View Calendar
Submit new Event
Meet The Team
Advertise with Us!
Subscribe
Subscribe
Image
  • Government
  • Culture
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health
  • Police & Fire
  • Sports
  • Weekly Review
ImageImage
TSD Dec 30 Year In Review

Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

Sonja Frey December 30, 2021 Town Square Live, Weekly Review

TSD Dec 30 Year In Review

This Year’s Top Headlines Include:

COMMUNITY

Kids spend afternoon building snowmen for Hockessin nursing home residents
Couple ends 50-states-by-age-of-50 quest in Delaware
Pike Creek auto center, restaurant exchange punches via funny signs
Delaware Museum of Natural History to reopen May 13 with new focus
Hagley damage may hit $2 million, and it has no flood insurance
Bench of stone books honors devoted Hockessin library volunteer
Mt. Cuba studies best way to grow a forest
Kennett book lover buys Hockessin BookShelf to keep store open
‘Miss JoAnne!’ Reading tutor, buddy forge strong relationship
Winterthur’s 2022 Jackie O exhibit to be based on letters in archive

BUSINESS

Covid. Plastic bag ban. And NOW you’re remodeling my grocery store?
For Above Seven, designing workout gear is tiny part of business plan
Talk of raising minimum wage worries restaurants still reeling from COVID-19
Joy from restaurants, customers greets first day of no masks, full capacity
Cult of Trader Joe’s loses their minds over Christiana store opening
New Bear Drive In will be built with cargo containers
Restaurants cut hours as struggle with hiring continues
Somerville Manning forced to move anniversary show because of flooding
Del. utility workers fight labeling as federal contractors, vaccine mandate
New StretchPlex program to offer individualized stretching, massage
Delaware men create pill bottle cap that uses thumbprint to open

FOOD

Win-win: Hottest trend at Delaware liquor stores is local craft brews 
Milford’s Benvenuto invites mixologists to compete in the Thirsty Games
Snuff Mill Restaurant to open in Independence Mall in July
Wilma’s hopes for strike with duckpin bowling, New Orleans dining

GOVERNMENT

After loud rally, silent protestors stand in view during virtual hearing
Dem post equating Blue Lives Matter with white supremacy sets off controversy
Purzycki hints Caesar Rodney statue will return to square
Pro-Business Delaware launches $550,000 ad urging diversity on courts
Shané Darby’s ‘Blue Klux Klan’ post draws fire from mayor, police, council
State to change way nonprofits seek community redevelopment cash
Proposed voting maps draw ire of voters, advocacy groups, GOP
Mail-in ballots, paid leave, police reform top 2022 legislative agenda

EDUCATION

Budget cuts lead UD’s theater head to retire after 2021-22 school year
Friends’ first graders create classroom jobs they apply for, get paid for
DSU’s Tony Allen tapped to head White House HBCU group
For private schools and prospective students, it’s Admission Season
Independence School’s wowzer of outdoor classroom links kids, nature

HEALTH

Hundreds gather to protest ChristianaCare’s vaccine mandate
Mistakes logging vaccine shots may mean Delaware underreported numbers
Chancery Court won’t force ChristianaCare to give COVID patient Ivermectin

SPORTS

Ursuline’s Sue Heiss announces retirement after 40-year career
Blue Coats ditch Caesar Rodney logo in favor of nondescript horse

RELATED STORIES:

Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – Mar. 23, 202303/23/2023
Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – Mar. 16, 202303/16/2023
Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – Mar. 9, 202303/09/2023
Town Square LIVE Weekly Review – Mar. 2, 202303/02/2023
Sonja Frey
Sonja Frey

Share this Post

2022 legislative agenda50 states by 50Above SevenAdmission SeasonBear Drive-InBenvenutoBlue Coats new logoBlue Lives MatterbusinessCaesar Rodney statueCampanella's Pike Creek AutomotiveChristianaCarecommunitycraft brewseducationfoodgovernmentHagley flood damagehealthHockessin BookShelfHockessin LibraryIndependence SchoolIvermectinJacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White HouseMayor Mike Purzyckiminimum wage increaseMt. Cubapill bottle capplastic banPro-Business DelawareShane DarbySomerville Manning GallerysportsStretchPlexsue heissSuff Mill restaurantTony AllenTrader Joe'sVaccine Mandatevoting mapsWilma'sWinterthur

You may have missed

  • Food Bank, DART kick off Thanksgiving food drives
    Thanksgiving Food Drives a bus driving down a city street

    With 45 days to go, two of Delaware’s biggest Thanksgiving food drives have kicked off. The Food Bank of Delaware and DART’s Stuff the Bus announced the details of their drives Monday. The Food Bank said it expects demand for Thanksgiving food to be high this year because of the costs of inflation and threats of recession. “More than 100,000 of our Delaware neighbors have difficulties affording food,” said Cathy Kanefsky, CEO of the Food Bank. “No family deserves to go without a hot holiday meal. Our community can help us bring hope this season by hosting an in-person food drive or an online fundraiser to help us purchase food. Together, we can all brighten the holiday season for our neighbors in need.” The 2022 Thanksgiving Stuff the Bus campaign hopes to raise 25 tons of food for the Food Bank. It asks shoppers to help fill buses at grocery stores around the state.’ Why Thanksgiving food drives? According to the Delaware Authority for Regional Transport: More than 112,000 Delawareans, including more than 38,600 children, are food insecure. Delaware’s child food insecurity rate is 19%, which is a 2% increase from last year. The Senior Nutrition Program distributed 18,410 meals to over of 2,200 low-income seniors every month. The Backpack Program provided more than 172,270 bags of food to 5,500 kids during the 2021-2022 school year. The School Pantry Program stocks 46 in-school food pantries and has distributed 128,773 pounds of food. Food meant to be distributed at Thanksgiving should be delivered to the Food Bank by Thursday, Nov. 10. Items delivered after that will be distributed during the rest of the holiday season. The Food Bank program The Food Bank invites donors to support the Thanksgiving drive by hosting an online fundraiser or by hosting an in-person food drive. An online food fundraiser raises money for the Food Bank to purchase items that are most in need. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank of Delaware can provide three meals to Delawareans in need, according to a press release, because of its buying power. Individuals and businesses interested in conducting physical food drives may use their own boxes or pick up cardboard collection barrels from the Food Bank. Donations  should be delivered to the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark at 222 Lake Drive or and Milford at 1040 Mattlind Way on Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Food Bank said it needs these items most: Applesauce Cranberry sauce Oatmeal Cold cereals Pudding mix Canned pumpkin Graham cracker pie crust Canned gravy Rice Macaroni and cheese Mashed potatoes Stuffing Hearty soups Corn muffin mix Canned sweet potatoes and yams Canned peas and green beans 100% fruit juice Hot chocolate Coffee and tea Evaporated milk Turkey pans Frozen turkeys (must be dropped off to Newark or Milford warehouses). Find more infomation at www.fbd.org/holiday-food-drives or contact Sue DeNardo at [email protected] 25 years of Stuff the Bus DART will be marking its 25th year of collecting food with this year’s Nov. 7-12 event. “It’s a wonderful example of how DelDOT gives back to the state we serve,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski in a press release. “I am especially grateful to the numerous DelDOT and DART employees who have supported the Food Bank over the past several years with three added COVID-relief Stuff the Bus events and the numerous mobile pantry events held across the state as demand grew through the pandemic. “I’m proud to say that DART’s Stuff The Bus is making an impact,” said John Sisson, CEO of Delaware Transit Corp. “Since the beginning in 1998, DART has collected 264 tons of food, that’s 528,000 pounds.” Find the buses here: Monday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Safeway, 19283 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach Walmart, at 705 Middletown Warwick Road, Middletown, a new Stuff the Bus location. Tuesday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Walmart, 939 N. DuPont Blvd., Milford Safeway, 190 John Hunn Brown Road, Dover Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ShopRite of First State Plaza, 1600 W. Newport Pike, Stanton Walmart, Sussex Plaza Shopping Center, 22899 Sussex Highway, Seaford , a new Stuff the Bus location Thursday, Nov. 10, 7 a.m. -5 p.m. Rodney Square, Market Street side, Wilmington Friday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ShopRite of Brandywine Commons, 1300 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington ShopRite of Four Seasons, 700 Plaza Drive, Newark DART said it is seeking Cornflakes Cheerios Oatmeal Raisin Bran Rice (white or brown) Evaporated milk Coffee/tea bags Applesauce Pancake mix Macaroni & cheese Spaghetti sauce Pasta Beef stew Peanut butter Canned tuna (in water) Canned salmon Canned chicken Pork & beans Canned sweet potatoes Instant mashed potatoes Canned pumpkin Canned gravy 100% fruit/vegetable juice Corn muffin mix Canned beans Dry beans Soup/stews Canned vegetables Canned fruit Cooking/vegetable oils Granola bars Laundry detergents Paper products Diapers Personal care Pet food DART notes that the Food Bank cannot accept hard candy, lollipops, soda in cans and bottles, chocolate bars or pieces, gum and soft candy such as marshmallows. For “Stuff The Bus” 2022 information, go to www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. More campaigns Caroling on the Circle: Sussex County will mount its traditional collection of canned food as part of its Dec. 5 Caroling on the Circle. The drive asks county residents to “Pack the Pod” – a 14-foot by 7-foot portable storage shed  set up at The Circle – with food items for local food pantries. Since the drive began in the 1980s, it has collected 775,000 items. Donations can be dropped off starting now through the end of December. WSFS Fall Food Drive: WSFS will accept nonperishable food items at their branch offices through Dec. 31 in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  

    ...
    Read More
  • New, retired Catholic bishops will celebrate Holy Week Masses
    a sunset in the background

    Both Bishop William E. Koenig and former Bishop Francis Malooly will celebrate Holy Week and Easter masses. Photo by Pixabay   The Diocese of Wilmington has announced where Bishop William E. Koenig will celebrate services and participate in other events during Holy Week and Easter. All Masses and services are open to the public. Events at the Cathedral of Saint Peter will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Wilmington’s YouTube channel. Retired bishop, the Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, also will be celebrating Holy Week and Easter events. He stepped aside last year. Koenig will spend all day Saturday, April 9, with the diocese’s annual youth pilgrimage. He will walk with hundreds of youth and adult volunteers from all over Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore as they carry a wooden cross through the streets of Wilmington. This year’s theme is “We Walk by Faith.” The event features a concert, prayer, a visit to Saint Francis Hospital, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession), Stations of the Cross, and Eucharistic Adoration, during stops at five Wilmington Catholic churches. The bishop will conclude the pilgrimage by celebrating the 5 p.m. Palm Sunday Vigil Mass at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets in Wilmington. On Sunday, April 10, Koenig will celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass at the historic Cathedral of Saint Peter, Sixth and West Streets in Wilmington, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Koenig, along with priests throughout the diocese, will hear confessions during Reconciliation Monday. Catholic residents of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at any of the 56 parish churches in the diocese, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Reconciliation Monday is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter. On Tuesday, April 12, Koenig will join with priests from all over the diocese for the annual Chrism Mass to be held at Holy Cross Church on South State Street in Dover, Delaware. During the service, which begins at 7 p.m., the bishop will consecrate the perfumed oil known as Sacred Chrism, to be used throughout the diocese for baptisms, confirmations and ordinations as well as the other oils used in the ministering to catechumens, those coming into the Church, and to the sick. The priests of the diocese will renew their priestly promises at this Mass. On Holy Thursday, April 14, the bishop will preside at one of the most poignant ceremonies of the Church year: the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, to be held at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. The celebrant will often wash the feet of 12 people, recreating what Jesus did to His Apostles as reported in the 13th chapter of the Gospel of St. John. At 3 p.m., Koenig will preside at the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Wilmington.  Both solemn services commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, April 16, will feature the blessing of fire, water and the Easter candle. Koenig will preside over it at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Wilmington. In many Catholic churches, the Easter Vigil also includes the baptism, confirmation and first holy communion of individuals who are joining the Catholic Church. On Easter, April 17, Koenig will celebrate the resurrection of Christ with Mass at 9:30 a.m. the Cathedral of Saint Peter. All Masses and services are open to the public and all are cordially invited. Events at the Cathedral of Saint Peter will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Wilmington’s YouTube channel – //YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Malooly will celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Wilmington April 10 at 9 a.m., Holy Thursday Mass at Saint Mary Magdalen in Wilmington April 14 at 7 p.m., Good Friday Passion of the Lord at the Little Sisters of the Poor’s Jeanne Jugan Residence in Newark, Delaware on April 15 at 3 p.m., and Easter Sunday Mass on April 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Magdalen.  

    ...
    Read More
  • AAA praises Wilmington’s move to start online ticket appeal system

    Wilmington is launching a new online ticket appeal system. Photo by Andras Vas/Unsplash   After years of complaints from citizens and advocacy groups, the City of Wilmington has launched a new online system to appeal traffic and parking tickets.  AAA-Mid Atlantic, which has been advocating for reforms to Wilmington’s handling of parking and traffic tickets since 2016, praised the move. “We are encouraged by the city’s actions,” said Jim Lardear, director of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “AAA has been a long-time advocate of fair parking ticketing practices for motorists, having raised multiple concerns about the Wilmington parking ticket process during the prior (Williams’) administration.” Officials at the time said numerous drivers had contacted AAA alleging their cars were improperly ticketed, booted or towed. Under the new civil appeals system, drivers may submit an appeal within 21 days of receiving a ticket.  The mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, which will be tasked with reviewing appeals, will make their judgements within ten business days of an appeal’s submission.  Mayor Mike Purzycki said in a press release that by empowering the Office of Constituent Services to review appeals rather than the city’s parking enforcement system, there will be a “more independent review of ticket appeals.”  Penalties and fees will be automatically suspended during the appeals process, meaning additional fees will not accrue during that time. Decisions will be delivered by email.  In addition to the new online appeal process, individuals will still be able to submit written appeals. Instructions for both methods will be outlined on the back of the tickets.  The new platform will make it “easier than ever for residents to challenge a ticket they receive,” Purzcki said. AAA celebrated the move, noting that other municipalities in Delaware have already successfully implemented similar changes.  “With this debut, the Purzycki administration is taking the right steps to streamline what has been an unwieldy and sometimes lengthy resolution process,” Lardear said. “Jurisdictions such as Rehoboth Beach are successfully using an online appeals process.  We believe motorists rightfully benefit from a parking ticket appeals system that is fair, seamless and transparent.” Residents, business owners and visitors can access the ticket appeal section on the City’s website at this link.  

    ...
    Read More
  • Del Shakes to bring free “Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to Rodney Square

    Eric Mills (here with Krista Apple in 2018’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ will play Oberon in Del Shakes’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo by Alessandra Nicole/Delaware Shakespeare   Delaware Shakespeare will host free outdoor performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Rodney Square next month. The group says it will transform Rodney Square into a “magical forest where confused lovers, bumbling actors and powerful fairies all meet to pursue their wildest dreams!” The Sept. 16-Sept. 19 production is being presented in partnership with the City of Wilmington and Mayor Mike Purzycki. “Free Shakespeare in the heart of the city is a hallmark of world-class destinations,” said Tina Betz, director of cultural affairs for the City of Wilmington. “This collaboration with Del Shakes adds to the momentum building in Wilmington as an amazing city for the arts.” Performances will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. David Stradley, producing artistic director, said the troupe is excited to return to full production with what it believes may be the  theatre performance ever in Rodney Square. “We could all use a little more magic in our lives, and a little more love,” Stradley said. “This play gives us both. We’re grateful to the City of Wilmington for inviting us to perform at Rodney Square, and to PNC for helping to make it free for the whole community.” Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and picnic supplies — but leave alcohol at home, at the request of the organizers.  The production will be directed by Bi Jean Ngo, who helmed Delaware Shakespeare’s biggest box office success with 2018’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” She has been creating programming throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the group’s Artistic Quad. Natajia Sconiers (in 2018’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’) will play Helena in Del Shakes’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo by Alessandra Nicole. David Pica (in 2019’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’) will play Demetrius in Del Shakes’ ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo by Alessandra Nicole. “This is a chance for us to re-engage with each other as a community and to celebrate our humanity,” said Ngo. “Come join us for a ‘most rare vision’ and bring your biggest dreams.” Delaware Shakespeare traditionally offers a summer production at Rockwood Park that hasn’t been able to take place the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also usually has a traveling production in the fall, visiting places like prisons, homeless shelters and schools where access to the performing arts is limited.  COVID restrictions, however, have forced organizers to get creative. Hosting a theatrical performance in the heart of downtown Wilmington does not come without its challenges, according to Stradley.  “It’s an urban center so there’s definitely more noise and atmosphere at Rodney Square but we’re really trying to embrace that,” Stradley said. “We want to bring great, exciting, vibrant Shakespeare right to the middle of our community.” Stradley hopes that by hosting the event in Rodney Square, passersby will become “saturated with the magic of live theatre” and join the audience.  Depending on how it turns out, Stradley said  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” could be the first of many public productions in the downtown area.  The performance will last about 90 minutes. Seating is first come, first served. Audience members must bring their own chair (no more than 30” high) or a blanket for seating. The event will conform with all local public health guidelines. For more information, go to delshakes.org.

    ...
    Read More
  • Shelters host free drive-up pet food, cat litter giveaway Saturday
    dog in car, faithful friends, pet food bank, first state animal shelter, drive-up pet food bank

    Faithful Friends, First State Animal Center will host a drive-up pet food and cat litter giveaway Saturday.   Two Delaware animal shelters are joining to offer a free drive-up pet food and cat litter giveaway Saturday in Camden. Many people, and their pets, continue to suffer from the economic effects of COVID-19, the agencies said in a press release. Faithful Friends Animal Society (FFAS) and First State Animal Center and SPCA on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. will host a drive-up pet food bank at 32 Shelter Circle in Camden. The event is support by a Delaware Community Foundation grant. The two agencies provide free Pet Food Bank services at their animal shelter locations in Camden and Wilmington. The programs serve pet owners in financial crisis or those on a limited income, as well as those who need support to care for free-roaming community cats. The pet food banks offered at these locations are supported by donations from individuals and local businesses. “Free Pet food banks are essential services that keep pets with their loving owners,” said Jane Pierantozzi, executive director of Faithful Friends, in a press release. “The drive-up food banks will easy the worry and financial burden on many families and cat colony caretakes who have been affected economically during this pandemic. During these uncertain time, animals provide emotional support to us and our families, and we need to ensure they are taken care of, too.” Visitors to the drive-up pet food bank should remain in their vehicle to maintain social distancing, but have their car ready. Staff and volunteers will load the cat, dog food or cat litter. Go to faithfulfriends.us or www.fsac-spca.org for more information about the organizations.  

    ...
    Read More
  • Government |
  • Culture |
  • Business |
  • Education |
  • Health |
  • Police & Fire |
  • Sports |
  • Weekly Review |
Image

Follow Town Square Live

Copyright © 2022 Townsquare Live
Founded in 2011

Copyright © 2022 Town Square Live
  • Government |
  • Culture |
  • Business |
  • Education |
  • Health |
  • Police & Fire |
  • Sports |
  • Weekly Review |
Image

    • Government
    • Culture
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Police & Fire
    • Sports
    • Weekly Review
    • FEEDBACK