Newark Life Fall/Winter 2021 by Ad Pro Inc.

Fall/Winter 2021

Newark Life

Magazine

Flying with Wings

Grace and speed at Delaware Park Page 46

Inside • A big future for Cooch’s Bridge • Autumn Arch Beer Project: Now pouring • Scott F. Mason’s winter wonderland Complimentary Copy

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Newark Life Fall/Winter 2021

Newark Life Table of Contents 10 Big future for Cooch’s Bridge 18 Newark’s rich heritage and bright future 26 Q & A with Leann Moore

of The Newark Partnership

34 Dreaming big pays off for Autumn Arch 46 Photo Essay: Flying without wings at Delaware Park

52 UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies: Empowered to achieve

60 Welcome to Scott F. Mason’s winter wonderland

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

Newark Life Fall/Winter 2021 Letter from the Editor: This edition of Newark Life features stories about the city’s rich heritage and bright future. Gene Pisasale, a writer and historian, explores the very beginnings of Newark’s history when the Scots- Irish settlers made the area their home in the New World in 1694. Writer Richard L. Gaw profiles web designer and social media manager Heather Cox, one of thousands of students whose careers -- and lives -- have been positively impacted by their participation in the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies program. In our Q & A, we introduce Leann Moore, the executive director of The Newark Partnership, whose work in the Newark area since 2019 has connected people and facilitated great ideas for Newark’s future. Writer Ken Mammarella profiles Newark resident Scott F. Mason, whose annual -- and elaborate -- Christmas designs transform his home into a winter wonderland. We also feature a story about the big future for Cooch’s Bridge. The plans that the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge have for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site go far beyond what happened on Sept. 3, 1777, in Delaware’s only major Revolutionary War battle. Delaware owns the site, near Glasgow, and plans to turn it into the sixth museum run by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, joining the John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum, Old State House and Zwaanendael Museum. We always like to shine a spotlight on some of the success stories in the community, and a story about Autumn Arch Beer Project reveals that dreaming big can pay off. There’s a spirit of optimism and big dreams at Autumn Arch Beer Project, a name that was designed to keep the business forward-thinking, with a goal of producing a new beer every week. For the past 84 years, the Delaware Park Racetrack has been the home where graceful majesty takes center stage in the beautiful form of four-legged athletes who do not say a word. Delaware Park is the subject of the photo essay. As always, we hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we enjoyed working on them. We’re always eager to hear your comments or suggestions for future stories. We’re already looking forward to the next edition of Newark Life, which will arrive in the spring of 2022. Sincerely, Randy Lieberman, Publisher randyl@chestercounty.com, 610-869-5553 Steve Hoffman, Editor editor@chestercounty.com 610-869-5553, ext. 13

Cover design: Tricia Hoadley Cover photo: Moonloop Photography www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

|Newark Spotlight|

Big future for Cooch’

All photos courtesy of Ann Ramsey

For a new state-run museum, Delaware is planning how to interpret hundreds of years of life, work and death at the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site. The 1923 bridge is a successor to one seized by British light infantry and Hessian mercenaries on Sept. 3, 1777, in the state’s only Revolutionary War battle. 10

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

ch’s Bridge

The site of the state’s only major Revolutionary War battle is ‘a microcosm of Delaware history’ that merits broad interpretation as a new state museum. By Ken Mammarella Contributing Writer

he plans that the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge have for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site go far beyond what happened Sept. 3, 1777, in Delaware’s only major Revolutionary War battle. “It’s a microcosm of Delaware history,” group president Vince Watchorn said of the site. “The whole history of the state can be told there, and there are so many untold stories, so much to review about people who lived and worked and fought and died there to make Delaware what it is.” That’s a tall order for a 10-acre tract, some buildings and a modern successor of that bridge. State officials agree with the Friends. That matters a lot because Delaware owns the site, near Glasgow, and plans to turn it into the sixth museum run by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, joining the John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum, Old State House and Zwaanendael Museum. “We want to tell an inclusive story about everyone who lived and worked there,” said Dan Citron, the state’s historic sites program manager. “It’s a really important site. It’s a really exciting site. We just need to make it work. It’s logistically complex.” The state’s 10 acres are on both sides of a busy road and both sides of the Christina River, and railroad tracks run nearby. All are factors in developing safe experiences for visitors. Five themes to explore People interested in expressing their ideas should write to museums@delaware.gov, Citron said. Continued on Page 12

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Cooch’s Bridge Continued from Page 11

The site is not yet open to the public, but the Friends will conduct tours, booked through its website. The Friends’ website – http://friendsofcoochsbridge.org – identifies five themes for Cooch’s Bridge: battleground, referring to the fight between forces under Gen. William Maxwell and Lord Cornwallis; hallowed ground, referring to two dozen American soldiers killed that fateful day and interred there; ancient ground, referring to 10,000 years of use by Native Americans; common ground, referring to generations of Black Americans, enslaved and free, living and working there; and, less euphoniously, what the ground has yielded in milling, mining and farming. The nexus is that bridge, carrying Old Baltimore Pike over the Christina which served as a chokepoint in 1777 between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The current bridge dates to 1923. “We always thought it was hallowed ground, not to be developed,” said Richard R. Cooch, the great-great-great-greatgreat-great-grandson of the first Cooch to own the land. He didn’t know how much the family once owned, but he recalled a history that said “it was as far as the eye can see.” The Cooches now own 175 adjacent acres. They sold development rights years ago and lease it out for farming. Their holdings once extended beyond Route 896 to the west, beyond

Vertie Lee, director of educational programs with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, photographs a remnant of a 19th-century walkway over the “big dam.”

Interstate 95 to the north, beyond Route 72 to the east and beyond Old Baltimore Pike to the south. Pristine land and development Google satellite maps depict that rectangle bound by those four roads as mostly green – the conserved farmland, the historic site and undevelopable floodplains. But development looms nearby. In March, the New Castle County Historic Review

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Richard R. Cooch shares childhood memories of the “big dam” with Marilyn Whittington, one of the site’s directors. A “little dam” is nearby on the Christina.

Friends president Vince Watchorn explains to Lee how the site embodies multiple facets of Delaware history.

Board approved a plan for 1 million square feet of warehouse space a mile or so to the south, between Glasgow High and Glasgow Regional Park. “It’s a sad day to see that our history – the American Indian history, the American battlefield history – is going to be wiped out by three large manufacturing buildings,” board member Karen Anderson told the Newark Post. “It’s heartbreaking that we do not value history.” A New Castle County attorney told board members that

they had to approve the proposal, because it was merely an update of an approved 2008 plan by W.L. Gore. Modern history of the site dates to at least 1726, when European settlers were recorded using the free water power of the Christina for milling flour. Thomas Cooch bought some land in 1746. Over the decades, other members of the family added to and let go of land. Iron Hill Park, for instance, was Cooch land. But preserving the historic core Continued on Page 14

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Cooch’s Bridge Continued from Page 13

was paramount to family members, Cooch said. The site includes eight buildings – the 1760 homestead, a smokehouse, an icehouse, a chicken coop, a shed, a granary, a carriage house and a privy – and remnants and suggestions of a few more. Diaries, deeds, arrowheads and cannonballs Historical archaeologist Wade P. Catts is assessing the family archives for Cooch and his sister, Anne Cooch Doran. They include “diaries, maps, deeds, correspondence and other documents that tell the story of the house and the area,” Cooch said, adding that he and his sister want the best allocation for the material, and what it reveals about the area’s social history. Maybe that’s the site named for them, maybe the Delaware Public Archives, he said. They also need to consider the future of family collections – arrowheads found on the land, farming equipment and manuals passed down the generations. When the property sale was announced on Delaware Day in 2018, the Cooches presented the state with five cannonballs found on the land. The state is studying the feasibility of creating trails linking Cooch’s Bridge to the Cooch-Dayett Mill, part of a 60-acre state property just to the south. Into the future, advocates Continued on Page 16

Historical archaeologist Wade P. Catts (center) often conducts tours of the site. 14

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

Cooch’s Bridge Continued from Page 14

hope for more trails to link with the county’s Iron Hill Park to the west and Glasgow Regional Park further south, through Sunset Lake Preserve, managed as part of Lums Pond State Park. Watchorn said the Friends have connected with nearby historic sites, such as the Pencader Heritage Museum and the Iron Hill Science Center. They have partnered with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Delaware Historical Society, the Delaware Social Justice Remembrance Coalition, the Greenwich Cemetery Association and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Association. The New Jersey Cemetery Association is a partner because it’s where Maxwell is buried. He also wants to build ties with the Newark Historical Society and the Newark NAACP branch. The group, which first met in 2020, follows the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Battlefield, a group that made its last Facebook post in 2019 and has abandoned its website. 10-year, $1.7 million plan The new Friends group has mapped out a 10-year, $1.7 million plan, focused first on restoration. “It’s important to

take care of what we have before we build anything new,” Watchorn said. Of course, it’s only advising the state, but its existence is important for raising funds and awareness. The state paid $1.1 million to the Cooches for the 10 acres, and the family donated 20 percent of the proceeds to the Cooch’s Bridge Historic District Fund, which supports maintenance and preservation. For the first time, the state’s latest budget specifies spending for Cooch’s Bridge: about $225,000 in fiscal 2022 for the first site supervisor and operating expenses, Citron said. Work is progressing on making the site available to the public and on delving into its history. One part of that history (or not) is a story that the American flag was first flown in battle here. So says “The Battle of Cooch’s Bridge,” a 1940 work by Edward W. Cooch. So negates the Delaware Division of Libraries, in a 2011 blog post. “It’s an an interesting thing about history when you challenge the assumptions,” Richard R. Cooch said. “It unfolds. The story about the flag ripened into an immutable fact, but it can’t be proven.”

The site is surprisingly pristine for being so close to Interstate 95. The state owns 10 acres, and the Cooch family has arranged for a conservation easement on an adjacent 175 acres.

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

|Newark History|

Newark: A rich heritage and a bright future By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

ewark, Delaware’s history dates back to the late 17th century, when Scots-Irish settlers made the area their home in the New World in 1694. The town didn’t receive an official charter from England’s King George II until 1758, a time of turmoil in the region as the French and Indian War was fueling tempers to the north in Pennsylvania. The two states would share much in common, including educational institutions. The New London Academy, begun in 1743 by the Reverend Francis Alison in nearby New London, Pennsylvania would have a significant impact on American history, as three of its graduates—George Read, Thomas McKean and James Smith—would subsequently sign the Declaration of Independence. The Academy later relocated to Newark and became the Newark Academy. That school subsequently merged with the newly created Newark College in 1834. The institution would become the University of Delaware in 1921. The city is located less than a mile from the intersection of the state line with Maryland and Pennsylvania, an area called “The Wedge,” on the border of the Piedmont and Continued on Page 20 18

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The University of Delaware’s main campus.

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Newark History Continued from Page 18

Coastal Plain geographic regions. The early settlers made most of the area farmland, but recognized the need for production of necessary items, so around 1798, a paper mill was constructed, later to become the Curtis Paper Mill. The mill operated for nearly two centuries. Other industries were also important to the area. In 1951, Chrysler built an assembly plant in Newark, originally to supply tanks for the U.S. Army as it fought the Korean War. The plant later produced the popular Durango and Aspen vehicles which kept more than 2,000 workers busy for decades, providing them jobs and giving the state of Delaware much-needed revenue. Sadly, the Chrysler plant was closed in 2008 after experiencing declining demand. Although it is situated not far from two major metropolitan areas—Philadelphia to the north and Baltimore to the south—Newark is surrounded by 12,000 acres of public park land, including Iron Hill Park, White Clay Creek State Park and the Middle Run Valley Natural Area, which provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding through forests, fields and

St. John the Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware. 20

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

rolling hills. It is also flanked by the Fair Hill Resources Natural Resources Management Area in nearby Cecil County, Maryland, a 5,656-acre site which was formerly owned by William du Pont, Jr., who enjoyed its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty for equestrian activities. Preserving historic sites is nothing new to Newark. Three structures very familiar to downtown visitors are the St. John the Baptist Church, the old Bank of Newark Building at 102 East Main Street and the former Rhodes Pharmacy at 36 East Main Street. St. John the Baptist Church is an impressive one-story red brick building with a prominent central tower and side bays. The original structure was built in the late 18th century, but the floor collapsed in 1880 and a subsequent building replaced it in 1883. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The Bank of Newark is a three-story brick structure built in a restrained Greek Revival style in 1845. It was added to the National Register in 1983, as was the Rhodes Pharmacy, which is a two-story Gothic Revival style structure built in 1917. Continued on Page 22

A plaque honoring legendary University of Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond welcomes visitors to Delaware Stadium. www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Newark History Continued from Page 21

For some reason, figure skaters seem to flock to Newark. It’s likely because the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club and The Pond Ice Rink have produced many national and Olympic champions in the sport. The University is quite friendly to athletics, offering 21 varsity sports which compete as the Fightin’ Blue Hens, named after the state bird of Delaware. Harold “Tubby” Raymond served as head football coach for the school for 35 years, from 1966 to 2001, compiling an outstanding win-loss-tie record of 300-119-3. The school is noted for its strong chemistry, chemical engineering, business and biochemistry programs, complemented by the presence of Du Pont and other major companies in the area. Several famous people have called Newark home. John Wilson O’Daniel attended Delaware College and later enlisted in the Delaware National Guard. He is one of the few people you’ll ever hear of who served in three wars— World War I, World War II and the Korean War. O’Daniel (called “Iron Mike”) is best known for his service in the Third Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, and southern France in World War II, where he was commanding general of troops including Audie Murphy, the most

Wilbert Lee Gore founder of W.L. Gore and Associates.

W L Gore and Associates sign at one of their plants.

decorated soldier in the U.S. Army in that conflict. Wilbert Lee Gore was trained as a chemical engineer and worked for Du Pont, but later left the company to start W.L. Gore and Associates in the basement of his Newark home. Its relatively modest beginnings were later followed by a robust expansion into national and international operations with its now famous Gore-Tex fabric, as well as numerous products, including cables for electronic signal transmission, industrial applications, medical implants and laminated fabrics.

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Newark History Continued from Page 22

Harry Coover was born in Newark, but later moved to New York, where he received advanced degrees in organic chemistry from Cornell University. He later worked for the Eastman Kodak Company. Most persons do not know his name, but people around the world know his invention: Eastman 910, better known as Super Glue. Rock musician George Thorogood is well known to University of Delaware students. He played some of his first shows at the University’s Rathskeller bar and nearby at the historic Deer Park Tavern. He has toured worldwide with groups including the Rolling Stones. If you find yourself hungry and strolling Main Street in downtown, rest assured. Several restaurants line the block there, with a wide range of offerings which will please visitors of all ages. Live music at the Deer Park, the Stone Balloon Ale House, Nomad Bar and the Limestone BBQ should satisfy those wanting some entertainment while

YouDee, the University of Delaware mascot.

The Deer Park Tavern in Newark Delaware, a popular hangout.

dining. Be prepared for a “crowd experience” during the regular school season—downtown Newark is brimming with thousands of college students most days, but the friendly atmosphere and variety of places to visit should keep a smile on your face. Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He has written ten books and numerous articles on the history of the Chester County and mid-Atlantic region. His latest book is “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution.” His books are available on his website www. GenePisasale.com and also on www.Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

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|Newark Life Q&A|

Leann Moore

Executive Director, The Newark Partnership

Leann Moore, executive director of The Newark Partnership.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

To peruse Main Street in Newark with Leann Moore, the executive director of The Newark Partnership since February, is to be given a tour of the ever-changing landscape of a thriving city made up of businesses, a major university and neighbors. Recently, Newark Life met Leann at Little Goat Coffee to discuss how The Newark Partnership helps bring those communities together. Newark Life: Let’s first explore the key components of what The Newark Partnership (TNP) does, initiative by initiative. Let’s start by talking about what TNP does in promoting economic development in Newark. Moore: First and foremost, we are a membership organization so while we serve the whole city, we pay particular attention to our members – those in business, those in the non-profit sector, residents and students. We work with our business members in partnership with advertising, and in helping them put on events – such as al fresco dining nights -- that help add flavor and variety to Newark and draw people to come here. In addition, we are working with the City of Newark to help fine tune what tools we can develop that would help 26

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draw businesses here. We updated their “Red Tape Tips” document that spells out all of the things to know if you’re going to bring your business to Newark (i.e., permitting, the overall process, etc.). We also partnered with LoopLink to create an interactive map – available on our website – that provides an overview of all the commercial spaces that are available for lease or sale in Newark. v TNP also connects and supports community-based nonprofit organizations. How are we seeing this component at work? In 2019, the first step TNP took was to create a landscape analysis, and it told us that there are over 130 non-profit organizations incorporated within the nine square-mile

limits of the City of Newark. Most of those do not have a brick-andmortar location or paid staff, and most are volunteer-run, but they all provide a variety of important services. The first thing we did was to reach out to them, and give them a space to network and brainstorm – which they never had before -- and have also provided professional development opportunities for them. v The third major component of TNP is to promote civic engagement, exemplified by TNP’s successful Newark Community Conversation Series. Out of those conversations between members, what have been some of the major concerns and issues expressed? Describe the specifics of the narrative. In the spring of 2019, we had the first of our Community Conversation Series to narrow down what those Continued on Page 28

Courtesy photo

The Newark Partnership’s Knowing Newark invites the public to learn more about the city by going on guided tours with experts in their field.

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Leann Moore Continued from Page 27

key concerns were, and the top three concerns were public education, public housing and relations between the University of Delaware and its residents. We took each of these topics and did smaller conversations in order to get to the nitty gritty of what they were looking for instead of assuming what they like and do not like. In regard to issues about public education, we continue to relay that information to the groups who are already working in that arena. Regarding housing and city-university relations, we put on smaller programs that highlight things that those who are concerned about the issue can actually do in order to make a constructive impact. We have student representatives from student government associations at the University to try to get students and their neighbors to talk to one another, and facilitate conversations around topics that both are interested in – including the economy, sustainability and equity. v What’s the progress being made on those three components? While 2020 may have been difficult to make the progress that we wanted because of COVID-19, it allowed us to

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

understand what people want from us – and that is to be a resource for them, to be able to turn to us and find the information they are looking for or be able to ask a questions and get a quick response. I think that’s the largest accomplishment that TNP has made in the last two-and-a-half years – to be that resource. By listening, we’re not just developing resources because we think it’s a good idea. Rather, we’re hearing that from the public. v Where does TNP take the results of what these conversations have yielded, in order to potentially facilitate change? We hear a lot of different ideas, so our board and our committees focus on what is most feasible for us to do right now, and what needs to be placed in the “parking lot” list of what can be addressed later. What we’re hearing right now from businesses, non-profits and residents is that they want a more diverse economy, meaning more mom-and-pop businesses and fewer chain stores and restaurants. We are developing a process to hear what remain the biggest roadblocks and concerns as to

why a business wouldn’t want to develop a business in Newark. We then share these results with City Council. v For many Newark residents, having a large university in their backyard connects them with a wider culture, and to the vibrancy of education and activities. For other residents, the University of Delaware is an overwhelming presence that just keeps getting larger. For some, UD is too big to fail, and for others, UD is too big. TNP has heard both sides of that argument, so how do you become receptive to both sides of the conversation? It is a double-edged sword. The University brings a lot of value, innovation and access to services that would not be here otherwise. Part of what TNP does is to highlight those areas that are easily accessible to the public that they may not know about. On the flip side, we hear that there are other parts of the University that are not known to the general public, so we work with the University administration to try to highlight those areas and bring more clarity to

Know more about Newark The Newark Partnership invites you to attend two upcoming presentations in its Knowing Newark series. To register, visit www.thenewarkpartnership.org. Knowing Newark: Where Does Our Water Come From? October 20, 5:30 p.m. at The Newark Reservoir Meet us at the Newark Reservoir to hear from Tim Filasky, City of Newark Public Works Department, about where Newark’s water comes from. Then, join us on a short walk to the local water treatment plant for a tour. Knowing Newark: Christina School District -- Unique Programs & School Choice November 18, 6:30 p.m. at a location to be determined Join us to learn more about recent legislative updates, how School Choice works, and the unique programs offered at our local Christina School District Schools. Then, we will discuss how members of the public can be involved in the programming.

Continued on Page 30

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the public on how decisions are being made. We have a designee from the University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis on our board, who hears these conversations and brings them back to the administration. v What are the primary areas of concern that residents are expressing about the University of Delaware? Many have told us that the pricing of public housing is much higher than many believe it should be. Many residents cannot afford to live in these units, while most students are able to. There are also concerns that the offcampus footprint of this housing is expanding further and further into the traditional family neighborhoods. I think these concerns can be addressed not just through the University administration, but by connecting students who live in these neighborhoods with the residents who also live there -- to create free and open dialogue that will allow residents to express their concerns with the students. v Albeit with several roadblocks in its way, we are very slowly beginning to reemerge from COVID-19, but over the past year, many of us have come to look at the concept

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

of “community” in ways we hadn’t before the pandemic. Have you personally – and in the capacity of your role as TNP’s executive director -- begun to look at the definition of “community” differently over the past year and a half? I don’t think I defined “community” any differently because of the pandemic, but I think I came to value it more. It was almost taken away in many aspects last year because I wasn’t able to meet new people and talk with people as easily. TNP’s ultimate vision is to make Newark the best place to live, work and play, but it’s not just applied those who live and work here, but to students who may only be here nine months a year and for just a few years. It’s also applied our K-12 students – the next generation of Newark – who we would love to see become the backbone of our future and pick up the mantel when they graduate. In terms of “community,” I am seeking out ways to highlight and amplify the voices of our underrepresented community members who aren’t typically being heard. TNP is helping to represent the School Hill neighborhood working with them in the incorporation and 501-C3 process. Continued on Page 32

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Leann Moore Continued from Page 30

It’s important to help preserve some of the history of that historically black community. v What is your fondest dream for the future of Newark? I want Newark to be a really fun and vibrant community of innovators, whether that be in business or non-profit leadership. I would love to see some University of Delaware students – whether they are originally from Delaware or come here for college – stay here and incubate a cool business. A large part of TNP’s role is to attract that kind of energy, to make sure that all areas of Newark are connected and supported, and to help others hone in on ideas and eventually help them launch them. v What is your favorite spot in Newark? It might be cliché, but it is Little Goat Coffee, where we sit right now, because it’s the culmination of that vision I just described for the future of Newark. You have these innovative entrepreneurs who get trained in coffee roasting (co-owners Joe and Elizabeth Lins and Olivia Brinton, who

also serves on the TNP Board of Directors) elsewhere and then bring that idea to Newark. v You throw a dinner party. Who will we see around that dinner table? The first name that comes to mind is Sophia Bush of “A Work in Progress,” a podcast I really love listening to. Everyone else around the table would be my four grandparents – and then their parents, my great grandparents. Some of them have written down their life stories and one grandmother even made a recording of her perspectives on life. I would love to sit around a table and enjoy their stories spoken to me out loud and in person. v What items can always be found in your refrigerator? Always, always, always, you will see eggs and sriracha. You can always make a nutritious meal using these two ingredients. To learn more about The Newark Partnership, visit www. thenewarkpartnership.org. -- Richard L. Gaw

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|Newark Business|

Dreaming big pays off Autumn Arch Beer Project is devoted to flavor exploration Hearty stouts are a cold-weather tradition at Autumn Arch.

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

Newark State of Mind is a local favorite.

All courtesy photos

Autumn Arch Beer Project founders (from left): Kathryn Vennard, Jimmy Vennard and his brother, Dan Vennard.

By John Chambless Correspondent

hen they were young adults, Jimmy Vennard and his younger brother, Dan, spent untold afternoons climbing a sheer rock face in south-central Pennsylvania, hanging out and talking about the future. Today, that climbing spot, Autumn Arch, has become the name of the flourishing brewery they opened in Newark

in 2019. There’s a spirit of optimism and big dreams at Autumn Arch Beer Project, a name that was designed to keep the business forward-thinking, with a goal of producing a new beer every week. The sleek, welcoming bar and seating area is routinely packed with beer lovers, beer novices and, on Sundays, a few dogs who are welcome to stop by. Jimmy and his wife Kathryn, along with Dan, are the founders of Autumn Arch, and their collective vision keeps the business moving and innovating while making sure that there’s still plenty of fun involved. Their niche is sour beers – a trend that has only recently swept the American independent brewing scene, but is rooted deeply in tradition. “They’ve been in Europe forever,” Jimmy said. “It’s likely that all beers were once sours. Now folks can cultivate a specific yeast and bacteria that actually make a beer sour on purpose.” The vast range of sours and ales appeals to Kathryn, whose MBA experience complements the engineering skills of Jimmy and Dan. All three are engineers at Gore Associates. Like most beer-making business ventures, Autumn Arch began as a hobby. “Dan and I started home-brewing together on the back patio around 2014,” Jimmy said. “We were making beer, hanging out for a few hours, and there’s something you can enjoy afterwards. There’s a picture we have of us for our first brew together. We have all this stuff with us, there’s a computer there, the recipe and everything. We kept getting more serious about the hobby, learning the nuances.” Continued on Page 36 www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

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“We’re also engineers,” Dan added. “So our process got more and more developed, and the system grew.” When Jimmy and Kathryn visited Asheville, N.C., the city’s massive beer scene (around 100 breweries and brewpubs) inspired them. “We loved the vibe, and the quality of the beer was really high,” Jimmy said. “In that environment, if you’re not making good beer, you’re not sticking around very long. I remember saying, ‘I wish this scene was where we live.’ And that kind of kicked off the idea. About a month later, I asked Dan, ‘What do you think about starting a business?’ “I was all in,” Dan said. “I didn’t take any convincing. I traveled a lot for work, and in places like the West Coast, beer has more of a social aspect, where in Delaware it always felt more like a restaurant emphasis. But the taproom model is nice because you’re there to socialize. Delaware didn’t have much of that, so I was all for it.” There followed two years of planning and research, including talking with the owners of other small breweries in Delaware and elsewhere. “The brewery scene is very open,” Dan said. “People are very willing to talk, share their stories. It’s very collaborative.” Continued on Page 38

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Autumn Arch Continued from Page 36

No brewery in the area was focusing on sours, so Autumn Arch decided to fill that niche, while also having plenty for other tastes. “When sour beers became what we wanted to focus on, that’s a lot of risk because it takes nine to 12 months of just sitting in barrels before that inventory is actually salable,” Kathryn said. “And there’s historically a lower yield for sours, compared to a standard beer,” Dan added. “It’s risky to go that route. You’re waiting a long time, making a big investment, and it’s a lower yield at the end.” Selecting a location for Autumn Arch was as carefully researched as everything else, and the space at 810 Pencader Drive had everything the team was looking for – the right size, zoning, plenty of parking, and a nearby busy road for visibility. They took over the huge, empty space in September 2018, and opened Autumn Arch in April 2019. Continued on Page 40

A range of sours is what brings beer lovers back to the brewery, which produces a new beer each week.

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Autumn Arch Continued from Page 38

There’s an exhaustive construction and inspection process for opening a brewery, but the brothers stepped in to do as much of the building as they could. “There was a lot of DIY,” Dan said. “We built all the tables, I built the entire bar. Anything welded, I did that.” There’s always something happening at Autumn Arch – live music every Friday, special events, an annual run, “Sour Wednesdays” with behind-the-scenes tours and tastings of new brews – anything that will draw longtime customers and newcomers. “With sour beers, you hope they’re all going to turn out great,” Jimmy said, smiling. “But the reality is that sometimes you put a beer in the tank and it doesn’t do well, for whatever reason. We’ve had failures. For one of the first Sour Wednesdays we did, we were going to share this one particular sour, but it was not very good. But everyone in the group was like, ‘But we want to try Continued on Page 42

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Autumn Arch Continued from Page 40

it!’ It didn’t taste good, but they got to share in the experience.” Just as the business was reaching its one-year anniversary, COVID-19 shut down the world. “We were just starting to plan our one-year anniversary party,” Kathryn said. “And then that didn’t happen,” she added, laughing. “For two months, no one could sit in here,” Jimmy said. “However, we were lucky that takeout was allowed. We had a big enough name at that point so people knew about us. We had just started canning, and we had purchased a crowler machine.” Dan added, “Right before the state shut down, we had just canned all of our supply. So we were sitting on a huge can inventory, ready to go.” There are about 13 people who make Autumn Arch run, “plus, one of us is probably here more than half the weekends,” Kathryn said of the three founders. They’re available

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to talk about what they sell, and take suggestions for what they should offer in the future. “We want people to ask questions,” Dan said. “We want to communicate with them. We’re part of the community.” As one of an ever-increasing number of breweries in Delaware, Autumn Arch sees plenty of crossover traffic, some from people who are on a quest to visit every one of the taprooms in the state. And there are generally more educated consumers. “This area has certainly stepped up its beer game in the last couple of years, in a really positive way,” Kathryn said. Dan said Autumn Arch always has a crisp, approachable lager on tap for those who are just starting their beer exploration. “We try to expand their boundaries if they want to,” he said. Continued on Page 44

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Autumn Arch Continued from Page 42

“That’s what makes the whole beer industry fun,” Kathryn added. “You can show up at a place like ours and think, ‘I know what I like, and there’s probably going to be something on tap that fits that.’ But there’s also a whole lot of variety that you can try and step outside your comfort zone.” With a flavor profile that goes from mild and crisp to tart and surprising, there are any number of incremental steps customers can take. There’s also a holiday triple IPA that will be returning this season that Jimmy is looking forward to. “It’s called Pixel Intensity,” he said. “We brewed it here, and when one of the first cans was coming off the line, I tasted it and said, ‘Wow! That is really good!’ We can it in November and release it in the winter. But it’s a winter beer because it’s like 11 percent alcohol. You want to hang out wherever you are and enjoy one.” There’s also a collaborative beer on the way, produced in conjunction with Revelation Brewing Company in southern Delaware. Called Path of the Sun, it’s an imperial stout that’s been sitting in bourbon barrels for months and will be just right for winter celebrating in December.

Expanding the offerings is a driving force behind Autumn Arch. “The Beer Project part of the name means we’re always doing the next experiment. We’re always growing. Everything’s a project. We take that engineering approach,” Dan said. “It’s never finished. That’s what keeps it fun, too.” For Jimmy, the satisfaction of putting in all the work “is being here on a busy Friday night when it’s packed and thinking, ‘Wow! I played a big part in creating this cool space where people are having a lot of fun, hanging out.’” Dan said he’s gratified when customers post Autumn Arch cans on their social media feeds “or put them on their personal pages,” he said. “It’s pretty cool. We put a lot of thought into the designs, and we’re very proud.” Kathryn added that, “It’s a small thing, but I love being out in the community and seeing someone wearing an Autumn Arch shirt. We created something that means enough to someone that they’re wearing our shirt. That’s a pretty cool feeling. We started something out of nothing. We’re leaving our own little mark on this community.” For more information, visit www.autumnarch.com.

Minihane’s 1853 Land & Sea You may recognize the name from the original Minihane’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, but Ingrid Minihane took time during the pandemic to reinvent the concept of her business. She has worked in the food industry for over 20 years and decided to open her own restaurant in 2013 in downtown Elkton. Originally, Minihane’s Irish Pub & Restaurant opened as an Irish pub in honor of Denis Minihane, Ingrid’s husband, who was born and raised in Cunnamore, Ireland. After a heartbreaking closing of the restaurant during the pandemic, Ingrid and Denis decided to reopen in April of this year with a new name and concept — Minihane’s 1853 Land & Sea. Incorporating the year the building was established was important to them in acknowledging the rich history behind the brick and stone walls and the terrazzo floor. Having grown up in Chile, Ingrid is no stranger to seafood and steak and is excited to share a little bit of her culture through her dishes. As the head chef and co-owner of the restaurant, Ingrid is determined to provide clean food and simple, yet sophisticated dishes to her guests.

Much of the new concept derives from Ingrid’s love for steak and seafood found in her country, but Minihane’s 1853 Land & Sea offers much more than that. The new eclectic menu offers items such as Portugese Mussels, Irish Shepherd’s Pie, Chilean ‘lomo a lo pobre’, and the classic American Perfect Burger. She’s proud of using fresh ingredients to cook and local suppliers. The new restaurant features local fresh oysters as well as crab cakes. The diverse menu also extends to the bar which now features classic cocktails such as the Perfect Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Cosmopolitan, Martinis, Champagne, and even fresh Margaritas. Not just that, but they also offer imported beers such as Guinness from Ireland, Peroni from Italy, and Rodenbach Grand Cru from Belgium. This diverse cuisine and cocktails adds a different ambiance with a refined decor, lounge background music, and candle light to the historic building, making it a sophisticated place for customers to enjoy an elegant meal. Ingrid would like to invite anyone with a sense of adventure looking to travel the world through each dish to come join her for dinner at Minihane’s 1853 Land & Sea.

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|Newark Life Photo Essay| For the past 84 years, the Delaware Park Racetrack has been the home where graceful majesty takes center stage in the beautiful form of four-legged athletes who do not say a word

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

Flying Without Wings

Photos by Moonloop Photography Text by Richard L. Gaw It is not known whether William duPont, Jr. the designer of 23 racing courses who designed and built the Delaware Park Racetrack in partnership with Donald P. Ross in 1937, ever articulated his love of horses. It is of very little matter really, because for the millions of spectators like DuPont who have had the pleasure to witness a thoroughbred in full stride on a racetrack, the feeling is one of awe and reverence and humble acknowledgement. Continued on Page 48

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Delaware Park Continued from Page 47

Tight around the bend and coddled and cajoled by a jockey, a thoroughbred is a breathing machine of grace and power and courage and an eagerness to understand and utterly absent of ego and words. Samuel Riddle, the owner of Man O’War – regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time -- used to say that thoroughbreds have an even greater gift than speed. He called it heart. “Thoroughbreds do not cry,” he said. For the past 84 years, those who have flocked to the Delaware Park Racetrack have witnessed the same quiet majesty of racehorses from the grandstand and the rails, and in recent years, they have seen some of the best thoroughbreds to ever grace the oval. Near Triple Crown winner Afleet Alex and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro made their racing debuts there, and the track is home to many horses who go on to win major circuits at top racetracks in New York, Florida and Kentucky. Continued on Page 50

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Delaware Park Continued from Page 48

On any given day, the Delaware Park complex is alive with the energy of its casino, the White Clay Creek Country Club, its many high-quality restaurants and lounges and its simulcasts of horse racing at tracks around the country. For those who have been to the Delaware Park Racetrack, however, they are the live witnesses to the churning miracle mesh of acceleration and

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preparedness, rounding the home stretch and appearing to those most in love with the motion of thoroughbreds as if they are about to take flight without wings. Live racing at the Delaware Park Racetrack continues through Oct. 30. To learn more about the Delaware Park Racetrack and see its 2021 racing calendar, visit www.delawarepark.com.

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

|Newark Education| The University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies impacts students of all ages, providing flexibility, connections and the tools necessary to help them reach their dreams

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Newark resident Heather Cox, a website designer, social media manager and strategist, received her certification in Advanced Social Media Marketing for Business in December 2018. It is just one of several educational opportunities available through the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.

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By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

efore Newark resident Heather Cox became a successful website designer, social media manager and strategist – before she formalized her career imprint ten years ago and before she was voted one of the top women in Delaware business by two leading publications in 2020 – she started a love affair with computers when she was in elementary school.

Newark Life | Fall/Winter 2021 | www.newarklifemagazine.com

By the time she had reached the sixth grade, Cox was a mainstay at her mother’s Wallflower Gift Boutique in Hockessin’s Lantana Square. She did everything there, from creating window displays to helping customer service to managing inventory, and when the internet and social media began to shift the way businesses promoted themselves, she took it upon herself to transfer the promotion of the Wildflower Boutique from the cumbersome antiquity of postcards to a website and social media. “I had been on the computer since the sixth grade and really loved technology and software and creating things, but when it came to marketing my mother’s business, we did it the old fashioned way,” Cox said. “When I saw that Facebook was making a direct connection to people, I thought it was brilliant, because instead of sending postcards, we were able to connect one-to-one with our customer base.” In 2011 – inspired by the online marketing she had created for a local real estate investor -- Cox began her own website design and social media company. While her professional life slowly progressed, by 2016 Cox’s personal life had fallen into a free-fall of major transition. She moved back home with her parents and her one-year-old daughter. “I was depressed, and I thought that my life had become a series of start-ups and false starts,” Cox said. “I looked at my daughter and told myself that I had to get it together – in order to continue to move my business and my life forward.” Two days later, she saw an online advertisement for a certificate program entitled Advanced Social Media Marketing for Business, being offered by the University of Delaware Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS). Within a few weeks, Cox found herself sitting in a class being taught by Nancy Dibert, the founder and chief executive officer of the Middletown-based Epic Marketing Consultants Corporation.

A member-led Diversity Committee through UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute helps provide mentoring for elementary school students.

“When I walked into Nancy’s class for the first time, I already knew what I was doing with web design and social media, because I had taught myself for so many years,” Cox said. “When I entered University of Delaware’s Professional and Continuing Studies, I knew that this class would be able to elevate my expertise, especially in the graphic design and social media advertisement. “Nancy really honed in on sharing her expertise on social media advertising through targeted audiences, and copy writing. I thought it was hugely beneficial, and while the platforms of social media are always changing, I am still able to take what I learned in her class and apply it to what I do now.” Inspiring confidence The impact that University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies made on Cox is just one of many of similar stories being told in its classrooms and online programs every year. From preschool age through postretirement age, UD PCS impacts thousands of students a year by supporting educational opportunities that enhance their academic or professional skills, serve as a springboard to launching, advancing or completing their college studies, and enrich their personal life. UD PCS’ impact is local, regional and global, reaching students in 57 countries across six continents in 2020 – providing them with access to UD credit courses and degree offerings, professional development courses, certificate Continued on Page 54 www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

University of Delaware Continued from Page 53

programs, specialized conferences, workshops and lifelong learning member cooperatives throughout Delaware. UD PCS doesn’t define itself through personal education; it also offers customized education services to businesses, organizations and professional associations within its geographic region. Whether it is a professional seeking to expand her skills in social media applications or a 40-year-old looking to use a certificate to advance his career, UD PCS is also defined by its ability to inspire confidence in its students. “When we talk about what students learn in a course or a certificate program in our division, we quite often see it from the standpoint of what the student wants to focus on, but we also teach them IQ skills – the nuts and bolts of how to do the given task – and soft skills, which is about presentation and having experiential learning whatever the skill is,” said George Irvine, associate vice provost for Professional and Continuing Studies. “One of the key intangibles we provide is the belief that you can learn a new skill and apply it to your current job or help you get a new job. “So much of what we do is about developing an individual’s confidence, to allow them to say, ‘Hey, I can do this.’”

Timely programming, flexible schedules Becoming a successful continuing education program at a major university involves designing classes and certificate program opportunities that reflect the ever-changing climate of society, culture, technology and business. A deep look through UD PCS’ website is to see a curriculum filled with programs that provide training for several key industries that have seen a growing need for proficiency and practitioners. In the healthcare field for example, courses in advanced telehealth, clinical trials management and R.N. refresher programs are just a few of the many classes that are matching the need for more skilled healthcare professionals. As businesses have been forced to rethink their strategies and chart new courses, UD PCS programs like business analysis, project management and social media marketing provide roadmaps for the future. A continuing education program succeeds not just shaping its curriculum according to the social and business marketplace, but by tailoring its programs and classes around the lives of its students. Continued on Page 56

Beginning in the Spring of 2022, WNA will be revitalizing its competitive baseball and softball programs. All students who are admitted to play baseball or softball in the 2021-2022 Academic Year will be offered a discounted rate in tuition in the form of an athletic scholarship! Educating high school students since 1744, WNA remains the longest-standing day and boarding school in the country and an institution where students from around the world come to learn and experience our signature programs in art, STEM, and environmental sustainability. Situated in the rolling countryside of northeastern Maryland, just a few miles away from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, our beautiful 100-acre campus provides our students a place for living and learning. 5 and 7-day boarding options are available to our students.

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University of Delaware Continued from Page 54

“We help reach them where they are at in their lives,” Irvine said. “If they have earned some credits, we help them figure out how to use them. If they want to learn a pinpoint skill, we can help get them there. If they want to learn online, we’re there for them. If they are retirees who just want to learn for the love of learning, we’re there for them, as well.” Learning – even online -- is for a lifetime Jennifer Merrill, the manager of UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Wilmington, could easily tell the stories of dozens of students she has known who have taken classes at Arsht Hall, but one student in particular stands out. “She came to OLLI to study poetry with very little background in it, other than just a basic appreciation,” Merrill said. “She is now a published poet and teaches poetry classes, and she attributes it all to the classes that she took at OLLI.” As a major component of UD PCS and one of the largest lifelong learning programs in the country, OLLI – with programs in Bridgeville, Dover, Lewes, Ocean View and

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Wilmington – has been a wide-open door for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize. With nearly 4,000 members and structured as volunteerbased academic cooperatives for learners, OLLI members teach classes and take classes. Of the more than 900 course offerings available, OLLI’s curriculum is determined by member interest and the passions and expertise of the dedicated volunteer member-instructors at each program’s location. Prior to the arrival of COVID-19 last spring, OLLI was defined by its culture, seen through informative exchanges in classrooms, in friends having lunch together, and inperson performances in the lobby. When the pandemic hit, the fear among OLLI staff was that the person-to-person vibrancy of the program would vanish. Instead, Merrill said that OLLI saw the silver lining in the cloud through the power of online learning. “We had discussed the possibility of online programming before the pandemic, but it didn’t draw a lot of interest, but then the pandemic hit, and we built the plane while flying it like a lot of programs.

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“Ours is an optional program. Folks are here to engage with each other and learn for the love of learning, and our instructors volunteer their time because they are so passionate about what they are teaching. We thought whether this could continue with a senior population who is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. “They did, and it was remarkable. Suddenly, our students didn’t have to get in a car. They could take even more classes, even on days when they had other commitments. Online classes even allowed our students to actually see everyone’s faces on Zoom, instead of the backs of everyone’s heads.” OLLI members have also provided great support to UD PCS’ commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in its services, programs and operations, and its focus on partnering with the larger UD community to work toward a common goal of making the University of Delaware a welcoming and inclusive institution. A member-led Diversity Committee developed initiatives for creating a welcoming and inclusive OLLI climate with initiatives that included mentoring elementary school students, tutoring adults, promoting introductory membership

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certificates in underrepresented communities, and launching a Celebration of Cultures. “We have worked very hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome,” Merrill said. “We know that there are health benefits associated with participating in programs like this – keeping your brain and body active and engaging with others. As a leader in this program, I want to make sure that we keep pushing the envelope on welcoming people, and that we think about access and opportunity to as many as we can. “It’s more than just welcoming people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. It’s offering programs that teach about it, as well.” ‘We’re helping students to feel empowered’ Cox received her certification in Advanced Social Media Marketing for Business in December 2018, and since then, her business has blossomed and expanded to include such clients as Miss Delaware USA, as well as clients from the restaurant and hospitality, real estate, health care and fitness and community art sectors. She has also hired two media professionals, who assist her with website content

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348 Churchmans Rd. (Rt 58E), New Castle • 302-322-7600

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design, her daughter just began Kindergarten, and in September, she gave her first Ted-X talk about women in business. “As a woman business owner, we tend to deal a lot with the imposter syndrome of self doubt, and when I entered UD PCS, I had already been in business for several years, but my confidence level was not high,” she said. “When I graduated with that certification from a very reputable university, I felt as though I had finally gotten those credentials behind me, in order to show people that I am someone to be taken seriously.” Some of the best moments Irvine and his colleagues have are when they hear from students who have benefitted from their continuing education at UD PCS. “They are telling us, ‘I was floundering and your counselors helped me,’ or ‘I came out of the Army and I didn’t know where to go until I came here,’ or ‘Your conference or short course gave me the skills I needed to get that promotion,’” he said. “We’re helping students to feel

Courtesy of the University of Delaware

The flexibility of classes, programs and seminars provide students with the ability to juggle their education with other obligations.

empowered through knowledge, and they are being empowered to achieve whatever goal they want. They can then use that power for career advancement. “It’s about getting a degree, but it’s also about self-development as a citizen or as a human being.” To learn more about the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, visit www.pcs.udel.edu or call 302-831-7600. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty. com.

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

|Newark People| Twas weeks before Christmas, when all through his house, not an object was untouched, not even a mouse.

Welcome to Scott F. Mason’s winter wonderland By Ken Mammarella Contributing Writer

cott F. Mason’s Christmas decorating involves as many as 24 trees, 81 bins of decorations and “a bunch of stuff that won’t fit in a bin.” It also involves fond memories, from his extended family, his parents and his many friends. “It’s a labor of love,” he said of making his townhome in the Newark area a Christmas wonderland, from Nov. 1 through mid-January. “I love the ambiance that Christmas lights make. I refuse to use LEDs because they don’t glow. There are so many lights that I don’t turn on the heat. Sometimes I have to open windows to cool down.” “His house transcends decorating,” said friend Walt Osborne. “It’s artistry. Each area carries a theme and a story. It’s a magical showplace.” “He’s Father Christmas of Delaware,” said friend Judy David. “Scott makes Christmas special for everyone he touches. He turns his home into a wonderland for friends and family and turns anything into a more festive version of itself during the holidays.” “I have never met anyone in my life who loves Christmas so much and has such boundless energy to decorate,” said Nancy Chase, a friend from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. “What I find is remarkable is that it is completely different each year,” said Brian Touchette, a friend almost 30 years. “It is always amazing, how much work he does.” Continued on Page 62

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Miniature toys and games decorate a tree.

Nostalgia reigns in this showcase, with the plastic Santa, oversized candle, ceramic Christmas tree and everything else at least a half-century old.

Characters from “Star Trek” adorn a tree. Woodland creatures form this tree’s theme.

Photos courtesy of Scott F. Mason unless otherwise noted

His Christmas stocking, a tree heavy in old-fashioned glass ornaments and family photos recall Christmases of yesteryear for Scott F. Mason, who’s known for his all-encompassing Christmas decorations.

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Scott F. Mason Continued from Page 60

How it all began Mason, recently retired from the University of Delaware, grew up in Long Island, amid joyful Christmas gatherings. His parents divorced when he was 6, and the memories changed. The family moved to Delaware, and by the early 1980s he was working the Christmas season at Bamberger’s in Christiana Mall. Over that decade, he moved up at the store, now called Macy’s, to end as manager of its Christmas arcade. He used his employee discount to stock up after each season. Fast forward to the 2020s, when he began working for Hallmark, known for collectible ornaments (his Hallmark collection starts in the 1982). He set up the Christmas display at the Christiana Mall store in July – months after he started thinking about this year’s Christmas display at home. Mason bought his townhome in 1993, and over the years he has honed the decorating techniques that he used and in the home of his mother and stepfather and at the stores.

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Some areas evoke crisp winter scenery, with bare branches, flocked garlands and a cheery snowman or two.

First, he clears the rooms of everything non-Christmas to create what he calls a blank canvas, which is definitely not a goes-with-everything beige in his home. The dining room is light olive, mustard yellow and brickish red. The kitchen is slate blue and light yellow. The powder

room is raspberry sherbet. The family room is burnt orange. The master bedroom is peacock blue. The library/office is mustard yellow. The bathroom is beige. The collectibles room is white. How it comes together The clearing starts the day after Halloween, moved up from when he was working full time from an incredibly intense Thanksgiving weekend. The installation starts with the garlands and the greenery, and then come the lights, ribbons and ornaments. Wall hangings, pictures, wreaths and stockings follow, with items on furniture and shelves and in cabinets next. Trees complete each scene. Christmas linens, plates, glasses and serving pieces replace the non-holiday kind. The covers of Christmas cookie tins become burner covers on the stove. Christmas cards are displayed and are recycled to decorate gifts. A bust of Zeus is costumed to become the ghost of Christmas present. He often does his decorating while playing Christmas music: mixtapes, “scratchy and nostalgic” vinyl albums, “enough CDs to sink a ship” and his own Christmas music station on Pandora.

He also creates while playing classic television specials (“I love Christmas specials, and I always wanted to make one”) and Christmas movies. Anniversaries of favorites often provide themes. Milestones in his own life also inspire themes. For instance, 2021 is his 30th year of portraying Herr Drosselmeyer in the Delaware Dance Company production of “The Nutcracker,” that follows a few years as the troupe’s Rat King. It’s different every year Many elements recur, “but nothing is ever the same,” he said. After some anniversaries, he gives items a rest to refresh the look. Some items have history and memories baked in, such as a 1937 Lionel freight train, a Santa ornament from his maternal grandparents and dozens of satin ornaments created by his Aunt Claudia. Some are new and new-to-him. Osborne, a friend for a dozen years, gave him a Harry Potter train set that Mason is excited to debut this year. Osborne’s partner, Walt Graham, bought the set but died last year before using it. Continued on Page 64

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Scott F. Mason Continued from Page 63

“Personalitrees’ and ‘meaths’ In the 1990s, Mason started making personalized Christmas trees for family members and friends, and their calls to turn his Christmas creativity into a business led him in 2020 to creating a limited liability company called F-ervescent Productions. He offers personalized trees called “personalitrees” and personalized wreaths called “meaths.” The wordplay comes easily to Mason, an accomplished playwright. Chase was an early client, interested in decorating a three-season room newly enhanced with heat and air conditioning. Mason asked about theme (winter wonderland) and style (natural ornaments), and he sent her shopping. On the appointed day, he came to create with family favorites, new purchases and his supply of tools and hardware. F-ervescent also offers mystery events, motivational programs, advice on selecting a college, acting and directing programs and appearances as the honorary understudy of Dame Edna Everage. “He is available as an emcee, guest, or is best at delivering a full two-hour comedy show,” Mason writes on https://f-ervescent.com. Once the calendar tells him it’s time to welcome Christmas, inside his home, the Christmas lights are glowing, the Christmas music is playing and the décor is everything Christmas. Outside, there’s very little. Because, Mason said, he can’t enjoy it as much.

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Photo by Judy David

A customized wreath that Mason made for Judy David.

HEATING

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AIR CONDITIONING

Gregg Meffley Sales • Service

gregg@hbplumbing.com P.O. Box 238 2727 Augustine Herman Hwy. Chesapeake City, MD 21915 www.hbplumbing.com 64

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410-885-5012 800-398-1382 Fax: 410-885-3130 Cell: 443-553-3148

Mason gave this wreath to friends Brian Touchette and Peter Kuo. The couple plan to celebrate their 50th and 40th birthdays at Disney.

Nancy Chase hired Mason to decorate a three-season room in her home that now has heat. The look includes a set of snowmen boxes and a piece of art created by her daughter, Jill.

www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2021 | Newark Life

Fall Harvest Festival Saturday, October 9, 2021 (Rain date Sunday October 10, 2021) Handloff Park, 11AM - 2PM The Harvest Festival is returning for 2021! Grab your friends and family for an afternoon full of fall fun with inflatables, scarecrow making, crafts, games, music, local vendors and more! Fall Community Clean Up Fall Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021 Time: 9 - 11 a.m. Location: City of Newark Municipal Building Grab your family and friends and come make Newark beautiful. Individuals (ages 5 and up) and volunteer groups are welcome. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. For additional information or to volunteer for the clean-up, please call the Recreation office at 302-366-7000. Unlike previous clean ups, PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED via www.newarkde.gov/play. Harvest Festival Saturday, October 9, 2021 (Rain date Sunday October 10, 2021) Handloff Park, 11AM - 2PM The Harvest Festival is returning for 2021! Grab your friends and family for an afternoon full of fall fun with inflatables, scarecrow making, crafts, games, music, local vendors and more!t Festival Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat on Main Sunday October 24th 3 - 5 pm Newark’s annual Halloween Parade is back for 2021! Plan now to be a part of this special Halloween event, complete with marching bands, floats, antique automobiles, costumed characters, and much more. Preregistration is not necessary if you simply wish to come in costume and walk in the parade. A special line up space will be provided. Check in at the information booth at George Read Park by 2:30 p.m. on parade day. Please remember: Pets are not comfortable in the heat and crowds of large events, so for their safety and the safety of those attending the event, please leave your pets at home. There is no rain-date for this event. For cancellation information, please call (302) 366-7147. Local clubs, civic groups, school bands, PTA’s and scout troops are encouraged to participate. See below for additional information on participation or call (302) 366-70 66

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Please note the following road closures during the event: Main Street (Library Avenue to North College) Tyre Avenue / Delaware Circle Delaware Avenue Parade Categories Pre-registration is necessary for: Marching bands or musical groups - Any marching band or musical group. High School and Junior High Marching Bands must have a minimum of 25 musicians and be preregistered for the parade in order to qualify for a donation. Floats - Floats will be judged on their Halloween theme, and monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Large marching group - Must include a minimum of 10 individuals with at least 2 adults (if children are 12 or under, there must be 1 adult per 5 children). Awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Small / family marching group - Must have an overall theme and consist of at least 5 members and fewer than 10 members. Awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Vehicles - Antique automobiles with or without costumed drivers/riders. For additional information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (302) 366-7000. Trick-or-Treat Main Street Date: Sunday, October 24, 2021 Time: 4 - 5 p.m. - Location: Main Street Ghosts, goblins, fairies, and princesses; join in the fun of Trick or Treat Main Street. The event is paired with the Halloween Parade for twice the fun. There will be goodies from many stores and downtown businesses, and much

more. Bring a camera and have your picture taken in the pumpkin patch. All municipal lots will offer free parking during the events. For the safety of the children, Main Street will remain closed throughout Trick or Treat Main Street. NewBark PawLooza 2021 Saturday, November 6, 2021 Handloff Park 10AM - 1 PM Grab your BFFs (Best Furry Friends) and your phone or camera and join us at Handloff Park for this pet themed event! Pet friendly vendors, activities, and animal rescue organizations will be present. We’ll also have numerous contests such as: Best costume Look A-Likes (Dog/owner) Say Cheese (Best smile) Trick for Treat (Best trick) Oh, No! (Best response to getting into trouble) We want to make this event as successful and safe for all involved and would greatly appreciate any support you can provide. Please let us know if you are interested in participating, being a vendor, or would like to donate prizes for contests. You can contact Sharon Bruen at sbruen@ newark.de.us or (302) 366-7000 ext.1043 for additional information.

35th Annual Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Thursday, November 25, 2021 8AM - 10:30AM George Wilson Center Are you ready to spend Thanksgiving morning with friends, family and neighbors? We are excited to announce the return of the Thanksgiving Day Breakfast at the George Wilson Center, on Thursday, November 25th. The Parks and Recreation Department, area merchants and volunteers will celebrate our 35th year of gathering together to offer this special breakfast. Our mission is to create a warm and caring atmosphere among community members, older adults and area students who are unable to share the holiday with family members or a companion. Join us for a hearty breakfast and a little fellowship. This year’s menu will include pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, coffee, juice and tea. People over 60 may attend at NO COST. Advanced registration is encouraged, $3. Cost is $6 at the door. There will be an optional food drive benefitting the Continued on Page 68

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Steven Hoffman.....................................................Editor Richard L. Gaw.......................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.............................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley ...............................................Art Director Diane Blanche Stirrat.............................Graphic Designer Alan E. Turns ....................................Advertising Director Teri Turns........................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren ..............................Advertising Executive

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Newark Fall Events Continued from Page 67

Delaware Food Bank. Volunteer assistance is needed for setup on Wednesday, and the day of the event. Contact 302-366-7000 for details. Turkey Trot TURKEY TROT - 5K/10K RUN / WALK The Turkey Trot is back! Saturday, November 20, 2021 Handloff Park 10K Run at 9AM 5K Walk/Run at 10:30 AM Online registration will be taken on the Races2Run website (www.races2run.com) for your convenience. You may still fill out our standard registration form for the race and mail or walk in your registration. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the James F. Hall Scholarship Fund to provide tuition assistance to youth who would otherwise be unable to participate in activities and programs through the Parks & Recreation Department. $25 pre-registration (Prior to November 17) $30 registration on November 18 & 19 - $5 second race Trophies will be awarded for overall winners and age group winners. Both 5K/10K courses have been certified. There will be 10 men’s and 10 women’s divisions. Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards will be given for the 5K walk. Be sure to list your age on race day so we can accurately place you in the proper division. The first 500 to register will receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Pre-race shirt and number pick up at the Parks and Recreation office will be held Friday November 19th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those registered by November 17th. This is a rain or shine event. Once again this year, coats will be collected and distributed to people in need throughout the area. You may bring coats in good condition the day of the race Winterfest Friday, December 3, 2021 (rain date Saturday, Dec. 4) Academy Building Lawn - 6PM - 8 PM Winterfest is back! Join us for our annual tree lighting ceremony, along with a night of caroling, roasted chestnuts, ice carving demonstrations, and much more!. This is a joint effort by the Newark Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Delaware. Delaware Special Olympics will be holding their annual Reindeer Run in conjunction with Winterfest (www.sode.org) For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 302-366-7000. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in participation with the National Endowment for the Arts. The division promotes Delaware arts events on www.delawarescene.com. 68

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Newark Life Fall/Winter 2021

Articles inside

Photo Essay: Flying without wings at Delaware Park

Big future for Cooch’s Bridge

Dreaming big pays off for Autumn Arch

Q & A with Leann Moore of The Newark Partnership