Fall/Winter 2019
Middletown Life
Magazine
Welcome to the
26th annual
Old Tyme Peach Festival on Aug. 17! The Olde Tyme Peach Festival Guide Inside Finding healthy foods in Middletown Willey Farms rises again A house of hope in Middletown Complimentary Copy
Dippold Marble & Granite
302.376.0199 www.dippoldmarble.com
Middletown Life Table of contents Welcome to the 26th Olde Tyme Peach Festival ........7 A new exhibit looks at the history of the peach industry .........................16 All about those famous peach pies .....................22 The science of peaches, and some tasty recipes ..34 Band members lend a hand at the festival ........48 While you’re in town, explore the Delaware Beer Trail ......................62 Finding healthy foods that taste great ...............82 The rebirth of Willey Farms .................90 Cover Photo by Drew Harting
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Welcome to the 26th Olde Tyme Peach Festival Welcome! We are now in the second quarter century of Middletown’s great summer festival! Although the festival has grown dramatically, even visitors to the first Peach Festival would recognize some of the current activities. For instance, the first parade was led off by the Banner Boys escorting Little Miss Peach, who walked the entire parade route wearing an amusing peach-shaped orange outfit. Today, Little Miss Peach will be wearing a summer dress, and for the first time will be accompanied by a new celebrity, Little Sir Peach. The sponsor of the festival, as always, is the Middletown Historical Society, founded in 1985 to promote the study, collection and preservation of Middletown history. The one-day Peach Festival now supports nearly the entire budget of the Society, including programs, research capabilities, and our ability to make the museum admission and programs free to all visitors. We urge you to join the Society by going to the Historical Society booth at Cochran Square, where peaches, T-shirts and other items are sold, and buy a family or individual membership to help continue our work. A Peach Festival special offer is to become a new member
at the festival and receive a paid-up membership until January 2020, getting the remainder of this year free. Students living in the Appoquinimink School District, from sixth through twelfth grades, are encouraged to enter an historical research paper contest. Cash awards totaling $3,500 will be given to the winners of the contest in November. Have you ever wondered how Middletown streets got their names? This year’s contest will be to research and write about the streets and families they were named for. Entries must be submitted by Oct. 19. Look for contest rules on the Historical Society website, www.middletowndehistory.com, or talk with docents at the Academy building at 216 North Broad St. Refer to the centerfold Peach Festival map, and the “What’s Happening” section of this brochure to help plan your day at the Peach Festival. Be sure to patronize and thank the sponsors and partners whose generosity and help have made it possible to provide all entertainment, rides and activities to the public without charge. The Middletown Historical Society
Enjoy the Olde Tyme Peach Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17!
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
at the 2019 26th Annual Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival As always, all activities are free, courtesy of our sponsors and partners. Items of special interest to children are shown in bold type.
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Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2019 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com
The Parade as usual kicks off the annual Middletown Peach Festival on Broad and Main streets beginning at 8:45 a.m. It always includes an exciting variety of bands, antique cars, fire equipment, costumed participants, performing groups, noise, horses and color. Among those featured will be our own talented Appoquinimink and Middletown High School Marching Bands. The Middletown Historical Society Booth at Cochran Square. Volunteers from the Appoquinimink High School Band and Band Boosters will assist in selling peaches, Peach Festival T-shirts and aprons. They will also help with information, directions, and recruiting new Society members. Peaches are available by the piece, bag, or carton. Continued on page 10
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What’s Happening Continued from Page 9
The Middletown Historical Society Museum and grounds, 216 North Broad Street, the Academy Building The MHS Museum offers a great place to cool off, sit down, use the restrooms, purchase baked goods made by the MOT Senior Center, and learn about local history. Downstairs is handicapped accessible, with a ramp leading to the back door. We have two exhibits downstairs: “Reflections of Middletown” shows an interesting collection of depictions of local people through the years, using various media from daguerreotypes to oil on canvas. We have recently added lots of new photos, plus a display of photos from Peach Festivals through the years. Our fascinating World War I exhibit, showing life at the front and at home 100 years ago, has been expanded with more sensory experiences. 2019 marks the centennial of the peace treaty of World War I. We will be closing this exhibit this fall. The Jean Birch Senior Center offers its signature pies and cobblers, by the piece or whole, for visitors who find it more convenient to purchase here rather than at the Senior Center location.
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Upstairs, we have a newly refreshed art exhibit called “Middletown Mixed Media: Artists Past and Present” which features 25 works of art in various media, from sculpture to watercolor to stained glass. The artists all had some connection to the Middletown area. A few were professionals. * Our “Living Together” exhibit, telling about various ethnic and racial groups that have lived in this area, will be open upstairs. * The children’s “Please Touch” room will be open with old fashioned, unpowered, silent, games and toys. * We are pleased to present our new exhibit upstairs on the history of peach farming in this area, especially focusing on the story of Samuel F. Jones, a local African-American man who started on his road to becoming a prominent farmer
just after the Civil War through his work with peaches. There are several hands-on components of this exhibit. * The Victorian school room upstairs has been redesigned and refurbished. Come sit in the old-fashioned desks and try your hand at cursive writing. * Hy-Point Dairy Farms, one of the Festival sponsors, has generously given us 300 coupons for a free ice cream cone. We’ll be handing out the coupons to visitors who come to learn from our displays. Outside on the Museum grounds, we’ll have several booths run by various historical groups. Visit the Victorians of Virtue and Valor to see what life was like in Middletown in the 1860s. Visit the soldiers, make a vintage toy, and play old-fashioned games. They’ll be at the Academy until 4 p.m. The Hy-Point Dairy Stand, where coupons for free ice cream may be redeemed is located near the main door. Behind the museum is the action-packed Kids’ Zone, loaded with games and giant inflateables, provided by Jump on Over, our main Peach Festival sponsor. Grace Church, on Pennington Square is one of the best-kept secrets at the Peach Festival, featuring the Praise Team tent with live bands and singers performing uplifting music throughout the day. Everyone is Continued on page 12
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What’s Happening Continued from Page 11
welcome to drop in for a refreshing bottle of water, or sit and relax in our air-conditioned dining area (bring your own food), along with the comfort station. Children, big and small, should be on the lookout for our Misting Station, in front of the church on the Pennington street side. Dogs are welcome to the Misting Station also. Connection Community Church. Although Connection Church has moved to its new location at 4744 Summit Bridge Road north of town, its volunteers continue to work in vendor check-in and setup at the festival. Connection Community Church is still a major partner in the Olde Tyme Peach Festival. We thank them for all the years of fun and games they provided at their former Green Street site! Jean Birch MOT Senior Center: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Pre-ordered pies may be picked up (must have receipt) 9 a.m.: Doors open 11 a.m.: Peach Pie Contest 3 p.m.: Car show trophy winners All day: · Homemade peach pies and cobblers (get there early), jams, jellies and baked goods (Pies and some baked goods are also available at the Historical Society Museum, Middletown Academy building) · Expanded Car show at the bandstand – 19 award categories. · Air conditioning with lunch, featuring Thelma’s chicken salad, egg salad, chicken Caesar salad, baked beans, and pie by the slice (a la mode if you like) · Gifts; gently used jewelry and purses Church on Main: (under the town clock, across from the Everett) will offer a place to rest, air conditioning and restrooms, and will sell peach ice cream. Volunteer Hose Company: The Middletown firefighters will host an open house that will showcase fire safety and best practices. The stunning fire department vehicles and equipment will be displayed along with units from the Delaware National Guard with information and giveaways. A comfort station will be provided by St. Francis Hospital. Everett, Inc. The Gibby: Come in from the heat and enjoy peach cobbler and live music. The Gibby Gallery: Lots of top-notch vendors with unique crafts and jewelry will be showcased. The silent auction fundraiser, “Art from the Heart,” is featured in the gallery. Help keep the arts alive in Middletown. The Everett Theatre: Cartoons, candy, popcorn, assorted theatrical Entertainment.
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
Meet our little Peaches! Our first Little Sir Peach is Henry Cole Sullivan!
Our Little Miss Peach this year is Jordan Porter!
Henry is 5 years old, a caring and sweet boy. He lives in Middletown with his mom, dad, and sister Violet. Henry plays for MOT soccer and shows good sportsmanship by helping both teammates and opponents during the games. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing and playing with his Legos. He will be attending Townsend Early Childhood Center in the fall as a kindergartener in the Spanish Immersion Program. Henry is excited about being chosen as our first Little Sir Peach. He is looking forward to participating in the parade and enjoying the festival, especially the peach flavored ice cream!
Jordan is 6 years old and is very active. She lives in Middletown with her mom, dad, brother Bubba, and sisters Jade and Shayla. Gymnastics, karate, tee-ball and swimming are just a few of the activities that keep both Jordan and her family busy. She also loves drawing and spending time with her family. Jordan will be a first grader at Brick Mill Elementary this coming fall. Jordan is looking forward to representing this year’s Peach Festival as Little Miss Peach! She loves dressing up and is excited about wearing her tiara in the parade. Her favorite part of the festival is the water ice and peaches!
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Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2019 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com
|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
By Ken Mammarella Correspondent
P
ersonal stories, rather than historical artifacts, are the focus of a new permanent exhibit on peaches at the Middletown Historical Society. “People and peaches planted the seeds that shape Middletown today,” said Abby Harting, the Middletown native and museum expert who designed the exhibit. Hence the name of the exhibit, “People and Peaches,” which is part of the society’s free museum in the Academy Building (216 N. Broad St., Middletown). The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. first and third Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. third Wednesdays. It will also be open Aug. 17 for the Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival. “Delaware was the country’s leading producer of peaches for part of the 19th century,” the state says in explaining why the peach blossom became the state’s floral emblem in 1895 and state flower in 1955. The peach pie became the state dessert in 2009. All those peaches generated lots of money, but the good times shriveled starting in the 1880s from infections that killed millions of trees. Continued on page 18
In this interactive display, people can appreciate just how many peaches fit in a jar by packing felt replicas. 16
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‘Click-a-Pick’ is an area to try on old-time clothes and pick plastic peaches off a tree.
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Peach Exhibit Continued from Page 16
Harting began work on the exhibit earlier this year, and it’s built on her strong academic background (a bachelor of arts in history, art history and art conservation from the University of Delaware and a master of arts in museum studies and nonprofit business management from Johns Hopkins University), as well as years of experience at historical sites. A key story involves Samuel F. Jones, a local AfricanAmerican farm laborer, who used the peach industry to build a better life. She learned about Jones from a very old issue of the Middletown Transcript. “A fabulous, front-page article,” she said, including telling details, such as his three winters of formal education, his Civil War draft and his 16 children. “He went from nothing to a considerable fortune” by the time he died in 1912, she said, and the exhibit shows part of his wealth with a stock book from Citizens National Bank of Middletown, listing 10 stocks that he owned and had registered with the bank. Continued on page 20
The ‘Click-a-Pick’ display is next to the home peach production space.
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Peach Exhibit Continued from Page 18
Jones listed a parlor organ in his will, and such an impressive item “is a real evidence that he’s solidly middle class,” she said. The exhibit therefore includes a similar organ from the society’s collection. To enhance the exhibit, the society is looking for photos of him and information from descendants. But “we haven’t been able to locate any family members yet,” she said. The family-friendly exhibit also includes a play space and interactive elements. In a feature called “Is It Still There?” museum-goers guess whether the historic houses that are photographed are still part of Middletown’s renowned cityscape or have been lost. Museum-goers can appreciate just how many peaches fit in a jar by packing felt replicas. And in “Click-a-Pick,” a mural of pickers is the backdrop for an area to try on old-time clothes and pick plastic peaches off a tree. It’s also a selfie station. “What is a museum exhibit without a place to take pictures?” she asked. Of course, “People and Peaches” still has artifacts, such as an early 20th-century peach peeler and peaches canned in the mid-20th century. “It’ll be a fabulous exhibit,” Harting predicted. A diorama shows how Middletown residents spent their wealth from the peach industry.
-RLQ 6WDWH 5HS .(9,1 +(16/(< DW WKH 0LGGOHWRZQ 3HDFK )HVWLYDO
I look forward to seeing
you again at this year’s
Middletown Peach Festival. Look for my team and me
with FREE ice cold towels! - State Rep. Kevin Hensley
Paid for by Friends of Kevin Hensley 20
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
MOT Senior Center combines old favorites with some new twists
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2019 Peach Festival features expanded car show and, of course, the pies By Drewe Phinny Staff Writer
A
s Aug. 17 approaches, anticipation grows for the wildly popular Peach Festival that brings huge crowds to the area. Now in its 26th year, the peach party has become the event of the summer and, not surprisingly, those who run the show follow the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So the fruit peeling will take place Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the pie baking. The event has grown so much that there are now two baking facilities -- the Middletown Senior Center kitchen has been supplemented by the Middletown Continued on page 24
What would a peach festival be without the main attraction?
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Pies and Cars Continued from Page 23
High School culinary arts kitchen to meet the demand for the delicious pastries. They sell out quickly, so get there early. Clearly, the peaches take center stage at the festival, but there are other worthy features, including a car show. Cecilia “Ceil” DeFazio, executive director of the MOT Jean Birch Senior Center, supplied the details. “There’s a car show on the property, sponsored again by the Middletown Historical Society. It’s held here, next to our gazebo,” she said. “This year, there are going to be, I think, 17 categories that will be recognized.” The public is invited to bring cars over to enter online. They can register on the Peach Festival website, www. middletownpeachfestival.com. This year, the car show judging will be done by style, featuring street cars for all years, Corvettes from 1953 to1982 and 1983 to the present, street rods from 1922-1933 and 1934 to 1948. “It’s going to go up through present, but the general categories are Corvettes, because there are clubs in the area, street rods, stock, modified, and then sports cars, foreign cars and trucks,” DeFazio said, “so it sounds like we’re going to have a lot more cars than we ever had before, because it was promoted more heavily. They can park their cars here and walk in and have lunch in the air conditioning.” As she talked about the pride these car owners have in their prized possessions, DeFazio explained that bad weather
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would probably be the one factor that would hinder their participation. “If it rains, there will be no cars here,” she said. “The people who keep their cars in garages and don’t drive in foul weather won’t bring their cars out if it’s raining. It takes years to get these cars in show condition. … They’re saying to the public, ‘Look what we did,’ and if they get an award for being best in a category; that is icing on the cake.” The car show got its start after an official noticed that people were driving vintage cars in the parade. “They wanted to park at the senior center afterwards, and then the chair of the Peach Festival said, ‘Why don’t we just turn it into a car show?’ We’ve had a lot of restored cars from the thirties, forties and fifties. It’s been really neat to watch how this has grown. In fact, one year, we had a replica of the Batmobile drive in. That was kind of cool. And it attracts kids and adults alike. We also had a couple antique tractors from the twenties or thirties.” DeFazio expects another immensely successful Peach Festival, and she attributes much of that to an attitude of goodwill in the area. “It’s one of these little, tiny micro-bastions where ‘town’ still means something,” she said. “People know each other, and they talk to each other. They take care of each other. And even the small businesses try to help the non-profits that are in town. Continued on page 26
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Pies and Cars Continued from Page 25
It’s really a nice sense of community.” As she explained the mission of the senior center, DeFazio said, “When a lot of people retire, they expect some life changes and they’re open to new things. So establishing a new residence in this area, or even if you’re keeping the same residence, you can reconnect. And if you’re moving here, you’re open to establishing new safety nets and new friendships groups.” The area continues to attract new residents at an impressive pace. Continued on page 28
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Vintage cars will be on display.
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Pies and Cars Continued from Page 26
Pies and cars: A perfect festival companionship.
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Some Delaware statistics show it is second only to Milford in terms of growth, particularly with respect to the senior population. “Everybody talks about the beach area in Sussex, but this MOT area is growing so fast that they’re predicting that in the next few years, it’ll outpace Wilmington and Dover,” DeFazio said. The other key to Middletown’s appeal is the variety of different resident lifestyles. “It seems we’re attracting people from New York and North Jersey as well as the Pennsylvania area, and that brings a different flavor because this was all farmland, so it’s really changing the demographics around here,” DeFazio said. “But the town government in the MOT towns all have a strong desire to keep that hometown feel, and they will do things like decorate the light poles for different events like the Peach Festival. And the senior center has their peach pie contest. What more country kind of a thing can you do, other than invite the neighbors to bake their best peach pie, bring ‘em in and be judged?” The population increase has also caused traffic concerns, which have been reduced somewhat by the Continued on page 30
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Pies and Cars Continued from Page 29
completion of the 301 bypass. There is speculation that Route 299 (Main Street) will be widened in the future. One final reminder about the stars of the show -- those scrumptious peach pies. “We can only bake about 350 of them,” DeFazio said. “If people want to order them early, they can call us, order one over the phone and pay by credit card, usually two weeks before the festival.” The day of the festival, the pies usually sell out by about 1 p.m. Lift any hood and find a mechanical miracle.
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Middletown Historical Society President Linda Harting
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Board of Directors Louise Atwell Linda Biggs Linda Harting Anthony Johnson David Matsen Barbara Wessel Brian Rickards Peach Festival Committee Members Brian Rickards, Chairman, Vendors, Layout, Peaches David Matsen; Co-Chair, Parking, Signs, Booklet Barbara Wessel, Cochran Square; Society Peach Booth Charlotte Desuit, Cochran Square; Society Peach Booth Cecilia Goebel Defazio, Transportation Bob Harting, Grace Presbyterian Church Abby Harting, Virtue and Valor Re-enactors Barbara Wessel, Trophies Alison Matsen, Cultural and Historical Displays Hollie Driscall, Parade Jump On Over, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Activities Ceilia Goebel Defazio, MOT Senior Center Sarah Drummond, Connection Church Steven Rickards, Entertainment Labarre Everette, Car Show
Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2019 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com
Thanks
The individuals and organizations listed here have generously donated their time and/or resources, such as vehicles, supplies, space, parking, services and planning to help make this event success. Planninga and Partners
Planning and Partners The Town of Middletown Mayor and Council Public Works Everett Theatre Gibby and Annex Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church Connection Community Church Church On Main MOT Senior Center
Services & Loans Appoquinimink School District Boy Scout Troop 125 Cooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Dentistry Residents and Businesses on West Main and North Cass Streets Crossroads Presbyterian Church Connections Church Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home Paul Lewis, DJ Environmental Testing, Inc Town Street Maintenance Crew Natalie Rickards Dennis Walmsley Dr. Greg Zweiacher & Dr. M Nashed Virtue and Valor Civil War Re-enactors www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2019 | Middletown Life
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
P
eaches are temperamental, brilliant but moody, and they hide their real selves behind their fuzzy, protective exterior, but as the author Alice Walker once wrote, “Life is better than death, I believe, if only because it is less boring, and because it has fresh peaches in it.” Let’s start with the time of the year when they are at their best – a tiny, come-and-gone presence that falls annually between mid-May and mid-August. Let’s continue with the yin-yang, push-pull of their interior and exterior – a gluttony of sweet texture encased in an outer skin that can both tickle and nag, and while the taste of a ripe peach is so delicious that it can stop time and recall moments from childhood visits to pastures, it falls somewhere between grapes and pomegranates on the fruit-friendly food chain when you wish to cook it, because that food fuzz has to come off. Continued on page 36
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Continued from Page 34
We may not always understand them. We may not always be given access to them at their finest. Their skin is not always easy to remove, and yet, when we bite into one that’s freshly-plucked in season, or find them brilliantly pink and waiting for us at a roadside stand at the peak of their beauty, they are heaven in the hand. In this article are included some incredible recipes for peaches – both savory and sweet – but in order to best prepare them, it’s best to know how to pick them, store them, prepare them and freeze them.
Peaches are on the softer spectrum of fruits, so handle them with care. Ripe ones should be firm, but have some give. Look for ones with a gold skin tone, rather than greenish or red. In terms of shape, a definite cleft is an indication of a mature fruit.
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It’s best to store peaches at room temperature, and wash them just before you want to eat or use them. Peaches generally hold up for four days, and perhaps a few days longer if they’re refrigerated in a plastic bag. Peaches will oxidize when cut and exposed to air, but a squeeze of lemon juice will stop them from turning brown.
To properly remove a peach pit from the center of the fruit, cut into the peach near the top until the tip of the knife hits the stone, then cut lengthwise around the stone. Gently hold both halves of the peach, twist in opposite directions and pull it apart. Put one side down and then loosen the stone from the peach flesh with a knife or your finger.
Toss the juice of one lemon for every 8-10 peaches and ½ teaspoon of sugar for each peach added to your recipe. The lemon juice will help prevent browning and the sugar will release juices from the peaches, helping prevent air pockets when freezing.
Washing peaches will remove most of the fuzz. Although the fuzzy skin is perfectly edible, it becomes tough when cooked. To remove the peach skin, blanch in boiling water for one minute and then immediately plunge into cold water to cease the cooking process. The skin should easily slip off. Do not let the peaches soak in the water. Continued on page 38
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Continued from Page 37
Peach Cobbler Ingredients • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter • 1 cup granulated sugar or Stevia (in a prepared form like Truvia, it measures same as sugar; if you use another form, you’ll need do your own conversion) - or Splenda, if you prefer, (sucralose) • 1 cup all purpose flour (white, mixed grain or whole wheat works fine) • 1 Tablespoon baking powder • 3/4 cup milk (low-fat or non-fat are fine) • 3 cups sliced fresh peaches, peeled or skins left on • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Options You can add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to your recipe. You can also add other fruits: blueberries and blackberries are particularly good in combinations with peaches. Just add 1 cup of either to this recipe in step 6. Directions Preheat oven to 350°F (175 C). Wash, peel and slice the peaches to whatever thickness you prefer. Tip: By dunking peaches into boiling water for 45 seconds, and then into ice water, the skins will usually fall right off. Melt the stick of butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat until it bubbles and turns golden-brown. Be careful: it will burn quickly and easily. Pour the butter into an 8-inch square baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together the 1 cup sugar (or Stevia (in a prepared form like Truvia, it measures same as sugar; if you use another form, you’ll need do your own conversion) - or Splenda, the 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 3/4 cup milk. Pour the batter on top of the melted butter. Do not stir. Without mixing, arrange the peaches evenly on top of the batter. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the cobbler. Bake the cobbler for 40 to 45 minutes at 350° F (175 C), until the top turns golden brown.
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*Community College Survey of Student Engagement 2018
Pretty Peach Tart Ingredients • 1/4 cup butter, softened • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 cup all-purpose flour FILLING • 2 pounds peaches (about 7 medium), peeled and sliced • 1/3 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract • 1/4 cup sliced almonds • Whipped cream, optional Directions Preheat oven to 375°. Cream butter, sugar and nutmeg until light and fluffy. Beat in flour until blended (mixture will be dry). Press firmly onto bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Place on a baking sheet. Bake on a middle oven rack until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, toss peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon and extract; add to crust. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake tart on a lower oven rack until crust is golden brown and peaches are tender, 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with whipped cream. Continued on page 40
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Pork Chops with Peaches Ingredients • 2 bone-in rib or center-cut chops (4 to 6 oz. each) • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoon olive oil • 3 peaches, pits removed, cut into 1/4-inch slices • 2 tsp. zest and 2 Tbsp. fresh juice from 1 lemon • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Pinch of dried red chili flakes • 2 cups fresh raw baby spinach • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped • 1 tablespoon butter Directions Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until lightly smoking. Add the pork chops and cook until first side is nicely browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until the internal temperature
registers 145°F on an instant read thermometer, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Do not wipe out skillet. Lower heat to medium low and add the peaches, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and dried chili flakes. Stir gently until the peaches begin to soften but don’t lose their shape, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide the spinach between two plates and put the pork chops on top. Pour any juices from the plate back into the skillet and add butter and lemon juice. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and swirling pan until butter is melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in half of basil. Divide the peaches between the two plates and then pour the pan juices on top and sprinkle with remaining basil. Serve immediately. Continued on page 42
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Roasted Beets, Peach and Goat Cheese Salad Ingredients • 2 beets, scrubbed • 1 bunch mache (lamb’s lettuce), rinsed and dried • 1 bunch arugula, rinsed and dried • 2 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted, and sliced • 2 shallots, chopped • 1/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped • 1 (4 ounce) package goat cheese, crumbled • 1/4 cup walnut oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • salt and pepper to taste Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wrap each beet in two layers of aluminum foil, and place onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the beets are tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Allow the beets to cool slightly, then remove the skins. Let the beets cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until cold. Once cooled, thinly slice the beets. Place the mache and arugula into a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced beets and peaches; sprinkle with the shallots, pistachios, and goat cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified, and pour over the salad mixture. Toss well, and serve.
Continued on page 44
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Continued from Page 42
Peach-MustardGlazed Pork Tenderloin Ingredients • 2 (1 1/4-lb.) pork tenderloins • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 large shallot, minced • 1/2 cup peach preserves • 1/3 cup bourbon • 2 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard • 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
Directions Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle tenderloins with salt and black pepper. Cook in hot oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat; add shallot, and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Remove from heat, and stir in peach preserves and next 3 ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, 1 minute or until preserves are melted. Pour over tenderloins. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 150°. Transfer to a cutting board, reserving drippings in skillet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, stir broth into reserved drippings, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Serve with sliced tenderloins.
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Call for 2019 Brochure!
Wallis Repair Collision Center *Reservations suggested.
School / Day Camp Train August 20 at 9:45 & 11am Brews on Board August 30 at 7:00pm Princess Express August 17 at 12:30pm & 2:30pm Hockessin Flyer - Diesel August 24 at 2:30pm
www.wwrr.com Greenbank Station • 2201 Newport Gap Pike • Wilmington, DE 19808 44
Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2019 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com
Phone (302) 378-4301 FAX # (302) 378-7323
106 Patriot Drive Middletown, DE 19709
Peach & Tomato Salad Ingredients • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 6 medium ripe peaches (about 2 lb.), pitted and cut into wedges • 2 pounds tomatoes, cut into wedges (about 4 medium tomatoes) and/or cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese • 1 cup pecan halves, toasted • 1/2 cup torn fresh basil Directions In an extra-large bowl whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, salt and black pepper. Add peaches, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and pecans; toss to coat. Top with basil. Serve immediately.
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26th Annual Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival August 17, 2019 9:00am to 4:00pm 46
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26th Annual Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival Sponsors
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
Band members help sell peaches at the festival each year.
Band members lend a hand at the Peach Festival
T
he Peach Festival is a busy time for plenty of people, but the members of the Middletown High School Band and Band Boosters do double duty on the day of the event. The band will perform in the annual parade, of course, but later, stationed at the Middletown Historical Society Booth at Cochran Square, they will be selling peaches, Peach Festival T-shirts and aprons. They will also help by offering information and directions to visitors, and selling peaches – individually, by the bag, or by the carton. For Middletown Cavaliers band director Brian Endlein, the festival is a chance for students to give back to the community that has supported them for years. “The band has been involved with the Peach Festival for at least the eight years I’ve been at Middletown High School, but they have been participating through several previous directors,”
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Endlein said. “The festival is definitely something our students look forward to each year. We love performing for the community. It signals the unofficial start of our fall season, and is a great way to cap off our two weeks of band camp and show everyone some of what the students have learned so far.” In addition to the excitement of performing – particularly for freshmen who are new to the band – Endlein said, “Events like this help us offset the costs of our program each year to help us ensure maximum participation from our students. On big trip years, such as this year to Walt Disney World or previous years
to London, it also helps students partake in these once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities. When your town’s name is on the side of your school building, it is humbling privilege and amazing responsibility to give back to those that have given so much to us. “Being out and about, selling peaches at this event, as well as performing in the parade, supports this distinctly Middletown tradition and helps keep our students in touch with our community,” Endlein added. “It’s the little things that make Middletown special, and that is what I want my students to carry with Continued on page 50
The Middletown High School Band marches annually in the Peach Festival parade.
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Band Members Continued from Page 49
them when we travel and perform, as well as for the rest of their lives.” The Middletown Cavaliers involve every member in activities and competitions. Their stated philosophy is “based on the belief that within every individual, the potential for greatness exists,” the school’s website reads. “When the efforts of each individual are focused toward a common goal, and when each individual pursues that goal to the absolute best of his/her ability, the goal --no matter how lofty-- will be achieved. Honesty, sincerity, respect, cooperation, dedication and the desire to achieve excellence are the qualities that bring out the greatness in all of us. “Every person in our organization is essential to its success, regardless of the position they hold. There are no performers who ‘sit on the bench’ in marching band. Everyone is a ‘varsity starter’ at every rehearsal and performance. All of us must work together to achieve our goals. We derive strength and courage from each other, working side-by-side toward excellence in rehearsal and in performance. Success is achieved through unselfishness, understanding and persistence.”
The band performs in London, England.
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Saturday August 17, 2019 Parade at 8:45am Festival
from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Presented by the Middletown Historical Society www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2019 | Middletown Life
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SchagrinGAS Moore Seal Inc American Spirit Federal Credit Union MOT Big Ball Marathon Evolu on Karate Academy Love of Christ Church Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Sen. Hansen, Rep. Johnson Advanced Pavement Group Bob Wagner's Flooring America Summit Hea ng and Air Condi oning LLC Sky Zone Newark FLAME-TECH Chris ana Care Imaging Services Jump On Over Beach Babies Child Care Air Temp Solu ons GEICO Local Office Akumin Asabasa Spice Co. Cadia Broadmeadow Delaware Lo ery Snows Pain ng Lidl LeafFilter North of Maryland, LLC. Burke Dermatology DEXSTA Federal Credit Union First Class Hea ng & Air Condi oning Del-One Federal Credit Union PJ Fitzpatrick Inc. Brandywine Podiatry Parisi Speed School of Middletown Delaware Orthodon cs Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya New Elizabeth AME Church Leonard Financial Solu ons St. Anne's Episcopal School Beckers Chimney and Roofing Slim's Sports Complex Homestar Remodeling
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443-747-4006 • 600 Rowland Dr., Port Deposit, MD 21904 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2019 | Middletown Life
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|Middletown Life|
There are plenty of places to find an afternoon of fun in the region all year long, and here are a few from www.visitdelaware.com. Baronage Farm 311 Black Stallion Station Rd. Townsend, DE 19734 Phone: (302) 659-1573 The Baronage Farm is a place where the dreams of ideals of the Middle Ages are in the midst of the modern world. Experience the medieval atmosphere! A great school field trip venue, the site boasts a Hands on History Day Camp complete with daily lessons and fun activities such as crafts and archery. Purchase old world items at the Siegeworks Forge and the Earthworks Pottery, or take a class in metalworking, pottery, jewelry, or other old world crafts. The Baronage Farm can also add a Medieval flair to special events such as reunions and birthday parties. Located in the heart of Middletown, Dutch Country Farmers Market is your destination for food, furniture and unique gifts and services, with more than 25 vendors.
Colemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Tree Farm 550 Silver Run Rd. Middletown, DE 19709 Phone: (302) 378-8949 Colemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has been family owned and operated since 1932. They sell Woodside Farms handmade ice cream all summer long, pumpkins in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winer. They offer school tours, birthday parties, company picnics, and bonfires. Enjoy the country setting of the beautiful 300acre farm. 56
Dutch Country Farmers Market 701 N. Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 Phone: (302) 285-0851 Located in the heart of Middletown, Dutch Country Farmers Market is your destination for fresh food, quality furniture and unique gifts and services. It has over 25 vendors selling everything from baked goods from scratch to Amish-made furniture. Dutch Country Farmers Market is also known for its sit-down restaurant and plenty of assorted food stands that will tempt your appetite.
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Continued on page 58
Odessa can lay claim to some of the finest examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the state.
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Fun places Continued from Page 56
Filaskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Produce and Farm Market 1343 Bunker Hill Rd. Middletown, DE 19709 Phone: (302) 378-2754 Filaskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Produce has been farming in Middletown for over 22 years. Much of their produce is grown right on their farm. Tours and educational opportunities available. Visit on a weekend for some family-fun activities like berry picking.
Frightland 309 Port Penn Rd. Middletown, DE 19709 Phone: (302) 838-0256 When the Halloween season rolls around, Frightland can be found near Middletown, with eight attractions including haunted houses, hayrides, their own cemetery and a town of zombies.
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Historic Houses of Odessa 201 Main Street Odessa, DE 19730 Phone: (302) 378-4119 Five historic houses and nearly 20 acres of surrounding property, outbuildings, and gardens are part of this colonial attraction. An outstanding private collection of household furnishings, fine and decorative arts with programs and tours that bring this 18th-century enclave to life, all year long. Once a busy Delaware River port town known for the shipment of grain and other agricultural products, Odessa can lay claim to some of the finest examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the state. The Delaware History Trail sign is located at 201 Main St. Open from March through December: Wednesday - Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Sunday (1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
Correction
In the Spring issue of Middletown Life, we included a listing for the Historic Odessa Brewfest. The listing included the incorrect date and times for the event. The Historic Odessa Brewfest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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Come and Shop at Purple Sage 50% OFF Selected Jewelry While supplies last
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Free Tea and Coffee Tasting First Saturdays of the Month 10-4 Tea Leaf Readings First and Third Tuesday of the Month Card Readings Second, Third and Fourth Saturdays of the Month 35 West Main St., Middletown, DE 19709
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302-376-8222 • 12 West Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709 60
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yourcreationstation.com www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2019 | Middletown Life
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Explore the southern and central Delaware beer trail! Central and Southern Delaware is part of the burgeoning national brewery and winery scene, and while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting the Peach Festival, or returning to soak up the sun at the Delaware beaches, these craft breweries, wineries and distilleries are waiting to welcome you. Source: www.visitdelaware.com.
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38º-75º Brewing
Beach Time Distilling
2000 Coastal Highway Dewey Beach, DE 19971 Phone: (302) 227-8519 Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill is now brewing in-house beers on a 20-Gallon brewhouse, the smallest brewhouse in Delaware. Branded as 38º-75º Brewing and only steps to the beach, our beers will only be poured on tap at Gary’s. Like our food for over 25 years, we strive to be different and use fresh ingredients in our liquid; and because we are so small batched, every beer will be limited. We do offer growler fills if the guest brings their own, and we do have a Crowler Seamer machine on site for off-premise consumption. Tap Room Hours: Off Season (Thursday 5 p.m., Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. to Close) Summer Season (Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to Close) Tours: Upon Request Established: Gary’s 1991 / 3875 Brewing 2017
32191 Nassau Road #5 Lewes, DE 19958 Phone: (302) 644-2850 Take the laidback feel of the Delaware beaches. Put it in a bottle. And you’ve got Beach Time Distilling. The distillery makes hand-crafted small batch spirits. The rums, gin, vodka and specialty options use local ingredients when possible. Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Featured Beverages: Beach Fire Spiced Rum, Beach Fin Gin Established: 2015
3rd Wave Brewing Co. 501 N. Bi-State Blvd. Delmar, DE 19940 Phone: (302) 907-0423 It’s fitting to have a microbrewery in a place called “the little town too big for one state.” Delmar’s 3rd Wave may not be on the beach, but the brewery and its beers will make you feel like you’re there. Two women founded and own this brewery, where you’ll find 14 beers always on tap in the tasting room. Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Hoppy Hour: Monday – Friday: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tours: Call for tour hours Featured Beverages: Sandstorm Belgian Tripel and Surf School Series NE IPA Established: 2012
Big Oyster Brewery 1007 Kings Hwy. Lewes, DE 19958 Phone: (302) 644-2621 The brewery is located in Fins Ale House and Raw Bar, but the beer is available at all its sister restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood while trying beers designed to be suited for drinking at the beach. And a small brewing system provides the flexibility to make whatever strikes the brewer’s fancy. Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Tours: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Featured Beverages: Solar Power Belgian Blonde, Hammerhead IPA Established: Restaurant: 2013 Brewery: 2015 Continued on page 64
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Beer trail Continued from Page 63
Blue Earl Brewing
Brick Works Brewing and Eats
210 Artisan Drive Smyrna, DE 19977 Phone: (302) 653-2337 Music and beer go together like peas and carrots or peanut butter and jelly. And Blue Earl is dedicated to that pairing. Catch live music every weekend while sipping on blues-inspired brews. The music feel continues in the tasting room, which features walls lined with instruments. Hours: Monday - Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tour hours: Saturday: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; Sunday: 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Featured Beverages: Walking Blues IPA, Honeysuckle Rose Established: 2014
230 S Dupont Blvd # 1 Smyrna, DE 19977 Phone: (302) 508-2523 Combine Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail favorite, Mispillion River Brewing, with Culinary Trail gem, Abbott’s Grill, and you have Brick Works. Take an industrial feel and join it with a rustic feel, and you’ll know what it’s like to be inside. Look into the open kitchen as your meal made from locally-grown food is prepared. Hours: Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Established: 2016
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Crooked Hammock Brewery
Dewey Beer Company
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, DE 19958 Phone: (302) 644-7837 For those who believe it is best to drink beer in a relaxed atmosphere, Crooked Hammock is the place to be. The brewery lives up to its name by having hammocks hanging out back. You’ll feel like you’re at a family cookout as you taste in-demand, beach-inspired brews in the large outdoor beer garden, which features ping pong tables, corn hole boards – even a playground for the kids! Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Featured Beverages: Wai Ola Cali-Style Coconut Ale and Mootzy’s Treasure IPA Established: 2015
2100 Coastal Highway Dewey Beach, DE 19971 Phone: (302) 227-1182 When you think about Dewey Beer Company, think about not traveling far. Your beer will travel 30 feet or less from the barrel it was brewed in to your glass, which means it will be fresh. The beach is only one block from the brewery. And it is mere feet from Dewey Beach mainstays like The Starboard, Bottle & Cork and Hammerheads. Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (summer hours) Tours: Available by appointment Featured Beverages: American Pale Ale, Blonde’s Bonde Established: 2015 Continued on page 66
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Beer trail Continued from Page 65
Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
320 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Phone: (302) 226-2739 Located on the main shopping and entertainment strip in Rehoboth, the “pub,” as it’s known among Dogfish aficionados, is thought of as the birthplace and soul of the famous brewery. There is an intriguing menu plus pub-only and hard-to-find Dogfish beer. There’s often live entertainment, pairing dinners, spirits tastings and much more. Hours: Everyday 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Featured Beverages: 60 Minute IPA, Indian Brown Ale Established: 1995 You can also pop next door to Dogfish’s newest restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine for seafood inspired by both those regions.
6 Cannery Village Ctr. Milton, DE 19968 Phone: 302-684-1000 Toll-free: 800-364-3474 Across the nation, two words have come to capture the bold and irreverent character of “extreme beer” for tens of thousands of fans – Dogfish Head. The brewery is one of America’s most lauded craft beer makers, thanks to its quirky creations and bold approaches. Dogfish Head’s innovative system of continually hopping results in some of its most-loved beers, like 60 Minute, 75 Minute, 90 Minute and 120 Minute. Bring the kids, and climb up to the brewery’s “steampunk” tree house. Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Tours: Sunday - Saturday: Times vary Featured Beverages: Namaste, Burton Baton Established: 1997
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Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company 1284 Mcd Drive Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 678-4810 Take a great Maryland brewery. Combine it with an awesome Virginia brewery. And the result is Fordham & Dominion. Known for its beer and its soda, both of which you can try in the tasting room. Be sure to check out the “R2Hop2” invention that helps put more hops into its beer. Tours: Saturday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Featured Beverages: Copperhead Ale, Double D Double IPA Established: Fordham: 1995; Dominion: 1989 Continued on page 68
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Beer trail Continued from Page 67
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant Rehoboth Beach 19815 Coastal Hwy Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Phone: (302) 260-8000 The Rehoboth location of the Iron Hill’s fleet of brewpubs (two other Delaware locations are in Newark and Wilmington) serves up original house-made brews and a mature take on American comfort fare.
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Mispillion River Brewing Co. 255 Mullett Run St. Milford, DE 19963 You’ll never have the same experience twice at Mispillion River Brewing. The brewery keeps its offerings exciting with “once-and-done” brews, single-hop varieties, and tasting-room exclusives. The fun atmosphere at Mispillion will have you forgetting that it is a production brewery, not a brewpub. Swing through downtown Milford to shop, wander down the riverwalk or eat at great restaurants, like Abbott’s Grill. Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday: 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Featured Beverages: Beach Bum Joe, Holy Crap! Established: 2013
Painted Stave Distilling 106 West Commerce Street Smyrna, DE 19977 Phone: (302) 653-6834 A 1940s downtown movie house is home to Painted Stave Distilling. Delawareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first stand-alone distillery pays homage to that with movie-themed spirits. Its distillers encourage visitors to experience the whiskeys, gins, bourbon and vodkas straight up. But they also love to invent and have people sample new mixes and cocktails. And you can check out a rotating gallery of local artwork. Painted Stave also offers a facility available for private parties, fundraisers and events. Hours: Friday: 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Tour Hours: Top of the hour when open Featured Beverages: Candy Manor Gin, Diamond State Bourbon/Rye Whiskey Established: 2013 Continued on page 70
Birthday | Bachelor | Bachelorette | Corporate Parties Axe throwing games Dedicated coaches Sunday Funday, min age is 12 on Sunday! Reservations recommended, but NOT required!
Beer & Wine available
FREE DRINK TICKET for all ďŹ rst responders, nurses, teachers & military EVERY time you play at our place
Visit our website to see our specials, learn more and book your axe throwing experience!
www.YouBetYourAxe.com in the Elkton Crossing Shopping Center on Rt 40 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2019 | Middletown Life
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Beer trail Continued from Page 69
Revelation Craft Brewing Company 19841 Central St. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Phone: (302) 212-5674 Tucked away just a few blocks from Rehoboth Avenue, Revelation Craft Brewing Company is a hidden gem with a warm atmosphere and brews aplenty. The brewery’s focus on local ingredients makes for a menu that changes with the seasons so there’s always something new for even the veteran patron to enjoy. Ride your bike to the brewery located just off the Breakwater Trail. When the garage doors are open and the breeze is rolling in, Revelation makes the perfect resting spot. Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Featured Beverages: Mother in law IPA, Mamajuana Brown Ale
Volunteer Brewing Company 120 W. Main St. Middletown, DE 19709 Phone: (302) 464-0822 Volunteer Brewing Company is your neighborhood brewery. Nestled in the heart of Middletown, this garage turned microbrewery’s mission is Serve~Local~Brew. Crafting small batch ales and partnering with local businesses and charities to engage the growing community, Volunteer is the place to run into old friends and meet new neighbors. Parking is available in the Public Lot on Scott Street. Taproom Hours: Vary Monthly – Check website or Facebook for hours. Featured Beverages: Volunteer Belgian Amber & Summit Farms IPA Established: 2017 70
Kevin and Dawn Schatz outside of former garage that holds Volunteer Brewing.
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|Middletown Olde Tyme Photo Essay|
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Peach Festival Fun Photo Essay Continued from page 73
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|Middletown Life| Brick laying ceremony on Sept. 7 to honor veterans
Warriors Helping Warriors: The South Broad Street house of hope
Photos courtesy of Warriors Helping Warriors
Some of the many volunteers who helped renovate the Warriors Helping Warriors South Broad Street location.
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ver the past few years, the once-dilapidated mansion on South Broad Street in Middletown has been slowly brought back to life -- nail by nail and brick by brick -- just like the men and women of our military who come to this house for hope, connection, opportunity, mentoring and support.
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In many ways, Warriors mentoring, support groups Helping Warriors, a nonfor veterans, spouses and profit organization that families, counseling and provides assistance to U.S. fellowship. veterans, grew out of the The center also includes a frustration that founder Ret. multi-purpose room, study/ Maj. Kevin Conley expericonference room, lounge, enced on his own, as an kitchenette and residential injured veteran returning space for 12-15 homeless from Afghanistan. He was veterans with bedrooms, not alone; Conley quickly kitchen and a bathroom. found kindship with other “Just yesterday, we returning veterans from Iraq received a call from a and Afghanistan, whose reveteran, and when he adaptation to civilian life pulled up to our door, we was being complicated by were able to give him a the red tape of the Veterans place to stay,” Kevin said. Administration and the “Otherwise, he probably medical transition system. would have slept in his car. Conley and his colleagues Sometimes, particularly also saw a lack of support for a veteran, it is difficult to get the assistance they to ask for help, but that’s – and their families and what we’re here for. caregivers – needed. “The work we do is to From the time it began listen to them, often on the in 2013, Warriors Helping very worst days of their Warriors has served as the lives, and begin to offer Warriors Helping Warriors will hold its latest brick laying Conley family business, any help we can provide.” ceremony in honor of veterans, on Sept., 7 in front of their South through the dedication of Warriors Helping Broad Street location. Kevin, his children Dylan Warriors not only provides and Brynn, and Kevin’s assistance to veterans, it parents, Ret. Lt. Col. Bill honors them, as well. Every Conley and Marsha Conley. six months, the organization holds a brick laying ceremony The organization’s mission statement is both simple and for the families of veterans who purchase a commemorapowerful: To enable veterans and their families to “Win the tive and personally inscribed 4”x-8” brick that honors their War at Home.” loved one, who is serving or who has served in the military. Warriors Helping Warriors recently opened the Brian Together, every family who purchases a brick is asked to Conley Veteran Resiliency Center that helps put the mis- place it firmly next to other commemorative bricks, in front sion statement into motion. The center offers programs to of the Warriors Helping Warriors house. support health and wellness, housing, resource and benefits On Sept. 7, they will hold a brick laying ceremony at their education, financial planning, recreation, peer support and 104 South Broad Street location, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. mental health. The center is operated by veteran volunteers Warriors Helping Warriors is located at 104 South Broad and a full-time licensed counselor/social worker. Programs Street in Middletown. To learn more and to purchase a offered include yoga, healthy cooking, meditation, peer brick for your veteran, visit www.whwonline.org.
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|Middletown Life|
Yes, healthy foods These Middletown restaurants prove the point By Drewe Phinny Staff Writer
A
s Middletown continues to grow, new restaurants are popping up all over. With the increased interest in healthy foods, restaurateurs are taking on the challenge of coming up with choices that combine good taste with decent nutrition numbers. Three eateries that make the cut are Playa Bowls, Poke Bros, and Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli. Playa is Spanish for beach, which is indicative of the origin of Playa Bowls. The original concept was born at the Jersey Shore. It’s the vision of co-founders Robert Giulani and Abby Taylor, who grew up surfing the beaches of Monmouth County and Ocean County. On their surfing trips to California, Hawaii and elsewhere, they enjoyed unique versions of acai or pitaya bowls, inspiring them to recreate their own recipes with a twist. What started in 2014 as a makeshift stand has grown to an impressive chain of 65 stores nationwide.
The Middletown location, at 832 Kohl Ave., is managed by Jessica Herron, who also runs the store on Main Street in Newark. Herron explained that Playa Bowls are based on two “superfoods,” acai and pitaya. “Acai is a Brazilian super-fruit, out of the Amazon,” Herron said. “It’s really high in antioxidants and healthy omegas. And pitaya, which is probably our most popular base, is a dragon fruit from Nicaragua. It’s high in fiber but low in sugar, and a good source of iron, magnesium and Vitamin-C. “We have a pretty big menu,” she added. “Some people find it slightly overwhelming, but I always tell them our menu is completely customizable, so anything you see that you don’t particularly like, you can always take that out and substitute a different fruit.” Coconut bowls are a big seller. “Our coconut bowls are probably our highest calories,” Herron said. “They’re very good, but good for you, compared to, say, an Almond Joy. Actually, there is a chia bowl with that same name, made with spiced almonds, coconut flakes and we use raw cacao, just chocolate in its raw form. It’s sweet, but it’s also a super-fruit, so it’s much better for you. Other sweet alternatives include honey, agave, Nutella, almond butter and peanut butter.” Not surprisingly, the most popular bowl at Middletown Playa Bowls (and company-wide) is the Nutella Bowl. Breakfast is served with oatmeal bowls embellished with fresh fruit and organic, natural peanut butter, or the typical maple and brown sugar.
Playa Bowls 832 Kohl Ave., off Merimac Avenue Middletown Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.) 82
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ds can taste good Poke Bros describes its offerings as “Sushi-grade fish and farm-fresh veggies in an authentic, Hawaiian poke bowl.” Poke features cubed, raw fish mixed in a bowl with rice, vegetables and flavorful toppings such as sesame seeds, wonton chips and toasted coconut. Poke Bros was started in 2015, when the founders were introduced to the Hawaiian staple on a trip to California. Impressed with this unique dish, they made plans to bring it to the Midwest. The business has grown to 24 stores in seven states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Braden McGlone, marketing manager, describes a Poke bowl as “a deconstructed sushi roll. Although, with poke, there are additional options you can add. All the sauces are house-made, recipe sauces. O.G. sauce is
soy-based, and is used on almost all the bowls, unless a customer requests otherwise. Sriracha is a spicy aioli that is pretty popular.” Not everybody loves sushi, and for those who may want to opt for other possibilities, McGlone said, “Not all the Poke Bros locations are completely traditional, and we’ve found in the last few years that it was best to include a few items for just about everyone, whether or not they like raw seafood. So you’ll see grilled chicken and steamed shrimp. We try to make our menu as approachable as possible.” Diners can make their poke bowls as healthy as they want. On the other hand, “You can certainly pile on the sauce and the rice and things like that where they may Continued on page 84
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Healthy foods Continued from Page 83
not be as healthy,” McGlone said. “They also offer salads as a base, rather than rice. We actually see a lot of the people who are really into fitness, and they really like Poke Bros because of the amount of protein and clean eating. When you’re ordering, basically you choose your base, and from there you choose all your different ingredients.” Some signature bowls include the Johnny Utah (salmon, avocado, edamame, cucumber, masago, OG sauce and sriracha aioli), Da Kine (marinated tuna, sweet onion, seaweed salad, masago, green onions, OG sauce and ponzu), and The Duke (tuna, salmon, shrimp, seafood salad, edamame, cucumber, OG sauce and Gochujang, a red chili paste). Some will joke that food that’s good for you isn’t very tasty and food that’s bad for you is probably delicious. McGlone disputes that notion when it comes to the poke bowl. “You 476 Middletowndon’t have to hate your lunch. That’s Warwick Rd. one of the big benefits,” he said. Middletown “And it’s quick. You can be in and out in five minutes and have yourself Open from a pretty healthy lunch.”
Poke Bros
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Continued on page 86
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Healthy foods Continued from Page 84
Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli is a family business run by Sam Alachouch and his sister, Reham, who came to the United States from Syria with their parents in 2006. They feature Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on gyros, hummus and falafels. One of the more popular items on the menu is Chicken Shawwarma, a wrap with garlic sauce and pickle served on toasted flat bread. You can pair that with lentil soup with lentils, swiss chard and carrots, and you have a good meal. Alachouch uses basic ingredients for his dishes, and he believes that – along with a focus on freshness – is the key to the success of Marlena’s. “We concentrate on what we know. We came here, put a few items on the menu and people loved it, so we kept adding more of what they like,” he said. “My mom checks everything in the kitchen to make sure it’s right. This food is very simple; we grew up eating it. We get new people every day who have never even had hummus. They try it and love it. Continued on page 88
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Healthy foods Continued from Page 86
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“We make it from scratch,” he continued. “It’s chickpeas blended with tahini sauce. We add a little garlic. It’s really good. Another favorite is falafels. “We make them from scratch, too. We take the chickpeas, we grind them, add spices. We have a falafel maker and we fry them. We have a wonderful falafel platter with hummus with tabouli salad, made with parsley, bulghur wheat, tomatoes, onion, olive oil and lemon juice. Another favorite is Mujadara. It has lentil, bulgur wheat and fried onions.” Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli has been open for more than two years. The community has responded with solid support and great reviews on Facebook, Yelp and other social media: “Love that Middletown has a family-run business that offers different cuisine” “The kafta wrap with ground beef was absolutely delicious” “It’s great to have a Middle Eastern deli here in Middletown.” “Can’t wait for you guys to expand. The food and service is great.”
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Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli 10 West Main St. Middletown 302-373-6957 Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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|Middletown Life|
Willey Far A five-alarm fire devastated one of the area’s most beloved businesses last fall. But, just a few weeks after the blaze, Willey Farms was able to sell Christmas trees to its customers. The family business is slowly rebuilding after a lot of hard work and a touching display of support from the community… Willey’s Market has reopened just north of the garden center and greenhouse. 90
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arms rises again By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
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n the evening of Nov. 5, 2018, an electrical fire started at the north end of Willey Farms’ market. The fire spread quickly. Firefighters from four states responded to the five-alarm blaze, but despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Willey Farms could not be saved. A business that had served residents in Townsend and the surrounding communities for more than four decades was gone. “It was pretty devastating for us and the community,” explained Willey Farms marketing coordinator Donna Cavender. Continued on page 92
All photos by Steven Hoffman
The plants are very healthy at Willey Farms.
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Willey Farms Continued from Page 91
The question on everyone’s mind after the fire was whether the popular family-owned business would return. At the time of the fire, preparations were underway for the big Christmas open house. Willey Farms is a popular destination for shoppers wanting to look for unique holiday gifts. Most of the merchandise for the Christmas open house had been destroyed in the fire, of course. But the Christmas trees that had already been ordered for the 2018 holiday season arrived after the fire. Not wanting to disappoint customers, Willey Farms decided to sell the Christmas trees, some Christmas wreaths, and a few other holiday items that they were able to bring in. People turned out in large numbers to show their support for the beloved business. Some people who usually put up artificial trees in their homes bought real trees simply because they wanted to support the local business after the devastating fire. “There were so many people who came out to buy Christmas trees,” Cavender recalled. “It was good to see all of our customers again, and to see that community support.” The warm reception from the community had a big impact on the owners and staff at Willey Farms, Cavender said. “It gave us the will to come back,” she explained. It wouldn’t be easy to rebuild, but in the early part of 2019, decisions started to be made about how Willey Farms could make a comeback—one small step at a time. “It had taken us 40-plus years to expand to that point,” Cavender explained. Rebuilding wouldn’t be accomplished overnight. The family-owned business took a big step toward rebuilding when, after months of planning and hard work, the Willey’s garden center and Continued on page 94 92
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There is a wide selection of items available.
Willey Farms Continued from Page 92
The freshest fruits and vegetables are available at Willey’s Market.
greenhouse opened in mid-April, offering a wide variety of garden plants, vegetable plants, unique gifts, and more. Once again, the community showed its love for the business by turning out in droves when the garden center reopened for another spring season. “It was a massive opening,” Cavender said. “It was great.” It was also a relief. In those dark days immediately after the fire, there was
certainly a question about whether Willey Farms could be rebuilt and reopened. The opening of the garden center was evidence that the fire had failed in its mission to destroy something that is very important to this community. “Those of us who had worked here for a while, when we walked in and saw the garden center, we said, ‘okay, this looks like Willey Farms.” Continued on page 96
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Willey Farms Continued from Page 94
A new, smaller Willey’s Market located just north of the greenhouse and garden center opened, offering the freshest fruits, vegetables, and wide variety of natural foods. It was another big step in a remarkable comeback. Cavender pointed out that it’s a slow, lengthy process to get all the necessary permits and to take all the steps that are necessary to rebuild a business as diverse as Willey Farms. “Everybody wants to know, are we going to rebuild? The answer is yes,” she explained. “But we have to take all those small steps to get there.” Continued on page 98
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Looking for something unique? There are a lot of items at Willey Farms that can’t be easily found anywhere else.
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Willey Farms Continued from Page 96
Willey Farms is slowly building back what was lost in the fire. The total square feet of the facilities is less than before, but they are maximizing the space by utilizing their records of sales to identify the items that were most popular with customers. “We’re trying to offer as much of what the customers want as we can,” Cavender explained. The customers are delighted to have Willey Farms back. On a warm, overcast day in early July, Kara Streets, a resident of Middletown, went to Willey Farms to purchase oakleaf hydrangeas and some other plants at the garden center. Like thousands of other customers in the area, she is happy to be able to still shop at one of her favorite places. “The fire was devastating, but they are bringing it back,” she said. She explained
Customers can usually find whatever they are looking for at Willey Farms’ garden center and greenhouse.
Continued on page 100
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Willey Farms Continued from Page 98
why she has been coming to Willey Farms to buy plants, crafts, and other unique items for more than two decades. “I enjoy coming here and looking around to see what they have,” she said. “They always have unique items that you can’t find anywhere else. The plants are always healthy and they have a good selection. I’m a very satisfied customer.” Willey Farms is located at 4092 Dupont Parkway in Townsend. The hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The telephone number is 302-378-8441. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
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