Out & About Magazine - April 2020

YOUR GUIDE for what to do

NOW CREATIVE COPING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

APRIL 2020 COMPLIMENTARY

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3/15/18 3:06 PM

From The Publisher

TOUGH MEDICINE

“A

guide to good times.” That was Out & to make payroll, now is not the time to tell businesses About’s tagline in the early years. It pains how they should make theirs. Ditto for virtually every me to think how inappropriate that tagline other challenge. would be right now.

The pain is ubiquitous. And no one’s pain is For that matter, same goes for our name. “You more severe than another’s. Which, to me, could be should rename it In & Alone,” one reader offered. Hathe indelible silver lining in all of this. Now…we ALL ha...very funny. know real pain.

So, as we struggled to figure out what to do with this Oh, many of us have been great sympathizers for issue, struggled with the years—I feel your pain, possibility that for the man—then we simply first time in more than go about our day. It’s This is a delicate time to 31 years we wouldn’t understandable—you be playing the sage, so I’m produce an issue (let’s can’t carry the weight face it, much of our choosing my words carefully. of the world on your client base is closed shoulders. But did we due to the Emergency truly feel their pain? We Declaration), we decided to move forward—respectfully. appreciated, sympathized, commiserated, empathized…

We felt people could use a little O&A positivity but the pain wasn’t ours. Now it is. as the days and weeks go on. Especially if we could Which hopefully leads to more community, greater provide useful positivity. We hope you find that in the compassion, less greed. It’s quickly become cliché, but pages that follow. today we truly are in this together. It’s troubling to Personally, I hope we also find wisdom in this crisis consider that it took a pandemic to remind us of that.

—even some silver linings. Pontificating is prevalent But if we’re being honest—and right now, why pull right now; however, passing judgment on who is most punches?—perhaps it did. deserving of support or how businesses should conduct themselves are tricky endeavors. If you’ve never had — Jerry duPhily

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

1

Worth TRYING CREATIVE COPING

BROADWAY HD Live theater world has been hit hard during this pandemic, but a subscription to Broadway HD gives you the chance to watch shows you perhaps never got a chance to see as well as classics that you’d like to see again. The monthly fee of $8.99 includes productions like Phantom of the Opera, as well as Disney's Broadway hits, Stephen Sondheim, Riverdance, and a selection of family favorites. You won’t find Hamilton here, but it sure is fun to sing along with The Sound of Music or Bye Bye Birdie. Subscribe at broadwayhd.com.

— Beverly Zimmermann, Special Projects

MEDITATION If you found yourself in a negative headspace during these strange times, you may benefit from some mindful meditation practices. Mediation has been used for thousands of years by Hindu yogis and Buddhist monks with the goal of emptying the mind of thoughts that can provide profound and lasting calmness to your central nervous system.

There are many phone apps that can help guide you, like Calm, Headspace and Waking Up, just to pick a few. I found the most benefit by practicing every day.

Whether it's five minutes or an hour, it's been very beneficial for me to clear my mind daily.

BE A STAIR CLIMBER Can’t get outside for your regular walk, run or bike ride?

Become a stair climber. Unless we live in a rancher, most of us, including apartment dwellers, have access to stairs.

Start climbing those stairs two, three or more times each week. See if you can steadily increase the number of round trips you achieve. Make it a little more challenging by carrying a light dumbbell in each hand. No dumbbells around? Substitute heavy books.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

— Tyler Mitchell, Creative Director

REDUCE PHOTO FRAME CLUTTER

MCMILLIONS ON HBO

You know all those framed family photos you’ve collected over the years?

Are they overwhelming your bookcases, dressers, night stands and living room tables? Take them out of the frames and glue them to a large poster (buy online if stores are closed or you can’t go out). A 22x34-in. poster will accommodate many prints, especially if you cut out the backgrounds, silhouetting people and animals in each photo.

I don't eat much fast food nowadays and rarely get hooked by corporate promotions, but as a kid growing up in the ‘90s, I faithfully collected pieces for the McDonald's Monopoly game promotion. It turned out that I had no chance of winning because the promotion was rigged from 1989-2001 by one man working for the promotion company. I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but it's a compelling and sometimes humorous conspiracy mini-series with lots of twists and turns.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

— Tyler Mitchell, Creative Director

2 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

BE A WINNER! ENTER THE OUT & ABOUT WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY/ART CONTESTS

DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE Go through your closets, attic, basement, garage, and drag out all the stuff you haven’t used or worn in years. Give it to a charity, assuming they are still open as you read this, or sell it on eBay. Or throw it out!

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Attention, all you budding writers, photographers and artists out there: It's time to show us your stuff. Not only is there a chance for your work to be published in Out & About Magazine, but winning entries also will receive a great prize package that includes: movie tickets, baseball tickets, free ice cream, mini golf, free bike rentals, free lunch and more…

THE THEME: What I Learned from the COVID-19 Crisis Contest categories, rules and deadlines at OutAndAboutNow.com/writing-contest/

DECORATE YOUR HOUSE

LEND A HAND

There is a growing trend to decorate the house with Christmas lights as a way to cheer up people. If you can afford the slight bump in your electric bill, it's a bright and fun way to make a difference in your neighborhood.

Channel your anxiety with the most rewarding endeavor of all—helping your community. Volunteer opportunities are abundant. Find out how your efforts can be best utilized by visiting Volunteer.

Delaware.gov. The site will direct you to various agencies with need specifics.

— Beverly Zimmermann, Special Projects

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS YOU! OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE ONLINE ARCHIVES In need of more reading material? Head to OutAndAboutNow.com to read the online versions of Out & About Magazine from 2013 to now! Just click the magazine cover in the top right corner (Click And Read).

— Tyler Mitchell, Creative Director

Everyone who receives Meals on Wheels is age 60 or over, with the average age in the mid-70s. This is an age group that has increased risk for serious complications for COVID-19. Meals on Wheels, which each day delivers more than 3,000 meals, currently needs more volunteers. If you are healthy and able to spare a couple of hours during a weekday lunchtime, Meals on Wheels needs to hear from you. Visit MealsonWheelsDE.org.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

VIRTUAL STUDIOS TO STAY ON TRACK Quarantine doesn’t have to mean totally giving up on your routines and hobbies. Thanks to a tremendous effort by a few local providers, I’m able to stay on track with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness training. If your studio is temporarily closed, I’d highly recommend Evolution Submission & Grappling. They have transitioned to an instructional YouTube Channel (get details and access at evolutionsubmissiongrappling.com & facebook.com/EvolutionSubmissionGrappling) and online drilling sessions. They’ve even sent my son and me personalized Facebook messages and videos to introduce new drills we can work on at home! For personal training options, online group fitness classes and more, Scott McCarthy at Balance Strength & Fitness Center has evolved his offerings as well (Balancefitnesstraining.com and facebook.com/bsfgym/). Balance has even dropped off equipment to their member’s homes! Missing your Yoga and Pilates classes? Pure Yoga in Trolley Square is now offering live virtual classes through Zoom (pureyogapilatesstudio.com and facebook.com/pureyogapilatesstudio/). We have options, folks.

— Matt Loeb, Production Manager APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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LEARN

THE ACCELERATED ADVANTAGE

Carly G. Class of 2020

WilmU students have a range of choices for earning their degrees faster and more affordably

F

rom course format to credit transfer, there are so many ways students can accelerate their studies at Wilmington University. This is good news for students who have set an ambitious timeline for their education plan. The extra good news is that some of these options can also save tuition dollars on the way to graduation.

WilmU’s accelerated advantage worked for recent graduate Carly DeVirgilio Giordano. The expectant mother was determined to complete her degree prior to the birth of her daughter. While working full time, Giordano completed 33 credits of her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management in just six months and walked proudly in the Winter 2020 commencement ceremony.

Giordano and others like her take advantage of WilmU’s accelerated block courses. While many students choose to complete courses over the traditional 15-week semester, block courses are completed in just seven weeks. These intensives allow students to complete the same amount of study as semester courses at a faster pace.

Because WilmU offers six blocks per year, students can make quick progress toward degree completion. And with start times every other month, students have ample opportunity to schedule courses around significant life events without falling behind.

Seventy-nine percent of WilmU undergraduate students transfer credits from other colleges or universities, realizing both tuition savings and time savings. The University’s generous credit transfer policy allows up to 90 credits to be transferred toward a WilmU bachelor’s degree program, and graduates of numerous local community colleges, including Delaware Tech, can transfer their entire associate degree to their WilmU bachelor’s degree program.

Build a new future with the credits you’ve earned.

WilmU works.

4 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

How does academic credit for work experience and professional credentials sound? After a Prior Learning Assessment, students can be awarded WilmU credit for knowledge and skills they already hold through relevant experience, licenses, certificates and other credentials. Students love the assurance that their courses and credits are doing heavy lifting toward career advancement, not repetition of past learning.

Students can also accelerate and save by completing graduatelevel courses as part of their undergraduate degree programs, through elective coursework. And because tuition on WilmU courses is charged at the degree level instead of the course level, students can see significant savings.

As an example, a student in the BS in Computer and Network Security degree program can use five elective courses to complete 15 graduate-level credits toward an MS in Cybersecurity. By saving $321 per course on five courses, that student saves $1,605—more than the cost of an entire WilmU graduate-level course.* They will also graduate with a bachelor’s degree and more than one-third of their master’s degree completed.

As you consider your next degree, or advise friends and family on their educational plans, remember how WilmU works to help you accelerate your studies and keep your education affordable.

* Example is based on the typical cost of a three-credit undergraduate course taken at the New Castle campus or online, compared to the typical cost of a three-credit graduate course taken at the Wilson Graduate Center or online.

Stephen S. Class of 2021

Find out why at choose.wilmu.edu/Transfer

START

A writer/editor’s slightly snarky and relentless crusade to eliminate grammatical gaffes from our everyday communications

Compiled from the popular column in Out & About Magazine

THE WAR ON WORDS A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language against misuse and abuse

Media Watch • Geno Auriemma, University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach, in his tribute to Kobe Bryant: “There’s some amazing women here tonight . . . There’s so many thoughts in my head.” . . . Plural nouns—in this case, women and thoughts— require the verb are—something many speakers seem to forget.

It seems it’s easier to say “there’s” instead of being correct and adding the extra syllable in “there are.”

• Stephanie Ruhle, NBC News business correspondent, commenting on plummeting stock prices: “Get that pit out of my stomach.” One has a feeling in the pit of one’s stomach. The pit is an area in one’s stomach in which one feels a physical response to strong emotion, especially fear, stress, or anxiety. The phrase is often misstated to imply there is a pit that enters the stomach.

• Tom Schad in USA TODAY: “Wink Martindale was laying on the couch at his California home one day in 2017.” Ol’ Wink was lying on the couch. To lay is to place or put down an object.

• USA TODAY, quoting Justin Turner, of the Los Angeles Dodgers: “The reason every guy is working out all offseason and showing up to camp early . . . is specifically for that [World Series] trophy.”

Turner thus becomes part of the growing and inexplicable trend to change the at to to in such phrases as “arrive at” and “show up at.” Gotta admit, it’s becoming one of my (many) pet peeves. (For more, see “Superfluous Prepositions”).

• From a press release for Art for Life, the documentary about Wilmington’s Twin Poets: “They continue to promote the use of art as a powerful tool for affecting social change.” Normally, affect and its forms are verbs and effect is a noun. This is one of the rare instances where effecting (to bring about) is the correct verb.

• The Morning Show, the award-winning drama on Apple TV, has Jennifer Aniston’s character asking, “Is there an alternative option?”

Maybe this should be in the Department of Redundancies Dept.

• Reader Janet Strobert, a frequent contributor to War, has recently zeroed in on Women’s Health magazine and its gaffes.

In the January/February 2020 issue, Janet found the following sentence: “If you've ‘been there, drank that’ with the usual peppermint or chamomile varieties, give one of these a sip.” That should be “drunk that.” In the same issue, she also came across this: “ . . . and peep the nutrition label . . . ” Like Janet, we found this attempt at hipness (wokeness?) irritating and self-indulgent.

Word of the Month

pleonasm Pronounced plee-anazm, it’s a noun meaning the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning (e.g., see with one’s eyes), either as a fault of style or for emphasis.

By Bob Yearick

• An ad for Super Beta Prostate promises users “less trips to the bathroom.” Fewer trips (a plural) would mean less time (a quantity) spent in the bathroom. (And in no way is this an endorsement of the product.)

How long, oh Lord, how long?

Superfluous Prepositions Looks like the area is for one Have you noticed how TV hosts now kid only. “welcome in” their guests, instead of just welcoming them? For the past several years, extra prepositions have been creeping into our language. It used to be enough to focus, add, welcome and join. Now we have to focus in, add in, welcome in, invite in, and join up with. It’s another ridiculous trend that simply adds baggage to the language.

Department of Redundancies Dept.

The world of pro football recently gave us two instances of the tired “whole entire” redundancy: • Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry in USA TODAY, commenting on his attendance at the NFL Combine: “I have tremendous support from the whole entire academy.”

• Matt McGloin, quarterback for the New York Guardians of the XFL: “We have to change the whole entire game plan.”

Literally of the Month • Matt Damon managed to score a double with this: “My kids literally could care less about what role I play.” Not only did Damon use the meaningless “literally,” he also committed the common error of leaving out not in the phrase “could not care less.”

• And Sal Paolantonio, NFL reporter for ESPN, gave us this in praising an LSU lineman: “He is literally a freight train playing football.”

Follow me on Twitter: @thewaronwords

NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION? Contact me for a fun presentation on grammar: ryearick@comcast.net.

Seen a good (bad) one lately?

Send your candidates to ryearick@comcast.net

Buy The War on Words book at the Hockessin Book Shelf or by calling Out & About at 655-6483.

30

on Thursday

Many area clean-up events are cancelled. We can continue to keep our communities clean – while maintaining social distancing.

PLEASE SPEND 30 MINUTES EVERY THURSDAY TO BEAUTIFY YOUR AREA!

KeepDelawareBeautiful.com KeepDel 6 MARCH 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

Getting

Out Nature has a way of making everything feel better

Take advantage of the spectacular scenery in the area and escape on a solo bike ride. Photo Les Kipp

T

he results below are unscientific, but all the data I needed to draw a conclusion.

Last week, as I was struggling to comprehend the COVID-19 Crisis and assess what I needed to survive for my family and my business—an exercise every one of you were doing somewhere else—I took a 20-mile bike ride to get some exercise. (OK, relieve some stress.)

During my ride, I passed more than a dozen people doing the same thing. Some were riding, some were running, some were walking—many with a dog. And every single person I passed gave me a smile. Not a perfunctory smile, but one of those heartfelt smiles, soothing in its sincerity. A smile that stays with you the entire ride home.

I also passed many more people driving cars. A few made eye contact with me as they hurried past. None were smiling.

In fact, two looked annoyed that my bike was nearing their path. Made sense to me. A half-hour earlier, I was in my car with the same forlorn expression.

So, get outside, in whatever capacity you can. Nature provides solace for the soul. And even though we’ve disrespected her of late, like a loving parent she will always take us in.

— Jerry duPhily HERE ARE A FEW AREA SUGGESTIONS: VISIT A DELAWARE STATE PARK

The First State offers 19 parks statewide. During the COVID-19 Crisis, most are open through April 30 with no admission fee. Get ahead of the game and purchase a pass that gives you access to all Delaware parks for a discounted price. Visit DeStateParks.com.

EAGLES AT THE CONOWINGO DAM

Take a day trip to the Conowingo Dam to watch the eagles soar.

More than 300 eagles and 100 species of birds were spotted there last year. The dam, on Route 1 over the Susquehanna River, is a mecca for true bird watching. It’s just a short drive from Newark and Wilmington and has plenty of parking.

VisitMaryland.org. ► APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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TRAILBLAZING IN NEWARK

Check out the new Tri-Valley Trail just outside of Newark. In the works for years, this paved trail links Newark and Pike Creek and is the first continuous trail that allows visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy all it has to offer. At 2.8 miles, it runs between Thompson Station Road and Smith Mill road, with an additional spur going to the intersection of Paper Mill and Polly Drummond roads. It offers connections to Newark’s Redd Park and New Castle County’s Paper Mill Park and Middle Run Valley Natural Area Park. A parking area and rest rooms are located off Smith Mill Road. Visit DeStateParks.com/Trails.

WALK OLD NEW CASTLE

Step back in time, to the 17th and 18th centuries, when walking was the primary mode of moving around, and savor the wellpreserved wonders of historic New Castle. You can walk for an hour—or several hours—enjoying fresh air while absorbing volumes of the First State’s history. During your walk you’ll discover: the historic marker designating William Penn’s first landing in North America; colonial homes that are among the first built in the U.S.; Immanuel Episcopal Church (316 years old) and Old Town Hall (built in 1820). Visit NPS.gov/frst.

WILDLIFE IN THE CITY

Wilmington’s Riverfront has become a well-known destination, but many have yet to discover this 212-acre wildlife center and its accompanying DuPont Environmental Education Center. The facility is free and open year-round, offering a beautiful 10-acre garden and a quarter-mile pond loop that weaves through the marsh. It’s an intriguing sanctuary that peacefully sits between hectic I-95 and the ever-expanding Wilmington Riverfront. Visit RiverfrontWilm.com.

DISCOVER NORTHERN DELAWARE GREENWAY TRAIL

This 7.2-mile trail provides a unique and spectacular view of some of New Castle County’s recreational treasures, including Alapocas Run State Park, Bellevue State Park, Rockwood Park and Bringhurst Woods Park. Walk, run or ride it. Visit DelawareGreenways.org.

HIKE WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK

It's tucked away as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of New Castle County, and even though it's not exactly Yellowstone, you can get exercise while enjoying nature at White Clay Creek Park. There are nine trails, totaling 37 miles, that range from easy to moderate.

Visit destateparks.com/FieldsStreams/WhiteClayCreek.

TWO CAR-FREE RIDES

U.S. participation in bicycling has increased by nearly 10 million over the past decade. That number would no doubt increase by millions more if not for one barrier: being on roads with cars.

That is why the proliferation of dedicated bike/pedestrian trails in New Castle County is such a positive development for those of us who like a good (and safe) bike ride. We highly recommend two trails in particular: the Markell Trail (7.9 miles from Wilmington’s Riverfront to Historic New Castle) and the Mike Castle Trail (12 miles from Delaware City to the DelawareMaryland state line; 14 miles if you add Maryland’s Ben Cardin Trail, which takes you to Chesapeake City). For a complete list of trails, visit DelawareGreenways.org.

8 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

10 WAYS TO BE YOUR BEST

H

Self-improvement tips you can use now

ere are 10 helpful tips, gathered from a handful of local health and wellness experts, that we’ve repurposed from a previous issue. We all need distractions from this crisis. So, use some of your new free time to focus on making yourself better.

1

Eat antioxidant-rich food. Antioxidants protect our bodies and cells from the onslaught of damage caused by free radicals. “They are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables and other sources like nuts, beans, and even dark chocolate,” says Tricia Jefferson, RD, LDN, director of healthy living and strategic partnerships, YMCA of Delaware. Antioxidants are important to keep our bodies healthy by “slowing the signs of aging and reducing cancer and heart disease risk,” she says.

2

Continue to be part of the community. Social distancing pertains to physical space only. Now is an ideal time to reconnect with your friends and family. Says Jefferson, “Connecting with others and being part of a trusted community can help improve your quality of life by boosting your mental health, decreasing risky behaviors and helping you live longer.”

These social and emotional connections are important at all life stages, so make sure to reach out, whether it’s by email, social media or phone.

3

Exercise is a no-brainer when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Its benefits are not limited to your physical health. A study done by the University of British Columbia has shown that regular aerobic exercise appears to “boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning.” Follow a consistent schedule and change up your routine with a mix of strength, interval and cardio exercise. And make sure as much of it as possible is outside—keeping your distance from others, of course.

4

Resolve to eat more fermented foods. Karen Igou, owner and operator of Honeybee Seasonal Kitchen in Trolley Square, battles chronic health issues. She eats fermented foods as part of her daily routine. “They help balance gut health by re-populating beneficial bacteria killed off by processed foods and antibiotics,” she says, “and they help level out the pH balance in the intestines.” She turns to well-known fermented foods like raw sauerkraut, kombucha (fermented tea), kimchi and miso. Want to make your own fermented foods? Look no further than The Noma Guide to Fermentation, an ode to the history of fermentation and guide to how to ferment at home written by David Zilber, director of the Noma fermentation lab, and René Redzepi, chef and co-owner of Noma in Copenhagen.

5

The Insight Timer app is a free meditation app that’s similar to Headspace, but with many more free meditations and lectures. The best part of the app is the custom meditation timer that allows you to set the duration, interval bells and ambient sounds of your individual session.

It’s available on the App Store and Google Play.

6

Just breathe. Due to our hectic lives, we’ve become accustomed to going full tilt until we fall into bed. Liz Freeman Abel, a licensed dietitian/nutritionist and owner of free + abel, a food and lifestyle company based in Delaware, recommends taking more moments throughout our day to breathe and to “let the oxygen come into your lungs deeply and then feel it gently leave.” She recommends repeating this fiveto-10 times while in line at the grocery store or in the shower—or whenever you feel rushed or stressed.

7

Use Plant Nanny App and drink more water. Most people don’t get the recommended daily quantities. This app rewards you and politely reminds you to drink water throughout the day. The goal is to drink all the recommended cups of water each day while remembering to “water” your plant.

If you forget to water your plant, it will look sad; if you neglect your plant, it will die, and you must start all over. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

8

Unsubscribe. Clean out that inbox. You now have time to unsubscribe to those annoying sales and marketing emails and weekly newsletters. While you’re at it, be sure to add your phone to the National Do Not Call Registry to minimize telemarketing calls, and deactivate those incessant news notifications on your phone. Also, use the “block caller” function on your phone.

9

Eat your vegetables. We all know it’s important, so why not try to incorporate new vegetables? Says Abel: “Try a rainbow of fresh produce each week. Vegetables in different colors provide vitamins that are necessary for so many bodily functions, such as cardiovascular health, respiratory health, and immune support.”

10

Catch more sleep. It’s essential for a healthy body and mind, and for a while now, you will likely have more time. Says Jefferson: “Sleep is involved with healing and repairing your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.” Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

— Leeann Wallett APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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Grow

YOUR OWN,

fresh & delicious!

Gateway Garden Center

gatewaygardens.com • (302) 239-2727 7277 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE

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inWilmDE.com 10 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

Lauren E. Peters INdependent Artist

GIVING NATURE A HELPING HAND Make the most of your extra free time with these spring gardening tips Plant now to enjoy beautiful summer and fall bouquets. Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center

Here in Delaware we have a beautiful variety of landscapes to enjoy, from forests and grasslands to dunes and beaches, and endless possibilities for the home garden. Here are 10 tips to make the most of your time at home.

1. Get To Know a Local Tree. The giants of the plant world surround us, lining our streets and shading our homes, and many have been alive longer than you. Pick a tree that you see each day and get to know it by looking at its leaves, feeling its bark and identifying its species. The Arbor Day Foundation has a handy guide for identifying trees at arborday.org/trees/whattree/.

2. Make Structural Repairs and Upgrades. The woody plants and hardscape of your garden provide structure that persists year after year. Evaluate the hardscape while you have a good view of it, before the spring growth covers up everything. See what needs to be repaired, upgraded, or renovated, and consider new spots for garden beds, trees, or walls and paths.

3. Divide and Transplant Perennials. Many perennials can be split in half with a garden spade without any damage to the plant. Dividing perennials like this before they break dormancy promotes plant health and growth, and is a great way to get “free plants” for your garden and to share with friends.

4. Eliminate Unwanted Plants. Early spring soil is moist, making tugging out plants relatively easy. Take this opportunity to thin out plants that spread aggressively, and to get rid of weeds before they get big and mean.

5. Save the Bees. Wild bees, that is. There are around 200 species of wild bees found in Delaware, and they’re essential pollinators for crops and wild plants. Adding a variety of wildflowers to your garden that bloom throughout the season will make sure that bees always have something to eat, and leaving flower stems up through the winter instead of cutting them back will give

them a place to live. Popular native wildflowers that support bees and other pollinators are tickseed, baptisia, coneflower, spike gayfeather, native asters and goldenrod.

6. Go Native. Planting native plants in your yard is one of the best ways to support the insect life upon which our ecosystems depend. From white oaks to black-eyed Susans, these plants are the foundation of our ecosystem and provide food and shelter for wildlife and beauty for humans.

7. Consider the Caterpillar. Butterflies are beautiful, and they come from caterpillars, which need food (not nectar). Help them along by planting native plants, with plenty of foliage for munching. This is for the birds, too. Caterpillars are the best baby bird food around, and it takes more than 5,000 caterpillars to sustain a single clutch of chickadees. That’s a lot of baby food.

8. Know Your Watershed. The Brandywine River may seem far away from your garden, but it’s what supplies our drinking water, and the runoff that flows from our landscapes feeds that body of water. Find out more about your watershed here: delawarewatersheds.org/find-your-watershed-address.

9. Grow Your Own Bouquet. Plant now to create beautiful summer and fall bouquets. A hand-picked bouquet from the yard is the best way to bring the outside in while keeping blooms in the landscape to support pollinators. You’ll know that everything’s local and seasonal, and get a close-up look at the delicate beauty of nature’s bounty.

10. Visit a Botanical Garden for Inspiration. (when they’ve reopened) We’re in America’s Garden Capital, where places like Longwood Gardens, Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum and Library, Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library, Mt. Cuba Center and others have created a culture that inspires gardeners and nature seekers alike.

Find the garden closest to you at americasgardencapital.org/.

—Katie Bohri, Mt. Cuba Center APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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CHELSEA TAVERN – Take-out with curbside pick-up for pre-pay and Grubhub. (Wilmington) Open 7 days. Lunch 12-2pm; Dinner 5-10pm. (302) 482-3333. www.chelseatavern.com.

DRIP CAFE – Take-out with modified menu available for both individual and family style meals. Open 7 days 7am-2pm. www.dripcafede.com. Newark (302) 565-4685; Hockessin (302) 234-4430 .

EL DIABLO BURRITOS – Take-out at all locations.

(Wilmington, Newark, Pike Creek, N. Wilmington) 11am-8pm. www.eldiabloburritos.com.

EL TORO – Take-out and delivery. (Wilmington) 11am-8pm. www.eltorode.com. (302) 777-4417 or Cantina: (302) 543-5621. ► APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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• PLEASE DO NOT STOCKPILE. Purchase what you need but leave something for your neighbor.

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WWW.JANSSENSMARKET.COM 3801 KENNETT PIKE, GREENVILLE, DE 302.654.9941

14 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

• We are working around the clock to stock our shelves and sanitize our stores to keep you and our employees in good health.

— Delaware Supermarkets

GALLUCIO’S - Take-out and delivery via phone, Slice, or DoorDash. (Wilmington) 11am-9pm. (302) 655-3689. www.gallucios-de.com.

KID SHELLEEN’S – Take-out. (Wilmington) Tues-Sun 129pm. (302) 658-4600. Online ordering available at: www.kidshelleensde.com.

GRAIN CRAFT BAR + KITCHEN – Take-out and delivery at all three locations; curbside at Kennett Sq and H2O locations. Open 11am–8pm. Kennett Sq offers 32oz crowlers and bottled wine (pickup only). Kennett (484) 886-4154; Newark (302) 444-8646; H2O (302) 440-4404. meetatgrain.com.

LOCALE BBQ POST – Take-out with full menu plus breakfast. (Wilmington) 10am-6pm. (302) 655-1880. www.localbbqpost.com.

GROTTO PIZZA - Take-out and delivery at all Delaware locations. Buy one pizza get 2nd half off. 11am-10pm. www.grottopizza.com HARRY’S SAVOY GRILL – Open for take-out, offering togo wines at half price. Family To-Go Meals available FriSun. (N. Wilmington) Wed-Sun 4-8pm. (302) 475-3000. www.harryshospitalitygroup.com.

HOME GROWN CAFÉ – Take-out for food and alcohol (pick-up only.) Delivery available on Grubhub. Familysize meals available. Newark street parking (15-minute grace periods) and all Newark city lots are free. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun 9:30am-8pm (Weekend Brunch 9:303pm) (302) 266-6993. www.homegrowncafe.com.

IRON HILL BREWERY - (Newark & Riverfront) Takeout or curbside on a limited menu. order.ironhillbrewery.com.

Riverfront (302 ) 472-2739 and Newark (302) 266-9000.

JANSSEN’S MARKET & CAFÉ – Café open for take-out.

All regular offerings. Offering Meals-To-Go for 2, 4, and 6. Curbside grocery pick-up for vulnerable populations.

(Greenville) Mon-Sat 7am-7pm; Sunday 8am-6pm.

(302) 654-9941. www.janssensmarket.com.

MCGLYNNS PUB - Take-out with curbside pick-up. Open 7 days 11:30am-8pm. Pike Creek (302) 738-7814; Glasgow (302) 834-6661. www.mcglynnspub.com.

MEXICAN POST – Take-out, curbside or delivery with full menu. (N. Wilmington) Open 7 days/week 11am8:30pm. (302) 478-3939. www.mexicanpost.com.

MIKIMOTOS – Carry-out from 11:30am-7pm in Wilmington. Sushi only. UberEats delivery available.

(302) 656-8638. Online ordering available: mikimotos.com.

STEWART’S BREWING COMPANY – Take-out with curbside pick-up. Take-out growlers available. Offering online ordering and Grubhub delivery. Tues-Sun 12-8pm.

(302) 836-2739. www.stewartsbrewingcompany.com.

STITCH HOUSE BREWERY – Take-out with full menu, plus take-out wine and beer or cocktail crowlers.

(Wilmington) Mon-Sun 11am-8pm. (302) 250-4280. www.stitchhousebrewery.com.

TONIC BAR & GRILL – Take-out and delivery available with new menu. (Wilmington) Mon-Sat 11:30am-7pm.

(302) 777-2040. www.tonicbargrille.com.

UBON THAI CUISINE – Take-out via phone or Grubhub or Postmates for delivery. (Wilmington) Tues-Sat 12-8pm.

(302) 656-1706. www.ubonthaicuisine.com.

WALTER’S STEAKHOUSE – New take-out menu available. (Wilmington) Mon-Sun 4-8pm. (302) 652-6780. www.walters-steakhouse.com.

WASHINGTON STREET ALE HOUSE – Take-out available (Wilmington) Mon-Sun 11:30am-7pm. (302) 658-2537.

Online ordering available: wsalehouse.com.

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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MOVIES WORTH WATCHING FROM 2018-19 Need some quality entertainment while you’re dealing with the COVID-19 crisis?

Here are 20 recent movies chosen by our critic, Mark Fields. Most, if not all, are available via On Demand, Netflix or Amazon Prime.

14 FROM 2019 The Farewell Awkwafina has a break-out performance as a Chinese-American woman resisting the norms of her traditional family when they decide to keep her grandmother’s terminal illness from her. A glimpse into Asian family dynamics turns out to be rather universal.

Harriet An earnest and well-made film biography of abolitionist/advocate Harriet Tubman didn’t get the audience it deserved. Beautifully photographed with a solid cast, the movie fleshes out an important American icon as a living person, as portrayed by Cynthia Erivo.

Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monae provide excellent support.

The Irishman We’ve seen this story of violent but supposedly honorable wiseguys before; in fact, we’ve seen it in a Martin Scorsese film with Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci in the cast. Nevertheless, as a valedictory meditation on thug life, The Irishman reminds us all of the consummate storytelling gifts of the celebrated director and the melancholic lived-in performances of its stars. In essence, it’s a gangland Twilight of the Gods.

Knives Out Headed by Daniel Craig and Jamie Lee Curtis, the all-star cast— also featuring Michael Shannon, Toni Collette and Chris Evans— has a ball chewing up the scenery in Rian Johnson’s homage/spoof of hoary parlor whodunits. Cleverly scripted and tautly directed, Knives Out manages to evoke a few genuinely surprising twists amid the guffaws and winks.

16 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

Marriage Story Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver dazzle in this searingly honest depiction of the decay of a once-solid marriage. Written and directed

by Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha), the film avoids the easy villainizing of either party in this painful but ultimately compassionate story.

Instead, we share, rather than merely observe, the excruciating challenge of ending a marriage while attempting to preserve a family.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood The first two-thirds of this movie is a loving if laconic fairy tale of late ‘60s Hollywood, as evoked by fading matinee idol Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stalwart stunt man and errand boy Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Full of eccentrics and odd balls, this would have been enough. But the finale comes with an unnecessary and unwanted dose of Quentin Tarentino’s signature uber-violence and gore.

Parasite Winner of the Palme D’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, this subversive South Korean feature is a comedy of (ill) manners as a destitute family slowly and horribly ingratiates itself into the home of a wealthy one. Directed and co-written by Bong Joon Ho (Okja, Snowpiercer), the film defies expectations by producing evermoreuncomfortable laughs as the invasion progresses.

Uncut Gems Who could believe that one of the most compelling and selfdeprecating film performances of the year would come from Adam Sandler? But it does. Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a charismatic but restless New York jeweler on the verge of a career-making transaction.

But in closing the deal, he must first overcome all the unpulled threads of his personal and professional life. It’s directed with jittery bravado by independent film darlings Josh and Benny Safdie.

Booksmart The characterization of this bawdy coming-of-age story as a distaff Superbad is unfairly reductive. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein rollick through an incredible and entertaining night of pre-graduation hijinks under the direction of actress Olivia Wilde.

Dolemite Is My Name Eddie Murphy embodies the on-the-nose title role with relish in a comedy about a performer chafing for movie stardom, even if it means making a profane and improbable martial arts thriller on the ultra cheap. Welcome back, Wesley Snipes!

Ford v Ferrari A high-octane thriller starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon as a driver and auto designer fighting the odds to build a new race car to challenge Ferrari at the 1966 race at Le Mans.

Little Women Actress-director Greta Gerwig, who garnered attention with her debut Lady Bird, puts her interpretation on the classic Alcott story.

With Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker The ninth and final chapter of the colossal sci-fi saga with re-boot master J.J. Abrams back in the director’s chair…you decide if the conclusion lived up to impossibly high expectations.

The Two Popes Two lions of the acting world—Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce—play outgoing Pope Benedict and incoming Pope Francis in a thoughtful drama of faith and politics.

SIX FROM 2018 A Star is Born A well-traveled movie story gets new life with solid performances and terrific music from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (who also directed).

BlacKkKlansman The incredible true story of a black cop in 1970s Colorado Springs who successfully infiltrates the Klan. True to form for director Spike Lee: both clever and poignant.

Eighth Grade Startlingly genuine glimpse of middle school anguish through the eyes of a thoroughly awkward girl trying to fit in and get by.

Black Panther The most mature and satisfying superhero movie in memory, with compelling characters and an exhortation of black culture.

Paddington 2 For the kiddies, an animated comedy about a sweet-natured teddy bear that blends humor and adventure.

The Favourite, An unconventional take on the reign of England’s Queen Anne with a trio of female stars: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone.

— Mark Fields

KRESTON WINE & SPIRITS

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR OUR CUSTOMERS We are committed to serving our loyal customers as well as keeping them and our team safe and healthy.

As a result, we want to provide you with the following update: Governor Carney has officially identified liquor stores as ESSENTIAL Businesses.

As of Tuesday, March 24th our temporary hours are:

MON-SAT: 10AM - 7PM SUNDAY: 11AM-6PM We feel that these changes will allow us to maintain as safe an environment as posssible and to minimize the disruption to your and our co-worker’s lives.

Thank you for your understanding.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

WE’LL BE HAPPY TO HAVE IT READY FOR PICK UP! MIDDLETOWN 448 E. Main Street Middletown, DE 19709 Tel: (302) 376-6123

WILMINGTON 904 Concord Avenue Wilmington, DE 19802 Tel: (302) 652-3792

KRESTONWINES.COM APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

17

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Call Ahead for Your Curbside Order!

(302) 658-WINE WINE | SPIRITS CRAFT BEER

Encourages You to Support Our Area Economy

BUY GIFT CARDS TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS! Bring In A Receipt for A Restaurant Gift Card food truck friday IS BACK!

WineAndSpiritCo.com Monday-Wednesday 9am-8pm Thursday-Saturday 9am-9pm • Sunday 12-5pm 4025 Kennett Pike, Wilmington Delaware 19807

18 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

GET 10% OFF HERE! wilmington 522 Philadelphia pike -

uors.com 302.764.0377 - pecosliq

RISING TO THE

CHALLENGE Led by beer companies, many in the hospitality industry have given back to the community—providing an example for the rest of us Dogfish Head Scratch-Made Hand Sanitizer. Photo courtesy of Dogfish Head Brewery

L

ast month, Dogfish Head announced that it had partnered with the State of Delaware to produce much-needed hand sanitizer for the government, with 100 percent of the profits going to a fund to support Delawareans affected by COVID-19.

“I never thought Dogfish Head would be in the sanitizer business,” said founder Sam Calagione. “But this is a time of crisis, and necessity is the mother of invention.”

The news could not have come at a better time. With the nation—and the world—caught off guard, and headlines spelling bad news left and right, here was a local story that shined a light on the type of action we need to take in the fight against this virus.

In the Out & About offices, the news was greatly appreciated, but it didn’t take us by total surprise. Dogfish has built its worldwide reputation on being innovative. Besides, over the 32 years O&A has been around, we’ve seen beer companies step up during moments of crisis, time and time again.

Since the magazine’s debut in 1988, Anheuser-Busch has provided more than 80 million cans of water to U.S. communities hit by natural disasters.

Likewise, in the past few years, Molson Coors Beverage Co. sent more than 550,000 cans into hurricane-ravaged areas in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. Last month, the company pledged $1 million to the United States Bartenders' Guild, which will go to bartenders and service industry professionals out of work.

Besides the response to crisis, brewers—along with producers of wine and spiritss—have been generous to local non-profits.

The in-kind donations these companies make to fundraising events allow charities to realize more profit on ticket sales. Note that Delaware's three major alcohol distributors (NKS, Standard, and Breakthru) contribute to more than 750 charitable endeavors per year. That's an average of more than two per day.

If you’ve seen a Michelob Ultra at the bar after a local 10K charity run or a Dogfish beer after a biking event, it may not have occurred to you that those beers were most likely donated.

That type of giving has been matched by the local restaurant industry. For years, Harry’s Hospitality Group led the charge with “Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation” dinner, which raised more than $1 million over 26 years.

Likewise, Two Stones Pub has been a huge champion for Meals On Wheels Delaware; Iron Hill Brewery has supported CureSearch for Children’s Cancer; and BBC Tavern and Grill has boosted the fundraising efforts of countless charities through their Guest Bartender Program.

And these are just a few examples of the many ways the hospitality industry has given back. With that industry reeling now from COVID-19 closures, perhaps the time has come for us to give back to them.

By ordering curbside take-out or delivery from your favorite restaurants, you can help keep the lights on. Buying gift cards also increases the chances of their reopening fully when this is all over, which, in turn, means more people will be back to work almost immediately.

You can also follow the efforts of the Delaware Restaurant Association, which has been assisting with programs like the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) and pushing Congress to release more funds to support the industry.

Until last month, the Delaware restaurant and food service industry employed more than 48,000 people, making it the largest small business employer in the state. Today, employment in the industry is just a slight fraction of that number.

We are all facing a challenge unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetimes. Meeting that challenge will require us to be innovative and generous, finding and filling needs as they arise.

To survive and rebuild, we need to follow the health protocols and consider how we can be of service to each other in this time of isolation. One place to start is by supporting the people who have served and supported us over the years.

— Jim Miller APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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Sophie, Rowan and Clare currently under self-quarantine—but working from home.

WORK FROM HOME TIPS AND TRICKS From two social 25-year-olds to whom this does not come naturally • You must change out of your pajamas—even if it’s just to a different pair of sweatpants.

• Get yourself a plant; there are so many natural air-purifying plants for the home.

• Make your bed every morning.

• Change it up. Move your monitor or at-home desk setup to different places around your apartment/house.

• And remember: It’s Work From Home, not Work From Bed. • Get outside. Even if your co-workers think it's odd that you're sitting in your beach chair, on the porch… during a video chat. Do it—with no shame.

• Do something active every hour on the hour to get the blood flowing. Ten jumping jacks will do the trick—maybe 10 pushups if you’re feeling athletic.

• There's no such thing as a "WFH" party…this is quarantine, people (I'm talking to my fellow 20-somethings). Take it seriously.

• Create checklists in the morning and check off items as you go to keep yourself on track and celebrate the small things.

• Lastly, a trick for those who are closely monitored via Jabber or other internal communication software: If you need to get outside but are afraid your computer will show you’re offline, go to YouTube and search “Beethoven 5th Symphony 10 Hours.” This will keep your computer awake and online while you get your outdoor fix. Note: If my employer is reading this, please know that I do not do this and I work very hard all the time.

— Sophie duPhily and Clare Blomberg APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY! During this difficult time, there are numerous options on the Riverfront to get out, enjoy nature, and dine from some of your favorite restaurants!

While many area public attractions are temporarily closed, the Riverfront is a perfect venue to enjoy the outdoors and walk our 1.75 mile Riverwalk along the beautiful Christina River! Additionally, while DuPont Environmental Education Center is closed, DEEC’s nature trails, including the eight-mile Jack A. Markell Trail is available! Get out and enjoy some quality time in nature!

Please keep your social distance while you’re outside on the Riverfront, here are tips from the DNREC: • Keep your social distance.

• Avoid close-contact activities.

• Don’t rent or share sports equipment.

• Wipe down sports equipment before and after use.

• Avoid playgrounds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Wash your hands. If you’re sick, stay home. If you’re sick or have been sick in the past two weeks, please stay home to recuperate.

22 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY OPTIONS Don’t let these difficult times stop you from enjoying all of your favorite restaurants! Many Riverfront establishments are offering carryout and delivery offers and specials: RIVERFRONT MARKET – Most vendors are open for carryout Monday-Friday from 7:00am-3:00pm.

BANKS SEAFOOD KITCHEN & RAW BAR – Offering carryout for lunch and dinner, as well as a free $20 gift card for every $100 gift card purchased. Can be purchased in-store, online or mailed.

302-777-1500.

CIRO FOOD & DRINK – Offering takeout specials daily.

COSI – Open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-2:00pm for carryout or delivery through DoorDash.

302-652-8800.

DEL PEZ – Offering 10% off takeout orders for call-in at 302-691-7974, taking credit cards over the phone and providing curbside pick-up.

IRON HILL BREWERY & RESTAURANT – Open daily for takeout and curbside pickup, for both food & beer. Can order online or by calling 302-472-2739.

JOE’S CRAB SHACK – Open 12:00-8:00pm daily for carry out at 302-777-1803 and delivery through DoorDash.

RIVER ROCK KITCHEN – Open daily for Breakfast from 6:00-10:00am and most evenings for dinner from 5:00-10:00pm, for carryout only. 302-397-5518.

STARBUCKS - Open 7:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday and 8:00am-2:00pm on weekends. Carryout only. 302-407-6207.

TIMOTHY’S ON THE RIVERFRONT – Offering takeout and delivery daily 11:30am-8:00pm. Delivery options through DoorDash, UberEats, and ChowNow. Also offering a free roll of toilet paper with orders of $20 or more, while supplies last! 302-429-7427.

UBON THAI – Open Tuesday Thursday from 12:00-8:00pm, and Friday-Saturday from 12:00-9:00pm for takeout and delivery. Delivery offered through PostMates and GrubHub.

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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FOR KIDS! HOME WITH LITTLE ONES? The Delaware Children’s Museum will be posting at-home children’s activities on their Facebook page until they re-open!

Just search Delaware Children’s Museum on Facebook!

24 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

A LESSON FROM BANDIT How a dog on the run taught me the importance of pet adoption

By Jim Miller Bandit was just one of hundreds of adoptable pets that come through DHA’s doors each year. Photo courtesy of Delaware Humane

T

he bark seemed to come out of nowhere.

It was the end of the work week. As I left the Out & About office and walked to my car in the parking lot, a dog’s yelp echoed in the windy chill, sounding strange, as if coming from above.

I could hear the animal, but I couldn’t see it anywhere.

Then I remembered that a day earlier our Riverfront neighbors, Delaware Humane Association, had called with a rare alert: unfortunately, one of their dogs had managed to get away from a staff member, and bolted through a temporary construction gate. In a panic, the young beagle with an outlaw’s name, Bandit, proceeded to flee DHA and his “pursuers.”

I followed the sound of his bark, and after few minutes of detective work I found the dog in the office’s recycling dumpster next to our parking lot. He had climbed onto a pile of cardboard boxes, then jumped into the dumpster.

As I peered down on him, he stopped barking and sat there looking cold, wet, dejected and helpless. I knew the folks from DHA had been searching for him day and night. But after a day on the lam, Bandit had managed to apprehend himself.

DHA arrived soon after our find to return Bandit to their watchful care. Little did the lost and confused beagle realize that the facility from which he had bolted housed the best hopes for his future.

Each year, DHA looks after more than 1,000 homeless dogs and cats, animals the agency says are “in search of a warm bed, good meal, and most importantly, a new home.” With an impressive new facility that opened in December—one that offers more than 13,000 square feet of space and resources like an updated medical facility—DHA has never been better suited to meet those needs.

By the time Monday rolled around, my fellow Out & About staff members had already come to the conclusion that I should adopt Bandit. The dog needed a home, and I was the one who found him shivering in a dumpster. It was meant to be.

“No thanks,” I replied. I already had a two-year-old rescue mutt—a cross of small country hound and ball of lightning. No need for more.

But then the holidays arrived, and the thought of a lonely Bandit worked on my conscience. Maybe it was meant to be.

After New Year’s Day, I called DHA. Turned out that in the previous week Bandit had been adopted…and then returned.

So I went over there to tour the new facilities and reunite with Bandit in much better surroundings than the dumpster where we first met. The reception was frigid.

Bandit, it turned out, did not like to be around men.

It wasn’t meant to be after all.

However, the premise had acquired real estate in my mind: I was ready to adopt a second dog. My two-year-old canine companion could use a playmate, and I had the space in my house—and, frankly, my heart—for another furry friend.

So I adopted a puppy instead, the last of his litter. He’s as adorable as a living teddy bear, yet seeing his big paws, I wonder how large he’s going to be. I also wonder how, by an odd twist of fate, I owe a runaway rascal named Bandit thanks for helping bring this wonderful canine bundle of joy into my life.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there, since the job of DHA is never fully done. With a goal to find “forever homes” for all the animals that come through its doors, DHA is doing work that in a sense requires lifetimes.

Fortunately for Bandit, DHA was able to also find a home that met his needs. But there are plenty of other potential pets looking for parents in this area—and they could be fitting companions considering the circumstances.

For updated information about how to adopt these dogs and cats via appointment during the pandemic, visit dehumane.org or call (302) 571-0111.

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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THE CITY COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS): GET THE FACTS! Mayor Purzycki with Community Clean-Up Day volunteers.

Public Works Commissioner Kelly Williams cleans around the Clifford Brown statue.

WILMINGTON’S BEAUTIFUL CITY INITIATIVE CONTINUES Annual City-Wide Clean-Up will take place Sat., April 25 with help from Home Depot

M

ayor Mike Purzycki encourages city residents, businesses, and civic and community associations to participate in this year’s Beautiful City Community Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Sat., April 25, 2020, from 8 a.m.

- 11 a.m. The citywide Clean-Up Day is part of the Beautiful City Initiative launched by the Mayor in 2017 as an opportunity for City residents and businesses to show their community spirit.

You can access the fillable application form on the City’s website, or download the application, fill it out by hand, then email it to BeautifulCity@wilmingtonde.gov. Applications must be received by Weds., April 15, 2020, to be eligible for FREE supplies

26 APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

D

elawareans with questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866408-1899 or TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit de.gov/coronavirus. Stay informed and protect yourself and others. We will get through this!

such as gloves, yard waste bags and heavy-duty trash bags courtesy of Home Depot, located on Miller Rd. “Pride in one’s community is vital to improving individual neighborhoods and the City as a whole,” said Mayor Purzycki.

“The Beautiful City initiative is about instilling that sense of pride through beautification efforts year-round. My Administration remains committed to keeping our City clean and safe every day, but we can’t do it without everyone’s support and participation.”

Use the hashtag #Trashtag with #ItsTimeWilmDE and share your before and after photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The rain date for the event is Saturday, May 2.

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE

NEWS YOU CAN USE! WILMINGTON WORKS Looking for general job information and resources? Visit https://www.wilmingtonde. gov/government/employment to learn about education and training, labor laws and regulations, how to apply for government jobs, as well as other employment-related information.

MAYOR PURZYCKI CONGRATULATES STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION AZEEM BELL

M

ayor Purzycki met with A.I. du Pont High School senior Azeem Bell and his parents Heather and Ian to congratulate the Wilmington resident on his 2020 DIAA Individual State Wrestling Championship (195-pound class).

Bell’s thrilling 3-2 OT victory in February at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, made him the first A.I. du Pont state champion since Dink Purnell won the title for the 285-pound class in 2012. Bell is A.I.’s first non-heavyweight state champ since 1989.

CENSUS 2020:

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

T

he 2020 Census, the 24th census in our nation’s history, is currently underway and I urge all City residents to participate and be counted. The data gathered help create jobs, provide housing, prepare for emergencies, build roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as determine how many seats the state of Delaware will have in Congress. Starting this year, in addition to filling out a paper census form, you have the option of filling it out by phone or online. For more information visit https://census. delaware.gov/, and thank you for your participation!

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE

TRASH & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE Visit the City of Wilmington’s website for more info. about trash and recycling in the City. To report issues or concerns about trash and recycling collection, please call the Public Works Call Center at (302) 576-3878 or submit a request for service online at www.wilmingtonde.gov.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR APR 3

APR 10

APR 12

APR 25

ART LOOP WILMINGTON, 5-8 P.M. (CANCELLED)

GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY (CITY OFFICES CLOSED)

EASTER SUNDAY COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAY, CITYWIDE

For more meetings and events in the month of April, visit: www.wilmingtonde.gov.

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

27

tti I f h e’s g e n g a d r i n k , h e’s g e t t i n g a l i f t .

He’s g ot a p p s a n d h e’s n ot afra i d t o fl e x t h e m .

H is r i de - s ha re i s a lre a dy o n st a n d by, b e c a u se h e p l a n s o n g oi n g b i g a n d g oi n g h o m e … safe ly at t h e e n d of t h e n i ght .

BE LIKE THE POWER LIFTER. BE DRIVEN NOT TO DRIVE.

OHS 30464_FY20 DUI Print Ads_8x10.5.indd 4

3/4/20 2:19 PM

TO OUR LOCAL ARTS-CULTURE-HERITAGE FANS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY:

R

ight now is an unprecedented time for our community. The local arts, culture, and heritage community, like many nationwide, will likely be hit especially hard. COVID-19 has caused a great deal of change, and we are all facing a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Our government leaders have made the hard but necessary choice to ban mass gatherings of people, and nobody is sure how long this may go on for.

This directly affects the arts and culture, as we will most likely be unable to sell admissions and host gatherings for an extended period of time. Our cultural community is facing a major loss in revenue and unlike other industries in the state, we are unable to provide take out or do curbside pick-ups. Many are providing virtual ways to enjoying what we have to offer, but we all know it is not the same in being together in person. In addition to the impact on our organizations, the performers, artists, curators, technicians, and administrative staff of local organizations are also likely to have personal financial struggles through the coming weeks and months.

We are coming to you now to ask for your immediate and continued support of local arts, culture, and heritage organizations, even as we temporarily shutter our doors.

There are three easy ways you can help support us through these uncertain times: make a donation, buy a gift certificate, and talk to your legislators.

Make a donation. Most of the organizations listed in this letter are nonprofit organizations. That means that we re-invest any profits from our exhibitions and performances back into our mission, rather than to paying shareholders. As nonprofit organizations, it also means we can accept tax-deductible donations! This is by far the best thing you can do right now to support your local arts, culture, and heritage organizations. A pledge for monthly support is also a wonderful way to provide sustained income as we work to recover in the coming months.

Finally, if you bought a ticket to an exhibition or show that gets cancelled, please consider turning the value of that ticket into a donation, rather than asking for a refund.

Buy a gift certificate. Many local organizations have the ability to issue gift certificates that patrons can use for future admission. Please check with the websites of organizations you frequent, and inquire if they can sell a gift certificate. Treat your future self to an afternoon or evening of entertainment and enlightenment, and once life returns to normal we look forward to welcoming you into our buildings!

Talk to your legislators. There will likely be multiple bills put forth on the state and national levels for economic relief for those affected by COVID-19, including some now in the US Senate. Please reach out to your legislators and let them know that nonprofit arts, culture, and heritage organizations and individual cultural practitioners should be included in these relief packages.

This crisis is going to have a dramatic impact on all of us. We are a strong community; we are a resilient community; and we have the opportunity to support one another through the challenges that lie ahead. We can make it through this together, but local arts, culture, and heritage organizations need your support to help weather this storm. Even once COVID-19 passes, we will still be facing financial gaps and tight budgets, and will likely be asking for your donation to offset our losses. Please have patience with us. We are all dedicated to bringing you amazing cultural experiences.

We look forward to seeing you once again to share in the enjoyment of arts, culture, and heritage, together.

Until then, be safe, be kind, be hopeful. — More than 35 organizations representing Delaware’s arts, culture and heritage community (For a list of signers visit Out&AboutNow.com)

APRIL 2020 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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