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Bethany adopts $8.4M budget, parking and water hikes

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The Bethany Beach Town Council at its March 20 meeting unanimously approved the budget for the Town’s 2016 fiscal year, which begins April 1. The budget calls for $8.4 million in revenue, with $7 million going to operating costs and $1.4 million to capital projects and debt repayment.

Council Treasurer Jerry Dorfman noted that that budget before the council, including proposed increases in parking and water use rates, had been recommended for adoption by the Budget & Finance Committee.

The fee increases add 25 cents per hour to the parking rate, raising it to $1.75 per hour, with commensurate increases in the costs for daily and weekly parking passes and for shuttle buses from outside communities. (Rehoboth Beach recently raised its metered parking rates from $1.50 per hour to $2 per hour.)

Again citing a lack of increase in the Town’s water rates in seven years, Dorfman explained that the proposed 21 percent increase still keeps the Town’s rates below that of private water companies serving other local towns — most recently having been about 50 to 75 percent of those private water suppliers’ rates, he said.

The average water customer is expected to see an increase of about $55 per year in the water bill as a result of the increase.

The council was split last week over the issue of a proposal in the budget to include $40,000 for the purchase of two large outdoor holiday trees for the Town.

Mayor Jack Gordon said he didn’t feel the expenditure was “appropriate or needed,” as part of a budget in which the parking fees were being increased to cover a $165,000 shortfall in summer revenue and while the Town is evaluating ways to fund a storm emergency relief fund.

“I consider it a frivolous expense,” he said of the trees. “The town looks beautiful during the holiday season, and I don’t believe it will significantly enhance the appearance of the town or allow people to enjoy the season more.”

Councilman Chuck Peterson said that, while $40,000 might be too much to spend, he felt the Town could get similar holiday trees for $22,000 or less from a different vendor.

“Most of the decorations between town hall and the beach are gone now,” he said of the holiday decorations once used by the town. “It’s important we do something between here and down there.”

Councilman Bruce Frye said he felt the Town needed to support the business community during the winter holiday season, “However, I find it hard to justify the $40,000 price tag. I would be happy to compromise on $22,000.”

Councilwoman Rosemary Hardiman agreed, stating that $40,000 was too much, but that she felt “The business community would favor something to draw people down there at that time of year. It would be beneficial for them.”

Dorfman, though, said he agreed with Gordon, noting the two decorated trees that are displayed each year in town hall. “Almost every pole has something referencing the Christmas holidays,” he said of other Town holiday décor, “and we cater two parties each year … for adult and kids.”

“It’s not that we’re not festive,” he said of the Town’s existing décor, reiterating that he felt $40,000 was too much to spend with the funding of the storm emergency fund still to be accomplished. Asked if he could support the compromise figure of $22,000, he said he could.

Gordon reiterated his opposition to spending anything on the trees.

“We’re talking about December. You talk about supporting the shoulder season. I could see how the business community could be enhanced by something we’d done then, but the end of December is not a shoulder season. There are very few businesses open. A few restaurants are open for a few days here or there.

“I don’t see this as assisting the business community at all, in doing anything. I think even $22,000 is an excess of money to be spending on things like that when we have other projects going on that I think funds could be expended on more appropriately.”

The council voted unanimously to remove the $40,000 amount from the proposed budget, and council members then went on to approve, on a split vote, that a maximum of $22,000 be spent.

On a side note, Town Manager Cliff Graviet also told the council that an estimated $12,000 for two portable restrooms to be placed at Oceanview Parkway and Wellington Avenue, near the handicapped-accessible beach ramps, was being put on hold, due to the extended permitting process required to get approval from the State. He said that, if the units are not approved, the funding will revert to the budget.

The council then voted unanimously to adopt the proposed budget, with the amended $22,000 figure for the holiday trees.

Dorfman’s report for the first 11 months of the Town’s 2015 fiscal year, given at the March 20 meeting, reflected 109.8 percent of budgeted revenue having come in and 88.7 percent of budgeted expenses having gone out, both having increased from last year’s figures, at 101.3 percent of revenue and 87.7 percent of expenses at the same point in 2014. The Town’s revenue has continued to exceed its expenditures.

Town pays for

replacement vehicles, mobile command center

Dealing with additional financial matters, the council on March 20 also voted unanimously to approve a $69,000 supplement to the 2015-fiscal-year capital budget, for funding needed to replace two Town vehicles that had been totaled, as well as the purchase of a used command center for the Town.

Graviet noted that the two vehicles in question were a nearly new Chevy Tahoe police vehicle that had caught fire and been burned beyond recovery, and a 12- to 14-year-old vehicle used by the Town’s code enforcement department that had been struck head-on on Route 26. The Town was compensated by its insurance company with $62,000 total for both vehicles.

Additionally, following up on the council’s decision to purchase a largely unused mobile commence center from the Town of Smyrna last year, the supplement included $10,000 for that purchase.

As discussed prior to that 2014 vote, the command center would primarily be used as a base of operations for Town officials, should the town be evacuated, such as in a storm. The “mobile office” was originally purchased by Smyrna for use as a mobile command post for its police department, at a cost of $90,000, and had been driven only 100 to 200 miles, and largely stored inside, before that Town decided to sell it.

During the October vote, Graviet had said that, looking at significant storm events that had happened up and down the East Coast, including Hurricane Sandy, he recognized that in some cases municipalities had lost their town halls and were not able to establish any sort of presence in their towns after a storm, some of them forced to work out of police cars.

With the mobile office outfitted as an office — and not as a mobile command center, he emphasized at the time, with a nod to emergency command facilities inside the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company’s fire hall — he said it might not only prove useful for events such as triathlons but, “more importantly, be available to use in the event of any significant weather event,” in which case it could be used by the Town to “help people deal with the bureaucracy” that can come into play after such events. He said the vehicle would continue to be kept inside when not in use.

The council voted unanimously last Friday to approve the total $69,000 supplement.

Town goes blue with new flags, readies maintenance yard

The town council unanimously approved a change to the official Town flag at their March 20 meeting, opting to do away with a fade-prone white background and substitute a shade of blue that had been shown to hold up better in the weather.

Gordon said the Town of Bethany Beach symbol displayed on the flag will remain the same. Only the background color of the flag will change.

“It’s not just the background, but the logo and lettering that fades away rapidly,” Killmer said of the existing white-background flags. “The blue seems to hold up extremely well.” He added that there was no historical note of what the colors of the Town flag should be, so there will be no departure from any official color scheme. “I think these will be much more appreciated by the public,” he said.

The council last week also approved a contract for $40,690 submitted by John Macklin & Son Demolition Inc., for demolition and disposal of an old poultry farm house and removal of debris, brush and scrub trees from a recently purchased 7-acre parcel on Blackwater Road in the Clarksville area, which carries a Frankford mailing address.

Graviet said the property was to be used by the Town as an alternative maintenance yard once the existing structures, debris and brush are removed and cesspools and pits are closed. The Macklin & Son bid was the lowest of three received for that work to clear the lot. Some of the dirt currently being stored on the Town park property at Routes 1 and 26 is to be used to fill in the cesspools and pits, he noted.

Also on March 20:

• The council unanimously approved the awarding of concessions for summer-season classes that include yoga, Pilates, aerobics, boot camp and kids’ exercises classes in the beach and boardwalk area on summer mornings. All of the providers are licensed and insured, though half of them are new this year, Councilman Chuck Peterson noted.

Additionally, there will be a new “junior artist” program offered this summer, with five-week mid-morning and afternoon sessions that will be offered several times this summer. Peterson said the art class could be moved to the Bethany Beach Nature Center, as needed.

• The council recognized DelDOT inspector Jantzen Burton for his work in overseeing the Town’s Streetscape project. In awarding a certificate of appreciation, Gordon praised Burton for his interaction with the public, saying he had gone over and above in all of his duties.

Graviet noted that the recognition also reflected that the project is “very, very close” to its completion, with the core of the project completed to specifications and the final layer of paving having been done last week. He said only a punch-list of items regarding the paving and some construction and finish work was yet to be done and that it was anticipated in the next few weeks.

Graviet said final striping was part of that work, and that because of that still needing to be done, he anticipated that the intersection at Atlantic Avenue and Garfield Parkway would remain impacted by lane closures until Easter weekend.

• The council presented its annual grants to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company and the Friends of the South Coastal Library.

• Frye reported on his attendance at the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association’s conference in Washington, D.C., in February, saying that he had come away believing that the state is taking the most cost-effective approach to protecting its shorelines, with high dunes and wide beaches.

He added that while Bethany was on the vanguard regarding “freeboard” in setting minimum building start height at 18 inches and base flood elevation is a “minimal standard,” that it was expected that a 2- to 3-foot freeboard would be recommended at some point in the future.

Further, he said, a Coastal Communities Caucus had been formed as voting bloc on coastal issues, such as beach replenishment, and U.S. Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) had been encouraged to join the group.

The next anticipated beach renourishment work in Bethany, Frye said, would be in 2016, but it is, as always, subject to funding approval. This coming fall could see another budget battle over the issue in Congress. But Frye said that, if funding is found, a late 2016 or early 2017 renourishment project could come to Bethany and other Delaware beaches.

• The council unanimously approved a contract submitted by Delmarva Veteran Builders LLC to complete the Town’s new pump house as part of its new water tower system. The original estimate for the cost of this final phase of the project was $350,000 to $500,000, but bids earlier this year, Graviet said, had come in at in excess of $865,000. The town engineer had been asked to redesign the facility, with the resulting bids having come in at between $402,000 and $585,000. Low bidder DVB had been recommended.

While the new water tower could be put into use sooner than the anticipated pre-summer operational date, Graviet said that if it was, it wouldn’t work the way officials had wanted, which is as a system moving stored water between the older standpipe and the new tower. He said he expected the system to be operational, as designed, before the summer season begins.

• Graviet reported on plans to install this week a new digital sign on the guard house on the boardwalk at Garfield Parkway. The 14-by-52-inch sign will be used to disseminate information on concerts, event cancelations and other community information, he said, with town staff able to change it remotely.

He said they had looked around for a sign that was not digital but hadn’t found any suitable alternatives. The new sign is located on the side of the guard house, not on the face that is most visible from Garfield, he emphasized, and the plan is to use more “bland” colors in the display, he added.

• Gordon announced plans for the Bethany Beach Nature Center to again host its Earth Day events, this year on April 18. He said plans for the 2015 event included a related film to be shown at town hall, with a shuttle transporting people between the locations.

• Graviet reported that the new town trolley route has been established and a new flyer is being published to provide route information to users. Additionally, he said, the Town has produced a brochure containing information answering frequently asked questions about its decorative plantings and will also have a dedicated page on the Town website for such information.• The former “change” booth once operated by the Town’s parking staff will again be used by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce this summer, Graviet said, but will be placed in a slightly different location, due to the reconfiguration of the bandstand end of Garfield Parkway as part of Streetscape. He said the group plans to man the booth for additional time this summer.


Woodlawn Trail residents get sidewalk approval from Town

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The original plans for the Woodlawn Trail housing development in Dagsboro included a walking trail leading to the park and designed for community use. However, the plans would have left some residents, including Dina Mock, without much of a back yard.

In fact, during Monday night’s town council meeting, Mock claimed that, if the planned walking trail were to be installed, it would only leave her with an estimated 6 inches of grass behind her home.

“If anyone is inclined to [disagree], I would urge them to take a walk in our back yard,” she stated.

Mock was also among the Woodlawn Trail residents who said they were concerned for safety reasons, with the path being just about 5 feet from their windows, with newer homes in the development taking up more room than previously expected.

Representatives from Furmore, the developers of the neighborhood, were also present at the March 23 meeting, noting that drainage issues and grading concerns were among other issues on the north side of the community, stating to the council that the residents had taken it upon themselves to work up a petition to combat the trail.

The council made it known that if they were to grant the request, they would only be able to do so with 100 percent approval from residents.

“I’m comfortable with it if there’s 100 percent approval,” said Town Solicitor Rob Witsil.

After more concerned discussion, the residents were able to show signatures necessary to persuade the council, and council members granted the request unanimously.

“That’s obviously what the community wants, and that’s fine with us,” said Mayor Norwood Truitt.

Residents expressed their gratitude to the council.

The next regularly scheduled town council meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m.

Coldwell Banker collecting canned goods for community

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Grocery shoppers who go to Hocker’s Super Center and visit with employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Bethany Beach this weekend will be able to make a donation of canned goods to area food pantries.

Coldwell Banker has participated in food drives in previous years; however, they decided to start earlier this spring, after receiving a call for help.

“We’ve done a yearly drive — usually around end of April, beginning of May. It’s been promoted as a healthy food drive and in partnership with the United Way,” explained Delaware Broker and Branch Vice-President Paul Fedynich. “I got a call from Barbara over at Helping Hands Food Bank, that funds they had been receiving were cut and they still had number of needy families that were looking at basically not having anything for Easter.

“I approached the agents in our office and asked them if they’d like to do something and, of course, they were very quick to jump on that.”

After distributing empty collection bags in four Keenwick and Selbyville-area communities earlier this month, Fedynich said his branch was able to collect 148 bags of food on March 14, which was then delivered to Frankford’s Helping Hands Pantry and Selbyville’s Salem Food Pantry.

To continue their drive, Coldwell Banker will be collecting at the Clarksville Hocker’s on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re trying to keep a healthy focus. We make recommendations, such as cans of tuna fish and whole-grain pastas,” said Fedynich, adding that a list of recommended donation items will be given to shoppers.

Last year, the branch collected 2,423 pounds of food items that were donated to local pantries, and this year, as they will be collecting through the end of April, they hope to surpass that number.

“We’ll be shooting to improve on that. We’re hoping to collect over 2,500 pounds of food and bring that over to the food bank.”

“This is all going back to the local food banks here. We may be a part of a big corporate brand, but everyone who works in this office are local to the community here, and that’s what we focus on — providing what is needed to the community.”

Those who are unable to donate this weekend are welcome to drop off items at the Bethany Beach branch, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Fedynich said the firm is grateful for the community’s support of the drive and is proud to serve its community.

“It’s all about giving back. In every community, we have people in need for one reason or another. We’ve been through some very trying economic times, and there have been a lot of people in our community that have been hurt tremendously by the downturn in the economy. We all need to be able to work together and help each other out, because you just never know who’s going to be the next person in need.”

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is located at 39682 Sunrise Court in Bethany Beach. For more information, call (302) 539-1777.

Ruley, SoDel chefs honor Haley, sell out James Beard House

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For the second time in less than a year, SoDel Concepts’ Doug Ruley and his team of executive chefs were invited to bring a taste of Southern Delaware to the Big Apple at the James Beard House. And for the second time in less than a year, they did just that, selling out the event and honoring the late Matt Haley — the 2014 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year — along the way.

“I don’t know what would be more pressure, whether [Matt] was still around or not,” said Ruley of expectations and representing the company’s founder. “We got to go up there again and make it in his honor.”

While one invitation to the James Beard House is a remarkable achievement, two in the same year is unprecedented, which was something fully understood by the chefs in attendance, including Scott Viselli of Papa Grande’s Fenwick Island location.

“Having been in this career field for almost 30 years, it was just the honor of being there,” said Viselli, “not only from the standpoint of the James Beard Foundation inviting us, but having SoDel pick me, because we’ve got a lot of great chefs in this company.”

As if the pressure wasn’t already enough, the entire world was able to see the performance live via a streaming Internet feed from the James Beard House kitchen — and from the body of the camera hung one of Haley’s old white chef jackets, reminding his chefs that he was there in spirit, too.

“[Matt’s] brother Tommy had grabbed a couple of his chef jackets,” explained Ruley of the homage. “We had it so, as people walked through the kitchen, the jacket was hanging. Basically, we had a piece of Matt in the kitchen.”

“Having his chef coat hanging in the kitchen gave me goosebumps initially,” said Viselli. “He’s still with us, in spirit [and] conceptually — I always feel like [Matt’s] looking over my shoulder.”

Not only was Haley’s jacket displayed proudly, but so were his photos in the James Beard House gallery — where photos of the late restaurateur, his friends and even shots he had taken of food and his travels hung throughout.

“We had about 25 or 30 pictures that he had taken, and we got them framed,” said Ruley. “They hung them in the gallery, so as you walked around you could look at them.”

Evidence of Haley’s presence also shown in not only the way Ruley and his chefs cooked, but what they cooked, as well — with the menu touting local SoDel favorites, along with an appetizer list highlighting dishes from some of Haley’s frequent philanthropic travels.

Featured items included Nepalese goat momo, a pork belly pincho representing Haley’s time spent working on a food truck in Puerto Rico and, of course, Sussex County scrapple deviled eggs started rolling when the doors opened and the SoDel Dream Team got into the groove.

“People started showing up early,” said Ruley of the anticipation leading to the event. “You could tell that everybody had their A-game on. Everybody was happy, spirited and ready to have fun.”

After dinner, Ruley’s crew got a chance to talk with guests and eventually to relax and enjoy some New York culture.

“The coolest thing is going up there and going out to the different restaurants and bars, and people ask questions,” said Ruley. “We walked into this oyster bar, and we filled the whole bar up — people were blown away by these guys from Delaware coming up here. There’s definitely a story to tell.”

With the success of the event, Ruley said that he’d like to see SoDel’s relationship with the James Beard House continue, and maybe even get to put on a dinner or other events when some different local produce becomes available.

“We have a great relationship with James Beard,” he said. “I’d like to do it the end of summer, beginning of October, to where you still have tomatoes and corn, [and] some different produce. We always want to try to represent the produce and the fish and the products of Delaware.”

No matter the venue, however, and whether or not there’s a white coat hanging up to oversee the kitchen or not, Ruley and the rest of the company are continuing on and furthering the standard of culinary success started by Haley many years ago.

“The company’s in good hands,” he said. “[Matt] hired people and let them do their thing. It used to be just him doing it Now you have 10, 15, 20 people doing it. The reality of it is we’re helping more people now — it’s because of him. [The James Beard Foundation] Humanitarian of the Year award will always be with us, [and] it’s something that we have to live up to.”

Restaurant/retail space considered in Ocean View

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Last week, the Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the concept plan submitted by property owner C.J. Pines LLC to create a general business location that will include structures for a restaurant and office/retail space, located at 83 Atlantic Avenue (Route 26) at the intersection of Woodland Avenue.

The parcel is 3.37 acres and is zoned in the town’s General Business District 1. The concept plan shows a 5,000-square-foot restaurant and 9,000-square-foot retail/office building to be constructed on the property.

Town Administrative Official Charles McMullen reminded the commission that the applicant is not required to disclose what kind of restaurant they are looking to house; it simply must comply with the town code. Entrances to the property would be from both Atlantic and Woodland.

With the concept plan, a traffic-generation diagram was also provided. Tom Ford, representing C.J. Pines LLC, said that each retail space is considered to generate a given number of average daily trips (ADTs) as calculated by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). For the retail/office space, Ford said DelDOT estimates it would generate 423 ADTs, while the restaurant would generate 450 ADTs.

“Once you have those numbers, the design of the entrance, the turn lanes and all the things that actually make it work are built into the site,” he explained. “This site is reflecting these numbers and this use.”

Commissioner Bill Wichmann said that, even with the improvements made to Woodland, the entrance could still be difficult.

“Is there going to be enough space there? How far is that lane going to accept all of that traffic that’s trying to get in and out of your development, merging with the people coming up Woodland Avenue?”

Ford said it’s a legitimate concern, and DelDOT has looked into that issue.

“Part of the entire breakout, the distribution of traffic, is based on the deceleration lane … as it moves around, there was about adequate room for everyone to move… They did look at that. That’s why we were a year in this whole process to get to where we are now,” he said, adding that DelDOT officials had said the entrance didn’t warrant a traffic light.

Tess Matthew, a resident of The Cottages, noted that the back of her yard abuts the property.

“My concern is our property values, being right next to what you might call a strip mall, would go down. One of the local Realtors has suggested this might happen.”

“You understand that this is a GB-General Business District, and that you live next door to a General Business District,” Town Solicitor Dennis Schrader advised Matthew, “and that it would be unreasonable for people to expect that there never be a General Business there, because it’s a lawful use of the property.”

Matthews said she was concerned, as she believed not all of residents of The Cottages were notified.

“I think everybody who lives in The Cottages should be concerned, would be concerned, even though there are only about a third of us who are fulltime residents. That’s our exit; that’s how we get out.”

McMullen said that, as per town code, every property owner who owns property within 200 feet of the property was notified.

“We try to extend that as far as possible; however, I would think The Cottages Homeowners Association could certainly make notifications if they receive something.”

Matthew again voiced her concern regarding the potential development.

“I’m concerned about this going up in my back yard — literally in my back yard. I’m concerned about the Woodland area, and the wetlands. This shows parking over the wetland area. I don’t think DNREC [Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control] would approve of that. Did DNREC approve that?”

McMullen explained that a concept plan marks the very early stages of potential development.

“No one has really reviewed anything. We’re here simply to present to the Town what they are proposing. They’re going to have to jump through hoops with about 27 other agencies within the State of Delaware, as well as Town hoops, before they can get final site plan approval.

“There’s many, many reviews and approvals they’ll be required to get prior to that. There’ll be at least one, possibly two, other reviews of this application that people will receive notice about, and they can come and express their views if the commission so desires to allow them to do that.”

“The one thing I can guarantee you: it will not look like this when it’s done,” added Schrader. “There are an excess of 20-some State agencies that will have the opportunity to read, review and comment on all of these plans. If you move one thing, it affects everything else.”

Patty Mallon, who also owns a home on Columbia Avenue, said she was there to speak as a concerned citizen.

“I represent an awful lot of people in Ocean View — everyone is really tired of all the development. Whoever is building the Royal Farms and the CVSes… the big appeal of this town to a lot of people like me, who have summer residences, who plan to stay here after retirement, was it was a small-town feel. It had a really nice small-town feel, and it’s losing that.”

Commission Chairman Gary Meredith said that the GB lot has been in existence, and he believes the Town needs businesses.

“I think we still have the small-town atmosphere… The Town needs the businesses, and I think the residents here appreciate some of the things that have gone in here recently. Up until the Royal Farms went in, you couldn’t buy a loaf of bread in the town of Ocean View.”

Mallon added that she, too, would like to see more notification made to residents in town.

Schrader asked Mallon if she was familiar with the Town’s website. She said she was not. He explained that notices for meetings, as well as copies of agendas, are posted there.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I can tell you that if you are interested in what’s taking place, you need to be vigilant — keep an eye on that.”

No votes were taken by the commission, as the application was for a concept plan and does not need approval by the commission at that stage.

The website for the Town of Ocean View can be found at www.oceanviewde.com.

Selbyville heroin mom gets probation sentence

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The Selbyville woman who was arrested last October after her 4-year-old daughter brought heroin to her daycare signed a plea deal last week.

Ashley R. Tull, 30, pleaded guilty to one charge of endangering the welfare of a child. Tull was sentenced by Superior Court Judge E. Scott Bradley to one year of probation and substance abuse evaluation, and possible treatment.

On Oct. 6, the 4-year-old girl had unknowingly brought the small bags of heroin into Hickory Tree Child Care Center, outside of Selbyville, in a backpack that her mother had given her after hers had been ruined by the family’s pet the night before.

After finding the packets, and thinking they were candy, she began passing them out to her classmates that morning at daycare.

Several children who came in contact with the unopened bags were transported to area hospitals as a precautionary measure and were released after being examined. A total of 249 bags of heroin, weighing 3.735 grams total, were confiscated by police.

Tull was initially charged by Delaware State Police with Maintaining a Drug Property and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and was later released after posting $6,000 secured bond.

Tull has custody of her children — her 4-year old daughter, as well as a 9-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. She must also cooperate with the Division of Family Services as part of her plea deal.

BREAKING NEWS: Freeman Stage unveils lineup for 2015 season

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The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation announced on Tuesday that the 2015 summer season of the Freeman Stage at Bayside will feature a diverse offering of dance, theater, children’s performances and live music—including 16 national recording artists. Tickets for all performances go on sale online to the public Monday, April 13, at www.freemanstage.org.

The 16 national recording artists include Rosanne Cash (June 27), Daryl Hall & John Oates (June 29), the Beach Boys (July 2), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (July 3), Melissa Etheridge & Blondie (July 8), The Wailers (July 10), Heart (July 24), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (July 25), Indigo Girls (July 29), Preservation Hall Jazz Band (July 31), Colbie Caillat & Christina Perri (Aug. 4), Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (Aug. 13), Rusted Root (Aug. 28) and Aaron Tippin (Sept. 11).

Combined, performers from the 2015 season have 50 Grammy nominations and 16 Grammy wins, and four are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the mix of classic and contemporary artists that our eighth season will offer to our guests.” said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. “So many gifted and award-winning artists are scheduled to grace our beautiful stage. We hope that the performances in 2015 will expose new patrons to our diverse offerings and the importance of arts in the community, while continuing to be an inspiration for generations of families to come together for lifelong memories.

“Because of the generous support of organizations like our season sponsors — Sodoka, Inc. Charitable Foundation and Schell Brothers — we are able to again offer free admission to many of our events this summer. As well, we will welcome back the PNC Foundation as a sponsor of our Saturday-morning children’s series performances. It’s these kinds of partnerships that are necessary for the continued success of our mission at the Freeman Stage at Bayside and in our communities.”

Among the performances scheduled this season are returning performers Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Clear Space Theatre Group, the Bronx Wanderers, the First State Ballet Theatre, Cherish the Ladies and Classic Albums Live — which will be performing a tribute to Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Performers new to the outdoor stage this summer include the Barefoot Movement, the Stickers, Al Chez & the Brothers of Funk, the Judy Carmichael Trio and more. A Sept. 11 performance of national recording artist Aaron Tippin will include special guests in the audience from Operation SEAs the Day — a beach week event held in the area in September for veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained while serving the country.

Two nights of “Locals Under the Lights,” where local artists will have their moment in the spotlight, will also be back in 2015.

The Freeman Stage at Bayside, 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean in Selbyville, will kick-off the 2015 season on the evening of May 23, with a performance of Cirque Zuma Zuma. Regular weekly performances at the Freeman Stage will commence on June 19, with a performance by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.

For more information on this season’s events, or to find out how to volunteer at the Freeman Stage, call (302) 436-3015 or visit www.freemanstage.org.

Fort Miles to offer historic lantern, museum and battery tours this spring

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Coastal Point • Submitted : Two children sit on one of the World War II artillery guns at Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.Coastal Point • Submitted : Two children sit on one of the World War II artillery guns at Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.The spring schedule is set at Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park, where visitors are encouraged to come witness live World War II reenactments, visit the Orientation Building and World War II Museum and much more.

“Our event makes Delaware World War II history come alive for our visitors as we recreate what World War II Fort Miles was like, with soldiers dressed in period correct outfits, tours of our gun park, with guns of the type at Fort Miles, and tours of our state-of-the-art World War II Museum inside the Great Dune,” said Fort Miles Association President Gary Wray. “Folks who visit are impressed at our museum and its quality of both displays and interpretation.”

The spring schedule at Fort Miles kicked off on Saturday, March 14, but will continue with upcoming lantern tours on Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, 23 and 30 at 8 p.m. The Orientation Building will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 15. Underground gun battery tours will be held on April 18, and May 16 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“No other museum in the country has a Missouri gun barrel, complete with all its parts, ready for a static display on the coast,” said Wray. “Our museum is unique in itself, as the Great Dune is the second largest dune on the East Coast and the only one that has a World War II museum inside.

“We will be giving tours all day to inform our visitors of what a wonderful artifact we have here in Delaware that no one in the world has and how hard the Fort Miles Historical Association and our Delaware State Parks partners have been working to both preserve it and interpret it for our visitors.”

As far as the reenactments go, Wray said that the state park at Cape Henlopen is the perfect place for the public to enjoy.

“Cape Henlopen State Park in itself is a wonderful place to visit and over 1.5 million folks do so every year, so the setting is wonderful,” he said. “We would just invite everyone to come out and have a wonderful day. We will have events for kids, food, tours of our museum, walking tours, and we will at 1 p.m. reenact the surrender of U-858. It will be a lot of fun, and everyone will have both a good time and learn a lot about Delaware World War II history.”

He also said that the re-enactors at Fort Miles are among the most accurate out there.

“Our local 261st Coast Artillery unit has reenacted with us every year we have had the event, and they are a special group,” he said. “It gives our visitors a balanced view of World War II men and their lives during the war. These young men who participate buy their own period-correct equipment and, to “keep it real,” they spend lots of their own money to make the day exciting for the visitors.”

For more information on Fort Miles and the association, or for a full list of events, visit www.fortmiles.org or call (302) 645-0753.

“We have been working full-time on Fort Miles for 15 years, and it is wonderful place to visit,” said Wray. “We keep ‘living history’ alive and educate our public on what it was like on the Delaware coast during World War II.”


Zen Spa’s new ‘bar’ blowing up in Fenwick

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Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Brandon washes Nino Mancari’s hair at Zen Spa’s new Studio Z salon in Fenwick Island.Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Brandon washes Nino Mancari’s hair at Zen Spa’s new Studio Z salon in Fenwick Island.Zen Spa’s new “blowout bar” is now in operation near Fenwick Island, gaining recognition as the only one of its kind on Delmarva.

“This is different. There is nothing like this around here,” explained owner Stacey Wetzstein. “It’s a bigger-city thing. Everybody has a hairstylist at home. When you’re on vacation, come in. You’re going to get a fantastic wash. You’re going to get blown-out in style.”

The concept is so new and unique to the area that some customers have never ever heard of it, she said.

“A lot of people don’t know what a blowout bar is,” said Wetzstein, going on to explain that the basic service includes a shampoo, deep conditioning, head massage and then finally a “blowout” hair dry — for those heading out on the town or who just don’t want to do their own hair and makeup.

“We customize our blowouts to each client,” added lead stylist Brandon Tatum. “You can come get a blowout for any type of occasion. Depending on their haircut, depending on where they’re going, we customize it for each client.”

However, blowouts aren’t the only thing featured at Zen’s new full-service Studio Z salon, with color treatments, haircuts and even beard trimming available. Wetzstein explained that the reason for the new venture came from the suggestions of her existing clients.

“That was one of my main reasons for doing this,” she said. “I’ve been here listening to what my clients are asking for.”

With the new services and new space, the design called for some new vibes, as well.

“[Customers are] just blown away,” said Wetzstein of the decor. “When we decided to start up here, I just wanted the look to mirror downstairs, but a completely different vibe. It’s just a much different speed up here. As soon as you open that door... it’s on.”

Another new aspect featured in the new space is a tanning service, which includes an all-natural, organic tanning cream and spray.

“It’s organic. We have three different colors, [and] it’s very natural looking,” Wetzstein said. “We also have aftercare to go home with.”

While there will be even more new features at Zen in the future, such as saunas, Wetzstein emphasized that they still offer all the same services as before at the spa.

“Now, with hair, it’s from start to finish, because we do makeup also,” she said. “I just want it to be a good experience for everybody. That’s what a spa day is all about.”

For more information on Zen Spa, the new blowout bar and salon, or bridal-party packages, visit www.zenspafenwick.com or call (302) 988-1750 to schedule an appointment or consultation. Check out photos and more about Zen on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ZenSpaFenwick and on Instagram @zenspafenwick.

Cordrey brings life to the classroom at Indian River High School

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Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Jennifer Cordrey laughs with her senior students at Indian River High School.Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Jennifer Cordrey laughs with her senior students at Indian River High School.On a typical day, a gray furball runs circles around Jennifer Cordrey’s classroom at Indian River High School.

Baloo the bunny is one of a menagerie of ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and a chinchilla that live in Cordrey’s room. Leopard geckos are coming soon.

“There’s always been some kind of animal running around,” Cordrey said of her agricultural-science classroom.

Bringing life to the class, Cordrey was named IRHS Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016.

Cordrey has taught “agri-science” — an umbrella term for animal science, horticulture, pre-veterinary science, landscaping, turf management and more — at IRHS for 14 years.

“I’ve always had a knack for animals,” said the woman who once wanted to be a veterinarian. But a college professor planted the seed of teaching in her head, and it blossomed.

That, in turn, led to Indian River’s greenhouse of flowers, pond of fish and classrooms of animals. The diversity of life teaches students to handle unique creatures. They learn the responsibility, but also compassion, needed in raising animals.

Veterinary students learn to check vital signs, such as temperature, pulse and respiration.

“Poor Luke,” Cordrey said of her family dog. “He’s had many rectal exams in his life.”

A hedgehog named Max bristled as a student gently removed him from a warm cage.

“This classroom is very homey. We laugh, we joke around, we go outside,” said Cordrey. “I try to make it fun, because if it’s not fun, they tune you out.”

The hands-on learning doesn’t hurt, either.

“They don’t always want to get dirty,” she said, “but they do it.”

They stay busy, too. Students can become certified veterinary assistants in her classroom, with enough hours and by passing the CVA test.

They’re also horticulturalists, working in the full-size greenhouse, preparing plants for school celebrations and for sale at local markets.

“She works hand-in-hand with a number of community members,” IRHS Principal Bennett Murray said. “It’s neat to see how many of her students come back and give back to the school.”

As a club advisor, Cordrey likes that all students can participate in IR’s popular Future Farmers of America group, which was only a vo-tech offering when she was on the college track in high school.

She’s been lucky to see her students grow, even after graduation. Recently, she saw a former student conclude his tenure as an FFA state officer, having participated from high school through college.

“I watched him give his retiring address,” she said, having observed a young man who was once a ninth-grader shyly presenting for her class now flawlessly address a room of nearly 700 people.

She laughed, and she cried.

“That’s what makes you proud,” she said.

She’s seen kids earn state and national awards, and she’s seen them earn high school diplomas when they questioned the likelihood of that.

Cordrey’s teaching partner is also her life partner. She met her husband, Kevin, the day she joined IRHS to share responsibilities of the FFA and the agri-science department.

“Being husband and wife helps us balance things out a little better,” she said. “We work well together,” she added.

Both throw themselves into teaching and the FFA, but she can focus on officers and fundraising, and he on coaching baseball.

With more than a dozen nominees for IRHS Teacher of the Year this year, Murray said he was proud of Cordrey.

“I could not think of a better candidate for this year,” he said.

Her leadership has rubbed off on the students, many of whom became FFA state officers, Murray noted.

Her senior students show why Cordrey received multiple nominations. Besides the cozy atmosphere of the classroom, the FFA officers, especially, get to build a good relationship with her. They know she’ll be there.

They joke around but still call her a strong, energetic woman with a sense of humor.

“She makes it fun, and we still learn,” one student said.

“They celebrate together. They also cry together,” Murray said. “To have somebody who cares so much for her students is a great thing.”

“They want to be respected just as much as you want to be respected… It’s reciprocated,” Cordrey said. “They know I care, so they want to not let me down.

“There are days that it’s stressful. My days do not end at 3:30 p.m.,” between FFA work, state competitions and officer meetings, plus the occasional student or coworker asking for pet advice.

Just last month, the Cordrey home got a late-night visitor: a former student had found an injured dog.

She helped track down the owner (coincidentally, another former student), and by the end of the night, one student had offered the school chickens for its poultry science class and the other offered a summer farming job for her students.

“It doesn’t end!” she observed with a laugh.

The biggest challenge, however, is the requirements placed on teachers — “Finding the time to fit it all in,” including accountability and writing a new style of lesson plan (plus student clubs, her own life and family, and just being an effective teacher). “A lot of people underestimate what teachers have to go through. Most summers are dedicated to prep,” she said.

“Teachers are not just regurgitating information,” Cordrey added. They double as mentors, guidance counselors, jacks-of-all-trades. And they have to accommodate all students. “You’ve got to figure out how to reach them all.”

Murray said Cordrey is “so much more than” a teacher, found in the classroom and the fundraising booth.

“What an incredible person she is,” Murray said. “We’re just so proud to have her and her husband here.”

“It’s an honor,” Cordrey said of her award. “I’m very proud of it — a little nervous because I don’t want to let them down in any way, shape or form.”

Cordrey will represent IRHS for the next year, in addition to being eligible to win the school district Teacher of the Year award in late April.

She thanked the entire staff for their support, especially Michele Peeling, “who proofread everything I submitted,” and “my husband, because he’s the other half of the department, and because without him I wouldn’t be half the teacher I am today.”

Hop to it: A basketful of Easter activities to fill the weekend

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On the prowl for egg hunts? They’re scheduled for Saturday, April 4, in all corners of the county.

• Bethel Tabernacle Church in Clarksville will host its annual Egg Hunt, which has grown include more than 8,000 eggs filled with candy, toys and tickets that can be redeemed for prizes.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and includes free lunch. The field will be divided by age to give everyone a fair share. All are welcome. Bethel is located at 34180 Omar Road, Frankford.

• Millsboro’s Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 a.m. at Cupola Park, overlooking the river.

Kids can have fun searching for thousands of eggs filled with candy, special prizes and, as always, the well-hidden golden eggs. The event is hosted by Greater Milllsboro Chamber of Commerce.

• Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church will host its Easter Celebration from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Families can enjoy crafts, games, snacks, stories, puppets, the egg hunt and more.

Mariner’s is located at 81 Central Avenue in Ocean View.

• Roots Landscaping & Garden Center continues a Selbyville tradition from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The 44th Annual Betty Madara Easter Egg Hunt has games, egg decorating, photos with the Easter Bunny and more.

The Egg Hunt for children 14 or younger starts at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Roots is at 36226 DuPont Boulevard, north of Selbyville.

• The Inland Bays Garden Center will host its Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 3 p.m. Children can look forward to prizes, face painting, games and more. It’s free to the public. The garden center is located at 38320 Muddy Neck Road, near Ocean View.

Civil War Profiles: Project to honor Delaware’s Civil War veterans

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It may come as a surprise to some that not all Delawareans who fought during the Civil War have grave markers indicating their service. To rectify this situation, Glenn Layton and Dan Cowgill have taken on the immense task of identifying everyone from this state who donned a uniform between the years 1861 and 1865.

Layton, of Camden-Wyoming, is the former commander of the 2nd Delaware Volunteer Infantry (www.2nddelaware.com), a group dedicated to preserving Civil War history through education. He also served for three years as head of the Col. David L. Stricker Camp #64, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Delaware (www.facebook.com/strickersuvcw).

He explained that he and Cowgill “are spear heading an effort to locate Civil War veterans buried in Delaware cemeteries who have not been honored with a marker or headstone indicating their service.”

This ambitious undertaking has only been under way for about a month, but Layton and Cowgill, who is from Middletown, have concluded that it will likely take years to complete. There have already been efforts by others to compile lists of those who served, and to identify graves and markers by literally walking through cemeteries. These men want to take the endeavor to the next level.

The goals of this project are, first, to locate/identify Civil War soldier’s graves in Delaware that are not currently indicated as Civil War-related; secondly, to mark those graves as Civil War veterans or a Grand Army of the Republic participant (GAR being a post-war veterans group); and, third, to raise funds and find sponsors to help pay for the markers. placing a Veteran’s marker or GAR marker to honor and remember each soldier’s sacrifices for his country, to register the soldier’s burial location on the SUVCW Graves Database.

Layton and Cowgill have started visiting burial grounds and related their experience: “In our first cemetery, we are finding and confirming the service of over three dozen veterans. The next step is going to be to determine the best method for getting approval to place a marker and to raise funds to buy markers for placement.”

They figure that “By donating our time and resources, we will be able to place a Civil War marker for about $15.” They plan to encourage interested individuals or groups to sponsor one or more soldiers. They also will seek out “family members who can provide us with their ancestor’s name and would like to have a marker placed.”

The project organizers will maintain records of those identified locally, and will also cross-reference and update a national database managed by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. If a Delaware Confederate soldier’s grave is identified, they will notify and coordinate with the Delaware Sons of Confederate Veterans. These will be marked differently, since Confederate graves are typically marked with an Iron Cross.

Cowgill elaborated on the research challenges they face. Because some of the websites they will be using are not complete, “verifying the quality of that information is time-consuming.” As a result, they will be doing a lot of walking the grounds, so to speak, to literally identify individual graves, and they also “need to verify that the soldier served honorably”

Layton added, “There were over 6 million men and a few women (maybe as many as 400 of the latter) who served for the North or South. Our contribution to honoring this massive service and our initial goal is to identify the graves not marked of soldiers in Delaware regiments. That is our priority.

“We will catalog any grave we find but what has to be understood and this is a big deal, [and] it takes a huge amount of research to verify that a person buried a hundred-plus-or-minus years ago was indeed a veteran of the Civil War. No disrespect is meant to soldiers from other states or fought in units outside of Delaware. It is just a matter of keeping our goals realistic.”

Cowgill sums up the project and its needs in this way: “We will reach out to the public during community events (e.g., Dover Days, Camden Days, etc.) and through our Facebook page, seeking donations or ‘marker sponsorships.’ We encourage anyone in Delaware with family ties to a Civil War soldier’s grave to share that information with us, and consider honoring him by sponsoring the marking of that grave.”

Needless to say, a lot of help will be needed, and those who are interested in participating in some way are encouraged to do so. To volunteer your services on this project or contribute donations, contact Glenn Layton or Dan Cowgill at DESoldierGraves@yahoo.com or StrickerCamp64_SUVCW@yahoo.com. You can also go to https://www.facebook.com/strickersuvcw for additional information.

Bethany Beach resident Thomas J. Ryan’s latest book is “Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign” (May 2015). Contact him at pennmardel@mchsi.com, or visit his website www.tomryan-civilwar.com.

Homeless found shelter in Bethany Beach this winter

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Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Stone House, part of the Bethany Beach Christian Chuch complex, served as a homeless shelter during the winter for nearly 40 people. The shelter was run by SOUL?Ministries, with the help of the Southeast Sussex Ministerium, comprised of a number of area churches.Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Stone House, part of the Bethany Beach Christian Chuch complex, served as a homeless shelter during the winter for nearly 40 people. The shelter was run by SOUL?Ministries, with the help of the Southeast Sussex Ministerium, comprised of a number of area churches.For five months, nearly 40 different people in the Sussex County area who were homeless had a warm, dry place to sleep and a hot meal every day, in downtown Bethany Beach.

SOUL (Serving Others Under the Lord) Ministries, an outreach ministry for those who are homeless or in need, teamed up with the Southeast Sussex Ministerium to use Stone House — one of the vacant beach houses on the campground of the Christian Church Conference Center — as a shelter for those who would otherwise be out in the cold.

The home sleeps 16, with six bedrooms and four bathrooms on the second floor and two handicapped-accessible bedrooms on first floor that share a bathroom. There is a fireplace, kitchen, dining area and two meeting areas.

“When we thought ‘shelter,’ we were thinking one big room with a bunch of cots,” said Eric Snyder, who helped form SOUL a few years ago of the initial push to create a new southern Sussex shelter. “Never did we think we’d be offered a whole house.”

On Nov. 19, the first night SOUL had access to the home, they housed two homeless individuals. The next night, it was three.

“In the weeks that followed, we filled up all 16 beds,” said Snyder. “Sometimes, we’ve had up to five women, and as low as three women, depending on how many men’s beds we needed — because some people come, just to get on their feet… Two of the couples we got right away, one guy got work in Pennsylvania, and the other couple had a job and were finally able to get an apartment.”

The house operated as a shelter through March and housed more than 35 people, with approximately 20 leaving when their circumstances improved.

“It has really been amazing how many people left for housing or jobs right out the gate,” Snyder said. “Our goal here was everyone leaves here with a job and a house. That way, if one does, we’ve succeeded.”

The success stories, said Snyder, were touching. He noted stories of broken people being healed and families being reunited.

“We’ve seen a lot… There’re a lot of broken people. As they come in here, we heal them and teach them the importance of forgiveness, both in themselves and of others. We’ve seen restoration of families — ‘I haven’t talked to my mom in five years’ to ‘Mom wants me to come live with her again, because she’s realized I’m not the same person I was.’ There’re a lot of stories like that.”

Having spent time in the elements while seeking out those who are homeless on Delmarva, Snyder has seen the face of homelessness firsthand.

“What we’ve seen here is the same thing we’ve seen on the streets: there’s no one cause of homelessness — mental illness, people with physical disability, substance abuse — it’s all situational.”

He did say that they noticed many younger men who needed shelter.

“One thing we found out this year is young guys… Before, the average age was 50… This year, we’ve had close to eight under 25. We’ve had three 20-year-olds. A lot of them have gone into the foster system and no one wants them, and then they rebel against the foster system,” he said, adding that they worked to teach them to accept blessings, however small they seem.

“We’ve done a lot of that here, with quite a few of the younger ones… You can’t rebel against a blessing. When someone tries to help you — it may not be wanted or the help you should’ve gotten or the help the other kids got… when people are helping you, say ‘thank you’ and accept the blessing.”

Snyder said having a homelike atmosphere really made a positive impact on the shelter’s residents.

“Being in a house has really made it a home. That’s been our whole point — we want you to feel at home. So you come home and you feel lifted up, and you don’t have to worry.

“When you’re on the streets, it’s about survival — ‘How am I going to get through today? I can’t think about the future, because I’ve got to get through today.’ If, every day, they know ‘I’m going to be fed and I’m going to be warm tonight,’ then ‘Today I can think about the future, because tonight is already taken care of.’”

Snyder said that, every night, the residents would have to fulfill their responsibilities as a houseguest, which included sweeping, mopping and sanitizing.

“They’ve kept it tidy. Someone who believes in the stereotype wouldn’t walk in here and go, ‘Oh, this is a homeless shelter.’ They’d go, ‘Wow, this is a nice beach house. Where are you guys from?’ It’s truly amazing.”

The shelter was closed to guests during the day, with Snyder and his wife, Cherith, along with SOUL volunteer Matt Coffin, driving the residents to a day shelter in Rehoboth Beach, to then return later that evening.

Not everything was perfect, Snyder admitted, noting that some residents were asked to leave because they could not follow the house rules or their substance addictions got the better of them.

“We have a couple who have used heroin — we caught them shooting up, and we had to let them go. But, by and large, you give someone love and they stop hurting themselves.”

Snyder himself spent those four months away from his own home, opting to sleep on the couch in Stone House.

“It has really been an amazing four months. I’ve been home, I think, three times,” he said. “It’s been hard, but it’s been great. It’s like having kids. It’s its own reward. As many times as you want to pull your hair out, as many times as you want to scream, as many times as you want to throw your hands up and say, ‘Forget it — I’m going home,’ something awesome happens and it is its own reward.”

Snyder said the shelter’s residents came from other shelters and even other areas.

“There were three from Wilmington. One gentleman from New York — somehow he got left in Delaware and couldn’t afford to get back.”

There were many residents with different backgrounds and faiths, including Muslim, Jewish, Wiccan and Quaker.

Snyder said that, although SOUL is faith-based, it is not their mission to force their religion on anyone.

“They all need to understand love and grace and mercy and hope, because those are things that, maybe, somewhere in their life, didn’t make sense to them, or maybe people didn’t show them. We have found that Christ is the source of all of that. We don’t beat religion down their throats — we raise them up and show them how those principles apply to their lives without changing their religion.”

During their time in Stone House, SOUL would hold devotionals that the residents were required to attend, though they were not forced to participate.

“They weren’t required to participate; they were just required to be respectful. It was amazing how these people of different backgrounds and different cultures all joined in from their perspective… It’s not about a religion — it’s about hope.”

Many community members reached out to help SOUL during their four months at Stone House.

Bonnie Rae, who served as moderator of the Bethany Beach Christian Church when SOUL first entered Stone House, said that members of the church provided meals to the guests every Monday night.

“This was an experiment this year, to see how well it would operate, and it has truly been a wonderful experiment,” said Rae. “They have done an excellent job making it a warm and welcoming, and safe, shelter for the winter… We were happy to be involved in it.”

Rae said visiting with the guests was an eye-opening experience.

“I’d love to see more public awareness of the homelessness. I think it’s there whether people want to acknowledge that it’s here. It would be wonderful to have a permanent facility where services could be more centrally located to help people in need.”

Cindy Benjamin, a member of Ocean View Presbyterian Church, worked with her congregation to provide a meal to Stone House residents every Saturday night. She also volunteers at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church’s Thursday soup kitchen.

“I just was so grateful that the Christian Church was willing to open up their facility to these people who had no place to go,” said Benjamin. “Cherith and Eric were so committed to it.”

Benjamin noted that she and her husband had run a soup kitchen in Pittsburg, Pa., she said the homeless population in Bethany Beach is nonexistent because the services for them are nonexistent there.

She praised SOUL for their work, stating they went “way above and beyond” in helping those who were homeless in any way they could.

Quentin Elsea, director of youth and families at Salem United Methodist Church, said he was invited by Snyder to attend one of the devotionals.

“Eric invited us to come and do devotional time for the people staying there. Each night they would just gather after dinner and pray or look at scripture. We came with our worship team from the church and did some songs for them.”

Elsea said that, prior to working with SOUL, he had known about the homeless problem in the area, having seen individuals who “looked like they were without a place to stay.” After spending time with the guests at Stone House, Elesa said he was able to view the area’s homeless population in a completely different way.

“It was a very humbling experience. I would say we all make assumptions about — whether we make assumptions about their work ethic or willingness to get jobs — all sorts of assumptions about why they don’t have a place to stay.

“But after interacting with them and seeing them on a human level, and coming to the realization that it’s really by God’s grace that I’m not in their shoes… We’re all kind of one or two bad situations from losing everything. It was a reminder that those of us who are blessed have an obligation to help those who are hurting and in a bad place.”

Salem itself offers a community food pantry on the third Saturday of each month, excluding June through August, opening at 9 a.m. The food pantry is run by a number of area churches, and those who wish to collect food items must bring a photo ID.

Elsea said that, through community outreach such as the food pantry and the work that SOUL is doing, he hopes more people will become involved in helping out their fellow neighbors in need.

“I really hope that, through all of this, people can see this is a real and lasting issue. It’s not just a third-world problem — it’s right here in our back yard, and I would hope people might take the time to see what’s uncomfortable, and maybe have the compassion to do something about it.”

“It doesn’t take a village,” said Snyder, “It takes an army.”

He added that, without the enormous outpouring of support from the town, the local churches and community members, the shelter would not have been as successful as it was. And, although the Stone House shelter has been closed now that spring has arrived, there is more work to be done.

“SOUL doesn’t stop because the shelter closes. The idea of getting to do this year-round all day long, is an awesome thought now. Now, we know it’s possible,” he said. “All day long, we could be getting them the real help they need.”

SOUL Ministries has been trying to raise $250,000 to purchase a building and property to open a 24-7 shelter in Sussex County that would offer everything from showers and laundry facilities to computer access and job-search assistance, and more.

“The goal is still to have a 24-hour place, so during the day we can have counseling — drug and alcohol, résumé writing, job counseling,” explained Snyder.

SOUL will also continue to collect items to be given out to the homeless residents throughout Delmarva, including tents, blankets, clothing and toiletries.

Snyder said he hopes to help destigmatize homelessness and make those who have a roof over their heads understand that a house does not make a person.

“Some of my best friends are homeless. There’s a stirring in my heart that people need to know the truth — not just for the homeless population but, I think, for the general population,” he said. “The stigmas and the stereotypes become fear…

“The more people understand homelessness is a situation, the more people will understand that it’s not their fault. It’s not a choice — [that] they choose to be homeless because they’re lazy, they’re homeless because they’re drunk. If they realize it’s a situation that could be you, more people would help.”

For more information about SOUL Ministries, call (302) 632-4289. SOUL Ministries may also be found on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/soulministriesde. To donate to the shelter fund, visit http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/sussex-county-homeless-shelter/23968....

Teoli throws hat in the ring for school board

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Education is simply “my background,” Judith “Judy” Ladd Teoli said. “It’s what I spent my life doing.”

She’s now turning that lifetime into momentum for her campaign for Indian River School Board’s 2015 election. Teoli is one of four candidates for a single District 4 seat, representing Frankford, west Dagsboro and points east.

“I’m a good listener, and I think a board should be a listening board. I certainly bring my experience … as a longtime teacher, teaching different disciplines, age groups,” Teoli said, “and the fact that I was a principal, an administrator in charge of the school, the budget and the athletics.”

She’s been an educator for 45 years, of which 37 were in the classroom, which eventually led to her becoming principal of Wilmington’s Ursuline Academy.

“I’ve always done work with curriculum. That’s my forte. When I was in one of my schools, I started a curriculum map, so all the schools from middle to elementary [were mapped out] just so nothing is repeated,” said Teoli. “My strengths are in curriculum and leadership.”

Now, she’s retired, so she can focus her attention to IRSD.

When planning to strengthen schools, Teoli said, “One should not go to school board members. One should go to students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents — and then the school board is an administrator for change.”

Becoming a board member “is not a status thing. It’s a working relationship with the people you’re serving.”

“One of the first things I did as a principal — I went to my staff and said, ‘What do you need to do your job? … You’re good at your job. What do you need to be better at your job?’”

Teoli said her staff was flabbergasted.

“I would want to be a presence in the schools, get a flavor of what was going on. … I think that’s how people start to trust someone else,” she said of her plans if elected. “I’m a listener, so I would certainly want to go and see what it’s about.”

She would visit schools, perhaps spending lunchtime in the staff lounge, so staff could bring their concerns.

“In speaking to teachers, which is what I am, I really believe the school board is the agent for change,” Teoli said. “Rather than dictating what should happen, I feel we should listen” to what students, teachers, administrators want.

In decision-making, Teoli said, she is constantly learning and has found that life is not black-and-white. Her own classroom experiences with real children’s lives have helped to mold her personal values.

After retiring to Millville By the Sea, Teoli has also taught education courses at Wilmington University in Georgetown. Running the student-teaching program, Teoli and her students visited public schools regularly.

“I think I’ve been to every school in Delaware — certainly Sussex County,” she said.

That includes IRSD classrooms.

She has a bachelor’s degree in English education and master’s degree in educational leadership.

Teoli is active with her church, as well as with Justin’s Beach House, Gardeners by the Sea and other educational programs. Her two children are grown, but one went into education, and the other into Minor League baseball. She enjoys hosting her grandchildren at the beach in summer, she said.

“I love being a Sussex Countian now.”

Election scheduled

for May 12

The election for Board of Education will be Tuesday, May 12, with voting at local schools. Board member terms are now five years, as of 2013.

Voters in District 4 will choose between Teoli and three others: incumbent Charles Bireley of Dagsboro, Gregory Goldman of Ocean View and Mary Langan of Fenwick Island. (Ocean View resident Lloyd Elling withdrew from the race shortly after filing.)

In Georgetown, Miguel A. Pirez-Fabar is challenging incumbents James E. Fritz Jr. and James E. Hudson over the two seats in District 1. In District 2 (north Millsboro to southern Georgetown) Shaun Fink has was the only candidate to file and will keep his seat.

A qualified voter must be 18 or older and a resident of the state of Delaware and the school district. Residents may only vote within their IRSD election district. View district maps online at electionssc.delaware.gov/school_district_maps.shtml.

AARP South Coastal Chapter seeking new voices

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The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) South Coastal Chapter is currently seeking new members who have a song in their heart. The chapter’s chorus holds weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the meeting room at the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach.

“We have done public concerts, and we have sung around the area,” said Director Ann Jaeger, who also serves as the group’s accompanist. “We’ve performed at the Sheraton in Dover a number of times. We’ve also sung in Salisbury, Berlin, Ocean City… We have been around this area.”

The group is currently seeking new community members to join their chorus. Jaeger noted that those who join do not need to audition to become members and are not required to be able to read music.

“The people are friendly, and we’d love to have more members,” she said. “Part of the group can read music, and some can’t — they have to learn by rote. It’s amazing how quickly they learn.”

Jaeger said the group was formed in 2000, and currently has approximately 30 members — only two of whom are men.

“In the past, we had a larger group,” she said. “We’d really love to add some more men’s voices.”

The chorus sings popular music, folk songs and Broadway tunes — for members’ own pleasure, as well as entertaining community groups, at luncheons dinners and other gatherings.

“We’re currently not performing but will be going out at the end of May into June for performances,” said Jaeger. “We have to start this time of year, learning the music, because we do sing with arrangements… It’s a wide range of material. We also do a Christmas program, in December, of holiday music.”

Jaeger herself is a retired high school choral director and church choir director, and said that she enjoys her time with the choir.

“I love working with people and I love music. I’m doing what I’ve loved doing for years. This is a really nice group. They’re a lovely group to work with, and we have lots of fun.”

She encouraged anyone who may be interested in singing with the group to contact her, or even just stop by for a listen.

“Anybody is welcome,” said Jaeger. “Just come in and sit with us. Just listen and try the music. You can see if it’s something you’d like to do.”

For more information about the choir or to join, contact Ann Jaeger at (302) 436-5173 or davejaeger@verizon.net.


Ocean View candidates meet, speak with residents

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Coastal Point Illustration • Maria Counts and Shaun Lambert : Ocean View Town Council candidates, from left, Kent Liddle, Jon DeBuchananne, Carol Bodine and Don Walsh.Coastal Point Illustration • Maria Counts and Shaun Lambert : Ocean View Town Council candidates, from left, Kent Liddle, Jon DeBuchananne, Carol Bodine and Don Walsh.In preparation for the upcoming April 11 town council election, the Town of Ocean View held a Candidates’ Night to give residents the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the four candidates — Carol Bodine, Jon DeBuchananne, Kent Liddle and Don Walsh.

The four are vying for the District 4 seat that is currently held by Councilman Bob Lawless, who is term-limited. The event was well attended by town residents, with few open seats.

Bodine, a retired nurse, said her experience currently serving as secretary for the Delaware Republican Party, along with her organizational skills, make her an excellent choice for councilwoman.

“I am well aware that the council is nonpartisan, and I’ll keep it that way,” she said, noting that she would serve as the Town’s only female representative if elected.

Bodine also said she supports the police department, keeping taxes low and being business-friendly “without destroying the home ambiance of our town.”

DeBuchananne, a former business owner with a career in mortgage banking, said that gives him an advantage when it comes to the Town’s budget. He said the Town needs to find a way to subsidize the loss of revenue from transfer taxes.

“I think that’s a very important issue,” he said. “And, looking around, the strength of any community is its business. Having been a small-business owner, I’m a very strong proponent of helping and encouraging small business to come to this area.”

Liddle, who retired as a regional vice president of sales at Mohawk Industries, moved to Bear Trap with his wife Tina in 2001.

“I’m a strong believer that one needs to give back to their community,” he said. “To that end, I was elected as the director of the Bear Trap Dunes Homeowners Association for the last five years and have been president of the organization for the past year.”

Prior to filing as a candidate, Liddle served on the Town’s Planning & Zoning Commission.

“I think this has given me an early insight into what our future growth is. It has also given me an appreciation of what it takes to plan and how important it is to zone properly.”

Liddle said he would encourage growth along the Route 26 corridor, as well as growth on Beaver Dam Road.

“We need to keep up with the explosive growth going on around us,” he said.

Walsh — who, prior to filing for the election, had served on the Town’s Board of Elections — has been managing supermarkets for more than 35 years.

He said the town has come a long way in his eight years of residency but noted one of the issues he would like to address, if elected, is drainage issues throughout town.

“We need to put that to bed. There seems to be some pushback, as far as residents allowing people to go on their property,” he said. “It’s really important we make the whole drainage piece go away.”

He added he agrees the town should have “cautious expansion.”

“It’s an opportunity for Ocean View to become a destination.”

All four candidates said they wanted to work to address problems with the micro-surfacing that has been done to some of the Town’s roads.

Walsh said the Town decided to do micro-surfacing a few years ago, through communities including Bear Trap and Avon Park.

“Obviously, the quality of the work was not up to what they said the standard was, but, fortunately, there is a warranty. We need to pursue the warranty and move forward with getting it fixed, and then we need to revisit the road piece, because maybe it was something we should’ve done one development at a time…”

He added that the aggregate that is reportedly coming out of micro-surfaced roads also poses a safety hazard to citizens.

Liddle said the micro-surfacing is one of his pet peeves, and one of the reasons he’s running for office.

“The first phase, three years ago, was terrible. I complained from Day 1. I’ve been to council several times,” he said. “We need to continue until we get a new product. I have to say that last year’s paving was fine.

“Through this process, not only do we need to restore those communities’ roads, we also need to take a look at what would be the most cost-effective method we want in paving future streets.”

Bodine said the current council has been addressing the issue and noted that work on the roads in question is in the Town’s budget.

“In Delaware, Ocean View received a rating of 800 on their roads. The State of Delaware received a 600, so Ocean View is doing pretty well. The other thing you need to know is, if a community is not satisfied with the micro-surfacing, they HOA in that community has the right to upgrade it, if they pay for the upgrade.”

Liddle responded, stating that he understood that micro-surfacing was not a repaving but a recoating to extend the life of roads.

“Our roads weren’t in bad shape at the time they decided to micro-surface them.”

DeBuchananne said he doesn’t have a quick or easy answer to the issue.

“This is a budget issue. It’s already in the budget as something we need to do. We need to prioritize the communities that need it most,” he said. “Whether or not we continue micro-surfacing is something that would have to be discussed by the new council.”

The municipal election in Ocean View will be held Saturday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at town hall.

Seashore State Park finally back, better than ever

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Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Dignitaries helped reopen the Delaware Seashore State Park last week.Coastal Point • Laura Walter : Dignitaries helped reopen the Delaware Seashore State Park last week.While touring the renovated Delaware Seashore State Park, Ray Bivens marveled at the two-part campground.

“For a park that’s divided by a highway, a bridge and an inlet, it’s now very connected,” said Bivens, director of the Delaware Division of Parks & Recreation.

“We’re all gonna imagine what it’s like here in June and July, when it’s 80 degrees out,” he told stakeholders who gathers on a cold, blustery March 27 to officially cut the ribbon on nearly $10 million worth of improvements.

The Delaware Department of Transportation took responsibility for putting the park back together after commandeering part of the campgrounds for the construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge. The Federal Highway Administration paid $7.06 million of the $9.87 million cost for the project.

“This is what happens when we all come together and check our egos at the door,” said Gov. Jack Markell, honoring the many state agencies involved.

The event featured former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, the U.S. Coast Guard, and state and county legislators.

“This is such a spectacular part of our state. This is such a spectacular part of our country,” said Markell. “We are so fortunate to be in this location generally.”

Improving a state treasure

DelDOT’s goal was to leave the park better than they found it, bringing the amenities up to modern standards, with new electrical, water and sewer hookups for RVs.

The northern campground has 80 new paved RV parking spots, surrounded by sand. Previously, that was an overflow lot with zero amenities, where campers killed a few nights when waiting for southside spots to become available.

A reservations system eventually fixed that problem, and a 200-spot beach parking lot and amenity station opened.

Park staff said they are “thrilled” to finally have a bathing and laundry facility on the north side.

Anglers fishing from the jetty rocks under the bridge can take advantage of 12 new parking spots for fishermen, plus a designated path that keeps pedestrians a few feet back from the fishing area.

Visitors can use the new playground, enjoy bonfire nights, make use of the pavilions and take advantage of a small outdoor amphitheater hosting music and storytelling programs.

Extra fill sand that was errantly brought in during bridge construction has been reclaimed to slightly raise the northside area’s elevation, creating a better view across the water.

Concrete from the old bridge was recycled into the parking lot’s base layer, while a side road can accommodate those waiting to enter the day-use beach area.

Longtime local surfer Steve Myers of the Delaware Surfrider Foundation thanked the State for maintaining the northside surf beach. He shared the amazement surfers felt after the 2013 beach replenishment and jetty repairs quickly smoothed into excellent surfing conditions — perhaps nicer than pre-Hurricane Sandy, he said.

To test the new amenities, 80 of DSSP’s most frequent campers were invited for a free weekend stay after the ribbon-cutting.

Camping fees vary year-round, starting at a $25 wintertime low, with higher prices during peak summer holidays.

Even Cape Henlopen State Park doesn’t have the kind of electricity and sewer amenities now found at the Indian River Inlet, Bivens said.

From the south side, campers can cross the bridge, have dinner at Hammerheads Dockside restaurant, take a nature hike and walk back. Completed in 2012, the bridge itself now includes an ADA-accessible pedestrian pathway, which doesn’t require crossing the busy Route 1 highway to go from one side to the other.

Southside renovations were completed in 2014, including 94 new campsites, six new RV sites, bathhouse renovations, additional parking for anglers and more camping renovations. During bridge construction, some southern campsites and all overflow parking were lost to the construction zone.

Bivens met a tent camper who was delighted to finally get his southside site after nine years of bridge construction.

Camping at the inlet predates the State Park system. Excess lands were managed by the highway department after the “Storm of ’62” flattened the area. The inlet was developed into an official campground and day-use beach after that, according to park staff.

Reservations can be made for all Delaware Seashore State Park campgrounds by calling 1 (877) 88-PARKS or visiting the website at www.destateparks.com.

County council considers temporary vendors in B-1, seating concerns

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The Sussex County Council this week continued its discussion of an ordinance regarding temporary vendor stands, which would create a streamlined process to allow vendors to operate on property zoned as commercial without having to go through the traditional process of applying for a special use exception before the Board of Adjustment.

“Today is merely a procedural process,” explained County Administrator Todd Lawson. “This will have to go through two levels of public hearing, which is the Planning & Zoning Commission and then come to the County Council for their hearing.”

The proposed ordinance language specifies that the property must be zoned C-1 or CR-1 only; the structure must be temporary and removable (including food trucks, selling food, food-related or agricultural products only); must be in operation for six months or less; have only one stand per parcel, at a maximum size of 8.5 feet wide by 45 feet long; the activity must be approved, in writing, by the property owner; a drawing showing the stand location be submitted to the County; and a valid State of Delaware business license must be provided to the County.

Additionally, if Planning & Zoning Director Lawrence Lank feels it is necessary, he may do a “kick-out” of the process and require the applicant to seek Board of Adjustment approval.

Councilwoman Joan Deaver asked if there was something else the County had to think about if a vendor offered seating.

“This ordinance does not address any of those types of activities, including seating and providing services, like restrooms,” said Lawson. “I would say the only thing this could cover would be the size of the area the activity would cover. If it were to exceed that size that we’re limiting it to, then it would be a concern, and they would have to go outside of the streamlined process and back into the hearing process through a Board of Adjustment process.”

Councilman George Cole said that maybe they should make the ordinance refer to operations/vendors without seating.

“If seating is needed, maybe they ought to fall into that ‘kick-out.’ You might see one table one time, then all of a sudden see 10 tables. In other words, it could get out of control.”

Lawson clarified that the “kick-out” is not listed in the draft ordinance language.

“There are specific concerns listed in the ordinance,” he said. “We listed location, the effects on on-site parking, neighboring properties, roadways, or other good cause. We could specifically list seating as a concern.”

Cole also said wouldn’t be opposed to also including property zoned B-1.

“The difference between B-1 and C-1 is very little,” he said. “Many a shopping center could be a B-1.”

Deaver said she would not be opposed to adding B-1 properties.

Assistant County Attorney Vince Robertson said one of the reasons B-1 properties were not included in the draft ordinance was because they are generally more restrictive districts, and the parcels tend to be smaller than C-1 and CR-1 properties.

“You could end up with a stand on an already limited-sized piece of property.”

Lank echoed Robertson, stating, “B-1 is the most restrictive commercial district that we have. The majority of them are small. They’re limited on what they can do. … A lot of those parcels wouldn’t work for the type of activity that’s intended, because the development that’s already there has totaled out the use of the property.”

Deaver said she wanted something basic adopted as soon as possible.

“Time is of the essence here, as far as selling from these vendor carts.”

The council voted 4-1 to include B-1 zoning in the draft ordinance, with Deaver opposed.

“I want to get it going, and it’s simple right now. If we want B-1 later, we can amend it,” she said.

The draft ordinance with the changes will be presented to the council at their Tuesday, April 14, meeting, for possible introduction.

Delaware diabetic teen visits Congress

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Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted : From left, Steven Habbe, ADA state advocacy director for the Northeast; Kyle Smith; Mary Merritt, ADA executive director in Washington, D.C.; Elizabeth Connolly, legislative aide for U.S. Rep. John Carney; and Sandy Grzybowski of Ocean View got together in Washington recently for the ADA’s Call to Congress.Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted : From left, Steven Habbe, ADA state advocacy director for the Northeast; Kyle Miller; Mary Merritt, ADA executive director in Washington, D.C.; Elizabeth Connolly, legislative aide for U.S. Rep. John Carney; and Sandy Grzybowski of Ocean View got together in Washington recently for the ADA’s Call to Congress.“Think about how you live your life… You have a routine, get up, get ready for your daily activities, take a break to get a snack. You don’t think about how many grams of carbs your snack is. You don’t have to wonder about what your blood glucose level is. The tips of your fingers don’t hurt or bleed. You don’t think that, before you eat, you have to get a shot in your arm. Every meal, every snack, every day, every year for the rest of your life…”

That’s the opening of a letter to Congress from 15-year-old Newark, Del., teen Kyle Smith, who has been living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 4.

Smith and his grandmother, Sandi Grzybowski of Ocean View, were able to travel to Washington, D.C., in March for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Call to Congress.

“You have to apply,” said Grzybowski, who has served as an advocate for the ADA since 2004. “I thought, ‘Oh, the Call to Congress — I wonder what this is all about.’ I thought, ‘Well, alright, I’ll apply.’ Well, I got picked. I took my 15-year-old grandson with me, because who better to tell them than him?”

According to the ADA, diabetes is a “group of diseases characterized by high blood-glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.”

Grzybowski said she and Smith were the only Delawareans who attended the Call and were able to meet with representatives for U.S. Rep. John Carney, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (all D-Del.).

“A lady by the name of Mary Merritt came onboard with us. She’s the executive director in Washington, D.C., of ADA. She’s originally from Dover; my grandson is from New Castle; and I’m from Sussex, so we represented the whole state.”

During their meetings with Delaware representatives, held March 11-14, the Delaware group was able to pass out packets to each representative, giving them facts and figures about the diabetes epidemic, as well as the letter written by Smith.

“He wrote a letter. It’s living the life of a diabetic for a day… It says everything. It was very well received. Our last meeting, it actually brought a tear to the representative’s eye,” Grzybowski said.

“They were all very receptive. We had asked that they be on a caucus. Two of the three already were. One decided that he didn’t want to. It’s not necessary, but it’s helpful.”

During their time in D.C., Grzybowski and Smith marched to the Capitol, along with the nearly 200 other diabetes advocates from across the country, to show their representatives in Congress they want diabetes research to be financially supported.

“We all marched with red T-shirts as a group, almost 200 of us, to the Capitol. One person going to do this would be nothing. When you have 200 people marching to Capitol Hill and banging on doors, it makes more of an impression.”

According to the ADA, almost 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, with 86 million Americans having pre-diabetes. Additionally, 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year.

Grzybowski said there has been $2 billion in funding for the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive Kidney Disease, $140 million for the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, $20 million for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, as well as funding provided to the Special Diabetes Program.

“The promise has been there for many, many years,” she said. “The American Diabetes Association is 75 years old this year. You would think by now at least the education part of it would be out there…

“This has been a promise for a long time. We don’t want promises anymore. We want a cure.”

Education is a big piece that’s missing from the puzzle, said Grzybowski, who works as a mentor in the Indian River School District.

“I felt the need for the schools to have some education as to what to look for,” she said, noting that she worked to have a representative from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation visit Lord Baltimore Elementary School and speak with the student body there.

“You could hear a pin drop in there. They were very interested. One little third-grader asked to tell a story. She’s a Type 1 diabetic. She came up and told them what it was like when she was told, how it affected her family and parents…

“Then the teachers and faculty came and approached us and said, ‘This was so helpful, because we wouldn’t know what to do if one passed out in our classroom.’”

She noted that children with diabetes also get bullied in school, because other students lack the education to properly understand their medical condition.

“He’s been bullied in school,” she said of her grandson. “They get bullied in school because they have the capability of just leaving their classroom to go to the nurse because they know they’re low… He’s picked on for that.”

Grzybowski said that, during a recent visit, they spoke to a young woman whose 15-year-old brother was diagnosed with diabetes in 2014.

“She said, ‘We were scared to death because we didn’t know what was wrong. He kept getting thinner but was getting taller…’ She said his blood glucose level was at a high of almost 500, which is very high.

“You don’t know what to look for. You don’t know the signs. I remember with my grandson, at 4, there was this sweet — so sweet, almost rubbing-alcohol sweet — smell coming from his breath. You don’t think anything of it. Now that we think back, that was a sign, because it’s a sugar-related disease.”

Smith started out taking insulin shots, but eventually his family purchased an insulin pump.

“The pumps run about $7,000, of which insurance does not cover much. Then the supplies are very expensive,” said Grzybowski. “That has broken down in about the last half-year, and he has decided to go back to the shots, because he does not want to put the financial responsibility on his family. We helped the first time, and we said, ‘If you want the pump, we’ll do whatever we need to do to get it.’”

Grzybowski said Smith’s family has a $5,000 yearly insurance deductible, and the cost of the insurance for the family is approximately $800 per month.

“It takes until about now before out-of-pocket expenses are covered,” she said of the annual deductible being met. “It’s not only the burden of the disease but the financial burden.”

According to Grzybowski, 12 percent of the state’s population is diabetic and another 37 percent is pre-diabetic.

“Just shy of half of our little state of Delaware… Pretty scary.”

Grzybowski said that diabetes affects the younger generations and the community, and government need to step up and take action.

“If we don’t take care of this generation… who knows? My grandson may grow up to be the next president. We don’t know. Is he going to live long enough to be that, and to be what he wants? We don’t know,” she said.

“He was our little man. I was very, very proud of him,” she said of the Call to Congress. “He basically delivered what we wanted delivered. I think coming from the horse’s mouth, as the kid. What better can you get? I’m so glad I took him. And he’s ready to go next year!”

For more information about the American Diabetes Association, visit www.diabetes.org.

Freeman takes center stage

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In planning the star-studded lineup for the Freeman Stage at Bayside, Michelle Freeman said she wanted every performance to be something that she, her parents or her children would enjoy. And, with more than 50 performances being offered, the 2015 season hits that nail on the head, with a variety of music, dance, theater and children’s performances.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Department of Economic Development, and Michelle Freeman were all smiles as the entertainment list for the Freeman Stage at Bayside for 2015 was announced on Tuesday, March 31.Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Department of Economic Development, and Michelle Freeman were all smiles as the entertainment list for the Freeman Stage at Bayside for 2015 was announced on Tuesday, March 31.“There’s something for everyone. It’s a season festival where people can pick and choose,” said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which manages the stage. “We ask people [to] take a chance, and bring a friend!”

The upcoming season’s lineup was announced March 31 near the outdoor performing-arts venue.

The 16 national recording artists on the slate are more numerous than the two past years’ lists combined: Rosanne Cash (June 27), Daryl Hall & John Oates (June 29), the Beach Boys (July 2), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (July 3), Melissa Etheridge & Blondie (July 8), the Wailers (July 10), Heart (July 24), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (July 25), Indigo Girls (July 29), Preservation Hall Jazz Band (July 31), Colbie Caillat & Christina Perri (Aug. 4), Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (Aug. 13), Rusted Root (Aug. 28) and Aaron Tippin (Sept. 11).

All tickets go on sale to the public Monday, April 13, online at www.freemanstage.org.

Tickets to performances by some of the national acts cost as little as $25, and the highest-priced tickets top out at $135 for the very biggest names.

According to Freeman Stage representatives, the 2015 performers have a combined 50 Grammy nominations and 16 Grammy wins, and four are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Located 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the Freeman Stage has become a jumping-off point for local acts and a landing spot for national performers.

Bringing the arts to all

Behind the glitz and glamour of those major names, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation continues its mission to bring the arts to all people. That’s why thousands of children saw free performances or had art workshops through the venue in 2014.

“We know students engaged in arts education are more engaged in education overall … and [eventually become] civic participants in their communities,” said Paul Weagraff, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts.

More community groups should do programs like this, said Mallory Anderson, an art teacher whose entire school contributed to the Freeman-sponsored murals at Selbyville Middle School.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to hear a symphony,” said Michelle Freeman in a Governor’s Award video. “Everyone should be able to sit in the audience and be exposed to a play for the first time or hear a performer who changes their perspective.”

Freeman created the foundation in her husband’s name after his death in 2006.

“I made a decision to channel my grief into purpose. … I knew Sussex County was an arts desert,” she said of that time.

Freeman remains at the helm, guiding the foundation in “creating opportunities that elevate the human spirit,” by presenting memorable performances and arts education for all.

“This is a labor of love for them and for Delaware,” said Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “This is making a positive difference in all our lives.

“When I look at the previous acts that have been here, these are national acts … in Selbyville, Del.!” Levin quipped. “How’d they get to Selbyville?”

He praised the Freeman Foundation for attracting thousands of visitors, which contributes to Delaware’s $2.9 billion tourism industry.

The Stage saw 13,000 visitors in its first season, in 2008. Last summer, that number surpassed 51,000. With that immense popularity, there is talk of expanding the venue, Freeman added.

Route 54 venue to see 54 acts for 2015

Returning to the stage for the 2015 season are crowd favorites including Clear Space Theatre Group, the Bronx Wanderers, First State Ballet Theatre, Cherish the Ladies and Classic Albums Live, with a tribute to Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Newcomers include the Barefoot Movement, the Stickers, Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk, the Judy Carmichael Trio and many more.

There will be tributes to Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Chicago, Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, plus two nights of “Locals Under the Lights,” featuring local performers.

With an acrobatic kickoff to the 2015 season, Cirque Zuma Zuma will perform Saturday, May 23. Weekly performances begin Friday, June 19, with a performance by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.

A special Sept. 11 performance will be held for guests of Operation SEAs the Day, a free beach week held for injured veterans and their families.

There are 23 free events, including 11 Saturday performances for children and the Sept. 19 Arts & Jazz Festival. Another 14 shows cost less than $20 to attend.

Special thanks were offered at this week’s announcement to local sponsors, plus the Delaware Division of the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Sussex County Council, the State of Delaware, PNC Foundation, Schell Brothers and Sodoka Inc. Charitable Foundation.

For more information, or to volunteer at the Freeman Stage, call (302) 436-3015 or visit www.freemanstage.org.

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