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 committed to help you engage more in our coastal communities as we LOVE LIVING HERE™ together.
Len Hayduchok Delaware Retiree Advisor
Nanine Gallo Marketing Director
Makopano Mutloatse Editor
Bridget Fitzpatrick Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo Resident Journalist
Nina Hall Graphic Designer
The Delaware Retiree Connection™ www.DelawareRetiree.com www.facebook/DelawareRetiree
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Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is a cornerstone of the American Dream and perhaps better than any other phrase, condenses the value system of our country. Wealth and prosperity are among the fundamental goals we are free to pursue in this great country we are privileged to call the land of the free.
In our society that is so focused on finances that run the economy, money empowers us and gives us a sense of freedom to participate in it. Retirees who no longer have the responsibilities of work and often family are free to do whatever they wish with their unlimited discretionary time in this stage in life—whatever they want, whenever they want, with whom they want as long as they are not limited by their health and abilities…or finances. Greater financial wealth provides more flexibility for folks to do what they desire without limitation. However, it is important not to equate financial freedom and the standard of living it affords with quality of life.
Standard of living is a financial measuring stick that links lifestyle choices with money. The details of one’s lifestyle can be impacted by the standard of living someone can afford. Those who enjoy adventure and various cultures will have more flexibility choosing the places they visit and what they do given the more money they have, but they may still have a similar lifestyle regardless of how much they have to spend. Quality of life has more to do with the perspective on life and how individuals are connected to whatever is most important to them. Although a standard of living can impact one’s outlook
on life, how retirees and individuals in every stage in life view their quality of life, need not be dependent on finances.
Quality of life is tied to experiencing enjoyment and fulfillment, regardless of one’s financial situation. A fabulous quality of life really only means having four things,
1. a satisfying identity with 2. a meaningful life purpose
3. connected with people one loves 4. and having a sense of wellbeing. Still, money can enhance our quality of life if it empowers us. It enables us to have meaningful experiences with special people (by how money is spent). It helps us build a sense of accomplishment (through money that is accumulated), and it funds an impact into the lives of others (through a transfer of wealth). In these instances, when money does enhance quality of life, it is by connecting wealth to whatever is truly important to an individual.
Traditionally, we understand financial planning is essential in determining how much can be spent (not saving needlessly or spending recklessly) while maintaining financial sustainability (continued to page 6)
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throughout one’s life. However, money provides a greater benefit when we know ourselves well enough to know what matters deeply to us, and then we consider how our money can align to bring these Life Goals, Hopes and Dreams to life.
Financial freedom is not simply having the money to do whatever is desired but being able to use it to enhance quality of life—by spending or transferring it to align with whatever one feels is most important. At the same time, quality of life has to be able to be experienced independent from finances, otherwise we’re dependent on money to be happy. Financial planning is more meaningful when it considers the individual’s deep-seated values. A healthy
quality of life must include spending and saving plans that integrate with what we value the most—empowering life to be richer and more fulfilling.
For more free, helpful resources, Len’s websites: www.DedicatedFinancialServices.com or www.MaxAMAZING.com.
AUTHOR BIO: Len Hayduchok is a Retiree Advisor, with over 30 years’ experience. As a Certified Financial Planner ™ and Certified Life Coach, he has advised many individuals and families regarding both Financial and Retirement Planning. Len’s Amazon International Best Seller, MaxAMAZING ™ Your Retirement, combines both his financial and life coaching expertise into free resources to help guide retirees into a more enjoyable and fulfilling season of life. Len is the founder of The Delaware Retiree Connection, and the CEO and owner of Dedicated Financial Services. Investment Advisory services offered through SGL Financial, LLC.
“We have to learn how to uncouple fear from uncertainty. Embrace uncertainty, feel the fear and move in. Embrace ambiguity. We wait for everything to be right all the time. That’s not life. Embrace uncertainty.”
That’s a quote from Dr. James Smith, Jr. He’s a motivational speaker, a teacher and a coach. He makes a living inspiring others, and works with our friends at Growing Bolder. He talks the talk and he walks the walk, sharing lessons he’s learned by moving forward in his own life. Dr. Smith went back to school to get his doctorate in his late fifties, and then he chose to flip his business model upside down the year that he turned 60.
The pandemic shut down Dr. James’ entire way of doing business. No more traveling, corporate appearances, keynote speeches or in-person workshops. So, he pivoted, rebuilding his website, launching a new podcast, and learning how to connect with clients online. How did he start moving
forward? By asking himself an 8-word question: What are you going to do about it?
Was he afraid? Sure. Was there a lot of uncertainty in this bold, new venture? You betcha. But he took a risk and moved ahead anyway.
You may have read or heard the saying “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.” It’s been credited to several people, but whomever wrote it, it’s true. We draw up Bucket Lists adding dream after dream. We wait for the perfect moment to chase our dreams and, of course, the perfect moment never arrives. We plan to start walking tomorrow. We think about moving to a smaller place that’s easier to take care of, but we’re overwhelmed by the idea of downsizing a lifetime of mementos we’ve collected, and so we do nothing. We leave the big rocks for some far-off year.
So why are we waiting to live the life we want? Don’t wait for a deadly diagnosis to begin
taking care of your health. A winning lottery ticket would be great, but your numbers may never come up. What can you do with what you have today? When is the ideal time to take your dream vacation? To make that move? The only perfect time, the only right time, the only time there is, is right now. So, stop waiting and start doing.
Are you waiting until tomorrow to make a positive change in your life? Delaying one more day just puts you into procrastination mode, and it sets you up for near-certain failure. We need to find the motivation to start and the willpower to continue. If there’s something you want to do, do it. Start today and stick with it for at least 30 days. That’s when habits begin to form.
Research shows that sticking with something for at least 30 days will triple your chances of achieving it. It also confirms that we are more likely to accomplish our goals if we have help. There is power and accountability in community. Whether it’s a neighbor to walk with, a travel agent to help plan a trip, or a local professional to call so you don’t have to do it alone. Small steps can lead to big changes. Most of us give up far too quickly on our dreams and goals. Start today, take some action, and the results will follow.
Another lesson from the not-so distant pandemic—it reminded us all that life is fleeting and tomorrow is guaranteed to no
one. Is there an area in your life where you’re waiting for the perfect time to move forward? Maybe you want to take a trip, move closer to grandchildren, downsize into a smaller home, or move into a community where you can find new friends after a spouse’s death. What are you waiting for? Now is the time to lean into life, to take risks, to think big and to be bold. Bucket lists are about ‘eventually, one day, someday I’m gonna get around to it.’ Someday is not a day of the week. It’s time to jump now.
Ditch your bucket list. Book the trip. Try that language app. Enroll in that new dance class, buy a canvas and some paints, and get busy.
If your resolutions, your goals, your big rocks involved your home and stuff—Stacey and her team at Caring Transitions is ready, willing, and able to help in your next transition. But it’s up to you to take the leap, make the call, and put your dreams into motion. Caring Transitions of Southern Delaware offers compassionate assistance with relocation, downsizing, and online auctions.
Summer is the perfect season for upcycled projects that enhance a beautiful outdoor space. Your patio, porch, garden, and yard are an extension of your living space that can be as cozy as your living room and bedroom with the right pieces. This is the perfect time to make sure your outdoor space is ready for enjoyment. We are sharing a few inspired ideas for the best items to upcycle for the coming season.
Chairs. Warm sunny weather is perfect for updating chairs with a new coat of paint or design. Wood, metal and plastic chairs are each great for upcycling and using in your outdoor space. Chairs can be given a second life to add extra seating or turned into a creative planter.
Creating a Chair Planter. If you want to add height or depth to a garden, creating a chair planter can be an exciting way to infuse more color and texture. You start by cutting a hole in the chair you choose to upcycle or removing the seat of the chair and replacing it with a porous gardenfriendly material. Next measure how big the empty space is and trim the container to fill it.
Whether spray painting or hand painting, Upcycle My Stuff expert Kristen suggests
By Stacey Himlerusing “a proper outdoor sealant afterward so your piece of art doesn’t deteriorate over time.”
Containers. Be it baskets, buckets, cans, tins or jars, there may be a new life for your old containers before you decide to throw them away. Containers can often become the perfect planter, outdoor centerpiece, candleholder or other creatively useful upcycled item.
Container Planter or Centerpiece. To add a burst of brightness to your outdoor tablescape, design experts at HGTV recommend using vintage tins, cans, baskets or jars. Before putting fresh flowers or other décor in the container you want to showcase, preserve the vintage item by placing “the arrangement
in a plastic or glass container that’s just a bit smaller” to “eliminate any possibility of leaks” or damage. Give metal centerpieces extended life after it’s showcased by adding magnets to the tin (or can) to create a planter perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
Upcycled Citronella Candles. A soiree in the sun can go downhill quickly if your guests must battle bugs for food or dodge pests on your deck. You can create your own citronella candles to keep your space free of uninvited small guests. Start by filling a glass jar or old tin with water. Next add lemon, lime, rosemary sprigs and essential oils. HGTV Managing Editor, H. Camille Smith, recommends adding a trio of oils like “citronella, lemon or lavender. [Then] top with a floating candle and enjoy a bug-free fête.”
Mirrors. Adding the magic of mirrors to your outdoor décor can give small garden spaces the illusion of extra space and reflect the beauty of flowers and foliage. Upcycling mirrors into serving trays or tables are great ways to reflect light on a patio or deck.
Trays. Attaching handles to a framed mirror and painting the frame can create
a new purpose for an old mirror as a serving or decorative tray perfect for outdoor use. After choosing the right handles to accent the mirror shape or size, drill holes in the frame to add the new handles. If you decide to paint the mirror, remember to cover the reflective surface well before painting and add the handles afterward.
Tables. Whether it holds potted plants, candles, or appetizers for guests, a side or coffee table is one of the handiest pieces you can add to your garden, patio, or deck. Using a repurposed mirror as the tabletop can add priceless pizzazz. You can upcycle an existing table or create a base for your mirror. Then center the mirror on the tabletop, mark its location, and use a caulk gun or a drill and tile and glass bit to connect the mirror to the base. See where your creativity will take you and start off the season with adding the extra touches that will make your spaces just that much more enjoyable!
Do you want the boat, but cringe to think about the boat trailer, storage, fuel costs and insurance bills?
Freedom Boat Club gives you exactly that here in Delaware where we have an abundance of waterways. For an initial membership and monthly fees that follow, Freedom Boat Club (FBC) takes the hassle out of boating, and there are several ports to choose from.
In southern DE, you can choose your departure from the Lewes Anglers Cove (new), The Lewes-Rehoboth canal’s municipal boat launch at the end of Pilottown Road Love Creek, Cape MayLewes ferry terminal, Dewey Beach (bayside) and Long Neck, adjacent to PotNets. Cruise up the Broadkill River and
see extraordinary wildlife, visit Delaware’s historic lighthouses up close, or plan a fishing excursion with friends or the grandkids.
Freedom Boat Club has 385 locations throughout the US and Europe (British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Denmark, Spain and France) where you can use the membership reciprocity perk to enjoy up to four rentals at any one of them with advance reservations.
FBC of Delaware’s fleet features several styles to fit your lifestyle. There are cruising boats (pontoon and others) and a variety of fishing boats. They each seat between six and twelve depending on the model. Owners Tom and Bev Rosella, who started the franchise in 2017 with only four boats quickly grew their business, and by 2021,
they had amassed a fleet of 104.
In an interview with the Cape Gazette in 2021, they attribute some of the growth to COVID, when people’s desire to get out on the water away from crowds grew exponentially. Interest in recreational boating has grown right along with the population of Sussex County and tourists. What a great addition the boat club brings to the coast’s array of recreational opportunities!
Freedom Boat Club offers unlimited free training by one of its US Coast Guard certified captains. Seasoned boaters and newbies are all welcome. Training covers what you need to qualify for your boating license, safety protocol, equipment and weather and other emergencies. A four-hour new member orientation is required. Two of those are conducted online and two are in person.
Liability and insurance concerns? No worries. Freedom Boat has its own fleet,
so both are covered by the boat club’s insurance. The hassle of cleaning the vessel before and after your trip is done by the club’s capable dock hands who are there to board you and assist with fishing and recreational equipment - even helping with those heavy coolers and fishing equipment. Repairs and ongoing maintenance costs are all covered by the club. (There goes that space rental and towing problem!)
If you’ve got good sea legs and yearn to explore our beautiful inland bays, rivers and the Atlantic, consider Freedom Boat Club. To find out more about membership and the special deals they are currently offering, contact Membership Executive Rob Sweeney at (302) 644-5998 or rsweeney@freedomboat club.com.
Happy voyaging!
The Historic Village in Ocean View (HVOV) is a village consisting of an eclectic collection from Ocean View, Millville, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island. It is dripping in the history of the area.
The Historic Village in Ocean View’s mission is to “collect, preserve, interpret, and celebrate the history of Ocean View, Delaware, and the surrounding area. We strive to meet the challenges of 21st Century coastal living by understanding and embracing our rich heritage.”
“We have quite a few historic structures, so our focus is on maintaining them,” says volunteer treasurer Phil Shockley. “We just completed a major restoration of the exterior of the Tunnell-West House, a Civil War-era structure that is a museum on the first floor. We have the oldest barn in Sussex County that needs some repair and hope to work on that later in the year in addition to some maintenance work on our Chicken House replica and old Post Office buildings.”
HVOV President Barbara Slavin knows all
about the area’s history and the Tunnel-West House. She is the great, great granddaughter of the Tunnell-West combo who built the Tunnell West house for the overseers of their farmland. She also is the granddaughter of the builder of the Coastal Towns Museum, which was donated by her cousin.
“I am very proud to be the president of the Historic Village in Ocean View”, she says. The Hall’s Store Visitors and Education Center is open for tours and has a meeting room available for rent. There is space for lectures, social events, meetings, and
educational lessons. The front of the building features a store like those of the 1800s. Hall’s Store was the name of Ocean View during that time.
“We strive to present to the public this Village as it would have been during the 1800’s by telling stories and the background of our many locally donated artifacts,” explained Slavin. “Many local residents have generously given appropriate articles such as a Civil War camp chair, a portrait and story of an 1860 era local ship captain, a rope bed, musical instruments, post office accessories, chicken artifacts, farm items, and many items that represent our local Coastal towns”.
The HVOV adventure began in 2008. It has progressed through today thanks to local and state funding, members, interested individuals and organizations. The group has hosted a couple of Smithsonian exhibitions, bringing in over 1400 guests from the surrounding areas, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Most of the work is done by volunteer members of the Board of Trustees who take on responsibilities such as membership and volunteer coordination. COVID put a cramp in the group’s volunteer recruitment efforts, but they are bouncing back. There are no paid staff.
Most members are retired, but several still work. “Some have an interest in history or dealt with it in their professional careers,” said Shockley. “We have quite a diverse group, including several Ph.D.’s, a scientist, and a former state department foreign service officer.” He says HVOV is looking at ways to broaden participation and interest among younger people.
HVOV is a member of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Museum Association.
Who doesn’t like an art festival? The people are friendly, the displays are colorful, and it’s a good excuse to savor the outdoors.
The Lewes Historical Society (LHS) plays host to a dazzling display of jewelry and other creations at the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival, set for Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 9am-4 pm. Coastal artists, live music, food and historical/educational activities will mix at this family-oriented event taking place at the Historical Society’s campus on Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes. Next up is the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Art Show set for Saturday, July 6 from 9 am-3 pm. It’s the parish’s major outreach activity with proceeds benefiting multiple community organizations.
The Lewes Historical Society is back on center stage Saturday and Sunday, July 15th and 16th from 9am-4pm with its Summer Crafts Fair. More than 60 artists will be showing works at the Society’s campus. The $10 admission includes entrance to all LHS properties.
August brings with it the “Big Kahuna” of art shows – the Rehoboth Art League’s 49th annual Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show. Tents dot RAL’s 3.5-acre campus showcasing artists from up and down the East
Coast and offering food, live music, children’s activities, artist demonstrations, gallery exhibits, well-tended gardens, the historic Peter Marsh Homestead, and a Dogfish Head Beer Garden.
Dates for this juried show are August 3-4 and August 10-11. Saturday hours are 10am-5pm and Sunday hours are 10am4pm. There is a $5 entrance fee, but a
ticket bought on Saturday includes a return visit the next day.
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival wraps up the coastal beach town schedule on Saturday, September 7th from 10 am-5pm. So mark your calendars! There’s plenty to enjoy with Arts Festivals across our coastal communities this summer!
For those who want to get creative with some local classes, we have a plethora of options:.
• Rehoboth Art League Classes
• Mispillion Art League Classes
• Milton Arts Guild Classes
• Sussex County Library ART Classes
Southern Delaware is often referred to as the Culinary Coast, renowned for its eclectic cuisine-scene. The choices one has regarding seafood can make your head spin. So we did some research, including reading several restaurant reviews. Then we asked friends and neighbors to weigh in on the search for the best seafood. Some of their opinions were fervent. People, we found, seem to stay with one or two places and stay loyal.
In no particular order, other than the frequency of being mentioned, the following restaurants and markets definitely made the list of favorites.
Striper Bites. In the heart of vibrant downtown Lewes, Striper Bites features local catch prepared by your choice. Enjoy a local IPA or other draught while you wait for your table, look around at the whimsical, nautical décor. And definitely share an appetizer or two. The menu is certain to please all your party.
Enjoy Sushi? There’s a whole range of choices, beautifully presented and expertly made by hand.
Matt’s Fish Camp. With three locations, Coastal Highway in Lewes, Fenwick and Bethany Beach. Named after Matt Haley, the late founder of local culinary giant SoDel Concepts group, this popular is a must-try, with local oysters their signature Lobster Cobb Salad.
The Surfing Crab. Located just north of the overpass that leads into Lewes, this charming, off the beaten path restaurant is a pleasant throwback to genuine, messy crab feasts, along with plenty of other choices.
Fish On. Located in the Villages of the Five Points, Fish On takes on a decidedly more contemporary style and menu. Upscale casual is a good way to describe the beau-
tiful interior and popular patio complete with fire pits and chic lighting.
Fish On is also open for catering and on site special events.
Big Fish Grill. With locations in Rehoboth Beach and Ocean View, Big Fish is popular with groups, large families and people looking for a casual and not too pricey seafood lunch or dinner. Known for their Fish N Chips and pitchers of beer, Big Fish prides itself in its hospitality.
Go Brit. Go Brit made the list because of loyal fans of their signature classic Fish ‘N Chips. Beer battered fish and fresh potatoes. If you’re looking for a meal that hits the spot when you don’t want to cook, this is comfort food at its best.
Their Caesar salad is a local favorite. Start with a pint while you dine, and top it off with their key lime pie or English sticky toffee pudding. Cheerio!
Fin’s Alehouse and Raw Bar. A classic local haunt, you’re in for a treat if you love oysters. Try the sampler or local oysters, or share a sampler platter while your server explains the nuances of each kind. Their local catch and chowders will please fish lovers of all kinds.
Fins has four locations: downtown Rehoboth Beach, referred to as the Fish House, and another in Rehoboth on the Coastal Highway, known as the raw bar and ale house , then Bethany Beach, as well as Fenwick Island on Lighthouse Road (Route 54).
Family-owned since the 90s, venturing into craft beer on site at its Big Oyster restaurant (Lewes), and keeping Claws Seafood House in Rehoboth.
r JD Shuckers (off Route 24)
r The Wheelhouse (canalfront, Lewes)
r Irish Eyes Pub Lewes and Milton (new ownership)
r The Cultured Pearl (upscale), Rehoboth Beach
r Shorebreak Lodge (Rehoboth Beach)
r Atlantic Social (new and growing in popularity)
Next time you board the Cape May – Lewes Ferry or take a boat tour of the waters surrounding the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, think about this.
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has been focused on what you cannot see from the surface. In 1995, it established
an enormous undertaking to enhance the bay and oceanwater environment by building artificial reefs. That work continues today and has had an enormous effect on Delaware’s economy.
Fourteen underwater sites are considered artificial reefs, and the enormity of what’s down there is astounding. Beginning with recycled concrete and concrete products to build up the floor of the bay, DNREC sought to create habitats that encourage marine life.
The Mid-Atlantic region generally has a muddy or sandy ocean bottom unlike, for example, the rockier offshore surfaces of New England. By creating artificial reefs that mimic coral reefs or natural rocky coastal barriers, a busier life undersea now takes place with everything from invertebrates such as mussels and oysters to the reef fish that feed on them.
Hence, there’s the economic impact on everything from commercial to recreational fishing to underwater exploration.
DNREC estimates a whopping $87 million is added to Delaware’s economy from anglers annually. The DNREC project began to grow exponentially in the next several years and is ongoing today as they continue to remove bedrock in the navigation channels leading to the Delaware Bay, a process spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers.
If you are thinking that it sounds like ingredients for a major negative environmental impact, think again. There are very strict environmental standards for cleaning and preparing any sunken vessel.
Here are some interesting facts on what “lurks” in our local waters and has a profoundly positive impact on marine life:
• More than 1,300 51-foot-long retired NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority subway cars donated to DNREC. One ocean reef is aptly named “The Redbird” due to the iconic shade of red on each subway car.
• 86 decommissioned military vessels, including an ex-destroyer
• A retired Coast Guard Cutter
• The retired Cape May – Lewes ferry, the MV Twin Capes
• Commercial tugboats
• Numerous private and commercial ships ranging from 40 to 653 feet in length
In addition to the increase in desirable gamefish, many of the reefs have also created a popular destination for SCUBA divers and wreck (or in this case, sunken ship) exploratory sites. There are also standards of vessel stability for obvious safety issues. Some of the desirable species increases that have occurred include mussels, oysters, tautog, flounder, tuna and striped bass.
All told, there are eight artificial reefs in the Delaware Bay, as far north as Dover, and four more in the Atlantic. The farthest offshore is 55 miles, and the southernmost is off the coast of Fenwick Island.
More information and maps of the artificial reef sites can be found on DNREC’s website. It is fascinating to learn how even subway cars can be repurposed to add value to our coastal communities.
It’s our pleasure to share many articles on the importance and benefits of volunteerism. However, it has been pointed out that finding a good match is not easy. So, how do you find that optimal match? Some research on the subject revealed several recommendations. The bottom line seems to be this: do some introspection with yourself first before you commit to something that may turn out to be a disappointment. Here is what we found.
Know first what it is that you have to offer. Consider that carefully, and what it is that you want to share.
Then consider your purpose. Perhaps it is that you want to share your compassion for a particular cause that may have affected you in the past. Maybe it is a skill, or maybe you simply want to meet new like-minded people, or both. Volunteerism in retirement should be something you enjoy. You deserve it.
Be realistic about your availability. Before you overcommit – a common reason for volunteer burnout – decide first and make it clear to the organization how much time you are willing to spend each week or month. And be clear about your flexibility or lack thereof. In addition to
your purpose, it is recommended that you think about your motive. In other words, consider whether it is a local organization you want to support now that you live in Delaware, or maybe it’s volunteering for a national grassroots cause.
Also consider the road less traveled when you conjure up an image of volunteerism. Maybe you’d like to establish or become a leader within your alumni association. Or get involved with a committee or special interest group within your neighborhood or congregation.
The next step is then to reach out. Find out more before you choose. Like window shopping first.
There is a multitude of resources available on the internet. Here are a few:
Volunteer Delaware 50 is one of our favorites, a resource to match your interest with a local event or organization.
Volunteermatch.org, a giant in the volunteer world where you can (as its name implies) find a good match for your inspiration.
Idealist.org provides an extensive listing of volunteer positions, and you can filter the search by local, regional, national, etc.
TapRootPlus.org places skilled workers or retirees with nonprofits on a pro bono basis.
Serve.gov is the “senior” division of AmeriCorps. You may be surprised at the variety of volunteer opportunities this behemoth organization has.
When you’ve narrowed your list of potentials, request an interview so you can be clear about your intentions and learn more about the expectations your organization has of its volunteers. This point seems to be stressed quite emphatically by experts on volunteerism.
Finally, commit with caution. As Betsy erley of volunteer-driven Encore.org suggests, “If you are new to volunteering, look at it as dating. You’re not getting married to the organization.”
Most of all, make it worth your while, and someone else’s smile.
An afternoon at the pool sounds like the perfect recipe for a lounge, tanning moment, and perhaps a cat nap. And the cherry on top, start off that afternoon with an hour of splashing that can burn between 400 to 500 calories (rivaling a heated hour of pickleball)! Water aerobics is an incredibly healthy option for earning that well-deserved afternoon rest. And few people know more about water aerobics and other forms of fitness
Pamm Pauley, water aerobics instructor
than Pamm Pauley. Sheer joy permeates her face as she teaches a (mostly) senior group at the Paynter’s Mill pool.
Pauley has been teaching water aerobics classes, Zumba, and other exercise/fitness programs for 30+ years. She is an ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, a Certified Zumba and Aqua Zumba Instructor and an ARC Certified Lifeguard with CPR and AED Certification.
Ninety percent of her students are seniors, and women. For them (and all of us seeking to face each new year well), her advice is “KEEP MOVING!! It’s easy to become inactive as we age,” she says. “Research indicates that aging bodies need motion. Aching joints and muscle atrophy are clear indicators that the body needs to move.”
“Grab a friend/buddy or spouse and get involved in an activity. There are many great opportunities in and around Sussex County,” she says. “Water aerobics classes work well for those needing a Cardio workout without pounding their joints. It offers weight-bearing exercise and gives those with joint and/or muscular pain and injuries an opportunity to exercise safely in the water”.
One Paynter’s Mill student, April Wiaczek, became a water aerobics devotee after moving to Delaware from Boston in 2019. “I didn’t know anyone, she said. “I wanted to do water aerobics to meet people with the extra benefit of getting a little exercise”. She had taken only one or two classes previously. “They were great for stretching but not too demanding, so I expected the Delaware class to be relatively easy”, she added. “I was surprised with Pamm ‘s classes - what a workout! She puts so much into them; her passion is contagious. I feel stronger and more flexible and have met some amazing people. Mission accomplished”!
Pauley maintains a rigorous schedule. Besides Paytner’s Mill, she teaches at numerous community clubhouses. Her repertoire
includes Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Zumba, Aqua Yoga and Aqua Tabata as well as classes at the Lewes Senior Activity Center such as Strength and Balance, Zumba, Yoga and Cardio Blast (a modified Boot Camp workout). In her “spare time”, the Milton resident is also a hair stylist at Bad Hair Day.
Her Lewes Senior Activity Center strength and balance workouts are not for the faint of heart. Attendees know they are in for a rigorous workout. Pauley tells (continued to page 26)
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Pauley’s Balance Class at the Lewes Senior Center
potential students to check with a primary care doctor before signing up for a program.
Pauley advises caution when seeking the right class, being sure you consider your specific needs and goals. In general, she suggests a form of cardio - walking, dancing, or some type of aerobics in the water - plus a good strength program consisting of weight or resistance training for the weight bearing portion. Strength builds better balance. “These three components, Cardio, Strength and Balance are key to actively aging,” she says. Nutrition plays an important role in staying healthy. A routine
of protein, fruit and vegetables will keep the body clean of sludge buildup. Most importantly, she notes, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!”
“I feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people here”, she said. “My students inspire me every day. It is a joy to hear their testimonies of how exercising has helped them with basic functions. Their success stories have been truly rewarding. Seeing their smiles in class is PRICELESS!!!!”
The Sussex Y in Rehoboth also offers water aerobics, and that’s just in our small search. Whether it’s water aerobics or another class in your health regimen, get active and ENJOY life more with so many options to actively connect all around!
Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market
Garfield Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue (PNC Bank parking lot), Bethany Beach Sun, 8am – Noon, June 2 – Sept 1 www.bethanybeachfarmersmarket.com
Bethel Farmers Market
312 First Street, Bethel Every 1st and 3rd Sat, 9am – Noon May 4 – Oct. 12
For more information, call 410-251-1000
Broadkill Farmers’ Market
Union Street, Milton Fri, 4 – 6:30pm, May – Oct www.facebook.com/broadkillfarmers market
Delmar Farmers Market
State Street Park, Delmar, DE 1st and 3rd Sat, 10am – 1pm, May 4 – Oct 19
For more information, email: delmardemdfarmersmarket@gmail.com
The Farmers’ Market at Sea Colony Marketplace at Sea Colony Shopping Center (parking lot), 33546 Market Place, Bethany Beach
Wed, 8am – Noon, June 5 – Aug 28 www.seacolonyfarmersmarket.com
Fenwick Island Farmers Market
Parking Lot of Warren’s Station, Coastal Hwy & W Houston St., Fenwick Island
Fri, 8am – Noon, May 31 – Aug 30
For more information, email: skhudson51@gmail.com
Historic Lewes Farmers Market
George H. P. Smith Park DuPont & Johnson Avenues, Lewes
Sat, 8am – Noon, May 4 – Sept 28 www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Historic Lewes Farmers Market at Kings Highway
37707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes (Crooked Hammock Brewery) Wed, 8am – 11:30am, June 5 – Sept 4 www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Hops & Crops Market
Revelation Craft Brewing in Georgetown
Wed, 3 – 6pm, May 1 – Sept 25
For more information, email: kyle@revbeer.com or linda@georgetowncoc.com
Laurel Farmers Market
Janosik Park Front Street, Laurel
Every 2nd and 4th Sat, 9am – Noon
June 8 – Aug 24
For more information, email: tolaurelfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Milton Broadcreek Farmers Market
514 Union Street, Milton Fri, 4:30 – 6pm, May 10 – Oct 18
For more information, email: threasab@hotmail.com
Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers’ Market
Nassau Valley Vineyards & Winery 32165 Winery Way, Lewes Sun, Noon – 3pm, May – mid October www.facebook.com/nassauvalley summerfarmersmarket
Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market
Grove Park, Rehoboth Avenue (adjacent to Lighthouse Circle), Rehoboth Beach Tues, 10am – 2pm, May 7 – Oct 29
www.rbfarmersmarket.com
Riverwalk Farmers’ Market
Downtown Milford
South Walnut Street at Riverwalk Park, Milford Sat, 9am – 1pm, May – Oct www.downtownmilford.org
