The Brandywine Zoo invites you to Sip & Stroll through the zoo and enjoy a laid-back evening at our Thursday night happy hour series
Craft beer will be available from Bellefonte Brewing and Dogfish Head, in addition to wine, cider, and seltzers Each Sip will feature a local food vendor and live music, Plus, our concession stand will be open with snacks and soft drinks This family friendly event is fun for all ages!
Limited number of tickets will be sold.
Drink and food purchases sold separately.
Special Thanks to Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence for their generous donation!
Check out our web site for more fun-filled events!
Published each month by TSN Media, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Contact@TSNPub.com Wilmington, DE 19801
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PUBLISHER
Gerald duPhily • jduphily@tsnpub.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
Jim Miller • jmiller@tsnpub.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Bob Yearick • ryearick@comcast.net
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER
Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC
DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR Michael O’Brian
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Amy Watson Bish
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Adriana Camacho-Church, Mark Fields, Pam George, Roger Hillis, Catherine Kempista, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Ken Mammarella, Mary Ellen Mitchell, Matt Morrissette, Kevin Noonan, Andrea Smith, Bob Yearick
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jim Coarse, Justin Heyes and Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography, Ashley Craven, Lindsay Rudney duPhily, Joe Hoddinott, Matthew Loeb,
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Bauer, John D. Holton, Bev Zimmermann
Focus
Eat
At The Beach
Photo by Jon Caspar
DEFEND, Not Defund
We need to defend the Arts and their value — before it’s too late
By Out & About Staff
The Arts Matter,” has been an unofficial slogan of the National Endowment of Arts (NEA) for at least a decade.
The slogan has not convinced the White House. After suddenly denying hundreds of NEArelated arts grants in early May, the Trump administration has added the 60-year-old organization to the chopping-block list of “small agency eliminations.” At a time when communities are still recovering from pandemic-era losses, and trust in public institutions is fragile, eliminating one of the most democratic forms of cultural investment undermines our shared civic infrastructure.
This decision is painfully short-sighted.
As staffers for a magazine that has advocated for the Arts since the late ‘80s, we at Out & About have been consistently insisting that we all should be doing more to support the Arts — not less. And certainly not the idea of doing virtually nothing
Why so pushy?
Because, put simply, the Arts deliver outstanding value to the American way of life.
A whole host of our nation’s values, including education, community, and economic development, are drastically improved via the Arts in ways that experts have been able to demonstrate quite clearly.
The problem is most Americans — many serving in government — simply have not been paying close attention.
ARTS AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER
Let’s look at the positive economic impact, first: At a relatively low cost, the Arts have been a quiet economic boon here in Delaware, dramatically boosting revenues and job-creation from Claymont to South Bethany.
According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study conducted among 373 participating communities nationwide in 2022 and 2023, Delaware’s economy has benefitted tremendously from grants to the nonprofit arts and culture community.
In fiscal year 2021-22, Delaware arts organizations received $5 million in grants from the state via the Delaware Division of Arts ($3.9 million) and federally via the NEA ($1.1 million). For roughly that same fiscal year, AEP6 determined that the state’s nonprofit arts-and-culture
sector generated about $209 million in direct economic impact.
In other words, for every dollar that was invested by the government to nonprofit agencies, more than $40 was pumped back into the state’s economy. No matter what school of economics you subscribe to, that is an outstanding return on investment.
Even if the ROI in the Arts is much less impressive in other states than it is in Delaware, the idea of cutting the NEA entirely seems odd, if not illogical. The agency is currently funded at $207 million, which is only 0.003% of the total federal budget.
If the cuts are simply a matter of the Trump administration looking to save every penny — without any consideration of ROI — then why did a Republican-led House committee recently propose a six-fold increase of spending to the Kennedy Center to the tune of $257 million?
That’s not saving money. Nor is it good sense. Instead of funding the NEA to support the Arts in more than 14,000 communities across the country, we essentially would be spending roughly $40 million more on one arts location that most people will never see.
Contrary to outdated stereotypes, NEA grants overwhelmingly support community-based programming — not elite institutions. In fact, 40% of NEA-funded projects serve high-poverty neighborhoods and underserved populations. Even more impactful, NEA grants fund projects in each of the 435 congressional district in the country.
While we can’t specifically speak to the impact on all 14,000 of those communities, we can point to other economic statistics that support NEA funding and the Arts in Delaware, such as:
• In 2021, Delaware’s creative economy (including for-profit businesses) generated $3.7 billion in total revenue and contributed $2.2 billion to the state’s economy after expenses.
• In 2022, the activities of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations supported the
employment more than 3,300 people in Delaware (creating $40.2 million in tax revenue) in industries like hospitality, tourism, retail, and transportation.
• Recent studies have shown one in four attendees at Delaware arts and cultural events and attractions are visitors who traveled from outside the state. On average they spend $67.50 per person per visit.
In other words, for every dollar that was invested by the government to nonprofit arts agencies, more than $40 was pumped back into the state’s economy.
ARTS AS COMMUNITY BUILDERS
The impact goes beyond economics. The Arts strengthen positive perspectives about community as well. Beyond festivals and performances, the arts reduce social isolation — a known contributor to poor health outcomes — and have been linked to lower neighborhood crime rates through increased foot traffic, beautification, and community cohesion. Events like the upcoming Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and St. Anthony’s Italian Festival boost our collective spirits in ways that have long-lasting benefits.
AEP6 showed that 88% of attendees of arts-and-culture activities and venues say these events and places inspire “a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community” with 90% saying they would “feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”
This is not just a First State feeling: Eight out of every 10 Americans agree that arts and community improve their community’s quality of life and livability.
Nor are these positive feelings fleeting ones; they help improve community over the long term. In 2017, University of Pennsylvania researchers demonstrated that higher concentrations of the arts in communities promote higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates.
Similarly, the Arts offer an effective way of strengthening mental health by reducing depression and anxiety and increasing life satisfaction.
Unwind by the Brandywine.
ARTS AS EDUCATION
If, as a nation, we are adhering to the notion of looking back in time to find ways to make America great again, we should consider the world’s first democracy, ancient Greece, when and where Music was considered an essential science.
In fact, in the 500 B.C. era of Pythagoras, Music stood with Arithmetic, Geometry, andAstronomy as the four scientific-based areas of study that would become known as the liberal arts — fundamental pillars of classic education for centuries to come in Western Civilization.
That is, until about 40 years ago…
Here in America, Music began to inexplicably lose value among educators in the mid-1980s. What was once one of the pillars of classic education is offered today — in the best of circumstances — as an elective in many public schools if it’s even offered at all.
This devaluation of music education has persisted in America despite fact that eight out of every 10 Americans believe government has a role in providing arts education to students K-12. Studies support this belief:
• Music education elevates learning. Studies show that student musicians on average perform better in math, science, and language. Those studies go hand in hand with others that show music education also boosting emotional development in young students. Moreover, arts education has been shown to narrow the achievement gap for students from low-income communities and fosters critical 21st-century skills — such as collaboration, communication, and innovation — that today’s employers demand.
• In addition to Music, the Arts in general help improve academic performance. Studies show students engaged in the Arts have higher GPAs, standardized test scores, and college-admission rates as well as lower drop-out rates.
• The Arts help foster creative thinking. Research has shown that
PRESENTED BY DOGFISH HEAD CRAFT BREWERY
HAGLEY MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
Nobel laureates in the sciences are 17 times more likely to be actively engaged as an arts maker than other scientists.
DELAWARE’S STATE OF AFFAIRS
Thankfully, when it comes to the Arts, Delaware fares better than most states. Due largely to the persistent advocacy of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Delaware Arts Alliance, the First State ranks in the top five across the country in Arts spending per capita.
However, recent federal cuts have both organizations scrambling to find ways to bridge the gap for arts and cultural organizations suddenly left in the lurch.
"NEA dollars reach every congressional district in the country, supporting arts access in both urban centers and rural towns where other resources are often scarce,” says Jessica Ball, Director at the Delaware Division of the Arts.
“Eliminating this funding would pull vital support from classrooms, main streets, and community centers — and in doing so, strip away economic opportunity, creative expression, and civic vitality from the places that need it most.
“Defunding the NEA isn’t just an arts issue — it’s a community issue. It means fewer opportunities to gather, express ourselves, and enjoy the cultural life that makes everyday moments meaningful."
For local arts advocates like Ron Ozer, the Trump administration's threat to eliminate the NEA looms large.
Grants help support diverse musical offerings at the Arden Gild Hall, which Ozer has programmed for 23 years. He has brought in bands from all over America’s landscape — in terms of both genre and geography. It’s not uncommon for the venue to showcase acts from as far away as Africa or Asia as well.
Ozer sees the recent cancellation of congressionally appropriated arts funding as “an overtly political takeover of creative expression in this country” and suggests we take action.
“Publicly funded art is a crucial aspect of outstanding performance spaces in Delaware such as the Grand Opera House, the Freeman Arts Pavilion and Arden Gild Hall,” Ozer says. “We must all let our representatives know that we are strongly against these cuts, which represent a tiny portion of the federal government, but which pay huge dividends in our communities.”
If we want to preserve the cultural vitality and economic impact the arts bring to our communities, we must raise our voices now. Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to preserve NEA funding. Our shared cultural future depends on it.
Indeed, with all the community-building benefits to consider, it seems like an understatement to simply say, “The Arts Matter.” Instead, we suggest a more fitting slogan moving forward:
“The Arts Are Essential.”
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY:
NEW PROGRAMS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS
In today’s fast-changing job market, staying ahead means being equipped with the right skills at the right time. Wilmington University’s 200+ career-focused academic programs align with the demands of today’s workforce, and its flexible formats align with the schedules of working adults.
Relevant Coursework Backed by Research
WilmU’s academic programs are developed through continuous market research and industry consultation. This research-driven approach helps prepare students with the tangible skills employers are actively seeking across industries, including business, tech, education, health care, natural sciences, law and social sciences.
Learning From Professionals in the Field
One of WilmU’s greatest strengths is its faculty of practitionereducators. These instructors are not only experienced professionals in their fields but also passionate mentors who share insights and strategies learned through years of practical experience. Their guidance helps students connect classroom concepts to real-life challenges and provides valuable networking opportunities that can open doors to future career paths.
Hands-On Experience Through Work-Integrated Learning
WilmU students don’t just learn theory — they gain experience. The University’s Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) model allows students to earn credit while working in professional settings relevant to their degrees. WIL helps students build resumes, explore career interests and gain a competitive edge. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 66% of companies offer interns full-time roles, and 76% of paid interns stay with their employer at least one year.
A Trusted Partner for Students and Employers
With more than 400 partnerships with regional employers, WilmU helps students connect with organizations that value their skills and readiness. These partnerships provide hands-on learning opportunities and help industries meet the growing demand for welltrained, dependable professionals.
Whether you’re looking to pivot careers, advance in your current role or explore a new field, WilmU’s forward-thinking, accredited and affordable programs are designed to help you succeed.
Explore WilmU’s newest offerings: NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS
A.S. in Accounting
A.S. in Applied Behavioral Health
A.S. in Organizational Leadership
A.S. in Health Sciences
B.S. in Applied Mathematics
B.S. in Chemistry
B.S. in Nursing to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner
B.S. in Nursing to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Biotechnology
Construction Management
Cybersecurity and Fintech
Esports
Essentials of People Management Fintech
Financial Management in Human Services
Juris Doctor MBA in Banking and Financial Services
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Digital Communication
M.S. in Environmental Science
M.S. in Health Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology
Forensic Science
Logistics and Supply
Chain Management
Teacher Licensure: K-6
Teacher Licensure: 6-12
Teacher Licensure: Special Education
UX/UI Design
You can find all of WilmU’s academic programs at wilmu.edu/programs.
Classes Start: July 7 & Sept. 2
WILM U.EDU
THE WAR On Words
A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language
A DIFFERENT PROBLEM
The needless adjective different continues to be inserted in sentences such as these:
• “The Kentucky Derby consists of 19 different 3-year-old horses.” – John Leuzzi, in USA TODAY.
• “Five different Penn State wrestlers finished third.” – From a Penn State news source.
• “In Florida, eight different parks are equipped with ABS technology (Automatic Balls and Strikes system).” – Steve Gardner, USA TODAY.
LEAVE IT TO LEAVITT
Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s press secretary, is a veritable malapropism machine. Recent examples:
• In response to questions that she can’t (or won’t) answer, she often says, “I would defer you to . . .” She means refer, of course.
• Using a noun where an adjective was called for, she claimed that the president has promised to “make the government more efficiency.”
• She also praised his activism, saying he “has exuded much energy” in creating many executive orders. She meant exerted
PHONY SOPHISTICATION
That’s the term that describes writers who try to sound learned, only to wind up displaying gaps in their grammar knowledge. Their gaffes often involve incorrect use of whom or whomever instead of who or whoever and opting for he or she instead of the correct him or her, as in these examples:
• Nate Davis, USA TODAY: “Tight end Mason Taylor should either provide immediate help to new QB Justin Fields … or whomever replaces him in a year or two.” (Also, either should precede “new QB.”)
• Reader Jane Buck submits this one from a New York Times review of Her Majesty, on Amazon Prime: “Suddenly she has a new attaché coaching her on where to go and what to say, whom to be and whom to trust.” The verb “to be,” unlike transitive verbs (such as “trust”), does not take a direct object.
• Matt Hayes, USA TODAY: “. . . I mean reportedly deleting 52 text messages between he and Stalions the day the scheme was exposed.”
Word of the Month
Pronounced grah-sile, it’s an adjective meaning slender, physically slight. (Think Timothy Chalamet.)
MEDIA WATCH
By Bob Yearick
• Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY: “After he was gunned down by police, McCurdy’s body laid unclaimed in an Oklahoma funeral home for months.” The past tense of lie is lay. Laid means placed.
• Reader Larry Hamermesh submits this from a Reuters story in The News Journal: “The U.S. Department of Education informed Harvard University on May 5 that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the nation’s oldest and wealthiest college concedes to a number of demands from the Trump administration.” The better choice would be accedes, although agrees would also work. Both concedes and accedes indicate a giving in or acquiescence, but concedes implies defeat, while accedes indicates simple acceptance. Also, concedes is often not followed by "to,” while accedes is.
• From Page 6, an online entertainment site, courtesy of reader Judy Tribbey: “Lastly, Olympia tasks Matty with detailing every single lie she has told since they met on a legal pad, before heading back downstairs to her own office.” Not grammar, but sentence structure, this makes one think perhaps Olympia and Matty met on a legal pad.
• Lochlahn March in The Philadelphia Inquirer: “Jose Alvarado, Joe Ross, Jordan Romano, and Orion Kerkering pitched a scoreless inning in relief.” While the sentence is not technically wrong, the careful writer would have made it “. . . combined to pitch a scoreless inning.”
DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.
• Blake Toppmeyer, in USA TODAY, writing about Mississippi football coach Lane Kiffin: “Kiffin is a former hotshot wunderkind . .” A wunderkind is a young hotshot.
• Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY: “[Gene] Hackman was nominated for a second supporting actor nomination for his role in 1970’s I Never Sang for My Father.”
• Olivia Reiner, The Philadelphia Inquirer: “In addition to his penchant for sacks, Powell-Ryland also has a knack for knocking the football from his opponent’s grasp.”
• And finally, this is the recorded message for a local medical practice: “We are currently unavailable at the present time. ”
NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR GROUP?
Contact me at ryearick@comcast.net for a fun and informative discussion on grammar.
Shore Things
ACROSS
1. Common le sharing format
2. Pie ____ mode
7. High school tests for college credits
10. “You ___ My Sunshine” (state song of Louisiana)
11. Ivy in Philly
13. Like a coin that lands heads 50% of the time
15. Present time?
17. First section of a play
18. It’s rst video was “Video Killed the Radio Star”
19. Character in “Pride & Prejudice”?
22. Tennis match segment
24. Talk nonsense
25. Desire
26. Apprehend
28. Is supported by
30. Double-dealer?
32. Utah Hockey Club’s new name (borrowed from “wooly” species)
36. Location of “plenty of sh,” per an idiom
38. Happiness
39. Starsky or Hutch
41. Pop y’s trajectory
43. Hot and bothered?
46. Signal
48. Hockey locale
49. One loa ng around Rehoboth, perhaps, or a “cheeky” hint to the circled “tail ends” of 15-, 19-, 30-, and 43-Across
52. Rooster, to a hen
53. Corn units
54. Pitcher’s stat
55. Boar’s 52-Across
56. Traverse down a slope
57. “Cross my t’s and ___ my i’s”
DOWN
1. Take the check
2. Percussion instrument
3. Craft supplies
4. Fitting
5. “Star Wars” heroine who tells Han “I love you” (he responds, “I know”)
6. “Me ___ Shadow” (Great American Songbook standard)
7. Distant
8. Retailer with swimwear and sandals
9. Long-necked Indian instruments
12. Like many Mount Everest guides
14. Bandmate of John, Paul, and George
16. Not odd
20. Fencing weapons
21. Lair
23. Food that might be eaten on Tuesday
27. Mess up, as plastic surgery
29. Region
31. “Smelly Cat” singing “Friend”
32. Film studio with a lion mascot
33. Wake-up call
34. Mainstream, independent, etc.
35. Will, if possible 37. Foot part 40. Court appeals
NWilly Miranda
A coach for all seasons
By Chuck Durante
o living coach has mentored more high school athletes than Willy Miranda. Proficient since childhood in one sport, he coached five others, leaving a heritage that this spring earned him induction into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.
A shortstop from Baltimore who helped the Blue Hens reach the 1970 College World Series, he found a state that welcomed him. Miranda became a teacher whose day never stopped at 3 p.m., coaching for five decades, typically three seasons a year. Although his name carried international cachet in baseball, his greatest success was in sports he never played.
After learning field hockey as an adult, he took 38 Brandywine teams to 470 victories, 10 conference titles and a state championship. To give Delaware girls exposure to artificial turf and recruiters, he started the Turf Bowl, which for 30 years has raised funds for women’s cancer research.
After starting the first upstate public school lacrosse program, he led Brandywine to 13 Blue Hen titles and two state championship games. His girls basketball teams at Wilmington High and Brandywine produced league titles
and all-state players. Counting swimming and softball, his teams have won 1,200 games, including at P. S. duPont and Mount Pleasant.
His father and namesake, a legendary shortstop in Cuba, was a deft fielder for a decade in the American League.
Willy’s public service has been honored by the Delaware Women’s Alliance for Sports and Fitness, and the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association.
— Founded in 1976, the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame is located on the Wilmington Riverfront at 801 Shipyard Drive on the first base side of Frawley Stadium. Sports fans can tour the museum for free each Saturday from 10am to 1pm and for two hours before every Blue Rocks home game.
Willy Miranda has coached multiple high school teams to victory.
Photo courtesy Brandywine High School
FLY AVELO from Wilmington Airport
Philadelphia / Wilmington, DE (ILG)
Nashville, TN (BNA)
Tampa, FL (TPA)
Sarasota / Bradenton, FL (SRQ)
Fort Myers, FL (RSW)
Raleigh / Durham, NC (RDU)
Wilmington, NC (ILM)
Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)
Orlando, FL (MCO)
Lakeland, FL (LAL)
West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL (FLL)
San Juan, PR (SJU)
Nonstop to 3 New Cities:
Jacksonville, FL
Nashville, TN
Raleigh / Durham, NC
FYI
Things Worth Knowing
NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR CHOSEN TO LEAD SYMPHONY
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra has named Michelle Di Russo as its new music director, following an extensive global search that began in 2023. Di Russo will begin her tenure in the 20252026 season, coinciding with the DSO’s 120th season.
This month we celebrate Pizza Week and the St. Anthony's Italian Festival. So, we've hidden a few slices in this issue. Tell us the four pages you find a pizza slice and you could win a cool prize. Email your answer by June 20 to Contact@TSNPub.com with the subject line: I Found the Pizza. We will choose three winners from correct submissions. Congrats to Tom Deamer, Patricia Holdsworth, Sharon Monagle who found the Beach Bus on pages 24, 35, 63, 62 of last month's issue.
BARD AND BEER
J“Her genuine presence, artistic command, and bold vision have inspired our musicians, staff, and board alike,” says DSO Board President Frank Clowes. "We are excited to begin this next chapter under her leadership.”
Di Russo will officially step into the role at the DSO’s first Mainstage Series concert of the season on Friday, October 10. “This orchestra is a cultural treasure of Delaware with limitless potential, and I’m honored to be entrusted with its future,” says Di Russo. “I can’t wait to embark on this journey with the DSO and our vibrant Delaware community.”
Season subscriptions for 2025-2026 are now available, with single tickets going on sale on August 1. More at DelawareSymphony.org.
CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER CELEBRATE 80 YEARS
Christina Cultural Arts Center celebrates its 80th anniversary with a year-long theme: Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating 80 Years of Artistry Unbound. To commemorate the milestone, CCAC will host a series of major events through the upcoming months, the first of which is the annual June Recital on Sunday, June 8 at the Laird Performing Arts Center at Tatnall School (1501 Barley Mill Road). The recital showcases the talent of CCAC students, honoring the center’s rich artistic legacy. CCAC has long been a launchpad for young artists — some of whom have gone on to perform on Broadway and share stages with internationally-acclaimed artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA. More at CCACDe.org.
oin Delaware Shakespeare and Friends of Fort DuPont on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. for a night with the Bard at the Fort DuPont Pavillion (2546 Colter Road, Delaware City). Enjoy brews from Bellefonte Brewing, plus food from Bailey’s Dawgs and Kona Ice, during a lighthearted evening of Shakespeare. Tickets are $35 for a flight of three beers (or spiked seltzers) and $25 for designated drivers. Tickets at DelShakes.org.
CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND CAVIAR DREAMS
Join Snuff Mill Restaurant (1601 Concord Pike, Wilm.) for a Champagne & Caviar Masterclass on Saturday, June 7 at 12 p.m. Curated by Petrossian Caviar and featuring a selection of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, guests will explore layers of flavors and leave with the confidence to savor caviar like a pro. Tickets are limited and available at SnuffMillButchery.com.
Things Worth Knowing
THE WHITNEY PROJECT PRESENTS
WORLD PREMIERE WORK
Jazz quintet The Whitney Project will premiere Cooch’s Bridge: The Battle on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington, with an encore performance on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. Composed for pipe organ and percussion, this piece is the third installment of Jonathan W. Whitney’s four-work commission by the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, and draws inspiration from the September 3, 1777 battle at Cooch’s Bridge. The concert features organist David Christopher and percussionists Carl Barone, I-Jeng Fang and Whitney.
The Wilmington performance will feature a pre-concert conversation beginning at 6:45 p.m., between Austin Chanu, former assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Whitney.
Admission for both concerts is free, with a suggested donation of $25 per person. More at FriendsOfCoochsBridge.org.
BRANDYWINE PARK WELCOMES
NEW FARMERS MARKET
The Brandywine Park Farmers Market is Delaware’s newest weekly destination for fresh produce, artisan goods, and community wellness. Presented by the Spread Good Karma Foundation and Friends of Wilmington Parks, the market promotes local shopping, healthy living, and community connection, and features live music, food trucks, a women-only walking club, and more. Located at 1000 N. Park Drive, beside the Josephine Fountain, the market is held from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday until October 25 (except for a few dates falling on Sunday due to previously scheduled park event; see website for details). More at SpreadGoodKarmaFoundation.org.
KIND OF A BIG DILL
Bounce Pickleball is now open on the Wilmington Riverfront (510 Justison Street), serving up yearround fun with eight championship courts, a mezzanine area overlooking the courts, and a large lounge area for parties and events. From open play and leagues to group clinic and pro lessons, there’s no shortage of ways to rally your game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning to dink, Bounce has something for everyone. More at BouncePB.com/wilmington.
PETS OF THE MONTH
Fireworks and Pets:
Prepping for Fourth of July
By Brianna Hansen
For many of us, the Fourth of July is a time for celebration — cookouts, parades, and of course, reworks. But for our pets, those dazzling displays can be downright terrifying. In fact, more pets go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of year, and animal shelters across the country see a dramatic increase in lost pet intakes following reworks festivities.
But it just so happens that June is National Microchipping Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your pet is protected before the bashes begin! Even indoor pets can bolt if frightened, and microchipping is a simple, a ordable procedure that can dramatically increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if they ever get lost.
If your pet is already chipped, now is a great time to double-check that your contact information is up to date in the registry. Make sure the ID tag on their collar is current too. Pro tip: Have a pet who’s prone to eeing? GPS collars can make reuniting quick and easy.
How else can you keep your pet safe during reworks? First and foremost, leave them at home. As tempting as it may be to include them in your plans, loud, unfamiliar environments are overwhelming for animals. Here are a few more ways to prepare your fur babies:
Create a Safe Space — Keep pets indoors during reworks, preferably in a quiet room with closed windows and drawn curtains. A cozy bed, soothing music, or white noise machine can help drown out unsettling sounds. Work on familiarizing your pet with the space leading up to the event, and if you’ll be away for the show, consider a crate or carrier.
Exercise Early — Give your dog plenty of exercise earlier in the day. A tired pet is often a calmer pet when evening rolls around. Make sure they take a potty break before the reworks start too!
Try Calming Products — Pheromone di users, calming sprays, or anxiety wraps (like undershirts) can help soothe anxious pets. My own pittie prefers a hoodie in stressful situations.
Talk to Your Vet — If your pet experiences extreme anxiety during reworks, talk to your veterinarian. ere are even medications that can help reduce stress.
Fireworks may be a tradition we look forward to, but they don’t have to come at the cost of our pets’ safety and comfort. By planning ahead, securing your home, and taking proactive measures like microchipping, you can help ensure that your furry family members stay safe and sound while you celebrate.
throughout Delaware
SCAN TO LAUNCH arts events
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 5pm Start
RIVERFRONT
The Delaware Contemporary
200 S. Madison Street
656-6466 • decontemporary.org
Exhibition: Opening Reception for RADIUS, the ArtSource Invitational
Starbucks 329 S. Justison Street
510-2762
Exhibition: Glimmer Group Show
DOWNTOWN
2nd & LOMA Leasing Office
211 N. Market Street
655-0124 • 2ndandloma.com
Artist: Life Still Living by Victoria Lawrence
Bridge Art Gallery
213 N. Market Street
353-4527 • bridgeartgallery.net
Exhibition: Ancestral Echoes: Masks We Wear by Troy Jones
Chris White Gallery
701 N. Shipley Street 475-0998 • chriswhitegallery.com
Exhibition: HERE&QUEER Group Show
Christina Cultural Arts Center
Edward Loper, Sr. Gallery
705 N. Market Street
652-0101 • ccacde.org
Exhibition: MAN CAVE Group show
City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery
800 N. French Street 576-2100 cityfestwilm.com/redding-gallery
Exhibition: City of Wilmington Employee Juried Art Show
Gallery at 919 at Citizens Bank Center
919 N. Market Street
229-3266
Exhibition: Fragments of a Feeling by Megan Ambroch
The Grand Opera House
818 N. Market Street
658-7897 • thegrandwilmington.org
Grand Gallery: Still Life, Gardens and Waterscapes by Carol Gray baby grand Gallery: Portraits of Forces by Sherry Brilliant
Huxley and Hiro Booksellers
419 N. Market Street
439-0805
Artist: Down by the Water: Paintings of the Delaware Waterfront by Noreen Scott Garrity
John William Gallery
1313 N. Market Street
585-317-5409 • johnwilliamgallery.com
Exhibition: Beauty in Unwavering Truths Group Show featuring Haeley Kyong, Wes Memeger, and Portia Mortensen
Mezzanine Gallery
820 N. French Street
577-8278 • arts.delaware.gov
Artist: Jen Hintz Eggers
MKT Gallery
200 N. 9th Street
289-6772
Artists: DOT AND CRAE PRESENT Spaces That Speak by Michael Ritzie and Crae Washington
Next Art Loop: JULY 11, 2025
The Sold Firm
800-B N. Tatnall Street
689-3237
Exhibition: Coming of Ages: Group Art Exhibition by Baby Boomer Era Visual Artists
WEST SIDE
Blue Streak Gallery 1721 Delaware Avenue
429-0506
Artist: The Figure by Jeremy Butler
Howard Pyle Studio
1305 N. Franklin Street
656-7304
Artists: Kathy Ruck and other members of the Studio Group
BEYOND THE CITY
Arden Buzz-Ware Gallery
2119 The Highway, Arden 981-4811
Artists: COLOR & LIGHT by Micah Altman & Jeanne Orr
Finist & The Owl 811 Brandywine Boulevard 786-228-6638
Artist: Spellbound and Whimsy by Meg Clouser
Jester Artspace
2818 Grubb Road 484-947-8191 • jesterartspace.org
Exhibition: Member Exhibition and Artist Reception
WE HAVE MORE POWER THAN BIG TOBACCO.
With aggressive advertising and cheaper prices, tobacco companies use menthol cigarettes to target the LGBTQIA+ community and get us addicted. But together, we’re stronger. Quit to end their influence and kick Big Tobacco out of our communities.
GOOD SPORTS
How has Al’s Sporting Goods survived for 90 years? Just ask their loyal staff.
PBy Ken Mammarella
art of the reason that Al’s Sporting Goods has been in business for 90 years in downtown Wilmington is the long-term devotion of employees.
There’s owner Bob Hart (56 years and counting), whose father Stan (77 years) and partner Izzy Weiner bought the store in 1967 from founder Al Kristol. In 1984, Bob Hart bought Weiner’s share.Then there are Ed Knapper (48 years before retiring) and John Anselmi (40 years before retiring).
“It’s like family,” Sue Kovalevich (32 years so far) says, using “family” four more times to describe the atmosphere among her co-workers at the store.
Steve Erdman grew up with Hart, worked there in the 1970s and recently returned. “I love the place,” he says. “It’s a great family-owned business.”
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Al's Sporting Goods owner Bob Hart in his iconic Market Street (Wilm.) sporting goods store. Photo by Justin Heyes
In fact, Hart says the low point during his tenure has been losing employees to retirement — not, surprisingly, the protest following the 2020 killing of George Floyd that degenerated into looting. At Al’s, $500,000 in inventory was stolen, he says, and it took almost two months of work to reopen.
Al’s began in 1935 as a pawn shop called Al’s Loan Office, and in the 1950s it expanded into sportswear. It has occupied various buildings around Second and Market streets, and today it prominently stands at the corner, on two floors totaling 17,000 square feet.
That expansion and other additions are another reason for Al’s longevity. “If people wanted it, we started to carry it,” he says. And there’s power in diversification. “If one area goes down, we have another area to pick up,” says Hart, who earned a marketing degree at George Washington University.
Al’s today operates in these areas:
• Sportswear, equipment for most sports, shoes (more than 700 models, it says online at AlsSportingGoods. net/aboutals) and related accessories, like sunglasses. Sneakers are Al’s No. 1 item, Hart says.
• Customization of clothing, trophies and related items via embroidery, engraving, screen printing, sublimation (printing where heated ink bonds with material) and transfer.
• Supplying teams with attire and other items, including 20 Little Leagues; high schools in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and Delaware State University and Wilmington University.
• The pawn shop, handling only jewelry, gold and diamonds. That contrasts with photos from 1946 on the store’s website, referring to or showing watches, guns, racquets and guitars. Today, 95 percent of the pawn business comes from repeat customers, he says.
Al’s 18 employees work out of a warren of spaces, often with specialized equipment like a glove steamer. Hart’s own office includes lots of memorabilia (such as tickets to the 2008 World Series and photos with athletes) and even more stuff needed to keep the operation running (such as catalogs and boxes of limited-edition Jordan Retros).
In his little time away from Al’s, Hart enjoys taking his Sea Ray out for a relaxing anchorage out in Chesapeake Bay or as a memorable ride to dine at Schaefer’s Canal House or the Chesapeake Inn.
Regular customer Tom Bateman says Al’s is “the best sporting goods store,” and he’s been to many, as far away as Costa Rica. “It’s a great place,” he says, while wearing a Bobby Orr jersey he bought at Al’s. “It has everything.”
Al’s also supports the community, says Tremaine Johnson, founder of Build a Legacy Educational Athletics. Hart sold shoes and socks to the nonprofit at a deep discount. “He takes care of the kids,” Johnson says.
Fleet for the Ages
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation boasts a world-class maritime model collection courtesy of the Forneys
IBy Ken Mammarella
n 1975, Bob and Marilyn Forney started collecting maritime models. Their first was a Pukeberg crystal paperweight of the Kalmar Nyckel, a Swedish ship that in 1638 brought the first Europeans creating a permanent settlement in Delaware.
In 2014, they gave them to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, with all 73 displayed in the Watercraft of the World, a permanent exhibition at the Copeland Maritime Center at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, located near where the Swedes landed on Wilmington’s Seventh Street peninsula.
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The German Hanseatic Trader (above) is one of the many treasures the Forneys gathered during their travels. At right, students learn about the exhibit. Photos by Jon Caspar
“It’s all so fascinating, fabulous and fantastic,” says Sam Heed, who curated the exhibition.
“Every time we’d go some place, we’d look for a model,” Marilyn told this reporter in 2016 about their travels, which took them around the world at least five times. “It was a treasure hunt.”
And if they came up empty while browsing antiques stores, artisans’ workshops and waterfront retailers, they commissioned models or made them. They embedded themselves in the community and the culture, Heed says. Most models were created near where the watercraft were used.
Some items are rare, Heed says. Others are museum-quality, hence why the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and the Field Museum in Chicago both expressed interest. And some are made for tourists. But they all have stories, and “that’s where the collection has power,” Heed says.
They’re organized roughly geographically in glass cases in the gallery, with a huge floor map offering a dramatic way to understand the world. The models are made mostly of wood, with some using metal, cloth, ropes, strings, jade and shells.
The smallest, with an extreme length of one and a half inches, is a Japanese boat called a wasen, made by Bob Forney. The largest is a Hanseatic trader from the Baltic Sea, with an extreme length of 41 inches.
Some models are generic types, like a fishing boat, made as a souvenir by kids who live on Inle Lake in Myanmar. Some are specific ones, like the HMS Endeavour, which in 1770 reached Australia. Heed gave the model to the Forneys so the collection would represent every continent.
The foundation has organized them into 13 overlapping types of watercraft: ancient, artifact, earliest exploration, fishing, merchant, oar, paddle, pleasure, replica, sail, shipping, spirit, warfare, it explains on the website KalmarNyckel.org/ Forney-collection.
Over the years, the foundation has been offered many models but has accepted only a few, including a model of the Kalmar Nyckel, made by Thomas Gillmer, the naval architect who designed the full-size Kalmar Nyckel replica launched in 1997. It also accepted from the Delaware Historical Society a 1963 model of the Saugus, a monitor built in Wilmington, and volunteer Dan Mitchell’s model of the Ceres, the first ship of the Wilmington Whaling Co.
The gallery merits three spots on the museum’s audio tour: one of the Forneys, one on the collection and one on spirit boats, which are “something ethereal and usually associated with funerals,” Heed says. A granddaughter made a Haida spirit canoe.
“The collection represents their appreciation of maritime history and culture,” Heed says, “at times far off the beaten path.”
The Forneys were both chemical engineers and met at Purdue University, where the chemical engineering building was renamed in 2002 in Bob’s honor. Bob was also a senior vice president at DuPont Co., and Marilyn was a philanthropist, with her obituary noting that she focused on prison reform, mental health advocacy and affordable housing.
Bob — whose grandparents were born in Sweden — died in 2016; Marilyn in 2023.
The Forney collection is one of the attractions at the Copeland Maritime Center at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, 1125 E. Seventh St., Wilmington. The center is open Wednesdays-Saturdays and summer Sundays, plus or minus various holidays. Admission is $10 for adults. There’s also a book about the collection, also called Watercraft of the World.
EVERY MODEL TELLS A STORY
“This assemblage of model ships and boats were collected as mementoes of a series of trips to foreign lands,” Bob and Marilyn Forney write in an introduction posted in the gallery. “At the outset, it was planned that all would be sailboats, relatively small, and acquired from local craftsmen when possible.
"Needless to say, none of these stipulations proved suitable. While we have not included any powerboats in this collection, a number of attractive models powered by paddles or oars proved irresistible. We have not actively sought warships, but we found some models too historically important to pass up.
"We have been to all of these places, and many more, but we did not acquire all the models in the places as we were visiting. In places like Antarctica or the Galapagos it wasn’t practical, and the models were acquired elsewhere. A few of the models represent one particular ship. Most of the models represent a type of watercraft, of which many might have been made. A small number depict an artist’s view of some aspect of their religion or culture.
“Besides representing a cultural or historical event, each of these models is attached to a personal memory from our travels. In addition, we find each of these models beautiful, and have enjoyed admiring them. We now hope that they will be admired throughout the years as a tool for learning and as an appreciation for the native craftsmanship that is fast disappearing from the world.”
The models featured in the exhibit are made mostly of wood such as this Gambia Fantasy Ship.
Holy Trinity Greek Festival
Indulge in ethnic delights like Pastichio, Moussaka, Dolmades, Spanakopita, Gyros, Souvlaki, and Calamari while you watch the Greek Terpsechorian Youth Folk dance group perform or listen to the soothing sounds of Philadelphia’s Atlantis, a regionally renowned orchestra, every evening.
Greek Orthodox Church
SUMMER GUIDE 2025
Photo courtesy of Riverfront Development Corporation
Cruise The Christina!
The Wilmington Riverfront and Christina River play host to Delaware Cruises & Events. Enjoy public and private cruises for any occasion! For full details, visit: DelawareCruises.com
The DuPont Environmental Education Center
The DuPont Environmental Education Center features a 13,000 square foot facility on a 212-acre freshwater tidal marsh on the edge of the Peterson Wildlife Refuge adjoining the Christina River. The sprawling marsh is home to wildlife such as American bald eagles, wood ducks, American beavers, dragonflies, river otters, and eastern painted turtles. Open to the public, year-around with a visitor center featuring panoramic views and most notably access to the trailhead of the Jack A.
Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
Big Fish Grill
Ciro Food & Drink
Constitution Yards Beer Garden
Delaware Duck Café and Catering
Del Pez
Docklands
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Riverfront Bakery
River Rock Kitchen
Starbucks
Taco Grande
The Riverfront Asian Cuisine & Bar
Timothy’s on the Riverfront
RIVERFRONT MARKET
OPEN
MON-FRI: 9AM-6PM SAT: 9AM-4PM
Stop in and enjoy fresh produce, salads, sandwiches, Mexican, Thai cuisine, Peruvian Rotisserie and much more!
Bernie’s Espresso is NOW OPEN!
MON-FRI: 7AM-5PM SAT: 8AM-4PM
Steak Tacos at Del Pez
Fin Bike Rentals
The Riverfront is one of the best places in the area for a bike ride, and we have the best bikes for you to rent!
Our Fin bike rental service onsite at the Riverfront is as convenient as it gets — whether you are visiting the area; you live nearby and don’t have a bike (or it’s not convenient to get here with your bike); or you simply want to go on a spontaneous spin.
Reservations & Info: Bikes available 7am-6pm; last rental 5pm.
Bike Rentals are now available at two locations: on the Riverwalk between Riverwalk Mini Golf and Taco Grande and at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Public Parking: 601 South Madison Street.
Summer Kickoff Party
Join us for the Summer Kickoff Party at Riverwalk Mini Golf! Enjoy discounted mini golf for just $5 per player, Sweet Treats, Free Face Painting, Games, and Giveaways, including a chance to win a Brandywine Tour Boat cruise! Plus, enjoy a special appearance from a WSTW on-air personality and a chance to dunk one of your favorite WSTW DJs in the dunking booth – fun for the whole family! Don’t miss it – the party is about to start!
June 21 ∙ 12PM - 3PM st
Take a Break by the River ∙ 12:15PM - 1:15PM
Join us on the Riverfront every Wednesday from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM for our free Lunchtime Concert Series at Hare Overlook Pavilion! Enjoy live performances featuring jazz, rock, pop, and R&B – the perfect midweek pick-me-up with beautiful river views
June 4 : AJ LOVE MUSIC | June 11 Dj Shadylady th th June 18 : Songbird the Goddess | June 25 : Stevie & the Bluescasters th th
Thursday Children’s Hour ∙ 11AM - 12PM
Bring the kids to the Riverfront for Thursday's Children’s Hour!
Join us every Thursday from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Hare Overlook Pavilion for magical fun, live music, and family-friendly entertainment Enjoy exciting magician performances and lively tunes in a beautiful outdoor setting It’s the perfect midweek outing for little ones and their grown-ups!
June 12 : We Kids Rock ∙ July 10 : I SEE Magic ∙ August 14 : I SEE Magic
Friday Nights Shine Brighter At Riverwalk Mini Golf ∙ 9PM - 10:30PM
June 13 ∙ July 25 ∙ August 22
The Little Farm Petting Zoo ∙ 3PM - 6PM
Join us from 3–6 PM for a hands-on experience with alpacas, goats, sheep, bunnies, ducks, and more!
Plus, enjoy face painting for the kids – it’s all FREE and fun for the whole family!
June 19 ∙ July 19 ∙ August 16 th th th
For a complete list of events this summer, visit www.Riverfrontwilm.com or stay up to date with the Riverfront Wilmington Weekly Newsletter!
A Century of Community
Still vibrant after 100 years, St. Anthony’s balances tradition with change and innovation
IBy Catherine Kempista
n 1925, Rev. J. Francis Tucker laid the cornerstone of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church at the corner of Ninth and DuPont streets, marking the official start of construction of a parish for the Italian immigrants in Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood. A century later, St. Anthony’s parish is a hub of community for its parishioners, students, and families of St. Anthony of Padua Grade School and Padua Academy, legacy families, and neighbors.
While events like the Italian Festival and steady school admissions numbers are factors, many of its leaders credit the parish's longevity and vibrancy to its adaptability.
A photo of the first mass held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Palm Sunday, 1926. Photo courtesy St. Anthony of Padua Parish
“A big part of our success is our willingness to embrace change and our willingness to balance tradition with innovation,” says Anthony Albence, St. Anthony’s parish trustee and co-chair of the 100th anniversary capital campaign. “We take the traditions. We value them, we retain them, but we also continue building on them without losing the spirit and the essential nature of them while keeping them relevant and fresh.”
In the last century, change has been a constant for the parish, from the shifting demographics of the neighborhood to the needs of the community. But its character remains the same.
“Everything changes, and we're no longer Little Italy in the sense that everyone is Italian,” says Maria Finamore, director of the Via Crucis at St. Anthony’s. “Now, the minority of the people in Little Italy are Italian. But the way the parish remains relevant is by reaching out to the community.”
Unique Roots
e creation and history of St. Anthony of Padua Parish is unique compared with the origins of other Catholic churches in the Diocese of Wilmington.
e 1880s marked the beginning of a signi cant arrival of Italian immigrants to Wilmington, many settling in “Little Italy” on the west side of the city.
According to A Labor of Love by Cari DeSantis, “Primarily Catholic, these new Americans wanted a place to worship that understood their cultural and religious traditions. ey wanted a church of their own.”
e overwhelming support for the project led thenBishop John Monaghan to appoint Tucker, the rst American-born Oblate, to establish a parish for the community in 1924. He was chosen because he was uniquely quali ed for the job.
“ ey made him pastor of St. Anthony's because he could speak Italian, even though he was Irish American,” says Rev. Jack Kolodziej, provincial of the Wilmington-
Workers during the construction of the church in 1926.
Photo courtesy
St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
Because Tucker belonged to the Oblates and wasn’t a diocesan priest, a special arrangement had to be made with the provincial of the order, who is in charge of the Oblate priests in his region.
e Oblates, established in 1893 in France, had created a foothold in Wilmington by founding Salesianum School in 1903.
St. Anthony’s of Padua, which is a diocesan parish, has an Oblate pastor who reports to his order’s provincial. is isn’t the standard procedure for most parish pastors in the Diocese of Wilmington, who report directly to the bishop. e arrangement between the Oblates and the Diocese gave St. Anthony’s a distinct identity, contributing to its ongoing success through the continuity of the order’s mission.
“I would toot the Oblate horn and say it’s because there's a religious community connected to the school and parish,” says Kolodziej. “Because we're not just here at St. Anthony's as individuals, and we're representing a religious community, a religious order, there's more of a sense of history.”
St. Anthony’s was also founded as a national parish, meaning it is de ned by its Italian culture, not by neighborhood boundaries. And it celebrates three religious patrons, not just one. Because of the involvement of the Oblates and the Franciscan sisters in both the church and the school, the parish celebrates St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Francis of Assisi.
Each of these characteristics in isolation makes St. Anthony’s unique, but in combination, it created a church that de ed many of the established norms of the time and ourished, becoming a de nitive pioneer.
Modern Traditions
St. Anthony’s parishioners’ love of their traditions runs deep, which is a direct result of multi-generational involvement in its annual events. But what makes
Inside the church during an Italian Festival celebration.
St. Anthony’s events truly stick in the minds of the greater Wilmington community is the longstanding invitation by the parish to its neighbors to join in the fun and get involved.
“We're very aware that tradition and history is an evolving path,” says Albence, a fourth-generation parishioner. “Our ancestors developed our historic traditions and built new traditions, like the Italian Festival, the Via Crucis, and the procession of the Festival. They continue, but how we present them and how they unfold evolve.”
A perfect example of this model is the parish’s longstanding presentation of the Via Crucis, a passion play depicting the stations of the cross. The original production dates back to Tucker, whose version was used annually until the performances stopped in 1942 due to World War II. In 1961, long-time pastor Rev. Roberto Balducelli brought back the tradition with a revised script, and the tradition continues today.
“I participated in the Via Crucis beginning around sixth grade through my high school years at Padua Academy,” says Roseann Deltefsen, a lifelong St. Anthony’s parishioner and staff member. “In my mind, it was an honor to be able to participate. It is a bit surreal to now be working with the children of my former classmates at St. Anthony's Grade School — people who were in the Via Crucis with me as a child. It comes full circle.”
A Lenten observance for Catholics, the performances
begin on Ash Wednesday and run every Friday until Easter Sunday, requiring the commitment of 80-100 cast members and 30-40 crew members.
Decades ago, the cast was made up of grade school students, their parents, legacy families, and parishioners. But over time, the productions needed to evolve to keep the tradition alive.
“Father Robert insisted you did not have to be a member of the school or the parish to be a part of the Via Crucis,” says Finamore. “He said the Via Crucis, just like the church, is ecumenical; it's worldwide. Anyone who wants to be a part can be a part.”
While the involvement of parishioners and students from both the grade school and Padua Academy is still customary, the casting calls are open to the community.
“We have a big group of kids from St. Mary Magdalene (in North Wilmington), a big group of children who are home schooled, a few from St. Anthony’s, and a few from Padua. They're all invited to come,” says Finamore. “And some join just by coming with someone else to see it. They say, ‘I wish I could be in it.’ And I say, ‘Well, show up next week, and I'll put you in the costume,’ which is exactly what I do.”
The 64-year run of the modern version of the passion play has become a tradition that is synonymous with Lent for Catholics in the region.
“We think Via Crucis at St. Anthony's creates a sense of community for the parish, but truly, its reach goes beyond
that to the entire Catholic community in the area,” says Lindsey Rhein, whose husband and seven children have been cast members for the last 10 years. “A large percentage of participants are members of other area parishes, but come to be a part of this ministry.”
The Next Century
With major anniversaries for the parish and the Italian Festival occurring in 2024 and 2025, St.
Anthony’s leadership hopes to sustain the current energy and enthusiasm.
Last summer, the parish welcomed Rev. Vincent Kumar as the new pastor. Upon arrival, he wanted to coalesce a series of events around the theme of Jubilee, starting in the fall of 2024, to celebrate St. Anthony’s history.
“It was nice, especially being brand new to us, to come in and say he wants to celebrate the 100th anniversary, and he wants to make this a jubilee year,” says Judy White, principal of St. Anthony of Padua Grade School. “He's recognized all the people who helped make this community what it is, like the Oblates, the Knights of Columbus, the Padua Academy staff, our grade school staff.”
Notable among his jubilee events was the return of St. Anthony’s midnight mass, which is a nod to the parish’s first mass held in the temporary chapel on Christmas Eve in 1924.
The events of the last year have run parallel with a capital campaign aimed at creating stability and sustainability for the parish in the next century. Funds will be used for capital improvements at both the church and Padua Academy and to strengthen the Father Roberto Second Century Endowment Fund for its schools and parish.
“We've completed one century and are now building on the foundation all of our families and ancestors have collectively built to ensure viability and sustainability of St. Anthony’s in the second century,” says Albence.
The Rhein family have been cast members in Via Crucis for 10 years.
Photo courtesy Lindsey Rhein
Greater Wilmington is blessed with an abundance of delicious pizza shops and restaurants. And with it being the 51st anniversary of the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival June 8-15 (100th year of St. Anthony of Padua Parish), we thought it fitting to celebrate the area pizza scene as well as St. Anthony's. "Try A New Pie" is the theme of Greater Wilmington Pizza Week, so visit one of the spots on our Top 10 list below. We have rewards for those who do.
2nd Place: $100 in gift certificates to select venues
3rd Place: $50 gift certificate to participating venue
Hot Jam!
Dewey Beach’s oldest tradition takes place every summer Saturday at the Bottle & Cork
DBy Roger Hillis
ewey Beach has a long and storied history as a summer party town, and there is no doubt that its oldest tradition is the one that takes place at its oldest watering hole.
At left: DJ Brian Whitten leads the Saturday ritual. At right: the Cork patio is elbow-to-elbow during that same July 1996 Jam Session.
Photos by Lindsay Rudney duPhily
The seasonal Bottle & Cork nightclub hosts its Saturday Afternoon Jam Session each week from mid-May through mid-September, and 2025 marks the ritual’s 52nd year.
The sound of the bar’s vintage World War II air siren can be heard throughout the town at 5 p.m. sharp as the garage-style door at the Cork’s entrance lifts up and doormen and bouncers greet the throngs who are ready to mingle and enjoy live music.
Despite what the moniker may imply, the event is the complete opposite of an open-mic night jam session. Top-drawing cover bands from up and down the East Coast have their sets timed down to the minute like a well-oiled machine. It’s the ultimate happy hour party that is always jam-packed with sweaty bodies.
“It reaches its peak at about 6 or 6:30 p.m.; at that point, we’ll have about 1,100 to 1,200 people,” said owner Alex Pires, who enjoys standing at the side of the stage by the DJ booth and handing down complimentary cans of beer to select patrons. >
DART TO THE BEACH
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With frequent daily bus service, from early morning to late night, it’s easy to DART everywhere this summer.
DartFirstState.com 1-800-652-DART
Dewey diehards who have been coming for decades will chug right next to college students who may have just turned 21. Some are still in bathing suits, while others have buttoned up their freshly-ironed dress shirts.
“ e crowd is kind of half and half,” says Pires. “ e women are dressed up; even if they’re in shorts and t-shirts, they make sure their hair looks good. With the men, some of them come in right o the beach and smell like New Jersey. But some of them are dressed nice, because they’re hoping to meet somebody.”
Music has been a xture at the Cork since it opened way back in 1937. ( e building has an even longer history, as it was originally called Jack’s Place.) Dixieland and swing eventually gave way to rock.
e Saturday jam was started in 1973 by disc jockey Joe Bak and his cohorts from the Washington, D.C. booking agency Nard’s Rock ’n’ Roll Review. It eventually became a pattern that whichever late-night band happened to be scheduled that Saturday would arrive early and play a preview set from 5 to 6 p.m.
Pires and his partners in the Highway One Ltd group (most of who were summer roommates in group houses) bought the Cork in 1989 for $2.3 million, the rst time there had been a change in ownership in 20 years. While the Cork had usually hosted one big rock concert each summer featuring someone who was either on the way up or on the way down, Pires began booking dozens of national acts and also tweaking the jam.
On August 16, 1997, the Cork landed a show by an up-and-coming Matchbox Twenty — which had just hit the charts with its debut single “Push.” When this writer interviewed frontman Rob omas years later, he remembered Dewey because of “the Elvis Presley guy.”
Local favorite Frank “Dewey Elvis” Raines had been scheduled to bring his tribute show to the afternoon jam that day; instead of singing to karaoke tracks, he hired a six-piece backing band to travel to Dewey for the occasion. Matchbox Twenty nixed it so that they could soundcheck.
“Alex was very gracious to still pay us,” says Raines,
Inside the Cork during a June 2023 Jam Session.
who was dejected at the time. “I gave it all to the band, I didn’t take anything. I never played with them again.”
Saturdays have since been reserved for cover bands only — and lots of them.
“It used to be one band,” says Pires. “Now we have three or four bands alternating, so that people will be more likely to come back again later that night. Last summer was our biggest ever for Saturdays.”
Someone who witnessed the jam’s metamorphosis in the ‘90s and 2000s is Chris Maliszewski (alias DJ Chris Mal). He deejayed, mixed the bands and now oversees the sound systems for Highway One’s various businesses.
“It’s more of a controlled chaos these days,” says Maliszewski. “ e DJs used to have a lot of contests and games that were politically incorrect to say the least. It was a di erent time. It’ll never be like that again.”
e jam’s biggest fan may be Pires himself.
“I still dig it. I still go every Saturday,” says Pires. “Sometimes we’ll have o ers from someone to buy the Cork, and I always say no. I’d be back the following summer to hang out at the jam anyway, and I don’t want to have to wait in line to get in.”
— Roger Hillis is a veteran Delaware journalist and musician; in a double-shot of nostalgia, the Hillis Brothers Band will open for the reunited Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers at the Bo le & Cork on Sunday, June 27 (8pm).
UNLEASH YOUR SUMMER FUN
One of Jam Session's biggest fans, Bottle & Cork owner and managing partner Alex Pires. Photo courtesy Alex Pires
Beach Events
Beach Events
Concerts, festivals & fun all summer
SBy Amy Watson Bish
ummer at the beaches is packed with unforgettable events, from lively concerts and arts festivals to quirky, local traditions. Whether you’re into music, food, or fun in the sun, there’s something for everyone along the coast this season.
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week Supports the Red, White, & Blue on the Culinary Coast™
June 1-6| Coastal Delaware
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week is the premier dining event in Delaware. Dozens of the area's finest restaurants showcase their talents and give diners an opportunity to sample the best cuisine Coastal Delaware has to offer, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the military and first responders. Diners will enjoy menu discounts or pre-fixe menus at restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes, and Coastal Delaware.
— Visit Beach-Fun.com/Restaurant-Week
Party Like It’s 793 Festival
June 6-8 | Brimming Horn Meadery, Milton
Delaware’s only Viking and heavy metal themed event celebrates the start of the Viking Age in the West with a party at the Brimming Horn Meadery. This festive weekend includes Viking reenactors, live music, food and craft vendors, and every Viking's favorite drink...mead!
— Visit RigrCrafts.com/PartyLikeIts793
Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
June 7 & 8 | Lewes Historical Society, Lewes
More than 70 regional and local sea glass and coastal-themed artists showcase everything from jewelry and home décor to sculptures and paintings. Bring your favorite pieces of sea glass and learn its history, shop from a collection of sea glass, or enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration. The weekend also includes live music, food, children’s activities, and educational presentations.
— Visit HistoricLewes.org
KidsFest
Sunday, June 8 | Schellville, Rehoboth Beach
Celebrate National Children’s Day at Schellville’s with a fun-filled day of roller skating, bounce houses, train rides, crafts, magic shows, and more. It’s all about joy, play, and making memories together.
Rocking the Docks Music Series presents Low Cut Connie
Thursday, June 12 | Lewes Ferry Grounds, Lewes
The Philadelphia-based band has built its grassroots coalition of oddballs, underdogs, and fun-loving weirdos with songs that celebrate life on the fringes of polite society. The band’s infamously wild, passionate live shows provide a total release — of stress, of inhibition, of shame — working up a primordial rock 'n' roll sweat for fans to get blissfully soaked in.
— Visit RockingTheDocksLewes.com
Summer Living Expo
June 14 & 15 | Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes
Delaware Resorts Expos’ inaugural Summer Living Expo will feature 100+ exhibitors showcasing a variety of products and services for year-round indoor and outdoor living in the beach region. Admission is free to all visitors.
— Visit DeExpos.com
The Legwarmers
Friday, June 20 |Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach
Like, omigod! With more moves than a Rubik's Cube, the Legwarmers take the stage like it's prom night in a John Hughes movie, a very special episode of "Square Pegs" and the Monsters of Rock Tour all at once.
— Visit BottleAndCork.com
34th Annual Lewes Garden Tour
Saturday, June 21 | Lewes
Take a self-guided tour of several select private gardens throughout Lewes, plus enjoy a Garden Market in Zwaanendael Park with garden-related items for sale during the hours of the tour. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
— Visit LewesChamber.com
3rd Annual Lavender & Lambs Festival
June 21 & 22 | Brittingham Farms, Millsboro
Due to its popularity, this festival has expanded to two days of fun for more to enjoy. Spend a relaxing day strolling Brittingham Farm’s lavender field, meeting the farms’ lambs, treating yourself to lavender-infused snacks and beverages, and enjoying live music, sheep shearing demonstrations, and more.
— Visit BrittinghamFarms.com
At left: Sun and surf to draw visitors to Delaware’s beaches. Photos courtesy of VisitSouthernDelaware.com
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical June 27-August 28 | Clear Space Theater, Rehoboth
Carole King is the voice of a generation — but before she was a hit-maker and a household name, she was a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Her journey is the ride of a lifetime, a trailblazing saga filled with such unforgettable anthems as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Natural Woman,” and more.
— Visit ClearSpaceTheatre.org
Annual Running of the Bull
Saturday, June 28 | Starboard Restaurant, Dewey Beach
Every year hundreds of people gather at The Starboard dressed in red bandannas to celebrate, then parade through the streets of Dewey, and onto the beach where they are chased by “the bull” (two people in bull costume) for several blocks. The chase concludes with a bullfight played out at The Starboard, followed by festivities into the night. Proceeds benefit the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
— Visit TheRunningOfTheBull.com
Millsboro Stars & Stripes
Saturday, June 28 | Millsboro Little League Fields, W. State Street, Millsboro
This annual community celebration features entertainment, activities, and food vendors, and culminates with a professionally-staged fireworks show at dusk.
— Visit MillsboroChamber.com
The City of Lewes Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 28 | George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes
This free community event, hosted by Lewes African American Heritage Commission, celebrates African American heritage and culture and features food trucks, dancers, live music and more.
— Visit LewesChamber.com
Independence Day Celebrations
Friday, July 4 | Delaware beaches
From parades to fireworks, each of the beaches — from Lewes to Bethany — will have events for you to celebrate the red, white and blue. (Rehoboth Beach will launch their display on July 5.)
— Visit VisitSouthernDelaware.com
Counting Crows: The Complete Sweets! Tour with Special Guest The Gaslight Anthem
Tuesday, July 8 | Freeman Arts Pavillion, Selbyville
Counting Crows have spent over 30 years crafting emotionally rich, alternative rock anthems. With over 20 million records sold and timeless hits like “Mr. Jones” and “Accidentally in Love,” their live shows remain powerful, passionate, and unforgettable.
— Visit FreemanArts.org
75th Annual Cottage Tour
July 8 & 9 | Select homes around Rehoboth Beach (TBA)
The Rehoboth Art League’s popular self-paced tour features select homes in the Rehoboth Beach area with a variety of landscapes, interior and architectural designs, ranging from historically significant to contemporary and sleek. Some homes have quite an evolving history and many homeowners showcase memories, artwork, and collections in creative ways. As parking can be limited, the Art League provides a shuttle service to each location for ticket holders.
— Visit RehobothArtLeague.org
The Bacon Brothers – Freestanding Tour
Friday, August 1 | Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach
The Bacon Brothers blend folk, rock, soul, and country into their signature sound they call “forosoco.” With their new album Ballad Of The Brothers, Kevin and Michael Bacon continue decades of genre-bending storytelling and rich, roots-driven musical exploration.
— Visit BottleAndCork.com
52nd Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
August 2 & 3 and August 9 & 10 | Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth Beach
The Rehoboth Art League’s signature summer event features more than 100 artists and artisans from around the country displaying and selling their fine art and fine crafts. This unforgettable event is full of activities, including food, live music, artist demonstrations, gallery exhibits, beautiful gardens, the historic Peter Marsh Homestead, and a Dogfish Head Beer Garden.
— Visit RehobothArtLeague.org
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week serves up delicious deals June 1-6.
Rocking the Docks Music Series presents The Heavy Heavy
Thursday, August 6 | Lewes Ferry Grounds, Lewes With a vibrant mix of vintage rock, psychedelic soul, and souring harmonies, the UK-based band’s infectious energy and throwback sound deliver a dynamic, can’tmiss musical experience.
— Visit RockingTheDocksLewes.com
43rd Annual ZAP Pro/Am World Championship of Skimboarding
August 8-10 | McKinley Street, Dewey Beach
Known as the skimboarding capital of the East Coast, Dewey Beach has hosted one of the longest running skimboarding competitions for over four decades. Watch and cheer on top skimboarders from around the globe as they compete to earn the title of the best in the world. Presented by Alley-Oop & Skim USA, this three-day, allages event also features live music, food, art, and giveaways.
— Visit AlleyOopSkim.com
28th Annual Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival
Saturday, August 9 | Ross Mansion, Seaford
This free, outdoor multicultural festival celebrates AfricanAmerican and Pan-African arts, history, and culture in a family-friendly atmosphere and includes live music, cultural foods, exhibits, special presentations and more.
— Visit VisitSouthernDelaware.com
Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful!
Friday, August 15 | Freeman Arts Pavillion, Selbyville
The Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning comedian brings his signature humor and sharp observations to the stage for a night of nonstop laughs, wit, and familyfriendly hilarity you won’t forget.
— Visit FreemanArts.org
3rd Annual Shuck Cancer 5K
Saturday, August 17 | Big Oyster Brewery, Lewes
Lace up your sneakers and run to help fight cancer. Proceeds from the event go to Fighting Pretty, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help women battling cancer feel strong and beautiful. After the race, runners will enjoy a fun after-party at Big Oyster Brewery.
— Visit FusionRaceTiming.com
From top: Comedian Jim Gaffigan plays the Freeman Arts Pavilion August 15; lots of treasures to be found at the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival; parasailers take to the skies above Dewey Beach.
Seas the Day: Your Beach Bucket List
Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, Delaware’s beach area always has something new to try. From sweet treats to salty adventures, here are must-do experiences to put on your list.
Catch a movie on the sands of Dewey Beach. Bring your beach chair and your popcorn and enjoy a family-friendly movie for FREE on the beach at Dagworthy Avenue. Hosted by Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce, Monday Movies on The Beach is held every Monday during the summer season (weather dependent).
Cast a line or drop a trap.
Delaware beaches are perfect for crabbing and surf fishing. If you have a fishing license, Holts Landing boasts the state’s only pier for crabbing, plus it’s an ideal spot for saltwater fishing. No license, no problem! Crab Burner Charters in Lewes has you covered. Just bring your snacks and sunscreen and set off on a family-friendly fishing adventure.
Search for natural treasures.
Delaware’s beaches are a beachcomber’s dream, with treasure like whelks, moon snails, and sea glass waiting to be found. Try Rehoboth, Cape Henlopen, Broadkill or Slaughter Beach for prime shelling spots. Make sure to go early to catch low tide and beat the crowds.
Browse the bookshops for a beach read. No beach trip is complete without a good book. Visit local gems like Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, Bethany Beach Books or Biblion in Lewes. Pick your perfect beach read, then hit the sand for sun, surf and story time.
Herring
Cape
Take a nature break.
Discover the beauty of the Delaware Botanic Gardens, where vibrant native plants, scenic woodland trails, and stunning waterfront views create a perfect escape into nature and tranquility. Open Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm, with guided tours available Thursday through Saturday at 10am, and 1pm on Sunday.
Behold some treasure.
Avast, ye mateys . . . step into Delmarva’s seafaring past at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum on Fenwick Island. Explore thousands of artifacts — from gold bars to pirate weapons — in an ever-changing, hands-on exhibit that’s fun, educational, and free for all ages.
Walk back in time.
Explore the eerie side of historic Lewes on the Lewes Legends Evening Walking Tour, a 90-minute journey through ghostly tales, haunted sites, and centuries-old mysteries that still linger in Delaware’s oldest town. (For
Go out to sea.
Hop aboard a Cape Water Taxi Tour and soak in the panoramic views of Delaware’s coastal beauty. From dolphin sightings to sunset cruises, every ride offers a relaxing, scenic glimpse into the region’s waterways, wildlife, and rich maritime history.
Taste your way to favorite beach pizza or ice cream spot.
Finally, no trip to the beach is complete without finding your favorite slice or scoop. Go to Grotto’s or Nicola’s for iconic pies, then cool off with a cone from Kohr Bros., Vanderwende’s, or The Ice Cream Store for a sweet beachside treat.
The Buzz on Bourbon
The South’s signature spirit has migrated to Delaware
By Pam George
When you think of bourbon, you might picture Southern socialites at horse races. Or perhaps you envision a clubby tableau with a rocks glass, cigar and roaring fire. But bourbon is not limited to juleps, men’s clubs — or the South, for that matter.
In Delaware, fine restaurants hold bourbon
dinners. Barbecue and burger restaurants tout extensive collections, and trendsetting bars serve creative bourbon cocktails. Now a hotel is getting in on the action. On Wednesday, June 11, whiskey lovers will gather at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana in Stanton to try the hotel’s proprietary bourbon, a collaboration with Maker’s Mark.
Christiana Hilton's proprietary bourbon, a collaboration with Maker's Mark Photo by Jim Coarse
Bourbon’s popularity isn’t ebbing anytime soon. “I don’t think it’s going anywhere,” agrees Ryan Minnick, a bartender at Bethany Blues in Lewes and Stingray Sushi Bar in Rehoboth Beach. “Restaurants have at least one or two bourbon or rye cocktails on their specialty list, no matter the concept. Everyone is trying to get their hands on as much as possible.”
BORN IN THE USA
A distinctly American product, bourbon is in the whisky or whiskey family. Generally, whisky without the “e” comes from Scotland, Canada and Japan. Only whisky from Scotland is Scotch, and there are five regions: Speyside, Lowland, Highland, Campbeltown and Islay. In the United States and Ireland, whiskey with the “e” is favored. However, both spellings are considered correct.
The Scots and Irish brought their distilling skills to the New World, and in Kentucky, corn was an easier crop to grow than barley or wheat. Some maintain that the name comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky. Others point to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Regardless, the mash must be at least 51 percent corn, which adds a note that appeals to bourbon aficionados. “It’s an all-natural sweetness,” explains Minnick, also a consultant.
Only bourbon made in Kentucky is true Kentucky bourbon. Compare it to sparkling wine from France’s Champagne region; if it’s not from that area, it’s not Champagne. However, bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S. if the distilleries follow the rules.
“Pennsylvania is making great whiskey, and so is Chicago,” says Nick Georigi, who oversees the beverage program for Platinum Dining Group.
Bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels or casks. The aging process is anywhere from four to six years, and anything after that is “luxury,” Minnick says. Some bottles contain bourbon from several barrels, while a single barrel refers to one source for the bottle. Smallbatch bourbons contain a small amount from handselected barrels. They’re curated, if you will, for flavor.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
To be sure, people passionate about bourbon do their research, which is how Nikki Pierce, the manager of the Hilton’s Market Kitchen & Bar, learned about the private select program. She and the hotel’s executive team traveled to Kentucky in January for a Maker’s Mark tour and tasting. “It’s an in-depth process,” she says.
David Dietz would agree. He followed the same steps
Christiana Hilton manager Nikki Pierce traveled to Kentucky to get a first-hand look at the process.
Photo by Jim Coarse
to create the BBC Tavern & Grill Reverie Reserve, which was also made with Maker’s Mark.
“They take you to this beautiful tasting room on the side of a mountain, overlooking the water they use,” says Dietz, who owns BBC Tavern and Bar Reverie, sister restaurants in Greenville. The base bourbon is Maker’s Mark 46, which is aged with French oak staves, the narrow strips lining a barrel.
Participants then tasted samples treated with different kinds of wood. Some are charred with charcoal and others with UV light. “You see which ones you like, and then they’ll blend it for you,” Dietz explains. “Then you take a taste. You can spend hours doing it.”
In the rack house, representatives take the ring off a barrel, insert the selected staves into the bourbon, recap the barrel and replace the ring. “You sign the barrel with a big marker,” Dietz says. “That’s yours.” He waited several months for the additional aging process to create the flavor. The product was so well-received that he’s ordered more and plans to time his orders so he doesn’t run out.
In 2020, Minnick participated in the quest to develop The 100 for Bethany Blues. The name was inspired by the team’s $100 wager who could put together the winning
blend. The product was a hit.
“It sold so fast that we bought a second barrel with the same recipe,” Minnick recalls. Bethany Blues has also collaborated with Eagle Rare and Woodford Reserve.
STEEPED IN BOURBON
When it comes to selection, many Delaware restaurants have remarkable offerings. For instance, Bethany Blues has more than 120 whiskeys, more than 50 of which are in the private stash collection. In large part, that’s because whiskey and bourbon pair well with spicy, sweet barbecue. Similarly, Limestone BBQ & Bourbon in the Stanton area has more than 200 bottles and plans to hold Father’s Day dinners this month. (Check the website for details.)
Bourbon pairs well with more than barbecue. Take steak, for instance, which explains why bourbon sells well at RedFire Grill. The Hockessin steakhouse holds annual bourbon dinners in the fall, limited to 50 guests. Farmer & the Cow’s tagline is “Burgers. Bourbon. Shakes.” The Wilmington restaurant carved out more space for its cache in its new 801 N. Wilmington St. site.
In Newark, Home Grown Café’s impressive bourbon collection includes 1792 Wheated, a 10-year-old Eagle Rare, and a 15-year-old Russell’s Reserve. The
Cuban Tapas Dinner
6/28/25: JONNY DEAN
7/5/25: BRUCE ANTHONY
7/12/25:
BBC Tavern & Grill's Reverie Reserve.
Photo
selection might surprise you, given that the restaurant is known for appeasing vegetarians and people on special diets. But bourbon now crosses a variety of culinary concepts. For instance, Above the Dunes in Rehoboth Beach, a casual eatery with burgers and crab cakes, won a Best of Delaware award for its bourbon selection. Bar Reverie has held bourbon dinners pairing bourbon-smoked oysters with Blue Run Reflection II, a Kentucky bourbon. Caffe Gelato, an Italian restaurant known for its wines, has hosted bourbon dinners featuring Pappy Van Winkle, which is aged 10 to 23 years.
SIP AND SAMPLE
If you want to dip your toes into bourbon — or whiskey, for that matter — start with a flight. Minnick recommends taking a few sips of each before adding a drop of water or pouring it over an ice cube. Sip is the operative word.
Just ask Dan Young, who led a study abroad program in Glasgow, Scotland, that included drams of Scotch. New to the spirit, he downed his like a shot. “It was one of the few record-scratch moments of my life,” recalls Young, co-founder and owner of the Leadership Excellence
The popular Paper Plane at Capers & Lemons.
Photo courtesy Platinum Dining
Academy for Nonprofits. “Everyone within 6 feet of me at the bar turned and stared.”
Now he knows to smell the liquid with one nostril and then another and sip as though he has a straw. “You ‘chew’ it all around your mouth,” he says. Some people put a drop on their hands, rub them together, and inhale.
Young and his wife, Jill, founded the Wilmington Whiskey Club to share their interest with like-minded people. It was just after COVID-19, and people were eager to get out.
“Since the pandemic, it seems like there’s been an uptick in the love of testing different bourbons and having fun trying different ones,” says Kenny Bartholomew, general manager of Limestone BBQ.
The club holds events about twice a month, one of which typically involves a nonprofit. For instance, the club had a whiskey tasting at Faithful Friends’s New Castle location.
“We took a tour and got to pet the cats and dogs,” Young says. The club also held an event to benefit the 100 Black Men of Delaware organization, which promotes leadership, mentorship, positive health outcomes and economic empowerment.
“We want to hold monthly whiskey and wealth events at the Bridge Art Gallery on lower Market Street to focus on wealth-building and community,” he says.
There is a $199 membership fee, which covers the tastings. However, non-members can attend the events for a fee, usually $20. The Farmer & the Cow also has a whiskey club.
Cocktails are another way to experience bourbon. Limestone BBQ makes a cherry Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. Another classic, the Paper Plane, is a hit at Capers & Lemons near Greenville, Georigi says. “It’s one of my favorite cocktails. If you’ve never had one, do yourself a favor and try it.” Capers & Lemons serves it with a tiny paper airplane.
Summery takes include Limestone BBQ’s bourbonlavender lemonade with Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup. “We finish it with a fragrant lavender sprig, so you get the taste, smell and visual,” Bartholomew says. Bartenders also substitute bourbon in classic cocktails. For instance, Limestone BBQ features a blackberry mule with bourbon served in a copper mug.
Sister restaurants Eclipse Bistro and Hearth Kitchen share “A Total Eclipse of the Hearth,” a twist on an amaretto sour with high-proof bourbon. “It’s a frothy cocktail that balances the sweetness and tartness of the lemon and the bitterness of the Amaro,” Georigi says. “You’re really lifting and brightening it — even the color bright.”
From a rocks glass to a copper mug to a coupe glass, bourbon is clearly versatile. “Personally, I don’t think there’s any wrong way to drink bourbon,” Dietz concludes.
Children perform traditional dances as part of the week-long Holy Trinity Greek Festival. Out & About file photo.
A Month To Celebrate
Looking
HOLY TRINITY GREEK FESTIVAL
June 2 – June 7 | 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington
Transport yourself to Greece at this annual week-long celebration of culture, cuisine, and tradition. Enjoy authentic dishes, folk dancing, and live Greek music from Philadelphia’s Atlantis, all in a festive village-style atmosphere. Opa! — Visit Holy-Trinity-Greek-Festival-Wilmington-De.Square.Site
SEPARATION DAY
June 6 & 7 | Historic New Castle
One of the state’s longest-running traditions returns, recognizing Delaware’s declaration of independence from Pennsylvania and the British crown. Festivities begin on Friday evening with an outdoor block party at The Wharf, featuring live music, food trucks and a beer/wine garden. On Saturday, a Colonial-inspired parade kicks-off at noon followed by an afternoon of activities in Battery Park featuring a vintage market, kids’ rides, food & drink, live music, and a grand fireworks finale over the Delaware River in the evening.
ST. ANTHONY’S ITALIAN FESTIVAL
June 8 – June 15 | 901 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington
— Visit SeparationDayDe.com
— Visit SAPDE.org/ItalianFestival
Hosted by St. Anthony of Padua Church, this festival is one of the largest Italian American cultural events in the region and brings the spirit of Italy to Wilmington with authentic cuisine, live music, traditional dances, carnival rides and games for all ages.
31ST ANNUAL JUNETEENTH PARADE & FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 14 | Rodney Square & Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington
Hosted by the Delaware Juneteenth Association, this celebration of freedom and resilience begins with a parade down King Street, followed by a free family-friendly festival at Tubman-Garrett Park featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and more.
— Visit DelawareJuneteenth.org
CLIFFORD BROWN JAZZ FEST WELCOMES NOTABLE STARS BACK TO ITS STAGE
The 38th Clifford Brown Jazz Fest returns to Wilmington this month, welcoming some of the series’ most seasoned acts while also showcasing new talent.
As of press time, a total of 10 acts have been booked for the festival, which takes place June 18-21 in Rodney Square with related after-hour jam sessions to follow in various clubs around town.
“Each year, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together,” says festival founder Tina Betz, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “In 2025, we continue that tradition with a lineup that honors the past while boldly embracing what’s next.
Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers play the night of Thursday, June 19 — both Victor and Roy Wooten (aka Future Man) played the festival as part of Bela Fleck and The Flecktones in 1996. Similarly, Eric Benét returns four years after his 2021 festival performance — this time to share the stage with singer Chanté Moore on Friday, June 20.
Grammy Award-winning vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding headlines Saturday night’s show, performing songs from her 20-plus-year career. Although she’s never played the festival, Spalding performed at The Grand in October 2009, as part of the festival’s inaugural Clifford Brown Year-Round Series.
Spalding’s Saturday performance will cap an all-female-fronted day of the festival with earlier performances from Lili Añel, Carmen Lundy, and Wilmington’s own Maya Belardo.
Belardo isn’t the only Delaware native taking the stage; the local musicians of Celebration of Black Joy and Friends will help open the festival Wednesday, June 18.
“Expect some unforgettable moments on that Rodney Square stage—there are a few surprises in store,” Betz adds.
—More at CliffordBrownJazzFest.org.
BRYAN BIELANSKI RETURNS TO STONEY’S SINGING SUPER HAPPY FUN SONGS
Over the past several years, acoustic rock & roll singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski has toured solo all over America and Europe, from Sweden to Sonoma, California. On Wednesday, June 4, the North Carolina native brings his craft to Stoney’s British Pub.
Singing songs “Thank God for Tacos” and “Rock the Library USA” from his Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time album series, Bielanski’s upbeat humor matches his enthusiasm for the road. Reviewing his online calendar, the musician is performing nearly every day this year going as far west as Walla Walla, Washington and as far east as Kraków, Poland.
—More at BryansSuperHappyFunTime.com.
Photo by Holly Andres
Esperanza Spalding performs June 21.
NEW CONCERT STAGE SEES DEBUT THIS MONTH AT ROCKFORD RISING
Spokey Speaky and What the Funk will help christen the New Rockford Park Concert Stage on Thursday, June 5 starting at 5 p.m.
After years of fundraising and mustering community support, the Friends of Wilmington Parks say they are “thrilled to introduce” the stage to the public, encouraging guests to “bring your chairs and blankets.”
The event will also see food trucks, raffles, and beverage vendors including Moore Brothers Wine Company and Wilmington Brew Works.
— Tickets can be purchased online at FriendsOfWilmingtonParks.org.
FAWZIYYA HEART HEADLINES WOMEN IN MUSIC
Anewmusic series called Women in Music seeks to shine the spotlight on female performers in the area. Fawziyya Heart headlines this month’s show on Tuesday, June 10 at HomeBase Delaware on Concord Pike.
The pay-as-you-can event will also include live performances by Riley Lauren, Kay Renee, Melissa in the City.
“Breaking into the music scene is hard for anyone — but as women, we need spaces where we can lift each other up and gain the confidence and inspiration to keep pushing. It can be an uphill battle when trying to ‘make it’ in a traditionally male-dominated industry,” said Jenni Schick, founder of the Women’s Musician Coalition, which is organizing the monthly series. — More at HomebaseDelaware.com.
Spokey Speaky and What the Funk play June 5. Photo by Tavi and John Clark Photography.
Philly-based singer and songwriter Fawziyya Heart plays HomeBase Delaware on June 10. Photo by FunkIt Photo.
The City
SENIOR HOME REPAIR LOTTERY ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH
Mayor John Carney and Wilmington City Council will announce the next round of the City’s Senior Home Repair Lottery on Tuesday, June 4th, at 12:30 p.m. in a live broadcast on WITN TV (Channel 22 on Comcast) and online at www.witn22.org.
“The Senior Home Repair Program has made a real difference in the lives of our older residents,” said Mayor Carney. “Every home repaired is a neighbor supported, a block strengthened, and a piece of our city preserved. We’re proud to continue this initiative and remain committed to helping seniors live safely and comfortably in the homes they’ve worked so hard to maintain. We know many seniors live on fixed incomes, and unexpected home repairs can become overwhelming,” added Mayor Carney. “This program is about respect, dignity, and making sure that our seniors can age in place with peace of mind.”
"We must always prioritize our seniors,” said City Council President Trippi Congo. “I’m grateful Wilmington City Council continues to lead this effort, and I thank the Mayor’s administration for executing this important initiative that helps provide critical home repairs to those who’ve given so much to our city."
"It brings me great joy to know that through this program, we can offer much-needed support to our seniors, ensuring they can stay in the homes they've cherished for so long,” said At-Large City Councilwoman Maria D. Cabrera. “I am very happy that we are able to provide assistance to our seniors with limited incomes who may find themselves in situations of disrepair. With this program, we are making sure our seniors are keeping their property up to date, are in compliance, and can stay in their homes longer.”
The lottery allows eligible Wilmington homeowners to receive city-funded repairs for essential issues such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, and safety-related needs. To be eligible, applicants must be 65 years or older on June 4, 2025, must be at or below 100% area median income (AMI), own their home, and have not received assistance from Habitat for Humanity in the past three years. Those who entered the lottery last December but were not selected were automatically entered into the June 2025 drawing. For more information, residents can contact 311.
SUMMER SOUNDS ARE BACK IN WILMINGTON!
Get ready to enjoy the rhythm of summer as Cityfest, Inc. and the City of Wilmington present another unforgettable season of live music, local flavor, and community spirit! The 2025 Summer Music Series is back at one of the city’s most unique and inspiring outdoor venues: the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange (UAE).
Located in the heart of Wilmington’s Creative District, the UAE provides the perfect backdrop for summer evenings filled with music, laughter, and connection. All concerts are free and open to the public, making it easy for everyone to join in on the fun. With open lawn seating, guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnic vibes for a relaxed and memorable night under the stars.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., enjoy a rotating selection of local food vendors, community activations, and more. At 6:30 p.m., the opening acts hit the stage, introducing audiences to new and emerging talent with performances that set the tone. The main performances kick off at 7 p.m., featuring a curated lineup of regional and national artists ready to bring down the house.
Whether you are a longtime music lover or just looking for a new way to experience the city, the Summer Music Series is your invitation to celebrate what makes Wilmington so vibrant. So round up your family, friends, and neighbors, and come experience summer the way it was meant to be; live, loud, and full of heart.
A Wilmington crowd enjoys the show at the UAE Amphitheater.
Separation Day
IN HISTORIC NEW CASTLE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
JUNE 6th & 7th
Join us in celebrating one of delaware’s oldest traditions!
FRIDAY
Free Admission!
kick-off party
6-9:30pm Music by: Brad Newsom & The Jagermintz Beer/Wine Garden • Food Trucks • Benefits Local Fire Depts.
