It pays to remember history, as veterans at a small SEAs the Day luncheon on Sept. 10 understand. A handful of alumni “VIF” (Very Important Family) guests were invited to dine with their elder counterparts: residents at Brandywine Senior Living at Fenwick Island, some of whom served the military as early as the 1940s.

“This is beautiful, to meet these veterans,” said Calvin Patterson, a VIF alum who served in the Army National Guard. “They paved the way before us. … If they hadn’t fought this war, we wouldn’t know the mechanics of what we know.”

He and his wife returned to SEAs the Day, looking for ways to give back after enjoying their 2014 visit.

While many individual groups do special veterans’ events, VIF alum Richard Ouellette said he has never seen something as broad as SEAs the Day.

“It’s not just a small group. It’s the whole community,” said the Marine Corps veteran, who first heard about SEAs the Day from a neighbor in Pennsylvania.

After his 2014 visit, he said, he has come to love Bethany Beach.

“It’s amazing hearing about World War II, Korea,” and now he was telling stories about Iraq.”

One commonality between all the soldiers? “We all slept in foxholes … and wore helmets,” Ouellette quipped.

Locally, Mary Summerville’s husband serves on the event’s board, so she enjoys volunteering throughout the week. She said she’s amazed at how quickly Southern Delaware embraced the veterans’ retreat, from restaurants donating food to a dermatologist donating sunscreen.

It’s all for the benefit of their military guests.

“Everybody that’s come is just so excited,” Summerville said. “They’re thanking us, and we’re thanking them at the same time.”

Coastal Point • Submitted: NorthEast Seafood Kitchen offers a patio dining area, as well as an interior dining room.When SoDel Concepts opened NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in May 2005, the restaurant was a bit of a gamble. Chef Matt Haley, founder of SoDel Concepts, had a solid history of success in the hospitality industry. However, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen is located in a strip mall in Ocean View, which in 2005 was just starting to experience growth. It was just a few miles from Route 1, but would residents and tourists venture inland?

They did and they do.

“NorthEast Seafood Kitchen might be the greatest SoDel success story,” said Scott Kammerer, the current president and CEO of SoDel Concepts, which owns eight coastal restaurants, Plate Catering, Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen, a food truck, and hospitality management and consulting divisions. “Today, it’s an incredibly busy year-round restaurant, and it has an incredibly loyal clientele, who support the restaurant and the staff.”

On Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m., the restaurant is celebrating its milestone anniversary with happy-hour drink specials, appetizers and the debut of a commemorative video, which will be shown on the half-hour during that time period. The video was created by W. Films and SoDel Films, and was directed by Rob Waters.

NorthEast Seafood Kitchen was inspired by the quaint seaside eateries that pepper the New England coast, Kammerer noted. Several items have been on the menu for a decade, including Ipswich clams, salmon over baked beans, the lobster roll, the lobster BLT, lobster macaroni-and-cheese, clam dip, oatmeal pie with cinnamon whipped cream and caramel sauce, and fruit crisp.

The restaurant has grown over the years to include a landscaped courtyard — home to many lobster dinners. The 2,000-square-foot expansion in 2014 added 42 extra seats, 14 of which are at a bar that features craft beer from local breweries and craft cocktails.

A number of employees who worked at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen are still with SoDel Concepts, including Lindsey Jacona, now the comptroller; Andrea Medford, now an administer for SoDel; Jason Dietterick, now the chef at Bluecoast Seafood Grill; Andrew Dickinson, the company’s graphic designer; and Elodia Morales, a prep cook.

The celebration on Oct. 2 is deserved, Kammerer said.

“NorthEast Seafood Kitchen is now a destination restaurant for people living and visiting the area round it,” he said. “And it’s an anchor in a great community.”

For additional information, visit sodelconcepts.com.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark: ‘Ferd’ Comolli, with friends and family, was on-hand to welcome the wounded warriors to Bayside during Operation SEAs the Day’s week-long event held in the Quiet Resorts.When supporters greeted participants in Operation SEAS the Day last week, Ferdinand M. “Ferd” Comolli of Bethany Beach was among the crowd at the Freeman Stage ready to give the wounded warriors and their families a hero’s welcome to the Quiet Resorts.

Comolli, a decorated World War II fighter pilot who flew 73 missions over Germany, recalled with a wry smile that when he and his comrades returned from that war, there were no such parades or fanfare. So, he said, he was happy to be able to participate with his Rotary Club friends at the special ceremonies last week.

At the age of 19, Comolli said, he knew what he wanted to do. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, ready to be trained to fly.

“I didn’t want to be a foot soldier,” he said. “I wanted to fly.”

In his family, as in many others in the mid-1940s, enlisting in the armed forces was just what everyone did.

“We were worried about our country,” Comolli said. One of four children of a Rhode Island stone carver, Comolli said one of his brothers joined the Seabees and the other joined the Army. “Everybody went, at that time,” he said.

Not only did Comolli know he wanted to fly, he knew he wanted to be a fighter pilot, rather than a bomber pilot. “I wanted to be able to get away,” he recalled.

Comolli enlisted on Dec. 7, 1942 — one year to the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He was allowed to finish his college education before reporting for duty in February 1943.

Comolli trained at a number of U.S. bases, from Niagara Falls to Tennessee, and finally went to the Lodwick School of Aeronautics in Lakeland, Fla., “and that’s where I really learned to fly,” he said. The school had been taken over by the Air Force, Comolli said. There, among other feats, he learned to take his plane into a spin while dropping from 10,000 to 5,000 feet, and then take it out of the spin.

At Courtland, Ala., Comolli learned to fly bigger and more powerful planes. He mastered the P-40 fighter plane, and then, the P-47 Thunderbolt, in which he would go on to fly 73 missions over Germany.

The P-47 was one of the largest and heaviest fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single piston engine. Flying them was physically grueling.

“We had to do a lot of physical exercises,” to stay in top shape, Comolli said. “We had to do a lot of mental training, too.”

Pilots were shockingly young, most in their early 20s.

“They wanted young men, because, well, at 400 mph, you blacked out for a second,” he said. Practice doing all sorts of “acrobatics” helped the pilots learn to deal with being in control, no matter what their plane was doing.

The planes weighed 8 tons, each one loaded down with two 500-pound bombs, as well as eight machine guns, each one of those fitted with 400 bullets, Comolli said.

“It was kind of scary, that first one, not knowing what I’d find over there or whether I’d come back,” Comolli recalled. That was a legitimate concern — many of his peers didn’t make it back. “I was lucky in many ways,” he said. “Many of my friends didn’t make it, didn’t come back.”

In fact, every time he flew, he faced a 50 percent chance that he would be one of those unlucky ones.

One of his more treacherous flights ended with a “belly landing” in a field in France, when his gas tank, unbeknownst to him, was hit by shrapnel and was emptied. “I knocked out a few small trees and escaped without injury,” he recalled.

Another time, during training back in the States, his plane was struck by another plane on the runway and “chewed it up,” he said. By some miracle, the gas tank on that plane remained intact, and he walked away from that incident, as well.

During much of his time in Germany, Comolli and his fellow pilots served as support to the missions of Gen. George Patton. But it was his 60th mission that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. As flight leader, he led a low-level strafing attack on German locomotives. The commendation he received with the medal explains that Comolli was awarded the Cross for “extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy.”

The mission, carried out on April 26, 1945, resulted in several crucial trains being destroyed, despite defensive maneuvers by the Germans.

“His courage in the face of great personal danger, as well as his superior airmanship and devotion to duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces,” the commendation concludes.

But Comolli is quick to clarify that he wasn’t the only hero that day. “It wasn’t just me that did the shooting,” he said. “All my buddies were right there with me.”

When the war ended, Comolli returned home and married. He and his wife, Annetta, would eventually have six children. By the time the Korean War heated up, Comolli already had two children and decided that he did not want to risk leaving them fatherless by taking to the skies as a fighter pilot again. While he said he missed the feeling of flying — “I like being free up there” — he didn’t pursue it as a civilian pastime because of the cost.

He did instill in his family a love of travel, however, spending many happy days camping all across the country. He pursued a career as a chemical engineer with the Dupont Co., settling for many years in the Kennett Square, Pa., area before retiring to Bethany Beach.

Comolli’s wife of 65 years, Annetta, passed away in 2013, after a long illness. While he enjoys good health and continues community activities and travel — in fact, he recently returned from a trip to Alaska with his son and daughter-in-law — he said he realizes that he won’t be around forever. With technical assistance from his son, he has put together a DVD that includes photos of his time in training and in Europe, as well as a complete history of his three years as a fighter pilot.

Now, 70 years after coming home as a war hero — although there was no fanfare, no parades or special programs for him and his fellow soldiers at the time, he said — Comolli looks back on that time fondly, despite the tremendous danger and the loss of so many other pilots.

“I made a lot of good friends,” he said.

Coastal Point photos • Bob Bertram: G&E Hocker’s and Hocker’s Super Center have added another food trailer to their existing two, to offer the more choices for those looking for a BBQ catering service.G&E Supermarket and Hocker’s Super Center have been Hocker-family-owned and -operated businesses for more than 50 years. Along with its deli, supercenter, gas station and convenience store, Hocker’s also offers catering services.

Last month, Hocker’s added a new food trailer to its Hocker’s BBQ fleet, continuing to expand their catering business.

“It’s just another avenue of our business where we like to diversify,” said Gerry Hocker. “The downturn of the economy kind of affected everybody. We were affected, as well, with our businesses. We looked into where we could diversify and what we could expand into, and avenues we could take that our competition couldn’t.”

“You have a lot of competition come in. You have to do things that your competition can’t, being that we’re locally owned,” added Greg Hocker. “We can branch out and do those other things that the other brand stores can’t do.”

Greg Hocker said the catering business and barbecue trailer started small but have continued to grow.

“People start asking about certain things that we had never even thought about making,” said Greg Hocker. “We started experimenting and making it, and now we can make pretty much just about anything anybody wants.”

It was those constant requests that caused Hocker’s to expand their catering capabilities.

“I always felt bad for pulling the trailer off of our parking lot to go to another event, and then our local customers who want Hocker’s BBQ, we were either not there or had our smaller trailer set up offering a very, very limited [menu].

“We were having people leaving our parking lot and coming to private events, trying to buy certain products from us.”

“The times our trailer had been pulled off of our Hocker’s parking lot, we were starting to get disappointed customers,” added Gerry Hocker. “We were at a point where the trailer needed to be at two places at one time, and that can’t happen. So we had to expand.”

The completely custom trailer includes a freezer, a cooler and fryers, among other amenities, and is 42 feet long from the tongue to the rear.

“We’re able to offer so much more with this trailer than we’ve ever been able to offer before,” said Greg Hocker of the BBQ trailer that primarily offered pit beef, pulled pork, ribs and hot dogs.

As an added bonus, Hocker said that, being in the grocery business, their catering abilities are seemingly endless.

“It’s nice having grocery stores that have so many suppliers. That gives me the ability, if you want something we don’t carry, I would do research and start preparing. I always do experiments just to make sure it’s good,” said Greg Hocker. “We’ve had people contact us about doing sushi-grade tuna for an event. I have suppliers that I can order that from.”

With their new rig, Hocker’s Catering & Events can serve hand-cut French fries fried in peanut oil, chicken tenders, funnel cakes and more.

“We can serve crabcakes, with our store-made crabcakes. For special events, we can even do our hot fresh fried chicken. We can do pretty much anything with this trailer.”

To test the new state-of-the-art trailer, a day after the trailer was delivered, Hocker’s staff drove it to Harrington to christen it at the Delaware Junction Country Music Festival.

“We ordered it, hoping it would be here for that event,” said Gerry Hocker.

“I really thank our employees for stepping up and helping us get through Delta Junction,” added Greg Hocker of their phenomenal staff.

Hocker said it was such a success that they definitely plan to return to Delaware Junction next year.

“We served a lot of people. We had a lot of compliments,” he said. “We even booked a couple of catering jobs for people who had never had had us before.”

Hocker said they received numerous compliments regarding their famous barbecue.

“It’s always nice to have a new customer come up and try your food for the first time,” said Greg Hocker, noting they almost sold out of brisket at Delaware Junction. “The responses we’ve gotten, even from the people who aren’t even from around here, were really, really, really good. We had quite a few people brag on the pulled pork and the brisket.”

This weekend, the trailer will be at the ’Boro Bash on Sept. 19. It will also be at the Millville Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 3 and Coast Day on Oct. 4. In the future, they hope to attend the Firefly and Big Barrel music festivals.

Those interested in having Hocker’s cater an event can call Hocker’s dedicated catering line.

“They will speak to my wife, and she will get the dates and things like that,” explained Greg Hocker. “She’ll ask them what they’re looking for, or if they want a package deal, and she’ll quote it out. We can do either drop off, you can pick it up yourself, or we can man the entire event.”

“When people call us for bookings and ask us what we can do, our question back to them is, ‘What is it that you’re wanting?’ And, most of the time, we’ve been able to provide exactly what they want,” added Gerry Hocker, noting that customers will need a confirmed headcount prior to the day of the event.

Along with their catering services, Hocker’s also now offers event planning.

“Another thing we’ve gotten into is event planning — we can do the tables, chairs, tents, lighting, dance floor, the linens. We can pretty much do everything now,” said Greg Hocker. “We’ve really, really focused on wedding cakes, and we have a tremendous lady doing cakes. Now, we can pretty much do everything but D.J.”

Hocker’s has continued to try and set itself apart with specialty offerings, such as homemade barbecue and in-house deer processing.

“We started the smokehouse for deer processing, but then it became so much more than processing,” said Greg Hocker.

“It’s been rather interesting,” said Gerry Hocker. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from it.”

Having served the community for more than half a century, the Hocker family say they love what they do, and what it brings to the area where they were born and raised.

“I’ve always loved food. When I was younger, I would get off the school bus and help Mom cook dinner and stuff like that,” Greg Hocker said, adding with a laugh, “I think my wife appreciates it, because I cook dinner just about every night.

“We grew up in it. It’s in our blood, to pass on the tradition and stay in the family business and keep it going as long as the local support us.”

“It’s thanks to the loyalty of our customers we’re still here,” added Gerry Hocker.

For Hocker’s Catering & Events inquires, call Hocker’s BBQ at (302) 858-1211.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: The flashing light on Roxana Road (Route 17) at Burbage Road will eventually be replaced with a full traffic signal.With encouragement from the public, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has determined that a new red light at the intersection of Route 17 (Roxana Road) and Burbage Road in Clarksville could improve traffic safety.

A recent traffic study showed that eight of 11 car collisions at the intersection in a three-year period might have been prevented with a full traffic signal on Route 17. Where the two roads intersect near Millville, Route 17 traffic cruises through a flashing yellow light, while Burbage traffic comes to a complete stop at a flashing red light.

DelDOT found crash records for 11 collisions from August 2012 to August 2015. Eight crashes occurred at an angle, including seven in the past 12 months. Those could have been corrected with the installation of a traffic signal, the study determined.

That’s exactly the data DelDOT needs to justify installation of a full traffic signal there. (Five collisions in 12 months in the minimum.)

In those three years, six collisions also caused personal injury; two occurred in poor lighting conditions; one was due to speeding on Route 17; and eight occurred when drivers failed to stop or to stop completely on Burbage.

Route 17 has an unposted speed limit of 50 mph, typical for country roads. Burbage was improved in 2012 to join the detour route for the Route 26 construction project (scheduled to end in one year). It has a posted speed of 40 mph west of Route 17 and 45 mph east of Route 17.

The recent study included an eight-hour on-site traffic review, as well as a review of signage, traffic volume, motorist delays and other nearby projects (including a traffic impact study done for a proposed Home Depot near the intersection of Routes 26 and 17).

Despite some citizens’ concerns about visibility on the Route 17 curve, DelDOT found that the visibility when Burbage drivers look right and left down Route 17 is higher than the recommended national standard.

Traffic volumes were evenly split during the morning and afternoon, but the majority of midday traffic moves southbound on Route 17.

According to data from 2014, Route 17 has an annual average daily traffic volume of 4,319 vehicles per day (vpd). Burbage has 1,277 vpd west of Route 17, and 2,260 vpd east of Route 17.

“It is anticipated that the traffic volume … may decrease when the DE Rt. 26 Project is complete. However, given the current lane configuration and the size of the intersection, DelDOT recommends a traffic signal be installed,” the study concluded.

DelDOT has no timeline for the project, as it only just OK’d the change. However, the design shouldn’t take as long because much of the infrastructure for a signal is already there.

Residents jump-started the process

Resident Whitney Price sees this as excellent news. She has lived on Route 17 for about 16 or 17 years and encouraged state Rep. Ron Gray to contact DelDOT about the busy traffic situation.

“People see us as a stretch of highway, and that’s really not fair to our families,” said Price, whose own teenager is just beginning to drive.

She said she especially felt that vehicles were ignoring the posted speed limit signs. But Route 17 has an unposted speed limit of 50 mph (common to rural stretches of road). The yellow “40 mph” sign is not the enforced speed limit, but a suggestion for drivers entering the curve near the intersection, according to DelDOT officials.

“Especially with this time of year and the construction going on at 26, we’re seeing an increase in the use of Burbage Road as a detour,” Price continued in June. “Our vacationers and visitors and locals have become more familiar with the back roads.”

Price had done everything, including posting signs, requesting more Delaware State Police coverage, and physically walking up and down the road with signs encouraging drivers to slow down.

Finally, she drafted a petition early this summer, encouraging DelDOT to install a signal or roundabout: “Despite the rumble strips and flashing light, drivers continue to speed along the section of Roxana Road where we reside and are raising our families. … The use of Bourbage [sic] Road as a detour from the road construction on Route 26 has increased the driver population along with the construction of new housing developments and is jeopardizing the safety of our families.”

Price previously said a stoplight might be inconvenient, “but if that means in any way slowing people down and potentially saving accidents and fender-benders — I hate to be dramatic — but possibly saving lives, it’s worth it.”

You don’t have to be a military veteran or a biker to enjoy an inexpensive fundraiser for Delaware vets on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Desert Knights MC 2nd Annual Bike Week Bash returns from noon to 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View.

“It’s very friendly. It’s not a biker event. It’s a charitable event to raise money for the Fisher House and the Home of the Brave,” said organizer Rick “Smitty” Smith. “I don’t care if you show up on a golf cart, a scooter, whatever you want. It’s not strictly a biker event.”

The Bash is being organized by three chapters of the traditional bike club, Desert Knights of America Motorcycle Club, which focuses veterans’ issues and improving the condition of American military veterans. They’re tagging onto the end of nearby Delmarva Bike Week, although the two events are unaffiliated.

The $10 ticket can be purchased at the door. Activities and entertainment include music, food, beer, vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and the chance to win a shotgun, all in a setting overlooking the scenic Indian River Bay from the Ocean View VFW.

“You can’t beat it for $10,” Smith said. “That gets you either chicken or beef, two sides,” as well as desserts and beer. Mixed drinks can be purchased on-site.

As for the money, it stays local, as all proceeds go to two Delaware groups: Home of the Brave Foundation and the Fisher House. The Fisher House serves families visiting Dover Air Force Base, which is a regional mortuary for military service members.

“When things were in full swing, it was a pretty big place. It’s a sad thing,” Smith said. “The families can stay at the Fisher House for free while their loved ones are being attended to.”

Meanwhile, if someone comes home injured, Fisher House provides free or low-cost lodging to his or her family during recuperation.

“When a veteran suffers, in my eyes, a veteran’s family suffers more,” Smith said. With Fisher House, “You don’t have to worry about where you’re gonna eat, where you’re gonna stay…”

Meanwhile, Home of the Brave has just opened a homeless shelter for female veterans.

“It takes all four branches of the service to fight a battle. It takes all kinds — men, women, dogs,” and the Desert Knights want to support them, said Smith, who served the U.S. Army for about 31 years.

People can also buy tickets for more than 50 giveaways, with the chance to get lucky at the regular table or striking gold at the high-dollar table.

The big raffle prize is a 28-inch barrel, semi-automatic Beretta shotgun (A400 Xtreme Unico, model J40xV18).

“If you’re that guy or that woman who’s a hunter, you know your weapon,” Smith said.

People can see the shotgun in person at the benefit. Entries cost $10 per ticket, or $40 for five tickets. Guests do not need to be present to win. If the shotgun doesn’t appeal ($1,900 MSRP), the winner can opt for a $300 cash prize instead.

“Thanks to the public for coming out there and supporting this great cause,” Smith said.

Smith is president of the Southern Delaware chapter of Desert Knights, which joins the Newark and Pennsylvania bike club chapters in hosting the event.

The VFW (where Smith is junior vice commander) is sponsoring the Bash, keeping costs low and donations high for the Desert Knights. VFW Mason Dixon Post 7234 is located at 29265 Marshy Hope Way in Ocean View.

The Facebook page for the “2nd Annual Desert Knights MC Bike Week Bash” is at www.facebook.com/events/478060482356199.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Tori Lynn Jenkins is still dealing with her injury, but largely back to acting like herself.As she wears her pretty pink dress with flowers and a sparkly headband and smiles from ear to ear, it’s hard to know by looking at her that 2-year-old Tori Lynn Jenkins just lived through a life-changing ordeal.

Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, emergency services were dispatched to a home located on Muddy Neck Road near Ocean View, following a 911 call that stated a child had been shot.

That child was Tori Lynn.

According to the Delaware State Police, a burglary report had been taken around 9 p.m. that Saturday evening from Heather and Joseph Jenkins, Tori Lynn’s parents, in which Joseph Jenkins had reported that his shotgun and some cash had been stolen from their house.

“We were both out during the day,” recalled Heather Jenkins. “I was down in Ocean City with the children, and he was out crabbing with a friend. I didn’t even realize anything was missing until later in the evening. But when I came home, the door was opened. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time, because sometimes the kids will run out and forget to shut the door.

“We had all the cash that I had saved up over the summer, doing photography, taken. Stuff was pulled out of the closet. I had a 20-gauge shotgun that he had given me several years ago as an anniversary present that was taken. It had only been fired once; it was more for show than anything else. I didn’t even have any ammo for it, but that was taken.”

After the police report was filed, Joseph Jenkins reportedly left their home and went to a friend’s house, where he obtained a .40 caliber handgun, and then returned to his residence around 1 a.m.

According to police, the couple’s three children — the two girls, Tori Lynn, 2, and Emily, 6, and their 10-year-old son, Hayden — were all asleep on a sofa nearby when Joseph Jenkins sat on the floor next to his wife to show her the gun. As he pulled back on the slide of the gun and let it go, police said, a bullet fired and struck Tori Lynn in the leg.

“Our family suffered a terrible tragedy that no parent should ever have to witness,” wrote Heather Jenkins on the family’s GoFundMe website.

She immediately called 911, and emergency services soon arrived at their residence on Muddy Neck Road.

“She’s was rushed in for emergency surgery after she was airlifted to A.I. DuPont,” Heather Jenkins said of Tori Lynn. “They did X-rays, and I actually saw the X-ray of her bone, where in the middle it’s just splinters… [The bullet] just disintegrated it.

“The bullet went in through her calf, came out the other side and then went into her thigh, shattering her femur and lodging by her hip. When her surgeon came in, they told us she was extremely blessed, that it was a miracle that she made it, because the bullet came so very close to hitting her femoral artery. Not only did it miss that, but it missed every major nerve in her leg.”

During the emergency surgery, the bullet was extracted from Tori Lynn, and four metal pins were put in, holding her bone in place, along with an external compact fixator to keep the pins in place.

“She’s looking at at least two more surgeries to adjust the pins, and extensive physical therapy, where she will have to learn how to walk again. And then there would be a final surgery to remove the pins.”

Heather Jenkins was unable to fly to the hospital with her daughter at the time of the incident because she was detained by police due to the nature what had happened.

“I was detained because they had to question me. I wasn’t able to leave. I didn’t get up to A.I. DuPont until about 8:30 in the morning, when she was just getting ready to go back for surgery.

“I had called my sister, who lives in Denton, and she went down to A.I. DuPont and met her at the hospital as fast as she could and stayed with her until I got there. It was extremely hard not being able to be there with her through all this.”

Joseph Henkins was charged with Assault 1st, a Class B felony (punishable by two to 25 years in a Level V prison), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $41,500 secured bond.

“Right now, with my husband incarcerated. We have no income,” said Heather Jenkins. “At this point, he’s had the preliminary hearing, and the State is moving forward with all of the charges. They didn’t drop any of them. I’m not sure when his court date is going to be yet. The bail is set at $41,000 secured, so…

“I’m taking it minute-by-minute, day-by-day. It’s pretty much the best I can do at this point. It’s shattered our family. I mean… The doctors say that I have to stay home with her because of the extent of her injuries and the care that she needs.”

Because of the family’s unimaginable situation, Jenkins created a GoFundMe fundraiser web page, asking for $5,000 of donations to help with the family’s daily living expenses. As of early this week, the family had received $275 worth of donations.

“Word is still getting out there,” she said. “We’ve had an outpouring of love and support from our church [The River]… Our church actually paid to have a cleaning crew come to our house and have it cleaned before we came home. It’s just been a blessing.”

Heather Jenkins said Tori Lynn is already a national titleholder for America’s Royal Classic Miss Pageants and has received an outpouring of support from her pageant family.

“Our pageant family — the director, Suzanne Farris, has stepped up and done everything from collect clothes for her siblings and school supplies... She actually came and picked up my other two children at one point while I was in the hospital with [Tori Lynn].”

Jenkins said the only family they have in the area is her father-in-law, with the rest of their family living in Baltimore and Pennsylvania.

“So, we don’t really have a lot of local family, but we have our church family and our pageant family.”

Jenkins described her youngest daughter as an active, happy and energetic little girl.

“She’s a character. That’s why she does well in pageants. She gets up on stage and just hams it up,” she said, noting that Tori Lynn started competing at 3 months old. “Her sister does pageants, my 6-year-old. She’s won several state and national titles. She saw her sister putting on princess dresses and decided she wanted to do it, too. She gets up there and dances across the stage. She’ll smile and wave.

“Her personality hasn’t changed. She’s still happy and smiling. It’s a relief to see she hasn’t changed. She’s still the same child,” she said, noting there’s now an exception when it comes to strangers. “She’s become very shy around new people, with the nurses at the hospital and everyone coming in. She’s always afraid someone is going to touch her leg.”

Along with the GoFundMe account, Tori Lynn also has a donation account at Well Fargo banks, for Victoria Lynn Jenkins.

“People can go into any branch and make a donation into her account,” said Heather Jenkins.

She said Tori Lynn will turn 3 on Saturday, Oct. 17, and she hopes to hold a fundraiser the same day.

“We’re in the process of setting up a quarter auction. We’re trying to secure a local location to hold it in our area, to raise money for daily living expenses and kind of have a birthday party for her at the same time. The whole community can come out for her,” she said.

Jenkins’ other two children recently started first and third grades at Lord Baltimore Elementary School.

“They were happy to go back to school,” she said. “Lord Baltimore reached out to us, too. While I was sitting in the hospital, the guidance counselor, she reached out and said, ‘If you guys still need school supplies, please let us know.’”

“They’re starting counseling, therapy,” she added of her elder two children. “They were both awake when it happened, and they saw it happen. We talked to the social worker and the psychologist at A.I. DuPont, and they recommended some great trauma therapists to get them in with, just to kind of help them deal.”

Even though they experienced a trauma, as well, Jenkins said her two eldest children have been a huge help to her.

“Her brother and her sister have just been amazing. They’ll sit down to play with her on the sofa — even my 9-year-old, which is kind of amazing,” she said with a laugh. “They’ll say, ‘I’ll help you, mommy. I’ll help you play with Tori.’ Her sister thinks she’s her mother, too.”

Jenkins said the incident has made her a caregiver to her daughter in ways she had never before never experienced.

“It’s very tough, emotionally and physically, because she’s kicking and screaming because she’s terrified,” she said. “I’m the kind of person, I couldn’t take a splinter out of my kids before, and I went from that to having to care for these open wounds… Just seeing the metal pins coming out of her legs, it’s just… it’s hard. But, as a mother, I know I have to do it. You have to do what you have to do for your kids.”

Tori Lynn, who loves all things “Frozen” and the color pink, can now only wear dresses, due to the condition of her leg and is now primarily transported on a bed of pillows in a children’s wagon, a gift from her nana.

“We had to redo her entire winter wardrobe. She can only wear dresses, because she can’t wear pants. So she gets to wear princess dresses all the time,” she said, adding of the wagon, “She can’t fit in the regular stroller anymore. The hospital actually had to lend us a special car-seat designed for children that have stuff like that on their legs.

“All the weight has to stay off her leg. They said not to let her try to put any weight down on it… We’re already having issues with that. She’s trying to push herself up and trying to stand, holding onto the back of the sofa.”

Of Tori Lynn’s awareness of the situation, Jenkins said she’s unsure how much her young daughter comprehends.

“She’s so young; I’m not sure how much she really understands. I tell her it’s exercise to help make the booboo go away.

“They think there’ll be hardly any nerve damage, and she probably won’t even walk with a limp. She had an angel watching out for her that night.”

Jenkins said Tori Lynn, who was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 30, was released on Sept. 3.

“They flew her up Sunday morning. She went into surgery about 8 o’clock Sunday morning, and they had us discharged Thursday. They did rounds of antibiotics, packed the wounds and everything. They had to teach me how to do pin care and all of that before she could be discharged.”

Following her discharge from the hospital, the family has had to return to A.I. DuPont twice, and Tori Lynn has been doing physical therapy exercises at home.

“Every day, twice a day, I’ll sit down with her and get her to wiggle her toes. ‘It just makes mommy so happy seeing you wiggle those little piggies,’” said Jenkins lovingly to Tori Lynn, who wiggled her toes as she independently removed her foot brace. “She just amazes me with what she can do already.

“She’s been absolutely amazing. Her physical therapists at the hospital — when they came in, she sat up by herself. They said most of the time they aren’t even able to sit up like that,” Jenkins said. “With her being so active anyway, she’s going to push herself through physical therapy. I can see it already — we’re going to have to hold her back.”

Since they returned home, Jenkins and Tori Lynn have visited Ocean View Police Department, whose officers were first on the scene the night of the incident.

“We actually got to go meet some of the officers from the Ocean View Police Department that responded that night. I took her up to meet them, and I got to shake their hands and thank them.

“We have a home nurse that our insurance is going to pay for, for two or three more visits. Several members of our church are nurses. Even some of the medics out of Millville have contacted me through Facebook and said, ‘If you need help, we’ll come help you.’”

Jenkins praised all the emergency services personnel she encountered on Aug. 30.

“By the time I called 911, the police and medics were there within three to five minutes. They responded so fast, it was absolutely incredible. They kept me informed the entire time — ‘She just landed.’ ‘They got her stable.’ ‘They’re prepping her for surgery,’” recalled Jenkins.

“I knew there were certain procedures that needed to be followed and everything. They were so incredible about keeping me updated. They’re amazing people. They kept me very much updated on everything until they could release me to get up there to be with her.”

As for the future, Jenkins said the family is taking everything one step at a time.

“Right now, they aren’t even giving us a timeframe. It just depends on how quickly the bone heals and how soon she’s able to start physical therapy. Right now, she’s not able to put any weight down on her leg. We have to continue to go up to A.I. DuPont Hospital.

“We’re in the process right now of trying to get her insurance switched, because A.I. DuPont doesn’t accept her insurance. We had to go up yesterday, because there was an infection setting in in the pins, and we have to go back Monday… but, past that, because they don’t accept our insurance, they either need to file an out-of-network claim or work with us to file out-of-pocket, or we could do to Children’s Hospital in Philly.”

Now home, Jenkins said life for her family has returned to normal, or at least a new normal.

“Since we came home from the hospital, we kind of picked up where we left off and moved forward. We’re still going to church on Sundays. I sing on the praise team, so we were at practice Wednesday night,” she said. “We go grocery shopping, and she gets to sit in the wagon and my son pushes the cart, which he thinks is awesome. It’s an adventure going out to stores now, but we manage.”

Jenkins said the community’s support of her family has been such a comfort during this tumultuous time.

“It’s amazing to see how the community’s just rallied around us,” she said. “I’m just overwhelmed by the support from the community, and everyone saying, ‘You’re in our thoughts and prayers.’”

To donate funds to Tori Lynn, visit www.gofundme.com/8h3h9vag or contact Jenkins via email at Heatherjenkins32@aol.com.

After hiring an independent consultant to analyze its Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the Town of South Bethany is at a standstill.


Taylor Engineering’s June report suggested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could use different methods to determine South Bethany’s base flood elevation (BFE).

Oceanfront land in the town was originally designated at 12 feet BFE (setting the minimum height of a home’s lowest floor). But FEMA’s decision to lower the BFE to 10 feet was questioned by a council member (based on historical flooding and other data), which prompted FEMA to raise the number to 13 feet. After some minor arm-twisting, FEMA agreed to restart the mapping process. The oceanfront is temporarily back at 12 feet, until FEMA officially proposes new numbers and re-opens the appeals process.

But even if residents or the Town appeal, there is no guarantee that the numbers would go as low as property owners want. Now, Taylor Engineering has stepped out of the equation, choosing not to help the Town appeal, if the town council decides to do so.

“I didn’t find the letter particularly encouraging,” Mayor Pat Voveris said at the Sept. 11 council meeting. “Basically, they said we can do some overtopping analysis. They said they wouldn’t do it, because they’re moving on to other things with FEMA.”

The consultant didn’t believe South Bethany will be offered 10 feet on the oceanfront again, but would likely suggest 11 to 13 feet, Voveris said.

“Based solely on historical evidence, this [10-foot] estimate does not appear reasonable,” wrote the firm, due to historical evidence of overtopping, plus the unlikelihood of ocean water only ever going a few inches above the road.

“Does South Bethany have solid grounds for an appeal?” the Town had asked.

While Taylor Engineering wouldn’t commit to a one-word answer, the firm’s opinion was that maps should use particular data on overtopping, in which waves crest over the dunes.

Voveris noted that FEMA won’t include in its analysis the sand dunes, which were built to protect South Bethany but are still considered too impermanent in FEMA’s eye.

“Between this and the June report, if they [FEMA] base it on the 2005 topography, you’re going to have flooding like you did in the ‘90s. If you can count the dune, then you won’t,” said Councilman George Junkin. “If you have to stick to the [no dune], you can’t win.”

“We’ve got a lot of homeowners who think this is a very important issue,” said resident Ed Bintz, who has personally spent several thousands of dollars on the issue. “This is very much alive, and we need to be sending materials to the town council.”

Having heard that each insurance increase reduces the home value many-fold, Bintz said he is very invested in the issue that has put his home under the BFE.

Bintz emphasized that the Town and residents could show the “capricious” nature of the differing designations between South Bethany and Bethany Beach, which got a lower BFE in the new maps. He also questioned the reliability of a company that contracts with FEMA.

Property owners have hired an independent consultant, so they are waiting to see what suggestions that may produce.

Voveris said the town council wants to help residents who come forward, but ultimately it comes down to the expense of an appeal.

The official dates for appeals could begin at any time, but have not been officially set, since FEMA must post public notice in a register that was expected to be published around September.

In other South Bethany news:

• A recent town code review has raised 90 issues/questions with the town laws (for example, does the sign ordinance violate the U.S. Constitution). The Charter & Code Committee is beginning to prioritize those concerns needing a response. Town Solicitor Dennis Schrader said he believes the committee can handle the changes without needing to outsource.

• Lifeguards were in short supply on most beaches on Labor Day weekend. The 12 employees who did return for the weekend drove back from their schools or teaching jobs, said Town Manager Mel Cusick. But a full staff just isn’t available in late summer, even at a higher pay, he said.

• The Town has about 6 miles of streets with overhead utility wires. The Planning Commission is beginning to research the cost and time schedule for moving them underground over the next few years.

• A public outreach meeting for flood damage mitigation and insurance costs will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. at South Bethany Town Hall. Topics include Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs); mitigating flood risks (building and flood insurance); and improving resiliency (building elevations, freeboard and grant money). Public notices will be sent via email or through the mail.

• Police Chief Troy Crowson said the Town recently obtained a boat, which was free, apart from some cosmetic improvements. The boat can be used for bulkhead inspections or looking for missing persons — activities for which the Town typically relies on the kindness of residents to lend a boat. If it proves impractical, the boat can be liquidated.

• The police department expects $18,306 from the 2016 Fund to Combat Violent Crimes, which will buy four new Motorola communication devices, plus remote-controlled “stop sticks” to deflate tires in chases.

• Based on some confusion about whether resident Jay Headman was appealing his building permit or a fee, he was encouraged to clarify his request for an appeal. He is challenging the Town charging a $700 fee for him to appeal the original fee of $380.

The town council sets the fee schedule annually. There was brief discussion of fees in general.

“It’s time to look at the fees, not just for me, but for the rest of town,” said Headman, who for now, sad he just wanted an appropriate hearing scheduled so he can challenge the fee.

The Frankford Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, at which point Councilman Marty Presley stated that he would be submitting a formal request on behalf of the Town, to the State of Delaware’s Audit Committee, to have the Town’s financial books completely audited.

“If they agree to accept our request — they say they’re running behind, three to four to five months before it’s completed,” he said. “If they deny our request, we have to get their permission to basically get an outside firm to come in… The first step is to get them involved and see what they say.”

Presley said he was uncomfortable giving any financial reports until the Town has been audited by the State.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to give any kind of update on the financials right now, because I have no clue what it looks like,” he said. “I think we need to get somebody in here from the State.”

Property owner Kathy Murray said that, if an audit is getting ready to be requested, she had questions regarding the reconciliation of the Town’s Sinking Fund.

“There are $6 every two months for each household that has water hookup. It was my understanding over the course of the last couple of months there was not enough money to cover the water tower maintenance,” said Murray.

“That’s what probed my question of the $6 every two months, times the almost 350 households, times 13 years, would have exceeded $113,000. Yet, when we get the report of the balance of the water fund, if memory serves me well, is somewhere between $11,000 and $15,000.

“My question is, what happened to the $100,000, because I had also been told that was a restricted account,” she said, requesting a reconciliation of the sinking fund going back 13 years.

At a recent monthly council meeting, the council had created a committee to discuss the possibility of hiring a town manager to oversee daily activities.

“Going the way we have been going all these years, or do we want to make the suggestion that the town hire a manager or a manager and a clerk,” asked Councilwoman Elizabeth Carpenter. “The council really needs to decide what kind of government we want. You all are the ones that put us here, so that’s a conversation that we need to have — how do you want your government run?”

Carpenter said if the townspeople decide they want to only have a clerk, they would be banking that the town council is always “active and involved.”

Elma Gray said she believed the Town needs both a town clerk and a town manager.

“I, personally, completely agree with you,” said Carpenter. “I think there are things that a town clerk should not be handling.”

She emphasized that the town as a whole needs to work together to decide what they want.

“If we hire a town manager, that means we as a town council is probably going to be handling off authority to that one person… from obtaining grants, approaching Legislative Hall in Dover, making hiring and firing decisions,” she said.

“And, frankly, we all need to stay and be involved. This is not one town owned by one family. I’ve heard of ‘Truittville,’ for example. I can tell you, I take this position very seriously. But in the same breath, I don’t want to be accused of making it Carpenterville in 15 years.”

Presley said there are pros and cons to having a town manager and town clerk versus solely a town clerk.

“You can have a great town manager who basically pays for his salary by going out and getting grants that we normally wouldn’t get… Get a good one, they’ll basically pay for their salary. If you get a bad one, you’re stuck with them for whatever their contract allows. Same can be said for a town clerk.”

Presley also said the Town has to decide how much they are willing to pay, if they choose to hire a town manager.

“Are we prepared to have our property taxes to go up to pay for the $80,000, $90,000 it costs to get a town manager in here? That’s 50 percent of our budget. Are we prepared to do that? There’s a lot of other things to weigh…”

Presley also made note that, to hire a town manager, the Town would first have to change its charter.

“A charter change is not something quick and easy. We’ve got to come up with the changes, have our lawyer look it over, submit it to the legislature, go through the legislative process… It’s a nine-month process if we started on it right now, today.”

Presley said he believed the pragmatic position would be to continue with their current charter for the time being.

With the resignation of former Town Administrator Terry Truitt, a temporary employee, Cheryl Lynch, has been hired to help in town hall.

“She’s been a humongous asset to our team in the last week, working with our CPA,” said Carpenter. “She has, with Tiffany Schrader, answered the phone, pretty much taught herself QuickBooks, has gotten all the accounts-receivable logged into the system… We are very grateful to have her join us.”

The Town is still lacking legal counsel, after Dennis Schrader resigned from the position in March. Although they had previously interviewed two attorneys, at their August council meeting, the majority of the council said they believed one candidate was not a good fit for the Town and had concerns about the other being Councilwoman Joanne Bacon’s employer.

The council had voiced their concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest, particularly with Bacon then serving as council president. They suggested the council reorganize, with Bacon no longer serving as president. Bacon did not step down, and stated she did not see a conflict. Her employer, noting the council’s concern about the appearance of a conflict of interest, then withdrew his name from consideration.

At Monday’s meeting, Bacon said the Town has one candidate to fill the vacancy of town solicitor, and the council plans to interview the attorney next week.

The council also discussed consolidating and creating committees. The health care and employee handbook committee were rolled into the Employee Benefits Committee. A Police/Public Works Committee that will include the water department, maintenance, parks and streets.

Carpenter also proposed this week that a charter committee be formed, consisting of two council members and at least three citizens. A potential committee makeup could include residents Greg Welch, Jerry Smith and Robert Murray, along with council members Presley and Carpenter.

“I think that we would want to make all changes to the charter at one time and submit it in its entirety, instead of making piecemeal by piecemeal, going back to Dover over and over again,” said Carpenter. “I would like to see landowners have voting rights, but that can be proposed by the committee.”

Resident Jason Taylor said, as the formation of the committee was being discussed for the first time, that more citizens should have the opportunity to learn about the committee and have the opportunity to get involved.

“We can do a flier. We can do whatever you guys think would be appropriate,” said Presley, noting it could also be posted at town hall and Frankford’s post office.

“We have to get our website working again,” added Smith.

Nick Evans recommended that the Town create its own Facebook page for people to get updates on Town meetings.

“If we create a Facebook page, it could become a closed Facebook page and only the members you accept would have access to that,” said resident Winnie Spicer to the council.

“Please, even though we have the three [citizen] minimum, if you’ve got three minutes and you know we’re having a meeting, stop in. This is open for everyone to put their opinion in. If you don’t like the final product, you have no one to blame but yourself,” added Presley.

During a meeting break for an executive session, Taylor clarified his concerns.

“More people should be let know what is going to now. Some people in town might not know they can come and be on these committees. It needs to be open.”

During his report to the council at the meeting, Frankford Police Chief Michael Warchol reported that James Joles has officially been hired as the Town’s second police officer.

However, Joles, who started last week, will soon be deployed in the military for six months. Warchol said he is in the process of transferring Joles’ Florida police certification to Delaware before his deployment.

During Joles’ absence, Warchol said, he hopes to hire a part-time person to give the town additional police coverage.

“One of the requirements of the federal grant you got for hiring Nate [Hudson] was that you’d keep a full-time officer for a year after the grant money was disbursed,” explained Warchol. “The year was never completed. You have to have a full-time officer for a full calendar year. In this case, we have James now as a full-time officer, taking up that bandwidth.”

Warchol said he is currently working with Delaware State Police Troop 4 to take over any investigations of crimes that occur within Frankford town limits during the hours the Town does not have police coverage.

“It is my belief that the Town hired me to be its police chief. The police department should be investigating incidents that occur in town.”

He added that he was given an estimate of $12,700 to install a video surveillance system in the town park.

During the meeting, Carpenter asked for an update on the Town’s pension plan.

“The pension plan is basically done,” said Presley. “It’s a matter of signing the Town up for it, and I can do that this week. And then we’ll schedule a meeting with the employees to explain it and how the mechanics of it works.”

Also at the Sept. 14 meeting, the council addressed the fact that the Town’s budget for the 2016 fiscal year must be amended.

“We do need to amend the budget because of the operation transfer — it wasn’t correct on the budget that we approved,” said Bacon. “We do have to, at some point in time, amend our budget.”

“Do we know how that happened? It was just a typographical error. Did it magically make the books balance, or…?” asked Presley.

“Not to my knowledge, Marty. I don’t know. It was an error, obviously, but why? I don’t know,” replied Bacon.

There was no further discussion of a budget amendment at the Monday meeting.

Presley said the Town will contribute 5 percent of pay to a pension plan for all full-time employees.

In other Frankford news, the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting a Fall Festival on Oct. 31. A park/tree-lighting ceremony will be held Nov. 28 to kick off Christmas in the Park, which will be held on Wednesdays through the month of December and give area kids the chance to meet Santa before Christmas Eve.

Bacon recommended the Town consider donating to the events to show financial support.

“I think they’re going to be two good events for Frankford,” said Presley, noting the event organizers are still seeking sponsors.

The council also held an executive session that was added to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting; however, they failed to meet Freedom of Information Act requirements.

Delaware Code Title 29 § 10001 requires that: “All public bodies shall give public notice of their regular meetings and of their intent to hold an executive session closed to the public, at least 7 days in advance thereof. The notice shall include the agenda…” and requires that the agenda include, “a statement of intent to hold an executive session and the specific ground or grounds therefore…” requiring that “the purpose of such executive sessions shall be set forth in the agenda.”

The executive session, which lasted for more than an hour, did not result in any decisions or votes taken.

The Sussex County Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve a moratorium on off-premises signs, with Councilman Sam Wilson opposed.

The ordinance, which was introduced by Councilman George Cole on July 28, states that the Sussex County Council “views the placement of off-premises signs as an important public-safety issue” and believes that “the recent proliferation of off-premises signs has a detrimental effect on the safety and welfare of the citizens of Sussex County.”

Now approved, the moratorium directs the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Office to decline applications for special-use exceptions for off-premises signs for a period of six months, which could be “extended, modified or terminated at any time by a majority vote” of the council.

Wilson, who had voiced opposition to the moratorium in prior council discussions, motioned on Tuesday that the moratorium only affect Councilman George Cole and Councilwoman Joan Deaver’s districts.

“In my district, I don’t need a moratorium,” said Wilson.

“I’m not sure that’s appropriate,” said County Solicitor Vince Robertson. “You’re treating different property owners and different residents differently throughout the County jurisdiction… That’s running afoul of the law.”

Cole then motioned to approve the moratorium on the acceptance of special-use applications for off-premises signs for all districts within the county.

“I’m highly supportive of business as a business owner, and it is important for all businesses to be able to advertise and get people to their place of business,” said Councilman Rob Arlett. “At the same time, I do think we have a responsibility to make sure we do the right thing. I see this is not going to affect really anybody… In this one specific case, I will vote ‘yes.’”

Planning & Zoning Director Lawrence Lank said only one application is currently in the works for a special-use exception for an off-premises sign within the county.

The moratorium was designed to allow the County “a reasonable time period for the review and study of off-premises signs, the preparation of proposed legislation to address resultant issues and the consideration of said legislation.”

On Aug. 27, the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-0, with Commissioner Michael B. Johnson abstaining from the discussion and vote, to recommend against the moratorium.

“I think a moratorium creates undue pressure. I think it would be more difficult to reach a reasonable ordinance to answer all the concerns,” said Commission Chairman Robert C. Wheatley at the August meeting. “I think we should proceed posthaste and act on the concerns that the Board of Adjustment did very ably outline for council, and let’s get it done.”

At this week’s meeting, County Administrator Todd Lawson said the County would host a signage ordinance workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. at the County’s West Complex.

“The workshop would entail a select group of elected and appointed officials from the County to gather to hear presentation from staff and legal — to get feedback from that select group,” he said. “Previously, when we discussed this issue, you encouraged us to invite members from the Department of Transportation, which we have, and specifically local attorney Mr. David Hutt.”

Lawson said the workshop would have an agenda focusing on priorities within the ordinance and is designed to get feedback from the council.

Along with the workshop, a working group is also being created to tackle the County’s signage ordinance. Although the working group has not been officially created yet, Lawson said the County hopes it will include one member from each of the County’s three boards, members of the County staff and legal team, representatives from DelDOT, Hutt and stakeholders outside the government, such as sign companies and developers.

Also on Tuesday, the council unanimously approved a conditional-use application for the Home of the Brave Foundation Inc. to erect two additional boarding homes, containing four-bedroom buildings capable of housing eight residents each, for female veterans at their current location on Sharps Road outside of Milford.

Attorney Jim Fuqua, representing the foundation, said they would be used as transitional housing facilities, where the veterans would be provided food, transportation, counseling, access to healthcare and employment assistance.

Those who are qualified to stay at the temporary housing site are those who have been honorably discharged from a branch of the service, who are homeless or will be homeless in 14 days or fewer.

Fuqua stated that the length of stay for each veteran is on a case-by-case basis, and the transitional homes are drug- and alcohol-free. Weapons are not permitted on the premises at any time.

“The statistics are difficult to collect,” said Fuqua, “but it is estimated that on any given night in the United States, there are 67,000 homeless veterans, and women veterans make up about 5 percent of that total.

“On any night, there are about 585 homeless veterans in Delaware, and about 29 of them are women vets and their children. That’s right here in Delaware.”

Retired Brig. Gen. Ruth Irwin of the Delaware National Guard spoke in favor of granting the conditional use.

“I became aware of the Home of the Brave when I was in Afghanistan,” she said. “When I returned and retired from the Guard, I decided this was an activity I wanted to support… There are very few female veterans’ facilities anywhere. It’s really important, and we’re being very progressive, moving forward in this area.”

The council voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the conditional-use application.

“We don’t want anyone to be homeless, let alone a veteran, let alone their children. I commend you for stepping up and providing a service for a real need. And I’m grateful for that,” said Arlett, a veteran himself.

“It’s a great thing you’re doing,” added Council President Michael Vincent, who is also a veteran.

For more information about the Home of the Brave Foundation, visit homeofthebravefdn.org.

Claudia West, planting designer and ecological sales manager at North Creek Nurseries, will discuss “Wild and Neat: Native Plants that Bridge the Gap between Horticulture and Ecology” on Sept. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Frankford Public Library.

The lecture aims to debunk the myth that natives plants are weedy and messy and explore the aesthetic value of native plants in modern-day landscape situations, focusing on a range of landscape styles and functional plantings created with native flora. Participants will explore how native species grow in the wild and translate that knowledge into design principles for their landscape.

The attendance fee is $15, but DBG members attend free of charge.

West is the planting designer and ecological sales manager at North Creek Nurseries, a wholesale perennial grower in Landenberg, Pa. She holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture and regional planning from the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

In her current role, West concentrates on ecological design and restoration, offering consultation services from initial project planning stages to adaptive management strategies after project completion. Her work is centered on the development of stable, layered planting designs and the desire to bring American native plants back into the landscape by making them widely acceptable.

She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as plant community-based design and the application of natural color theories to planting design. Together with co-author Thomas Rainer, she will publish a new approach to ecological planting design in her first book “Planting in a Post-Wild World” (Timber Press) this fall.

The Sept. 26 presentation is one of a series sponsored by the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, whose mission is to create an inspirational, educational and sustainable public coastal-plain botanic garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. For more information, visit the website at delawaregardens.org.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: Community Lutheran Church just outside of Frankford celebrates 20 years bringing the Word to the area.Twenty is the special number for Community Lutheran Church, just outside of Frankford. This weekend, the church celebrates its 20th anniversary, still located next to the blinking traffic light at the intersection of Route 20 and Omar Road.

After the worship service on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m., guests can enjoy lunch at noon in the church hall, catered by Jimmy’s Grille. The luncheon will include guest speakers and presentations.

“We’re a welcoming community of disciples that are dedicated to doing God’s work with our hands,” said member Sophia Riehl, who joined in 2003.

Lutherans are based in the Protestant Reformation and named for Martin Luther, known for pinning his “95 Theses” to the door of the Castle Church in Germany, criticizing the Catholic Church on “selling” forgiveness of sins. He emphasized the forgiveness of sins through faith, not through payment.

Fast-forward to the 1990s, when the nearest ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) option was St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City, Md.

“My husband had always been Lutheran his whole life,” said Beverly Stalnaker of her spouse and church co-founder Bob Orem, so when they moved from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore, they attended church in Ocean City.

That could be a hike for inland Delawareans, so a group of parishioners began planning a more local version.

By 1992, Ocean View Presbyterian Church (under Rev. Kerry Shull) was allowing the Lutherans to use their sanctuary for Sunday services, sponsored by the Rev. John Ranney of Milford’s Reformation Lutheran Church.

Ready for their own space, the Lutherans fundraised to build the present-day site in Omar. According to Stalnaker, some of the original founders were even willing to part with their personal retirement savings to make that happen, but they got official financing instead.

Their first Omar service was in May of 1994, and they officially signed their charter 20 years ago, on Sept. 25, 1995.

“We never gave up. The original ‘12’ had a dream and sacrificed a lot to reach that goal,” Stalnaker wrote.

The small building began with the square-shaped “Luther Hall.” Today, it functions as a social hall, but originally, Luther Hall was the sanctuary. Later, CLC unfurled its wings to build offices in the south and a sanctuary in the north.

Many people looking to retire to the area bring their religion with them. They find a Lutheran congregation and decide to visit in person. That’s how CLC grew over the years.

“I think it’s fantastic. We’ve come a long way,” said Stalnaker, who documented CLC’s history for an upcoming CLC newsletter, called “Grapevine.”

Today, CLC has lay visitation, children’s Sunday-school, adult Bible study, fellowship, free summer camps and more.

Armed with needle and thread, CLC seamstresses create quilts year-round, most of which go to Lutheran World Relief, which sends them to disaster zones.

Two CLC members were recently set apart as deacons, which involved more than a year of religious training to better serve the church.

“That’s a big accomplishment,” Riehl said. “We’re very proud of them. They’re a big asset to the pastor.”

The church gives holiday food baskets to those in need, and they visit several assisted living homes to lead worship once monthly.

Services on Wednesdays during Lent and Advent have an added attraction when people get together for potluck meals after the mid-week service.

“Our doors are open to everybody,” Reihl said.

“All races, creeds and colors,” added Stalnaker.

“We truly feel that these are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We truly feel kinship together,” Riehl said. “In the work we do, we feel kinship.”

Stalnaker would agree, having heard plenty of parishioners say the same.

Regular services are at 30897 Omar Road on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with Bible study at 9 a.m.

The church also hosted a remembrance service earlier in September, with special music and recognition of the CLC founders.

To learn more, call (302) 732-1156, visit www.clc19945.org or email clcomar@mchsi.com.

Coastal Point • Submitted: Café 26 Executive Chef Jason Bostaph in the heat of competition during the Battle at the Beach:­ Chef Cook Off on Thursday, Sept. 18.All the big-name chefs were there. From the big-name restaurants with the big kitchens and the big dining rooms.

But when the judges selected the winning dish and removed their blindfolds at the Battle of the Beach: Chef Cook Off last Thursday, the seared 5-ounce petite filet mignon topped with pistachio duxelle and seared jumbo scallops, atop sweet and spicy pickled onions and anajou pears and a crimini mushroom, fresh pea and roasted corn ragu, on their plates had been prepared by Executive Chef Jason Bostaph of Café 26 — a 12-table restaurant in Ocean View.

“We’re such a tiny restaurant. This is awesome that we’re running with the big dogs,” said Café 26 owner Maria Fraser. “That was a big affair.”

The competition, in the style of the Food Network show “Chopped,” was held at the The Ivy restaurant in Dewey Beach on Thursday, Sept. 18. It benefitted Meals on Wheels Delaware and featured some of the top chefs in the area.

But for Bostaph and Café 26, despite celebrating the restaurant’s fifth anniversary this summer, it was their first taste of head-to-head competition.

“Really, it was our first cooking competition,” Bostaph explained. “We knew we were going up against some good chefs, and we just went into it by trying to be as prepared as possible, so that regardless of what came out of that mystery basket, we’d have some fresh produce and spices to prepare with it.”

The “mystery basket” included five different ingredients given to each chef in the Cook Off, to combined with their own produce and spices from their respective restaurants. When it was finally revealed, Bostaph, Fraser and sous chef Jimmy Cooper found themselves with hanger steak, chili paste, hominy, raw eggs and prickly pear juice.

“I was relatively comfortable with everything there except the prickly pear juice,” Bostaph explained of his initial thoughts after the unveiling of the mystery basket’s contents. “The other things were mostly savory ingredients. The prickly pear juice was kind of like the wildcard. It threw me through a loop for a few minutes.”

But much like he does every night at Café 26, Bostaph set out to create something new out of what he had to work with.

“He brings all this creativity,” explained Fraser. “That’s why I love him so much — he just creates these phenomenal dishes every day. We just order fresh every day, and I just let him create. It’s been very successful. He is very talented.”

Even with the prickly pear juice to figure in, it wasn’t long before Bostaph had a plan.

“Jason looked at the five ingredients, and all of a sudden he said, ‘This is exactly what we’re gonna make,’” Fraser said. “I started doing the scallops, Jimmy started chopping all the fruits and Jason started all his different sauces — he cooked right there on the stage. It was amazing how he did it.”

And after it was all seared, sautéed and plated, the end result was a first-place award for the Café 26 team.

“It was definitely a tense moment, standing there, waiting to see what was gonna come out of that basket. But it’s like any competition — you get yourself ready,” Bostaph said. “I went into it knowing that I had the skill set to win. I knew that I was going up against some good competition, but I wanted to win.”

Winning the event qualified Bostaph and the Café 26 team for the Celebrity Chef Beach Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach. It’s there that Bostaph will face his next challenge and go head-to-head with The Ivy chef Aileen Delario.

“We just want to go into it as prepared as possible,” Bostaph said. “We do this every day — try to be as creative as we can in the restaurant. I go into the restaurant every day, and I make up specials — that’s kinda what chefs do.”

For tickets to the CCBB, which will also benefit Meals on Wheels Delaware, visit http://mealsonwheelsde.org/2015/05/2015-ccbb-tickets/. For more on Café 26, visit the restaurant’s website at www.thecafeon26.com.

Sussex County Council this week approved a change-of-zone application filed by Riverview Associates III LLC, for property located on the southwest side of Dagsboro Road, approximately halfway between Dagsboro and Millsboro. The property was zoned AR-1, but the applicant sought to change the zoning to commercial.

The applicant’s attorney, Dennis Schrader, said the property is contiguous to and would be combined with a 5.03-acre tract of land that is already zoned commercial.

“We are proposing a CR-1 designation,” said Schrader. “The purpose of this application would be to provide a site to support generally small-scale commercial retail or office uses. It is not intended to be a giant store. It is not intended to be a big commercial center of any kind.”

Schrader said the property is in the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Map as a designated growth area.

Jeremy Smith, who spoke on behalf of Riverview Associates III, said that across the street from the property is a church, butcher shop and a Delaware Department of Transportation maintenance facility.

Smith also said a residential development would be coming on Route 20, which is in close proximity to the property.

He added there are no set plans as to who would occupy the property.

“We would focus on the trade service, professional service.”

Councilman Rob Arlett asked what public utilities would serve the property. Schrader said sewer is not available in that area currently, and the property would be served by on-site septic and water.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the change-of-zone application, with Cole abstained from the hearing and vote.

“We’d like to get more businesses,” said Arlett during the vote.

Sussex County Council on Sept. 23 also gave the Indian River School District a grant $1,000 for the Sussex County Science Fair, out of the Countywide Youth Grant fund. The council gave the district another $1,000 for the Odyssey of the Mind competition.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark: Hocker’s new digital sign is the first install of the MX board in the country. It allows ads to be uploaded to it via iPhone or even rotate through an RSS feed.There’s been a change in scenery along Route 26 in Clarksville in recent weeks, with Hocker’s Super Center’s revamped billboard.

“It has been a four-year process. I went through every proper channel I needed to go through to get 100 percent approved,” said Gerry Hocker. “I first started with the County, and got approval from the County. Then I had to get approval from the State. There were a lot of meetings. It took a lot of time.”

Hocker said the digital billboard received approval on the county, state and federal levels prior to its erection.

“I went through every proper channel… Looking back now, I don’t know how I did it… other than determination, perseverance and respect.”

The billboard, which was upgraded in August, is a state-of-the-art double-sided digital billboard, with each side measuring 300 square feet.

Hocker said he knew he wanted the billboard, which had previously been occupied by vinyl advertising, to be digital from the very beginning.

“When you get any Board of Adjustment variance approval, you have 12 months to begin your construction. Knowing I would not have all of my permits in place for the digital, I had the structure designed and made as if it was going to be a digital billboard, because they have to withstand the weight,” he explained. “That structure was structurally made for a digital billboard, but to safeguard my permit, I had to erect the structure and just put in vinyl.”

Although it was a long process, Hocker said there was an unforeseen advantage to waiting for proper approvals.

“The Watchfire company… They just came out with a brand-new technology, an LED model. I was the very first install of their MX board,” said Hocker. “If there’s an advantage to going through the process for four years, I’ve been able to be a part of the most advanced billboard technology that’s on the market today.

“Had I gotten all my permits four years ago, I would not have had that opportunity. I didn’t know at the time, until after I ordered it. The day after I got it installed, I got a call and was told we were the very first MX board to be installed in the country, because the technology had just come out. That’s why the board tends to have a crisp clarity. The graphics are just phenomenal.”

Hocker said that, while an average digital billboard has about a 10-year lifespan, the MX-class board is guaranteed for 20 years.

“It’s part of the new technology.”

The board is capable of being changed at the swipe of an iPhone and allows advertisers to take advantage of the new technology.

“The capabilities of this board are incredible. I can upload ads, view ads and log into the billboard from my iPhone if I want.”

Hocker said that, being in the static billboard business since 2000, he’s always encouraged his advertisers to create an ad that would have longevity.

“With the cost of your vinyl, you had to be able to say something on that vinyl for 12 months. So you had to be able to say that one message that could stay up there for 12 months or longer.

“The good thing about digital is it gives you the flexibility. You can say anything you want to say at any point in time you want to say it. You can design your ads to certain days of the week, certain months, a certain time of day.

“You may want a particular ad to run between just 10 and 12 during the day, and then between 1 and 4 advertise something totally different. It’s 100 percent immediate. The immediacy and timeliness is the advantage to digital. If an advertiser doesn’t have multiple things to say, then digital isn’t for them.”

Those advertising on the new digital billboard are being encouraged to upload at least six advertisements that can rotate; however, Hocker said there is no limit to how many ads are within their library.

Advertisers can even get creative with RSS feeds — a format for delivering regularly changing web content.

“If a media company wants to advertise their breaking news or headline news, or whatever song might be playing on the radio at that instant, that board is capable of doing that.”

The digital billboard runs 24-7, with each advertiser getting a full rotation.

“I want somebody to feel like they’re getting the true value,” said Hocker. “I don’t want any of our advertisers to not see the benefit of it. We’re in business, too. Our main priority is our stores. That’s a heart of what we do. Certainly I know what it’s like to make decisions with advertising. I want people to feel the true value of being on any of our signs.”

Hocker said he wants to have a mixture of advertisers on both the eastbound- and westbound-facing signs.

“I’m trying to get a mix — anywhere from restaurants to homebuilders to insurance companies,” he said. “It’s a different medium to reach different customers in a different way.”

The process, said Hocker, has been a learning experience for him and his family’s business.

“I had one chance to do it right. Certainly, someone had to be the first at doing something,” he said, noting Hocker’s was in a similar situation when they wanted to get County approval to sell their in-house-made barbecue from their food truck, on their property.

“We were the very first to go through the whole process. The approval process we had to go through is so ridiculous that then the County changed it.”

Hocker noted that, in the wake of the County’s recent off-premises sign moratorium, their digital board has been referenced; however, he said he believes the County’s issues lie more with on-premises signs, rather than off-premises ones.

“But certainly our board was not a result of the moratorium,” he said. “I’m a fan of doing billboards with the proper approvals…

“I think, as of right now — just because it has been such a long process for us — as of right now, we are the only off-premise digital billboard in Sussex County. Not that it was intended for that. I think I was just a little bit ahead of the times. And since we did the two digitals, back-to-back, I think I was the second and third digital billboard to be in the state of Delaware.”

As his family has deep roots in its community, Hocker said, it was important to him to keep the sign tasteful.

“I wanted to make sure it wasn’t distasteful,” he said. “We love the community we live in. Our business is here, and certainly we didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”

Hocker said he wasn’t sure what kind of reaction the signs would garner from locals and visitors but was pleased with the positive response.

“The amount of feedback… I’ve probably gotten more positive feedback on this than all of the static boards combined… I’m very pleased. Just the positive feedback that I’ve received from potential advertisers, and I want it to be a sign that people want to look at.”

Hocker’s Super Center is located at 34960 Atlantic Avenue in Clarksville. Those interested in advertising opportunities may email Hockeroutdoor@gmail.com.

At its October council meeting, the Town of Ocean View will continue its discussion of the feasibility of Town-negotiated trash service.

In January, council directed Councilman Tom Sheeran to research what it would entail to create a town-wide solid waste program. Councilman Bill Olsen, who presented the information to council at its monthly workshop, said he had concerns about the multiple carriers in town, after receiving complaints from residents.

“It boils down to our roads having too much heavy traffic, and trucks are tearing up the roads,” said Olsen at Tuesday’s council workshop. “There are about six or seven haulers in our town picking up the waste and picking up the recycling. They may have to go up and down the same street, so it’s very bad on the streets… A couple of months ago, they were thinking about increasing the taxes on big trucks in Delaware because of the damage to the roads.”

Olsen suggested the Town look into creating a mandatory program that would control the number of trucks in town. He noted there would be some exceptions to the program, such as State-owned and commercial properties.

Residents who live in home owner association- (HOA-) controlled communities that contract for solid waste services would also be exempt.

Other factors to consider would be the rate of collection, as well as recycling and yard waste pick-up.

Olsen said that, in his research, he found the driving cost for trash collectors is the bookkeeping. Olsen said savings could come to residents because, if Ocean View had a town-wide solid waste service, the Town would do the bookkeeping and collection of fees.

Town Manager Dianne Vogel said she had attended the annual HOA meeting for Wedgefield and noted that the topic of trash had been discussed.

“They have the same concerns that you raised,” she said. “I think that Wedgefield, perhaps, if they were nudged a bit, could put that on their agenda for a full discussion.”

Mayor Walter Curran thanked Olsen for his diligence and said that he too had spent time researching.

“It is true that the cost of street maintenance is a big expense to the Town,” he said. “The majority of the problem is multiple companies, multiple pickup days. That topic is also, for the most part, within the perimeters of the various HOAs.”

Curran said he’s visited many of the town’s communities and has received copies of their bylaws — most of which have a right to a joint single service.”

“Just the same way Bear Trap does,” he said. “From my perspective, if, in fact, most of the problem is within the HOAs, then why not simply help the HOAs coordinate doing their own thing, rather than the Town getting into it?”

The individual HOAs could band together and negotiate collectively with haulers, said Curran.

“And we can help them do that. We would be more than happy to assist.”

Curran also said he did not believe that the driving cost for the companies was bookkeeping, and emphasized that it would be have to be taken over by Town staff.

“From my perspective, you’re talking about at least another half- or fulltime position for the Town, just chasing them,” he said. “I don’t believe the trash company for a minute that that’s one of their major driving costs. I just don’t believe it.”

The Town has many transient residents, due to being a beach community, said Curran, adding that he doesn’t believe the Town should be in the trash business.

“I believe in small government, not big government,” he empahsized. “Our current Census count is approximately 2,030 fulltime residents. In the summer, that jumps up in the 5,000 to 10,000 people range.”

Councilwoman Carol Bodine asked, if the Town takes over trash collection, whether council members would be getting phone calls if residents’ trash wasn’t collected on time or on the right day.

“There’s a company out there that provides cable TV service, and Bear Trap has a contract with them,” said Curran. “It has taken Bear Trap a year and a half to get a phone number for people to call, and when they call, they still don’t get service. So every member of the HOA board gets the call instead. That’s inevitable. You’ll be getting calls, I’ll be getting calls, probably even [Town Solicitor] Dennis [Schrader] will be getting calls.”

Schrader said the Town would have to consider the haulers’ right of contract between them and the people they serviced. If the Town were to offer Town trash collection, the service would have to be publically bid out.

Curran said he wouldn’t be able to justify adding to taxes unless the Town is “absolutely forced to.”

“We’re a seasonal town with greatly fluctuating population, depending on the season. To attempt to grow the services available to residents, owners or residents without a justifiable reason for increasing tax dollars is contrary to common sense and good managerial practices.”

“I think the town of Ocean View will have more people who don’t want it,” added Bodine. “I have neighbors who don’t have trash service... I don’t see them wanting to be taxed.”

Curran said he would be happy to have the Town assist HOAs in negotiations with solid-waste companies; however, he does not want the Town to take it on itself.

The council will continue its discussion at its next monthly meeting, to be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.

At their Tuesday workshop, the council also discussed the Emergency Services chapter of the town code.

“We asked for this topic to be studied, not to begrudge Millville Volunteer Fire Company any necessary funds they need to provide essential services,” said Curran, noting the town receives “superb” service. “We all appreciate those services. But, rather, it’s to determine if the Town of Ocean View is paying its fair share of those funds.”

Curran said MVFC receives grants and aid from four sources — the State of Delaware, Sussex County, the Town of Ocean View, the Town of Millville — as well as funding through private donations.

MVFC receives 2.3 percent of the total of the State’s Grants-in-Aid program, which equated to $135,440 in the 2015 and 2016 fiscal years.

“Delaware is Delaware, and I didn’t try to compare them to the towns or counties, because I don’t think we have anything we can control or say about Delaware except, ‘Thank you for sending our tax money back to us,’” said Curran.

Finance Director Lee Brubaker put together compassions of money donated from Ocean View, Millville and Sussex County, based on public information he was able to find.

Through Ocean View’s Emergency Services Enhancement Fund, the Town granted MVFC $80,000 in the 2014 fiscal year, $110,000 in the 2015 fiscal year, and currently has $65,700 in the coffers in the 2016-fiscal-year grant fund. The Town of Millville, he said, donated $14,400 in the 2015 fiscal year — 13.1 percent of what Ocean View granted that same year.

Brubaker noted that the Millville donation amount was based on the Town’s annual budget, as posted on its website, as audited financial statements were not posted on Millville’s website.

He added that Millville recently passed a new fee ordinance that added a $500 impact fee, which is to be designated for the fire company.

“That’s likely to create some additional funds,” he said.

Brubaker said the Town’s 2015-fiscal-year grant of $110,000 was 81.2 percent of the State’s grant.

Sussex County granted $250,887 to the fire department in the 2015 fiscal year. A normal County grant, said Brubaker, is approximately $200,000; however, an additional $50,000 was granted for specific equipment.

“I think the point that’s being taken here is that we’re paying more than our fair share,” said Curran. “The question is: (1) Do we cut back on what we give them? I’m disinclined to do that, quite frankly. I’d rather see if we can get more people to pay in. Or, be more specific on what they use the money for?”

Brubaker said the Town has the right to designate what the fire company uses the Town’s money for. Schrader said the Town also has the ability to require the company submit financial statements to show where those grants have gone and how they spent the money.

“So, if they come in and ask for respirators or to replace running gear, we’d like to know that, if we gave them $100,000 to buy running gear, $100,000 or more funds is expended by the fire company for running gear. We have not done that in the past, but the opportunity exists.”

Vogel noted that the recent ordinance passed by the Town of Millville put restrictions on the money granted to the company, while the Town of Ocean View’s grant does not; however, there is no requirement that the Town distribute the funds.

“I don’t think anyone is suggesting we take the money away from them,” said Curran. “We want to spend it more wisely, perhaps; but, more than that, we want to see that the surrounding areas that also get this service step up.”

The council will continue its discuss of the topic at its Oct. 13 meeting.

Like any parents, Stephen and Amanda Lowe are delighted to be having their first child together in October. But their baby boy has a long road ahead, starting with open-heart surgery within days of his birth.

Still in the womb, baby Coleton was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), in which his largest arteries are incorrectly attached to the chambers of the heart.

“She’s actually having, like, the perfect pregnancy, and the baby’s fine as long as he’s in the womb, because he’s getting his oxygen from her,” Stephen Lowe said. “The problem starts the second he’s born.”

Cpl. Stephen Lowe has worked for the Fenwick Island Police Department for two years, and in Delaware law enforcement since 2004. Amanda Lowe is studying nursing through the Post 9/11 G.I Bill. Both have served their country, Stephen in the Air Force and Amanda in the Navy.

They met through a friend and were married July 25. They discovered in January that she was pregnant.

“We thought everything was perfect,” Lowe said, until relatively late in the pregnancy, when doctors said, “‘Your baby has transposition of the great arteries of the heart.’ It was just like getting hit by a Mack truck,” Lowe said.

In the human heart, the pulmonary artery pumps un-oxygenated blood to the lungs, where it replenishes its oxygen. Then the aorta pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

In Coleton’s case, the pulmonary artery and aorta grew in each other’s places, and doctors can’t say why.

“It’s just one of these freak things that happens,” Lowe said.

Besides that, his aorta has a slight kink, like a “sausage link,” which must be straightened out. Doctors must cut and fix a coronary artery, and one of the ventricles is only 70 percent as big as it should be. There’s no repairing that, but doctors believe it’s just big enough to still work.

But those factors also complicate the surgery and the boy’s future growth spurts.

“The second he’s delivered … they start doing stuff to fix it,” Lowe said. “They give him this medicine. It mixes all the blood in your heart, so it’s all oxygenated.”

After giving the baby’s lungs 24 to 48 hours to build strength, doctors will begin surgery.

“It’s like a piece of carpentry, because it’s not a like a disease,” Lowe said. “It’s a defect. It’s repairable. But there are kids who don’t make it though the surgery.”

Luckily, the nearby Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the few hospitals that treat TGA.

While Lowe’s health insurance has significantly decreased their medical costs, seeing six specialists in one day isn’t cheap. The family is still trying to raise $10,000 for the procedure.

They also need to pay for food, gas and parking with every medical appointment. And, after the surgery, the couple will stay in Philadelphia for more than a month, to be near the hospital. That’s a month of lodging expenses.

They’re also heading to Philadelphia two weeks before the baby’s due date, so they’re near a doctor in case she goes into early labor.

“There was no way to prepare for what we have to go through in three weeks,” Lowe said.

While there is lodging for families, such as the Ronald McDonald House, those spots are first-come, first-served, and people travel worldwide to stay there. The Lowes would rather have an extended-stay facility, where they can cook their own meals.

“There’s no way we would be able to afford it,” said Lowe, who also has two other children.

Led by Chief William Boyden, the Fenwick Island Police Department is spreading the word for their coworker, who Boyden said “has served the public faithfully.” They’ve gotten support from neighbors, the local Lions Club and law enforcement statewide.

“We’re a small agency, and I try to run a police department that’s more than just an employment place. We try to be a like family,” said Boyden, noting that he’s been amazed at people’s generosity. “It really does affect all of us. … The whole town in general does what they can to support an employee.”

Lowe expressed huge gratitude for the police department and the community, which in just a week has already raised thousands of dollars.

“It’s awesome. It means the world to us. There’s some really good people out there, I’ll tell you,” Lowe said. “We want to go and shake their hand and hug ’em, every single person. We don’t have $10,000 laying around to pay for a place for a month.”

He said there aren’t enough thank-yous in the world.

“It’s more than just money, it’s helping us mentally, giving us peace of mind,” Lowe said. “It’s taken a mountain off our shoulders so we can be there for him and each other.”

Expenses won’t stop the day Coleton is born. He’ll be closely monitored by a cardiologist for years, with regular visits to Philadelphia.

“When you find out you’ve got a baby with a heart defect like this, that’s something you can never prepare for. … She’s so happy we’re having a baby,” Lowe said of his wife. “But then, not knowing — he has a high percentage of not making it, or not living ’til he’s 5 years old — it wears on you.”

Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/babylowe. They can also be delivered or mailed to PNC Bank; 1107 Coastal Hwy.; Fenwick Island, DE 19944, or at any PNC branch, to the “Baby Lowe Account.”

Bethany Beach didn’t hold town council elections this year, as there were only three candidates who filed for the three available council seats, but just as with the council makeup for the coming year, the council executive roles will enter the new council year with a slight change.

At a council reorganizational meeting on Sept. 21, Mayor Gordon and Vice-Mayor Lew Killmer were both returned to those roles by unanimous votes among the council members, with no other candidates nominated.

There will be a change at secretary-treasurer for the council, though, as the council split on retaining Councilman Joseph Healy in that role, opting in a 5-2 vote to appoint Councilman Chuck Peterson as secretary-treasurer for the coming year.

Council newcomer Jerry Morris, who filled a seat formerly held by Jerry Dorfman, was among the five council members voting for Peterson, joined by Gordon, Rosemary Hardiman, Bruce Frye and Peterson himself.

The council will continue to meet at 2 p.m. on the third Friday of each month.

Also on Sept. 21, the council approved a list of committee chairpersons, as nominated by Gordon. Patrick Sheplee will continue as head of the Audit Committee, while Peterson, as secretary-treasurer, will head the Budget & Finance Committee. Hardiman will head the Charter & Ordinance Review Committee, while former councilwoman Carol Olmstead will continue to lead the Cultural & Historical Affairs committee. Frye will lead the Fourth of July Parade Committee, while Killmer will continue to head the Non-Residential Design Review Committee.

Gordon also nominated Larry Fishel, who had served as a member of the Communications Committee, to replace Morris on the Planning Commission, which is limited to one council member among its membership. (Killmer is the commission’s council liaison and chairman.) Fishel will complete Morris’ term, while the council also reappointed Killmer and Mike Boswell to new two-year terms on the commission.

Finally, the council unanimously approved a $432,000 contract with Jerry’s Inc. for the 2015 Street Rehabilitation project, which will include Half-Moon Drive from the east entrance of Bethany West to its west end, as well as Lakeview Drive in Lake Bethany, to Heron Drive. Jerry’s Inc. was the low bidder on the project, by more than $40,000, was recommended by the Town’s engineering consultant and has done work for the Town in the past. The project is set to begin around Oct. 5.

Kercher Engineering’s contract for $30,000 (time and materials estimate) for inspection of that street rehabilitation project was also unanimously approved by the council on Sept. 21.

The Indian River School District’s student population has unofficially hit the 10,000 mark.

The State of Delaware doesn’t take its official tally until Sept. 30, so there is still time for students to enroll or leave the district. But as of Sept. 21, the count was 10,208, which is 366 more than last year’s 9,842 students.

The district Board of Education had those 10,000 on their minds on Sept. 21 while examining results from the new standardized tests from spring of 2015. The school board got a state test recap, showing areas to celebrate and spots needing improvement.

“This test claimed to be a more rigorous test than [we’ve had before]. The State gave us some projections on how we would do on the test. We’re happy to say we exceeded [most],” said Director of Accountability Jay Owens Jr.

At various grade levels, five IRSD elementary schools performed below the state average in English/language arts (ELA); eight performed below state average in elementary math; three below average for middle school ELA; two below average in middle school math; one below average in high school ELA; and one below average in high school math.

Additional subjects, such as science and social studies, had higher averages, but, in all: one elementary school performed below the state average in fourth-grade social studies; three performed below average in fifth-grade science; and one school was below average in 10th-grade science.

Board Member Donald Hattier asked about some severe drops, such as John M. Clayton Elementary School’s ongoing drop in the number of students meeting the standards for fifth-grade science (from 96 percent, to 89 percent, to 65 percent and, finally, 31 percent this year).

“It’s a different group of kids,” Owens began. The district will look at the teachers and various student needs, he said. “I don’t believe we made any changes in instruction, but maybe some changes in focus,” such as an emphasis on math or ELA, at the expense of science or social studies.

“The principals shared this with their staff, and they’re well aware of that,” Owens said.

Admission fees

for volleyball games?

Volleyball is the only indoor gymnasium sport for which spectators don’t pay admission fees. Financial Director Patrick Miller raised the topic this week, hoping to promote consistency.

Currently, wrestling, basketball, football and soccer games have a gate fee ($2 for middle school and $5 for high school. Field hockey is sometimes charged, too, said Board Member W. Scott Collins.

Board Member Bradley Layfield questioned why any middle school sports had admission fees: “We’re trying to encourage students to do something in addition to their studies, and their parents to come out,” he said.

There is no record of why middle school admission fees began, only that they’ve been collected historically.

“It’s not in policy. We just want everyone to be on the same [page],” Miller said.

Athletic gate fees go to a district fund to help pay athletic salaries.

Principal Bennett Murray said volleyball typically doesn’t have a high attendance, unlike the paid-admission sports. Spectators are often other student-athletes visiting after practice.

Meanwhile, when money is collected, it’s often expected that the school will pay a ticket-taker, security officer and administrator or other authority figure. It might not be worth the money coming in the door.

The discussion was tabled.

In other school board news:

• The Curriculum Committee recently weighed the benefits of Academic Challenge, compared to other district programs, and decided to continue offering the advanced math and English programs, said board President James Hudson.

• Rodney Layfield inquired about the “dismal state” the visitor football bleachers were left in after Sussex Technical High School traveled to Indian River High School on Sept. 18.

Principal Murray said the very large student section left a “disturbing” amount of trash and what appeared to be a powdered form of paint. He said he found it “surprising” that any visiting administrator would leave a mess without apologizing or offering to help clean.

Layfield suggested that IRHS inform or warn Tech’s next opponent of the situation.

• Mountaire made large donations to Project Village (a preschool program for economically challenged children) and the district’s homeless program.

“There are 300 homeless which you don’t know about because [program administrator Walter Smith Jr.] shelters them and protects them,” said Mountaire’s Roger Marino.

• The Georgetown branch of the Project Village preschool program earned another Five-Star rating from the Delaware Stars for Early Success program.

• The Southern Sussex Rotary Club shared some of its district projects. Every third-grader will receive a free dictionary, as preparation for a Rotary-sponsored spelling bee in November.

The group also sends local 11th-graders to a conference on leadership and service at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). A scholarship fundraiser to continue that program will be held Dec. 1 at the Clayton Theatre.

“We believe that students should learn early that service should be a part of their lives,” said Christine McCoy, Rotary co-president.

• The Carl M. Freeman Foundation awarded $5,000 FACES grants to the G.W. Carver Academy for Positive Behavior Support initiatives, and to the TOTS program for the purchase of playground equipment.

• District parent Chris White encouraged the board to approve Bermuda grass on athletic fields, citing a huge difference between IRSD fields and other districts’ fields. Although it requires a lot of maintenance, “I would say it would be very beneficial for all the athletes here,” White said.

He also encouraged the board to consider consolidating IRHS soccer and football to one field in the new stadium. Although soccer has free rein over the old school stadium, the boosters pay for maintenance, and the new field is more secure, he said.

• Paris Mitchell, health teacher at IR High School, followed up on his statements from last month’s meeting regarding the risks (or ineffectiveness) of vaccination.

“I’m here to aggressively educate the public about what I think is a huge detriment to the public,” Mitchell concluded. “The Amish don’t vaccine their kids, and they have zero autism.”

• National School Lunch Week is Oct. 12 to 16.

• National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 19 to 23.

The next regular school board meeting will be Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Sussex Central High School.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter: William ‘Billy’ Patterson greets his adoring fans at the launch party for Brandywine Senior Living’s annual calendar. The project’s photographer, R. Chris Clark, gives Patterson a taste of luxury while doubling as chauffeur. Yes, that name might be familiar. Clark is also our staff photographer, but he does not dress that well when he’s at the Point.Rita Hayworth, eat your heart out. This week, the calendar girls (and guys) in the spotlight were the residents of Brandywine Senior Living at Fenwick Island. Brandywine has just released its 2016 calendar, with 100 percent of sales benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I’ve got to give one to my daughter,” said Rita Kilby, who appears twice in the calendar, including on Santa’s lap. She said that particular shot was easy; she only had to sit and laugh, and “I do that every day.”

This year’s theme is “A Day Without Laughter is a Day Wasted.” In candy-colored pages, seniors ride bumper cars and bikes, and splash in puddles.

“I think it’s been a good work of art,” said Kilby, who was photographed often for work publications. “I worked for the Navy, and we did this all the time.”

From the first photo shoot to the final autograph session, “The residents have, as you can see, a good time,” said Kathy Jacobs, Brandywine’s director of community relations. “It’s fun for them.”

Past calendars themes have included pin-up, black-and-white and the 1950s.

“The very first year I came up with this concept, I only had six residents willing to participate,” Jacobs said. “I think I’m up to 18 in this one.”

She praised calendar photographer R. Chris Clark (also Coastal Point’s photographer), who spends days staging and then editing the shots.

“Chris did a really good job. He really connects with the residents,” Jacobs said.

They call him a friend, not the photographer.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia (a severe decline in metal abilities such as memory, language, focus and more). According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, the disease cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. One in three seniors dies with the disease or another form of dementia.

“A third of our population here is affected in some shape or form of memory care. We have two memory units in our facility … mild-to-moderate [and] moderate-to-advanced,” said Jacobs.

Even if they’re not suffering from Alzheimer’s, many seniors know someone who is.

“Over the past three years, we’ve raised $13,000 with the calendar, for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Jacobs said, including $2,300 in the first week of 2016 sales.

“The calendar is fun even if you don’t have a connection to the cause,” Jacobs said. “They’re great gifts for people. People give ’em as Christmas gifts.”

Calendars are on sale now for $20 each. Contact Kathy Jacobs by emailing kjacobs@brandycare.com or calling (302) 436-0808. People can write a $20 check to Alzheimer’s Association and mail it to Brandywine, and Jacobs will send them a calendar. Or email her for a web link to pay online by credit card.