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Applications being accepted for low-number hunting license lottery

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DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife is now accepting applications from Delaware residents for its low-number hunting license lottery. The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct the lottery drawing for 15 available low-number Delaware hunting licenses with numbers 1,000 and lower at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, in the auditorium at DNREC’s main office in the Richardson & Robbins Building in Dover.

Licenses will be awarded to the applicants whose names are drawn, starting with the lowest and ending with the highest number available, via a live drawing. The lottery is open to the public, but successful applicants do not need to be present, as they will be notified by phone or mail.

The following information applies to the low-numbered licenses:

• The license will be assigned to the successful applicant.

• An applicant must be a Delaware resident, having lived at a primary residence in the state for at least one year.

• An applicant must be at least 15 by July 1, 2015.

• The license holder will be notified annually by mail for renewal.

• The license is not transferable by the selected applicant to any individual.

• Individuals who currently hold a low-numbered license are not eligible.

• To be considered, an applicant must submit one and only one postcard, either by mail or hand-deliver it to the Richardson & Robbins building in Dover. Postcards must be addressed to: Candace Dunning, Low-Number Hunting License Lottery, Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Additionally, the following information must be included on the reverse side of the postcard: applicant’s name, street address, city, state, ZIP code and daytime phone number. Applications will not be included in the drawing if there is more than one postcard per applicant, or if postcards are received without the information above.

Applications must be postmarked on or before Monday, May 18, or hand-delivered to the Richardson & Robbins Building by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. No applications will be accepted after that date under any circumstances.

For more information about the low-number drawing, call Candace Dunning, Division of Fish & Wildlife Licensing Section, at (302) 739-9918.


Paddle Second Chance to return June 26-27

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Paddle Second Chance recently announced that it will hold its third annual Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) board day of racing and fundraising for Operation Second Chance (OSC). OSC is a non-profit 501(c) organization committed to serving wounded combat veterans and their families’ recovery and transition back to active duty or into civilian life.

This year’s event will kick off on Friday, June 26, with paddler registration, packet pickup and a happy hour at The Starboard in Dewey Beach. Race day will be Saturday, June 27, at Holts Landing State Park near Millville, featuring the main event — a 5- and 2.5-mile race — followed by a co-ed SUP relay and SUP kids’ race. The event will wrap up with an awards ceremony and community picnic for all those in attendance.

Last year, Paddle Second Chance received national recognition as the SUPtheMag Philanthropic Event of the 2014.

“This year’s event will be even bigger, thanks to the support of our local SUP community and newfound national exposure. We are also excited about adding a coed SUP team relay for some friendly competition and bragging rights amongst local business sponsors,” said Walt Ellenberger, PSC chairperson.

Returning national headline sponsors are Boardworks and B2and Company. Early local sponsors include Delmarva Board Sports, Walk On Water Paddleboard Company, KSJ Corporation and LandShark/NKS Distributors. Organizers said they welcome sponsorship from local residents and businesses “for a cause that truly impacts wounded heroes’ lives.”

Paddle Second Chance 2015 is officially open for “early paddler” registration. For more information on being a paddler, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.paddlesecondchance.com.

Delaware turkey season to open April 11

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Delaware’s spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 11, and runs through Saturday, May 9, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced this week.

Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Hunters are being reminded that only bearded birds may be taken, and that all harvested birds must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day of the hunt. The bag limit for all turkey hunters is one bearded bird per year.

Hunters must have successfully completed a mandatory turkey hunter safety and education class before they can legally hunt wild turkeys in Delaware. Turkey hunters also are required to carry their Hunter Education/Turkey Education Card certifying successful completion of the mandatory turkey course.

Hunting on public lands, including state forest lands, is by preseason lottery permit only. Hunters must carry their public lands permit while hunting and may only hunt the designated area and season segment/dates specified in the permit.

Hunter Education Coordinator Mark Ostroski offered some tips for a safe and successful hunt.

“A successful turkey hunt depends on many factors, including skill, careful preparation and attention to safety details,” he said. “Hunters should be sure to pattern their gun, because knowing where and how your gun shoots can make all the difference between failure and success at bagging that big gobbler.”

Ostroski noted that hunters also should remember these important safety practices:

• Take time to identify your target and what lies beyond;

• It is illegal and unsafe to wear clothing that includes the colors red, blue, black or white while turkey hunting;

• Never stalk a wild turkey; and

• Do not imitate the male gobbling call while trying to attract another gobbler.

The wild turkey remains one of Delaware’s top restoration successes after being on the verge of extinction by the early 20th century. In the early 1980s, the Division of Fish & Wildlife partnered with the Delaware chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Delaware Wild Lands to reestablish a wild turkey population in the state. By 1991, the population had grown large enough to permit opening a wild turkey hunting season, and the big birds continue to thrive and multiply.

Last year, 687 birds were harvested, setting a new state record with a 12 percent increase from 2013’s harvest of 614 birds.

“For nine out of the last 10 seasons, we have had record turkey harvests, which can be attributed to the growing popularity of spring turkey hunting and a healthy turkey population,” said Wildlife Biologist Matt DiBona.

Several birds with multiple beards — a relatively rare occurrence in Delaware’s wild turkey population — were harvested, including one bird with five beards and a combined length of 35.5 inches, DiBona added, and for the first time in Delaware, a turkey was taken by crossbow.

Authorized turkey check stations for 2015 include Hook ’Em and Cook ’Em, 3 York Beach Mall, Route 1, South Bethany, (302) 539-6243; and That Place, 30618 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro, (302) 934-9260. The list of check stations is subject to change without notice. Visit www.fw.delaware.gov after April 1 for any changes. Check station hours may vary, so hunters are being advised to call the station where they are likely to check a bird to confirm the hours of operation.

Hunters who want to have their bird scored and entered into the National Wild Turkey Federation records are being reminded to have their bird’s live weight recorded on a certified scale. If the check station does not have a certified scale, hunters will have to go to another shop to have the turkey re-weighed.

Most hunters are required to have a Delaware hunting license. Hunting licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find the participating agent nearest you, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware hunting licenses, call (302) 739-9918.

Local woman receives Spirit of Avon award

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For 23 years, Sandy Putz has been a sales representative for Avon beauty products, and she was recognized for her efforts last month at the Avon President’s Luncheon, with the Spirit of Avon award.

Coastal Point • Submitted : Sandy Putz poses with her Spirit of Avon award.Coastal Point • Submitted : Sandy Putz poses with her Spirit of Avon award.“It is an award that is awarded to a representative in the district that exhibits a lot of goodwill toward her other fellow representatives, always there to help somebody else,” explained Putz, noting that the recipient is chosen by Avon and division managers.

“I have a team of my own, but if someone calls me from another team, I’m not going to tell them I’m not going to help them. I’m going to help them. That’s part of what it is — your willingness to exhibit help for everybody.”

Putz, who received the award in March, said she was surprised to receive it, as two ankle surgeries had kept her from being as active in her work as she would have liked.

“I had been out a lot last year because I had two surgeries on my ankle. I was in the hospital and bedbound, but I was still … doing work… doing what I could,” she said. “[At the awards luncheon] I was thinking I wasn’t going to get anything, and then, ‘Oh, my God — they called my name!’ I was sitting in the back of the room when they called me. I was really surprised. It was my first week of walking… It was an experience.”

It was actually Putz’s second time receiving the Spirit of Avon award, having previously been recognized in the 1990s.

Putz said she first joined Avon in 1992 to take advantage of deals offered to representatives.

“I signed up just so I could get what I wanted for a discount. Then, as soon as somebody hears you’re selling Avon, they want a book, and it went from there,” she recalled. “The district manager I had said, ‘You’re doing really well. I want you to go a step further and grow your own team.’ I was like, ‘I don’t think I can.’”

Today, Putz oversees 41 people on her team, who are based in Delaware, Maryland, New York and Florida.

“Anywhere where someone wants to sign up, I’m there for them.”

She noted that she enjoys being involved with a company that has such a positive impact and those who are a part of it.

“I really like it. I like the products that they have. I like working with the people. It means a lot when somebody calls you and says, ‘We couldn’t afford gas, but now that I have my own business, we can afford gas and the extra stuff we need,’ — all because they started their own business. That makes a big difference.”

Putz said she loves what she does, and the people she works with.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “I had one of my ladies stop me after I got the award, and she gave me a big hug and thanked me for the things I do… That was just really so special, to know what you’re doing makes a difference for other people.

“That’s what it’s all about — it’s not about how much money you make. It’s about who you affect. It’s just really a good feeling.”

One Coastal bringing new concepts to Fenwick for year two

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Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Carlie Carey and the crew at One Coastal celebrate the restaurant’s grand re-opening with the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant went through a renovation and a menu change during the off-season.Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Carlie Carey and the crew at One Coastal celebrate the restaurant’s grand re-opening with the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant went through a renovation and a menu change during the off-season.Carlie Carey is excited beyond control.

It’s not hard to tell after walking through the door of her newly renovated restaurant, One Coastal in Fenwick Island, and being greeted with a high-five, a hug and unprecedented enthusiasm.

But she’s not just excited about last weekend’s grand re-opening event with the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce — she’s excited because of all the new happenings at One Coastal as they approach what will be their first full summer season in business, in which they’ll be able to see all of their off-season planning and changes come to fruition.

“We can’t wait to start the year,” said Carey. “This year we had time to hand-pick everything. Every menu item, every staff member, every piece of fruit or vegetable that goes into one of our juices — it’s all done on purpose. Our personality is shining through this year, and I am so proud that we have the staff to make that happen.”

After opening during the July 4 weekend last summer, the “Delaware eatery” enjoyed success as the new face on the block. So, naturally, popular concepts and menu items that made that possible will be back for year two, but everything else is being taken to the next level. The interior of the restaurant has been newly renovated, the menu has changed, they’ve added a bar menu, and they’re even growing their own vegetables on their 26-acre “custom restaurant garden.”

“For us, it was almost a no-brainer,” said Carey the farm she and her husband, Scott, have planted for the restaurant. “Scott loves to garden, and he was also an agriculture major. He not only likes to do it, but he knows all of the science behind growing vegetables.

“We are growing what we want to use, and our menu changes based on what we are growing.”

While the Careys will be growing their own tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, herbs and other produce for this season, bringing in local produce is not a new notion for the restaurant and is something that they strive for, for a variety of reasons.

“We’re not using any fertilizer that’s not natural. We’re not using any pesticides. And we just know from experience that it tastes better,” said Carey. “Some of the best tomatoes that we got last year were either from Scott’s garden or our other local farmers that have produce stands.”

The whole process goes along with the restaurant’s new official mantra, “Fished, Foraged, Farmed,” which spreads across the entire menu. Whether it’s one of their fresh hand-cut fish entrees, a fresh-to-order made juice or smoothie, Guatemalan coffee roasted in Delaware and ground to order, or a dish made with local veggies, diners can rest assured that it’s made-to-order.

“There are no shortcuts, and you can taste it,” Carey said. “We’re small enough where we can handcraft every menu item, from salad dressings to desserts to ice cream, no matter how busy we are.”

Not only is the new menu unique, but it’s balanced.

“We’re able to do the health side of it. We’re also able to do the delicious side of it. So we like to think that we brought it all together on every single one of our menus,” Carey explained. “You want sausage and gravy and homemade biscuits — you got it. You wanna go a little lighter, with the Cali bowl — red quinoa, egg whites, avocado — we can do that, too.”

At the bar, One Coastal features a variety of local craft beers on tap and a brand new cocktail list, with their signature “One Coastal Mojito,” as well as an updated wine list and even a gluten-free cider to go along with their newly implemented bar menu.

“We wanted to be a little more artisanal in our cocktail list,” Carey said of the new bar features. “We wanted to be able to offer people some lower priced [items].”

With all of the additions and upgrades, she said, customers are already starting to take notice.

“It’s awesome. We saw three different groups on Saturday night for breakfast and for dinner — multiple families who have kids,” Carey noted. “We have seen so many familiar faces. I am so flattered that people want to be around us. It’s really a testament to our awesome staff. It’s about everything.”

One customer enjoyed their experience so much that they made sure to send a Facebook message when they got home.

“It almost brought tears to my eyes, because that’s the point,” said Carey of the particularly complimentary message. “I did everything in the restaurant like it was my home, so when people say that we’re getting our message through — it’s an experience, it’s not just food on a plate.”

Right now, the restaurant is open on Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but they’ll be back to fulltime operations when summer hits.

“We’re really excited that we’re offering an experience that can’t be duplicated,” Carey said of the approaching summer season.

Stop by the restaurant at 1 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island to check it out first hand, or visit them out on Facebook and Instagram. To call in carry-out order, call (302) 537-4790.

LB Lionesses collecting shoes for water

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It’s time to clean out those closets and maybe donate some old shoes to a good cause. The Lord Baltimore Lioness Club will host a used shoe drive Thursday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. at South Coastal Library. The service club has also invited teenager Emma Rider to give a firsthand account of her experiences in transforming old shoes into clean water.

“This is just something different. This affects the whole world,” said Lioness Kay Gebhardt. “Water problems all over the world are important. There are so many people all over the world that don’t have clean water.”

A high-school senior from Bridgeville, Rider won the national Jefferson Award for her work with WaterStep, a non-profit that works to ensure clean, safe water supplies around the world. Donated shoes should be new or gently worn and in usable condition. They are sold to an exporter, and the profits pay for clean-water programs. That includes public education, sanitation systems, water treatment or more.

After filling a tractor-trailer with shoes, Rider met her initial goal five times over, and she’s since visited WaterStep projects in person, including ones in Kenya, India, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Costa Rica.

She’ll share some of her experiences with the Lionesses.

Imagine a woman who walks miles every day to reach a clean well. She spends a lifetime carrying water containers on her head, which leads to back problems.

With a Lioness donation, Gebhardt said, Rider can purchase and donate “water balls” to such women — similar to a 5-gallon wheelbarrow.

And, in addition to raising funds for the charity, the shoe drives keep unwanted shoes out of the landfill.

“Everybody has shoes they don’t wear anymore, and it goes for a good cause,” said Gebhardt, who currently has a trunkful of shoes for donation.

“This is just one of the many community activities that the Lord Baltimore Lionesses support, and they’re looking for new members. It’s a fun group. We have a lot of activities going on,” Gebhardt said. “We keep pretty busy. … For a small group of people, we do a lot of good.”

Anyone who can’t attend the April 16 event can visit another WaterStep drop-off point. Local businesses that collect shoes for WaterStep on a regular basis include: Del-One, 30650 DuPont Boulevard in Dagsboro, and Long & Foster Real Estate, 33298 S. Coastal Highway in South Bethany. Learn more at www.WaterStep.org.

Community invited to partake in ‘A Greater Loesser Moment’

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“Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Heart and Soul,” “Luck Be a Lady” — all songs that people are familiar with and can even hum along to, but perhaps don’t know were written by renowned songwriter Frank Loesser.

To close its third season, the Bethany Area Repertory Theatre (BART) will be performing “A Greater Loesser Moment,” a musical production surrounding Loesser’s life and songs.

“It’s 22 songs of Frank Loesser from various shows and movies,” said Rusty Hesse, who is directing the show with Sharon Sorrentino. “He started out writing as part of the war effort during World War II. But by that point he had already written many, many songs.”

Loesser wrote more than 1,500 songs throughout his career, and created the music and lyrics for such Broadway hits as “Guys and Dolls” and “How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.”

“He is quite famous in the theater. I’m sure this generation now, when they hear Frank Loesser, they think, ‘Who the heck is that?’” said Bob Davis, who put together the book for the show. “I always liked his music. I always thought the stuff he wrote for the theater was really good.”

The opening gala for the production will be held Thursday, April 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $45, and include dinner prior to the show, catered by a local restaurant.

The show will also be performed on April 17, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and on April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets for those shows cost $25 per person, with the doors opening at 7 p.m.

“It’s all Frank Loesser’s life. We start out at the end of his life and flashback through the years and then end again, at the end of his life,” said Hesse. “It’s a narrative that tells us what he was doing at the time… what movie or show the song was written for, what was going on in America at the time, what was going on in the world and what was going on in his personal life.”

The show is broken up into two acts, with an intermission, and will even feature a few audience sing-alongs.

“I think it will be especially fun for the people who remember Frank Loesser’s works,” Hesse said. “A lot of the people who were the major singers at that time recorded songs from those shows. So, the people who lived in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s will remember them and like them.”

Hesse said Loesser’s music is timeless and that a new generation of music lovers will appreciate his work just as much.

“It’s also available to a whole new generation, because a lot of these shows are being revived and on Broadway.”

He said he personally remembers loving Loesser’s work in the film “Hans Christian Andersen,” starring Danny Kaye.

“When I was growing up, everyone knew those songs,” said Hesse. “It was sort of like the ‘Frozen’ of its day. Every kid knew those songs, and they’re all in the show.”

This will be the third production Hesse has directed for BART, having previously directed “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “We Gather Together.”

“I was living in New York and moved down here about two years ago and wanted to be involved in some kind of theater group. I saw an article in the paper that was talking about a new theater group that was looking members. So I called and said I’d like to get involved.”

Hesse, and ordained Episcopal priest, said he used his love of theater to build up his parish when he was living in New York.

“One of the ways I built up the parish was through theater. I had my own theater company in New York called the Hartsdale Players,” he said. “I directed with them and other groups — over 50 shows in New York.”

“A Greater Loesser Moment” will feature the musical talents of five local singers — two of whom are new to BART.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, learning 22 songs… Trying to get all those lyrics, some of those lyrics are tricky. He wrote some really great lyrics,” said Hesse. “It’s almost like dealing with Steven Sondheim’s lyrics in a way, because he has very cleaver lyrics. We laugh a lot at our own challenges in remembering the lyrics.

“The nice thing about the people that I’m working with is they all read music, so … there hasn’t had to be a lot of in-depth rehearsal in learning the songs.”

Hesse said people of all ages will enjoy the show and its music, and he hopes to sell out the shows every night.

“I think that people will really enjoy the show. I hope they’ll come out, sit back and reminisce. It’s a great nostalgic show in many ways. But for people who have never heard of Frank Loesser before, it’s also a great introduction to somebody who wrote some very, very clever lyrics.”

Davis — who formed BART with Rich Bloch of Dickens Parlour Theatre, where BART is based — said they’ve had an amazing season and are thankful for the community’s continued support in their endeavor to bring local theater to the Bethany Beach area.

“We’ve had a great season. We’ve had better attendance this year than any of the seasons past — many of the shows were sold out. We had great support from the community and we hope it continues.”

Dickens Parlour Theatre is located at 35715 Atlantic Avenue in Millville. For more information or to mate reservations, call (302) 829-1071 or visit www.dptmagic.com. For more information about the Bethany Area Repertory Theater, visit www.facebook.com/BARTinBethany.

Selbyville council approves budget, talks development

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While the Selbyville Town Council may have approved the coming fiscal year’s budget without much change from last year’s, there was much talk this week of the potential benefits to growing housing developments, such as Lighthouse Crossing and Lighthouse Lakes.

The 2016-fiscal-year budget was approved by the council at their April 6 meeting, with Town Manager Bob Dickerson noting only modest increases from last year.

“Basically, based on what we did last year,” said Dickerson, “not much changed. You’ll see some change in the police department, but that’s all offset from Mountaire professional duty that we’re providing — but that’s all paid for by Mountaire, so that’s basically a wash.”

Dickerson went on to note that there were no increases in water and sewer rates.

“We had a pretty good year last year,” he said. “So we’re not recommending any increases in sewer and water. We’re trying to keep a modest, conservative budget.”

Town growth looming

As noted in the meeting, several developments around the town could have a beneficial impact as they continue to escalate.

“I think we’ll start seeing some growth now,” said Dickerson. “We have the infrastructure in place and paid for. The more users we get on our system offsets the cost of running the system.”

One development mentioned was Lighthouse Crossing, which could be looking to expand even more in the future.

“It’s turned out to be a real nice community back there,” said Dickerson. “I think they’re looking to further expand down the road. They made several inquiries about some additional property.”

The town’s newest development, Lighthouse Lakes, is also taking shape.

“The entrance is soon to be complete. That’s coming together real nice,” Dickerson said. “Hopefully, we’ll start some pre-marketing sales and get some sales on it — a lot of interest in that.”

He went on to note one of the development’s potential impacts.

“That will greatly impact our impact our income for taxes, impact fees, transfer taxes, water and sewer usage, which we have to pass right now to accommodate,” he said.

Permanent Drug Take-Back box arrives

The Selbyville Police Department has received a permanent drop-off box from CVS for the Drug Take-Back program, which is designed to provide residents with a way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs and medications.

The box is located at Selbyville Town Hall, and right now is scheduled for group pickups of accumulated medications twice a year.

“We’ll see how much we’re getting in a time,” explained Police Chief W. Scott Collins. “With the twice-a-year Take-Back, we’re averaging a little over 100 pounds each time.”

The box is available for residents at any time, without any kind of drop-off schedule.

“People can drop off anytime,” said Collins, “anything but needles or aerosol.”

The next regularly scheduled town council meeting is Monday, May 4, at the Selbyville Town Hall, beginning at 7 p.m.


Christian Church Conference Center arrives

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Last fall, the Christian Church Conference Center’s new Alexander Cambell Hall was completed in Bethany Beach. This Saturday, the church is inviting the public to visit the new facility.

“It’s a very nice building,” said Alexis Distler, program manager. “It turned out just as we wanted it to.”

The first tours of the facility will run from 1 to 2 p.m. At 2 p.m., the Rev. Bob Perry will give the blessing and officiate the ceremony, which will include a few other keynote speakers. Attendees will also be able to enjoy music and light refreshments. Tours will resume from 3 to 4 p.m.

Distler said the hall will be used to house visitors who rent out the space for various reasons, such as camps, retreats or even parties.

“Many of them have been coming for years, starting as kids, from the Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania area,” she said. “We have regular camps that come every year — youth camps, family camps. Some that were kids here are now counselors and run their own camps.”

The new facility joins the complex’s other sleeping facilities.

“Currently, we have two buildings that house people. Our Stone House will sleep 16, and then we have our Disciples House, which are dorms and sleeps 32.

“Our new Campbell Hall will now sleep 76 people,” said Distler. “We have one wing of dorm rooms that have eight bunk beds and a public bathroom on each end, which are really good for youth groups that come and stay, or women’s groups.”

Another wing houses four ADA-compliant rooms, as well as five family rooms, complete with private bathrooms and four twin beds.

“They’re good for families that might come or a small group of women that might want to share a room.”

The new facility boasts an elevator, outdoor showers, two large screened porches with ping-pong tables, and meeting rooms.

“We have a very large meeting area, where we can comfortably seat 85 people. It has a complete audio/video system… It’s very top-of-the-line. Groups can come in and plug their laptops in, play their music or movies. Then, upstairs, we have a small meeting room, where you can actually look down onto the main room.”

The facility can be rented throughout the year, for as few as two days to an entire weed. Distler said all are welcome, no matter what church or denomination.

“We have many each year that are new, coming for the first time. We have a lot of new ones this year. We welcome Cub Scout groups, Boy Scout groups and Girl Scout groups,” she said. “The summers typically book up fast, but a lot of times, in the spring and fall, we’ll get weekenders.”

The alcohol-free, smoke-free facility can be rented for events other than camps. Distler said they welcome meetings, small wedding receptions and parties.

“It doesn’t have to be small weekend retreats; we’re open to groups maybe using the facility for a function. For instance, we had a church use it for New Year’s Eve.”

Distler said the Christian Church Conference Center works hand-in-hand with the local community, from providing parking for summer events to being a place for the Delaware State Police helicopter to land during Bethany Beach Fire Department’s Safe Kids Day.

She added that she hopes the community will attend Saturday’s event to see what their new facility has to offer.

“We definitely want the grand opening to be open to anybody and everybody. We’re open to doing things here that are not just church-related,” she said. “We want the community to see what we offer and what we have, and to spread the word.”

To view pictures of the facility, or to find out more information about booking the Christian Church Conference Center, call (302) 539-7034, email confcenterbb@verizon.net or visit www.cccadisciples.org/bethanybeach. The Christian Church Conference Center is located on the corner of Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach.

Fun Car Rallye III to benefit Justin’s Beach House

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For the third year in a row, a car rallye will be held to support Justin’s Beach House, a respite home in Bethany Beach for families impacted by cancer.

The Justin’s Beach House Poker and Fun Car Rallye III was created by Ocean View residents Bob and Nancy Lueckel.

“My wife, Nancy, had become involved with Justin’s Beach House. She had been doing baking and greeting when families arrived. She wanted to get involved a little deeper. She was discussing with some of the other volunteers about fundraisers to possibly raise more money to support the house,” said Bob Lueckel. “We had done car rallyes back in Maryland, where we lived before we lived down here, and she thought that might be something people might enjoy.”

The rallye will be held Saturday, April 11, starting at Fox’s Pizza Den in Millville. Those who wish to participate may register the day-of, between 10 and 11 a.m., with a drivers’ meeting to start immediately following. The first car will leave the lot at 11:15 a.m., with additional cars sent out in intervals, one to two minutes apart.

“The people go to their cars and are sent off in one- to two-minute intervals, with a set of directions and questions. The directions and questions can be answered through observations as they follow along the route they’re given.

“It’s like, ‘Who’s running for Ocean View Town Council?’ And on your route you’ll go by a sign that’ll have one of the people’s names on it. Then you write that answer on your paper. We keep the directions and questions in the exact order as you see them while you’re on the road.”

The rain-or-shine event costs $30 per car, with the top cars receiving prizes. Lueckel said the rallye car must have both a driver and navigator, with no other passengers. The car used by each team must be registered to be street-driven — but, otherwise, any car or truck will do. The driver must also have a valid driver’s license.

“The route is about 31 miles. If you’re not spending a lot of time stopping or re-running the route, looking for answers to questions, it can be run in an hour, easily,” he said. “We will allow a maximum time of two hours this year, for people to take their time. If they want to retrace their steps to look for questions, they can do that.”

New to the rallye this year is a poker component, which Lueckel said adds a fun competitive element.

“When they start, the driver and the navigator will get two cards,” explained Lueckel. “We’re going to have two checkpoints along the route where they’ll get two cards at each of the checkpoints, and they will also get a card once they finish the rallye. So they’ll get a total of seven cards. Then they pick their best poker hand out of those seven. Half of the points will be given for answering questions, and half of the points will be given for who has the best poker hand.”

Lueckel said the event has “grown significantly” in the last two years, and he hopes it will grow even more this year.

“The first year, we had seven cars, and last year we had 32 cars. So it grew significantly last year,” he said. “We’re hoping for about 50 cars this year.”

With all proceeds benefitting Justin’s Beach House, Lueckel said he hopes the rallye will raise approximately $1,500, while giving participants a fresh look at rural Sussex County.

For more information about the car rallye, contact Bob Lueckel, at (443) 299-9125. Fox’s Pizza Den Restaurant is located at 200 Atlantic Avenue (Route 26) in Millville, in the Millville Town Center.

Coalition takes steps to address drug issues in county

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The Sussex County Action Prevention Coalition (SCAPC) met this week to discuss the group’s mission to address the growing drug problem in the state and county.

“In order to conquer addiction in our communities, we need teamwork, we need programs, we need education,” said Jim Martin, who chairs the coalition.

More than two dozen people attended the meeting, including representatives from the Delaware Division of Prevention & Behavioral Health Services, Narcotics Anonymous, Recovery Innovations and the ACE Peer Resource Center.

Martin said that, over the last month, the coalition has been working on creating its goals.

“We’ve been putting together ideas,” he said. “I really want input from all these folks in the room. These are your areas of expertise, and we want direction.”

During each monthly meeting, the coalition plans to highlight a different agency. At Tuesday’s meeting, Bridgette Buckaloo, executive director of Beebe Healthcare’s Women Health Services, told the group how Beebe has been approaching the growing drug issue.

Buckaloo said they are concerned about neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a complex withdrawal syndrome seen in infants with chronic intrauterine exposure to opioid drugs. She noted a great deal of prescription misuse or abuse, as almost 22 percent of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries fill a prescription for opioids during their pregnancies.

Buckaloo said every mother who presents themselves at Beebe’s labor and delivery department is drug-tested.

“We’ve had a lot of positives,” she said. “It’s becoming the norm now, not the exception… We’re celebrating the negative drug screen.”

Infants with NAS suffer from tremors, diarrhea and autonomic dysregulation. They are also at higher risk for child abuse, neglect and SIDS.

At Beebe, they have already seen an increase of infants with NAS in the last few years. In the 2013 fiscal year, they had 19; with 38 in 2014; and 10 in the current year-to-date.

“We have this epidemic,” she said. “We know these newborns are exposed to this, and we don’t know what this means long-term. We have no idea what this is going to do to our society as a whole in the future. There’s a lot of unknowns, which can be really frightening.”

Beebe also runs a support group for those mothers, which meets once a month.

“Our desire is to do it more frequently,” said Ann Regacho, a case manager at Beebe who runs the support group. “It’s amazing to watch these girls support themselves and each other. They don’t have to come to our support group, but they want to.”

Buckaloo said it does take a village to raise a child, and, luckily, the coalition can be that village.

Dupree Johnson spoke about the importance of educating youth about drugs, and showing them support. He said a youth conference would be held on Thursday, May 7, at the Rehoboth Convention Center, and he hopes many area school children will be able to attend.

SCAPC is an established coalition with a four-year history; however, the Seaford group is a new chapter. The coalition has a two-pronged structure, bringing members of the community and agencies together to address the problem from all fronts.

“There’s a lot of resources we have at hand, and there are a lot of new ones that are starting to form,” said Bridgette John-Knoeller, who co-chairs the coalition. “I honestly believe that this groundwork that we have right now is not only going to further education but a support system that Delaware has never had before.”

The public meetings of the Seaford chapter of SCAPC are being held the first Tuesday of every month in the Lighted Pathways Family Life Center, next door to the Stein Highway Church of God.

The next meeting will be held May 5 at 10 a.m., with a presentation given by Jennifer Showers of Stevenson House. The June meeting will feature a presentation from the Seaford Police Department and the Delaware State Police.

Stein Highway Church of God is located at 425 E. Stein Highway in Seaford.

Hattier to present WWII talk focusing on Sussex County

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Why there are observation towers along the local coast? Why does military ordnance occasionally wash ashore? On Wednesday, April 22, the Ocean View Historical Society will host a history talk that will answer those questions, presented by Donald Hattier, and focusing on World War II in Sussex County.

Coastal Point • File Photo: Donald Hattier will present a history talk for the Ocean View Historical Society on Wednesday, April 22.Coastal Point • File Photo: Donald Hattier will present a history talk for the Ocean View Historical Society on Wednesday, April 22.“The area is replete with monstrous amounts of history,” said Hattier, a chiropractor by trade who has been a history enthusiast all his life. He spent 10 years of his childhood in Stuttgart, Germany, as the son of an Army sergeant and a German national. “I’ve always loved history. I fell in love with history when I was kid.”

The talk, which will be held at Ocean View’s town hall, is free and open to the public. Seating is limited in the hall, so those who wish to attend are being encouraged to arrive at 6:30 p.m. to get a seat in time for the 7 p.m. presentation.

Hattier’s talk will focus on the county during the war and, more specifically, on the Baltimore Hundred.

“How did the residents here react? So we’re going to be talking about things like blackout curtains. Why would you use those?” he said. “I’ve done programs over the years where many of our high school students were not aware that hundreds of ships were sunk off the coast out here by German submarines in 1942, 1943. To them, why would you hang a curtain on something? The idea is, if you’re not backlighting it, they can’t be seen by the sub.”

He noted that, over the years, munitions have washed up on the beach because the area was an active training ground, and they did do a lot of shooting off the coast.

“So dummies or duds get left around… You forget about them and sand covers them up,” he explained. “The other thing that happened was that a lot of the cargo carriers that were out there were carrying munitions when they exploded, so things would get loose. So all it takes is a good storm and — boom — you’ve got it.”

He’ll also discuss how the observation towers scattered along the coast played a big part in defense during the war.

“Everyone thinks the towers we have out there were specifically put in for submarine watch. Well, that’s only part of the story. Each different level is actually a different weapon system.

“And you had the coast-watchers at that time period. Years ago, I had a patient, Bill Hickman, and he had a twin brother. They remembered the stories from World War II, where their dad, who happened to own a horse, would take the horse and walk up and down the beach, day after day, night after night, looking for enemy activity, because the Jerrys did land people down on the shore.”

Hattier said that, during wartime, the Quiet Resorts were primarily busy during the summer months, with very few year-round residents compared to today.

“The roads weren’t nearly as good. If you think about it, what was one of the main reasons they had a road running from Bethany Beach all the way up to Lewes? It wasn’t for tourists. It was done so they could get across the bridge and go to Fort Miles.”

During his talk, Hattier won’t solely focus on the war itself but how it affected life for locals.

“Then there’s Miss CecileSteele and her illegal chickens. That happened to have coincided,” he said. “Years ago, one of my patients, he actually did run illegal chickens during World War II. He made some money on the black market. This was not a guy who was looked down on by the community… People do what people have to do.”

Hattier is also part of Harbor Defense of the Delaware Living History Association at Fort Miles. As a re-enactor, Hattier portrays a quartermaster — a person who is responsible for making sure equipment, materials and systems are available and functioning for missions.

Hattier said that a problem with re-enacting is that often times the re-enactors don’t look the part.

“These guys were physically fit and athletic,” he said. “For me, being a combat person, someone who runs around combat, it’s not believable.”

The military identification card for that quartermaster shows he was born in 1898, and enlisted during World War I. He served with Patton and had occupation duty in Germany. Eventually he returned to the States and finished out his career. However, he was called back during War II, “because I know how to handle equipment.”

“Plus, there are very few re-enactors who like to make that their specialty. Everyone wants to be ‘Band of Brothers.’ Everybody likes to be a military policeman. Everybody likes to carry a gun and do combat.”

Later this month, Hattier will be participating in Fort Miles’ living-history event. Held April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be firing demonstrations, speakers, games, a feature on the surrender of U-858 and more.

“We’re hoping that Fort Miles at some point will be a world-class museum, and it can be. The planning is there for it, complete with military barracks, functioning stoves, switchboards — you name it, we got it.”

Hattier said he hopes to have a full audience for the history talk and that people will learn something new about the area in which they live.

“I’m hoping we’ll get a good turnout. People need to appreciate the place where they live — it’s more than just today. Everybody says, ‘Live for today,’ ‘Carpe diem,’ and that’s fine and jim-dandy, but it helps if you know where you came from.”

For more information about the Ocean View Historical Society, visit www.ovhistoricalsociety.org. Ocean View Town Hall is located at 32 West Avenue in Ocean View. For more information about Fort Miles and the upcoming living history event, visit www.fortmiles.org. Fort Miles is located within Cape Henlopen State Park.

Ocean View council election set for Saturday, April 11

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On April 11, the Town of Ocean View will hold a municipal election for its District 4 councilperson. The seat is currently held by Bob Lawless, who is term-limited. Four candidates — Carol Bodine, Jon DeBuchananne, Kent Liddle and Don Walsh — have filed for the position, which carries a three-year term.

Voting in the election will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ocean View town hall, located at 32 West Avenue.

Those who wish to vote election needed to register with the Town no later than April 1. Any resident who has not voted in a Town of Ocean View election in either of the past two consecutive years in which there was an election needed to re-register. County or state voter registration does not entitle residents to vote in Town of Ocean View elections. Identification is required. A Delaware driver’s license is the preferred form of identification.

As is our tradition, we have sent off a few questions to the candidates. The candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order.

Carol Bodine

Q. How do you see the Town’s public safety moving forward in the future?

A. As long as we have an excellent police department in Ocean View, it will only get better. I support training programs, volunteer training programs and the Narcan program. As a retired registered nurse, I have seen heroin overdoses in the emergency room and that are very dramatic. My main concern is finding a way to broaden the ability of the OVPD to respond to the needs of our neighbors.

Q. How involved in the planning and operations of the town’s annual Homecoming event do you think the Town should be in future years?

A. After seeing all the memorabilia in the Town Hall, I think the Town should be very involved in carrying on this tradition. I enjoy reliving old memories and hearing people talk about the way the town used to be. During my visits going “door-to-door,” I spoke with an 84-year-old woman who has lived here all her life. She described the town and her birth in the town, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Q. How do you plan to address comprehensive planning, in particular along Route 26, in terms of commercial development?

A. Our Town completed a comprehensive land-use plan, which is approved by the State. We have a great deal of control over our zoning. I am business-friendly and love the small-town ambiance. I want to make it easy for small businesses to get started, but I do not want heavy traffic or fast-food restaurants that would attract unwelcome elements. When a new business comes to Route 26, it needs to have a hometown beach appearance and be family-friendly.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years, if elected?

A. I hope to complete drainage system projects, improve Woodland Avenue, encourage attendance at Town Council meetings, and keep the council efficient, calm and organized. I have familiarized myself with the mayor, town manager, administrator of public works, financial manager, solicitor and other councilmen, police chief and the town clerk. I know I can work well with them, and it would be a pleasure to serve on the council.

Jon DeBuchananne

Q. How do you see the Town’s public safety moving forward in the future?

A. I feel that public safety is one of the major duties of government. I would work to maintain the high level of our current police department by ensuring that the department continues its educational and training programs by ensuring the department is up to date in new police techniques, tactics and equipment. The professionalism of our officers is paramount, and I feel that is best achieved by doing our utmost to see that they are well-trained and secure in their daily activities. Our first obligation is to see that they are well-protected and as safe as possible in doing a difficult job.

I would also like to investigate the possibility of more inter-department sharing and cooperation with the other local departments to reduce cost and redundancy for all.

Q. How involved in the planning and operations of the town’s annual Homecoming event do you think the Town should be in future years?

A. I feel the Town should supply whatever support they can in planning and providing physical resources for its annual Homecoming. We should encourage community involvement and assist whenever possible with any activity that promotes town pride brings the community together. The better we know our neighbors, the easier it will be to work together.

Q. How do you plan to address comprehensive planning, in particular along Route 26, in terms of commercial development?

A. The commercial growth and planning along the Route 26 corridor, I feel, is one of the most important issues in the near future. Having a well thought-out plan is important in several ways. First, to keep traffic problems at a minimum. In the summer, there will always be issues, but a good traffic flow and control into our shops and business along the road will make life easier for both our guests and the residents. Well thought-out and planned commercial areas will also attract quality business, thus making the area more desirable. We also need to consider foot and bicycle traffic, along with cars, to ensure it works and is safe for all.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years, if elected?

A. Over the next three years, if elected, I would like to feel that I have contributed in a positive way to the growth and changes that are coming to Ocean View. I feel this is a wonderful community and I think as it expands there is no reason it cannot maintain its small-town atmosphere. Growth and change is inevitable. I just would like to keep it as close to what it has been and the reason I came here. I believe in limited but effective government and I don’t want all the stuff that I left to get away from brought here.

Kent Liddle

Q. How do you see the Town’s public safety moving forward in the future?

A. Our police department, while not the biggest, is the best in the county and arguably in the state. The citizens of Ocean View have voiced their opinion in the past that they want 24/7 protection and the department is at the correct size to provide that. We should maintain the Dept. as it is today and continue their extensive level of training in order to cope with today’s unique conditions. To keep these well-trained officers, we must make their compensation package competitive with other local agencies.

Q. How involved in the planning and operations of the town’s annual Homecoming event do you think the Town should be in future years?

A. The annual Homecoming was started by the Historical Society. The Town has gradually taken the lead role in its planning and execution. I would like to see more town businesses get involved, but I believe it works best when the Town takes the lead in its planning. We are a small town, and the Homecoming is a prototypical small-town event which revolves around the family.

Q. How do you plan to address comprehensive planning, in particular along Route 26, in terms of commercial development?

A. As stated by me at Candidates Night, I believe that the Route 26 corridor is where the focus of business should be. It is mainly rated for business already and is the logical area for business, as it is our main traffic corridor. Unlike many small towns, we don’t really have a “town center,” so Route 26 should serve in that capacity.

While Route 26 is a state road, building structures fall under Oceans View’s current building codes and ordinances. Having served the past year on Ocean View’s Planning & Zoning Commission, I know how important it is to support these codes and ordinances. We must make sure we maintain the small-town look we all want while at the same time making current and future business owners feel welcome and important to our town.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years, if elected?

A. There are a number of issues before us, but three stand out in my mind. They are street maintenance, drainage and sidewalks. I will try and be brief, although each is complicated.

Regarding street maintenance, we need to first fix the “resurfacing” mess created in 2013. I believe the process was flawed and have recommended to town council they invoke the warranty against the contractor. The streets in question continue to fail and are a safety issue to walkers and bikers. Council then needs to review the current “micro-surfacing process” and determine if this is our best option in the future.

Living in a coastal area, drainage is always an issue. We have a system of ditches which need to be cleaned or repaired. The Town is required to get easements from owners whose property are affected to do this work. Some people are not cooperating. We need to find a solution, and I would like to be part of the process.

Finally, the issue of sidewalks. At Candidates Night, I stated I was in favor of requiring sidewalks in commercial zoned areas. Council must also address compliance with ADA (American Disabilities Act) laws. We have some sidewalks which don’t comply, and we need to figure out a solution to put us in compliance at the lowest cost to taxpayers.

Donald F Walsh Jr.

Q. How do you see the Town’s public safety moving forward in the future?

A. The town needs to continue focusing on the police department. The current police chief has done an admirable job in training and development of his force. With that being said, continued support through funding whether state or local should be an expectation moving forward.

Q. How involved in the planning and operations of the town’s annual Homecoming event do you think the Town should be in future years?

A. The Town needs to have an even bigger event. The ability to solicit more sponsors, advertise through mass media and schedule a variety of entertainment will insure the popularity in the future. Also, solicit feedback from the town members, as well research other towns in Sussex County that have similar events. The annual event should reflect the pride of the “Town of Ocean View” teamwork and commitment.

Q. How do you plan to address comprehensive planning, in particular along Route 26, in terms of commercial development?

A. The opportunity for growth exists upon completion of the Route 26 project. Cautious expansion through proper planning will insure Ocean View becomes a “destination” in the years ahead.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years, if elected?

A. I will, through my input on Town Council, ensure the continued positive trends throughout the Town. My ability to support through positive interaction, whether at meetings or visibility in the community, is something I’m looking forward to with great pride.

Frankford extends offer to candidate for police chief

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The Frankford Town Council voted 4-0 on Monday to extend an offer to an applicant for the Town’s chief of police. The position has been vacant since the end of 2014, when former police chief William Dudley retired.

The council said they would extend the offer of employment this week, after having selected a candidate from among the eight applicants for the position. The interview process itself was held during a workshop where the council assembled, along with another area police chief, and interviewed the candidates.

“We will not name the applicant until we have extended the offer and he accepts,” said Mayor Joanne Bacon.

Councilman Charles Shelton said the Town has had part-time police coverage recently, on Tuesday through Thursday of last week, and Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

“There will be more police coverage,” said Shelton. “Everything was fine. They didn’t get no reports, no calls.”

Shelton said the officers covering the town on a temporary basis are from the Dagsboro Police Department and drive the Town’s police cars, and they wear Frankford police shirts while they’re on duty in town. He noted that the officers have the ability to run radar and write tickets, if needed. He said the officers are being paid $15 per hour.

He told residents that, if they have an issue that requires police assistance, to call 911. If an officer is on duty in the town, they will be informed through Sussex County’s emergency center, which can also dispatch firefighters, EMTs or state troopers, if needed.

Residents asked on April 6 why the Town does not have any marked police cars, questioning whether or not those driving through the town would be moved to slow down if they couldn’t identify the unmarked car as a police vehicle.

Shelton said there were other local departments that had unmarked police vehicles, but that the council would look into what it would take to mark one of the cars.

Resident Marty Presley asked if speed cameras are legal in the State of Delaware, and if so, could the council look into getting some to stop speeding traffic through town.

“It’s a big safety concern,” he said, noting that speeding has gotten noticeably worse throughout town since the Town lost both of its police officers early this year.

Council said they would look into whether or not speed cameras are allowed, and if it’s something the Town could afford.

The Town park was also a subject of discussion at the meeting, after Councilwoman Velicia Melson said she’d done research into replacing the park’s water fountain with a commercial-grade outdoor, non-refrigerated fountain.

“You’re looking in excess of $2,500,” she said. “Quite honestly, I don’t see a $2,500 need, with all the trash and bottles lying around.”

David Ward, who heads the Town’s maintenance department, said the fountain in the park no longer works, due to continual vandalism.

“As soon as I’d fix it, they’d tear it up,” he said. “The one we have now is unfixable — they tore it up so bad.”

Melson said parkgoers could bring their own water or use the sink in the restroom.

One resident questioned what people should do when the park restrooms are closed, from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.

Shelton said he believes that, at the very least, a spigot should be available outside, as the park is used for cookouts. The council members said they would research the cost of installing a spigot in the park and report back.

Bacon said the Town has tabled discussions related to a possible charter amendment, as the Town currently does not have an attorney, since former town solicitor Dennis Schrader resigned from his position with the Town in March.

“Dennis did draft it, and we agreed to table that at our last town council meeting because it didn’t address all of the Board of Election’s recommendations for absentee ballots, the timing of the election, voting hours,” added Melson. “Not all of those concerns were addressed in Dennis Schrader’s proposal, so therefore we tabled it at the last town council meeting.”

The draft ordinance that was presented at the March meeting did show changes to the town charter, moving the town election to the second Saturday in March, with the hours for the length of poll openings to be set by the town council and announced in all notices required by law.

It also stated that the “filing deadline for candidates for office shall be 21 days prior to the election” and that “the use of absentee ballots is expressly permitted and shall be governed by the procedure set forth” in Delaware Code. The draft also addresses voter registration and the appointment and terms of members of the Town’s Board of Elections.

At the same March council meeting, Melson had said she would head a committee to review the Town’s Charter in its entirety. Following Monday’s meeting, she said the committee was on hold until the town hires an attorney.

The next Frankford Town Council meeting will be held Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at the Frankford Volunteer Fire Department.

Farewell to the Blue Route: DelDOT offers new solution to Millsboro traffic woes

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From Millsboro to Selbyville, residents worried about plans for the future of Route 113 can breathe a sigh of relief. The Delaware Department of Transportation is scrapping the proposed 16.5-mile Route 113 bypass in favor of smaller road projects.

Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted by DelDOT: Route 113 could eventually get a 2.75-mile bypass around Millsboro to eastern Route 24, but the bypass would end there, instead of continuing to Dagsboro and Frankford, as once proposed.Special to the Coastal Point • Submitted by DelDOT: Route 113 could eventually get a 2.75-mile bypass around Millsboro to eastern Route 24, but the bypass would end there, instead of continuing to Dagsboro and Frankford, as once proposed.DelDOT officials and state Sen. Gerald Hocker announced the new plans at an April 6 Millsboro Town Council meeting.

After strong opposition to previous plans, DelDOT is proposing a 2.75-mile-long “connector” that would link Route 113, north of Millsboro, to Route 24, just east of town limits. Beach traffic would swing around downtown Millsboro, rather than filter through it — a process that can be achingly slow.

After redoing the official traffic counts this summer, DelDOT also decided the bypass only needs two lanes, instead of four. That significantly reduces its impact, from the intersections to the actual footprint of the roadway.

The rest of Route 113 would get “spot improvements,” including a third lane built inside the wide medians. DelDOT would also improve intersections and close a few un-signaled crossovers in the “on-alignment” projects.

“People did not want a limited-access highway. This is not limited-access,” said George Spadafino, DelDOT engineer. “Route 113 will be the way it is.”

Those areas of Route 113 would be upgraded or expanded in sections, based in order of importance.

“Better connectivity” is the whole goal of these projects. Between the smaller bypass and on-alignment improvements, Millsboro could get the traffic relief it needs.

More than 30 alternatives were considered in the Millsboro-South highway zone, including the preferred Blue Route, which would have moved the entire stretch of highway from Millsboro to Selbyville to the east, impacting farms, residences, wildlife areas and businesses.

The estimated cost of the improvements to Route 113 plummets to perhaps $60 million for the bypass (not including Route 113 on-alignment improvements).

Singing the Blue Route blues

A U.S. 113 North/South Study was begun in 2003, to examine the highway from Milford to the Maryland line. Legislators have said they believe the idea of a traffic study was blown out of proportion when, in 2013, DelDOT presented its preferred “Blue Route” — a four-lane, limited-access highway east of Millsboro, Dagsboro and Frankford. The most complex of the proposed routes, it would have affected 1,084 acres of land and cost around $800 million.

“I do not know anybody that was happy with that proposal, except Millsboro Town Council … only to get the traffic away from town,” Hocker said.

Sussex County legislators told Gov. Jack Markell and DelDOT officials that, even if approved on the federal level, the Blue Route would never get funding from the Delaware state legislature, due to the strong public opposition.

South of Millsboro, people were upset at the many farms and properties sliced up by the Blue Route. In Millsboro itself, people didn’t like the total of five water crossings.

Following public hearings in 2013, state legislators, state agencies and other stakeholders met in December of 2013 to discuss the obviously unpopular route.

“I think the public doesn’t feel there is any response to their concerns,” State Rep. Ruth Briggs King had said in 2013. “The public feels there are other options but we have blinders on.”

Listening to the public

“We were asked to go back and take another look and see if there was another alternative,” said Shanté Hastings, DelDOT engineer and deputy director of transportation solutions.

“There was [once] an institutional belief at DelDOT that, unless we did full-blown off-alignment … that we would not qualify for [federal funding],” Sundstrom said. But federal highway officials are “amenable” to this new idea.

“And a whole lot less people will have to relocate with this,” Hocker said.

Spadafino estimated that 60 properties are affected in some way, with six relocations. The Blue Route included 71 relocations and 353 property impacts.

For now, the revised project map is just a concept. DelDOT has room to work with landowners and tweak the roads as needed.

“Everything is still on the table, but … this seems most logical,” Spadafino said.

“When I saw this, I was very happy, because that’s what the people asked for,” Hocker said, identifying “95 percent of the changes that we asked for back in 2013.”

North of Millsboro, the connector bypass would begin just north of the Route 20 intersection, between Betts Pond and Sheep Pen Ditch.

Two new bridges would cross Millsboro Pond, still cutting the nose off Sweetwater Pointe, and cut closer to Millsboro, then meet Hollyville Road and Route 24 as a four-way intersection.

The Route 30 intersection would be just that, instead of a cloverleaf off-ramp.

“I think DelDOT listened to the public,” Hocker told those at the packed town council meeting. “Hopefully, you will all be satisfied about it.”

Residents were already examining the maps before the council meeting.

“After it ties in at [Route] 24 here, the rest is scrap,” Hocker said.

“Thank you,” a woman muttered from the audience.

Millsboro responds

“I’m a happy man,” Millsboro Mayor Robert “Bob” Bryan said the next morning. “The east-west bypass that they’re proposing is what we have wanted all along.”

The Millsboro Town Council had favored the Blue Route out of desperation.

“[DelDOT] told us that was the only way there would be any funding, and we need help in Millsboro. I don’t want anything done in Dagsboro and Frankford that they don’t want done,” Bryan emphasized.

“We need relief in Millsboro. What they showed us last night, it won’t solve our problem, but it is such a big help,” Bryan said.

Although he has some concerns, the mayor said he must learn more about the proposal.

The town council could not discuss the topic officially on Monday because Hocker’s presentation was added to the agenda too late to constitute official notice. As soon as Hocker had heard the news about the revised proposal, he had requested 10 minutes of the town council’s time, so the Town wouldn’t be “blindsided.” The presentation was deemed important enough to allow, even though the agenda had been officially published, but, as a result, the public and council could not ask questions.

Millsboro will submit an official opinion when the time comes.

More public hearings

DelDOT will likely host public hearings this summer, since Route 24 is a State-owned road.

“Property owners affected will get letters, and it’ll be in the papers and radio, and we’ll make sure everybody will have [proper notice],” Spadafino said.

“If anyone is upset, don’t listen to rumors. Listen to facts. There’s going to be very few property owners affected, because the State is already leasing [or] owns some of the land that is involved,” Bryan noted.

DelDOT is currently leasing land at Patriots Landing, which will eventually be applied toward the purchase of that property north of Millsboro.

“There were two lease agreements that DelDOT entered into,” Sundstrom said regarding Pepper’s Creek and Patriots Landing. “Both of those transactions became somewhat controversial … and some said the agency overpaid for those properties — particularly when you think we were nowhere close to having the project [federally approved].”

‘Modified Yellow

Alternative’

If everything went perfectly smoothly for the revised project, design could begin in 2021. But that’s only if Delaware was ready to pay its 20-percent share of the cost.

Now, DelDOT must get approval from state and federal environmental agencies. Public workshops could be scheduled this summer, with more detailed information available. DelDOT would compile all the feedback into a Final Environmental Impact Statement, submitted to Federal Highway Administration. (That is where the process paused in 2013.)

FHWA could give a record of decision in 2016, which would make the project eligible for 80 percent federal funding.

Then the project would enter DelDOT’s six-year plan. Road design and acquisitions could take another five to six years.

Based on existing congestion and traffic safety issues, Hastings said the project should rank highly on the State’s priority list.


Coastal Kayak to host Paddle with your Pooch

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Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island will host the 2nd Annual “Paddle with your Pooch” on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in support of the Worcester County (Md.) Humane Society. Organizers said all are welcome, with or without a pet, to help Worcester County Humane Society pets get a new “leash” on life.

Coastal Kayak will offer free kayak and standup paddleboard rentals to those who make cash or check donation to the Worcester County Humane Society. Coastal Kayak’s American Canoe Association (ACA) -certified standup paddleboard and kayak instructors will be on hand to give tips — no paddling experience is necessary.

“This will be the perfect opportunity to try both paddleboarding and kayaking, and to treat your pet to a day on the beautiful Little Assawoman Bay,” they said.

Lenore Bennett of Bayside Dog Training will give free training tips at noon on the day of the event. Pet nutritional advice from Fenwick Island’s Tumbleweed & Eddie’s — makers of natural dog treats using locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats and fish — will be offered at 1 p.m. Door prizes from Fenwick Pet Stop and Coastal Kayak, among others, will be awarded throughout the day.

All pets must be on leash. Adult and child PFDs will be provided; however, pet owners should bring their own canine PFD, if necessary.

No reservations are required. For more information, call (302) 539-7999 or email from the website at www.CoastalKayak.com

Coastal Kayak has free parking at their bayside beach launch spot and is located 3 miles south of Bethany Beach (1.5 miles north of Ocean City, Md.) on Coastal Highway, directly across from the Fenwick Island State Park bathhouse.

Bridgeville golf tournament to honor fallen Marine

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On May 9, golfers can play a round and celebrate a fallen U.S. Marine in the process. The second annual Cory Palmer Memorial Golf Tournament is being hosted by a group of the young man’s best friends that Saturday, at Heritage Shores Golf Club in Bridgeville.

Seaford resident Cory L. Palmer died on May 6, 2006, when his Humvee patrol was struck by a roadside bomb near Fallujah, Iraq.

“During his abbreviated life, Cory lived with a passion for adventure unequal to others. The tournament will be held on what would have been his 31st birthday weekend,” said his friends and the event’s organizers. “Everyone is invited to attend and make this event a very memorable one!”

The tournament will be in a scramble format, beginning at 9 a.m. The $90 registration fee includes complimentary breakfast, greens fees, range balls, shared golf cart, eligibility for several contests, drink tickets during the tournament and complimentary barbecue lunch afterwards.

People can register as an individual or foursome, make a donation or become a hole sponsor directly online at www.clpmemorialgolf.com.

For more information, email CLPMemorialGolfTournament@gmail.com.

“We look forward to seeing you this year at Heritage Shores for a fun day of golf to remember a fallen friend and support a great cause,” said organizer Patrick “Kip” Huffman.

All proceeds will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, the mission of which is to assist U.S. veterans and the families of the fallen, in all stages of their personal journeys. According to its website, “TMF challenges veterans and survivors to lead the ‘If Not Me, Then Who…’ movement and inspire others to continue the service to community and country exemplified by the nation’s fallen heroes.”

Inaugural Coastal Delaware Running Festival nearly sold out

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Certified Race Directors Rick Hundley and Ernie Felici of Focus Multi-Sports reported this week that the inaugural Coastal Delaware Running Festival, scheduled for May 3, has nearly sold out for registrations.

Designated a State of Delaware Championship event by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the race is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. As of April 10, the full and half-marathons were nearly sold out.

The full and half-marathons and 9K will happen on Sunday, May 3. On Sunday morning at 7, 7:30 and 7:45, the marathon, half-marathon and 9K, respectively, will start at Tower Road at the Delaware State Park off Coastal Highway. The finish line and post-race celebration party will be at Lighthouse Cove.

Packet pick-up, the sport expo and the athlete and family welcome party will take place at the new Dewey Beach Hyatt/Lighthouse Cove bayside complex at 124 Dickinson Street, in Dewey Beach, on Saturday, May 2, from 3 to 9 p.m. The post-race party will feature free food and beer and live entertainment.

“Our scenic course is a flat and fast, which runners love, and it’s south Delaware’s only Boston-qualifier. Plus, Focus Multi-Sports is known for our awesome party-like events and great swag — especially gender-specific tech shirts and unique, creative and highly sought-after finisher medals, so we are pleased, but not surprised, by the enthusiastic response,” said Hundley.

The Coastal Delaware Running Festival is a fundraiser for the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation (DSPF), a friends group supporting Delaware State Parks. The DSPF is a non-profit organization that was created to preserve, protect and enhance the Indian River Life Saving Station and the parks within the Delaware Seashore State Park Region, including the Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore, Fenwick Island and Holts Landing State Parks, whose most recent undertaking is the restoration of World War II Fire Control Tower #3 with the Fort Miles Historical Association.

The Coastal Delaware Running Festival also supports Preston’s March for Energy, a non-profit whose mission is to provide adaptive bikes to children with special needs.

Felici said, “We believe in their missions and want to help them promote their causes in order to do more good work for the community.”

The Coastal Delaware Running Festival is currently seeking volunteers. People of all interests and abilities are welcome; there will a way for all to participate in the fun and volunteer, organizers said. Students in need of service hours and non-profit groups are being encouraged to register as volunteers. For more information or to register, visit: www.CoDelRun.com.

Ocean View Homecoming set for Saturday, May 9

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The Town of Ocean View will hold its 2015 Homecoming event on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., rain or shine.

The event, which will be held in John West Park, located at 32 West Avenue, will include some traditions from the past and many new activities for young and old.

The mayor will open the event with a flag-raising ceremony. Entertainment will be provided by the Randy Lee Ashcraft & the Saltwater Cowboys. Activities for the kids include a rock wall, shark slide, carnival rides and face painting.

Visitors will be able to enjoy live music, and food and beverages. Free ice cream will be provided to the first 200 people by Vanderwende’s Creamery. Local crafters and businesses will be on hand for those looking for last-minute gifts for Mother’s Day. Shuttle service and parking from designated parking lots will be provided by the Bloody Mary shuttle.

Those attending can also take a tour of the historic buildings restored by the Ocean View Historical Society and watch live demonstrations provided by 18th-century-style crafters.

Bethany Nature Center to host Earth Day Celebration on April 18

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The 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration will take place at the Bethany Beach Nature Center on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Under the Big Top, there will be nature games, crafts, raffles and prizes. There will also be up-close encounters with Liz and her raptors, and James with his honeybees. Readers can visit the Nature Book Table to find books “free to a good home.”

Inside the cottage, attendees can watch the Disney “Nature” movie and enjoy Cats Cupcakes and Fish Bowl Punch.

Additionally, those attending the event can learn more about “going green” from local vendors and exhibitors, including the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, Roots Landscaping & Design and Gallery One.

The public can also take their own nature adventure on the Baldwin Nature Trail, and all attending are being encouraged to “honor Mother Earth and walk, ride your bike or carpool.” Additional parking will be available in the Grotto Pizza side lot, next to the Nature Center.å
The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call (302) 537-7680.

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