded chicken or beef, pulled pork and chorizo-and-potato, also all available either on their own or as part of a combo, and topped accordingly.

There’s plenty of choices for veggie fans too, as Top Dog offers up both veggie and tofu tacos, as well as a variety of homemade pitas and falafel, and creations such as the grilled Mexican street corn, to name a few.

“We have a lot of vegetarian options — the falafel is homemade here,” said Lehman. “The street corn was actually inspired by what I saw down in Mexico — I’ve taken a few trips there and got to try it out a few times. We dressed it up a little bit and did it our own way.”

“We’ve had really good reviews on everything since we opened,” added Dryden of the response to the menu so far, and of Top Dog’s five-star rating from more than 30 reviews on Yelp.

While their mission to do something new has certainly taken flight for the wingmen at Top Dog, they’re still coming through with some hometown favorites for their hometown residents, too.

Whether dining inside or out — or ordering out during a grab-and-go break from the beach — boardwalk classics, including handcut french fries, fried clam strips, kid’s menu items and fresh-squeezed lemonade, all make an appearance on the menu.

For the regulars, Dryden and Lehman aim to continue their mission of continuing to spice things up with ever-changing specials based on what’s coming in fresh and what direction the creative compass in the kitchen is pointing next.

“I think we needed something like this here. It’s different — it’s a nice change,” McCarthy said. “The first thing I told my parents when they said they were coming to visit was, ‘We’ve got to go to Top Dog to get a hotdog for lunch — you are going to love this place.’”

Top Dog Grill is located at 115 Garfield Parkway, Unit 2, between Shore Foods and Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop, on the main strip in downtown Bethany Beach. The shop is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, or a full menu, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/topdoggrill.1 (their menu is their cover photo) and keep up with specials on Instagram by following Top Dog @topdoggrill. To place an order for pick-up, call the restaurant at (302) 829-8571.

Long Neck United Methodist Church will host its Family Fun Fest this week, aiming to offer a safe space for community fun and bonding.

The Family Fun Fest, which has been held annually for almost a decade, will be taking place on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the church at 32051 Long Neck Road.

Myrtle Thomas, head of the Hospitality Committee at LNUMC, who has been coordinating the event for seven years, said the point of the festival is to encourage more people to become members of the church, but the event also gives the church a chance to give back to the community.

Thomas suggested that the event will be a safe place for children to have fun and at the same time be a common ground for community members to come together and spend time with one another and meet new people.

“We usually have 100 to 200 people,” said Thomas.

Some of the attractions at the fun fest will include a waterslide, crafts and face painting. Free hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided at noon.

The Family Fun Fest is open to the public and is free of charge.

“It’s a lot of fun and good food,” Thomas said.

For more information, contact the church office at (302) 945-9453 or email longneckUMC.msn.com.

Typically, when police respond to a drug-related call, they might be looking to subdue a subject or revive an overdose victim. But now, police are also considering their own risk of accidental drug overdose.

Recently, an Ohio police officer brushed white powder off his shirt after a drug bust. That drug was laced with fentanyl, which absorbs through the skin and causes a more instantaneous reaction (and overdose) than regular heroin. He’s still alive because co-workers saw him fall.

Selbyville Police Chief W. Scott Collins relates that story as part of the reason for his officers to now carry naloxone, the overdose-reversing medication.

Overdoses are also becoming increasingly common in the community. Selbyville used to see one overdose every few months. But the last few weekends have averaged about four apiece (in and outside town limits), Collins said.

“Unfortunately, it’s everywhere, and I want to protect my guys, as much as everyone,” Collins said.

Naloxone hydrocholoide (sold under several brand names, including Narcan) comes in a nasal spray form and has no adverse effects. So, it’s safe to use during any suspected overdoses, whether the person is truly overdosing or not.

In Delaware, police agencies haven’t exactly jumped on the bandwagon to carry overdose-reversing medicines. In 2014, the Ocean View Police Department led the charge for officers to carry naloxone. Recently, Delaware State Police officers also began carrying the nasal kits.

Opioid addiction has seeped into every level of society, regardless of age, race or economic status. It could be a hoodlum next door, or a retiree who got hooked on painkillers after surgery. They may start out with an increasing need for prescription medication, but oftentimes, heroin eventually becomes the addiction — and it’s getting cut with even more dangerous and unfamiliar chemicals, including fentanyl.

Fentanyl is at least 50 times stronger than morphine. Recently, the non-pharmaceutical version has been getting mixed with heroin in unknown proportions. But even the tiniest doses can cause an immediate overdoes, which is scaring police, health workers and drug users. The resulting calls are often requiring multiple doses of naloxone to revive people.

For the Selbyville PD, the naloxone kits were free, through a grant. Future kits will cost about $40, Collins said. Officers will be trained to administer the medication by medical personnel.

Coastal Point • Shaun M. Lambert: Officer AnnMarie Dalton is heading the OVPD’s bike-patrol program.Those who have been out and about in Ocean View this past week may have spotted something they may have never seen before — an Ocean View police officer on a bicycle.

On June 1, the Ocean View Police Department began its bike-patrol program, headed by Officer AnnMarie Dalton.

“I approached [Chief Ken McLaughlin] about possibly starting a bike patrol, because I thought it would be nice to really get out and do more community policing, rather than just sit inside the vehicle,” said Dalton, “Especially with some of the bigger developments, people are out there with their kids, barbecuing, stuff like that.”

Through two grants, from the Delaware Criminal Justice Council and Sussex County Council, the department was able to purchase two Police Trek bikes for the department’s use.

“We actually had a bike patrol way back when, but we were always so shorthanded that the bikes weren’t getting used, because, for the most part, we only had one officer. We didn’t have overtime money back in the day,” said McLaughlin.

“We saw a need in the community to enhance some of our community policing programs. As we get busier, we have less time to talk to people, and we want to make sure we don’t lose the relationships, those ties to the community that we’ve quite frankly worked really hard to build.”

The bike patrol will occur at various times throughout the day and week, depending on who would like to patrol. McLaughlin said the department will be using other grants the department has received to pay for the overtime pay of the bike patrol officers. The patrol will not have a set schedule, and officers will not be out biking in inclement weather.

“You come in for a couple hours and get out there on the bike,” said Dalton.

Due to response times being lengthened by pedaling on a bicycle, officers working bike patrol will not be scheduled to work alone. The bike patrol officer will also advise the Sussex County emergency operations center (SusCom) of their varied patrols so, if need be, they can call other officers to assist on an incident.

The equipment the officer wears will be the same — including their tactical vests and body cameras. They will have a reflective “police” banner on their vests so they are more visible and will be wearing protective helmets.

“[It’s the bike] most police officers and paramedics use,” Dalton said of the purchase. “We have a little bag on the back that we keep medical supplies in and a traffic vest, just in case. We are equipped with red and blue lights, which is pretty neat. So, if we wanted to pull someone over, we actually could.”

Dalton said she hopes to be able to do some traffic enforcement on the bike as well, noting they are stealthier, so there is the potential to work on some of the speed violations and stop-sign violations in town.

“Especially in the summer, there’s a lot of people around. I may be able to stop a bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road easier than a car would, too.”

Currently, three officers in the department have bike-police certifications, with the option available to the other officers.

“Other officers will get certified in the future. It’s not going to be mandatory for everybody. But we’ve got two or three other officers who are interested in it, so we’ll get them certified as soon as we can,” said McLaughlin.

Dalton, who worked as a seasonal bike cop in Bethany Beach before joining the OVPD, was certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association.

“That’s a certification Chief wants everyone to have, for liability purposes, too. It teaches you how to use the bike, riding it, the components of the bike, so if it breaks you have an idea of what’s going on. Then you go for a ride to make sure you’re physically fit to do it. If you’re in an altercation, they teach you how to use your bike as a barrier. It goes through a lot of stuff.”

McLaughlin said that, while other officers have voiced interest in becoming certified, he doesn’t foresee the department purchasing more bikes, as it is an overtime patrol.

Dalton said the patrol is a great way to patrol the Assawoman Canal area, John West Park and some of the town’s other areas.

“When we host community events or if there are events in the area, we’ll probably be out there on the bikes.”

“We’re going to be out there, trying to stay as visible as we can in the community. If everything goes right, do more talking and less riding. The goal is for them to stop by John West Park, for example, get off the bike and interact with the community,” added McLaughlin.

The bike patrol will also be at the department’s annual bicycle safety checkpoint, scheduled for Thursday, June 29, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Taylor Bank parking lot. Hogs for Heroes recently donated $300 to the department to help it purchase bicycle light kits for the checkpoint. Since the program’s start in 2006, the department has installed more than 750 lights.

Dalton said a number of local agencies have bike patrols, including the Dagsboro Police Department.

“I hope more agencies do get it, just to get out there and be seen. You’re more approachable on a bike than you are in a car. The car can be intimidating, especially if you have your windows rolled up. If you see someone on a bike, you can at least call out to them and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ With the car, people don’t know how to approach the vehicle.”

She said she’s excited for the community to be able to interact with the officers in a different way.

“I think community policing goes a long way. You have a positive attitude toward the people who you are, obviously, supposed to be protecting. And when push comes to shove and you’re in a jam, those people will be there for you. Chief has seen that happen in the past.”

“Combating crime isn’t just a job for the police — it’s for everybody. We believe that we’re all one big team that’s working together to keep the community safe,” McLaughlin said. “You can pick up any magazine or any law-enforcement periodical and you’ll see, ‘community policing, community policing, community policing.’ Places like Baltimore, Chicago, Wilmington, are hiring experts to come in and say, ‘You have to get back to community policing, because it is important. You have to be able to interact with the community. You have to have relationships with the community in order to be effective.’

“I tell our folks all the time, community policing is our bread and butter. It’s what we do. I think we’ve been successful at it and, in return, we’ve fostered outstanding relationships with our residents, our visitors and our business community. It works very well for us.”

Dalton said she is excited to have helped start this endeavor at the department and is looking forward to interacting with more citizens in the community.

“I love it. It’s nice. It’s a good change of pace. You’re, one, exercising — which in this profession you need to be physically fit — and you’re doing your job at the same time,” she said. “If you see me out there or any of us out there, stop us and say hi. Be sure to wave, and we’ll wave back. That’s the whole point.”

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: Among those celebrating Trevor Kramer’s legacy at the IRHS graduation were, from left, Tyler Kramer, Samantha Mayfield, student artist Liliana Guido, Gerald Brinson, MaryJo Brinson, Tori Mayfield and Michael Kramer.Last week, Trevor Kramer would have graduated with his friends at Indian River High School. Instead, he was lovingly remembered as a kind and outgoing young man who succumbed to cancer in his junior year of high school.

His classmates gave tribute during the May 31 commencement, both in their speeches and in a hand-painted portrait that freshman Liliana Guido presented to Trevor’s family.

Trevor passed away at 16 in March of 2016 at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital, after battling brain cancer. The 11th-grader lived in Frankford and was born in Pennsylvania to MaryJo Brinson and Michael James Kramer. He loved baseball, both cheering the Phillies and playing Little League.

“He was always a joker,” said his stepfather, Gerald Brinson. “If you were down, he’d make sure people would smile.”

Based on his 11th-grade portrait, the acrylic painting shows a thoughtful young man with clear blue eyes. The vibrant portrait will be hung with the memorial in his old bedroom.

When IRSD upperclassmen had asked the art department to paint a portrait of their fallen classmate, art teacher Steven O’Boyle wanted to submit the best work possible. It might seem like a challenging project for a ninth-grader, but O’Boyle saw Guido’s artistic potential to accomplish such important project.

“Liliana was the one I had chosen to do it, with absolute craft and professionalism, and I think she did accomplish that,” said O’Boyle.

She had never met Trevor, but Guido asked around.

“Everyone said he was like a big brother to everybody. A lot of people knew him and loved him,” she said. “And I was just so shocked that I didn’t even know him or meet him.”

Graduation day was the family’s first time meeting the artist. They hugged her lovingly and encouraged her to keep creating art. They also insisted that she get an “A” on the project.

“My gut told me I should do this … to put my best effort and heart into it for family and everyone who loved him,” said Guido, adding that she felt “very, very honored and privileged to do something like this.”

“I think it was just a good thing for the school and the community, when art comes together with big events. [That] tends to be very special,” O’Boyle said.

Principal Bennett Murray said he was proud of his students for memorializing Trevor, both in art and in their graduation speeches.

“I think all 220 students had learned or were touched in some way by his life or his passing. How they use that, that’s up to them,” Murray said. “But I have seen such changes… It’s a hard lesson to learn, but I am just so proud of everything that I’ve seen.”

Senior Class President David Clark would agree. As a child, he had attended daycare with Trevor, and he had felt his death acutely.

“It left us shattered. But it’s also quite astounding to me how that brought us together and made us a family,” Clark told the crowd.

“He had a huge heart, and the one thing he taught me before he left us is that we can never ever give up, and I think that’s a message that we can carry from this moment forward,” Clark said. “Let’s never give up. Let’s never stop going after what we want. We will never settle.”

Murray told the graduates that “when the time is right,” old friends will meet again, despite distance or death.

“I know that Trevor is with us tonight, and he is as proud as I am of each one of you guys,” Murray said.

It was an overwhelming night, but Trevor’s mother said she loved it.

“I can’t even put words into it. I’m just so proud of everybody. It’s just awesome, all of his friends,” MaryJo Brinson said. “It was really great. It just warms my heart to know that everyone loved him so much.”

Delaware State Police this week charged the chief of emergency medical services for the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad with both unlawful sexual contact and sexual harassment in connection with an alleged assault on a fellow EMT in early May.

Police said their investigation into the alleged sexual assault started on May 28, when a female member of the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad reported the incident to Troop 7 in Lewes. The investigation, based on the victim’s report of the alleged encounter, involved 46-year-old Jerry Johnson of Millsboro, also an emergency medical technician, who was accused of sexually assaulting her.

According to his profile on the squad’s website, Johnson joined the squad in October of 1994. Before becoming the chief of EMS, he held the position of ambulance captain for 15 consecutive years. Johnson had also been the treasurer, assistant treasurer and ambulance lieutenant for the department in the past.

According to the DSP, the 25-year-old victim — one of four EMTs in the department, located at 31738 Indian Mission Road in Long Neck — told them the incident occurred after she and Johnson were left alone in the office together, when the two other technicians had to respond to a medical call.

Police said she told them that Johnson had repeatedly asked her to lift up her shirt and expose her breasts, and that she decided to leave the room after repeatedly refusing those requests. They said the victim told them that Johnson allegedly followed her into the crew room, where he allegedly proceeded to again ask her to expose her breasts.

According to the police report, Johnson allegedly became physical in the crew room and allegedly grabbed the victim’s shirt at the waistline. They said she told police that he was able to expose her breasts and allegedly groped her.

Police said the victim reported that, after gaining her composure, she was able to push Johnson off and walk away from the situation.

The victim reported having filed two reports on the alleged incident with the president of the station. The first was called in on May 23, they said, and the second on May 28. Neither of the reports received a response, she told police.

Police reported that on May 29, Johnson turned himself in to troopers at Troop 7. He was charged with third degree Unlawful Sexual Contact and Sexual Harassment. He was subsequently released on a $600 unsecured bond.

Delaware State Police Public Information Officer MCpl. Gary Fournier noted that the maximum penalty for the first offense of third-degree unwanted sexual contact was a fine of up to $2,300 and/or a jail sentence of up to a year. The maximum penalty for the first offense of a sexual harassment charge is up to a $575 fine and/or a jail sentence of up to 30 days.

The Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad this week declined to comment the incident to the Coastal Point.

The status of Johnson’s employment at the station was also not offered, but his stature and profile remained on the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad’s website mid-week.

Victim Services available through DSP

The Delaware State Police has trained victim service specialists available through its website who can respond to any concerns victims of or witnesses to traumatic incidents may call about. The specialists have been trained at the police academy or in the private sector.

Those services can include short- and long-term services, trauma relief and positive support. Victim Services also has provided 24-hour emergency intervention, court accompaniments and follow up calls, letters and home visits.

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed any form of sexual or domestic assault can contact Victim Services’ toll-free hotline for answers to their questions and/or support, by calling 1-800-VICTIM-1 (toll-free inside Delaware) or (302) 659-6823.

Following up on an inquiry by Councilman George Cole at a May meeting of the Sussex County Council, the council this week discussed the definition of “Special Events” within the Sussex County Code.

Cole was specifically asking about Hudson Fields, an 18-acre parcel zoned AR-1 and located near Milton, where a number of concerts and other events have been scheduled this year, organized by Highway One. (At the June 6 council meeting, businessman Alex Pires of Highway One and Christian Hudson of Hudson Fields were in attendance, but did not speak.)

According to Chapter 115 of the Sussex County Code, “Special events such as circuses or carnivals grounds, amusement parks or midways, festivals, concerts, races/walks or any other special event or mass gathering being held outdoors or within a temporary structure or at a site and for a purpose different from the designated use and usual occupancy of the premises and located on unincorporated lands within Sussex County, permanently, or for a temporary time period exceeding three days.

“Special events as defined herein, with a duration not exceeding three days, are not subject to the conditional use process. Upon receipt of an application, the Director or his/her designee may grant approval of a special event not exceeding three days. All special events, regardless of duration, shall be subject to the requirements of the Sussex County Special Event Policy.”

County Administrator Todd Lawson noted that the section was amended on an unanimous vote in 2013, specifically referencing public safety and mass gathering policy for special events.

“Several events over the years have utilized this section of the code over the years, including Punkin Chunkin, car shows, children’s festivals, car shows, et cetera,” said Lawson. “This language was intended to permit temporary events with a short duration, of which requiring a conditional-use approval for that event seemed overly burdensome.”

Lawson said that, if council were to direct staff to review the ordinance for possible amendments, they could include the event timing. He noted the event clock may start the moment the property begins to prepare for the event and ends once it is returned to its former state.

“We need to clearly understand when the event clock starts and stops. Historically, the Planning & Zoning Department counted the setup and cleanup process as part of the days of the events.”

Event duration is something else council may want to consider reviewing, said Lawson, noting that the current code states it may run for three days. He added that the code is also “silent” as to the maximum number of events that can be held on the same property within a calendar year.

“Historically, the Planning & Zoning Department only allowed three events of the same kind per calendar year on the same parcel,” he said, adding that the council may want to review the types of events as well.

Cole asked how the County is currently operating in regards to special events.

“Historically, requests would come in or information was given to the Planning & Zoning Department — for instance, a neighbor would call and ask, ‘What’s going on in my neighboring field?’ and the director would investigate,” said Lawson.

Cole asked what the County would be doing going forward.

“I would say that takes direction from you all,” said Assistant County Attorney Vince Robertson, “because the ordinance is not all that well drafted… There’s not a lot of clarity.”

Robertson suggested, if the council wanted to make changes, that they perhaps review the types of requests they’ve been receiving.

“But I do think it’s important to have some flexibility in the code, because we don’t want to make people like the American Legion or a carnival or charity … have to come in and get a conditional use. There’s got to be some flexibility to allow these things in Sussex County, because, frankly, they’re good for the county.”

Cole continued to ask how staff interprets the current policy.

Planning & Zoning Director Janelle Cornwell said a lot of the requests have been for one-day events, and for those that are approved, organizers are sent letters stating that the event may last three days — setup and cleanup included.

If the three-day limit is ignored, Robertson said, there are penalties in the code, and enforcement would to go through the code-enforcement constable and court system.

Councilman Rob Arlett asked why exactly the policy was being reviewed.

“The reality is this has been going on. How many people have been concerned with respect to previous events that have been going on, as it relates to these special events? I don’t know what that answer is. Are we barking up a tree that’s not necessary? Has there been a real outpouring of concern from the community? Have there been any safety issues? Have there been any health issues? Why are we here today?”

“We’re here today to be proactive,” said Cole. “There are many instances where we sit back and watch something develop…”

Cole said he believes the County needs to figure out if it’s appropriate, and after how many events the event in question is no longer “special.”

Councilman Sam Wilson compared Hudson Fields to the Freeman Stage at Bayside, to which the County grants money yearly. Robertson clarified that events at Freeman Stage are not considered a “special event,” as the facility was approved as part of the (Americana) Bayside application under MR-RPC (Medium-Density Residential—Residential Planned Community) zoning.

Councilman I.G. Burton said he believes events come in different shapes and sizes, in different areas of the county.

“I think we have to encourage them, looking at what they are,” he said. “A lacrosse tournament ought to be a little different than a concert. We have to find a way, if there’s a problem with this, not to discourage it but to encourage it through information.”

He added that he believes teardown and setup should be reviewed.

Arlett said he wasn’t sure a change to the code is necessary and said he has yet to hear from the constituents.

“I want to hear from the people. I represent the people, so that’s who I’d like to hear from. I’m not here being a dictator, thinking what I think is the best for all people, without their input. That’s plain and simple,” he said. “We want to attract more and not detract others.”

He asked whether an application for a special event had ever been denied. Cornwell said she was not aware of one and would have to review the records. Robertson noted that some applicants were told they would have to apply for a conditional use.

“So where we are is we’re pretty flexible and you can pretty much do whatever you want,” said Council President Michael Vincent. “Is that what I’m hearing?”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” said Robertson.

Vincent said that going “way back” to the inception of the ordinance, it was to allow nonprofits to host fundraising events without having to apply for a conditional use.

“I’m thinking this this certainly needs to be tweaked,” he said.

Lawson said County staff would work up an outline of a draft ordinance, addressing some of the concerns the council had, to be reviewed at a later date.

A dog was killed by police on Tuesday during an active attack on a Delaware animal-control officer.

The incident, which took place on June 6, around 3:53 p.m., at All Aboard Grooming & Kennels near Dagsboro, involved multiple police agencies, as well as emergency medical services.

“Delaware State Police, Dagsboro police, Selbyville police and Frankford police were dispatched to assist a Delaware animal-control officer who was being actively attacked by a white-and-brown pitbull terrier,” said Dagsboro Police Chief Floyd Toomey.

“Upon arrival, a Dagsboro police officer observed the attack in progress. After attempts to physically restrain the animal or dislodge it from the actual attack, the officer euthanized the dog.”

Toomey said the animal-control officer was treated at the scene, then transported to Beebe Healthcare for treatment and was later released.

The Dagsboro officer was first to arrive on the scene, having been dispatched from SusCom.

“It was an active attack. Upon arrival, the officer actually witnessed the dog continuing its attack… The victim officer was becoming weaker due to the stress and severity of the attack.

“The victim officer had multiple lacerations to her lower extremities — legs, groin area, buttocks, and I believe her hands and wrists also — they were defensive wounds.”

Toomey said his officers received a brief class on dealing with animals when they went through the Delaware State Police Academy. He said he did not know what kind of training the animal-control officers receive but assumed it was more intensive.

It is likely that a report of potential human exposure to rabies was or will be filed by the Delaware Division of Public Health, police said.

A representative for All Aboard Grooming & Kennels declined to comment about the incident. Calls to Delaware Animal Services were not returned by Coastal Point’s Wednesday news deadline.

The incident took place in state police jurisdiction; however, Toomey said a use-of-force report was filed within his department.

He praised his officer, noting that his swift actions likely saved the victim from greater injury.

“From all reports, the officer responded, and his actions were quick, decisive and potentially life-saving.”

It’s time to finish the water filtration plant, and Selbyville residents this week approved the latest round of funding for the project. In a special referendum on June 3, residents voted, 62-2, to allow the Town to borrow $500,000 to finish building another water treatment building.

If all goes according to plan, Selbyville won’t have to repay the money from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund. The loan has 0 percent interest and 100 percent principal forgiveness upon project completion.

Mayor Clifton Murray thanked everyone who came out to vote.

Selbyville actually had two “nay” votes this time, which hadn’t occurred during the previous unanimous votes.

Residents had previously approved taking a similar $1.4 million loan (201-0) in 2011, to dig new wells. When those showed trace contaminants, residents approved taking a $2.5 million loan (88-0) in 2013 for water plant construction.

The latest loan should enable Selbyville to finish the water aeration building, thus forgiving both the 2013 and 2017 loans.

The project got started with gasoline additive MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) seeping into the ground water from a still-unknown source.

Selbyville is adding a new building to the water filtration process, which was scheduled to begin production on June 6. That means better quality water should be flowing from Selbyville faucets, said Councilman Rick Duncan.

The MTBE filtration consists of two simple air-stripping towers, around 30 feet tall, behind the existing water plant. Within the columns, water flows downward while air is pumped upward. MTBE is a volatile organic compound that evaporates when it touches air.

The Drinking Water Revolving Fund program is administrated by Delaware Department of Health & Social Services.

Meanwhile, the older water treatment plant roof needs replacing, so the council has approved a $20,000 bid by Healthman II Roofing for that work. However, a painting project will be delayed.

In other Selbyville Town Council news:

• Selbyville will seek a one-year extension to complete its Comprehensive Plan 10-year update.

Because the plan is due in September, Selbyville will request a one-year extension, which isn’t uncommon. It helps that the delay isn’t from shirking of duties, but has resulted from their attempts to win grant funding.

Since they didn’t win a state planning grant to pay for the work, Debbie Pfeil of KCI Technologies proposed a $35,000 “bare-bones” plan for drafting the town’s updated document. In doing so, the Town saves about $15,000 by doing some of its own work and printing, and by using fewer support hours from KCI. The plan still includes community feedback.

Selbyville’s update will need a lot of work, since the Town has passed the 2,000 mark for its population. The State now requires a more detailed plan for land use, including stormwater management and more. For planning requirements, that lumps Selbyville in with cities including Georgetown and Harrington.

“You’re in the big-dog club now, with 2,000 and over,” said Pfeil.

• Towns may have more power in changing speed limits, said Police Chief W. Scott Collins.

He said the new administration at the Delaware Department of Transportation is more willing to allow municipalities to change speed limits than it has been in the past.

“As long as we show some sort of justification, DelDOT will allow us to change it,” Collins said, versus the lengthy speed studies the State is typically known for when such changes are requested.

To begin, he’s hoping to extend the 35 mph zone on Route 54 eastward by about 100 yards.

• Lighthouse Crossing residents came to the council this week to request a speed limit change. The police department will give the development a turn with the portable speed trailer, which tells drivers their speed and can discourage speeding.

• Mountaire has requested to drill a new well near their southeast employee parking lot, across Hoosier Street from the plant. But the council was hesitant. Councilman Clarence “Bud” Tingle said he wasn’t comfortable with adding a water line onto a nonconforming property, especially with the possibility of spreading contaminants in Mountaire’s source water.

The fewer wells drilled, the better, said Duncan. Wells owned by the Town and by Mountaire have contaminants.

Mountaire rep Jay Griffith said a new well is needed to replace another well that has been rehabbed but continues to stagger. He said he wasn’t sure why the company didn’t just tap into the Town source nearby, also across the street, as the town council suggested. But he said he’ll look into it.

• The 60th annual Old Timer’s Day festival returns June 17 on Church Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family-friendly event includes classic car/truck show, venders, door prizes, food, live music with the Glass Onion Band, children’s pony rides, moon bounce, fire truck rides and more. The car-show awards ceremony is at 3 p.m.

• New police desktop computers were approved at a cost of $9,417, which was more than the $7,800 originally budgeted.

• The council unanimously approved an allowable conditional use for Howard Bunting to open a bookkeeping/payroll service at a residence at 65 Lighthouse Road.

• The town council favors changing the maximum grass height from 12 inches to 8 inches.

The Selbyville Town Council’s next regular meeting is Monday, July 3, at 7 p.m.

Coastal Point • Shaun M. Lambert: 'Under' composer Eric Tsavdar leads from the piano during rehearsal on Tuesday at the Dickens Parlour Theatre.Kurt Cobain is alive and hiding in plain sight, as Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo. Jim Morrison never really met “The End” and is still panhandling poetry somewhere along the cobblestone streets of Denmark. Despite all the fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Elvis has never actually left the building — he’s working as the groundskeeper at Graceland.

Even long before the “Forever 27 Club” handle was officially dubbed, fans of artists taken too soon have attempted to cope with the death of their favorite pop-culture personas with heavy doses of denial.

There’s been the conspiracies. The sightings. And, in some cases, even the selfies.

Now, there’s the musical comedy “Under”— wherein playwright David Warick and composer Eric Tsavdar aim to bring to life some out-there theories of their own by bringing iconic legends — including James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and even “The King” himself — back from the dead, when the original production makes its debut at the Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville on Sunday, June 11.

“There’s celebrities from every era, from the ’50s on, so it really hits a wide demographic,” said Warrick, who inked the storyline and who will also co-star as one of the play’s protagonists, Harry Allenby. “There’s a lot of funny stuff — it’s meant to be a musical comedy but not to make fun of any of these celebrities or their struggles.”

“The whole genesis of the show is look at these celebrities on the verge of self-destruction that get a way to escape the problems of their lives,” Tsavdar explained.

The narrative revolves around a subterranean utopia that shares its name with the play, designed and operated by Warick’s affluent fat-cat character and meant to serve as a refuge for some of history’s most infamous flights too close to the sun and candles burnt at both ends.

Finding Under means both finding the fountain of youth and voluntarily ditching the limelight, in a place where Underlings never get old and never die — so long as they stick to a few key house rules.

Of course, even in paradise there’s trouble, which is starting to brew when Hal Allenby (Alonso Dixon) stumbles upon his grandfather’s top-secret city to discover that not all of its celebrity citizens have left behind the problems of their past.

That’s the case mainly when it comes to Lord Lucan — the play’s villain, portrayed by Tim Hale and based on the non-fictional Englishman who disappeared after being accused of murdering his wife and nanny. Lucan’s still-menacing ways put a surprise squeeze on reformed rockers and direct descendants of the Allenby clan alike, while they band together to try to save Under as they know it from ending up over.

There’s plenty of laughs along the way, a love story when Hal also stumbles upon his dream girl (a doe-eyed waitress named Anna, played by Kathleen Carter) just before unwittingly departing from the real world, and original musical numbers from Tsavdar to set the scene.

While Sunday will be the production’s first appearance at Dickens, it originally premiered at Sussex Central High School in 2016, in what was the show’s first appearance on stage.

Since then, Warick and Tsavdar have streamlined both the script and the set list, going on to bring in a brand-new cast of local theater vets ready to give the show a second life with three performances in Millville.

“We did do some workshopping — it’s just part of the process to check out what worked and what you might maybe like to see go differently,” Tsavdar explained. “I’m really honored that Dickens expressed an interest in the show — it really is a little gem here in the Ocean View area.”

“I think that the intimacy of the theater will be really fun for the audience,” added Warick. “They’ll be able to pick up on the little nuances of the performance, and the actors will, hopefully, be able to form a little bit of a relationship with them throughout the show.”

Some of the names headlining what’s become “Under: The New Cast” include Phoebe Walls as “Queen of Rock” Janis Joplin, Jordan Marvel as the iconically-cool and cause-less rebel James Dean, Taylor Reeves as timeless sex-symbol and popularizer of the New York City steam grate Marilyn Monroe, Anthony Natoli set to experience “The Experience” while portraying “Voodoo-Child” virtuoso Jimi Hendrix, and Michael Wingate as flannel-clad poet and infamous Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, just to name a few.

Where the production will eventually lead after its resurrection at Dickens is a mystery on par with the current whereabouts of the cultural icons it portrays, but whether the next curtain ends up being called at another one of the area’s local theaters, a nearby city, or makes it all the way to the big-time on Broadway, both Warick and Tsavdar plan on keeping both the “Forever 27 Club,” and the show, forever alive and forever young.

“We’d definitely like to try it out at some venues in other cities, too,” Warick said of the show’s future.

“Dickens is doing us a big favor by giving us a chance to be able to really see it and hear it — they really are fantastic partners. They want this to be a success just as much as we do.”

“This is exactly the kind of thing that I love doing, and I’d love to be able to do more of this kind of stuff,” added Tsavdar, who had previously teamed up with Warick on their “Little Shop of Horrors”-inspired musical-comedy “Dr. Ghost.”

“For me,” Tsavdar said, “seeing it finally brought to life and then seeing people enjoy it — nothing beats that. There really isn’t anything better.”

Tickets for “Under” are priced at $15 for adults or $10 for students. Showtime is set for 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13. The Dickens Parlour Theatre is located at 35715 Atlantic Avenue in Millville. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.dptmagic.com or call Dickens at (302) 829-1071.

Coastal Point • Tyler Valliant: The Indian River High School Class of 2017 tossed their mortarboards into the air following their graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 31.

Rainy days rolled away to allow Indian River High School to celebrate its 48th commencement exercises in a sunny football stadium on May 31.

This year, about 84 percent of the graduates will enter post-secondary school, including 122 students planning to attend Delaware or Delmarva schools.

“What a group of young adults! And we are proud of you,” said Principal E. Bennett Murray IV as the sun set over his final graduation ceremony as principal.

The Class of 2017 has grown together, from nervous freshmen to more ambitious seniors, said Class President David Clark. He said he believes great hardships make way for great successes.

“We are leaving our training grounds. … We can all change the world if we put our minds to it,” said Clark, thanking the family members and teachers who helped them grow.

He and other speakers also honored their late classmate Trevor Kramer, who passed away from brain cancer in spring of 2016.

“He had a huge heart, and the one thing he taught me before he left us is that we can never ever give up. … Let’s never stop going after what we want. We will never settle.”

For perhaps the first time in school history, two students tied for valedictorian honors, with a grade-point average of 4.756.

“We all have different passions and interests that will influence what role we will play in this world,” said co-Valedictorian Erin Haden. As people pursue their dreams, she said, “Don’t be satisfied with simply meeting your standards. Put your full effort in every single step of the way, and work hard to be your best at whatever you are doing. The true feeling of success will come from the hard work you put into what you love. … It’s not the titles, it’s whether you love what you’re doing.”

Co-Valedictorian Haden McWilliams thanked his classmates for the memories. Don’t dwell on the end of this life chapter, but look ahead to the doors that will open, he encouraged.

“The next step is going to be up to each and every one of us,” McWilliams said. “We are going to be taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, and working to ensure a brighter future for ourselves and those around us, in our area and out beyond the farms and chicken houses of Sussex County.”

Guest speaker Sussex County Councilman Rob Arlett encouraged the graduates to have faith, in themselves and others.

“It’s not what you do — it’s what you do with what you’ve got … with the gift you’ve been given every single day.”

Student singers MaKayla DeShields, Berkleigh Fadden, Ivania Perez Martinez and Ayleen Rodriguez sang “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson and “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban, as a tribute to Trevor Kramer.

In a surprise announcement at the event, the Indian River High School Alumni Association awarded 10 scholarships. Saray Lopez won the Marla Banks Daisey Memorial Scholarship of $1,350, while nine IR Pride Scholarships, for $1,000 each, were awarded to Paige Troublefield, Samantha Mumford, Patrick Mochiam, Griffin McCormick, John Keller, Alexis Haden, Lindsey Grow, Maggie Ford and David Clark.

“Never forget your green and gold, and where you came from,” said Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele, who graduated from IRHS 40 years ago.

Finally, Principal Murray released students to toss their mortarboards into the air, “Class of 2017, you may now celebrate. The night is yours.”

UPDATE: See video of the incident here: https://videopress.com/v/rclcKl91

The Delaware State Police this week were investigating a serious hit-and-run crash in the parking lot of the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop in Clarksville that left a male pedestrian injured on Monday morning.

Police said the crash occurred on Monday, June 12, around 10:57 a.m., as a 69-year-old Bethany Beach man was standing near the passenger side of a 2016 Ford Econoline box truck in the parking lot of ACTS, located at 34634 Atlantic Avenue.

They said an unknown make and model red vehicle entered the parking lot, drove in a northeast direction and struck the right side of the box truck and subsequently pinned the pedestrian in between the vehicles. After impact, police said, the vehicle stopped and the driver and passenger switched positions.

The victim was treated at the scene by the Sussex County paramedics and was transported by ambulance to Beebe Healthcare, where he was admitted with multiple injuries, police reported.

Troopers continued to collect and analyze evidence at the scene to determine make and model of the striking vehicle. The parking lot in the area of the collision was closed for approximately an hour while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Troopers on Monday were attempting to locate the driver and vehicle that fled the crash and requested anyone with information in reference to this incident contact Cpl. T. Wright at Troop 4 at (302) 752-3898. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Coastal Point • Submitted: Charming colors and hardware grace the exterior of this historic cottage in downtown Bethany.(Editor’s note: This is the seventh in a series of previews of the homes that will be on display during the 26th Annual Beach & Bay Cottage Tour, to be held July 26 and 27 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.)

The owners of this home had vacationed with their four children at her parents’ Ocean City, Md., condo for years but longed for a family home they could call their own. When they discovered the aging 1905 Drexler cottage in Bethany Beach, they were intrigued by its history.

The house had been owned for generations by the family of former state Sen. Louis Drexler and had operated as a bed-and-breakfast for some time. Despite the heavy toll the years had taken on the home, they saw great potential, and jumped at the chance to buy and restore the diamond-in-the-rough to its original charm.

Beginning in March 2016, the wife, acting as the general contractor, worked with their builder to complete the exterior and interior transformation in just six months. The goal throughout the process was to retain as much of the five-bedroom home’s original character and to enhance its charm with appropriate upgrades and cosmetic improvements.

The original dark cherry tongue-and-groove walls and ceilings now shine with multiple coats of white paint that highlight architectural details, as well as their quirky imperfections. The choice of a bold navy exterior paint led to a subtle Americana décor and a new name for the house: “Blue Haven.”

The home was originally oceanfront but has been moved three times over the years, now resting just 80 steps from the ocean. The owners said they enjoy watching the daily parade of summer visitors passing their front porch and love experiencing small-town living. The warm and inviting home reflects a new generation who cherish its history and are committed to preserving it for the future.

This is just one of the properties that will be open to those who purchase tickets for the 26th Annual Beach & Bay Cottage Tour. Tickets, priced at $30, may be purchased at the South Coastal Library or through the Cottage Tour’s website at www.beachandbaycottagetour.com. The Cottage Tour is sponsored by the Friends of the South Coastal Library, and proceeds directly benefit the library’s operations.

Coastal Point • Submitted: The Freeman Stage at Bayside as seen from a drone, all prepped and ready for the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Julien Benichou, will kick off the 10th season of the Freeman Stage at Bayside at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16.

Along with the orchestra, the performance will feature soloists from OperaDelaware, as well as songs from “Macbeth” and “Aida.” Tickets cost $15 per person, with kids 12 or younger being admitted free of charge.

“We are grateful for our long partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra,” said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. ”This is the 10th season at the Freeman Stage at Bayside, and each year the MSO has helped us launch our summer schedule with an unforgettable night of music.”

Opening weekend at the Freeman Stage also includes the start of its Saturday morning kids’ series, sponsored by PNC Foundation — which take place at 10 a.m. every Saturday — as well as a performance by Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guest Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett of Little Big Feet on June 17, and a speaking event with Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker on June 18.

In nine seasons at the Freeman Stage, more than 322,000 people have enjoyed its programming, which has included a wide variety of performances, such as national recording artists, dance, theater and classical music. This season, the look of the venue may be different, with a new stage, but the experience for the patrons will remain the same, representatives noted.

“As we celebrate our 10th season at the Freeman Stage at Bayside, we look forward to another season of unique and diverse performances for the whole community to enjoy,” Grimes said.

The Freeman Stage is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which partners to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all. To purchase tickets, or for more information about the Freeman Stage at Bayside, call (302) 436-3015 or visit www.freemanstage.org.

The 34th annual Bethany Beach Fourth of July Parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4. The 2017 theme is “Bethany Beach Celebrates!” The parade committee is encouraging businesses, community organizations and families to get in on the fun by entering floats and compete for a variety of prizes.

Guidelines can be found on the Town’s website at www.townofbethanybeach.com, under Activities, Fourth of July. There is no pre-registration. Floats and bikes may be entered the day of the parade from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with floats registering at Route 1 and Central Avenue, and bikes at the Christian Church grounds. (Bike decorating kits will be distributed while supplies last.)

The official Bethany Beach Parade T-shirts will be on sale beginning May 27 at the Poseidon Festival kickoff at the bandstand. Other selling dates are from 9 a.m. to noon on the day of the parade, at the Seaside Craft Show on June 3 (Booth 132), and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the bandstand concerts leading up to the Fourth of July.

The parade will begin at noon on July 4 at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway and proceed 2 miles through downtown.

In addition to the floats, bikes and a procession of VIPs, there will be a combination of marching bands and bands on trucks, including: the 287th Army National Guard Band; Downtowners Fancy Brigade (mummers); Delmar District Pipe Band; 1st Delaware Regiment Fife & Drum Band; Tidewater Brass; 1st State Detachment Marine Corp League; Back Bay Strummers; Downtown Dixieland Band; German Oompah Band on horse-drawn wagon; Honeycombs; Paddlewheel Strutters.

Bethany Beach Police Department Sgt. Dean Sissler will be the grand marshal in 2017, in honor of his years of service as the Town’s seasonal police-officer-in-charge.

In an effort to protect children and bystanders, there will be no throwing of candy or other objects from the floats or vehicles.

At the bandstand at 2:30 p.m., attendees can participate in “Art Thou Smarter Than a Fifth Grader in Ben Franklin Trivia,” presented by Ben Franklin impersonator Brian Patrick Mulligan.

The parade award ceremony will take place on the bandstand at 7:15 p.m. Judging will take place before the parade begins.

Classic cover band Love Seed Mama Jump will go on at 7:30 p.m., providing the evening entertainment before the fireworks display.

Since the success of the parade depends heavily on the availability of police, EMTs and bands, there is no rain date. For updates, visit the Town’s website.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife is launching Delaware’s new Conservation Access Pass on July 1. Starting on that date, a Conservation Access Pass will be required for any registered motor vehicle used to access Division of Fish & Wildlife state wildlife areas for recreational activities, such as birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking and horseback riding, as well as hunting.

The annual pass for Delaware-registered vehicles is valid from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, and will cost $32.50 when it goes on sale July 1. Additionally, a three-day pass valid for three consecutive days will cost $10. For vehicles with out-of-state registration, an annual pass costs $65 and a three-day pass costs $20.

The Conservation Access Pass is assigned to a single registered vehicle but may be transferred to a different vehicle under the same ownership for an additional $10.

Starting July 1, the pass may be purchased online at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/Pages/Lic-Perm-Reg.aspx, at authorized license agents throughout the state, or from DNREC’s licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building at 89 Kings Highway, Dover.

Also starting July 1, Delaware hunters will receive one free annual vehicle pass with the purchase of a hunting license.

To purchase a Conservation Access Pass, wildlife-area users will need to show the registration card for the vehicle in which they will use the dashboard pass.

Some locations managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are exempt from the Conservation Access Pass requirement, including the Michael N. Castle Trail on the C&D Conservation Area near Delaware City, and designated boating and fishing access sites listed in the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide (http://www.eregulations.com/delaware/fishing/).

At the Assawoman Wildlife Area, including the Okie Preserve, the pass is required for all uses except to launch a boat, fish or crab at the Sassafras and Mulberry Landing boating access areas, Strawberry Landing dock and pavilion, and Memorial Pond.

Educational and shooting-range facilities operated by the division also are exempt, including the Little Creek Hunter Education Center, Aquatic Resources Education Center at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, DuPont Nature Center at Milford Neck Conservation Area and Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center and Public Shooting Range in New Castle.

The Conservation Access Pass will not permit access to Delaware State Parks, which are administered through a different division and require a different pass. Delaware State Forests are managed through the Delaware Department of Agriculture and do not require an access fee. The National Wildlife Refuges are owned and managed by the federal government through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which administers its own access fees separate from the state’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.

For more information about Delaware’s Conservation Access Pass, including a complete list of state wildlife areas that require the pass and locations exempt from the pass requirement, visit www.de.gov/fw or call the Division’s Wildlife Section at (302) 739-9912. Answers to frequently-asked questions about the Conservation Access Pass are also online at http://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2017/06/faq-....

For more information about purchasing the pass, call the division’s Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918.

Coastal Point • Submitted: Marie McIntosh rappels down the side of a building in Wilmington, as part of the Special Olympics Delaware ‘Over the Edge’ fundraiser.Imagine leaning over the edge of a 17-story building — 222 feet off the ground — back first.

Sussex Riptide Special Olympics Delaware coaches Marie McIntosh and Tony Gough did just that last month at the Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) Over the Edge fundraiser.

“Last year, I went down for the first time, and he decided not to steal my thunder. It was cutsie,” said McIntosh of Gough. “He thought, ‘Well, she should do it without me.’ This year, we decided to do it together, because I wanted to show him I could beat him, and I did. I was down first!”

Each participant registers with a $50 deposit to reserve a spot and then raises a total of $1,100 for the opportunity to rappel down the 300 Delaware Avenue Building in Wilmington.

The 2017 event included 86 Edgers raising more than $138,000, bringing the six-year total to 528 Edgers raising $896,000 for Special Olympics Delaware.

Gough used to be in a skydiving club and said he doesn’t have trouble with heights. McIntosh said neither does she, but she did take a while to reach the ground last year.

“Last year, it took me forever to get down. There’s a lip over the building… It took me forever to get over that last year — forever!” she said, adding that she was turned away from the building at one point. “The wind picked me up, took me off the building and turned me around — now I’m looking out and trying to turn myself around. This year, the same thing happened.”

The two plan to be involved with the event again next year — with McIntosh as an Edger and Gough as a rope-handler.

Going “Over the Edge” was just a drop among what the two have done this year with SODE.

“A lot of stuff is going on down here. It’s really cool,” said McIntosh.

Sussex Riptide is currently training for the 47th annual Summer Games, which will take place at the University of Delaware on June 9 and 10.

Sussex Riptide comprises athletes from all over Sussex County; however, practices for each sport are more localized, so as to keep the athletes and their families from having to travel far. Gough said they welcome athletes from the Ocean City, Md., area, too, as it’s right over the border.

The number of athletes on the team has increased recently, said McIntosh.

“When we first started cycling, we had six. Now we have 17. With the tennis, I had eight, and now there are 17 as well.

“Tony swears athletes follow me,” she added. “I got new neighbors last year. I’m introducing myself and I’m talking to Andrea, the athlete. She’s maybe 35. I said, ‘So, Andrea, were you ever in Special Olympics?’ ‘Oh, yeah!’ And we got her that way. Another athlete saw me with a Special Olympics shirt on.”

SODE offers athletes the chance to participate in a wide array of sports, including cycling, bowling, flag football, basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, track-and-field and more.

Cycling meets every other week at the Delaware National Guard’s Bethany Beach Training Site.

“It’s great what the National Guard is doing, because they have a closed track, so I can take all the athletes in there — it’s completely safe, there’s no automobile traffic,” said Gough. “We used to ride on Route 1, but it got to be too dangerous. The officers and the staff are very accommodating. The National Guard has been a huge supporter of Special Olympics.”

“They’re huge supporters of Special Olympics,” agreed McIntosh. “They come to the summer games and do the setup.”

The team also received a donation that allowed them to purchase three trikes for the athletes — one of which is being used by an athlete who recently took up cycling.

“We’re the only ones in Sussex County who have a cycling team,” noted McIntosh.

Gough, who volunteers alongside McIntosh and cycling coach Adam Rones, has even developed a reputation of hollering, “Pedal, pedal, pedal!” during practice, which the athletes laugh about.

He began a strength training class for the athletes after volunteering with the organization and seeing how they could benefit from the additional training.

“I watched all these athletes and thought, ‘They’re not too strong,’” he recalled. “They need strength training, all of them. I don’t care whether they’re playing tennis or swimming or whatever. I’ve been lifting weights and working out in the gym since I was about 10. It’s worked out really well.”

“Parents have told us they can see it,” added McIntosh.

Volunteers, supporters make a difference

Volunteers are always needed to help, she said, praising volunteer Mary Headman for always helping when needed.

“Since we came down here, she has been helping us. Whatever we need, she comes. She drives the athletes up to the summer games and stays in the dorm with them,” she said. “We always try to encourage our volunteers that, if they’re going to volunteer, to make the commitment, because our athletes really get wedded to you.

“I used to coach in New Castle when I lived up there... That’s been 13, 14 years ago? And when I go to summer games, they all remember me on the tennis court. It’s absolutely amazing. And if Tony’s not there, it’s, ‘Where’s Tony?’”

“They never forget you,” said Gough. “They look forward to seeing the volunteer every week.”

The community as a whole has been a big supporter of the SODE athletes, they noted.

“It’s especially amazing in the summertime because this is such a resort areas, and these enterprises are willing to give us access to their facilities at no charge,” said Gough.

“We couldn’t do the things we do without the community. We have Sea Colony always open to our using their facility. Then, in the summertime, when they get really busy, people from Bayside Tennis right across the street let us go there all summer long,” said McIntosh. “We have so much support here, and that’s one of the reasons, we think, our program is growing.”

Many area organizations and businesses, including Grotto Pizza, Bike Connection, Millsboro Lanes, Sea Colony, Bayside Tennis Club, Delaware State Police and the Ocean View Police Department, have helped the athletes along the way.

“For instance, during summer camp,” said McIntosh, “We need lifeguards, and Sea Colony gives us lifeguards. North Bay Marina gives us a pontoon boat.”

She also noted that the athletes themselves are giving back to the community that has supported them.

Athlete Justin Daisy volunteers at Brandywine Assisted Living and Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation & Health Center. Another athlete volunteers her time at Lord Baltimore Elementary School. Three athletes are working at Giant as baggers, while others are employed at Grotto Pizza, Harris Teeter and Walgreens.

The program has also encouraged bonding between the athletes’ parents, who McIntosh said now socialize together.

“They get together. As an example, Tuesday, after tennis, they’ll say, ‘Let’s go out and get pizza.’ Our parents — they’ve really forged a great connection, which I think is really, really great. Our parents are truly wonderful.”

The athletes themselves have also been able to become friends outside of practices.

“The really nice thing about this is these guys get to be friends and they spend time together not with us. That’s the coolest thing,” said McIntosh.

Following the Summer Games, athletes have the opportunity to apply to one of two camp sessions at Camp Barnes near Bethany Beach.

According to the SODE website, the camp features “opportunities for attendees to enjoy recreational and camp-type activities, including swimming, crafts, non-competitive games, fishing, crabbing and canoeing. In addition, campers have a chance to participate in a variety of traditional SODE sports throughout the three days.”

Gough and McIntosh, who both volunteer at the camp, said it is a wonderful experience for the athletes.

For the past few years, North Bay Marina owner Scott McCurdy has provided a pontoon boat and the fuel so that campers can take a cruise on the Little Assawoman Bay.

“Scott is wonderful,” McIntosh. “We gave him a plaque one year, and he hung it right up while we were there, right away… I’ll never forget that.”

“These are $70,000 boats — these are not inexpensive boats — plus the fuel. He pays for all the fuel,” said Gough, adding that the camp is great for the athletes. “It is nice that the Delaware State Police makes the camp available to us. They’ve made a lot of repairs to the camp over the years, as have the Lions Club.”

For a number of years, Gough has organized a motorcycle ride from Rommel Harley-Davidson in Seaford to the summer camp. The rides this year will take place Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 13, both meeting beginning at 4 p.m., with kickstands up at 5 p.m.

The ride is open to all — HOGS, Blue Knights, Red Knights, Legion Riders, Masonic Brotherhood, Hogs & Heroes — anyone who would like to participate. They do request a $10 donation per rider to Special Olympics of Delaware.

“It’s open to any motorcycle rider — Yamaha, BMW, Suzuki, it doesn’t matter — anyone who would like to come,” said Gough. “We ride in, have dinner with the athletes and let the bikes cool off. Then we bring them outside, they sit on the bikes, put the helmets on, turn the lights and radio on... I’ve been doing it for seven years now.”

“He’s so wedded to it now. Tony has taken over so much,” said McIntosh of Gough’s commitment to Special Olympics.

The two, who met nine years ago, initially became involved in Special Olympics through their work in education.

“I was a special-education teacher, and I was a swimming coach at Newark High. At that time, in ’75, they already had Blue-Gold,” McIntosh said of the all-star state athletic competitions held each year that also pair the selected athletes with students with disabilities.

“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to have a Blue-Gold swim meet.’ I asked the special educators in the area and the special education office — which at that time was housed in the Hudson Center — if we could put something together. Then, I thought, I could just start volunteering.”

“I was a member of the Frederick County Board of Education for five years. I was chair of curriculum and had special education under my auspices. Then I got away from it for a while, but then when I met Marie… She’s contagious,” said Gough.

“If you’re with me, you’re going to be a part of Special Olympics. Otherwise, it’s a deal-breaker,” she said with a laugh. “It’s truly just a part of our life. It’s a passion.”

To watch video of McIntosh and Gough go Over the Edge, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AjMw2HvviI&feature=youtu.be. For more information about Special Olympics Delaware, visit www.sode.org.

Those who wish to get involved by volunteering with Sussex Riptide may contact McIntosh at mariemcintosh522@gmail.com. Motorcyclists interested in taking part in the rides to the summer camp should email Gough to confirm, at gought43@gmail.com.

Identity-theft prevention and giving back to the community are two main goals of County Bank’s community shred event on Friday, June 16.

Members of the community will have an opportunity on Friday to bring up to three banker-sized boxes of paper, per person, to the bank’s Millville branch, to shred free of cost. The event will take place from noon until 3 p.m., and individuals are being encouraged by the bank to bring canned food donations.

Jason Moshier, the marketing and public relations officer for County Bank, has been coordinating the event for four years.

“We have a lot of people who are moving to the community and are bringing with them a lot of things that need to be securely and confidentially removed,” Moshier said.

Over the years, Moshier said, hundreds of community members have utilized the free shred events to dispose of unwanted documents. He emphasized that most of those documents contain information about the individuals that can make them vulnerable to identity theft. He said the free shred events can reduce the potential for that information to be stolen.

He said the Millville branch of County Bank has seen a huge turnout during prior shredding events.

“I stopped counting after 50 cars at all of the shred events,” Moshier said. “I just stop.”

With that expected large turnout of people in mind, the bank is also highlighting the request for community members to bring canned goods, which will be donated to local food banks. Moshier said the food will not go to the Delaware Food Bank, but instead will be distributed to local food pantries, based on the location of the bank holding the event.

The Millville branch has been sending donations to Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View. The church then will most likely redistribute the food to various other organizations, said Moshier.

“It’s not a sales pitch — it’s a service,” Moshier said as a final note about why he feels the event is an important way for County Bank to give back to the community.

County Bank is located at 36754 Old Mill Road in Millville. For more information, call (302) 537-0900.