Middletown Life
Table of contents
Welcome to the 26th Olde Tyme Peach Festival ........ 7
A new exhibit looks at the history of the peach industry ......................... 16
All about those famous peach pies ..................... 22
The science of peaches, and some tasty recipes .. 34
Band members lend a hand at the festival ........ 48
While you’re in town, explore the Delaware Beer Trail ...................... 62
Finding healthy foods that taste great ............... 82
The rebirth of Willey Farms ................. 90
Cover Photo by Drew Harting
Welcome to the 26th Olde Tyme Peach Festival
Welcome! We are now in the second quarter century of Middletown’s great summer festival!
Although the festival has grown dramatically, even visitors to the first Peach Festival would recognize some of the current activities. For instance, the first parade was led off by the Banner Boys escorting Little Miss Peach, who walked the entire parade route wearing an amusing peach-shaped orange outfit. Today, Little Miss Peach will be wearing a summer dress, and for the first time will be accompanied by a new celebrity, Little Sir Peach.
The sponsor of the festival, as always, is the Middletown Historical Society, founded in 1985 to promote the study, collection and preservation of Middletown history. The one-day Peach Festival now supports nearly the entire budget of the Society, including programs, research capabilities, and our ability to make the museum admission and programs free to all visitors. We urge you to join the Society by going to the Historical Society booth at Cochran Square, where peaches, T-shirts and other items are sold, and buy a family or individual membership to help continue our work. A Peach Festival special offer is to become a new member
at the festival and receive a paid-up membership until January 2020, getting the remainder of this year free. Students living in the Appoquinimink School District, from sixth through twelfth grades, are encouraged to enter an historical research paper contest. Cash awards totaling $3,500 will be given to the winners of the contest in November. Have you ever wondered how Middletown streets got their names? This year’s contest will be to research and write about the streets and families they were named for. Entries must be submitted by Oct. 19. Look for contest rules on the Historical Society website, www.middletowndehistory.com, or talk with docents at the Academy building at 216 North Broad St. Refer to the centerfold Peach Festival map, and the “What’s Happening” section of this brochure to help plan your day at the Peach Festival. Be sure to patronize and thank the sponsors and partners whose generosity and help have made it possible to provide all entertainment, rides and activities to the public without charge.
The Middletown Historical Society
Enjoy the Olde Tyme Peach Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17!
As always, all activities are free, courtesy of our sponsors and partners. Items of special interest to children are shown in bold type. |Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
The Parade as usual kicks off the annual Middletown Peach Festival on Broad and Main streets beginning at 8:45 a.m. It always includes an exciting variety of bands, antique cars, fire equipment, costumed participants, performing groups, noise, horses and color. Among those featured will be our own talented Appoquinimink and Middletown High School Marching Bands.
The Middletown Historical Society Booth at Cochran Square. Volunteers from the Appoquinimink High School Band and Band Boosters will assist in selling peaches, Peach Festival T-shirts and aprons. They will also help with information, directions, and recruiting new Society members. Peaches are available by the piece, bag, or carton.
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What’s Happening
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The Middletown Historical Society Museum and grounds, 216 North Broad Street, the Academy Building
The MHS Museum offers a great place to cool off, sit down, use the restrooms, purchase baked goods made by the MOT Senior Center, and learn about local history. Downstairs is handicapped accessible, with a ramp leading to the back door.
We have two exhibits downstairs: “ Reflections of Middletown” shows an interesting collection of depictions of local people through the years, using various media from daguerreotypes to oil on canvas. We have recently added lots of new photos, plus a display of photos from Peach Festivals through the years. Our fascinating World War I exhibit, showing life at the front and at home 100 years ago, has been expanded with more sensory experiences. 2019 marks the centennial of the peace treaty of World War I. We will be closing this exhibit this fall.
The Jean Birch Senior Center offers its signature pies and cobblers, by the piece or whole, for visitors who find it more convenient to purchase here rather than at the Senior Center location.
Upstairs, we have a newly refreshed art exhibit called “ Middletown Mixed Media: Artists Past and Present” which features 25 works of art in various media, from sculpture to watercolor to stained glass. The artists all had some connection to the Middletown area. A few were professionals.
* Our “Living Together” exhibit, telling about various ethnic and racial groups that have lived in this area, will be open upstairs.
* The children’s “Please Touch” room will be open with old fashioned, unpowered, silent, games and toys.
* We are pleased to present our new exhibit upstairs on the history of peach farming in this area, especially focusing on the story of Samuel F. Jones, a local African-American man who started on his road to becoming a prominent farmer
just after the Civil War through his work with peaches. There are several hands-on components of this exhibit.
* The Victorian school room upstairs has been redesigned and refurbished. Come sit in the old-fashioned desks and try your hand at cursive writing.
* Hy-Point Dairy Farms, one of the Festival sponsors, has generously given us 300 coupons for a free ice cream cone. We’ll be handing out the coupons to visitors who come to learn from our displays.
Outside on the Museum grounds, we’ll have several booths run by various historical groups. Visit the Victorians of Virtue and Valor to see what life was like in Middletown in the 1860s. Visit the soldiers, make a vintage toy, and play old-fashioned games. They’ll be at the Academy until 4 p.m.
The Hy-Point Dairy Stand, where coupons for free ice cream may be redeemed is located near the main door.
Behind the museum is the action-packed Kids’ Zone, loaded with games and giant inflateables, provided by Jump on Over, our main Peach Festival sponsor.
Grace Church, on Pennington Square is one of the best-kept secrets at the Peach Festival, featuring the Praise Team tent with live bands and singers performing uplifting music throughout the day. Everyone is
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What’s Happening
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welcome to drop in for a refreshing bottle of water, or sit and relax in our air-conditioned dining area (bring your own food), along with the comfort station. Children, big and small, should be on the lookout for our Misting Station, in front of the church on the Pennington street side. Dogs are welcome to the Misting Station also.
Connection Community Church. Although Connection Church has moved to its new location at 4744 Summit Bridge Road north of town, its volunteers continue to work in vendor check-in and setup at the festival. Connection Community Church is still a major partner in the Olde Tyme Peach Festival. We thank them for all the years of fun and games they provided at their former Green Street site!
Jean Birch MOT Senior Center:
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Pre-ordered pies may be picked up (must have receipt)
9 a.m.: Doors open
11 a.m.: Peach Pie Contest
3 p.m.: Car show trophy winners
All day:
· Homemade peach pies and cobblers (get there early), jams, jellies and baked goods (Pies and some baked goods are also available at the Historical Society Museum, Middletown Academy building)
· Expanded Car show at the bandstand – 19 award categories
· Air conditioning with lunch, featuring Thelma’s chicken salad, egg salad, chicken Caesar salad, baked beans, and pie by the slice (a la mode if you like)
· Gifts; gently used jewelry and purses
Church on Main: (under the town clock, across from the Everett) will offer a place to rest, air conditioning and restrooms, and will sell peach ice cream
Volunteer Hose Company: The Middletown firefighters will host an open house that will showcase fire safety and best practices. The stunning fire department vehicles and equipment will be displayed along with units from the Delaware National Guard with information and giveaways. A comfort station will be provided by St. Francis Hospital.
Everett, Inc.
The Gibby: Come in from the heat and enjoy peach cobbler and live music.
The Gibby Gallery: Lots of top-notch vendors with unique crafts and jewelry will be showcased. The silent auction fundraiser, “Art from the Heart,” is featured in the gallery. Help keep the arts alive in Middletown.
The Everett Theatre: Cartoons, candy, popcorn, assorted theatrical Entertainment
|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
Meet our little Peaches!
Our first Little Sir Peach is Henry Cole Sullivan!
Henry is 5 years old, a caring and sweet boy. He lives in Middletown with his mom, dad, and sister Violet. Henry plays for MOT soccer and shows good sportsmanship by helping both teammates and opponents during the games. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing and playing with his Legos. He will be attending Townsend Early Childhood Center in the fall as a kindergartener in the Spanish Immersion Program.
Henry is excited about being chosen as our first Little Sir Peach. He is looking forward to participating in the parade and enjoying the festival, especially the peach flavored ice cream!
Our Little Miss Peach this year is Jordan Porter!
Jordan is 6 years old and is very active. She lives in Middletown with her mom, dad, brother Bubba, and sisters Jade and Shayla. Gymnastics, karate, tee-ball and swimming are just a few of the activities that keep both Jordan and her family busy. She also loves drawing and spending time with her family. Jordan will be a first grader at Brick Mill Elementary this coming fall.
Jordan is looking forward to representing this year’s Peach Festival as Little Miss Peach! She loves dressing up and is excited about wearing her tiara in the parade. Her favorite part of the festival is the water ice and peaches!
|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
By Ken Mammarella Correspondent
Personal stories, rather than historical artifacts, are the focus of a new permanent exhibit on peaches at the Middletown Historical Society.
“People and peaches planted the seeds that shape Middletown today,” said Abby Harting, the Middletown native and museum expert who designed the exhibit.
Hence the name of the exhibit, “People and Peaches,” which is part of the society’s free museum in the Academy Building (216 N. Broad St., Middletown).
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. first and third Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. third Wednesdays. It will also be open Aug. 17 for the Middletown Old-Tyme Peach Festival.
“Delaware was the country’s leading producer of peaches for part of the 19th century,” the state says in explaining why the peach blossom became the state’s floral emblem in 1895 and state flower in 1955. The peach pie became the state dessert in 2009. All those peaches generated lots of money, but the good times shriveled starting in the 1880s from infections that killed millions of trees.
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In this interactive display, people can appreciate just how many peaches fit in a jar by packing felt replicas.
‘Click-a-Pick’ is an area to try on old-time clothes and pick plastic peaches off a tree.
Peach Exhibit
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Harting began work on the exhibit earlier this year, and it’s built on her strong academic background (a bachelor of arts in history, art history and art conservation from the University of Delaware and a master of arts in museum studies and nonprofit business management from Johns Hopkins University), as well as years of experience at historical sites.
A key story involves Samuel F. Jones, a local AfricanAmerican farm laborer, who used the peach industry to build a better life. She learned about Jones from a very old issue of the Middletown Transcript. “A fabulous, front-page article,” she said, including telling details, such as his three winters of formal education, his Civil War draft and his 16 children.
“He went from nothing to a considerable fortune” by the time he died in 1912, she said, and the exhibit shows part of his wealth with a stock book from Citizens National Bank of Middletown, listing 10 stocks that he owned and had registered with the bank.
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The ‘Click-a-Pick’ display is next to the home peach production space.
Peach Exhibit
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Jones listed a parlor organ in his will, and such an impressive item “is a real evidence that he’s solidly middle class,” she said. The exhibit therefore includes a similar organ from the society’s collection.
To enhance the exhibit, the society is looking for photos of him and information from descendants. But “we haven’t been able to locate any family members yet,” she said.
The family-friendly exhibit also includes a play space and interactive elements.
In a feature called “Is It Still There?” museum-goers guess whether the historic houses that are photographed are still part of Middletown’s renowned cityscape or have been lost. Museum-goers can appreciate just how many peaches fit in a jar by packing felt replicas.
And in “Click-a-Pick,” a mural of pickers is the backdrop for an area to try on old-time clothes and pick plastic peaches off a tree. It’s also a selfie station. “What is a museum exhibit without a place to take pictures?” she asked.
Of course, “People and Peaches” still has artifacts, such as an early 20th-century peach peeler and peaches canned in the mid-20th century. “It’ll be a fabulous exhibit,” Harting predicted.
A diorama shows how Middletown residents spent their wealth from the peach industry.
2019 Peach Festival features expanded car show and, of course, the pies
By Drewe Phinny Staff Writer
As Aug. 17 approaches, anticipation grows for the wildly popular Peach Festival that brings huge crowds to the area.
Now in its 26th year, the peach party has become the event of the summer and, not surprisingly, those who run the show follow the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So the fruit peeling will take place Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the pie baking. The event has grown so much that there are now two baking facilities -- the Middletown Senior Center kitchen has been supplemented by the Middletown
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What would a peach festival be without the main attraction?
Pies and Cars
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High School culinary arts kitchen to meet the demand for the delicious pastries. They sell out quickly, so get there early.
Clearly, the peaches take center stage at the festival, but there are other worthy features, including a car show.
Cecilia “Ceil” DeFazio, executive director of the MOT Jean Birch Senior Center, supplied the details.
“There’s a car show on the property, sponsored again by the Middletown Historical Society. It’s held here, next to our gazebo,” she said. “This year, there are going to be, I think, 17 categories that will be recognized.” The public is invited to bring cars over to enter online. They can register on the Peach Festival website, www. middletownpeachfestival.com.
This year, the car show judging will be done by style, featuring street cars for all years, Corvettes from 1953 to1982 and 1983 to the present, street rods from 1922-1933 and 1934 to 1948. “It’s going to go up through present, but the general categories are Corvettes, because there are clubs in the area, street rods, stock, modified, and then sports cars, foreign cars and trucks,” DeFazio said, “so it sounds like we’re going to have a lot more cars than we ever had before, because it was promoted more heavily. They can park their cars here and walk in and have lunch in the air conditioning.”
As she talked about the pride these car owners have in their prized possessions, DeFazio explained that bad weather
would probably be the one factor that would hinder their participation. “If it rains, there will be no cars here,” she said. “The people who keep their cars in garages and don’t drive in foul weather won’t bring their cars out if it’s raining. It takes years to get these cars in show condition. … They’re saying to the public, ‘Look what we did,’ and if they get an award for being best in a category; that is icing on the cake.”
The car show got its start after an official noticed that people were driving vintage cars in the parade. “They wanted to park at the senior center afterwards, and then the chair of the Peach Festival said, ‘Why don’t we just turn it into a car show?’ We’ve had a lot of restored cars from the thirties, forties and fifties. It’s been really neat to watch how this has grown. In fact, one year, we had a replica of the Batmobile drive in. That was kind of cool. And it attracts kids and adults alike. We also had a couple antique tractors from the twenties or thirties.”
DeFazio expects another immensely successful Peach Festival, and she attributes much of that to an attitude of goodwill in the area. “It’s one of these little, tiny micro-bastions where ‘town’ still means something,” she said. “People know each other, and they talk to each other. They take care of each other. And even the small businesses try to help the non-profits that are in town.
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Pies and Cars
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It’s really a nice sense of community.”
As she explained the mission of the senior center, DeFazio said, “When a lot of people retire, they expect some life changes and they’re open to new things. So establishing a new residence in this area, or even if you’re keeping the same residence, you can reconnect. And if you’re moving here, you’re open to establishing new safety nets and new friendships groups.”
The area continues to attract new residents at an impressive pace.
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Vintage cars will be on display.
Pies and Cars
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Pies and cars: A perfect festival companionship.
Some Delaware statistics show it is second only to Milford in terms of growth, particularly with respect to the senior population. “Everybody talks about the beach area in Sussex, but this MOT area is growing so fast that they’re predicting that in the next few years, it’ll outpace Wilmington and Dover,” DeFazio said.
The other key to Middletown’s appeal is the variety of different resident lifestyles. “It seems we’re attracting people from New York and North Jersey as well as the Pennsylvania area, and that brings a different flavor because this was all farmland, so it’s really changing the demographics around here,” DeFazio said. “But the town government in the MOT towns all have a strong desire to keep that hometown feel, and they will do things like decorate the light poles for different events like the Peach Festival. And the senior center has their peach pie contest. What more country kind of a thing can you do, other than invite the neighbors to bake their best peach pie, bring ‘em in and be judged?”
The population increase has also caused traffic concerns, which have been reduced somewhat by the
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THOMAS J. BURKE, D.O.
Nicole Bright, D.O.
Mike Bevers, PA
Henry Yan, PA-C
James Barclay, PA
Pies and Cars
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completion of the 301 bypass. There is speculation that Route 299 (Main Street) will be widened in the future.
One final reminder about the stars of the show -- those scrumptious peach pies. “We can only bake about 350 of them,” DeFazio said. “If people want to order them early, they can call us, order one over the phone and pay by credit card, usually two weeks before the festival.” The day of the festival, the pies usually sell out by about 1 p.m.
Cochran Square
Sponsored by
10:00--12:00 DJ Matt King
1 12:00-112:30 Simmy Bull
1 12:30–11:00 Rivales
1 1:00-11:30 Jazzerercise
1:30--2:30 R Realize Studios
2:30--3:30 Paul Lewis
3 3:30-44:00 Matt King
Peach Music Cafe
Sponsored by
11:00am to 11:30am Dancing Lights
11:30am to 12:30pm Real Good Music Company
1:00pm to 2:00pm Manic Panic
2:30pm to 3:30pm Nate Walbert and the Ley Lines
Middletown Historical Society
President
Linda Harting
B Board of Directors
Louise Atwell
Linda Biggs
Linda Harting
Anthony Johnson
David Matsen
Barbara Wessel
Brian Rickards
P Peach Festival Committee Members
Brian Rickards, Chairman, Vendors, Layout, Peaches
David Matsen; Co-Chair, Parking, Signs, Booklet
Barbara Wessel, Cochran Square; Society Peach Booth
Charlotte Desuit, Cochran Square; Society Peach Booth
Cecilia Goebel Defazio, Transportation
Bob Harting, Grace Presbyterian Church
Abby Harting, Virtue and Valor Re-enactors
Barbara Wessel, Trophies
Alison Matsen, Cultural and Historical Displays
Hollie Driscall, Parade
Jump On Over, Children’s Activities
Ceilia Goebel Defazio, MOT Senior Center
Sarah Drummond, Connection Church
Steven Rickards, Entertainment
Labarre Everette, Car Show
Thanks
The individuals and organizations listed here have generously donated their time and/or resources, such as vehicles, supplies, space, parking, services and planning to help make this event a success.
Planning and Partners
Planning and Partners
The Town of Middletown
Mayor and Council
Public Works
Everett Theatre
Gibby and Annex
Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Connection Community Church
Church On Main
MOT Senior Center
Services & Loans
Appoquinimink School District
Boy Scout Troop 125
Cooks’s Family Dentistry
Residents and Businesses on West Main and North Cass Streets
Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Connections Church
Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home
Paul Lewis, DJ
Environmental Testing, Inc
Town Street Maintenance Crew
Natalie Rickards
Dennis Walmsley
Dr. Greg Zweiacher & Dr. M Nashed
Virtue and Valor Civil War Re-enactors
|Middletown Olde Tyme Peach Festival|
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Peaches are temperamental, brilliant but moody, and they hide their real selves behind their fuzzy, protective exterior, but as the author Alice Walker once wrote, “Life is better than death, I believe, if only because it is less boring, and because it has fresh peaches in it.”
Let’s start with the time of the year when they are at their best – a tiny, come-and-gone presence that falls annually between mid-May and mid-August. Let’s continue with the yin-yang, push-pull of their interior and exterior – a gluttony of sweet texture encased in an outer skin that can both tickle and nag, and while the taste of a ripe peach is so delicious that it can stop time and recall moments from childhood visits to pastures, it falls somewhere between grapes and pomegranates on the fruit-friendly food chain when you wish to cook it, because that food fuzz has to come off.
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We may not always understand them. We may not always be given access to them at their finest. Their skin is not always easy to remove, and yet, when we bite into one that’s freshly-plucked in season, or find them brilliantly pink and waiting for us at a roadside stand at the peak of their beauty, they are heaven in the hand.
In this article are included some incredible recipes for peaches – both savory and sweet – but in order to best prepare them, it’s best to know how to pick them, store them, prepare them and freeze them.
Peaches are on the softer spectrum of fruits, so handle them with care. Ripe ones should be firm, but have some give. Look for ones with a gold skin tone, rather than greenish or red. In terms of shape, a definite cleft is an indication of a mature fruit.
It’s best to store peaches at room temperature, and wash them just before you want to eat or use them. Peaches generally hold up for four days, and perhaps a few days longer if they’re refrigerated in a plastic bag. Peaches will oxidize when cut and exposed to air, but a squeeze of lemon juice will stop them from turning brown.
To properly remove a peach pit from the center of the fruit, cut into the peach near the top until the tip of the knife hits the stone, then cut lengthwise around the stone. Gently hold both halves of the peach, twist in opposite directions and pull it apart. Put one side down and then loosen the stone from the peach flesh with a knife or your finger.
Toss the juice of one lemon for every 8-10 peaches and ½ teaspoon of sugar for each peach added to your recipe. The lemon juice will help prevent browning and the sugar will release juices from the peaches, helping prevent air pockets when freezing.
Washing peaches will remove most of the fuzz. Although the fuzzy skin is perfectly edible, it becomes tough when cooked. To remove the peach skin, blanch in boiling water for one minute and then immediately plunge into cold water to cease the cooking process. The skin should easily slip off. Do not let the peaches soak in the water.
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Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar or Stevia (in a prepared form like Truvia, it measures same as sugar; if you use another form, you’ll need do your own conversion) - or Splenda, if you prefer, (sucralose)
• 1 cup all purpose flour (white, mixed grain or whole wheat works fine)
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk (low-fat or non-fat are fine)
• 3 cups sliced fresh peaches, peeled or skins left on
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Options
You can add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to your recipe.
You can also add other fruits: blueberries and blackberries are particularly good in combinations with peaches. Just add 1 cup of either to this recipe in step 6.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175 C).
Wash, peel and slice the peaches to whatever thickness you prefer. Tip: By dunking peaches into boiling water for 45 seconds, and then into ice water, the skins will usually fall right off.
Melt the stick of butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat until it bubbles and turns golden-brown. Be careful: it will burn quickly and easily.
Pour the butter into an 8-inch square baking dish.
In a medium bowl, stir together the 1 cup sugar (or Stevia (in a prepared form like Truvia, it measures same as sugar; if you use another form, you’ll need do your own conversion) - or Splenda, the 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 3/4 cup milk.
Pour the batter on top of the melted butter. Do not stir.
Without mixing, arrange the peaches evenly on top of the batter.
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the cobbler.
Bake the cobbler for 40 to 45 minutes at 350° F (175 C), until the top turns golden brown.
Pretty Peach Tart
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
FILLING
• 2 pounds peaches (about 7 medium), peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Whipped cream, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Cream butter, sugar and nutmeg until light and fluffy. Beat in flour until blended (mixture will be dry). Press firmly onto bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Place on a baking sheet. Bake on a middle oven rack until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, toss peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon and extract; add to crust. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake tart on a lower oven rack until crust is golden brown and peaches are tender, 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with whipped cream.
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Pork Chops with Peaches
Ingredients
• 2 bone-in rib or center-cut chops (4 to 6 oz. each)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 peaches, pits removed, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 tsp. zest and 2 Tbsp. fresh juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of dried red chili flakes
• 2 cups fresh raw baby spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until lightly smoking. Add the pork chops and cook until first side is nicely browned, 4 to 6 minutes.
Flip and continue to cook until the internal temperature
registers 145°F on an instant read thermometer, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Do not wipe out skillet. Lower heat to medium low and add the peaches, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and dried chili flakes. Stir gently until the peaches begin to soften but don’t lose their shape, 2 to 3 minutes.
Divide the spinach between two plates and put the pork chops on top. Pour any juices from the plate back into the skillet and add butter and lemon juice. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and swirling pan until butter is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in half of basil. Divide the peaches between the two plates and then pour the pan juices on top and sprinkle with remaining basil. Serve immediately.
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Roasted Beets, Peach and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
• 2 beets, scrubbed
• 1 bunch mache (lamb’s lettuce), rinsed and dried
• 1 bunch arugula, rinsed and dried
• 2 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) package goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnut oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wrap each beet in two layers of aluminum foil, and place onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the beets are tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Allow the beets to cool slightly, then remove the skins. Let the beets cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until cold. Once cooled, thinly slice the beets.
Place the mache and arugula into a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced beets and peaches; sprinkle with the shallots, pistachios, and goat cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified, and pour over the salad mixture. Toss well, and serve.
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Peach-MustardGlazed Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
• 2 (1 1/4-lb.) pork tenderloins
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 1/2 cup peach preserves
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle tenderloins with salt and black pepper. Cook in hot oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat; add shallot, and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Remove from heat, and stir in peach preserves and next 3 ingredients.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, 1 minute or until preserves are melted. Pour over tenderloins.
Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 150°. Transfer to a cutting board, reserving drippings in skillet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, stir broth into reserved drippings, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Serve with sliced tenderloins.
School / Day Camp Train
August 20 at 9:45 & 11am Brews on Board
August 30 at 7:00pm Princess Express
August 17 at 12:30pm & 2:30pm Hockessin Flyer - Diesel August 24 at 2:30pm
Wallis Repair
Collision Center
Peach & Tomato
Salad
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 medium ripe peaches (about 2 lb.), pitted and cut into wedges
• 2 pounds tomatoes, cut into wedges (about 4 medium tomatoes) and/or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil
Directions
In an extra-large bowl whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, salt and black pepper. Add peaches, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and pecans; toss to coat. Top with basil. Serve immediately.
26th Annual Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival August 17, 2019 9:00am to 4:00pm
Band members lend a hand at the Peach Festival
The Peach Festival is a busy time for plenty of people, but the members of the Middletown High School Band and Band Boosters do double duty on the day of the event. The band will perform in the annual parade, of course, but later, stationed at the Middletown Historical Society Booth at Cochran Square, they will be selling peaches, Peach Festival T-shirts and aprons. They will also help by offering information and directions to visitors, and selling peaches – individually, by the bag, or by the carton.
For Middletown Cavaliers band director Brian Endlein, the festival is a chance for students to give back to the community that has supported them for years.
“The band has been involved with the Peach Festival for at least the eight years I’ve been at Middletown High School, but they have been participating through several previous directors,”
Band members help sell peaches at the festival each year.
Endlein said. “The festival is definitely something our students look forward to each year. We love performing for the community. It signals the unofficial start of our fall season, and is a great way to cap off our two weeks of band camp and show everyone some of what the students have learned so far.”
In addition to the excitement of performing – particularly for freshmen who are new to the band – Endlein said, “Events like this help us offset the costs of our program each year to help us ensure maximum participation from our students. On big trip years, such as this year to Walt Disney World or previous years
to London, it also helps students partake in these once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities. When your town’s name is on the side of your school building, it is humbling privilege and amazing responsibility to give back to those that have given so much to us.
“Being out and about, selling peaches at this event, as well as performing in the parade, supports this distinctly Middletown tradition and helps keep our students in touch with our community,” Endlein added. “It’s the little things that make Middletown special, and that is what I want my students to carry with
Continued on page 50
The Middletown High School Band marches annually in the Peach Festival parade.
Band Members
Continued from Page 49
them when we travel and perform, as well as for the rest of their lives.”
The Middletown Cavaliers involve every member in activities and competitions. Their stated philosophy is “based on the belief that within every individual, the potential for greatness exists,” the school’s website reads. “When the efforts of each individual are focused toward a common goal, and when each individual pursues that goal to the absolute best of his/her ability, the goal --no matter how lofty-- will be achieved. Honesty, sincerity, respect, cooperation, dedication and the desire to achieve excellence are the qualities that bring out the greatness in all of us.
“Every person in our organization is essential to its success, regardless of the position they hold. There are no performers who ‘sit on the bench’ in marching band. Everyone is a ‘varsity starter’ at every rehearsal and performance. All of us must work together to achieve our goals. We derive strength and courage from each other, working side-by-side toward excellence in rehearsal and in performance. Success is achieved through unselfishness, understanding and persistence.”
The band performs in London, England.
Saturday
August 17, 2019
Parade at 8:45am Festival from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Presented by the Middletown Historical Society
SchagrinGAS
Moore Seal Inc
American Spirit Federal Credit Union
MOT Big Ball Marathon
Evolu on Karate Academy
Love of Christ Church
Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Sen. Hansen, Rep. Johnson
Advanced Pavement Group
Bob Wagner's Flooring America
Summit Hea ng and Air Condi oning LLC
Sky Zone Newark
FLAME-TECH
Chris ana Care Imaging Services
Jump On Over
Beach Babies Child Care
Air Temp Solu ons
GEICO Local Office
Akumin
Asabasa Spice Co.
Cadia Broadmeadow
Delaware Lo ery
Snows Pain ng
Lidl
LeafFilter North of Maryland, LLC.
Burke Dermatology
DEXSTA Federal Credit Union
First Class Hea ng & Air Condi oning
Del-One Federal Credit Union
PJ Fitzpatrick Inc.
Brandywine Podiatry
Parisi Speed School of Middletown
Delaware Orthodon cs
Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya
New Elizabeth AME Church
Leonard Financial Solu ons
St. Anne's Episcopal School
Beckers Chimney and Roofing
Slim's Sports Complex
Homestar Remodeling
|Middletown Life|
There are plenty of places to find an afternoon of fun in the region all year long, and here are a few from
Baronage Farm
311 Black Stallion Station Rd.
Townsend, DE 19734
Phone: (302) 659-1573
The Baronage Farm is a place where the dreams of ideals of the Middle Ages are in the midst of the modern world. Experience the medieval atmosphere! A great school field trip venue, the site boasts a Hands on History Day Camp complete with daily lessons and fun activities such as crafts and archery. Purchase old world items at the Siegeworks Forge and the Earthworks Pottery, or take a class in metalworking, pottery, jewelry, or other old world crafts. The Baronage Farm can also add a Medieval flair to special events such as reunions and birthday parties.
Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm
550 Silver Run Rd.
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: (302) 378-8949
Coleman’s has been family owned and operated since 1932. They sell Woodside Farms handmade ice cream all summer long, pumpkins in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winer. They offer school tours, birthday parties, company picnics, and bonfires. Enjoy the country setting of the beautiful 300acre farm.
Dutch Country Farmers Market
701 N. Broad Street
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: (302) 285-0851
Located in the heart of Middletown, Dutch Country Farmers Market is your destination for fresh food, quality furniture and unique gifts and services. It has over 25 vendors selling everything from baked goods from scratch to Amish-made furniture. Dutch Country Farmers Market is also known for its sit-down restaurant and plenty of assorted food stands that will tempt your appetite.
Located in the heart of Middletown, Dutch Country Farmers Market is your destination for food, furniture and unique gifts and services, with more than 25 vendors.
Odessa can lay claim to some of the finest examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the state.
Fun places
Continued from Page 56
Filasky’s Produce and Farm Market
1343 Bunker Hill Rd.
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: (302) 378-2754
Filasky’s Produce has been farming in Middletown for over 22 years. Much of their produce is grown right on their farm. Tours and educational opportunities available. Visit on a weekend for some family-fun activities like berry picking.
Frightland
309 Port Penn Rd.
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: (302) 838-0256
When the Halloween season rolls around, Frightland can be found near Middletown, with eight attractions including haunted houses, hayrides, their own cemetery and a town of zombies.
Historic Houses of Odessa
201 Main Street
Odessa, DE 19730
Phone: (302) 378-4119
Five historic houses and nearly 20 acres of surrounding property, outbuildings, and gardens are part of this colonial attraction. An outstanding private collection of household furnishings, fine and decorative arts with programs and tours that bring this 18th-century enclave to life, all year long. Once a busy Delaware River port town known for the shipment of grain and other agricultural products, Odessa can lay claim to some of the finest examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the state. The Delaware History Trail sign is located at 201 Main St. Open from March through December: Wednesday - Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Sunday (1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
Correction
In the Spring issue of Middletown Life, we included a listing for the Historic Odessa Brewfest. The listing included the incorrect date and times for the event. The Historic Odessa Brewfest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Explore
southern and central Delaware beer trail!
Central and Southern Delaware is part of the burgeoning national brewery and winery scene, and while you’re visiting the Peach Festival, or returning to soak up the sun at the Delaware beaches, these craft breweries, wineries and distilleries are waiting to welcome you.
Source: www.visitdelaware.com.
38º-75º Brewing
2000 Coastal Highway Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 227-8519
Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill is now brewing in-house beers on a 20-Gallon brewhouse, the smallest brewhouse in Delaware. Branded as 38º-75º Brewing and only steps to the beach, our beers will only be poured on tap at Gary’s. Like our food for over 25 years, we strive to be different and use fresh ingredients in our liquid; and because we are so small batched, every beer will be limited. We do offer growler fills if the guest brings their own, and we do have a Crowler Seamer machine on site for off-premise consumption.
Tap Room Hours: Off Season (Thursday 5 p.m., Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. to Close) Summer Season (Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to Close)
Tours: Upon Request
Established: Gary’s 1991 / 3875 Brewing 2017
3rd Wave Brewing Co.
501 N. Bi-State Blvd. Delmar, DE 19940
Phone: (302) 907-0423
It’s fitting to have a microbrewery in a place called “the little town too big for one state.” Delmar’s 3rd Wave may not be on the beach, but the brewery and its beers will make you feel like you’re there. Two women founded and own this brewery, where you’ll find 14 beers always on tap in the tasting room.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hoppy Hour: Monday – Friday: 3:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.
Tours: Call for tour hours
Featured Beverages: Sandstorm Belgian Tripel and Surf School Series NE IPA
Established: 2012
Beach Time Distilling
32191 Nassau Road #5 Lewes, DE 19958
Phone: (302) 644-2850
Take the laidback feel of the Delaware beaches. Put it in a bottle. And you’ve got Beach Time Distilling. The distillery makes hand-crafted small batch spirits. The rums, gin, vodka and specialty options use local ingredients when possible.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Featured Beverages: Beach Fire Spiced Rum, Beach Fin Gin
Established: 2015
Big Oyster Brewery
1007 Kings Hwy. Lewes, DE 19958
Phone: (302) 644-2621
The brewery is located in Fins Ale House and Raw Bar, but the beer is available at all its sister restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood while trying beers designed to be suited for drinking at the beach. And a small brewing system provides the flexibility to make whatever strikes the brewer’s fancy.
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Tours: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Featured Beverages: Solar Power Belgian Blonde, Hammerhead IPA
Established: Restaurant: 2013 Brewery: 2015
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Beer trail
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Blue Earl Brewing
210 Artisan Drive Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: (302) 653-2337
Music and beer go together like peas and carrots or peanut butter and jelly. And Blue Earl is dedicated to that pairing. Catch live music every weekend while sipping on blues-inspired brews. The music feel continues in the tasting room, which features walls lined with instruments.
Hours:
Monday - Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tour hours: Saturday: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; Sunday: 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Featured Beverages: Walking Blues IPA, Honeysuckle
Rose
Established: 2014
Brick Works Brewing and Eats
230 S Dupont Blvd # 1 Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: (302) 508-2523
Combine Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail favorite, Mispillion River Brewing, with Culinary Trail gem, Abbott’s Grill, and you have Brick Works. Take an industrial feel and join it with a rustic feel, and you’ll know what it’s like to be inside. Look into the open kitchen as your meal made from locally-grown food is prepared.
Hours:
Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Monday: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Established: 2016
Crooked Hammock Brewery
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, DE 19958
Phone: (302) 644-7837
For those who believe it is best to drink beer in a relaxed atmosphere, Crooked Hammock is the place to be. The brewery lives up to its name by having hammocks hanging out back. You’ll feel like you’re at a family cookout as you taste in-demand, beach-inspired brews in the large outdoor beer garden, which features ping pong tables, corn hole boards – even a playground for the kids!
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Featured Beverages: Wai Ola Cali-Style Coconut Ale and Mootzy’s Treasure IPA
Established: 2015
Dewey Beer Company
2100 Coastal Highway Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 227-1182
When you think about Dewey Beer Company, think about not traveling far. Your beer will travel 30 feet or less from the barrel it was brewed in to your glass, which means it will be fresh. The beach is only one block from the brewery. And it is mere feet from Dewey Beach mainstays like The Starboard, Bottle & Cork and Hammerheads.
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (summer hours)
Tours: Available by appointment
Featured Beverages: American Pale Ale, Blonde’s Bonde
Established: 2015
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Continued from Page 65
Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats
320 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 226-2739
Located on the main shopping and entertainment strip in Rehoboth, the “pub,” as it’s known among Dogfish aficionados, is thought of as the birthplace and soul of the famous brewery. There is an intriguing menu plus pub-only and hard-to-find Dogfish beer. There’s often live entertainment, pairing dinners, spirits tastings and much more.
Hours:
Everyday 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Featured Beverages: 60 Minute IPA, Indian Brown Ale
Established: 1995
You can also pop next door to Dogfish’s newest restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine for seafood inspired by both those regions.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Ctr. Milton, DE 19968
Phone: 302-684-1000
Toll-free: 800-364-3474
Across the nation, two words have come to capture the bold and irreverent character of “extreme beer” for tens of thousands of fans – Dogfish Head. The brewery is one of America’s most lauded craft beer makers, thanks to its quirky creations and bold approaches. Dogfish Head’s innovative system of continually hopping results in some of its most-loved beers, like 60 Minute, 75 Minute, 90 Minute and 120 Minute. Bring the kids, and climb up to the brewery’s “steampunk” tree house.
Hours:
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Tours: Sunday - Saturday: Times vary
Featured Beverages: Namaste, Burton Baton
Established: 1997
Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company
1284 Mcd Drive Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 678-4810
Take a great Maryland brewery. Combine it with an awesome Virginia brewery. And the result is Fordham & Dominion. Known for its beer and its soda, both of which you can try in the tasting room. Be sure to check out the “R2Hop2” invention that helps put more hops into its beer.
Tours: Saturday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Featured Beverages: Copperhead Ale, Double D Double IPA
Established: Fordham: 1995; Dominion: 1989
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Iron Hill Brewery and RestaurantRehoboth Beach
19815 Coastal Hwy Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 260-8000
The Rehoboth location of the Iron Hill’s fleet of brewpubs (two other Delaware locations are in Newark and Wilmington) serves up original house-made brews and a mature take on American comfort fare.
Mispillion River Brewing Co.
255 Mullett Run St. Milford, DE 19963
You’ll never have the same experience twice at Mispillion River Brewing. The brewery keeps its offerings exciting with “once-and-done” brews, single-hop varieties, and tasting-room exclusives. The fun atmosphere at Mispillion will have you forgetting that it is a production brewery, not a brewpub. Swing through downtown Milford to shop, wander down the riverwalk or eat at great restaurants, like Abbott’s Grill.
Hours:
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Featured Beverages: Beach Bum Joe, Holy Crap!
Established: 2013
Painted Stave Distilling
106 West Commerce Street Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: (302) 653-6834
A 1940s downtown movie house is home to Painted Stave Distilling. Delaware’s first stand-alone distillery pays homage to that with movie-themed spirits. Its distillers encourage visitors to experience the whiskeys, gins, bourbon and vodkas straight up. But they also love to invent and have people sample new mixes and cocktails. And you can check out a rotating gallery of local artwork. Painted Stave also offers a facility available for private parties, fundraisers and events.
Hours:
Friday: 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tour Hours: Top of the hour when open
Featured Beverages: Candy Manor Gin, Diamond State Bourbon/Rye Whiskey
Established: 2013
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Beer trail
Continued from Page 69
Revelation Craft Brewing Company
19841 Central St. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone: (302) 212-5674
Tucked away just a few blocks from Rehoboth Avenue, Revelation Craft Brewing Company is a hidden gem with a warm atmosphere and brews aplenty. The brewery’s focus on local ingredients makes for a menu that changes with the seasons so there’s always something new for even the veteran patron to enjoy. Ride your bike to the brewery located just off the Breakwater Trail. When the garage doors are open and the breeze is rolling in, Revelation makes the perfect resting spot.
Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Featured Beverages: Mother in law IPA, Mamajuana Brown Ale
Volunteer Brewing Company
120 W. Main St.
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: (302) 464-0822
Volunteer Brewing Company is your neighborhood brewery. Nestled in the heart of Middletown, this garage turned microbrewery’s mission is Serve~Local~Brew. Crafting small batch ales and partnering with local businesses and charities to engage the growing community, Volunteer is the place to run into old friends and meet new neighbors. Parking is available in the Public Lot on Scott Street.
Taproom Hours: Vary Monthly –Check website or Facebook for hours.
Featured Beverages: Volunteer Belgian Amber & Summit Farms IPA
Established: 2017
Kevin and Dawn Schatz outside of former garage that holds Volunteer Brewing.
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Peach Festival Fun Photo Essay
Peach Festival Fun Photo Essay
Brick laying ceremony on Sept. 7 to honor veterans
Warriors Helping Warriors: The South Broad Street house of hope
Over the past few years, the once-dilapidated mansion on South Broad Street in Middletown has been slowly brought back to life -- nail by nail and brick by brick -- just like the men and women of our military who come to this house for hope, connection, opportunity, mentoring and support.
Photos courtesy of Warriors Helping Warriors Some of the many volunteers who helped renovate the Warriors Helping Warriors South Broad Street location.
In many ways, Warriors Helping Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to U.S. veterans, grew out of the frustration that founder Ret. Maj. Kevin Conley experienced on his own, as an injured veteran returning from Afghanistan. He was not alone; Conley quickly found kindship with other returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, whose readaptation to civilian life was being complicated by the red tape of the Veterans Administration and the medical transition system. Conley and his colleagues also saw a lack of support to get the assistance they – and their families and caregivers – needed.
From the time it began in 2013, Warriors Helping Warriors has served as the Conley family business, through the dedication of Kevin, his children Dylan and Brynn, and Kevin’s parents, Ret. Lt. Col. Bill Conley and Marsha Conley.
The organization’s mission statement is both simple and powerful: To enable veterans and their families to “Win the War at Home.”
Warriors Helping Warriors recently opened the Brian Conley Veteran Resiliency Center that helps put the mission statement into motion. The center offers programs to support health and wellness, housing, resource and benefits education, financial planning, recreation, peer support and mental health. The center is operated by veteran volunteers and a full-time licensed counselor/social worker. Programs offered include yoga, healthy cooking, meditation, peer
mentoring, support groups for veterans, spouses and families, counseling and fellowship.
The center also includes a multi-purpose room, study/ conference room, lounge, kitchenette and residential space for 12-15 homeless veterans with bedrooms, kitchen and a bathroom.
“Just yesterday, we received a call from a veteran, and when he pulled up to our door, we were able to give him a place to stay,” Kevin said. “Otherwise, he probably would have slept in his car. Sometimes, particularly for a veteran, it is difficult to ask for help, but that’s what we’re here for.
“The work we do is to listen to them, often on the very worst days of their lives, and begin to offer any help we can provide.”
Warriors Helping Warriors not only provides assistance to veterans, it honors them, as well. Every six months, the organization holds a brick laying ceremony for the families of veterans who purchase a commemorative and personally inscribed 4”x-8” brick that honors their loved one, who is serving or who has served in the military. Together, every family who purchases a brick is asked to place it firmly next to other commemorative bricks, in front of the Warriors Helping Warriors house.
On Sept. 7, they will hold a brick laying ceremony at their 104 South Broad Street location, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Warriors Helping Warriors is located at 104 South Broad Street in Middletown. To learn more and to purchase a brick for your veteran, visit www.whwonline.org.
Warriors Helping Warriors will hold its latest brick laying ceremony in honor of veterans, on Sept., 7 in front of their South Broad Street location.
Yes, healthy food
These Middletown restaurants prove the point
By Drewe Phinny Staff Writer
As Middletown continues to grow, new restaurants are popping up all over. With the increased interest in healthy foods, restaurateurs are taking on the challenge of coming up with choices that combine good taste with decent nutrition numbers.
Three eateries that make the cut are Playa Bowls, Poke Bros, and Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli.
Playa is Spanish for beach, which is indicative of the origin of Playa Bowls. The original concept was born at the Jersey Shore. It’s the vision of co-founders Robert Giulani and Abby Taylor, who grew up surfing the beaches of Monmouth County and Ocean County. On their surfing trips to California, Hawaii and elsewhere, they enjoyed unique versions of acai or pitaya bowls, inspiring them to recreate their own recipes with a twist. What started in 2014 as a makeshift stand has grown to an impressive chain of 65 stores nationwide.
The Middletown location, at 832 Kohl Ave., is managed by Jessica Herron, who also runs the store on Main Street in Newark.
Herron explained that Playa Bowls are based on two “superfoods,” acai and pitaya. “Acai is a Brazilian super-fruit, out of the Amazon,” Herron said. “It’s really high in antioxidants and healthy omegas. And pitaya, which is probably our most popular base, is a dragon fruit from Nicaragua. It’s high in fiber but low in sugar, and a good source of iron, magnesium and Vitamin-C.
“We have a pretty big menu,” she added. “Some people find it slightly overwhelming, but I always tell them our menu is completely customizable, so anything you see that you don’t particularly like, you can always take that out and substitute a different fruit.”
Coconut bowls are a big seller. “Our coconut bowls are probably our highest calories,” Herron said. “They’re very good, but good for you, compared to, say, an Almond Joy. Actually, there is a chia bowl with that same name, made with spiced almonds, coconut flakes and we use raw cacao, just chocolate in its raw form. It’s sweet, but it’s also a super-fruit, so it’s much better for you. Other sweet alternatives include honey, agave, Nutella, almond butter and peanut butter.”
Not surprisingly, the most popular bowl at Middletown Playa Bowls (and company-wide) is the Nutella Bowl. Breakfast is served with oatmeal bowls embellished with fresh fruit and organic, natural peanut butter, or the typical maple and brown sugar.
Playa Bowls
832 Kohl Ave., off Merimac Avenue Middletown
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.)
ds can taste good
Poke Bros describes its offerings as “Sushi-grade fish and farm-fresh veggies in an authentic, Hawaiian poke bowl.” Poke features cubed, raw fish mixed in a bowl with rice, vegetables and flavorful toppings such as sesame seeds, wonton chips and toasted coconut.
Poke Bros was started in 2015, when the founders were introduced to the Hawaiian staple on a trip to California. Impressed with this unique dish, they made plans to bring it to the Midwest. The business has grown to 24 stores in seven states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Braden McGlone, marketing manager, describes a Poke bowl as “a deconstructed sushi roll. Although, with poke, there are additional options you can add. All the sauces are house-made, recipe sauces. O.G. sauce is
soy-based, and is used on almost all the bowls, unless a customer requests otherwise. Sriracha is a spicy aioli that is pretty popular.”
Not everybody loves sushi, and for those who may want to opt for other possibilities, McGlone said, “Not all the Poke Bros locations are completely traditional, and we’ve found in the last few years that it was best to include a few items for just about everyone, whether or not they like raw seafood. So you’ll see grilled chicken and steamed shrimp. We try to make our menu as approachable as possible.”
Diners can make their poke bowls as healthy as they want. On the other hand, “You can certainly pile on the sauce and the rice and things like that where they may
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Healthy foods
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not be as healthy,” McGlone said. “They also offer salads as a base, rather than rice. We actually see a lot of the people who are really into fitness, and they really like Poke Bros because of the amount of protein and clean eating. When you’re ordering, basically you choose your base, and from there you choose all your different ingredients.”
Some signature bowls include the Johnny Utah (salmon, avocado, edamame, cucumber, masago, OG sauce and sriracha aioli), Da Kine (marinated tuna, sweet onion, seaweed salad, masago, green onions, OG sauce and ponzu), and The Duke (tuna, salmon, shrimp, seafood salad, edamame, cucumber, OG sauce and Gochujang, a red chili paste). Poke Bros
Some will joke that food that’s good for you isn’t very tasty and food that’s bad for you is probably delicious. McGlone disputes that notion when it comes to the poke bowl. “You don’t have to hate your lunch. That’s one of the big benefits,” he said. “And it’s quick. You can be in and out in five minutes and have yourself a pretty healthy lunch.”
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Healthy foods
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Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli is a family business run by Sam Alachouch and his sister, Reham, who came to the United States from Syria with their parents in 2006.
They feature Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on gyros, hummus and falafels. One of the more popular items on the menu is Chicken Shawwarma, a wrap with garlic sauce and pickle served on toasted flat bread. You can pair that with lentil soup with lentils, swiss chard and carrots, and you have a good meal.
Alachouch uses basic ingredients for his dishes, and he believes that – along with a focus on freshness – is the key to the success of Marlena’s. “We concentrate on what we know. We came here, put a few items on the menu and people loved it, so we kept adding more of what they like,” he said. “My mom checks everything in the kitchen to make sure it’s right. This food is very simple; we grew up eating it. We get new people every day who have never even had hummus. They try it and love it.
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•Run
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Healthy foods
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“We make it from scratch,” he continued. “It’s chickpeas blended with tahini sauce. We add a little garlic. It’s really good. Another favorite is falafels. “We make them from scratch, too. We take the chickpeas, we grind them, add spices. We have a falafel maker and we fry them. We have a wonderful falafel platter with hummus with tabouli salad, made with parsley, bulghur wheat, tomatoes, onion, olive oil and lemon juice. Another favorite is Mujadara. It has lentil, bulgur wheat and fried onions.”
Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli has been open for more than two years. The community has responded with solid support and great reviews on Facebook, Yelp and other social media: “Love that Middletown has a family-run business that offers different cuisine”
“The kafta wrap with ground beef was absolutely delicious”
“It’s great to have a Middle Eastern deli here in Middletown.”
“Can’t wait for you guys to expand. The food and service is great.”
Willey Fa
A five-alarm fire devastated one of the area’s most beloved businesses last fall. But, just a few weeks after the blaze, Willey Farms was able to sell Christmas trees to its customers. The family business is slowly rebuilding after a lot of hard work and a touching display of support from the community…
Willey’s Market has reopened just north of the garden center and greenhouse.
arms rises again
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
On the evening of Nov. 5, 2018, an electrical fire started at the north end of Willey Farms’ market. The fire spread quickly. Firefighters from four states responded to the five-alarm blaze, but despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Willey Farms could not be saved. A business that had served residents in Townsend and the surrounding communities for more than four decades was gone.
“It was pretty devastating for us and the community,” explained Willey Farms marketing coordinator Donna Cavender.
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All photos by Steven Hoffman
The plants are very healthy at Willey Farms.
Willey Farms
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The question on everyone’s mind after the fire was whether the popular family-owned business would return.
At the time of the fire, preparations were underway for the big Christmas open house. Willey Farms is a popular destination for shoppers wanting to look for unique holiday gifts. Most of the merchandise for the Christmas open house had been destroyed in the fire, of course. But the Christmas trees that had already been ordered for the 2018 holiday season arrived after the fire. Not wanting to disappoint customers, Willey Farms decided to sell the Christmas trees, some Christmas wreaths, and a few other holiday items that they were able to bring in.
People turned out in large numbers to show their support for the beloved business. Some people who usually put up artificial trees in their homes bought real trees simply because they wanted to support the local business after the devastating fire.
“There were so many people who came out to buy Christmas trees,” Cavender recalled. “It was good to see all of our customers again, and to see that community support.”
The warm reception from the community had a big impact on the owners and staff at Willey Farms, Cavender said.
“It gave us the will to come back,” she explained.
It wouldn’t be easy to rebuild, but in the early part of 2019, decisions started to be made about how Willey Farms could make a comeback—one small step at a time.
“It had taken us 40-plus years to expand to that point,” Cavender explained. Rebuilding wouldn’t be accomplished overnight.
The family-owned business took a big step toward rebuilding when, after months of planning and hard work, the Willey’s garden center and
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There is a wide selection of items available.
Willey Farms
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greenhouse opened in mid-April, offering a wide variety of garden plants, vegetable plants, unique gifts, and more.
Once again, the community showed its love for the business by turning out in droves when the garden center reopened for another spring season.
“It was a massive opening,” Cavender said. “It was great.”
It was also a relief.
In those dark days immediately after the fire, there was
certainly a question about whether Willey Farms could be rebuilt and reopened. The opening of the garden center was evidence that the fire had failed in its mission to destroy something that is very important to this community.
“Those of us who had worked here for a while, when we walked in and saw the garden center, we said, ‘okay, this looks like Willey Farms.”
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CHATEAU BU-DE
Wed & Thurs | 2:00p-7:30p
The freshest fruits and vegetables are available at Willey’s Market.
Willey Farms
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A new, smaller Willey’s Market located just north of the greenhouse and garden center opened, offering the freshest fruits, vegetables, and wide variety of natural foods. It was another big step in a remarkable comeback.
Cavender pointed out that it’s a slow, lengthy process to get all the necessary permits and to take all the steps that are necessary to rebuild a business as diverse as Willey Farms.
“Everybody wants to know, are we going to rebuild? The answer is yes,” she explained. “But we have to take all those small steps to get there.”
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Looking for something unique? There are a lot of items at Willey Farms that can’t be easily found anywhere else.
Willey Farms
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Willey Farms is slowly building back what was lost in the fire. The total square feet of the facilities is less than before, but they are maximizing the space by utilizing their records of sales to identify the items that were most popular with customers.
“We’re trying to offer as much of what the customers want as we can,” Cavender explained.
The customers are delighted to have Willey Farms back.
On a warm, overcast day in early July, Kara Streets, a resident of Middletown, went to Willey Farms to purchase oakleaf hydrangeas and some other plants at the garden center.
Like thousands of other customers in the area, she is happy to be able to still shop at one of her favorite places.
“The fire was devastating, but they are bringing it back,” she said. She explained
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Customers can usually find whatever they are looking for at Willey Farms’ garden center and greenhouse.
Willey Farms
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why she has been coming to Willey Farms to buy plants, crafts, and other unique items for more than two decades.
“I enjoy coming here and looking around to see what they have,” she said. “They always have unique items that you can’t find anywhere else. The plants are always healthy and they have a good selection.
I’m a very satisfied customer.”
Willey Farms is located at 4092 Dupont Parkway in Townsend. The hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The telephone number is 302-378-8441.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
