Love Living Here, Spring 2022

Spring 2022

LoveLivingHere

TM

E-magazine for all things coastal Delaware

www.DelawareRetiree.com

LoveLivingHere

TM

from the Delaware Retiree Advisor

Len Hayduchok

Len Hayduchok Delaware Retiree Advisor Nanine Gallo Marketing Director Makopano Mutloatse Editor Bridget Fitzpatrick Resident Journalist

What a pleasure to do life TOGETHER, and do it WELL! Connecting in a meaningful way is one of the most fulfilling components to a rich life. We are engaged and committed to help you explore a better day as we LOVE LIVING HERE™.

Nina Hall Graphic Designer

The Delaware Retiree Connection™ PO Box 4177 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.DelawareRetiree.com www.facebook/DelawareRetiree This email is published quarterly.

Please feel free to email us with questions and thoughts, info@delawareretiree.com To advertise, please email us at marketing@delawareretiree.com Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from The Delaware Retiree Connection™.

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Love Living in Southern DE

Welcome Home!

The Delaware Retiree ConnectionTM is here to inform, inspire, and infuse your journey with life. As you enjoy your retirement in our coastal communities, we are here to help you to do more, enjoy more, and LOVE LIVING HERE TM! We get to partner with amazing 55 and better’s, helping YOU make the most of this opportune time, learning to flourish as individuals, as well as family and community members. Our goal is to give you fun tips and expert guidance to maximize exploring the many avenues of life you’ve waited years to traverse.

In This Issue Retirement Concerns

Hobbies & Community

4 ..............................Giving Back 6 .............................Senior Fraud

16 ......................Design Trends 18 ..........................Picnic Spots

Health & Wellness

Art & Education

10................Seniors and Stress 12 ............................55+ Health

20 ...........Clear Space Theatre 22 ......................................OLLI

How to Read: Enjoy our e-magazine in a traditional way, flipping through each page to see what’s next OR click on the article title you like to go straight there (with clickable links in many of our articles).

LOVE LIVING HERETM Spring 2022 3

Retirement Concerns

Giving Back to Get Even More!

All of us really do have something to share, AND the ways you can help may surprise you!

(The difference you make isn’t just....generosity.)

Several studies have shown that volunteerism by seniors comes with major personal benefits as well. It keeps your brain active. Emotional and mental well-being improve, and the physical benefits of staying active cannot be denied.

Volunteering prevents isolation and depression.

Plus, if seniors volunteer with youth, the magical bridging of the age gap happens, which helps both generations.

Are you a good listener? Do you play an instrument or share your love of music with others? Do you knit or crochet? Journal your own memories? Any of these “specialties” referred to are often perceived as casual hobbies. But take a second look, and you will quickly realize how what you are passionate about can make an enormous difference when shared with others who’ll benefit from your time and expertise?

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ompanionship is high on the list of volunteer needs in our area. Michelle Symni, a Lewes resident donates her time and caregiving skills weekly at a local hospice care facility, and finds it personally gratifying and humbling at the same time. She reads aloud, brings musical recordings and sometimes just listens to patients, knowing she can give some comfort.

“It’s actually a privilege to learn from those I’m helping. They are actually the ones helping me,” she says with a smile. (Read more) Do you have an accounting background? It’s tax season, and many seniors need help filing their taxes correctly - without having the expense.

The Lewes Senior Center annually partners with AARP and their legal aid program, providing free tax assistance. MANY other nonprofits also can benefit from bookkeeping help and plenty of other office tasks – even if it’s just to answer the phone to free up the staff.

Has cancer touched you or someone in your family? Cancer Support Community of Delaware is currently seeking volunteers for its Rehoboth Beach Wings of Hope campaign and/or its annual Pink Affair to support breast cancer patients and survivors. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition has local events and projects as well, so take a look at the opportunities to get connected and volunteer on their website.

Other healthcare volunteer opportunities abound! Blood Bank of Delmarva needs ambassadors and administrative help in its drives all around Delmarva throughout the year. And hundreds of volunteers are needed annually at many of the local hospice organizations.

Whether it is providing companionship, knitting warm clothing for the patients or playing

a soothing instrument for them, hospices and long term care facilities are always looking for help. Even volunteering to make visits with your therapy pet makes a difference.

Do you have reliable transportation and don’t mind the local traffic? For some folks, driving is their happy place. Well, plenty of transportation volunteers are also needed locally. Meals on Wheels drivers provide a hot cooked meal to the homebound, and a much-welcomed human connection. Local senior centers also need volunteers to drive their members without transportation to events, doctor appointments and errands.

Many local churches lead organized efforts to help people in need, whether it’s companionship or a hot, homecooked meal. It’s an excellent way to connect in your community and meet new friends!

Yes, you’ve guessed it. The list is never-ending, (AND you can find plenty of ways to GIVE BACK on your own, with neighbors or folks you meet on walks around the dog park, because once you get talking, it’s easy to find need!) With so many great groups jumping in to make a difference TOGETHER, there are options galore!

We’ve just given you a glimpse with a few interesting ways to volunteer that already exist in Southern Delaware.

Sometimes, seeing the endless list makes you ask, but what difference can I make? Keep your balance and look for a place where YOUR PASSION and SKILLS meet THE NEEDS AROUND YOU! Each drop together can turn into a wave of impressive change. AND it provides a renewed sense of purpose. So start looking for how you can share your experience and compassion.

Volunteer!

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Retirement Concerns

Senior F raud: Helping You P rotect Yourself

By Bridget Fitzpatrick

The statistics are alarming in fact, may be underreported!

According to experts on fraudulent scams targeting seniors, more than one in ten older Americans will be victims of financial theft each year to the tune of more than $2.9 billion. Yet shockingly, it is estimated by the Senate Special Commission on Aging that only one in 24 cases is reported. Why so?

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any seniors either realize they’ve

been misled too late, and most unsuspecting victims do not know where to turn for help. Knowledge is prevention in this case; the more organized and vigilant you are to potential fraud, the safer you will be.

THE #1 RULE: “Never provide a stranger with personal information such as your address – and especially your Social Security number,” Lewes Senior Center’s executive director Dennis Nealen recently explained to a center member who came to the center for help after receiving a phone call from a stranger who claimed to be from Medicare and was confirming her address, phone number and SS# (he alarmingly already had it, but fortunately, she refused to confirm anything).

She was advised of course to immediately contact Medicare as well as the IRS.

Medicare and medication fraud is a booming, illicit business! And creeping up quickly on the top ten list of abuse for illegal internet scams: identity theft, sale of bogus medications and healthcare services, investment schemes and more.

Here are other devious scams you should know are out there, followed by ways to protect yourself. (And remember, these can be by CALL or by EMAIL) • Funeral scams – imposters preying on mourning spouses to collect fake debt or “upsell” unnecessary funeral costs

• Homeowner scams: you’ll get a call for bogus home improvements requiring a large deposit • Utility scams: imposters call, posing as employees and asking for sensitive information

• Relative Scams: a scammer poses as family members (saying they’ve been in an accident and need hospital fees, or saying they’re a grandchild, “Hi Grandmom, Guess who?” and explains that they’re stuck and need you to send money.

• Investment scams: Pyramid schemes that are too good to be true, or selling reverse mortgages

• Fake charities: a scammer calls to play off your good intentions and ask for gifts to help those in need (especially following natural disasters)

• Asking for passwords to websites you use frequently

• Pigeon Drop scams: “You won! You can get this large lump sum, all you need to do is pay a smaller sum now to secure it...”

Knowing how to protect yourself is essential.

Here are suggestions from trusted sources. (continued on page 8)

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(continued from page 7) • Never, EVER reveal your SS number, DOB, account passwords. The IRS, Medicare and banks will NOT ask you to reveal this unless you prompted the inquiry.

• Don’t open emails from senders you don’t

• Block unknown callers with suspicious numbers. You can also SCREEN them.

When they come in on a smartphone, instead of answering, you can press “SCREEN CALL”. Then the caller has to give an answer that you can read, before you choose whether to pick up or not!

Consider adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry.

• Consider subscribing to a password

• Consider if any hearing impairments

• Monitor your account activity and

are making it harder for you to identify scams. In this case (for you, or even for your parents) you may want to consider getting assistance. One idea is getting a Captioned Phone. (Federal funding under Title IV of the ADA means Clear Captions is able to provide their equipment and services at no expense to qualified users.)

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know (don’t be caught with their “phishing”).

If you didn’t inquire, then don’t respond.

They are baiting you with great prizes, great offers, but don’t take the bait. management system that will securely store all of your passwords. The typical person has an average of 130 accounts! Only share your phone password with your spouse or trusted relative/friend in case of emergency.

(Read more) • Make sure you have updated and adequate firewall security on your computers. annual credit report.

• Use Direct Deposit when available to lessen risk of stolen checks.

• Report ANY suspicious activity immediately. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).

RESOURCES Caregiverstress.com, a video series for seniors and caregivers on fraud protection

• Shred any paper documents that include credit card info, and secure essential documents (passports, birth certificates, copies of driver’s license, etc.).

If you think you’ve been scammed, here are some top tips we’ve learned: 1) Let your bank know your financial information might have been stolen, 2) Reset your passwords, 3) Keep an eye on your accounts. AARP invites you to call their toll-free fraud helpline at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.

Most importantly, be vigilant and savvy about where to look for help if you suspect potential fraud. Know how to protect yourself, your spouse and your heirs from heartbreaking consequences. The world is a beautiful and complicated place. Let’s inform ourselves and get back out there. As you strive to learn more, don’t let the STRESS of all these unforeseen but seemingly imminent fears overwhelm you.

Take a deep breath, and choose your next step. Perhaps it’s to RESEARCH, then take a look at some great resources and read more. Perhaps it’s to talk to the tech-savvy person in your life and ask if your computer firewall is adequate.

Just take it one step at a time. Why not start with AARP articles on the subject?

Scams and Safety Page from the FBI with tips and contact information National Council on Aging, articles and long list of resources DE Fraud and Consumer Protection Division, legal information and reporting Medicare.gov page link on how to identify, report or protect yourself from fraud Elder Care Locator, a government resource for local senior services, elder law, etc.

Delaware Adult Protective Services, confidential reporting agency for senior exploitation

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Health & Wellness

Seniors and Stress Guest Blog By Stacey Himler Owner, Caring Transitions, Millsboro, DE

S

tress seems to be an everyday thing.

This is why you need to figure out healthy

It doesn’t matter how old you are.

ways to deal with stress.

As we mature the causes of stress may change but certainly, they do not diminish.

It could be different things like helping your children move into adulthood with adult responsibilities or moving up in your job because of your accumulated experiences, or facing change such as downsizing, moving, or helping with grandchildren. Or, unfortunately it may be losing a loved one or experiencing health issues of your own or a loved one, or worry over financial security.

Research shows that people aged 50 to 65 are 17% more likely to experience stress than their counterparts in the 1990’s. What’s worse, the effects of stress are magnified as you age.

A Harvard Health article about stress in the elderly details how your body can no longer fight off stress as efficiently as in your prime years because of the diminished state of your cells, heart, and lungs. As a result, stress can cause short-term memory loss, sleep problems, tension headaches, anxiety and irritability, indigestion, and heart palpitations — all of which can worsen over time.

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“ ‘One small step at a time.’ This is the perfect mindset to start de-stressing. Trying to tackle stress is in itself stressful, so we also need to identify whether there are some mental, emotional and spiritual chains binding us up. First, are we stressed over things we

cannot or should not change, over false

through your nose for 4 counts, hold your

guilt? Second, is there unaddressed grief,

breath for 7 counts, then release it forcefully

confusion and pain we should tackle in a

for 8 counts. Doing this can help ease some

safe place with a professional? Reach out to

of that stress away

someone locally for help as your first small step to making your life-freeing changes.

Start with your church, local medical professionals, local senior centers, etc.”

- The Delaware Retiree Connection TEAM So, what are some of the things you can do to help manage your stress? Here are some ideas.

Mind games – Doing the crossword puzzle, playing Sudoku, playing cards with friends or on your tablet or computer all help keep the mind sharp while you have fun, which helps keep stress levels down.

Socialize - Spend time with friends and family. Consider moving into a senior

Learn to breath - I know that sounds

community to be with people your age with

funny since you have been breathing your

similar interests. Being isolated can be a

entire life but here is the thing, because we

stress inducer that we really don’t consider

all do it every day, we don’t think about it,

nearly enough.

we just do it. However, there are exercises in breathing that can help reduce the stress you are feeling. The best part is, they are free, easy and you can do them any time you want or need to. A popular exercise is called the 4-7-8 breathing technique. You inhale

”Just make sure, wherever you are in your journey, to take the time to START. One small step at a time is how we change.”

The Delaware Retiree Connection TEAM

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Health & Wellness

55+ Health

By Debby Gross, Certified Health Coach

A

s we get older, we feel it. Our bodies are aging. We feel it when we wake in the morning, that stiffness, the need to stretch and smooth out aches that seemed to have appeared overnight.

(How did I just get hurt in my sleep?)

Lack of energy, brain fog, heartburn, gut issues and increased inflammation. These issues can keep us from enjoying more of life. And ignoring them doesn’t make the situation any better. We all want to age as slowly as possible and enjoy more of life.

However, there really are some simple things we can do that will advance and protect our health and slow down the natural process of aging.

First, a four-letter word that shouldn’t make us cringe. D-I-E-T Science has proven that there are certain things that will help us to do this with diet and lifestyle. One important way is

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to decrease the STICKY STUFF you eat, which clogs up our arteries. Sticky stuff?

Well that’s sweets, fast food ...things high in saturated fats and low in fiber, things full of simple carbohydrates that break down into sugar quickly. We all feel the increased need for fiber for our digestive track, which is important for regularity and will even blood sugar and increase satiation. We need those complex carbohydrates that take a bit of energy to chew up rather than that white flour pastry that goes down a bit too smoothly for an everyday habit.

Another very important thing you can do is increase the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables you eat everyday. There are powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants that our bodies need for optimal health and healthy aging and they are only found in plants. Science has

uncovered how important plant nutrition is for the healing and protecting cells which make up our organs and systems.

The more plants you can consume the better. Consuming MORE contributes to your energy and general health, and will just slow down aging.

Second, M-O-O-O-O-V-E Been healthy all your life? Perhaps you’ve never smoked, or gotten a handle on that unhealthy habit. WELL, have you met the “new smoking?”

If you sit for 4 hours, it’s called the new smoking. It equals the debilitating effects you’d get from smoking. It’s important to get up, move, walk, exercise. Set a timer on your watch or phone to remind you to get up and move, especially if you have a lot of sitting in your day. You might want

to park further near the outer edges of the parking lot and use a cart so I get in those extra steps! Or plan a regular activity (golf, run, hike), or neighborhood walk with friends. Enjoying nature as the days warm up and enjoying others, a great combination. (The accountability of a comrade to face the initial feeling of “ugh, I just don’t feel like it today” can spur us into action.) Read More.

Third, de-STRESS Managing stress is very important to your optimal health. While some stress is always a part of life, being able to relieve and lessen stress, helps you move your mind from too much self-focus which can sap you of joy. A counselor once shared this strategy with a very worried friend. She suggested for a week, writing (continued on page 14)

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(continued from page 13) down every single worry that enters my friend’s mind, and put them in a jar. At the end of the week, take them out and see how many actually came true. (Spoiler alert: none of the feared train smashes actually happened!) This is a journey of letting go of unhealthy thoughts and habits, which we need to replace with something better. In my experience, replacing fear with gratitude is key. In a nutshell, I take a deep breath, I pray for help, and then I start listing what I’m thankful for down to the incredibly simple breeze on my face, etc. Shifting our attention to the positive is also an ACTIVE choice. For example, when we contribute time to causes we love and are passionate about, we find surprisingly positive results that can be a huge increaser of joy.

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Fourth, A-Q-U-A Water needs to be an essential part of your health plan. Coffee, and tea do not count. You may have heard it before, but these can even increase dehydration.

Water is essential for removing toxicity from your body everyday. Toxicity from the air, cleaning products, soft plastics, pesticides...too many factors to avoid.

Water is the life drink of our bodies. It is also important for the function of your brain and muscles. So how much should you drink? It is recommended to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. Especially as a first step, this feels like a huge amount. But find a way to increase it whatever way you can. Drink water when you go out and save...say no to sugary drinks with processed sugar and artificial sweeteners. My daughter, a coffee-lover for sure, makes herself

drink two glasses between each cup of joe. Find the trick that works for you!

(If your urine is yellow, you are NOT getting enough water.)

maximize your body’s detox: stop eating approx. 4 hours before bedtime, and synchronize your biological activities to the time of day.)

FIFTH, Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z

For all of us 55+ and betters, we’ve worked hard at a lot (our jobs, our kids, our homes...a LOT), let’s give our health a little of that industrious attention our generation is famous for. Take a small step forward in the right direction and ENJOY living your life to the fullest!

Finally, are you getting good sleep each night? Sleep is an important component of our health. It is when our body heals and repairs. Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue, weight gain, decreased concentration, impaired memory to name a few.

(So sleeping can actually help you LOSE weight!) Find ways to relax in the​ evening. Stretch, smell some lovely lavender, turn off the lights and screens an hour or two before bed. (And to

Debby offers free 20-minute consults, by appointment, just to help as seniors consider their health and the best ways to adjust in pursuit of a better lifestyle.

Feel free to reach out as you need: 215-805-0453 www.debbygross.juiceplus.com/us/en email; debbygross@comcast.net

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Hobbies & Community

Design Trends for 2022

By Bridget Fitzpatrick

S

pring 2022: wait until you see what’s trending, what’s classic and what’s surprising!

According to Houz, the popular online go-to for design trends, colors are getting bolder and warmer.

As people look forward to warmer temperatures, nature themes reign.

Think bringing nature inside.

So not surprisingly, green – all kinds of shades of it are in vogue. It’s been a rough couple of years that forced people to stay in their homes. Green can evoke, bringing nature inside. In fact, Etsy even calls emerald green its Color of the Year!

Green stemware, green clothing and even green bedding are in.

Green doesn’t have to be bold or audacious, though. If the thought of bright green walls in your home scares

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you, there are several softer shades that still evoke nature, such as sage, and mint. In fact Dutch Boy Paints named “cypress garden” its 2022 One-Coat Paint of the Year.

Warm undertones can complement existing furniture and fixtures if you’re not ready to take the leap too quickly. As Kermit the Frog famously sang “It’s not easy being green,” but given the right choice and shade that soothes you, green can give your home a facelift.

Coming in a close second place is anything blue. Blue is the new black.

Blues can be light and airy, which give the feeling of comfort. Given our proximity to Delaware’s ocean and bay, It’s no wonder blue is very popular for that beachy look.

Blue can give of a sense of tranquilty.

But vibrant blues can also make a statement for your home, and a trend of late are blue bathrooms in shades anywhere from soft baby blues to popular navy blues.

Bright Skies was named as the paint brand Dulux color of the year 2022. ‘It will be a game-changer when people use this tone on their ceilings,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director, Dulux. ‘It makes the ceiling just melt away. This hue is both uplifting and light, while simultaneously being soothing, familiar, and apt for a joyous safe haven.’’ What a perfect idea for our coastal homes!

perfect for terracotta. Rooms with plenty of windows work best, according to designer Pat O’Brien of Rehoboth Beach’s Décor Direct. It can always be softened with light colored furniture and carefully planned lighting.

Regardless which colors you choose for your home, the nature theme is hot right now.

If warmth, on the other hand is what you tend to prefer, it is predicted by several interior designers that terracotta and warm beiges will gain in popularity. Bedrooms and even home offices that need warmth - but also a sense of seriousness are LOVE LIVING HERETM Spring 2022 17

Hobbies & Community

Picnic Spots

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yourself in the landscape…at least for a serene afternoon break.

According to Yogi, Delaware offers some stiff competition to Jellystone National Park, and here are the BEST SPOTS!

This treasure keeps coming up as one of the most stunning parks Delaware has to offer. It will not disappoint! Picnicking, hiking, biking, birding, walking – you name it – this state park may as well be a national park (although it might serve us locals better to keep it a secret). There are plenty of picnic spots!

ey, Boo Boo. Let’s Go Get Ourselves A Pic-a-Nic Basket.” So said the most famous picnic connoisseur, Yogi Bear. We interviewed him recently (long in retirement now) for his opinion on where to picnic in Delaware.

If you are looking for an interesting change of pace from the beachfront scene, look no further than Mill Pond Garden, a haven for all of us, but especially for those who love flora and fauna not often seen at the coast. This gem offers us a glimpse into the beauty of Delaware’s natural plants. Fill your basket full, clear your calendar, and lose

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Cape Henlopen State Park

There’s plenty of picnic tables at the fishing pier. Or you can enjoy your basket on its beautiful beaches. Near the entrance to the Gordons Pond trail (bikes, trailblazers and dogs are all welcome), there’s plenty of parking and tables just steps from the beach. Enjoy getting lost

as you look for the perfect spot to spread your blanket. (Just remember, it’s carry in, carry out. So don’t forget a trash bag!)

(Cape Henlopen State Park)

Stango Park Stango Park is right by the Lewes Public Library, which means many people find it wandering by or taking advantage of the free concerts on the adjacent lawn during summer evenings.

This park offers a great stopping point for a picnic as you make a day of it.

A short drive to Lewes Beach or you can park your bike. The GeorgetownLewes trail is right there, so if you are coming from other trail destinations, you can certainly have a delightful picnic at Stango Park, (named for Al Stango, Lewes’ charismatic former-mayor).

Beach Plum Island State Park A genuine gem, Beach Plum Island has its own unique atmosphere. It is at once an authentic community and a testament to how Delaware takes care of its land and bay. This rural area boasts more birds than people in many places, so enjoy your picnic here in the company of DE’s stunning waterfowl (and friendly people too).

While these are our favorites, they’re definitely only the tip of the iceberg.

When out-of-town guests come, you’re never stuck for options to enjoy the great outdoors. You’ve picked a great state to call home–full of great reasons to LOVE LIVING HERE!TM

So whether you plan your picnic around a local concert, stop off for lunch after a hike, or use it as a spring-board for a day at the beach, your options are wide open.

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The Arts

Clear Space Theatre It’s Very Clear: Professional Theatre for All is Right Here in Southern DE With the tag line, “Artistic Endeavors of Integrity and Risk,” who wouldn’t be curious to learn more about Rehoboth Beach’s Clear Space Theatre?

A community staple and favorite, Clear Space brings joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages. Averaging around 150 performances a year, it is a nonstop buffet of artistic performance. While its summer schedule is the busiest, Clear Space operates year-round to provide an enormous variety of live performances.

Probably best known for their Broadway productions complete with elaborate costuming and staging, there’s so much more to witness. There’s an annual oneperson show; there are several classic children’s shows, an annual holiday show and even classes for thespians of all ages!

Since 2005, Clear Space has been thrilling

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audiences. Are you a fan of classic Broadway? Examples of classics scheduled for their 2022 season include Grease, 9 to 5, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Comprised of local actors and musicians, Clear Space Theatre company offers SoDel audiences everything from outrageous comedies to crowd-pleasing Broadway musicals and an annual thought-provoking drama every September. (In a compelling story, this year’s performance of “Other Desert Cities” examines a family’s struggles with a tragic past and their ability to come to terms with each other.)

For the more “adult” interest, entertaining favorites such as Victor/Victoria and Little Shop of Horrors are also on Clear Space’s menu.

Interested in teaching and entertaining your grandkids? Or are they interested in getting involved with dramatic or musical

experience? Clear Space’s Performance Art Institute is available for kids to learn acting skills.

Looking for a unique gift? Why not take advantage of Clear Space gift certificates, allowing your friends or family a choice from their 2022 hefty season?

Ever wanted to pursue your own dream of acting? Then check out Clear Space’s Arts Institute, which offers classes for budding actors and singers of all ages and levels of talent experience. Hey – they’ve already inspired over 500 students, so why not choose from over 100 classes?

Clear Space’s “Spotlight on Young Performers” this season includes three shows that cast children in grades four through twelve: “Emma! A Pop Musical,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Elf the Musical,” a holiday favorite.

Ever loyal to the Rehoboth Beach community and others in Sussex County, professional actors have provided countless hours of service in outreach programs designed to give the underserved the opportunity to learn the art of acting. It’s all part of their community-minded mission.

Currently, Clear Space is undertaking an effort to grow their ability to serve larger audiences by building a new theatre nearby their current space, which they’ve outgrown. Hopefully with the support of the community, it will soon be a reality.

Clear Space is a gem for Rehoboth Beach and all residents of lower Delaware. Why not enjoy all it has to offer? Consider volunteering, make a contribution to keep the arts alive in Delaware…but certainly don’t miss the opportunity to soak in some delightful entertainment, right in your own back yard!

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Education

OLLI

T

he University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program for learners ages 50-plus already held the distinction as one of the first lifelong learning programs in the country. With the growth of its online program during the pandemic, it’s now also the largest, with an active membership of nearly 2,000 participants from across Delaware and the region.

OLLI at UD is a volunteer-based learning cooperative for adults age 50-plus to take and teach classes together with no grades, exams or educational prerequisites. Each season there is a new catalog of classes, now with expanded in-person programming, online classes and two new online class formats. Spring Catalog, click here.

Summer Catalog, watch this space for 2022.

Take a Peek at the Spring Course Highlights in Sussex County In Lewes, several new courses are expected to be popular, including “Telescopes: Time Machines of Discovery,” taught by Jim O’Leary, host of the weekly Skywatch at the Beach for Radio Rehoboth. A special course on Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim will take place at The Moorings at Lewes, taught by music 22 Spring 2022 LOVE LIVING HERETM

experts Jon Newsom and Roo Brown.

And a course about the sport of vintage baseball and its Lewes connections will be taught by Michael DiPaolo, former director of the Lewes Historical Society.

In Ocean View, two full days of in-person courses will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, including Mah Jongg, English country dance, beginning watercolor, and “Adventures of a Global Journalist” taught by retired CNN journalist Ralph Begleiter.

And in Bridgeville, “Day The Earth Stood Still: The Kennedy Assassination” will take place at Heritage Shores Clubhouse, taught by Sandy Boyar, retired high school history teacher and history enthusiast.

Growth of Online Courses at OLLI An increasing number of OLLI’s classroombased courses are also offered online, or in special hybrid formats.

Early in the pandemic a few OLLI instructors were able to immediately move their courses online, but it was a few months later that the initiative to launch a fully

online OLLI began in earnest with a virtual learning committee comprised of techsavvy volunteers and staff from across UD’s OLLI programs.

With a return to OLLI’s on-site classrooms, “the virtual world of Zoom classes, hybrid offerings of Zoom and in person, and group viewing offer us the opportunity to continue to reach out and expand,” said Collins.

Statewide Reach and Cooperation Although UD’s two lifelong learning cooperatives operate independently as OLLI Wilmington and OLLI Kent/Sussex, pandemic realities brought them together to make the most of online learning opportunities. The new formats expand on that cooperation and increased accessibility, allowing virtual or in-person attendance from almost anywhere.

about. They miss sounds, like music, side discussions, catching up and having a place to go even if it’s only a few days a week.”

Class Details Learn more about each season’s new course list: Olli Sussex www.olli.udel.edu/kent-sussex Course offerings include painting, ceramics, film appreciation, band and music ensembles, folk dance, yoga, tai chi, literature, languages, investing, tree club and more.

Participants can sign up for any combination of in-person classes, online classes or both. The semester-based OLLI membership fee is $100, with an additional per-class registration fee. Prior OLLI membership or OLLI participation is not required.

“In my opinion, both online and in-person classes are here to stay,” said Martin. “OLLI members have expressed interest in taking online classes because some are still wary of the virus, are physically unable to drive to class sites, like the comfort of not getting dressed to go out — and if they are not in the area, knowing they can still log into classes. On the other hand, members truly miss being with friends, feeling the vibe in the building, talking and seeing faces (currently through masks) and moving LOVE LIVING HERETM Spring 2022 23

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TM