Middletown Life Fall/Winter 2015 by Ad Pro Inc.

Fall/Winter 2015

Middletown Life

Magazine

Inside • Middletown shows its style with Fashion on Main • Family Help, Inc. supports needy families • Q & A with Cecilia Rozumalski

www.middletownlifemagazine.com

A Chester County Press Publication

Timeless Tips to Prepare for the SAT or ACT With the College Board’s impending debut of a completely redesigned SAT, college-bound students and parents everywhere are concerned about how to prepare for college entrance exams. The best study tip for students is to know one’s own specific needs. Effective exam prep is based on individual student needs. Huntington exam prep programs are built on the understanding that every student approaches exams differently and has different skills. A goal of ours is to get students familiar with an exam, but we also tell our students the skills they need to perform well on these exams are the same skills they need to succeed in college. Test prep tips for students taking college entrance exams: Start with baseline information. To understand what and how to study, students must know exactly where they have gaps in knowledge and skills. A diagnostic assessment is the best way to measure a student’s areas of strength and weakness. Any test prep study plan should be built around the areas that need the most attention. Take several full-length practice exams. Practice exams give students the chance to get familiar with the testing environment. A study program should incorporate at least two full-length tests so that students can see the impact that their studying has on their test scores. Follow a detailed schedule. Ideally, students should give themselves several months to prepare for college entrance exams. In addition, a detailed plan with daily and weekly milestones is the best way to ensure students stay on track and can raise their test scores. Focus on school problem areas. Get to know what types of questions are on the test. When your teen is struggling in school with a particular subject, it’s safe to assume he or she will struggle with similar content on the college entrance exam. A targeted tutoring program designed by Huntington can help students overcome problem areas and perform well on all exams—including the SAT and ACT. Devote time to test-taking strategies and stress management techniques. Exams can induce fear and anxiety into even the most prepared student. Students preparing for the SAT or ACT should dedicate sufficient time to some basic but essential strategies for success: pacing, careful reading, narrowing down answers and more. Students should become comfortable working quickly and efficiently through test questions and acquire a few basic methods for managing stress in high pressure test situations. Parents who are concerned about their teen’s SAT or ACT scores or unsure about how to help their teen kick off a study plan are encouraged to call Huntington. Huntington has helped thousands of students raise their test scores by developing individualized, well-rounded test prep programs.

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Table of Contents Middletown Life â&#x20AC;˘ Fall/Winter 2015 8

A place where businesses can thrive

Middletown Historical Society exhibit

MOT Film Society celebrates a love of movies

42 24

46 52

Fashion on Main takes place on Nov. 7

Q & A with Cecilia Rozumalski, executive director, M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center Appoquinimink School District appoints three new leaders Gear up for Corntober BrewFest on Oct. 3 Shelter and help for the hungry in the midst of Middletownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth

Everett leads the Everett Theatre into the future

Paintball at the Mansion

Photo essay: The Michael Castle Trail

Second annual Historic Odessa Brewfest set for Sept. 12

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Cover design: db Stirrat Cover photo: Courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Middletown: Always evolving Letter from the Editor: Welcome to the fall issue of Middletown Life. One of the big events that will be taking place in town this season is Fashion on Main, which will be held at the Everett Theatre on Nov. 7. Numerous businesses and individuals in town will play a part in this event, with a group of fashion boutiques—First & Little, Jewelapalooza, Nicole J. Boutique, Femme Fatale, and Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadria—providing the styles that will be showcased that day. The fact that Middletown’s commercial district boasts enough fashion boutiques to stage this kind of show is impressive—and a sign of the progress that is being made in Middletown. Middletown is always evolving, and there are plenty of examples of that in the stories that are included in this issue. We look at how the Middletown Chamber of Commerce is developing plans to assist small businesses, including a business incubator program for entrepreneurs. We also have a feature about the Agape Storehouse Community Basket, which works to provide shelter and

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

food for families in the area who need help. The food pantry serves up to 150 families a week. The Q & A in this issue is with Cecilia Rozumalski, the executive director of the M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center. Middletown Life talks to Rozumalski about how the senior center, now in its 48th year, keeps up with the growth of the Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend area. This issue also includes a story about the the newly formed MOT Film Society, which celebrates a love of movies. Michael Nazarewycz, the founder of the MOT Film Society, is working with local theaters to screen both classic movies and independent films that will resonate with audiences. We hope that you enjoy the stories in this issue of Middletown Life and, as always, we welcome your comments and suggestions for future stories. We’re looking forward to bringing you the next issue of Middletown Life in the spring of 2016. Sincerely, Randy Lieberman, Publisher (randyl@chestercounty.com, 610-869-5553) Steve Hoffman, Editor (editor@chestercounty.com, 610-869-5553, ext. 13)

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

—————|Middletown Fashion|—————

Fashion forward

Fashion on Main will feature styles for all ages.

Photo courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Middletown’s business district has never looked so good. The growing number of fashion boutiques has added sophistication and style to the town’s historic charm. See all the latest looks at Fashion on Main on Nov. 7 By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

n early 2013, a merchant saw that there was a collection of wonderful fashion boutiques in downtown Middletown so she suggested that they organize a fashion show—a day of style, beauty, and fun—to showcase the latest styles and fashions that are available in those local boutiques. Fashion on Main has taken place twice a year ever since—once in April and again in November—evolving

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into one of the most popular events on the calendar each year. The sixth fashion show will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Everett Theatre. “It keeps getting better and better,” said Amber Shader, the owner of First & Little, a shop that offers clothing for newborns to six-year-olds. Her arrival as a shop owner in 2013 came at a time when Middletown was assembling, piece by piece, a diverse collection of fashion-oriented businesses. Fast-forward just two years and now Middletown is earning accolades for its retail offerings—it was recently

“I don’t think there is anyone else doing a full, all-ages fashion show in the state.” ~ Amber Shader, owner of First & Little

Photo courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Middletown’s fashion boutiques offer the latest fashions and accessories for people of all ages.

named as the best fashion and shopping destination in one survey. “We have the most unique shops in the state,” explained Shader. Tracy Skrobot, the executive director of Middletown Main Street, said that the fashion show wouldn’t be possible without the deep roster of fashion boutiques— including Jewelapalooza, Femme Fatale Boutique, Nicole J. Boutique, Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadria, First & Little, and more. Each shop owner brings a unique sense of style to Middletown, and those styles are showcased during the fashion show. This is an all-ages fashion show and many of the participants are clients or children of clients of the boutiques in Middletown. “It’s really important to hit all age groups,” Shader explained. “I don’t think there is anyone else doing a full, all-ages fashion show in the state. We want to make sure that we’re providing a good experience for everyone who attends.” Each of the boutiques will provide clothing and accessories to create about 20 different looks, so there will definitely be something to match any style. As many as

30 or 40 or more children will be in the fashion show, so there may be as many as 100 different looks for attendees to see during the show. One of the participants in the fashion show is six-year-old Hailey, who said that she’s very excited about it. Shader took some fashion shots of Hailey outside First & Little. “The kids are all just adorable,” said Shader. So adorable, in fact, that it’s hard to limit the number of youngsters participating in the show. “Everybody wants their little kids in a fashion show,” Shader explained. Some of the girls are shy, while others are naturally effervescent and want to perform for the crowd. The women and girls who model the clothes and accessories during the show love the experience of walking the runway for the guests in attendance, including family and friends. Shader explained that many mothers and daughters walk the runway together. After putting on five fashion shows, organizers know how to stage the event so that it’s fun for participants and entertaining for the crowd. “When we first did this, it was a learning process,” explained Shader, “and it keeps getting better Continued on Page 10 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Fashion... Continued from Page 9

and better each time.” Skrobot agreed, saying that organizers are continually coming up with new ways to improve the event for everyone. The fashion show moved to the Everett Theatre, which is a perfect venue for it because the seating offers such good views of the stage. Beer and wine tastings have been added for attendees. The event has also become more interactive as each boutique does a small five-minute demonstration, like how to apply makeup for a certain look or how to style hair. The attendees will have the opportunity to shop for the fashions that are on display. The fashion show has grown to the point where people look forward to it. “A lot of people come in from out of town that day,” Shader explained. “We make sure all the shops are open. It’s a great way for people to experience and enjoy all the shops in town.” For those looking for the latest fashions, clothing for every age and size is available. Continued on Page 11

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Photo courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Shader said sa that parents love seeing their children take part in the fashion show. It’s a fun experience for everyone involved.

First & Little features clothing for the youngest children, offering stylish clothing and accessories or personalized and unique baby gifts that are perfect for baby showers. Shader prides herself on having Continued on Page 12

Photo courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Mothers and daughters enjoy taking part in the fashion show together.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Fashion... Continued from Page 11

items that moms won’t be able to find anywhere else. Jewelapalooza picks up from there and carries clothing for children between the ages of of seven and twelve as well as small, medium, and large sizes for women. This boutique, which is owned by Jaime Shane, also specializes in jewelry and craft-making parties, as well as a wide variety of gifts for women and children. Like First & Little, Nicole J Boutique arrived in Middletown in 2013. The casual women’s clothing boutique caters to trendy women of all sizes. Owner Nicole Hinton wanted to open the shop, which complements her online boutique, to offer fashion at affordable prices. Hinton handpicks all the styles in the boutique. She studied fashion design at the Art Institute of New York City, and is constantly bringing in new fashions to the boutique. Mary Kate Church’s Femme Fatale has been serving Middletown for 16 years. Femme Fatale carries designer clothing brands like Tommy Bahama and Joseph Ripkoff, as well as accessories by Alex & Ani,

Pandora, and Brighton. “They have so many great designer dresses,” Shader said of Femme Fatale. Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadira, meanwhile, offers clothing, custom design silk flower brooches, floral accessories, headbands, bow ties, ties, pocket squares, and more. The shop combines the talents and styles of Carolyn Douglas and Nadira Alston. Shader said that because Middletown’s shops have clothing and accessories for all ages, there are ample opportunities to match up outfits for big sister/little sister looks or mother/daughter looks. When it comes to building a strong commercial district, collaboration never goes out of style, and Middletown’s fashion boutiques exemplify how businesses can work together not just on one event, but throughout the year. The fashion boutiques organize sidewalk sales and coordinate their efforts on many different activities. “We all get along and we shop at each other’s stores,” Shader explained. “We all go to the same shows and buy at the same time, too.” In addition to the boutiques that are taking the lead

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for Fashion on Main, there are many other individuals and businesses in town who are supporting it in various ways. Nick Manerchia is the master of ceremonies for the fashion show, and Skrobot and Shader gushed about his ability to bring humor and personality to the show. Manerchia works at WSFS and is the president of the Middletown Main Street board. He is assisted with the hosting duties by Daneya Jacobs, the owner of Candy Connections. Manerchia and Jacobs make for a good team as the fashion show unfolds. Unika Custom Creations of Middletown helps set up the stage for the event, and will have home décor displayed—a kind of fashion show for the home. Each event creates a special set of memories for guests. Shader said that one highlight that stands out to her from a 2014 show was when, at the end of the show, all the models came up on stage and danced to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” One of the things that Shader enjoys the most out of the events is seeing parents’ faces light up when their daughters walk across the stage. “That’s the best thing ever,” she said.

Middletown M events FFashion aassh on Main is just one o th big events coming up off the in Middletown. There will be a Family Fall Fest on Oct. 24, with a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pumpkin-decorating contest. There will also be a lamppost decorating contest with a fall theme in October before transitioning to a holiday lamppost decorating contest in November. The annual Christmas parade takes place on Nov. 21.

Continued on Page 14

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Fashion... Continued from Page 13

The fashion show has become an important event for the Middletown Main Street program. “We’ve been able to raise between $2,000 to $3,000 for each show,” explained Skrobot. “We keep that funding in our promotions budget so that we can plan future events.” Some funding from one of the first fashion shows went toward the creation of the Middletown Pocket Park. This was a creative new use for what was previously a purposeless alley. While they are pleased with how the event has evolved so far, Shader and Skrobot both agreed that they will continue to refine the event. Skrobot has been exploring the possibility of bringing in some local pageant participants to future fashion shows so that they can model some of the clothing. They are very pleased with how the Nov. 7 event, which has a 1980s-inspired theme of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” is shaping up. This show arrives just in time to help guests decide what to wear this holiday season.

Photo courtesy Amber Shader Photography

Big sister/little sister looks will be on display at the fashion show.

“We are so excited,” said Shader. “It keeps getting better and better.” Tickets can be purchased in local shops or online at eventbrite.com. General admission tickets are $10 each. There are also a limited number of $20 VIP packages that include swag bags of small items from Middletown’s boutiques. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com. Call for 2015 Brochure!

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—————|Middletown Business|—————

The business incubator and collaborative workspace is in a large building on North Cass Street.

Photo by John Chambless

A place where businesses can thrive By John Chambless Staff Writer

n May, the Middletown Chamber of Commerce moved out of the historic Academy Building into a bright, modern office building on North Cass Street with a plan to help fledgling businesses thrive. Now the business incubator is almost full, and the chamber might have to expand its operation as the Middletown boom continues. “We’ve exceeded our expectations,” said Roxane Ferguson, the chamber’s executive director. “It’s a good problem to have.” With big-box stores and national chains sprouting all around Middletown, the Chamber of Commerce wanted

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

to make sure that smaller, in-home businesses weren’t pushed aside. The idea of offering a professional workspace to small businesses isn’t unique to Middletown, but the town’s spin on the concept has done better than anyone expected back in May. “We realized we needed to do something with a business incubator because we were getting so many calls from entrepreneurs who wanted to come to the area, and we were just sending them to commercial brokers,” Ferguson said. “We met with the New Castle County Chamber at their enterprise center, we went to the Coin Loft in Wilmington, which is more of a collaborative workspace, and then we went up to Walnut Street Labs in Chester

Photo by John Chambless

Middletown Chamber of Commerce executive director Roxane Ferguson in the middle of the chamber’s new headquarters.

County. Incubators were designed to give entrepreneurs the resources they need for mentorship, networking and helping them grow their business. We already had that infrastructure in place,” Ferguson said. What some businesses need is start-up capital and mentorship, but some are just fine and only need a place to meet clients that’s not around the family dining table. “Perhaps they have a home office but they need a place to meet a client, grab coffee, check email. Starbucks gets awfully crowded,” Ferguson said. “Some businesses need a mailing address that’s outside of their home. If you have a construction business, for instance, you don’t want people to just come to your home. What we do is provide a professional environment so people can con-

duct business. “This building was initially a real estate office, and what we were able to do is get a grant from Home Depot, get some in-kind services from local contractors to bring this together within our budget,” Ferguson said. “This building is a 10,000-square-foot facility, and we lease 3,500 square feet.” The other two suites in the huge building are not finished, but Ferguson said the chamber is eyeing them for future expansion. “We currently have 12 different businesses that use the facility,” Ferguson said. “All of our offices are rented out. We have a grant writer, Computer Mechanics, Tender Loving Care childcare has their corporate offices here, Continued on Page 18 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Chamber of Commerce... Continued from Page 17

and an IT firm has its office here. They each have their own key and a passcode for the building, so they can come and go as they please. “We also have folks who come in once a week. We have an insurance company, a payroll services company, Stanley Builders, and then we have several companies, like Mary Kay or realty firms that rent our offfice space for workshops and seminars.” The Chamber of Commerce charges small businesses a very fair rent -- $350 per month instead of $1,200 per month in one case Ferguson cited -- and clients get everything they need. For a cubicle space, it’s only $150 per month. “This gives them a chance to learn the cycle of business,” Ferguson said. “For the new folks, they can use the office supplies, and they purchase their own office equipment -- a desk, chair, that sort of thing. If they need capital, we have seminars. From a networking Continued on Page 20

Photo by John Chambless

Inspirational quotes decorate the walls of the incubator, where small business owners can meet clients, have a snack or catch up on local business opportunities. 18

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and growth perspective, the chamber already has three to five mixers and ribbon cuttings and so forth every month.” Each business gets an online dashboard that they can customize to reach their customers. The chamber’s website gets about 70,000 hits a month, Ferguson said, so business couldn’t be better. “It’s all here,” Ferguson said. “The incubator is the first one of its kind below the canal. We now have folks who are in a business development role and they travel the state of Delaware. This is an ideal location for them to drop in, check email, make a phone call or two, take a break, and find out what’s new in the area.” For now, there are one-year leases for businesses, but there’s no set time limit for leaving the incubator. “Those who want to grow and go, so to speak, we definitely want to help them do that,” Ferguson said. “For those who want to stay, we have that environment already built in. It’s kind of a win-win. Our goal is that they start Continued on Page 22

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Photo by John Chambless

Ferguson’s office is decorated with one of her quotes and a map of downtown Middletown.

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Chamber of Commerce... Continued from Page 20

here and we help them to move out to one of the other opportunities that Middletown has to offer.” Ferguson came up with a striking design for the space, which feels open, airy and bright. On the walls are stenciled quotes to inspire entrepreneurs. Ferguson’s office displays one of her own, and in the Founders Room where meetings can be held, there are quotes from each of the past presidents of the chamber. In September, the chamber will be opening the Community Room and making it available to area groups, and an internship program will be extended to local high schools to find a receptionist who can greet visitors when Ferguson or office manager Peg Ryan can’t be on site. “Middletown is an economic hub right now for the state, and it’s great to be able to live and work in this community,” Ferguson said. For more information, visit www.maccde.com. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.

Photos by John Chambless

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—————|Middletown History|—————

Looking at how the paths of history intersect in Middletown ‘Middletown Goes to War’ documents hundreds of years of service By John Chambless Staff Writer

Photos by John Chambless

or much of its history, Middletown was a sleepy little town, but a surprising amount of history has passed through the area, as shown in “Middletown Goes to War,” a long-term exhibit being hosted by the Middletown Historical Society. The exhibit, which is on the first floor of the society’s headquarters in the Academy Building on Broad Street, has a well-chosen collection of objects and information about Middletown families – or people who were associated with the general area – bringing history into sharp focus. The text panels and objects in display cases cover a huge sweep of time – from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War. During a tour, Alison Matsen, a staff member of the Historical Society, said, “I love to see local people take pride in their history. I love to see family things on display.” Matsen pointed out the exhibit’s list of signatures of local men who signed the “Oath of Loyalty to the Delaware State” in 1778, as well as a transcribed letter from George Washington to Gen. Rodney, advising him to muster men (“the quota assigned your State, at Middletown and in its neighborhood,” the letter states) to harass and attack British troops as they made their way through the state on their way toward Philadelphia. Matsen explained that Middletown got its name because it is at the midpoint going east and west on the Delmarva peninsula. It’s eight miles across, “the shortest portage between the Chesapeake and Delaware River,” Matsen said. The local Native Americans knew this, and would carry their canoes across to get from one river to the other. Originally, Route 299 was a well-worn path, 24

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

A painting by Stanley Arthurs shows an imagined scene during the Revolutionary War.

Matsen said, and settlers in the 1600s just widened it for carts. The War of 1812 is reflected in the career of Capt. Thomas Macdonough's, who was renowned for his victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Champlain in Plattsburg, N.Y., and whose home still stands on Route 13, six miles from Middletown. Nationally celebrated, Macdonogh’s victory is immortalized in a commemorative Staffordshire plate on display in one of the cases. The plate – part of a whole commemorative set from the War of 1812 – was produced in England and shipped to America for souvenir buyers, despite the fact that England lost the battle. Continued on Page 26

ory wn

From top right clockwise: A poster encourages Delawareans to buy war bonds during World War 1. A flier announces an hour of prayer in Middletown after the D-Day invasion. Civil War-era military equipment is shown in one display case. A uniform and photos from the Korean War. Young soldiers from the Civil War. A Staffordshire plate commemorating a Naval victory by Middletownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thomas Macdonough. Text panels focus on different eras in Middletownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. A hat, mess kit, trench art and other objects from World War 1.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

History... Continued from Page 24

During the Civil War, Middletown was a divided town in a divided state. There were local men who fought on both the Union and Confederate sides, and the division was reflected in the Witherspoon Hotel and the National Hotel, one of which drew Confederacy sympathizers and one of which drew Union sympathizers. The foundation walls of the Witherspoon survive today in the center of town. The Spanish-American War was fought in 1898, and there was a training camp for about 1,000 members of the Delaware State Militia near Middletown, at a place called Camp Tunnell. The exhibit spotlights Leonard B. Chadwick, who was born in Middletown, for his bravery in cutting undersea communications cables being used by Spain, despite intense fire from Spanish ships. He won the Medal of Honor for his bravery, and went on to volunteer in the Boer War in South Africa. World War I is reflected in the diary of former resident Julius Kirk, which is displayed in one of the cases and translated on a text panel. The diary vividly blends the

Scrap drives were held every week in Middletown to support the war effort of the 1940s.

miseries of camp life – cooties in clothing and the illnesses that claimed many lives – with the horrors of combat. There is information about the Red Cross and Marie Louise McDowell, a local nurse who served in Paris during World War I and later was sent to treat the wounded in Serbia. Visitors will also discover hidden stories along the way,

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Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Walter Wiest (back row, right) was seriously injured in World War 1 and returned to Middletown, where a bridge was named in his honor.

such as that of Walter Wiest, who graduated from the school that used to be housed in the Academy Building, was wounded in World War I and returned home to die at the age of 24. In 1921, a bridge was named for him just south of town, but the marker has since been lost. Matsen said she will try to get a replacement sign put up in honor of the young man. There’s a photo of Wiest and some of his classmates standing at the door of the Academy Building – the same door visitors walk through to enter the museum. It’s a striking reminder of how the past and present intersect. During World War II, there was a camp for captured German prisoners 11 miles northeast of Middletown, at Fort Dupont. Prisoners were put to work on local farms, and the exhibit highlights the letters exchanged between German prisoner Peter Doehrn and local farmer William Price. The cordial correspondence continued after the war, when Doehrn would ask for supplies while living in war-ravaged Germany. Visitors can leaf through a World War II photo album owned by soldier Ralph Motter, who married a girl from Middletown and lived at Noxontown. The album shows Motter and his fellow soldiers in Paris at the close of the war, as well as in training and in camp. There are several things for younger visitors to explore as well, with hands-on activities such as playing with cast-iron toy soldiers, playing with a rotary phone, playing a record on a turntable, and signing their own “oath of loyalty” to Delaware. Continued on Page 28

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

History... Continued from Page 27

Upstairs, there are several galleries packed with fascinating exhibits put together by the historical society, including a whole room where children can sit at an old-fashioned school desk, play with paper dolls, write on a chalkboard and get to know toys of the past. There’s a room full of objects from the turn of the century to the 1920s – dubbed “Downtown Abbey” after the popular PBS series – as well as a room devoted to schooling in the Academy Building, and the local peach industry. Visitors can also research their own family roots through 124 years of the Middletown Transcript available online, and look at maps, letters, books and photos. The society is always looking for volunteer help for individual projects, and visitors are welcome on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon, and the third Wednesday of the month from noon to 4 p.m. The Middletown Historical Society is at 216 N. Broad St., Middletown. Call 302-378-8265 or 302-740-5544, or visit www.middletowndehistory.com. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Local residents signed up for the Civil Air Patrol, watching for military aircraft during World War II.

Visitors can leaf through an album of World War II snapshots.

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—————|Around Middletown|————— By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Courtesy photo

Michael Nazarewycz founded and is managing the MOT Film Society with the goal of bringing classic and independent movies to the area.

ichael Nazarewycz fondly recalls watching “event” movies like “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Ten Commandments” when he was growing up. “I was raised on watching old movies on television,” he explained. “Back then, it was whatever you could find on television. There were these great event movies that were on once a year, and you had to plan your schedule to make sure you were home to see them.” Those classic movies sparked a love for film that continues to this day. Nazarewycz sees about 400 movies per year, and frequently writes reviews of films. He has written for several national and international film websites, and is currently a film critic for Way Too Indie, as well as his own film blog, ScribeHard on Film. Nazarewycz’s love of movies led him to form the MOT Film Society in December of 2014. “I wanted to bring more classic movies to the community,” the Townsend, Del. resident explained. “In this area, there is a dearth of small art house screens.” Once he decided to establish a film society, one of the first things

MOT Film Society celebrates a love of movies 32

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

that Nazarewycz did was contact Westown Movies to see if he could hold screenings of some of the best movies in the new, state-of-the-art theater. He also worked with the Everett Theatre to arrange other showings in the distinctive theatre in the heart of Middletown. “They have both been terrific partners,” Nazarewycz explained. Throughout the first half of 2015, 15 movies have been screened, including such beloved classics as “E.T.,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Casablanca,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Jaws.” “Jaws is a different movie on the big screen,” he explained. “I was really blown away by that experience. Part of the experience of going to a theater is that communal connection that you get. There is something powerful about that.” People between the ages of 5 and 85 have been showing up for the $5 screenings of the movies, and Nazarewycz said that certain kinds of movies are naturals to be screened. “You want to select movies with broad appeal,” he explained. “Some of the best movies that I’ve ever seen wouldn’t get five people to a screening. The first movie that we screened was “The Wizard of Oz.” That is a special film. It appeals to every age group. The turnout for that was spectacular.” Nazarewycz selects most the movies that are screened, and the screenings also serve as fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations that serve the community. Initially, six charities signed up, and an equal number have since joined up. Typically, Nazarewycz will speak for a few minutes Continued on Page 34 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

MOT... Continued from Page 33

before a movie, mostly focusing the talk on the charity that will benefit from that particular screening. He gives a lot of credit to the movie theater for making the events successful. “Westown Movies is very good with social media,” Nazarewycz explained. “They are very engaged with getting the word out about what is happening.” The Everett Theatre offers a different kind of moviegoing experience during screenings there. “The Everett is an historic theater,” Nazarewycz explained. “It’s got a little Hollywood in it because they shot some scenes of “Dead Poets Society” there. It’s got that open balcony and the old-time movie marquee. The Everett Theatre has the quaint charm of the old-time movie house, and it offers the experience of going to a one-screen movie house.” Nazarewycz works in systems and analytics during the day, but devotes a fair amount of his free time to movies. He follows them the way that some people follow sports. The arrival of a trailer for “Joy,” the David O. Russell film

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

that reunites Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, has him looking forward to the Christmas Day release. “I’m very much looking forward to that movie because of the creative trio,” he explained. As the founder of the MOT Film Society, Nazarewycz is always looking for opportunities to promote discussion about movies. One of his goals is to have the MOT Film Society to be comparable to a book club, with participants watching a movie instead of reading a book, but then discussing it. Another thing that he would like to be able to do at some point is to work with local schools to show movies like “To Kill A Mockingbird” to students. A discussion could be facilitated comparing the movie to the book. “That would be one way to get younger people involved in film,” he explained. Another one of Nazarewycz’s goals is to establish an official membership for the MOT Film Society. This could happen as early as 2016. He doesn’t envision a membership fee of any kind; the only requirement is to be

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a lover of movies. “The MOT Film Society is not funded in any way,” Nazarewycz explained. “This is a labor of love for me. I’m in this to spread the appreciation for film.” Nazarewycz is hard at work planning MOT Film Society’s first film festival, the Directed by Women Film Festival, which will take place from Sept. 11-13. Some of the titles confirmed for the festival include major releases like Penny Marshall’s “Big,” Nora Ephron’s “Sleepless in Seattle,” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.” Ida Lupino’s classic “The Hitch-Hiker” will also be screened. Independent movies that will be showcased include Nikki Braendlin’s “As High As the Sky,” Catherine Jayasuriya’s “Dusty Trail,” Maria Burton’s “A Sort of Homecoming,” “Joyce Wu’s “She Lights Up Well,” and Nisha Pahuja’s “The World Before Her.” Tickets for the film festival are $5 per screening, or an all-access Festival Pass for $29, which allows holders to see every screening. For information about how to join the film society or to stay updated on future screenings, check out the MOT Film Society’s Facebook Page or email MOTFilmSociety@ hotmail.com. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com. Continued on Page 36

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MOT... Continued from Page 35

‘Chuck Norris vs. Communism’: A review The following is Michael Nazarewycz’s review of the documentary “Chuck Norris vs. Communism,” which recently screened at Hot Docs, the Canadian International Documentary Film Festival. The review was written for www.WayTooIndie.com. I am proud to say I was there for the birth of the Video Party Era. If you are unfamiliar, in the early days of VHS, when players were not as common as they would eventually become, kids whose parents owned VCRs would host video parties. The setup was simple: take about a dozen high schoolers, feed them all the pizza, snacks, and soda that could fit on a kitchen table, and huddle them around a TV, where ’80s VHS rental staples—from slasher flicks to T&A comedies—played until curfew. It was glorious.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

While I presumed then that such parties were happening around the country, I didn’t realize (in my adolescent naïveté) they were going on around the world. What I also didn’t realize was how different, how amazing, and how critical certain Eastern European video parties were to the people attending them. In Romania circa 1985, the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu was in its 20th year, bringing to a close a second decade of stifling oppression. There was speech, but it wasn’t free. There was media, but it wasn’t independent. There was TV, but it wasn’t much: one channel ran two hours of state-controlled programming each day. That was it. The residents knew of movies, but all they were permitted to see were state-edited films, most of which originated from parts of the world other than the West, and those films were only shown in state-run theaters. This drove some people to purchase illegal VCRs and bootleg tapes on the black market. Those people would then invite other people—for an admission price—to secretly watch movies in cramped apartments all night long. Romania’s film-lovers of all ages found the experience to be glorious. With tales of VHS parties and a collection of clips from ’80s movies any US film buff would recognize (including

quintessential titles like “Top Gun,” “Dirty Dancing,” “The Terminator,” and more), “Chuck Norris vs. Communism” positions itself to be an exercise in nostalgia. With its geopolitical backdrop and Cold War era position on the timeline, the film also wants to be a history lesson. It does both well, but it’s when it goes deeper into those areas that it shifts into a more powerful gear. From the historical perspective, Calugareanu takes needed time to tell the stories of two figures of great consequence to the success of the underground VHS movement and that movement’s importance. The first story is that of Teodor Zamfir, the man responsible for pirating the tapes in the first place. At the height of his considerable influence, he was using 360 VCRs to create copies of tapes he would sell for enormous profits. The other story is that of Irina Nistor, the woman who dubbed all the voices on all the tapes, male and female. It was her voice every Romanian came to know through multiple (and repeat) viewings of every tape they could lay their hands on. Her voice became such a prominent feature of the underground tape scene that when a man was brought in to help her dub films because the volume of recordings she had to work on was growing too high, Romanian viewers dismissed those tapes as bootlegs of bootlegs, and were somehow inferior to the Nistor tapes. As for the importance of the movement, the tapes represented a window to the West for the oppressed people of Romania, and the films offered those people hope there was better living out there somewhere, and maybe they had a shot of living that better life, too. But it’s the added nostalgia facet that makes the film special. Rather than round up the usual suspects of movie experts and film historians, Calugareanu lets the story be told by the people who helped make the story in the first place: the citizens of Romania who hosted and/or attended illegal video parties in the 1980s. Having these stories told in the first-person turns the interesting into the fascinating, and as these folks dig deeper into their memories, they tap into an incredible sense of joy and wonder for the past that took me back to my own early movie-watching days and those video parties of my teenage years. As someone who not only lived through the ’80s but still revisits its like-totally-awesomeness via film on a regular basis, I found “Chuck Norris vs. Communism” to be more than a fascinating documentary; I found it to be a history lesson, decorated in nostalgia, telling the story of people who were more like us than we ever realized, at a time in our country’s history when we thought they couldn’t be more different. www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

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—————|Middletown Q&A|—————

Q&A Cecilia Rozumalski, Executive Director of the M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center Photo by Richard L. Gaw

In many ways, the continuing vibrancy of the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Jean Birch Senior Center is reflective of the changing definition and purpose of a senior center, as well as the explosion of commercial and residential growth in the M.O.T. community. Recently, Middletown Life spoke to M.O.T. Jean Birch Senior Center Executive Director Cecilia Rozumalski about the modern-day role of a senior center, how the Center keeps up with the growth of the M.O.T. area, and its many programs that reach not only those in their later years, but active seniors. Middletown Life: The Jean Birch Senior Center is now in its 48th year. It’s safe to say that the role a senior center plays in 2015 is a lot different than what it was in 1967. Talk about the role of a modern-day senior center in a community. Rozumalski: It should really be a hub of activity, more like a community center, targeted to people 50 and older. What we found ten yeas ago was that there was a whole wave of people who retired at a much younger age. Companies like DuPont, Hercules and several other 42

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

industries allowed people to retire at 55, 57 and 60, so senior centers shifted age-wise, to accommodate that audience. Now, even people who are working full time are beginning to prepare for retirement at age 50, and may be interested in what types of benefits that are available, what kind of activities there are at a center and in the area, and they are looking to move to the Middletown area because they want a new place to locate upon their retirement. The common thread through the many age levels who use the Center – from active seniors in their fifties to people who are over 100 – is that we try to project the theme of keeping people happy and healthy and living free of institutional care, for as long as possible. ML: To use an analogy, the five full-time staff at the Birch Senior Center are the owners of the house and maintain its overall function, but it’s very clear that volunteers are responsible for the design of that house. What are some of the volunteer opportunities currently available at the Senior Center? Rozumalski: Most volunteers would like to come in and serve lunch, but there are so many other volunteer

opportunities. We’re in partnership with Wawa Corporation, and three days a week, we use volunteers to pick up food items at our local Wawa stores. We run three different routes of Meals on Wheels every week, so we need 20 volunteers for those routes. We have painting opportunities, and handy-man opportunities. We need security guards for nighttime duty, to help welcome those who rent our facility for events. We need a volunteer army to help us prepare our pies to The Peach Festival. One of our volunteers had former experience with catering, so he helps with our special dinners. We’re open to allowing people to volunteer in whatever they think is fun, and have a knowledge base for. There’s a larger purpose here; volunteering becomes one of the methods to keep someone active and healthy, and it broadens their social network, which enables them to stay in the community as long as they are able, in a healthy way. ML: The Birch Senior Center is located between two high schools and nearby a private school, and many other schools. Talk about the partnerships the Center has been able to make with local schools. Rozumalski: We have members who like to go to elementary schools and read to the younger schools. We have a lot of high school students who volunteer here, mostly over the Easter holiday break, Christmas break and during the summers. We have students from St. Ann’s Day care come trick-or-treat through the Senior Center. We try to work with all of the schools. ML: What are favorite times of the day at the Birch Senior Center? What do those pictures look like? Rozumalski: Lunch time is loud and a lot of fun, but the quiet times are nice, too. I like to go out to the front porch. Someone always flags me down, and asks me what’s coming up at the Senior Center, or how we made out with this or that event. It’s my time to try to catch up with a few people. ML: Do you ever stop to acknowledge that what you, our staff and volunteers are doing is helping to keep the minds, the hands of the feet of hundreds of your local senior generation active and moving. Rozumalski: I’m really proud of what we do here, because we’re helping to keep people connected. One of the biggest difficulties in aging is becoming isolated, especially if you’re coming here from a different state. There’s a real social service side with what we do, which is to connect people with benefits, make food baskets for people who can’t quite make ends meet, finding Continued on Page 44 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Q&A... Continued from Page 43

resources for people who can’t afford to fill that tank with oil for another winter, or finding help for a widow whose spouse is now gone and is now lost – because her husband paid all of the bills. I met a gentlemen not too long ago who told us that he was in a bad living situation. He could not find work, and was behind in some of his bills, and he didn’t know what to do. Because we are a true community here in the MOT area, I was able to contact a manager over at Walmart and tell him that I know someone who could really use a hand. We were able to give him some supplemental food, and we hooked him up with other resources. He’s now one of our phenomenal recent success stories. I had someone from Walmart e-mail me, saying that this man is fantastic, and if we have any one else who has this man’s spark and desire, to please let them know. ML: Do you have a favorite spot in the area? Rozumalski: I like the playground and the driving range over near Legends. If I have time to unwind, I can go park my car there and watch kids playing on the playground, or watch golfers tee off. That’s a really nice spot for me.

ML: What guests, living or not, would you like have at your dinner party? Rozumalski: I would have to say my great grandfather and father. They were both voracious readers, who loved to travel and who loved to document everything they did. They were also very good at connecting the cultural aspects of where they went and what they did to their families, as well as to the social groups they belonged to; particulalrly my grandfather, who was involved with the Scottish Lodge and The Masons. My father told me the story about the time when he broke his arm when he was a small boy. His grandfather set his arm, and once they got to the hospital, the doctors found out that they didn’t have to do much, because my great grandfather knew what to do. When asked how he knew how to set an arm, he told the doctors that he had read medical books. My father was my favorite history teacher, and he enjoyed telling me stories from all of the books he had read. The Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Jean Birch Senior Center is located on 300 S. Scott Street, Middletown, DE 19709. To learn more about the Center, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call the Center at 302-378-4758. – Richard L. Gaw

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—————|Middletown Education|—————

Appoquinimink School District appoints three new leaders

Dr. Thomas Vari, Dr. Edward Small and Nicholas Hoover will all assume new leadership roles in the Appoquinimink School District this fall. Vari, a former principal at Everett Meredith Middle School, will become the new assistant superintendent of secondary schools and district operations for the District. In his new role, Vari will be in charge of student achievement and accountability in grades 6-12, and oversee departments including technology; transportation; nutrition services; and buildings, grounds & maintenance. One of his first assignments will be to expand the District’s career pathways framework – the courses, certifications, business linkages and assessments that help students ggraduate h to the career or college of their choice. Meanwhile, preschool and elementary programs will continue to report to Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Assistant Superintendent for Kindergarten and Elementary Schools. Small was named the new principal of the Louis L. Redding Middle School. A resident of Middletown, Small’s professional career includes seven years in the classroom where he taught middle school math. In 2006, he moved into administration, serving as the principal of a mid-sized elementary/middle school in the Southeast Delco School District. Most recently, he served as the principal of that district’s high school. Small has a graduate degree in Educational Leadership & Innovation, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in the areas of finance and economics. Hoover, the new principal at the Everett Meredith Middle School, is entering his 15th year in public education. Hoover has worked in several different schools and districts in Delaware, as a middle school teacher (math/ social studies/reading), dean of students, assistant to the principal, and assistant principal. For the last three years, he served under Vari as the assistant principal at Everett Meredith Middle School.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Thomas Vari

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Dr. Edward Small

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Nicholas Hoover

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

—|Middletown Events|—

Gear up for Corntober BrewFest on Oct. 3

You can get into the mood for fall fun when the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce kicks off a brand new event on Oct. 3 – the Corntober BrewFest. Held at the chamber’s spacious new headquarters on North Cass Street, the event has several big draws: A variety of fall beers and wines, along with a tempting array of foods and live music by regional performers. But then there’s the lure of cornhole. What the chamber is billing as the State Championship Cornhole Tournament will kick off at 3 p.m., with teams and individuals competing in the game that’s like the beanbag toss carnival games we all enjoyed as children. “We’re excited to hold the State Championship Cornhole Tournament here in Middletown.” said Roxane Ferguson, the executive director of the chamber. “The event supports our scholarships and business incubator and is a fun way to get the community together to play a very popular game, as well as enjoy great food and the falls brews.” The drinking, eating and competition will last until 10 p.m., and should be a big draw for Middletown residents and those outside the area. Admission is $5, and if you want to gather some friends and register a cornhole team, it’s $40 to register. Contributions will also be accepted for the Scholarship Fund. Sponsorships are available. More details will be posted as the event gets closer, but you can visit www.maccde.com in the meantime. The chamber’s headquarters is at 402 N. Cass St., Middletown. 46

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

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Fall Landscape Tips The days of summer are waning away and fall is just around the corner. Its time to start thinking about preparing your lawn and garden for those cold winter months ahead and for the next growing season. Everybody enjoys the brilliant fall colors of the leaves as the seasons change, but fallen leaves can create a big problem for your well manicured lawn. Leaves that are not removed or mulched before winter weather sets in can cause various fungal diseases that can cause extensive damage to a lawn. Irrigation systems should be completely blown out with air to remove any water that might have accumulated in your pipes. Doing this helps to eliminate the chance that the freezing and thawing cycles of the winter will do damage to them. Also, fall is a good time to check your irrigation system for damage and needed repairs or to see if the system might need to be retrofitted. Aeration and over seeding is key to achieving a healthy, full thick lawn. The fall is the ideal time to get this done, as temperature are cooler and the existing weeds in the lawn are dying, thereby, allowing the grass

seed to germinate with less competition from the weeds. Clean up flower beds and gardens by removing old plants and replacing them with seasonal plants that will add color to your garden well into the fall months. Mums, Pansies, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale make great choices to achieve a colorful fall landscape. Fall is also the time to think about adding Landscape Lighting to you home. Adding landscape lighting can not only added aesthetic beauty to your landscape, but it helps to improve safety as the days get shorter and it adds value to your home. Call Shackleford Landscape Group for an onsite consultation and demonstration of a simple landscape lighting set up. Don't let those fall lawn chores bog you down. Shackleford Landscaping can do it all for you. Everything from seeding and aeration of your lawn to installing landscape lighting systems to add security and value to your home. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 302-883-9602 or visit our website at www. SLGLandscaping.com.

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www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

—————|Around Middletown|—————

Shelter and help for the hungry in the midst of Middletown’s growth By John Chambless Staff Writer

n the everexpanding western edge of Middletown, there’s a lifeline for people who aren’t sharing in the economic boom. The sign in the warehouse window identifies the Agape Storehouse Community Basket, but it’s through the open garage door that you’ll find the conveyor belt and the stacks of critically needed food that’s distributed by volunteers. Standing in her Photo by John Chambless:

Dr. Zelda Carter and Irv Brockson were two of the founders of Family Help, Inc., in Middletown. 52

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

unglamorous office in the warehouse, executive director Zelda Carter beamed when talking about the families who line up at the food pantry to collect their allotment of supplies. “Families get food weekly or bi-weekly,” Carter said. “This is a 4,000-squarefoot food pantry. It’s a non-profit, nobody’s paid. We can serve up to 3,000 people a month. About 150 families might come each week.” Donated food is collected from WalMart, Super G and Acme Markets six days a week. There’s a well-worn van in the parking lot with 400,000 miles on it, and a 2014 van inside that’s used to pick up the donated food and bring it to the distribution point. “Food distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday,” Carter said. “Every couple of days, there’s food coming in or going out.” There are freezers stocked with frozen foods, as well as deli items, canned goods and boxed food stacked in the warehouse. One walk-in

Photo by John Chambless:

Renovated apartments on East Lake Street give four families at a time a place to call home.

Continued on Page 54 www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Family Help... Continued from Page 53

refrigerator/freezer is a major new addition. “Our utility bill had been $1,600 a month” to power the dozen or so freezers and coolers that had been used, Carter explained. “We’ve had this for three months now, and it’s saving electric. We were able to unplug 18 appliances and got $300 savings each month,” she said. The food pantry fills a critical need in the region. “Last year, there were 88 homeless students in Middletown alone,” Carter said. “I live off of Route 299 on a corner property. My husband would come out to work at five o’clock in the morning, and there was a family sleeping in their car.

Zelda Carter with one of the freezers holding food at the pantry.

Photo by John Chambless:

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We found out they were homeless. If we can’t put someone up in our housing, we will find housing or a shelter for them in Dover or Wilmington, or put them up in a hotel for a week until they can get things done.” The food pantry is just one part of what she and her husband Anthony are accomplishing each day. “I’m here five days a week,” Carter said. “I’m a pastor Continued on Page 56

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A 2014 van is a much-needed addition, allowing volunteers to pick up donated food at area markets, as well as donated furniture.

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www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Family Help... Continued from Page 55

and professor, and my husband is too.” Their church, Christ Servants Mission, is tied into the Power 4-U Community Center, as well as Love Inc., and a furniture rescue program, five food pantries, a soup kitchen and Family Help, Inc., Transitional Housing. Carter has always been involved in helping others. “My mother, Rosa Fountain, started me when I was 9,” she said. “My mother became ill when I was in my 20s, so from then to now I’ve been doing this. I’m almost 62 now. It all stemmed from my mom in the Philadelphia area. She was originally from downstate Delaware, where she would feed migrants on the farms. Continued on Page 58

Photo by John Chambless:

Donated food is stacked in the Agape Storehouse Community Basket before it’s distributed.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Family Help... Continued from Page 56

This is just what I do,” Carter said. “I was trained by my mother. She was always taking some family into our home. She had eight children, but she was always taking in the neighbor kids, feeding them, giving them clothes, giving them a place to stay. I’ve got my mother’s spirit.” Working with families who live below the poverty line, families who are homeless, and those facing a sudden crisis has only expanded Carter’s desire to help others. She will arrange emergency shelter for those at risk of homelessness, she answers her phone after hours, and “we don’t turn anybody down,” she said. “We’re the only place between Dover and Wilmington where families can get help.” Family Help, Inc., has been in operation for five years, she said. Before that, the Power Continued on Page 60

Photo by John Chambless:

A conveyor belt runs out to the pickup point at the warehouse where families can get food supplies each week.

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Family Help... Continued from Page 58

4-U Community Center opened in 1998. Through the years, Carter has developed a keen eye for people who are just using the system, those who are on drugs, and those who refuse to better themselves. But it’s the families who turn themselves around who keep Carter coming back, day after day. As part of the services offered by the network of organizations, “we do budget counseling, teach families how to keep their homes safe, the families help keep the grounds clean, we get them parenting classes, GED classes at Middletown High School, we help them clean their credit up so they can get affordable housing of their own,” Carter said. Four families have since bought their own cars, which made a critical difference in finding employment. “We had been taking clients to job interviews,” Carter said, which ate into the time she could spend helping others. “There’s only one of me. I need 48 hours in a day,” she said, laughing, as the phone in the food pantry office rang. There are about 200 volunteers, from the age of 18 to 93, who help run the various programs, but the main staff is only about 20 volunteers, Carter said. She runs a lean operation, and Carter hates wasting any resources. Food that is expired or spoiled goes to local farmers, who use it as animal feed. “No food goes to waste,” she said. Over on Lake Street in Middletown, Carter proudly showed off a renovated apartment building where four families at a time can get transitional housing while they get back on their feet. Families pay 30 percent of whatever their annual income might be. New bedrooms were added recently, allowing larger families to give children their own rooms. The apartments come complete with donated furniture that’s modern and clean, along with dishes, toiletries, sheets and towels. Since opening five years ago, Family Help Transitional Housing has hosted 20 families, Carter said, and only two families failed to succeed and move on. “One client moved in, and in three months we cleaned up her credit, she got a promotion at her job, and moved into her own apartment. It’s only been a year and she’s moving out into her own townhouse,” Carter said,

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

smiling. “We’re now working with our 21st family.” One of Carter’s mottoes is “Family Help is not a handout, it’s a hand up. We’re not here to pacify you,” she said. “We’re here to make you self-sufficient. That’s our number-one goal.” While in the transitional housing, families contribute to a savings fund, into which they give $100 to $300 every month. At the end of the year, if they stay that long, they get that savings back to move into a permanent home. Carter’s organizations have deep roots in the community that go beyond the apartment building they purchased and renovated on a street formerly known for drug sales and crime. Carter credits the Rotary, Lions Club and local churches for donating materials, know-how and labor to do all the painting, plumbing and construction on the apartments. “Women from church reupholstered some of the furniture and decorated,” she said. “Churches donate dishes and pots; Walmart gives appliances and beds. Families can get clothing donated through Christ Servants Mission.” When families get back on course, they are given furniture to take with them to their new homes. The families are tracked after they leave to make sure they succeed, and they can always come back for further assistance if necessary. As a pastor, Carter keeps faith in the picture, but there’s no pressure on families who accept help. Continued on Page 64

Photo by John Chambless:

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Calendar of Events for the MOT area SEPTEMBER 12 Historic Odessa Brewfest • 12pm - 6pm The Odessa Brewfest is a fundraising event for the Historic Odessa Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the legacy of the Historic Houses of Odessa for future generations, through commitment to the preservation of Odessa's unique historic, architectural, and cultural heritage.

OCTOBER 3

SEPTEMBER 26 SEPTEMBER 20 Run for Rehabilitation 8am - 12pm

Townsend Town Parade and Fair 10am - 3pm

The HealthSouth 5K race to benefit the Brain Injury Association of Delaware

OCTOBER 24 Fall Festival on Main • 1pm - 4pm

Middletown’s Corntober Brewfest 3pm - 10pm

Pumpkin decorating contest (Gibby Arts Center) and costume contest( 2 pm at the Everett). Food and vendors. Forest Church Lot on West Main and Downtown.

Sponsored by MACC. State Corn Hole Championship (3:30), Live Music, Food, Fall Brews and Wine and lots of FUN.

Town Hall. Call for details or to become vendor (302) 378-8082

OCTOBER 25

NOVEMBER 3

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Holiday Candelight Tour 7pm - 8:30pm

Parade through the garden. Bring a carved pumpkin for the pumpkin contest. Crafts. Call 302-378-4119 for info.

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DECEMBER 5 Christmas in Odessa Celebrating 51 years! A self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, decorated for the holidays. Craft and antique show, fresh green sales and concert throughout the day. Advance tickets $15, day of the event $20. Call 302-375-4900 or visit www.christmasinodessa.com

DECEMBER 19 Christmas Carols in the Park Call Town of Townsend for more information.

Step back in time, explore the traditions of yesteryear. Call (302) 378-4119 for more info.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Family Help... Continued from Page 61

“At the food pantry, before we give out the food, we start with a prayer,” Carter said. “I say, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work! Now let’s feed God’s sheep!’” The apartments on East Lake Street are well maintained, and Carter said families are carefully screened and given drug tests and criminal background checks before they are admitted. “This is not a shelter,” she said. “It’s a transitional home. We do inspections to make sure the apartments are kept clean.” Carter cited a side benefit of the food pantry as well. “Since we opened the pantry, shoplifting has gone down at Wal-Mart,” she said. Families who previously resorted to theft now know they can get critical supplies from Carter’s various organizations. During a tour of the apartments, Irv Brockson arrived and Carter hugged him in greeting. Brockson is the founder of Family Help, now the president, and said, “The good Lord laid it on my heart many years ago that somebody’s got to help these people. I tried to get this thing going for years and I was scared to death, to be honest with you. I

knew I was not the one to run it.” Carter added, “He came to me with his idea and I gave him a whole program that I was getting ready to run anyhow, and I said it was workable. We tried to get in several places, it took two years to get it going, but once we found this building and got everything going, 21 families later, here we are.” Brockson credited financial support from New Castle County Executive Chris Coons, Tom Gordon and the mayor and council of Middletown. “Without them, we’d still be dreaming,” he said. Brockson was the chairman of the Big Ball Marathon fundraiser, and set $40,000 aside from those proceeds for the purchase of the apartments. When he joined the Rotary, he raised more than $6,000 that also went into the pot. Then he found Dr. Carter. “Even before we came together, Irv and I and my husband had already been putting up families in our homes,” Carter said. “That was a no-no, but we did it because we had compassion.” “It’s not easy,” Brockson said. “You’ve got people in need and you want to help them all, but they’re not all helpable. There are users out there. But Dr. Carter can

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see through them.” The record of success speaks for itself. “East Lake Street used to be the drug capital of Middletown, and it’s changed a lot,” Brockson said. “When we show tenants the homes, they’re amazed. They don’t expect anything this nice.” At 78, Brockson said, “I’m still learning,” and he only wishes that someone younger could take over. “I believe in teamwork,” he said. “Sometimes I ask, ‘Lord, why did you pick me?’ But I feel that with God’s help, you can do anything.” Carter added, “It’s great to see the families come in, and once they get that key in their door, you can see their smiles.” For more information about services or volunteering, visit www.agapestorehouse.net. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.

Photo by John Chambless:

Bunk beds in a recently added bedroom allow children to have their own spaces.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

—————|Middletown Arts|—————

The number of shows and community events held at the Everett Theatre has increased.

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

n October, the Everett Theatre is staging Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music.” Chris Everett is directing the musical and he decided that this production will include backlighting to add a different element to the show. Sondheim wanted actors who could sing, so when Everett oversaw auditions for the musical back in the spring, he took that idea to heart. Since taking over as

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Courtesy photo

the executive director of the Everett Theatre in January of 2014, Everett has been taking it in all kinds of new directions, maximizing the Everett’s place in the community. “We’re working on making this the center of culture and the arts in Middletown,” Everett explained during an interview in August. It’s certainly an odd coincidence that the executive director’s surname is the same as the name of the historic theater that he is now charged with guiding. He has put Continued on Page 68

The Everett Theatre is the heart of the arts community in Middletown.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Everett... Continued from Page 66

his imprint on the Everett Theatre as he and the board of directors carefully plot the future of the venue while also respecting its history. The Everett Theatre debuted on Delaware Day, Dec. 7, 1922. It was designed by noted theater architects W.H. Hoffman and Paul J. Henon, Jr. The Philadelphia architectural firm was known for its theater designs—100 theaters in total, 46 of them in Philadelphia alone. From the day it first opened, the Everett was a favorite place for everyone in the area to enjoy new motion pictures or vaudeville stage performances. Generations of Middletown-area residents enjoyed the special experience of seeing a movie in a distinguished movie house. The Everett Theatre was beloved by many. That fact didn’t always protect it from societal pressures. As televisions and state-of-the-art movie theaters and shopping malls all took away the Everett’s potential audience, it fell on hard times. In 1983, a group of concerned citizens formed the Associated Community Talents, Inc., a nonprofit organization, to purchase the Everett

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Theatre and restore it. Associated Community Talents, Inc. evolved into The Everett, Inc. That nonprofit operates both the Everett Theatre and The Gibby Center for the Arts. Two years before he became the executive director of the Everett Theatre, Everett served as the music director for a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He liked the theater so much and saw so much potential for it that when he found out that the Everett Theatre’s board of directors was interested in hiring an executive director for the first time, he was interested in the position. “When I came here, I quickly found out that there are so many people who are passionate about this place,” he explained. One of those people who cares deeply about the Everett Theatre now is Everett’s wife, Mary, who helps with productions and also serves on the board of directors for Everett Theatre. She is just one of the many people involved with the Everett who have worked hard to expand the offerings.

Shrek the Musical was part of the 2015-2016 season at the Everett.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The community and the volunteers are what make this place tick,â&#x20AC;? he explained. Everett has increased the number of main productions from four to six, in part because so many people were auditioning for a limited number of parts. The opportunity to perform in the historic Everett Theatre is certainly appealing to many actors in the region. Continued on Page 70

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Everett... Continued from Page 69

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One of the triumphs of last year was certainly the enormously popular show that followed the Middletown Christmas Parade in November of 2014. “One thousand people went through here last year for those shows,” Everett explained. This year, the Everett Theatre will be staging “A Charlie Brown Christmas” after the holiday parade. Each performance will be a half an hour long to maximize the number of people who can enjoy it that evening. “A Charlie Brown Christmas is part of the popular Playground Series, which has ticket prices of just $8, and are all family-friendly. “It allows families to be introduced to live theater,” Everett explained. “We focus a lot on live theater here. We have ten shows this year, and that’s a lot of shows. But we have so many talented people in this area.” Everett grew up about a half an hour from Middletown. His diverse work experience includes everything from being a professional actor for several years to working as a financial advisor. “If there’s a job out there, I’ve probably done it,” he said with a laugh. Those different work experiences prepared him for the unique challenges facing the executive director of a venue like the Everett Theatre. He’s always juggling multiple tasks and continually looking for additional workshops, camps, or programs that might resonate with the community. The calendar of shows and activities is as full as it has ever been. “We’re still doing all the movies that we do,” Everett explained. In fact, the Everett Theatre is the only theater in Delaware that is showing the Manhattan Short Film Festival starting at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. They also show family movies on the first week of the month. Preparations are already underway for the play, “Miracle on 34th Street. Gail Wagner will serve as the director for this production. “It’s one of my favorites, and it will be a perfect tim eto get everyone in the holiday spirit.” There will also be screenings of “Elf” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” as the holidays approach. After “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” takes place, other upcoming Playground Series shows include “Pinkalicious” in March 2016 and “Alice in Wonderland” in May 2016. When “Pinkalicious” is presented, there will be shows during the day for local school students.

The Manhattan Short Film Festival “We’re very proud of the work that we’re doing here,” Everett said. “We’re doing things that will increase the visibility of the Everett Theatre, and we’re trying to do those things to the best of our ability. One of our main goals is to be more involved in the community. We are definitely community oriented. That’s one of the reasons why we do more live theater.” To purchase tickets or for more information about upcoming shows, check out the Everett Theatre’s Facebook page or visit www.everetttheatre.com. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

The Everett Theatre is the only theater in Delaware that is showing the Manhattan Short Film Festival. From Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 4, over 100,000 film-lovers will gather in more than 300 cinemas, universities and museums spanning six continents to view and vote on the ten short films which are finalists in the annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Established in New York City in 1998, the Manhattan Short Film Festival receives over 600 short film entries from over 45 countries a year. Ten of these entries are selected as finalists in the annual festival. This festival is not only one of the largest short film festivals in the world, it is the world’s first global film festival. Audiences from around the world are given the opportunity to unite with other audiences not only to view these films, but to vote for the one film that is the best.

Date: September 26 Time: 7:30 p.m. Price: All tickets are $12

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

——|Middletown Action & Adventure|——

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

A paintball player loads his ammunition.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Paintball at the mansion Since it opened ten years ago, Mansion House Paintball in nearby Bear has hosted birthday, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building outings and weekend revelers on a joyful search to re-live their childhood By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

onnie Campbell, the founder and owner of Mansion House Farm Paintball, remembers the day when a hot pink stretch limousine squeezed its way into the small parking lot of the facility on Porter Road in Bear, and out stepped one dozen young women. They had decided to have their birthday party there. Within a half hour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after they were both properly equipped and given a thorough safety lesson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the women were all Continued on Page 74

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Nick Durbin of Newark plays frequently at Mansion House Paintball Farm.

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Paintball... Continued from Page 73

tucked in one of the three fields behind the materials shop, lost in a friendly blaze of flying paint, like weekend warriors on a hilarious warpath to see which of the group would be pelted the most. Almost three hours later, they all re-emerged from the woods, exhausted and hysterical. They took their protective jackets and head gear off, returned their pellet guns to the referee, and promptly climbed

Photos by Paolo Tiamson

Continued on Page 76

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Chad Durgun of Philadelphia, center, prepares to lead his bachelor party group into paintball battle.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Paintball... Continued from Page 74

back in the hot pink limousine, and roared off. Since Campbell first opened Mansion House Farm Paintball in 2005, dedicating a four-acre slice of his family’s 20-acre farm in which to do so, the facility has seen its share of both the likely and the unlikely, the young and the young at heart and both the willing and the chilling, engaged in the happiest and safest type of warfare there is. Do you want to see a best man pretend for the moment that he is eleven years old again? It’s here. Would you enjoy the sight of Debbie from marketing capturing Phil from accounting? It’s here. How about the sight of women, just a few days away from holding corsages beside the wedding altar, covered in fluorescent bursts of paint from head to toe? It’s all here. It’s been here for the past ten years and it will be here for another ten years and counting, thanks to the ingenuity of Campbell. “I never thought it would take off like this,” Campbell said on a recent busy Saturday afternoon at Mansion House, where the sound of a bachelor party playing nearby could be heard. “There are a lot of other places that are a lot more competitive, but we’re just fun. That’s our niche and we’re proud of it.” The Mansion House facility sits in the corner of a 20-acre farm that Campbell’s grandfather purchased in 1939, where he ran a farm for several years. Later, the family ran a produce stand on the corner of Route 896 and Porter Road, but eventually, the stand was moved about 500 yards further into Porter Road.

Photo by Paolo Tiamson

Paintball at Mansion House draws a wide variety of age groups. 76

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

Campbell himself became a farmer, growing sweet corn and tomatoes after he graduated from the University of Delaware. He then expanded the family farm to include hay rides and the sale of fall plants like pumpkins. In 2003, a man came by the produce store, and he told Campbell, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wish someone could Continued on Page 83 Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Before play begins at Mansion House Farm, participants hear a detailed list of safety rules and regulations from a referee, who then accompanies players onto the playing fields.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

—————|Middletown|—————

Enjoy the Michael Castle Trail: 13.2 miles along the C&D Canal By Carla Lucas Correspondent

eedy Point Bridge, St. George’s Bridge, the Roth Bridge, the Summit Bridge and the Chesapeake City Bridge all cross the C&D Canal. How many times have you crossed the canal over one of those bridges? Multiple times a day? Weekly? Monthly? Yearly? Of all those bridge crossings, have you ever thought about what it would be like to spend time along the canal instead of quickly speeding over it? The Michael Castle Trail, a new trail along the northern bank of the canal, gives you an opportunity to experience nature. “When complete, the trail will be one of the longest uninterrupted trails in Delaware,” said Eric Ludwig, the regional manager for the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Division, the organization that manages the new trail. “The trail provides better access for people to enjoy time outside and to view wildlife. There are no vehicles allowed on the trail that can interfere with pedestrian safety.” All Photos by Carla Lucas

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

after

The St. George’s entrance before the trail, and after the construction of the trail.

A variety of habitats can be experienced along the trail. Wetlands highlight the route from Delaware City to where the trail meets the C&D Canal. It follows the waterway to Summit Marina. On the western side of the marina, the trail traverses woodlands of mature locust and tulip poplar trees before returning to the canal. According to Jeff Dayton, a member of Michael Castle’s staff, when Castle served as a U.S. Congressman, the idea for a trail along the C&D Canal was brought to his attention about a decade ago. Wayne Smith, who was then a Delaware State Representative, and Tim Plemmons of Delaware Greenway, approached Castle with an idea to build a trail along the canal, similar to a successful project in Cape Cod, Mass. It was intended to connect Delaware City, Del., to Chesapeake City, Md., with a multi-use trail along the canal -- 13.2 miles from town to town. The goal was to turn what was once a dirt road used mostly by hunters and fishermen into a paved and maintained trail for all to enjoy. “The canal was mostly a marker,” explained Dayton. “You’d talk about being upstate above the canal, or downstate below the canal. We wanted people to think about the canal.” In the early stages, there were public meetings with various user groups of the lands Continued on Page 80

Eric Ludwig on the Michael Castle Trail near the St. George’s Bridge. He is the Regional Wildlife Manager for the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, the organization responsible for maintaining the trail.

The trail passes through Summit Marina. www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Photo Essay... Continued from Page 80

The eastern portion of the trail follows the waterway.

All Photos by Carla Lucas around the canal, including hunters, bikers, equestrians, moto-cross riders, walkers, boaters, and dog trainers to determine how a project of this magnitude would impact their activities. “It was easy to get done,” said Castle. “There was general support for the trail. Most people thought it made good economic sense for the surrounding communities, and it would be a new outlet for people to enjoy the outdoors.” There was no cost of land acquisition, since the property surrounding the C&D Canal was already owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, leased to Delaware, and managed by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. The lease was modified to allow the trail on the land. Funding to create and complete the trail came from both state and federal sources. Multiple government agencies are playing a role in turning the concept into reality. Delaware Fish and Wildlife is managing the Delaware portion of the trail. DelDOT did the actual construction of the paved trail. Delaware State Parks provides assistance with the management of the trail. Delaware City will build the bridge to connect the trail to their town. The Army Corps of Engineers designed and built the Maryland portion of the trail, and Chesapeake City has agreed to maintain the Maryland section. Through an act of Congress, and with the help of Delaware’s Congressional representatives – Tom Carper, Chris Coons, and John Carney – the trail was named the Michael Castle Trail. “It was a surprise,” said Castle, “as no one consulted me. I appreciate it.” To date, Phases 1 and 2 are complete, opening much of the trail in Delaware’s 11-mile portion. Maryland’s section 80

Biking is becoming an extremely popular use for the Michael Castle Trail.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

The western portion of the trail features the woodlands section.

is scheduled to officially open on Oct. 5. This fall, construction of Phase 3, the trail from near Summit Bridge to Maryland, will be completed. Finally, within the next year, a bridge crossing the wetlands to Delaware will finally link the two towns that anchor the C&D Canal. According to Ludwig, trail use is increasing each year. Last year, the trail had 22,000 visits. The numbers are expected to increase as more of the trail is completed and word spreads of its existence. Access to the trail is available with improved parking areas at St. Georges and Biddles Point. This fall, a third parking area is expected to be added at Summit Bridge. The trail can also be accessed at Summit Marina. A map of the area is available online by going to destateparks.com and searching “Michael Castle Trail.” “The trail is a beneficial asset for our state, district, and neighbors,” said Castle. “It gives people the opportunity to see a part of Delaware they’ve never seen before. Most have only crossed the bridges over the canal. Now the trail allows for more and more people to experience nature along the C&D Canal.”

The Aqua Sol Restaurant and Bar is along the Castle Trail for those who want a little refreshment along the way.

There are benches along the trail where you can watch boats of all sizes come through the C&D Canal. www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Why Test Your Soil? Soil testing provides an estimate of the plants available nutrients in the soil, and is an essential tool for a sound fertilization program. Soil pH is a measure of soil acidity. A soil pH level of 7 is neutral, while a pH level below 7 is acidic, however a pH level above 7 is alkaline. The pH level in most landscapes tends to be lower than corresponding native undisturbed soils. A lower pH level is due to the construction process that occurs when most structures including your home are constructed. Having a low or high pH level can affect the greenness of your lawn, especially if you are applying fertilizer to it. A low pH level makes it harder for important nutrient like Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium to be absorbed in your soil. Most lawns tend to grow best between a pH level of 6.5 through 7.5. A good way to find out what your lawns pH level is at is to collect 7-10 random samples at least 3 inches deep in various spots in your lawn. After you have collected your samples mix all the samples together in a bucket to get an even analysis of your lawn. Most states have

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Paintball... Continued from Page 77

do something about all these kids with their paintball guns riding up and down Porter Road. They got to my house last night.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The conversation Campbell had that day led to a thought: Maybe he could do something about it. He roped off about four acres in the woods behind the produce stand, and invited local paintball players to help design paintball courses and playing fields. In 2005, the Continued on Page 84

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Mansion House Farm offers three different paintball playing fields. www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Paintball... Continued from Page 83

insurance to open the facility was secured, and soon after, Campbell put out a simple sign on Porter Road, near the produce stand: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paintball $12 a day Co2 free.â&#x20AC;? Suddenly, the kids who used to run around with paintball guns terrorizing the neighborhood now began to come to Mansion House. They were followed by people in their twenties, and people their thirties and beyond. Mansion House Continued on Page 86

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The equipment shop at Mansion House Farm provides a wide selection of paintball guns and other equipment, for sale or rental.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Paintball... Continued from Page 84

became a retreat for corporate professionals to loosen their tie, leave their cubicles and spend an afternoon getting to look at their colleagues as more than just co-workers. Then came bachelor parties and bachelorette parties, who would be able to spend three hours -- sometimes an entire day -- re-kindling the power of imagination and fun that they hadn’t felt since they were children playing in the backyard. With the help of his assistants Benny Tiamson and Matt Kelso, what had started out as Campbell’s grand experiment, began to thrive. “There are other places you can play that are a whole lot more spectacular, but one of the things that I think people like about our place are our employees,” Campbell said. “They’re particularly good with people who have never played paintball. It’s our customer service that makes Mansion House what it is.” When he was 12 years old, Kelso went to a birthday party at a paintball facility, and was instantly hooked. He then bought his own equipment and started playing regularly. He eventually came to Mansion House to serve

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

as a referee and now helps run its equipment shop and manages its three playing fields. “The great thing about paintball is that literally, anyone can play,” Kelso said. “You can be 10 or 50 or 60 years old. I liken it to an extreme game of chess, where it’s about making the right move on the field and predicting what the other team will do before they move. Communication is essential between teammates, which makes it perfect for corporate team-building events.” Nick Durbin of Newark used to play in a paintball league in Chesapeake City, but now plays regularly at Mansion House in order to keep his competitive edge. He is also a referee, where he regularly supervises games like Capture the Flag, Zombies, and Protect the President. “It’s an adrenaline rush,” Durbin said of the sport. “I’m very competitive, so anywhere I can get out and be able to use that, the better. So much about paintball is strategy, the ability to trust in your teammates. When you’re out there playing, you have certain people go to different sides, and being able to trust that your partner has your Continued on Page 88

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Paintball blends a physical workout with strategy and teamwork.

www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

Paintball... Continued from Page 86

back in certain situations is key, and being able to strategize who is better and where to aim, where to get to first so that you can get the advantage over your competition. It’s not just going off into the woods and shooting paintballs at each other. It’s teamwork, and it’s strategy.” In a report published by the Minnesota Paintball Association, the sport is one of the statistically safest sports to participate in, with only 20 serious injuries per 100,000 players recorded annually -- with most of these injuries coming from the physical activity related to playing, not paintball fire. In its ten years, the safety record at Mansion House has been impeccable, with no serious injuries

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Paintball pellets are stored in these cloth containers, which are strapped to each player.

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

reported during that time. There’s a reason for the great track record: Before a referee leads a group back to the woods, he or she gives a five-page, detailed review of all safety rules. Since the first game of paintball was played in New Hampshire in 1981, the sport has both been lauded as a healthy combination of exercise and strategy, and roundly criticized for what critics claim is a glorification of violence. While the debate lingers on, paintball advocates distance the sport from the way violence is portrayed in our popular culture -- television, film and perhaps the biggest culprit -- video games -- which have become increasingly graphic. For Campbell, the answer can best be found in our recent history. “Years ago, we hunted,” he said. “It was part of our culture, and we saw that there was nothing wrong with that. As times have progressed, you have third and four generations now living off the farm, and because of that, we have lost the ability to decipher between what is aggressive behavior, and what is merely fun. “When we were kids, we played army,” he added. “We played Cowboys and Indians, and we all grew up and never became thugs, or went to jail. It goes back to the our family upbringing, where our values are instilled in us. That brings a moral compass to where you can define violence. It all begins with the family.” Mansion House Paintball’s playing fields are open for play during Saturdays and Sundays throughout the entire year – including winter. Prices range from as little as $15 for an individual who already owns a paintball gun and equipment to a lowimpact rental package for ten players at $400, which includes protective flak jackets, geothermal masks, compressed air tanks, 5,000 paintballs and a referee. Other packages include group rate rentals for parties of ten who wish to use the more advanced JT SplatMaster shot gun and protective equipment. To learn more about Mansion House Farm Paintball, visit www.mansionhousepaintball.com, or call 302-4387366. Mansion House Paintball is located at 2656 Porter Road, Bear, De. 19701, just off Route 896, about ten minutes north of Middletown. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@ chestercounty.com . www.middletownlifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2015 | Middletown Life

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The inaugural Historic Odessa Brewfest brought more than 1,400 beer lovers to Delaware’s historic Odessa last September. The festival, presented by the Historic Odessa Foundation and Cantwell’s Tavern, returns this year with even more of the finest regional and national craft breweries, local gourmet food, live music, Courtesy Photo 90

Middletown Life | Fall/Winter 2015 | www.middletownlifemagazine.com

and artisans to the grounds of the 246-year-old Wilson-Warner House. All proceeds of the festival will benefit the preservation and education efforts of the Historic Odessa Foundation. Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Historic Odessa Brewfest to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 12 to 6 p.m. This year, the expanded site, on the grounds of one of the finest Georgian houses in Delaware, will once again host more than 40 local, regional and national craft brewers, including Dogfish Head, 16 Mile, 3rd Wave, Mispillion, Old Dominion, Oskar Blues, Lagunitas, and New Belgium, to name only a few. A VIP tasting from 12 to 2 p.m. (followed by general admission from 2 to 6 p.m.), will provide Continued on Page 92

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Brewfest... Continued from Page 91

attendees with access to limited quantity beers. This year’s all-Delaware, live musical entertainment line-up will be presented on two stages, and includes returning reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky, the contemporary country stylings of The Hung Jury, acoustic jazz and blues artist Bruce Anthony, and acoustic modern rock musician Bob Stretch. Colonial reenactor Rich Wagner will be on hand once again to demonstrate the colonial brewing process from start to finish. In full period dress, Wagner will make beer on site using historically accurate methods and materials—copper kettles, wooden barrels, hops and grains.

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The 2015 Odessa Brewfest includes: • Farm-fresh local food and refreshments provided by Cantwell’s Tavern and the Roaming Raven food truck. • Fromage, a Cheese Boutique from Middletown and a Best Of Delaware 2014 winner, offering plates of cheeses paired with different styles of beer. • Hy-Point Dairy, family owned in Delaware since 1919, offering ice cream in a variety of delicious flavors. • Fine kitchenware from Paul Schiffelbein Woodworking and beer bottle crafts from Bottle Slumpers. • Guy & Lady Barrel Cigars offering premium cigars from the Dominican Republic. • Fairview Farms homemade jams and jellies.

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The presenting sponsor for the second annual Odessa Brewfest is Wilmington Trust. Event sponsors include Main Line Today and Delaware Today, Dover Rent All Tents & Events, SFG –Stecher Financial Group, National HVAC Service, and Universal Mortgage and Finance, Inc. The Odessa Brewfest is a fund-raising event for the Historic Odessa Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the legacy of the Historic Houses of Odessa for future generations, through commitment to the preservation of Odessa’s unique historic, architectural, and cultural heritage. For general and ticket information, as well as news and regular updates on participating brewers, visit or follow the Historic Odessa Brewfest at www.odessabrewfest.com.

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