December 2022 - A New Home For The Holidays

A New Home Holidays for the

The gift our pets give us

MARKET ST. • PIKE CREEK • TROLLEY SQ. • BRANMAR PLAZA • MAIN ST. NEWARK

The Y is so much more than a gym! It’s a supportive community where new friends and caring staff can help you find balance in mind, body and spirit.

It’s customary for publishers to offer personal perspective in their publication’s final issue of the year. A reflection on the year that was. Words of wisdom for the new year approaching. Then, conclude with an uplifting holiday wish. Something like: Happy holidays to all … and to all a good night.

Well, I can certainly handle the second part: May you enjoy a pleasant and inspiring holiday season. You’ve earned it.

As for being sagacious, I have nothing.

I’m still in fact-gathering mode. Still processing the impact of the pandemic, the state of our democracy, the work-from-home movement. … Still searching for normal in “the new normal.”

To say it’s been a traumatic couple of years is like saying Hurricane Ida was a pesky little storm. Uncertainty is the only thing that seems certain. And that breeds stress — a stress you see in the mirror as well as on the face of most everyone you encounter.

Rebounding from this trifecta — pandemic, coup attempt, work-transformation — is a challenge for the ages. And challenges for the ages should not be tackled alone.

Which leads me to one positive aspect I’m noticing in the state of play — a growing desire to talk things through as a collective. An increased willingness to collaborate.

Currently, I’m privileged to be participating in three significant collaborative efforts: Delaware Journalism Collective, Delaware Arts Community All-Hands Calls, and Wilmington Allies. Each comprises like-minded yet independent organizations embracing the notion that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.

The Delaware Journalism Collective consists of Delaware media outlets and partners who are committed to improving access to high-quality local news in the state. DJC receives guidance and sponsorship from the Solutions Journalism

Network, whose goal is to foster at least 15 such collaboratives across the U.S. — each reporting on pressing challenges in their respective communities.

DJC’s focus is on uniting Delaware communities driven apart by polarization. You will see DJC content created about polarization on OutAndAboutNow.com as well as on the pages and websites of other DJC partners. For a list of those partners, visit LJIDelaware.org/collaborative

The Delaware Arts Community All-Hands Calls are bimonthly Zoom meetings hosted by Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and moderated by Delaware Arts Alliance Executive Director Neil Kirschling. The purpose is to provide a forum by which arts leaders can share news, events, best practices and general communication.

The calls also seek to identify ways arts organizations can work together and make a collective argument that arts are not only essential to a vibrant society but a key economic pillar that should be treated as such. I find it stunning that arts organizations are still having to make this argument.

Finally, Wilmington Allies is a bimonthly conversation among 8-10 organizations that have a hand in marketing the City of Wilmington — from the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau to the Riverfront Development Corporation. The goal is to share information, foster collaboration and reduce redundancy.

This exemplifies what I see as a growing trend — cooperation, collaboration, talking things through. Saying, I don’t know. Can you help me find out?

It’s the smart play when you have more questions than answers.

— Jerry duPhily

Ways to Earn College Credit for What You Already Know 10

Why

Many students arrive at Wilmington University with a wealth of knowledge and skills from previous college, career or military experiences. It is usually a surprise when they realize that those experiences can turn into academic credits, which means less time and money needed to earn a degree.

Here are 10 ways to earn academic credit at WilmU for work you’ve have already completed.

1. College courses and credits. If you have ever attended another university or community college, you can apply up to 90 academic credits toward a WilmU associate or bachelor’s degree program. In most cases, those credits do not expire, and you can use them to achieve your educational goals. To view a list of previously evaluated courses for transfer into WilmU degree programs, use the University’s Credit Transfer Tool at wilmu.edu/coel/credit-for-pl.aspx

2. Standardized tests and exams. You studied and took the test. Now it’s time to let it work for you! WilmU accepts credit for standardized tests and exams, including Advancement Placement, International Baccalaureate, College-Level Examination Program, DANTES Subject Standardized Test, and UExcel Exams.

3. Portfolio assessment. A portfolio assessment allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the material contained within a course by submitting for faculty review your resume and other supporting documents that convey your mastery. This can help you gain credit and skip courses to fast-track your degree.

4. Industry-recognized certifications and licenses. It takes time and effort to earn certifications and licenses. Wilmington University recognizes that fact, and accepts many of these credentials for academic credit, including Certified Food and Beverage Executive, Professional Certified Investigator, ITF+ Certification, Real Estate Broker License, Project Management Professional, and more. View a complete list at wilmu.edu/coel/industry_recognized_credentials.aspx

5. Military training and experiences. The training and experience earned through military service is priceless. As a military-friendly school, WilmU accepts credit for military training by evaluating

The university that worked for me.

transcripts from the Joint Services Transcripts and the Community College of the Air Force. Learn more at wilmu.edu/military

6. Work-based experience. A lot of knowledge is gained on the job. WilmU honors credit recommendations decided by organizations like the American Council on Education and the National College Credit Recommendation Service to award students credit for non-traditional college-level learning.

7. Workplace training. WilmU also awards academic credit for workplace training, such as police academy, first responder, and advanced skills training.

8. Cooperative Education (Co-Op) and Internships. If you have completed a co-op program or a paid, unpaid or stipend-only internship, you can earn credit for it. These real-world experiences provide a better understanding of the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical application, which, in turn, can be applied as academic credit for your degree program.

9. Delaware Pathways. Have you completed a Delaware Pathway? These career-oriented Career and Technical Education programs are available at select high schools in Delaware. Through Pathway completion, you can earn up to 18 academic credits and guaranteed admission to many of WilmU’s accredited undergraduate degree programs. Learn more at wilmu.edu/delawarepathways

10. Early College Credit/Dual Admission High School Programs. Pre-college programming provides an opportunity for high-achieving high school students to experience college courses and earn college credit online, on-site at their high schools or at a WilmU location. It’s a convenient and affordable way for high schoolers to get a head start on college coursework. Learn more at wilmu.edu/precollege

There are so many ways to make the most of your college, career, and life experiences when you’re looking to advance your education, and Wilmington University is ready to help you maximize your transfer credits. If you’d like more information, please explore wilmu.edu/transfer and wilmu.edu/priorlearning

Carlos M. ‘11, National Health Professional

THE WAR ON WORDS

By Bob Yearick

JOURNALISM 101

A quick lesson in journalism terms: An article is a news or feature story that appears one time in a given issue of a publication. A column is a regular or recurring feature, usually but not always by the same writer, that is the opinion of the writer. You find most columns on the editorial pages of newspapers and other publications.

Thus, this is a column, not an article, which some of my most devoted and learned readers continue to call it. It’s not a big deal, but I wanted to clarify that for everyone. Whatever you call it, please keep reading!

JUST SAYIN’ . . .

What’s with the use of “First off” as preamble to any form of communication – email, text, article, speech? First off what? It’s wordy and lowbrow. “First of all” is OK, but also wordy; a simple “First” probably fits most situations.

ELECTION DAY RETURNS

While Nov. 8 did not bring the predicted “Red Wave,” it did deliver a few candidates for “War.”

•From The Washington Post, in a story on poll workers dealing with claims of fraud: “’We just go over the rules again,’ she said, explaining how workers diffused any problems.” The story had three bylines, so it’s hard to fix blame (the copy editor?), but the word is defused — or resolved.

•Also from the Post, courtesy of reader Larry Hamermesh, in a story describing when states report election results: “Some states are lightening fast.” Lightning is the correct spelling. Lightening — with the e — means to make something lighter.

•Then there was retired Cowboys cornerback Everson Walls, quoted in USA TODAY about former teammate and candidate for the U.S. Senate Herschel Walker: “With Herschel coming on board, there was this misnomer that he could be the savior of the Cowboys.” Misnomer means “a wrong or inaccurate name or designation,” not a mistake, or mistaken idea, which is what Walls meant. If he had said, “Calling Herschel a savior is a misnomer,” he would’ve been right.

DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.

WDEL’s Peter MacArthur: “The Phils continue their NLCS Series tonight.” NLCS: National League Championship Series

MEDIA NOTES

A reader says CNN’s Clarissa Ward, reporting from Kiev, uttered a double superlative when she said the Russians are doing things “in the most crudest fashion.”

•Reader Jane Buck caught The New York Times dangling a prepositional phrase in this headline: “After declining a debate, Democrats are worried about Katie Hobbs.” Democrats didn’t decline a debate, Hobbs did.

•A crosshead in a story by Jori Epstein in USA TODAY: “How long will he be out for?” (In reference to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott). Ending a sentence with a preposition is not strictly wrong, but adding an unnecessary one is inane.

•On Instagram, Madonna reflected on the legacy of her 1992 book Sex, and how she spent years being shamed “for empowering myself as a Women.” Really? Madonna mixes up woman and women?

KUDOS TO YOU, MIKE

It’s refreshing, amid all the miscues and mistakes in the mass media, to come across the correct use of a tricky little word that is usually abused. Last month, “War” pointed out such a word: tact, used incorrectly as a shortened version of tactic, a common mistake when the writer or speaker means tack — a course of action. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Mike Sielski recently employed it correctly in criticizing the NFL’s approach to curbing brain trauma among players: “It’s taking the wrong tack here.”

LITERALLY OF THE MONTH

Reader Larry Kerchner heard CNN’s Bianna Golodryga report that, in dealing with the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, “(Both Democratic and Republican leaders) were literally on the same page.”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Here’s wishing everyone a merry — and literate — holiday and a happy New Year! And remember to leave the apostrophe off family names in those holiday greetings. It’s not The Yearick’s , it’s The Yearicks. Not that anyone in my family would commit such an unforgiveable gaffe!

A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language against misuse and abuse

Things worth knowing

MUSIC GRANT A BOOST FOR WILMINGTON AMPHITHEATER

Wilmington was one of 15 new recipients of a $90,000 matching grant from the Levitt Foundation to produce free outdoor concerts in an underused city public space. In total, 33 towns and cities across the U.S. received Levitt “AMP Your City” grants for 2023-25. The Levitt Foundation is a social impact funder supporting non-profits nationwide who are seeking to build community through free music in public spaces.

Wilmington plans to use its funding to produce 10 free concerts per year for three years in a new amphitheater at the Urban Artist Exchange, located adjacent to Urban Bike Project at 1500 N. Walnut St.

A HOLIDAY MUSIC TRADITION

Music With A Mission presents A Jazz Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 4 (7pm) at Tatnall School’s Laird Center with proceeds benefiting Wilmington’s Ministry of Caring. The concert will feature the jazz and jazz-pop stylings and compositions of Delaware’s Wilson Gault Somers. Music With A Mission events have raised thousands of dollars for causes as diverse as aid to the homeless and recognition and healing for the heroes of 9/11 and their families. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students. Visit JazzChristmas.org.

“Since the Levitt AMP Grant Awards began in 2015, we’ve seen grassroots non-profits inspire transformation in their towns and cities through free outdoor concerts — activating underused public spaces, ensuring access to the arts, sparking additional investments, and strengthening the social fabric of their communities,” said Sharon Yazowski, executive director of the Levitt Foundation.

The Urban Artist Exchange currently contains eight art-creating and teaching studios. An amphitheater with lawn seating for 700-800 people is currently under construction with an early-summer 2023 completion date scheduled.

“The concert series will be one component of the UAE Amphitheater,” said City of Wilmington Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz. Presentations in music, dance and theater are also planned.

“When we first entered into the agreement that created the Urban Artist Exchange, Tina Betz and I imagined UAE would be a distinctive destination known for welcoming creative people and using the arts to transform the East Side physically, socially, and culturally,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “I noted several months ago that this incredible space has already exceeded all expectations, and we are just getting started.”

WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES LAW SCHOOL

Wilmington University has launched a law school — only the second in Delaware — that will welcome its first class in the fall of 2023.

WilmU President Dr. LaVerne Harmon said the new school “represents our history of providing career-oriented programs for students from diverse backgrounds and our responsiveness to the needs of the community. It will embrace a culture of inclusiveness, welcoming qualified students who reflect the communities they will serve.”

Tuition for full-time students will be $24,000 per year, while part-time students will be charged $18,000 — significantly lower fees than those at Widener University, Delaware’s only other law school.

WilmU has traditionally catered to working adults, and its website noted that course schedules and curricula for the law school “have been crafted to maximize the benefit for students who may be balancing professional and personal commitments in addition to their legal studies.”

Dean of the new school is Phillip J. Closius, who previously led the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Toledo College of Law.

THE LITTLE TREASURE SHOP DEBUTS IN NEWARK

The Newark art community has a new retail store with plans to showcase local artists as The Little Treasure Shoppe (226. W. Park Place, Suite 14) opens this month. The shop will feature an eclectic array of vintage, home décor and original art. The Little Treasure Shoppe is currently soliciting artists and makers who would like their work represented. For more, visit their Facebook page or email TreasureShoppeDe@gmail.com.

Rendering of Wilmington University Law School.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL NATIONAL SHOWCASE RETURNS TO LEWES

Slam Dunk to the Beach/Hoophall East, one of three tournaments in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Regional Series, returns to Cape Henlopen High Dec. 26-29.

The tournament annually features some of the top high school basketball players in the country, with more than 70 former Slam Dunk participants moving onto the NBA, including recent players Donte DIVincenzo (Salesianum graduate), Luke Garza, Jonathan Kuminga, Mohamed Bomba, Cam Reddish and Tony Carr.

“We are excited to return to Lewes during the holiday season and bring talent from local and national programs together at Hoophall East,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “This showcase provides a unique opportunity for the local community to experience some of the best high school talent in the country.”

In addition to local participants, the tournament will feature teams from Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. For schedule and tickets, visit SlamDunktotheBeach.com.

FOOD BANK LAUNCHES NEW

APP-DRIVEN

FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM

Anew application that Food Bank of Delaware is introducing to the state in partnership with Bayhealth and the American Heart Association will connect community volunteers with retailers, restaurants and other food services to rescue (redirect) food. This is a first-in-the-nation statewide rescue program and will feature volunteers (302 Food Rescue Crew) delivering unused food to Food Bank partners across Delaware who serve food insecure individuals.

The new 302 Food Rescue app is powered by Food Rescue Hero. Food Rescue Hero was purposefully designed to automate the time consuming and logistical challenges facing food rescue organizations. Since 2016, the app developed by this Pittsburgh-based organization has prevented more than 100 million pounds of perfectly good food from getting wasted and redirected it to people who need it.

“America has more than enough food for everyone to eat,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “But each year, billions of pounds of perfectly good food go to waste in our country. 302 Food Rescue will allow us to do our part here in Delaware to divert fresh food from the landfill and put it on the plates of those who need it most.”

Visit 302FoodRescue.org.

FORMER OUT&ABOUTCONTRIBUTOR PUBLISHES POETRY BOOK

Former

work has appeared in Out

first full-length collection of poetry entitled When the Sun Comes Out After Three

Browning, who has lived in San Jose, California the past 12 years, is the author of Two Good Ears and Loud Snow, a pair of flash fiction mini-books published by Silent Station Press; three short nonfiction books for teens and pre-teens, all released by educational publisher Capstone Press; and six chapbooks of poetry and short fiction.

When the Sun Comes Out After Three Days of Rain was published by Kelsay Books and is available at KelsayBooks.com, Amazon.com and other online booksellers.

THE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER

The War on Words paperback makes an ideal stocking stuffer. A collection of dozens of the popular columns by Bob Yearick that appear every month in this magazine, it fits neatly into any stocking — or under the Christmas tree.

In it, you’ll discover the most misused and abused punctuation mark, and why “begs the question” does not mean what you think it means, as well as other grammar secrets.

Get your copies at the Hockessin Book Shelf, 7179 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, or go to the website: HockessinBookShelf.com.

University of Delaware student Leah Browning, whose

& About Magazine and been performed by Wilmington’s City Theater Company, recently released her

Days of Rain

DJ Wagner at last year's Slam Dunk. The top recruit is headed to Kentucky.

Leah Browning

RIVERFRONT

The Delaware Contemporary

200 South Madison Street 656-6466 • decontemporary.org

Artists: MOMENTS IN TIME, Carson Zullinger

Bridge Art Gallery @ New Castle County Chamber of Commerce 920 Justison Street 353-4527 • bridgeartgallery.net Artist: Creative Mithila Art Exhibition

DOWNTOWN

1313 Market Street/The Chancery Market Food Hall 1313 N. Market Street 421-2005 Artist: Exquisite Delineations, Monique Rollins

Chris White Gallery 701 N. Shipley Street 475-0998 • chriswhitegallery.com Artist: : “The Anthology: Trust the Process” by JaQuanne LeRoy

Christina Cultural Arts Center

705 N. Market Street 652-0101 • ccacde.org

Artist: Milton Downing

City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery 800 N. French Street 576-2100 • cityfestwilm. com/redding-gallery

Artist: World Traveler Collection by Bryant

Delaware College of Art & Design 600 N. Market Street 622-8000 • dcad.edu

Artist: Wit, Humor, Despair: Amos Lemon Burkhart

Gallery at 919 919 N. Market Street 298-1542

Artist: Landscapes, Light and Other Things. John R. C. Dorchester

The Grand Opera House 818 N. Market Street 658-7897 thegrandwilmington.org Grand Gallery: The Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography baby grand Gallery: The Madwoman of the Bog by Beth Trepper

Mezzanine Gallery at the Carvel State Building 820 N. French Street 577-8278 arts.delaware.gov Artist: t. a. hahn solo show

MKT Gallery 200 W. 9th Street 289-6772

Artist: Candyland Noir by Shonte Young Williams & Blondie Mansion

NextFab 503 N. Tatnall Street 477-7330 • nextfab.com

Artists: Holiday Gift & Art Market

UAE Open Studios 1500 N. Walnut Street cityfestwilm.com

Artists: Studio Artists: Stef Hamil, Cony Madariaga, Freddy Ruiz, Tish Williams

Next Art Loop: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

WEST SIDE

Howard Pyle Studio

1305 N. Franklin Street 656-7304 • howardpylestudio.org

Artist: Group show by the Studio Group Artists

The Delaware Center for Horticulture

1810 N. Dupont Street 658-6262 • thedch.org

Artist: “Garden Musings” by Barbara Rosen

Blue Streak Gallery

1721 Delaware Avenue 429-0506

Artist: Annual Holiday Jewelry Show

BEYOND THE CITY

Arden Buzz Ware Village Center 2119 The Highway, Arden 981-4811 • ardenbuzz.com

Artist: Arden Artisans Collective Holiday Market.

Bellefonte Arts 803 Brandywine Boulevard 762-4278

Artist: CrossedCulture Patterns

COCA Pop-Up Gallery

3829 Kennett Pike, Greenville 218-4411

Artists: Holiday Group Show

David’s Studio & Gallery Salon 2324 Cherry Lane, Arden 545-7489

Artists: 2022 Christmas Print Show and Sale

The Station Gallery 3922 Kennett Pike 654-8638 • stationgallery.net

Artist: Art Works for the Holidays

The Art of Preservation

Delaware Art Museum’s Public Art Stewards Program cares for community treasures while teaching career skills

By Emily Sortor

If you have noticed that Wilmington’s public art has been getting extra attention lately, you aren’t alone.

Delaware Art Museum Curatorial Project Manager Benét Burton and conservator Margalit Schindler have been spending quality time in Wilmington’s outdoor spaces, recording information about murals, statues, memorials, and more.

They are preparing for the launch of a six-month pilot of the Delaware Art Museum’s Public Art Stewards Program. The initiative will invite six to eight community members to learn how to clean, maintain, and document 30 public artworks throughout the city. The program will offer coaching not only in public art maintenance, but in general jobs skills that will help the stewards in whatever career path they may choose. ►

Creative Visions Factory is a key partner in the Public Arts Stewards initiative and is responsible for creating some of Wilmington's public art.

Photo courtesy Michael Kalmbach

Combining public art and workforce development has a long history in Wilmington, explains Delaware Art Museum Chief Curator Margaret Winslow, who envisioned the Public Art Stewards Program. Wilmington boasts more than 150 works of public art, many of which were funded by governmental grants used to stimulate the local economy when times were tough. When the city received COVID-19 relief funds, Winslow saw an opportunity to once again pair workforce development with public art. She knew this time around, the city needed care for its existing artworks more than it needed new ones.

“Historically, public art commissions have not incorporated the restoration and maintenance of a project, says Winslow.”

As a result, much of Wilmington’s public art was looking the worse for wear.

Fortunately, a way forward was right in Wilmington’s backyard. Delaware’s own Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library offers one of the country’s best art conservation programs, where students learn to care for and preserve artwork for the future. When they learned of the Public Art Stewards Program, Winterthur conservation alumni Margalit Schindler was ready to come onboard to share their organization’s conservation knowledge with the stewards.

Winslow says the field of art conservation has grown in the last 15 years, and with it, so has the interest in maintaining public art across the country. When the stewards learn to clean and maintain public art, they are opening the door to a

marketable skillset.

“I’ve had this program in mind for about five years,” says Winslow. “The pandemic emphasized economic disparities, which led to a push for workforce development. The need for gainful employment really came to the forefront.”

The time was ripe for the program to be developed.

Thinking how to best use community development funds, Delaware Art Museum turned to a longtime community partner: Creative Vision Factory, a local nonprofit that supports individuals on the behavioral health spectrum and has been a part of creating some of Wilmington’s public art works. The two organizations determined that the Public Art Stewards Program should benefit Wilmington community members who are traditionally underserved.

So, starting this month, the program will be inviting applications from Black and Indigenous community members who are navigating economic precocity and who are on the behavioral health spectrum. Creative Vision Factory has agreed to stay on board for the Public Art Stewards Program, helping to shape the job training curriculum in response to what community members share that they want and need.

Winslow and Burton are excited about how the Public Art Stewards Program can benefit the stewards, the art, and the community at large. The Delaware Art Museum positions Wilmington’s public art as an “outdoor gallery” that offers

enriching art experiences to everyone, regardless of whether they spend time in museums.

While taking stock of Wilmington’s public art, Burton was struck by the wealth of knowledge shared by folks throughout the city. Listening to community members share memories of the art around them helped her piece together the histories of the works.

“Ideally, we would make the information we are learning publicly accessible and would do programs to let the community engage with the works in their space. I’d like to create a living archive,” says Burton.

At the same time, she stresses that even Wilmingtonians who do not know the histories of the works still have relationships with them.

Burton smiles as she reflects on the interactions she has had during her research. She explains that passersby are often curious when they see two people intently studying a work of art in the middle of the workday. In these moments, people have a range of reactions.

Sometimes they worry about what is happening to the art. Sometimes they notice the work in a new way. Burton invites the curiosity and the conversation.

“It’s great to see that community members feel ownership over the public art, and that they have a connection to it,” she says.

Burton hopes the Delaware Art Museum’s Public Stewards Program builds on this existing sense of connection and ownership, and will enable more people to forge a relationship with public art.

— To ensure that Wilmington’s public art is around for generations to come, Winslow and Burton hope the pilot program will not be the last of the Public Art Stewards Program. They envision ways for the program to scale, should funding allow. After the first 30 works are restored, they aim to train more stewards to clean and maintain more of Wilmington’s 100+ artworks. They are eager to share what they learn with other arts institutions and other communities, so that similar programs might be created elsewhere.

Mayor Mike Purzycki, adjacent to Christina Cultural Arts Center's exterior mosaic, during last month's press conference launching the Public Arts Stewards. Photo by Shannon Woodloe.

JoyRide

Motorcycle Santa shows how holiday fundraising can be a blast

By Ken Mammarella

Motorcycle Santa began in 2015 when Rocco Malin spent $100 on toys, dressed as Santa, headed out on Christmas Day on his 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan and handed out the presents to “unsuspecting families at red lights and in parking lots,” he says.

Since then, Motorcycle Santa and dozens of volunteers in Christmas costumes have collected and given out thousands of toys and other fun (and necessary) items to various nonprofits and families they have adopted and have raised more than $40,000 for the Ronald McDonald House in Rockland, a home away from home for families with loved ones at the nearby Nemours Children’s Hospital.

“It’s a fun way to do good,” says Malin, co-owner of Malin’s Deli in Newark. And it’s grown each►

The Motorcycle Santa crew (Rocco Malin is in back with sunglasses; Peter Sherwin is Rudolph; Lauren Van Hise is Elsa, Matt Place is The Grinch, Jamal Jones is Frosty) during a past visit to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. St. Elizabeth Pastor Norm Carroll is pictured at front left. Photos courtesy Rocco Marin

year because “everyone is looking to do good work at this time of year,” but they’re not attracted to “the same old stuff and not knowing where their work goes. We’re different. We draw attention.”

Part of that attention this season will be at the Ugly Sweater Santa Crawl on Dec. 10, with the $5 cover at a dozen Wilmington nightspots benefiting Ronald McDonald House. Motorcycle Santa is also teaming with Out & About to collect toys as part of the crawl.

The annual Motorcycle Santa Ride follows Dec. 16, with the riders gathering and giving out gifts along the way and ending up at the Ronald McDonald House.

One stop on the ride is St. Elizabeth High School. St. E’s alumni Malin and lifelong friend Matthew Place, who dresses as the Grinch, helped establish a Motorcycle Santa Club at the Wilmington school.

Students help with logistics. They also suggest ideas, says board member Pete Sherwin, who with Jay Knowles helped Malin create Motorcycle Santa in 2015.

“We’re doing what we love on the backs of motorcycles at the happiest time of the year,” Sherwin says, noting the encouragement of all the recipients’ smiles. Sherwin once with worked Malin at Northbeach in Dewey Beach and now dresses as Rudolph for Motorcycle Santa events. Knowles, who has since moved away, still serves on the group’s board.

Motorcycle Santa has grown every year, registering as a nonprofit, developing a base of several dozen volunteers, adding activities to raise funds and awareness, expanding beyond toys to toiletries and other necessities and frivolities of life, building two sleighs to carry donations and involving more than 50 sponsoring businesses.

“The mission is unconventional. That’s what people like about Rocco,” says board member Lauren Van Hise, another former Northbeach colleague who dresses as Elsa during events. Another plus: “It’s a local event, giving back to the community. You can see the difference.”

That said, “Our hope is to expand this to Ronald McDonald Houses in every state and open chapters of Motorcycle Santa,” she says.

Motorcycle Santa has already gone global. In 2019, Motorcycle Santa, the Grinch and Rudolph (aka Malin, Place and Sherwin) visited Tanzania and helped a soccer team with equipment and uniforms. The group has continued a relationship with the outfitter from their climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, paying to send clothing, school supplies and other vitals.

Santa (Rocco Malin) handing out gifts to the children at Ronald McDonald House.

Pet Project

Faithful Friends founder Jane Pierantozzi has spent a lifetime standing up for animals

By Ken Mammarella

Jane Pierantozzi knows her faith has called on her to help. Children’s welfare, at first, and for more than two decades, the strays, foundlings, feral cats and pets that their humans can no longer care for, in other words, those faithful friends who can only bark and meow.

"We all have a purpose in life, and my purpose is to bring the message that animals were made to be our friends and companions, and that we need to change the way we do many things,” said Pierantozzi, founder of the Faithful Friends Animal Society. “And it also will open our own souls to greater love and compassion.”

Her devotion is timely because the Faithful Friends is opening a large, state-of-the art, purpose-built, multi-use facility — a significant upgrade from its deteriorating rented spaces. ►

A new state-of-the-art facility for Faithful Friends is just one of Jane Pierantozzi's many achievements on behalf of animals.

Photos by Jim Coarse

And she has more items on her agenda, such as helping dogs with behavior issues, too many cats that are treated as second-class and dogs raised for experiments. “We can do better,” she said.

Pierantozzi was born in Wilmington and graduated from Padua Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in social policy and social law at Bryn Mawr College. Before founding Faithful Friends in 2000, she was all about improving the well-being of others, through jobs at the Wilmington runaway shelter run by Child, Inc.; Delaware’s budget office; and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (learning about the importance of prevention, early intervention and long-term care — people-oriented concepts that she would later apply to animals).

For her 5,000 Facebook friends, she mostly shares posts about animal welfare, veganism and faith. “Everything I learned in life about the character of God I learned from my pets,” she wrote in 2017, and those ideas recurred in a recent interview. “Animal show us unconditional love and loyal companionship,” she said. “They teach us forgiveness, give us joy and teach us peace.”

She was brought up Catholic by her parents, Amerigo and Elia, immigrants from Italy, and today she follows Jesus. She often attends services at The Journey — which has its main church near Newark and a satellite operation at Wilmington Christian School near Hockessin — or at Brandywine Valley Baptist in North

"Animals show us unconditional love and loyal companionship," says Pierantozzi.

Wilmington, where she is friends with Pastor Terry Foester and his wife Libby, who are also vegan.

She also quoted St. Francis of Assisi and Albert Schweitzer on how humanity needs to extend its compassion to all living beings. “We treat all animals by names, not numbers,” she said, noting that they use a baby-naming book to name incoming kittens. “When you say their name, it’s just incredible. They’re just like people: They want you to know their name and who they are.”

Pierantozzi finds it helpful to start each day with First15, an app that encourages her to meditate and connect with a loving God, before she confronts the hectic demands of modern society. Instead of hurrying, she wants to slow down and prioritize personal relationships.

That said, she devotes long hours (60 a week, according to Faithful Friends’ tax form) to the nonprofit. She tries to reduce the commitment of running a seven-day operation to working only five or six days, although her first email to arrange her interview was sent at three minutes after midnight.

Her concerns about animal welfare go beyond the cats, dogs and other animals rehomed at Faithful Friends. A decade ago, horrified to read about conditions in factory farms, she gave up eating dairy, pork and beef. That has evolved into becoming a vegan, getting rid of leather goods and co-founding an education and policy advocacy group called Plant Powered Delaware.

“A plant-based diet is not only the most compassionate diet, but it’s also healthier for our bodies and better for the environment,” she said.

Pierantozzi shares her Wilmington row home with Emma, a rescued poodle-bichon frise mix. Emma is a pescatarian whose Cushing’s disease is helped with a cleaner diet.

Her beliefs also cause her to question rampant materialism and espouse a simpler life, with an increasingly minimalistic décor at home. Her simplicity extends to her favorite pursuits, such as spending time with friends and her close-knit family, participating in a Christian book club run by Pastor Daryl Smith at The Journey Hockessin location and hiking with Emma.

“I like my downtime, my quiet time,” she said.

She accomplishes her goals with 85 staff members at Faithful Friends, 400 volunteers and “a great partnership with our legislators” (to pass reforms for which almost all were passed unanimously in the House and the Senate).

Those legislators voted to give Faithful Friends 27 acres for its new campus, off Airport Road, near New Castle, once part of a Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles inspection facility. About seven acres is buildable, and existing trails on the wetlands remaining will be expanded for dog walking.

The Sharon Struthers Animal Adoption and Community Resource Center is 17,500 square feet, about 50% larger than ►

An exterior view of Faithful Friends' new facility in New Castle, which will be about 50% larger than the nonprofit's current operations that are conducted in two buildings on Germay Drive.

the nonprofit’s current operations, in two buildings on Germay Drive, southwest of Wilmington. Pierantozzi plans to continue to rent one Germay Drive building as a spay/neuter clinic event for a while after the new center opens early next year.

“We’re not just a shelter, but a resource,” said Struthers, who has been on the board and active in various leadership roles for 12 years. “We’re the voice for animals and a model for other states.”

In 2000, Pierantozzi and fellow pet lovers exposed that state-funded shelters in Delaware euthanized 90% of the animals they handled. That’s a stunning contrast to today, when 90% are rehomed. The First State is the only state with all no-kill shelters, she said.

She is going for what she calls “no-kill-plus”: safety options for special needs animals; better access to low-cost spaying, neutering and other veterinary care; ways for the homeless to keep pets in their lives; a food bank with pet food; and advocacy.

“Our safety net is beyond the shelter,” she said.

The new facility will be able to house 60 dogs (up from 35) and about 250 cats and kittens (about the same) in far better conditions, including lots of natural light, indoor and outdoor spaces, larger cages, sound dampening to reduce the stressful spreads of barking dogs and separate air systems to reduce the spread of diseases between health-care areas and adoption areas.

“It’s a big improvement in living conditions for the animals,” she said.

There will also be more specialized spaces for people, such a break room and a volunteer training and project area, and for expanded pet care, such as a surgical suite with space for two veterinarians and two examination rooms.

The About page of https://faithfulfriends.us lists several key legislative efforts that Pierantozzi and Faithful Friends have led:

• A 2006 Delaware law required shelters to spay/neuter pets before adoption and set up a spay/neuter fund for low-income pet owners. The law became “a national model for animal welfare.”

• A 2010 Delaware law required shelters to provide basic medical care to animals, extend a 72-hour hold on strays to include cats and be transparent about what happens to the animals they take in.

• Delaware in 2013 set up a consolidated Office of Animal welfare.

• A 2021 law quadruples the fee that pet-food brands pay to sell in Delaware, that in three years is forecasted to bring in estimated $650,000 a year for spay/neuter programs (for the poor, for feral cats and for shelters).

In a 2018 News Journal essay, Pierantozzi supported a few more initiatives: a 2012 law limiting how long dogs could be chained and a 2015 law that allows first responders to break car windows when pets are left inside on hot days. And in the interview, she talked about getting state money to help shelters care for surrendered animals, which the pet food fee may help address.

“We strive to be a comprehensive animal welfare organization,” she said. “When people call us and say they’re very upset about a situation, we don’t just say, ‘I’m sorry, we don’t do that.’ We say ‘Let’s see if we can help you come up with a solution.’ ”

Photo by Joe del Tufo

Introducing Humane Animal Partners

Amerger between two venerable Delaware nonprofits is intended to better serve the state’s “animals and the people who love them,” Patrick Carroll promises.

He’s the CEO of Humane Animal Partners, which combines the Delaware SPCA (founded in 1873) and the Delaware Humane Association (founded in 1957).

The merger enables sharing space and staff and reducing staff redundancy. The operation has three shelters (Stanton-Christiana, Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach), for up to 132 dogs and 218 cats.

Carroll exemplified the reduced redundancy with the directors of philanthropy. Kate Callihan of the SPCA is focusing on fundraising; Daniel Condoluci-Smith of Delaware Humane is focusing on community outreach. Previously, both held the same title.

Humane Animal Partners’ top responsibility is taking in strays, foundlings and dogs and cats whose people can no longer care for them. It also offers veterinary care, a pet-food pantry for needy families and referrals regarding issues with other types of domesticated and wild animals.

The merger was announced in June of 2021. The new name began in September. Finances unify in January. Both reported losses in 2019, but have not had losses in 2020 and 2021, he said, noting future “donations would go further because you’re not having to support two different organizations.”

Although the SPCA and the Humane Association have presences nationwide, those networks provide only educational resources and grant programs, not funding, Carroll said.

The merger might eventually reduce confusion with the Brandywine Valley SPCA (which runs shelters in New Castle, Dover and Georgetown) and First State Animal Shelter and SPCA in Camden. Delaware has one other animal shelter: Faithful Friends near Newport. As of 2021, the shelters together could house 7,947 dogs and 8,337 cats, according to Humane Animal Partners. All are nokill, meaning at least 90% of animals taken in are rehomed.

— Ken Mammarella

Gillian,

Purr,

Eli

Spooky,

Puck,

Jake,

Tito,

4.5, found abandoned in Wilmington.

— Bev Zimmermann

12, adopted from Delaware SPCA.

— Bob Yearick

Artie, 13, (blind since birth), adopted from Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue.

— JulieAnne Cross

Fin (8), Buckley (6) and Jane (3), all rescues from Delaware Humane Association.

— Matthew Loeb

From l-r: Otis, 8, and Jules, 10. Otis adopted from Delaware Humane Association. Jules adopted via a now defunct agency that operated in Jersey City, NJ.

— Jim Miller

Fitzgerald, 6 ½, adopted from Delaware Humane Association.

— Michelle Kramer Fitzgerald

13, adopted from Rhodesian Rescue.

— Jerry & Lindsay duPhily

13, adopted from Brandywine Valley SPCA.

— Ken Mammarella

Sam, 6, Leola, Pa.

— Mike O’Brian

8, adopted from Hill Crest Canine Country Club in Catawissa, Pa.

— Joe del Tufo

Clio, 2, a sealpoint Siamese, purchased from a hobbyist home breeder in Philadelphia.

— Mark Fields

Morrie Heckscher (foreground) and Fitz, both 15, found abandoned in Trolley Square.

— Nina Smith

12, adopted from Delaware County SPCA.

— Pam George

The Bountiful Business of Pets

A service for every need of our loyal companions

By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

It’s clearer than ever that our pets play a significant role in our lives. They fill our social media accounts and photo displays; they dine out and travel with us; they cheer us up and calm us down. Our pets are family.

As dog mom to our pointer-shepherd mix Eli, it’s my mission to uncover the best options for his food, caregiving, entertainment, and general happiness. And I’m happy to report there are more choices than ever for pet parents to provide for their fur babies. ►

Today's pet owners have more choices than ever to pamper their fur babies.

GROOMERS

Top Dog Self-Wash — topdogselfwash.com

Riverfront Pets — riverfrontpets.com

Muddy Paws Pet Salon — muddypaws2.com

Fluff Pet Salon — fluff-pet-salon.edan.io

Precious Paws — coolpaws.webs.com

SITTERS

Rover.com

Care.com

Debbie’s Critter Sitters

INSURANCE

Nationwide — petinsurance.com

Progressive — progressive.com/pet-insurance

USAA — usaa.com/inet/wc/pet-insurance

Petly — petly.com

Spot — spotpetins.com

Trupanion — trupanion.com

TREATS

GiggyBites Bakery for Dogs — giggybites.com

Waggies by Maggie + Friends — waggies.org

Paw Power Nutrition — pawpowernutrition.com

GIFTS

The Handmade Hen — thehandmadehen.square.site

Bow Tie Atticus — bowtieatticus.org

Ruff Tags — Ruff Tags by Amy & Bailey on Facebook

WASH & WAG

Grooming and bathing, especially for certain breeds, is critical to their comfort — and yours. Many options extend beyond the outdoor hose or a bathtub wrestling match, and here are a few:

Helene Buscemi of Claymont is a big fan of Top Dog Self-Wash (1516 Philadelphia Pike, Wilm.): “I’ve been taking my pug once a month since she was a puppy. She loves it there!” Buscemi said. “They fuss over her and make her feel safe. And, everything is taken care of. I don’t have to clean up like at home and get fur down the drain.” Top Dog provides brushes, towels, washcloths, shampoo, and even a sit-in air dryer for your dog. Aprons are also provided.

Riverfront Pets (311 Justison Street, Wilm.) also offers a self-wash station, complete with roomy tubs and complimentary shampoo and towels. If you prefer someone else handle grooming duty, Riverfront offers a full menu of services from bathing to teeth and ear cleaning, de-shedding, and nail trimming.

Other well-recommended groomers in the area include Muddy Paws Pet Salon (2118 Silverside Rd # 1C, Wilm.); Fluff Pet Salon (1704 Philadelphia Pike, Wilm.); and Precious Paws (501 Kirkwood Highway, Elsmere).

SITTIN’ PRETTY

Although the number of pet-friendly hotels and vacation properties are growing each year, there are times when you need (or want) to make a trip solo or just give them time for fun and exercise when you have a busy workday.

When we travel without Eli, we’ve had much success using online apps like Rover and Care.com, to secure an in-home sitter. These platforms enable to you see potential sitters’ credentials and specialties (e.g., pet first aid, senior pet care), read client reviews, as well as set up in-home interviews and “meet and greets” to determine the best match for your pet. But there are other ways to ensure your pet is safe and sound when/if you travel without them.

Locally, daycares like Dogtopia (Wilmington and Elsmere locations), and Dog Dayz Doggie Day Care (3000 W. 2nd Street, Wilm.), and Camp Bow Wow (301 Ruthar Drive, Newark) are great choices for providing safe, supervised exercise and socialization.

Gaby and Lew Indellini of Wilmington note the go-to regular for their pups, Clementine and Reds, is Dog Dayz for multiple reasons.

“With Reds in particular, it’s been amazing,” Gaby said. “Previous to going to daycare, he didn’t know how to play and be around other dogs. Now, he and Clementine are the ones who teach our friends’ puppies how to play! Clementine has been going [to Dog Dayz] since she was a puppy; she’s so well behaved and friendly, and we’re sure it’s because of having that one day a week all-day play with her friends.”

IN CASE OF CAT-ASTROPHE

With nearly 2/3 of American households owning a pet, this insurance sector has seen a tremendous boom. A 2022 report from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association shows that nearly 4.4 million pets were insured in North America at the end of last year. Since 2017, the average annual growth rate of insured pets is 21.5%, with dogs comprising the majority of insured pets (approximately 82%; cats represent approximately 18%).

Mainstream companies like Nationwide, Progressive, and USAA now offer insurance plans for Fido and Fluffy, but pet-specific companies like Petly, ASCPA Pet Insurance (two that we’ve used),

Fetch, Spot, and Trupanion offer an array of coverage packages as well.

Speaking from experience, a pet insurance plan is a smart acquisition as you welcome a pet into your home, especially if you later must address emergency or chronic illness situations.

BARKWORTHY BITES

In polling pet parent friends and local dog park-goers, we’ve compiled a list of a few favorite treats and cool gifts to consider.

Tamara Lee of Wilmington says her boys love GiggyBites Bakery for Dogs (100 Ridge Road, #4, Chadds Ford), where she has been shopping since 2007 for treats, birthday cakes, and much more. “Actually, I enjoy going there as much as they do,” she says.

“They have great treats and the people who work there are awesome. They have events for dogs and humans throughout the year. Their holiday meals are something my boys have always enjoyed. The birthday cakes and goodies are favorites, not just with my boys, but all of their bark park friends. It’s well worth the trip!”

Amy Watson Bish of Wilmington reports that their pup, Gracie, is a big fan of Waggies by Maggie & Friends (1310 Carruthers Lane, Wilm.), a non-profit dog treat company. Their all-natural, vet-approved treats not only reward your dog but also support employment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Something a bit more unique is a product out of New Jersey called Dawg Butter. Produced by Paw Power Nutrition, this all-natural lickable treat comes in four flavors, is gluten and xylitol (an ingredient

found in some commercial peanut butters which is harmful to dogs) free, and best of all, every purchase supports rescue dogs by donating a portion of the proceeds to regional agencies.

STYLE FOR THE CATWALK

Want to add some flair to your pet’s everyday look? Check out these stylish and charitable gifts!

Bow Tie Atticus creates wildly colorful “Accessories with Atti-tude” in their bowties for cats & dogs. All designs are made-to-order with clever themes (e.g., ‘Finian’ is the rainbowcolored tie; ‘Prickles’ the cactus-themed tie), and each month Atticus and his crafty mom donate to a portion of their proceeds to a different rescue organization or animal-related charity.

Leeann Wallet of Wilmington recently began her local business, The Handmade Hen, which creates handmade felt bowties and headbands for fur babies (and human babies, too). Four festive design options include a flat bow, rose, swirl flower, or artist’s choice in an array of colors. Hers are a unique twist on pet fashion.

Another new pet fashion business I discovered through a friend belongs to Ruff Tags by Amy & Bailey. The two partners create handcrafted custom resin tags in fun-themed, lively designs detailed to your or your special pet’s interests — think Philadelphia Eagles fanatic, doughnut lover, spaniel superhero, dazzling diva, and much more.

Make your pet’s life even richer with these many choices!

Ruff Tabs by Amy & Bailey are handcrafted resin ID tags for pets that are available in clever and colorful designs.

Lights, Camera, Taste This!

Restaurants can reap rewards with Instagram-worthy dishes

By Pam George

Film buffs of a certain age will remember John Candy taking on “Paul Bunyan’s Blue Ox” steak in The Great Outdoors. If he finishes the 96-ounce piece of prime beef, the server says, the entire table eats for free. But that’s unlikely, given no one has ever succeeded, she notes.

The entire restaurant surrounds Candy, who develops meat sweats. His stomach gurgles in protest, and his fork quivers, but he gets it all down — even the grizzle and fat.

Today, the “old’ 96er” would be known as “stunt food,” a menu item that can be colorful, fascinating, unique or, in this case, horrifying.

“Chefs are trying to create dishes that are highly Instagram-able,” says Delaware chef Hari Cameron, a consultant and contestant on Netflix’s Snack vs. Chef. “There’s an increased emphasis on visual impact — things that are shocking and wild.”►

Pictured above clockwise from bottom right: Pizzeria Mariana's ziti pizza, Two Stones' tacos, one of the many burger creations at Farmer & the Cow, Nick's Pizza's peach pizza, -Home Grown Cafe's dirty burger, Uncle John's BBQ Stand's Elvis burger.

Humble Origins

For the most part, stunt food was born in the fast-casual marketplace, which is under pressure to develop new, noteworthy products advertised during prime time hours. Take, for example, Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Taco, a taco with Doritos chipconstructed shell. Customers were only too happy to drive home with orange fingertips. By piquing attention, these menu items bring customers to the restaurant.

While some customers are curious, others — such as Candy’s character in The Great Outdoors — want to accept the challenge. Sure, they’ll try a beer with scrapple (Dogfish Head Craft Brewery) or eat an egg sandwich on a fried donut (Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats.) They want to tell — and show — others about their daring palate.

But it’s not all a flash in the pan. Some, seemingly incongruous combinations do taste good. Halloumi cheese and cranberries on a burger is surprisingly tasty.

Common Denominators

Burgers are an ideal platform for novelty approaches. For proof, attend the Delaware Burger Battle, where entrants vie for the tastiest and most creative takes. The patties are launchpads because they are approachable. “Everybody is familiar with a burger,” says Michael Day, owner of Farmer & the Cow in downtown Wilmington.

If customers don’t fancy their choice of toppings, they can take them off, which is why the meat must be exceptional. The flavor must stand up to whatever the chef perches on top of it. “We start with a good blend of beef, which creates a solid base,” Day agrees.

Farmer & the Cow is known for its inventive combinations. So much so, in fact, that it caught the attention of Diners, Driveins & Dives. Host Guy Fieri wolfed down “That’ll Do Pig,” which includes sweet bacon jam, thick-cut bacon and house-made bacon mayo — topped with tater tots. He also noshed on fried chicken skins.

Uncle John’s BBQ Stand in Claymont goes wild on Thursday burger nights. A recent concoction included eggplant parmesan with house-made marinara sauce and mozzarella topped with pepperoni.

“We literally just throw stuff together and hope it sticks — no joke,” says owner John Berl, who recently opened a restaurant to accompany his food truck business. “I just combine foods that I like or that pair well together and make it work.”

The Elvis — peanut butter, banana, bacon and honey — drew a line of customers to the food truck. Customers also liked the peach-bourbon-bacon burger and the pineapplepulled pork-bacon-barbecue-and-jalapeno burgers. (Bacon is the operative word.)

But one of the most shock-and-awe stunt burgers is the Nap Burger at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth. The restaurant created a diagram to show the ingredients: two 8-ounce patties, pork belly, beer cheese, Swiss cheese, fresh jalapenos, a fried egg, black pepper aioli and crispy onions.

Even subtler takes can lead to social media posts. For example, Newark-based Home Grown Café sells the Dirty Burger, a steak burger with smoked bacon, caramelized onions, white cheddar cheese, a sunny-side-up egg and a “secret sauce” topped with beerbattered onions.

Pizza is another familiar favorite that can become a stunt food. Granted, not many restaurants will go to the lengths of Pizza Hut, which has promoted a hot dog-stuffed pizza crust and a crust filled with grilled cheese — mozzarella and cheddar topped with breadcrumbs and soaked in butter.

But now that pineapple pizza no longer raises eyebrows, some establishments are getting extra creative with the toppings. Take,

for example, the ziti pizza at Pizza Mariana in Newark, which is covered with pasta and a beef-and-pork sauce. Meanwhile, peach toppings bring attention to Nick’s Pizza, which Nick Vouras runs out of Kozy Korner in Wilmington’s Little Italy section. Ingredients also include ricotta, black pepper, honey, basil and a balsamic glaze. ►

The 1.5 pound Dagwood at Gaudiello’s in Trolley Square, Wilmington.

“People take a doubletake: ‘What is that peaches, and it’s supposed to be good? Let me try it,’” he says. “People who initially think fruit on pizza is nasty change their minds when they have this.”

And forget the Bobbie. Pizza By Elizabeths is putting turkey, stuffing and cranberry aioli on a pizza crust this season.

Something to Talk About

Tacos are another versatile foundation. Two Stones Pub is known in northern Delaware for Taco Tuesdays. In October, the Wilmington location came up with a slashers theme that included “My Blood Valentot:” gochujang flank steak, Korean barbecue, tater tots, mesquite seasoning, kimchi, queso blanco and peanuts.

Then, of course, there is the sandwich. At Gaudiello’s in Trolley Square, owner Eric Huntley designed the Dagwood for its wow-ability. The 1½-pound “monster sandwich” contains ham, turkey, roast beef, thickcut maple-pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise and American cheese on toasted challah or marble rye.

To Huntley’s surprise, people regularly place an order with “no fanfare,” he says. “Normally, it’s: ‘Wow, that’s huge!’ followed by 12 minutes of aggressive chewing and an empty tray.”

Not all stunt foods are savory. The G.O.A.T is the Charcoal Pit’s Kitchen Sink: 20 scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream with banana spears, chocolate syrup, crushed pineapple, cherries, wet walnuts, whipped cream and cherries. But attention-getters don’t need size to impress. Instead, sweet Dreams Confections in Middletown gets “likes” for its cute chocolate-and-caramel “turkey legs.”

If you like, you can drink your stunt food, whether it’s an overflowing milkshake or a Bloody Mary with a skewer of fried chicken, sliders or even a full-size hotdog.

Dinner and a Show

There’s a reason why wine and beer dinners typically include dishes that appear on Instagram the next day. Chefs use these events to let their imaginations run wild. But it’s not all about the beverages.

Klondike Kate’s Sleigh Bar promotion, which began last month, is next-level stunt fun. The restaurant is decked out in holiday finery, and the menu salutes the season. After eating a candy cane-shaped caprese salad and egg rolls stuffed with turkey, stuffing and cranberry — complete with dipping gravy — guests can take selfies in the sleigh.

Melissa Ferraro at Sonora in Newark has held Harry Potter dinners with Bertie Botts cocktail beans, and on Dec. 15, she will hold the Old Fezziwig dinner. (Monty Python gets a turn on Jan. 19.)

Event or menu item, stunt foods must achieve a goal, usually sales in some form. Gaudiello’s customers may come in for the Dagwood but get a cheesesteak instead. Either way, the cash registers ring.

If the items don’t deliver, they’re gone. Chelsea Tavern’s Dirty Burger is dust. The deep-fried patty was topped with fried scrapple, bacon, an egg, cheese and roasted pepper sauce. The sandwich drew a lot of press — and yours truly watched with awe as a friend ate one.

But as a regular menu item, it didn’t jibe with the diverse crowd that the Grand Opera House brings to the establishment.

“It gets attention, but it doesn’t sell,” says owner Joe Van Horn. “We’d sell maybe 12 a week. Now we do our novelty stuff when we do specials.”

Few items stay on the menu if they lack flavor, Cameron concludes. “If it’s just for gimmick’s sake, it’s probably less successful.”

But then again, he adds, if people are talking about it, then the chef or R&D group may feel the risk is worth it. After all, the Taco Bell Dorito taco was released in 2012. Twenty years later, we’re still talking about it.

Playing to the Crowd

Arden’s Candlelight Theatre has a simple formula. And it continues to work, perhaps now more than ever.

By Kevin Noonan

In this day and age, when entertainment venues struggle to succeed in a world with so many options, The Candlelight Theatre continues to flourish. And there are two reasons for that — history and geography.

The theater — which was originally a barn — has been around since the 1930s as a dinner theater and has developed a reputation for quality productions at reasonable prices. It’s also where future movie, television and Broadway stars such as Anthony Perkins, Jack Klugman, Barbara Bel Geddes and playwright/director Arthur Miller honed their skills, back when it was called the Robin Hood Theater. Also, Susan Stroman, a five-time Tony Award winning Broadway choreographer and director, was part of the 1974 production of Cabaret when she was a student at the University of Delaware. ►

A scene from The Candlelight Theatre's production of Guys And Dolls Photo by Tisa Della-Volpe

That’s the history.

As for the geography — the theater is in Ardentown, which is a part of the Ardens, a community that, more than any other in Delaware, is known for supporting the arts.

“That’s a pretty good combination,” says Bob Kelly, the artistic director at the Candlelight Theatre since 2012. “And it’s a combination that has helped us survive and even thrive through some pretty tough times.”

Few people know the history and geography of the Candlelight Theatre as well as Tom and Sue Hornung. The couple has been in countless productions at the theater over the years, starting with Tom’s first show in 1971, The Fantastiks , and they’re currently on the theater’s board of directors.

There’s also this — the two met in 1974 when they were members of the cast of Cabaret . So, when Tom was asked to name his favorite show after all this time, he was smart enough to quickly answer “ Cabaret .”

As for the geography, the Hornungs have lived in Arden for decades and they know their little village is the perfect place for their favorite theater.

“Being in Arden is not a bad thing when you’re involved in an artistic endeavor,” Tom Hornung says.

Family Ties

The Hornungs say they’ve never had a bad experience at the theater, mainly because of the family atmosphere fostered by John and Maureen O’Toole and Julian Boris when they purchased it in 1969 and operated it for the next 31 years.

“It was kind of a family affair,” Sue Hornung says. “Even their kids were involved, in the cast, working in the kitchen or serving meals. And when you do a show here, you’re involved for about six weeks of rehearsals and then another six to seven weeks performing. So, when you’re together with a group of people for months, the cast becomes a family. In local community theater, you rehearse for a while and then you do a show for a couple of weekends and then you don’t see anybody again.

“But here, you’re together for a long time and there’s just a closeness that forms between the cast and the staff. And it’s a unique experience for the audience, because the actors are waiting on them and they get to interact with the people that they see on the stage. You don’t have that in most theaters.”

This historic theater in Arden has lived many lives. What was originally a barn became the Robin Hood Theatre in the 1930s. It's opened as The Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre in 1969 and today operates as The Candlelight Theatre.

That’s right — the actors in the play are also the waiters for the dinner portion of the show, another long-standing tradition at the theater.

Kelly agrees the camaraderie of the cast and crew is at the heart of Candlelight’s success, coupled with the ambiance of a small, rustic theater.

“A big part of it is the atmosphere here,” he says. “It’s very family oriented. We even get this comment from a lot of performers — they’re treated in such a way and it’s such a homey atmosphere that they feel like they’re part of a family, and that’s a big reason they constantly want to come back and work here. And a lot of the audience feels the same way and they’re really loyal to the theater for all of the productions.”

The Shows Must Go On

Kelly is responsible for deciding which productions hit the stage at the Candlelight Theatre, and that isn’t as easy as it might sound.

“It’s the thing I look forward to the least every year,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a pain in the neck, to be honest with you. I’ll make a list, see what the theater has done in the past and if it was something that was really successful — but it’s been a long time since we’ve done it. I’ll consider bringing it back.

“But I also like to put on at least one or two shows a year that the theater has never done. Like, next year, we’re doing Sister Act , which has never been done in this theater. And we’re doing It’s a Wonderful Life , which has never been done in this theater. You want to strike that balance. For the most part, people prefer to see something they’re unfamiliar with. I did put The Sound of Music on the schedule, but that hasn’t been done in this theater in almost 15 years, so I felt comfortable bringing it back and, of course, it’s a classic. So, you want to make sure everybody gets a little bit of something.”

But to get that “something,” you may be waiting until 2023. The only remaining major production for 2022, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, is already sold out. (A small number of tickets may become available; call the box office at 302-475-2313.)

As for the past, the most repeated show at The Candlelight Theatre is Fiddler on the Roof (eight times). Next is A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (five times), which was also the first production staged in 1969 when the theater was reborn as the Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre.

The Price Is Right

A lot has changed since then, but one thing has remained constant — the performances at The Candlelight Theatre have remained comparatively affordable, which is another reason the theater keeps chugging along.

“That’s one thing that keeps people coming back,” Sue Hornung says. “If you go out to dinner [at a restaurant] you’re going to easily spend $100-$135, when you include drinks and extras. If you go to the Candlelight, you can buy a season pass for $354 a person for six shows. That’s six dinners and six shows for $354, so you can go out every couple of months and it’s a lot less expensive than going to a good restaurant, plus you get to see a great show. So, it’s very affordable and people really respond to that.” ►

As for the meals, Tom Hornung praises current Candlelight chef David Ramirez for making the food an equal partner with the performances.

“He does a great job of preparing great food with fresh ingredients and it’s much better than most dinner theaters,” he says. “I think most people expect the food to be pretty ordinary and we always hear from them that they’re surprised at how good and fresh everything is. That’s a key element in why people keep coming back — great shows along with great food.”

Still, everyone agrees the biggest reason for the Candlelight Theatre's continued success was the decision to become a partial non-profit in 2006 and complete non-profit in 2010. Money from the Delaware Division of Arts and other entities has allowed theater management to keep its 150-seat ship afloat while keeping prices reasonable.

“It’s a small, intimate theater and there’s no way we could put on the kinds of shows we do without the help of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the various grants we’ve applied for,” Sue Hornung say, pointing to the rising costs of food, as well as some recent upgrades for the theater that were deemed necessary for safety and comfort.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Like all entertainment and hospitality venues, the Candlelight was broadsided by the pandemic and had to shut its doors for more than a year. Now, it’s finally starting to hit its pre-pandemic stride.

“We’re actually in a better place than I expected,” Kelly says. “And I think that’s because of the smallness of the space and the fact that we’re so supported by the Arden community that we’ve been able to recover.

“But, for a year there it was really tough, and thanks to the generosity of people who have donated to the theater and the fundraisers we had — as well as the response from the community — we were able to get over the hump and get started again.”

— For more information on The Candlelight Theatre, including show times and prices, call 302-475-2313 or go to www. candlelighttheatredelaware.org.

A scene from The Candlelight Theatre's production of Mama Mia.

Professional ballet thrives in Wilmington with First State Ballet Theatre

M

First State Ballet's Emma Rose Palladino.

DECEMBER 2022 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM 45

Photos by Tisa Della-Volpe

In Fine Company

Triple Bill comprises three world premieres. The first is by Ukrainianborn choreographer Viktor Plotnikov, a frequent FSBT collaborator who is on the faculty at the San Francisco Ballet School. This will mark Plotnikov’s second new work in the company’s repertoire for this season and his ninth world premiere with the company. Rounding out the production are pieces by two artists who were, until recently, known for dancing with the Philadelphia contemporary company BalletX — Zachary Kapeluck and Blake Krapels.

Joan Beatson, the ballet’s director of advancement, says, “Zach has a wonderful breadth of experience, and Blake is one of his contemporaries. It’s exciting for our young dancers to work with people coming from all over the place.”

Krapels, a native of Paterson, N.J., a Juilliard graduate, and now a Philadelphian, has presented his work to President Barack Obama at The Kennedy Center.

The Pittsburgh-born, Juilliard-trained Kapeluck is not new to FSBT. He was one of the choreographers, along with Maeghan McHale, who were featured in FSBT’s November production.

The World’s a Stage

FSBT calls The Grand Opera House home. While the company at one time danced mostly on the smaller stage of the baby grand and directly upstairs in Studio 1, two more of its five annual productions joined The Nutcracker this season in gracing the 1,140-seat Copeland Room — the biggest performance space in the building.

With its forestage arch, ceiling mural and velveteen seats, the Copeland offers a special experience for ballet patrons...and the dancers.

Beatson explains that the move to The Grand’s grandest space is not just about selling more tickets. “You need to experience Swan Lake in a bigger theater, with a big proscenium, so you can see the whole [production],” she says. “The Grand is an incredible facility to have access to. Nobody has this. With our studios upstairs and three performance spaces in one building, it’s amazing.”

Still, it’s not all about filling a thousand seats for each performance.

Says Beatson: “Our ‘Up Front’ program, performed in Studio 1 in the baby grand, is almost like a chamber concert. The dances are to smaller, shorter pieces of music. You’re close enough to the dancers to see them sweat.”

The company travels statewide to share its art. The Freeman Stage in Selbyville and Loblolly Acres in Dover are regular performance venues, and dancers from The Nutcracker take part in story-telling preview events at libraries in the Wilmington area.

A Winning Combination

Delaware’s company is considered small in the grand scheme of the ballet world. When the school, founded in 1999, expanded to become a company in 2008, it hired 10 dancers. Today, FSBT has 21 professional dancers, down from 23 before the pandemic.

Beatson explains why FSBT is exceptional for a small company. “The members get to do a lot of dancing,” she says. “We still focus on the classical, full-length ballet, which is unusual for a small company. Lots of dancers want to dance classical, not just contemporary, and we do both. We are able to offer a lot of diversity artistically.”

film starring Whoopie Goldberg

In a bigger company, an emerging dancer might not have the same kinds of performing opportunities or attention.

“They really get to know the community and the patrons get to know them,” says Beatson.

Of the current roster, only two dancers have been with FSBT since pre-COVID times. And of the 19 newer members, eight are brand new in 2022.

“We’ve had almost a complete turnover,” says Beatson.

The two dancers who remain from the pre-pandemic roster are Angela Zielen and April White. Both were leads in Dracula, with Zielen once again portraying Mina, as she did in the world premiere. White portrayed Lucy in Dracula, not long after playing Odette in Swan Lake, a “very pure, difficult role,” according to Beatson. Zielen was able to explore the role she originated in 2019, and White was able to show dramatic range with the two disparate roles.

Places, Everyone

One dancer’s path to a company like FSBT may not look anything like the path of another.

Some join companies as trainees, which means continuing their training as ballet dancers while still dancing with their company, but not getting paid. Although it has in the past, FSBT does not currently offer this bridge between professional and student.

Others join bigger companies, which may mean sacrificing dancing experience for name recognition.

Some go to college, whether for a degree in ballet or other paths, like education. Some don’t. Some are married. Some have jobs, and some pursue careers that might take them deeper into arts

administration, or away from the arts altogether.

Beatson says that aspiring ballerinas and ballerinos should have an idea of what kind of dancing they want to do. They can look at a company’s repertoire to see if there is a fit before applying to audition.

Here in Wilmington, members of the company sign 27-week contracts. Generally, the dancers have second jobs, such as teaching dance at schools in the area or serving in restaurants. They rent apartments. They become Wilmingtonians.

Sophia Schwinghammer hails from North Carolina, and moved here from Milwaukee. She likes Wilmington's "small-town, neighborly" feel. ►

A scene from FSBT's season-opening production of Dracula.

Danielle Guirma, a native of New Paltz, N.Y., moved here from Richmond, Va. She likes the fact that “everybody has connections to everybody else” and family businesses abound.

Unlike in past years, the current company has not drawn its membership from Wilmington. (In 2019, of 23 dancers, five members of the company and four trainees had Wilmington roots. Only one current dancer is a Delawarean: Angela Zielen, who attended First State Dance Academy in Milford.)

“The face of the company has shifted,” says Beatson.

Three of the current dancers are from Japan. Helping them to bridge language barriers is Rie Aoki, former principal dancer, now FSBT assistant ballet mistress and school faculty.

Most of the company is relatively young, the oldest dancer being 29.

Beatson emphasizes that being a member of a ballet company is a job.

“There might be a 16-year-old who is extremely competent, and can execute the dance,” she says, “but emotionally and mentally, they’re probably not prepared for life in a ballet company — disappointment, frustration. They aren’t students, so they won’t be treated as students.”

With 90 percent of the company turning over, it creates opportunities to re-stage familiar works — even very recent ones like Dracula — in new ways.

Beatson explains: “A lot of the choreography remains the same, but it has to be tailored every year to the individuals who are dancing. Depending on how many dancers in the company, that alone can change the choreography every year. For example, in The Nutcracker, the casting for the ‘Spanish Dance’ could be one man and two women, or two couples, or two men and one woman.”

A scene from Romeo and Juliet.

Since The Nutcracker includes students from First State Ballet’s school, there are different levels of experience and different ages every year.

“Some years we might have a lot of little ones, and some years we might have a lot of older ones. It’s a puzzle every year,” says Beatson.

The School

Although it is the company that most often makes the headlines, there would be no company without the ballet school.

Pasha and Kristina Kambalov, dancers who met through a Donetsk Ballet alumnus and eventually married, are the co-founders of First State Ballet Theatre.

The pair had danced with Wilmington’s Russian Ballet Theatre from 1994 to 1999, then opened the Russian Ballet Centre, a for-profit dance school, just outside the city in 1999. Shortly thereafter, they formed a non-profit ballet school under the name First State Ballet Theatre, initially performing in Mitchell Hall at the University of Delaware, as well as Dover’s Schwartz Center.

“I grew up in a non-profit ballet school,” says Kristina Kambalov. “I wanted to make scholarships available and create performance opportunities.”

Three years in, they went big, and staged The Nutcracker at The Grand Opera House. By 2003, the Kambalovs had been invited to relocate the school’s operations to studios in The Grand.

When the school gave way to the company five years later, the group became the only professional company in the state. Starting out, FSBT staged three annual productions with its 10 professional dancers.

While the company has doubled in size, the school still supports the professional productions. In addition to The Nutcracker, which features 35 kids as young as 7 on stage, students with advanced skills were cast in last spring’s Swan Lake

Active and former company members teach at the school. Taylor Ciampi is a current member, along with the recently retired Aoki, and three other teachers are both former company members and school alums themselves.

Returning From COVID

COVID-19 was not easy on the performing arts, and FSBT closed entirely for the 2020-21 season.

“We didn’t want to offer contracts and then send the dancers home. There are leases and jobs to consider,” says Beatson.

With the season canceled, the school kept First State Ballet active as the pandemic raged.

Then in the fall of 2021, the company returned with a world premiere by Plotnikov, a one-act, 25-minute piece, Fantasy to Dvořák. A full season, including three dates for The Nutcracker, followed.

FSBT’s outreach programming has resumed.

Its acclaimed DanceWorks! program presents free ballet training to children from local schools that are within walking distance of the studios, including Serviam Girls Academy, First State Montessori, and St. Peter Cathedral School. At the end of the year the costumed children perform three times — for each other, for their classmates and for their parents.

“The focus is getting out into the community and making ballet accessible to everyone,” Beatson says. “We want to show people that it’s not just about coming to the theater. We want them to feel that First State Ballet is their home team, that they are part of what we do.”

The Red Clay Arts Alliance has engaged FSBT at Baltz Elementary for a week-long residency. Other partnerships include the Delaware Art Museum, and the Delaware Contemporary. And new this year are storytelling and character-meeting events in libraries.

“When people see ballet, they are amazed,” says Beatson. “I hear people say, ‘I had no idea that I would like this.’”

In addition to dance classes at the ballet school, FSBT has adopted pricing and scheduling policies so families can enjoy ballet together.

The best seats in the house for The Nutcracker or Don Quixote are $57, but other seats can be had for $19.99. Patrons can choose to attend a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays, an ideal time for family outings.

— For more information on First State Ballet Theatre, visit firststateballet.org.

Quietly Devastating Empire of Light Showcases the Subtlety of Olivia Coleman

By Mark Fields

Nothing much happens in Empire of Light. There is, of course, a rather terrifying albeit brief neo-Nazi riot about halfway through. But, most of the rest of this quietly devastating British drama takes place in hushed moments of often-awkward human interaction and also in the heavy laden silences between the words. Despite the low-key nature of the story, director-writer Sam Mendes’ engrossing film reveals a deep understanding of despair and the challenges to make the personal connections necessary to ward off that despair. And although the abundance of dark adjectives in this paragraph would make it seem otherwise, Empire of Light ultimately offers a strong note of resilient hope.

Oscar-winning actress Olivia Coleman (The Favourite) plays Hilary, a cinema worker in a 1980s coastal resort town. Hilary’s days evoke the comforting monotony of routine as she methodically cycles through her work tasks, and similarly conducts her lonely personal life. Her stoic façade, however, masks a more troubled, even turbulent inner life, which Mendes’ sly, deliberate screenplay teases out slowly over the first half of the film.

Hilary strikes up a growing friendship with Stephen (Micheal Ward), a young, Black new employee, and with his unexpected attentions, seems to bloom as a vibrant person before our eyes. The violent outcomes of the mid-film riot mentioned above, brings Hilary’s newly soaring emotions to a crashing setback.

Coleman is both illuminous and forbidding as she reveals the warring impulses of Hilary’s fragile mental state. The actress —

who has been so captivating in numerous recent films and TV shows ( The Lost Daughter, The Father, The Crown, Broadchurch) — is a chameleon performer shifting from nobility to working class roles with equal conviction. Empire of Light is clearly intended as a showcase for Coleman’s extraordinary gift of subtly evoking complex and contradictory emotions, and she is thoroughly mesmerizing.

Ward, a relative newcomer to film, holds his own in their scenes together. And the two are well supported by sturdy performances in a variety of minor roles from Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Tom Brooke, and Tanya Moodie.

Mendes, an accomplished theater director, has a strong rapport with actors and has long demonstrated an ability to draw out powerful performances from them, dating back to his feature debut, American Beauty. Even his recent forays into the Bond franchise — the splendid Skyfall and the less-so Spectre — have been notable for their unexpectedly good acting.

Mendes and his acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins share a similar mastery of light and color, and Empire of Light fairly vibrates with the radiance of its images: the lambent opulence of an empty movie palace, the garish kaleidoscope of a street carnival, the drama of New Year’s fireworks over the sea.

The potent combination of compelling acting, insightful screenplay, and stunning visuals make Empire of Light a satisfying cinematic experience, one that should get plenty of deserved attention come awards seasons.

STARS

Above: Oscar-winning actress Olivia Coleman as Hilary in Empire of Light Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Holiday Treats

From Scott Biggs at Tim’s Liquors:

Domaine Gachot-Monot Bourgogne — Chant de Muses

In the village of Corgolion, fifth-generation winemaker Damien Gachot is crafting beautiful value-driven pinot noir. This domaine was brought to the attention of famous importer Kermit Lynch by iconic winemaker Aubert de Villaine along with an endorsement from his friend Bertrand Chevillon.

Chant de Muses tastes more like Nuit-St-George than village Burgundy. The wine is deeply colored, highly aromatic and bursts with cherry, raspberry and hints of spice. ($42.99)

From

Jeff Kreston at Kreston Wine & Spirits: Devil’s Candy Napa Red Blend

Fruit sourced from several Napa Valley vineyard locations including Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, Coombsville and Pope Valley. Each region contributes unique characteristics to the wine with it all coming together to create a rich, bold and expressive wine with multiple layers of complexity. Includes zinfandel, cabernet, petite sirah, syrah and charbono. ($29.99)

From John Murray at State Line Liquors:

Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2021

Floral fruit with orange blossom and white pear along with pineapple and lemon flavors and finishing with good acidity makes for a wonderful wine. A blend of grenache blanc, viognier, marsanne, roussanne and bourboulenc. ($24.99).

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Flavors of cassis, brambly black fruit, forest floor and dusty graphite are the classic notes of the Rutherford AVA in Napa. Drink now or age it for 8-15 years. ($59.99)

Moshin Rose 2021

Red fruit aromas, floral with bright flavors of watermelon, cherry. Pinot noir rosé at its finest, clean and fresh. ($19.99)

Caraccidi Brut Rose

All estate-grown fruit, this cuvée is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. Refined and delicate exhibiting rich red fruit flavors. This Cuvee demonstrates a degree of class rarely seen in California sparkling wines. ($59.99) ►

From Linda Collier at Collier’s of Centreville:

A special time of year shared with friends and family is time to put your best bottle forward. Wine is the perfect gift as it always fits.

For your discerning guests, the occasion must begin with Champagne. Mousse Fils Perpetuelle L’or D’Eugene extra brut blanc de noir ($64.99).

Then a beautifully balanced Laurent Barth Pinot d’Alsace ($24.99) followed by a Burgundy of elegance and finesse, Domaine Collotto Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles ($84.99).

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 5 puttonyos ($54.99), which will have you remembering the day for years to come.

From Ed Mulvihill at Peco’s Liquors: Bugey-Cerdon La Cueille

I first tasted this wine during the dog days of summer. I immediately thought of the holidays.

This is a fun wine that is great on its own but will pair with many traditional holiday meals. Tangy acidity is balanced nicely with semi sweet notes and light bubbles, notes of berry on the nose and palate.

Grab a bottle to toast with friends, sip by the tree, or pair with your holiday feast. Cheers!

From Frank Pagliaro at FranksWines: Les Carrières de Mezy 2020 Cuvée de la Réserve Sancerre

Sancerre is the perfect holiday white wine! This one is a classic expression of 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the best limestone soil of France’s Loire Valley. Bright yellow color with aromatic nose of fresh fruits, spicy/grassy notes, and citrus. It is lively, crisp, and bone dry on the palate with a light and fresh citrus finish. It's my favorite in the shop ... best bang fof the buck! ($29.99)

T I C K E T

G I V E A W A Y

NOTES

WILMO ROCK CIRCUS RETURNS

TO THE QUEEN

The circus is coming back to town! Although in this case, all the tent-raising, high-wire fun will be featured on stage — stages, actually — at The Queen in Wilmington.

On February 18, 2023, Wilmo Rock Circus will return to The Queen — a little more than one year after the event’s 10th Anniversary Show rocked Theatre N.

WASTED ARROWS TEASE NEW ALBUM

On the heels of the band’s new single, “Wharfman’s Blues,” Wasted Arrows has announced its debut album will be released early next year.

The band teased some of the new material during its November 26 show at Argilla Brewing Co.

According to lead singer and guitarist, David Norbut, the new songs will draw from his blue-collar life as a dock worker, while also touching on themes of love, loss and regret. Recorded at Noisy Little Critter Studio in Downingtown, Pa., the recordings will also feature Bill Shato on lead guitar and pedal steel, Chris Haug on bass, Tom Ewing on drums, and new band member, Monika Bullette, on fiddle and vocals.

The new single and upcoming album will be available at WastedArrows.Bandcamp.com.

Created and managed by Gable Music Ventures, the multi-act spectacular showcases original musicians and bands performing in The Queen’s Main Hall, The Crown and The Knight’s Bar.

Event organizers describe the event as “a fully curated music experience complete with rock bands hailing from near and far, multiple stages, specialty entertainers, ring masters, themed drinks, specialty circus foods and more!”

For tickets and updates, visit GableMusicVentures.com.

STEVE PEPPER CONTEMPLATES THE GREAT DIVIDE

On November 2, area singer-songwriter Steve Pepper released The Great Divide , his most upbeat and collaborative efforts to date.

But while Pepper’s music has the spark and fire of an outdoor jamboree, the lyrics tease that there may be a lot more going on than “just a good time.”

With the title track, “Miracle Mile,” and “The Fireball,” the albums open with all guns blazing and hardly lets up for the 23 minutes. Pepper and producer Brad Newsom brought in a solid mix of local players to pump up the energy, but certainly one of the most memorable highlights is the tasty banjo work of Mark Unruh.

“I feel lucky,” says Pepper. “I’m humbled by the music and the musicians that worked to bring it to life.”

Listen for yourself at StevePepper.Bandcamp.com.

MACK BLOZART GOES LOFI WITH NITEWORK

Remembered

Self-described as “steampunk

As Mack BloZart, music producer and multi-instrumentalist Giscard Xavier has returned to lofi territory with his 11-track November 11 release NiteWork

by many longtime music fans in the area as the former keyboardist of funk-hop-hop band The Vybe, Mack BloZart has been spending more recent years exploring genres of house music (with 2020’s Stay In The House) and lofi (2018’s Welcome to the CoffeeShop).

meets future-retro, easy listening,” NiteWork can be heard on most major streaming platforms.

You know the drill:

(1) Ask your friends to help “fill in the blanks” for the missing words needed below.

(2) Once completed, read aloud and watch hilarity ensue.

(3) Got a funny one? Take a photo and send it to us at Contact@OutAndAboutNow.com

$50 Gift Card to Pizza By Elizabeths (One entry per person; must be 21 or older to enter). Have fun!

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY TV SPECIAL

There are some classic Holiday Specials that they show as TV reruns this time of year, by my favorite one is called ( famous TV star ) and Friends Celebrate the ( adjective ) Holidays!

There is a lot of singing and dancing right from the start, with classics like “( adjective ) Night” and “( first name of friend ) the ( adjective )( animal ).”

Early on, ( other TV star ) sings a rollicking rendition of "( verb ending in -ing ) Around the ( adjective ) Tree,” while dancers dressed as ( plural noun ) twirl around and ( verb ) in the background.

Then there is an animated-cartoon segment called “( male friend’s first name ), The ( adjective ) Snowman,” and it’s about a snowman who comes to life when they put a ( noun ) on his ( body part ). It’s really touching.

But the show-stopper is when ( another TV star ) comes out with the entire Church of the ( adjective ) ( noun ) Choir and performs “( exclamation )! The ( adjective ) ( plural noun ) Sing!” It’s amazing!

THE CITY

CITY AWARDED $90K FOR FREE MUSIC SERIES

Mayor Mike Purzycki and Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz announced in November that the Levitt Foundation , a social impact funder supporting nonprofits nationwide at the intersection of music, public space, and community building, has awarded Wilmington’s Cityfest, Inc., a multiyear Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $90K in matching funds to present a FREE outdoor music series (20232025). The City’s newest music event will be held at the new Urban Artist Exchange (UAE) Amphitheater beginning next year.

Mayor Purzycki and Director Betz thanked the Levitt Foundation for its support of Wilmington’s continuing commitment to enriching the City and its residents through Wilmington’s love of music and its rich history of nurturing musicians of all genres. The Mayor also congratulated Tina Betz for her hard work to bring this grant to Wilmington.

“When we first entered into the agreement that created the Urban Artist Exchange,” said Mayor Purzycki, “Tina Betz and I imagined UAE would be a distinctive destination known for welcoming creative people and using the arts to transform the East Side physically, socially, and culturally. I noted several months ago that this incredible space has already exceeded all expectations, and we are just getting started. This multi-year matching funds award from the Levitt Foundation to present a free outdoor music series at the beautiful new amphitheater just confirms that our original transformational vision was on target, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds for this site.”

Cityfest will present the inaugural Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series at The Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater, a key element in the city’s holistic re-imagining of a long-abandoned area into a thriving arts center. Located on Wilmington’s East Side, the music series will invest in the artistic equity of the city, helping to reshape the community’s identity, stimulate civic engagement, and inspire economic growth through the power of free, live music.

The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000 people. In April, the Levitt Foundation invited nonprofits to submit proposals that would reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP awards: Amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music ; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public Places

Cityfest will present the inaugural Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series at The Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater.

PUBLIC ART PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHES

CITY MOURNS COUNCIL MEMBER GRAY’S PASSING

Mayor Mike Purzycki issued the following statement regarding the passing of Council Member Linda Gray, who died following a short illness on November 5, 2022: “Wilmington is again mourning the loss of a public servant. Linda Gray, who served as the City Council member for the people of the 1st District, passed away last night. Her husband, Harold, announced her sudden and unexpected death saying Linda had contracted pneumonia just in the past week. Her death is sad and a shock to us all. We send condolences to Harold and their family. Linda was a former magistrate court judge, the former President for many years of the Brandywine Hills Community Association, and was a proud member of City Council. Linda will be missed by many. We are thankful to her for the years she gave to make her local community and Wilmington a better place to live. We offer support to Harold, a former Wilmington Economic Development Director and current Commissioner of the State Public Service Commission, as he grieves. Linda and Harold were devoted to each other and to serving the public. They were a wonderful team. I have directed that City flags fly at half-staff to note Linda’s passing, to celebrate her life, and to commemorate her service to the people of Wilmington.”

Mayor Purzycki helps to launch the Pubilc Art Stewards Training Program in Downtown Wilmington last month.

Mayor Purzycki and Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz joined representatives from the Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Division of the Arts, elected officials and guests at 7th and Shipley streets on Nov. 17 to announce the launch of the Public Art Stewards Training Program . This workforce training and city beautification pilot program will train Wilmington residents to clean, conserve, and document 30 public works of art in downtown Wilmington and surrounding neighborhoods.

Linda Gray