The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF) and the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce (BFACC) announced this week that they will hold a day-long series of events on New Year’s Day 2015: the 4th Annual Hair of the Dog Run and the 19th Annual Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos. The combination offers the chance to ring in the New Year at family-friendly events that support several terrific organizations and charities. Proceeds benefit the local non-profits by providing grants and scholarships to local students.

The Hair of the Dog starts at 9:30 a.m. on Parkwood Street and Atlantic Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach and ends at the bandstand on the Bethany Beach boardwalk. The time-chipped race is being organized through Races2Run. The 10K starts at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K starts at 10 a.m.

The bone event features overall and age-group awards, a 5K walk/run-with-leashed-dog division and a post-race party at Mango’s on the boardwalk and Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach. Finishers in the 10K will receive finisher medals. Runners pre-registered by Dec. 15 are guaranteed a technical shirt.

After the Hair of the Dog Run and party is the 19th Annual Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos, organized by the BFACC, in which splashers will plunge into the Ocean at high noon. Iceberg trophies are bestowed to the largest teams in the commercial, non-commercial and student divisions.

Organizers urged participants to register early, as these events sell out. Pre-registered runners and splashers by Dec. 15 are guaranteed a long-sleeved HOD/ELE event shirt, with discounted rates prior to Dec. 1. Visit www.hairofthedogrun.com to register online to run or plunge into 2015.

Local businesses, residents and guests are being encouraged to be part of the event, with sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available for all interests. For more information, contact Brigit Taylor with QRCF and Lauren Weaver at the Chamber. Portions of the registration fees may be tax-deductible.

The Delmarva Whiskey Club will sponsor a benefit golf tournament on Jan. 24, 2015, to assist the Chad Dailey family, at the Bayside Community Golf Resort in West Fenwick. The tournament will feature a shotgun start at noon in a foursome team scramble format and an awards dinner at the resort’s Cove restaurant afterwards. The dinner will feature a Scotch whiskey pairing led by Jared Card of ImpEx Beverages.

The benefit is to aid Chad Dailey, the assistant golf pro at the Bayside golf resort, who recently sustained a severe head injury while instructing a group of young golfers. As a result of his injury, his family suddenly found itself in need of assistance to cope with its financial obligations. Delmarva Whiskey Club members, many of whom are avid golfers, decided to help, organizers said.

In addition to players, the group is seeking tournament sponsors to help make the day even more successful, as proceeds from the benefit will go to the Chad Dailey family.

The Delmarva Whiskey Club welcomes those who have just begun to appreciate whiskey, as well as seasoned whiskey aficionados. The club’s buying power allows it to inexpensively acquire a wide variety of whiskeys for tastings, representatives said. Guest speakers offer tutorials for periodic meetings at various Delmarva locations.

To register for the Whiskey Winter Golf Tournament, or for more information, visit http://www.delmarva whiskey.com/golf. To become a tournament sponsor or join the Whiskey Club, contact Kevin Clover, president, at (215) 815-1706 or kevin@delmarvawhiskey.com.

The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF) announced this week that the 10th annual Caribbean Christmas will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mango’s, located at Garfield Parkway and the boardwalk in downtown Bethany Beach.

The traditionally sold-out fundraising event features tastings from area restaurants, beer, wine and Mangoritas, live music, silent auctions, raffles, dancing and holiday cheer.

“Caribbean Christmas is a festive way to kick off the holidays. It is a great event which embraces the giving spirit of the season with the style of beach living. It is the perfect pairing of party and philanthropy!” said Board President Steve Alexander.

Proceeds from Caribbean Christmas benefit local organizations each year. In the QRCF’s 13-year history, more than $150,000 has been contributed to other charities. This year, QRCF has selected the South Coastal, Frankford, and Selbyville libraries.

“Anything that helps the library directly helps the community.” said Susanne Keefe, director of the South Coastal Library.

“Each library knows how our gift will be best used, and I imagine that our contribution will be used to purchase more books, CD audiobooks, MP3s, Playaways, DVDs and music CDs, and other audio-visual materials for their collections. All our neighbors and community members benefit from our top-notch libraries, so these are ideal recipients for the QRCF grant,” said Alexander.

Tickets cost $60 per person. QRCF is a 501(c) organization and the purchase may be tax-deductible. Tickets may be purchased at Beach Liquors in Bethany, Beach Liquors in Fenwick, Bethany Beach Books, Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce, Cottage Café, DiFebo’s, Mango’s, Sedona and South Coastal Library.

The QRCF is currently seeking sponsors, donors and volunteers. Event sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. Donations of goods or services are also welcome.

“Sponsoring and donating are great ways to build a business’s exposure and support the laudable beneficiaries. We invite individuals and groups to volunteer before, during and after the event, and will accommodate any interest and ability,” Alexander noted.

For more information, contact Courtney Bouloucon at ccourtneyv@hotmail.com or Laurie McFaul at mcfaul@evergreenehomes.com.

The Ocean View Church of Christ (OVCC) will hold its 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, from 1 to 4 pm. This event is free. All members of the community are invited to come and enjoy good food and good company.

The traditional turkey dinner, including fixings and dessert, will be served in the Family Life Center at the church, which is located at 55 West Ave.

“OVCC members enjoy coordinating this event because it gives us a chance to share with others and show gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said OVCC preacher Gregg Wilgus. “We aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone — individuals, couples, and families — especially those who may not have anywhere else to go this holiday season.”

Anyone interested in joining OVCC for Thanksgiving dinner can reserve a seat by calling 539-7468 or sending an email to office@oceanviewchurchofchrist.net This will help the event organizers ensure that enough food is available for everyone.

OVCC is a nondenominational church that welcomes visitors and members of the community. For more information, visit them online at www.oceanviewchurchofchrist.com.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Julien Benichou, will usher in the holiday season with a program of orchestral and vocal music at the “Holiday Joy” concert, to be performed on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Mariner’s Bethel Church at Route 26 and Central Avenue in Ocean View, and on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Henlopen High School Auditorium, Kings Highway, Lewes.

The MSO will showcase two vocalists — soprano Esther Jane Hardenbergh and baritone Kevin Short. Hardenbergh has sung extensively in the United States and Europe, in opera, oratorio and recital. She made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 1999 as winner of the International Opera Singer Competition and is known as an interpreter of recital repertoire — in particular, 19th century German lieder and 20th century American art song.

She has appeared with such orchestras as Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Memphis Symphony, Atlanta Baroque Symphony, Miami Bach Society, Handel Choir and Orchestra of Baltimore, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. She is currently associate professor and department chair of the Department of Vocal Performance at the University of Miami, Frost School of Music.

Kevin Short has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Paris’ Opera Comique, Grand Theatre du Luxembourg Oper der Stadt Koln, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Theater Basel and Theater Bern. He has performed multiple roles with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He also has an active concert schedule and has worked with orchestras in the U.S. and around the world.

Joining Hardenbergh and Short are two vocalists from the University of Miami, Frost School of Music — soprano Mia Rojas and mezzo-soprano Zaray Rodriguez.

Between seasonal favorites such as “White Christmas” and “Silent Night,” there will be orchestral interludes with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” and Handel’s “Messiah.” The concert will include the traditional audience sing-along.

The concert will also be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Avalon Theater, East Dover Street, Easton, Md., and on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Community Church, Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, Md.

Tickets cost $45 for adults, and are free for those 18 or younger with a reservation. For tickets and information, call 1-888-846-8600 or visit the MSO Website
www.midatlanticsymphony.

The Georgetown Christmas Parade will step off on Thursday, Dec. 4, in Georgetown at 7 p.m. Representatives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the event, said they are sure the annual parade will satisfy everyone’s idea of what Christmas is because the theme this year is, “Simply Christmas.”

“We simply want our participants to decorate their entries to reflect what Christmas means to them,” said Parade Chair Karin Joensen. “This event is billed as a Christmas parade, and this year the committee thought the theme should be just that — ‘Simply Christmas!’”

As always, the floats, marching bands, clubs, cars and trucks, etc., will be judged in their individual categories and could win an award. All participants will be judged for “Best Theme” and overall “Best in The Show.”

The Georgetown Parade has also become known as the Christmas “Balloon” Parade over the years, and “Balloons are back by the bunch,” said Chamber Executive Director Karen Duffield. “We will probably have nearly 1,500 helium balloons at this year’s parade, not only for hand-outs for the kids, but for decorating the judges’ stage and around town.”

“We have some very generous balloon sponsors this year,” Duffield said. They include the Improved Order of Red Men, Blue Water Grill, Bank of Delmarva, Jefferson, Urian, Doaner & Sterne, Comcast Spotlight, McDonald’s, Lewes Dairy, the Sussex Countian, Mark Penuel—State Farm Insurance, Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant and PATS Aircraft.

VIP Partners sponsor all of the Chamber’s events, including the parade, and in 2014 include Nanticoke Health Services, Del-One, Fulton Bank, the Insurance Market, Perdue Farms, Servpro of Sussex County, Tyndall’s Construction, Wilmington University, NRG, Lighthouse Catering, Sussex Eye Center, County Bank and M&T Bank.

To participate in the Georgetown Parade visit www.georgetowncoc.com for an entry form; email info@georgetowncoc.comp; or call the Georgetown Chamber at (302) 856-1544 for more information.

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce announced this week that the 54th Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade, presented by Holly Kia, will take place on Friday, Dec. 5. The public is being invited to come out and celebrate the holiday season starting at 7 p.m.

The parade both starts and finishes on Church Street in downtown Selbyville. Organized by the Chamber in collaboration with the Town, the annual celebration is highlighted with yuletide favorites, including marching bands, fire trucks, antique cars, colorful floats and, of course, a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Children can visit Santa’s House from 5:30 until 7 p.m. before he rides in the parade. In the spirit of giving, Santa’s House will be a collection site for gently used preschool-age books for the Read Aloud Delaware Program.

Mediacom and PNC are supporting sponsors of the parade. Floats will be competing in a variety of categories. The “Overall Dazzler” best-in-show award, sponsored by the Coastal Point, will be chosen by the judges. Also, first-, second- and third-place winners from nine categories will be selected and announced by Alice Bavis from WBOC.

There is no cost to register a float, and any person, group or business can participate in the holiday traditional. In addition, food vendor applications are also being accepted, for a $25 fee. Those who are interested in being part of this year’s parade can find registration forms online at www.bethany-fenwick.org or stop in at the Information Center on Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island. For more information, contact Lauren Weaver, event and member relations manager, at (302) 539-2100, ext. 118.

Tickets were still available early this week for the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Foundation’s (MERR’s) annual Finraiser, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewes Yacht Club.

The fundraising event will feature the traditional wine tasting, sponsored by Teller Wines, live music by 33 and 1/3, and food from the Lewes Yacht Club. Additionally, a variety of items and services donated by the community’s businesses and artists will be available for auction.

Items this year include: a week’s stay in Barbados; photographs on canvas by award-winning photographer Kevin Fleming; professional photography packages; hotel and bed-and-breakfast stays; gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses; one-of-a-kind selections by local artisans; jewelry by Heidi Lowe Gallery and marine life-inspired art.

Tickets for the event cost $50 and can be reserved for pick-up at the door by calling (302) 228-5029.

The first Bethany Area Community Christmas Gift Giving Outreach project for those in need in Lower Sussex County will start on Monday, Nov. 17, at designated locations throughout the area.

Families in need are being interviewed by the Pyle State Service Center and other agencies in the area. The project will also be taking care of seniors and special-needs students. A code number will be used for each individual so as to maintain strict confidentiality.

Gift cards with the recipients’ requests will be located on trees at participating businesses, including: Bethany Diner, 792 Garfield Parkway, Bethany; Curves of Bethany Beach, 29K Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View; Miller’s Creek Antiques, Route 26, Millville; Interiors by Kim, 33 Central Avenue, Ocean View; Coastal Maytag, 30458 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View; Treasure Island, Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View; Healthy Habits, 407 Main Street, Dagsboro; and Hair Daze, 32770 Burbage Road, Frankford.

There will be sign up tablets by each tree. Those taking a card are being asked to do the following:

(1) Sign their name, telephone number and the code number that is on the front of the card.

(2) Return an unwrapped gift in a bag with the request card securely attached to the gift. (This is very important) They may include a gift bag or wrapping supplies if they wish, but the parents will do the wrapping.

(3) Return the gifts to the same business or any other of the locations no later than Dec. 13, to allow time to combine all the same family members together or purchase what is necessary for the cards that are not taken.

(4) For those who purchase gift cards, it is imperative that they activate the card and tape the small receipt to the card and write the amount on the card.

(5) Put gift cards in an envelope with the request card attached. (Every gift card is put in a Christmas card.)

All gifts will be picked up daily at each location.

Those who do not wish to take a request card may purchase gift or food cards, write a check to the Pyle State Service Center Christmas Account, or purchase hats, gloves or socks and drop them at one of the locations.

Those who wish to adopt a family should write their name and telephone number on the tablet, and they will be contacted by the chairperson within a day or so. The First State Detachment Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots will be supplying toy donations that will be used to cover cards not taken and last-minute requests.

The project’s goal is for each child younger than 18 to get a $ 25 gift card for clothes, special fun items on their wish list and a coat, if needed. Each family will receive a food card according to the size of their family. They will also be working with the Clothe Our Kids organization for special requests.

For more information, leave a name and telephone number at one of the locations, and a return phone call will be made.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : The Bethany Area Repertory Theatre (BART) rehearses for their last show, ‘The Time Collector’ at Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville. Their newest production, ‘Good King Succotash,’ will have its last performance on Saturday, Nov. 22.The Bethany Area Repertory Theatre (BART) opened “Good King Succotash” last week, to a sold out house. Written by Bethany-area playwright Bob Davis, “Good King Succotash” is Part II of a holiday trilogy, set in the Hamptons at Christmastime.

The play highlights the gathering of two dysfunctional families, the Tomlinson clan — first introduced in Part I of the trilogy, “We Gather Together,” and their future in-laws, the Fenwicks. Those who attend performances will experience the twists and turns of a Christmas dinner that turns into an epic holiday fiasco.

“It’s a play about a dysfunctional family at Christmastime. It’s nothing but a bunch of laughs. It’s so much fun — definite a must-see,” said actress Veronica Bona, who plays Missy, who is pregnant with twins.

“They say I’m about 13 months along,” she said with a laugh.

“Once again Bob has brought both old and new characters to life in a very witty fashion, and all of us are thrilled to be part of another Davis production,” remarked Jeff Martini, who plays Thaddeus, an old gentleman just released from a long prison stay.

The play will close out this week, with its last performance on Nov. 22. Tickets cost $25 per person, with the parlor doors opening at 7 p.m.

“It is very exciting to be able to continue unfolding the story of the Tomlinson family, and it is especially fulfilling to see it produced right here in our local community on the Dickens stage,” said Davis.

Bona recommended that all those in the community looking for a fun night out on the town to head to Dickens for a night of laughs.

“It is highly recommended for a super evening out to see this play. It’s so much fun. You see local people acting — it’s your neighbors, friends, business owners in the area who come together to do this. Everybody should get involved in it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Bona got involved with BART a year ago, with her first play being “Rudy and Ruby,” a robot love story.

“Someone said, ‘Oh, they’re having auditions.’ So, I went down to audition, and Bob said, ‘We’d like you to understudy all the female parts.’ I said, ‘Sure!’ Anything to get my foot in the door.’ … And I haven’t looked back since.”

“It was fabulous. It just keeps getting more and more fun,” she added. “I’ve always loved the theater. It’s been in my life — but in the dance world, not the acting world. I don’t know why I never did it before. It’s been a blast. It really has. I love doing it.”

Of enjoying the stage after only a year of acting, Bona said it feels natural.

“I’m a ham — what can I say,” she said with a laugh. “I think making people laugh really makes me happy. I like to make people happy, and this is one way I can do that. Plus, I get to dress up and act like a clown. That makes it a lot of fun.”

Bona said BART is full of community members who all love the theater, and she hopes more people will join the organization.

“It’s a wonderful family. That’s the way I feel. I have made such wonderful new family members with these people. They’re fun to work with, warm and loving, every single one of them,” she said. “You don’t dread going in, because everybody is there for the same reason — to have a good time.

“Some of us have worked together before, and others, it’s their first time. But always by the end of the show we’re family. It’s a wonderful camaraderie we get doing these plays, because we get to clown around and make friends.”

As with all of Davis’ plays, Bona said, “Good King Succotash” is a “laugh a minute” and shouldn’t be missed.

“Everybody should come out and see one of Bob Davis’ plays at least once, and then they’ll be hooked forever and ever,” she said, adding, “It’s a wonderful venue.”

To purchase tickets, call (302) 829-1071 or go online at www.dptmagic.com. For more information on BART and upcoming events, follow BART at facebook.com/BARTinBethany, or send an email to BartattheDickens@aol.com to be added to the Friends of BART mailing list.

Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors has voted to return $3.4 million in capital credits to the cooperative’s member-owners in December. Capital credits are also known as the co-op’s profits or margins. Because DEC is a non-profit utility, margins are returned to the people the cooperative serves.

Capital credits from 1996 will be distributed to members through a credit on their electric bill or a check. To receive a billing credit or check from the cooperative, one must have been a Delaware Electric Cooperative member in 1996.

If a member has eligible capital credits of $100 or higher, they will receive a check. If their allocated capital credits amount is less than $100, a member will receive a credit on their bill. Members who had an active account in 1996 but are no longer served by DEC will also receive a check for their portion of the retired capital credits.

According to Bill Andrew, president and CEO of DEC, “This process is what sets us apart from other utilities. We’re not in business to make a profit for shareholders. If there is leftover money, we give it back to our members. We return the money to members around the holidays because that’s when many people need it the most.”

Over the past six years the cooperative has returned more than $15 million to members. Anyone with questions about their capital credit refund should call the cooperative at 1-855-DEC-9090.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving 88,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex counties. For more information, visit the website at www.delaware.coop.

The Bethany Boathouse, the latest venture for Cottage Café owners Brent Poffenberger and Tom Neville, will hold a public groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., with a reception immediately following at the Cottage Café.

With plans to open in the late spring of 2015, the Bethany Boathouse will be located directly across the street from the Cottage Café, adjacent to CVS. The building is being designed to resemble historic U.S. lifesaving stations. The Boathouse will be a seasonal restaurant that will cater to both locals and visitors, they noted.

Poffenberger and Neville said they are very proud of this project and believe it will be a great amenity for the area. In addition to both indoor and outdoor seating, there will be a fenced- in play area with a sand floor for children.

“We are hoping that our neighbors in the area will enjoy coming to the Bethany Boathouse to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshment. We will put an emphasis on high-quality freshly prepared food. Our menu will have beach favorites such as crabcake sandwiches, fresh grilled fish sandwiches, shrimp salad, fresh fried oysters, fish tacos and many more items.

“We are hoping that many people will take advantage of our carryout service, as we are planning a dedicated carryout window for our guests,” said Poffenberger and Neville.

The Bethany Boathouse is being built by Milken Builders. Plans will be available to view at the event.

This December, Millville Town Peddler is hosting holiday events including a Holiday Open House Weekend and a Holiday Half-Price Madness.

The Holiday Open House will be held Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7. The weekend is designed as a special thank-you to the store’s customers. The Holiday Open House will feature holiday sales and specials, raffles, door prizes, light refreshments and more.

The Holiday Half-Price Madness is a one-night-only event to be held on Friday, Dec. 19, offering larger discounts the later the customer comes. Millville Town Peddler will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the one night only.

Millville Town Peddler is located at 35308 Atlantic Avenue (Route 26) in Millville. It was re-opened in 2012 by two local teenagers, a brother and sister team, Clay and Samantha. They specializes in new and used “treasures” and custom-made fiberglass surfboards under the brand name Reynolds’ Back Door Surfboards, which are made on the premises, and local photography by Samantha Ariel Photography.

“You never know what you will find, so come often to shop with us,” they said.

For more information about Millville Town Peddler, call (302) 381-5891, email mtpeddler@verizon.net or visit www.facebook.com/
MillvilleTownPeddler, www.facebook.com/Reynolds
BackDoorSurf, www.facebook.com/
SamanthaArielPhotography or www.SamanthaArielPhotography.

Verizon Wireless retailer recently announced that 300 of its stores will be donating and volunteering at local food banks through its “Stop the Hunger” initiative this holiday, season in a joint effort with its customers. The local participating store is in Millville, at 224 Atlantic Avenue.

Until Friday, Dec. 12, participating TCC stores across the U.S. are encouraging local families to bring in canned and boxed food, which will be delivered to the community’s food bank. In addition to the food drive, each participating store will donate funds, and employees will volunteer at local food banks until the end of December.

“‘Stop the Hunger’ is the newest initiative under TCC’s ‘Culture of Good’ movement, which empowers our employees to make a positive, charitable impact in their communities,” said Scott Moorehead, president and CEO of TCC. “It’s how our company gives back to every community where we do business. We’re honored to have the ability to help families and children in need this holiday season by donating to and volunteering at local food banks throughout the U.S.”

In 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 17.5 million of U.S. households were food-insecure.

“With 1 in 5 children struggling with hunger at some point in their lives, TCC is doing its part to ensure that as many children as possible do not have to battle hunger issues this holiday season,” Moorehead said.

TCC’s summer “Culture of Good” efforts resulted in the donation of 300 college scholarships to children and 100,000 backpacks to students. To learn more about TCC, visit www.ecellularconnection.com. Supporters of the program are being encouraged to use hashtag #cultureofgood on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word.

Coastal Point • Submitted : Students and staff at the Kathy Collins Preschool get a visit from the firefighters and equipment of the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department in an effort to educate the children about fire prevention.It may be adorable to watch young children try on giant firefighter suits, but it may also save a child’s life. That’s why the Kathy Collins Preschool invited Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department to teach its children fire prevention.

Although most children are used to learning fire prevention in elementary school, Collins said she wanted her preschool and daycare students to be prepared.

“We learned fire prevention just like they do in schools,” Collins said. “They did a lot of hands-on activities, and we had a lot of fun.

Now, seven children (mostly ages 3 to 4) have a better idea of what to expect in an emergency.

“Kids got to get in the ambulance and put on the gloves and get on the stretchers, so they wouldn’t get scared,” Collins said.

The DVFD volunteers added immensely to the experience, she said.

“They actually put the full fire suit on and taught [children] that if they ever have a fire, don’t be afraid of them because the oxygen makes a lot of noise, but to go to them,” Collins said.

DVFD auxiliary member Nicole Mitchell did her first fire-prevention event with volunteers Dylan and Gage Betts.

“It’s just important that kids know what a fireman looks like when they’re fully suited up and they have that air pack on and it’s noisy,” Mitchell said. “They’re gonna think it’s a monster, and they’re gonna be afraid.”

So Gage Betts suited up in front of the children, turning on his oxygen tank. Most kids have not seen this before, Mitchell said.

The children could also try on the heavy gear, then ride in the ambulance.

“They really got to live the life and blow the horns,” Mitchell said.

Although a little wary of a “Sparky the Fire Dog” costume, the children enjoyed the presentation.

“They absolutely loved it. They really did,” Collins said. “They just interacted very well with them.”

Collins has practiced fire drills and “stop, drop and roll” with the children.

“And we have fire drills at my house so they know what to do,” Collins said. “[In a] smoke alarm, they know to get out, stay out and not to come back in. We have a little meeting place by the tree.”

She said she was grateful to the Dagsboro volunteers, who brought fire hats, books and other fire-prevention materials.

“They just went far and beyond,” Collins said. “They did a wonderful job.”

To learn about fire safety, private preschools and daycares can reach out to their local fire company.

After losing their 5-year-old daughter to cancer in 2011, the Vogel family vowed to help other families in the same situation.

“Our biggest thing is Gabby didn’t get well,” said her mother, Carolynn Vogel. “Unfortunately, the cancer was terminal upon diagnosis, and there have been no medical advances in over 30 years in her type of cancer.”

In the name of their darling blond Gabrielle, Carolynn and John Vogel felt compelled to support medical research by founding the nonprofit Get Well Gabby Foundation. After their loss, the family moved to Ocean View, and they’ve continued to support children locally and back in Pennsylvania.

“We are focused on giving back to this community and continuing to help children get well,” Vogel said.

On Thanksgiving Day, the foundation will host the Gabby Gobble 5K run/walk in Lewes to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer and families. The Gabby Gobble course is USATF-certified with chip timing. Awards will go to top three male and female finishers in 10-year age categories (9 or younger, to 70 or older), as well as to top fundraisers and to the fastest team of at least five members.

Runners are being encouraged to wear festive costumes, too.

“It seems like people get more in the spirit of getting out and running and having a good time if they are in costume,” Vogel said. “I would love to see a turkey go running down the street.”

The best-dressed team wins a special prize of an Irish Eyes Cup and happy hour.

Vogel said friends, and even businesses, often enter races together for team-building and philanthropy.

Registration includes the race, after-party and a gift bag (including a long-sleeved T-shirt and Trollbeads bracelet with basic clasp). The post-race party at Irish Eyes includes beer for runners 21 or older. People are also being encouraged to bring cash to enter the prize drawings.

Vogel said 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the Get Well Gabby Foundation.

Registration is available online at www.races2run.com, for $25 until noon on Monday, or at the Rehoboth Running Company. Packet pick-up and late registration for $30 is at Irish Eyes in Lewes on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is also available at 8:30 a.m. on race day.  The race begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp.

Parking is available at Irish Eyes and behind the Dairy Queen at the end of Savannah Road.

The Get Well Gabby Foundation is found online at Facebook, Twitter and www.getwellgabby.org.

The Get Well Gabby Foundation is halfway through a five-year pledge to raise $125,000 for A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. During the hospital’s expansion, it solely funded an oncology playroom, which helps children with tumors “to feel like kids again.”

It will also fund a software initiative to share treatment data between DuPont and three other hospitals, which “doesn’t necessarily exist in the childhood-cancer care world,” Vogel said.

Without sharing personal data, the program shares diagnosis, treatment and outcome with other doctors who are battling similar cancers. That could lead to national and worldwide partnerships. Adults already have a similar program.

Remembering Gabby’s own propensity for gift-giving, the foundation also began a Gifts from Gabby program to help families with financial needs while their child is fighting a cancer diagnosis. The latest Sussex County recipient is a child battling brain cancer. She’ll receive a financial gift at the Gabby Gobble event.

Vogel described the impact of inviting these children to the Gabby events.

“It kind of goes both ways. It’s very hard seeing children that are battling cancer, but at the same time it’s rewarding because we know what we’re doing is helping that child,” Vogel said.

The foundation also holds an annual new book drive, with the donations given to several local children’s hospitals. Donations to the drive can be made at Bethany Beach Books.

Last month, Frankford resident Marie McIntosh became the 25th person to be inducted into the Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) Hall of Fame.

“Volunteers are essential to our movement. Without them, we would not be able to provide the quality of programming that we do. Marie is the quintessential example of how one person can change the lives of many by selflessly giving time and energy without expecting anything in return,” said Jon Buzby, director of media relations for SODE. “And yet our volunteers tell us all the time: ‘We get so much more out of Special Olympics than we could ever give.’”

McIntosh said she was told she would be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Camp Barnes, by the SODE staff.

“They all got together and surrounded me in the kitchen at Camp Barnes and told me,” she said. “It was a lovely, lovely surprise.”

McIntosh began working with SODE in 1976, when she was the swimming coach at Newark High School.

“At that time, there was a Blue & Gold football game, where people with disabilities played with partners,” she recalled. “I thought it would be neat to do that with swimming.”

Since then, McIntosh has been volunteering with SODE in various capacities, from coaching athletes to volunteering at summer camps, such as the one held at Camp Barnes.

“I think the organization provides a lot of opportunities for people like me who want to volunteer, to do more,” she said, noting that those who are interested in volunteering should give it a try. “You can do as much as you want or as little as you want — it’s all appreciated.”

Having relocated to Sussex County 11 years ago with her husband, McIntosh said she still sees athletes she taught upstate.

“Whenever I go to the Summer Games, I see all of my athletes that I had 30, 35 years ago,” she said.

“Marie is one of the rare examples here in Delaware of a Special Olympics volunteer who gave so much in the northern part of the state during her teaching career and then gives even more of her time and energy downstate now that she’s retired,” added Buzby.

McIntosh works with a group of approximately 40 athletes, formerly known as the Mighty Marlins. The athletes practice various sports, including bocce ball, tennis, weight lifting, tennis, bowling and swimming.

“I’m looking for a swimming coach,” she noted with a laugh, “if anybody wants to help with swimming on Sunday afternoons.”

McIntosh said the local community has been very supportive of the athletes, from the Sea Colony and Bear Trap communities, to local residents, including Ocean View Mayor Walter Curran.

“The Ocean View Police Department has been incredible — absolutely incredible. Chief Ken McLaughlin always helps us,” she said. “Walt Curran, he often steps forward and funds things for us…

“The community reaches out to us. It’s phenomena that kind of help from the community. This is the best place, in terms of community, for our athletes. There’s lots of support.”

McIntosh said seeing the athletes grow, socialize and make friends is what she enjoys about volunteering with the organization.

“Just seeing that kind of growth is phenomenal. That’s so rewarding to me,” she said. “I think you make lifelong friends. These families, they become your friends, along with the athletes.”

For those who are considering volunteering for SODE, McIntosh suggests spending one practice with the athletes, which she said will change their life.

“I would say, ‘Come and experience an evening with our athletes at a sports event or one of our social gatherings.’ That’s all it takes — truly all it takes.”

To volunteer with local athletes, contact McIntosh at Mariemcintosh522@msn.com. For more information about Special Olympics Delaware, visit www.sode.org.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Indian River High School’s JROTC cadets present colors.An American military force that’s older than the United States, the Marine Corps was immensely proud to celebrate 238th birthday last week, and Indian River High School JROTC cadets stood just as tall as their military counterparts at the annual school dinner celebration on Nov. 7.

Founded in 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps now use the cake-serving ceremony as “a symbol of passing traditions, customs and courtesies from the old corps to the new corps,” said JROTC instructor Maj. Frank Ryman (Ret.).

After cutting the cake with a sword, the oldest cadet passes a slice of cake to the youngest cadet. Therefore, C/Pvt. Annel Calles Vildiva ceremoniously passed more than 200 years of history to C/PVT Jessie O’Neal in front of their classmates, families, guests from AMVETS, American Legion, Indian River School Board and more.

Special guest 1st Sgt. Jonathan Dixon told the story of his first experience driving tanks in a training exercise. Smashing through the wilderness was “the best thing in the world” for the 18-year-old, until he drove the tank into a ditch. That night, he was terrified of the flak he might receive from his comrades.

“I’m telling you this story because of what happens next. I didn’t have to be concerned,” said Dixon. The tank commander simply asked if Dixon had given his all.

“If you ask a man who has given his best if he has any regrets, he will say, ‘No.’ If I give 110 percent to the man on my left and the man on my right,” one need not be ashamed, he said.

Dixon commended the students who have volunteered for JROTC.

“You’ve already learned so much about the finest fighting force we have,” Dixon said.

“What happened in 1775 was as important then as it is today,” Ryman said. “It keeps us bound to our tradition, our history.”

As the holidays approach, the Town of Dagsboro is having a new discussion: planning the return of a Christmas parade.

Brian Baull said he has looked forward to adding the parade back since he joined the town council.

“The town lacks when I call ‘signature events’ … that stand out, that people put on their calendar,” Baull said.

Now, people can mark their calendars for the Dagsboro Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., with a rain date of Dec. 12.

The Town is inviting people to join in the parade, including bands, scouts and other youth groups, equestrian/animals, pageant winners, business floats, cars, motorcycles, trucks and much more. The deadline for entries is Dec. 5.

While some parades judge their entries, everyone in the Dagsboro Christmas Parade gets a participation plaque. Baull noted that other towns do that, and it saves the hassle of judging, so everyone can enjoy the parade.

“Obviously, it’s the holiday. Everybody gets in the holiday spirit,” Baull said, estimating that more than 25 years have passed since the Town’s last holiday parade.

So, with a tree-lighting already planned in late November, it was only natural to add a parade, he said. Besides this winter tradition, Baull hinted that people can look forward to a spring event in Katie Helm Park, too.

The parade begins at Indian River High School and ends at the town’s newest landmark, the new Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department’s fire hall on Clayton Street, where those attending the parade may get coffee or hot chocolate and meet with Santa Claus himself.

“I see it as a good aspect for the town,” said firefighter Bryan Townsend. “It brings people in, and it’s good for the community.”

The Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department has always played a part in the neighboring community parades, Townsend said. But, this year, they get to march and ride in their own town.

Afterward, people can visit the new fire hall and see “This is what’s protecting you” for many years to come, Townsend said.

Donations and sponsorships are always welcome, helping to bolster the event. Licensed vendors may also apply through Town Hall or online. For parade registration or more information, contact Dagsboro Town Hall at (302) 732-3777 or www.TownOfDagsboro.com.

The Town of Ocean View will be looking into the cost of contracting with a single trash and recycling company for services town-wide.

“It’s not a new idea,” said Councilman Tom Sheeran, who brought the idea forward to the council. “It has been brought up several times prior.”

Sheeran said he was concerned about the safety aspect of having various carriers working in the town, many of whom he said speed.

“The chief sent letters to several companies about their vehicles speeding within town,” said Sheeran of Ocean View Police Chief Ken McLaughlin.

Sheeran said that, in his neighborhood of Hunters Run, he has seen numerous carriers enter for only a handful of houses.

“If we had a single or designated collection for the Town, the drivers would know the area, and they wouldn’t be running all over the area looking for one spot,” he added.

He said that there could also be a reduction in noise, as well as in wear and tear on Town roads.

“If we contracted with a sole outfit, or maybe we would need two… at least it would limit the number [of trucks],” said Sheeran, adding that there could be a cost benefit to citizens. “It could be a benefit to both the Town and the citizens.”

Mayor Walter Curran said he agreed that there is a safety concern with the numerous carriers coming in and out of the town, but he also had a few concerns.

“One of the problems we’ve got right off the bat — Bear Trap has a multi-year contract with Waste Management,” he said, noting that other communities may have similar contracts. “The thing I see as the biggest stumbling block… If you create something, it has to be equitable across the board.”

Curran said he also personally doesn’t like big government and wasn’t sure the Town should get involved in such a service.

“I hate to see government expanded unnecessarily. I think this is stepping a little bit beyond what we need to do.”

Councilman Bob Lawless, who lives in Wedgefield, which has no community-wide trash service, said he wasn’t sure how the Town would go to a single-service provider when other communities may have contracts.

Councilman Bill Olsen suggested that once a community’s contract expired, the Town could work them into the Town-wide collection.

Town Solicitor Dennis Schrader told council that, if the Town were to provide a public service such as trash collection, it would have to be bid out and be awarded to the lowest responsive bidder. He noted that the lowest bid did not guarantee that citizens would have a lower trash bill. Schrader also pointed out that there may be some residents who don’t use a trash hauler and instead take their own trash to a transfer station.

Sheeran said the trash service could also entice communities to be annexed into the town.

“This was just an idea of mine. I thought it deserved some looking at,” he said.

Property owner Patty Mallon, a summer resident, said that she currently doesn’t pay for trash service at her home in The Cottages. She said two-thirds of her community is part-time residents and that she doesn’t believe the community would support Town-contracted service.

“I think you will have a lot of resistance of people paying the taxes for something they’re not getting the benefit of.”

Lawless said he didn’t think the Town should be involved in trash hauling; however, he suggested Sheeran chair a committee to investigate the cost and bring his findings back to council.

“The one thing no one can argue against is the safety aspect,” agreed Curran of Sheeran’s concerns.

Also at this week’s council meeting, Ocean View Historical Society President Richard Nippes gave the council an update on the group’s ongoing work with its historical complex.

“Our success level is beyond our wildest dreams at the present time,” said Nippes, who thanked council and Town Administrator Charles McMullen for their continued support. “I guarantee you we wouldn’t be where we are without your support… Thank you so much for all you have done.”

Building Committee Chair George Keen said the future plan for the complex includes eventually razing the garage on the Central Avenue property and building a new facility, called Halls Store.

The front of the building would look like the replica of the old Halls Store and include a meeting room and classroom, as well as a galley kitchen and restrooms.

“It lends itself to a pretty neat exhibit,” he said.

Nippes said that he hopes to have area school children visit the current historical complex this school year.

He said his granddaughter, a fourth-grader at Lord Baltimore Elementary School, had recently taken a field trip to a historical complex in Odessa.

“I’m thinking ‘Why?’ because you can walk to ours and it fits into the curriculum more,” he said. “We’re hoping they will start bringing their local students here, rather than getting on busses and taking them to Odessa.”

Keen said the building would cost between $200,000 and $250,000.

“We’ve found it’s easier to raise funds for a new building,” rather than raise funds to fix up old building, he said.

In other Town news:

• In his police report, McLaughlin stated that his department has been working with the State to have his officers carrying Naloxone, or Narcan, to administer to those suspected of having an opiate overdose.

“It’s an amazing drug,” said McLaughlin. “It has literally brought people back from the dead.”

McLaughlin said the department has responded to a number of overdose calls with, the majority of the time, officers arriving on the scene before paramedics.

Administered through a nasal spray that gets absorbed through nasal passages, McLaughlin said Narcan counteracts the opiates in the system but would not cause harm to anyone who had not actually overdosed.

“This is part of this heroin initiative that we’re trying to put into place this year.”

• November 2014 was officially declared Pancreatic Cancer Month in the Town of Ocean View, following a resolution signed by Curran. The resolution came at the request of Wilmington resident Matt Wilson, who is a pancreatic cancer survivor and volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The proclamation states, “Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is projected to become the second by 2020.”

Curran said the proclamation “touches home,” stating that he had lost his sister and a neighbor to the disease.

• On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Town will hold its annual Caroling in the Park event, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Town Hall and John West Park. The free event will feature a face-painter, balloon artist, craft table and a special visit from Santa Claus. The evening will end with the tree lighting and caroling.

• The Town will hold its annual Homecoming celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The featured musical entertainer will be Randy Lee Ashcraft & the Saltwater Cowboys.