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‘Happy Hour’ opening at Gallery One in Ocean View

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“Happy Hour” is the subject of the current art show at Gallery One. It will open on June 26, featuring 15 artists’ interpretation of the concept of “Happy Hour”: 15 artists, 15 different “happy hours”

Coastal Point • Submitted: Pat Riordan's watercolor is titled, 'Girls Night Out.'Coastal Point • Submitted: Pat Riordan's watercolor is titled, 'Girls Night Out.'“Girls Night Out” by Pat Riordan illustrates the contemporary coinage of the term “happy hour.” Her image is of a bar’s interior, with ladies clustered in groups — some at the bar and others seated at a table, being served by a waiter.

“Is the sun over the yardarm yet?” is a phrase sailors used as a reason to celebrate with libations. Inspired by the boater’s expression, Joyce Condry’s oil painting shows a rough sea with the hope of a clearing sky, as a bit of sunshine breaks through and promises the sailors time at their favorite pub.

Using a dominance of bright colors and various clock images, Peggy Warfield has collaged a piece titled “Time After Time” and asked the question “What time of day is your Happy Hour”?

Likewise, Tara Grim paints in the abstract to share with the viewer her feeling of happiness at the moment she has brush in hand and a blank canvas in front of her. “Merging” is a “right-brain” creation.” Without concentrating on a specific subject, she shares with the viewer her “a-ha moments,” her happy hours, as she develops her artwork.

“October Light” by Damon Pla concentrates on a special light that is present in the landscape just before dusk. “There is a moment in a day where the sun is about to sleep and the moon is waking up. This light is the most intriguing to me. It is light and dark at the same time. I pursue to capture it in almost every painting I create. It is a glow that calms the mind and softens the heart and leaves us only to absorb how inspiring the world around us really is.”

Using one of her favorite subjects, the landscape of inland waterways and marsh, Dianne Shearon painted “O What a Day.” It is an acrylic on canvas that shows the jewel-clear light washing over the local scenery.

A memory of an event in an artist’s life is the subject of several Gallery One artists. Dale Sheldon painted “North Shores; After the Wedding,” re-creating the setting where her friends exchanged their wedding vows. The sun is spilling across the sky, beach, surf and rocks: a perfect scene on a perfect day.

“Searching for Treasures” by Lesley McCaskill is attributed to the act of spending time with children, which she said has brought her endless hours of joy. A child’s playfulness and energy is contagious and makes simple activities special, she said.

Using a 1958 family photo as reference, Laura Hickman treats the viewer to a nostalgic time at the beach. With a limited palette of black and white, the beach is pristine. There are no visible toys, chairs or umbrellas, no crowds of people — just a few children.

Hickman, her sister and cousins are playing. The group is entertaining themselves: some are doing cartwheels, some are in headstands and some are tossing sand. The setting is Sussex Shores, when the turn-of-the-century lifesaving station was still present. The charcoal rendering is titled “Happy Hour.”

This is a small sampling of the work to be seen at the upcoming show.

The public is being invited to visit Gallery One to view this show and see the other art works by the 15 gallery artists and browse the fine-craft room devoted to jewelry, pottery, textiles, wood and glass.

Gallery One is always staffed by one of the artists and is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In July, the Gallery will stay open until 6 p.m. Gallery One is located at 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View. Visit the website at www.galleryonede.com for more information on Gallery One- artists and classes or call (302) 537-5055.


Bethany Beach Firecracker 5K set to blast off this Sunday

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The Bethany Beach Firecracker 5K run and 3K walk is back for its sixth year, set for Sunday, June 29, to help start off Fourth of July week and raise money for the Bethany Beach 4th of July Parade, which begin the day of festivities in the town next Friday.

“I think the Bethany Beach July 4th parade is a great family friendly event and a true example of how patriotic this country has been and continues to be,” said Race Director Greg Mavraganis. “It’s a really great experience to be able to host an event that enjoys support from the Town and all the participants, while also supporting the July 4th parade and what a great tradition that is.”

Pre-registration for the event closed last Wednesday, but race-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. at the Bethany Beach bandstand, with the race beginning an hour later, at 8 a.m. The awards ceremony will begin an hour after that, at 9 a.m. at the bandstand, and will offer awards for the top five overall finishers for men and women. Awards will also be given to the top three finishers in several age groups.

Runners of all ages are expected to compete again this year, will the race typically garnering participants ranging from young runners of 5 or 6 to those in their 60s and 70s.

“Bethany Beach is such a family-friendly place, and we try to model the event after that,” Mavraganis explained. “I think race-day itself is a great event, whether you’re participating or walking. All of the success really stems from the participants and their families.”

Now in its sixth year, the race has gone from around 200 participants to more than 500.

“We’ve seen continued growth over the event in the first five years, and we hope to continue that growth into year six,” Mavraganis said.

Those who pre-registered for the event will be guaranteed a race T-shirt, which features a new design every year, but Mavraganis said that there will still be shirts available for those registering on race-day.

“We expect to sell out of the T-shirts, so day-of participants should show up early.”

For more information on the Bethany Beach Firecracker 5K, visit the race website at www.bethanybeach5k.com.

Hudson, Smith gear up for final Big League World Series run

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Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark: Shortstop Karlie Smith makes a play for the Diamonds against the Explosion last Saturday night. Smith and pitcher Rachel Hudson are currently playing for Millsboro for a chance at the 2014 Big League World Series.Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark: Shortstop Karlie Smith makes a play for the Diamonds against the Explosion last Saturday night. Smith and pitcher Rachel Hudson are currently playing for Millsboro for a chance at the 2014 Big League World Series.Recent Indian River High School graduates and softball standouts Rachel Hudson and Karlie Smith have been playing together since they were 10 years old. They’ve played for the Delaware Diamonds travel team, the Millsboro Big League team and, of course, the IRHS Indians. They’ve won seventh-inning thrillers, and they’ve lost them, too.

They’ve teamed up for double plays and knocked each other home countless times. As pitcher and shortstop, they’ve always — both literally and figuratively — had each other’s backs. And just last August, they won their first Big League Softball World Series title. But this season, they’ll take to the diamond for the last time together, as they try to win another one.

“Going out with a win would be icing on the cake,” said Hudson. “Karlie and I have experienced so much together — from World Series wins to state championship titles. One last winning season would be great before moving on.”

“Playing behind Rachel will definitely be something I miss doing these next four years. Since Little League, we have played together, so it’s going to be sad parting ways this fall,” Smith added. “To leave on a high note this summer at the World Series would be an amazing and unforgettable experience.”

Last Monday, June 23, marked the official start of 2014 Big League Softball — a 12-game season that will determine which team represents District III in the 2014 Big League World Series at the Pyle Center in Roxana this August.

Their final season representing Millsboro began just one day after the conclusion of their final season playing for the Diamonds, in which they finished in second place — falling just short of another state championship. The Diamonds’ season had started up just after the Lady Indians had fallen short in the quarterfinals of the DIAA State playoffs — where Hudson and Smith had had their sights set on state title in their final season.

“In the spring, the Diamonds players are each other’s biggest competition when it comes to school ball, but it’s great to play with everyone in the summer and represent our area throughout all parts of the country,” Smith described.

Despite not achieving their ultimate goal during those outings, the girls will look to make up for it by trying to get back to the World Series and winning another title. But first, they know they’ll have to get past Laurel and All-State pitcher Reagan Green.

“I wouldn’t say ‘expecting’ — we definitely are hopeful, but we have to beat Laurel first,” said Hudson of getting back to the national event. “We’re looking at it as a chance to improve our skills. We don’t get to see pitchers like Reagan Green that often — we don’t see many pitchers throwing as fast as Reagan does.”

Green threw a no-hitter when Hudson and Smith faced Laurel this past spring while playing for Indian River, in a 1-0 game that had gone scoreless until the seventh inning.

After three games, the series will continue on Monday, June 30, for a doubleheader in Millsboro, with games scheduled to begin at 6 and 8 p.m. The next game, scheduled for Thursday, July 3, will be played at Lower Sussex at 7 p.m.

“This year we have a lot of returning players, plus a few additions to the team, so we have a good shot at making it to the World Series again this summer,” said Smith.

For updates on Big League Softball as Hudson and Smith make one final World Series run before Hudson heads off to play at Flagler College in Florida and Smith at East Carolina University, follow @CPointSports on Twitter and check out our Instagram, @CoastalPoint.

Roberts opens Bethany Beach studio, Beach Pilates

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Coastal Point • Tripp Colonell: Kelly Roberts celebrated the opening of Beach Pilates with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 19. The studio will serve as more than just a place to learn and do Pilates, Roberts teaches about all kinds of health related subjects.Coastal Point • Tripp Colonell: Kelly Roberts celebrated the opening of Beach Pilates with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 19. The studio will serve as more than just a place to learn and do Pilates, Roberts teaches about all kinds of health related subjects.Kelly Roberts is a certified Pilates instructor, yoga instructor, holistic health coach, raw-food chef, Master Gardener, author of two cookbooks and a novel about Tuscan culture, history and cuisine, and a food and fitness blogger — among other things. Needless to say, she knows what she’s doing when it comes to all things holistic.

After spending the last few years traveling around the area for appointments with clients, and being jokingly referred to as “Gypsy Rose” by her husband, Roberts finally opened her own studio to incorporate all of those concepts on April 1, right off Route 1 in Bethany Beach.

“I was traveling constantly,” she explained. “Everybody was so excited when I was like, ‘Well, I’m gonna finally open my own place.’ The town’s super excited, so I’m excited.”

“I’ve been looking for a Pilates instructor for some time. I used to have a great one in D.C., and now I found one [here],” said enthusiastic client Sheryl Swed. “I’m so pleased that Kelly, who is an excellent instructor, is here, and she can serve this whole area.”

The studio may be called Beach Pilates, but it offers significantly more than Pilates — from different kinds of yoga to ballet barre classes, springboard, nutrition counseling, grocery-store tours, raw-food demos and even guest speakers.

“We go through the grocery store, learn how to read the back of a box, learn what’s processed, what’s not, what you’re really getting out of it, how much sugar you’re really consuming,” Roberts said of the typically 75-minute learning session at the store. “It’s really kind of breaking down the marketing that the marketing companies have figured out.”

Roberts recommends Pilates not only to anyone looking to get in better shape or live a healthier lifestyle, but to those who are rehabilitating from injury or suffering from a chronic illness — and she can do so from personal experience.

It was in her mid-20s that Roberts got her start in Pilates, after a serious car accident that left her with a degenerating disk in her neck. After seeing chiropractors to help resolve the issue, to no avail, her mother suggested she try Pilates.

“My mom was actually a Pilates instructor. She’s been doing it since the ’70s. She told me to take a Pilates class,” she recalled. “It was the only thing that made me feel that much better.”

After learning from her mother at her Salisbury, Md.-based studio, Roberts eventually went on to get her own certification and taught there for eight years. She then began teaching her own classes on the beach, which she has been doing for the past five years.

“Pilates is really rehabilitation,” she noted. “It was designed for resistance and assistance training, so it teaches you how to prevent injuries and how to rehabilitate.”

Roberts said that not only is Pilates designed to rehabilitate and prevent, but it can also help improve performance in sports including surfing and golf — where core strength is necessary.

“It’s perfect for a surfer, because you’re building your core strength,” she explained. “I even have Pilates for golfers, if they want to improve their swing. You’re focusing on your core, so you’re powering through your swing using your core instead of using your arms. Everything initiates from your core — your strength, your balance, your coordination.”

The studio also offers a wide variety of products that can’t be found in most stores, ranging from local, organic health supplements to locally-made jewelry, some organic yoga and Pilates clothing and Roberts’ raw-food cookbooks.

“One’s summer/spring. The other one’s winter and fall,” she said of her cookbooks. “They’re my recipes that I made up as a raw chef. Anything holistic, you’re pretty much going to be able to find it here.”

Roberts said that whether someone is new to making healthy lifestyle choices or has been doing Pilates and eating right for years, or is looking to shed a few pounds or recover from an injury, or just interested in learning a few new skills — Beach Pilates has something for everyone.

“It’s pretty much just how to change your lifestyle for the better,” said Roberts. “Everything from physical to mental and emotional — Pilates is a mind-body connection, so you’re using that whole mental process to focus on your inner self and better your lifestyle.”

To find out more about Beach Pilates and Kelly Roberts or to sign up for a class, visit the studio’s website at www.beachpilatesandwellness.com, call (302) 542-6521 or visit the studio at 33230 Coastal Highway, Suite #1, in Bethany Beach. You can also find Beach Pilates on Facebook at facebook.com/beachpilatesandwellness.

Bethany library summer programs offer something for everyone

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Although school is out for the summer, it doesn’t mean it’s time to close up those books. The South Coastal Library is continuing to hold their Summer Reading Program, for library patrons ranging from children to adults.

This year’s program theme revolves around discovering and exploring the world of science.

“Every year, there’s a committee that gets together and chooses the theme. It’s a nationwide program that I think is pretty cool,” said Sharon Palmer, children’s services coordinator. “This year’s theme incorporates all kinds of literacy, from biology to building rockets, robots, cooking — anything related to science.”

The “Power Up with Books!” program is designed to prepare children from age 3 to third grade for success by developing language skills. Participants read for 10 hours and keep time on a Reading Log.

The “Celebrate Science!” program helps build reading and language skills for children in grades 4 through 7. Participants read for a total of 20 hours and write the titles of the books read in a Reading Log.

Children who turn in completed logs for either programs earn a certificate, a “Fizz, Boom, Read!” T-shirt, a gift book and a surprise.

“They have a reading log. Each time they read for 15 minutes or are read to, they cross off a symbol on their log,” explained Palmer. “The children between ages 3 through third grade, are asked to read for 10 hours. Children grades 4 through 7 are asked to read for 20 hours.”

Palmer said that, last year, more than 400 children signed up to participate. She added that it’s important to keep children reading year-round, especially when they’re out of school.

“They have found that, especially during the summer months when kids are not in school, those who keep reading through the summer do better when they return to school. Early literacy impacts every aspect of their life, as far as education and communicating with others.”

Aside from the Summer Reading Program, the library also holds storytime for the Baby Bookworms, ages 2 to 3 years, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; and for preschoolers, ages 4 to 5 years, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., and a combined storytime group on Saturdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Kids may also participate in the “A Book that Shaped Me” program, organized by the Library of Congress for children going into 5th and 6th grades.

“They read a book that they feel shaped their life and write a one-page essay about that and submit that to me. Then, all of the entries are sent down to the Library of Congress, where a winner will be voted on,” she explained. “There are prizes that are given at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. Last year, there was a winner from Delaware. That’s something that we’ve not done before.”

The library also hopes to help children with their math, with a new program called “Bedtime Math.”

“Children can register to have a math problem sent to their email address. They come to the library and get a packet that has a constellation chart and stickers. After they complete the math problem and fill up the chart, they bring the chart back and get a prize,” said Palmer.

“I think that’s a real critical age to continue to read and to write. The math is for all ages, even little ones that are counting on their fingers on up. It gives the kids another way to not only read their math problem but to continue to work on math through the summer.”

“Spark a Reaction,” the reading program for children 12 to 18 years old, allows participants to read anything of their choice, at their grade level, for a total of 1,000 pages. A brief book review is required for each title they read. Prizes, a T-shirt, a gift book and a certificate are given when the activities have been completed.

“They write a very brief book review. They put down whether they think it was — a one-star or a five-star book — and a little description of why they did or didn’t like it,” explained Bernadette Hemingway, teen services coordinator.

Hemingway said that the program grows in participants every year. She added that teens don’t have to sign up for the Summer Reading Program to enjoy the library’s vast variety of programs.

“For those who have come before, we do offer 20-something different programs that they can take part in, whether they’re signed up for the summer reading program or not,” she said.

“We have crafts and games. Something new this year is the Mad Scientist Club. They are fun activities exploring different scientific concepts. For example, we’ll be doing alternative energy and making batteries out of lemons and pennies and things like that. It’s to give them a little more of the STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] principles.

“It’s not school,” she emphasized. “It’s a fun activity introducing some science and technology. I hope it’s going to be very well received. What we do here helps reinforce what they’re doing in school.”

The Summer Reading Program isn’t just for kids, either — adults 18 and older can experiment with Literary Elements. A reading log must be completed and a prize will be given to all participants.

“I ask people to read 10 books, magazines or even listen to an audio book. I try to broaden it for the adults, so that it’s not like being back in school, so that you can enjoy reading. And you get a little prize at the end,” said Barbara Litzau, assistant director. “Hopefully, it brings people to the library and they can see all that we have to offer.”

Litzau said that each adult who participates can write up to three book reviews to receive a special prize.

“It’s not a challenging book review. It’s more like a recommendation, because you can rate it one through five — five being the highest — and then, if you care to put some comments, you can. I plan to post those throughout the library,” she said. “For each review they turn in, up to three, they can get one coupon worth up to a dollar of their fines waved.”

The dollar coupon per review toward waiving late fees will only be valid at South Coastal Library. Participants cannot receive credit for any unused amount, and they must be used by Sept. 30.

“It might help some people out with some late movies or something,” she said with a laugh.

Litzau said that there’s something for everyone at the public library, and she hopes that, during the summer months, kids and adults will take advantage of all the wonderful programming they have to offer.

“I think it’s important but I also try to make it a fun thing. It keeps you reading though the summer.”

For additional information, contact the South Coastal Library at (302) 539-5231 or visit southcoastal.lib.de. South Coastal Library is located at 43 Kent Avenue in Bethany Beach.

Civil War Profiles: Secret agent provides timely report on Lee’s invasion

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In an increasingly apprehensive search for Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army, Union Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, from his headquarters in Fairfax, Va., sent his cavalry to the west and an intelligence agent to the north, to pinpoint the Army of Northern Virginia’s location.

Lee was marching northward down the Shenandoah Valley, behind the cover of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry screen, as his invasion of the North continued. (See Coastal Point, June 13 and June 20, 2014).

Beginning June 17, Union cavalry commander Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton had driven Stuart’s forces slowly but relentlessly toward the mountains. Once the Yankees pushed Stuart back to the Blue Ridge on June 21, however, they were greeted by one of Lee’s infantry divisions, which blocked Ashby’s Gap, leading to the Shenandoah Valley.

Pleasonton, unabashed by his failure to locate the rebel army, declared victory in a message to headquarters (from the War of the Rebellion Official Records): “Being satisfied I had accomplished all that the expedition designed, I returned to [Aldie].” In other words, he withdrew from contact with the enemy, while leaving his commander still in the dark concerning Lee’s whereabouts.

Once Lee learned that the Union cavalry threat against Stuart had dissipated, he ordered Lt. Gens. A.P. Hill and James Longstreet to lead their infantry corps toward the Potomac. On June 22, he directed Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell, already in Maryland, to move into Pennsylvania: “I think your best course will be toward the Susquehanna [River].”

Realizing that Ewell would not have a sizable enough cavalry force with his corps in Pennsylvania, Lee advised Stuart on June 23 to leave two brigades behind to guard the army’s rear and cross into Maryland with his other three brigades — then on to Pennsylvania.

Given information that ranger battalion commander Maj. John Mosby had gathered regarding the Army of the Potomac’s scattered positions in front of Washington, Lee gave Stuart permission to take a shortcut through the Union army, into Maryland.

Meanwhile, Hooker sent John Babcock, a civilian intelligence agent, into Maryland. He arrived in Frederick on June 19 and established a base of operations with Hiram Winchester, the pro-Union principal of the Frederick Female Seminary.

Hooker’s orders were: “Employ and send persons on to the heights of South Mountain, to overlook the valley beyond and see ... if the enemy has any considerable number of his forces on the north side of the Potomac.”

This precarious assignment nearly ended badly for Babcock on June 20, when Confederate cavalry suddenly dashed into town. Although he managed to avoid them, Babcock was aware that, if captured, he soon would be hanging from the nearest tree, as a spy.

Before attempting a hazardous expedition through the Union army, Stuart sent Mosby back across the Bull Run Mountains to reconnoiter. On June 23, Mosby rode behind enemy lines and learned that Hooker’s army remained stationary.

Armed with this latest intelligence, in the early morning hours of June 25, Stuart led his cavalry east toward the Union position. As he later reported, his plan was to “attain the enemy’s rear, passing between his main body and Washington, and cross into Maryland.”

As daring as this maneuver was, it appeared to be achievable. That is, until Hooker received a message on June 24 from Babcock — his eyes and ears in Maryland — saying he had learned that the corps of “Longstreet and A.P. Hill are crossing [the Potomac] rapidly.” As a result, on June 25, Hooker directed his army to move across the river into Maryland in pursuit of Lee’s forces.

When Stuart’s brigades arrived east of the mountains that day, they unexpectedly encountered a Union corps marching northward and blocking their path. In a quandary on how to react, Stuart chose to make a wide loop to the south and east, around the marching Yankee army. The option would have been to retreat to the Blue Ridge and head to Pennsylvania over a much longer route.

This maneuver would cause the cavalry commander to be separated from Lee and the main army for the next seven days — an eternity during a military campaign. Without Stuart to guide his army, Lee would be virtually blind.

Although unknown at the time, Stuart’s separation from Lee was a direct result of Babcock’s intelligence reporting from Maryland. That separation would weigh heavily as the armies moved closer to an historic engagement.

Bethany Beach resident Thomas J. Ryan is the author of “Essays on Delaware during the Civil War: A Political, Military and Social Perspective” (available at Bethany Beach Books or from his website at www.tomryan-civilwar.com). Contact him at pennmardel@mchsi.com.

Local surfers to compete in Surf Shop final at Dew Tour

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This weekend’s Dew Tour Beach Championships, being held in Ocean City, Md., feature some of the best surfers in the area among both national and international talent, set to take to the waves in Thursday night’s Amateur Surf Shop final.

To overcome typically minimal wave conditions, riders were to tow-in on personal watercraft and compete by launching airs, in the event scheduled for 8 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 26.

Colin Herlihy,

Chauncey’s Surf Shop

Age: 33

Hometown: Bethany Beach

Home break: Indian River Inlet

Dew Tour quiver: 6’0” Channel Islands Wierdo Ripper, 6’0” Channel Islands New Flyer

Sponsors: Hurley, Dizm Eyewear, Toobs Bodyboards, Chauncey’s Surf Shop, Channel Island Surfboards, Crazy 8’s Restaurant, The Wildlyfe, Yeah Harry, BackwoodsCrew.com

A Dew Tour veteran, Herlihy returns to the Surf Shop final as the only surfer representing the state of Delaware. With 20 years’ experience in contest surfing, including three years competing at Dew Tour and one year consulting, Herlihy also adds years of experience at tow-in surfing — famously taking on Hurricane Sandy less than two years ago.

“I am honored to be the only Delaware guy in the event and very grateful of the opportunity,” said the Dew Tour vet. “I am looking forward to a great time and making my hometown proud.

“For me, it’s all in good fun and pushing each rider to their full potential. I am going into the event with good vibes and rooting on all of my fellow competitors. I just hope for fun surf so everyone can push each other, and put on a show.”

Brad Flora,

Chauncey Surf Shop

Age: 19

Hometown: Baltimore transplant

Home break: 46th Street, Ocean City, Md.

Dew Tour quiver: 5’6” Brian Wynn

Sponsors: Ripcurl, Dizm eyewear

A Baltimore native, Flora moved to Ocean City to pursue his surfing career. Known for his tube riding and aerial ability, Flora was certainly a name to watch for on Thursday night.

“It’s a good opportunity to surf in front of your friends,” said Flora of the event. “It’d be cool to see the surfing [at Dew Tour] expand into a bigger deal.”

Flora went on to note that he is looking forward to seeing some bowl skating when he isn’t competing.

Seth Conboy,

Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop

Age: 19

Hometown: Ocean City, Md.

Home break: 34th Street, Ocean City, Md.

Dew Tour quiver: Super Brand 5’8” by 19” by 2.25”, Sharp Eye 5’8” by 18.88” by 2.25”

Sponsors: Brixton, Xcel Wetsuits, Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop, Sharp Eye Surfboards

A member of the Flagler College Surf Team in Florida, Conboy last competed in the NSSA College Men’s East Coast Championships. Returning home for summer break, the Ocean City native will look to incorporate his signature air reverse in the Surf Shop Final. Conboy also participated in the 2013 Dew Tour.

“It means a lot to be chosen out of such a big pool of talented surfers to represent Ocean City on such a large scale,” he said. “I’m stoked that Dew Tour asked us to compete again.”

Conboy is also looking forward to seeing some bowl skating after competing and, like Flora, would like to see the surfing be incorporated more into future Dew Tours.

“I definitely think they should continue having a surf event,” he went on. “The surfing event really complements the whole idea of having an action-sport event. Having surfing, skating and BMX all together, alongside with concerts at night, is an excellent recipe for a successful event.”

Waldon Remington III,

Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop

Age: 25

Hometown: Ocean City, Md.

Home break: 30th-50th Street, Ocean City, Md.

Dew Tour quiver: 5’9” Roberts

Sponsors: Fox, Shapers fins, Nectar sunglasses, Atlantic Shoals Surf Shop

Remington joins the Dew Tour for the first time — and it also happens to be his first time competing in any contest in more than a year. Despite the hiatus from wearing a jersey, Remington was expected to be one of the stars of the show on Thursday night.

“It feels great to know that I was selected,” he said of the honor. “Representing Ocean City means that I want to spread knowledge that our area is a good, clean family town.”

Remington said that, when he’s not in the water, he is most looking forward to seeing Pedro Barros skate the bowl at Dew Tour.

As of Coastal Point press time on Wednesday, June 25, the Amateur Surf Shop Final lineup was still subject to change. Also expected to compete were Maryland’s Simon Hetrick, Tyler Clazey and Sam Deeley.

For updates and live coverage of this event, and the 2014 Dew Tour Beach Championships, follow @CPointSports on Twitter and check out our Instagram, @CoastalPoint, for photos.

‘The whole Eastern Seaboard is lagging behind’

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If the cold weather this winter didn’t get you, the repeated snowstorms did, as the farming season has been delayed across the board — from fruits to grains, from Delaware to Georgia.

“We’re struggling right now to stay on schedule,” said Christopher Magee of Magee Farms, which farms a combined 2,000 acres from Lewes to Ocean Pines, Md. “We’re probably about two weeks behind. It’s kind of a national thing. All up and down the East Coast, everybody is behind, just because of the weather.

“Anytime you get snow in March, it really sets a lot of things behind. Watermelons, sweet corn… they’re very sensitive.”

Farmers couldn’t risk a late freeze, so they waited until April to plant.

“Things are a little bit later this year. The spring was so cool it really didn’t warm up until April-ish,” said Hail Bennett of Bennett Orchards.

The farming weather hasn’t been all bad this year, though. Spring was late, but increasingly warmer, so crops didn’t deal with a rollercoaster of heat and late frosts.

“Strawberries … were probably about 10 days later than normal,” said Magee, who was still selling berries into June.

“The one morning I woke up and it was 44 degrees out in May. That’s crazy. That’s March weather,” Magee said. “But we’re chugging along, hope to be done planting this week.”

He looked to finish sowing soybeans and do pumpkins soon. Magee Farms harvests a 10-to-1 ratio of chicken feed corn to vegetables. If there’s enough time, Magee will reuse the sweet-corn fields for soybeans.

He said he was worried over having enough time between harvest and the timeframe when distributors want crops to be ready.

That rush reminded him of ‘Sussex County traffic jams,’ where cars on two-lane roads get stuck behind a slowly-moving tractor or other farm equipment.

“People get mad at us for driving slow. We drive as fast as we can. We’re in more of a rush than you think you are,” Magee said.

This wintry speed bump also delayed the opening of some local farmers’ markets. The Millville Farmers’ Market was delayed by two weeks, to June 19.

“Mother Nature is going through menopause,” said Market Manager Linda Kent. “Hot and cold and rainy and so forth — and they just don’t have the products.”

“The whole Eastern Seaboard is behind. Normally, they’re picking corn in Georgia for three weeks. They only started four, five days ago,” Magee said in early June. “I’m kinda happy I’m behind, because I can’t compete against that.”

If everyone was growing at the same rate, the market would work similar to usual. But if the South lagged into the northern growing season, smaller Delmarva farmers would have major competition, he explained.

“We’re still dealing with the really, really cold winter,” said Bennett, noting that the January low was about -14 degrees Fahrenheit. “I don’t think anyone thought it could be that cold in Delaware, not in recent years.”

Bennett warned that some of his family’s crops — which include varieties of peaches and blueberries — will be “a lot lighter” because the closed flower buds still suffered in minus-10-degree weather. Of 18 varieties, he said, “Some are completely untouched. Some there are hardly anything left,” depending on their tolerance for cold, he explained.

But they have to produce.

“If I miss a crop or a time slot, my customer’s going to go look for corn someplace else,” Magee said. “Beat-up corn or not, I have to have it.”

The peaches bloomed two weeks late, but Bennett said the 2,500 peach trees are only about a week behind now. Anything colder could have brought devastation. Bennett spoke of minus-20-degree weather killing entire orchards in Michigan.

“It’s not a great year, but it could be a whole heck of a lot worse,” Bennett emphasized.

Protecting the crops is possible, Bennett said, on nights when the temperature dips just below 28 degrees. In the past, they’ve hired a helicopter to hover over the orchards to churn the rising warm air back to the ground.

But that’s only when the ground temperature is just a few degrees below the peach blossoms’ tolerance threshold. If the weather is 10 degrees lower, it’s not worth hiring a helicopter to tread cold air.

As a child, Bennett said, he thought the helicopter was exciting.

“It’s not so much fun anymore, because you can lose your entire crop in an hour or two of cold weather.”

Bennett was on the edge of his seat when a hailstorm skirted the farm in May, but there were only a few nicks on the fruit.

“Overall, it doesn’t look like a terrible crop,” Bennett said. “Things can change, too. You never know exactly what you have until you put it in the basket.”

Blueberries should still have a good season, he added, as the blueberries are a lot tougher in cold weather, and have grown in only their second year of production at Bennett Orchards. The northern fruit cleverly blooms later to avoid frost.

The Henry C. Johnson family has farmed between Selbyville and Roxana since the mid-1800s. This year, Keith Johnson said, they’re tilling about 800 acres, focusing on soybeans and feed corn to support their live hog operations. Any surplus will be sold to the poultry industry.

The corn was planted late, and soybeans are going in “fairly timely,” he explained. More soybeans will go in after wheat and barley are pulled.

Generally, feed corn is planted in May, with harvest from September to October, Johnson said. Bean plants planted in June will be harvested around November and the first frost.

Corn needs a certain number of degree-days, Johnson said, such as 100 days above a certain temperature. If June had a mysterious cold snap, the corn would pause until it reached the necessary growing temperature again.

“The late snows kind of … affected the prep of the ground, like applying the manures,” Johnson said. The ground needs time to work with those nutrients.

Although the Johnsons have stepped away from vegetable crops this year, Johnson has noticed that, locally, “Some of the vegetables have been coming off late, [but] I’m looking around and seeing that there’s a good supply.”

No concrete decisions have been made regarding reopening Johnson’s Country Market on Route 20 this year, he noted.

“Every year is totally different from the year before,” Johnson said. “If you don’t like this year, next year will be totally different. … The variables are changing.”

“I don’t think anybody’s hurting,” Bennett said. “Anything in greenhouses — I imagine they really struggled to keep those greenhouses heated.”

Adding insult to injury, the invasive stinkbugs hid indoors instead of dying out, Bennett reported.

“It makes things very interesting, which is part of the adventure of farming, but …you’re hoping to make a profit,” Johnson said. The uncertainty “can be scary.”

“Support your local farmers ’cause we sure need it,” Magee said.


IRSD rejects free lunch for all students in some schools

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The Indian River School Board of Education this week discussed, and ultimately rejected, a free meals program. Funded by the U.S. government, students could get free breakfast and lunch though Community Eligibility Provision, regardless of economic necessity. The CEP aims to feed children in high-poverty areas.

Funding is based on the current percentage of students who qualify for free/reduced meals. Based on the district’s payments and reimbursements, Clifton Toomey Jr., supervisor of nutrition services, determined that the CEP would be economically valuable at schools where about 53 percent of the population already have free/reduced meals: G.W. Carver Education Center, John M. Clayton Elementary, Phillip C. Showell Elementary, Howard T. Ennis School, North Georgetown Elementary, Georgetown Middle/Elementary and Long Neck Elementary.

The remaining schools would still have a right to serve the traditional tiers of free, reduced- and regular-priced meals.

Nearly a dozen areas of the country already participate in CEP, including Maryland, New York and Washington, D.C.

“I think it is an attempt of the USDA to go to a universal feeding system,” Toomey said.

“What does this look like, the everyday lunch line?” asked Board Member Shaun Fink.

“No child pays for lunch or breakfast … even the ones that can,” Toomey said.

“So the government pays the whole bill?” Fink said.

“Yes, they do,” Toomey said.

Student lunches cost $1 in elementary schools and $1.10 in secondary schools, and breakfast costs 60 cents.

The federal government reimburses the district $3.01 per “free” lunch and 36 cents for each “paid” lunch.

“The school actually makes money on a free meal?” Fink asked.

“You get a larger reimbursement on a free child, which helps keep costs low for a paid child,” Toomey said. “We’ve remained solvent all that time … the eight years I’ve been here, plus.”

Financially, Toomey said, the CEP wouldn’t change the district’s bottom line.

Children could continue buying à la carte items, such as snacks or ice cream. That income can be spent as the district pleases.

The school board unanimously agreed to opt out of the program but monitor its use in other districts.

“I don’t think it’s fair for everyone to have free lunch in one school,” said Board Member Nina Lou Bunting, “and the other schools don’t — just because of what school you go to.”

Middle school ready for discussion, not ready for vote

Although they recognize the need, the board opted this week not to submit a Certificate of Necessity (CN) to the Delaware Department of Education, which would be the beginning of the process of building a new middle school.

At the current rate of growth, Steele expects this year’s enrollment of 9,435 students to surpass 10,000 in the next six years.

“We don’t look for a slow down in the next five, six years,” Assistant Superintendent Mark Steele said. “You’ll see there is substantial growth in the northern end of the district,” especially if a new poultry-processing plant comes to Millsboro, he added.

“I don’t think that comes as a surprise,” he said. District enrollment grew by nearly 300 students for the past two years, which is expected again this fall.

His projections, based on the past five years, are high even at half that rate.

Even with 38 new classrooms already coming to the district, the board is leaning toward building a fourth middle school.

However, the board recognized that taxpayers are just now seeing the current work begin, 18 months after the January 2013 referendum passed, allowing for 38 new classrooms in six school buildings.

“I think it would be a hard sell,” said Board Member Leolga Wright, although she recognized the need. She suggested they publicize “the fact that groundbreaking ceremonies have taken place and work is being done. … ‘This is what we’re looking at down the road, and in doing that, we need to prepare ourselves for … a referendum.”

“We’re not asking for anything” by submitting a CN, Chief Financial Officer Patrick Miller said. “This is the formal process to let the other entities know that we’re in need.”

The CN puts the request in the State’s pipeline, so agencies know IRSD’s future intent. Even if it’s OK’d, Delaware must find room in the proposed State budget, and the IRSD would still wait for months before knowing what kind of figure it was asking voters to approve.

If the process fails, IRSD can keep trying.

“Even if this was successful, you’re looking at five to six years before this comes to fruition.”

Moreover, the school size should probably increase in the next CN draft to accommodate the continued growth. By the year 2020, Steele estimated, 950 students will be at Millsboro Middle and 730 at Georgetown Middle.

Millsboro Middle should hold about 800 students with current space, but with nine trailers, it has held up to 1,100 children — something the district has practically sworn never to repeat.

A new school located between Millsboro and Georgetown would probably require redistricting, which can cause contention, said Superintendent Susan Bunting.

Only in recent years has the Delaware Department of Education allowed districts to build schools for projected growth — a practice that began with new Indian River and Sussex Central high school buildings. Those opened about 10 years ago.

CN requests are due in July, then placed in the recommended State budget. School districts must host and pass a public vote, or referendum, by June 30 of the following year to get the go-ahead from district residents.

In other school board news:

• The district’s student dress code was amended to prohibit form-fitting stretch pants, or yoga pants. They cannot be worn alone as pants, but could be worn as nylons or leggings, when worn under clothing that falls no more than 3 inches above the knee.

• When requesting a building permit from Town of Georgetown for North Georgetown Elementary, where ground was recently broken for new classrooms, IRSD officials were surprised to be assessed a permit fee of $137,000. But several board members and IRSD employees met with Georgetown town council members and staff, and the cost was lowered to about $8,800.

Part of that initial fee amount was attributed to the Town’s belief that new classrooms would increase water consumption, but IRSD officials showed that North Georgetown was already using less water than the amount for which it was originally assessed.

“With collaboration of our board members and the close relationships we have … we were successful in mitigating those fees and saved about $125,000,” Miller reported.

The Town of Georgetown has the right to increase costs with future use, but the district got a verbal OK to proceed with construction immediately.

“We have never encountered assessments like we have found in the Town of Georgetown,” Miller admitted.

• The board unanimously voted to begin a district-wide overhaul of phone systems. Long Neck Elementary needs a new system immediately, but recognizing that many schools will need standard upgrades to allow for growth and safety anyway, the board decided to approve everything at once, although the new systems will be installed over the next several years.

“We believe, to maximize cost savings, we have to do the whole district,” said D. Patches Hill, technology systems manager. “The question is if you want to do it. … If we only do one building, we’re only going to save in one building.”

The next regular school board meeting is set for July 28 at 7 p.m. at Indian River High School. There is a special organizational meeting July 1 at 8 a.m. at Millsboro Middle School.

Frankford residents urge Town to pursue other options

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At the last Frankford Town Council meeting, residents gathered to voice their disapproval for the proposed town pension plan — many of them attempting to do so within the three-minute window allotted for each resident to speak to the council at the beginning of the meeting.

That time limit was lifted for the budget meeting held at Town Hall last Monday, June 23, and the meeting saw a large turnout, with citizens excited to voice their opinions.

The main subject discussed was the proposed pension plan, with one resident with experience in the financial industry making a case for a different option.

The proposed plan is the State-defined benefit plan, which the resident claimed was “chronically underfunded,” citing cities including Detroit, Mich., and counties including Orange County, Calif., as currently going bankrupt because of their plans. Instead, the resident suggested a defined benefit plan.

“I understand the point of a pension plan. I don’t think there’s anybody in this town that wouldn’t go along with a pension plan for every employee in this town,” he asserted. “The type of plan you institute is a totally different matter — how much we’re gonna be on the hook for indefinitely.”

He said 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use a defined contribution plan because it rewards employees for loyalty, as they cannot take the money with them if they decide to leave for another job.

Employees leaving for other jobs was one of Police Chief William Dudley’s main concerns regarding budgeting for the pension plan.

“If we don’t stay competitive with other departments, we’re not going to be able to keep qualified [officers],” said Dudley. “All this is is simply a proposed budget. I don’t know for a fact that the Town is even going to consider buying into the pension plan for three years back. All I did was put that in my line-item budget, because, should they decide to do it, at least we have a line available for it.”

While the townsfolk and the council seem to be on the same page regarding the importance of a pension plan, is seems as if the two sides still disagree on which plan should be pursued. No plan has been approved at this point.

The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m.

Frankford residents urge Town to pursue other options

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At the last Frankford Town Council meeting, residents gathered to voice their disapproval for the proposed town pension plan — many of them attempting to do so within the three-minute window allotted for each resident to speak to the council at the beginning of the meeting.

That time limit was lifted for the budget meeting held at Town Hall last Monday, June 23, and the meeting saw a large turnout, with citizens excited to voice their opinions.

The main subject discussed was the proposed pension plan, with one resident with experience in the financial industry making a case for a different option.

The proposed plan is the State-defined benefit plan, which the resident claimed was “chronically underfunded,” citing cities including Detroit, Mich., and counties including Orange County, Calif., as currently going bankrupt because of their plans. Instead, the resident suggested a defined benefit plan.

“I understand the point of a pension plan. I don’t think there’s anybody in this town that wouldn’t go along with a pension plan for every employee in this town,” he asserted. “The type of plan you institute is a totally different matter — how much we’re gonna be on the hook for indefinitely.”

He said 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use a defined contribution plan because it rewards employees for loyalty, as they cannot take the money with them if they decide to leave for another job.

Employees leaving for other jobs was one of Police Chief William Dudley’s main concerns regarding budgeting for the pension plan.

“If we don’t stay competitive with other departments, we’re not going to be able to keep qualified [officers],” said Dudley. “All this is is simply a proposed budget. I don’t know for a fact that the Town is even going to consider buying into the pension plan for three years back. All I did was put that in my line-item budget, because, should they decide to do it, at least we have a line available for it.”

While the townsfolk and the council seem to be on the same page regarding the importance of a pension plan, is seems as if the two sides still disagree on which plan should be pursued. No plan has been approved at this point.

The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m.

Code of Ethics on the minds of county council candidates

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At this week’s forum for County Council District 5 held in Millsboro, hopefuls Brad Connor and Bob Wheatley discussed whether there is a need for a new Code of Ethics in the county.

“It’s a basic tool. Everyone should serve under a Code of Ethics. Kent County has one. New Castle County has one. There has to be one put in. That needs to be addressed, and I will address that as well,” said Connor.

Wheatley said the County does not need to write its own Code of Ethics, as it already has one.

“Sussex County does have a Code of Ethics that every State, County and municipal employee or officeholder is required to follow,” he said. “It is administered by the Public Integrity Commission (PIC), where they have a board who has administrative procedures in place to address complaints.

“They do this for free, and it doesn’t cost us anything; it doesn’t cost us a penny to use the system that we’re already paying for, that we already have.”

Wheatley said he first learned about the PIC when he was first elected to the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, and was told by the County’s attorney to review the code.

Wheatley went on to recommend that the County simply pass a resolution to officially adopt the State’s Code of Ethics, and have its employees and government officials trained as to what is in the code.

“I think County Council should adopt a resolution that expresses its support for the State Code of Ethics. It should require every officeholder and employee to be educated in the State Code of Ethics. We can do this in our own training department or the Public Integrity Commission, if we request it, will come do it for us at no charge.

“It would provide excellent coverage and confidence that folks can have in our County employees and office holders. Let’s make use of what we already have.”

Incumbent District 5 County Councilman Vance Phillips asked Wheatley if he would mind if the County took his suggestion and adopted the Code prior to the election.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Phillips.

“Mr. Phillips, put it on the agenda next week — let’s get it done,” responded Wheatley.

District 5 county council candidates hold Millsboro forum

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Last week, Sussex County Council District 5 candidates spoke at the Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce’s monthly member meeting.

Candidate Brad Connor, who is currently serving as mayor of Dagsboro, noted that he always had a desire to serve the community.

“I just always wanted to get involved in the community and in helping people,” Connor said.

Connor, who grew up in Bethany Beach, attended Salisbury University and is married with two kids. After being asked by fellow Dagsboro residents to run for town council, Connor did, and he won.

“I took it on like a job,” he said. “It was all an education.”

Connor said he worked to get the town sewer service and better drinking water. He also received $3.5 million in grant money for the town’s water system. Currently, he added, the town has the lowest sewer rates in the county.

“I’ve done my legwork. Now I want to go to the next level and put this to work on the county level.”

Connor also said that he hopes to work on bringing jobs to the area, as well as increase police protection in the district by rotationally creating a substation in the Millsboro or Dagsboro area.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the county.”

Candidate Bob Wheatley, who currently serves as chairman of the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission said that he is ready to take the step and serve as the District 5 councilman.

“I think I’m ready to help make the rules, instead of just having to live with them,” he said.

Wheatley, who has served the County on the commission for 18 years, is originally from Federalsburg, Md. A graduate of Salisbury University, he purchased the Whayland Co., a commercial contracting firm, in 1993 and moved the company to Southern Delaware in 2000.

Wheatley said that when he first moved to Sussex County, he took advantage of the County’s mortgage bond system at a time when interest rates were at 22 percent.

“Sussex County Council had the foresight to put this program in place. It was the first county in the United States, the first county in the country, to do this. It built over 600 homes for folks who wouldn’t have gotten them any other way, just like myself, and that’s the kind of innovation we need to bring back.”

Wheatley said the program didn’t cost the County anything but was “a great shot in the arm” for the economy.

He added that, if elected, he hopes to make economic development a community activity.

“We’re all about low taxes — that’s one thing people pretty much agree on. But there’s a way to leverage the money … and get more bang for our buck.”

Wheatley suggested a partnership, or a committee, be formed, comprising the Sussex County Development Action Committee, as well as business owners and representatives of educational institutions.

“You have a built-in brain-trust — a built-in network of people who can find folks to come here, help folks come here and help the companies that are already here,” he said. “Let’s not forget about the people who are already here doing business.”

Incumbent Vance Phillips, who has been serving as the District 5 councilman since November of 1998, said he remembers winning his first election by 168 votes.

“My roots run deep in Sussex County. I feel like I have almost a duty to serve this county,” said the Laurel resident.

Phillips said he’s always available to his constituents who have an issue or want to speak to him.

“I’d encourage you to call me anytime,” he said.

Phillips said he has always promoted low taxes and limited government and said the services from the County are first-rate. He added that, when voting on the council dais, he always thinks of the property rights of county residents.

“Whenever I’m making land-use decisions — and, mind you, that’s a very important part of this job — I think about the private property owner first,” he said.

Phillips also spoke to attendees about his health, as he has spent the last few years recovering from a serious plane accident in 2011.

“I had about 25 hours under my belt when, after takeoff one time, the plane began to act up. I was able to land the plane, but it came down very flat. When it hit, it compressed my spinal column, crushed the T-12 vertebrate and damaged my spinal cord. I was paralyzed for a number of weeks.”

Phillips said it was through the “power of Jesus and the prayers of so many Sussex Countians” that he has been able to regain mobility.

“Today, I am standing, when before they never thought I’d be out of a wheelchair.”

Earlier this year, he had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in his back, which has allowed a 75 percent reduction in his pain medications, he noted.

“I continue to get better every day. In the meantime, I’m at your service,” Phillips concluded.

Fireworks and festivities galore on tap for Fourth of July

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Those looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day on the Delaware shore with a real bang may have trouble picking where to go to celebrate.

In Millsboro, a Youth 4th of July Parade will be held beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4. Families should meet at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s labyrinth for an opening ceremony featuring Cathy Gorman and young Marines. There will also be a special visit from Uncle Sam.

Each child will be given an American flag to carry along the parade route down State Street, turning left onto Morris Street, to conclude in Cupola Park.

Bethany Beach will kick off its celebrations this weekend, with the annual Firecracker 5K Run/3K Walk held on Sunday, June 29, 8 a.m., starting at the bandstand. Pre-registration has already closed, but those still hoping to participate can look to register on the day of the event, starting at 7 a.m.

At noon on Friday, July 4, Bethany Beach’s annual Fourth of July parade will start at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway, and take its traditional 2-mile route through the town. The parade will feature six marching bands, five entertainment groups, many homemade floats, and many children riding bikes decked out in red, white and blue.

The official Bethany Beach 4th of July Parade T-shirts will be on sale on the boardwalk during bandstand shows June 27 and 28, and July 1 and 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., as well as from 9 to 11 a.m. at Town Hall the week leading up to the event. T-shirts cost $15 for adults and $10 for children.

At 2 p.m. a horseshoe-throwing contest will be held at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.

Later that evening, at 7:15 p.m., the awards ceremony for the parade will be held at the bandstand, followed by a performance by the Warrior Spirit Band, a band comprising disabled and combat-wounded veterans.

The day will conclude with a fireworks display with prime viewing on the beach, kicking off at dusk.

For those in Rehoboth or Dewey Beach, fireworks will be set off from two barges off the shoreline around 9 p.m. and be visible in the surrounding area.

The next day, the Bear Trap Dunes community in Ocean View will hold their annual parade. On Saturday, July 5, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bear Trap pavilion, the Ocean View Police Department, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company, business and community floats, kids on bikes and more will make a loop around the community.

Then, on Saturday evening, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. the Town of Fenwick Island will hold its 10th annual Bonfire on the beach at Dagsboro Street. Games, music and dancing for both children and adults are planned.

T-shirts and other items will be available for sale, with proceeds going to help offset the cost of the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol team’s attendance at the USLA National Lifeguards Championships in Virginia Beach this August.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Residents and visitors alike, no matter where in the area they are during the Fourth of July holiday, will have a multitude of options to celebrate the country’s independence with family, fun and fireworks.

Ocean View approves Route 26 townhouse development

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The Ocean View Board of Adjustment on June 19 held a public hearing regarding an application submitted by the Evergreene Companies, eventually approving their request for a special exception to constrict 16 townhouses on property located at 28 Atlantic Avenue. The townhomes would be constructed on three parcels of land, to be combined as one, zoned in General Business District 1.

Josh Mastrangelo of the Evergreene Companies told the board that the design was meant to keep the development a lower-intensity residential area, in keeping with the aesthetic of the town.

Carlton Savage of Pennoni Associates said the developers planned to use the parcels’ natural grass sources for drainage but will keep an additional portion of land available for additional stormwater drainage, if needed.

BoA Chairman Tom Silvia asked what the parking would be like in the development. Mastrangelo said that each townhome would have a one-car garage and two additional parking spaces in the front driveway.

Savage added that there has been a wetland scientist on-site to survey the properties, and the preliminary report showed there are no wetlands there. However, it was noted that, at the time of the June 19 meeting, the Town had yet to receive a report regarding any possible wetlands.

Resident Brian Gobell, who lives in a neighboring community bordering where the proposed townhomes would be constructed, asked what the landscape buffer around the properties would be like. Gobell was told that the current plans show tree-line landscaping around the portion of the properties that is in the southwest section.

The Board approved the special exception to construct the 16 townhomes, with a vote of 5-0 and the stipulation that the three parcels must be combined into one.

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission also met on June 19, to hold a public hearing on an ordinance to amend §140-42-C (5) and (6) of the Land Use & Development Chapter (L.U.D.C.) of the Town Code, and unanimously voted, 5-0, to recommend the amendment to the town council.

The amendment proposes to revise the hours of alcoholic beverage service and consumption in restaurants, to be identical to that set by Delaware state law. Those who are licensed with the Office of the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner to sell alcoholic beverages may do so from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.

In the current town code, a restaurant may not serve or have alcohol consumed on the premises between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. The new code would add 90 minutes each night when alcohol could legally be served and consumed in the town.

“This would mirror restaurants to be identical to that set by Delaware law,” explained Town Solicitor Dennis Schrader of the proposed amendment. With the P&Z recommendation, the proposed change in town code will go to the town council for a vote.


Carroll withdraws from county council race, supports Cole

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Last week, Sussex County District 4 hopeful Bill Carroll formally withdrew as a candidate for county council.

“I really enjoyed the bit that I did. I renewed a lot of friendships and acquaintances. I had fun. I had fun going out there,” said Carroll of campaigning.

Carroll had filed in February to run as a Republican in the November election. At that time, no one else had filed for the seat, which is currently held by George Cole. But Cole filed for reelection earlier this month.

“He had pretty much indicated for the last four years or so that he wasn’t going to run, so I filed,” said Carroll of Cole. “Then, after he made the decision to run for reelection, he asked me to support him. I agreed to do that, so I dropped out of the race and I’m supporting George.”

Carroll said that he and Cole have been friends for many years, as have their families.

“George is one of the first people I met. I met him on the Little League field when his son George Jr. and my son Will were trying out for Little League. We’ve known each other for a long, long time and feel connected. He’s already there and wants to run again. For the sake of family ties and friendship, I’d withdraw and support him.

“It’s one of those things — even if you won, you’d lose.”

As for a future bid at political office, Carroll said it could be a possibility.

“I would consider that and other options, as well. We never know what the future has for us.”

Currently, only Cole and Democrat Shirley Price have filed for the District 4 seat. The deadline for filing is July 8.

“I hope he wins,” said Carroll of Cole. “Given the choices that the voters have, I think George is by far the best candidate. I really feel that way.”

Dewey Beach 6th Outlet Liquors 5K set for July 6

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As part of the Ten Sisters of Dewey Beach Summer Running & Walking Series 2014, the 6th Outlet Liquors 5K will be held at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, starting and ending at the Rusty Rudder, located at 113 Dickinson Street in Dewey Beach.

Friends, family and beach house members can have fun at the 5K Run/Walk and remain afterward for the awards ceremony and the post-race party.

In addition, the Ivy 5K will start and finish at the Ivy restaurant, located at 136 Dagsworthy Street in Dewey Beach on June 29, with the race starting at 8 a.m.

Races2Run, with the sponsorship of the Highway One Group, offers the series of runs each summer. All courses are UATF-certified, with chip timing. Entrants receive a gender-specific tech shirt, and can receive giveaways and awards for the top three finishers in five-year age categories. Parking is free in Dewey on race day, until 11 a.m.

Registration is available online for this and other 10 Sisters of Dewey Beach races, at www.races2run.com and will open at 7 a.m. on day of the race. The race begins at 8 a.m. sharp.

The Ten Sisters of Dewey Beach, started in 2003 as the Seven Sisters of Dewey Beach, is a running and walking series and provides vacationing families, local residents, beach house residents and day-visitors with 10 summer running and walking events. For those 21 or older, beer is available at the post-race parties.

Individuals who complete all Ten Sisters running events this season will receive special awards. For additional information about registration, or for team entries, contact Barb@races2run.com.

Millsboro Chamber readies for annual golf classic

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The Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Classic at Baywood Greens on Aug. 19, offering golfers the opportunity to enjoy what is widely considered one of the area’s most beautiful public courses, while also supporting a charitable cause.

This year, the tournament, which is usually a fundraiser for the Chamber’s scholarship fund, will instead be raising money to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower injured military veterans.

“We just decided that, other than our scholarship fund, it would be nice to give it to an organization,” explained Amy Simmons, the Chamber’s executive director. “We have such a large retired service community here — we have the VFWs, American Legions — we just thought this would be something we could give back to them and draw people into the event.”

Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Aug. 11. The cost is $500 for a team of four or $125 for an individual. Entry fees include greens fees, golf cart, breakfast sandwich, beverage and snack cart, and more. And solo golfers need not worry about a lack of company on the course.

“We will help people find a foursome,” said Simmons. “All are welcome.”

Simmons said that, last year, 68 golfers participated in the tournament, and she hopes more will join in this year.

“Naturally, people love to play at Baywood; it’s a beautiful golf course. A lot of our people are repeat players from over the years. Some of them have been coming since the tournament’s inception.”

The day of the event, registration will open at 8 a.m., with the putting contest beginning at 9 a.m., and a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament for various contests and top scorers.

“We’ll have a putting contest in the morning, with prizes for men and women’s longest drive, closest to the pin, and then third-place gross, second-place gross and first-place gross — the teams with the lowest scores.”

Simmons added that those who wish to register for the event do not have to have a handicap. Those who live 50 miles or more outside of the state are also eligible for a free night’s stay the night before or night of the tournament.

“They can either stay Aug. 18 or 19, and we will pay for a room for them,” Simmons explained. “We’ve partnered with Atlantic Inn for that.”

Following the tournament, participants will be fed a catered barbecue dinner.

“Everyone always says that’s really good food,” noted Simmons.

Currently, the Chamber is still looking for sponsors for the event, as they hope to raise a lot of money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Simmons said she hopes area residents and visitors will participate in the fun tournament and support a worthy cause.

“I hope that we fill our spots and that it’s a nice day, and I hope everybody has a good time.”

For more information or to register, contact the Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at (302) 934-6777 or via email, at info@millsborochamber.com. Applications may also be found online, at www.millsborochamber.com/sites/default/files/2014%20Golf%20Outing%20pg1.....

Michael Morgan to hold book signing July 9

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Michael Morgan has been writing freelance newspaper articles on the history of coastal Delaware for more than three decades. Morgan has also published articles in America’s Civil War, Baltimore’s The Sun, Chesapeake Bay magazine, Civil War Times, Maryland magazine, World War II magazine and other national publications.

Morgan is also the author of “Pirates and Patriots: Tales of the Delaware Coast,” “Rehoboth Beach: A History of Surf and Sand,” “Bethany Beach: A Brief History,” “Ocean City: Going Down the Ocean” and “Civil War Delaware: The First State Divided.”

Morgan’s newest book is titled “Hidden History of Lewes,” which was just published in April of 2014. The Indian River Life-Saving Station will be hosting Morgan for a presentation and book signing on Wednesday, July 9, at 7 p.m. The program is free to the public, and pre-registration is not required.

Proudly laying claim to the title of “First Town in the First State,” Morgan said, Lewes has a history brimming with little-known tales of gentlemen pirates, desperate acts of cannibalism and a failed British bombardment in the War of 1812. Another attempted invasion occurred in 1853, when raucous New England fishermen intent on having a good time were repelled by residents armed with clubs and an old cannon.

In 1926, he noted, the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse toppled onto the beach. With the light extinguished, bootleggers had an easier time plying their trade. On Jan. 5, 1932, a captured rumrunner was accidentally set ablaze when an oil slick caught fire on the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal.

Morgan explores stories of impromptu presidential dips, charismatic preachers, German POW camps and other lost tales from the history of Lewes.

For more information, contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at (302) 227-6991. For information on these or other programs at Delaware Seashore State Park, visit destateparks.com.

Delaware Watercolor Society announces winners of expo

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The Delaware Watercolor Society held the Opening Reception for its Juried Watercolor Exhibition on June 16, at Cadbury at Lewes. The exhibition was open to both DWS members and non-members.

Brenda Will Kidera, juror and awards judge, selected 22 paintings from those entered to be part of the juried watercolor exhibition. Each painting met the selection criteria established by DWS for all of its juried watercolor exhibitions. Elizabeth Collard, DWS president, gave special recognition to Kidera and the skill she brought to the jurying and awards selection process.

“Kidera’s vast painting and teaching experience and her significant evaluation skills were evident as she reviewed each entry submitted for consideration in the exhibition,” Collard said.

Upon completion of the selection process, Kidera then chose the award-winning paintings. The award-winning artists are: C. Mercedes Wells, first place for her entry “Relax”; Kelly Sverduk, second place, for her entry “Sweet Corn, zea mays”; and Isabel Pizzolato, third place for her entry “Gift of Spring.”

Non- monetary Merit Awards were given to Joan Fabbri for “Passages II: Covered Bridge, Elizabethton, TN,” Dianne Shearon for “You are My Sunshine” and Anne Crown-Cyr for “Loving the Lavender.”

This is the second of five specially planned exhibitions celebrating DWS’s 10th anniversary, from May 2014 to April 2015. The exhibition will be on view at Cadbury at Lewes until July 31.

The next DWS Juried Watercolor Exhibition will be held at Nassau Valley Vineyards Sept. 2-30. For more information regarding DWS or the upcoming juried exhibition in September, visit the website at delawarewatercolorsociety.org.

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