Quantcast
Channel: Coastal Point - Local News
Viewing all 3937 articles
Browse latest View live

Fenwick First Fridays offer new shopping specials

0
0

Fenwick Island businesses are aiming to make Friday a big shopping night. The local businesses have followed in the footsteps of other towns in the region by starting the new Fenwick First Fridays events, continuing Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.

More than a dozen shops and restaurants are offering free samples, coupons or other specials. After the trial run in October, organizer Tim Collins said, he got a lot of positive feedback.

“I talked to two or three stores that were pleased with it and sort of determining how they were going to leverage it” into more discount days. “That’s the kind of results we’re looking for. Personally, for us, we had particularly good Friday,” Collins said of his own business, Southern Exposure.

He said he hopes more businesses continue to join in the event, which he said connects the community and builds hype for shoppers to spend an evening in town.

This winter, customers can get even luckier, with big prize drawings. In November and December, customers can enter the contest at different shops and restaurants. Winners will be announced at the Fenwick Freeze ocean swim on New Year’s Day.

The effort was led by Fenwick Island Business Development Committee, which is sanctioned by the Town of Fenwick Island to partner with the unincorporated sections of Fenwick, along Routes 1 and 54. Collins thanked the Town, the Fenwick-Bethany Area Chamber of Commerce and the businesses that have dived in whole-heartedly.

“There is a level of business that is literally in our back yard that we need to pull together as business community and make ourselves known,” Collins said. Meanwhile, they all contributed to share advertising costs.

“The whole idea is to promote shoulder season and business year-round,” Collins said.

Fenwick is home to restaurants, personal and home services, clothing and accessories shops, banking and other businesses.

Fenwick First Fridays shopping details are online at www.FenwickIsland.Delaware.gov and in the ad on Page # of the Coastal Point.

First Friday specials are available to all shoppers. Fenwick Friday separate from the Fenwick Locals 19944 discount program, in which people who reside or work in the 19944 postal code can show proof of their town affiliation to receive discounts at many Fenwick businesses.


Packing purses with soap and hope for women in need

0
0

Coastal Point • Laura Walter:  From left, Norma Hall, Teresa Shockley, Gladys Aviles-Johnson and Ruth Thomas take a break from packing Patsy’s Purses for a photo. The purses get filled with toiletries, then delivered to homeless shelters and other safe homes.Coastal Point • Laura Walter: From left, Norma Hall, Teresa Shockley, Gladys Aviles-Johnson and Ruth Thomas take a break from packing Patsy’s Purses for a photo. The purses get filled with toiletries, then delivered to homeless shelters and other safe homes.When her mother passed away from cancer on Sept. 11, 2016, Gladys Aviles-Johnson couldn’t bear to just ship her mother’s belongings to a thrift shop.

“I felt like we were throwing them out. I just prayed about it, ‘Lord, what can we do to make a difference?’” the Bridgeville resident said.

She was inspired to give her mother’s purse collection to women in need. Now Patsy’s Purses are filled with toiletries and other necessary items, then delivered to homeless shelters, rehab centers and other safe homes.

“You figure you have nothing, and then you come out and you get the staples that you need,” said Ruth Thomas of Georgetown, who helps prepare bags.

It’s a special gift, especially for people who have felt looked-down upon, either through homelessness, addiction or abuse.

“Anything that can build them up instead of tear them down…” said Aviles-Johnson.

Patsy Aviles was a single mother of four children who lived on the western Delaware/Maryland border and worked in canneries all her life. Before she succumbed to bladder cancer, she was known as a real fighter, someone who was always helping people and who inspired her kids to do the same.

Now, each Patsy’s Purses bag includes socks, gloves, a notepad, a sewing kit, a washcloth, soap, shampoo, feminine pads and other necessities. Some items are also intended help lift the women up, such as a manicure kit and a Bible.

Ruth Thomas hand-knits a tiny prayer shawl and types a simple prayer for each lady, reminding them that they’re never alone.

“It’s point-of-contact. It’s just something to hold on to,” Thomas said.

The finishing touch is a handwritten note from Norma Hall, telling the women, “You are loved.”

When Hall first heard about Patsy’s Purses, she said, she wanted to help immediately. Now living in Frankford, she’s also lived through tough times herself.

“I know how you feel when you come out of it — you don’t have nothing,” Hall said. “It’s awful out there. And these young girls — I wish I could go to the schools and talk to them and tell them you don’t need to be on that stuff,” she said of drugs. “And now I’m helping the homeless people and the people who go to rehab.”

Locally, bags have been sent to Sussex Community Crisis Housing Services in Georgetown; Serenity Properties in Georgetown; Hands of Hope in Bridgeville; People’s Place in Milford; the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence in Dorchester County, Md.; and many more. They’ve also sent bags farther afield, to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico and “anywhere I can find an opportunity to give,” said Aviles-Johnson.

Since the first delivery on Sept. 28, 2016, they’ve donated more than 200 purses, including to a 10-year-old staying with her mother at a shelter, who they said just “lit up” at receiving her own bag.

“The outreach is awesome,” said Aviles-Johnson. “We’ve been blessed with donations. They say, ‘When God is in it, there’s no limit.’”

They’re always accepting donations, while looking for more opportunities to help women.

Anyone who would like to participate should contact Gladys Aviles-Johnson through Facebook or by calling (302) 745-5562.

Police, EMS discuss opioid epidemic data, impact

0
0

Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted: The numbers are daunting in Delaware’s heroin epidemic.Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted: The numbers are daunting in Delaware’s heroin epidemic.“This is like watching a hurricane grow,” said Robert Stuart regarding the heroin epidemic in the state to those attending the Sussex County Today & Tomorrow Conference on Oct. 25.

Stuart, director of Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, was joined at the conference by Lt. Tim Hulings and intelligence analyst Nicole Sapp, both of the Delaware State Police.

Stuart noted that, in looking at heroin-related statistics, the Millsboro area was in the top five for use of the overdose-reversing drug Narcan (naloxone).

“It’s not an underprivileged community — it’s one of the fastest-growing towns in the state of Delaware,” he said. “It’s the entire state of Delaware… It’s everywhere.”

Hulings said he and Sapp work for the Delaware Information & Analysis Center, which takes crimes and hazards, and determines their validity and relevancy.

“We believe the opioid epidemic is a Homeland Security matter. It’s a poisoning epidemic, plain and simple,” he said, noting that they work with 78 other centers in their network. “It does impact economic development, it does impact our communities, and we know there are things being done — but what can we all do as a community?”

Hulings said that, in 2016, he went to Washington, D.C., with the National Governors Association to take part in a meeting with other representatives from Delaware, to collaborate and share information on the opioid problem.

“We were told to come up with a better understanding of the opioid epidemic in Delaware — what we call situational awareness. We met, collaborated and shared information on an unprecedented level,” he said.

“In the past, we had restrictions on law-enforcement sensitive information, restrictions with HIPPA protected information — we overcame these barriers by removing personal identifying information and answering the questions, ‘Who’s overdosing in Delaware, generally?’ ‘Who’s dying from an overdose in Delaware?’ ‘Who’s seeking treatment in Delaware for drug addiction?’ ‘Who’s getting arrested?’”

From that meeting, the Drug Monitoring Initiative was created.

Sapp said her office receives data from EMS, forensic science and DSAAM. They also analyze law-enforcement information from at least 42 local and state law-enforcement agencies.

“All information is combined into one report — the Drug Monitoring Initiative,” she said.

Sapp said that the key findings show that, this year, from the first to second quarters, there was a 16 percent increase in overdose deaths, and 72 percent of patients administered Narcan had overdosed in their homes.

“Once we put it together, we do send it out to our partners for their input and review,” she said, adding that the main goal of the work is “to provide constant, actual information to help address issues related to the drug epidemic affecting our state.”

Stuart said those involved are trying to determine the who, what, when, where and why of the problem.

“I think this report gives us a lot of information and helps answer the first part of the question.”

He added that the State is taking action to address the problem, with the Behavior Health Consortium & Addiction Action Committee.

Earlier this month, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced that they would be launching a life-skills pilot program in eight middle schools throughout Delaware, with the goal of teaching students the skills they need to prevent addition, promote positive decision-making and reduce violence.

In Sussex County, the participating schools include Seaford, Selbyville, Millsboro and Georgetown middle schools, along with the Southern Delaware School of the Arts.

“This problem is not going to be solved quickly, but I think having this information and having a collaborative effort to put this together is a great start for the State of Delaware and Sussex County. ‘‘

Stuart said it is important for everyone to realize there is a problem in the state, and that it affects more than just the users.

“I went to a forum a few months back, and a woman came up to me and gave me a big hug and she said, ‘I want to thank you for saving my son.’ I said, ‘On behalf of my paramedics, I’m glad we were able to do that. When did this occur?’ And she said it occurred six times. I’m, like, ‘Wow,’ and she was crying.

“The room was covered with pictures of dead young people — young people who died of overdoses. This report doesn’t really put it in perspective until you see the faces in those pictures, you see the face of a mother who has lost a son, or a daughter, or a niece or a nephew… It’s very powerful.”

OVHS to host Delmarva food lecture, Christmas open house

0
0

To continue their public outreach and education, the Ocean View Historical Society will host a lecture by local author and storyteller Ed Okonowicz on “The Food Lore of Delmarva — Muskrat, Scrapple & More.”

“This talk was made possible by a grant from the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities,” said OVHS President Barbara Slavin.

The talk will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Ocean View Presbyterian Church, where light refreshments will be served. Attendees will learn how the region eats, and how it reflects on the area, its past, and the area’s regional and cultural traditions. The lecture is free to OVHS members, with a $5 admission charge for the general public.

Slavin said she had never heard one of Okonowicz’s lectures before, but when browsing through the Delaware Humanities website, the topic caught her eye.

“I’m hoping we’ll get a nice crowd that will be interested in this topic. He said it’s one of his most popular topics. With the word ‘scrapple’ in there, it seems most appropriate for Sussex County,” she said, adding with a laugh, that she has not had muskrat, nor does she care to.

To help continue to raise funds for the non-profit historical group, a night of shopping will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. at the York Beach Mall in South Bethany. That evening, 20 percent of sales at McCabe’s Gourmet, Sea Level and Made By Hand Fair Trade Boutique will be donated to support the creation of the planned Coastal Towns Museum and OVHS’s Hall’s Store Visitor Center.

“We’d like to make that a tradition — the Friday night before Thanksgiving — so people can do a little bit of Christmas shopping before Black Friday,” said Slavin.

She noted that, on Jan. 4, 2018, a dine-and-donate will be held at Just Hooked in Fenwick Island — with 20 percent of that evening’s dinner tabs going to the society.

“That’s really great,” she said. “Fundraising is more active than it’s ever been, and it’s more necessary than it’s ever been.”

The historical society will continue its Christmas tradition by hosting an open house on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 3 p.m. The free event will allow attendees to get a feel for Christmas in Ocean View in the 1800s.

“We like to have an old-time Christmas open house where we decorate the Tunnell-West house, which is a Civil War-era house, as it would’ve been done in 1860. We keep the decorations authentic for that time,” said OVHS member Carol Psaros. “We like to take people back to that era and have the house smell like it would have, give people some Christmas cheer that would’ve been appropriate for that time, some Christmas cookies, spiced cider and maybe some eggnog. It’s varied over the years.”

“It just seems like a good way to get people who haven’t been in or haven’t visited in a while to come in and see the changes or just enjoy the afternoon with a cup of eggnog. It’s just a nice affair,” added Slavin.

Psaros said sometimes other buildings at the historic complex are open during the event as well, depending on weather.

“We will have our docents present. It’s an informal event, but if people come and see a picture on the wall or an antique piece they want to know more about, there are people in the house who can fill them in.

“In doing so, you tell them about old Ocean View, who the first settlers were and how the town grew. We’ll even have our two-seater outhouse open and decorated for people to look in and imagine what it might have been like,” she said with a laugh.

There will even be live music provided by a mandola player to listen to while attendees enjoy a beverage and cookies.

“This year, we’re going to try to gather a bunch of greens and help people make a teardrop wreath. We’re going to provide the materials for that,” added Slavin.

The event coincides with the Town of Ocean View’s annual Christmas in the Park event.

“We just try to have fun with it,” said Psaros. “Christmas has morphed into a lot of commercialism. Back in the day, from what I understand, it was a very quiet holiday. People got together as a family, gift-giving was not what it is today — certainly not the focus of the event. It was a different type of celebration… It was not as commercialized as it is today. That’s the feeling we try to bring back.”

Slavin said it is important for the group to continue to do community outreach events throughout the year, and she hopes more people will attend to learn about the organization.

“I think it gives us credibility,” she said. “I think our historical house tour was an example of that. We’re able to show the community our history. If you’re going to live here, you may as well know what it was like back then.”

The Ocean View Historical Complex is located at 39 Central Avenue in Ocean View. For more information regarding the OVHS and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/oceanviewhistoricalsociety. Those interested in donating to the society or becoming a member can visit www.ovhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

County announces economic development loan program

0
0

Sussex County will be creating a $4 million economic development loan to help draw businesses to Sussex County.

The announcement, made by County Administrator Todd Lawson at the Sussex County Today & Tomorrow Conference on Oct. 25, was met with applause from those in attendance.

“Sussex County is joining Discover Bank in its participation in the Grow America Fund, an affiliate of the National Development Council, to leverage County economic dollars with the bank’s lending, to create this $4 million fund,” said Lawson.

“Loans will be available to businesses looking to grow in Sussex or even relocate to Sussex. Loans will range from $250,000 to $1 million. With longer loan terms and below-market interest rates, the fund will help businesses stretch their dollars, stretch their cash flow and save thousands with lower monthly payments.”

Lawson said a formal announcement of the loan will be made in the weeks to come, but he stated that County officials were pleased to be able to announce it that day.

“This is very exciting news for us,” he said.

Also at the Oct. 25 conference, focusing on “The Power of Collaboration,” Lawson took the opportunity to discuss other Sussex County initiatives.

“I want to think that our County government is a study in constant collaboration. We are always collaborating with stakeholders to address and develop strategies to serve this community.”

He called attention to the Delaware Coastal Airport and noted the partnership with conference host Delaware Technical Community College to develop the aviation, maintenance and powerplant program to train a skilled workforce.

“Sen. [Tom] Carper recently was quoted saying, ‘Aviation supports 2,600 jobs in the state of Delaware and contributes nearly $600 million to our economy each year.’ The senator should know, with his help, the County secured significant funding to improve the facility and improve that runway to accommodate additional and larger airplanes.”

The County has also been focusing on infrastructure related to broadband internet. Lawson noted that it is no secret that there is an issue in the county, with residents either not having broadband service at all, or having limited and/or unreliable service.

“This is affecting our economic development. Businesses today cannot function without reliable internet or internet with enough bandwidth to sufficiently meet their needs. This topic is not new to Sussex County.

“There have been discussions and working groups going back many years… I’m here to say: We’ve talked enough. It’s time to see measured results.”

Lawson said the County has developed and executed a pilot program to use fiber-based and point-to-multi-point wireless high-speed, private network internet connectivity in Lewes to connect to a nearby County paramedic station, a County wastewater plant and 10 of the County’s wastewater pump stations.

“This pilot has already proven to be very successful,” he said. “The County and this council have decided to take the lead on this issue, and we have earmarked $1 million this year to do just that.”

Lawson said it is an exciting time in Sussex County, and growth is on the way.

“The County will focus on the areas of greatest need, including the rural areas of Western Sussex along the Route 13 corridor and coverage areas that stretch well beyond the highway.

“We are now poised to launch these efforts beyond the County facilities and start to offer residential and commercial services… That project is going to jumpstart in the weeks to come, so stay tuned.”

Fenwick officials seek to increase borrowing in future for storms

0
0

If a coastal storm were to hit Fenwick Island, the town council wants to have to have some financial power ready to go.

The Fenwick Island Town Council recently proposed changing the town charter to increase their borrowing limits. Currently, Charter Section 34 permits the Town to borrow up to $500,000 in one year for current expenses — an amount that hasn’t changed since 1965.

Now, they’re proposing being able to borrow up to “5 percent of the total assessed value of all non-tax-exempt real property.” Such short-term loans would have to be repaid within 10 years.

Right now, the value of 5 percent of all real estate in the town is about $1.5 million dollars, said Town Manager Terry Tieman.

The change could help the Town recover faster in an emergency, such as a coastal storm event, until DEMA or FEMA potentially repaid the Town.

“We’re a coastal town. … We have to accept the fact that we’re susceptible to storm damage,” said Councilwoman Vicki Carmean, who referenced the southern U.S. states and territories crushed by recent hurricanes. “Those places were devastated, and I know there’s insurance money that eventually comes around, but I would feel more comfortable having this behind Fenwick in case something really bad happened.”

“We’re not looking to borrow money right now. This is to have emergency fallback in case we ever” had storm damage, said Mayor Gene Langan.

The change could offer the Town better flexibility in an emergency, but the draft of the charter change only specifies that the money be used for “general purposes.”

When Tieman researched other towns, she said, “Most places were doing 5 percent, and I think for a town our size, that would get you through a pretty big construction project.”

The increased borrowing limit should make things smoother, Tieman said. For instance, when Fenwick built a new police station several years ago, they had to borrow money, repay some of it, and then borrow more to finish the project.

The charter already allows the Town to borrow up to 25 percent of real property value for capital projects relating to utilities or other “permanent municipal improvements.”

The first reading of the change passed on a 5-2 vote this week. Councilwoman Julie Lee said she wanted an amendment requiring such borrowing be only by supermajority vote. Councilman Roy Williams said he didn’t approve of the text as written.

The draft also proposes change to the title from “Borrowing for Current Expenses” to “Short Term Borrowing.”

A public hearing and final vote will be scheduled for a future meeting.

Concern for beach replenishment

Langan expressed some concern this week that scheduled beach replenishment may bite into the summer season.

Although the $17.2 million contract to replenish sand in Fenwick, South Bethany and Bethany Beach is scheduled to begin after New Year’s, Langan said he fears it might not start until spring.

“Unfortunately, they have 240 days to complete the dredging, which, by my calculations, would bring us to the end of summer, and we really don’t want this going on during summer,” Langan said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District has awarded Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company the contract for the project, and officials have said work is expected to begin sometime after the New Year’s holiday.

Dune grass and fencing are part of the project Langan said.

“Unfortunately, it’s a government project, and our hands are just more than tied,” he said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. We’ll keep working with the Corps, and we’ll keep working with DNREC.”

Moratori-ummm

Fenwick’s two-year moratorium on new hotel and motel uses is set to expire on Feb. 26, 2018. Since there has been little to no discussion on hotels lately, Lee suggested that the Town discuss and possibly extend the moratorium.

It was originally prompted by public concerns when the Town increased density for existing hotels and motels.

The moratorium does not forbid the three existing hotel/motel businesses from renovating, although Town staff have yet to receive any permit requests from The Sands Motel, whose owners had originally requested those code changes in order to upgrade the property.

Setbacks in setback vote

After a public hearing and some discussion, the council agreed to table a final vote on a proposed ordinance that would allow some businesses to keep mechanical equipment stored in their property setbacks.

Council members requested to see a diagram at the next meeting that would show exactly how commercial lots and their neighbors would be affected by changes to Code Chapter 160-5.C. (Area Regulations — Commercial).

As proposed, corner business lots would be allowed to have mechanical equipment (such as mechanical pumps, ice machines and more) encroach 4 feet into their 15-foot side setback. Also, businesses with mechanical equipment immediately adjacent to the building could encroach within 6 feet of the rear property line.

Some residents said they were worried that the change would place equipment closer to their homes. But until the council changed the code earlier this year, businesses had no rear setback limitations at all.

When stricter setbacks were proposed (mirroring similar changes is the residential zone), business owners advocated for some leniency in order to maximize floor space and prevent noisy mechanical equipment from having to be installed on rooftops.

The Town already requires screening around most of the ground-based mechanical equipment, and commercial rear-yard setbacks must have a 5-foot vegetative stormwater buffer adjacent to residential properties.

In other Fenwick Island Town Council news:

• An arrest was made in connection to a rash of area thefts, but investigation is ongoing, said Police Chief Bill Boyden.

He estimated that in 90 percent of the cases, cars stolen from had been unlocked or front doors on homes weren’t dead-bolted.

“You can’t leave your cars unlocked anymore. This is not 1972,” Boyden said. “We’ll probably be getting more reports, because so many houses didn’t realize their houses had been entered, because this guy left no damage.”

He begged people to call the police if somebody or something seems “off” in their neighborhood. Police want to know, he said.

• The mayor thanked citizens for volunteering to fill 98 positions on 15 various boards, committees and commissions. Committee chairs for 2017-2018 are: Audit Committee, Gardner Bunting; Business Development, Tim Collins; Beach, Becca McWilliams; Budget, Gardner Bunting; Building, no chair; Dredging, Bernie Merritt; Charter & Ordinance, Bill Weistling; Emergency Management & Infrastructure, Gardner Bunting; Environmental, Mary Ellen Langan; Finance, now a permanent committee, Richard Mais; Pedestrian Committee, Vicki Carmean; Planning Commission, Winnie Lewis; and Technology, Gene Langan.

Audrey Serio will be appointed Board of Elections inspector when the group convenes in summer. Craig Lambertson and Tim Collins received new terms on the Board of Adjustment.

• The council voted unanimously on an unspecified action on a personnel matter after an executive session on Oct. 27. They would not comment on the issue, other than Richard Mais saying it was not regarding a current town employee.

• After a successful first month, local businesses will continue offering discounts and deals at Fenwick First Fridays, on Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.

• The 10th annual Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. Pets and costumes participants are being invited for the 2.2-mile fun-run and walk. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted and commemorative T-shirts will be sold, to benefit local volunteer fire companies.

• The Town’s holiday tree-lighting will be Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.

• The Environmental Committee has again noticed rapidly dying pine trees across town, indicating that pine sawyer beetles have carried pinewood nematodes, which spread rapidly along already weak or dying trees. People are being encouraged to remove the dead trees immediately, to prevent further spread.

The Fenwick Island Town Council will skip November’s monthly meeting and convene again on Friday, Dec. 8, at 3:30 p.m.

Bethany Beach to host Holiday Happenings, tree lighting

0
0

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Town of Bethany Beach will host its annual Holiday Happenings from 1 to 3 p.m. at town hall. The event will feature face-painting and photos with Santa, complete with hot cocoa, cookies and a station for children to write letters to Santa.

Traditional favorites, including horse-drawn wagon rides, trolley rides through town and beach tractor rides will be extended until 4 p.m. The trolley will also be running to select pick-up locations throughout Bethany Beach.

At 5 p.m., the third annual lighting of the Town’s holiday tree will take place on the Bandstand Plaza. People will gather for a sing-along led by the Christmas Carolers, a group of singers from area music schools who dress in Victorian-style costumes.

Attendees are again being encouraged to bring hats, gloves, scarves and canned goods to be donated to local charities. Those who cannot attend the event can watch it on the west view beach-cam via the Town website.

Holiday Happenings will once again kick off Weekend Wonderland in Bethany, a town-wide collaboration in which participating businesses will offer special incentives between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the Dec. 2, 9 and 1h. Singing around the tree will end each day at 5 p.m. and feature the Indian River High School chorus on Dec. 9 and the Southern Delaware School of the Arts Show Choir on Dec. 16.

Also on Dec. 16, there will be a special showing of “The Lego Batman Movie” from 3 to 5 p.m. at the South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach.

Holiday Happenings is free and open to people of all ages. There is no rain date. For updates, visit www.townofbethanybeach.com under Activities & Events.

Annual Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving Day

0
0

The 10th Annual Fenwick Island Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, at 8 a.m. The untimed 2.2-mile fun-run/walk starts oceanside on Lewes Street in Fenwick Island, and goes south to the Maryland state line and back.

Leashed pets are welcome, and holiday-themed or other festive costumes are being encouraged. Free parking will be available at Warren’s Station, the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce and Pottery Place Perks Café in Sunshine Plaza, all on Route 1 in Fenwick Island.

There is no charge to participate, but trotters are being encouraged to make a donation, which will go to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company (BBVFC) and Roxana Volunteer Fire Company (RVFC). Additionally, proceeds from commemorative T-shirt sales will also be donated. Pre-ordering commemorative T-shirts is being encouraged, with limited quantities to be sold at the Trot. They cost $25.

“Our first-responders are brave and self-less in the work they do each day. This is our 10th year, and I hope to make it the most successful one yet. I invite our community members, individuals and sponsors to rally to raise money for the companies,” said event founder and organizer Lori Martin.

Non-perishable food donations are also being collected at Pottery Place Perks Café in Fenwick Island. They will be donated to Neighbors in Need. Post-Trot, Perks Café will host a complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and oatmeal reception.

Sponsorships are currently available, at a variety of price ranges. Sponsors must provide signage. Interested businesses should contact Lori Martin at (302) 539-1290 or email hipAHA@hotmail.com.


Fourth annual Thanksgiving Day Gabby Gobble nears

0
0

Coming to the Delaware beaches for Thanksgiving and looking for a twist on your family tradition?

Join up for the Fourth Annual Gabby Gobble 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, at Irish Eyes Pub in Lewes. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds from the race will go to the Get Well Gabby Foundation.

The Get Well Gabby Foundation was formed in February of 2012 in memory of Gabriella Vogel, who passed away from Diffuse Intra Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on Sept. 11, 2011. Her parents, John and Carolynn Vogel, wanted to continue to help other children with cancer to “get well” in their daughter’s memory.

Since inception, the foundation has funded the new construction of a dedicated Oncology Playroom at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, provided the seed money for creating an electronic medical record database at A.I.DuPont Hospital (this donation helped the hospital receive an additional $1.5 million from the NIH), continuously donates to local children and their families who have a child fighting cancer, and has supported nine different hospitals and counting nationwide through a book drive.

The Gabby Gobble is just one of the many fundraisers that the foundation holds to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Gabby’s family resides in the Bethany Beach area. To learn more go to www.getwellgabby.org.

The fourth annual Gabby Gobble 5K Run/Walk is being held on Thanksgiving Day at Irish Eyes in Lewes. Last year they welcomed more than 1,200 participants and their families to this event. This event is made possible by Carolynn and John Vogel from The Get Well Gabby Foundation; Races2Run; Tom and Charlene Jones of Irish Eyes in Lewes; Gold Sponsors: Jeanine O’Donnell, State Farm Agent, Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children, Big Fish Restaurant Group, Veirs Boulicon Realty Group, Santora CPA; Silver Sponsors: The Law Office of Susan Weidman P.A., Dagsboro Paint and Wallpaper, Coastal Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Johnson Orthodontics, Scott and Shuman, P.A. Law Office; Bronze Sponsors; Beacon Pediatrics. Supporter: NKS Beer Distributor. The course is USATF-certified with chip timing. Pre-registered entrants receive a long-sleeved tee shirt, and goodie bag that will include goodies from their sponsors. Parking is available at Irish Eyes and behind the Dairy Queen at the end of Savannah Road.

Awards go to top fundraiser, largest team, best dressed team, top male runner, top female runner, top male master, and top female master. Medals will be given to the top-three male and female finishers in 10-year age categories, 9 and under to 70 and over. Race participants are encouraged to wear festive costumes and enjoy “Turkey” Day. There will also be many raffle prizes with all proceeds going to the Get Well Gabby Foundation.

Pre-registration is available online at www.getwellgabby.org or Get Well Gabby Foundation on Facebook for $30 until noon on Monday prior to the run. Packet pick up and late registration for $35 is at Irish Eyes in Lewes on Nov. 22 from 4-6 p.m. Registration is also available the day of the event. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Additional donations are accepted at the race or online at www.getwellgabby.org. Get Well Gabby is a registered 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.

IRSD ready to pursue Bermuda grass on fields

0
0

Special to the Coastal Point • Bruce Walls: Indian River is considering making the switch to Bermuda grass like this at Seaford High School.Special to the Coastal Point • Bruce Walls: Indian River is considering making the switch to Bermuda grass like this at Seaford High School.After tossing the idea around for years, the Indian River School District’s Board of Education unanimously voted this week to begin pursuing Bermuda grass for the football and field hockey stadiums at both high schools.

“I think the public is going to appreciate what we’re doing with these four fields,” said Joe Booth, supervisor of Buildings & Grounds. “I work for the district, but I also am a district resident. … I think this is a good thing moving forward, trying to improve these fields for our students.”

The optimum option would be artificial turf, he said, but Bermuda grass is a great runner-up.

“It’s mainly because of the recovery, and it gives you a little bit of the cushion. It’s mowed short so you don’t have a problem with cleats getting caught,” he said. Also, “It’s flat. It’s consistent all the way through.”

In comparison, an athlete could plant her cleat in regular grass, creating a rut that a field hockey ball could jump up and, “It can knock teeth out. … I’ve seen that ball travel pretty fast,” Booth said.

Bermuda grass is tolerant to salt, drought, insects and disease, which IRSD fields have suffered at various times.

“It grows very quick. … That’s why it repairs quickly,” he said. “But it has to be maintained.”

The grass can sometimes require mowing several times a week to keep a short, springy surface.

Supervisors also stake their reputation on Bermuda grass because of public perception: “The first year, the Bermuda does not look too good,” Booth said.

Like a toddler growing hair or a teenager trying for a beard, Bermuda grass might come in patchy for two years before filling in fast and lush.

IR High School’s football field is also home to its marching band, two lacrosse teams, track-and-field, graduation and daily gym classes. The soccer teams still play in the old IRHS stadium across the street but could potentially move to a new Bermuda grass field, if schedules permitted.

The IRHS field hockey pitch only hosts that one sport.

Quality fields are also considered a courtesy to the visiting teams who play at IRSD.

“I personally think they should be in the best shape they can be,” said Booth “I go to away games, I see these other fields, and Indian River district’s fields are lagging. There comes a time when you have to equal the people that you’re inviting.”

Although the board discussed potential costs (four fields will cost tens of thousands of dollars), the board did not officially set a budget or pick a contractor.

However, the IRSD will soon have a balance of around $2.4 million in State-supplied minor capital improvement funds, which can be used for school grounds and athletic facilities.

They will need a plan for mowing, which must be done every other day with a special mower. Some board members said they would prefer to hire a field maintenance company, rather than invest in the pricey specialized mower and custodial manpower.

And there was concern about funding such specialized grass and maintenance.

“I’m not against it,” said Board Member Leolga Wright, “but I do have a concern” about all the other maintenance projects that haven’t been addressed, such as lighting, technology, HVAC, phone systems and more. Superintendent Mark Steele responded that the upcoming energy audit will help the IRSD address some those other minor capital projects.

For years, Board Member Rodney Layfield touted the benefits of Bermuda grass, but no one bit until recently. In October, a group of parents and coaches met with the Buildings & Grounds Committee, proposing to privately fund fields at IRHS. But the board ultimately felt that athletic fields are the district’s responsibility and should be addressed equally.

“I have reservations about a parent group raising money when it is the … district’s responsibility to maintain the fields,” said James “Jim” Fritz, who noted the potential “gray area” of having parents fund a field when their children play on the teams.

Opinions may have been swayed by a DIAA letter that Board President Charles Bireley read to board members in October. Although IRHS played the rest of their winning season on a regular grass field, the DIAA tournament committee wrote that, “It was determined that the field is not suitable for tournament play. … The most significant factor is safety.” That means IRHS lost any chance at a home-field advantage.

Although sports have been played on grass forever, the DIAA feels that everyone else has upgraded to better playing fields, and IRSD hasn’t. Booth diplomatically said that one can’t fault the DIAA for making sure players have the safest ground possible.

“You don’t like hearing it. It hurts your pride a little bit,” Booth said. “You try to maintain your fields with the best you’re given.”

Turf discussions will continue at future IRSD committee meetings, for Finance and Buildings & Grounds.

Roxana fire company showcasing the classics this weekend

0
0

Classic cars and tractors will be pulling in to the Roxana Volunteer Fire Department parking lot on Saturday for the fire company’s first Classic, Antique Car and Tractor Show.

Ladies Auxiliary president Nellie Shaffer said the fire company is excited to host its first car and tractor show — and is hoping for a great event for both participants and spectators. She said “we were trying to come up with other ways to raise funds” and the car show was suggested by a member of the fire company.

Another member who has a classic car and goes to shows with it suggested picking a date when there were no other shows in the area, and that is how the Nov. 11 date was chosen, Shaffer said. Tractors were added, she said, because someone said, “how about tractors, too, this is Sussex County!” Shaffer said.

As the details have come together for the event, the auxiliary called upon some tried and true elements of past fundraisers. Spectators will be happy to hear that among those are the popular oyster sandwiches the auxiliary often serves.

Car show participants might be even happier to learn that the $20 registration fee for the show includes a lunch of an oyster sandwich (or a hot dog), vegetable beef soup and baked goods, including apple dumplings. All those treats will also be on sale for spectators.

Also included with the registration fee is a “dash plaque” commemorating the show. There will be different dash plaques for cars and tractors, Shaffer said. Dash plaques for cars are being donated by Brasure Auto Repair and dash plaques for tractors are being donated by Selbyville Tractor.

In an effort to provide “something for everyone” the event will also feature vendors inside the fire hall, including LuLaroe, Thirty-One, Mary Kay, and local business owners. Fire company memorabilia will also be on sale.

There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Items in the auction will include fun items such as a Baltimore Ravens t-shirt signed by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, donated by the Greene Turtle Restaurant in Ocean City, Md.

Three trophies will be awarded for the top three entries in each category; judging will be done by the participants (who may vote for anyone but themselves).

The rain date for the car and tractor show will be Sunday, Nov. 11.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m.; the show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Car and tractor registration costs $20; vendor tables are $15 each. The Roxana Volunteer Fire Company is located at 35943 Zion Church Road, Frankford, DE. For more information, call Nellie Shaffer at (302)-344-4924 or Julie Johnson at (302) 381-4838.

Millsboro police work getting hairy for charity

0
0

Coastal Point • Submitted Millsboro: Police Department’s Cpl. David Moyer,  Ptlm. Michael Gorman, Cpl. Jonathan Zubrowski and Cpl. Patrick Forester sport some facial hair during last year’s Whiskers for Wishes event, raising money for Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro.Coastal Point • Submitted Millsboro: Police Department’s Cpl. David Moyer, Ptlm. Michael Gorman, Cpl. Jonathan Zubrowski and Cpl. Patrick Forester sport some facial hair during last year’s Whiskers for Wishes event, raising money for Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro.The Millsboro Police Department is loosening its “grooming standards.” But don’t worry — it’s for a good cause.

Thanks to an official waiving of the Millsboro Police Department’s grooming standards by the Millsboro Town Council, male police officers will be permitted to grow facial hair between now and Dec. 13. There’s a catch, though.

“In order for officers to do this, they have to pay money,” Police Chief Brian Calloway said.

Specifically, the officers will pay $120 total for the right to grow beards and mustaches through December — $20 for October, $40 for November and $60 for December.

Calloway said most of the men in his 15-member department are participating in the big beard project. The female members of the department may not be able to grow beards, but they contribute in other ways, he said.

In addition to the funds raised by the police officers taking advantage of the waiver, community members can contribute to the effort, with all money raised going toward Christmas gifts for needy families in the area. Last year was the first year the department participated, Calloway said, and by the end of the project, Whiskers for Wishes had raised a total of $3,200, which benefited five area families.

All money raised will be donated to Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro and will be used to purchase gifts for needy families. The church will purchase and wrap the presents, and the Millsboro Police Department will escort Santa Claus to deliver the gifts to the families.

To contribute to Whiskers for Wishes, go to https://www.gofundme.com/xp43nj-whiskers-for-wishes or call the police department’s non-emergency number at (302) 934-8174.

Join the holiday magic: Parade registrations open

0
0

Now’s the time to sign up for local Christmas parades. People can build a float, decorate a car, or gather an organization to participate in brightening the holiday season.

Holiday parades are returning to Selbyville, Dagsboro, Millsboro and Georgetown in early December, so registration is due within the next few weeks.

Parades invite all corners of the community, including marching bands, choirs, civic groups, businesses, religious groups, elected officials, pageant winners, youth groups and more. Automobiles always make a big splash, like antique or muscle cars, antique tractors, fire trucks and more.

Participants are welcome to entertain audiences throughout the parade route, not just at the grandstand, with live music, caroling or other performances.

Parades are free for spectators and for floats. Participants should closely read individual parade rules regarding animals, distributing candy or other items. No one may include a live Santa Claus except for the organizers. Carpooling is encouraged.

Here are registration details for the four local parades.

Selbyville Christmas Parade

The Southern Sussex Rotary has taken up the baton to organize the Selbyville Christmas Parade, which returns Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.

Floats will be competing for bragging rights and best-of awards as they march along Church Street, from Town Hall to Main Street. Parking is available throughout town.

The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Nov. 22. Registration can be completed online at http://business.bethany-fenwick.org/events.

Vendor registration can be downloaded and submitted via mail, email or fax.

For more information, call (302) 539-5177 or email regan@custommechanical.com.

Dagsboro Christmas Parade

Dagsboro Christmas Parade has been moved to a Tuesday night this year, on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The rain date will be Dec. 6.

Sign in will open at 5 p.m., with lineup at 5:30 p.m. at Indian River High School student parking lots.

The parade marches from the back entrance toward Clayton Avenue and Main Street, ending at Dagsboro Fire Hall on Clayton Street. Entrants will not be permitted to return to the high school.

Registration deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28. Parade entry forms are online at www.dagsboro.delaware.gov. Forms may be submitted by mail or email.

For vendor forms or more information, contact Dagsboro Town Hall at (302) 732-3777.

Millsboro Christmas Parade

The Millsboro Christmas Parade returns to an evening schedule on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m.

Lineup will begin at 3:00 p.m. at M&T Bank on Mitchell Street. Parade marches north and east to Wilson Highway and Main Street. End-of-parade pickup will be at Millsboro Middle School.

Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 24 (no exceptions). Registration forms can be downloaded www.MillsboroChamber.com and returned via mail or fax.

For questions, call Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at (302) 934-6777.

Georgetown Christmas Parade

This year’s theme is “Parade of Lights” when Georgetown Christmas Parade returns Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

Line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. at West Pine Street and marches through The Circle and east on East Market Street. End-of-parade pickup will be at Georgetown Little League. There will be no parking at Grace United Methodist Church this year.

Participation certificates will be given out. The Grand Marshals this year will be the 2017 Senior League Softball World Series champions.

Registration is due by Monday, Nov. 20. Registration forms are online and can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the Chamber. Details are online at www.georgetowncoc.com/2017-georgetown-christmas-parade. For questions, call Jamie Donato at Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (302) 856-1544.

Miracle, or just a drug?

0
0

Special to the Coastal Point • Christina Weaver: Tina and Charles Abrachinsky in their home. Charles recently started using a tincture to help control pain.Special to the Coastal Point • Christina Weaver: Tina and Charles Abrachinsky in their home. Charles recently started using a tincture to help control pain.“At 10:15 a.m., I took my first ‘cocktail,’ as I call it. It was a couple of drops of ‘jet fuel’ marijuana tincture mixed with orange juice in a shot glass. I didn’t know what to expect,” said 81-year-old Charles Abrachinsky, who lives in Ocean View.

It was Wednesday, Sept. 13, and Abrachinsky recorded the time and amount in his notebook.

“Twenty minutes later I turned to Tina, my wife, and said ‘Wow!’ I didn’t feel any pain. It was unbelievable.”

Abrachinsky has lived with his pain all his adult life. His injuries started when he played football at the University of Pittsburgh and included a broken pelvis and torn meniscus. Back then though he was more disappointed by not being able to play in the Sugar Bowl than he was worried about future pain.

From 1958 Abrachinsky owned a Farmers Market in Lehighton, Pa., and until 1998 when he moved to Delaware, he managed the meat market.

“It was hard work,” he said. “All the time I had to unload trucks of food for the market, including 150-200 pounds of sides of beef, slung on my back. It didn’t matter if there was wind, snow or rain. I was in and out of the refrigerated area and walking on that cement floor all day long. Arthritis kicked in early on, but that was my job.”

Abrachinsky described his pain by the time he moved here as being high level and constant. Since then he has had the following surgeries: two knee replacements, a fusion of his cervical spine, lumbar laminectomy, five shoulder surgeries and, most recently, the implant of a spinal stimulator designed to be adjusted for use as needed. For many years he took three to four doses of hydrocodone and morphine every day, as well as other medications.

One would think someone with that degree of pain would be sorry for himself and reclusive. But not Charles Abrachinsky. He sings in the choir at St. Anne’s Church. For many years he volunteered at the CHEER Coastal Leisure Center in Ocean View, where he made lunches as many as five days per week. For five years he volunteered at Compassionate Care Hospice where he visited dying patients in their homes. And, for fun, he sings with the Nautical Sounds.

“When you have pain of your own, you can relate to other peoples’ problems and you end up helping each other,” he said.

Six months ago his family practice physician told him that he would qualify for Delaware’s new medical marijuana program. Later his orthopedic doctor told him there was nothing more medically that he had to offer and he too suggested that medical marijuana might be the best option to relieve his suffering.

“I didn’t know what to think,” said Abrachinsky. “I’ve never smoked pot in my life, and I’ve chastised my children and grandchildren, in no uncertain terms, that I didn’t want them to ever try it. Here I was taking opioids just to get through the day but I was wary to try cannabis.”

“That kind of thinking is not uncommon when new patients, especially those who are older, come to the center for the first time,” said Mark Lally, owner of First State Compassion Center.

The process to become legally qualified for Delaware’s Medical Marijuana Program, including the application form and other information, is detailed on the website www.firststatecompassion.com.

First the patient and their doctor have to agree that the need is as a result of a specified medical condition including cancer, terminal illness, AIDS, agitation from Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism with aggressive behavior, PTSD and others. Also listed are the following chronic or debilitating conditions including severe pain that has not responded to other treatment for at least three months: seizures, intractable nausea, severe persistent muscle spasms and wasting syndrome.

The application form includes a two-page physician certification in which the doctor signs that he or she has a bona fide relationship with the patient and the patient meets the necessary medical criteria. It is not a prescription for marijuana and not all physicians choose to involve themselves or their patients in the program.

The completed application is mailed to Dover along with a $125 fee. One is notified of acceptance by mail and then you drive to Dover to be photographed for your registry card. Four thousand Delawareans have qualified to become patients since June 2015.

First State Compassion Center, with facilities in Wilmington and Lewes, is the not-for-profit entity selected by the State to acquire, cultivate, manufacture, dispense and sell marijuana and related items to registered patients according to Chapter 49A, The Delaware Medical Marijuana Act.

“It’s our responsibility to serve our patients according to the exact requirements of the law, and with as much compassion and knowledge as possible, from seed to sale,” said Lally. “Delaware’s medical marijuana laws are among the strictest of the 29 states and Washington D.C. where it is legal.”

The Lewes dispensary is located in a new building complex off Route 9. In the vestibule is a security guard who verifies that the patient’s registry card and driver’s license match and that the patient is in the system before entry into the center is allowed. Except under some circumstances at the first visit, only registry card holders are allowed entrance.

“Patient privacy is really important to us,” said Judy McNutt, First State’s Engagement & Education Specialist. “As well as limiting access to patients only, we call them by their first names to avoid full names being overheard. Also at the counter, where patients meet their advisor, see our products and select what they want to purchase, it is on a one to one, private basis.”

Abrachinsky was appreciative that his wife could join him for his first time at the center.

“There were so many choices and I hadn’t the slightest idea,” he said. “But the people there are wonderful, they show care and it’s a light, attractive, relaxed atmosphere. They explained to me about THC which provides the “high” in Marijuana and CBD which doesn’t. I learned that Sativa was for daytime medicating and Indica was better to take at night. I didn’t want to start smoking so I was pleased I could use a tincture instead. I told them I just wanted pain relief and was given suggestions.”

“I can really see only positive changes in Charles,” said Tina Abrachinsky. “Now he’s not taking opioids any more, he’s not as forgetful, not searching as much for his words. The extreme pain I could see in his face and how he moved is gone. He doesn’t take naps every afternoon and doesn’t wake up at the crack of dawn in pain. I bet he gets three extra hours of sleep a night. Also, and this is a big deal, he is no longer constipated.”

“My pain is 80 percent better,” said Charles Abrachinsky. “It’s amazing but I’ve only taken four hydrocodones total in the seven weeks since I started the marijuana. The only trouble is my health insurance doesn’t cover it so that’s an extra $160 per week to account for.”

Twenty-seven year old Tyler Powell is another Ocean View resident who is grateful for the availability of medical marijuana.

“About nine years ago I had my first grand mal seizure,” he said. “I had been accepted into the Coast Guard and was driving home from having my physical when it happened. Since then I’ve continued to have seizures. After I had to have brain surgery, they sent me an official letter stating I was out of any armed service employment.

“Instead, for several years I worked in the disaster restoration business. But using power tools and climbing ladders became too much of a risk.

“I’m seen by my local doctor and a neurologist at Johns Hopkins and have been diagnosed with multiple cavernous angiomas near the temporal lobe. Over the years I’ve been on different, increasingly stronger medications. Sometimes just noise can set me off. Both my doctors thought I would benefit from the new law.”

Powell agreed to be interviewed for this article because he wants to educate people about the benefits of medical marijuana.

“It’s sad that people see it as negative. I’ve been helped in so many ways. The small petit mal seizures I used to get all the time happen less often. I still take my regular medication but the marijuana helps me prolong the time between doses so I have less fear that I’m going to end up on the floor with a major seizure. It also helps me feel more like me, if that makes sense. It’s hard not being able to work or drive when you’re my age.

“What I like about First State is that it is regulated. I know what I’m getting. They put it in a white, plastic packet with my name and information on it and that is for me and only me. I take it back and forth whenever I need a refill. I’ve found the tincture form works best for my seizures. And the people are the best, so knowledgeable and helpful.”

Ocean View’s Chief of Police, Kenneth McLaughlin has a different perspective.

“I’m against it. There hasn’t been enough research to justify it. I think the medical marijuana industry is bogus; it is their first step toward full legalization. It’s all about greed and concentrating power, just like the tobacco industry.”

“I’ve talked to lots of doctors who are against it,” McLaughlin continued. “First, smoking marijuana is worse for you than smoking cigarettes and we’re just getting a handle on that problem. Also I’m told there are enough prescription medications including Marinol, a synthetic form of marijuana that can take care of cancer patient symptoms and pain. And I’m told marijuana is addictive. I’ve got all the compassion in the world for people in real pain but I’ve seen the bad effects of drugs in my community too much to support this.”

McLaughlin is also concerned about the environmental impact of 24-hour hydroponic grow houses which release waste water into the ground system.

“It’s ironic because the pro marijuana people tend to be environmentalists,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin believes Delaware “should proceed with caution and science, not politics. I encourage the legislature to take a deep breath. Give those other states, like Colorado, that started with medical and then legalized for recreational use, five to 10 years to have complete data to report how it’s really working.”

Dr. Nick Biasotto is a primary care physician in Newark who serves as a spokesperson for the Medical Society of Delaware on medical marijuana. Biasotto is on the board of the organization and is a past president.

“The position of the Medical Society on medical marijuana is one of neutrality,” said Biasotto. “We are neither for nor against it because we have to rely on anecdotal, not research-based evidence. We need the Federal Government to make it a schedule 2 rather than schedule 1 drug so we are able to conduct the necessary research here in America.”

“I do have a handful of patients in my practice that are qualified to use medical marijuana. They feel they benefit and I see the potential benefit for many medical conditions,” he said. “There are medical cannabis continuing education classes available for physicians to learn more, as they choose.”

Like Chief McLaughlin and Dr. Biasotto, First State Compassion’s Mark Lally also wants more research to be able to be undertaken. He would also like the government to release banks to make financial transactions easier for patients, allow qualified patients to be able to obtain their medical marijuana in other states where it is legal, and allow patients to continue taking it if they are ever hospitalized.

McLaughlin said he personally knows an individual who was able to convince his doctor to support his application for marijuana. He believes the person did so in order to have the comfort of smoking legally rather than a real need. McLaughlin thinks there are many others in that same boat.

But for others, like Abrachinsky and Powell and Jay Liesener, medical marijuana appears to have made a profound life-improving difference.

Jay Leisener’s story appeared in the October 20 edition of the Coastal Point in an article entitled Team Surfgimp. Now 47, he has been paralyzed since age 17 and his body is deteriorating. As soon as marijuana became legal in Delaware, he tried it for the first time. His wife, Melanie recounted that the relief he felt was so extraordinary he broke down in tears. “It takes away his fever and chills, relaxes his limbs and allows his whole body to rest and sleep better,” she said.

Chasing the fog

0
0

As I backed out the driveway last Friday morning at 7:15, Cedar Drive was still quiet before the mad rush of buses and parents dropping off the kids at Lord Baltimore Elementary School. Even though I live a half a mile from work, it’s funny how I need to do just the right timing so I do not end up mixed in part of the busy drop-off time of the school traffic.

As I went down School Lane, I notice that there was a soft layer of fog over the fields drifting up toward a brilliant blue sky. Going to be another great day of this Indian summer we are seeing this year, I thought to myself.

Pulling into the office parking lot convinced me that there needed to be a change of plans for the morning. I can read e-mails anytime, I figured. This fog is here now and will be gone in another half hour. Grabbing my camera, I headed for Fresh Pond, making a few scenic stops along the way.

Fresh Pond is a part of my old stomping ground, as I lived on Cedar Neck Road until I was in 11th grade. It was much different then, comprised mostly of fields (some farmed and some just natural). After school, weekends and in the summer, we rode bikes or walked just about anywhere. We ran through cornfields, built forts in the woods and even swam in the Assawoman Canal.

It did not matter if you were on someone else’s land, everyone knew who you were and they did not care. No one ever said, “Hey kids, get off my lawn!” We played king of the hill in Delmus Hickman’s corn crib on a mountain of horse corn. Remember, no hills here, so we compensated.

Well, there was one giant sand dune by Salt Pond that we had a lot of fun on, including driving an old pick-up truck up it one night. Other times, we made our own hills, sledding down a mountain of snow that dad made with a snowplow when he plowed the hatchery parking lot.

On this foggy fall morning, walking through Fresh Pond, the changing colors of the weeds and grasses and the seldom-seen opportunity to be completely alone brought back a flood of childhood memories. It was a time of complete freedom, and free from any worries or concerns. A time of just being.

The sun started peaking it’s face over the pines to spread that warm autumn light over the meadows and making beautiful reflections on the perfectly still pond. Dew drops sparkled on leaves, and spider webs turned white against the darkening foliage.

I have always loved phragmites, the tall plumed grasses along Sussex County marshes and ditches — an extremely invasive species that most folks hate and are almost impossible to get rid of. Our office building is ensconced in phragmites, but it makes great hideways for birds and other small marsh creatures to enjoy giving me a wonderful view of nature every day from my office window.

The phragmites plumes this time of year are fluffy and tall waving in the breeze. Over my lifetime, I have used them for many things.

In the spring when the new growth was coming up and they were the firmest, as children we would cut them off for mock swordfights running through the woods as Robin Hood or King Author and his knights.

Some cattails and phagmites have made lovely natural flower arrangements over the years, and I have even used them before to camouflage a duck blind. On Friday morning, the plumes were blooming and with the dew drops and the rising sun, an almost whitish hue gave them prominence in the landscape. More than ever it made me appreciate the natural beauty of our area, something many of us who have always lived here has known. It is what has kept many of us here instead of moving to the city, and it is what is driving those in the city to move here. Something that we many times take for granted.

This has been a year, where I have made a concentrated effort to be outside more, to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Is it because I am getting older and spare time is at a premium, or because natural areas are fewer and farther between?

It is most likely a combination of both, but I am taking little moments of the day anytime that I can to just take a walk or a short paddle to sneak out to the special places in the area.

Am I going to see you out there? What’s your excuse?


Honoring Our Veterans

0
0

For years, Lighthouse Christian School has felt the importance of educating youth on the meaning of Veterans Day.

“Our school is very, very concerned about giving time to the veterans, and recognizing our veterans for the sacrifices that both them and their families have made,” said Pat Viguie, a teacher at the school.

“... And expose the children to the cause of the veterans so they get an education, and they understand what it’s about. The kids they do it every year,” added Rudy Viguie, Pat’s husband and a Korean War veteran.

Viguie said the day of thanks was because Lighthouse Director Terri Menoche felt it was important to recognize our veterans on Veterans Day.

Rudy Viguie said it is important to education young people about veterans and what it means to serve one’s country.

“There’s no draft now; it’s strictly volunteer. The more knowledge they have about why we’re doing what we’re doing, they will of course make a better decision in terms of what they do in the military and what they do in the voting box.”

Rudy said it is a sight to see — the small child walking down the line of veterans at the end of the program, shake their hands and thank them for their service to the country.

“You have to capture the picture of a small child going up to a World War II veteran… The eye-contact is incredible… That’s the emotion it conjures up. There’s so much going on — that connection.”

“They can’t wait to go up to the veterans. They’re very excited they’re there,” said Pat.

The program will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the school’s sanctuary.

American flags decorate the outside of the school, provided by Flags For Heroes. That afternoon the Dagsboro Fire Company will be on-site with a truck, flying a large American flag as well.

This year Vietnam veterans will be the focus of the program — a decision Pat said came to her through prayer.

“As a Christian, you want to do God’s will. So, you prayerfully consider what he would have for you. Each year I try to lift that up in prayer, ‘What Lord would you like me to do this year with our students?’ He has been so faithful in giving me the theme each year.”

Given the “poor reception” Vietnam veterans received upon their return home from war, the Viguies said it’s extra important to show those veterans the citizens care about them, and are thankful for their service.

“The Vietnam veterans are very near and dear to me personally because I graduated high school in 1975 and that was during war time years Vietnam. Many of the boys coming home took the opportunity of the educational benefits from the government and were going to college. I studied with them, I laughed with them, and cried with them…” said Pat. “I was waiting for the time to do that, and this year I clearly heard from the Lord saying, ‘Let’s pay honor to our Vietnam veterans and let our school give them the welcome home they never had.”

“It wasn’t their fault,” added Rudy. “Their country called them, they got drafted, and they went off to war. You can argue about the war but it’s not their fault… They were blamed for the atrocities… We really want to give them that welcome home that they never received.”

During the program, there will be Vietnam veterans speaking to those in attendance. Retired Marine Bob Valentine, who served two tours in Vietnam, as well as tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, spoke to fourth- through eighth-grade students prior to the event about his time in Vietnam — what they ate, carried and what it was like living in a jungle.

Phil Diluzio, retired Army E5, who served in an assault helicopter company from 1969 to 1970, will speak along with Frank Bolen, a retired Marine sergeant who served in the infantry from 1968 to1969.

Marine Robert Corsa, who served in the infantry in 1966 to `967 during Vietnam, will be joined by his wife Laurie Corsa, who served as an Army helicopter mechanic from 1981 to 1986.

American Legion Post 24 Commander Ed Carmine, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy from 1970 to 1986, and worked on the flight deck of the USS Enterprise, will be sharing about the sacrifices families make.

While veterans will speak during the program, the children of Lighthouse Christian will perform songs, read letters or poems to the veterans in attendance. New this year, said Pat, will be video presentations dispersed throughout the afternoon, of kids giving thanks to the veterans.

Pat said while there is a focus on Vietnam veterans, veterans of all wars are encouraged to attend with their families, and will be recognized.

Also during the program, the Table of Remembrance ceremony for POWs and MIAs will be conducted, and the Veterans Affairs’ Mobile Outreach Unit will also be on-site to show area veterans the clinic.

“After they have their lunch they’re perfectly welcome to go in, speak with John and see the facility and see what’s available to them in that mobile unit,” said Pat.

Following the event there will be a luncheon held for those who attended, with food provided by 23 area restaurants.

“They really, really support the veterans — it’s great!” said Pat.

Rudy Viguie said the event is something special to experience, and noted it’s a unique opportunity to both educate children and thank the country’s veterans.

“We want them to feel comfortable there. We want them going away knowing they have an extended family at our school. That we recognize them and what they did. That we’re empathetic… We love and care about them,” said Pat. “Mistakes are made in the past. We need to learn from those mistakes. We made mistakes when these Vietnam veterans came home but we’re teaching the children that there is a history, we’re not going to dismiss it, but we’re going to make it better. This will never, ever happen again because our children are being educated.”

Lighthouse Christian School is located on Route 113 and Route 26, at the Dagsboro Church of God. Those who wish to attend the event are asked to RSVP to Pat Viguie by Monday, Nov. 13, at (302) 537-5017, to ensure there will be enough lunch available to all.

Casting a spell: Clever kids clean up in spelling bee

0
0

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: About 27 entrants smile before the competition begins, alongside Southern Sussex Rotarians and other special guests.Coastal Point • Laura Walter: About 27 entrants smile before the competition begins, alongside Southern Sussex Rotarians and other special guests.“Confidence” might be the word of the night, as 27 Indian River School District third-graders competed in the third annual Spelling Bee.

Southern Sussex Rotary hosted the event for southern district students on Nov. 1 at John M. Clayton Elementary.

This year, top prizes went to (first place) Alana Chew of Lord Baltimore Elementary School; (second place) Lauren Myers, Southern Delaware School of the Arts; (third place) Yoselyn Patraca-Carmona, Phillip C. Showell Elementary School; and (fourth place) Catherine Bunting, Lord Baltimore.

Seated on stage, some students swung their feet, not quite reaching the floor, as they watched their peers. Pausing from her duties as moderator, or “pronouncer,” Becky Burton told the audience how the students were encouraging each other.

“They’re up here going, ‘You can do it!’”

They breezed past words like circus, piece, service, raised, newspaper, tuna, doctor, roses, happen and mouse.

They also overcame homonyms like sail, sale, raised, wore, wrote, threw and none. Even on the hardest words, they made good, educated guesses.

After 10 rounds the final four were left. Those students brought their A-game, so it took about 10 more rounds to determine the winner. At last, Chew won for “shiny” and “together.”

“I salute all of you guys out there…have a good time here tonight,” said guest speaker State Rep Ron Gray (R-38th). “I am very proud of you, and so are your families.”

Every year, the Rotary gives dictionaries to every third-grader in these four schools, plus G.W. Carver Academy. For 2017, they distributed about 340 dictionaries to nearby schools (plus 55 Spanish-English volumes for the JMC Spanish Immersion kindergarten families).

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: These super girls competed through 11 rounds to make the top four. After about 11 more rounds, the winner was named. Pictured here are, from left, Yoselyn Patraca-Carmona, Catherine Bunting, Lauren Myers and Alana Chew.Coastal Point • Laura Walter: These super girls competed through 11 rounds to make the top four. After about 11 more rounds, the winner was named. Pictured here are, from left, Yoselyn Patraca-Carmona, Catherine Bunting, Lauren Myers and Alana Chew.They decided to follow-up by hosting a Spelling Bee. All the important elements are there: audiences holding their breaths as students one-by-one speak letters and words into the air, although it doesn’t officially link to state or national competition.

“It’s just something fun. We try to make it a nice event, an easy event, because it’s nerve-wracking for a third-grader to do a spelling bee at that age,” said organizer Brendan Crotty.

Each school sent about two children per classroom, some teachers even hosting their own mini spelling bees to choose finalists.

“This is a great event with an early school year competition to display the deep talent of the students that are in our school district,” said IRSD Superintendent Mark Steele, who joked that his own talent lies in math and physics. “Academic competitions have lessened over time and this is a great platform to display our local academic talent.”

Prizes included a first-place bicycle, plus gift cards, toys, ice cream, door prizes and other gifts donated by local businesses. Every student also took home a Rotary backpack.

Afterward, teachers proudly commented on their winning students.

“Alana [Chew] is a wonderful student to have in class,” said LB teacher Jennifer Polly. “Alana is incredibly conscientious of her work, so it is no surprise that she won the spelling bee for third grade. I am lucky to be her teacher!”

“It is very exciting to have Lauren Myers represent SDSA as the second-place Spelling Bee finalist,” said teacher Mary Litchfield. “She did an awesome job and is a very determined and focused student. It is a pleasure having her in class, and our school is very proud of her.”

“Yoselyn Patraca-Carmona is a fabulous student. She is very respectful and humble … and does a great job in the classroom,” said PCS teacher Tanita Thomas. “She is a well-rounded student and succeeds at everything is puts her mind to. I’m very proud of her accomplishment in the Spelling Bee. I knew she would go far!”

“Catherine [Bunting] is an enthusiastic learner who always puts forth her best effort. Our class is so proud of all her hard work,” said LB teacher Olivia Kortvelesy.

County council discusses Comp Plan

0
0

At the Nov. 7 Sussex County council meeting, County Administrator Todd Lawson gave council an update on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Development Plan.

Lawson said the plan update was reviewed and recommended to Council by the Planning and Zoning Commission at its Nov. 2 meeting. Next month the council will begin to hold meetings on the plan, with a hope of finalizing changes from January through April.

“In April, with the draft finalized, we will submit that to the State PLUS and they will review it… We’ll receive [their] comments, consider those comments, and maybe adjust the plan accordingly.”

From there, the plan will go to the Cabinet Committee and go through the same review and comment period, prior to being returned to council.

“At that iteration we will then hold our public hearing, which is really the last exercise for us to approve a document to then submit to the State.”

Lawson said the plan is for the County to hold the public hearing in May, and submit the final plan to the governor’s office in June.

“By Code we have to have this done by June of next year. That is a pretty hard deadline.”

George Cole said the plan may be “a little aggressive,” as in reviewing the Planning & Zoning Commission’s comments “there are a few things I think they left out that we talked about over the years.”

“I think they interpreted things a little differently than the way we see things at this table,” said Cole. “This is very important. I think it needs to time to really look at it.”

Lawson said he believes if the County gets bogged down in the process or realizes they need more time in review, the council will be the one to make the decision.

Wednesdays, Dec. 6 and 13, at 9 a.m. the council will meet solely regarding the Comp Plan.

“That will give us adequate time between now and Dec. 6 to get prepared, have our presentations ready, and hear from you on specific topics.”

Lawson said meeting agendas will be posted publically, and developed based on work flow on a week-to-week basis.

Assistant County Attorney Vince Robertson said instead of council voting on each topic individually, the council would come to a consensus as to how to alter the draft, and then move on.

If a group wants to speak at length about a topic related to a specific workshop’s agenda, Lawson said they can call him for it to be placed on the agenda itself. Persons will still be able to make comment during the workshops.

Lawson commended staff and all involved in getting the plan to its current state.

“It has taken a Herculean amount of work,” he said, adding, “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the public.”

For more information about the Sussex County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, visit www.sussexplan.com.

Food and wine festival to benefit Food Bank of Delaware

0
0

Foodies rejoice! There’s a new event in Bethany Beach shining the spotlight on area restaurants. Even better — the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Food & Wine Festival will benefit the Food Bank of Delaware.

Set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, the festival will be held at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott.

Restaurants participating in the festival include 99 Sea Level, Bethany Blues, Fins Fish House, Northeast Seafood Kitchen, Sedona, U.S. Foods, and Fork & Flask at Nage. Wines will be provided by Vintage Imports, Country Vintner, Bacchus Distributors, Specialty Wines, Breakthru Beverage Group, and Southern Wines & Spirits.

In addition to selections of food from some of the area’s best-known restaurants, each guest will receive a commemorative wine glass. Also on tap will be door prizes, a silent auction benefiting the Food Bank of Delaware, a cooking demonstration by 99 Sea Level chef Danio Somoza and entertainment by the George and Pat Bilenko Duo. Bob Yesbek of RehobothFoodie.com will also be on hand, according to Allyson Knight, activities director for Bethany Beach Ocean Suites.

“We’re not only proud to share the wonderful cuisine of our region, we’re also excited to partner with The Food Bank of Delaware, which will use the funds that we raise to help reduce hunger in Kent and Sussex Counties,” says Allyson Knight, Activities Director at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites. “Our guests will experience delicious food samples, spectacular fine wines, and wonderful ambiance — all in support of an important philanthropic organization,” Knight said.

Door prizes will be provided by the hotel, and auction items include donations from 99 Sea Level, Bob Yesbek, a hotel stay in Virginia, and a hotel and spa package for Bethany Beach Ocean Suites and Oceanova Spa.

“This is our first time working with Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, and we’re thrilled that they’re supporting our mission to alleviate hunger in the First State,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “We’re always looking for new community partners to help us educate our neighbors about the problems of poverty and hunger in our state, and what better way to introduce our mission to the coastal community,” than the Nov. 18 event, Beebe said.

The Food Bank of Delaware provides low- or no-cost food to Delaware residents through programs including mobile food banks, children’s nutritional programs, supplemental food programs for senior citizens and school food pantries. Educational programs include financial empowerment workshops and nutritional education.

The Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Food & Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott, 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Special discounted weekend stay packages that include tickets to the festival are available. To make reservations or purchase tickets, visit BBOSEvents.com. For more information about the event, contact Bethany Beach Ocean Suites’ Director of Sales and Marketing Lorna Petchey at (302) 539-3200.

To learn about volunteer opportunities with the Food Bank of Delaware, call (302) 393-2011.

VFW to host annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Post 7234

0
0

This weekend, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 will host a Veterans Day Ceremony to thank area veterans for their service to the country.

“Veterans Day is to honor all the veterans from all the branches of service,” said Fulton Loppatto, adjutant for Post 7234.

Veteran and Delaware Superior Court Judge Richard F. Stokes will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

“Judge Stokes is a veteran of the Air Force and does the Veterans Court,” said Loppatto. “A lot of us from the post are veterans at the Veterans Court. That’s why we asked him this year to speak about his service and about what Veterans Court does for the veterans.”

The event is free and open to the public, with veterans encouraged to attend with their families.

Also at the event, Bernie Busby will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America.

“He served two tours in Vietnam. He sings with a local church and is a veteran with our post,” said Loppatto.

A recognition of veterans will take place, using a wreath donated by Bethany Florist. A representative from each branch is given a rose to place in the wreath.

“We always recognize our POWs and MIAs at every function,” Loppatto added.

The families of the veterans, especially the spouses, will be recognized, as well.

“Recognizing our spouses and families on Veterans day is very important to us. They kept our spirits going. For me, my wife wrote a letter every day during the 13 months I was in Vietnam. [It’s] certainly uplifting and reminds us Veterans of who we are fighting for — our family, friends and neighbors.”

While the Indian River High School ROTC usually presents the colors, Loppatto said some younger students also participate in a special way.

“Usually a local school will bring by a bunch of letters that the children have written to the veterans. We’ll try to read some of those which is very nice.”

Loppatto said State Sen. Gerald Hocker, State Rep. Ron Gray, former State Sen. George Bunting, and Sussex County councilmen George Cole and Rob Arlett are expected to be in attendance.

“A lot of people do come — we pack the place,” he said with a chuckle. “We get 200 people or more; we always have people standing.”

Following the program lunch will be served, giving those in attendance the opportunity to chat with one and other.

“We get from all generations, World War II and up will be there, which is nice.”

Loppatto said that he hopes younger veterans and their families will be able to attend the event, as it is being held on a weekend.

“This one we try to make it more celebratory… And try to honor the veterans and give them a chance to stand up and be recognized,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride there. “

The VFW Post 7234 is located at 29265 Marshy Hope Way in Ocean View.

Viewing all 3937 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images