Delaware Roundup: News briefs from the week of Dec. 2

The Delaware Roundup, a compilation of news briefs from across the state from the past week, is published every weekend. Send submissions for News Briefs and Calendar items to [email protected]. If possible, please forward submissions via email or in a Word document.

LEADING OFF

Photo: Paul Patton, Wilmington University

Kiandra Parks was celebrated as the 1,000th graduate of the West End Neighborhood House Launcher Entrepreneurship Program at the graduation of the fall 2024 cohort on December 3 at Wilmington University. Parks was selected from the current cohort of 81 graduates by the Launcher staff as a representative and embodiment of the spirit and success shown by all of the program’s graduates, past and present. Parks heads up the Heritage Urban Farm and Garden. Inspired by her work as an AmeriCorps apprentice at Bright Spot Urban Farm, an urban agriculture and social enterprise created by WENH, Parks plans to create an urban farming and community garden to address food insecurity and empower senior citizens to grow their own food.

BUSINESS

American Airlines is consolidating its two-bank cobranded credit card portfolio to make Citigroup the sole partner. Citi has reached an agreement to acquire the Barclays American Airlines co-branded card portfolio, and will begin moving cardmembers to the Citi portfolio in 2026. American inherited the credit card with the merger of American and US Airways.

The Buccini/Pollin Group has acquired the five-story building that housed the Delaware College of Art and Design‘s (DCAD) main gallery and classrooms at 600 N. Market St. Purchase price of the nearly 10,000-square-foot building was $3.5 million. DCAD closed earlier this year.

Agilent, which has operations in Delaware, ranked #11 on the Fortune 2024 World’s 25 Best Workplaces list that was recently published. The list is based on 7.4 million responses to the Great Place to Work survey, which represents the experiences of 20 million employees worldwide.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

The Delaware General Assembly has provided a $50,000 grant-in-aid to enable Humane Animal Partners (HAP) to hold free spay-and-neuter days for owned cats on Dec. 12 at its Wilmington location (701 A St.) and Dec. 18 at its Stanton location (455 Stanton Christiana Road).  HAP is a statewide animal welfare organization that helps pet owners in the community access essential services while contributing to the effort to control the cat population in a humane and responsible way. A free rabies vaccine will be administered (if needed) during the appointment. Appointments are required and spaces are limited. Call 302-571-0111 for Wilmington appointments and 302-998-2281 for Stanton/Christiana appointments.

Dewey Goes Pink, held on October 5, 2024, raised a record-breaking $365,000 for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). This annual event, loved and anticipated by the community in Dewey Beach and beyond, has raised over $1.5 million in its 13 years. Over 5,000 people came out to support the cause. The event is organized by Steve ‘Monty’ Montgomery of The Starboard and Adam Howard of The Body Shop Fitness Center for putting together this incredible event year after year.

This year’s 41st annual Caroling on The Circle, sponsored by Sussex County government, attracted hundreds of local residents again preceded the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade, a pairing started in 2023. At the end of the evening, organizers announced that Caroling on The Circle so far has collected more than 17,000 canned goods and other non-perishable items for local pantries, which will feed needy families in the community during the colder winter months ahead. The campaign continues through the end of December.

Delaware Imaging Network (DIN) donated $1,200 to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC), thanks to 12 interceptions by the University of Delaware (UD) football season during this past season. DIN and UD partnered through the “Pick Off Cancer ” initiative, with DIN donating $100 to DBCC for each UD interception.

Fur Baby Pet Resort donated pet food valued at $36,970 to help shelters across Delaware and Maryland support animals in need.

Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter has donated $90,000 to 20 Delaware and mid-Atlantic-based entities that emphasize the health, safety, welfare, and development of children. Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter (SCC-Dover) has distributed nearly $200,000 to area groups over the past 30 years. Recipients were:

• A Better Chance for Our Children, Inc. (Wilmington/Milford): Helps young trauma survivors develop emotional regulation.
• Autism Delaware (Newark): Provides expanded social recreation activities to Delaware children.
• Caring Hearts, Helping Hands (Camden-Wyoming): Holiday gifts for children of financially challenged working families.
• Elizabeth W. Murphey School (Dover): Houses children and young adults ages 8-21.
• Embrace Delaware (Dover): Create community, inclusion, relationships, and support for families with children with disabilities.
• Exceptional Care for Children (Newark): Provides mobility equipment to medically fragile children.
• Family Hope Coalition (Hockessin): Provides tangible necessities to foster and kinship families.
• Fostering Wishes Foundation (Dover): Grants birthday, holiday and everyday wishes to children in Delaware foster care.
• Free Bikes 4 Kidz Delaware (Selbyville): Free bicycles for children in need in Kent and Sussex counties.
• Green Beret Project (Dover): Empowers youth through sports, education, and mentorship.
• Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports (Nassau): Assists with participation in youth sports.
• Jewish Family Services of Delaware (Wilmington): Addresses youth mental health issues with counseling, case management, and referral services.
• Kind To Kids Foundation (Wilmington): Helps children in foster care succeed in life.
• Mark Dombroski Foundation (Media, Pa.): Funds organizations that support youth education, athletics, safety, and well-being.
• Neighborhood Ninjas (Wilmington): American Ninja Warrior-inspired organization that gives at-risk youth the mindset to overcome obstacles with programs in modern playgrounds.
• PAWS for People (Newark): Provides pet therapy to improve children’s mental wellness and learning.
• Read Aloud Delaware (Dover): Brings regular reading and language activities to underserved households, along with one-on-one training.
• Reading Assist (Wilmington): Organizes tutoring opportunities for children in need.
• Sam’s KIDS (Newport): Provides new coats, scholarships, nutrition education, and animal programs for youth in need.
• Shoes That Fit (Newark): New sneakers for underserved children.

CULTURE

The Historic Odessa Foundation (HOF) is thrilled to continue its cherished tradition of its annual holiday exhibit, tours, and special events. visitors are invited to experience the transformation of the National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House, celebrating its 250th anniversary, into festive scenes and interpretive vignettes inspired by classic children’s novel “Peter and Wendy” by J.M. Barrie. This year’s holiday exhibit runs through Dec. 29. All of Historic Odessa’s museum properties are on full festive display throughout the 2024 holiday season, including the Wilson-Warner House, Delaware’s first house museum, that is the setting for this year’s community Storybook Trees exhibit.

EDUCATION

Five Delaware public schools have won $2,500 technology packages as state finalists in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition. They’re now vying for a $100,000 prize package that will will be awarded to three national winners. Brandywine High School teams won the top prize in each of the past two years but did not compete again this year. The 15th annual competition asked students to utilize the power of STEM to “create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities.” Delaware’s finalists are:

• Caesar Rodney High School in Camden
• MOT Charter High School in Middletown
• Millsboro Middle School in Millsboro
• Newark Charter School in Newark
• Charter School of Wilmington, with two teams

Delaware Technical Community College has opened its new Allied Health Center of Excellence at the Orlando J. George, Jr. Campus in Wilmington. The $22 million renovation of the 25-year-old Southeast Building enables the College to expand its state-of-the-art laboratory space for existing allied health programs on campus and expand paramedic and surgical technology degree programs to the Wilmington campus. Previously, both programs were offered only at the Terry Campus in Dover.

Delaware State University (DSU) and the US Water Alliance have created a partnership to bolster water infrastructure across the state. The two organizations are providing community-centered water technical assistance across the United States. US Water Alliance is the first Environmental Finance Center to contractually partner with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). These efforts will be housed under DSU’s new Center for Environmental Justice, which is set to open as part of the partnership. The Center will launch a novel workforce development program, offering students externships and other unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience with local governments, water utilities, and communities in need of water infrastructure investment.

FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT

A new survey from Geek Nexus has ranked two Delaware dive bars among the best in the country for food quality. Christiana Pub in Christiana landed at No. 48 in the country, and Brown’s Wyoming Tavern in Wyoming came in at No. 56 in the country. The pubs landed on the list for the quality of their affordable and delicious bar grub.

Wayback Burgers announced its newest lineup of winter menu items available through February 28. The new items include a spicy melt, garlic romano fries, and a mint chocolate chip shake.

Sprouts Farmers Market has opened its second Delaware location, at 431 Middletown Warwick Road in Middletown. The state’s first Sprouts opened four years ago near the Concord Mall in Brandywine Hundred. The Middletown Sprouts specializes in fresh fruits and vegetables along with a variety of healthy food and snack brands you won’t find in most supermarkets including a wide selection of organic, gluten-free and non-GMO items along with plant-based replacements for meat and dairy items. But you won’t find the top-selling food and drink brands, which could be a deal-killer for many people.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)’s Home Sweet Home for the Holiday program allocated $75 million to support 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with competitive interest rates. The program offered $10,000 for down payment and closing costs assistance for homebuyers purchasing a home with a maximum sales price of $285,000. The temporary program assisted nearly 40 Delaware families buy homes just in time for the holiday season. The funding was provided in the form of a zero-interest forgivable second loan. Each year the homeowner(s) resides in the subject property as their primary residence, the loan balance will decrease by 10% up to year 10. The loan will be forgiven after 10 years with the verification the homeowner(s) has resided in the subject property as their primary residence.

HS 2/HB 168, which enacts a 4.5% state tax on all short-term rental properties, and requires that accommodations intermediaries acquire a $25 state license. Delaware residents who rent out their properties on a short-term basis can review the bill in its entirety here.

The City of Rehoboth Beach has substantially completed a project to replace the facility that pumps all of the city’s wastewater to its treatment plant. The contractors, Michael F. Ronca & Sons and BW Electric, and subcontractors are finishing up punch list items on the $2.7 million new State Road pump station. The former pump station, believed to have been constructed as early as the 1930s and minimally upgraded sometime in the 1980s, had become structurally unsound. Work to replace the station began in spring 2023.

HEALTH

The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus commended the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for moving forward with the competitive procurement process to lease a new medical facility in Sussex County. This development marks a significant step in expanding healthcare access for the thousands of veterans residing in southern Delaware. The new facility will provide approximately 136,000 net usable square feet (NUSF) of space, significantly increasing the capacity for veterans’ services in Sussex County, which currently has only 11,155 NUSF available. By expanding the services provided at the Sussex County Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), the facility will help veterans access vital healthcare services closer to home.

ChristianaCare has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark Delaware) to enhance outreach services for Medicare-eligible patients in Delaware. You can read more here on Town Square LIVE.

Foulk Living senior living community in Wilmington has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a 2025 Best Nursing Home in the category of long-term care. Earlier this year, Foulk Living was designated a 2024 Best Independent Living Community and a 2024 Best Memory Care Community.

Aquacare Physical Therapy has launched Aquacare Athletics, an innovative initiative to provide mobile sports medicine, at The Factory in Lewes. Earlier this year, Aquacare launched PT PLUS, in-home mobile physical therapy that travels to a client’s home, workplace, pool, or fitness center. In similar fashion, Aquacare Athletics will bring quality physical therapy and sports medicine services directly to clients, sports teams, and athletes of all ages.

NONPROFITS

The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (DCGP) has opened a third office. The new Kent County location, on the second floor at 14 Village Square in Smyrna, joins DCGP’s locations in Wilmington (100 W. 10th St.) and Georgetown (142 E. Market St.). The new site in Smyrna also provides office and meeting spaces for counselors, staff, and volunteers. The organization is also a resource for individuals who feel they or a loved one may be struggling with a problem gambling disorder.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Delaware Courts will — for the 20th year — be performing the courtroom scene from the holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street from Dec. 10 through 13 for more than 1,500 students in grades 3-5 from public, parochial, charter, and private schools. There will be 12 performances — three in Georgetown, three in Dover, and six in Wilmington. Family Court Judge James McGiffin will play the role of Santa and retired Judge M. Jane Brady, who has been a part of every production dating back to 2004, will reprise the role of the defense attorney. Actual judges will take turns playing the fictional judge, with court staff and members of the Delaware Bar filling out the rest of the cast.

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

New Castle County has produced a documentary short, “Unsettled Ground: The Untold Story of Mt. Olive,” in partnership with Wilmington-based 1440 Film Company. The county’s third documentary details the history of the Mt. Olive Cemetery’s creation, abandonment, unique place in history, and efforts to restore and bring dignity back to those interred there. Outgoing County Executive Matt Meyer will join members of the production crew and key documentary subjects for a panel discussion following the screening, which will take place at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center’s Black Box Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 11. at 7:30 pm.

SPORTS

For Delaware readers who enjoy visiting the coldwater streams of the upper Delaware River watershed each year to catch native brook trout, the federal government is spending $3 million through President Biden’s America the Beautiful Challenge to help conserve trout streams in the mountainous areas of New Jersey, Northeast Pennsylvania and the Catskills of New York. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant will help federal and state environmental agencies, as well as local environmental groups, improve water quality and habitat for at-risk native brook trout in the coldwater streams of the Delaware River watershed.

TRANSPORTATION

E-ZPass Delaware’s Black Friday free transponder event is going on now and continues through December 31, 2024. Any new customer who opens a new individual account during this time will get a free transponder. To open an account visit ezpassde.com and click on “sign up” or visit one of the E-ZPass locations.

Avelo Airlines has restored Nashville to its Wilmington flight schedule beginning in May 2025. Flights ended earlier this year. Promotional pricing will start at $44 one-way, with reserved seat assignments and baggage fees extra.

PEOPLE

Outgoing Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki and Tetra Shockley ’04 have joined the Delaware State University board of trustees. Under Purzycki’s mayoral leadership, nearly $1 billion of private investment was injected into the economy of the City of Wilmington. Before his years as mayor, Purzycki headed the Riverfront Development Corporation and chaired for 10 years the Wilmington Hope Commission, which helps formerly incarcerated men transition back into the community. Shockley is a law partner in Benton & Shockley Law, P.A., where she specializes in family law and personal injury. She graduated from DSU in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management. She later completed an MBA in Executive Leadership at Wesley College. She graduated from Widener University School of Law in 2012 with a Juris Doctor degree.

Maureen “Mo” Leffler, D.O., MPH, has been appointed chief wellbeing officer of ChristianaCare, where she now leads the ChristianaCare Center for WorkLife Wellbeing and strategies to enhance the professional fulfillment and well-being of ChristianaCare’s nearly 14,000 caregivers, overseeing advocacy programs and initiatives to optimize their experience and foster a culture of well-being throughout the organization. She works closely with leaders across key departments to address factors impacting caregiver well-being. Leffler most recently served as the inaugural chief wellbeing officer at Nemours Children’s Health, where she helped the organization achieve the 2022 Joy in Medicine distinction from the American Medical Association for prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the professional fulfillment of physicians.

Marie Vacca has been named executive director of the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual disABILITIES (DFRC). She brings a wealth of experience from her more than 25 years working in the nonprofit space. She began her career at Easterseals, leading Special Events and Corporate Relations. In 2004, she joined Nemours to help build a new development operation, where she was responsible for special events and corporate relations. Across the next 15 years, she was given more responsibility in a series of promotions as the organization grew. Most recently, Marie served as the director of development at Fred’s Footsteps.

Tatiana Copeland, arts philanthropist, businesswoman, and owner of Napa Valley’s Bouchaine Vineyards, served as the Medallion Ceremony Chair for the 47th Kennedy Center Honors, taking place this weekend in Washington, D.C. This prestigious and star-studded weekend honors those who have dedicated their lives to the arts and have had a direct impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture.

Leadership Delaware has selected its 2025 Fellows for a transformative, year-long leadership development experience where they’ll interact with 150 of Delaware’s most accomplished leaders.

• Caitlin Aunet, CSC
• Haley Belcher-Patton, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware
• Andrea DeSimone, Bayhealth Medical Center
• Courtney B. DeVane, Delaware Transit Corporation
• LaVanté N. Dorsey, LaVanté N. Dorsey & Associates LLC
• Carrie Hart, Bayhealth
• Marshall L. Hawkins, ChristianaCare
• DJ Herr, Wohlsen Construction
• George “Bernie” Kale II, Delaware National Guard
• David Karas, Wilmington Police Department
• David J. Lorditch, WSFS (Bryn Mawr Trust Wealth Management)
• Emily S. Navarrete, Strive: How You Lead Matters
• Linda Schirmeister-Gess, Social Contract
• Kristen Scott, Project Solved
• Sakinah A. Slayton, New Castle County Police Department
• Pia Z. Stokes, Delaware State University
• Wenona Sutton, REACH Riverside
• Cimone S. Sylver, Ph.D., ChristianaCare
• Kylie Taylor-Roberts, State of Delaware, Office of Management and Budget
• Yachira M. Torres, Salesianum School
• Brittany A. T. Williams, UpstreamUSA and The Black Girl Health Collective (BGHC)

Peter Osborne