U.S. Mint Calling....

Delaware Governor Jack Markell got a phone call not too long ago asking him to select one favorite and three alternate Delaware national sites to be the bottom face of the new State quarter. In 2010, the Mind will begin releasing five new quarter designs annually based on the order in which the states gained federal designation....so that makes us first!

So how kind of Jack to ask us, Delaware citizens, "what should be on the quarter?" From now until February 26th, anyone can vote on a site for the quarter. This is an interesting question to ponder, and an important one....we definitely want to put our best asset on there to impress that man in Arkansas who just got change back for his cup of coffee.....he might just consider a trip to Rehoboth one day. Personally, the Charcoal Pit on 202 would be my first pick (kidding!), but your vote must be a national landmark (meaning it must appear on the National Register of Historic Places and National and Wildlife Refuges)

If you are scratching your head and might not want to look up the sites, the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs has given us a list of possibilities based on their local and national significance. However, you can still nominate a different one of your choice. See below.

Old State House

John Dickinson Mansion

Fort Christina

Howard High School

Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church

New Castle Court House

New Castle Historic District

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge

I'm torn between Old State House and Bombay Hook. The Old State House is so significant to our history, but Bombay hook makes for a pretty quarter doesn't it?

Vote here today. You can vote until 5:00 p.m. on February 26th and can as often as you like!

A Delaware Delight: Christmas comes early for Hospice

I don't remember too much from early childhood (under the age of 4) but I do remember my Pop-Pop. A great man, mostly known for Republican Politics and his buffalo in the community, had his life cut short by a brain tumor. To this day I can still have a photographic memory of his last days, visiting his home with my parents, running up the stairs into his bedroom and spending time with him watching tv, reading and listening to stories. To this day, I still hold those memories close to my heart. I was too young to fully understand how seriously ill my Pop-Pop was at the time, but I knew he was in the best place to spend the last few days of his life: at home and with his family.

Those memories would not be possible if it wasn't for Delaware Hospice. DE Hospice made it possible for my Pop-Pop to spend the remaining days of his life at home and with his family, as opposed to hospital, where he and our family, may not have felt as comfortable. Since his death in the late 1980s, Delaware Hospice has continued to grow immensely this year. Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Just this past Spring, the Delaware Hospice Center opened in Milford, meeting the needs of those who require short-term stays for symptom management. Visiting hours are unlimited and care is never denied, the 16 suites provide a comfortable home-like atmosphere to patients.

The mission of Delaware Hospice alone is enough to motivate and inspire anyone in our area to support and help this organization. This week-end is their biggest annual fundraiser, The Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season and raises funding to support its programs and services. The New Castle and Kent County festivals are this weekend, followed by the Sussex County event (at Georgetown DTCC) next week. The festival of trees features a beautiful display of trees and wreaths, sponsored by local businesses and individuals and were decorated by local artisans. Some of the trees are available for purchase and some are raffled. On Saturday, the Festival is for families, including photo-ops with Santa and loads more fun. Check the web-site for the times and admission for the Festival of Trees closest to you. This is the time of year we spend most with the ones we love, so help make it possible for all families to do the same.

Taking a walk on the wild side of Delaware.

It's only the end of October as we're reaching the opening of Edward Grant next week and I'm already working on our next exhibition Biggs Shot opening in March of 09, a juried photography exhibition. Photography, to me, is one of the most engaging and impactful medias used in art today. It's fascinating how general public are drawn to photography, perhaps it is because of how real it is. It's not A reflection of something, it's THE reflection of something. Although our photog fun doesn't get rolling until December (when entries begin to be accepted), there is some exciting photog news to report from our area. You may or may not have heard of him, but chances are you've picked up one of his "coffee-table" books at a friend's home killing time til the food's ready browsing beautiful Delaware scenes. His name is Kevin Fleming, and he's awesome.

Kevin Fleming, a Delaware Native and Wesley College Graduate, has traveled all over the world shooting for National Geographic. In recent years, he's focused on creating books, some of which have focused on Delaware landscape. Looking at his background, his next book, Wild Delaware, is comprehensive of his character. Fleming has spent the past year shooting thousands and thousands of Delaware wildlife. Throw in essays by local wildlife experts and you've got yourself a snazzy 240 page publication.

Fleming fans were able to follow his year-long journey on his blog, which gave sneak peaks at shots in the book and even allowed Fleming followers to choose the cover. Dragonflies, raccoons, owls, snakes, crabs, and geese galor, this book is sure to fly off the shelves. And it's perfect timing, because Christmas is just around the corner.....

Wild Delaware will hit shelves on November 1st. images from http://www.wilddelaware.com/

The Weekend's Delaware Delights: Fall Funness

The foilage may not have arrived yet, but you can still kick off October with a bang at a few of these great events!

University of Delaware's Coast Day - Sunday, October 5, 11a.m. to 5p.m. UD's Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, DE.
Never ever underestimate the power of your ocean! This family-oriented event had loads of fun on the itinerary. Start off by picking up your Treasure Hunt map for chances to win prizes and then learn learn and learn more about environmental science. Meet scientists, tour boats, see sharks and learn how these guys down in Lewes are working hard to preserve our coasts. But in all honesty, all you need to know to go is four words, Crab Cake Cook Off. Go to http://www.ocean.udel.edu/coastday/ to plan your coast day activities and practice your crab walk too while you're at it.

Delaware Auto Show - All Weekend, Chase Center, Wilmington, DE, $7 for Adults, Free for Children Ages 10 & Under
The inaugural auto show was such a hit last year it's back! Over 200 cars will be under one roof in Wilmington this week-end along with a slew of famous characters like YouDee and Swoop the Philadelphia Eagle.

Governor's Annual Fall Festival - Saturday October 4, Dover, DE 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Free
The Biggs will be there and so should you! The weather is lookin' real fine for a nice day in downtown Dover, including includes a morning 5K run/walk, entertainment, children’s games, a moon bounce, pony rides, face-painting and over 40 craft booths for all to enjoy. Local entertainment will be on hand to keep the fun rolling all day. This program is in conjunction with First State Heritage Park's First Saturday Free program.

The Weekend's Delaware Delights: Get Crafty

I'm starting to think that I am the bearer of bad weather news. Forecast is calling for rain, rain, cloudiness and more rain. Luckily, there is a plethora of craft fairs this week-end worth putting on your galoshes and wind breakers for. Don't forget the umbrella!

Sugarloaf Craft Festival: Riverfront Center, Wilmington, All Weekend, Opening at 10 a.m.
Free parking is enough to get you to Sugarloaf. Adult admission for $7 covers you for all three days of this traveling festival. With over 250 artists, this is like the King of Prussia of craft festivals... you just can't do it all in one trip.

Handcraft Unlimited Autumn Craft Show, DE State Fair Grounds, Harrington Saturday and Sunday
The Schabinger Pavillion will be packed this weekend with crafters ready to help you jump start your holiday shopping at the Handcraft Unlimited Autumn Craft Show. $4 admission price to check out candles and other fragrant items, clothing, household decorations, floral arrangements, all types of jewelry, dolls, and plenty of artwork.

Art on the Green, Battery Park, Old New Castle, Saturday (10-5)

Delaware By Hand: Members Day Show, Saturday, The Studio on 24, 20231 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes
Talk about the cream of the crop! Support local Delaware crafters at their semi-annual show down at the Beach.


If crafts aren't your thing, I'll let you in on a little secret I learned this morning.... Fright Land in Middletown opens this weekend! And you know where it is!

Muahhhhhhhahahahaha.

The Weekend's Delaware Delights

I'm not too happy to report another week-end weather fore-cast of in-and-out showers. Mostly because I'm in desperate need to hit up the car-wash, but other than that week-end chore, it affects all of the great things Delaware has planned for the week-end!

First..... the Margarita Shake-Up is TONIGHT! Drop in between 5:30 and 7:30 for margaritas, Coronas, quesadillas, taquitos and more. Bring your sombrero, but leave the donkeys at the door.

Delaware Volunteer Fireman's Association Parade- Saturda, Dover, DE 1p.m.
47 volunteer fire companies will be participating in the annual parade held in Dover tomorrow morning down State Street beginning at 1p.m. This parade last over two hours as a wide variety of both antique and modern fire trucks marching units and bands will be walking from Dover High School down to the Green. Bring your folding chairs, some snacks and park yourself along the sidewalk for a great afternoon. While I would normally suggest buying a dozen pretzels at the Philly Pretzel Factory beforehand to munch on, you can now stop by the recently re-opened Dover Newsstand on Lockerman for sandwhiches, coffee, a newspaper (obviously) and more.

In New Castle County there are a couple of fundraisers being held that are near and dear to my heart........
Northern Lights of Life: Fund-raiser for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Longwood Gardens, 6p.m.
Just because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, doesn't mean you can't start supporting early. This event that raises money to support programs at DBCC (mentoring, the Mammogram Van), is an unique opportunity to wine, dine and celebrate in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens. The evening is jam-packed with a fashion show, silent auction, live auction and tributes. Tickets start at $150.

Wine & Dinosaurs: fundraiser for the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Sunday 12 - 4p.m.
I should have known I'd work for a museum when I was five. Every summer week-long trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Newark, I insisted on visiting the Natural History Museum. Between the dinosaurs and the tigers, I couldn't get enough. As I am of legal age now, I'd love to attend the Wine and Dinosaurs fundrasier for the museum. Tickets start at $35. http://www.delmnh.org/

Delaware Delight

I've been looking forward to this wide open week-end sans plans to head up to Wilmington to check out the Brandywine Arts Festival, finally get to see the tree houses at Longwood or even head down to the Nanticoke Tribe Fest, however the torrential downpours the weatherman is calling for may means Saturday is looking more like a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, Sudoku puzzles, and catching up on my DVD rentals. However, this weekend entails some fantastic Delaware Delights that if the event is rain or shine, I suggest you throw on your parka and head out.

Annual Brandwine Arts Festival, Brandywine, DE, Saturday (10am to 5pm) and Sunday (10am to 4pm)

One the best annual art events in Delaware, held since 1960, held in Brandywine Park. Over 250 artists exhibit/sell at this festival. Lots of vendors selling glass, clothing, paintings, jewelry, furniture, galor! There will be food to keep you energized all day and live entertainment to keep you striding care free through the aisles of artist huts. I wouldn't suggest shopping for a watercolor in a tropical storm, so Sunday might be your best best for Brandywine.

Nanticoke Indian Tribe 31st Annual Pow-Wow - Saturday and Sunday, Millsboro, DE

An educational and stellar experience for all ages is the annual Nanticoke Pow-Wow. A Pow-wow is considered a gathering of a Native American Tribe. This event follows tradition with each day beginning with a Grand Entry Dance Session (Saturday at noon and 4 and Sunday at 1:30pm) and follows with a full day of music and live entertainment by performers from all over the country. There are over 50 vendors serving both traditional and non-traditional too. I would definitely be there Sunday browsing the much talked about jewelry stand (can you say, turquoise stone?!) but I shall be ad mist purple camouflage at the Ravens season opener (go Baltimore!)

Taste of Dover - Dover Art League Annual Fundraiser- Saturday, Dover, DE

The corner alley adjacent to the Dover Art League on Lockerman will transform into Van Gogh's night cafe for Taste of Dover, Dover Art League's Annual Fundraiser. There's a high chance that any Doverite that loves art and creating it has participated in one of their beloved summer art camps. This is a chance to come support the Art League and also enjoy boat loads of food from local eateries. Participating restaurants include The Village Inn, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Thompson Hospitality from Delaware State University, Wesley Catering, Michele’s Restaurant, Some Guys Bagels, La Fontana, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Roma Italian Ristorante and Dickie’s BBQ.The event starts at 6:30 p.m. is $35 per ticket. If things get rowdy enough, they may even break out the pottery wheels. Just kidding.

The Weekend's Delaware Delights

* After much though and read-throughs of the News Journal, I've decided to change the title for my weekly weekend suggestion to The Weekend's Delaware Delights. Sounds more like a treat to look forward to now, and aren't weekends just that?

Seems like yesterday I was packing up my car for Dewey for Memorial Day weekend! It's always sad to end summer, but a three day weekend and cooler September weather are more than enough compensation for having to pack up my beach towels and sunscreen for the year. There are plenty of ways, at both land and sea, to end your summer properly... starting with my favorite sleeper beach town Bethany Beach.

2008 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral - Monday Sept 1 - Bethany Beach DE - 5:30 p.m.

Down in LA (Louisiana, not Cali), New Orleans folks often hold Jazz Funerals to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Bethany takes on this tradition to say farewell to summer by holding their own Labor Day Jazz Funeral. Head to the boardwalk to catch a peak at the 2008 Summer casket being transported to its final "resting place" at the Bethany Bandstand. Two Dixieland Jazz Bands ( each with 16 or more pieces!) will perform music at this event. Afterwards, my personal suggestion is to get a Dickey's custard and wait for a table at Bethany Blues BBQ. (Pulled pork sandwich is the way to go.

Victorian Walking Tour - Monday Sept 1 - Rose Cottage, State Street, Dover, DE - 12:30 pm for program, 2:00 pm. for tour

Join First State Heritage Park for a walking journey through the Victorian Era in Dover. Nate Davidson will lead this program beginning with an informational program at the Rose Cottage to learn more about the Victorian Era, followed by a walking tour down State Street to learn more about Dover homes and figures. After the tour check out the newly opened Zippy's Ice Cream parlor that recently opened up on Rt 13 south of the St. Jone's River Bridge. There's nothing like ice cream on a summer holiday.

Arden Craft Fair - Saturday Aug 31 - Arden, DE, All Day

The Arden Craft Fair rules the Wilmington area this weekend, featuring food, crafts (107 vendors), music, antiques, amusements, books, plants, and a variety of Gild booths. The Arden Fair features the creations of many friends and neighbors, as well as many new local craft people. Saturday forecast is looking iffy, if rain prevails, Arden Craft Fair will be held Sunday.