Lenny Perez-Rivera is 9 and lives in Georgetown. He and his family have recently returned from Brazil, where they watched two World Cup games, went sightseeing and participated in a huge fan-appreciation festival. This wonderful experience was courtesy of the Make-A-Wish organization, because Lenny has leukemia.

Special to the Coastal Point • Christina Weaver: Lenny Perez-Rivera shakes hands with Danny McMahon, a Bethany Sports Cards & Collectibles employee, after they donated a special jersey for Rivera to wear on his journey to the World Cup.Lenny is a big soccer fan. His favorite player is Neymar (Neymar da Silva Santos Jr.), who comes from Brazil and currently plays for Barcelona.

“When I was told I could have any wish, I knew right away I wanted to go to the World Cup,” he said.

Despite the anxiety about getting last-minute visas, a journey that took three plane rides and two days of travel in each direction, and being in a foreign country where everyone speaks Portuguese, the Perez-Rivera family described Lenny’s wish as a life-changing positive experience.

“Lenny walks taller now. He is more confident. He smiles more. He believes he is somebody,” said his father, Cecilio Perez.

“My favorite part was sitting in the stands with all the people from so many countries and watching the games,” said Lenny. “It was so loud and exciting.”

Although waving flags during the games was prohibited, Lenny showed his pride in being an American by wearing his red-, white-and-blue stars-and-stripes scarf. He also wore his Make-A-Wish pin and saw several other “wish kids” in the stands.

Since their return home, Lenny has been back to Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, where he will continue to have monthly chemotherapy treatments for the next two years. And, on the weekends, the family is making a point of thanking all the people who contributed to Lenny’s wish and making it even more special.

One of the gifts Lenny was given at his send-off party was donated by Tommy Johnson, owner of Bethany Sports Cards & Collectibles. It is a bright yellow jersey and shorts set with Neymar’s name and number.

This past weekend, Lenny went to the store for the first time to say “thank you” and give them a picture of him wearing his special shirt. He was proud to shake the hand of store employee Danny McMahon and see his picture — upon which he wrote “Thank you, Lenny” — pinned to a shelf behind the counter.

Neymar, Brazil’s star player, was badly injured during the one of the games in the World Cup and was unable to continue playing. Lenny was back home then and watching the game on television. “It made me cry,” he said.

Many of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish involve travel. It is why the generous donation of frequent flyer miles is such an integral part of their being able to provide kids with life-threatening illnesses a wish experience they will never forget. To donate miles to help children like Lenny, go to http://midatlantic.wish.org/ways-to-help/giving/airline-miles.

Bethany Sports Cards & Collectibles is located at 100 Garfield Parkway, Unit 7. They are open year-round.

Participants in the 23rd Annual Beach & Bay Cottage Tour, which will benefit the Friends of the South Coastal Library, will have the opportunity to visit 10 unique homes in the Bethany Beach/Fenwick Island area. The tour will be held Wednesday, July 23, and Thursday, July 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tourgoers may visit all 10 homes in one day or spread the viewing over the two days of the tour.

A limited number of tickets at $30 are still available for the 2014 tour. Ticket holders will receive a tote bag with the program booklet, which serves as the ticket, a pair of booties (donated by Beebe Medical Center) to be worn in all the homes and complimentary copies of Coastal Style, Delaware Beach Life and Going Green on Delmarva magazines. Tote sponsors for 2014 are Bethany Beach Books, G&E/Hockers, Leslie Kopp, PNC Bank, Sea Colony Recreation Association, the Town of Bethany Beach and Vickie York.

Tickets are now available at the South Coastal Library at 43 Kent Avenue in Bethany Beach and will also be available July 17-23 at: Bethany Beach Books, Japanesque and Sea Needles in Bethany Beach; at Carolina Street and The Rooster’s Nest in Fenwick Island; at McCabe’s in South Bethany and at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

Tourgoers are able to pick up reserved tickets at the library starting July 17 at 10 a.m. Any tickets remaining on the days of the tour will be available only at the library. Babies and children younger than 12 are not permitted in the homes; and no photography is allowed in the homes. Tour homes are private homes and are not handicapped-accessible.

Again this year, tourgoers may pick up suggested instructions on how they may “Go Green” by biking the tour. The instructions will be available at the library starting July 17 at 10 a.m. They will also be posted on the Tour’s website as of that date.

Two raffles are a traditional part of the Friend’s Cottage Tour. The winners of the Dinner for Two raffle will dine at Magnolia’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Mancini’s, Matt’s Fish Camp, Off the Hook/Just Hooked, The Parkway restaurant or Sedona. The Art Raffle offers framed artwork from Aubré Duncan, Carol Dyer, Tara Funk Grim, Anne Hanna, Laura Hickman, Jeanne Mueller and Cheryl Wisbrock.

Tickets for both raffles, at $1 each or six for $5, are available at the library and at selected homes on the days of the tour. The drawings will be held at the library at 5 p.m. on July 24; winners need not be present.

Serabian home, Fenwick Island

Over the past 17 years, Kathy and Ron Serabian have enjoyed vacation homes in the Bethany Beach area, but in 2011 they discovered a location in Fenwick Island that offered a beautiful bayfront location with easy access for the family’s boat. Every window of this new bayfront home offers an expansive water view of Lighthouse Cove. The New England-style cedar shingle house sports a gambrel roof, a lighted cupola, custom windows and a front entry courtyard, all designed to reflect the owner’s love for the character of Nantucket architecture. With more than 6,000 square feet, six bedrooms and 5.5 baths, there is plenty of room for extended family and three family dogs to escape to a peaceful retreat. An open floorplan provides an easy flow for entertaining, both inside and out with multiple balconies, a wide back porch and a bayside flagpole surrounded by Adirondack chairs for toasting the sunsets.

Boteler home, South Bethany

The year 2012 marked a significant transition for Severna Park residents Ann and Don Boteler, as they retired and began construction on the South Bethany home that would become their fulltime residence just a year later. The new three-story house is located on a corner canal lot, offering beautiful water views from every window in the house. The home replaced the rancher Ann Boteler’s parents built on the lot in 1973 for their retirement, and the builder preserved and repurposed porch boards from the original house to give the family a visible, tangible link to decades of treasured family memories. The reverse floorplan design with five bedrooms, four baths and 3,300 square feet comfortably accommodates the couple’s children and five grandchildren for weekend and summer visits.

Pollekoff home, Bethany Beach

Linda Pollekoff describes her family’s 2012 purchase of their Bethany Beach property as one of the most impulsive things they’ve ever done, especially since they’d never even vacationed there before. Looking for a nearby escape from the hectic pace of their busy lives in D.C., she and her husband, Bruce, came to Bethany on the advice of a friend and immediately were charmed by the town. Before they knew it, they had purchased a lot, donated the house on the property for low-income housing in Dagsboro and begun construction on their dream vacation home. Their goal from the start was to create a calm, soothing and fun retreat for themselves, their two grown sons and two dogs. It’s clear from the finished house that attention has been paid to be sure everyone, including the dogs, has a place to retreat and relax. The inverted floorplan, five-bedroom, seven- bathroom home is rich with unique design and decorating elements that lend a custom “beach camp” look to every space and reflect a close collaboration between the homeowners, their designer and the builder.

Wheeler home, Bethany Beach

After spending more than 40 summers in Bethany Beach as children and adults, Kathleen and Rick Wheeler of Annapolis finally decided it was time to purchase their own vacation home. Not long after they bought the “No VacanSea” cottage on First Street, they realized that, despite its charms, it was not big enough to comfortably house their two young sons and frequent visits from their close-knit extended family. They began construction in 2008 of a 2,500-square-foot Hamptons-style home with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Their primary goal through every step of the planning and construction was to create a home that was highly energy efficient, utilizing green features in every component from top to bottom. Their consistent attention to this goal has resulted in a uniquely solid structure that will endure even the harshest of weather conditions for many generations to come.

Siciliano home, Sussex Shores, North Bethany

After 30 years of vacationing in the Bethany area with their five children, Denise and Mark Siciliano had outgrown their modest beach cottage in Sussex Shores. They soon embarked on a plan to create a beach retreat that would comfortably accommodate their growing brood. Their new 4,100-square-foot home has six bedrooms and 5.5 baths, so that everyone can have their own space while visiting. The first floor is designed for entertaining large groups, with an open, light-filled floorplan and an expansive kitchen set up for lots of cooking. A screened front porch and backyard patio outfitted with a full-service kitchen expand the entertainment possibilities. The reclaimed white oak floors were selected to withstand sand, dogs and lots of foot traffic, just as the furnishings were chosen to be comfortable, easy-care and family-friendly.

Warren-Forey home, Quillen’s Point, Ocean View

Known as the Sail House, this 1984 contemporary home was one of the first built in Quillen’s Point and appeared on the very first Beach & Bay Cottage Tour, in 1992. Architect Robert Wilson Mobley designed the colorful rooftop stair tower to resemble a sailboat floating on the horizon and earned an award from the American Institute of Architects for his unique design. Owners Patty Warren and Roy Forey first saw the Sail House in 1996, and it was love at first sight. Although unassuming when viewed from the street, once inside, the modest 2,000-square-foot home opens up to expansive bay views provided by floor-to-ceiling windows that encompass the entire east side of the home. In the past 18 years, Patty and Roy have upgraded both bathrooms and created a sunroom from the former screened porch, adding vintage and antique pieces from their travels.

Edmonston home, Bethany Beach

Jenifer and Scott Edmonston bought their lot in 2009, after moving from the D.C. area. Architect Scott immediately began designing the home and, by 2010, had begun construction with the help of good friends and family members. After years of designing homes, he felt it would be an invaluable experience to actually build a home from his own plans. He and Jenifer are both thrilled with the results, which achieved their goal of creating a modest-sized home that lives large, has a small footprint, both physically and environmentally, and has maximum energy efficiency, with net-zero energy usage, due to full solar power. With abundant light, high ceilings and an open floorplan, the home is spacious and welcoming, despite its compact size, and is a perfect fit for this young couple’s lifestyle.

Brigleb home, Bethany Beach

It’s been 28 years since Carol and Dick Brigleb of Fairfax Station, Va., built their home in Lake Bethany, right next door to her mother, who had built one of the very first homes in that development in the late 1970s. Carol spent most of her summers as a child in the Bethany area and was happy to continue that tradition with her three young sons. By 2010, their boys had headed off to college and the Briglebs decided it was time for a renovation. Since then, they’ve added a two-story addition, front entry porch and rear screened porch, and completed a reconfiguration of their interior and exterior layout. That resulted in a freshly updated, open floorplan that highlights their lakefront views from every room. Carol’s goal throughout the lengthy renovation process was to create a comfortable environment that would minimize maintenance and maximize their family’s vacation time together. The result is a well-designed and carefree home with a tasteful coastal color scheme and décor that highlights the soothing waterfront setting.

May home, Bear Trap, Ocean View

When she was looking to relocate from Virginia Beach in 2011, Julie May knew she’d found the perfect spot in Bear Trap. The two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,400-square-foot townhome she purchased offered everything she was looking for: a manageable size, near the beach, a close-knit community and proximity to her children, grandchildren and one of her best friends. After working for years as an art dealer specializing in 18th century antiques, she decided to try something completely new with this home, decorating it in a casual coastal cottage style that mixes reasonably priced items from area home furnishing stores with museum-quality art. She chose a soft seafoam color that coordinates with the fabrics and accessories throughout the house. Her main goal was to create a cheerful, inviting environment that would provide a warm welcome to visiting family and friends.

Richards home, Bear Trap, Ocean View

Helen Richards’ move from life as a Wilmington attorney to life as a retiree on the Eastern Shore seems fitting, given that her family settled in Sussex County in the early 1700s. There is ample evidence of the family’s history throughout her traditional Bear Trap townhome, which is filled with antiques and family heirlooms collected by her mother and grandfather. Helen was initially challenged to fit it all in, as she had spent the past 15 years in large waterfront homes. Transitioning from 4,000 square feet to a mere 1,500 square feet was an adjustment. She loves the ease of living on one floor, however, and has found that the porch and deck offer her “just enough of nature” to smooth the transition from her former home overlooking the Salt Pond.

Zipping through Roxana fields, two dirt-bikers kick up dust on a humid day. They stop to chat before kicking down on the starter and buzzing away for another loop.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Jim LeBrun, a 74-year-old retired optician, takes his dirt bike for a spin.But raindrops fall, turning dust clouds of dust into mud splatters. The men finally remove their helmets, revealing white and gray hair.

At ages 74 and 80, Jim LeBrun and Charles “Ed” Jolly could be your basic retirees. But motocross has moved them for most of their lives.

“We don’t go as fast as we used to, but we still have fun,” said LeBrun, a resident of West Fenwick.

They met in the late 1960s, through the Baltimore County Trail Riders Association, which endures to this day as “a group of motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport of motorcycle riding and racing,” according to the group’s website.

LeBrun was around 25 when he joined BCTRA and met Jolly. Slightly older than other members, they rode through motocross and Enduros together.

On this afternoon, LeBrun’s dual-sport bike had given out en route, so they took turns on Jolly’s, coming from Ocean Pines, Md. Ever the motorhead, Jolly still owns multiple motorbikes and scooters, usually riding Yamahas and a Kowasaki, and borrowing his son’s Harley Davidson.

Jolly avoids riding on highways, though.

“Scares me to death,” he said. “Automobiles — they don’t like the guys on the bikes.”

Ironically, having moved to the shore, they said the beach is “no fun” for riding. Once sand gets stuck in something, they have to take the machinery apart for cleaning.

They’re also not fond of four-wheelers, which are “too dangerous” and could flip over, LeBrun said. Plus, they make big holes that can sink a bike. Again, riders must disassemble the bike for maintenance.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : At 80-years-old, Charles ‘Ed’ Jolly still rides his dirt bike around.But Jolly’s good at that.

“He’s the go-to guy when you need something fixed on your bike,” LeBrun said. “He can fix anything. He’ll tear a motor apart.”

Motor oil might run in Jolly’s veins. He was a manager in the Chevrolet auto-service department. His father worked for Chevy, too.

“I made eyeglasses for 50 years,” said LeBrun, a former optician. “Anytime he needs eyeglasses, I get him. If I need bike work,” Jolly is there, he said.

“He’s my good buddy. If anything happens to me, he’ll pick me up,” and vice versa, Jolly said.

“It’s foolish to go riding alone.”

They also carried screwdrivers for repairs, plus CO² cartridges to refill tires. But bikes aren’t the only things that break.

Jolly has broken his hand and had his knees done. LeBrun once had a skin graft, and his knees need to be replaced.

“It’s very hard on our knees,” Jolly admitted.

“You ride your best when you’re standing up,” LeBrun said. “Your legs are like shock absorbers.”

So during an hours-long Enduro (an endurance race with obstacles), “You’re standing up for 125 miles,” Jolly said.

Riding North America

Jolly figured he’s done about 100 Enduros through the East Coast Enduro Association. Up to 300 people enter these long-distance races. Jolly said he’s even won one or two.

“I was a good rider, not great,” he said, noting that his favorite Enduro was up and down the C&D Canal. He had a family, plus a boss who said, “Don’t break anything. I don’t wanna see you come in here Monday morning on crutches.”

That hasn’t entirely stopped the two riders from getting into scrapes.

“We’ve had to lift the bike up off of you,” LeBrun recalled. “Good thing we’ve been together on some of the runs.”

Riding through snowy terrain, Jolly’s bike has even fallen through the ice.

The dusty trails have led Jolly and LeBrun beyond the East Coast. Special trips take riders on new terrain each day. A truck follows with food and gear.

“You ride a different place every day,” LeBrun said. To keep riders fed and watered, “A truck follows you every day.”

LeBrun toured Colorado with a guide and seven others.

“You wouldn’t see another person or house” all day long, LeBrun said, riding along the rocky peaks, laced with old train tracks. “You’re so high!”

Then riders would just “drop into a town,” every night for several days.

Jolly had his own incredible trip to Copper Canyon in the Mexican mountains.

However, Six Days of Michigan permanently changed Jolly’s life. His brother was in a fatal collision while riding.

“It made me think a lot,” Jolly said. It hurt, he said, and their father was angry, but eventually the family realized that Jolly’s brother only rode because he wanted to. No one else had forced him to get on the bike.

Still in love with the sport, Jolly returned to his bike, always knowing he had to be cautious.

But motocross has been positive for Jolly, LeBrun and their families. They’ve seen their children and grandchildren grow up and begin riding. And they’ve shared that love of riding at riding club family events.

LeBrun taught his grandson to ride years ago, and now the young Coloradan is repairing that same old bike.

“It’s so neat. They would come down to the beach here. I taught the boys how to ride. He’s the one who stuck to it,” LeBrun said.

Riding today

“Jim’s been my friend for just about life,” Jolly said. “He’s got a nice wife that puts up with him, and my wife puts up with me.”

They mentioned how important it is to have someone that understands your passion.

“Every Sunday, my wife went to church. I went riding,” LeBrun said.

“Marry a good lady that knows that you like to play,” Jolly said. You gotta have an understanding partner.”

“You do,” LeBrun said.

Today, their best advice to potential riders is to get “Get a bike you think you can sit on,” Jolly said.

LeBrun just encouraged people to start early.

They ride at every possible opportunity, but it’s not like it used to be.

“Land development — that’s the biggest thing,” Jolly said.

From Maryland to Delaware, population growth and the value of real estate have pushed open outdoor space to the sea. They especially enjoyed a Pokomoke, Md., site for riding, but it closed recently.

“We used to ride every single weekend,” LeBrun said.

Decades later, they now tour the Eastern Shore together. Instead of racing, they took up dual-sport, which is basically a regular four- to 6-hour trail ride in the woods.

“They’re uphill, downhill, through streams, rocks galore,” LeBrun said. “What really makes it fun today — we’re not competitive like we used to be. It’s just a nice trail ride. … You go at your own pace,” only crossing roads to reach the trail.

“We kinda compete amongst ourselves, if it’s three, four of us going out. If there’s one guy, you kinda buzz around him,” LeBrun said. “That’s what makes it fun … and the camaraderie is just wonderful.”

They’re ridden side-by-side for a long time.

“Yeah, we have,” LeBrun said. “He’s ticked me off for 40 years.”

“How the hell can I … be 80? I just am,” Jolly mused. “Keep thinking positive.”

Coastal Point • Maria Counts: Bicycle Connection carries Electro bicycles to accomodate those looking for beach cruiser bikes. They also carry Trek road bikes.For years, Bethany Cycles, located on Route 26, was a destination for cyclists in the Bethany Beach area. Last December, the shop was bought by Bicycle Connection, which has another location in Maryland, and as a result it can now offer customers a wider variety of bicycle- and kayak- related products.

“We just have a lot more available than we had before,” said Manager Tommy Riebel. “We switched the line. We’re going back to Trek and the Electro line of bikes. They also have the Townies, which are very popular.”

The shop carries Trek road bikes and hybrids for all skill levels of riders and carries Electro as their beach cruisers, for those looking for a bike to use in the bike lane on Coastal Highway or on local boardwalks.

Not only does Bicycle Connection carry a variety of bikes, it also carries a variety of bike accessories, including bicycle shoes, seats, pumps, locks, storage bags, racks, trailers and baby seats.

“Not everybody’s got shoes,” explained Riebel. “We have some cycling shoes — shoes that also work for spin class, which is popular around here with a couple gyms.”

For kayakers, the store carries Hobie kayaks and accessories, including their new patented MirageDrive system with pedals.

“We’re doing exclusively Hobie kayaks, supporting everything they’ve got,” said Riebel. “They’ve got the MirageDrive system, which is the pedals for the kayaks. They’re the only ones doing it. They own all the patents on that, and it’s a fantastic piece of machinery — it works really well.”

The store also does bicycle repairs — an area of expertise that Riebel said comes from their training.

“We all go through certifications. Trek has a school they put us through so we learn all the technology,” he said. “Anything that needs to be done on a bike we can do here.”

The store is located at 792 Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach. You can call Bicycle Connection at (302) 537-9982 or visit their website at www.thebicycleconnection.com.

John M. Hodgson, 67, of Millsboro, died July 7 as a result of the injuries he sustained in a July 6 crash south of Greenwood, Delaware State Police announced this week.

Police said the accident occurred around 9:20 p.m. on July 6 as a 66-year-old Seaford man was driving a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup southbound in the left lane of Sussex Highway (Route 13) just south of Cart Branch Road. Hodgson was riding a 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle and was also southbound in the left lane of Route13, behind the pickup, they said.

According to the DSP, for unknown reasons, the motorcycle struck the left rear of the pickup in the left lane. The truck continued south and pulled to a controlled stop in the grass median, they said, while Hodgson lost control and the motorcycle fell to its side, ejecting him onto the ground. The Harley and Hodgson came to an uncontrolled stop in the median just east of the left travel lane, police said.

The driver of the pickup and three adult passengers, all properly restrained in the pickup, were uninjured, troopers noted. Hodgson, who was not wearing a helmet, was initially transported by ambulance to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital before being flown to Christiana Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries the following afternoon.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit was continuing their investigation into the incident. If anyone witnessed this crash, they are being asked to contact Master Cpl. J. Burns at (302) 644-5020, ext. 112, or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the Internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Route 13 south of Cart Branch Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Special to the Coastal Point • Monica Scott: This algae bloom in Salt Pond created quite a stir recently.To Pat Sned, whose home backs up to the Salt Pond, a large apparent algae bloom that caught her eye about a month ago seemed a little out of place. She said that, in her 15 years of owning her home, she had never noticed anything like it.

“It’s quite extensive” she said, of the yellowish muck that sits on the edges of the southeast corner of the Salt Pond. What Sned can see out her back door in the Villas of Bethany West is the area where the Bethany Loop Canal meets the Salt Pond, coming from the Bethany Beach side (behind the Army National Guard building on Route 1).

“The people from DNREC came, and they said it isn’t so unusual that it’s growing here, but none of us had ever seen a growth like that. I have not seen any growth, and never algae. My concern was “what has changed?”

She said Bethany Beach town officials and DNREC came out, but she was told the water was too shallow for them to use their machines to cut the algae.

According to the state Web site, development and runoff in local waterways have increased nutrients deposited in waterways, which results in macro-algae growth. (Macro-algae is algae that can be seen with the naked eye — as opposed to micro-algae, which cannot). And macro-algae can beneficial — to a point.

“Attached macro-algae are beneficial in that they provide habitat for juvenile crabs and fish,” according to the DNREC Web site. “When the algae become detached and begin to accumulate along shorelines and in near-shore areas, these buildups then become both environmental and nuisance concerns. For this reason, the DNREC Macro-Algae Harvesting Team, under the direction of the Division of Soil & Water Conservation, initiates harvesting activities to remove these problem buildups.”

(Calls to DNREC about the program were not answered before Coastal Point press time.)

Ed Whereat of the University of Delaware Citizen Monitoring Program, which has volunteers monitoring water quality throughout the coastal watershed, said he is ”not alarmed,” about the algae.

He said that, whether it grew there or just concentrated there because of an outside force, such as prevailing winds, is anybody’s guess.

“Whether it grew there or grew somewhere else and was concentrated by wind, I can’t say. It starts off attached to the bottom but can float around.”

Asked whether there is remediation available, he said there isn’t a simple solution, “Except maybe remove the biomass, but I doubt homeowners are going to go out there with rakes and harvest it themselves. And it doesn’t look like the State can with their machines, because it is too shallow... You just hope it decays and doesn’t return next year in the same place at the same time.”

Sned said she had been told by DNREC that if they couldn’t get the machines in there to harvest, they would have to let nature “take its course — but I don’t know what that means,” she said.

Whereat explained that, with the heat of summer, the algae should start to decay and, once that happens, there could be oxygen depletion issues in the water. He added that he hopes it doesn’t cause odor or fish-kills, but said it is possible.

Whereat said the latest dissolved oxygen readings in the pond were 1.5 ppm, which were taken by volunteer Nancy Steckel from the west side of the pond, were “low enough to cause some stress to aquatic organisms or make them leave the area.” He also explained that “low” is less than 4.0 ppm, which is the State standard for a single-sample reading. He couldn’t say definitely if the two were related but did say that he would suspect that conditions are even poorer on the northeast side, where the bloom is.

Steckel said that, each year, they get the floating mats of yellowish green algae which, she said — depending on the wind — may accumulate on the shoreline or get blown over to the east side by the National Guard base.

She explained that she was out of town and hadn’t visited the Salt Pond from early May to late June, during the weeks that Sned started to notice the bloom, so she wasn’t able to collect data from that time, but said that the 1.5 ppm from June 28 was ”one of the lowest I’ve recorded.”

Whereat said that, while the bloom’s presence can’t really be explained with certainty, in general it is not something for people to worry about.

“I can’t be certain in any way why that area is having a problem this year,” said Whereat. “It pops up in different areas. But it is not alarming.”

For more information on DNREC’s algae harvesting program, visit http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/macroalgae/default.shtml. For information on University of Delaware’s Citizen Monitoring Program, visit http://citizen-monitoring.udel.edu.

Bethany Beach Books is offering locals and visitors the chance to find the ever-elusive Waldo in downtown Bethany Beach. Those who wish to participate in the free family-friendly activity can stop by any of the 25 participating Bethany Beach shops and pick up a “passport” before starting their search.

“This idea was brought to us from Candlewick Press, who is sponsoring the nation-wide promotion, along with the American Booksellers Association,” explained Amanda Zirn, media specialist for Bethany Beach Books. “They announce the specific details each month, and if you’d like to be a host bookstore, you have to fill out an application. They then choose 300 independent bookstores throughout the United States to be a host!”

The participating stores in the area are Bethany Beach Books; Arnie’s Playland; the Artful Bean; Baja Beach House Grill; Bethany Oyster House; the Blue Crab; Blue Room Gallery; Breakers Surf Shop; the Cottage Cafe; DiFebo’s restaurant; Fish Tales; Fishers Popcorn; the Frog House; Haven Blu; Japanesque; Maureen’s Ice Cream; Ocean Treasures; Odysea; the Parkway restaurant; the Parlour, “Home of the Original Fudge Factory;” Pitter Patter; Rhodes 5 & 10; Sandy Pawz; Tidepool Toys & Games; and Yuppy Puppy.

“The business community was very excited about the idea. We had sent out an email blast to all of the neighboring businesses, announcing the idea and how it could benefit them,” explained Zirn. “We let them know that we would be accepting the first 24 businesses who responded to us that they’d like to participate. It only took about a day or two to get 24 businesses! So, it was very easy to get participants.”

Once Waldo has been spotted at each business location, the passport should be signed or stamped by someone behind the counter there.

When participants have collected at least 20 store stamps/signatures, they can return the passport to Bethany Beach Books to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. Those who collect all 25 of the store stamps/signatures and return their passport to the bookstore will be entered into the weekly prize drawing and a grand finale prize drawing, which will take place at the store during a Where’s Waldo party on July 31 at 4:30 p.m.

Thus far, prizes have included Waldo postcard books, a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books and more.

“It seems like the community has been really enjoying it. I’ve heard a lot of positive things from the other businesses who are on the scavenger hunt with us. I think a lot of families have been enjoying it because it’s a really fun, family-friendly (and free) way to spend a few hours downtown.”

Zirn said she hopes that the program will draw some additional business to downtown Bethany Beach, while also adding some fun to the summer season.

“We hope that this enforces the ‘Shop Local’ message that is so very important to us and our community,” she said.

For more information, visit www.bethanybeachbooks.com or call (302) 539-2522. Bethany Beach Books is located at 99 Garfield Parkway in downtown Bethany Beach.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: Kelly Kline is the new director of the Selbyville Public Library.Returning to serve her childhood library as its director, Kelly Kline sees the past and future coming together at the Selbyville Public Library.

“I see a town that’s really proud of its history and wants to be involved. I’d like to give them the chance to have lots of things to be involved in,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a library. I’ve always wanted to be a librarian,” said Kline, whose dream finally came true with this position. She had been an event planner at Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club, having graduated from Indian River High School and then from the University of Delaware, with an English degree.

She now brings both planning experience and love of literature to Selbyville.

“I want to plan events … start bringing more patrons in and have more things for people to enjoy,” especially for teens and adults, she said.

“We have a very active children’s program. Shelly Purnell has really taken the ball and run with it. I’d like to continue [and] double our efforts for next summer,” Kline added.

Inspired partly by the Frankford Public Library, Selbyville’s revamped adult program will begin with the Stitchers needlecraft group (Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. — pre-register with the library and bring materials).

“We hope to branch out from there,” Kline said.

She offered thanks for the dedication and patience of the “wonderful” library staff, who helped ease her into the job.

Kline is also brainstorming a math and science program with her husband, a physics major-turned-brewer at Dogfish Head Brewery.

The library website is also being upgraded. Until then, programs are listed at http://de.evanced.info/delaware/lib/eventcalendar.asp (click “Selbyville”).

Kline said she loves the dialogue that always accompanies a library, “What are you reading?”

She goes for a “nice long saga,” such as Harry Potter and the Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice series.

“I like getting to know characters, even if they’re going to die (thanks, George R.R. Martin),” she said, calling out the author known for killing of many of his characters, including major ones.

When not in the library, Kline competes in roller derby. Although claiming not to be athletic, she is a former captain for the Salisbury Roller Girls.

“It’s a very rewarding sport. I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t see a roller derby demo in the future in Selbyville,” she added.

“I’m bringing a lot of Delaware pride, and of course this is what I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m bringing a strong sense of determination to make it the best library it can be.”

“We’re pleased, and she brings a lot of enthusiasm and brings a lot of new ideas to the library,” said Sue Nilsson, library board president.

“What I see is a library that is … a historic building. It was someone’s home. I would like it to be a home for the community. I would like people to walk into this … great old building, but find new materials and new technology that brings it all together.”

In her first month at Selbyville, Kline has kept the handyman busy with repairs.

“You see this really great piece of architecture,” she said of the former private residence, but it’s still over a hundred years old. “I have to do right by the building.”

Built around 1904 as home to Gov. and Sen. John G. Townsend Jr., the historic house shows its age on the second and third floors, closed to the public.

Kelly Kline and the Selbyville Public Library can be reached at (302) 436-8195, and at the corner of Main and McCabe streets.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: Dignitaries and people with history with the Clayton Theatre help Joanne Howe, owner of the Clayton, reveal a historical marker on Monday, June 14. The Dagsboro’s Clayton Theatre this week unveiled its new Delaware Historical Marker, celebrating the theater’s 65 years in business, along with its unique nature and its historical impact on the community.

“It literally started with a question,” said Dagsboro Councilman Brian Baull, who was instrumental in getting the historical marker placed for the theater. “My wife Amy and I decided one day to go out and look at a bunch of historic markers throughout Sussex County. We wound up by Seaford and the Maryland-Delaware line, and looked at a bunch of them along the way.

“On the way back home, I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if we got one of those for the Clayton celebrating its 65th anniversary? I wonder what you have to do.’”

With that thought, Baull sent an email to the Delaware Archives, and, he said, “the stars aligned.”

After providing the theater’s history — courtesy of “Memories of the Clayton Theatre: A Look Back,” written by Sandie Hancock Gerken, the daughter of one of the original owners — Baull said he also contacted state Sen. Gerald Hocker and state Rep. John Atkins to find funding for the marker.

“We appreciate everybody who has been involved in this,” said Baull.

The theater first opened its doors in February of 1949, with a showing of “One Touch of Venus,” starring Ava Gardner. It was built by brothers-in-law Alvin Cambell and Elwood Hancock, and named after U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Sen. John M. Clayton of Delaware. Today it is the only single-screen theater in the state of Delaware still showing first-run movies.

Hocker and Atkins both attended the unveiling of the marker on Monday, July 14. Hocker spoke fondly of spending time at the Clayton during his formative years, and even teased his wife, Emily, about their shared time at the theater.

“She used to meet me at the movies here, before she was old enough to date. I’m sure there are others here that met their spouse here at the Clayton Theatre, and probably some got their first kiss right in there,” he said with a laugh.

“We met here many a night. I can see her face turning red. The one thing we all talk about was Skeet Campbell’s flashlight. We all talk about that. Believe me — Emily learned how to kiss with one eye opened. I had a lot of friends that got thrown out of this theater.”

Hocker also said that, over the years, he had become acquainted with the theater’s most recent owners, Ed and Joanne Howe, who purchased the theater in 2000.

“I remember very clearly the day that Ed told me he and Joanne were going to purchase this theater. I was excited, because I knew they would keep it going and I knew they would do the kind of job it took to keep the Clayton Theatre part of history and continue that.”

Atkins said he, too, has fond memories — both recent and past — of the Dagsboro theater.

“I’ve seen a lot of movies in this movie theater,” he said, recalling growing up in Millsboro but traveling to the theater to see movies with his older sisters. “I continue to bring my boys back here very often when they show movies they want to see. We were here about six weeks ago, and for the first time my little boys got to sit in the balcony. That’s something they had never experienced.”

Dagsboro Mayor Brad Connor said that he has bonded with many people over the Clayton, including a senator from Wilmington while trying to get funding for the town’s sewer system.

“All I said was ‘Dagsboro,’” recalled Connor. “He comes out and says, ‘Dagsboro! That’s that movie theater — the Clayton. Come on in here.’ He started telling me about his kids, and we talked for 20 minutes about this theater. That man helped me because of this movie theater. We connected over this movie theater. That got me in the door… I’ll never forget that.”

“I feel like it’s time for another book of memories of the Clayton, because people all over the state must have memories of going to this movie theater,” Gerken added.

Gerken was joined by her sisters and cousins, Lucinda Campbell Hearn, Beth Hancock Bunting, Joanne Campbell Bireley and Jane Hancock McComrick at the event.

“On behalf of the ‘Clayton Girls,’ as we call ourselves, I want to express our appreciation to the local citizens and lawmakers who have made it possible for this historic marker to be placed here at the Clayton Theatre today,” said Gerken. “The five of us girls literally grew up here, and we spent a good part of our lives here in this building with our parents.

“We are pleased to have witnessed the Clayton going into the digital age. Today, we are just very happy and grateful to be here and see this marker.”

Gerken added that she and her family were excited to see the theater recognized as an important site in the history of Delaware.

“Our parents would be very proud and in total amazement that this movie house continues to have such a significance in our community. For the five of us, this is a momentous day.”

In January 2013, film studios announced that they would be making the switch from providing theaters with films in their choice of 35mm film or digital formats, to solely offering them digital films. At the time, Howe estimated that the conversion to a digital projection system could cost the single-screen theater more than $100,000.

“I did have a lot of faith that it would all come together. I just didn’t know how,” said Howe at the dedication.

Many people in the community reached out to Howe, including Atkins, who read about the theater’s efforts on Facebook and arranged for a visit from Delaware Economic Development Office Secretary Alan Levin.

“We sat in [Howe’s] office and asked her what we could do. I was as determined as she was not to let this place fail over a $100,000 piece of equipment. We gave her three or four different options, and she turned us down on all of them. She decided to do it the old-fashioned way, through hard work and raising money. I went to the governor and said I was determined that he wasn’t going to let this small business fail…

“It not only serves the community of Dagsboro, but you’d be surprised how many people visit this movie theater from Millsboro, Selbyville, Gumboro and Frankford, and the surrounding areas. They even come from the beaches in the summertime to experience what it’s like to sit in a 65-year-old movie theater. Hopefully, there’ll be a centennial marker placed in the future.”

In just 14 months, the community came together to help Howe raise the funds to convert the theater to a digital system — holding bake sales, selling T-shirts and holding classic movie nights.

“Now that we’re digital — how exciting is that?” said Howe. “It’s unbelievable — the picture, the sound. It’s been a huge change. I had no idea. The first time Charlie, our projectionist, and I clicked on that projector, our jaws just dropped. We could not believe how much different the picture was, and the sound. It’s been wonderful.”

“This is a private enterprise, but the public has been so involved in making sure it stayed the ongoing successful enterprise it has been over the past 65 years,” added Hocker.

“We have the best community and the best people that I’ve ever met, who said, not only ‘Can we do it?’ but ‘We will do it.’ And we did do it,” concluded Connor.

During the ceremony, Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips (5th District) presented Howe with a proclamation honoring the theater for its “resilience over the years and its caretakers’ willingness to adapt to market chances and the evolving technology in the entertainment industry, [which] ensures Delaware’s only single-screen first-run theater will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.”

“A lot of small businesses face a lot of difficulty in these challenging times,” added Phillips. “What this family has done, the risk that they take, is the testament of the enduring spirit of Sussex County businesspersons.”

Although the theater can now show digital films, one of the Clayton’s original MotioGraph projectors will remain in the projection room, to show 35mm film when available. The other projector is now on display in the theater’s upstairs hallway, surrounded by clippings and photographs related to the theater and its history.

Howe said it was extra-special having the Clayton Girls at the event to share in the commemoration of a local treasure created by their parents.

“It’s such an honor to be able to carry on this tradition and to have the families here of the original owners. They’re all still here and able to see this happen to honor their parents and the work they did. That’s really exciting.”

The Clayton Theatre is located at 900 Main Street in Dagsboro. For more information, call (302) 732-3744 or visit www.theclaytontheater.com or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Clayton-Theatre.

Incumbent John Atkins has filed for reelection to serve as representative of the 41st District in the Delaware House of Representatives.

“I think my constituent service, answering the phone, returning calls and getting things done is second-to-none,” said Atkins of his choice to run for reelection. “I’ve certainly been a very effective voice in Dover and able to deliver for my constituents.”

Atkins, a Democrat who previously served in the House as a member of the Republican Party, said that, if elected, he hopes to continue to work reducing the State’s spending, as well as continue to have an impact on issues important to his constituents.

Top priorities for a future term, Atkins said, are “reigning in wasteful spending, but most of all [to] continue my stellar record of constituent service. It’s very important that, when people reach out to me, to get back to them almost immediately,” he said. “When it gets to a point where you’re calling your state representative, you’re probably at rope’s end and need help. That’s what I do best: help people.”

Atkins said that, after spending 12 years in the House, he has gained seniority, which enables him to help the district more.

“This year, there was only about $150,000 extra in the grant need. I think that I got about $25,000 for the 41st District. I got $7,500 each for the Nanticoke Indian Association, the Gumboro Community Center and the Millsboro Senior Center. That’s a big percentage, and that’s what seniority and being able to get things done does for you.”

As for campaigning, Atkins said he plans to reach out to as many 41st District residents as possible to hear about their concerns and wants.

“I’m going to go door to door, as I do every election. I’m planning on knocking on every door in the district. The whole district has my personal cell number. They know where I live. We have a produce stand here in town, so we’re interacting with newcomers every day to the district,” he added of the Millsboro stand.

Atkins is being challenged by Republican Rich Collins, who ran against him in 2012 and lost by less than 100 votes. This year’s general election is scheduled for Nov. 4.

In a district that spans from Georgetown to Selbyville, and many towns in between, Atkins said he enjoys being able to work with his constituents on a one-on-one basis, and hopes to continue to do so, if reelected.

“I love the hands-on, where people don’t know me as Rep. Atkins. They just know me as John. I know 90 percent of my constituents on a first-name basis, where they live, how accessible we are to each other,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the last districts in the state that has the hands-on, old hometown feeling to it. I’m going to run again to represent the people and continue that level of constituent service and personable politics.”

Those interested in speaking with Atkins about his campaign can reach him at (302) 745-1587 or john.atkins@state.de.us.

Property owners will keep a few dollars in their pocket after the Indian River Board of Education voted recently to reduce the school district’s property tax rate by 5 cents. The tax rate for the 2015 fiscal year decreased from $2.743 to $2.693 per $100 of assessed value.

“We are pleased to offer this tax break to the residents of the Indian River School District,” said Superintendent Susan Bunting in a written statement. “Our parents and community members have always been supportive of our educational initiatives, including lending approval to several major capital improvement and current expense referenda in recent years. Therefore, it is with tremendous gratitude that we not only reduce the tax rate but continue to offer some of the lowest property taxes in Sussex County.”

Property owners would save $5 for every $10,000 worth of property.

“Assume the average assessment is $26,950 for the average taxpayer — $13.48 cents would be average,” said Patrick Miller, IRSD chief financial officer, of the average reduction property owners will see.

Most of the decrease resulted from a reduction in the debt service portion of the tax rate. Although the district was required to sell bonds to finance a series of building expansion projects approved by residents in a Jan. 29, 2013, referendum, those costs were offset by the retirement of bonds from construction projects in 1994 to 1995. That allowed the overall tax rate to be lowered, despite a slight 1-cent increase in the minor capital improvement portion of the rate.

The 1990s project was construction of Selbyville Middle, North Georgetown Elementary and Long Neck Elementary schools.

“Last year was the last payment, so those bonds have been paid in full — principal and interest. Therefore, we do not need to pay that money anymore,” said Miller of the roughly $18 million in bonds now paid off.

“We have to go for a referendum to ask for an increase in current expenses,” such as going into debt to build a new school, he explained.

But after selling those bonds, IRSD is responsible for paying the bill and can assess citizens as needed because they approved that debt.

Taxes are evaluated every year, often with minor increases and decreases that cancel each other out.

On a similar note, voters approved a 14.7-cent tax increase in 2013 to build 38 new classrooms. Of that, 3.2 cents was for construction costs. That will reduce over the next 20 years as IRSD pays the debt, just as the tax rate was reduced this year with the expiration of the 1990s debt. (The other 11.5 cents is a permanent increase to accommodate salaries, teaching materials, utilities and other ongoing costs.)

The IRSD is allowed to tax residents as needed to pay construction debts. But that’s a 6-cent reduction.

That 1-cent increase for minor capital expenses included maintenance for existing buildings, asbestos mitigation and underground utility tanks.

“One cent generates about $140,000” for the district, Miller said. The State of Delaware provides 60 percent of $1.2 million that IRSD can use for minor capital expenses. The IRSD can raise taxes to produce the local 40-percent share.

“We’re not supposed to collect more than the principal and interest due,” Miller said. “We get audited every year on June 30. ‘Do we have enough money to pay bills through Oct. 15?’”

Then it’s determined if the tax rate should increase or decrease.

Miller has reported three total decreases in the past decade, 7 cents in 2008 and one-fifth of a cent (.2 cents, from $2.625 to $2.623) in 2012.

“People are paying attention,” Miller said. “People come up and thank me. ‘What are you thanking me for?’ ‘You lowered the taxes.’”

Residents will see the change on their current tax bills, due Sept. 30.

To calculate their IRSD school taxes, residents should divide their property assessment by 100 and then multiply that number by the tax rate of $2.693. That will determine their overall tax burden from the district for the 2015 fiscal year.

Submitted to Coastal Point • Delaware State Police: Emergency personnel responded to the scene of an accident on Route 113 in Frankford on Monday, July 14. The driver of the vehicle, Charles Campbell, was pronounced dead later at Atlantic General Hospital.A 26-year-old Dagsboro man was killed in a crash on Monday south of Frankford, during a police pursuit that sought him as a suspect in a home-invasion robbery earlier that morning in Dagsboro.

Delaware State Police said that both Dagsboro and Frankford officers were actively pursuing a stolen Ford Explorer that was being driven at a high speed southbound on Route 113 by Charles A. Campbell, 26, of Dagsboro around 10 a.m. on July 14.

They said Campbell lost control of the vehicle south of Frankford, near Cat Mans Road, causing it to drive over the concrete island and through the grass median before entering northbound lanes of Route 113. The 42-year-old Harrington man driving a Mack 10-wheel cargo/box truck northbound in the left lane of Route 113 attempted to slow down but was unable to avoid the SUV, police said. The two vehicles met in a nearly head-on collision in the left lane, according to the DSP.

After the impact, police said, the Explorer rotated counterclockwise and overturned multiple times, landing on its roof in the grass median. Campbell, who was not properly restrained, according to police, was ejected from the vehicle and landed in the grass median. They said the truck rotated counterclockwise and slid sideways, coming to rest across both northbound travel lanes.

Campbell was transported to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md., where he was pronounced dead due to multiple traumatic injuries. The driver of the truck, who was properly restrained, was uninjured and refused treatment at the scene, police noted.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit was continuing to investigate the collision mid-week. Route 113 northbound in the area of Cat Mans Road was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

During road construction, drivers can wait in traffic for a minute or 10. But what about fire trucks and ambulances that don’t have a minute to spare?

Continuing until at least the summer of 2016, the State Route 26 Mainline Improvement Project will sometimes close lanes of traffic between Clarksville and Ocean View. But, at the beginning of road closures this year, the Route 26 project team and emergency responders made plans for the construction period.

To improve response time, Millville Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Doug Scott recently requested volunteers stay at the firehouse Monday to Thursday nights “so we can at least get that first truck on the road after 7 [p.m.]” It’s not guaranteed, but could help in the busy season, with road closures only allowed overnight until 6 a.m. (Daytime road closures will resume in October.)

Fire trucks are used to zipping down Route 26, so what happens when flaggers are only releasing one lane of traffic at a time?

Fire police manage traffic during an incident, so several of Millville’s fire police have been assigned to communicate with the on-duty supervisor of the flaggers.

There is a radio channel dedicated for that, said Scott. They might say, “House fire in Ocean View. Expect apparatus headed east.”

Then, individual flaggers are notified on their own radios in the field. They’re responsible for moving traffic in favor of the ambulance or fire truck.

But that’s not the only concern. Volunteers must reach the station, too, so traffic needs to hurry in both directions.

“You can sit there for a long time,” Scott said. “If they don’t recognize our guys, we can have some issues.”

That’s just for one fire company. “It gets extremely complicated” on a multiple-alarm fire, Scott said. For example, a fire in the Bay Colony community, north of Millville, might also draw trucks from Frankford and Dagsboro, plus a ladder truck borrowed from Bethany Beach.

“We could have people coming in multiple directions,” trying to reach their respective fire houses, then shuttling off to the incident. That could be a recipe for traffic tangles, but it’s getting smoother.

“They’re getting to a point where they’re starting to recognize our cars,” Scott said of the flaggers, even if the firefighters don’t have a flashing dashboard light. “They’re working with us the best they can.”

“People need to be aware of their surroundings,” especially in construction zones, added Ken Cimino, AECOM’s on-site public outreach coordinator, at the July 15 emergency services meeting for the project.

The Delaware Department of Transportation hired AECOM as a construction management company for this 901-day project, which began in January. Tidewater Utilities is also simultaneously expanding sanitary sewer service from Old School Lane in Ocean View to Windmill Drive in Millville.

Currently, Route 26 is always at least partly open, but it will close in two spots from January to March of 2015, when small bridges get replaced near Lord Baltimore Elementary School and Millville Town Hall.

Before beginning the “Route 26 Mainline” project, DelDOT rehabilitated the “Route 26 Detours.” These State-owned roads are an alternative to Route 26 and were improved to be able to handle the expected traffic from people avoiding the main road during construction.

“DelDOT owns 80 percent of the roads, mostly primary and secondary,” Cimino said. Those roads get State maintenance and become designated detour routes.

But that doesn’t mean people will use them.

“All detour routes are signed. But people will use what they want,” Cimino said. “It’s human nature. The shortest distance between two roads is the distance they’re gonna take — nothing you can do about it.”

As happened during the springtime closure of the Central Avenue intersection with Route 26, DelDOT posts a recommended detour, but that can’t stop people from using any number of back roads.

That includes the fire department. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company will take the fastest route to an emergency, Scott warned. That definitely includes tiny Dukes Drive, which some fear could be torn apart by three months of icy weather and emergency travel.

“What is the chance of paving [Dukes Drive]?” Scott asked.

“None,” Cimino said, especially after the State completed the $10 million detour upgrades project. “It’s narrow. It’s residential. You don’t want to send big trucks down there” as a mandated detour.

“We can take another way, but it’s minutes it’s costing us,” Scott said. “Maybe my job is to knock on doors” and tell local residents what to expect, he added.

“Is there any discretionary money to fix the road before we tear it up?” Scott asked state Sen. Gerald Hocker and state Rep. Ron Gray.

“Yeah,” Hocker said slowly. “But you can’t spend it twice,” he said, adding that it’s better spent afterward, to repair what damage is done.

Looking at traffic

Unfortunately for motorists, many of the project-area intersections are losing smooth transitions during construction. Typically, intersections have a detector that senses when a vehicle is waiting. A car pulls forward to the red light, and the traffic signal knows to proceed to turn green, while switching to red for other traffic.

But for the construction period, the DelDOT Traffic Management Center switched signals to a “fixed-time” system, which gives each crossroad a specific amount of time on green, even if no car is waiting.

Hocker noted that Route 26 traffic was horrendous on Independence Day weekend because of the right-turn lane at Fred Hudson Road.

Despite that heavy traffic, the MVFC didn’t have too many calls, Scott said.

But DelDOT is adding Bluetooth technology throughout Sussex County, including from Central Avenue to Route 1, that will help measure travel times.

“Most new cars have Bluetooth, and most people don’t know how to turn it off,” said TMC’s Gene Donaldson. “We don’t know who owns it or anything.”

With the measuring system, TMC reads the Bluetooth signal and assigns it a number, then measures the route and time to the next destination.

“We can tell what the [traffic] volume was at any minute in the last couple years,” Donaldson said.

If there are traffic signal problems, Donaldson encouraged people to speak up.

“We don’t always know. Please call us,” said Donaldson. “It’s really a two-way conversation. Don’t assume we know things,” although he said they know most of what’s happening with the project area.

Drivers are being encouraged to contact the 24-hour TMC hotline at (302) 659-4600 (or dial #77 on Delaware cell phones). Radio alerts about known traffic problems are broadcast on 1380 AM, to help drivers avoid snarls. Additionally, the DelDOT mobile phone app links to all Delaware traffic cameras, travel times and radio alerts.

Excavation is continuing for stormwater management ponds being created along Route 26. Construction is progressing away from the Food Lion and Giant shopping centers, toward new drainage pipes at Woodland Avenue and Railway Road.

Soon, curbs and gutters will be placed at Old Mill Road, Cedar Neck Drive and Central Avenue, and motorists can envision the future expansion of the roadway, as typically the empty swaths of grass are footprints of the new road.

Mediacom is done with relocating its wires along the construction area, and Delmarva Power is finishing with its own utility relocations.

DelDOT is also keeping an eye on the effectiveness of the work schedule. Traffic management will review the Route 26 project in late July. Considering hours, traffic volume and project team concerns, they might make recommendations for shifting work hours. However, any schedule changes — even if approved by contractor George & Lynch — probably wouldn’t occur until next year, since summer is half over.

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to contact Ken Cimino anytime with questions or concerns at (302) 616-2621, or through email at Kenneth.cimino@aecom.com or at 17 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 2, in Ocean View.

The next emergency services meeting will be in September, to review summer work and discuss autumn concerns.

The Delaware Department of Justice announced on July 15 that the State of Delaware would be moving forward in retrying former state senate candidate Eric Bodenweiser on charges stemming from allegations that he had unlawful sexual contact with a boy more than 20 years ago, when that boy was as young as 10.

Joe Hurley, one of Bodenweiser’s defense attorneys, said mid-week that he would be filing a motion to move the trial to Kent County, citing the publicity the high-profile case has received and its potential to taint the jury pool for a retrial.

During his first trial this past May, Bodenweiser, 55, of Georgetown, faced 10 counts of first-degree unlawful sexual intercourse and five counts of second-degree unlawful sexual contact. He pleaded not-guilty to all 15 charges.

The jury in the first trial had the option of convicting Bodenweiser on third-degree unlawful sexual intercourse charges instead of first-degree. The lesser charge carries a two- to 25-year jail sentence instead of 20-years-to-life.

The alleged crimes took place October 1987 and August 1990, starting, the alleged victim said, when he was 10 years old.

On June 16, Superior Court Judge E. Scott Bradley declared a mistrial, after a jury of 12 people could not come to a unanimous decision on any of the charges during eight hours of deliberation.

A status conference for the case was scheduled for July 23.

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden announced recently that his office is sponsoring a Delaware Military & Veterans Resource Fair on Wednesday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Delaware State University in Dover. The free one-day event is open to active and reserve members of the United States military and Delaware National Guard, veterans and their families.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those in uniform who have sacrificed to serve our country and protect our freedoms,” Biden said. “Our Military & Veteran’s Resource Fair is one small way we’re giving back to those who have given so much.

“At this event on July 30 in Dover, we’re bringing state and federal government agencies, non-profits and other organizations that provide programs and other services to members of the military and their families together in one place. I encourage all members of our active-duty and reserves, military veterans and their families to join us on July 30 and be connected with the many services available to them.”

The event will feature remarks by Holly Petraeus, director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs for the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as presentations by staff from Biden’s Fraud and Family divisions, representatives from the Delaware State Housing Authority and others. The presentations will highlight the state and federal benefits and resources available to members of the armed forces and their families.

In addition, informational tables will be staffed on-site to connect attendees to a range of state resources available through these and other agencies:

• Attorney General’s Office of Foreclosure Prevention;

• Delaware Better Business Bureau;

• Parent Information Center;

• Operation Homefront;

• Military Spouse JD Network;

• Legal Services Corporation;

• Voices of War;

• Tricare;

• Department of Veterans Affairs;

• Delaware YMCA

Petraeus’s office and other federal agencies enforce the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which provides special federal legal protections to military personnel. Dating back to the Civil War, the SCRA protects members of the military from having to defend themselves against most civil proceedings, such as foreclosure, while they are serving their country on active duty or are forced to move because of their military service. The federal SCRA also protects servicemembers who have to break leases or contracts due to military deployment.

Delaware servicemembers will soon benefit from a state version of the SCRA, which secured final passage in the General Assembly last week and was set to be signed by Gov. Jack Markell. The legislation, Senate Bill 206, championed by Biden, incorporates the federal into a state law and also expands the SCRA by extending relief to members of the Delaware National Guard who are called into active military service for the State of Delaware for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

Examples of provisions of the federal SCRA include:

• Servicemembers cannot have default judgments entered against them because there are on active duty and civil proceedings must be stayed.

• Military servicemembers (who live off-base) cannot have their homes foreclosed on while they’re deployed on active duty, and their mortgage interest rate, if higher than 6 percent, must be lowered to 6 percent.

• The SCRA requires the stay or vacation of execution of judgments, attachments and garnishments for deployed military members.

• Military personal cannot be being charged penalties, such as fines and fees, incurred under contracts due to military service.

The Attorney General’s Military & Veterans Resource Fair will take place at DSU’s Martin Luther King Student Center, located near the main campus entrance, at 1200 North DuPont Highway, Dover. No RSVPs are necessary. Updated information about the event, including a schedule, will be posted on the Attorney General Office’s homepage at http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/.

Downtown Millsboro’s Blue Water Grill is looking to reopen soon, following an electrical fire on March 28 that forced the restaurant to temporarily close for repairs. Months later, Blue Water is now set to host a job fair to hire staff, with the restaurant’s reopening in sight.

“We’re looking for every position,” said Jess Wiggins, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Josh.

The job fair will be held at the restaurant Aug. 5-7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re just going to have people apply right there on the spot,” she said. “We’ll hold initial interviews at that time and schedule secondary interviews.”

Wiggins said they are looking for experienced staff members and encourage applicants to bring résumés; however, they are not required.

Although there isn’t yet a firm date for the reopening of the restaurant, Wiggins said she and her husband are excited to return to serving the community.

“We definitely miss the town and the people, and we look forward to reopening. We hope it’ll be better than anyone remembers,” she said. “We’re implementing some new changes, so it should be exciting.”

Blue Water Grill is located at 226 Main Street in downtown Millsboro. For updates on Blue Water Grill, visit their Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/BlueWaterGrillMillsboro.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Kathy Jankowski was honored by South Bethany Town Council for serving two years as mayor.The Town of South Bethany honored former mayor Kathy Jankowski with a reception and proclamation before the town council meeting July 11.

“It’s great! I’m surprised. I figured people have better things to do on a Friday,” Jankowski mused.

Her successor, Mayor Pat Voveris, read a proclamation honoring Jankowski’s two years at mayor, from 2012 to 2014, including “exemplary leadership after Hurricane Sandy.”

The council and residents in attendance applauded her service.

Jankowski had already served on the town’s Planning Commission and Community Enhancement Committee, and as president of the South Bethany Property Owners Association.

She ran for mayor because “I felt like it was my time,” she said.

Jankowski was mostly inspired by “the people. I just love the people and working with them and the town staff.”

Now spending several months per year in Florida, she said she “didn’t feel right doing it remotely.”

But she still feels “a real sense of community” in South Bethany and laughs to admit she misses serving the town, although she doesn’t have to check her email every night anymore. However, a few people have continued to share concerns with her, flagging her down in the street before remembering that she’s no longer the mayor.

“I worked in corporate America before. You can’t please all the people all the time. I knew that,” Jankowski said. “A lot of people really just want to be heard and don’t always expect you to solve the problem. … They just want to be heard.”

Coastal Point • File Photo : The Town of Bethany Beach hosted a Day of Commemoration on Friday, July 27, 2012, to celebrate the anniversary of the twinning of Bethany Beach with Periers, France. Above, then-Mayor Tony McClenny and members of the Bethany Beach Cultural & Historical Affairs Committee enjoy the proceedings with Julianna Murphy (purple dress, front and center), her sister Alessandra (yellow) and father, Jay.On Sunday, July 27, the Town of Bethany Beach will celebrate Périers Day, in observance of the twinning of the towns of Bethany Beach and Périers, France. Downtown Bethany will be themed to be reminiscent of a street in France, with artists drawing caricature sketches on the boardwalk from 3 to 6 p.m. and French/jazz band La Vie en Rose performing on the bandstand at 5 p.m.

Périers, located in Normandy, France, was liberated by the U.S. Army’s 90th Infantry Division on July 27, 1944. The liberation came almost two months after the D-Day landing on Utah Beach. The twinning or “sister city” relationship between the two towns was established in August of 2010.

The commemorative program is free and will take place before the evening concert on the bandstand. There is no rain date. For more information, visit www.townofbethanybeach.com or call Events Director Julie Malewski at (302) 539-8011, ext. 123.

For years, the women at Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club have been rallying together to raise money for breast cancer research.

“Ellen Stephens started this back in 1997,” said Judie Davis of “Rally at the Creek,” noting that the event has grown steadily over the years. “In 1997, they had 52 players and the donation was $850. Last year’s donation was $25,000.”

The tournament, which is open to men and women, will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. The tournament will be a four-person scramble, with an 8:45 a.m. kamikaze putting contest and a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

“It’s a scramble format, so people don’t have to be good to play in it. It’s a team tournament,” said Davis, who serves on the committee of 15 women who organize the fundraiser.

Registration for the event costs $100 per person. Davis said that a handicap is not required to play in the tournament.

“They can sign up as a single or as a group. You don’t have to have a foursome to sign up.”

Entry includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, breakfast, a buffet lunch and the chance to win prizes.

“The course is in excellent condition right now. It’s a good opportunity for people who don’t belong to the club to play here,” Davis said.

Along with the tournament, a “women-only” Pink on the Patio party will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $30 per person and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and plenty of dancing.

“A lot of people look forward to going someplace and having a good time like this without having their husbands,” said Davis.

This year, the predominantly pink party has a 1920s theme, which encourages attendees to dress in period garb.

“This year, it’s a speakeasy theme. We’re going to decorate a little bit to try and give it that feel. We’re making headbands with the feather, like they wore back in the ’20s, to sell,” said Brenda Chisholm. “We’re going to have a trivia contest of things that happened during that era. We’re also going to have a flapper contest.

“We’re encouraging people to dress in their flapper costumes, or wear pink if they don’t want to be bothered.”

The party will feature DJ Brian K. Hall, who has been a part of the event for years.

“He’s good with the women — he keeps them going,” said Davis.

“He’ll run the trivia contest, and we’re going to have him judge the flapper contest,” added Chisholm. “They won’t be big prizes, of course, because we’re trying to save the money to donate to charity.”

Davis said the party was originally started as a way for people who were not golfers to support the cause without having to play in the tournament.

“We get a lot of people who come just for the party,” she noted.

The event will also feature special pink drinks, of which $1 of the cost of each drink sold will be donated to the fundraiser.

“This year, we’re going to do two drinks from the prohibition era — the Sidecar and the Old Fashioned,” said Chisholm.

The event will also have silent and “Chinese” auctions, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday afternoon. Auction items include a handmade crocheted afghan, jewelry, Pandora bracelets, rounds of golf, restaurant gift certificates, a seven-iron golf club from Ruddo’s Golf and more. Sealed bids are accepted for the silent auction items, and it is not required that bidders be present to win.

Other popular items for the tournament are the two “coolers of cheer,” donated by the Cripple Creek Women’s Golf Association, that will be raffled off.

“People always love those,” said Davis.

A 50/50 raffle will also be a part of the tournament, with the winnings to be awarded Wednesday afternoon. The participants in the 50/50 must be present to win.

“Anyone can buy a raffle ticket for those, available now at the office at Cripple Creek,” said Davis.

Funds raised by the events had been donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation; however, in 2011 the group decided to start donating the funds to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition instead.

“We had requests from people that the funds be used locally. The best way to do that was to give the proceeds to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition,” said Davis. “We’ve done that ever since. This is our fourth year to give money to them.”

This year’s fundraiser is also being held in memory of Ellen Stephens, who passed away this past January.

“She ran it for the first nine or 10 years, and after that she still worked on it. She was instrumental in getting the club started and built. She was involved from the very beginning with Cripple Creek,” said Chisholm. “She was a very courageous person. She had such horrendous health problems the last three years of her life, but she always had a smile and was optimistic.”

Since its inception, the rally and its accompanying fundraising efforts have raised approximately $355,000, all of which has been donated to breast cancer research. Davis said she hopes the fundraisers continue to be supported by the community and make a positive impact.

“We hope we do at least as well as we have in the past. We’d love to do more.”

Those big yellow buses are getting a slight shake-up this fall. The Indian River School District has planned new start times for each school. Buildings will split into a “First Start” or “Second Start” schedule, nearly one hour apart, to improve transportation.

The school day for First Start schools will be 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Buses will arrive at those schools between 7:25 and 7:30 a.m. and depart between 2:35 and 2:38 p.m. First Start schools are Sussex Central High School, Indian River High School, Georgetown Middle School, Millsboro Middle School, Selbyville Middle School, Phillip C. Showell Elementary, North Georgetown Elementary and East Millsboro Elementary.

The school day for Second Start schools will be 8:35 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Buses will arrive between 8:15 and 8:20 a.m. and depart between 3:25 and 3:28 p.m. Second Start schools are Georgetown Elementary, the kindergarten center at Georgetown Elementary, Lord Baltimore Elementary, Long Neck Elementary and John M. Clayton Elementary.

All district schools will have a standard school day of six hours and 45 minutes.

Special schools have other schedules: Howard T. Ennis School, 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.; G.W. Carver Academy, 8:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Southern Delaware School of the Arts, 8 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Previously, schools had a variety of start and end times.

“They were kind of all over the place before. A few of them had the same start time — not many. Busses were scattered everywhere,” said Assistant Superintendent Mark Steele.

But as the student population has ramped upward, the IRSD has been pressed for space and funds.

Officials said full-day kindergarten really strained the capacity of all elementary-school buses this year. Students who were previously shuttled on half-day buses have squeezed onto the regular morning and afternoon lines.

Of how many school children last year, 8,275 rode the bus, including 168 to special schools. “Roughly 1,600 children are transported in other fashions or walk to school,” wrote Patrick Miller, IRSD chief financial officer.

The IRSD had 132 regular bus contracts, plus 16 special ones for H.T. Ennis.

The State of Delaware pays 90 percent of school transportation costs. (Until about six years ago, the State paid 100 percent.) Even a 10 percent local share is pricey. In 2013-2014, the district paid $741,000 for transportation. The State paid $6.67 million.

But if the State keeps paying the majority of a $7.41 million bill, it wants schools to plan wisely. For IRSD, that meant using the Trapeze computer program, which can write a transportation plan in an effort to create the simplest, most cost-effective routes.

In addition, staggering the starting times lets bus drivers do two routes each day, which is more efficient. Rather than stuffing a bus with children in ways designed to fit the financial budget, the same number of buses have time for multiple trips.

“It’s not really that we have more [buses]. We’re extremely streamlined and organized now,” Steele said.

That’s tremendously important when the district has already registered 150 more kindergarteners for the 2014-2015 school year than last September. Steele estimated totals of 225 to 300 more kindergarteners than last school year.

The new transportation system should reduce the number of elementary-school students on a single bus to about 50 or 55. The number of secondary-school students on a bus will drop to about 38 or 44. In addition, early bus drop-offs at Indian River High School will be discontinued, and students from Selbyville Middle School and Phillip C. Showell Elementary School will no longer share buses.

Afterschool activities played a large part in the scheduling. Middle and high schools end early, so students miss less class time for athletics (like most other secondary schools). Plus, Steele said some parents wanted older children to get home early to babysit their elementary-age siblings after school.

Steele thanked Tyler Bryan, the systems analyst who built the bus schedules.

“He’s just phenomenal. He really got a handle on the software program Trapeze,” Steele said.

Approved by the IRSD Board of Education on June 16, the tiered system may help IRSD prepare for future costs.

“[The State] may turn around and tell the district, ‘You may have to pick up 20 percent,’” Steele noted.

The new schedules will begin on Sept. 2 for the 2014-2015 school year.