2014
Progress Report
Š2014 Morning Star Publications, Inc.
There are moments in life that cause us to hesitate. Selling your home shouldn’t be one of them. If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t hesitate. The combination of low interest rates for home buyers and a shortage of homes for sale in many areas of the country indicate that now may be the right time to sell. When you’re ready, be sure to contact a real estate agent who’s a REALTOR®. REALTORS® have up-to-date information on market conditions in your area and can show you options that best fit your situation.
©2013 REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®
Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Georgetown, DE 302-855-2300 www.scaor.com
Bayhealth + Penn Medicine Bayhealth + Penn Medicine
When our doctors get together, greatgreat things happen. When our doctors get together, things happen. You want the finest youcare canyou get.can Period. We want to have it.have No excuses. That’s why we’ve You want thecare finest get. Period. Weyou want you to it. No excuses. That’s whyaffiliated we’ve affiliated with one of the healthcare institutions in the area—Penn Medicine. For heart, orthopaedics with onepremier of the premier healthcare institutions in the area—Penn Medicine. For cancer, heart, cancer, orthopaedics and stroke you’ll access the top medical minds in the area—right here, close home. andcare, stroke care,have you’ll haveto access to the top medical minds in the area—right here,toclose to home. To learn affiliation means means to you,to goyou, to www.bayhealth.org. Tomore learnabout more what aboutthis what this affiliation go to www.bayhealth.org.
Kent General | Milford MeMorial Kent General | Milford MeMorial www.bayhealth.org www.bayhealth.org
Contents 2014
Progress
6
Report
Seaford ........................................ 6 Nanticoke Arts ............................ 9 Seaford Historical Society ........ 10 Real Estate trend....................... 11 Laurel ......................................... 12 Nanticoke Byway ...................... 15 Bridgeville.................................. 16 Greenwood................................ 17 UPS Store ................................... 18 Blades......................................... 19 Nanticoke Health ...................... 20 Delmar ....................................... 22 Georgetown .............................. 24 Beebe Health ............................. 26 Sussex County ........................... 27 Bayhealth................................... 28 Federalsburg.............................. 30 Education ................................... 33 Seaford Schools ........................ 34
16
38
Milford ....................................... 36 Woodland Church ..................... 37 Woodland Association ............. 38
Morning Star Publications inc.
P.O. Box 1000 951 Normal Eskridge Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9788 editor@mspublications.com About the Cover
24 4 Morning Star 2014 Progress
Top photo is Georgetown’s new library. From left along bottom are Woodland Church, a scene from Return Day and a sunset that cap captures the beauty of our area.
Be the Healthiest You Can Be
Beebe Healthcare Walk-In Care and Outpatient Services in Georgetown 21635 BIDEN AVENUE (RT. 404/18 JUST WEST OF RT. 113) GEORGETOWN (302) 856-9729 WALK-IN CARE Beebe Physician Network OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Daily, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Upper respiratory infections such as sore throat, sinus infection, flu, laryngitis, allergies | Headaches | Ear, eye, and bladder infections Sprains and minor injuries | Skin problems such as minor rashes and burns | Minor cuts and simple lacerations | Gastrointestinal complaints | Limited medication refills
PRIMARY CARE Beebe Physician Network
OUTPATIENT SERVICES BEEBE IMAGING
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. | Saturday, 6 a.m.–Noon
Walk-in X-ray | Mammography | CT | MRI |Ultrasound | Bone Densitometry
BEEBE LAB EXPRESS
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–5 p.m. | Saturday, 6 a.m.–Noon BEEBE REHAB SERVICES
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Physical Therapy | Occupational Therapy |Speech and Language Pathology
BEEBE FAMILY PRACTICE, GEORGETOWN
(302) 856-9596
Lisa Bartels, MD
Accepting patients from newborns to older adults • Board Certified in Family Medicine • Received her Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA • Residency at Lancaster General Hospital, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Lancaster, PA • Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians
Lewes, Delaware • beebehealthcare.org
Morning Star 2014 Progress 5
Skyline continues to change in downtown Seaford By Lynn R. Parks 2013 brought some big changes to downtown Seaford. Burton Bros. Hardware, for more than a century a major part of the High Street landscape, was torn down. At the end of the year in December, the city council approved expansion of an upscale rental complex that is set to be built at the foot of South North Street. Burton Bros. was severely damaged in a November 2012 fire, caused by faulty wiring. By the time of the city’s Riverfest celebration in July, its former site had been cleared and graded. For much of the winter, a lawn chair sat in the center of the lot, next to an inflatable palm tree. Within view of that palm tree, the first phase of the Residences at River Place is being planned for a piece of property that runs between Water Street and the Nanticoke River, east of Gateway Park. It will consist of two buildings with a total of 72 liv-
ing units. Phase two of the complex is planned to be built perpendicular to the original buildings, running up North Street toward Middleford Road. It will consist of just one building with 73 living units. The building will be five stories tall and will sit on top of a ground-level parking lot. The city has given its final stamp of approval for the first phase. In December, city building official Josh Littleton told the council that construction on that phase was expected to start at any time. The second phase has the city’s preliminary OK only; that approval came with the stipulation that the developer find a way to include additional parking spaces in his plan so that the whole complex has one and a half parking spaces per apartment. Also downtown, the city’s longshuttered power plant, built in 1939 on the Nanticoke River west of the
Sympathy, Reverence and Guidance in a Time of Need
WATSON - YATES FUNERAL HOME Proudly Serving the Seaford Community Since 1895 Front & King Sts. Seaford, DE 19973 302
629-8561
www.watsonyatesfuneralhome.com
6 Morning Star 2014 Progress
drawbridge, has been cleaned out to make it available for sale. City manager Dolores Slatcher said that the city has responded to four inquiries so far, from people who were considering buying the plant for a restaurant, a brew pub or an office. Another suggested use for the building has been for an arts and crafts center, she said. Slatcher said that the city has not marketed the building yet, as it works through cleaning up some environmental problems there. She could not give a timeline as to when it will be ready to sell. The city is conducting an environmental study and then will determine what cleanup is needed. In October, the city of Seaford tabled its plans to build a solar park at its utility building on Herring Run Road. The park would have generated electricity for the Seaford wastewater treatment facility, saving the city nearly $200,000 a year. The
Mike Vincent Sussex County Council President
“Sussex County is truly a wonderful place to live. Now that everyone is aware of us, the challenge is to work to make the county remain a great place to raise our families.”
tabling was done at the recommendation of the city’s electric committee, which, following on the heels of a failed May 2012 referendum on spending $1.9 million to install residential water meters, was reluctant to ask the community to approve a tax hike to pay for the $1.7 million solar project. But Slatcher said that that does not mean that the idea for a solar park is dead. The city is talking with the state as well as with the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, of which it is one of nine members, to find “options to revisit this,” she said. In 2013, the city expanded its sanitary sewer lines to accommodate a planned carwash and strip mall on the north side of U.S. 13, just north of Clark’s Pools. The new lines tied into the city’s sewer system near the Lowe’s store on the southbound side of the highway. Slatcher has said that the new sewer lines could make U.S. 13 property on the north edge of town more attractive to developers. The city limits extend as far north along the highway as Old Furnace Road. However, “as of this date there are no plans in design to go farther,” she said. “Certainly it is frequently
Seaford City Hall at the corner of High and Market streets. Photo by Ron MacArthur
discussed but funding is not in place.” As for the carwash, it is expected to open in early April. The winter weather may delay that, Slatcher said. Also in 2013, the city completed an $840,000 flooding alleviation
project along Porter Street. The project was paid for with $529,000 that was left over from the flooding alleviation project that was completed in 2012 along Washington Avenue and in east Seaford, as well as with additional state and local money.
Take Great Care of Your Smile, Too Protect your best accessory with annual cleanings and thorough, professional care from the dentistry experts. John C. Lynch, D.D.S. Janette Rodriguez, D.M.D. Michael Keller, D.M.D.
• General Dentistry for Adults and Children • Preventive Care
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Teeth Straightening with
Now Open On Fridays 8-3
302-629-7115
“State of the Art Dentistry with Hometown Comfort and Caring”
543 Shipley St., Suite E, Seaford, DE SE HABLA ESPÑOL Aceptamos Nuevos Pacientes
NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
www.lynchandrodriguez.com
John C. Lynch, DDS
Janette Rodriguez, DMD
Michael Keller, DMD Morning Star 2014 Progress 7
Slatcher said that both systems are working as they were designed to work. In March, engineer Judy Schwartz with engineering firm George, Miles and Buhr told the Seaford City Council that the east Seaford stormwater management system is “award-worthy.” Gov. Jack Markell agreed and in April presented the city with an Urban Conservation Award recognizing the project. Virginia Avenue also has a history of flooding after heavy rains. George, Miles and Buhr has designed improvements for three stormwater management ponds in that area, at the state service center, at the Boys and Girls Club and a city-owned pond in the Ross Business Park. The city has received a $60,000 Community Water Quality Incentive Grant from the state for the design and for the subsequent work. Bids for the work are expected to be received soon. Hooper’s Landing, the city’s golf course, has a new split-rail fence around it and the city pool has a new privacy fence. Cost of the new wooden fence was $27,840; the pool’s new PVC fence cost $6,120. Also around the golf course is the city’s new 5K walking trail. The
trail loops around the golf course twice, starting south of the corner of Locust Street and Sussex Avenue and ending on Locust Street, to the east of the Nanticoke Senior Center. Along the way, in addition to Locust and Sussex, it walks along Woodland Road, Harrington Street and Nylon Boulevard. Because of that trail, as well as because of the city’s new walking club, staff exercise programs and activities sponsored by its parks and recreation department, Seaford was named a Delaware Healthy Community in June. A plaque recognizing that honor was presented to the city council in November outside city hall, near the back entrance. Additional development in 2013 included the construction of 48 new rental units at the Stoneybrook Apartment complex on Tharp Road on the east edge of town. Coastal Cabinetry, a business in the Seaford Industrial Park, expanded and the LaRed Health Center opened in the former Regional Builders building on High Street. In early 2014, SolarCity opened a facility in the Ross Business Park, from which it will peddle its leased solar systems throughout Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
We Service the Progress and Growth of Western Sussex
Also in 2013, the town saw construction of 19 new single-family homes. In 2014, the town expects to see the construction of a new Dollar General store at the corner of North Porter Street and Stein Highway, across from Pizza King restaurant. Plans for the store were approved by the city council in January. The new 12,500-square foot store will replace the current Dollar General at the corner of Stein Highway and Shipley Street. Also in 2014, Slatcher said that she expects new construction to take place in the Belle Ayre development just off Atlanta Road. In June, J.A. Moore and Sons took over the struggling townhouse complex. CEO and president of the Rehoboth Beach company is Ronald Moore, a Seaford native. Plans for Belle Ayre were approved by the city six years ago, in early 2008. Developer was Paul Robino of Newport. The complex was to consist of 115 townhouses. Of those, only 30 were started and only 22 were completed. The eight townhouses that were never completed deteriorated to the point that they were condemned by the city in 2011.
CITY OF SEAFORD www.seafordde.com
A Great Place To Live, Work
SERVICE TIRE TRUCK CENTER
& Play! Visit Us & Find Out Why Seaford Has The Best of Everything! ● Quality of Life ● Recreation ● Shopping
24873 Sussex Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973 8 Morning Star 2014 Progress
629-5533
302
P.O. Box 1100 • 414 High St.
● Education ● Quality Health Care
Seaford, DE 19973
● Conveniently Located Industrial Parks
302‐629‐9173 • Fax 302‐629‐9307
Nanticoke River Arts Council promotes and encourages local artistic talent In April 2007, a small, dedicated group of artists and friends came together to share and promote their love for the arts, originally meeting in member’s homes and later moving to the Seaford Library. In 2011, due to a private donor, the Nanticoke River Arts Council (NRAC) was able to rent a small storefront in downtown Seaford realizing a long held dream of opening a gallery showcasing local artists. Gallery 107 at 324 High St. was born. Since that time the group has worked diligently to bring local art talent, education, and experience to the community. The group has participated in local events including Riverfest, both the Seaford and Bridgeville Library, the Seaford Museum, Heritage Days, the Sea-
ford Community Concert Series, the Western Sussex Farmer’s Market, Victorian Christmas at the Ross Mansion, plus NRAC’s own Art in the Park and Garden Party, and provided judges for the Seaford School District, the Mennonite School, and Grace Baptist annual art contests. Members have provided speakers for the local Kiwanis Club, Widowed Person’s Organization, the Acorn Club, and private tours have been given for the Methodist Manor House, the Nanticoke Senior Center, and St. John’s Church. Currently, paintings and photographs are on loan to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. Artistic interests and talent are encouraged and the Gallery offers art classes to children and adults in a variety of mediums.
Every other month art is changed in Gallery 107 to provide for new art experiences and to keep the gallery fresh and interesting. Following the change out, an artists’ reception is held and open to the public featuring complimentary food, wine, entertainment, and showcasing the new artwork. The intent of the reception is to provide the public a venue for the appreciation and understanding of local artistic endeavors and to encourage involvement in the arts by the community. The gallery’s presence, numerous activities, and classes serve to encourage the community to participate in the arts and aids in the revitalization of the downtown area. A list of events and classes can be found weekly in the Seaford Star.
Unique Gifts
By Local Artists & Artisans Gallery 107
324 High Street, Seaford, DE 19973 Hours: Thursday, 1-6, Friday, 1-7, Saturday, 10-4 302-629-2787 www.nanticokeriverartscouncil.org
Adult & Children’s Art Classes Available Morning Star 2014 Progress 9
Seaford Historical Society works to preserve the area’s rich history The Seaford Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to “preserve, protect and present Seaford area history.” The society maintains two facilities, the Governor Ross Plantation (23669 Ross Station Rd.) and the Seaford Museum (203 High St.). The Governor Ross Plantation is the only site in Delaware that describes plantation life around the Civil War period. It is the site of the Victorian Italianate style Ross Mansion, the only documented log slave quarters in the state of Dela-
ware and several historic outbuildings. The Seaford Museum, housed in the former Post Office building, is a hidden jewel. Visitors are often astounded at the professional displays and lighting that showcase a timeline of United States history as it pertains to the Seaford area. The society is working to be more of an integral part of the community. In 2014 the society will offer more youth educational activities and continue two new traditions, an annual Gala and a music show. The society
will begin hosting an annual Antique Tractor Show at the plantation and open at least two new major exhibits at the museum. More festivities are planned. The most amazing part of all of the projects/activities is the group’s volunteers. The society offers many types of volunteer opportunities to those of all ages, skills and talents. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact the historical society at 628-9828 or seafordsociety@verizon.net. Visit the group’s website online at www. seafordhisotricalsociety.com.
Seaford HiStorical Society Is Hosting
The Towne and CounTry Fair Saturday, May 24, 2014 ~ 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. At The Governor Ross Plantation, 23669 Ross Station Rd., Seaford, DE 19973
Featuring: Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware, “32nd Annual 1st State Meet” Music ~ Crafters ~ Exhibitors ~ Demonstrators ~ Food ~ Tours (Circumstances Permitting)* ‘57 Dodge Custom Royal 2013 Antique Best of Show
Owner Kathleen Webb
For information or to vend contact: Festival Coordinator Linda Allen at 629-5659 or seafordhistory@outlook.com. *The “Grand Lady” is scheduled to be getting a new roof, tentatively beginning in April
10 Morning Star 2014 Progress
Is there a difference between a realtor and a real estate agent? A rose by any other name may smell just as sweet in the world of the bard, but in the real estate world, you need to know what you’re picking. A “real estate agent” is defined as a person who is licensed by the state to represent the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction. It’s a general term that covers any real estate practitioner who holds a current real estate license. The term “realtor” refers exclusively to real estate professionals who are active members of a local, state and National Association of Realtors, the largest real estate trade organization in the United States with 1.2 million members. In lower Delaware, look for the Sussex County Association of Realtors based in Georgetown. SCAOR Executive Vice President Ruth Briggs King explained that the association itself does not sell property but provides education and an avenue for complaints about ethical issues and also advocates for personal property rights, on such issues as septic regulations. “We have scheduled 80 continuing education courses between January and May,” King said. Why should a consumer care about a title? In a word: accountability. All realtors must adhere to a strict code of ethics designed to protect the interests of consumers and generally elevate the standards of the industry. While all real estate professionals must adhere to applicable laws, realtors voluntarily agree to hold themselves to a higher standard.
Why should you work with a realtor? For the same reasons that you might seek a professional attorney to draft a will or work with a licensed financial planner to protect your investments. Sure, you could always attempt to do those things on your own, but working with a licensed expert who must uphold professional standards provides a sense of security. “Every transaction is a little different,” King said. “It’s good to have an ethical professional with knowledge and experience to help you through it.” She added, “We like to help people through the process. Home ownership remains the American dream. Buying a home is the biggest investment most people make. You need a relationship with someone who can help you through it. What does a realtor do if you’re selling your home? • Helps you set a selling price based on a Comparative Market Analysis that compares your home to other similar homes in your area that have sold recently. • Promotes the sale of your house by listing your home in the Multiple Listing Service and advertising. • Fields inquiries about your property to weed out unqualified buyers. • Steers you around potential problems by ensuring your compliance with applicable laws and contract terms, including disclosures and inspections. • Negotiates on your behalf to obtain the best possible price and the most favorable terms for your property.
What can you count on your realtor to do if you are buying a home? • Help you prequalify for a home, so you will know up front what homes you can and can’t afford, and prepare you for what banks and mortgage lenders will require. • Show you a variety of homes that meet your criteria, including homes listed with other agents or other companies. • Inform you honestly of any drawbacks or potential trouble spots in any properties. • Provide you with a CMA for any home you are interested in, so you will be able to see what other similar homes in the area have sold for recently. • Work diligently on your behalf to help you negotiate the best price and the best terms for your situation. • Assist you with your preparations for closing, including scheduling inspections and working with your lender. “Now is a great time to buy because interest rates are still favorable and there are several properties still out there to choose from.” With increased sales, however, inventory is decreasing, she warned, which could change the situation to a seller’s market. “There are programs people can take advantage of, and bankers are lending.” For the knowledge, resources, experience and professionalism you need to get the best service available when buying or selling a home, look for a realtor. To contact SCAOR, call 8552300. Morning Star 2014 Progress 11
Laurel leaders see positive ‘writing on the wall,’ remain optimistic By Tony E. Windsor The sun has not quite broken through the dark clouds of economic recovery in the town of Laurel, but fair weather truly seems to be on the horizon. Laurel’s Mayor John Shwed says it has been a “long, hard haul,” for the town over the past several years. However, he is firmly convinced that while it has not been one of the town’s best years economically, 2013 has produced some evidence for optimism. At the forefront of this optimistic forecast for Laurel’s economic future is a major water and sewer project; a project that in 2013 showed tangible evidence of an expansion of utilities to the US 13 corridor. “People can now see a water tower and fire hydrants out on US 13,” Shwed said. “These are the first signs of the extension of water and sewer to the highway. We are now getting quite
a few inquiries from developers and they are now taking this really seriously because they can see the utilities are on the way.” The mayor has long touted the town’s securing of water and sewer along US 13 as “a real game-changer” for the town. He said once the utility lines are in operation the town will have the opportunity to see commercial and residential development begin to flourish. “We already have McDonald’s restaurant waiting for the utilities,” he said. “Once the water and sewer is there they are ready to build.” The Laurel McDonald’s is tentatively planned for the east side of US 13 on the corner of US 13 and Delaware 9 near the Laurel Junction complex. In some additional good news, Laurel Public Works Director, James Foskey said he is cautiously optimistic that the first phase of the US 13 water and sewer project may be
completed as early as late summer of this year. This would be a better forecast than the originally scheduled mid-December completion date. Once this first phase is completed Foskey said the second phase will immediately begin. Design work for the second phase construction project has been completed by Laurel’s engineering firm of George, Miles & Buhr. The process that has gone into bringing the utilities project to fruition has not been quick, or easy. The last town on the US 13 corridor from Greenwood to Delmar to extend municipal utilities out to the highway, Laurel spent years trying to figure out how to accomplish this feat in a financially responsible manner and without putting the tax burden on existing town property owners. The expansion of municipal utility lines to US 13 was part of Laurel’s 2004 state-mandated Comprehensive
TIM DUKES Working Hard For You in 2014! State Representative 40th District
Promote Ag Day Get involved! Morning Star Publications is publishing its annual Salute to Agriculture. We take this opportunity to focus on the importance of agriculture to Delmarva. The 2014 Ag section will be included in the March 20 edition of the Seaford and Laurel Star newspapers. Place your advertising message in western Sussex County’s highest circulation paid newspaper products. Contact Your Advertising Representative 302-629-9788 sales@mspublications.com Advertising Deadline is March 14
12 Morning Star 2014 Progress
We are looking forward to another progressive year in 2014.
Laurel celebrates the Fourth of July with a full day of patriotic activities and good food and fun, including a carnival.
Land Use Plan. In the plan Laurel was called the “Town of two doors.” The door to the town’s history was gained through ship access by Broad Creek. However, the “modern door” was defined as US 13, what the plan called Laurel’s connection to the
modern world and future growth. About three years ago the town was awarded $8 million in grant and low-interest loans by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to start the US 13 water and sewer project. The support of
the USDA has provided a favorable opportunity for the town’s conquest of US 13. As much as one-quarter of the total cost of the estimated $6.2 million project will be given to the town in the form of a $1.5 million grant, which requires no payback
TODDS INCOME TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICE, INC. Personal Customer Service is our Motto
• Family Owned Business • Business Consulting for 60 years • Accounting Services • Income Tax Returns & E-File • Incorporating Services - LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnerships • Notary Services
We do over 1,500 Income Tax Returns yearly. Schedule early & take the worry out of tax time! 11516 Commercial Lane, Laurel, DE 19956 • 302-875-2433 888-283-8110 • Fax: 875-1423 • www.toddstax.com
We continue to serve the public with the same personalized service that they have learned to expect and deserve. Morning Star 2014 Progress 13
by the town. The balance of the project costs will come through a low-interest loan spread out over 40 years. The rate of the loan is 3.37 percent. The financial support from the USDA and the manner in which has been accomplished helped to move aside the biggest challenge to getting the project started. Shwed said extending municipal water and sewer service out to US 13 has been a goal of his since being elected to office. “We have worked over the past few years to extend water and sewer lines out to US 13, but the cost factor has always been the issue,” he said. “We thought we had worked out a plan when businesses on the highway agreed to kick in funds to help with the expansion. Unfortunately, the economy plummeted and the businesses were left trying to deal with the tough financial situation. We decided that if we didn’t make a move and try to tackle this issue as a town, Laurel would eventually shrivel up. So we started looking into our options.” Shwed said the town plans to paint the water tower in May, something that is as symbolic as it is necessary. “The water tower will be painted white and also sport our sports teams Laurel Bulldog mascot. Then we hope to see water flowing late this year,” he said. Although development is basically at a standstill in Laurel, there are a few businesses locating to the center of town. A renovation of the former Musser Automotive Garage across from the Dutch Inn restaurant will yield a yet to be announced new business. A new hardware store will open on Central Avenue next to the Family Dollar store. The Laurel Community Hardware Store will be an expansion of an existing hardware store operation in Smyrna. Mayor Shwed also reports that the newest eatery in Laurel’s downtown, “Abbott’s Grille,” opened recently on the banks of the Broad Creek at Laurel Town, and has had a smooth and successful start-up. In 2013, the town followed through on the replacement of as much as a mile of antiquated water mains that run through the center of Laurel. The project involved the replacement of water lines known as “transite” lines that run throughout the town and were produced using asbestos cement. This project was addressed under a $1.1 million state Office of Drinking Water loan that awarded the money to the town at zero percent interest and upon completion of the project; the entire loan will be forgiven. Essentially, Laurel is getting this funding without having to pay it back. Now for the third year, the town has successfully sponsored the annual Fourth of July community celebration. This after the Laurel Chamber of Commerce reluctantly gave up the sponsorship of the event in order to concentrate on growing the Chamber membership and providing support to the business community. Once again the town was able to ensure that the Fourth of July event included the popular, but somewhat expensive fireworks display. This has been accomplished each year by a special $15,000 “line of credit” requested of the Laurel Council by Mayor Shwed. The Mayor said in order to secure a contract for the fireworks display, the town would need to have access to the funds necessary to make sure the money is available for having a contract signed in advance. A line of credit of no more than $15,000 from the town budget ensures that the fireworks are a part of the event. 14 Morning Star 2014 Progress
In creating the line of credit concept Shwed said it was his full intention to not have to actually use money from the budget. However, it takes time to raise the funds and money may be needed to cover the securing of the fireworks display through a contract. The Mayor’s plan worked and the most recent Fourth of July celebration, like those before, was successful. 2013 was in no way a year of great prosperity for the town of Laurel, but the town’s leadership is nothing if not optimistic. In preparing the FY 2014 budget, Budget Committee Chairman Councilman Don Phillips, offered sentiments flavored with much the same tone as those of Mayor Shwed. In an Executive Summary prepared at the close of 2013 in regards to the new operating budget, Phillips wrote, “The current economic outlook continues to present mixed results. Property sales and new residential development remain sluggish. On the other hand, going forward there are significant local developments which bode well for our local commercial economy, jobs creation, and our municipal property base,” he said. He went on to say, “Over the past few years, Laurel has nearly doubled its area with the voluntary annexation of much undeveloped farmland to the northeast of the old town limits. Growth and development are Laurel’s future. The full actual financial benefits of the expected burst in development will be felt most strongly in FY 2014-15 and thereafter. During this upcoming ‘building year’ the Budget will continue to be carefully, conservatively, and thoughtfully prepared and executed, to ensure the continuation of quality services and fiscal responsibility to our residents.”
J& Utility Trailers We e ot B l Wil N rsold Unde Complete Line of Trailers: Dumps, Landscaping, Carhaulers, Enclosed Trailers and Equipment Trailers Complete Line of Parts We Service Trailers Install Hitches & Brake Boxes TWO LOCATIONS
Rt. 13 LAUREL, DE
Rt. 313 MARDELA, MD
Fax: 302-875-8791
Fax: 410-883-3495
302-877-0540
410-883-3988
Planning continues for the new Nanticoke Heritage Byway By Tina Coleman The Nanticoke Heritage Byway, when complete, will pass through Seaford, Bethel, and Laurel before ending at Trap Pond State Park. The Byway will cross the Nanticoke River through the historic Woodland Ferry and will highlight other western Sussex County natural and historic sites including Hearns and Rollins Mill, the Ross Mansion, the Seaford Museum, the Chapel Branch Nature Trail, Cannon Hall, Broad Creek, and Old Christ Church. Plans for the Byway (only the second byway in Sussex County - the first is in Lewes) are moving right along. Dan Parsons, historic preservation planner for the county, says he expects the current phase of the project, the Corridor Management Plan, to be completed by the fall of 2014 or the spring of 2015. The CMP, Parsons explains, is “basically a 14 point plan that DelDOT and FHWA (the Federal Highway Administration) require for a Byway route to remain a Byway.” The plan defines a corridor, assesses all the natural, historic, and cultural resources along the route, lists all the potential stakeholders and partners, outlines short, medium, and long term goals for maintaining and enhancing the route into the future, and opens up more opportunities for outside funding. Parsons adds that the completed plan will be implemented over time as funds become available, along with the development of marketing strategies to ensure continued public involvement. When asked to speak about the benefits of the Byway, Parsons notes that it “gives us a chance to get a concise inventory, and to tell the story of the natural and historic resources in the area. This part of the county has a lot to offer and it has gone for the most part unnoticed. Also, he says, “this gives us a perfect opportunity to bring people in to learn about (Western Sussex County’s) great
heritage. The end result is to increase public awareness through education and interpretation, but also to bring tourists into the area.” Another benefit of the Byway is the way in which it has united people and groups along the route. Public involvement and cooperation has been and remains crucial and is both a benefit of the Byway and the key to its success, Parsons stresses. “The biggest benefit (of the Byway) that I can see at this point is that the process has brought the various partners throughout the area together to discuss and plan the future of Western Sussex County. Before now it seemed as if all the groups were competing with one another for continued diminishing resources,” says Parsons. “Now everyone can get together and work towards common goals.” A website for the Byway is in the works and expected to be unveiled this summer. Meanwhile, DelDOT maintains information about the Byway online at www.deldot. gov/information/community_programs_and_services/byways/sussex.shtml#byways_page. The page also contains a link to email Dan Parsons for further information. Additionally, a Facebook page dedicated to the Byway can be found at www.facebook.com/NanticokeHeritageByway.
BETTER HOMES OF SEAFORD, Inc. A Non-Profit Corporation Providing Better Housing in the City of Seaford
Established 1969
101 Independence Drive
Seaford, DE 19973 TDD: 711
Hampton Circle
302-628-3600
Send us your news Send news and coming events for the central and western Sussex County and nearby Maryland areas to editor@mspublications.com. The deadline is one week prior to desired publication date.
302-628-0212
Chandler II
302-629-6522
302-628-0212
302-628-3600
302-629-2744
Chandler I
302-629-6522 Morning Star 2014 Progress 15
Bridgeville works on infrastructure projects, awaits commercial growth By Mike McClure This past year saw the completion of a number of infrastructure projects in the town of Bridgeville. Commercial projects such as the construction of a new Wawa and phase three of Heritage Shores, which includes residential and commercial aspects, are expected to take place in 2014. The town completed repaving Railroad Avenue, the town hall parking lot, and the treatment plant road (from Main Street) in 2013. Drainage improvements were also made at the entrance of Heritage Shores to address the problem of standing water at the Rt. 13 intersection. Repairs were also made to the sewer line to fix a significant leak under the branch. As a result of a hole in the line, the town was getting 30,000 gallons of water a day at its water and wastewater treatment plant. The repairs were made with help from a grant. The town’s storm drains were also upgraded to make the streets more pedestrian and bike friendly. The town also updated its water and wastewater facility plans. Upgrades will be needed to provide services to current and future users. The town also purchased a pair of properties on South Main Street for future expansion of its services and started work on a master plan for the
town. The master plan, which is like a comprehensive plan only larger, shows the town’s annexation areas and zoning and addresses how the town wants to grow. That project is being done through a National Fish and Wildlife Federation grant. Three new patrolmen were also hired for the police department as well as a part-time administrative assistant. Last year, 52 new residential construction permits were issued by the town. The Bridgeville Commission also approved an RPC development plan amendment for Heritage Shores. The golf course/development has 50 to 75 lots left to build on. Plans for the new Wawa, to be located on Rt. 13 at the site of the former Pep Up and Bridgeville Diner, were approved in 2013. The developers are waiting for settlement to move forward with the project. Town manager Jesse Savage is hopeful that the store will be built by summertime. A number of other commercial projects are in the works including the relocation of Dollar General (across from town hall) and the commercial part of Heritage Shores. “We’ve got the rooftops now and I think that the businesses that want to relocate here will really take notice,” said Savage. The new Woodbridge High School will also open in the fall, be-
tween the towns of Bridgeville and Greenwood. Among the town projects planned for the new year is the water main replacement on Walnut Street. The project, which has state approval, will replace a 100-year-old water main. Plans for repaving Mill Street began in 2013. The street was damaged due to a drainage issue which causes it to be under water frequently. A funding mechanism is also in place to fund plans for a new police station. According to Savage, the current building is not suitable for the department’s nine employees. A committee has been formed to look at where and what the town wants to build and a fee has been added, tied to building permits, to help pay for the building. The Bridgeville branch effluent line will also be replaced from the water and wastewater plant to the highway. Savage would also like to see the final piece of the bike and walking path be constructed to link Heritage Shores and the Bridgeville Public Library. Annual town events include the Apple-Scrapple Festival, the Bridgeville Charity Golf Tournament, the Memorial Day celebration, and Christmas in Bridgeville. Even though it is not located in town limits, Savage is also hoping that Punkin Chunkin will stay in the area.
Shown is the bike and pedestrian path on Wilson Farm Road, behind
Heritage Shores. Town Manager Jesse Savage
would like to see the final piece of the path
constructed in 2014, linking Heritage Shores
and the Bridgeville Public Library. Photo by Mike McClure
16 Morning Star 2014 Progress
Greenwood prepares for new library, school By Lynn R. Parks For years, people in Greenwood had just a 3,000-square foot library. That will change this year, when a new, 10,000-square foot facility opens. The new library is set to open around the end of March, depending on how the weather affects construction, said Sussex County librarian Kathy Graybeal. It is being constructed at the intersection of Mill and Market streets, at the site of the former library. Since September 2012, the library has been operating out of a former gas station turned antique store on U.S. 13. That facility is just 1,700 square feet. “Being here has been fun, and challenging,” said library director Pat Brown. Because of the shortage of space, only books and other materials that were released in the last three years, 2009 through 2012, were moved to the old gas station. Everything else went into storage.
Cost of the new library is $3.1 million, half of which is being paid by the state and the other half by the county. New features include a 100-person meeting room, a children’s story-time room, a teen room, a small conference room and a tutoring room. The library will have twice the number of computers that the old facility had and will have a lounging area near the periodical section. It will also have room to expand its book and DVD collections and will have a wireless Internet signal available to patrons. Also nearing completion is the new Woodbridge High School, just a few miles south of town. It will open in time for the 2014-2015 school year, Greenwood town manager John McDonnell said. “Construction there is coming in on time and under budget,” he added. Other than those two projects, things in town “are pretty much status quo,” McDonnell said. A few homes are being built on North First Street, he said, good retirement
Grow Your Business With Local Advertising
homes with 1,500 to 1,700 square feet of space. But other than that, he knew of no planned construction projects. A 2012 town project to combine water from its three wells worked well, McDonnell said. Through ref referendum, the taxpayers OK’d a plan to borrow $232,500 from the state revolving fund to finance the project. Upon completion, $45,000 of that loan was forgiven. Before the mixing, water from one of the wells came close to exceeding allowable limits of certain chemicals. Mixing the water means that that water is diluted. “The state is very happy with the results of what we did,” McDonnell said. The town has purchased snow equipment to enable it to clear streets. In 2010, when several storms dumped feet of snow in a short period of time, snow removal had to be contracted out. With the new equipment, “we can handle snow pretty well ourselves,” saving the town money, McDonnell said.
Aching Feet? Step right into our office. We specialize in quality
To speak with a sales rep about the right advertising strategy for your business and budget, call 302-629-9788 today.
Creating customer awareness is key to nurturing your business’s success. With reliable distribution to more than 7500 households in our area, the Seaford and Laurel Star is an advertising vehicle that delivers. Put our reach and reputation to work for your business with a strategic advertising plan that will help build your brand and bring more customers to your door. All advertising is now
100% COLOR at no extra cost.
Seaford & Laurel Star 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, DE 19973 302-629-9788 • sales@mspublications.com
care for all types of foot and ankle problems. Your feet are in good hands with us! Sports Injuries • Orthotics • Surgery of the Foot & Ankle Diabetic Foot Care • Flatfoot Reconstruction Rheumatoid Foot Reconstruction
SOUTHERN DELAWARE FOOT & ANKLE
Bradley T. Lemon DPM, FACFS 543 N. Shipley Street, Suite C Seaford, DE 19973
(302)
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Most Insurances Accepted X-Rays on Premises
629-3000
Morning Star 2014 Progress 17
The UPS Store offers much more than just shipping By Laura Rogers, Manager The UPS Store, Seaford
As recently as the 1990s, the retail cost of a color print was in the neighborhood of two dollars and it took what seemed like forever to complete a single sheet. And let’s not forget how the finished product looked - it was wrinkled and wet as if the printer dumped pools of ink on the page. Since then, enormous progress has come to the commercial printing industry. There are even printers capable of printing 3D prosthetic limbs. Fortunately, the retail cost of color prints has decreased exponentially over the last decade. Unfortunately, The UPS Store™ suffers from one sig-
nificant disadvantage in the print market - its name. When consumers see our logo, hear our name or read our sign, they have no reason to think that we are printers. Because of that, in recent years, The UPS Store’s marketing plan has focused heavily on the “We Can Print That” angle when advertising to both household and commercial consumers. Due to consumer research and industry trends, The UPS Store™ will introduce a new online printing service in February. By 2017, www.printisbig. com estimates that over 50% of all print will be procured online. Online print will allow customers to order printed products by uploading documents or by building them in templates. Thousands
Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce Work, Eat and Shop Local… in Western Sussex County! The Chamber provides you with the collective strength of its members for support of issues affecting your business and communityÉ Leadership in Your Community Exclusive Member Benefits Business Resources Relocation and Visitor Information www.seafordchamber.com
Join us today! Call 302.629.9690 Fax 302.629.0281 email admin@seafordchamber.com Mon., Wed. & Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Tues. & Thurs. by Appointment 18 Morning Star 2014 Progress
of high quality templates will be available and the new system will support a variety of print products. The online print system will allow customers to submit print jobs to their preferred UPS Store location for pick up or they can order online and have products shipped to their home. Customers can enjoy added convenience of UPS Store pick-up to expedite print jobs and get them when and where they need them. We can print black and white or color prints. We can print outdoor banners. We can print business cards, letterhead, brochures and flyers. We can print a huge canvas portrait of your grandkids or your dog or your grandkids with your dog. Yes, we can print that too!
Blades welcomes Dollar General Store, prepares for birthday By Catherine Shufelt The Town of Blades has something to celebrate. The town is preparing to honor its 100th year birthday in 2015 with a variety of special events and activities. In an effort to celebrate in style, the Blades Town Council is creating a committee to oversee the celebration. Although the area was first settled in the early 1800s, the town was not officially incorporated until 1915. Anyone wishing to participate on the planning committee should contact Town Manager Vikki Prettyman at 6297366 and/or visit the town’s website at blades.delaware.gov/. Along with having an eventful 100 year history, the Town of Blades had a very busy 2013. The town welcomed a new Dollar General store which is, by all accounts, a wonderful addition to the community. “The management team there is a wonder to work with, and we are very thankful that the company came to our town,” said Prettyman. The town also held a referendum in 2012 and received approval for a brand new back up well. Town council members held a ceremony recently to break ground for the new
well, and the $375,000 project will be started shortly. The A.C. Shultes’ company in Bridgeville was awarded the contract. The project will be paid for by a loan/grant from the State of Delaware Office of Drinking Water. Town council members are continuing to work on the annexation project that would annex properties along Concord Road from Dr. Aguillon’s office east to Rt. 13. The town is attempting to provide drinking water to approximately 40 properties, but the annexation will be put to a vote and then the town would hold a referendum in order to get approval for the project which is expected to cost up to $800,000. Town residents would have to vote to approve the town borrowing the money to pay for the project which would necessitate an increase in property taxes and water fees. However, with more properties sharing water, fees and taxes would most likely only increase a small amount depending on how many property owners share the expense. Other ongoing projects include raising the necessary funds for new playground equipment at Blades Park. The Sussex County Council has already donated $2,500, and
the Blades Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) has donated money specifically for a new merrygo-round. Congratulations were extended to Town Manager Vikki Prettyman in 2013 for her hard work in earning her utility manager certification. Prettyman attended an intense three day course and passed a rigorous testing process which is nationally recognized and allows her to manage town utilities, budgets, and personnel, and provided her with information about “best management practices,” among other things. According to the certification this is for the “daily benefit of its [the town] own utilities operations,” and employees with certifications such as this will greatly benefit the Town of Blades. Upcoming town events include town council elections that will be held on April 7. Council members David Ruff, John Reiss and Robert Atkinson are all up for re-election. For more information about the election, visit the town’s website at blades.delaware.gov/. Anyone wishing to run for office must file notice with the town by 4:30 p.m. on March 7, at the Blades Town Hall or online at the town’s website.
Aerial view of the town of Blades showing the Nanticoke Marine Park and marina and Market Street. Photo by Phil Livingston Morning Star 2014 Progress 19
Nanticoke working to earn ‘medical home’ certification By Lynn R. Parks Through 2016, Nanticoke Health Services plans to invest $18 million in its hospital and in construction of a new medical offices building. The financial health of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital is such that much of that money will come from its operations revenue. That’s quite a change from six years ago, when in one year the hospital had a loss of more than $8 million. Fiscal year 2008 was the third year in a row that Nanticoke had ended in the red. Now, “we are doing well,” said president and CEO Steve Rose, who took over Nanticoke’s reins in November 2008. “We are bucking the trend of small hospitals across the country, many of whom are having trouble.” Rose attributes that change in part to the increasing population numbers in western Sussex County. But improvements that the hospital has made play a large part in the turnaround, he said. “We had lost our market share, but now we are winning it back. We are providing quality health care and our patients are happy with the care that they are getting.” To improve patient satisfaction even further, the hospital has embarked on a plan to renovate more than 40 double-occupancy patient rooms on the second and third floors into single-occupancy rooms. That project, which will cost a little more than $1 million, is part of the $12 million that Nanticoke is investing in the hospital. A dozen rooms in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital’s progressive care unit and medical surgical unit have already been redone. Rose said that the new rooms are designed with safety in mind. Handrails wrap around each room’s walls into the patient bathroom and shower. Motion sensors turn the light on when the patient gets out of bed. In addition, new wall coverings, flooring and ceilings make the rooms seem warmer and more friendly. 20 Morning Star 2014 Progress
“The rooms look great and the patients have given us rave reviews,” Rose said. This renovation is part of Nanticoke’s effort to meet certain standards that are required under the Affordable Care Act in order to receive full reimbursements of health care costs from Medicare and Medicaid. Judgment of whether a hospital is meeting the standards or not is based in part on patient satisfaction questionnaires. “Nanticoke has worked very hard on getting its patient satisfaction scores up,” Rose said. The one area in which it has suffered, he said, is noise level. Making all of its patient rooms single-occupancy will enable the hospital to satisfy that chronic complaint. The new $6 million medical office building is planned to be constructed on Nanticoke’s Mears Campus at the intersection of Bridgeville Road and Herring Run Road. Rose said that the new 35,000-square foot building will encourage the integration of medical services, something else that the 2010 federal law encourages. NHS is in the process of selecting a construction manager for the project and is looking for economic development assistance funding. Rose said that he expects that construction will start this summer and will be completed in 18 months. Rose said that 2013 was a “banner year” for Nanticoke Health Services. “As we improve quality and service, we’ve seen growth in all of our outpatient departments, including radiology, cardiology and laboratory,” he said. In addition, the hospital has experienced a sevenpercent growth in the number of visits to its emergency department and a two-percent jump in the number of admissions. Nanticoke’s wound care services unit, which provides care to people with hard-to-heal wounds, has seen a 41-percent jump in the number of patients. Similarly, the Cancer Care Center has seen a 31-percent jump in the number of patients. The center’s in-
fusion center, where patients receive cancer-fighting drugs, has recently gotten an upgrade to accommodate more appointments. Last summer, NHS opened an Immediate Care facility in Georgetown. It opened a similar facility in January in Seaford, at the Mears Campus. “Initial visits are exceeding our projections,” Rose said, to the point that Nanticoke is considering adding staff. As for its electronic health records, Nanticoke has met the federal requirement that it be using them in what the government has defined as “meaningful ways.” Most of the medical documents like physician orders and medication administration records are completed electronically, Rose said. Only documents that require a patient’s signature are in ink, and then are scanned and filed electronically. Electronic files in the hospital as well as in the Nanticoke Physicians Network have portals that give patients access. “We are working diligently to get more patients signed up for this very important benefit of electronic medical records,” Rose said. “After it, the records are theirs and they should have access to them.” In the hospital cardiac care program, cardiac interventionalists Ivan Pena and Gabriel Sardi have started a new program, Stop Amputations of Vital Extremities (SAVE). The two doctors are doing procedures, similar to the procedures that they do to relieve cardiac blockages, to restore blood flow to extremities. To facilitate those procedures, the hospital plans to upgrade its original cardiac catheterization room to mimic the new cardiac cath room that it put in place two years ago. Cost of the new lab is $1 million. That money is part of the $12 million that will be spent to upgrade Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. In addition to the renovated rooms and the upgraded cath lab, the building is also getting a new heating and air conditioning system, a new electrical system and a new roof. New equip-
ment will include state-of-the-art CAT and MRI scanners, each costing about $1 million. The new CAT machine will go in the hospital and the new MRI machine will be at the Mears campus. In April, the hospital will put into action its new mother and baby monitoring software. The system, which will enable physicians and nurses to better monitor mothers during labor and delivery, costs $500,000.
NHS anticipates that its application to be certified as a “patientcentered medical home” will be submitted in June. A “medical home” is designed to encourage integration of services by facilitating partnerships between patients and doctors. The intense application process “includes development of many policies and procedures,” Rose said. Nanticoke is hiring care coordinators to ensure that those policies and procedures are implemented.
“The real exciting news is what’s happening in Laurel,” Rose said. Dr. Joseph Kim, a member of the Nanticoke Physicians Network, has a new office on U.S. 13. He also has a new nurse practitioner working with him, Donna Hitchens, and is looking for a second physician. In the spring, Nanticoke plans to open an immediate care center in Kim’s building. It also plans to start providing additional services there, including lab work.
General Surgery Oncologic Surgery
Board Certified by The American Board of Surgery
543 North Shipley Street, Suite A Seaford, DE 19973 302
Stephen D. Carey, M.D.
Expert Surgical Skill and A Tradition of Caring
Laparoscopic Surgery Including Gallbladders, Hernias, Colon and Reflux Disease GI Evaluations with Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy
629-8662
Excellence Through Innovation
Samuel K. Miller, M.D.
Comprehensive Breast Care including Stereotactic and Ultrasound Guided Needle Core Biopsies Skin Cancer Evaluation and Surgery Morning Star 2014 Progress 21
Delmar completes public safety building, begins holiday tradition By Mike McClure One of the town of Delmar’s major accomplishments in 2013 was the completion of the new public safety building, which now houses the town’s police department. A new tradition was also started around Christmas with the lighting of the Community Love Light Tree in State Street Park. There was little commercial or residential development, but a number of projects may come to fruition in 2014. The public safety building is located in the former town hall, which was renovated to hold the police department. While there were still a few items that needed to be tweaked with the building at the start of the new year, the new state of the art building features current technology which the department acquired through grants. “It was really a major accomplishment for the town. It was a long time coming,” said Delmar Town Manager Sara Bynum-King. “We really never could have believed the old municipal building could be transformed into such a nice structure.” The town also started work on its back up well project last year, but that was put on hold due to issues with volatile organic contaminants (VOC’s) in different locations
22 Morning Star 2014 Progress
on the south side of the Mason-Dixon line. The town is working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is hoping to do an assessment and give a report to the town before June so the project can move forward. A few town projects were planned or started in 2013, but will be completed in the new year. Water main lines will be replaced in Phase I of the Grove Street project (from 10th to 7th street). Water main improvements and street restoration will also be completed on the last block of Delaware Avenue. The first two phases of the Walnut Street project were completed last year, with the third phase under construction (as of February). Bynum-King said the street was in desperate need of reconstruction to get it at the proper width. There was no new residential or commercial construction in 2013, but a number of projects are in the works. Heron Ponds developer Doug Marshall has received various levels of approval from the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission for his plans to build an amphitheater onsite. The groundbreaking was held last year, and Bynum-King is hopeful that construction will begin in 2014. Bynum-King is also looking for activity in the Heron
Ponds and Yorkshire Estates developments, which are both owned by Marshall. Heron Ponds also has a commercial component planned. The town has been in preliminary discussion with the Ponds Edge developers for the next phase of that development, which would mean more townhouse and apartment units as well as possible commercial businesses along Rt. 13. The Lecates building, located on the corner of State Street and Pennsylvania Avenue (across from town hall) has a new owner who has done some demolition inside the building and is looking to start planning and designing its renovation. Among the town’s planned projects for 2014 is the continuation of the streetscape project, which was started downtown a few years ago. Bynum-King is looking to extend the project south of Pennsylvania Avenue down the first block of East Street (Maryland). The project, which would be done in phases, would include lighting, fencing, and a pedestrian friendly walkway from downtown to the Delmar Little League complex and park. Representative Tim Dukes also provided community transportation funds to allow the town to do street lighting on Grove Street. A new event was added to the town’s growing list of annual events in 2013. The St. Stephens United Methodist Church sponsored the inaugural Community Love Light Tree, which was located in State Street Park. The tree features different colored lights, allowing community members to remember loved ones. There was a tree lighting event which kicked off the holiday season. “It was a very successful event. It was well attended and everybody seemed to have a good time,” said Bynum
Delmar Day in the Park is sponsored by the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Mike McClure
King. Councilman Greg Smith and his wife, Joy, spearheaded the event. Each year the Delmar Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Delmarva Day in the Park (June), the Delmar Citizen of the Year banquet (November), and the Christmas parade. The town also sponsors Heritage Day in September. The event takes place downtown on Pennsylvania Avenue (Delaware). Bynum-King would like to see more activity on the Maryland side on Heritage Day. The antique car show is held in the town hall parking lot, but she would like to see vendors located on both sides of town.
Bedding
QUeen SeTS 110 South Shipley St., Seaford, DE 19973
302-629-3518
Starting at
279
$
00
Toll Free: 800-959-3518
ORIENT ORIENT CORPORATION OF AMERICA
111 Park Ave., Seaford, DE 19973
MikeÕ s
CLEARANCE CENTER
CURIOS RECLINERS ROCKERS SOFAS & LOVE SEATS DINING TABLES & CHAIRS END TABLES BAR STOOLS & MUCH MORE
Rt. 13 South Delmar, DE Mon-Thurs 9-6 Fri 9-7, Sat 9-5:30 Sun 11-5 302
846-0310
Morning Star 2014 Progress 23
Georgetown is seeking to position itself as go-to place for health care By Lynn R. Parks Last year saw the expansion of medical facilities in the town of Georgetown. Beebe Healthcare, based in Lewes, opened a 21,000-square foot clinic on Delaware 18, on the west edge of town across from Delaware Technical and Community College. Contained in the clinic is an imaging center, a Beebe Lab Express and a walk-in care center. Nanticoke Health Services, based in Seaford, opened an Immediate Care facility and a Nanticoke EZ Lab at 505 West Market St. On that same parcel, Nanticoke is building a medical care building, set to open this year. Town manager Eugene Dvornick said that with these facilities, Georgetown-area residents have access to much of the medical care that they need. His hope is, he said, that the town will be able to attract even more doctors to set up practices there. “I really envision Georgetown being the go-to place for health care services,” said Karen Duffield, executive director of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to being the county seat and offering state services, we now can offer even more to the southern Delaware community and become the beacon that we were developed for 200 years ago.” Duffield said that in addition to the medical centers, Halpern Eye Care, with offices throughout the state including in Milford, Seaford and Millville, is building a facility on U.S. 113 in Georgetown. “This ties in with the progress that we have made in bringing new resources to town to provide health care,” she said. With help from the University of Delaware, Georgetown has established the Blueprint Community Planning Group, to come up with ways to revitalize the town. As its first project through that group, the town planted new trees along East Market Street in the downtown area. 24 Morning Star 2014 Progress
This spring, it plans to put in new street poles that can hold decorative banners as well as hanging baskets. Duffield said that describing a vision for the downtown is one of the planning group’s biggest struggles. It is not unusual for county seats to struggle in keeping vital shopping districts, she said, “and we are trying to discover what is the key.” The town’s attributes include its history and heritage, as well as its landmark buildings, she said. “We need to build on that to make a place so that people who come here want to stay here and see what we have to offer beyond state and county services,” she added. “We want to get people to come here and then stop and do some shopping.” The downtown has two new coffee shops, the Upper Crust, which opened two years ago, and the newly opened North-East Tea and Bean. “Those are great first steps,” Duffield said. The chamber will continue to sponsor a farmer’s market, in North Bedford Street Park every Wednesday, May 14 through Sept. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. It will also hold its Wings and Wheels on Oct. 4, highlighting vintage aircraft and classic cars. The event is held at the Sussex County Airport. In addition, 2014 could see a change in the location of the chamber office. While Duffield couldn’t
give details, she said, that the chamber hopes to open an office and visitors center in a building that will serve as “the gateway to the downtown.” She anticipates that that move will take place this summer. Dvornick said that in 2013, the town saw the opening of a second building at County Seat Apartments, a rental complex west of Del Tech. The nearby Carpenter Union Training Center also opened in October 2012. As for home construction, “we are not seeing any big developments going in,” Dvornick said. But individual homes are being built on lots throughout town, he said. In addition, a number of older homes in town are being renovated. Last year, the town started a concert in the park series. Two concerts were held in North Bedford Street Park and one was held on The Circle. They were well-attended, Dvornick said. “We hope to continue them in 2014,” he added. Also in 2014, the town will see the opening of Redner’s Market on U.S. 113, south of the Wal-Mart. The store will be nearly 50,000 square feet. Redner’s are also located in Camden, Dover and Milford. A new Microtel Inn and Suite by Wyndham is also being constructed on U.S. 113, just north of the Easter Seals building. The 80-room hotel is expected to open sometime this year.
On the bottom of page 24 is the Georgetown Train Station and above is the new Georgetown Library.
Georget own The county seat. A center of commerce and community.
GREATER GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Georgetown, Delaware
A municipality on the move. A DE Blueprint Community sowing the seeds for change.
LINKING BUSINESS & THE COMMUNITY
A Downtown DE Commercial District with a design to revitalize.
Visit us online www.georgetowncoc.com 302-856-1544 email: info@georgetowncoc.com
A unique place of rich heritage & cultural diversity and spirited renewal.
Working to help Georgetown realize its full potential.
A place of progress. Morning Star 2014 Progress 25
Architect’s rendering of the Beebe Heathcare facility in Georgetown, which opened in October 2013.
Beebe Healthcare focuses on expanding area services Beebe Healthcare’s expanded services in Georgetown opened in October 2013 in a beautiful, new, two-story building in College Park, a mixed-used development located near the intersection of Rts. 404 and 113 and across from Delaware Technical Community College. The building, called the College Park Medical Pavilion, has made a variety of medical services easily accessible to people living and working in Georgetown and in the surrounding area. Beebe services, for the most part, are located on the ground floor. Upstairs on the second floor, Beebe HealthyBack, a new outpatient, comprehensive treatment solution for patients who suffer from chronic back and neck pain, will open this spring. For more information about the services Beebe HealthyBack provides, call 302-645-3983. Other medical specialists are expected to be opening offices on the second floor. Beebe Walk-In Care center, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and located on the ground floor, already is prov26 Morning Star 2014 Progress
ing to be a welcomed destination for those needing medical care quickly when their own physician’s office is not open or when they do not have a physician. This winter, the center has treated many people with respiratory infections and earaches, especially in children, as well as injuries from falls. Painful splinters, abrasions needing stitches and other non-life-threatening injuries also are being treated. Medical providers call 911 if a patient is suffering from chest pains that could signal a heart attack. Other medical services conveniently located in the building are: • Beebe Lab Express. Services include: blood specimen collection and EKG. No appointments are necessary. • Beebe Imaging. Services include: radiology; CT and MRI scans; ultrasound; bone density tests; and mammograms. Appointments are required. • Beebe Rehab Services. Services include: physical therapy; occupational therapy; and speech/language
pathology. Appointments are required. Appointments for Beebe Imaging and Beebe Rehab Services can be made by calling the Beebe Healthcare Pre-Arrival Service at 302-6453278 (FAST). The caller will need a physician order and insurance information. The office of board certified family practice physician Lisa Bartels, MD, also is located on the ground floor of the building. She is a member of the Beebe Medical Staff and can be contacted at 302-856-9596. Beebe Healthcare Home Care Services has an office on Rt. 113 in Georgetown. Home Care Services professionals offer skilled nursing, and physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and medical social work to people throughout Sussex County. For information, call 302-854-5210. Georgetown, located at 21635 Biden Ave., is one of six Beebe Healthcare locations in southern Delaware, in addition to the medical center in Lewes, where people receive medical services.
Sussex County continues positive economic growth throughout 2013 By Chip Guy Progress is a simple concept: movement forward, usually in advancement toward a goal. Realizing progress, though, is far more difficult than simply defining it. Take the farmer, for instance, who cultivates the soil, plants a crop, nurtures it throughout the growing season, and then, with a little luck, reaps what was sown. The farmer doesn’t simply sit by and hope a crop grows; rather, the farmer moves forward, literally, plowing, planting, and eventually harvesting to achieve an end result. The same principles are at play when it comes to economic development. And just as western Sussex County has been fertile soil for corn and soybeans for generations, so, too, is it ripe for new business and growth opportunities here in 2014. The past year certainly was an active and exciting year of progress for western Sussex County, with new employers relocating highly-skilled jobs here and existing businesses expanding their operations to meet the demands of our evolving economy. Perhaps the biggest shot in the arm for western Sussex County in the past year was the relocation of Grayling Industries/New ILC Dover – and up to 115 jobs – from Juarez, Mexico, to the Seaford area. Thanks to financial incentives offered by the State of Delaware and Sussex County government, the company, which manufactures industrial packaging and environmental safety products for a variety of uses, made the move across the border and began operations in September 2013 inside a 90,000-square-foot facility off State Rt. 20, just west of the city. As 2014 rolls on, the company expects to continue hiring and increase its production, which is good news for our local economy. The Grayling story, though, while the biggest economic news, was far from our only success story in 2013. Up and down the U.S. 13 corridor, other opportunities sprouted up or took shape in 2013, from construction of a new aquaponics facility for growing and harvesting fish and vegetables in Greenwood to 3rd
Return Day in Georgetown is a tradition that draws thousands of visitors every two years.
Wave Craft Brewery rolling out barrels of beer in their first full year of production in Delmar. Meantime, FedEx and Craig Technologies, both in Seaford’s industrial parks, announced expansion projects; Stephens Rentals LLC purchased a former processing facility in Cannon, giving Pallet Masters a new home after relocating from the site now occupied by Grayling Industries; Nanticoke Health Services continued a variety of improvements, including transitioning all inpatient rooms to private rooms at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and expanding community healthcare services in Laurel and Bridgeville; and construction of new high schools in Laurel and Bridgeville put contractors, tradesmen, builders and engineers to work. Progress requires continual for-
ward movement, and western Sussex County will see no shortage of advancement in 2014. California-based SolarCity, which leases and installs residential solar electricity systems, will set up shop in Seaford this year with at least a dozen jobs. Meantime, regional convenience store powerhouse Wawa is making plans to return to Bridgeville after a several-years absence; and communities like Laurel, which is extending water services to the U.S. 13 corridor, will continue to make themselves attractive to future development opportunities. As you can see, the soil is cultivated and the seeds of opportunity are in the ground here in western Sussex County. We must now do all that we can to ensure a bountiful harvest for 2014 and beyond. Morning Star 2014 Progress 27
Neuro ICU ribbon Cutting: Latrice Moses, BSN, RN; Lauren Huff; Sonia Jones; Anna Marie Keenan, RN; Daniel Cahall, RN; Denise Jones; Volha Komar, PA-C; Sarah Robinson, BSN, RN; Christina Carpenter; James Mills, MD; Shayland Afriyie, CNA; Deborah Watson, FACHE, FACMPE, Bayhealth Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer;Terry Murphy, FACHE, Bayhealth President and Chief Executive Officer; Brad Kirkes, MBA, MHA, OTR/L, CHT, FACHE Vice President of Ancillary and Clinical Services; Meghan Schepens
Bayhealth opens new Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit at Kent General On Friday, February 7, Bayhealth officially cut the ribbon opening the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) at Kent General. “This has been two years in the making and is a dream to open to enhance the care of patients in central and southern Delaware,” said Bayhealth neurosurgeon James Mills, MD. Indeed, Bayhealth’s neurosurgery program began just two years ago, with the addition of Dr. Mills and his specialized team, including coordinated care from experts in departments throughout the hospital. Before Bayhealth’s program was initiated, patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries or other complex neurological conditions had to seek medical treatment out of the community. “Providing specialized care to our
28 Morning Star 2014 Progress
complex head and spine patients is critical to the success of our comprehensive program. Bayhealth’s commitment to a dedicated Neuro ICU speak to the desire to move from a local community hospital to a regional medical center where neurosurgical patient care and outcomes are paramount for our healthcare system,” said Bayhealth Vice President of Ancillary and Clinical Services Brad D. Kirkes, MBA, MHA, OTR/L, CHT, FACHE. Comprised of seven private rooms, Bayhealth’s Neuro ICU is led by Dr. Mills and includes two physician assistants, Catherine Kotalik, PA-C and Volha Komar, PA-C; Neurosurgery Nurse Navigator Olivia Washinski, BSN, RN, FNE-A; Nurse Manager Susan Litchford, RN, BSN, CNML; Clinical Nurse Specialist Angeline Dewey,
MSN, RN, APN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN; 16 staff nurses with specialized training in the care of neurological patients; and a rehabilitation team that is dedicated and trained in care of the Neuro ICU patient. “This unit is special because it focuses on the neurosurgical population,” said Susan Litchford. “It provides better continuity of care for patients who benefit from the expertise, competency and coordinated effort of our staff. We officially opened as a unit on January 21, and our patient rooms have been full ever since. Patients who stay here also build strong relationships with the members of our staff, which also contributes to their recovery.” During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Bayhealth’s Neuro ICU Unit was also blessed by Bayhealth Chaplain Blake Bowers.
Neuro ICU nursing staff: Angel Dewey, MSN, RN, APN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN; Susan Litchford, BSN, RN, CNML; Ann Keane, MSN, MA, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN; Sonia Jones RN-BC; Christina Carpenter, BSN, RN; Meghan Schepens BSN, RN, CCRN, CMC, CNRN; Melanie Sanchez, BSN, RN, CCRN; Denise Jones, MSN, RN; and Lauren Huff, BSN, RN.
Neuro ICU staff: Donna Dixon, LPN; James Mills, MD; Volha Komar, PA-C; Denise Redden, Office Manager; Brad D. Kirkes, MBA, MHA, OTR/L, CHT, FACHE Vice President of Ancillary and Clinical Services; Renee Sylvester, Executive Assistance to VP of Ancillary and Clinical Services; Olivia Washinski, BSN, RN, FNE-A - Neurosurgery Nurse Navigator and Lauren Webb- Office Staff/ Front Desk.
Morning Star 2014 Progress 29
Town of Federalsburg is home to three thriving industrial parks By Lynn R. Parks The town of Federalsburg is only the third municipality in Caroline County, Md., to be a Sustainable Community Area, as certified by the state. That certification, which the town obtained in August, means that Federalsburg is using the principles of sustainability to spur economic development and job creation, to increase housing and transportation choices for its citizens, and to enhance the quality of community life and the environment. This all ties in to Maryland’s “Smart, Green and Growing” initiative to promote growth in existing communities. “The designation serves to direct growth and jobs to existing communities that are seeking ways to reinvest and revitalize their downtowns,” Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Richard E. Hall said in announcing the award. It also means, said Federalsburg grants administrator and economic development director George Mayer, that the town is eligible for more state assistance than it would be otherwise. Federalsburg is nearing the end of a 10-year, $40 million project to improve its water and wastewater systems.
Meredith’s Appliances, Inc. th Our 30 Year in Business
Call us for your appliance needs: Service, Repairs & Parts for ALL appliances. Frigidaire® & Electrolux® Warranty Services
112 North Main Street Federalsburg, MD 21632 www.meredithappliancesinc.com Store: 410-754-9510 Fax: 410-754-5147 Parts Line: 1-800-688-1084
Serving Since 1864
30 Morning Star 2014 Progress
The two final facets of the project will be completed this year, Mayer said. A dead-end water pipe on Holland Drive will be connected to another pipe to form a loop, eliminating a pocket where water sat and became stale. Cost for that two- to three-month project is $121,000. And the town will spend $360,000 to upgrade the Nuttle’s Pumping Station. After that, “we will be down to just minor improvements,” Mayer said. But the town’s infrastructure work will not be done. “Our streets are not too good,” Mayer said. So last year, the town council, following a public hearing on the matter, approved the borrowing of $1 million for street improvements. Main Street and other “very high traffic streets” will all be repaved by the end of the year, Mayer said. The bond will be paid back over 20 years. The town is also working with the University of Maryland on a strategic plan for handling expected new requirements to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed, of which the town’s Marshy Hope Creek is part. In May 2009, President Obama issued an executive order that instructed the EPA to work with state governments to curb the amount of pollutants going into the watershed. The
The Federalsburg Museum which is located at 100 Covey Williams Alley is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the museum’s 11th year of operation. Photo by William Hynes
10% Off
10% OFF
Special Items
RED T SPEC AG IAL
ANY ITEM WITH THIS COUPON
Create a room as unique as you are with our affordable gently-used furniture and accessories.
SHORE Furniture
315 Bloomingdale Ave., Federalsburg, MD Connie Henry
410-754-8226
Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Closed Wed. & Sunday
Henry’s
Furniture
325 Old Denton Rd., Federalsburg, MD Don Henry, Sr.
410-754-9318
Open Mon., Tues., Thur., Sat. 9:30 am - 6 pm Fri. 9:30 am - 8:00 pm • Closed Wed. & Sun. Morning Star 2014 Progress 31
EPA was to define goals for bay restoration and set milestones to be met along the way. In December 2010, the EPA established limits for total nutrients discharged into the bay. The agency’s plan sets new limits on nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the 64,000-square mile watershed. Its goal is that all pollution control measures needed to fully restore the bay be in place by 2025. As part of its watershed strategic plan, Federalsburg is mapping its stormwater drainage system, to fully understand how stormwater flows into the Marshy Hope and what sediments it carries with it when it gets there. “The idea of cleaning up the Chesapeake is not going to go away,” Mayer said. “And this is a big thing for a small town. But with early planning, it will be easier for us to know what to expect and know what we have to do.” Business friendly Federalsburg has a population of just under 2,800. Mayer said that the town’s three thriving industrial parks attract another 1,400 people to town every day, to work at jobs there. The Solo Cup plant, which operates 24 hours a day, has nearly 600 employees alone, he said. (Solo Cup was acquired by the Michigan-based Dart Container Corporation in May 2012. Dart, with facilities throughout the United States as well as in South America, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, continues to manufacture products under the Solo Cup logo.) Maryland Plastics, with about 150 employees, produces tableware and party products. And “90 percent of the world’s Stove Top stuffing is made in Federalsburg,” at the Kraft Foods plant there, Mayer said. Mayer attributes the town’s successful industrial parks to its business-friendly atmosphere. An economic development committee talks with any company that has expressed interest in coming to town and “we make sure that if there’s any possible way that they will stay here, that they do so,” he said. The town also maintains a small business revolving loan fund, through which businesses in the town limits can borrow from $10,000 to $100,000. Money for the fund has come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and from the Community Development Block Grant program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Personal FinanCe
$$$ Count
March 14, 2014 A Supplement to Seaford & Laurel Stars
& LIVING 32 Morning Star 2014 Progress
Discount Fabrics Wallpapers Blinds Draperies Custom Upholstery Foam Choose from hundreds of inspiring colors and designs to enhance every room in your home!
Make Your Advertising reserve your advertising sPaCe by
RETIREMENT
Currently, 10 businesses are paying back $50,000 annually to the fund. “They can use the money for improvements, to buy equipment, whatever they need,” Mayer said. “That helps to keep people employed and keeps the money local.” He also credits Federalsburg’s location for much of its success. “We are kind of a hub,” not too far from Seaford, Bridgeville, Hurlock, Cambridge and Easton. That means that employers there can draw from a large population for their employees. In addition, the town is in the center of the busy East Coast and not too far from major airports. And it still has a rail line, the Maryland-Delaware Railroad, that runs from Cambridge, Md., to Camden-Wyoming, Del. The railroad’s headquarters are in Federalsburg. As far as community life goes, plans are set for construction of a 48-unit townhouse development, Riverview, on Reliance Avenue overlooking the Marshy Hope. The project, which was already in the works, came to a halt when the economic downturn of 2007 hit. But it has a new owner and Mayer anticipates that construction will get underway in the spring. Completion will take two to three years, he said. The town is also expecting its first brew pub to open this year. The Federal Brewing Company will be located in the former BB&T Bank building, which backs up to the Marshy Hope. The owners are “taking their time, to make sure that the venture is successful,” Mayer said. But once open, “it will be an ideal place, a destination spot for the community.”
Phone 302 629-9788 email: sales@mspublications.com
ÒS ew much for so littleÓ
00
OFF
Your Next Purchase of $20 or more with this ad.
SEWING OUTLET, INC. 121 N. Main St., Federalsburg, Md. 410.754.8961 1.800.734.8961
Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Education in central, western Sussex By Lynn R. Parks The central and western Sussex County is home to several public school districts and private schools. Information about each follows: The Woodbridge School District encompasses the towns of Bridgeville, Greenwood and Farmington (in Kent County). The district has 2,258 students in three schools: Woodbridge Elementary in Greenwood, Phillis Wheatley Middle School in Bridgeville and Woodbridge High, also in Bridgeville. A new high school, under construction between Bridgeville and Greenwood, is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2014-2015 school year. “It is truly a spectacular building!” superintendent Heath Chasanov wrote in a recent letter to parents. The Seaford School District, which encompasses the towns of Blades and Seaford, is also in the midst of a construction project. Following the addition of a wing on its high school to house the new Delaware New Tech program, the district is adding two other wings to the school, to accommodate its culinary arts program and its agriculture program. The district is also renovating much of the rest of the original high school, a project made possible when costs for the new additions were less than anticipated. The district has 3,456 students in six schools: the high school, Seaford Middle, Blades Elementary, Central Elementary, Frederick Douglass Elementary and West Seaford Elementary. Like its sister districts to the north, the Laurel School District is in a construction phase. Its new middle/high school is slated to be completed in time for the start of the 2014/2015 school year. The existing high school will be demolished after that. The district also plans to build a new 1,200-pupil elementary school for children in kindergarten through the fifth grade that will replace the current North Laurel and Paul Dunbar schools, and to renovate the current middle school. All construction is expected to be completed by 2018. The Laurel School District has 2,080 students in the high school and middle school, the two elementary schools, Laurel Intermediate School (housed in the middle school) and its intensive learning center. Superintendent is John D. Ewald. The Delmar School District has two schools, Delmar Middle and Delmar High, both housed in the same building on North Eighth Street. Elementary-age children attend school Delmar Elementary in Maryland, part of Wicomico County Public Schools in Maryland. Delmar Middle and High schools have 1,334 students. District superintendent is David Ring Jr. While the Indian River School District extends east to Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, it has several schools in the central part of the county. Its schools are: elementary - East Georgetown, Millsboro, John Clayton, Long Neck, Lord Baltimore, North Georgetown and Showell; middle Georgetown, Millsboro and Selbyville; and high – Indian River and Sussex Central. The Indian River district also has a magnet school, the Southern Delaware School for the Arts, for grades six through eight, and the Howard T. Ennis School, for students through 21 years of age who have significant disabilities. Total school enrollment is 9,147. The superintendent is Susan Bunting. Sussex Technical High School, located near Georgetown, is the county’s only vocational high school. It has an
enrollment of about 1,400 students, in grades nine through 12. About 430 students are accepted each school year. The school offers five career clusters: automotive technologies, communication and information technologies, health services and industrial/engineering technologies. Students also take classes in English, math, science, social studies, Spanish, physical education and health. The school offers college-level courses to juniors and seniors through Widener University in Chester, Pa. Students who pass those courses get college as well as high school credit. The Jefferson School, a non-sectarian, independent day school, is located on 43 wooded acres in Georgetown and strives to provide innovative, academic programs that foster an enthusiasm for learning. The Seaford Christian Academy is under the umbrella of the First Baptist Church of Seaford and has a school board. It has classes for kindergarteners and first- through 12thgraders; it also sponsors Wee Care, a day-care program for babies as young as two months. The mission is to “educate and develop the whole person for the glory of God, promoting his spiritual and moral growth, academic progress and physical and social development.” Current enrollment is 50. Principal is Michael Hopkins. Epworth Christian School near Laurel has classes for children in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade. The school also has a day-care, which takes babies as young as 6 weeks. Student enrollment is 155. Principal is Jim Berger. The Delmarva Christian High School has been holding classes in its new location south of Georgetown. Last year, it traded places with the former Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences, now the Sussex Academy and located in the former high school building just east of Georgetown. The high school is a non-denominational Christian school for grades nine through 12. It has an enrollment of about 170 students. The Sussex Academy, formerly the Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences, is now housed in the former Delmarva Christian High School building. The school, the only charter school in Sussex County, was founded as a middle school. Its mission was to provide “an accelerated middle school program in a small, safe school environment.” This school year, it began offering classes to ninth graders; current enrollment is 446.
Sussex Tech NOW for a Career Train
in the Health Professions
•Dietary Assistant •Medical Assistant-Clinical •Medical Office AdministrationClerical •Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
•Ophthalmic Assistant •Electronic Health Records •Nursing Assistant •Pharmacy Technician •Rehabilitation Therapy Aide
Register Today - Call 302-856-9035 For more information, visit our website at www.SussexTechTraining.net
SuSSex Tech AdulT educATion Learners today, EARNERS tomorrow!
Morning Star 2014 Progress 33
District encourages community to ‘Experience the Seaford Advantage’ The Seaford School District encourages our community to “Experience the Seaford Advantage” by learning more about the educational opportunities provided for students in grades Pre K through 12. Superintendent is Dr. Shawn Joseph, who submitted his resignation, effective Feb. 28. Dr. Kevin Carson, who previously served as superintendent for the Woodbridge School District and for the Cape Henlopen School District on the east side of the county, has been named interim superintendent. The district is governed by a five-member board of education which recently approved a rigorous strategic plan to guide Seaford in the quest to build upon its past while preparing for the future. The goal of the Seaford School District is to prepare its students to graduate college and career ready from Seaford Senior High School. To accomplish this goal the district will focus on literacy, mathematics, and school climate at all levels to ensure that all students receive the advantage of excellence in education. Emphasis with students is on the 4 C’s: • Critical Thinking • Creativity • Communication • Collaboration This emphasis will assist in increasing the rigor and the demand for excellence in all six schools in the district. The recently expanded campus has increased the ability of Seaford Senior High School to provide the very best in student services and programs. The instructional schedule allows for more hands-on activities, student-centered instruction and more profound relationships with students and staff. Seaford Senior High School is proud of its smaller learning communities including the Delaware New Tech Academy which offers students a new kind of high school education. As a “school within a school” at Seaford Senior High School, it gives students a compre34 Morning Star 2014 Progress
hensive academic program featuring Project Based Learning and daily use of computers and technology in the classroom. Designed to mimic a modern business, the Academy requires students to learn and complete projects in a way that prepares them for college and the workplace. The New Tech High School model has been proven successful at more than 60 public schools across the nation. It is not a technical or vocational program, but an academic program that teaches 21st century skills and prepares students for both college and careers. Seaford Senior High School is also the first high school in Sussex County to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme. This international organization is known worldwide for its rigor, challenging assessments, and focus of encouraging students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners. This rigorous program, in addition to the Advanced Placement (AP) Courses currently offered at the school, will provide opportunities for students to earn college credits while still in high school. New to SHS in 2013 was the addition of a medical technology career pathway and we are anxiously awaiting the end of construction on our state of the art commercial kitchen and bakery and the expansion of our culinary arts pathway as well as additional space for our agriculture and turf grass management programs. Other opportunities at Seaford High School such as the award winning Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art, business, and a full slate of extra-curricular offerings and athletics, provide students with a multitude of choices with which to enhance their Seaford Senior High School experience. At Seaford Middle School a bridge between elementary and high schools is built as efforts are focused on helping all of students in the middle be successful. The staff works hard to ensure that the school is a friendly, safe and challenging
environment where the needs of a diverse student population are met. A menu of student activities and programs allows for the development of well-rounded students prepared to move on to the next level at the end of their middle school experience. Reinforcing expected behaviors is a necessary component to any behavioral plan, and positive behavior rewards are provided for students who make the right choices through the Spotlight on Success or SOS Program. Academically gifted students have the opportunity to participate in accelerated and honors courses in grades 6-8. This includes the study of foreign language through the addition of Spanish and French to the middle school course offerings. These challenging courses help prepare students for the rigors of our high school International Baccalaureate® (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs. The school is also in the authorization process to be an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme. Additionally, SMS is designated as a Community School and offers support to parents and students beyond the normal school day. The middle school has been recognized both in state and nationally as a school that is increasing student achievement while creating a positive and caring culture. Four elementary schools endeavor to provide a safe educational environment that promotes rigor in instruction and emphasizes family and community involvement in all aspects of student learning. While efforts are made to ensure the consistency of programs across the elementary schools, each school is also proud of the qualities and characteristics that make them unique. All four schools provide positive and enriching environments for their students. Each school strives to meet the needs of their specific school population while still promoting academic excellence for all students. Blades and West Seaford are home to the district’s budding World Language Immersion Program. Stu-
dents as young as kindergarten are being immersed in the Spanish language, creating a bilingual and culturally competent student who is ready to pursue the rigors of secondary education and meet the challenges of our global society. Frederick Douglass is designated as a Community School and offers support to parents and students beyond the normal school day in the same manner as Seaford Middle School. Additionally, Frederick Douglass was just recently recognized nationally by Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) for their successful pilot implementation of its popular Math in Focus: Singapore Math program. This framework, developed by the Singapore Ministry of Education, draws on best practices from around the world and focuses on problem solving by using a concrete-to-symbolicto-visual approach, giving learners a more comprehensive understanding of critical math topics that align with the Common Core State Standards. Central Elementary School proudly boasts of being Delaware’s first Balanced Calendar School. Based on a year round concept, Central’s students attend school from early
August through mid June, with breaks scheduled throughout the year. Intersessions are offered during breaks which provide students with a variety of opportunities for academic support and enrichment. The Seaford School District is also home to several programs which were created to meet the unique special needs of the students in our district and throughout the county. The Sussex County Orthopedic Program, Autistic Program, and Pre-School Services, are inclusionary programs in which students are placed in a least restrictive environment of an age appropriate manner. Whenever possible, students are mainstreamed into the regular classroom setting and enjoy the school environment with children their own age. Many special events and extra programming for the students are provided including individual education planning, in-school clinic, individual/small group instruction, assistive technology, communications training, field trips, and much more. Psychologists, speech, occupational and physical therapists are on staff in order to meet the unique needs of students. The district has successfully implemented creative initiatives in
order to present stimulating and rigorous instructional programs. Technology initiatives have been at the forefront in our state as examples of using the advances in technology as an integral part of instruction and our students are enveloped in a technology rich environment. The new learning environment for Delaware New Tech at Seaford High School could serve as a model for school construction in our region which supports advanced technology and project based learning. The Seaford School District ofof fers a full range of co-curricular and extracurricular programs in the arts and athletics. The district’s tradition of pride in excellence encourages both its staff and students to go beyond the classroom as evidenced by the numerous individual and group awards achieved in the areas of academics, the arts, music and athletics. These student activities are regarded as a vital part of the Seaford Educational Program and whether Blue Jays are found in the classroom, laboratory, media center, computer lab, gymnasium, auditorium or on the athletic fields, Seaford students and staff demonstrate why we encourage everyone to “Experience the Seaford Advantage.”
Experience the Seaford Advantage “No one can prepare you for what heights you will soar until you spread your wings.” ~ Author Unknown
Check out our website:
www.seafordbluejays.org
Follow Us On Twitter Seaford Bluejays
Follow Us On Facebook Seaford School District Morning Star 2014 Progress 35
Milford recognized as the home of one of nation’s top 10 streets By Lynn R. Parks
When Walnut Street in Milford was recognized by the American Planning Association last year as one of the nation’s top 10 streets, it was in good company. Also named as Great Places in America were streets in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Pensacola and Galveston. “There’s a community spirit and pride in Milford that you can see and feel along Walnut Street,” the planning association’s chief executive officer, Paul Farmer, said at the time of the award. “Milford recognizes that in order to attract new businesses to Walnut and keep the downtown economy thriving, historic architecture by itself is not enough. It also takes planning, reinvestment, community support and marketing the town’s unique identity.” This award didn’t come out of the blue, though. For years, Milford has been working on its downtown, making it an attractive place to shop, eat and walk around. Since 1991, the town has spent $5 million on a one-mile walkway along the Mispillion River, from Goat Island, a nature preserve on the east side of town, to Silver Lake on the west side. This year, it intends to spend another $500,000 to extend the walk around Goat Island, including boardwalks over wetlands. A 2003 fire that nearly destroyed a block of buildings along Walnut Street in downtown also sparked growth, bringing money in and drawing attention to the heart of the town. Last year, several new businesses joined an already thriving downtown area, including Cool Spring Cottage, a women’s clothing store, the Irish Rose gift shop, Verde, an Italian cooking school, Manlove’s Choice Antiques and It’s About Time, a clock repair shop. In 2014, Josephine Keir, who has owned a rug, furniture and design in Lewes for 25 years, plans to open a second store at the corner of Walnut and Southeast Front streets. “These are all quality, niche businesses,” said Lee Nelson, executive director of Downtown Milford Inc., a Main Street program. “They all fit with our profile of being a good place to visit.” Milford is also growing in areas other than its downtown. Jo Schmeiser, executive director of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, said that several businesses have recently opened along U.S. 113, including Chick-fil-A in the Milford Plaza and SnoYo frozen yogurt and Sleepy’s, both in the Milford Gallery. The Greater Milford Business Park is now home to Mispillion River Brewing, which
LANK, JOHNSON & TULL Certified Public Accountants
ROBERT B. LANK • RICHARD L. TULL • TERRENCE JOHNSON Esposito Building, P.O. Box 253 Milford - Harrington Hwy. Milford, Delaware 19963 302-422-3308 • Fax 302-422-4782 E-Mail: terry.johnson@ljtcpa.com
521 North Market St. Extended P.O. Box 418 Seaford, Delaware 19973 302-629-9543 • Fax 302-629-3501 E-Mail: rick.tull@ljtcpa.com
www.ljtcpa.com
36 Morning Star 2014 Progress
The CPA. Never Underestimate The Value.®
includes a tasting room, and a gym, CrossFit Vicarious, which opened in early February. Also new to town are Delmarva Popcorn, where “you can get popcorn of every flavor and variation,” said Schmeiser, and Feel Good Fitness, personal trainers who will provide services wherever their clients want. “Milford continues to grow in population as well as in business,” Schmeiser said. The housing market in town is starting to come back following the recession, she said, and housing construction is up. “More people are coming into Milford because it is a great place to live.” Part of what makes Milford a good community is its downtown, said Nelson. And that’s not just because of businesses that are there. The 40-block downtown area is home to several events, including the iconic Bug and Bud Festival, which will be held for the 11th time this year and which last year attracted a crowd of about 10,000. This past September, Downtown Milford Inc. hosted the inaugural Eat in the Street, in which one block of Walnut Street was closed for a sit-down dinner party for 100 people. “It went very well,” said Nelson. “It is an example of the kind of things that bring the community together and make Milford a unique place to live.” A second Eat in the Street is being planned for this September. Also new last year was a Fall Pub Crawl held the night before Thanksgiving. Participants went from restaurant to bar, enjoying drink and food specials. Downtown Milford also sponsors a St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl; this year’s, the third, will be Saturday, March 15. From May 3 through Oct. 18, downtown Milford will host a weekly farmers market, sponsored by Downtown Milford Inc. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature locally grown produce as well as baked goods. Downtown Milford Inc. is also sponsoring a public art project, the second phase of which will be installed this spring. The project features models of the Augusta, a yacht that was built in Milford’s Vinyard Shipyard in 1927, each one painted by a different artist. Six of the models have already been placed along Walnut Street and another six are due to be installed by May along the Riverwalk. The final six models will be put in place next spring, also along the Riverwalk. Funding for the project is being provided in part by the Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, which selected Downtown Milford Inc. as one of three winners of its Beer and Benevolence awards last year. (Other winners were the Milton Chamber of Commerce and the Center for the Inland Bays.) Downtown Milford Inc. received a $3,000 grant; it can earn $1,000 more if it is the top money raiser in Beer and Benevolence dinners to be held at the Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats in Rehoboth Beach. Each organization will have its own dinner; the Milford dinner is set for April 16. Nelson said that everything that Downtown Milford Inc. and the Milford Chamber of Commerce does helps the Milford community and its people. “It’s all another thread in the weaving of a place that is a better place to live, work and play,” he said. “It brings tourists in, promotes economic development and all in all means a better quality of life.”
Woodland Church is rich in tradition The first church house in Woodland (originally Cannon) was built in 1843 and is located in a picturesque location on the Nanticoke River next to the Woodland Ferry house. The land was donated by Isaac and Jacob Cannon and adjoins the Cannon family cemetery. Fire destroyed the building, and the present church building was erected and dedicated in August 1883. Electricity was added in 1941 and the original hanging gas lamps (now electrified) are still in use. Beautiful stained glass windows were installed in 1953. A community house was built in 1925 and was the meeting place for residents and friends of the bustling little community. The women of the church would serve shad, oyster, and chicken and dumpling dinners to help with the church expenses. Sunday school rooms were built adjoining the church in 1974 and in 1979 the community house was dismantled and a Fellowship Hall was added on to the Sunday school rooms. In July, 1981 a fire completely destroyed the Sunday school rooms and extensively damaged the Fellowship Hall. Fortunately, minimal damage was done to the church sanctuary. That same year the Sunday school rooms and Fellowship Hall were rebuilt. The congregation still maintains the reputation for serving a delicious chicken and dumpling dinner on the third Saturday of October, February, March, April and May. Today, we proudly say we are Woodland United Methodist Church, the friendly little church by the beautiful Nanticoke River. Sunday worship service starts at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 10:30.
Woodland United Methodist Church 5123 Woodland Church Rd., Seaford, DE 19973
Outside photo by Sandy Morgan. Interior photo by Daryl Slusher.
302.629.5404 www.Woodland-UM.org Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am
We invite you to see how joining in the joy of worship can lift your spirit and enrich your life.
Morning Star 2014 Progress 37
The Tina Fallon crosses the Nanticoke River at Woodland. Photo by Bryant Paul Richardson
Woodland Ferry Association organized to celebrate 200th anniversary of ferry By Linda Allen The Woodland Ferry Association was formed in 1993 to organize and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the ferry. The group tirelessly works to promote the ferry and surrounding historical sites, such as Cannon Hall and the Woodland United Methodist Church and maintains the beautiful Woodland Ferry Park. In the summer of 1999, the association began development of the Woodland Ferry Park South on the Bethel-Laurel side of the Nanticoke River. The association is also responsible for planning and hosting the annual Woodland Ferry Festival. Members promote the unique ferry and the village of Woodland with several large signs at key locations throughout western Sussex County. The proceeds from the festival and grants from the State of Delaware and the Sussex County Council, allow the association to further its work. In previous years the association has given scholarships to deserving local students, a cause very near and dear to the membership. Unfortunate38 Morning Star 2014 Progress
ly, the closure of the ferry service for three years prevented the festival, and funds were not available. A current goal is to restart that tradition. With the overwhelming success of the return of the Woodland Ferry Festival in 2013, the association is energized and confident that eventually the scholarship fund will be reestablished. Anyone wishing to assist by donating to this fund may contact secretary/treasurer Donna Angell at 629-8077. The Woodland Ferry Association is not designated by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit therefore donations are not tax deductible. However, the membership chooses to operate in the manner of a not-for-profit organization and welcomes any contributions. Work has begun on the 2014 Woodland Ferry Festival. Vendors who participated last year are already contacting the festival coordinator. Registrations are being sent out. The popular Jones Boys Band has been booked and last year’s performers are being invited to return. This year’s Woodland Ferry
Festival is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the community of Woodland from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festival-goers will be treated to a family friendly, old time country style festival showcasing the historic Woodland Ferry and the community. There will be music, food, crafters and artists, nonprofit organizations such as historical societies, animal rescue groups and environmental groups along with demonstrators showing trades and crafts of times past. The Woodland Ferry Association will have their souvenirs for sale and the popular tote bags introduced last year. The Days Gone By Museum, owned by lifetime resident Jack Knowles, will be open circumstances permitting. The traditional country breakfast will be held in the Woodland United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall from 7 to 10 a.m. Mark your calendars for a day of good oldfashioned family fun. For more information or to be a vendor, contact festival coordinator Linda Allen at linda5nature@comcast.net or 629-5659.
d n a l d o o W erry F Saturday, September 13th 9 am - 4 pm Woodland - West of Seaford The Jones Boys Band • Charlie Paparella • The Good News Tour and More Foot passenger rides on the Ferry • Silent Auction Woodland Ferry Crockery and Souvenirs • Crafters • Exhibitors • Demonstrators • Good Food • Children’s’ Activities • “Days Gone By” Museum
TrADiTioNAl CouNTry BrEAkFAST
at the Woodland united Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 7:a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
d ol’ fashio o o G n
ed fam ily fun!
For information or to vend contact Festival Coordinator Linda Allen at linda5nature@comcast.net or 302-629-5659. Morning Star 2014 Progress 39