Coastal Point — February 20, 2026

SouthBethanyexpectsrebuiltrampforseason

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

SouthBethany’sbeachaccessibility rampforthedisabled,removedafter stormsinOctober,willberebuilt,probablynextmonth,andfinishedintime forthebusysummertouristseason.

Therampwillberedesigned,dueto thenarrownessofthebeach,andbecausetherearenoimmediateplans,or

Community,state mournthepassing ofGeorgeH.Bunting

ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

WhenformerstatesenatorGeorge H.BuntingJr.diedonThursday,Feb. 12,tributesbegantoflowinfrom peoplewhoknew himfromhis28 yearsinthestate legislatureandhis insuranceofficein RehobothBeach. Knownsimply as“George Howard”toeveryonefromchildhoodfriendsto stateandfederalofficials,Bunting diedathisBethanyBeachhomeafter alongstrugglewithkidneydisease. HewaselectedtothestateHouse ofRepresentativesfrom1983until 1985andfrom1987to1997,whenhe beganhisserviceintheDelawaresenate,whereheserveduntil2013.

funding,forbeachrenourishment,officialssaidthisweek.

“Whatistherenowwillberemoved andslightlyrelocatedandrebuilt,” SouthBethanyMayorEdieDondero toldthetowncouncilattheirFeb.13 meeting,addingthatshehadlearned aftermeetingwiththetown’sPublic WorksDepartmentandDNRECexpertsthatDNRECwillcreatetheramp andtownemployeeswillrebuildand

payfornewhandrailsiftheyareneeded, dependingontheslopeoftheresulting ramp.

Replyingtoaquestionfromthe council,Donderosaidrecentstorms havenotfurtherdamagedthebeach.

Newpolicecamerasapproved

Thetowncouncilthisweekalsoapprovedspending$116,474—paiddur-

ingafive-yearperiod—fornewAxon policebodycamerasandanewpolice vehiclecarcamerasystem,asmandated byDelawareStateCodeandattherecommendationofPoliceChiefJason Lovins.

Thecostincludesinstallationofnew equipmentandaserver.Lovinssaid SouthBethanyhasaservernow,but

AntiqueappraisalstobeofferedatMillsborolibrary

ByLauraWalter StaffReporter

Everwonderwhetheryouraunt’sold paintingisworthanything?Orthatpile ofcoinsyoudugoutofthegarden? TheFriendsoftheMillsboroLibrarywillhostanAntiqueMarket

show,whereanyoneinthecommunity canbringuptothreeitemstobeappraised.TheycandropinonSaturday, Feb.21,between9:30a.m.and1:30 p.m.(TheweatherdateisFeb.28.)

“Alltypesofantiqueorcollectibles, currencyandfineart,jewelry,sterling, coinsandcurrency,”saidJaneMahoney,

vicepresidentoftheFriends.“Somethingyoucouldobviouslycarryin”the building.Thisisn’ttheplacetoparkan antiquecar,forinstance.

“Bringyourtreasurestoreceive…a verbalappraisal.There’snothingin writing.Andtheseareappraisalsbased onthemarketvalueatthetime,”Ma-

honeyadded.

Thisreallywillbea“show,”too.Similartoantiques-focusedtelevision shows,therewillbeacentralappraisal area,withavideocamerabroadcasting theitemstoalargerscreenon-site,“so

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FOP,VFWAuxiliaryhostinggolftournament

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

Golfersandarearesidentsarebeinginvitedtoplayin,orfinanciallysupport,Day ontheGreen—ajointFraternalOrder ofPoliceLodgeNo.16andVFWAuxiliarygolftournamentonMonday,April 20,atBearTrapDunesGolfClub,to raisefundsforscholarships.

Registrationfortheevent,opentothe public,willbeginat8a.m.,andtherewill bea9a.m.shotgunstart.Thecostis$125 foreachgolfer,whichincludeslunch,18 holesofgolf,dinnerandnon-alcoholic beverages.Thoseonlyinterestedindinner canbuydinnerticketsfor$40.

Prizeswillbeawardedforfirst-,sec-

Antiques

ContinuedfrompageA1

youcanwatchit,aswellasgetyourown itemsappraised,”Mahoneysaid.

Atreasureditemdoesn’thavetobe 100yearsoldtobevaluable,shesaid, butattendeesshouldremembertopack anycertificatesofauthenticityoritem documentsthatmighthelptheappraiser.

Appraisalswillbeperformedby CharleneUphamandSteveBlumenauerofCharleneUphamAntiquesof MardelaSprings,Md.Theybringa

ond-andthird-placeteams,saidOcean ViewPoliceLt.MarkBurton,whoisassistingDaleWeeseJr.oftheVFWin planningthetournament.Toregister,goto https://www.zeffy.com/enUS/ticketing/vfw-fop-lodge-16-golf-tournamentorobtainaformfromWeeseby e-mailingdweese.vfwaux.de@gmail.com.

Burtonsaidthisweekthatthereisstill timetoregister,andabout100spotsare left.Sponsorsarestillneeded.Costsfor sponsorsareplatinumsponsor,$1,800; goldsponsor,$500;silversponsor,$375; bronzesponsor,$200;andholesponsor, $125.

Intheeventofrain,BearTrapwill issuevouchers,Burtonsaid.

“It’sagoodevent,aniceeventforthe

combined46yearsofexperienceinperformingappraisalsforindividuals,museums andinsurancecompanies.

Thecostforanappraisalis$5for oneitem,$10fortwoitemsor$12for threeitems.Cash,checksandcredit cardswillbeaccepted.

Alloftheproceedswillbeusedto supportthelibrary’s2026children’s summerevents,suchasaceramicpaintingeventandvisitsfromlocalauthor “MermaidTasha”Haight.

“Thelibraryisusedextensivelyby thecommunityand,inparticular,anytimetheyhavethesechildren’sprograms,Iamamazedathow

communitytocomeoutandinteractwith eachother,tosupporteachother,”Burton said.

“Ifitwasanythinglikelastyear’sgolf tournament—agreatdayforgolfanda lotoffun.Alotofpeoplegottomingle.It wasagreattime.Thedinnerafterward, thecamaraderie—itwasawonderfulexperience,”Burtonsaid,referringtothe spring2025tournamentplannedbythe FOPtoraisefundstohelppayforCops &Goblins,OceanView’sannualHalloweenfestival,towhichitdonatedallof theproceeds.Morethan$17,000was raised.

FOPNo.16membersincludeofficers intheOceanView,BethanyBeachand SouthBethanypolicedepartments.

well-attendedtheyare,”saidMahoney. “So,anythingtosupportthatisaplus forourcommunity,Iwouldthink.”

TheFriendsgroupisanindependent nonprofit.

“Ourroleistohelpsupportthelibraryhoweverwecan,”saidMahoney.

Supporterscanalsolookfortheir AnnualJewelryExtravaganzasaleon April15-18,followedbytheirbigbook saleinJuly.Anyoneinterestedinjoining orassistingtheFriendscancontactthe libraryfordetails.Theymeetmonthly onThursdays.

The MillsboroPublicLibraryislocatedat217W.StateStreet,Millsboro.

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FormerStateSen.GeorgeH.Bunting,passengerseat,andcurrentStateSen.Gerald HockertakearideoverthenewIndianRiverInletBridgewhenitopenedin2012.

Bunting

ContinuedfrompageA1

Gov.MattMeyerlastweek mournedBunting’spassing,noting thathehadservedhisconstituents “withhumility,steadinessandadeep commitmenttocommunity.”Bunting, Meyersaid,“alwaysworkedtofind commongroundandcommondecencyinAmericancommunitiesthat wereincreasinglybeingdivided.”

“EvenafterretiringfromtheGeneralAssembly,heremainedactiveand engaged,continuingtoadvocatefor veterans,schoolsandtheregionhe loved,”Meyersaid.

BuntinggrewupinFrankfordwith hisparents,GeorgeHowardBunting Sr.andIdaWatsonBunting,andhis youngerbrother,Jimmy.AfterattendinghighschoolatCharlotteHall MilitaryAcademyinsouthernMaryland,hejoinedtheU.S.MarineCorps in1965.

HesawextensivecombatinVietnamandwasawardedboththePurple HeartandtheBronzeStarforvalor. Afterreturninghome,hemetand marriedDonnaGray,whomhehad metatapartyinherhometownof Selbyville.Thecouplewasmarriedfor 59yearsandhadtwosons,Christian andClinton.

ChristianBuntingdiedinanaccidentin1990,at12.Tragedyalso struckthefamilyin1979,when Bunting’sfather,GeorgeBuntingSr., diedbydrowning.

Followinghismilitaryservice, BuntingattendedtheUniversityof Delawareandthenwenttoworkfor theDupontCo.inWilmingtonbefore returninghometoSussexCounty. HeopenedanofficeofStateFarm InsuranceinRehobothBeach,where hecontinuedtoworkuntil2024.

Throughouthislife,Buntingdevelopedareputationforhiscompassion

Saturday, February 28 8am - 1pm

Some Antiques & Collectibles Spinet Piano

andhisleadership,whetherhewas servinginthehallsoftheGeneralAssemblyoronthebattlefieldinVietnam.

PeteSchwartzkopf,formerspeaker ofthestateHouseofRepresentatives, saidBuntingwashismentorwhenhe wasfirstelectedtostateoffice.

SchwartzkopfrecalledBunting’s generosity,sayingheoftenwalked intoBunting’sofficewhileBunting wasmeetingwithsomeone“whowas downontheirluck,”andBunting “wouldbewritingthemacheck.And itdidn’tjusthappenonce,”hesaid.

“I’veknownGeorgesinceIwasa kid,”growingupinOceanView, Schwartzkopfsaid.“Idon’tremember everhearinganybodysayanything negativeabouthim.Hewasjusta goodmanthatwantedtohelphisfellowcitizens.”

“Wealwaysworkedtogetheronthe stateparksituations,”Schwartzkopf said.“IhelpedhimwithFenwickIslandStatePark.Hehelpedmewith CapeHenlopen.

“Ilearnedalotfromhimabout whatitmeanttobealegislator.He wasagoodmentorandagoodfriend,” Schwartzkopfsaid,addingthatwhen Buntinghadakidneytransplantin 2008,“Ibecamehismentor,”with Schwartzkopfhavingdonatedakidneyin2006.

AsamentorintheGeneralAssembly,Bunting“helpedmelearn whattodoandwhatnottodo,” Schwartzkopfsaid.“I’vetriedtodo thesamethingforothersthathedid forme.

“We’velostagentlegiantinthe worldofpublicservice,”Schwartzkopf said.

LocalbusinessmanRupertSmith saidhebecamefriendswithBunting inBethanyBeachinthe1960s,when BuntingwasalifeguardinBethany Beach.

“Iwouldsumupmyfeelingsabout Georgeintwowords:givingand humble.Hewasthemostgivingand humblepersonthatanyonecouldever bearoundorknow,”Smithsaid.

Bothmenwentawaytocollegeand thentoVietnam,Smithrecalled. WhentheyreturnedtoSussexCounty andbegantoraisetheirfamilies,“We becamegoodfriends,”hesaid.

Smithreflectedon“howkindand considerateGeorgewaswithothers. Andtostayinpoliticsthatlong…just amazing.”

KarenMcGrath—whowasdirectoroftheBethany-FenwickArea ChamberofCommercebeforeshe wenttoworkforTomCarperduring histimerepresentingDelawareinthe U.S.Senate—recalledthatshefirst metBuntinginanotherjob,withthe NationalKidneyFoundation.Bunting struggledwithkidneydiseasefor decades.

“Hehelpedoutwiththefirstgolf tournament,”afundraiserfortheKidneyFoundation,McGrathsaid.“Nobodyknewhowserioushisillnesswas” atthetime,sherecalled.

Later,shesaid,aftershesuffered thelossofher18-year-oldsonAlex, “Sen.Buntingcalledmeeveryyearon hisdeathdate,”forsevenyears.“He saidthatnobodyunderstandslosinga childexceptsomeoneelsewho’slosta child,”shesaid.“Itwasthemost touchingthing.”

Carper,contactedshortlyafterhe learnedofBunting’spassing,said,“It wasanhonortoservenotonlythe peopleofSussexCountybutthepeopleofDelaware”withBunting.

“OneofthethingsIadmiredabout GeorgeHowardwasthathewaswillingtosharecreditwithbothDemocratsandRepublicans,”Carpersaid. “Heworkedwithfolksinthebusiness

community.Heworkedwithfolksin theagriculturalcommunity.He workedwithenvironmentalists.

“Byhisexample,heencouraged otherpeopletocrosspartylinesand acrossspecialintereststodowhatwas right,”Carpersaid.“Iwasabigfan, andIwillmisshim.”

ShirleyPr iceofMillvillewho servedinthestateHouseinfrom 1996to2002,saidBunting“wasa greathelptome,sinceIfollowedhim intotheHouse.”

“Thethingthatalwaysimpressed methemostwasthathecaredabout people.Hewantedtolookoutfor everybody,”Pricesaid.“He‘heldmy hand’whenIfirstcameintopolitics.I foundhimtobestellarandinspirational.Ifwejusthadmoreofhim, thatwouldhavebeenawesome.”

StateSen.GeraldR.HockerJr., whofollowedBuntingintothatoffice afterheretired,saidinasocialmedia

postthisweekthat“the20thSenate Districtlostagreatfighterandagreat man,”withBunting’spassing.

“Hewasnotonlyarespectedpublicservant,butadearfriend,”Hocker said.

HavingservedalongsideBunting intheHouseofRepresentatives,he said,“Isawfirsthandtheunwavering commitmenttothepeopleofSussex County.WhetheritwashisworksupportingDelawareTechnicaland CommunityCollege,improvementsto ourlocalschools,theVeterans’Home inMilfordormanyinfrastructure projects,liketheIndianRiverInlet Bridge,GeorgeHowardleftalasting markonourcommunity,”Hocker said.

PhillipTownsend,headfootball coachatIndianRiverHighSchool, hasaspecialconnectionwithBunting

RE-ELECT RONBELINKO MILLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

SurfBagelgetslightingfinedropped$27K

Outsidelightingfine reducedto$6,000

ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

Followingahearinglastweek,a FenwickIslandbusinessthathadappealedafineoveroutdoorlightingissueshashadthefinereducedfrom $33,000to$6,000.

TheownersofSurfBagelon CoastalHighwayappealedthefine, whichcameaboutwhenchangesin thebusiness’submittedlightingplan resultedinlightingthatdidnotmeet theTown’slightingordinance.

AttorneyChipArmbruster,representingthepropertyowner,Balsamo RealEstateLLC,addressedthecouncilregardingthefinesandwhathereferredtoas“allegedviolations”ofthe towncode.Hebeganbyreferringto “missteps”bythecompanyintheinstallationoflightingontheproperty.

“Wedidfailtofileachangeorder asitrelatestothelightsthatwereinstalledattheSurfBagellocation,” Armbrustersaid.“However,theelectricianthatwehiredfailedtoalertus ofachangeinthelightthatwasutilized,”headded.

Lightswerealsoimproperlyinstalled,Armbrustersaid,“creating whatsomemayviewasanairport”on theproperty.

Armbrusteralsosaidhisclientsacknowledged“thatwewerealsoslowto respondtogetthatinitiallycorrected” andslowtorespondtosomeofthe Town’srequestsregardingusingnew technologytodimthelightssothey wouldcomplywiththecode.

SurfBagelopenedinlate2024at 1007CoastalHighway,onthesiteof theformerDairyQueen,whichwas razed.

Theattorneypointedoutthatsome oftheviolationnotices,issuedbythe TownbeginninginFebruaryof2025, werenotsentbycertifiedmail,which thetowncoderequires.SurfBagelreceivedletterscitingviolationsofthe Town’sfoot-candleregulations,aswell asrequirementsthatlightsbeshielded sotheydonotilluminateadjoining properties.

Ambrustersaidthecompany’selectricianadjustedthelightinginApril of2025using“dimmable”features withinthefixtures,bringingtheminto compliancewiththeTown’srequirementthatthelightsshiningontoadjacentpropertiesdonotexceed5 foot-candles.(Thetermreferstothe

lightthatfallsontoa1-square-foot areafromadistanceof1foot.)

“Itisourpositionthat,atthattime, thislightfullycomplieswiththetown code,”Armbrustersaid.

TheTown,however,sentaletterto BalsamoinMay,acknowledgingthat thefoot-candlerequirementhadbeen metbutthatthelightingstillneeded tobe“f ullyshielded.”

SubsequentlettersfromtheTown, Armbrustersaid,seemedto“movethe goalposts”ontheissuebyusingaseriesoftermsnotpreviouslyusedin correspondencewithSurfBageltodescribelightingrequirements.

Hethenbeganalengthydescriptionoflightingtermsusedbyvarious organizationsandagenciesthatspecializeinlightingdesign,ranging fromtheIlluminationEngineering SocietytoDarkSkyInternational— thelatterbeinganorganizationthat FenwickIslandhasofficiallyembracedtohelpdefineitsownapproachtooutdoorlightingthatis environmentallyfriendly.

Later,MayorNatalieMagdeburger addressedwhatshecalledthe“layers” ofviolationoftheTown’slightingordinancethattheTownallegeswere committedbySurfBagel.Shesaidthe shieldingrequirementsarethecruxof

theissue,because“youdon’twantto put[thelight]ontoanyareaother thanwhatisintendedtobelit.”

“Eveniftheyarewithinthefootcandles,theycan’tgoontoanother property,”Magdeburgersaid.

Armbrustersaidhehaddemonstratedduringthehearingthat,using DarkSky’scriteria,thelightfixtures atSurfBagelare“f ullyshielded,” whetheractualshieldsareusedornot.

MagdeburgersaidthefinescontinuedtoamassafterJosephBalsamoSr. toldtownofficialsinAprilof2025 thathehadnoplanstofurtheradjust thelighting.

Atthatpoint,shesaid,theTown “hadnochoice”buttocontinue addingtothefines.

However,intheFeb.13,2026, hearing,sherecommendedthatthe finebereducedto$6,000,ifitispaid within30daysofthehearing.ThereductioninthefineessentiallyretroactivelysubjectsSurfBageltoa $100-per-dayviolation,whichwasthe fineineffectuntiltheTownchanged itsdailylighting-violationfineto $250inFebruaryof2025.

Thecouncilvotedunanimouslyto reducethefine.

“Ithinkitwouldbegoodtogetit behindeverybody,”Magdeburgersaid.

withthenewsystem,theStateof Delawarewillmaintaintheserver.

LovinssaidtheStatewillreimburse theTown$5,000eachyearforthenext twoyears,andtheDelawareDepartmentofJusticeisworkingtogetthat extendedintothethird,fourthandfifth years.

“Idon’tknow,ifwepayitallupfront, ifwewouldbereimbursed.Ifwehaven’t paiditall,it’seasiertonotpayitthanto trytogetitbackfromthem,”Lovins said.

Hesaidthereisnoguaranteethe Townwillgetthe$5,000reimbursement inthefinalthreeyears.

“Thefive-yearplanalsoincludes,if oneofourcamerasbreaks,theyreplace itwithnocharge,”hesaid,addingthat thecostincludesupgradesandAxon makesadependablecamerasystem.

Lovinssaidthat,atfirst,hethought policewerebeingaskedtousebody camerasbecausetheyweren’ttrusted, butnowhecan’timagineoperating withoutthem.

“Overthelastfewyears,ithas stoppedcomplaintscoldintheirtracks,” hesaid.

Whilethenumberofcomplaints about policeinSouthBethanyislow, “Westillhaveproblems,”hesaid, addingthathecouldthinkofseveral timesbodycameraswerehelpful.

“Everybodyhasaversionofwhat happened,butwhenyouarewatching withcameras,itreallyclearsthewater,” hesaid,addingthatofficershadbeen accusedofsexually,physicallyandemotionallyabusingadefendant,“Andwith thecamera,itwasobviousnoneofthat happened,”Lovinssaid.

CouncilmanMarkGileraskedif therewasacost-benefitanalysiscompletedforothercamerasystems,and Lovinssaidthereareonlytwoother companies.

“NobodyinthisareausesPanasonic. Theotheroptioniscontinuingwith Motorola,buttheStatewillnotreimburseusforanyothercompanythan Axon,”Lovinssaid.

Agreeing,Donderosaidthereisan advantagetohaving“everyoneusingthe sameequipment.”

Trashcompanyselection explained

Sayingresidentshaveexpressedconcernaboutwhythetowncouncil,at theirJanuarymeeting,votedtoswitch trash,recyclingandyardwasteremoval fromRepublicServicesandawarda five-yearcontracttoCasellaWasteSystems,basedinMillsboro,Donderosaid shewouldagainexplaintheprocess.

AfteralongdiscussionattheJan.9 meetingthatincludedstoppingthe meetingtogointoexecutivesession,the councilhadunanimouslychosenCasella

tocollectthetown’strash,atacostof$2 millionforfiveyears.

Casella,basedinMillsboro,will begincollectingtrashinSouthBethany onMay1,replacingRepublicServices, whichbidabout$51,000higherthan Casella.

“WeendedupchoosingOptionC, whichistheconciergeservice,where contractorswillremovethetrashcans andrecyclingcartsfromcorrals,and pullthemoutcurbsideandreturnthem tothecorralsateachresidence,”DonderohadtoldtheCoastalPointafter theJanuarymeeting.

AttheFebruarymeeting,shesaid the Town’sformalbiddingprocesshad beenputintoeffect,thatthecouncil haddiscussedthematteratlengthand haddecidedtosolicitbidsforthree typesofservice.CasellaandRepublic bothsubmittedbids.Chapter6ofthe

theTowncannotbearbitraryorsimply preferoneovertheother,becausethat wouldnotbedefensibleincourt.The townsolicitorgavetheTownsound legal advicetoprotecttheTownfrom incurringlegalchallenges,shesaid,and ifthecouncildisregardeditsownlaw, theTowncouldhavefacedacostlyand contentiouslegalchallenge.

Duringthepubliccommentsportion ofthemeeting,residentPatricia Weitzel-O’Neillsaidthetowncodealso statesiftheTownwouldbebetter servedbyanothercompany,thecouncil canchoosethatcompany,ratherthan thelowestbidder.Shesaiditappears thedecisionrestedontheanalysisof onelawyerbutthatotherlawyersmight havedifferentinterpretations.Sheasked thatthematterberevisitedinthefuture andthat,insixmonths,residentsbe asked“ifwe’rebetterservedandhowre-

andhisfamily,havingbecomepartof theirfamilyasan11-year-old.

“GeorgeandDonnawereintroduced tomylifeinJulyof1999,”Townsend said.“IthinkGodbroughtustogether.I didn’tknowthemfromanyone.One day,theystoodatthedoorsteptopick meupandIwenthomewiththem.”

Townsendandhistwinbrother,

SBTC

ContinuedfrompageA7

Weitzel-O’NeillaskedwhereCasella isgoingtosavetheTown$51,000,and saidshehopedtherewillbefurtherinformationaboutthecostandalsohow thetownwouldbebetterserved,“given thateveryoneisquitehappywithRepublic.”

Perry,“werenotfortunateenoughto livewithourbiologicalparents,and wewerekindoftossedaroundbetweendifferentfamilymembersand friendsovertheyears,”hesaid— untiltheBuntingstookthemin.

Theirsituation,hesaid,“hadkind ofhitrock-bottomwhenDonnaand Georgeshowedup.Therewasreally noplaceforustogo,”Townsendsaid. “Theywerethereforus.Wewerekind ofthereforthem,”hesaid,adding thathefeelsheandhisbrotherhelped

Councilhearsreportsynopsis

Thecouncilheardasynopsisofthe 2025CommunityPlanningInitiative ReportbyJenniferReitzoftheUniversityofDelawareInstituteforPublic Administration(IPA),whowasintroducedbytheuniversity’sWilliamDeCoursey.

DonderoexplainedthattheTown hadhiredtheIPAtocompletecommu-

theBuntingshealfromtheirown son’sdeath.

“Theyneededsomeonetoloveon,” hesaid.“Throughouttheyears, GeorgeandDonnahavebeenmy biggestfans,mybiggestsupporters,” hesaid,fightingbacktears.

“WhenIwasyounger,theynever missedabaseballgame,afootball game,abanquet,abirthdayparty,” continuingtosupporthimandhis brotherastheybecameadults.

nityplanningpreliminaryworkforthe newcomprehensiveplan.Thecouncilis expectedtoseethefinalreportnext week,thenmakerecommendations.

Duringherpresentation,Reitzsaid Chapter4ofthereportcoversmeetings, draftrecommendations,clarifyingthe definitionsofperviousandimpervious surfaces,andtheTown’sresiliencefund. Shesaidresidentsshouldfinddefinitionseasytounderstandandclarified

“Hewasapersonforthepeople. Hewouldhelpyououtnomatter what,”Townsendsaid.“Itdidn’tmatter whetheryouwereDemocratorRepublican,poororrich,orwhatever.”

“Theyjustdon’tmake’emlikehim anymore,”Townsendsaid.

“Georgewasalwaysinmycorner,” Townsendsaid,addingthatBunting steeredhimtowardteachingasacareerwhenhewasanundecidedmajor atSalisburyUniversity.“It’sgoingto betough,”hesaid.“I’velostmy biggestfanandmybiggestsupporter.”

thatimpervioussurfacesincludeasphalt andconcrete—materialsthatdon’t allowwatertodrain.Perviousservices doallowwatertodrain,andinclude gravel,sandandotherapprovedmaterials.

Shesaidresidentswhohaveimpervioussurfacesontheirpropertiesmight wanttomakechangestoimprovelandscapingandtheimpactthosesurfaces have,byaddingrainbarrelsorcreating raingardens.

Oceanfront Dining Right on the Boardwalk

ReitzsaidChapter5ofthereport— the summary—strengthensdefinitions anddiscussesconsideringareducedimpervioussurfaceoverall.

Councilmanmakescommittee recommendation

CouncilmanRandyBartholomewof theBudget&FinanceCommitteesaid thecommitteehasninemembersand theTown’snewrequirementisthatat leastfivemustattendcommitteemeetingsinperson.

“Wedidn’thavefivein-personfor thesecondmeeting.Whentheyjoin thesecommitteesandtheycommitto beinghere,theyhavegoodintentions, but sometimestheycan’tmakeit.So,recently,twomeetingshadtoberescheduled,”hesaid,addingthathehopedfive memberswouldattendtheFeb.19 meeting.

Somecommitteemembersarenot full-timeSouthBethanyresidents,he said,andhedoesn’twanttotellthem theycan’tserveonthecommitteebecausetheycan’tattendinperson.

Codeenforcementofficer tospeak

SouthBethanyCodeEnforcement OfficerJoeHinkswillbeguestatthe nextCommunityRelationsCommittee Coffee&Conversation,scheduledfor 10a.m.onFriday,Feb.20,atTown Hall.Hinkswillanswergeneralquestionsaboutthetowncodebutwillnot bediscussingindividualprojectsorissues.

Bicycle&SafetyCommittee meetingset

CouncilmanBobShieldsannounced thatthenextBicycle&SafetyCommitteemeetingisplannedfor1p.m.on Thursday,Feb.26,atSouthBethany TownHall.

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

DagsborobusinessmanRyan StuckeyhasfiledastorunforstaterepresentativeforDistrict41,theseat beingvacatedbytheretirementoflongtimestateRep.RichCollins,aRepublican.

Stuckey,40—aDagsboronative who,withhiswife,KseniaLitvinova, ownsKisaCafé—isaDemocratwho currentlyservesontheTownofDagsboro’sPlanningCommission.Hefiled torunfortherepresentativeseatinOctober,beforeCollinsannouncedhe wouldn’tseekre-election.

“Iseeproblems,andIwanttofix them,”hesaid.“Thesearethesame problemsweallsee.After20yearsyou starttowonder,istheresomeonebetter? Owningthetypeofbusinesswehave here,Ihavealotoffriendswhocome intothecafé.Irunmyideasbythem, andwhenyouhaveenoughpeoplewho saythesearegreatideas,youstarttobelieveinyourself.Ihaveformermayors comeinhere,retiredjudges.”

TherehavebeenconcernsaboutSussexCounty’sinfrastructurefor20or30 years,headded.

“Ihaveafewideashowwecanaddressthose.Iwanttheretobegrowth onourterms.Theremightbeanimpulsetobuildawallandtellpeoplenot tomovehere,butthatwouldstopdevelopersfrompayingtheirfairshareof theproblemstheyarecreating.Characterismorethanfarmsandforests.It’s alsopeople.Ifwestopbuildingallthe houses,itwillgettooexpensiveforour ownkidstoafford,”hesaid.

HesaidNewCastleCountyhasa voluntar yschoolassessment—asortof mandatoryimpactfeerequiringdeveloperstopayforitemssuchasdesksin classrooms.

“Idon’tknowwhyit’snotalawhere onthebooksinSussexCounty.Ido haveabroadideaofthingsIwouldlike toaddress,”hesaid.“Ifsomebodywants tobuildsomethinginyourbackyard, theyneedtobepreparedfortheroad thatleadstoit,beforetheshovelhits thedirt,thelanehasbeenpavedand trafficlightspaidfor,attheveryleast. Nowwehave400-unitsubdivisions goingupontwo-laneroads,andthatis negligence.Thedeveloperisn’trequired tolookattheoverallimpact.Everybody knowsthisisanissue.Ihaveaplan,and Iwillexecuteit.Iwanttothinkabout thefutureandnotbesad,”hesaid.

“SussexCountydeservesaseatatthe table,”hiswebsite,at www.ryanstuckey.com,states.

“The41stDistrictistiredofbeing anafterthought.Whiledevelopers moonwalktothebankwiththeprofits, ourroadscrumbleandourschoolsoverflow.I’mRyanStuckey,andI’mrunning forstaterepresentativebecausewede-

RyanStuckey,center,flankedbyhissupporters.

serveaseatatthetablewheretheactual decisionsaremade.Let’snotjustsenda votetoDover;letssendaSussex Countyvoicetotheroomwherethe

budgetiswritten,”itstates. Stuckeysaidhedoesn’twanttostop propertyownersfromdevelopingon theirlandbutexpectsdeveloperstobe

responsible.

“Itshouldn’tbeincumbentonthe

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Millvilleapproves300homesinMillvilleBytheSea

ByKerinMagill StaffReporter

TheMillvilleTownCouncil’sagenda onTuesday,Feb.10,wasafullone, heavyondevelopment-relatedtopics.

Bytheendofthenight,thetown councilhadapprovedfinalplansfor nearly300morehomesinMillvilleBy theSeaandpavedthewayfordevelopmentof23homesadjacenttothetown park.

Thecouncil’s5-0votetoapprovea conditional-userequestforthesmaller community—currentlyknownasMillvilleTownCenter3—followedapublichearingtwoweeksagoatwhich residentsofadjacentcommunities weighedinwithconcernsabouttheimpactoftheproposeddevelopment, whichisslatedtoinclude17town-

homesandsixduplexes.

Thedeveloper,CapanoManagement,soughtconditional-useapproval sothattheycouldbuildthehomeson about4acresinanareazonedResidentialPlannedCommunity.TheTown’s zoningcodecallsforsuchzoningtoincludethreetypesofhomes,sowithonly twotypesplanned,aconditional-use approvalwasnecessaryfortheprojectto moveforwardasdesigned.

Adecisionontheapplicationwas tabledatthecouncil’sJan.27meeting, toallowthecouncilmoretimetoconsidertheapplication,whichhadbeen narrowlyrecommendedforapprovalby theTown’sZoningCommission,bya voteof3-2.

AttheJan.27hearing,residentsof theParksideandCedarCovecommunitiesexpressedconcernsaboutadded

traffic,lossofforestedarea(theproperty iscurrentlyheavilyforested)andother issues.

MikeRiemannofBeckerMorgan Group,representingCapanoattheJan. 27hearing,saidtheoriginalconceptfor thedevelopmentincludedapartments, butthatideawasscrappedwhenthedeveloperreceivednegativeinputonthat plananddecidedtoomitthem,which setinmotiontheneedfortheconditional-useapplication.

Inapprovingthatapplication,the councilsetseveralconditionsforthedeveloper,including:

•Abufferincludingtreesandafence betweenthenewdevelopmentand CedarCove;

•AsidewalkconnectingtotheadjacentEvansPark,alsoconnectingwith oneinCedarCove,ifthatdevelop-

ment’sresidentsdesireit;and •PlanstoworkwiththeTownto contributetothecostofaddedamenitiesinEvansPark,inlieuofaddinga gazebototheproposedcommunity. Invotingfortheconditional-useapproval,councilmemberssaidtheyhad no choice,becausethedevelopmentfollowsguidelinesintheTown’sComprehensivePlan—itsblueprintfor development—aswellasexistingtown codes.

MayorRonaldBelinkosaidhefelt theconditionsare“reasonable”andthat “thereisn’tanyreasonthatIcould legallydeny”theapplication.

“Iknowmanyofyouareverypassionate”aboutthepotentialimpactof thedevelopment,despiteitssmallsize,

Millsboroparkssurveyopenstothegeneralpublic

ByLauraWalter StaffReporter

Whatwouldthepublicliketoseeat Millsboro’sfuturemunicipalpark,and howarethingsatthethreeexisting parksintown?Nowisthetimefor feedbackintheMillsboroParksSurvey.

TheTownofMillsborohaslaunched anonlinesurvey,seekinginputfrom bothresidentsandregionalcommunity membersaboutthecurrentandfuture municipalparks.

“Ialwayswant,regardlessofwhere youlive,whetherit’sintownoroutof town…Iwant[thepublic]tounderstandit’stheirpark,”saidMillsboro TownCouncilMemberMaryD’Silva. “ParksareahugethingthatIlove.At sometime,wealldealwithkids, whetherit’sourown,ourneighbors, nieces,nephews,ourkidsandgrandkids —andatsomepoint,weallgetold. Themorerecreationwehave,themore qualityoflife.”

Stuckey

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taxpayertofixproblemsdevelopers causewhentheyarebuildingthesehuge subdivisions.TheCountyshouldconsultlocaltownssotheyhaveasay. Therearepeoplewhoreallycareonthe SussexCountyCouncil,butthereneeds

“Yourfeedbackwillhelpguidefuture improvements,amenitiesanddesign featurestoensureourparksreflectthe needs andprioritiesofourgrowing community,”thesurveybegins.“Weappreciateyourtimeandparticipationin helpingshapethefutureofparksin Millsboro.”

ThesurveyhasadeadlineofFeb.27. Peoplecancompleteiteitheronlineat www.millsboro.org/newslist.phporinpersonatMillsboroTownHall.

ThenewparkwillbeonRoute24 acrossfromGodwinSchoolRoad(the firstlocationwestofRoute113).Years ago,duringtheirpermittingagreements,PlantationLakesdevelopers agreedtogivetheTownabout11acres oflandforafuturepublicpark.Theusablespacewillbealittlesmaller,after installing2or3acres’worthof stormwaterpondandinfrastructure there.(Behindtheparksite,Plantation

tobemoreattentionbetweentheState andtheCounty,andtheyneedtohave thetoolstodotheirjob,”Stuckeysaid.

Healsowantstoprotectthecounty’s heritage,wetlandsandforests.

“Ittook20yearstogettheMillsboro bypass.Weneedsomebodywhoiswilling togotoDover,shakehandsandget thingsdone,”includingupdatingthe schools’curriculums,hesaid.

Lakesisplanningaprivaterecreation facility.)

Thesky’sthelimitinanemptyfield thatalreadyhaswaterandsewerconnections.

Peoplemightwantanamphitheater forcommunityevents.Theymightwant fitnessequipmentorrecreationprograms.Theymightcallfortennisand pickleballcourts,andsportsfields.They mightrequestaplayground,picnicareas andwalkingtrails.Zengarden?Splash pad?Somethingelse?Nowisthetime tospeakup.

Therearequestionsinthesurvey aboutamenities,openspace,visitor travelandmore.

“Whenyouthinkaboutthefutureof parks…whatfeaturesdoyouwishto see,anddoyouhaveanysuggestions youwouldliketheTowntoconsiderbeforefinalizingparkplans?”thesurvey asks.

Feedbackisalsowelcomeregarding

“Thecurriculumhereisbehind,from whatIunderstand.Wehavethesame problemseveryoneelsesees.…Igrew uphere,anditmakesmesadwhatI’m seeing.Thewoods,whenIwasgrowing up,playing,werelargeenoughtoget lostin,andtheydon’texistanymore. Theareaisgettingoverloaded.Earlyin themorningwhenIcometowork,I drivepast10deadanimals,deerand

Millsboro’sthreeexistingparks.Cupola Parkfeaturesaclassicplayground,fishingandarelaxingareaalongtheIndian RiveratMorrisStreet.MillsboroDog Parkisafreeamenityforcaninesand humansat424WilsonHighway.W.B. AtkinsParkishometotheMillsboro LittleLeague,onWestStateStreetand SussexAlley.

TheMillsboroParksCommittee formedinJanuary,whenmembers tossedsomeideasforthefuturepark ontothetable:awalkingtrail,children’s playequipment,utilitarianrestrooms, securitycameras,tenniscourtsfunded withpossibleUSTAgrantmoney.

Butfirst,they’llseewhatsurveysays.

“Obviously,wewanttogatheras muchinformationaswecanandmake thebestrecommendationsgoingforward,”saidCouncilMemberRon Mason.

raccoons.Theydon’thaveanywhereleft togo.Igrewuphere,andIhavethe abilitytoresearchandexecute,andI knowIcandeliverthesethings,” Stuckeysaid.

“Anybodyiswelcometocomein heretothecaféandtalktome.Accessibilityisoneofthekeypoints.That’s howIknowtheseideasresonate,”he said.

Millsboromankilledinsingle-vehiclecrash

TheDelawareStatePolicethisweek wereinvestigatingasingle-vehiclefatal crashnearMillsboro.

AccordingtotheDSP,onWednesday,Feb.11,around11:50p.m.,anAudi A4wastravelingsouthboundonLegion Road,approachingasharpleftcurvein theareaofButtercreamHills,aprivate

Millville

ContinuedfrompageA10

DeputyMayorSharonBrienzasaid. “Whetherweapprovethisrequestor not,sometypeofhousingwillbebuilt onthissite,”shesaid.

“It’simportanttonotethatthisis onlythebeginningoftheprocess,” Brienzaadded.

“Itrulyrespecttheinputandappreciatethecare,concernandpassion” shownatthepublichearing,Council SecretaryDeborahSosnoskisaid. However,shesaid,thecouncil“hasa responsibilitytoassesstheapplication againsttheplanningframeworkand

Survey

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Ultimately,theyhopetonarrow downsomemajorprojectsthatthe

driveway.Forreasonscurrentlyunder investigation,theysaid,thevehicle failedtonegotiatethecurveandexited thewestedgeoftheroadwaybefore strikingaconcreteculvertpipe.Thevehiclebecameairborneandthenoverturnedbeforestrikingarowoftrees.

Thedriver,lateridentifiedas60-

themeritsofwhatwaspresented.”

CouncilTreasurerJosephParent saidbeforehisvotethat“Ireallystruggledwiththisone.Ilookedatmaps likecrazy.”Parentsaidthat,asaresident,hehadquestionsabout“whether itshouldbebuilt,whetheritisappropriate,whetheritdoesmatchthe10yearComprehensivePlan.”

However,headded,asacouncil member,“Itookanoathtoupholdthe codeandcharterofthiswonderfullittlevillagewelivein.Imaynotlikeit, buttheymetthecode,andwhat they’re askingforis,tome,alotbetter thanwhattheysortofthreatenedus with—withapartments—forwhich youdon’tneed[conditional-use]ap-

communitywants;presentaplantothe towncouncilonApril6;getpermission toapplyforDelaware’sbigspringtime parksgrant;and,theyhope,wina75/25 percentmatchinggrantforsomeofthe expensivestuff.

year-oldVincentSpinelliofMillsboro, wasnotwearinghisseatbeltandwas ejectedfromthevehicleduringthe crash,policenoted.Hewaspronounced deadatthescene.

TheinvestigationbytheDelaware StatePoliceCollisionReconstruction UnitwasstillongoingasofFeb.13.

proval.”

CouncilMemberRobertWisgirda said,“Idon’tseeanyreason,legally,that wecandenytheconditionaluse.”He addedthathehopesresidentsofCedar Coveandthenewdevelopment“can gettogether,totheirmutualbenefit,” regardingissuessuchasaccesstothe park.

Atthesamemeeting,thecouncil unanimouslyapprovedfinalsiteplans fortwonewcommunitieswithinMillvilleBytheSea,whichinclude,betweenthetwo,278newhomes.

Duringpublichearingsforthosedevelopments,therewerenocomments fromthepublic.Onecommunity,tobe knownasBlueHeronCove,locatedon

Troopersareaskinganyonewhowitnessed thecrashtocontactSgt.A. Mitchellat(302)703-3269.Informationmayalsobeprovidedbysendinga privateFacebookmessagetothe DelawareStatePoliceorcontacting DelawareCrimeStoppersat1-800847-3333.

BurtonFarmRoad,includes19singlefamilyhomesand141townhomes.The other,tobecalledSeaTurtleCoveand locatedatPowellFarmRoadandBurtonFarmRoad,willinclude118townhomes.

BothcommunitiesarezonedMaster PlannedCommunity,andbothmeet alltowncodes,accordingtoTownEngineerAndrewJ.LyonsJr.ofGeorge, Miles&Buhr.

Inotherbusiness,thecouncilvoted toapprovethehiringofAllisonWest asadministrativeassistant.Thecouncil alsoapprovedawardingacontractfor $66,528,forastonewallattheEvans Parkpickleballcourts,toRowePropertyManagement.

Itwillnotbeanovernightprocess, becauseequipping“aparcellikethis,dependingonwhat’shousedinit,couldbe inexcessofamilliondollars,”withall thebellsandwhistlesexplainedMayor BobMcKee.“Rightnow,theTowndoes not haveabudgetforthispark.”

Thetowncouncilwilldiscusspark fundingduringthisspring’sbudget planning,andtheParksCommitteewill continuetoresearchfunding,donations andgrants.

Editorial Columns LetterstotheEditor

Editorial

ViewPoint

PublicinputonMillsboroparkisrefreshing

TheTownofMillsboroispollingresidentsandmembersofthe at-largecommunityonhowtomaketheirnewparkas“userfriendly”aspossible.

Anonlinesurveyisavailableat https://millsboro.org/newslist.php,orin-personatMillsboroTown Hall,andthoseinterestedinparticipatingmaydosobeforethe Feb.27deadline.ThenewparkwillbeonRoute24,acrossfrom GodwinSchoolRoad,onthewestsideofRoute113.Thelocation isan11-acreparceldonatedtotheTownbyPlantationLakesas partofitsoriginalpermittingagreement.

Ofthose11acres,2to3acreswillbededicatedtostormwater pond(s)andinfrastructure,buttherest?Well,that’sstillanopen slate,andthat’swherethesurveycomesin.Andthisisauniquesituationwheretownleadersdon’tonlywanttohearfromresidents,but everybodywhomightbeinterestedintakingadvantageofthepark.

“Ialwayswant,regardlessofwhereyoulive,whetherit’sintown

oroutoftown...Iwant[thepublic]tounderstandit’stheirpark,” saidMillsboroTownCouncilMemberMaryD’Silva.

“ParksareahugethingthatIlove.Atsometime,wealldeal withkids,whetherit’sourown,ourneighbors,nieces,nephewsour kidsandgrandkids—andatsomepoint,weallgetold.Themore recreationwehave,themorequalityoflife.”

TheMillsboroParkCommitteeformedearlierthisyearand brainstormedseveralideasforthepark,includingawalkingtrail, children’splayequipment,utilitarianrestrooms,securitycameras, tenniscourtsandmore.Theplanistocombinethesethoughtswith inputfromthesurveyandpresentaplantothesittingtowncouncil attheirApril6meeting.Theywouldthenaskpermissiontoapply forDelaware’sspringtimeparksgrant,and,hopefully,wina75/25 matchinggrantforsomeofthebig-ticketitems.

There’salotofworkaheadstill,butwelikethattheyarestartingwithhearingfrom“thepeople.”That’salwaysagoodsign.

Buntingwasalocaliconofcooperation

“Darin,Iknowyou’rebusy,soI’lltrynottotakeupmuchof yourtime...”

ThosewerequiteoftenthefirstwordsI’dhearwheneverIansweredaphonecallfromformerstateSen.GeorgeHoward BuntingJr.overthepast25-plusyears.Hewouldthendiveinto themostdetailed10minutesofpureinformationonatopicthat youcouldeverimaginehearing,beforeanotherfamiliarphrase wouldmakeanappearance.

“Well,Iknowyou’rebusy,soI’llletyougo.”

andshebroadlysmiledoverherpartnershipwithBunting,talkingabouthoweasyhewastoworkwith,andhoweagerhewas todogoodwork.

IalsorecallseveralconversationswithcurrentstateSen.GeraldHocker,aRepublicanwhoworkedasideBuntingwhenhe wasastaterepresentativebeforetakingBunting’sseatinthe Senateafterheretired.Know whathehadtosay,timeandtime again?

CoastalPointencourages theexchangeofideas. Letterstotheeditormustbe signedbytheauthorwith phonenumberincludedfor purposesofverification.

Thestaff

SUSANLYONS susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com

DARINJ.MCCANN darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com

SUSANMUTZ susan.mutz@coastalpoint.com

M.PATRICIATITUS patricia.titus@coastalpoint.com

TARYNKING taryn.king@coastalpoint.com

SHAUNM.LAMBERT shaun.lambert@coastalpoint.com

CHRISAUBE chris.aube@coastalpoint.com

JILLIANSTOHR jillian.stohr@coastalpoint.com

JESSICAHEPPDING jessica.heppding@coastalpoint.com

Point of No Return

Darin J. McCann

Andthen,adialtone.Thatwasit.Themanhadsomethingto say,hesaiditandhewentabouthisday.Youhadtorespectit.In fact,Iratherenjoyedit.Iknew hewasjugglingafamily,anextendedfamily,abusinessandallthatwentwithbeinganelected legislator,andthathehadmorethingson hisplatethanhedidminutesinaday.But hewasalwayscourteoustotheNthdegree andwouldshowrespecttomytimerestraintswhilenevermentioninghisown.

SusanLyonstextedmelatelastweekthatshehadheardthat George Howardhadpassedaway,anditwasathunderouspunch tothegut.Ourrelationship,whileremainingprofessional,had alsoenteredthatthresholdintothepersonalrangeseveralyears ago.Hehadaconnectionwithmywifethroughherpreviousjob andaskedaboutherwheneverwe’drunintoeachother.Wewere alsobothcombatveteranMarines,andoneofmyfavoritephone callseveryyearwaswhenhewouldcalltowishmeaHappy BirthdayonNov.10,withoutfail.

IalwayswonderedhowmanyMarineswereonthatlistofhis tocall.AndthenI’dmakeamentalnotetomyselftodothe samething,sincehiscallalwaysmademesmile.

Yeah,Ineverdiddoit.MaybeIwillnow.Maybe. Regardless,hewasagoodman—thekindofpersonwhowas dedicatedtodoingtherightthing,beitinhispersonallifeorin hisdutiesasaduly-electedlegislator.HewasaDemocratbypoliticalaffiliationandcertainlyaccumulatedsomepowerinthat factionduringhistenure,buthealwaysseemedmoreintenton accomplishinggoalsthantoeingtheproverbialpartyline.

IrememberspeakingoncewithformerstateRep.Shirley Price,aDemocratwhopreviouslyrepresentedthe38thDistrict,

Thesamething.HementionedhowmuchheenjoyedworkingwithBunting,andhowtheyjustfocusedongettingthings doneforthecommunity.Inastorywepublishedin2012,as Bunting’sSenatecareerwascomingtoan end,heexplainedthekeytogettingthings done,andwhyhewassosuccessful.

“NoneofwhatIhavedonewouldbe possiblewithoutthecollaborationofpeople,”hesaid.“Ineverdidonethingalone.”

Everysuccessfulpoliticiandeservesto berememberedforwhathedidinthat realmovertheyears,andBunting’simpactcontinuesstrongly today,andwilllongintothefuture.

TheDelawareCenterfortheInlandBays.IndianRiverInlet Bridge.DelawareTech.Theworkbeingdonebyhistoriansright nowinSelbyville.TheAssawomanCanalTrail.TheVeterans HomeinMilford.Alloftheseeffortscamewithsomehelpanda lotofhurriedphonecallsfromBunting.

Andthosearetheonesthatgettheheadlines.Ican’ttellyou howmanymembersofourcommunityovertheyearshave sharedstoriesaboutbadlyneedinghelp,callingBuntingwhen theydidn’tknowwheretoturnandgettingacallbackwithanswers.ThoseweretheeffortsIfeltBuntingenjoyedthemost— beingabletousehisexperienceandrelationshipstohelppeople inhiscommunity.

Inthisageofpoliticalacrimonyandthestagnationof progressthatoftenfollows,wewerefortunateforsomanyyears tohaveBuntingtakingaleadershiprole,eitherinDoverorlocally,andwewillcontinuetobenefitfromthatblessingforyears tocome.

Resteasy,GeorgeHoward.Agratefulcommunityisthankful foryourservice.SemperFi.

SUSANCANFORA susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com

JASON FEATHER jason.feather@coastalpoint.com

KERINMAGILL kerin.magill@coastalpoint.com

MIKESTERN mike.stern@coastalpoint.com

LAURAWALTER laura.walter@coastalpoint.com

TheCoastalPointispublishedweeklyat 111AtlanticAve.,OceanView,DE19970. Themailingaddressis: P.O.Box1324, OceanView,DE19970. Phone:302.539.1788. Fax:302.539.3777. Deadlineforadvertisingandnewssubmissions is5p.m.Monday.Alladvertisementscreatedby theCoastalPointarepropertyofCoastalPointLLC, andcannotbereplicatedwithoutpermission. www.coastalpoint.com

Buntingpraised forservice,kindness

Editor:

“Asknotwhatyourcountrycando foryou—askwhatyoucandoforyour country.”

Thosefamouswordsperfectlydescribethelifeandlegacyofstatesenator GeorgeHowardBunting.Throughout hisyearsofpublicserviceinDelaware, heconsistentlyputtheneedsofothers beforehisownandworkedacrossthe aisletogetrealresultsforhisconstituents.Attimeswhenpoliticscan feeldividedandcombative,Sen. Buntingstoodoutassomeonewhobelievedthatcollaboration—notconflict —wasthepathtoprogress.

Hewasatirelessadvocateforveterans’benefits,ensuringthosewhoserved ournationreceivedtherespectandsupporttheydeserved.Hechampionedour localschools,understandingthatstrong communitiesbeginwithstrongeducation.Ilovedseeinghimcheeringonour IRfootballteamonFridaynights.He stoodatthetopofthebleachersand peoplenaturallyflockedtohim.

Whenhespoketoyou,hegaveyou his undividedattention.Hemadeyou feellikeyoumattered.Healsosupportedvitalprojects—likeimprove-

mentstoourbeaches,baysandbridges —thatdirectlyimpactedourdailylives andstrengthenedourlocaleconomy. Hisworkwasneveraboutheadlines;it wasabouthelpingpeople.

IbeganworkingforSen.Buntingat just16yearsoldasapageinthe DelawareStateSenate.Evenatthat youngage,Isawfirsthandhisdedication,integrityanddeeprespectforthe people herepresented.Iwassoproud whenpeopleaskedwho“my”senator was.Thatexperiencechangedthe courseofmylife.Heinspiredmeto pursueadegreeinpoliticalscienceand ultimatelytoteachsocialstudiesinour localschools,hopingtopassonthe samesenseofcivicresponsibilityhe modeledeveryday.

Intoday’spoliticalclimate,itseems almostimpossibletofindanelectedofficialaboutwhomnoonehasanegative wordtosay.YetIcanhonestlysayI haveneverheardanyonespeakillof GeorgeHoward.Hetreatedeveryone withkindnessandrespect,regardlessof partyaffiliationorposition.Hewasa truepublicservant—alwaysworking tirelesslyforthosearoundhimwithout seekingpersonalrecognition.

Sen.Buntingwasatrueclassact.He embodiedthehonesty,character,dedicationandselflessnesswehopeevery

electedofficialwouldpossess.His legacywillliveonnotonlyinthepolicieshehelpedshape,butinthecountless livesheinfluenced—including mine.

Hewillbetruly,trulymissedbyso manyofusinthiscommunity.

Elizabeth“Betsy”DupontBare Frankford

Readerwantssupport forSAVEAct

Editor:

AsanIndependentvoterinthestate ofDelaware,Iwouldliketosecondthe questionraisedbyHerbieSmithinhis recentletterregardingtheSAVEAct, whichwouldrequireproofofcitizenshipbeforevoting.

Asheaptlypointsout,DelawarealreadyrequiresphotoIDformany processes,suchasbanking.Youmust showIDtoboardaplane.Tomy knowledge,noneofourelectedrepresentativeshasvoicedanobjectionto theserules.TheSAVEActincludesa provisionforfreeIDs.

So,Itoo,wouldaddressthequestion toRep.SarahMcBride…Whydidyou voteagainstthisbill?AndtoSens.Lisa BluntRochesterandChrisCoons… Willyouvotefororagainstthisbill?

Further,Iaskthateachofyouexplain thereasoningbehindyourvote.

DianeKelly Ocean View

Residentdiscusses first-responders

Editor:

RemindertoOceanViewresidents: MillvilleengagesStatePoliceforroutinepolicework,withOceanViewlaw enforcementbeingengagedinemergencysituations.Millville’sfireand EMSdepartmentssupportbothMillvilleandOceanViewresidents.Our communitiessharetheseessentialserviceswhileminimizingexpensesforthe benefitofallresidents.You’rewelcome.

Parsonstalks energymarket

Editor:

WhatIhearfrommyneighborsis, “Whyismyelectricbillsohigh,andis itgoingtogetworse?”

Atarecentmeeting,Dr.David Legates,PhD,aclimatologistprofessor

DSP:SuspectssoughtinassaultonOceanViewman

TheDelawareStatePolicethisweek wereinvestigatinganassaultthatoccurredSaturdayinOceanView.

AccordingtotheDSP,onSaturday, Feb.14,around12:30a.m.,troopersrespondedtoaresidenceonthe37000 blockofMahoganyStreetinOcean Viewforareportofanassault.When troopersarrived,theysaid,theyfounda

Letters

ContinuedfrompageA14

fromtheUniversityofDelaware, walkedthroughwhat’shappeningwith ourregionalpowergrid(PJM),andthe shortansweristhis:It’snotjustone thing.It’sseveralpressureshittingat once.

First,reliablepowerplantsareclosing.Delaware’sIndianRiverUnit4is closed.PlantsinMarylandhaveclosed, too.Whensteady,dependablepower leavesthesystem,what’sleftbecomes moreexpensive.

Second,we’reusingmoreelectricity. Ourpopulationisgrowing,andState policies arepushingelectricvehicles, electricheatingandelectrichousehold items,likeelectriclawnmowersand blowers.Moredemandpluslesssupply equalshigherprices.That’sjustmath.

Third,Delawarehascreatedself-imposedcostlypenalties,thatfamilieshave

64-year-oldmanwhohadbeenassaultedwithacrowbar.Hewastakento anareahospitalwithnon-life-threatening injuries,theynoted.

Thepreliminaryinvestigation,police said,revealedthattwowhitemalesuspectshadbeenyellingandknockingon thevictim’sdoor.Whenthevictim openedthedoor,policesaid,hedidn’t

topay,topushforwhatitcallsgreen energy,likesolarandoffshorewindenergy,whichisalsogovernment-subsidized.Ourstaterequiresutility companies,likeDelmarvaPower,tobuy energyfromwindandsolarpower sources,andiftheydon’thittheStaterequiredtargets—whichisimpossible todobasedonlackofavailability— therearecompliancepenalties,and thosecostsshowuponourbills.Whateverwecallthesepenalties,itis Delawarefamiliesthatpaythecost.

There’salsosomethingcalledthecapacitymarket—basically,payingplants tobereadywhenweneedthemmost (likeduringextremeheatorcold).And, rightnow,pricesinthatmarketdon’t reflecttherealityofhowtightsupply reallyis,withartificiallylowerprices, whichmeanspowercompanieswillhesitatetobuildanynewreliablepower plants,becausetheyareseeingthatthey can’tgetareturnontheirinvestment. Andwhennewplantsdon’tgetbuilt,

recognizethetwomenandtriedto closethedoor.

Oneofthesuspectsgrabbedhim, threwhimtothegroundandhithim withacrowbar,policereported.The suspectsthenfledinanunknownred car,theysaid.

TheDelawareStatePoliceTroop4 CriminalInvestigationsUnitcontinued

energysupplygetstighter,andmoreexpensive,downtheroad.

Thisisn’taboutpolitics.It’sabout whetherDelawarefamiliescancounton reliable,affordableelectricityinthe yearsahead.Andonourcurrentpath, the answerisno,notatall.

Ifweareseriousaboutloweringenergycostsandprotectingreliability, DelawareneedstoreopentheIndian RiverPowerPlantandstoppenalizing familieswithrenewableenergymandatesthatdrivepricesupevenfurther. Weshouldbeprioritizingdependable, affordablepower,now.Everyonewhois concernedneedstoemailGov.Meyerto openuptheIndianRiverPowerPlant andtostopself-imposed“greenenergy” penaltiesthatDelawarefamilieshaveto pay.

Electricityisn’taluxury.It’sessential. MichelleParsons FenwickIsland

Readerresponds tocolumn

to investigatetheincidentearlythis week.Detectivesareaskinganyonewith informationregardingthiscasetocontactDetectiveW.Saylorat(302)7523832.Informationmayalsobeprovided bysendingaprivateFacebookmessage totheDelawareStatePoliceorcontactingDelawareCrimeStoppersat1-800847-3333.

Thankeveryonewhodoesthesimplestkindgesturestoyou.Anothereasy thingtolearn.

Speakingoflearning…I’vealways beencordial,butasIage,itisespecially importanttome.

Irealizethatitmakesmefeelbetter aboutmyself.Whetheryouplanon goingtoHeavenornot,can’thurttobe thoughtful.

Begoodtoyourenemies.TheBible tellsusso.I’mnotterriblyreligious,but Iamspiritual.

Editor:

Waitjustaminute,Mr.McCann.If someonewantstoseetheepitomeof kindnessandwhatitlookslike,they onlyneedtospendthedaywithme.

Whenyougotoarestaurantrepeatedlyandgetgoodservice,learnthe server’snameandthankherdirectly. Tipaccordinglyandplacetipdirectlyin theirhand.Muchmorepersonalthan justleavingitonthetable.Irecently gaveaverygeneroustiptomyfavorite waitress,andshedidn’twanttoaccept it. Shesaiditwasn’tnecessarytodo that,buttomeitwas.Shewasawaitressinthesameplacefor34yearsand hadsevenchildren.Ialsotoldherhow luckyherchildrenweretohaveher. And,guesswhat?Itmademefeelgood todothat.

Ifyougotosomeone’shousefor whatevertheoccasion,rememberto sendthehostessathank-younote.And, ifyoubringalittlehostessgift,even better.

g ibA ay dnoMay palicinuMpa

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Firstofall,andeasytoimitate,alwaysholdthedooropenfortheperson infrontofyou.Smileandsayhello. Easypeasy.Smilingisgoodforfacial muscles,too.Keepssomewrinklesaway. My ownskinisagreatexample!

Complimentstrangers.“Nicehairdo.” “Lovelyshirt.”“Beautifulcoat.”Soeasy todoandcostsnothing.Strangersare alwaysinshocktohearnicethingsfrom peopletheyhavenevermet.Tryit.Fake ituntilyoumakeit!

Thepointhereisthatintoday’shostileworld,beingkindisnotjustagesture,itisanecessity.It’stheonlywayto sur vive.Lovethyneighbormightbe harderthanever,butitcanbedone. Ichallengeeveryonetoatleastgiveit atry.Iamnotperfect,butIcareandI try.Please,forthesakeofmankind,try thesame.

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Obituaries

GeorgeH.BuntingJr.,81

FormerDelawarestaterepresentative andstatesenatorGeorgeHoward BuntingJr.,81,passedawaypeacefullyat hisBethanyBeach,Del.,homeonFeb. 12,surroundedbyhisfamilyandloved ones.HewasbornonNov.20,1944,the elderofthetwosonsofGeorgeHoward BuntingSr.,andhiswife,IdaWatson Bunting.Heandhisyoungerbrother, Jimmy,grewupinFrankfordandattendedlocalschools.

thereforeachother,’Buntingsaidofhis fellowtroops.Thebiggestchange,’he said,‘wasbecomingactivepolitically.I cameback,probablywithachiponmy shoulder.Iwasmadatmygovernment forwhatwe’ddone,’hesaid.Hethen pointstotwopicturesoffriendswho werekilledinVietnam.”

suranceagencyinRehobothBeach.His familyrecalledthathelovedpeopleand helikedrunningtheinsuranceagency becauseofallthepeoplecominginto theoffice.Bythelate1970s,hehadalso becomepresidentoftheRehoboth BeachChamberofCommerce,whichhe alsoenjoyed.

Feb. 15th - March 25th

BuntingattendedCharlotteHall MilitaryAcademyinSouthern Marylandinhighschool,graduatinginthe early1960s.Afterattendingcollegefor severalyearsinVirginia,heenlistedin theU.S.MarineCorpsinthemid-1960s andservedhonorablyandwellforthree years.Duringthecourseofhisservice, heservedinVietnamduringtheearly yearsoftheVietnamWar.

Hetookpartinextensivecombatoperations,beingawardedboththePurple HeartandtheBronzeStarforvalor.He lostseveralfriendsinthecourseofhis Vietnamserviceandmadelifelong friendshipswithseveralothers.Ina 2018CapeGazettenewspaperarticle, hewasquotedassaying,“‘Wewerethe firsttotaketheVietCongkindofheadon.Thatpartofmylifewasoneofthe mainchangesinmylife.’…‘Wewere

Uponhisreturntocivilianlifefrom theMarineCorpsinthelate1960s, Buntingmetalovelyyoungwoman, DonnaGray,ataneveningpartyinSelbyville,Del.,herhometown.Sheremembersthatdayvividly—itwasthe weddingdayofhersister,Terry—Jan. 28,1967,andshehadgonetotheparty atthehomeoffriendsafterTerry’swedding.

DonnaandGeorgeBuntingwere marriedinSeptemberofthatyear.They enjoyedamarriagespanningalmost59 years.Theirunionwasblessedbytwo sons,ClintonandChristian.Inoneof thesaddestdaysoftheirlivesasafamily, Christianlosthislifeinatragicaccident at12.

Afterleavingthemilitary,Bunting attendedtheUniversityofDelawarefor severalyears.Hethenwenttoworkfor theDuPontCompanyinWilmington forseveralmoreyearsbeforecoming backtothecoastalarea,wherehestarted whatbecameasuccessfulStateFarmIn-

Intheearly1980s,Buntingdecided torunforavacantseatinthestate HouseofRepresentatives.“‘IthinkIwas theonlyDemocratintown,’”hewas quotedassayinginthe2018Cape Gazettearticle.HewonhisfirstHouse racebyonly50votes.Buntingserved underfivegovernorsduringhisyearsin theGeneralAssembly—PierreS.du PontIV,MichaelN.Castle,ThomasR. Carper,RuthAnnMinnerandJack Markell.

Buntingservedasamemberofthe DelawareGeneralAssemblyfor28 years,12ofwhichwerespentinthe StateHouseofRepresentatives,from 1983until1985andfrom1987until 1997.In1996,hewaselectedtothe StateSenateupontheretirementofhis oldfriend,longtimeSenatepresident protemporeRichardS.Cordrey. InanarticleintheCoastalPoint newspaperinMarchof2012,nearthe SeeOBITUARIESpageA23

andsurroundingsarepreservedforever.

LightshipCoveistheonlySchellBrotherscommunitysurroundedbyan exceptionalamountofprotectedandpreservedfarmland.Thisunique settingo erspremiumwoodedhomesites,scenicfarmviews,and selectpond-viewhomesites—alongwithsomethingevenmorevaluable: certainty.Here,youcanknowexactlyhowthelandaroundyouwillbe usedforyearstocome:farming.It’sadi erenceyounoticeimmediately andonethatinspiresconfidence,allowingyoutoinvestwithpeaceof mind knowingyourviews,surroundings,andthecharacterofthe communityarethoughtfullyprotectedforthelongterm.

NighttoShinebringsjoytocommunity

BySusanCanfora StaffReporter

Hamburgersandfrenchfrieswere onthemenuattheNighttoShine promforthedevelopmentallydisabled,buttheinterestindinner couldn’tmatchtheexcitementof singingkaraokeandcelebratingthe 10thanniversaryoftheeventwith icecreamsundaes.

“Theirinterestisn’tinthefood. It’sinlimoridesanddancingand karaoke,”NighttoShineEventCoordinatorJoAnnaEvanssaid,laughing.

Guests14andolderarrivedat OceanViewChurchofChristby6 p.m.onFeb.13andwalkedintothe churchonaredcarpetandthrougha tunneloflightsasvolunteers, crowdedintothechurchparkinglot andactingaspaparazzi,cheeredand applauded.

“Wehadkaraokeasaspecialadditionforthisyear’sanniversary,but wewouldliketocontinuehavingit,” Evanssaid.“SomeofthemsangDisneysongsfrommovies.Thatseemed tobeverypopular.Theyabsolutely lovedkaraoke.Someofthem,we couldn’tgetthemtostopsinging. Anybodywhowantedtocouldsing.

“Itwasagreatsetup,andthekids justwentupandtheywould waitinlineuntilitwastheir turn.Theywouldpicktheirsongand theywouldsing.Theylovedevery minuteofthat.Noteverybodygot theopportunitytosing,butbefore thenightwasover,atleasthalfof themsang.Andtheicecreamsundae barwasahit.Theladiescouldn’t scoopicecreamfastenough,”Evans said.

“Everybodywasalldressedupin theirbestand,ofcourse,theyhaveto getacutelittlesmooch,”sheadded.

“Itwastrulyanoutstandingevent andapowerfulreflectionofwhat makesourcommunitysospecial,” saidOceanViewPoliceDepartment ChiefKennethMcLaughlin,who regularlyattendstheevent.

“Thechurchandallofthevolunteers,sponsorsandsupporterscreatedafirst-classexperiencefilled withdignity,joyandgenuinelovefor individualswithspecialneedsand theirfamilies.Itwasinspiringtosee somanypeoplecometogethertoensureeveryguestfeltvaluedandcelebrated.Thiseventisyetanother greatexampleofhowinclusive,compassionateandcommunity-focused OceanViewtrulyis,”McLaughlin said.

“Wearesoexcitedtoonceagain beanofficialhostchurchforthis year’sNighttoShine,”theRev.

NighttoShine

ContinuedfrompageA20

EthanMagee,churchpastor,posted onthechurch’swebsite.“Nightto Shineisanunforgettableprom-night experience,centeredonGod’slove, forpeoplewithspecialneeds.On onenight…hundredsofchurchesof differentdenominationsfromall overtheworldwillcometogetherto celebratepeoplewithspecialneeds,” hewrote.

Attheendoftheevening,each guestwascrownedpromkingor promqueen.

“Thisyearwasourfirstyearthat wehadhandicappedrampsleadingto ourstagesoeveryonewasabletobe crownedkingandqueenonthestage thisyear,”Evansnoted.“Oursanctuarywasrenovatedandtheuseofthe rampwasthefirstthingwehadin ournewlyrenovatedsanctuary.”

Previously,shehadtoldthe CoastalPointthatNighttoShineis her“favoritenightoftheyear”asshe crediteddiscjockeyEricMasseywho ownsForceOneProductions,Sam Ellisphotography,videographer MorganBartholomewofEastCoast Productions,hairstylistsandmakeup artists,whoalldonatetheirtimeto besureeachguestisperfectlyready fortheprom.

“NighttoShineissupportedby thecommunity.Localbusinessesand peoplefromourcongregationgive donations.Eventhoughit’saTim Tebowevent,hedoesnotpayforit. It’salocallysponsoredchurchand communityevent.It’soneofourfavoritenightsoftheyear.Alotof workgoesintoit,butweallloveit,” Evanssaid.

Ofthe120peopleregisteredthis year,116attended,withafewhaving tocancelduetoillness.Evanssaid Tebow,NighttoShine’sfounder,providedinformationstatingtheevent washostedby979churches worldwidelastFridayand that50statesand76countrieshad participated.

“Theparentshadanamazingtime havingdinneratHocker’sFamily Restaurant.Theysaidtheserversand theservicetheyreceivedwasoutstanding.Overall,Iwouldsaythe 10thyearwasthebestyear.Itwas successful.I’msadthat’sit’sover,but wearealreadyplanningfor2027.We startcallingthelimos,thediscjockey, inJune,andthenwestartplanning withtheteaminOctober,”Evans said.

Guestscanbeginregisteringfor the2027NighttoShine,setforFriday,Feb.12,inmid-December.

Tebow,aformerNFLquarterback knownforhisChristianfaith,saidhe conceivedoftheideabecauseinhis ownteenyearshewassaddenedto seeahandicappedboybeingtreated poorlybythecommunity.

endofhisSenatecareer,itwasnoted that,“Whetheroneisdrivingoverthe newIndianRiverInletBridge,attending DelawareTech,visitingtheVeterans HomeinMilfordorkayakingtheAssawomanCanal,itishardnottofeelthe impactofStateSen.GeorgeH.Bunting andhis28yearsinpublicoffice. Bunting’stenurewillcometoanend thisNovember,though,asheisnot seekingre-election.Andwhiletheseaccomplishmentsarejustthetipofthe icebergofhistimeinoffice,Buntingis particularlyproudofthemandthecollaborationthatturnedthemintoreality.”

ThearticlewentontoquoteBunting assaying“‘NoneofwhatIhavedone wouldbepossiblewithoutthecollaborationofpeople.Ineverdidonething alone.’”

Duringmuchofhistimeinthe HouseofRepresentatives,itwasunder Republicancontrol,andthefirsttwoof thefivegovernorsunderwhichhe servedwereRepublicans.Bunting,alifelongDemocrat,quicklycametounderstandtheimportanceofcompromisein gettingthingsdone.Heremembered thathisfriendandmentorCordrey took himasidesoonafterhewaselectedto theGeneralAssemblyandtoldhim,“If youwanttobeasuccesshere,youhave tolearntocompromise.”

ThatbecameakeypartofBunting’s philosophythroughouthispoliticalcareer.Small-townfriendshipswereoften moreimportantthanpoliticsinthe southernDelawareofthosetimes. Amonghisclosepoliticalfriendswas staterepresentativeandlaterstateSen. GeraldM.HockerofOceanView,aRepublican.AlthoughheandHockerhad oncerunagainsteachother,theyremainedfriendsandworkedinclosecooperationovertheyears,Buntinginthe SenateandHockerintheHouse.

“EverythingfromtheCenterforthe InlandBaystotheIndianRiverpower planttoSussexTechnicalHighSchool tofarmlandpreservationtoroadshas beentouchedbytheoutgoingsenator,” notedthe2012CoastalPointarticle, “HehasservedontheSenate’sJointFinanceCommitteeandcurrentlysitson theCapitalBondCommitteeandchairs theSenateAgriculture,SenateSunset andSenateVeteransAffairscommittees. But,forBunting,itreallyallboilsdown tohelpingpeople.”

“‘Allthemeetings,countlesshoursof testimonyandthousandsofbills—itis thedailylisteningtopeoplethathave needs,’”Buntingsaid.“‘Someremark thatIrunasocial-serviceheadquarters, butthat’sOK!’”

Buntingalsopridedhimselfonhavingmorefirecompaniesthananyother Senatedistrictinthestate.Heoriginally hadninefirecompanies:Dagsboro, Frankford,Selbyville,Millville,Roxana,

andBethanyBeachsouthoftheIndian River;RehobothBeachandIndian Riverfirecompaniesnorthoftheriver; andMillsboroattheheadoftheriver. Hewasanhonorarymemberoffourof them—BethanyBeach,Millville,RoxanaandMillsboro.

OneofBunting’smajorinterestsin theSenatewasthecoastalenvironment thattookupsomuch ofhisdistrict.He playedanespeciallysignificantrolein bringingabouttheconstructionofthe newIndianRiverInletBridge—the fourthoneatthatlocation.

HisformeraideChristopherBradley, nowajudge,rememberingBunting’s wry,low-keysenseofhumor,recalled,“I knowhetookprideinworkingtoget thelatestversionoftheIndianRiver InletBridgebuilt.Atonepoint,infrustrationwhentheKentandNewCastle legislatorsweretryingtoscaleitback andscaleitbackinfunding,hetoldme theupstatelegislatorswouldn’tbecontentuntilitwasmadeofwood.”

Hecontinuedtohaveastronginterestinthebettermentofhiscommunity afterhisretirementfrompubliclife.He frequentlysharedhisviewsonavariety ofsubjectswithvariousDelawaregovernorsandmembersofthestate’scongressionaldelegation.Amongother communityserviceprojectsinwhichhe playedanactiverolewastheestablishmentofahistoricalsocietyinhisformer hometownofSelbyville.Healsoworked withtheSelbyvillePublicLibraryto

transferownershipofthehistoricSen. JohnG.TownsendJr.Hometothenew historicalsociety.

Buntingissurvivedbyhisbeloved wifeandpartnerofmorethan58years, Donna;byhisdearsonClintonand daughter-in-law,Dr.TiaBunting;by twograndchildren,GrayandKinzie Bunting;byhisbrother,JimmyBunting, hiswife,Diane,andtheirsons,Chad andJimmyBunting;byDonna Bunting’ssister,TerryCarey,herhusband,JimmyCarey,andtheirsons,Scott andMontyCareyandtheirfamilies;by DonnaBunting’sbrothers,GaryGray, hiswife,JerriAnn,andtheirsons,Doug andCliff,andtheirfamilies,andLarry Feldman,hiswife,Nancy,andtheirfamily;byGeorgeandDonnaBunting’s godsons,PhillipandPerryTownsend, andtheirfamilies;andbyotherfamily membersandlovedones.

Aviewingwill beheldonSaturday, Feb.21,2026,from9:30a.m.tonoonat Mariner’sBethelGlobalMethodist Churchat81CentralAvenue,Ocean View,Del.,followedbyaMasonicfuneralservicebeginningatnoon,alsoat Mariner’sBethel.Followingtheservice, Buntingwillbeinterredwithmilitary honorsprovidedbyOceanView Mason-DixonVFWPost7234at PrinceGeorge’sChapelCemetery, 32043WardLane,justoffRoute26in Dagsboro,Del.,ashortdrivefrom

views. Perfectly located close to shopping, dining, golf, and the beach, this home offers the ideal blend of luxury, leisure, and convenience. Don’t just buy a home — step into the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for.

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Mariner’sBethel,wherehewillgohome tobewithhisbelovedyoungerson, Christian,whoisalsointerredthere.

Thefamilywillhostareceptionand dinnerfollowingtheintermentatthe HopeCenterinOceanView,adjacentto Mariner’sBethel.Thosewhodonot wishtomakethedrivetoPrince George’smaywalkfromthechurchto theHopeCenteraftertheserviceto enjoylightrefreshmentsandfellowship whileawaitingthereturnoffamilyand friendsfromtheinterment.Flowersare welcome.Funeralarrangementsare beinghandledbyMelsonFuneralServices,43ThatcherStreet,Frankford,Del. Condolencesmaybeleftbyvisiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

ElynoreL.Decre,87

ElynoreL.Decre,87,ofBethanyBeach, Del.,formerlyofLaurel,Md.,andColumbia,Md.,passedawayonMonday,Feb.9, 2026,atBeebeHealthcareinLewes,Del. ShewasborninAtlanticCity,N.J.,on March26,1938,thedaughterofthelate PeterGuidoMadalenoandthelateElynoreLouise(Gillespie)Madaleno.

DecregraduatedfromtheUniversityof BridgeportinConnecticut,whereshereceivedherassociate’sdegree.Shebeganher professionallifeasalegalsecretary,where herattentiontodetailandwarmpersonal-

itywerequicklyappreciated.Shelaterdevotedherselfwholeheartedlytoraisingher family—arolesheconsideredhermost importantandrewardingwork.Onceher sonswereolder,shereturnedtotheworkforceandbuiltasuccessfulcareerasareal estateagentwithLong&Foster. Communityservicewascentralto Decre’slife.InLaurel,shevolunteeredwith theBoys&GirlsClub,generouslygiving hertimeandenergytosupportlocalyouth. AftermovingtoBethanyBeach,sheembracedhernewcommunitywithenthusiasm,becominginvolvedwithBestofthe WestandLunchwithaPurpose.Shewas alsoamemberofCrippleCreekCountry ClubanddedicatedseveralyearstosupportingthePinkonthePatiofundraiser, reflectinghercompassionatespiritand commitmenttohelpingothers.

Inadditiontoherparents,Decrewas precededindeathbyherbrother,Richard S.MadalenoSr.Sheissurvivedbyherlovinghusbandof61years,MartinA.Decre; twosons,ChristopherDecreofAshburn, Va.,andMatthewDecreandhiswife, Cheryl,ofElkridge,Md.;threegrandchildren,JuliaLyandherhusband,Bruce,of Georgetown,Ky.,AlexanderDecreofNorfolk,Va.,andHannaDecreofColumbia, Md.;agreat-grandson,LukeDecre;asister-in-law,KatherineMadalenoof Bethesda,Md.;andanephew,RichardS. MadalenoJr.,andhishusband,Mark Hodge,ofKensington,Md. ServicesandburialweretobeheldprivatelyatGateofHeavenCemeteryin

Dagsboro,Del.

Inlieuofflowers,thefamilysuggested memorialcontributionsinDecre’snameto theDementiaSocietyofAmericabyvisitingwww.dementiasociety.org.Condolences maybesentbyvisitingwww.melsonfuneralservices.com.

RobertC.‘Bob’Furbush,82

RobertC.“Bob”Furbush,82,ofDagsboro,Del.,passedawayonFriday,Feb.13, 2026.HewasborninBerlin,Md.,onJuly 6,1943,sonofthelateElmerPerryFurbushandthelateEthelMarie(Brumbley) Furbush.HeattendedJohnM.Clayton HighSchoolinFrankford,Del.,wherehe excelledinbasketballandfootball.

Hehadalifelongpassionforconstruction,andownedandoperatedhisowncontractingbusiness,BobFurbush&Sons, buildingcountlessstick-builthomes throughoutthecommunity.Hefaithfully servedasalifetimememberoftheDagsboro(Del.)VolunteerFireCompanyand dedicatedsixyearsasfirechief,alwaysputtingserviceaboveself.

FurburshalsohadadeeploveforrestoringantiqueFordsandaspecialaffinityfor Mustangs,butmostbelovedwashis’57 FordFairlane500Skyliner.Heenjoyedattendingcarshowsandcruise-ins,proudly displayinghisrestoredcars.Afterretirement,heandhiswife,Nancy,sharedapassionforantiquingandrestoringfurniture forresale.

Hewillberememberedforhisstrong workethic,dedicationtohiscommunity,

loveoffamily,andthepridehetookin everythinghebuilt—whetherahome,a restoredclassiccar,oralifefilledwithpurposeandservice.

Furbushissurvivedbyhislovingwifeof 62years,NancyG.(Shockley)Furbush; threechildren,TammyLambertandher husband,Paul,ofDouglassville,Pa.;Robert C.FurbushIIandhiswife,Sandy,ofSelbyville,Del.;andShaneFurbushofDagsboro,Del.Heisalsosurvivedbysix cherishedgrandchildren,BobbyFurbush, SethFurbushandhiswife,Sarah,Matthew Lambertandhiswife,Emily,LindseyFurbush,AnnaLambertandGreysenFurbush;agreat-grandson,OwenFurbush; andabrother,JohnFurbush.

Avisitationwastobeheldfrom10to 11a.m.onThursday,Feb.19,2026,atthe FrankfordChapelofMelsonFuneralServices,43ThatcherStreet,Frankford,Del., whereafuneralservicewillbeginat11a.m. IntermentwillfollowatCarey’sCemetery. Inlieuofflowers,thefamilysuggestedmemorialcontributionsinFurbush’snameto theDagsboroVolunteerFireCompany, P.O.Box128,Dagsboro,DE19939.Condolencesmaybesentbyvisitingwww.melsonfuneralservices.com.

RonaldBarry‘Ron’Graham,83

RonaldBarry“Ron”Graham,Esq.,83, passedawaypeacefullyonJan.22,2026.He wasbornonMay9,1942,inBaltimore, Md.Hewasthecherishedsonofthelate

Beebewelcomes PunitPandya,DO,aspartofourclinical a liationwiththeJe ersonHealthNeuroscienceNetwork.

DR.PANDYA

Dr.Pandya isafellowship-trained,board-certifiedneurosurgeonwithadvanced subspecialtytrainingincomplexandminimallyinvasivespinesurgery.He specializesinadvancedtreatmentsforconditionsa ectingtheneck,upper back,andlowerback.Heo erssurgicalapproachestorelievepressureon thespinalcordandnerves,stabilizesthespinethroughfusion,andwhen possible,preservesnaturalmovementthroughmotion-sparingsurgeries.

nced

AndrewJacksonGrahamandthelate CleoneCauffmanKovacs.Aftergrowing upinBaltimoreandlatersettlinginBelAir inHarfordCounty,Md.,hespentthelast eightyearsofhisretirementenjoyinglifein Millville,Del.

Elynore L. Decre

L. Decre

BorninBrooklyn,Md.,wherehe quicklybecameknownforhissarcasticwit, larger-than-lifehumorandunforgettable antics,Grahamquicklybecameabeloved presenceineveryneighborhoodhecalled home.Hiswarmth,quickmindandability tomakelifelongfriendswereconstants throughouthislife.

againbuiltacircleofextraordinaryfriends. HeespeciallylovedtheannualFallFestival, wherehemannedthepit-beefstationfor daysatatime.Hispitbeefbecameaparish legend,eagerlysoughtoutyearafteryear. Everpresentwithahilariousstoryor perfectly-timedcommentary,Grahamwas agiantofaman—steadfast,intelligent, logical,andthemostselfless,lovingand unfailinglydevotedhusband,father,grandfather,brother,uncleandfriendforwhom anyonecouldhope.“Whilethelossofhis physicalpresenceleavesanunimaginable void,hislegacyremainsintheheartsand mindsofallthosewhowereimpactedby thegift ofthisincredibleman.HelivesforeverinthekingdomofGod,wherewewill onedayseehimagain.”

lynore L. Decre, age 87, of Beach, DE, of Laurel and Columbia, MD, away on 9, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE.

was born in Atlantic NJ, on March 26, 1938, the of the late Peter Guido Madaleno and the late Louise Madaleno She from the of in Connecticut, where she received her associate degree

Elynore L. Decre, age 87, of Bethany Beach, DE, formerly of Laurel and Columbia, MD, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE. Elynore was born in Atlantic City, NJ, on March 26, 1938, the daughter of the late Peter Guido Madaleno and the late Elynore Louise (Gillespie) Madaleno. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where she received her associate degree.

Elynore began her professional life as a legal secretary, where her attention to detail and warm personality were quickly appreciated. She later devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family, a role she considered her most important and rewarding work. Once her sons were older, she returned to the workforce and built a successful career as a real estate agent with Long & Foster.

Community service was central to Elynore’s life. In Laurel, she volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club, generously giving her time and energy to support local youth. After moving to Bethany Beach, she embraced her new community with enthusiasm, becoming involved with Best of the West and Lunch with a Purpose. She was also a member of Cripple Creek Country Club and dedicated several years to supporting the Pink on the Patio fundraiser, reflecting her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

her life as a secretary, where her attention to detail and warm were She later devoted herself to her a role she considered her most and work. Once her sons were older, she returned to the workforce and built a successful career as a real estate agent with & Foster. service was central to life In Laurel, she volunteered with the & Girls Club, her time and energy to support local youth After to Beach, she embraced her new with enthusiasm, involved with Best of the West and Lunch with a Purpose She was also a member of Creek Club and dedicated several years to the Pink on the Patio fundraiser, her and commitment to others

HegraduatedfromtheUniversityof BaltimoreSchoolofLawin1971witha jurisdoctorateandwasadmittedasapracticingattorneybeforetheCourtofAppeals ofMarylandonDec.13,1973.Hebegan hislegalcareerasapublicdefenderforthe StateofMaryland,laterservingasanassistantstate’sattorneyfortheCityofBaltimorefor20years.Afterdecadesof dedicatedprosecutorialservice,hereturned tohisrootsasapublicdefender.Hewasa proudmemberoftheSigmaDeltaKappa lawfraternity,whereheformedandmaintainedmanystrongandlastingfriendships.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard S. Madaleno, Sr.

In addition to her parents, she was in death her brother, Richard S. Sr.

Elynore is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Martin A. Decre; two sons, Christopher Decre of Ashburn, VA, and Matthew Decre and his wife, Cheryl, of Elkridge, MD; three grandchildren, Julia Ly and her husband, Bruce, of Georgetown, KY, Alexander Decre of Norfolk, VA, and Hanna Decre of Columbia, MD; one great-grandson, Luke Decre; a sister-in-law, Katherine Madaleno of Bethesda, MD; and a nephew, Richard S. Madaleno, Jr. and his husband, Mark Hodge, of Kensington, MD.

is survived her husband of 61 years, Martin A Decre; two sons, Decre of Ashburn, VA, and Matthew Decre and his wife, of MD; three Julia and her husband, Bruce, of KY, Alexander Decre of Norfolk, VA, and Hanna Decre of Columbia, MD; one Luke Decre; a sister-in-law, Katherine Madaleno of Bethesda, MD; and a nephew, Richard S Madaleno, Jr and his husband, Mark Hodge, of MD

Services and burial will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE.

Services and burial will be held at Gate of Heaven in DE.

RonandCarolGrahamraisedtheir familyinCoolSpring—asprawlingrural neighborhoodinBelAir,wherehecultivatedyetanothercherishedgroupoflifelongfriends.Agiftedcookwhonever neededarecipe,heexpressedhislove throughfood.Hisotherpassionsincluded fishing,golfing,birdwatching,spending timeinnature,playingpool,andsharing hisdeeploveofhistoryandethicswithhis childrenandgrandchildren.Hisremarkable memoryandwide-rangingknowledge madehimaformidablememberofhis triviateam.

Grahamwasthebelovedhusbandof58 yearstoCarolMullenGraham;devotedfatherofHeatherGrahamPhelpsofCharlotte,N.C.,ErinGrahamBichellandher husband,Gregory,BichellofFreeland,Md., andBarryAndrewGrahamandhiswife, JenniferBarbierGraham,ofWoonsocket, R.I.HewasthedearbrotherofGaryAndrewGrahamandhiswife,CharlotteElizabeth“Beth”Graham,ofTowson,Md.He tookimmenseprideinbeingtheloving grandfatherofGradyGrahamBichell,Ian AndrewPhelps,ConnorJamesBichell, CarolineJamesPhelps,ReidGraham PhelpsandOliverAndrewGraham.He alsoissurvivedbyhisniece,CharlotteGrahamZacharkiw,herhusband,Stephan,and theirthreechildren,allofCharleston,S.C.; andAlexanderHunterGraham,hiswife, Anastasia,andtheirchild,alsoof Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Elynore’s name to the Dementia Society of America by visiting www.dementiasociety.org. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com

In lieu of flowers, the suggests memorial contributions in Elynore’s name to the Dementia of America by www dementiasociety org Online condolences may be sent

Adevoted40-yearmemberofSt.MargaretParish—wherehisactivecontributionsspanned17yearswhilehischildren attendedtheparishschool—Graham

Friendsandfamilymaygatherfora MemorialMassatSt.MargaretCatholic Church,141NorthHickoryAvenue,Bel Air,Md.,onSaturday,Feb.28,2026,at10 a.m.Intermentwillbeprivate.AcelebrationofGraham’slifewillbeheldlaterthis spring.Inlieuofflowers,contributionsmay bemadeinthememoryofRonaldB.GrahamtotheSandraR. BermanHeartInstituteattheUniversityofMarylandSt. JosephMedicalCenteratUniversityof MarylandSt.JosephMedicalCenter Foundation;SandraR. BermaHeartInstitute,UnrestrictedFund;7601OslerDrive; Towson,MD21204.

Doris‘Dee’Haas

Withheavyhearts,thefamilyofDoris “Dee”Haasfamilyannouncedthepassing oftheirbelovedmom,grandmaandgreatgrandma.Shewaswelcomedhomebyher latehusband,FredHaas,andalloftheir fur-babiesfromthelast80-plusyears,on Feb.10,2026.

Haaswasamulti-talentedwomanin herhome,careerandsociallife.Shewasan expertpartyplanner,andonecouldalways countonhertohavethebestfoodspread. Herhousewasdecoratedtothenines,and shehadawayoffindingthebestbalanceof maximalistandchic.Hercollectionof Santafigurinesfromallovertheworld shouldhavebeenseenbyall.Shewasalwaysdressedtoimpress,nevermissingher signatureaccessoriesorlipstick. Inhercareer,shewasalwaysreadyto helpandneverstoppedlearninghowto

improvehersurroundings.Hersociallife canonlybedescribedasanadventure.She traveledallovertheworldwithherhusbandandfriends.Shewouldfrequently takeherredconvertibleMustangouton thetowntofeelthewindinherhair. Spendingtimeatthebeachamust,shehad thebesttipsforhowtogettheperfecttan. Herhappyplacewasboatingonthe ChesapeakeBaywiththeonessheloved most.

Herpersonalitywassimplythecherry ontopofanamazingwoman.Shewas funnyandsmart,andwasn’tafraidtostand upforherbeliefs—somethingthatwas passeddowntoallofherfamily.Shehada gift thatnoteveryonepossesses:theability totrulylisten.Sometimesshewouldfillthe airwithlaughterthatmadeeveryonefeel lighter.Othertimes,shewouldsitquietly, offeringwisdomwhenitwasneededmost, orsimplyasteady,understandingpresence. WithHaas,onealwaysfeltheard.

“Deelovedmanythings,butifIhadto pickjustafewitwouldbe:travel,dogs, movies,cooking,andherfamily.Herlegacy livesoninthelivessheshaped,thelessons sheshared,andtheloveshegavesofreely. Weareallgoingtomissher.However,Iam atpeaceknowingthatFredandherare sharingaglassofwineonthewaterwith thelowhumoftheRumrunnerinthe background,talkingabouttheamazing

familytheycreated.”

Haasissurvivedbyherchildren,Jeff HaasandLaurieByerley;hergrandchildrenBillWalton,SarahByerley,Tyler Haas,JessicaKrauseandDillonHaas;and hergreat-grandchildrenEmmaCordy, HaydenHaas,MilesNicodemus,Clark HaasandNoraNicodemus.

Servicesweretobeprivate.Haas’life memorialwebpageisathttps://www.watsonfh.com.

HermanG.‘Herm’ObergIII,82

HermanG.ObergIII,82,ofOcean View,Del.,andformerlyofPennsylvania, lovinglyknowntomostas“Herm,”passed awaypeacefullyonSunday,Feb.8,2026, surroundedbyhisdevotedfamily.Hewas bornonJan.3,1944,inChester,Pa.,sonof thelateHermanG.ObergII,andthelate EthelLillian(Gay)Oberg.

Obergdedicatedmorethan30yearsof servicetoConocoPhillipsRefinerybefore retiringin2004.Followingretirement,he andhiswifemadetheirhomeinDelaware, whereObergembracedhisloveoffishing. Hebecameanavidfishermanandfound greatjoyspendingtimeonornearthe water,appreciatingthepeaceandbeautyof hissurroundings.

Heproudlyservedhiscountryinthe U.S.ArmyduringtheVietnamWar.He heldhismilitaryserviceclosetohisheart, andremainedanactiveandproudmember ofMasonDixonVFWPost7234,where hecherishedthecamaraderieofhisfellow veteransandmanydearfriends.

Obergwillberememberedforhiswonderfulsenseofhumorandthewarmthhe broughtintoeveryroom.Thosewhomet himwereinstantlydrawntohiskindness andeasygoingspirit.Aboveall,hewasa devotedhusband,alovingfather,anda proudandadoringgrandfatherwhotreasuredeverymomentspentwithhisfamily. Hislegacyoflove,laughterandservicewill liveonintheheartsofallwhoknewhim.

Inadditiontohisparents,Obergwas precededindeathbyhissister,JoannToner, in2017.Heissurvivedbyhislovingand devotedwife,MaryA.Oberg;histwosons, ChuckSmith(andAlicia)andJasonSmith (andPamela);andhischerishedgrandchildren,Isabella(andMatthew),Nathan, AshlynandCharlie;aswellasmanynieces andnephews.

Aservicewillbeheldat11a.m.onFriday,Feb.27,2026,atDelawareVeterans MemorialCemetery,26669PatriotsWay, Millsboro,Del.Inlieuofflowers,thefamily suggestedmemorialcontributionsin Oberg’snametoMasonDixonVFWPost 7234,29265MarshyHopeWay,Ocean View,DE19970.Condolencesmaybesent byvisiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

MaryEugenia‘Genie’ GardinerZavodny,77

Itiswithdeepsorrowthatherfamily announcedthepassingofMaryEugenia “Genie”GardinerZavodny,77,ofSelbyville,Del.,whodepartedthislifeonFeb. 9,2026.ShewasbornonJune4,1948,in

Baltimore,Md.,tothelateLawrenceEugeneGardinerandMaryEllen(Smith) Gardiner.

Shedevotedherlifetoherfamilyand hercareerasaregisterednurse,mostrecentlyservingatMedStarHospital.She wasacherishedmemberoftheSt.Luke CatholicChurchcommunity.Shetouched thelivesofmanywithherkindnessand compassion.

Inadditiontoherparents,Zavodnywas precededindeathbyasister,DorothyGardinerAllen;brother,E.HayesGardiner; andniece,MichelleZavodnyOdle.She leavesbehindherbelovedhusband, MichaelJ.Zavodny;hersons,MichaelJ. ZavodnyJr.ofLutherville,Md.,and MatthewAustinZavodny(andBrittany) ofSelbyville,Del.;sister,AnnGardinerCobb;niecesandnephews,KimberlyRoss, CeceliaHagan,KathleenAllen,Richard Gardiner,ThomasGardiner,C.Bradley Castoro,DanielCastoro,RichardZavodny andAimeeYardley.

AMassofChristianBurialwasplanned forFriday,Feb.13,2026,atSt.Luke CatholicChurch,9903CoastalHwy., OceanCity,Md.Burialwastotakeplaceat St.JohnEvangelistCatholicChurch CemeteryinHydes,Md.,atalaterdate.In lieuofflowers,donationsmaybemadein Zavodny’smemorytoLittleSistersofthe PoorBaltimore,St.Martin’sHome,601 MaidenChoiceLane,Baltimore,MD 21228,orbyvisitingLittlesistersofthepoorbaltimore.org.Condolencesmaybesentby visitingwww.bishophastingsfh.com.

DELAWARE RESORTS

Cairo’sCorner

Thereishelpforyourlowerbackpain

ByBobCairo SpecialtotheCoastalPoint

Areyoustrugglingwithlowerbackpain? You’renotalone.I’mseeingasteadystream ofpatientswhoaredealingwiththepain andlimitationsthatlowerbackpaincan cause.

Thedatashowsusjusthowbigaproblemitisforsomanyofus.Accordingtothe NationalInstituteofHealth’s(NIH)the NationalInstituteofArthritis&Musculoskeletal&SkinDiseases(NIAMS),65 millionpeoplereportarecentproblemwith backpaineachyear.

Lookatitthisway:Studiesconsistently showthatalmost8outof10peoplewillexperiencebackpainatsomepointintheir lives.And,folks,don’tbuyintothatnonsenseaboutthisbeingaproblemthat’slimitedtoolderpeople.It’snot.Therealityis thatpeopleofallagesexperienceit.

Withexpertstellingussomanyofus willhaveaproblematsomepointinour lives,it’simportantforyoutoknowthe facts.That’swhyyouandIaregoingtotake alooktogether,soyouhavetheinformation youneedtohelpyourselfandthoseyoucare about.

Youmaynotrealizeit,butyourlower backhasjustfivevertebrae,andyourpelvis connectstoit.Thebigpictureshowsyou justhowbigadealitis,becauseyourspine literallybearstheweightofyourentirebody. Nopunintended,butwithallthat’sriding onyourlowerback,there’salotatstakein termsofyourmobilityandqualityoflife.

Whatcausesbackpain?That’sthequestionmostpeopleask,andthelistofcausesis alongone.Amongtheleadingcausesare strains,sprainsorinjurytothemuscles, nervesandligamentsofthelowerback.It couldbetheresultofliftingsomethingimproperlyorsomethingtooheavyforyou.It couldbeafallthatledtoyourlowerback issue.I’veseenpatientswholiftedayoungsterandhavebeenleftwithseriouslower backpain.

Itcanalsohappenduetooveruse,which resultsfromarepetitiveactivitythatcanbe associatedwithsports,ahobbyorperformingawork-relatedtask.Someofthecauses surprisepeople,becausetheycomefrom whatseemstobebasiceverydayactivities.

Youcouldbebendingoverthesinkto brushyourteeth.Youcouldsneezeorcough. Youcanalsosufferfromlowerbackpainbecauseyouwerereachingforsomethingand stretchedtoofar,youtriedtoreachsomethinguponashelf,orevenfromtwisting aroundtohearsomethingsaidtoyoufrom someonewalkingbehindyou.Manypeople experiencebackpainfrominflammatory conditions,suchasarthritis.Evenpregnancy

canbetheculprit.Lifestyleissues,suchas obesity,canbetherootcause,too.

Youmightthinkthiscauseiscommonsense,butanumberofpeopledon’trealize thatifyouaren’tstayingactive,poorcore strengthcanresult,andthatmeansyoucan’t properlysupportyourspine.

Let’sputthatintoperspective.Ifyouare oneofthosepeoplewhoareinactivemostof theweekandthenheadoutontheweekend toplayaphysicallydemandingsportorgo foralongworkoutatthegym,you’reatseriousrisk.

Letmebeclearhere:Thesearesomeof themosttypicalcauses,butthelistgoeson andon.Thatsaid,thisshouldgiveyoua goodsenseofjusthowmanypotential causescanhaveyoudealingwiththeserious discomfortandlimitationsthatcomewith lowerbackpain.

Howdoyouknowthatwhatyou’reexperiencingisduetoalowerbackissue?I wishIhadasimpleanswerforyou,but thereisn’tone.Thereisasbigalistofsymptomsasthereiscauses.Thesymptomscan involvelowerbackpainthatcancomeon gradually,orsuddenlyfromoneofthose movementswewerejusttalkingabout.

Dependingonthecause,paincanbe achyanddullorquiteacute.Musclespasms, forexample,canresultinpainthatisjust plainterrible.Youmayexperiencepainthat affectsyourbuttocks,groin,hipsorupper thighandtravelsdownalegandintoafoot.

Youmayalsoexperiencetinglinganda burningsensation,numbnessorweakness thatimpactsyourlegsorfeet.

Somepeoplereportthattheyfeelthe discomfortmoreseverelywhentheyareina specificposition,suchaslyingdown.Many peoplehavesuchseriouspainthatitisdifficulttostandorwalk.Somefolksfindthey areinsuchsignificantpainthattheycan’t move.Sleepingcanbeverydifficult,too,becauseitcanbesotoughtofindaposition thatiscomfortable.

Whatseemstobeonethingeveryone whohaslowerbackpain,orhasexperienced it,canagreeonisthatitismiserableandcan totallydisruptyourlife.

ThisiswhereItellyouwhatIsooften tellyouhereintheCoastalPoint,butit’sso criticalthatIamgoingtotellyouagain:Go toyourdoctor.It’sthefirstandmostimportantstepyouneedtotake,becauseyouneed aproperdiagnosis.Thisishowyouwillbe equippedtounderstandwhatyou’redealing withandhowtomoveforwardwitharecoveryplanthatisdesignedtogetyouback ontrack.

Dothebasicstoprepareforthatappointmentwithyourmedicalprofessionalby gettingyourfactstogether.Writedownthe importantdetails,suchaswhendidyour backpainbegin?Diditcomeonsuddenly? Wereyoudoingaspecificactivitywhenthe painfirstoccurred?Besureyoualsowrite downallthesymptoms,andifyou’vehad

backissuesinthepast,writedownthedetailsonthataswell.

Howsevereisthepain?Don’tforgetyou needtoshareanyupdatesonyourhealth andincludealistofmedicationsandsupplements.Thisgivesyourdoctorkeyinformationthatmakesadifferenceinevaluating yourproblem.Yourdoctorwilllikelyperformathoroughexaminationandmayconductsometeststocometoadiagnosis.

Don’tbesurprisedifyourdoctorwants youtogetphysicaltherapy.Amajorityof doctorswillreferyouforphysicaltherapy, becauseithasproventobeanimportantapproachforeffectivelytreatingbackpainand supportingpatientsinachievingtheirbest possibleoutcome.

Whenyoumeetwithyourphysicaltherapist,yourdoctorwillhavelikelysharedyour recordsasabasisfromwhichtoworktoaddressboththeimmediateproblemandprovideanapproachforthelongterm.Your doctorandphysicaltherapistwillcontinueto shareinformation,whichisforyourbenefit.

Whenyouarriveforyourfirstappointment,it’simportantthatyoutalktoyour physicaltherapistaboutyourfeelingsand concerns.It’ssomethingyouneedtodo throughoutyourphysicaltherapyprogram. YouknowIamabigfanofworkingtogetherasateam.Communicatingisvery importantsoyoucanshareyoursensitivities andbuildyourrelationshipasyouworktogetherforthebestpossibleresults.

Physicaltherapytreatmentscenterona combinationofelementsthattogetherwork toreducepain,increaseyourmobilityand function,strengthenthemusclesthatsupportthespineandworktorestoreyourabilitytodoyournormalactivities.

Wefindthataftercompletingtheir physicaltherapytreatmentprogram,many peoplelookforexerciseprogramsthathelp themavoidproblemsinthefuturebymaintainingtheirbackhealth.AsIhaveshared withyoubefore,somephysicaltherapists willoffergroupexerciseprograms,likewe dohereatTidewater.Theprogramyoufollowshouldbecustomizedforyourparticular needs,becauseitmusttakeintoaccountany otherhealthandmobilityissues.Tobeeffective,itmustworkforyou.

There’snoquestionthatbackpain’s physicalandemotionalimpactcanbedevastating.Youshouldnotletyourdaysbedefinedbyit.Don’twastetime.Takecontrol andgetthehelpyouneedtogetthemost outofeveryday.I’mrootingforgooddecisionsthatgiveyouthebestoutcomesforthe greatestqualityoflife.Don’tsettleforanythingless.

BobCairoisalicensedphysicaltherapistat TidewaterPhysicalTherapy.Hecanbereached bycalling(302)537-7260.

UNCH: $14 HAN HAPPY HOUR 3: 1/2 PRIC L NDHELDS 6PM S + $ CED BUR 6PM S $6 SELE

SIC: TH S C HE G–MEN! (FEB , $ COS 19) (FEB B $13 QUESADILLA L A A LIVE MU . 1 Y (FEB WKINS ( SIC: SH

SIC: KE S CUT SUNN C HOR ENNY RIGGS (F WER U ( NY (FEB FEB RS TRIO (FEB ) L L s . LIVE MU VIS (FEB LIVE MU sunday $ 28) B SHES & MORE EF FLA K US $12 CHE $2 BUC

LBLionsannouncerafflewinners

TheLordBaltimoreLionsClub thisweekannouncedthewinnersof itsBeOurGuestsraffle.

“Februaryisamonthmarkedby heartsandtheLordBaltimoreLions Clubwouldliketoacknowledgethe generousheartsofourcommunity forthecontinuedsupportofour fundraisingraisingefforts,including ourrecent2025BeOurGuestsraffle,”representativessaid.

Thefirst-prizebasketofgiftcards anddonationsfromlocalmerchants wenttoMatthewWilleyofBethany Beach.Thesecondprizeofa$250 VisacardwenttoChrisCopelandof Selbyville.

Allprofitsfromtherafflegoto benefittheLordBaltimoreLions’ communitysupportactions,including,butnotlimitedto:eyecare,visionresearch,diabetesawareness, LeaderDogfortheBlind,theMargaretH.RollinsSchoolofNursing, drugprevention/awareness,FeedMy Sheep,Adopt-a-Family,Cops& Goblins,SpecialOlympics,Ramps fortheDisabled,OperationSEAs theDayandmedicalequipment availability.

OldeTymerSoftballLeague playerscontributetoISSA tournamentvictory

SeveralOldeTymerSoftballLeague playersrecentlyhelpedtheRobinson’s Furniture70+seniormen’ssoftballteam capturetheInternationalSeniorSoftball Association(ISSA)WorldTournament ofChampionsseniortournament,Jan. 27-29,inTampa,Fla.

Foundedin1988,theOldeTymers SoftballLeagueisforplayers60orolder, whoperformfromMayuntilafterLabor Dayattheir“FieldofDreams”complex inDagsboro,locatedbehindtheChurch ofGodonRoute113.

ShortstopLouFedericoofSelbyville, middleinfielderFrankKiernanofMillvilleandthird-basemanMikeGallagher wereeachnamedtotheAll-Tournament Team.MarkPotterwasvotedthetournament’sMostValuablePlayerafterbatting animpressive.833forthetournament.

ThevictoriousOTSsquad,whichwas sponsoredbyBuddyRobinsonofLewes andRobinsonFurnitureinOxford,Pa., battledteamsfromSouthCarolina, MichiganandMinnesota.Eachteamhad qualifiedforthetourneybywinningtheir regionalcompetitions.

Indouble-eliminationpoolplay,OTS defeatedMinnesota23-14andMichigan 20-7.Inthechampionshipround,they againdefeatedMinnesota,19-12,towin thetitle.

Thefirst-prizewinner,left,ofabasketofgiftcardsanddonationsfromlocalmerchants,MatthewWilleyofBethanyBeach,celebrateshiswinwithLordBaltimoreLionsClubPresidentThrynnKirby.Right,ChrisCopelandofSelbyvilleacceptshissecond prizeofa$250VisacardfromLordBaltimoreLionsClubPresidentThrynnKirby.

Calendar ThroughMarch12

ViewtheTinyArtShow— Winnershave beenannouncedforthe2026TinyArt Show:BethanyBeachMemories,co-sponsoredbytheSouthCoastalLibraryandthe TownofBethanyBeach.Theshowwillbe displayedatthelibraryduringopenhours throughMarch12,2026.Admissionis free!SouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAve, BethanyBeach,DE19930.

February19

CashBingo— FriendsoftheSelbyvillePublicLibraryishavingaCashBingoatthe SelbyvilleElksLodge2173.Theeventis opentothepublic.Doorsopenat5:30 p.m.,andthefirstgamestartsat7p.m. Foodisavailablefromthekitchenthrough intermission.AllproceedsbenefittheSelbyvillePublicLibrary.Formoreinformation, call(919)601-4960.

BabyBees— JoinFrankfordPublicLibrary onThursdaysat11a.m.foraBabyBees StoryTimeforchildren,ages0to3.Stories,songs,andinteractiveplaypromote earlyliteracyandengagementwithother childreninarelaxedsett inginthechildren'sroom.Registrationisnotrequired. Questions,pleasecallus:302-732-9351. We'reonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryand Instagram@frankfordlibrary.

Let’sPlayGames:ForAdults— Join FrankfordPublicLibraryonThursdaysat1 p.m.toplaygamessuchasdominoes,

Scrabble,andcardgames.Call302-7329351orvisitusonlineat frankford.lib.de.us.FindusonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

SongsofFreedom—Co deSongsfrom theUndergroundRailroad— LindaHarris,ProgramDirectorofTheHarrietTubmanMuseumandEducationalCenter,and herhusbandDavidB.Colewillperform 'CodeSongs'—thesecretiveandspiritual musicusedbyHarrietTubmanandother freedomseekerstocommunicateduring theirdangerousjourneys—atFrankford PublicLibraryat5p.m.HarrisandCole's performancebringstolifethestoriesof HarrietTubmanandtheFreedomSeekers, usingtraditionalco desongs,modern melodies,andauthenticnarration.Harris's workisatestamenttotheenduringlegacy oftheUndergroundRailroadandtheimportanceofpreservingitshistorythrough music.Thisprogramisappropriateforall ages.Registrationisrequested.Youcan signuponlinebyvisitingusat frankford.lib.de.us.orcall302-732-9351. PleasefindusonFacebook@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

SevenWeekStudy— Therewillbea se ven-weekstudy,everyThursdayfrom 10:30a.m.tonoon,inWesleyHallatMillvilleUnitedMethodistChurch.Itiscalled, “WhatHappensWhenWeDie”anditexplorestheevidenceofNearDeathExperiences(NDEs)andcomparesthemwith

scripturetounderstandwhatwecanexpecttoseeandexperienceimmediately afterourbodiesdie.ThetextisJohn Burke’s“ImagineHeaven”andtheclass willbeledbyRev.Dr.BruceA.Jones,aretiredpastor.

February20

BlackFamilyHistoryResearch— ArepresentativefromtheDelawarePublic Archiveswillpresentafreeclassonthe resourcesavailablethroughtheArchives forresearchingBlackfamilyhistorywithin Delaware,atSouthCoastalLibraryat3 p.m.Learntechniquestounearthcrucial detailsaboutformerlyenslavedancestors andDelaware’srichhistoryoffreeblack communities.Registrationisappreciated andavailableatsouthcoastal.lib.de.usor byphoneat302-858-5518.Walk- insacceptedifspaceallows.Hostedbythe SouthCoastalLibrary,BethanyBeach,DE.

February21

AntiqueMarketShowatLibrary— The FriendsoftheMillsboroPublicLibrarywill hostanAntiquesMarketShowonSaturday, Feb.21,from9:30a.m.to1:30p.m.The communityisinvitedtobringtheirtreasurestothelibrarytoreceiveaverbal,fair marketappraisalofalltypesofantiques andcollectables,includingfineart,jewelry, sterling,coinsandcurrency.Forafee ,attendeeswillbeabletohaveuptothree

itemsappraisedpersittingwiththeappraiser.Appraisalswillbeperformedby CharleneUphamandSteveBlumenauerof CharleneUphamAntiquesinMardela Springs,Md.,withover46yearsofexperience.Ofthefees,100percentoftheproceedswillsupportchildren’ssummer events.Cash,checks,orcreditcardswill beaccepted.(SnowdateisFeb.28.)

LegoClub— Letyourchild'simagination runwildatLEGOClub,atSouthCoast alLibraryat10a.m.!Ateachprogram,we'll focusonanewtheme,andLEGOsareprovided.Forages6-11years.Registrationis requiredandavailableathttps://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling302-8585518.Walk-insacceptedifspaceallows. HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary,43 KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE19930

February23

BlackHistoryMonthFamilyScavenger Hunt— CelebrateAfricanAmericanHistoryallmonthlongwithafamily-friendly readingchal lengeandscavengerhuntat FrankfordPublicLibrary.Familiescanexplorelocalhistorybyvisitingarealandmarks,andtheycanusethebooksand otheritemsinthelibrary'sarchivestodiscoverfascinatingfacts.Familieswhocompletethescavengerhuntcanearnprizes. Formoreinformation,call302-732-9351 orvisitfrankford.lib.de.us.Followuson

SeeCALENDARpageB13

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SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED

By Doug Peterson

SouthernDelaware Tourismannounces 2026photocontest

TocelebrateSouthernDelawareandto keepittopofmindthroughoutthewinter withvisitorsplanning2026travel,SouthernDelawareTourismislaunchingits10th AnnualSouthernDelawareTourismPhoto Contest.Bothlocalsandvisitorsarebeing invitedandencouragedtoenter. Entrieswillbeacceptedbeginningat midnightonJan.1,2026,through5p.m. onMarch6,2026,andwinnerswillbeannouncedFriday,March20,2026.Therewill beoneGrandPrize-winningphotoselectedfromallentries,aswellasonewinningphotoineachofthreecategories.

Thecategoriesare:

•SouthernDelawareDogDays— Sharephotosoffurryfriendsenjoyingthe outdoorsinSouthernDelaware,whether that’sonthebeachorboardwalk,ona restaurantpatio,inakayak,onahiking trail,atanevent,sharinganicecream, strollingthroughadowntown,wherever peopleandtheirbuddy(orbuddies!)have funhangingout.Entriesmustincludethe photolocation.Photosmustbetakenin SussexCounty.(Readtherequirementsfor modelreleasesiftheentriescontainrecognizablelikenessesofindividuals.)

•SouthernDelawareEvents—Share photosfromfestivals,artsandentertainmentevents,crawls,tours,parades,races andmore.Photosmustcontainatleastone personandbetakeninSussexCounty.Entriesmustincludephotolocations.(Read therequirementsformodelreleasesifthe entriescontainrecognizablelikenessesof individuals.)

•SouthernDelawareFreestyle—Share photosthatspeaktowhatyoulovemost aboutSouthernDelaware,thatcapturethe reasonsyou’vechosenthisveryspecialplace asyourgo-todestinationorhome.Entries mustincludethephotolocation.Photos mustbetakeninSussexCounty.(Readthe requirementsformodelreleasesiftheentriescontainrecognizablelikenessesofindividuals.)

Photocontestwinnerswillbeselected byTonyPrattandPamelaAquilani,SouthernDelaware(andbeyond)photographers. Alleligiblephotoentrieswillbefeaturedby SouthernDelawareTourismonitsInstagramfeed(@VisitSouthDel)withthe hashtag#SoDelPhotoContest2026and willbeconsideredfortheirnextVisitor Guidecover,aswellasforinclusiononthe SouthernDelawareSightspagesinthe nexthardcopyandthedigitalVisitor Guide.

TourismPartnershaveprovidedprizes, includingthephotocontestgrandprize. Thisyear’sGrandPrize-winningphotographerwillreceiveatwo-nightstayatthe BoardwalkPlazaHotelinRehoboth Beach,agiftcertificatefromHenlopen CityOysterHouse,agiftcertificatefrom DelmarvaBoardSportAdventuresandan annualDelawareStateParkspass.

ContinuingEvents

Clubs/Organizations

MarinesMeet— TheFirstStateDetachmentoftheMarineCorpsLeaguemeets onthefourthWednesdayofeachmonth attheDagsboroAmericanLegionPost 24.AnyMarinesandNavyCorpsmen whohaveservedintheCorps,andliving inSussexCounty,arewelcometojointo meettheirfellowveteransandconsider joiningtheorganization.Theirmissionis communityservicethroughcamaraderie andvolunteerism.Formoreinformation, call(571)332-8263.

Comm unityClub— TheSelbyvilleCommunityClubiswelcomingnewmembers,and meetsonthesecondThursdayofeach monthatSalemMethodistChurchat1 p.m.,withasocialhourfromnoonto1 p.m.Formoreinformation,visitselbyvillecommunityclub.orgoremailselbyvillewomensclub@gmail.com.

IntheGenes— SponsoredbytheLewes HistoricalSocietyandtheSussexCounty GenealogicalSociety,theGenealogistin ResidenceprogramisonthefirstSaturday ofeachmonthfrom 10a.m.to2p.m.in theReadingRoomattheLewesHistory Museum.MembersoftheSocietywillbe availabletohelpanyonewhohasquestionsabouttheirfamilytree.TheLewes HistoricalSocietyArchivesFamilyFileswill beavailableforresearch.Formoreinformation,visitthematscgsdelaware.orgor historiclewes.org.

Women’sCivicClub— TheWomen’sCivic ClubofBethanyBeachmeetsonthesecondThursdayofthemonthatCripple CreekCountryClubat10a.m.TheorganizationhasexpandedthroughoutSussex County,andhasbeenservingthecommunitysinceitsfoundingin1925.TheClub isanon-profitorganization,formedin friendshipanddedicatedtocivicandcharita blepurposesandtheeducationofits members.Formoreinformation,orifyou areinterestedinattending,sendanemail topatishelen@msn.com.

LordBaltimoreLionsClub— TheLord BaltimoreLionsClubmeetsthefirstand thirdWednesdayofeachmonthatBear TrapDunes.Thisisaserviceorganization thatperformsprojectsintheSussex countyarea.Formoreinformation,visit themonFacebook,atLordbaltimorelionsclub.orgorbyphoneat(301)543-0329.

RotaryMeets— SouthernSussexRotary meetsweeklyatDoyle’sRestaurantinSelbyvilleeveryThursdayat8a.m.Formore information,callBrendanCrottyat(302) 858-3234orvisit SouthernSussexRotary.org.

LordBaltimoreWomen’sClub— Organizedin1934,LordBaltimoreWomen’s Club(LBWC)iscelebratingits90thanniversaryofservicetoSussexCounty.

VIPMeets— VIPisasocialgroupforvisually-impairedpersons,andmeetsthefirst andthirdWednesdayofeachmonthatthe MastersoncenteratSt.An nChurchfrom 1to3p.m.Newmembersarewelcome. Formoreinformation,call/text/leavea messageat(240)315-4361.

LBWCisanon-profitorganizationwhich meetsthethirdMondayofeverymonth (SeptemberthroughJune)at11a.m.at CrippleCr eekGolf&CountryClubnear Dagsboro.Dedicatedtohelpingthelocal community,LBWCraisesfundsforeducationprojectsinlocalschools,scholarships forhighschoolstudents,veteran’sprogramsandothercharitableorganizations. Italsoprovidessocialopportunitiestofosterfriendship,camaraderieandindividual enrichmentamongitsmembers.Tolearn moreaboutLBWC,visitLbwclub.com.

BonsaiClub— TheSouthCoastalBonsai ClubmeetsthefirstWednesd ayofeach monthfrom10a.m.tonoonatInland BaysGardenCenter.

WritersGuild— TheRehobothBeachWritersGuildsponsorsaweeklytwo-hour FreeWritesessionintheconferenceroom attheMillvilleTownHallfrom9to11a.m. Participants,18andolder,ofallskilllevelscanpracticecreativewritingina friendlyandnurturingatmosphere.Attendanceisfree.Formoreinformation,email LynnMasseyatbookmom42@yahoo.com.

LegionAuxiliary— TheAmericanLegion Aux iliaryUnit24meetsthefirstTuesday ofeachmonthat5:30p.m.Ifyouarea memberorinterestedinjoining,pleaseattend.MeetingsareheldattheAmerican LegionPost24inDagsboro.

Women’sClubofIndianRiver— The Women’sClubofIndianRiver(WCIR)isa non-profitdedicatedtoservingthecommunitiesinandaroundtheIndianRiver.

WCIRraisesfundsandvolunteerstosupportlocalcharities,educationprojects, veterans,women’sempowermentandthe environment .Italsoprovidesanopportunityforindividualenrichmentandcamaraderieamongstitsmembers.Tolearn more,contactLynnat lthomp018@gmail.com.

SaltwaterFlyAnglersofDelaware— Fly fishermenandwomenofallagesandskill levelsareinvitedtoattendtheclub’s meetingsonthesecondWednesdayofthe month(FebruarythroughDecember)atthe RollingMeadowsClubhouseinLewesat7 p.m.Formoreinformation,anddirections, visitsfaod.com.

IrishMenMeet— Ifyo uareIrishbybirth ordescent,considerjoiningTheAncient OrderoftheHibernians.Theyarewelcomingnewmembers,andmeetonthesecondThursdayofeachmonthatSt. EdmondsHallinRehobothBeachat6p.m. Formoreinformation,visitaoh.com,call ortext(516)770-1822oremailpcurran43@aol.com.

PolishAmericanClub— ThePolishAmericanClubofDelmarvameetsthesecond WednesdayofeachmonthatColumbus Hall(behindSt.Luke’sChurch)inOcean City,Md.,from2 to4p.m.Formoreinformation,emailrwc21tbk@gmail.com.

LeathernecksMeet— TheDelmarva Leathernecks,atax-exemptfoundation, meetsthefirstWednesdayofeachmonth

SeeEVENTSpageB8

at5:30p.m.attheResidenceInnat300 SeabayLaneinOceanCity,Md.Youdon’t havetobeaveterantojoin—justapatriotinterestedinsupportingtheirmission ofservicetoveteransandworthycharities ontheeasternshoresofMaryland, DelawareandVirginia.

DARMeets— TheMajorNathanielMitchell ChapterofNSDARmeetsthesecondSaturdayofthemonth(throughMay)at9:45 a.m.attheMillsboroPublicLibrary. Prospectivemembersareinvitedtoattend andlearnabou tmembershipinthenonprofitpromotingpatriotism,historic preservationandeducation.Formoreinformation,contactmajornathanielmitchell@gmail.comorleavea textat(302)542-2296.

Drop-Ins

WethePeople— "WethePeople"isaneffortputtogetherbyBillMurphytocelebratepatriotismandcelebratetheflag,by

meetingattheBethanyBeachbandstand everyWednesdayat8:30a.m.tosupport themilitary,lawenforcementandfirefighterswhoserveandpro tect.Allarewelcome.

AdultTime— AdultscanstopintheSouth CoastalLibraryanytimethey’reopento workonjigsawpuzzles,playcheckersor color.Thisisfree,andallmaterialsare provided.

BookDonations— SouthCoastalLibrary onlyacceptsbookdonationsfrom2to4 p.m.onTuesdays.Thereisalistontheir website,southcoastal.lib.de.us,ofwhat theydoordon’taccept.

TeleserviceNavigators— TheGeorgetownPublicLibraryhostsTeleserviceNavigatorseve ryMondayfrom10a.m.to3 p.m.andeveryTuesdayfrom10a.m.to2 p.m.Gethelpwithvirtualresources,such astelehealthappointments,appointments withlawyersandsocialserviceappointmentsusingthenewTelehealthKiosk.A Navigatorwillbeatthelibrarytohelpset upvirtualappointments.Formoreinformation,call(302)856-7958,email georgetown.library@lib.de.usorvisitthe

libraryat123WPineSt.,Georgetown. LaEsperanzaintheLibrary/Biblioteca TheGeorgetownPublicLibraryhosts LaEsperanzaintheLibrary/Biblioteca everyWednesdayfrom3:30to6p.m.Déjenosayudarlea:completarsuspapeles, interpretarsuscartas,inscribirseenlaescuela,renovarsusdocumentos,crearuna vidamajor,ymuchomás.LaEsperanza: (302)854-9262.

PawsforPeopleReadingTime— The GeorgetownPublicLibraryhostsPawsfor PeopleonthefirstandthirdThursdaysof everymonthfrom4to5p.m.Readaloud toafurry,friendlyth erapycompanionto helpinspirealoveofreading.Offeredby PawsforPeople.Readersofallagesand stagesarewelcome.

ElementaryHomeschoolersProgram— TheGeorgetownPublicLibraryhostsits HomeschoolProgramonthethirdTuesday ofeverymonthat1p.m.Everymonth, theyofferadifferentactivityforelementary-school-agedchildren.

SocratesCafé— SocratesCaféisagroup ofindividualsfromdifferentbackgrounds thatdiscussphilosophicalideas.Meetings

arethethirdTuesdayofeachmonth,from 2to3:30p.m.attheBethanyBeach ChristianChurch.Everyoneiswelcome. Formoreinformation,callBonnieat5379440,orsendanemailto bonniejd.rae@gmail.com.

FlipFive— AmericanLegionAuxiliaryUnit 24inDagsboroishostingFlipFivegames onWednesdaynightsfrom6-8p.m.Participantsmustarriveat6p.m.tobeeligibleforwinner-take-allprize.Theeventis formembersandguestsonly.Youmustbe 18-plustoattendorp lay.Post24kitchen alsoservesfrom4-7p.m.Proceedsbenefit501(c)charities,withanemphasison veteranprogramsandcommunity.

WingNight— AmericanLegionPost24in DagsboroishostingWingNightevery Thursdayat6:30p.m.Opentomembers andguests.

SeafoodNight— AmericanLegionPost24 inDagsboroishostingSeafoodNight everyFridayfrom4:30to7:30p.m. Karaokefollowsfrom7to11p.m.Opento membersandguests.

DinnerNight— AmericanLegionPost24 inDagsb oroishostingdinnereverySaturdayfrom4:30to7:30p.m.DJ/Karaoke willperformfrom7to11p.m.Opento membersandguests.

CommunityLuncheon— TheMariners Bethel’sHopeCenterishostinglunch everyTuesdayfrom11:30a.m.to1p.m. Theyserveachoiceofhomemadesoups, freshsandwichesandhomemade desserts.Carry-outisalsoavailable.

ThriftShopOpen— TheBethelThriftShop willbeopenonWednesdaysandSaturdays,weatherpermitting,from10a.m.to 2p.m.The yhavealargeselectionofgifts, holidayitems,clothing,householdwares, toys,books,jewelryandmoretobenefit thechurch’sprojects.Donationsofitems areacceptedeachdaytheyareopen.The ThriftShopislocatedat111Hazzard StreetinDagsboro.Formoreinformation, call(302)519-2984.

CashBingo— OceanCityElksLodge2645 ishostingCashBingoeveryWednesday, anditisopentothepublic.Doorsopenat 5p.m.andtheBingostartsat6:30p.m. Foodisavailablef romthekitchenbefore Bingostartsandatintermission.Formore information,call(443)605-5028.

RollerSkatingatSalem— SalemChurch inSelbyvillewillhostroller-skatingonthe secondandfourthFridaysofthemonth from6:30to8p.m.Thereisa$1registrationfee.Rentalskatescomeinchild andadultsizes.Snacksanddrinksare availableforpurchase.TheyfollowtheIndianRiverSchoolDistrictincaseofinclementweather.Formoreinformation, visitthema twww.sumc.com.

TableMeals— SalemChurchinSelbyville willhostfreemealseveryWednesdayfrom 5to7p.m.Therewillbeadifferentmeal offeredeveryweek,anddine-inorcarryoutisavailable.Allmealsareservedwith drinks,saladsanddesserts.Thefirst Wednesdayofthemonthwillfeaturepork tenderloin,withmac&cheeseandgreen beans.ThesecondWednesdaywillfeature chickenanddumplings,greenbeans, mashedpotatoesandgravy.Thethird Wednesdaywillfea turelasagna,alfredo withchickenandbroccoli,breadandItalianweddingsoup.ThefourthWednesday willfeatureachickenlegquarterwith bakedbeansandcoleslaw.Thefifth Wednesdaywillbechef’schoice.

GriefShare— MarinersBethelGlobal MethodistChurchoffersafreeGriefShare supportgroupeverySundayfrom1to3 p.m.atthechurch.Therewillbevaluable guidanceandtipsondealingwiththeloss ofalovedone.Formoreinformation,call 539-9510.

Politics

DemsMeet— The41stDemocratRD meetsthethirdThursdayofeverymonth atPizzaKingRestaurantinMillsboroat6 p.m.ThisisopentoanyDemocrats.For moreinformation,callTomBrettat(443) 257-2061.

ShoreDems— TheShoreDemocrats meetsattheDenatBearTrapDunes clubhousefrom11a.m.to1:30p.m.on thethirdWednesdayofthemonth.This isasocialorganizationthateducates,informsandcreatescamaraderieamong theirmembersthroughmonthlylunch meetingsthatfeatureengagingspeak-

ers.Formoreinformation,visitshoredemocrats.com.

RepublicansMeet— The38thDistrictRepublicanClubmeetsthefirstMondayof themonth.Socialhoursbeginat6p.m., andthemeetin gstartspromptlyat6:30 p.m.Informationontheclubandmeetings canbefoundat38thdrcp.com,orthrough emailatinfo@38thdrcp.com.

DemocratsMeet— The38thRepresentativeDistrictDemocraticCommitteemeets thefirstWednesdayofeverymonthat5 p.m.Formoreinformation,updateson speakersandmeetinglocations,visit deldems38.orgoremailthemat Deldems38@gmail.com.

SussexRepublicansMeet— TheSussex CountyRepublicanCommitteemeetsthe secondMond ayofeverymonthatthe Millsborofirehall.Meetingsstartpromptly at6:30p.m.andallarewelcome.Informationonmonthlyguestspeakers,legislativeupdatesandmeetingupdatescan befoundatsussex.gop

DemocratsMeet— The4thRepresentative DistrictDemocraticCommitteemeetsthe thirdTuesdayofeverymonth.Socialhours

beginat5p.m.,andthemeetingstartsat 6p.m.Thebusinessmeetingisopentoall registeredDemocrats.Formoreinformation,visitrd4d eldems.org.

RepublicanWomenMeet— TheSussex CountyRepublicanWomen’sClubmeets onthefourthWednesdayofeachmonth onthesecondfloorofNicola’sPizzain Lewes.Check-inbeginsat4:45p.m.for dinner,andthemeetingstartsat5:30 p.m.Thecostis$40.RSVPbythe15thof eachmonthtoinfo@scrwc.net.Theorganizationeducates,informsandcreatesfellowshipwithlike-mindedpeople.Formore information,visitscrwc.netoremailthem atinfo@scrwc.net.

Fitness/Health/Dance

TuningUptheTemple— Mariners BethelGMChosts“TuningUptheTemple”exercise/fitnessclassesonMondays,WednesdaysandFridays,from 8:30to9:45a.m.atTheHopeCenter. Theclassesaresession-based,not drop-in,socontactCarolLynchat(302) 745-8237orcklynch03@gmail.comfor moredetailsontheseclasses.

YogaClasses— MarinersBethelGMC hostsyogaclassesat5p.m.on WednesdaysintheArmorRoom,upstairsinthechurchbuilding,with He atherMurphy.Yogaisalsoofferedon Saturdayat9:30a.m.withMicoleLinehan.Thedrop-infeeforyogais$7. Classesareopentothecommunityand allarewelcome.

ZumbaClass— MarinersBethelChurchis holdingazumbaexerciseclassinthe HopeCentergymeveryMonday,WednesdayandFridayat10a.m.Thereisa$8 drop-infee.Noregistrationisnecessary, andallarewelcome.Formoreinformation,sendanemailto zumbabyjo@gmail.com.

MultipleMyelomaSupport— The Del awareMultipleMyelomaSupportGroup meetsthethirdSaturdayofeverymonth viaZoomfrom1to3p.m.Formoreinformation,contactSueIwahashiatmyelomaemailsue@gmail.com.

LineDancing— CapeHenlopenSenior Centerishostingline-dancingclasseson Mondays.Beginnersclassestakeplaceat 10a.m.,andImproversareat11a.m.For moreinformation,call(302)227-2055.

Al-Anon— Al-Anonisasupportgroupforthe familiesandfriendsofalcoholics.Meetings areheldeveryTuesday,from7to8:30p.m., atOceanViewPresbyterianChurch.For moreinformation,visitovpc.org.

ArgentineTango— TheLewesSeniorActivityCenterishostingArgentineTangoDancingonTuesdays,from7to9p.m.Adultsof allagesarewelcome,andnoexperienceor partnerisrequired.Thereisa$5fee,butthe firstvisitisfree.Enterthroughthebackdoor ofthefacility.Formoreinformation,visitthe grouponlineatTangoByTheBeach.com.

GeorgetownWalkers— TheGeorgetown PublicLibraryhostGPLWalkerseveryMondayat9a.m.Thewalkingclubgoesto SandhillFieldsfora30-to40-minutewalk, weatherpermitting.Thetrailbeginsatthe Murray’sLaneParkinglot,109-199Murrays Lane.Formoreinformation,call(302)8567958,emailgeorgetown.library@lib.de.usor visitthelibraryat123WPineSt.,Georgetown.

Tai-ChiClasses— BethelMethodistChurch inDagsboroishostingfreeTai-Chiclasses onTuesdaysandThursdaysfrom10to11 a.m.Thisisopentothepublic,andallare welcome.Organizersdecribedtheclassesas “easy,”andcasualattireissuggested.For moreinformation,call(302)519-2984.

StrokeSupport— Astrokesupportgroup meetsatPAMHealthRehabilitationHospital ofGeorgetownonthesecondTuesdayof everymonthat2p.m.Theclasswillconsist oflinkingintotheJeffersonHealthStroke supportGroupandalsohavein-personsupport.Reservationsarerecommended,but walk-insarewelcome.Formoreinformation, call(302)440-4866.

Alzheimer’sCaregiversMeeting— AmeetingforAlzheimer’scaregiversisheldthefirst andthirdThursdaysofeverymonthatthe OceanViewCHEERCenterat1p.m.The meetingslastforuptotwohours.

Pickleball— TheHopeCenteratMariners BethelishostingpickleballeveryMonday, WednesdayandFridayfrom11:30a.m.to 2:30p.m.

Al-AnonFamilyGroups— Al-Anonisasupportgroupforfamilyandfriendsofalcoholics.Thegroupsaysyouneverhavetobe aloneagain.Al-AnonFamilyGroupsmeetat OceanViewPresbyterianChurcheveryTues-

Photocontest

ContinuedfrompageB6

Photocontestindividualcategoryprizes include:

•SouthernDelawareDogDays—The winneroftheSouthernDelawareDog Dayscategorywillreceiveatwo-nightstay attheHamptonInnRehobothBeach(petfriendly),aWoody’sDeweyBeachgiftcertificate,aP.U.P.S.ofLewesgiftcertificate andaDelawareStateParkspass.

•SouthernDelawareEvents—The winneroftheSouthernDelawareTourism’s Eventscategorywillreceiveatwo-night stayatHyattPlaceDeweyBeach,agift certificatetoNaluSurfBar&Grill,agift

certificatefromtheMiltonTheatreanda DelawareStateParkspass.

•SouthernDelawareFreestyle—The winneroftheSouthernDelawareFreestyle categorywillreceiveatwo-nightstayat StaybridgeSuitesRehobothBeach,a SoDelConceptsgiftcard,agiftcertificate forClearSpaceTheatreandaDelaware StateParkspass.

Tofindcontestrulesandentryinstructionsandtouploadentries,goto https://visitsoutherndelaware.com/southern-delaware-tourism-photo-contest.Be suretoreadallentryandeligibilityrules andrequirementspriortouploadingentries.Winnerswillbenotifiedviaemailon Friday,March20,2026.

CrosswordAnswersfromB6

Fillinthegridsothateveryrow,everycolumnandevery 3x3 gridcontainsthedigits1through9.Thatmeansthat no numberisrepeatedinanyrow,columnorbox.

Copyright©KevinStone[www.brainbashers.com]

dayfrom7to8p.m.

YogaSessions— St.Martha’sEpiscopal ChurchishostingYogaonMondaysat9:30 a.m.

BilliardsatIRSeniorCenter— TheIndian RiverSeniorCenterhostsabilliards8-Ball LeagueonMondaysandTuesdaysat8:30 a.m.,anditsbilliardsScotsDoublesLeague onThursdaysat9a.m.forseniorcenter members.

Tai-ChiatIRSeniorCenter— TheIndian RiverSeniorCenterhostsTaiChiat10a.m. onMondaysforseniorcentermembers.

SeniorStrength&BalanceatIRSC— The IndianRiverSeniorCenterhostsSenior Strength&BalanceonMondaysat1:30 p.m.andFridaysat10a.m.forseniorcenter members.

LaBlastFitnessatIRSC— TheIndianRiver SeniorCenterhostsLaBlastFitnessonMondaysat2:15p.m.forseniorcentermembers.

ChairYogaatIRSC— TheIndianRiverSeniorCenterhostschairyogaat9:30a.m.on Tuesdaysforseniorcentermembers.

ZumbaatIRSeniorCenter— TheIndian RiverSeniorCenterhostsZumbaat11a.m. onFridaysforseniorcentermembers.

Hobby/Craft

NeedlepointGuild— Delaware’s SeashoreChapterofTheAmerican NeedlepointGuildmeetsonthefirst Mondayofthemonthfrom10a.m.to2 p.m.attheGeorgetownPublicLibrary. Bringingaboxlunchisencouraged. Newmembersarealwayswelcome.For

details,sendanemailtothechapterat delawaresseashorechapter@needlepoint.o rg.

RadioOperators— AnyHamradiooperator,orpeoplewantingtomeetand greetothers,cangettogether atthe MillsboroPizzaKingonThursdaysat 8:30a.m.TheARRLSectionManager usuallyattends.Formoreinformation, contactJackMagarat k8uyc80@gmail.com.

PenPalProgram— ThankstoapartnershipbetweenSouthCoastalLibrary, KentCountyLibraryandWellingtonCity Libraries,youcannowcommunicateby letterwithaNewZealander.Thisisa funwaytolearnaboutanothercountry andmakeanewfriend.Allinternational postageishandled,andyoucanbringin andpick upyourlettersatthelibrary. Formoreinformationandregistration, visitthemat delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/1136 6626orcall(302)858-5518.

BookDiscussion— TheGeorgetown PublicLibraryhostsitsWednesday MorningBookDiscussiononthefourth Wednesdayofeverymonthat10:15 a.m.Booksareavailableforpickupeach monthatthelibrary.

OpenArtforAdults— TheGeorgetown libraryishostingOpenArtforAdultson Thursdays,from1:30to3:30p.m.Brin g yourcreativityandyourownartsupplies, whetheritisoilpastels,watercolor,clay, penandpaper—allmediumswelcome. Thisisanopenevent,andachanceto meetotherartists.Noexperienceisnecessary.Thelibrarywillnotbeableto providesupplies,sobringyourown.This isopentoadultsonly.

Music

MusicJam— St.MatthewsBytheSea UnitedMethodistChurchishostinga MusicJamonthefirstandthirdFridays ofthemonthat4p.m.Alllevelsare welcome.

Women’sACa pellaChorus— Achapter ofSweetAdelinesInternationalInc. holdsrehearsalseveryMondayevening from6to8p.m.intheOceanPines (Md.)CommunityCenter.Theyarelookingforladieswholovetosing.Members comefromMarylandandDelaware.For moreinformation,callElissaat(410) 641-8050,findthemonsocialmediaor visitdelmarvachorus.org.

Museums/Displays

RailroadMuseum— TheDelawareSeasideRailroadClubhouseisaninteractive museumofmodelrailroading,andislocatedat36668DuPontBoulevard,in Selbyville.Theyareopentothepublic everyWednesdayfrom5to7p.m.,and everySaturday,from10a.m.to3p.m. Admissionisfree.Formoreinformation, visitthemonlineatdelawareseasiderailroadclub.com.

Dinker-IrvinMuseum— TheBethany BeachMuseumatDinker-IrvinCottageis opentothepubliccurrentlyonSaturdays from11a.m.to1p.m.Duringsummer months,fromMaythroughSeptember, hoursareMonday,Wedne sdayandFriday, from10a.m.tonoon.Privatetoursare availablebyappointment.Interested groupsof10-15maycall(302)5398725.Admissiontothemuseumisfree, andparkingisavailableinfrontofthe museum.Themuseumisnothandicap-

accessible.Formoreinformation,visitonlineattownofbethanybeach.com,and clickunder“Residents/History/TownMuseum.”

NanticokeIndianMuseum— TheNanticokeIndianMuseumistheonlyNative AmericanmuseuminDelawar e,andis listedintheNationalRegisterofHistoric Places,alongwithbeingpartofthe DelawareHistoryTrail.Themuseumis open10a.m.to4p.m.TuesdaystoSaturdays.Admissionis$5perperson.For moreinformation,visit nanticokeindians.org/locations/nanticokeindian-museum.

Faith

CommunityBibleStudy— GraceUnited MethodistChurchinMillsboroishosting aBibleStudyWednesdaymorningsfrom 10a.m.tonoon.Formoreinformation, andtoregister,visit sussexcounty.cbsclass.org.

CommunityBibleStudy— Community BibleStudy,focusingontheBookof Psalms,willmeeteveryThursdayat MarinersBethelintheFellowshipHall from6:30to8:30p.m.Toregister,go onlinetobethanybeacheve.cbsclass.org.

BibleStudy— SalemChurchinSelbyville ishostingBiblestudyeveryThursdayat 10a.m.

WomenofFaith— Thewomen’sgroup meetsthefirstMondayofthemonthat SalemChurchinSelbyvilleat6:30p.m. Formoreinformatio n,visitsumc.com.

MenofChrist— Themen’sgroupmeets thesecondMondayofthemonthat SalemChurchinSelbyvilleat6:30p.m. Formoreinformation,visitsumc.com.

Facebook@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

PurposefulPlayforPreschoolers— Preschoolchildrenandtheircaregiverscan exploreSTEAMthemesthroughhands-on playatFrankfordPublicLibraryat11a.m. Comeinanddiscoverwhatwe’reallabout. Free!Allmaterialsareprovided.Registrationisrequired.Call302-732-9351or visitusonlineatfrankford.lib.de.us.Find usonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlib rary.

HooksandNeedles— JoinFrankfordPublicLibraryonMondaysat1p.m.forafun afternoonofknittingandcrocheting.All levelsarewelcome.Call302-732-9351or visitusonlineatfrankford.lib.de.us.Find usonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

GentleYogaFlow— JoinSarahSchaber, RYT-500certifiedyogainstructor,fora free,one-hourGentleFlowYogaclassat SouthCoastalLibraryat10:15a.m.Ideal forbeginners,seniors,an danyonelooking foraslowerflowpractice.Wewilllearn breathingtechniques,postures,andexercisestopromoteflexibilityandstrength, balance,andrelaxation.Pleasebringa yogamatortowelfromhome.Theinstructoralsorecommends4-inch-deepfoam yogablocks.Ifyouareunabletogetonto theflooreasily,donotworry,wewillprovidechairs.Thereareoptionsforall!Registrationopensat12p.m.onFeb.9andis availableatwww.southcoastal.lib.de.us or bycalling302-858-5518Walk-insacceptedifspaceallows.Hostedbythe SouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue, BethanyBeach,DE19930

February24

FirstStepsinWatercolors— Learnthe basics,asyouexplorethebeautyofpaintingwithwatercolors,atFrankfordPublic Libraryat10:30a.m.We'llfocusonadifferenttechniquetopicduringeachsession asyoucreateyourmasterpiece.Allsupplieswillbeprovided.Registrationrequired.Call302-732-9351orvi situs onlineatfrankford.lib.de.us.FindusonFB

@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram @frankfordlibrary.

WatercolorPaintingClass— Joinartist JenellHartleforafreeintroductorywatercolorclass,atSouthCoastalLibraryat2 p.m..Paintyourownbluecrab!Allmaterialsareprovided.Ages18+.Registrationis requiredandopensat2pmonFeb.17at https://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling 302-858-5518.(Onlineregistration stronglyrecommended. )Walk-insaccepted ifspaceallows.HostedbytheSouth CoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue,Bethany Beach,DE19930

PAWSforReading— Snuggleupwitha friendly,well-traineddogandpractice readingaloudinafun,supportiveway,at SouthCoastalLibraryat4p.m.!Eachchild gets10minutesofone-on-onereading time.Bringyourfavoritebookorchoose onefromthelibrary.Perfectforages5+. Free,mustcall(302)858-5518toregister. HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary,4 3 KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE19930 https://southcoastal.lib.de.us

February25

WinterLectureSeries— IndianRiverLifeSavingStationinvitesthepublictogetout ofthehouseonWednesdayeveningsat5 p.m.andlearnfromavarietyofexpertsin variousfieldsrangingfromlocalhistoryto Delaware’snaturalresources.Visitthe DelawareSeashoreStateParkFacebook pageforupdatesineachweek’stopics. Lecturesarefreetoattend,butspaceis limitedsopre-re gistrationisrequiredby calling302-227-6991.

MahJonggOpenPlay— FrankfordPublic Library’sMahJongggroupplaysWednesdaysat1p.m.forcasualplay.Registration isnotrequired,butpriorplayingexperienceispreferred.Call302-732-9351or visitusonlineatfrankford.lib.de.us.Find usonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

MusicwithMr.Dave— Musicw/Mister Daveinvitespreschoolerstosing,move, andhavefunthroughmusi c,atSouth CoastalLibraryat10:30a.m.!Thisinteractiveprogramencouragescreativity,coordination,andjoyfulparticipationforyoung

SeeCALENDARpageB14

Donations will be accepted in the library on Tuesdays from 2 4 pm

Please note that some of our programs have

Limi ted in-person seating. Visit our website or call the library to register & learn more about our events!

The library is MUCH more than just books! We have a variety of fun, free programs & resources that are available to ALL, regardless if they have a library card!

Check out what the library has to offer you:

Freegal Music + Download up to three songs a week & stream commercial free music all day from popular labels including Sony Music. Access millions of songs from over 200 genres on any compatible device. A valid South Coastal Library card is required to access this service.

Live Online Author Talks with the LSC Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors & thought leaders. Participate in live talks or watch past talks for FREE from the comfort of home.

Newspapers com

Newspapers.com

Library Edition offers full-page images with searchable full text for millions of pages of newspapers dating from the early 1700’s to the early 2000’s. Access this FREE resource with your South Coastal Library card.

Kanopy & hoopla

Access thousands of movies, documentaries, TV series, music, & more from your computer, tablet, or phone–& even your TV! FREE with a Delaware library card!

Libby

Borrow & read ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, & more online from your local library for free!

Creativebug

Using a valid South Coastal Library card, you can access thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts & artists. Funded by the Friends of the South Coastal Library

Museum Passes

Check out the Museum Pass Program from Delaware Libraries! It’s your FREE entry to art, culture, entertainment & so much more! Learn more about this program here: http://delawarelibraries.org/museum

South Coastal Library Enrich. Inspire. Educate.

302–858-5518

43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach

childrenandtheircaregivers.Free,noregistrationrequired,butparents/caregivers mustaccompanychildren.Hostedbythe SouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue, BethanyBeach,DE19930

MeetGruenebaumandMadden— Sussex CountyCouncilwomanJaneGruenebaum andMaureen“Mo”Madden,acandidate forDelawareHouse38thRD,willspeakto constituentsatTheSaltPondCommunity Centerfrom2to4p.m.AreCostcoand TargetcomingtoSussexCounty?Whatis thestatsofthe commercialdevelopment plannedforRoute24?Findoutatthissession.Lightrefreshmentsareserved,and allarewelcome.Ampleparkingisavailable.

February26

BabyBees— JoinFrankfordPublicLibrary onThursdaysat11a.m.foraBabyBees StoryTimeforchildren,ages0to3.Stories,songs,andinteractiveplaypromote earlyliteracyandengagementwithother childreninarelaxedsettinginthechildren'sroom.Registrationisnotrequired. Questions,pleasec allus:302-732-9351. We'reonFb@FrankfordPublicLibraryand Instagram@frankfordlibrary. Let’sPlayGames:ForAdults— Join FrankfordPublicLibraryonThursdaysat1 p.m.toplaygamessuchasdominoes, Scrabble,andcardgames.Call302-7329351orvisitusonlineat frankford.lib.de.us.FindusonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

LegoClub— Callingallbuilders!Whether newtoLegosoraMasterBuilder,joinus atthelibrarytoen gageyourimagination andbuildyourlatestLegocreation.This programisforages6andup,atFrankford PublicLibraryat5p.m.Call302-7329351orvisitusonlineat frankford.lib.de.us.FindusonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryandInstagram@frankfordlibrary.

SevenWeekStudy— Therewillbea seven-weekstudy,everyThursdayfrom 10:30a.m.tonoon,inWesleyHallatMillvilleUnitedMethodistChurch.Itiscalled, “WhatHappensWhenWeDie”anditexplorestheev idenceofNearDeathExperiences(NDEs)andcomparesthemwith scripturetounderstandwhatwecanexpecttoseeandexperienceimmediately afterourbodiesdie.ThetextisJohn Burke’s“ImagineHeaven”andtheclass willbeledbyRev.Dr.BruceA.Jones,aretiredpastor.

NauticalFlagArtCraft— Joinusatthe SouthCoastalLibraryat2p.m.forafree craftwithDelawareStateParkInterpretive Staff.Tryyourhandatan“upcycling”paint nightwhilelearningaboutthehi storyof theInternationalCodeofSignalsandhow ittiesinwiththehistoryofthepark.Paint yourownwordinnauticalflagsonapiece ofrustic,reclaimedwoodfromthepark’s picnictablesandbeachboardwalks.Registrationisrequiredandopensat2pmon Feb.19athttps://southcoastal.lib.de.usor bycalling302-858-5518.(Onlineregistrationstronglyrecommended.)Walk-insacceptedifspaceallows.Hostedbythe SouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue, Betha nyBeach,DE19930

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

February27

JigsawPuzzleSwap— Bringuptofivejigsawpuzzlestoswapforonesthatothers haveleft,atSouthCoastalLibraryat2p.m. Puzzlesshould,tothebestofyourknowledge,havealltheirpieces,beingoodcondition,andbeintheiroriginal,un-taped containers.Swapendsat2:45p.m.We alsohavetwocommunityjigsawpuzzlesset upinthelibraryforyoutohelpuscomplete wheneverwe’reopen.Puzzlescanalsobe borrowedfromotherlibrariesf oryoutodo athome—justplaceaholdontheminour catalog!HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE 19930https://southcoastal.lib.de.us302858-5518.

February28

TeenWatercolorClass— Teensandtweens arewelcometojoinusattheFrankford PublicLibraryat11a.m.forafreebeginnerwatercolorclass.Getcreativepainting bookmarkswithyourfriendswhilelearning fundamentalwatercolortechniques.This classisintendedforbeg inners.Allmaterialsareprovided.Spotsarelimited,soregistrationisencouraged!Call302-732-9351 orvisitusonlineatfrankford.lib.de.us. FunsusonFB@FrankfordPublicLibraryand Instagram@frankfordlibrary.

March1

ChiliCookOff— TheSussexTechnicalHigh SchoolAlumniAssociationishostingaChili CookOffattheMilfordSeniorCenterfrom 11a.m.to3p.m.Prizeswillbeawarded forthetopthreechilis.TicketscanbepurchasedthroughEventbriteor fromaQR codeontheschool’swebsite,foundat sussexvt.org.Thecosttocompeteis$7.18, andthecosttotaste/voteis$12.51. TrongerTogether— AntiochAMEChurchin FrankfordinvitesthepublictoitsAnnual Men’sDayevent.Morningserviceisat11 a.m.,withanafternoonserviceat3:30 p.m.TheafternoonmessengerisPastor FrankW.GibbsIIofTurningPointChurchin Millsboro.Therewillbeafellowshipmeal from1to3p.m.In-personservices,orjoin byZoom:MeetingI Dis5702764246,and thepasscodeis348016.

March2

ChixwithStix— JoinMaryBethLeonard forourmonthlymeetingaboutcrocheting, knittingandneedleworking,atSouth CoastalLibraryat10a.m.Allskilllevels welcome.Makenewfriends,getinspiredby whatothersaremakingandlearnneedleworktipsandtricksinthisfungroupmeeting.Weencourageyoutobringyourcurrent projectwithyou.Haveleftoveryarn?Bring itandswapwithothers.Free,forages 18+.Regist rationisappreciatedandavailableatsouthcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling 302-858-5518.Walk-insacceptedifspace allows.HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary, 43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE19930 GetCrafty!— Unleashyourcreativity,bring yourfriendsormakenewones,andenjoya relaxingandfunDIYcraftingprogram,at SouthCoastalLibraryat3:30p.m.Nolibrarycardisneededtoattendevents.Projectsrangeindifficultyandtime commitment,andinclud ewatercolorart,

assortedleftovercrafts,andadultcoloring station.Registrationishelpfulbutalsofeel freetojustdropinanytimebetween3:30 p.m.-5p.m.Ages18-plus.Youmayregister athttps://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling 302-858-5518.HostedbytheSouth CoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue,Bethany Beach,DE19930

March2-17

LeprechaunScavengerHunt— Children areinvitedtoaLeprechaunScavengerHunt intheChildren’sWingofSouthCoastalLibrarybetweenMarch2 –17,duringlibrary openhours.Findallxleprechauns,and earnaprize!HostedbytheSouthCoastal Library,43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE 19930https://southcoastal.lib.de.us

March4

LyricsofLife— LyricsofLife,byLisa Harper,isthetopicofaWomen’sBible StudyatMarinersBethelChurchevery WednesdayfromMatch4throughApril22. Timesare10-11:30a.m.or7to8:30p.m. Registeronlineatmarinersbethel.organd lookfortheevents,orbycalling539-9510 ors toppingbytheoffice.Allwomenare welcome.

Dine&Donate— LordBaltimoreWomen’s ClubwillhostaDine&DonateeffortatPerucci’s,inMillville,from5to9p.m.The lastseatingis8p.m.Allproceedsbenefit thescholarshipfund,inadditiontoother communityactivitiesandnonprofitorganizations.

GreenStoryTime— SouthCoastalLibrary willcelebrateSt.Patrick’sDaywitha GREENthemefullofstories,songsandfun at10:30a.m.!Thisisperfectforchildren ages 5andunder.Noregistrationrequired, butParents/caregiversmustaccompany children.HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE 19930https://southcoastal.lib.de.us CrimeSolvers— Areyouatruecrimelover oranaspiringdetective?JoinSouth CoastalLibraryat5p.m.fora105-minute tabletopgamewhereweexamineevidence,

witnessstatements,etc.tocooperatively solvefictionalmurders.Forages18-plus. FREE,allmaterials&li ghtsnacksprovided (orbringyourown—noalcohol.)Registrationisrequiredandavailableat https://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling 302-858-5518.Walk-insacceptedifspace allows.HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary, 43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE19930

March5

SevenWeekStudy— Therewillbea seven-weekstudy,everyThursdayfrom 10:30a.m.tonoon,inWesleyHallatMillvilleUnitedMethodistChurch.Itiscalled, “WhatHappensWhenWeDie”anditexpl orestheevidenceofNearDeathExperiences(NDEs)andcomparesthemwith scripturetounderstandwhatwecanexpecttoseeandexperienceimmediately afterourbodiesdie.ThetextisJohn Burke’s“ImagineHeaven”andtheclass willbeledbyRev.Dr.BruceA.Jones,aretiredpastor.

BackyardBirds101— StopbySouth CoastalLibraryat10:30a.m.,orwatch online,aswediveintothefascinating worldofbirdswithOrnithologistIanStewartfromtheDelawareNatureSocie ty.He willdiscussbackyardbirdidentification techniquesandhowtoattractbirdstoyour yard.Ianwillbejoiningusvirtually,alivestreaminghispresentationinourlarge meetingroom.Patronsmayattendinperson,orwatchonlinefromhome(eventURL willbesentviatheemailyouregistered with.)Registrationisrequiredandavailable athttps://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling302-858-5518.Walk-insacceptedif spaceallows.HostedbytheSouthCoas tal Library,43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach, DE19930

DIYSeaGlassCraft— SouthCoastalLibrarywillprovidestore-boughtlook-alike seaglass,asmallwhitecanvas,paint pens,sharpies,hotglueguns,anddecorationsandletyouputyourcreativityto work,at3p.m.Makeyourownbeach scene,somethingabstract,aholiday themedcreation--thepossibilitiesareendless.Limitofonecanvasperperson.Ages 18-plus.Registrationispreferredand opens2/26/2025at3 p.m.at https://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling

302-858-5518.(Onlineregistrationhighly recommended.)Walk-insacceptedifspace allows.HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue,BethanyBeach,DE 19930

March6

AcrylicArtClass:BeachPainting— Join localartistBarbarannFagleyatSouth CoastalLibraryat2p.m.forafreeandfun acrylicartclass.Idealforbeginners,this classwillintroduceyoutoacrylicpainting techniques,andyouwillwa lkawaywith yourownhand-paintedbeachcanvas.All materialsareprovided,forAges18-plus+. Registrationisrequiredandopensat2 p.m.onFeb.27atsouthcoastal.lib.de.us orbycalling302-858-5518.(Onlineregistrationhighlyrecommended.)Walk-insacceptedifspaceallows.Hostedbythe SouthCoastalLibrary,43KentAvenue, BethanyBeach,DE19930

March6-7

LIFTLadyConference— TheRiverChurch willholdtheLIFTLadiesConference,featuringAmyBurgandandRev.Tammy Melton,LPC,from5:30to9p.m.onMarch 6,andfrom9a.m.to3:30p.m.onMarch 7.ThiswillbeaweekendfilledwithintentionalconnectionwithGodandothers.The conferencestandsoutforitsinteractive sessionsthatencouragepersonalengagementwiththeteachings.Adessertreceptionandsalad-barlunchincluded.To register,byMarch3,visitthemonlineat mendingwings2fly.com.

March9

LunchBreakCoreYoga— Lookingto squeezeinsomefitnessandyogaduring yourday?ThentrySouthCoastalLibrary’s FREELunchBreakCoreYogaClasswith SarahSchaber,RYT-500certifiedyogainstructor,at12:10p.m.This40-minute,alllevelsyogaclassfocusesonstrengthening theabdomenandlowerbackwhilestretchingawaytensionandstress.Thismayalso helpimproveenergylevelsandfightfatigue!Wewillbemovingthroughvarious positioning(i.e.lyingonourbacksandabdomen,seated,handsandknees,and standi ng.)Inordertoensureallparticipants'safety,wedoaskthatyouareable tomoveandrepositionindependently. Bringamatortowel,waterbottle,blocksif youhavethem,andyourself.Free,for Ages18-plus.Registrationopens12:10 p.m.onFeb.23andisavailableat https://southcoastal.lib.de.usorbycalling 302-858-5518.(Onlineregistrationrecommended!)Walk-insacceptedifspaceallows.HostedbytheSouthCoastalLibrary, 43KentAvenue,BethanyBea ch,DE19930 Flappers:Womenofthe1920s— Join SouthCoastalLibraryat3p.m.forafree presentationontheemergenceandhistory of"flappers"andwomen'srightsinthe 1920sbyTrishChambers.Learnaboutthe 1920sandhowitwasaperiodofAmericanhistorythatdrovesignificantchanges inhowsocietyperceivedandaccepted women,andhowwomenemergedfromdemuretoGibsonGirltoFlapper.Performed inperiodcostume.forages18-plus.Registrationisnotrequired. Detailsavailable athttps://southcoastal.lib.de.usHostedby theSouthCoastalLibrary

Best Bets Bethany

FRIDAY

The Shawshank Redemption (60) AMC 8 p.m.

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two life terms in Shawshank after being wrongfully convicted of murder. Over two decades, he forms a friendship with fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman), endures abuse, adapts and secretly plans his escape.

American Masters (12) WCPB 9:30 p.m.

This documentary from director Christine Turner explores the life and legacy of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra, who extended the boundaries of free-form jazz through his over 200 self-produced albums and the founding of the Sun Ra Arkestra.

SATURDAY

PGA Tour Golf (6) WBOC 3 p.m.

The 100th playing of this beloved tournament sees premiere players arriving at the legendary Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Host Tiger Woods watches on as golfers ready for this third day of competition and set themselves up for the final round.

College Basketball (5) FOX (69) WTXF 8 p.m.

Coach Brad Underwood and point guard Kylan Boswell lead the Illinois Fighting Illini to the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles to take on Coach Mick Cronin, guard Markell Alston and the UCLA Bruins in Big Ten basketball action. Who will come out on top?

SUNDAY

Primetime in Milan: The Olympics (11) WBAL 9 p.m.

The Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games come to an end with this unforgettable Closing Ceremony. Held at the Verona Olympic Arena, a preserved ancient Roman amphitheatre, the event will see athletes honored for their achievements during the Winter Games.

All Creatures Great and Small on Masterpiece (12) WCPB 9 p.m.

In the final episode of Season 7, Siegfried (Samuel West) has another run in with Hilda the goat. Meanwhile, James (Nicholas Ralph) attempts to run the village nativity and Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) realizes he’s forgotten something important.

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MONDAY

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (11) WBAL 8 p.m.

This series premiere kicks off with two back-toback episodes and focuses on disgraced former football player Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan), who is dedicated to rebuilding his reputation with the help of award-winning filmmaker Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe).

The Voice (11) WBAL 9 p.m.

Season 29 of this singing competition, dubbed the “Battle of Champions,” begins tonight. For the first time in series’ history, the panel of coaches will be composed of three previous winning coaches: John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine.

CIA (6) WBOC 10 p.m.

When by-the-book FBI agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss) is partnered with the fast-talking, rule-breaking Colin Glass (Tom Ellis), the two must learn to get along quickly, as they work sideby-side investigating cases out of the CIA’s New York Station.

TUESDAY

Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (12) WCPB 8 p.m.

During a brand-new episode, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. joins Broadway “Wicked” actress Kristin Chenoweth and prolific filmmaker Spike Lee as they sit down to explore their familial history, discovering where their artistic roots first sprouted.

Booked: First Day In (23) A&E 10 p.m.

Does mother know best? In Mesa County, Colo., a man is detained by deputies after his own mother turns him in. Then, in Virginia Beach, Va., a father of five woefully admits to driving without a license, while a woman heads to jail over a photo album.

Jurassic Park III (60) AMC 10:30 p.m.

After being persuaded by a wealthy businessman (William H. Macy) to conduct a tour of Isla Sorna, the second site of a failed Jurassic Park experiment, Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) discovers the true reason for his invitation in this 2001 sequel.

WEDNESDAY

Scrubs (7) WMDT 8 p.m.

Old friends J.D. (Zach Braff) and Turk (Donald Faison) scrub in together at Sacred Heart again, finding medicine and interns have changed. Along the way, they reconnect with old faces like Elliot (Sarah Chalke) and Perry (John C. McGinley).

The Greatest Average American (7) WMDT 9 p.m.

Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts this feel-good game show where contestants tackle quirky challenges and trivia to guess how everyday Americans think and live, all for a shot at being crowned the “Greatest Average American” and winning a prize of $67,920.

Desert Law (23) A&E 10 p.m.

Deputies confront drug-related activities during their patrol in Pima County, Ariz. While Deputies Stewart and Garza arrest a driver and confiscate suspected heroin, Deputy McCall-Miller shares the story of the department’s biggest drug bust.

THURSDAY

NHL Hockey (28) ESPN 8 p.m.

Watch out for players Sean Couturier and Mika Zibanejad, as the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers take to the ice. Although the Flyers rank ahead of the Rangers in the league, the teams’ last match up saw the Rangers securing a win.

9-1-1: Nashville (7) WMDT 9 p.m.

In a booming tourist trap like Nashville, Tenn., disaster looms close, waiting to strike when one would least expect it. When it does, the heroic first responders of Station 113 jump into action, keeping locals and visitors alike out of harm’s way.

Elsbeth (6) WBOC 10 p.m.

What will a person do to stay young and healthy? For a wealthy biohacker — played by Hamish Linklater — it involves an extreme diet, vigorous exercise and slight dabbling of murder. However, Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) is hot on his trail.

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CREEK HAVEN

SCHEDULE

THE BEACH FELLOWSHIP

Sundays at 9am

(octagonal building)

Sharing the Truth of God’s Word, Verse by Verse TheBeachFellowship.com

Mark’s

You are Welcomed No matter who you are, where you’re from, what you look like, or who you love 9:30am Sunday Service Bible Study Wednesdays at 11am Ellis and West State Streets in Millsboro DE 19966

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

TheIndianRiverHighSchoolgirls’ basketballteamralliedinthefourth quartertofinishtheirregularseason witha27-25victoryovervisitingHenlopenConferencerivalSussexAcademy onTuesday,Feb.17.

TheIndians’12-8won-lostrecordis theirsecondbestsince2012-2013.The victoryenabledtheGreen&Goldto finishsecond,behindEarlyCollege,in theconference’sSouthernDivision.

IRHSled5-3afteroneperiod,and

CoastalPointphotos•JoeMaciey TheIndianRiverHIghSchoolgirls’basketball teamposeforphotosonSeniorNight.The girls’finishedofftheseasonwithawinover SussexAcademyonTuesday,Feb.17.

the teamsweretired9-9athalftime. TheSeahawksopenedupa23-27lead afterthreequarters,beforeIndianRiver outscoredtheirvisitors10-2inthefinal session.

TheIRdefense,whichkeyedthe comebacktriumph,forcedseveralkey turnoversinthefinalminutes.

TheIndianscuttheirdeficitto2523onalayupbysophomoreguardArianaSturgiswith1:36remaining.

IRHStiedthegame,25-25,on sophomoreforwardCatiePeranteau’s layupwith41secondsleftinregulation time.

JuniorguardRonneishaJacobsput theIndiansinfront,26-25,withafreethrowwith8secondsremaining,and Peranteauaddedafree-throwwith3 secondsremaining,toclinchthevictory. PeranteauledtheIndianswith10 points,andseniorguardAbigail Bertlingaddedeightmarkers. GrayceGloverledtheSeahawks(315)witheightpoints.

EarlyCollege58, IndianRiver14

TheIndiansnevergotgoingintheir

thirdstraightloss,aone-sidedverdict ceded tohostEarlyCollegeonThursday,Feb.12.

Thevisitorswereshutoutinthefirst andfourthquarters.BertlingandsophomoreguardArianaSturgiseachscored ateam-highfourpointsforIndian Rivers.

SeniorguardMarshayBrownledthe Hornetswith17points.Sophomore forwardsAshyraBrownJaylaDukes added14pointsand12points,respectively,forEarlyCollege.

UnifiedbasketballlosesregularseasonfinaletoCaesarRodney

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

TheIndianRiverUnifiedbasketball teamwasoutscored19-5inthefourth quarteranddroppeda38-21verdictto visitingCaesarRodneyintheirregularseasonfinaleonTuesday,Feb.17.

TheIndians(4-3)trailed13-8after onequarterand19-16atintermission.

SeniorforwardsKyleBennetchand BraydenBennetcheachledIRwithsix points.

FreshmanguardAndrewAntol addedfivepointsfortheIndians,and freshmanforwardTravisJohnson chippedinwithfourmarkers.

SeniorforwardBraydenRobinson ledtheRiders(11-1)with16points, andseniorcenterCameronHewish added10points.

UnifiedbasketballisaDelawareInterscholasticAthleticAssociation-sanctionedsportthatprovideshighschool studentswithandwithoutdisabilities theopportunitytotrainandcompetein sports,experienceinclusion,socialize withtheirpeersandparticipateasatrue student-athlete.

CoastalPointphotos•JoeMaciey TheIRUnifiedbasketballteamlosttheir seasonfinaletoCaesarRodneyonTuesday,Feb.17.

SIEDOR

Junior/Boys’ Basketball

Junior guard Dominick Siedor intercepted an Early College inbounds pass in the Hornets’ frontcourt during a 43-43 tie game with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on Thursday, Feb. 12. “The “Dominator” sped the length of the court, outrunning two pursuers and dramatically scoring on a layup with two seconds remaining to give the Indians their second victory in three games. Both wins were created by Siedor, who sank a pair of

free throws with six seconds remaining to beat Aspira, 62-60 on Thursday, Feb. 5.

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

HeledtheIndians’footballteamtoan undefeatedregularseason,andtowithin twopointsofasecondstraightDIAAstate footballtitle.

ButIRHSfootballheadcoachPhil Townsenddidnotanticipatethathewould capturethe2025DIAAClass2ACoachof theYearaward.

“Iwasveryshockedtohavewonthe award,”saidTownsend,whowasrecently presentedwiththecitation.“Therearealot ofdeservingcoachesinthestatewhocould

havewontheaward,whichisvotedonby theothercoachesinthestate.Ibelieve manyofthosecoacheswereimpressedthat ourteamjumpedupfromClass1Ato2A andwent12-0enteringthestatechampionshipgame.”

Ontheheelsofwinningthe2024Class 1Atitle,TownsendledtheIndianstothe District3titleinClas2Aandintothestate championshipgame.TheGreen&Gold lostatough22-21overtimeverdicttoRed LionChristianAcademyonNov.29,2025. Townsendwasquicktocreditmany othersforplayingakeyroleinhiswinning theaward.

“Theawardshouldn’tbenamedCoach oftheYear.ItshouldbecalledtheProgram oftheYear,”hesaid.“Ireceivedtheaward, butitwasdonewiththehelpofmany.My wife,Tara,supportedmeallduringtheseason,caringforourthreesons,Dakota, DawsonandDeclan.Thatallowedmeto worklongnightsandweekendsforplanningandpreparationofourfootballteam.

“My10assistantcoachesspentcountless hoursplanningeachweekforanewopponentandthenwentoutandimplemented ourplan,”addedTownsend.“Theplayers workedextremelyhardintheoff-season andduringtheseason.Theywerereadyto workeachweek,practicingandgoingout onFridaynightsandexecutingourplan. TheIndianRiverboosterorganizationallowedmetohavetheresourcesIneededto besuccessful.Asyoucansee,itwasacollectivegrouptomakeallofthiswork.”

Winningtheaward,though,doesnot softenTownsend’sdisappointmentincomingupjustshortinthe2025statetitle game.

“IwouldtradetheCoachoftheYear awardanydayforwinninganotherstate title,”saidTownsend,whoisinhis11thseasonasIR’sheadcoachafterspendingfour yearsasanassistantmentor.“Itisnicetosee thatothersnoticedallthehardworkthat wentintotheseasonandvotedformeto wintheaward.”

Thanksofferedtolocal businessesfordonations

Townsendalsoextendedhisthanksto allofthebusinessesthatdonatedmeals tothefootballteamorprovidedsupport withtheteam’svariousfundraising events,andtotheboostersorganization thatsupportedtheplayersandteameach week.

HesaidheandtheIndianRiverfootballboosterswouldliketothankthe sponsorsforthe2025season:Chick-filAofMillsboro,MioFratelloItalian SteakHouse,Hocker’sSupermarket& FamilyRestaurant,HighTideChurch, BethanyBlues,ParsonsFarms,Cottage Café,G&ESportingGoods,TroonGolf, AlCasapulla’sSubs&Steaks,Frankford FireHall,PhoenixPhysicalTherapyof Selbyville,SeasideCountryStore,Sound FXGrafx,BethanyFlorist,TexasRoad HouseofMillsboroandHometown Creamery.

IRboys’basketballfinishesseasonwiththree-gamestreak

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

TheIndianRiverHighSchoolboys’ basketballteamfinishedthe2025-2026 seasonwithathree-gamewinningstreak.

TheIndians(7-13)defeatedHenlopen ConferencerivalSussexAcademy,47-39, onTuesday,Feb.17.

ThestringofsuccessisIR’slongest sincethe2022-2023season,whenthey wonfourinarowenroutetoa16-6record andatriptotheDIAAplayoffs.

TheIndiansled12-10afteronequarter and24-22athalftime.SussexAcademy grabbeda33-31leadafterthreequarters, beforetheIndiansseizedcontrolofthe fourthquarter,outscoringtheirhosts16-6 fortheirfourthtriumphintheirlastfive

outings.

SeniorguardTay’vonRoundsscored10 ofhisgame-high20pointsinthefinalperiodtoignitetheIndians.JuniorguardDominickSiedoradded12pointsforIRHS. SophomoreforwardFarmarAmisialled theSeahawks(1-18)with12points.

IndianRiver75, FirstStateMilitaryAcademy56

TheIndiansdominatedthenon-conferencegameagainstFirstStateMilitary AcademyonFriday,Feb.13,towintheir secondstraightgameandnotchtheirthird victoryintheirlastfouroutings.

IndianRiverledthematchupby26-12 afteronequarter,43-22athalftimeand5938afterthreequarters.

SeniorcenterLyndenProsserledIRHS withagame-high18points. SeniorguardTay’vonRounds,AlexBehornarandDominickSiedoreachcontributed13pointsforthewinners.

SeniorforwardColtinKennedyledthe Bulldogswith10points.

IndianRiver45, EarlyCollege43

Itwasthemostcompellinghighlightof theIRHSboys’basketballseason.

SiedorinterceptedanEarlyCollegeinboundspassintheHornets’frontcourtina 43-43tiegamewith7secondsremaining inthefourthquarteronThursday,Feb.12.

“TheDominator”outrantwopursuers anddramaticallyscoredonalayupwith2

secondsremaining,togivetheIndianstheir secondvictoryinthreegames.BothvictoriesweretheresultofSiedor’sheroics.He hadsunkapairofhigh-pressurefreethrowswith6secondsremainingtobeat Aspira,62-60,onThursday,Feb.5.

HostIndianRiverusedabalancedscoringattackagainstEarlyCollegeandplayed theirbestgameoftheseasontodate.

TheIndiansled13-7afteronequarter and23-16athalftime,beforethethird quarterendedina29-29deadlock. Roundsledthewinnerswith13points, whileSiedoraddedninemarkers.

SeniorguardJaydenEpps-Greenled thevisitorswith16points,andjuniorguard JayvienGeorgeadded10markers.

AreaLittleLeagueacceptingfinalsign-upsfor2026season

ByJasonFeather StaffReporter

Sure,theweatherhasnotbeenkind asfarastemperaturesasoflate,butthat hasn’tstoppedlocalLittleLeagueorganizationsfromgearingupforthe 2026season.

AtthenearbyLowerSussexand MillsboroLittleLeagues,boysandgirls fromtee-ballageonupcanstillget

signedupfortheirrespectivedivisions of baseballorsoftball,buttimeisrunningout.

ForLowerSussex,registrationswill closeonSunday,March1,atmidnight. Individualscanstillsign-upforInstructional—MachinePitchSoftball; Minor—PlayerPitchSoftball;Major— LittleLeagueSoftball,Girls;Senior— LittleLeagueSoftball;TeeBall;Instructional—MachinePitchBaseball;

Minor—PlayerPitchBaseball;Major —LittleLeagueBaseball;andSenior —LittleLeagueBaseball.

The costforanyplayertoregisterin anydivisionis$115.

RegistrationsfortheMillsboroLittle LeaguewillalsocloseonSunday, March1,withplayerspaying$125each tosignup.Theyhavealreadyestablishedtryoutdatesfortheseason,with MajorBaseballandSoftballtaking

placeonTuesday,March3,at6p.m., whileMinorBaseballandSoftballwill followonWednesday,March4,alsoat6 p.m.

Thedraftforeachdivisionwilltake placeonMonday,March9,withOpening DayfestivitiesscheduledforSaturday,May2.

SalutetotheIRHSSeniors

KyleBennetchthesilentpartnerofIRUnifiedbasketballbrotheract

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

HeisthesilentpartneroftheBennetch brotheract.

Butdon’tlethisquietnaturefoolyou.

SeniorguardKyleBennetch’splayon thehardwoodandturf,coveringthreedifferentIndianRiverHighUnifiedsports doeshisspeakingforhim.

Hisexplosiveplayisinstarkcontrastto hisquietnature.

DuringarecentUnifiedbasketballbattle,KyleBennetchchallengedtheopposing pointguard’sdribble,relievedhimofthe ball,andhurledaleadpassup-courttohis olderbrotherBrayden.Hustlingtothe otherendofthecourt,KyleBennetchacceptedareturnpassthatheconvertedinto alayupfortwomoreIRpoints.

“KyleBennetchisaquietleader,”said IndianRiverHighUnifiedbasketballhead coachJamaalBivens.“Heisunassumingin everymeasureoftheword,whetherin communicationsorathleticism.I’vehada front-rowseattowatchhisconfidenceand swaggerflourish.Kylepaysattentiontoall thedetails.Andyouwillneverknowthe cardshe’sholdinguntilheshowsthemto you.

CoastalPoint•JoeMaciey

KyleBennetch(14)isthesilentpartneroftheIRUnifiedbrotheract.

“Ontheotherhand,hisolderbrother BraydenBennetchisanoutspokenleader,” addedBivens.“Hispassionforcompetition isunwavering.Duetothispassion,hisenergyisinfectious.Braydenhastheenthusiasmtowillhisteamthroughadversity.I’ve enjoyedwatchingBraydengrowintothe tenaciousyoungmanheistoday.”

ProudtocontributetoIndian RiverUnifiedteams

KyleBennetchsaidhefeelsextremely proudtocontributetotheIndianRiver Unifiedteams.

“Iputinthework,”saidthe5-foot-9

residentofOceanView.“Itrainoutsideof schoolpractices.AndwhenIamatateam practice,Ipayattentionandlearnfrommy coaches.

“ItmeansalottometobeoneachUnifiedteamatIndianRiverHigh,”added KyleBennetch,whoalsoplaysUnifiedflag footballinthefallandcompetesonthe track-and-fieldsquadinthespring.“Iam proudtobeapartofoneofthebestprogramswithmyfriends,andtohavereally greatcoaches.”

KyleBennetchandhisolderbrother wereimportantcogsinthe2024-2025 squadthatcapturedtheirschool’sfirstIndianUnifiedbasketballstatechampionship.

“Iwasshockedandhappywhenwewon thebasketballstatetitle,”saidKyleBennetchoftheIndians’come-from-behind, buzzer-beating35-34victoryoverarchrival CaesarRodneyonMarch9,2025.“Itwasa fighttheentiregame.Itwasthesamefeelingwhenwewontheflagfootballchampionshipin2024.Ithoughtwewerecooked, butwedidn’tgiveup.Becauseofthat,we wereabletomakeacomebackthatshocked everyone.”

SalutetotheIRHSSeniors

ByMikeStern StaffReporter

Heistheoutspokenleaderofthe Bennetchbrotheract.

SeniorguardBraydenBennetch’s playonthehardwoodandturf,covering threedifferentUnifiedsports,willattest tothatskill.

Duringarecentbasketballbattle, Bennetchstuckhisnoseintoheavytrafficinthelowpostneartheopponent’s basket.

Astubborn,aggressivedefender,he helpedcreateaturnoverandanIndian Riverfastbreakheadingtheotherway.

Secondslater,hefinishedathunderous fastbreakbyfiringapassupcourtto hisyoungerbrother,KyleBennetch, whodrainedalong-distancethreepointmissile.

BraydenBennetchrespondedby sharingajoyousyelpofachievement withhisteammates.

“Brayden’spassionforcompetitionis unwavering,”saidIndianRiverUnified headcoachJamaalBivens.“Duetothis passion,hisenergyisinfectious.Braydenhastheenthusiasmtowillhisteam throughadversity.I’veenjoyedwatching Braydengrowintothetenaciousyoung

CoastalPoint•JoeMaciey

BraydenBennetch(10)istheoutspokenleaderoftheIndianRiverunifiedbrotheract.

man heistoday.”

“Ontheotherhand,Brayden’s brotherKyleisaquietleader,”added Bivens.“Heisunassuminginevery measureoftheword,whetherincommunicationsorathleticism.I’vehada front-rowseattowatchhisconfidence andswaggerflourish.Kylepaysattentiontoallthedetails.Andyouwill

neverknowthecardshe’sholdinguntil heshowsthemtoyou.”

Workinghardat bothendsofthecourt

BraydenBennetchworksveryhard todohisbestatbothendsofthecourt. “IalsomakesureIshowupatevery

practiceandgametogiveitallI’vegot,” saidthe5-foot-7residentofOcean View,whoalsoplaysUnifiedflagfootballinthefallandparticipateswiththe Unifiedtrack-and-fieldsquadinthe spring.

BennetchandhisbrotherKylewere importantcogsinthe2024-2025squad thatcapturedthefirstIndianRiver HighUnifiedbasketballstatechampionshiplastspring.

“Irememberbeinginshockwhenwe wontheUnifiedbasketballstatechampionship,”saidBraydenBennetchofthe Indians’come-from-behind,buzzerbeating35-34victoryoverarchrival CaesarRodneyonMarch9,2025.“It wasanintensegame,andIcouldnot believehowitended.”

Thebrotheractalsocontributed mightilytotheIRflagfootballstate championshipinNovemberof2024.

BraydenBennetchsaidhefirmlybelievesthateachIRplayer’swillingness toworkhardinpracticeandbringtheir “Agame”toeachcontestwasakeyfactor intheIndians’titlerunlastseason. “Seeingeveryoneontheteamputin theworkisfulfillingforme,”saidBray-

SeeBRAYDENpageA42

IndiansknockoffMcKean,falltoeventualstatechampsDMA

ByJasonFeather StaffReporter

Byallaccounts,itwasapretty successfulseasonfortheIndian RiverHighSchoolwrestlingprogramandheadcoachJeffWindish. A12-5overallmarkintheregular seasonearnedtheteamaNo.4seed intheDIAADivisionIITeam Duals,andahomematchwith McKeaninthefirstround.

Withthathomematch,they wouldgoontodefeattheHighlanders,43-36,fortheirsecondwin oftheseasonovertheiropponent fromthenorth.Thewinwasatotal teameffort,thanksinparttothree straightwinsoutofthegate,from sophomoreSalvadorDelgado(113 pounds),freshmanWesleyGray (120)andsophomoreBlakeWhittington(126),byforfeit,pinandpin, respectively.

However,McKeanansweredright backwiththreestraightwinsoftheir own,bypin,toeventhescoreat1818.ButpinsbyIR’sNathanMcCarra(150pounds)andLuisHicks (157),followedbya6-4decision fromShaneForjan(165),gottheIndiansbackontrackforsuccesswitha 33-18edge.

DespiteMcKeangettingwinsin

threeofthefinalfivematches—all bypin—a15-1majordecisionfrom MichaelPerateauat190pounds,and apinbyParkerHamptonat106 wrappedupthequarterfinalwinfor IR.

“Gettingtheopportunitytohosta homematchforthefirstroundof theDIAAStateDualMeetChampionshipswasgreat,”saidWindish. “Itwasagreatatmosphere,withalot offansinattendance,andthekids

showedupandwrestledverywell. Theyimprovedthemarginofvictory fromthefirstmeetingwithMcKean afewweeksago,”whichwasa40-36 Indianswin.

Withthevictorycameasemifinalsdatewitharguablythebestteam inthestate,regardlessofdivision,in DelawareMilitaryAcademy,with theotherbeingSalesianum,who wontheDivisionIstatetitle.

AgainstDMA,theIndiansfought

hardandgaveeverythingtheyhadin thefight.IR’slonepointsinthecontestcamefromAlexPeacock’s10-2 majordecisionat215pounds.

“Weknewwhentheseedings cameoutthatawinonWednesday wouldmatchusupagainstDelaware MilitaryAcademyonSaturdayafternoon,”Windishacknowledged. “Theyareawell-coachedteamwith someverytalentedwrestlersintheir lineup.Wehadsomegoodmatchups inthemiddleandupperweights, whereapointhereortherecould havechangedtheoutcomeofsome ofthoseindividualmatchups.

“Asastaff,weareproudofour kidswhentheygiveuseverything theyhave,andeventhoughthescore waslopsided,ourkidswrestledhard andcanbeproudofthefactthey madethesemifinalsforthesecond yearinarow,”hesaid.“We’lltake thenextweektocleanupsomeof themistakeswemadeandgetready fortheHenlopenConferenceTournament.”

TheHenlopenAthleticConferenceIndividualWrestlingtournamentwilltakeplaceatSussex CentralHighSchoolstartingat5 p.m.onFriday,Feb.20,andrun throughSaturday,Feb.21.Theseedingsandbracketswillnotbeknown untillateThursdaynight,Feb.19,at theearliest,afterthecoaches’meeting.Butit’slikelytheywon’tbeofficiallyannounceduntilFriday morning.

TheIndianshaveseveralwrestlers whowillbevyingforatopspotin theconference,and,theyhope, wrestlingtheirwayintotheDIAA IndividualStateWrestlingChampionshipsatCapeHenlopenHigh Schoolnextweekend,Feb.27-28.

SussexCountyfacilitieshavewon somedollarsthiswinter.Sportsfacilities nearFrankford,Millsboro,Georgetown andbeyondwillreceivemajorgrant moneyforupgrades,alldesignedtohelp themcontinueexpandingintothefuture.

Thismonth,theDelawareTourism Office(DTO)announcedstatewide awardsfromtheSportsTourismCapital InvestmentFund.Establishedthrough the2024-fiscal-yearBond&Capital ImprovementsAct,thefundprovides financialsupporttoneworexisting sportsfacilitiesthatholdevents throughouttheyeartoattractout-ofstatevisitorsandcontributetothestate andlocaleconomy.

Thiswinter,$10millionwassplitbetweensevenawardees,outof27applications—thehighestnumberof projectstheReviewPanelhasfunded sincetheprogram’sstart.ItwasRound 3oftheInvestmentFundawards.Inthe previoustworoundsoffunding,DTO awarded$21.3milliontoninesports tourismfacilitiesacrossthestate.

“ We’reproudtobuildonthesuccess ofpreviousroundsofthisinitiativeby selectingprojectsthathaveaclearplan toincreasevisitortraffictoDelaware,” saidJessicaWelch,directorofthe DelawareTourismOffice.“Thereview panelalsoworkeddiligentlytoensure weweresupportingprojectsinallthree counties,andthosethatwouldimprove oursportstourismofferingsacrossa widerangeofsportingactivities.”

LocatedinRoxana,nearFrankford, the RiverSoccerClubwillreceive $390,000toimproveandexpandits currentparkingfacilities,aswellasto addanadditionalparkinglot,increasing parkingcapacityfrom500to990parkingspaces.

InLongNeck,nearMillsboro,the GameOnSportsComplexwillreceive $2.3millionforitsPhaseTwoexpansionofthefamily-friendlysportsand activitycomplex,addingfullturfand hard-courtspacestohostmulti-daysoccer,fieldhockey,basketballandpickleballevents.

GeorgetownSpeedwaywillreceive $400,000toassistwiththecomprehensivefacilitymodernization,designedto expandseatingcapacity,improveaccessibilityandenhancetheoverallguest experience.Plannedimprovementsincludegrandstandandsuiteexpansion, andupgradedlighting.

InLewes,theDaveMarshallTennis &Pickleballfacilitywillreceive$1milliontoexpanditsindoorandoutdoor facilityto18courts,whichwouldmake themeligibletoattractnationaltournaments.

ThreemoreDelawarewinnersare locatedfarthernorth.DoverMotor Speedwaywillreceive$1millionto continueupdatingthefacility’selevators,HVACsystems,pavinginmultiple areasandcriticalroofing.NearFreder-

ica,DelawareTurfSportsComplexwill receive$4.15milliontoadda13thfield, whichwillbedomedtoenableyearroundtournamentsandadditionalplayingspace.InWilmington,theChase Fieldhousewillreceive$760,000foran indoor Jumbotron/digitalboard,aswell as1,000-seatbleachersatanoutdoor turffield.

Applicationswerereviewedbya panelincludingtheco-chairsofthe JointCapitalImprovementCommittee, stateSen.JackWalshandstateRep. DebraHeffernan,aswellasrepresentativesoftheDelawareTourismOffice, SouthernDelawareTourism,Kent CountyTourismandtheGreater WilmingtonConvention&Visitors Bureau.

“Iwasveryimpressedwiththequalityofthisyear’sapplicationsandtheir

planstoelevateDelaware’sstatusasa topsportstourismdestination,”said Walsh.“Datahasalreadyshowntheimpactofsportstourismonthestate’s economytobeover$400million.This industrynotonlybringsindollarsbut supportsjobs,whichinturnsupports localfamilies.Thisisanexampleof beingresponsiblewithtaxpayerdollars.”

OfficialsnotedthatDelawarehasincreasinglybecomeadestinationfornationalsportingevents,includingthe ZapWorldChampionshipsofSkimboarding,theannualSeniorLeague SoftballWorldSeries,theUSA LacrosseYouthNationals,the2025 PBASeasonOpenerandthestate’sfirst PGATourevent:the2022BMW Championship.

Sportstourismisalsoamajoreconomicdriverinthestate.In2023,1.1

millionsportstravelersattendedasports tournament,raceorotherevent—eitherasaparticipantorspectator—in Delaware.Thetravelersspent$231.4 millionwhileatthesportsvenueandat off-siteestablishmentsinDelaware,includinglocalrestaurants,hotels,retailers andrecreation/entertainmentvenues.

“Wearealreadyseeingtheimpactof thisfund’sinvestmentsfromprioryears onthegrowthofsportstourism statewide,”saidHeffernan.“Funding theseorganization’splanswillhelpus attractevenmoreregionalandnational tournamentsbutwillalsobeabenefitto Delawareanswhowillmakeuseofthem as well.”

MoreinformationontheSports TourismCapitalInvestmentFundand eligibilitycanbefoundonlineat www.visitdelaware.com/sports.

ROOFING BLOWOUT SALE

LittleLeague

IndianRiver Unified’sbrotheract

KyleandBraydenBennetchhavebeen teammatesontheIRUnifiedbasketball teamsincetheirsophomoreseasons.Both siblingsplaytoughdefense,runthefloor, rebound,leadfastbreaksandscorewith impressiveskillandfrequency.

“It’sbeenawesometohavehiminmy life,”saidKyleBennetch,whowasbornin

site,“Forachildovertheageof8tobe aLittleLeaguer,eligibilitymustfirstbe establishedbywayofresidencyinside theboundariesofalocalLittleLeague, uninterruptedparticipationinaleague sincetheage7,orthelocationofthe schoolwherethechildattendsislocated

Aprilof2008.“Wehaveplayedthesame sportsgrowingup.Andwepusheachother tobebetterandbetter.”

AccordingtoBivens,thebrothersare affectionatelyknownandreferredtoat IRHSas“Bennetchsquared,”aphrasethat wouldmakeanymathteacherproud.

“TheyarebothleavingalastingimpressiononourUnifiedsportsprogram,”said Bivens.“Theymaybe‘Irishtwins,’”hesaid ofthemonikerappliedtosiblingsbornless than12monthsapart,“buttheirstylesand abilitiesareuniquelytheirown.OnethingI likeaboutthemistheiruncannyabilityto readeachotherwithoutanywordsbeing exchanged.Duetotheiruniqueness,they

insidealocalleague’sboundariesthatis approvedbyLittleLeagueBaseballInc. Asareminder,playersleagueage7and undermayregisterinanyLittleLeague programwithoutrespecttoanygeography-relatedeligibilityorschooleligibilityrequirements.”

haveimpeccablechemistrythathasgreatly benefitedourteams.Honestly,theyboth justmakethegamesandeventsmuchmore funtowatch.

“It’sbeenanhonorandprivilegeto watchKylegrowinhisthreeyearsofUnifiedBasketballandtwoyearsofUnified FlagFootball,”addedBivensofKylesiblingsbornlessthan12monthsapart),who intendstoenrollatDelawareTechnical CommunityCollegeandentertheworkforcethisfall.“Ourcoachingstaffhas watchedhimbecomemoreconfidentinhis athleticandscholasticabilities.Hehasan impeccableabilitytocommunicatewithout words.Hisstyleofleadershipisnotoneof speech.It’ssetbyexample,inhisactions. Andhisdeterminationtohelpothersto achievetheirgoalsisinspiring.”

Havingaprofound impactonhissuccess

KyleBennetchacknowledgedthat

denBennetch,whowasborninMayof 2007.“Wealltrytoensurethateveryoneontheteamfeelstheyareincluded. Weareateamandafamily,andwe workreallyhardtomakeourcoaches proud.”

AccordingtoBivens,BraydenBennetch’sgrowthathleticallyoverthelast threeyearshasbeentrulyamazing.

“HisjourneyinourUnifiedprogram beganwiththebasketballteamandexpandedintotrackandfieldandflag football,”saidBivens.“Heabsolutely

Formoreinformationonthevarious differentrulesandregulationswithregardstoLittleLeaguebaseballand softball,checkoutthewebsiteat www.littleleague.org.

Bivenshassignificantlyimpactedhissuccessinathletics.

“AndassistantcoachLoriannSentman hashelpedmeintheclassroom,checking inonmeandhelpingmewhenIneedit,” saidKyleBennetch.“AssistantsAllison WrightandGlenTuckmantelarealsoalwaystheretohelpme.”

KyleBennetchsaidheisalsothankful thatheandhisolderbrotheraresupported byanenthusiasticcheeringsection.

“Wearesupportedbyourmom,Jodi Bennetch,andourgrandparents,Sherry MitchellandKendallMitchell,”hesaid.“I reallyamthankfulthattheyattendevery gametheycangetto.”

KyleBennetchsaidhisUnifiedsports experiencehasbeenextremelygratifying.

“IamappreciativeoftheexperiencesI havehadontheseteamsandthenew friendsIhavemetonthisjourney,”heconcluded.

putshisheartintoeverycompetitive event—he’samanaftermyownheart. Eachyear,Braydenhasacceptedwhateverrolehewasgivenbythecoaching staff.Heisanaturalleaderonandoff theturfandhardwood.Thereisnever anopportunitywastedwhenBraydenis assignedaposition.

“IhaveenjoyedbeingapartofBrayden’sjourneyinhistimeatIndianRiver HighSchool,andamproudtosharethe experienceoftwostatechampionships withhimontheteams.”

SeeBRAYDENpageA43

IRHSgirlstorequestflagfootballandwrestling

ByLauraWalter StaffReporter

Thesegirlsarereadytograpple.Indian RiverHighSchoolhasbegundiscussions topotentiallystartanewgirls’flagfootball programandagirls’wrestlingprogram.

Schoolofficialsplantoofficiallypresent therequesttotheIndianRiverSchoolDistrictBoardofEducationonFeb.23.

Creatingaclubsportletsstudentsorganizeandcompete,whilepotentially buildinguptoaregularvarsityprogram. But,first,theschoolboardhastoapprove theprogram.

“Wehavealargeinterest,”IRHSAthleticDirectorToddFuhrmanntoldthe IRSDFinanceCommitteeonFeb.9.

“Flagfootball…isupto14teamsin thestateofDelaware.Itisarisingsport.It

Brayden

ContinuedfrompageA42

IRUnified’sbrotheract

BraydenandKyleBennetchhave beenteammatesontheIRUnifiedbasketballteamsincetheirsophomoreseasons.Bothsiblingsplaytenacious defense,runthefloor,rebound,leadfast breaksandscorewithimpressiveskill andfrequency.

“Havingmybrotherontheteamhas helpedmetobemorecompetitive,”said BraydenBennetch.“Weplayagainst eachotherallthetimeinpractice,and thatextracompetitionreallyhelps.”

InadditiontoprovidinganopportunityforBraydenBennetchtoimprove asanathlete,theUnifiedprogramhas enabledhimtomakenewfriendswho hedidn’tpreviouslyknow.

AccordingtoBivens,thebrothersare affectionatelyknownandreferredtoas “BennetchSquared”—aphrasethat

wasjustapprovedattheNCAADivision1 level,aswellasitwillbeanOlympicsport in2028,”Fuhrmannsaid.Thesportisgettinga“bigpushfromtheNFL,”andsome 60girlsattendedtheIRHSinterestmeeting,hesaid.

Nextautumn,IRHScouldfieldonly thesecondgirls’flagfootballteaminsouthernDelaware,Fuhrmannsaid.Itcouldattractstudentswhoplaynosports,oronly springtimesoftballorsoccer.

Meanwhile,IRHScouldbethefuture destinationforupto12SelbyvilleMiddle Schoolgirlswhocurrentlywrestleand mightwanttocarrythatmomentuminto highschool.

“We’reseeingthatgrowth,sowe’dlike tobeaheadofthegamebeforewegetinundatedandhavealargenumberofgirls comeinandwanttohaveawrestling

wouldmakeanymathteacherproud.

“TheyareleavingalastingimpressiononourUnifiedsportsprogram,” saidBivens.“DuringthespringofBrayden’sfreshmanyearin2023,hewasin thegymshootingbasketsattheendof the day.OurassistantcoachLoriann Sentmansawhimandaskedifhewould beinterestedinbeingontheUnified basketballteam.Igotwindofthis youngplayerandlearnedthathehasa brother,Kyle.Therestishistory.”

Fromthatdayforward,theBennetch brotherswererootedineverythingconnectedwithUnifiedsports.Eachone hasalsoplayedandsucceededinUnifiedtrack-and-field,flagfootballand basketball.

“Theymaybe‘Irishtwins,’”Bivens saidofthemonikergiventosiblings bornlessthan12monthsapart,“but theirstylesandabilitiesareuniquely theirown,”saidBivens.“OnethingI likeaboutthemistheiruncannyability toreadeachwithoutanywordsbeing exchanged.Duetotheiruniqueness,

team,”Fuhrmannsaid.

Winterwrestlingcouldbeanalternative tothecurrentbasketballorswimteams.

Thegoalistostartinthe2026-2027 schoolyear,withanentirelyself-funded program.Fuhrmannsaidstudentsmight payorfundraiseforuniformsandanyother equipment.TherewouldbenoIRSD fundingtobeginthesportatIRHS.

“Theinterestisthere,andIthinkit’s somethingthatwillreallyhelpgrowthefemalepopulationinathletics.We’vebeen verysuccessfulwiththethingswe’ve added,”Fuhrmannsaid,addingthatthey “trytokeepourkidsactive.”

AsIRHS’sstudentenrollmenthas grownto1,000-plusstudentsoverthepast 20years,they’veaddedvariousathleticsoptions:swimming,cross-countryrunning, lacrosse,boys’volleyballandthreeUnified

theyhaveimpeccablechemistrythathas greatlybenefitedourteams,andhonestlyjustmakesthegamesandevents muchmorefuntowatch.”

Bivensdifferentiatesthebrothersby theirpersonalities.

“BraydenBennetchisanoutspoken leader,”addedBivens.“Hechoosesto leadbyexample.Hispassionforcompetitionisunwavering.Duetothispassion,hisenergyisinfectious.Brayden hastheenthusiasmtowillhisteam throughadversity.I’veenjoyedwatching Braydengrowintothetenaciousyoung manheistoday.

“Ontheotherhand,KyleBennetch isaquietleader,”addedBivens.“Heis unassumingineverymeasureofthe word,whetherincommunicationsor athleticism.I’vehadafront-rowseatto watchhisconfidenceandswaggerflourish.Kylepaysattentiontoallthedetails. And,youwillneverknowthecardshe’s holdinguntilheshowsthemtoyou.”

teams,competinginbasketball,flagfootball andtrack-and-field.

Manycoachesareinterestedinleading thepotentialsportsprograms,Fuhrmann said.

TheFinanceCommitteedidn’toffer muchfeedbackontheproposals.Withthe IRSD’sever-tighteningbudgetanddwindlingreservefund,therewasaquestionas towhentheprogramwouldceasetobe self-fundedandtheschooldistrictwould needtopickupthebill.

TheIRSDBoardofEducationwill meetMonday,Feb.23,at7p.m.attheformerMillsboroMiddleSchoolonState StreetinMillsboro.Theathleticsdiscussion isexpectedtooccurearlierinthemeeting, shortlyafterpubliccomments.

Havingaprofoundimpacton hissuccess

BraydenBennetchidentifiesBivens asacoachwho’shadaprofoundimpact onhissuccess.

“HeknowshowIplay,andhowI focusonandoffthecourt,”saidBrayden.“AndassistantcoachAllison Wrighthashelpedmebesuccessfulbecauseshemakesmefeelcalmandhelps metoavoidworryingalot.Ithinkwe havethebestcoachingstaff.”

Bennetch,whointendstoenterthe workforceaftergraduatingfromIRthis spring,isthankfulthatheandhis brotheraresupportedbyanenthusiastic cheeringsection.

“Ireallyamthankfulthatmymother, JodiBennetch,grandmotherSherry MitchellandgrandfatherKendall Mitchellattendeverygametheycanget to,”hesaid.

LEGALS

TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF CANDIDATES

The Town of Ocean View will elect a Mayor for a 3-year term on April 11, 2026.

Any resident of the Town of Ocean View who meets the following qualifications is encouraged to file as a candidate for the position of Mayor:

• Must be a minimum age of 18 years;

• Must be a U.S. citizen;

• Must be a resident for at least 2 years immediately preceding the date of the election;

• Must be a permanent resident in the Town of Ocean View during term of office,

• Must be a Town of Ocean View eligible registered voter.

Any Ocean View resident who wishes to file as a candidate for office of the Mayor must file a “Certification of Intention” and pay a $50 filing fee at the office of the Town Manager no later than 4:30pm on February 26, 2026

The annual election of the Town of Ocean View will be held, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, between 8am and 5pm, at the Community Center located at 32 West Avenue.

CP 20260130 4T

TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW PUBLIC NOTICE

Any New Residents Who Wish to Vote in the Annual Municipal Election April 11, 2026 MUST Register with the Town

The qualifications for Ocean View voters are:

• Minimum age of 18 years.

• Citizen of the United States.

• Ocean View residency for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding the Town election.

The registration period is open until March 27, 2026 @ 4:30pm

You may download, print, and mail-in a Voter Registration Form from the Town’s Web Site ( www.oceanviewde.gov/forms ). A copy of your Identification is required when you register to vote in person or by mail. A Delaware Driver’s License or ID is the preferred form of identification.

State or County registration does not entitle residents to vote in Town of Ocean View elections.

Any resident who has not voted in the Town of Ocean View’s election for the past two consecutive years in which there was an election must re-register in order to be eligible to vote in the April 11, 2026, election. You may also call 539-9797 x101 to inquire about your current registration status.

CP 20260206 7T

TOWN OF MILLVILLE APPROVAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, discussed and unanimously approved Ordinance 26-03 to adopt the updated Sussex County property tax assessments and supplementary assessments for 2026-2027 fiscal year.

CP 20260220 2T

TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF CANDIDATES

The Town of Ocean View will elect a Councilperson from District 1 and District 3 for three-year terms on April 11, 2026.

Any resident of District 1 or 3 in the Town of Ocean View who meet the following qualifications is encouraged to file for the Council Seat in District 1 or 3:

• Must be a minimum age of 18 years;

• Must be a U.S. citizen;

• Must be a resident for at least 1 year immediately preceding the date of the election;

• Must be a resident of District 1 or 3 at the time of filing and during the full term of office.

• Must be a Town of Ocean View eligible registered voter.

Any District 1 and 3 resident who wishes to file as a candidate for District 1 or 3 Council Member must file a “Certification of Intention” and pay a $50 filing fee at the office of the Town Manager no later than 4:30pm on March 13, 2026

The annual election of the Town of Ocean View will be held, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, between 8am and 5pm, at the Community Center located at 32 West Avenue.

CP 20260130 5T

Town of Bethany Beach Bid Notice

The Town of Bethany Beach is accepting proposals from applicants for a concession to teach exercise classes or conduct camps on the beach for the 2026 summer season. Times and dates to be determined by the Town of Bethany Beach. Interested parties can obtain a copy of specifications and instructions to bidders by visiting www.townofbethanybeach.com under Activities, Summer Exercise Classes. Sealed proposals should be addressed to the Town Manager’s Office and clearly marked “Beach Concession Proposal” and shall be received at Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Delaware until Friday, March 6, 2026 at noon. The Town of Bethany Beach must be listed as additionally insured on all policies and reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

CP 20260206 3T

OFFICE OF REGISTER OF WILLS

OF SUSSEX COUNTY STATE OF DELAWARE PO BOX 743; GEORGETOWN, DE 19947 (302)855-7875

Estate of Robert D. Young, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration upon the estate of Robert D. Young who departed this life on January 6, 2026, late of Lincoln, DE were duly granted unto Jennifer Warrington on February 4, 2026 and all persons indebted to the said deceased are required to make payments to the said Administrator without delay, and all persons having demands against the deceased are required to exhibit and present the same duly probated to the said Administrator on or before September 6, 2026 or abide by the law in this behalf.

Administrator:

Jennifer Warrington 10238 N. Union Church Road, Lincoln, DE 19960

Gregory Fuller, Sr., Register of Wills

ATTORNEY: Parsons & Robinson, P.A. 118 Atlantic Ave.; Suite 401 Ocean View, DE 19970

TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC MEETING ON PROPOSED FY2027 BUDGET

February 24, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BY the Town of Ocean View that it will hold a Public Input Meeting to solicit comments on the proposed FY2027 Budget from Ocean View property owners. This meeting will begin at 3:00pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the 32 West Community Center during the Town Council Budget Workshop. Visit the Town’s website at www.oceanviewde.gov for the agenda for the meeting.

The public is encouraged to attend this meeting.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CP 20260213 2T

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposals for the commercial property maintenance services for Millsboro Public Library, 217 West State Street, Millsboro, DE 19966, will be received by the library until 1:30 p.m. on March 14, 2026.

The work involves providing comprehensive, preventative, and reactive maintenance for the library’s facilities. The vendor will ensure the building remains a safe, functional, and an inviting community hub while extending the lifespan of critical mechanical systems.

Interested companies may obtain an electronic copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Millsboro Public Library’s website at https://millsboro.lib.de.us/.

Evaluation criteria include experience and qualifications, years in business, experience with public institutions, approach to maintenance plan, references, licensed and insured (to include worker’s comp, and liability) and a cost proposal. Contract terms will be fixed price for a duration of three years, meaning one contract year with two renewal years.

Sealed bids for the Town of Bethany Beach, SR-1 Pedestrian Crossing, Project Number 2026-03 will be received by the Town Manager of Bethany Beach until 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Office of the Town Manager, Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, P.O. Box 109, Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930, at which time they will be opened, read, and recorded.

The work involves improvements at the intersection of SR 1 and DE 26, as detailed in the project plans, issued by the Town of Bethany Beach.

Bidding documents may be obtained during normal business hours from the Office of the Town Manager, by emailing Terry Tieman at ttieman@townofbethanybeach.com .

Questions during the bidding process for this project shall be emailed to ttieman@townofbethanybeach.com before 12:00 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2026. Questions received after this date will not be addressed. If necessary, a response will be sent in the form of an addendum to all plan holders.

Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be marked clearly as follows: Sealed Bid - Proposal for SR-1 Pedestrian Crossing, Project Number 2026-03.

CP 20260213 2T

TOWN OF MILLSBORO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Millsboro Town Center, 322 Wilson Highway, Millsboro, Delaware, the Board of Adjustment for the Town of Millsboro will sit and hear the request from ADBM Millsboro, LLC to be granted a variance related to signs §210-18(H)(5), The property is zoned highway commercial (HC) and has been assigned a Sussex County tax map and parcel numbers 133-16.00-130.01.

CP 20260220 1T

TOWN OF SELBYVILLE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026, AT 6:00 O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING, PREVAILING TIME, AT THE TOWN OFFICE, 1 W. CHURCH STREET, SELBYVILLE, DELAWARE, PROPOSING TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF SELBYVILLE THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL PROPOSE TO CHANGE THE STREET STRUCTURE OF THE TOWN BY VACATING AN UNNAMED STREET, LOCATED BETWEEN 14 N. WILLIAMS STREET (SUSSEX COUNTY TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. 533-16.12-99.00) AND 12. N. WILLIAMS STREET (SUSSEX COUNTY TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. 533-16.12-98.00), IN THE TOWN OF SELBYVILLE.

CP 20260220 1T

Millsboro Public Library, an independent library within Sussex County, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to make an award that appears most advantageous to the library.

CP 20260213 2T

TOWN OF MILLVILLE PUBLIC NOTICE ANNUAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Notice is hereby given to all qualified voters of the Town of Millville, Delaware, that the Annual Municipal Election will be held in said Town on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, in the Evans Park Community Center, 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville, Delaware.

Two (2) Town Council Members shall be elected. There are three (3) candidates. The candidates are:

Ronald Belinko

Jean Hanley

Deborah Sosnoski

Town Council terms are for a period of two (2) years.

At said Annual Municipal Election, every person, male or female, who shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years on the date of the said Annual Municipal Election and who shall be a bona fide resident of the Town of Millville will have one (1) vote. For the purpose of the Town’s Charter: (i) a “resident” shall mean any person who is a permanent, full-time resident of the Town. Residents appearing to vote shall present proof of identity and address (e.g., current State of Delaware driver’s license or ID card; uniformed service ID card; current utility bill; lease).

All votes shall be offered in person or by absentee ballot. A voter that is unable to come to the election polls on the day of the election must complete an affidavit prior to receiving an absentee ballot. The completed affidavit must be received in Town Hall by noon on Friday, March 6, 2026. Once available, absentee ballots can be mailed to registered voters through February 27, 2026. If the voter needs the ballot after February 27, 2026, they must come to Town Hall and pick up the ballot. All absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by the close of the election polls at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Forms are available at Town Hall, or on our website at www.millville.delaware.gov.

For information relating to the election, qualifications for voting and absentee ballots, please contact Eileen Scerra, Town Manager, at Town Hall 36404 Club House Road, Millville, (302) 539-0449, or email: escerra@mvtown.com.

Town of Selbyville Notice of Zoning Code Amendment

THE MAYOR & COUNCIL HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026, AND PASSED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF SELBYVILLE, CHAPTER 200, ZONING (“ZONING CODE”), BY AMENDING ARTICLE XIV, SIGNS, ALL SECTIONS THEREOF, §§ 200-102 THROUGH 200-105, TO INCLUDE NEW DEFINITIONS AND TO INCLUDE VARIOUS NEW REGULATIONS FOR AN OVERALL UPDATE AND MODERNIZATION OF THE TOWN’S SIGN REGULATIONS

CP 20260220 1T

TOWN OF MILLSBORO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Millsboro Town Center, 322 Wilson Highway, Millsboro, Delaware, the Board of Adjustment for the Town of Millsboro will sit and hear the request from David C. Hutt from Morris James, LLP, submitted on behalf of property owners TidalHealth Nanticoke, LLC, to be granted one or more variances related to signs §210-18(H) and §210-44(B)(5)(e). The property is zoned highway commercial (HC) and has been assigned a Sussex County tax map and parcel numbers 133-11.005.01.

CP 20260220 1T

TOWN OF SELBYVILLE ELECTION NOTICE

There was one (1) vacant seat for Town Council District 2 and one (1) filed to fill that seat, Monroe B. Hudson Jr., and one (1) vacant seat for Town Council District 4 and one (1) filed to fill that seat, William H. Kirsch Jr.

There will not be a Town Election on March 7, 2026.

The candidates will be sworn in at the April Town Council Meeting on April 6, 2026.

Board of Election of the Town of Selbyville

TOWN OF SOUTH BETHANY PUBLIC NOTICE

CP 20260220 1T

TOWN OF MILLVILLE APPROVAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council, at its meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, took the following actions:

Conditional Use application for Millville Residential LLC, for proposed twenty-three lot single family attached homes consisting of 17 townhomes and 6 duplexes. This property is on Tax Map Parcel 134-12.00-396.00 on a 186,784 square footage lot with 4.28 acres, zoned Residential Planned Community. The site is located off Dukes Drive just north of Evans Park. Approved.

Final Subdivision Site Plan submitted by Land Tech Land Planning, LLC on behalf of ASF Millville By the Sea Blue Heron Cove (FKA West Village D), for a 160-unit village (19 single family and 141 townhouses) located on Burton Farm Rd, Tax Map Parcel 134-15.00-18.00, zoned Master Planned Community (MPC). Approved.

Final Subdivision Site Plan submitted on behalf of ASF Millville By the Sea Turtle Cove (West Village C-2), for a 118-unit village consisting of 118 townhouses located on Powell Farm Rd and Burton Farm Rd, Tax Map Parcel 134-15.00-19.00, zoned Master Planned Community (MPC). Approved.

CP 20260220 1T

The Town of South Bethany elects to use the assessment and supplementary assessments for property situated in town as established annually or quarterly by Sussex County Board of Assessment for their taxation for Fiscal Year 2027 (May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027). Requested Sussex County assessments will be based on assessments as of March 1, 2026.

CP 20260220 1T

OFFICE OF REGISTER OF WILLS OF SUSSEX COUNTY STATE OF DELAWARE PO BOX 743; GEORGETOWN, DE 19947 (302)855-7875

Estate of Robert John Heaney, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration with Will Annexed upon the estate of Robert John Heaney who departed this life on October 4, 2025, late of Millsboro, DE were duly granted unto Sean Heaney on February 6, 2026 and all persons indebted to the said deceased are required to make payments to the said Administrator WWA without delay, and all persons having demands against the deceased are required to exhibit and present the same duly probated to the said Administrator WWA on or before June 4, 2026 or abide by the law in this behalf.

Administrator WWA: Sean Heaney 1171 Dexter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

ATTORNEY: Veronica R. Townsend, Esq. 118 Atlantic Ave.; Suite 202 Ocean View, DE 19970

Gregory Fuller, Sr., Register of Wills CP 20260220 3T

The Annual Beaver Dam Canal Tax Ditch Meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 34309 Burton Farm Road, Frankford, 19945. For more information, please call 302.462.5490.

CP 20260220 2T

TOY SOLDIER

COLLECTION For Sale. Call for details 908-801-9648

Galanti Featherweight 520 Accordion. From the 1960's. Very good condition. Leather case. Asking $450.00. 302-664-2005

Please leave message.

CRACKER TINS $3. One bread tin $5 757-810-8782

ANTIQUE TRUNK

Beautiful $60 757-810-8782

BEAUTIFUL CURIO CABINET

Glass framed doors, glass frame sides, glass shelves with light on top & bottom. Mirror back $500 rm 732-910-0505

LIONEL/AF S,O, STANDARD Track. Large Lot. Call for details 908-801-9648

ANTIQUE JEWELRY CABI-

NET 3ft high with ring & earring drawers. Like New $80.

302-579-0026

NORITAKE CHINA 8 settings, Melissa pattern. $45.00

302-537-6353

GLASSWARE Over 100 small unique pieces! Closed my Shop. $75 must leave message. 410-939-7714

BABY BUGGIES Over 100 years old. Perfect Conditioncall for details. Best offer

610-506-9179

DOLLS FROM THE 40S & 50S. . Good condition. and doll accessories. Call for details. Best Offer. 610-506-9179

ANTIQUE ELI TERRY JR & CO. 30 hour modi ed pillar scroll, wooden movement clock. Weight driven, circa 1830. Runs great, professional tune-up. $475 410-259-2300

SUSSEX COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE accepts donations of working appliances 10 years old or less for families in need.

302-855-1156

CUISINART MODEL FP8P

Elemental & Food Processor.

350 watts, 8cup. New wrapped, still in box. Instructions Incl. $75 Text 302-258-3741

Refrigerator dorm style Emerson brand.

28”Hx17.5”w. Refrigerates and freezes as it should.

$30.00. 302-339-7691

DASH CHEF SERIES digital Blender. Includes instruction manual and recipe guide. Still in box $99 301-875-7061

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/RVLutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place

Ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org 1998 LINCOLN MARK VII

L.S.C Garage kept. 147,000 miles 410-443-9087

WEATHER GUARD truck tool box for a full size pickup. Paid $900 ve years ago. Asking $150 302-218-4661 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU all-weather front oor liners. Fit 2017-2020. Like new. $50 914-275-8938

DE LICENSE PLATE Stainless Steel with Rivets. Non Active. Collectors Item. $300 302-745-4122

SHURFLO PORTABLE oil change system with 3.5 gallon storage container. 12 volt DC. Like new, asking $100 914-275-8938

FISHING GEAR Salt and fresh2-Boat poles, 4-spinning, 1- surf. Tackle boxes w/ lures, rod box. 9 reels. ALL as a package only. $250 OBO 908-625-4656

CANOE 12ft. VINTAGE (70’s)SEARS ROEBUCK.

Model #332-61032 Fiberglass, rated 3 person/425lbs/3HP motor. No leaks, very good condition. $150 302-542-9500

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS

Tarpon 120 Kayak, 12’, orange, good condition, with paddle. $900-1,200 new, selling for $495. You pick up or I can deliver locally. $495 202-999-0517

PERSON KAYAK $80.

302-541-4547

LEAD SINKERS

Bank, Hatteras Trolling, Bell, Egg, Coin, etc. From 1oz up to 12oz. 25cents an ounce. Mix-N-Match. Also Jigs, Bucktails, & Surf Rigs avail. Starts at $1. 302-542-9500

WALKER BAY 8’ SAILBOAT

Good condition. Has all accessories. $800 Call 240-423-4366

YAKIMA JAY low foldable rooftop kayak cradle roof mounts. Never used! 2 boxes/4 cradles. $125/box or $225 for both. 203-644-4528

2002 NISSAN 9.8 HP BOAT

MOTOR low hours excellent condition $525 OBO. 302-668-8752

BOAT COVER.

Heavy duty, trailerable, custom t for 21ft Legend Bass Boat but will t many others. Was $400, now only $100 302-542-9500

FISHING GEAR.

Surf, Trolling, and Boat Rods. Landing nets, cast nets, and lures. Contact Ted 302-539-8053 or 302-547-4348

PAIR OF ESS SPEAKERS

Customized oor standing 39 1/2”H x 16” W x 16” Depth. Chrome nish with black speaker cloth. Pick up only $425 954-540-4528

DIGITAL CANNON VIDEO

Camcorder. Optuna 200 with multiple accessories but no battery charger $30 OBO.

703-346-1632

40 INCH SONY HDTV with stand. Excellent Condition $50.302-436-5836

PROSCAN FLATSCREEN TV

30 x 32” $30 410-310-6633

32IN SHARP HDTV with remote $50. 443-373-1550

2-Netgear WIFI Extenders

EX6400 Mesh $15. EX6120 $10. 302.648.6480

FREE! Commercial Greenhouse

24x48 with fan and benches. Must move 302-217-2264

FREE! Garage door used 7 x 16 you pick up Call 302-537-4390

FREE! 5 collapsible shelving units. Ocean View, must pick up. 443-745-7812

2 24”H SWIVEL CHAIRS & 2

DINING/KITCHEN CHAIRS

$15 each. Ocean City

301-802-0431 leave message

BEIGE RECLINER

Good condition $50 302-278-1441

PRACTICALLY NEW SOFA

$850 OBO. Queen Bedroom Set, 3pcs with mattress & box spring. $850 OBO 703-346-1632

SMALL WHITE END TABLE $25 OBO 703-346-1632

WHITE BOOKCASE 5 shelves & 2 doors$900 new, Asking $275 703-346-1632

KING & QUEEN

Headboard $30 each 302-229-7898

PATIO CHAIRS $7 each 757-810-8782

TV CABINET $40 302-229-7898

ELECTRIC RECLINER Brown

Micro ber. Excellent condition with matching quilted cover $125 302-245-7149

OUTDOOR BISTRO SET $40 443-763-1378

BEAUTIFUL CURIO CABINET Glass frame doors, glass frame sides,mirror on back, glass shelves, lights on top and bottom $500 732-910-0505

HERNDON CHINA CABINET Four Centuries style dark wood cabinet with mesh doors and 3 glass shelves. Additional storage underneath. 77"h x 39"w $250.00 Inquire for pics 209-890-0634

4 9” DEEP TWIN SIZE

Box Springs, barely used, excellent condition $200 for all 302-983-6964

DINING ROOM TABLE 4 chairs, maple nish $150 302-362-3687

PAINTED WHITE WOODEN

ROCKER Aprox 24”w x 43”h. Pick up only $25 609-247-3649

LIKE NEW “BAHAMA” DINING Room table and 6 chairs. 78x44. Glass top with inlaid wood, includes 18” leaf. $250 OBO 571-216-2242

PATIO CHAIRS Great condition! White & Blue $15 each. Brown & Blue $10 each. 757-810-8782

RATTAN KITCHEN SET with 4 chairs and 54" glass top. Looks like new, only used a few times. $1400 new asking $400 Call 410-430-9402

HAMPTON BAY PATIO SET

Aluminum w/4 swivel chairs. New slings in 2023, umbrella & base. Store in garage in winter $300 845-891-5330

PATIO FURNITURE.

Loveseat & Chair with Cushions $75 Selbyville 410-688-5483

OUTDOOR FURNITURE. 2 Chairs with cushions & foot stools with matching glass top coffee table. $400 302-663-9326

WHITE WOOD TODDLER

Bed, covered mattress, Dory/Nemo linens (like new)

$75 302-858-3277

LEATHER RECLINER with Ottoman. Recliner; 32”w x 37”h. Ottoman: 21” x 17” x 16”h. Circular wood base. 1$140 302-537-5148

TILLER to plant grass seed. New $225, selling $125. Very good condition 302-841-0541

HUSQVARNA 130L GAS

Weed Whacker stored indoors with manuel $95 732-637-2804

16-32’ EXTENSION LADDER $45. Leave Message 302-539-5209

HAND FERTILIZER Spreader $10 410-310-6633

SUNCAST OUTDOOR

CONTAINER Gray, 22 x 17 x 18. Good condition $24 302-436-9133

HUSQVARNA 48” RIDING

Lawnmower. Like New, Runs Great $400 443-397-3377 Ask for Mike RYOBI 16 inch 40 volt Lawnmower $100 OBO

410-726-8099

RIDGID 12inch Sliding Compound Mitre Saw w/ stand cart $200 OBO 410-726-8099

JOHN DEERE Tractor/Lawnmower. 36” cut, 19 horsepower. Like New. $900 rm 302-396-5450

GARDEN GROOM 3 in 1 Hedge Trimmer, $50 OBO 609-247-3649

55/30 GALLON BARRELS

Metal or plastic with or without lids. For burning, storage, oating docks, rain barrel, live bait, ush tank, planters/pots etc Starting at $35 302-542-9500

LARIN 5” BENCH VICE All purpose $25, Craftsman 10” compound miter saw $25, 6” bench grinder $25 OBO for all. 302-539-3771

“BILLYGOAT” LAWN VACUUM Excellent Condition $100 text 302-745-4122

LIKE NEW/USED MEDICAL equipment. INVACARE electric wheelchair $400. Feather lightweight wheelchair $400. INVACARE Hospital bed $200. Please leave message 302-470-9335

MOTORCYCLE APPAREL & Accessories. Reasonably Priced! 717-979-7282

CONVENTIONAL & MICROWAVE COMBO $95 Please leave message 301-802-0431

CRAFTSMAN SHOPVAC

Brand New! 25gal. $140 302-539-3771

COUNTRY MUSIC CDs, many to choose from $2 ea. Also, old country cassettes, I have them all .25 cents ea. 302-436-9005

JEWELRY BOX Holds 6 watches & jewelry $50 410-218-1970

MINOLTA CAMERA PRO SHOT MN532 original price $270 asking $150 410-218-1970 WHITE SINGER featherweight sewing machine $200 908-801-9648

LOST!! REWARD!! In Ocean City, Gold Bracelet with engraving of Daughters name & 1970. Please call 301-802-0431 leave message BRASS CHANDELIER. Design House Millbridge with 5 clear glass shades. Lowes item # 1345522. Now only $30 302-542-9500

Compost Machine & Rain Barrels $20 each call 410-299-1581

WALKER $10 410-310-6633

POWER DRILL $10 410-310-6633

WANTED Books DVD/CDs Videogames. I buy and selleven recycle for you. Take pics/text what you have or call. All Delmarva. 908-209-9172

STEPLADDER 5ft $15 Ocean City please leave message 301-802-0431

HONEYWELL HUMIDIFIER $20 Please leave message 301-802-0431

EUREKA UPRIGHT $15 Please leave message 301-802-0431

POLK AUDIO R150 Bookshelf Speakers, black, brand new in carton. $125 443-790-0507 PICTURE FRAME VICE Stanley $25 302-436-9005 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228

www.dental50plus.com/MDDC #6258 Mikasa Whole Wheat Design 12 piece place setting dishes with serving pieces. Excellent condition. Asking $60.00. 302-664-2005 Please leave message. Kerosene Heater Dynaglo 23,000 btu RMC-95-C7. Never used. $50.00 302-339-7691 PORTABLE GENERATOR

Generac Wheel House by

CRAFTSMAN ROUTER

1 1/2 HP Never used $60

302-381-5408

RIKON 10x18 mini lathe

Model 70-105 Brand Newbox never opened. $125 302-381-5408

9 CRYSTAL WINE GLASSES

$50 302-541-4547

3 KITCHEN HANGING

White Lamps. New, Excellent Condition. $100

302-559-0848

CORNER CHINA CLOSET

Excellent Condition. With light $80 302-559-0848

2 AC UNITS Row Excellent Condition. Will cool 2-3 rooms $100 302-559-0848

1 FLEECE JACKET Raspberry color. size small $20 302-436-9133

LARGE KING COMFORTER Brown. Originally $250, now only $50 302-436-9133

1 KING SHEET SET Egyptian cotton, still in original package. Taupe color $40 302-436-9133

LAMP W/ TURQUOISE SHADE with glass base and seashells inside. 25” tall $30 302-436-9133

RENTALS

Bear Trap Dunes – Ocean View (#258)

3BR/3BA

Bishops Landing – Millville (#127)

GREENLEAF EMERSON Row

Doll House Kit, still sealed in box, $150 or best offer, pick up only, 609 247 3649

Floral Oriental Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Throw Rug. 5' x 2 1/2' $175.00 OBOText for photos 209-890-0634

SKINNY MINI FOLDING

Metal Stepladder. 4 steps 5ft high good condition. Orig $75, asking $30. 302-539-1202

Pencil Drawing Book and Water Color Kit $15.00 each. Lot of Pottery, Wine Cooler, Goblet, wine glasses, $35.00 each. Local Coastal Storybooks, $5.00 each. 302-743-1903

WOOD LECTURN used once $50 302-381-5408

BRAND NEW Indoor/ Outdoor 9x12 rug. Navy blue with white sh. Bought it for $250. Didn’t t, can’t return it. Selling for $200. 610-761-2038

ARTTRICKS CALLIGRAPHY

Set

$10. 302-743-1903

STEELMAN 9”Fan, brand new $20 757-810-8782

BROTHER Printer $20 757-810-8782

BLACKSTONE 28" GRIDDLE

Brand new, unopened. Comes with 36-piece accessory set. Ideal for backyard, tailgating, camping, or beach. $190. Call 856-630-1971

MIKASA Whole Wheat

Design 12 piece place setting dishes with serving pieces. Excellent condition. Asking $60.00. 302-664-2005

Please leave message. GIFTS FROM CASINO Brand New. Make Offer

302-644-7234

PICTURES & FRAMES All Sizes. Make Offer 302-644-7234

TWIN 100FT TANKS with manifold $500. 302-854-9498

LAFAN 8500 GENERATOR excellent condition. . 516-967-6435

MENS DUI DRY SUIT Large with weight belt. $500. 302-854-9498

DIVE TANKS 6 aluminum. $50 each. 302-854-9498

BLOND KITCHEN SET, ceramic top oval table & 6 chairs $50.00 302-537-6353

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

55 PIECES OF PHALTZGRAFF

Northwinds pattern, white with a blue and green stripe around edge.11 dinner plates, cups and saucers with lots of serving pieces to match.$150.00 302-228-0346

GET BOOST INFINITE

GALANTI FEATHERWEIGHT 520

Accordion. From the 1960's. Very good condition. Leather case. Asking $450.00. 302-664-2005. Please leave message.

GUITAR TUNER works great and easy to use $12 302-436-9005

YAMAHA KEYBOARD PSR190. Like new $100 OBO 703-209-1787

PREMIER AMP Twin 12” speakers 1963 tube/trem mic. Excellent Condition, $975. 302-541-8187 CASIO KEYBOARD LK210 with light up keys $70 410-382-2033

CB 10 LUG 14x7 1/2 Chrome Drum Snare. Aquarian Head 40 Strand Snares. Great Sound! $100. 302-278-1441

YORKIE PUPPIES

Bishops Landing – Millville (#127)

3BR/2BA • Furnished Winter: $2,500/mo + util • Yearly: $2,200/mo + util

3BR/2BA • Furnished Winter: $2,500/mo + util • Yearly: $2,200/mo + util

Bishops Landing – Millville (#127)

Salt Pond – Bethany Beach (#194)

3BR/2.5BA • Furnished Winter: $2,500/mo + util

3BR/2BA • Furnished Winter: $2,500/mo +

RENTALS

Waterside: 2BR/2BA 2nd floor apt in Frankford. 1 mile from Bethany Beach. $1,700 per month + utilities.

Bethany Bay: 2BR/2BA 1st floor furnished unit. $1,900 per month + utilities. Available 11/15/2025.

Windhurst Manor: 3BR/2.5BA townhome in Millville. $1,950 per month + utilties. Available after 1/1/2026.

Sea Edge: 3BR/2.5BA unfurnished townhome with garage in Millville. $2,100 per month + utilties and 2% rental tax.

Millville by the Sea: 3BR/2.5BA 2 story townhome. $2,100 per month + utilties and 2% rental tax.

Forest Reach: 3BR/2BA furnished single level home with garage in Frankford. $2,200 per month + utilities.

Bishop’s Landing: 3BR/2.5BA unfurnished 2 story town home in Millville. $2,200 per month + utilities and 2% rental tax.

South Hampton: 4BR/3.5BA townhome in Ocean View. $2,200 per month + utilities.

FABERWARE 12" electric stainless steel skillet/warmer with lid and heating control.$45.00. 302-537-5148

FUJIFILM UNDERWATER

Digital Camera with batteries & accessories $70. 302-743-1903

PELLA SLIDING GLASS DOOR

Like New, $300 856-979-3338

POWERBACK 5250 WATTS

GENERATOR excellent condition. $200 302-745-4122

TABLE SAW & BANDSAW

Call for details 302-541-8008

MENS WINTER JACKET Tan XL 46/48 $20 410-739-6819

“CUT THE CORD” New TV Antenna 36” x 48” for outside or attic. $125. Call 302-537-1062 leave message

All units are N/S, N/P unless otherwise noted. Credit application and security deposit required.

Saltwater Landing: 3BR/2BA furnished home with office and 2 car garage.

$2,400 per month + utilties.

Seashore Villas: 3BR/3BA furnished 2 story townhome with garage in Selbyville. $2,400 per month + utilities.

Blackwater Village: 4BR/2.5BA unfurnished single family home in Dagsboro. $2,500 per month + utilities

Quillen’s Point: 4BR/3BA single-family home with garage in Ocean View. $2,700 per month +utilities.

Dogwood Acres Rd: 4BR/2BA single family home in Dagsboro with 2 car garage and outbuilding. $2,750 per month + utilities.

Millville by the Sea: 3BR/2BA furnished single level home in Millville with 2 car garage. $2,777 per month + utilties and 2% rental tax.

Bayville Shores: 3BR/3.5BA furnished 3 story townhome with garage. $2,795 per month + utilities.

Unlimited talk, text and data for just $25/month. The power of 3 5G networks, one low price. Call today and get the latest iPhone every year on us. 855-977-5719

PREPARE FOR POWER OUT-

AGES today with a Generac home standby generator. $0 money down + low monthly payment options. Request a free quote. Call now before the next power outage. 855-993-0969

This Week

❐ Sat, Feb 21st 9am-12pm Rain or Shine

Garage Sale! Moving out of State. Living room set (2) Dining room set, Large pottery flower planters, Adirondack furniture, pictures, decor items, 2 new BR sets, Kitchen set, tools, refrigerator, much more. 37474 Albatross Dr, Selbyville, DE 19975

Next Weekend

❐ Sat, Feb 28th 8am-1pm Rain or Shine

Estate Sale! Some antiques and collectibles. Lots of glassware, small appliances, spinet piano, furniture, and so much more! 33023 Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939

❐ Sat, Feb 28th 9am-12pm Rain or Shine

Garage Sale! Moving out of State. Living room set (2) Dining room set, Large pottery flower planters, Adirondack furniture, pictures, decor items, 2 new BR sets, Kitchen set, tools, refrigerator, much more. 37474 Albatross Dr, Selbyville, DE 19975

❐ Sat, Feb 28th 9am-3pm Rain or Shine

Moving Sale! 302-855-0691. CASH & CARRY 4 Chicory Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947

Males & Females, Home raised. Call for details

302-934-8913

CLASSIC KENNELL sm to med up to 30 lbs 28” L x 20.5”W $50. 443-373-7294

WANT TO SAVE 100S OF CATS LIVES? Spay or neuter ONE! Call Cats Around Town Society of Ocean View to make a low cost appointment. Rabies and Distemper vaccinations included. 302-355-9979

SARIS BIKE RACK Works on most cars, completely adjustable. Like new cond. $60 OBO 302-569-4580

20” GIRLS BIKE $20 text for pictures. 410-299-1581 CLUBS mostly drivers & 3 woods $3 each 757-810-8782

RALEIGH SR SUNTOUR BIKE

18.5 in frame, easy release wheels. Good cond., smooth comfortable rider. $60 OBO 302-569-4580

SCHWINN BICYCLE HELMETS New, never used 1 red, 1 blue $20 each 302-539-4367

6x6 CONCRETE reinforcement wire. Two 5ft pieces. Reasonable priced 302-616-1699

Books DVD/CDs Videogames. I buy and selleven recycle for you. Take pics/text what you have or call. All Delmarva. 908-209-9172

BUYING CASE POCKET KNIVES. One knife or entire collection. Any condition. Call or text Lloyd 609-2902786. Sussex county area

By Jan Buckner Walker

The Original Crossword Puzzle for Kids and Their Favorite Adults

Kids Across

1. Having fun with friends while knocking down pins

3. That's no skirt!: A Scottish ___ uses a pin to keep a breeze from blowing his kilt open

5. The pin on the back of a police o cer's badge lets him _____ it to his uniform

7. Stick-y riddle: Why did the porcupine take a shower to relax? Because the suds wouldn't last if he took a _____ bath

9. Sticking together: If you put a safety pin on a pair of ____ before you throw them in the hamper, they'll still be matched up when they come out of the dryer

10. A paper chart an explorer might stick a pin in to remind him where he's going

12. When Little __ Peep lost her sheep, they left without even saying good 8D

14. Aisles in alley where people are 1A

15. A gentleman's looks classy in this fancy suit with a carnation pinned to his lapel is pinned to its lapel

18. A lady who wants to look elegant at a garden party might wear an old-fashioned __ with a ower on it

20. To use a pin to make an air mattress "exhale"

21. A not-so-great escape: What the balloon did when it got caught in a pine tree

22. A plant in the Sahara Desert that looks like it's covered with needles

Parents Down

1. A seamstress can always put it back in its place

2. Pre-POTUS props: In 1968, former president George H.W. Bush proudly pinned a lieutenant bar on a young Texas National Guard o cer with these initials

4. Uncomfortable combo of sharp points an anxious

person is said to be on while he waits: pins and _____

6. In and out: When you enter your PIN on an ATM, it's what gets spit out

8. Sound of an animal who gives the wool o her back to make the yarn a knitter needs to work magic with her 4D

11. Fun on a stick: Classic toys with colorful, foil "petals" that rotate when you blow on them

12. What a fair lady might call an ornate, jewel-encrusted pin

13. Hair pinned up on the top of the head (or a cheeseburger's pu y bread)

16. Stick with silliness: What did the couple of stick pins name their baby boy?

17. Like a room in which you can hear a pin drop

19. Carpenter's companions, needle-nose pliers

20. Just a gesture: All a thumbtack needs to do its job is a little ___ from you