G R E AT E R W I L M I N G T O N
Hoop
Dream Donte DiVincenzo’s rise to the NBA
Mike Clark's Charitable Legacy The Blue Coats Are Coming!
AUGUST 2018
How Not to Go Rock Climbing
COMPLIMENTARY
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Brandywine Valley RESTAURANT WEEK
3-course dinner:
35 2-course lunch: $ 15
$
Presented by:
Experience the best of area upscale dining with prix-fixe menus
Sept
10-15
• Bank’s Seafood Kitchen • Market Kitchen & Bar • Brandywine Prime
• Piccolina Toscana
• Caffé Gelato
• The Back Burner
• Columbus Inn
• The Green Room
• Domaine Hudson
• Tonic Bar & Grille
• Harry’s Savoy Grill
• Vincenza Margherita Bistro
• Krazy Kat’s
• Walter’s Steakhouse
• La Fia Bistro
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WE BRING THE GLOW WHEREVER WE GO.
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There’s a bigger story than bold flavors and generous portions, because each burger is inspired by American tradition. It begins with a vision of honest ingredients, executed through premium bison, beef, chicken, turkey or salmon and topped with local produce. It’s an experience you’ll have to taste for yourself. BEHIND CHRISTIANA MALL Christiana Fashion Center | 3194 Fashion Center Boulevard • Newark, DE 19702 | 302.366.1601 HOURS: SUN - THURS: 11AM - 10PM | FRI - SAT: 11AM - 11PM | HAPPY HOUR: MON - FRI: 4PM - 6:30PM (BAR & PATIO ONLY)
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7827 Teds Montana Grill Out and About Magazine
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SIP. SAMPLE. SHOP. STROLL. 4th Annual Celebration of All Things Trolley
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2 INSIDE 2
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Out & About Magazine Vol. 31 | No. 6
27
Published each month by TSN Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing & business address: 307 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 Publisher Gerald duPhily • jduphily@tsnpub.com Director of Publications Jim Hunter Miller • jmiller@tsnpub.com
39
Contributing Editor Bob Yearick • ryearick@comcast.net Senior Editor & Digital Media Manager Krista Connor • kconnor@tsnpub.com Creative Director & Production Manager Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC. Graphic Designer Tyler Mitchell, Catalyst Visuals, LLC. Contributing Designer Ryan Alexander, Catalyst Visuals, LLC Contributing Writers Adriana Camacho-Church, Cindy Cavett, Mark Fields, Pam George, Rob Kalesse, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Dan Linehan, Mike Little, Dillon McLaughlin, John Murray, Kevin Francis, Larry Nagengast, Kevin Noonan, Scott Pruden, Leeann Wallett Contributing Photographers Jim Coarse, Rebecca Parsons and Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography, Lindsay duPhily, Tim Hawk, Anthony Santoro, Matt Urban
Distribution David Hazardous Special Projects Sarah Green, John Holton Interns Merritt Gates, Jacob Orledge, Cullen Robinson
69 START
WILMINGTON
9 The War on Words 11 F.Y.I. 12 Worth Recognizing 14 New Horizons for Tina Betz 17 Taking it to the Streets 19 Carrying on a Legacy 23 Opening the Door to Soccer 27 A Shot at the Show
46 In the City 48 On the Riverfront
LEARN 10 The Pawn Pusher
FOCUS 31 Rise of Donte DiVincenzo 35 Blue Coats Are Coming
EAT 39 Evolution of Bar Appetizers 43 Nachos Worth Trying 45 Bites
DRINK
FEATURES 19 Carrying on a Legacy Mike Clark’s friends are keeping his spirit alive with a mentoring program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.
55 Wine Therapy 57 Spirited 59 Sips
WATCH 61 Movie Reviews
By Larry Nagengast
27 A Shot at the Show ‘That’s what we live for,’ says one Blue Rocks player, as he and his teammates take Minor League hardships in stride.
LISTEN 63 For the Record 66 Tuned In
PLAY 69 Rock Climbing with Mike Little 72 Snapshots
By Dan Linehan
31 Donte DiVincenzo’s Hoop Dream Sallies and Nova careers behind him, ‘Delaware’s Michael Jordan’ continues his ascent. By Bob Yearick
ABOUT THE COVER: New Castle-based mixed media artist Lawrence Moore utilized collage painting in this portrait of Donte DiVincenzo. It creates “a pop-art feel,” he says. Follow him on Instagram at @sorethumb_designs.
Editorial & advertising info: 302.655.6483 • Fax 302.654.0569 outandaboutnow.com • contact@tsnpub.com
35 The Blue Coats Are Coming The 76ers’ G League basketball team speeds toward a Wilmington debut. By Kevin Noonan
AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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JONAH BOKAER
CHOREOGRAPHY SEPTEMBER 8 | 8 PM COPELAND SCULPTURE GARDEN Dance, sculpture, and projected images combine to create awe-inspiring visual illusions
2018–19 PERFORMANCE SERIES JONAH BOKAER CHOREOGRAPHY PYXIS THE CROSSING OKWUI OKPOKWASILI CARTOON CHRISTMAS TRIO BLACK STRING BANG ON A CAN ALL-STARS RENNIE HARRIS
Buy tickets at delart.org. © Liza Voll / c/o Courtesy Jacobs Pillow Dance
2301 Kentmere Parkway | Wilmington, DE | 302.571.9590
6 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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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 • Kudos to the Wilmington News Journal’s Matthew Albright for correctly using “quash” in a June 24 column: “. . . a political machine that uses its cash and clout to quash innovation.” Sadly, most writers opt for “squash” in such situations. • Take, for example, Mike Jones in USA TODAY: “The Patriots’ awkward offseason continued this week when Tom Brady passed on the chance to squash concerns over the state of the franchise . . .” • While Albright was demonstrating his literacy on the editorial pages, TNJ’s news stories were besmirched by the usual glitches. Also in the June 24 edition, a story on street biking featured this redundancy: “Police cited dangerous examples of the dangers of street dirt biking . . .” A few paragraphs later, there was this: “. . . their sport gets a bad wrap.” That would be rap. • Phillies’ Manager Gabe Kapler, as reported in TNJ, spoke about pitcher Zach Eflin thusly: “I think he contributes a lot of his success to a more aggressive demeanor on the mound.” Again, a common mistake, but the correct word is attributes. • Reader Larry Kerchner sends us these two: 1) CBS Philly’s Lauren Casey claimed that “flooding is eminent.” Imminent – about to happen—was the word she should have used. Eminent means esteemed or renowned. 2) This tweet from the president qualifies for Department of Redundancies Dept.: “Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself.” • Sports Illustrated’s esteemed NFL writer, Peter King, committed this redundancy, according to a reader: “Two former cheerleaders countered the Times report, saying they weren’t forced to do anything that was not voluntary.” • Sadly, one of our favorite actors, Wendell Pierce (Det. Bump Moreland in The Wire), committed this common mistake in a tweet: “It is clear that @kanyewest is being sensational for the sake of publicity. I could care less about that.” Wendell, my brother, it’s couldn’t care less. Nerve-wracking or Nerve-racking? Rack is predominant in all senses but one: seaweed, kelp. So nerve-racking is the standard, preferred spelling of the adjective that means exceptionally stressful or anxiety inducing. However, Associated Press Style dictates that nerve-wracking should be used. So this is the spelling you will see in many publications (including this one, hopefully).
Word of the Month
otiose Pronounced osh-e-ose, it’s an adjective meaning producing no useful result, futile; being at leisure, idle.
By Bob Yearick
When or Whenever? Reader Susan Chandler has several pet peeves, and this one ranks high on her list. As Susan points out, many people think these words are interchangeable. In fact, some seem to use “whenever” exclusively. Strictly speaking (which is the way we speak here), whenever is a conjunction meaning “at whatever time; Grammar humor on whatever occasion (emphasizing a lack of at the gym. restriction).” It applies to repeated events or events whose date or time is uncertain. E.g., “You can ask for help whenever you need it.” When should be used if an event is unique or if its date or time is known. E.g., “The game will begin when the clock strikes seven.” The or thee? While there is no hard and fast rule regarding the pronunciation of the, people tend to say thee before a vowel sound (thee outdoors, thee invitation, thee undertaker) and thuh before a consonant sound (thuh horse, thuh jockey, thuh track). The pronunciation relates to the sound and flow of speech. But, bottom line, you can pronounce the however you like. Department of Redundancies Dept. A reader reports that a 6ABC anchor referred to a vehicle as “submerged under water.” Irony A reader spotted this online post: “I hate it when people don't know the difference between your and you're. There so stupid!” Irony is hard to define, but I think this is an example of it. Note to contributors: When submitting an item to War, please try to include the name of the newspaper, magazine, TV channel or network, or online source, along with the author, if possible.
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 at the Hockessin Book Shelf, on Amazon, or by calling Out & About at 655-6483.
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LEARN Walter Nathan Durant works with Thomas Edison Charter School’s championship chess team in Wilmington.
THE ‘PAWN PUSHER’
Wilmington educator uses chess to teach students about life
W
alter Nathan Durant was just a text message away as the Thomas Edison Charter School chess team placed second in the 2018 National Junior High Chess Championship. The team was vying for a third national championship, having taken first place twice since 2014. This was the first year that Durant, chess coach and educator, couldn’t make the trip physically, but he was there in spirit. “I spent the weekend glued to my phone, sending tips and motivation,” says Durant, a graduate of Wilmington University’s College of Education. Durant uses chess as a tool to teach students about life. From his own experience, he understands how motivating chess can be for young minds. In fact, he credits the game for helping him channel his energy during his middle school years in North Philadelphia. Durant was a self-proclaimed knucklehead. After he got into a fight, his teacher, Salome Thomas-EL, told him that chess players don’t fight with their fists; they fight with their minds. Something clicked. In Durant’s TEDxWilmington talk, ““From Pawns to Kings: Chess Champions of Murdertown USA,” he gives a clever description of the game, paying particular attention to the so-called underrated pawns. While pawns are not powerful at the start of the game, they hold great potential and can be promoted to more powerful positions if the chess player makes smart decisions throughout the game. Today, he brings that same lesson to kids in Wilmington. Durant
and his former teacher, Thomas-EL, landed at Thomas Edison Charter School in 2010—Thomas-EL as principal and Durant as a behavioral interventionist before becoming a science teacher. The duo introduced chess to third graders by using simple math concepts, through a program called Move Up. They believe it helped change the culture of the school by inspiring forward-thinking students. “I wanted kids to get involved in something that challenged their minds,” says Thomas-EL. “They have to survive on the streets in the city, and when they get on the chess board, they already have that personality of grit, perseverance and resilience.” Durant earned his Master’s Degree in School Leadership from WilmU in 2012. He believes the degree, combined with his passion for helping students excel, was the catalyst for his being named director of student activities at Freire Charter School in Wilmington, where he helps more than 400 students find their passions and discover creative outlets. “The students are my passion,” he says. “I’ve worked mostly with students who live at or below the poverty level and don’t always have access to resources such as robotics, yoga or chess.” “To me, chess teaches us to plan ahead, that every move and decision has consequences that need to be weighed against its reward. I know my students—former and future—take that with them for life.” You can learn more about WilmU’s M.Ed. in School Leadership and more than 25 other education-related degrees and certificates at wilmu.edu.
WilmU works for working adults. Classes start every 8 weeks Fall classes start September 4 wilmu.edu/WilmUWorks 10 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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START WIN PRIZES!
R
eady for a new challenge? In our July issue, we asked three questions with answers scattered in articles throughout the magazine. We randomly picked three winners among a pool of astute readers. Congratulations Carol Timko, Phyllis Munch and Timothy Fox! (The answers were: pg. 76, Michele Mitchell Pastry Designs and July 21.) Ready for a new challenge? Here are the questions:
F.Y.I. Things worth knowing Compiled by Jacob Orledge
MARKET SET FOR SUMMER WEDNESDAYS
F
resh food, live music and craft beer will come together every Wednesday at Wilmington’s Brandywine Mills Plaza—across from the Dollar General— for the rest of the summer. Sponsored by Old Brandywine Village, the weekly Village Market will bring the fresh produce of three community gardens to Wilmington. The market features two food trucks, four farmers, 12 arts and crafts vendors, live music and a beer garden managed by Wilmington Brew Works. Hours are 4-7 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering or being a vendor, contact Beverly Zimmermann at bevzimm@comcast. net. For more information, visit oldbrandywinevillage.org.
FSBT ANNOUNCES 2018-19 SCHEDULE
D
elaware’s only professional ballet company, First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT), has announced its 2018-19 schedule. Performances include classics such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, as well as lesser known but widely acclaimed productions Coppelia and Don Quixote. The season will begin with a free performance in Selbyville on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Freeman Stage. Most of the remaining performances are set for the Baby Grand in downtown Wilmington, while The Nutcracker will take place Friday through Sunday, Dec. 21-23, at the Grand Opera House. For more information, visit firststateballet.com/fullseason. Ticket sales and pricing can be found at ticketsatthegrand.org.
1. What does the acronym for Mike’s TEAM stand for?
‘STEAMIN’ DAYS’ SET AT STEAM MUSEUM
T
he Marshall Steam Museum, located in Yorklyn and operated by the Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve in collaboration with Delaware State Parks, is offering a “Steamin’ Day” of activities every first Sunday through November. The activities, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., will include watching a classic Model T car crank up, rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and antique automobiles as well as a demonstration of firing up a Stanley Steam car. For more information and ticket prices, visit auburnheights.org.
ELECTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE ONLINE
M
idterm election season is upon us and the League of Women Voters of Delaware is launching a voter’s guide to help encourage civic participation this fall. The voter’s guide provides information on each candidate running in the state, guidance on how to register to vote and polling place information. The guide can be found at vote411.org. There will be two voting dates in Delaware this fall. The primary elections for both parties will occur on Thursday, Sept. 6. The general election that will determine the final outcome will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Additional information about the elections can be found at elections. delaware.gov. The League of Women Voters in Delaware also publishes other resources online at lwvdelaware.org.
2. The name Delaware Blue Coats pays homage to what Revolutionary War regiment? 3. Montana Wildaxe member Tony Cappella plays what instrument in a handful of local bands? Email answers to contact@tsnpub.com with the subject line “Contest” by Aug. 19 for a chance to win prizes!
GET FESTIVE! INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE
T
o celebrate—rather than mourn— the final month of summer, we’re challenging all of you amateur and pro photographers out there to share on Instagram your most memorable images from local festivals you’ve attended this summer. Whether you’ve been to Firefly, Newark Food & Brew, the DuPont Clifford Jazz Festival or any others, post your favorite shots from that day or weekend. We’re not looking for selfies; rather, we want you to get creative and really showcase why that event was special. So send over band shots, tasteful food and drink photos and whatever else makes the event special! Between Aug. 1-19, share your images with us using the hashtag #OandAsummerfests for a chance to be featured on @outandaboutmagazine’s Instagram. Winning photos will appear in our September issue and gift cards will be awarded to our top picks. We’re looking for originality, highresolution photo quality, and most important, a photograph that captures what’s so special about this particular festival. One note: Out & About contributors are not eligible. AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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WORTH RECOGNIZING
Community Members Who Go Above & Beyond
D’ANGELO LEWIS-HARRIS: A Ninja Warrior who battles negative influences among Wilmington’s youth
B
TODAY IS THE DAY! At the Central YMCA we have something for everyone! • Small group and personal training • Hundreds of group exercise classes • State-of-the-art fitness center • Two basketball gymnasiums • Racquetball courts • And so much more!
JOIN NOW!
www.ymcade.org
atman is D’Angelo Lewis-Harris’ favorite superhero. Why? Because Batman has no superpowers. His strength comes from sheer willpower, drive and determination. And that’s how the 36-year-old, also known as “D’Fitness Guy,” lives his life. That philosophy is manifested in his physique, in his advocacy for Wilmington’s youth, and in the fact that two months ago he competed in American Ninja Warriors (ANW), a sports entertainment TV series. “It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done,” says Lewis-Harris, who at age 8 watched the program, hoping to be in it one day. “If I’d been 100 percent I could’ve crushed it,” says the Wilmington resident, who was struck by an SUV while running in June of last year. For almost five months, he had to use a cane and walker as he slowly healed from wrist surgery and several injuries. Early this year, he received an email from ANW asking him to apply. He had about two months to train before the show was taped in late May in Philadelphia. He says his recovery from the accident and being one of 125 chosen to participate in ANW out of 70,000 submissions from the East Coast region sent a message to his two young children and the youth he helps. “I live what I teach,” says the single dad. “Everyone has falls, but it’s how you choose to recover that makes a difference.” He says he became a living example of what he preaches— persevere, be strong and steadfast. Lewis-Harris helps 200-300 youth a month by organizing events and workshops to curtail gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and other negative behaviors. He works as a prevention specialist at West End Neighborhood House (WENH) in Wilmington. To maximize its efforts, WENH’s collaborators include the Police Athletic League, Hilltop Lutheran Community Center, and Wilmington Job Corps. Lewis-Harris, who has a master’s degree in education counseling, says that in his job and in his volunteer work he promotes education, a healthy lifestyle, and teaches positive decision-making and problem solving to kids and young adults. He volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Wilmington and other non-profits, teaching life skills. He also speaks at school conferences on behalf of special education students and students who don’t have parents or strong family support. “He connects with them,” says Marlo Edwards, employment specialist at WENH. “He tells them, ‘I too lost my father at a young age. I’ve seen what you’ve seen. I’ve been tempted too, but I didn’t want to travel that path.”’ In 2011, his father, William Harris, who was a basketball coach, died of a heart attack during a basketball game. “He was suddenly gone,” Lewis-Harris says. “We (Lewis-Harris and his younger brother, Mike) had to grow up quickly.” Although he had always been physically active, Lewis-Harris says his father’s death convinced him not to take his own health for granted and to live each day to the fullest. Physical fitness helped him build confidence, a disciplined work ethic, and faith—qualities his parents instilled in him. Tattooed on his left arm are the words “Carpe Diem”—“seize the day” in Latin. As part of his busy schedule, Lewis-Harris works out five to six days a week, four hours a day, and customizes his exercises to get the maximum effect. At 190 pounds, and 9 percent body fat, he can do 400 pounds on the bench press. He also runs a 7-minute mile. He says he plans to apply again for American Ninja Warrior. “I now have ample time to train and be in the running for next year.”
— Adriana Camacho-Church
12 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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THE FUTURE OF MAKING IS YOURS TO CREATE. Dream it, learn it, make it. NextFab is a collaborative makerspace that provides access to the tools, technology, & classes you need to turn ideas into reality.
Delaware 503 N. Tatnall Street in Wilmington
Take a tour
NextFab.com
@NextFabStudio @NextFab_DE
See Summer in a New Shade Explore summer gardens bursting into color, grow your knowledge in our classes, or join us for special events.
mtcubacenter.org/out 3120 Barley Mill Rd. Hockessin, Delaware
AUGUST JUNE 2018 2018 || OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Buy Your Tickets Now!
Photo Joe del Tufo
PATIO BAR NOW OPEN!
Sept. 8th Tickets on Sale Now OdessaBrewFest.com
Every Saturday:
Live Music on the Patio!
(5-8pm) 8/4-Atiba
8/11-Keli Vale & Nick Bucci 8/18- Chris Delusso 8/25- Tony Mowen Crab Feast On the Patio! Aug. 12th at 4pm Live Music! Call for Details and Reservations
302.376.0600 109 Main Street, Odessa, DE 19730 Mon: 11:30am-9pm • Tues - Thurs: 11:30am-10pm Fri-Sat:11:30am-11pm • Sun: 10am-9pm
www.cantwells-tavern.com
Tina Betz helped raise the profile of the LUQ Foundation.
NEW HORIZONS Tina Betz returns as City Cultural Affairs director After serving as executive director of the Light Up The Queen Foundation (LUQ) for five years, Tina Betz stepped down in July to accept a fulltime position with the city of Wilmington as director of cultural affairs. Prior to her executive director role, Betz had been a member of the LUQ board since the foundation’s inception in 2008. The organization, a 501c3 non-profit, works to preserve Market Street’s Queen Theater and quality music and arts education programs conducted there. Says Tom Williams, board president: “Many thanks to Tina for hanging in with us over the past five, sometimes stressful, years and we wish her the best of luck. She leaves LUQ with a solid lineup of programs that we can build on.” Board Secretary Kathleen Ford says that because of Betz, a strong portfolio of arts education programs is growing and succeeding. “We are lucky to be able to tap into her expertise as she takes her position with the city as director of Cultural Affairs,” says Ford. The foundation is currently looking for a successor who is an energetic self-starter with roots in the community and a passion for music and music education, according to Williams. For more information, go to lightupthequeen.org. — O&A
14 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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CI Summer HappenINNs dŎ įdPqÖįØPğ įĉíĉĽ æ ßP
SAVE THE DATE
Crab & BBQ on the Patio THURS. 8/16 6 PM - 9 PM $44 a person
*beverages & gratuity not included INCLUDES: -Choice of soup or salad -6 steamed Old Bay Maryland Crabs -Half rack of Ci Smoked Ribs -And sides!!
RSVP 302.571.1492 *credit card required
Pġíçį\į:íĽıÁį ß ğÃqPç > ß įGÃæ į Ãææ ğ with Franks Wine & Spirits
WED. 8/8 | 6:30 - 9 PM $65 a person *includes gratuity Limited to 30 guests
Featuring: appetizers & wine reception, 4 course dinner paired with wines
Sept 13
Chase Center on the Riverfront A gourmet competition where farmers and chefs compete, you judge, and babies are the winners. BENEFITS THE
@columbusinn 302-571-1492
@ColumbusInn
2216 Pennsylvania Ave Wilmington, DE 19806 www.ColumbusInn.net
FOR TICKETS & MORE
signaturechefs.org/event/thefarmerandthechefDE Presenting Sponsor: DuPont Platinum Sponsors: Caspari McCormick Out & About Gold Sponsors: Delaware City Refining Company Growmark FS
AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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WILMINGTON 1968 EXHIBITIONS JUNE 30 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 This summer, the Museum reflects on the 50 years since the National Guard occupation of Wilmington with a trio of civil rights-themed exhibitions: photographs by Danny Lyon, drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burton Silverman, and a commissioned work by renowned artist Hank Willis Thomas. Visit delart.org for exhibition info or Wilmington1968.org for a list of city-wide programs. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy Wilmington, DE 19806 302.571.9590 delart.org
Visit NewMarketWilm.com for details!
Danny Lyon: Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement includes 57 photographs and is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions. Sponsored by DuPont, Bank of America, and WSFS Bank. Left: March on Washington, August 28, 1963. Danny Lyon (born 1942). Gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches. © Danny Lyon, New York & Magnum Photos, New York / Courtesy Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York.
Enter for your chance to be a part of the end of summer poster—SHARE YOUR
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AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Photo Lindsay duPhily
START
Tim Rayfield, program coordinator at City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation, with youngsters at the Play Streets at 8th & Pine streets.
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Creative free programs help city youngsters stay busy in the summer By Cullen Robinson
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mong the many programs offered by Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation are several that offer the city’s youth opportunities to participate in fun activities throughout the summer—and not all of them actually take place in parks. For example, the Play Streets program allows kids to engage in games normally played in parks, like jump rope and kickball, in the street. Streets are blocked off for two-hour periods so that children, typically ages 7 to 12, can play and enjoy music in a safe, supervised environment. The Arts in the Park program, sponsored by the Grand Opera House, exposes kids to all aspects of art in a multitude of ways, including singing, dancing and creating art. Another summer program is open track runs at Baynard Stadium every Wednesday night. They’re open to the public and anyone can show up and run. To help youngsters stay cool this summer, the City has five pools open for public use. With three outdoor pools (Eden Park,
Foster Brown, and the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Aquatic Center) and two indoor (William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center and P.S. DuPont Middle School), there are plenty of places to cool off for free during public swim hours. The city also operates water spray parks, open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations: Woodlawn Park at 4th and Ferris streets; Helen Chambers Park at 6th and Madison streets; Brown Park at 8th Avenue and Duncan Street; Judy Johnson Park at 3rd and Clayton streets; and Mack Park at West 6th Street and North Ford Avenue. The locations allow many residents to walk to the park from their homes and get relief from extreme summer heat. “These programs help children stay occupied by allowing them to do something productive with their time,” says Program Coordinator Shawn Baker. “Children should be involved in something to better themselves as a person, because idle time leads to problems.” For more information on Parks and Recreation programs and schedules, visit wilmingtonde.gov or call 576-3810. AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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START Throughout this year, Out & About is profiling local volunteers and the programs in which they serve. The series is being developed in cooperation with the State Office of Volunteerism, and we hope it will show readers how they can improve their communities by volunteering their time and talents. For information about volunteering opportunities through the state, visit VolunteerDelaware.org.
Sarah Hutton, Mike’s TEAM director at the Boys & Girls Club, helps match mentors and mentees. Photo Lindsay duPhily
CARRYING ON A LEGACY OF SERVICE Mike Clark’s friends are keeping his spirit alive with a mentoring program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware By Larry Nagengast
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s Delaware athletes go, Mike Clark ranked among the best. “An absolute animal in the triathlon” is how longtime friend Pete Cloud remembers him. Over three decades Clark excelled in individual competitions, running four times in the Boston Marathon and in more than two dozen marathons. In 1984, in peak condition at the age of 27, he qualified for the Iron Man World Championships in Hawaii—a grueling triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race and a 26.2mile run. He would compete in a second Iron Man in Hawaii in 2007, when he was 50. Just a few months later, in early 2008, he died, a victim of complications from surgery for a sports hernia. Mike Clark’s athletic legacy was ensured in 2012 through his election to the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, but his friends chose to keep his spirit alive in a way that goes beyond plaques and photographs. Just months after his death, they created the Mike Clark Legacy Foundation and, through that nonprofit organization,
established Mike’s TEAM, a mentoring program now operating at three branches of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, where Clark worked in multiple roles for 27 years. SERVING 150 YOUNGSTERS They have built what had been a small mentoring program at the Fraim Boys & Girls Club on South Union Street in Wilmington into one that serves more than 150 youngsters a year. The program is spearheaded by about 30 adult mentors who volunteer throughout the school year and a comparable number of students from Wilmington Friends and Tower Hill schools who serve for shorter periods. “When we started out, we didn’t know what we were doing. We thought we’d just show up and talk to the kids for an hour,” says Cloud, 76, a foundation founder and one of the original mentors. “But we’ve raised over $1 million so far, we have three centers and we’ve added group mentoring with the high school kids.” ►
AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware
CARRYING ON A LEGACY OF SERVICE continued from previous page
Kryshwn with mentor Pete Cloud, who received an award for his service.
The fundraising, much of it through the annual Mike Clark Memorial Ride bicycling event, has helped pay for the purchase of computers and other tech equipment at Fraim as well as retrofitting a portion of the center to include individual mentoring rooms and space for group activities. Sarah Hutton, Mike TEAM director at the Boys & Girls Club, explains how the program is set up: 30 youths, mostly from third to eighth grade, receive an hour of oneon-one mentoring at Fraim during the school year, and younger kids participate in group mentoring sessions at the H. Fletcher Brown Club in Wilmington (with mentors from Wilmington Friends) and at the club in New Castle (with Tower Hill mentors). “It has been terrific. It sounds completely trite, but I get so much out of it,” says Julie Russ, 38, of Wilmington, who just finished her sixth year of mentoring DJ, a 14-year-old from Wilmington who will be entering high school in September.
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A FOCUS ON ACADEMICS “We connect on a person-to-person level, and we built a relationship where he seems comfortable,” she says. Mentors with Mike’s TEAM focus on academics, helping with homework and keeping track of their grades, Cloud says. “Every time we met, he checked my grades,” says Kyshwn, a 14-year-old mentored last year by Cloud. Besides helping with his school work and encouraging him to participate in sports, Cloud also made important introductions for Kyshwn, opening the door for him as he applied to several private high schools (but not the one he will be attending this fall). The focus on academics includes finding creative ways to address weaknesses the students need to overcome. “When I started with DJ, he had a lot of trouble with multiplication,” Russ recalls. “So we would play the card game War, and when we placed our cards down on the table, DJ would have to multiply the numbers on the cards together. I tried to make the school challenges fun.” “I wasn’t big on learning about history, but she always helped me prepare for my big tests,” DJ says. “And she helped with my English skills too.” And Russ, like some other mentors, makes it a point to attend DJ’s athletic events whenever her schedule permits. (All the mentoring in the program is done on site, Hutton says, so mentors must receive permission from a youth’s parent or guardian to attend activities in which the youth participates at other locations.) Playing games that challenge the mind is part of many mentoring sessions. Chess is a favorite for both Cloud and Kyshwn and Russ and DJ. Both mentors say they’re highly competitive, and give no quarter to their younger charges, but age and experience matter little in the end. “He’s as smart as I am, maybe smarter,” Cloud says of Kyshwn. “I’ve never let him win a game of anything, whether it’s chess or Connect Four,” Russ says, “but nine times out of ten, DJ beats me.”
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Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware
Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware
Julie Russ, with her mentee DJ, also was honored.
“We’re encouraging academics, helping kids with setting their goals and learning how to achieve them, and figuring out how we can help them,” says Tom Harrigan, 66, of Wilmington. Harrigan has mentored two youths at Fraim. He first met for four years with a girl who is now a junior in high school. His current mentee is a boy who is entering seventh grade. “It’s an opportunity for them to ask an adult something they’re not comfortable asking other adults about,” he says, “and we try to share with the kids a view of life that they might not be getting anywhere else.” GOOD PROGRAM FOR BEGINNING MENTORS While many of the Mike’s TEAM mentors joined the program because they had a connection to Clark or the foundation, Hutton says there’s a lot of diversity among program participants, ranging from graduate students to retirees like Cloud who are part of the 70-plus demographic. “It’s a good program for people who want to get involved in mentoring but might not be ready to do it on their own,” Hutton says. That’s because the regular commitment is only one hour a week, and it’s always at the same time (unless special events are scheduled) and at the same location. In addition, Ashley Thomas, the program coordinator at Fraim, helps Hutton match mentors and mentees according to interests, skills and personalities, and Thomas develops individualized weekly programming based on each youth’s academic needs, so mentors don’t have the stress associated with developing lesson plans for each session. During the year, Thomas and Hutton plan several academicrelated special events, usually involving games, experiments or activities related to STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). At the group mentoring sites, programming is slightly different since high school volunteers from Wilmington Friends and Tower Hill are working with children who are under 12 years old, Hutton says. Four or five teen mentors will work with a group of up to 20 students, often doing science experiments and other activities involving teamwork. Interestingly, Hutton says, when the young participants were surveyed this spring about what was most meaningful about the program, many mentioned not academics but focused instead on social-emotional themes, how the mentors helped them control their anger or get along better with others. “That shows that they’re getting a lot out of it on a deeper level,” she says. Students participating in the mentoring program span the spectrum of academic skills—from straight-A students to those who are performing below grade level, Hutton says. “Some need extra help, and some need individualized attention to keep them challenged.” ►
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CARRYING ON A LEGACY OF SERVICE continued from previous page
While the mentors do monitor grades and provide academic support, the program cannot claim credit for any improvements in students’ grades. “Many of the kids are also getting tutoring at the clubs, so we can’t attribute gains directly to mentors,” she says. Even so, as they get to know the kids better, the mentors realize they’re making an impression. “It’s the simple stuff, like they’re excited to see you, when they say, ‘Hey, Mr. Tom, how are you doing?’” Harrigan says. “We’re influencing kids, encouraging them to be all they can be.” TO VOLUNTEER FOR MIKE’S TEAM Volunteers for Mike’s TEAM (the letters stand for Teaching Excellence by Academic Mentoring) serve for one hour a week, in the afternoon or early evening, throughout the school year, as a mentor to a student member at one of three units of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware—Fraim or Fletcher Brown in Wilmington, or the New Castle branch. Many mentoring partnerships last for several years. To learn more about the program, contact Sarah Hutton at the Fraim Boys & Girls Club, 655-4591 or shutton@bgclubs.org. PEDAL FOR A PURPOSE The 11th annual Mike Clark Memorial Ride, the primary fundraiser for the Mike Clark Legacy Foundation, pushes off Saturday, Aug. 11, at 8 a.m. from Alexis I. du Pont High School in Greenville. Riders have their choice of a pair of gentle Ride the Rollers courses, at 25 and 50 miles, or the demanding Conquer the Hills courses, at 100 kilometers and 80 miles, traversing up to 15 of the most challenging hills in scenic areas of New Castle and Chester counties. Rest stops along the route include the Auburn Heights Preserve and Northbrook Orchards. Registration is $35 until Aug. 9 and $45 on race day. All participants will receive a t-shirt. More information is available at mclf.org/events. Online registration is available at BikeReg.com.
22 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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OPENING THE DOOR
TO SOCCER A nonprofit removes financial obstacles to ‘the beautiful game’ for low-income youth
Philadelphia Union defender and Delaware native Mark McKenzie, here playing with local youth, is committed to helping kids receive the same opportunities he did while growing up. Photo Tyler Bastianelli
By Jacob Orledge
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wo years ago Steven Cavalier and Oliver Yeh struck up a conversation on the sidelines of a soccer match at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union. As they watched the sport they love, the two men had to agree there was a systemic problem lurking in the shadows of the American game. Put simply, competitive soccer clubs had created a system that was pay-to-play, which excluded low-income youth who couldn’t afford the thousands of dollars in fees. On that day in 2016, Cavalier and Yeh planted the seeds of an organization that would open up the sport—sometimes called “the beautiful game”—to everyone in the Wilmington area who wanted to play. Today, they are close to making their dream a reality. The Future Soccer Stars (FSS) Foundation is a local nonprofit led by Cavalier, a United States Soccer Federation licensed coach, that works to give Wilmington children free access to the sport. Cavalier wants soccer, and the life lessons associated with it, to change kids’ lives the way it changed his. “I grew up playing soccer and I saw all the opportunities that it gave me,” says the Fairfax resident. “I wanted to offer the
opportunity to everyone, not just the kids that could afford it, or had the means to get somewhere.” The foundation has its roots in a pilot program run in 2015. Cavalier began hosting soccer lessons and activities at a Boys and Girls club in the city. Then he expanded to two host sites. Then three. This past spring, he had licensed soccer coaches running activities and lessons at six community centers around the city, involving kids ranging in age from 8 to 16. Many of them had never played soccer before they encountered the foundation. The work FSS does culminates every year in “City on the Pitch Day,” hosted by the University of Delaware at its athletic facilities. In 2016 around 30 kids attended the day of soccer and fun. This past June it blossomed into a celebration involving more than 400 kids from Wilmington, and included activities arranged by the Delaware Art Museum in addition, of course, to playing soccer. “The kids love it because it’s something completely different,” says Yeh, who lives in Trolley Square and is now the chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “We had kids get on the field and they couldn’t believe it was real grass.” ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Photo Tyler Bastianelli
OPENING THE DOOR TO SOCCER continued from previous page
Steve Cavalier, the driving force behind FSS, received a cape at the City on a Pitch Day from a boy he coaches.
HELP FROM BPG
The dream that Cavalier and Yeh had almost never got off the ground. It was an encounter with one man that made it all financially possible in 2015, when FSS was in the pilot stage. “Just like anything, it costs money to buy the equipment, get there, start it up and all that,” says Cavalier. “Finally I met a guy by the name of Rob Buccini and he was kind enough, him and the Buccini/Pollin Group, to give me the capital to start it.” Buccini is on the board of directors for the Foundation and has been a key asset in connecting the organization with the corporate community. His company, BPG, supplied volunteers to help make the City on the Pitch Day a success. “They like to give back,” says Cavalier, referring to BPG. “They brought 20 to 25 volunteers down for the day to help out.” Adds Yeh: “Rob has been pivotal in helping us make connections to the community.” Meanwhile, Cavalier is dreaming bigger than just introducing kids to the sport in after-school lessons. “We want to create a city league,” he says. “We want to make sure we give everyone the opportunity to play.”
12 SITES IN THE CITY
The league will have 12 host sites located around the city. Key to the project will be the new sports complex on the Wilmington Riverfront, set to be completed later this year, where FSS will have access to the two turf soccer fields. More important than creating the league is FSS’s goal of softening the financial burden of low-income kids who want to play the sport at a high level.
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Ordinarily, kids who want to play in a competitive soccer league must first join a local soccer club. These clubs typically charge rates that begin at about $1500 and range upwards, depending on what the fees include. At least one soccer club in the region anticipates charging each player on their U14 team more than $3000 for the upcoming season. The fee will pay for an athletic trainer, the coaches’ travel, referees and registration fees for tournaments. The club’s budget notes that it does not include the cost of uniforms, which can run hundreds of dollars, and does not provide for travel to and from tournaments. “What we are trying to do is create an access point for kids who don’t have the means to play soccer,” says Yeh. At the same time, he says, “We aren’t here to compete with the other clubs [in Delaware].” FSS will work with, instead of against, the other soccer organizations in the region, he explains. FSS has plans to provide scholarships to talented kids who want to play for the Delaware Football Club but can’t afford to do so. FSS also has close ties with the Philadelphia Union Youth Academy program and hopes to bring talented players to the academy’s attention.
FIRST SCHOLARSHIP
FSS awarded its first scholarship to 8-year-old Jacob Martinez, of the Hedgeville neighborhood, last summer. As a result, Jacob played for the Delaware Rush soccer club during the summer, fall, winter and spring seasons. “The games,” says Jacob when asked what his favorite part of soccer is. He has played in 10 tournaments with Delaware Rush and can’t wait to keep competing, saying he loves the hard work of training. Jacob’s father, Jose Martinez, says his son was born with a soccer ball in his hand. “He has a passion for soccer,” Jose says. “It’s the only thing he talks about. He keeps telling me he wants to be a star.” His father remarks that even in the house, his son never stops dribbling the ball around the living room. Some kids might not believe that the dream of playing professional soccer can become a reality. That’s why Cavalier brought on his protege, Delaware native and current Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie, as an ambassador. McKenzie says that having a mentor to look up to and act as a guide was important to him when he was developing. “I look to be that for the young kids coming up,” he says. McKenzie was born in The Bronx, N.Y., but his family moved to Bear when he was 8. He made his way through the ranks of the pay-to-play system, first with the Hockessin Soccer Club, then on the Union Academy teams. He played collegiate soccer at Wake Forest before being called up to the Union and Major League Soccer earlier this year. Now he wants to give back by making sure all kids have access to the sport in his home state, regardless of their financial situation. “Everybody can’t afford to pay a fee for a uniform or to travel,” McKenzie says. “Giving these kids the opportunity is what’s important to me—seeing this next generation come up and just enjoy the game ultimately.” Both Cavalier and Yeh stress that their efforts are about more than helping kids learn to play soccer. They want FSS to be a catalyst for tying the local community together. “What we are trying to do is bigger than soccer,” says Cavalier. “We are just using soccer as the tool to help the community, help the kids.” Teddy and the Continentals, a doo-wop group from the early 1960s, headed by Teddy Henry and backed up by Donald Jackson, Lawrence Davis, Gerald Hamilton and Eugene
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THE ROCK LOT AUGUST CALENDAR: OutSpoken! Open Mic Night: AUGUST 1, AUGUST 29, SEPT. 26 | 6PM-7PM Hosted by Christian Wills.
COMMUNITY EXPRESSIONS 1968 WILMINGTON:
REMEMBRANCE, RESISTANCE, REVIVAL
AUGUST 8, AUGUST 15, AUGUST 22 | 6PM-7PM
DANCE4LIFE AUGUST 11 | 7PM-8PM A dance performance full of energy and life—a positive message that dance is for everyone! Hosted by Chauntee Andrews.
Join Ashley SK Davis of Pieces of a Dream, Inc. in a dance and dialogue workshop focusing on a different component of the community’s understanding of 1968 Wilmington and how those events affect our present and our future.
A public art series:
NEST
SATURDAYS | 1PM-2PM AUGUST 4 |
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.. Visit: arts.gov.
Bird Outreach with DuPont Enviromental Education Center
|
AUGUST 11 Meet artist Susan Benarcik, and learn about her work and personal nests. AUGUST 18 | Build personal nests and origami birds AUGUST 25 & 26 | Build days! Prepare limbs and branches to weave into a community sculpture NEST!
SEPTEMBER 7 | Project unveiling and celebration! DRUMMING CIRCLE EVERY TUESDAY | 6PM-7PM CIRCLE SONGS EVERY THURSDAY | 6PM-7PM ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Located at 305 W. 8th St., Wilmington DE @CreativeDistrictWilm | #BeCreativeInWilm
CreativeDistrictWilm.com AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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ts redien g n i y t i al Top qu eative chefs cr for our
Luxury b for Ben eard cream Muse Sepho ra!
Gym membership for Stigz - sadly wasted! Sorry!
Bribes to get you exclusive and rare beer releases* (*not true)
CHARITABLE GIVING "Pints for Half Pints": where every pint poured donates $1 to the best Children's Hospital in the World - AI Nemours! Meals on Wheels DE: supported through meal deliveries and years of On-site & Off-site events. Sponsor and supporter of the Delaware ProStart program for aspiring chefs. Newcastle DE Little League. Because sometimes the electric bill shows up 4 years late, and is just too much to handle for a group of 10 year olds! American Red Cross: we donated more than $20,000 to the 2013 Oklahoma Tornado disaster and this past year’s very destructive Hurricane Season.
Many local farm to table affiliations, none more important than partnering and supporting the University of Delaware and its student farming division. DSA Delaware, Buddywalk supporter. Food Bank of DE: continuing to support the goal of "no one goes hungry". Milton DE Little League: When a team goes to the Little League World Series tournament, you send pallets of Gatorade and water! Go DE! Beer Pong for a Cause (formerly Beer Pong for Boobies), Komen for the Cure, Tyanna Foundation. You have supported all three ways of Saving the Ta-Tas. And we are looking for more ways. Continually.
WE THANK OUR TWO STONES PUB GUESTS!
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A Shot at The Show Speedy Nick Heath plays all three outfield positions for the Rocks.
‘That's what we live for,’ says one Blue Rocks player, as he and his teammates take Minor League hardships in stride By Dan Linehan Photos by Brad Glazier Photography
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inor League ballplayers share homes with strangers, travel by bus, stay at motels, and, in many cases, earn little more than minimum wage. But even after another late-night bus ride, still nursing the aches and pains from the game he finished just before hitting the road, Nick Heath has his eyes on the future. The Wilmington Blue Rocks outfielder acknowledges the hardships of Minor League ball, but he has no complaints. “This is what we do,” he says. “This is what we live for. We take it as it comes.” Heath and every other player on the team are spurred on by visions of the Major Leagues, in this case the Kansas City Royals, parent team of the Single A Blue Rocks. “It’s an everyday grind,” is the way Manager Darryl Kennedy describes the reality of the minors. “Every player plays to get to the big leagues.” Kennedy says he doesn’t know what percentage of Blue Rocks have made it to the Majors, but he admits the odds
aren’t good. Well-known Blue Rocks who did make it include Olney (Pa.) High School graduate and Delaware resident Jack Crimian, fellow pitchers Robin Roberts and Curt Simmons and outfielder Elmer Valo in the 1940s, and, more recently, Johnny Damon. Zack Greinke, a former Blue Rock and Royals pitcher now playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was on this year’s All-Star roster. The website Bleacher Report confirms Kennedy’s rather pessimistic observation. In 2012, its analysis indicated that a player drafted in rounds 11-20 (of a total of 40) had only an 11 percent chance to reach the majors. Even if they play well, Blue Rocks players will probably have to work their way through Double A and Triple A ball before getting the call from the Royals. Meanwhile, they make do with relatively low pay. First-year players who get the standard contract earn $1,100 a month. That’s the same as working 38 hours a week at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. ► AUGUST AUGUST 2018 2017 || OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Blake Perkins earned $800,000 when he signed with the Washington Nationals in 2015.
Some players do receive hefty signing bonuses. Blue Rocks Centerfielder Blake Perkins earned $800,000 when he signed with the Washington Nationals in 2015 (he was traded to Kansas City and assigned to Wilmington in June of this year), and Heath received $100,000 when he inked a Royals contract in 2016. “For the first time in my life, I could be independent,” says Heath, a speedy presence in the outfield, where he plays all three positions. (He may have inherited some of that quickness from his mother, then named Kim Kilpatrick, who was an Olympic sprinter in 1988.)
Winning the Mental Game
Kennedy, who played minor league ball in the ‘90s, is something of a father figure to the players, offering advice about mental and emotional life as well as baseball. “It’s fun for me to give them the advice, whether mental or physical, that gets them to the next level,” he says. At other times, his players just need a pat on the back to let them know someone cares. The 49-year-old Kennedy knows about the mental game, the drive it takes to be one of the 40 men on a Major League roster (25 on the active roster). In his playing days, he was all-in on baseball, playing without a net, so to speak. Having a contingency plan, he says, was like giving himself tacit permission to fail. Getting to know how his players live is important to Kennedy. That’s a big reason why he has agreed in the past to coach winter leagues in Venezuela. It’s helped him understand the life of Latino players, who are beginning to dominate both Minor League and big-league rosters. “It’s a whole different level of stress,” he says of foreign players, for whom the team holds English classes. As for personal relationships, Heath says some girlfriends or wives follow their partners through the minor leagues. It’s not easy, but a good partner understands and respects the sacrifices players make, he says. Some players are more or less married to the game, which can be a problem once their career is over. “If they’ve been playing for so long it’s like, ‘Hey, what do I do now,’” says Heath, who has a psychology degree from Northwestern State University in Louisiana to fall back on. Life as a Minor League player has gotten better since his day, Kennedy says. For one thing, he says, “I think the food’s better.” Back then, post-game grub was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Today, the team has a nutritionist who can help players plan their meals. The pay, however, hasn’t improved much.
No Fuss about Low Pay
Kennedy made $850 a month in the early ‘90s, which equals about $1,600 a month in today’s dollars. That’s similar to what players at this level earn today, according to a story earlier this year in Forbes about player salaries. The team doesn’t say how much the players make, but Heath says that figure sounds about right. “I definitely think people assume that we make more,” he says.
28 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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Manager Darryl Kennedy, 49, is something of a father figure to the players.
One explanation for low pay in the minors is that these players are being paid not as professionals, but for something of an extended tryout. The league has said it considers them to be apprentices. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 passed in December includes a passage exempting Minor League players from laws about overtime pay and the federal minimum wage. Though players are not paid hourly, even 40 hours a week at minimum wage would net them slightly more than the first-year league minimum contract of $1,100 a month. Overtime, considering their long hours traveling and training, would be another concern for the league. Still, even if they’re not thrilled with the pay, players generally don’t complain about it. Heath prefers to note the perks, like food, training and a gym where he can work out. “Some guys think we get paid just fine, some not enough,” Heath says. “I can’t make a fuss about it either way.” Fellow outfielder Perkins, who estimates the base salary for the Carolina League is about $1,300 a month, says pay isn’t an issue. As for lodging, players generally stay with host families arranged by the team. Some, like Perkins, stay with people involved in the organization, while others stay with volunteers. To show their gratitude, the Blue Rocks host picnics for host families as well as a party in its Diamond Club. Perkins says some hosts charge players rent, though his does not. On the road, players pay a lodging fee to the away team for setting up accommodations. When the Blue Rocks host a team, they generally put them up at the Quality Inn & Suites Skyways on Highway 13.
No ‘Off’ Switch
The off-season is not a time to put baseball aside, or even primarily to earn money to supplement their baseball income. For many players, the desire to make it to the big leagues shapes their lives. Heath and Perkins say they take a bit of time, a matter of weeks, to rest their bodies after the 140-game season. Then it’s back to the weight room, and, later, to “baseball activities,” as they’re called. Most players take off-season work, Perkins says, but Heath stays with his parents in Punta Gorda, Fla., and focuses on training virtually all year long. Despite the hardships, the players accept the tradeoff willingly, even gratefully. “I love what I do,” Heath says. As for the struggle, he says, “I feel like I signed up for it.” Meanwhile, there are small pleasures, even at a Fourth of July away game in Lynchburg, Va., far from friends or family. “At the end of the game tonight there’ll be fireworks,” Heath say before that game. “If we win, I’ll watch. If we lose, I’ll probably just enjoy listening to them. It’ll be a fun game, a packed house.” AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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FOCUS
Sallies and Nova careers behind him, ‘Delaware’s Michael Jordan’ continues his ascent By Bob Yearick
I
t’s hard to believe, but just three years ago Donte DiVincenzo was leading his Salesianum High School team to its second straight state championship while being named Player of the Year by the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association. Since then, he’s been a member of two Villanova National Championship teams, earned the Most Outstanding Player award in this year’s NCAA tournament, and entered the June NBA draft, where he was the first-round pick of the Milwaukee Bucks. DiVincenzo has been called “the Michael Jordan of Delaware” and anointed “The Big Ragu” (Italian, red hair—get it?) by Fox announcer Gus Johnson. Heady stuff for a 21-year-old who was only the sixth man on Nova’s national champs. But in early July, on the phone from Las Vegas, site of the twoweek NBA Summer League, the Newark native comes across as modest and well-mannered—the product of two Catholic schools and a loving family. He is quick with “thank you” and ▲ Donte DiVincenzo. Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
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“thank you very much” when complimented on his scintillating, 31-point performance in the NCAA championship game and his ascent to No. 17 in the draft, and he calls back twice when the connection is lost. DiVincenzo says he will bring the same head-down, grind-itout attitude to the Bucks that propelled his steady improvement during his college career. “I just want to bring a lot of energy and try to learn and be open-minded,” he says from Vegas. “I want to build confidence in me with all the dudes I’m playing with.” Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer has called the rookie “an elite competitor,” adding that “he needs to play defense if he wants to get on the floor, and he knows that.” DiVincenzo is already immersed in all things Milwaukee. He has thrown out the first pitch (a strike) at a Brewers’ game, met several of his teammates, shopped for an apartment, and acquired a variety of “Fear the Deer” gear. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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FOCUS DONTE'S PEAK continued from previous page
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But he maintains his Villanova and Delaware ties. Two of his Wildcat teammates were picked in the first round, Mikal Bridges at 10 and Omari Spellman at 30, and Wildcat point guard Jalen Brunson was chosen early in the second round. “We stay in touch (through texting and phone calls), and we all had dinner together last night,” says DiVincenzo. He’s also been in contact with Delaware’s other professional hoopster, Elena Delle Donne. “Elena reached out to me a couple times during my last college year,” says DiVincenzo. “And since the draft we’ve been in touch now and then.” He and Delle Donne, who plays for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, share a basketball tutor—John Noonan, head coach at Ursuline Academy. “I train with John every opportunity I get,” DiVincenzo says. “He’s been working with me since high school.” He’s also still in touch with Sallies Coach Brandan Haley. Says Haley: “I can’t believe what Donte has been able to accomplish over these last five years. His work ethic and his singular focus on reaching this goal have never wavered from the first day we talked. It’s an incredibly cool time for all of us at Salesianum.” DiVincenzo credits Haley with much of his improvement during his four years on the Sallies varsity, noting that he and the coach were close “on and off the court.”
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A shooter and scorer in high school, he admits that he was not a strong defender when he arrived at Villanova. But under the tutelage of Coach Jay Wright and his staff, his D gradually got better. “It was a learning experience, a progression, a process, and I improved every year,” he says. By last season, he had grown into an offensive spark plug (he was the Big East’s Sixth Man of the Year) and one of the Wildcats’ best defenders, a skill he demonstrated in the championship game, where he blocked two shots, one a two-handed stuff at the rim on a taller Michigan player.
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Photo Bowstring for Villanova Athletics
DiVincenzo steadily improved while at Villanova.
DiVincenzo had two years of eligibility left when he decided to hire an agent, a step that prohibits him from playing any more at the college level. He says he and Wright “had a mutual understanding” that he would return to school if it looked like he wouldn’t be picked in the first round. But after a strong performance in May’s NBA Combine, a multi-day showcase that includes interviews, drills, athletic and medical tests and five-on-five competition, it became obvious that the Delawarean was destined for Round 1. He stood out on both ends of the floor, and his 42-inch vertical leap demonstrated the athleticism that NBA scouts covet. DiVincenzo says teams told him he wouldn’t be evaluated strictly on his performance in the Final Four or at the combine. “They all told me it was my whole body of work that they would look at,” he says. While at least one draft guru had him going as high as No. 10, Milwaukee was one of the favorites to grab him at 17, and they did. And that suited DiVincenzo. He says he enjoyed his visit to Wisconsin’s largest city (595,000) prior to the draft, calling it “a great atmosphere.” And coincidentally, his father, John, who grew up in Elsmere, was a Bucks fan because his father had been a fan. ( John F. and Kathie DiVincenzo, who live in the Prices Corner area, have an older son, John A.) Our conversation took place just after the Summer League started, and DiVincenzo was nursing a groin injury that he hoped would only keep him out of the opening game. His days, he says, have been spent getting treatment for the injury followed by practice and weight lifting sessions. He’s 6-5 and a solid 203 pounds, but he would like to add six or seven pounds before the season starts. The Bucks have been quiet in what has been a flurry of summer signings in the NBA, but DiVincenzo indicated they may soon become active in the free agent market. He’s hoping to help the team improve on last season’s first-round elimination. Says the player who has been on four championship teams: “I’m hungry to win.”
AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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FOCUS
Showing off the Blue Coats logo are, from left, team President Larry Meli, General Manager Elton Brand, Chris Heck, 76ers president of Business Operations, and Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. Photo courtesy of The Wilmington Blue Coats
The Blue Coats Are Coming! The 76ers’ G League basketball team speeds toward Wilmington debut By Kevin Noonan f nothing else, the Philadelphia 76ers understand the importance of the color blue in Delaware, and not just in politics. We have the Blue Rocks and Blue Hens and we used to have the Blue Bombers. And now we have the Blue Coats. That’s the new name of the 76ers’ G League team that will set up shop in Wilmington for the 2018-19 season. And that shop is a brand new one as the Sixers build a spanking new arena near the Christina River waterfront to mark the team’s transition from Delaware 87s to Delaware Blue Coats—the name is a tip of the tricorn hat to the uniforms worn by the 1st Delaware Infantry Regiment during its distinguished service in the American Revolution.
I
The new arena, which will sit on an 8.9-acre parcel of land off North DuPont Highway (Route 13) and Garasches Lane, will be 140,000 square feet, with about 2,500 seats. It will have three full-length basketball courts and two indoor turf fields that can be used for multiple youth sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and wrestling. Plus, it will have a Titus Sports Academy, a training arts center and a Nemours physical therapy and orthopedic clinic. Various youth groups are lining up to take advantage of the new facility. “The response has been amazing already, largely because of the versatility of the venue,” Blue Coats President Larry Meli says. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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That is exactly what the City of Wilmington was hoping to hear when officials decided to partner with the 76ers and build the new facility in an area known more for its abandoned warehouses than fancy arenas. The site on Garasches Lane is across the Christina River from the rejuvenated Wilmington Riverfront, and this is the first big-ticket enterprise on that side of the river. Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki says he is “glad that we are now seeing development along a part of the Riverfront that has largely been neglected up until now, but which has a great deal of potential. “What’s more, kids from our neighborhoods will be participating in what’s billed as an elite program, and I think that’s really important for neighborhood pride. And when a neighborhood has that sense of pride, good things follow.” Just as the Blue Rocks’ Frawley Stadium was the keystone for development on the west side of the Christina, the City hopes 76ers Fieldhouse will be an anchor for development on the east side, while giving Wilmington’s image a boost in the process. “I think that having the Blue Coats play in Wilmington is going to be hugely important for our brand as a thriving, vibrant city,” Purzycki says. “We want to take advantage of the stature that comes from having the 76ers’ name on the side of the building, and I expect that our hotels, restaurants and shops will all benefit from the economic ripple effects that will come from having crowds of people attending G League games along the Riverfront.” As for the kind of team you’ll see playing at 76ers Fieldhouse, their approach will be similar to the Blue Rocks’—the main goal for both minor league teams is player development. The difference is that the Blue Rocks are a Single A team and their players are mostly years away from playing in the big leagues, whereas Blue Coats players could be just a quick phone call and a short drive away from suiting up for an NBA game. That means the Blue Coats will follow the 76ers’ playing style and philosophy. Elton Brand, a former Sixers player, is the Blue Coats general manager and he makes it clear that even though he wants to put a winning team in Wilmington, it’s the team in Philadelphia that really counts. And that indoctrination isn’t just about the Xs and Os—it’s also about playing the game the right way.
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Photo courtesy of The Wilmington Blue Coats
Now on the 76ers roster, Furkan Korkmaz played last year for the Delaware 87ers, predecessor of the Blue Coats.
“Player development, work ethic and culture are the core principles of our program,” Brand says. Of course, winning (or losing) is a big part of a team’s culture, so the Blue Coats will try to win. But nurturing and developing players so they can take the quick trip up I-95 to South Philly is their main mission. That means adopting everything the Sixers do. “When we’re looking at players for the G League, we’re looking at the Sixers—defense, playing with pace and playing with space,” Brand says. “We’ll follow the exact same system, with defensiveminded players that can grow. “We want to make sure this group gets that same kind of attention, so we can develop those guys with the Sixers and make sure they can go back and forth [between teams],” Brand adds. “We want to make sure they’re ready, because they may have to play significant minutes [if they get called up]. So, the majority of my focus is making sure our 12-15 players are being developed properly.” As for attendance, the 87s were pretty much ignored when they played at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, but the 76ers are hoping that the move to a new arena in the state’s biggest city will pay off.
76er Trickle-Down Effect? The Blue Coats also are counting on the current popularity of the 76ers and the anticipation for the future that’s been created by young stars like Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid having a trickledown effect in Wilmington. “The Sixers’ recent success is incredibly exciting and there is no doubt that will boost interest in the Blue Coats,” Meli says. “Our NBA G League team is a critical aspect of the basketball developmental program led by [Sixers coach] Brett Brown. The Fieldhouse is strategically located within one hour of the 76ers headquarters, which will allow some of the 76ers young players to further hone their skills with the Blue Coats. “Last season, for example, Furkan Korkmaz played in Delaware frequently, which gave our fans a close-up look at one of the 76ers’ young stars, and we expect those types of opportunities to continue.” Still, like their minor-league cousins across the river, the Blue Coats know they can’t depend on star power to attract fans. And, like the Blue Rocks, the Blue Coats will make sure that there’s plenty of extracurricular activities for fans of all ages. “We focus on creating experiences for our fans that they will never forget,” Meli says. “Before each game, you can hear a chalk talk from Connor Johnson, our new head coach, or you can sit on the bench for pre-game warm-ups. … For the kids, we have an expansive Kidszone, including inflatables and interactive exhibits. We’ll have a beautiful hospitality area to be used for corporate and group entertainment. “For us, it’s all about creating life-long memories for our Blue Coats fans.” AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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EAT
THE EVOLUTION OF BAR APPETIZERS Goodbye, peanuts and chips; hello tuna poke, bao buns and lamb meatballs By Leeann Wallett
Mexican street corn with crema, cotija, lime and chile spice is a small plate option at Cocina Lolo on Market Street in Wilmington. Photo Jim Coarse
Editor’s note: On Saturday, July 14, owner of Goat Kitchen & Bar Dave Weir, who is quoted in this story, passed away. Weir was a respected area restaurateur and Out & About felt it important to keep his comments.
R
emember when bars served only snacks from a chip rack behind the counter or a communal bowl that offered some assortment of the three p’s—peanuts, pretzels and potato chips? Snacking has long been an integral part of the American drinking culture, so it’s no surprise that robust bar food menus have evolved markedly—moving away from salty snacks to healthier and often gourmet options. Across the state and especially in Wilmington, chefs have led the way in innovative takes on bar appetizers by making them more shareable, upscale and raw. Take Goat Kitchen & Bar for instance. Opened three years ago in a small shopping center on Marsh Road, Goat has become a leader in the shared plates revolution. Owner David Weir, the former operator of Buckley’s Tavern, has used his considerable bar drink and food knowledge to bring a diverse lineup of shared plates to the masses. The plates and snacks allow diners to share a communal meal while leaving room for dessert. “The menu has traditional big plates like sandwiches and burgers,” says Weir, “but the snacks are designed especially for hanging out. As my grandma would say: ‘Always eat when you drink.’”
From pickles made twice a week to BBQ pork belly lettuce wraps and the aptly named “Texas Trash” (a platter that includes smoked habanero pimento cheese, sausage and saltine crackers), Goat embraces creativity and a touch of Asian flair. These takes on bar food are departures from a not-too-distant past, when, says Weir, “All you could order was fried appetizers like Buffalo wings and spring rolls. You should’ve just put your cardiologist’s card in your napkin.” Though fried morsels still show up on many menus, diners now crave healthier options like hummus and cauliflower, marking a massive shift in taste. But, as Weir points out, “I go through multiple cases each week for the Buffalo cauliflower ‘wings.’” And even though the cauliflower is served Buffalo-style, it still saves diners potentially hundreds of calories in saturated fat compared to chicken wings. As more millennials and retirees come to downtown Wilmington to live, work and play, there has been an exponential increase in food and drink establishments. One of Market Street’s newest darlings is Stitch House Brewery, a brewpub that burns the midnight oil (the kitchen is open until 1 a.m. every night except Sunday). So for those who need a hearty late-night snack, Stitch House offers a list of skillets—its take on a shared plate. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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WINE EVENTS
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EAT BAR APPETIZERS: STILL EVOLVING continued from previoius page
Skillets are available in three sizes, priced accordingly: The $7 skillets offer standard fare of salads, soups and nachos; $10 skillets are a bit more adventurous and include pierogi, four-cheese mac and queso fundido; $13 skillets are minimeals that can be shared or eaten by one hungry diner and include short rib stew, chicken parm and scallops.
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Chef Bryan Sikora and his wife, Andrea, began their Market Street takeover in 2013 when they opened the charming La Fia restaurant to much fanfare. Fast forward five years, and the Sikoras now have a Wilmington portfolio that includes Merchant Bar and Cocina Lolo. On Market Street, the ornate Merchant Bar draws inspiration from past maritime explorers with a menu that evokes the oldschool surf ‘n’ turf movement from the ‘60s and ‘70s. From tuna poke to crispy lamb meatballs, the Sikoras are pushing the bar food boundaries with dishes you can’t really find elsewhere. Says Andrea: “Customers are looking to graze on food that goes beyond typical bar food. Variations on chicken wings will never be wrong, so offering customers more creative plates can allow them to try things they wouldn’t normally expect at the bar.” More examples of shared plates include upscale classics like bistro fries—thin cut fries topped with za’atar, a middle eastern spice blend, and served with saffron aioli and curry ketchup; and Korean barbecue smoked chicken wings with red chili aioli and blue cheese. On the other side of Market, Cocina Lolo serves everyone’s favorite pre-dinner snack, chips and salsa, but dig a little deeper into its menu and there are some surprising items like chorizo deviled eggs and short rib tamales. Most important, the happy hour is well worth a visit with $5 margaritas and wines and $3 cervezas to wash down the half-priced tacos and guacamole and $4 tamales.
RAW BARS
With oysters, clams and mussels, the raw bar with all its fixings is hot right now. Delaware has seen an increase in popularity for raw bar options, including neighborhood favorite Trolley Square Oyster House (TSOH).
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Crab dip skillet from Stitch House Brewery.
Since opening in 2016, TSOH has served up a menu full of hip, new items not normally found on its Big Fish Grill menus. As one of the few oyster houses in Delaware, it far exceeds the raw bar definition. With bar bites like lobster-crab guacamole and madeto-order fried calamari served with house-made long hot aioli, you can make an entire meal out of any combination of shared plates. And with an extensive range of oysters—up to nine varieties from the East and West Coasts are available—TSOH is also known for its mussel pots.“[The mussels] come in a black metal pot with a side of garlic crostini and topped with your choice of four flavors: Portuguese, diavolo, coconut curry or white wine,” says Michael McNutt, director of culinary operations. Mussel pots should be paired based on the ingredients, though most pair well with a crisp, clean white wine or a traditional Belgian wheat beer. Economize by heading to TSOH on Monday night, where you can save $2 a pot during happy hour, Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and every night from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Looking for other raw bar options in Wilmington? Head down to the Riverfront and the newly named Banks’ Seafood and Raw Bar, the former Harry’s Seafood Grill , which has been taken over by Chef David Leo Banks, longtime business partner of Xavier Teixido. Banks has kept much of the menu the same, but he has devoted more space to increasing the ceviche offerings, something which I predicted earlier this year in the seafood trends piece (and is now coming true as Poke Bros. expands to a total of four Delaware locations). At a recent lunch meeting, I had the Bigeye tuna togarashi, a raw, sweet and spicy dish drizzled with key lime crema and served with crispy wonton chips. It’s a wonderfully fresh take on a traditional tuna tartare. For those new to togarashi, it’s a Japanese spice blend made with chilies, sesame, orange peel and so much more. It’s typically used to flavor noodle, meat and seafood dishes, and one of my favorite spices to add to pretty much anything from seafood to the oh-so hipster avocado toast. Bar food is no longer the boring lineup of fried foods, nachos and that mysterious tub of bar mix. It has evolved to the point where the sky—or a chef’s imagination—is the limit. Who wouldn’t want to try pork belly bao buns from Merchant Bar or chorizo stuffed oysters from TSOH?
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Tickets available online: www.odessabrewfest.com VIP VIP Tickets: VIP Tickets: Tickets: $70 $70 $70 Admission: Admission: Admission: $55 $55 $55 l General l General l General Designated Designated Driver Driver Tickets Driver Tickets Available Tickets Available Available at Gate: at Gate: at $15 Gate: $15 $15 VIPDesignated Tickets: $70 Admission: $55 l General
Designated Driver Tickets Available at Gate: $15 • www.odessabrewfest.com • www.odessabrewfest.com • www.odessabrewfest.com For For more For more information: more information: information: 302-378-4119 302-378-4119 302-378-4119 www.historicodessa.org www.historicodessa.org www.cantwells-tavern.com www.cantwells-tavern.com www.cantwells-tavern.com • www.odessabrewfest.com For morewww.historicodessa.org information: 302-378-4119
www.historicodessa.org www.cantwells-tavern.com
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EAT DEER PARK TAVERN Deer Park nachos are as messy-delicious as they were 25 years ago, when there was no competition. A heaping plate and some beer can serve as a full dinner for at least two. Pile chicken on top of the chili and (extra) jalapeños and you'll have the dorm for yourself until morning. — Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer
PLACES FOR NACHOS
TED'S MONTANA GRILL Don't get me wrong, I love loaded nachos oozing with cheese and topped with massive dollops of sour cream, guacamole and salsa—on the side, so the chips don't get too soggy. However, Ted's Montana Grill has changed my mind about what nachos should really be. Topped with a scoopful of Chef Karen Averitt's “Flying-D” Bison Chili, drizzled with cheese sauce and adorned with some delicately placed vegetables, Ted’s Bison Nachos are simple, refined and perfect alongside the Jalapeño Huckleberry Margarita. Save money by ordering some nachos during Ted's Happy Hour, Monday to Friday from 4-6:30 p.m. at the bar or on the patio. — Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer
GRAIN CRAFT BAR + KITCHEN If you’re looking for something different, try the crab nachos at any nearby Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen (Grain on Main in Newark, Grain KSQ in Kennett Square, Grain H2O at Summit Marina). Instead of tortilla chips, Grain uses crispy wontons, then tops ‘em with chilled lump crab, diced cucumbers and a sprinkling of Old Bay. But the best part is the OMG cheese sauce running throughout the chips rather than the flakes of burnt, driedout cheese you get at most places. Get them with an order of street tacos and nearly any selection from the “Beer Bible” for a perfect happy hour trio. — Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer
BBC TAVERN AND GRILL Who was the first to put cheese on a nacho chip? The world may never know. But we do know the story behind Jamjoe’s Nachos at BBC, which deserves an award for clever engineering. “We came up with the idea to put the beans on the bottom after our first day in business,” says BBC owner Dave Dietz. “One of our first customers complained that they didn't like the beans on top of the nachos with all the other fixings. [This was] back when we opened at the old place in August of 1995. We have been making them the same way since then.” The result of that decision? While the top chips get the fixings, there’s still a dipping party for those less-thancovered chips toward the bottom. Genius.
DEL PEZ MEXICAN GASTROPUB What's Better than sipping a beer and enjoying some nachos with a view of the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront? Not much. Del Pez offers a brunch-specific menu with some of the best nachos I've tried to date. A picturesque display of black beans, jalapeño, queso mixto, tomato, crema, cilantro and more really hits the spot. Do yourself a favor and add the “chicken tinga” and this appetizer becomes a meal. — Matt Loeb, Creative Director & Production Manager
NORA LEE’S If you’re looking for an unconventional ambiance to pair with your fare, go to this New Orleans-style pub and restaurant in Historic New Castle. The Cajun chicken nachos are piled with diced chicken, jalapeños and black olives drenched with a spicy Cajun sauce with cheese, salsa and sour cream. For a more convincing take on the Big Easy, opt for the crawfish nachos, which include all the other toppings sans chicken, replaced with the seafood homage to NOLA. — Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Digital Media Manager
— Jim Miller, Director of Publications
AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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EST. 2018
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44 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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EAT
Brandywine Valley RESTAURANT WEEK
A TASTE OF THE BRANDYWINE VALLEY’S BEST
BITES Tasty things worth knowing Compiled by Jacob Orledge
THE LAST BURGERS OF SUMMER
T
he seventh annual Burger Battle will take place at the Cauffiel House on Philadelphia Pike overlooking the scenic Delaware River on the last Saturday of summer, Aug. 25, at noon. Restaurants from across the state provide burger samples to guests and judges as they compete to win prizes in three categories: Critic’s Choice, Alternative Burger and People’s Choice. Attendees can eat all the burger samples they want, then vote for their favorite. Proceeds will benefit two Delawarebased nonprofits: The Food Bank of Delaware, which strives to find longterm solutions to poverty and hunger in the state, and the ProStart Program of the Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, which works to provide on-the-job experience to high school students interested in a career in the culinary arts. Tickets purchased prior to the event are $50; any unsold tickets will be available for $60 at the door. Tickets for ages 13-20 are $30, and children 5-12 are $10. Children under 5 are free. For more information, visit deburgerbattle.com or facebook.com/deburgerbattle.
POKE BROS. DOUBLES DELAWARE PRESENCE
P
oke Bros., specializing in Hawaiian cuisine, is doubling its presence in the First State. Two new restaurants will be located in Fairfax and Middletown. The chain already owns restaurants in the Mill Creek Shopping Center and on Main Street in Newark. It popularized the Poke bowl, which includes raw fish, rice and other ingredients such as salad greens, in imitation of Hawaiian dishes. Hundreds of restaurants featuring the dish have opened across the United States, describing the signature item as sushi in a bowl. No opening date has been announced for the two new locations. Poke Bros currently maintains 14 locations. By the time its next wave of expansion finishes, it will have a total of 21 stores in four states. More information can be found at the website, eatpokebros.com.
A
stellar lineup will be featured during the fifth annual Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week set for Sept. 10-15. Sixteen of the premier restaurants in Northern Delaware and Southern Chester County, Pa., will team for the six-day event and feature prix-fixe menus of $15 for a two-course lunch and $35 for a three-course dinner. This year’s featured restaurants include Bank’s Seafood Kitchen, Buckley’s Tavern, Brandywine Prime, Columbus Inn, Domaine Hudson, Harry’s Savoy Grill, Krazy Kat’s, La Fia Bistro, Market Kitchen & Bar, Piccolina Toscana, Ted’s Montana Grill, The Back Burner, The Green Room, Tonic Bar & Grille, Vincenza & Margherita Bistro and Walter’s Steakhouse. For a list of featured menus visit BrandywineTaste.com.
VEGAN FESTIVAL COMES TO TOWN
VIVA CHICKEN OPENS IN NEWARK
V
V
egans from across the state will converge on Rodney Square in Wilmington for the Second Annual Delaware Vegan Festival on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by the Small Biz Council, the event is a celebration of vegan food and lifestyles. The festival will include food tasting, cooking demos, vendors and entertainment throughout the day. For more information, visit healthyfoodsforhealthykids.org.
iva Chicken, the restaurant chain known for its Peruvian rotisserie chicken, recently opened a Newark location in the Centre Point Plaza, 1103 Churchmans Rd. It marks the first foray into Delaware for the Charlotte, N.C.-based chain, which is known for its 24-hour chicken marination, its signature juices and charcoal-fired ovens specially imported from Peru. The new full-service restaurant opened on July 11. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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THE CITY Photo Joe del Tufo
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
MAYOR HONORS NALANI & SARINA AT LADYBUG FESTIVAL LAST MONTH
O
n Friday, July 20, before an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds of festivalgoers on South Market Street, Mayor Purzycki presented Keys to the City of Wilmington to Nalani and Sarina Bolton in recognition of the sisters’ contributions to the city’s cultural life over the years. This year marked Nalani & Sarina’s 6th appearance at the annual Ladybug Festival—the largest female-fronted music festival in the country—their first as headliner. “These two young women go out all over the country telling everyone that ‘Wilmington is our second home’ and that this is a great city,” said Mayor Purzycki. “They’ve been outstanding ambassadors of our City.” Despite heavy rain on Saturday, the 2018 Ladybug Festival still drew an estimated 7,500 people to Downtown Wilmington July 20-21.
RIVERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL RETURNS TO TUBMAN-GARRETT PARK, AUGUST 3-5
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ilmington’s summer of music festivals continues with the Riverfront Blues Festival, to be held Aug. 3-5 at Tubman-Garrett Park and featuring main stage performances by Bernard Allison, Samantha Fish, Jon Cleary and Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, among others. Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz thanked the Diamond State Blues Society for its long-time relationship with the City in managing and presenting the festival, now in its 21st year. A complete schedule of performances is available at: www.riverfrontbluesfestde.com. To purchase tickets, visit: www.riverfrontbluesfestde.com/tickets.
MAYOR PURZYCKI WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS TO THE OVERLOOK AT ROCKFORD FALLS
M
ayor Purzycki joined Montchanin Builders and other guests at a groundbreaking ceremony last month to commemorate the opening of Wilmington’s newest residential community—The Overlook at Rockford Falls. When construction is completed, 32 luxury townhomes will sit on the former site of the historic Bancroft Mills overlooking the Brandywine River near Rockford Park, one of the oldest parks in the city. “Not only is this area of Wilmington steeped in natural beauty and rich history,” said the Mayor, “but it is convenient to numerous cultural and recreational amenities like the Delaware Art Museum and Alapocas Run State Park. I welcome the new residents of The Overlook at Rockford Falls and invite them to become deeply involved with our City and all that is has to offer to residents and visitors alike.” Construction of the new townhomes began in January and all of the homes are scheduled to be completed by 2020. Two finished homes are already occupied and another 20 properties have buyers lined up.
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MAYOR PURZYCKI AWARDS $30,000 IN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
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n July, Mayor Mike Purzycki awarded $30,000 in academic scholarships to 16 high school seniors who live in Wilmington to assist them with the cost of college. Each student received an award of $1,875.00. “As Mayor, there are few things that I enjoy more than supporting young people eager to further their education beyond high school,” said Mayor Purzycki. “The young men and women selected for academic scholarships this year make up a diverse cross-section of the best and brightest students in Wilmington. It will be an honor for me to be with these students and their families tonight celebrating their achievements.” To be eligible for a Mayor’s Scholarship award, each senior had to be a Wilmington resident, have a 2.5 GPA or better, and demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service, among other requirements. The 2018 class of awardees attended public, charter, private and parochial schools and included the gamut of intended fields of study, ranging from sciences to fashion merchandising, communications to music, and computer science to business management. For a complete list of awardees, visit: https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/ Components/News/News/3019/225.
NEWS YOU CAN USE! WILMINGTON HAS FREE FANS TO HELP SENIORS BEAT THE HEAT HaMayor Mike Purzycki and Constituent Services Director Jen Prado remind older citizens that FREE electric fans are available to help them cope with the heat this summer. A person must be at least 65 years old and live within the City limits to be eligible. Proof of age and residency are required. If a person has received a fan from the Constituent Services Office in the past year, they are not eligible for the program. To receive a free fan, contact Wilmington’s Office of Constituent Services at 302.576.2489, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. WILMINGTON TRANSITIONS TO MONTHLY BILLING FOR WATER, SEWER AND STORMWATER In August, Wilmington completes its transition from a quarterly to a new monthly billing system for the City’s 40,000 water, sewer and stormwater customers. Mayor Mike Purzycki, Finance Director Patrick Carter and Public Works Commissioner Kelly Williams say monthly billing: • makes managing household budgets easier since people will know how much to budget along with other monthly expenses. • provides customers with a more-timely look at their water usage so they can either better manage their usage or see that their usage is higher than normal, which could indicate a water leak on the property. • makes it easier for customers behind on their payments to manage a smaller debt instead of having to wait for three months’ worth of bills to receive a reminder about money owed. If you have questions about the new monthly billing system, please call 302.571.4320 or send an email to RevenueInquiries@WilmingtonDE.gov. The City also offers an online bill paying process—the fastest and most reliable way to pay your bill—by visiting WilmingtonDE.gov/pay, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (302) 576-2489, or visit cityhelp@WilmingtonDE.gov.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AUG 3-5 AUG 14
RIVERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL AUG 16 ACCESS WILMINGTON (TUBMAN-GARRETT PARK) WILMINGTON ETHICS COMMISSION
AUG 21 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN AUGUST DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET (RODNEY SQUARE) For more meetings and events in the month of August, visit https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/.
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE
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AUGUST 3rd-5th 2018
ONE AMAZING 3-DAY BLUES FESTIVAL
FRI AUG 3RD
SAT AUG 4TH
SUN AUG 5TH
MAIN STAGE: 5pm - VANESSA COLLIER 6:45pm - TUTU JONES 8:30pm - SAMANTHA FISH
MAIN STAGE:
MAIN STAGE:
FUTURE OF THE BLUES
ZAC HARMON BAND
BACKTRACK BLUES BAND
JON CLEARY
ROBERT KIMBROUGH SR.
SIDE STAGE: STEAL YOUR PEACH
DWAYNE DOPSIE
ROD PIAZZA AND THE MIGHTY FLYERS
& THE ZYDECO HIGHROLLERS JOHNNY SANSONE
SIDE STAGE: GARY ALLEGRETTO
BERNARD ALLISON GROUP
SIDE STAGE: JUDY SINGS THE BLUES THE JAMES DEAN BLUES BAND DIRTY DEAL VENOM BLUES
Tickets Availble at
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Mayor Mike Purzycki
7/25/2018 10:35:17 AM
D D W A AT E T S J UR S U M M E R F R U O N F
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THURSDAY & SUNDAY DINNER CRUISES, SUNDAY BRUNCHES, & PRIVATE CHARTERS.
ON THE WATER DAILY TUESDAY & THURSDAY FAMILY CRUISES, WEDNESDAY WINE CRUISES
R i v e R b oat Q u e e n W i l m . c o m
WilmingtonRiveRtaxi.com
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1. Amtrak Station 2. Opera Delaware Studios/City Theater Co. 3. Wilmington Youth Rowing Assn., WYRA.ORG 4. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park 5. Residences at Christina Landing 6. Bank’s Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar / Riverfront Market, BANKSSEAFOODKITCHEN.COM 7. Delaware Theatre Co., DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG 8. Docklands Riverfront, DOCKLANDSRIVERFRONT.COM 9. Cosi at the Barclays Crescent Building, GETCOSI.COM 10. Hare Pavilion/Riverwalk 11. AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Center, AAAMIDATLANTIC.COM 12. The Delaware Contemporary, DECONTEMPORARY.ORG
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13. Justison Landing, Currie Hair, Skin & Nails, CURRIEDAYSPA.COM Veritas Wine & Spirits, VERITASWINESHOP.COM Starbucks on the Riverfront Riverfront Pets, RIVERFRONTPETS.COM 14. Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, DELPEZMEXICANPUB.COM Goju Training Center, GOJUROBICS.COM 15. Delaware Children’s Museum, DELAWARECHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG Riverwalk Mini Golf, RIVERWALKMINIGOLF.COM 16. Joe’s Crab Shack, JOESCRABSHACK.COM 17. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, IRONHILLBREWERY.COM 18. Public Docks
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Visit RiverfrontWilm.com for info on events happening at the Riverfront! 19. Big Fish Grill, BIGFISHRIVERFRONT.COM 20. Frawley Stadium, BLUEROCKS.COM Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame 21. Chase Center on the Riverfront, CENTERONTHERIVERFRONT.COM 22. Dravo Plaza & Dock 23. Shipyard Center Planet Fitness, PLANETFITNESS.COM 24. Timothy’s Restaurant, TIMOTHYSONTHERIVERFRONT.COM Molly’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, MOLLYSICECREAM.COM Ubon Thai Restaurant 25. Wilmington Rowing Center, WILMINGTONROWING.ORG 26. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge/
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DuPont Environmental Education Center, DUPONTEEC.ORG 27 Riverfront Commuter Lot, RIVERFRONTWILM.COM/PARKING 28. Penn Cinema Riverfront IMAX, PENNCINEMARIVERFRONT.COM 29. CrossFit Riverfront, CFRIVERFRONT.COM 30. The Residences at Harlan Flats, HARLANFLATS.THERESIDENCES.NET 31. Altitude Trampoline Park, ALTITUDEWILMINGTON.COM 32. The Westin Wilmington, WESTINWILMINGTON.COM River Rock Kitchen, RIVERROCKKITCHEN.COM 33. Delaware Humane Association, DEHUMANE.ORG 34. Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard/Fort Christina Park, KALMARNYCKEL.ORG Photo by Joe del Tufo
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60 JANUARY 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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DRINK
Wine Therapy A return to California and the heart of the industry helps exorcise memories of the fire By John Murray
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n February of 2018, I found myself booking flights and hotels for my return to Northern California—my first trip since we were evacuated from the fires of October 2017. I needed to return and face my thoughts that have haunted me ever since. I needed to give back to the wine industry that needed help. That opportunity arose with my invitation to Premier Auction in Napa, which is a trade and media event held at the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus. This historic building is the old home of the Christian Brothers winery, which contains a restaurant and teaching facility as well as Brother Timothy’s amazing collection of corkscrews from around the world. We had several tasting opportunities prior to the auction. The first stop was the Robert Mondavi Winery for a blind perspective tasting of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from 18 producers, featuring the 2013, 2014 and 2015 vintages. We finished with eight producers of Napa Sauvignon Blanc to cleanse the palate. The next stop was at Shafer Vineyards in Napa’s Stags Leap appellation. There were more than 150 trade and media people there from all over the world. This great winery is located at the base of the rock outcrop known as Stags Leap. I have been friends with the Shafers from their first vintage release of 1978. Saturday was auction day at the CIA Greystone. The top lot of wine sold was 2016 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, with 20
cases selling for $ 100,000. There were more than 190 lots of wine available and all sold for well out of my price range. The Premier Auction raised more than $ 4.1 million, helping to preserve, promote and enhance the Napa Valley brand. This is the most prestigious barrel tasting and auction in the country, if not the world. It was a rewarding week of tastings and educational seminars. Sunday morning I found myself up early. I drove from Napa to Sonoma by way of the path of destruction that the Tubbs Lane Fire caused. I drove over the mountains, surrounded by scorched trees, brush and ground, and down into the beautiful Alexander Valley, which was unharmed by the fire. Breakfast that morning found me in Healdsburg at my friend’s bakery, Cousteau’s, an institution in Healdsburg. Then it was time to head south on Highway 101 to Santa Rosa and the Coffey Park neighborhood. This was once a high-density housing development of about 25 square blocks. Now it is cleared vacant lots, showing the fierce fury of the raging wildfire. Homes, business and people were lost, and I had been in the middle of it. The drive back to Napa Sunday afternoon took me past the southern edge of the fire, on Mark West Road to Calistoga by way of Petrified Forest Road.The erratic movement of the fire was incredible. Homes were leveled on one side of the road, and on the other not touched. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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DRINK WINE THERAPY continued from previous page
Photo John Murray
Check Out Our Craft Beers!
L-R: Elias Fernandez, winemaker; John Shafer, John Murray, Doug Shafer.
Enjoy these ALL MONTH LONG! s Mondays: 15% OFF Craft Beer 6-Pack $50 Tuesdays: 15% OFF Whiskeys over
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uors.com 302.764.0377 - pecosliq
I have been through earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes but nothing as frightening as a raging wildfire. I am in total awe of the destruction that it caused. This was a good day to finally ease my thoughts and soul. The rebuilding has begun! The wine industry suffered some damage, but it was minimal. Some buildings were lost, some vineyards damaged, homes lost, but the spirit remains. Wine country is thriving. Fast forward to April of this year, and back to California I went. Yes, another auction: this time the SOCO Barrel Auction in Sonoma County. I have attended this event three out of the last four years. It is my favorite event in California. There are more than 100 wine lots, all one of a kind, available to the highest bidder. There were two scheduled preview tastings the day before the auction: Coppolo, which had the appellations of Dry Creek, Chalk Hill and Alexander Valley, and Martin Ray, which had the Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley and Petaluma Gap appellations. The SOCO auction was at MacMurray Estate, once owned by actor Fred MacMurray. What a beautiful setting for an auction or any other event. The auction netted $840,000, which set a record. There were only 100 lots of wine.Two lots were dedicated to assisting those directly affected by the October fires. Some of the higher selling lots were Sonoma Rising “Fortitude,” with 20 cases sold for $29,000, and Sonoma Rising “Resilience,” with 20 cases that sold for $70,000. Fortitude was a Cabernet Sauvignon-based lot from the Sonoma Valley appellation. The Resilience lot was Pinot Noir from Russian River and Sonoma Coast appellations. Both were extremely well made and varietally correct. Each lot was put together by the collaboration of several wineries. The third trip was in the middle of June and took me to Mendocino County. I was invited to the Grazianao family 100th anniversary. Four generations of the family were present for the celebration and pig roast. It was fun to mingle with the who’s who of Mendocino County. The trip included dinner with David Ramey and visits to Dry Creek Vineyard and Pedroncelli, all longtime friends of mine. The last stop was special. I had the opportunity to watch my son, Branch, in action at the Spire Groups Fieldstone facility. This is done right in the middle of the Alexander Valley. He tastes, sells to, and educates consumers about this group’s selection of wines from around the world. California is alive and bustling with much energy. The wine industry has brought renewed life back to Northern California and has provided some relief to the victims of the fires. Visitors are returning to spend money and enjoy the hospitality of hotels, restaurants and wineries, helping to rejuvenate the area. Visit and you will see what I mean. Wine country is thriving. John Murray is proprietor of State Line Liquors in Elkton, Md., and a regular contributor to Out & About.
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DRINK
Spirited Our recommendation from an area pro
From Joe Renaud, Beverage Director, Home Grown Café
WATERMELON BASIL LEMONADE
The time is here for some refreshing spiked lemonade. It’s easy to make, and great for gettogethers—anything from an afternoon pool party to sitting on the porch and taking in the summer vibes. Things you’ll need: • 1 bottle of vodka (I use Tito’s) • ½ watermelon • 1 bunch Thai basil • Lemonade • 1 gallon infusing jar with a spout • Blender Infusing the vodka: • Pour the bottle of vodka into a gallon infusing jar. • Cut up the watermelon (removing and discarding the rind) into cubes and place it in the jar. (We will wait to put the basil in until the end process, so set that aside.) • Put the jar in the refrigerator and allow it to infuse for 24-48 hours. Once the wait is over, carefully pour the mixture into your blender and pulse until it’s clump-free. (Optional: You can strain this to remove the pulp for a smoother liquid.) • Pour your watermelon-infused vodka back into your jar. • Massage the Thai basil to release the oils and flavor, then add it to the jar. • Allow it to sit for one more hour. • Take a half gallon of the lemonade and pour it into your serving jar. • Give it a stir, and then taste test. Decide if more lemonade is needed or if you like it as-is. • Grab a glass, add some ice, pour yourself and friends a tasty drink and go get your summer on.
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KRESTON WINE & SPIRITS
Celebrating 85 Years
NOTHING’S MORE LOCAL than beer brewed a few feet from your table.
CRAFT KITCHEN. SCRATCH BREWERY. www.ironhillbrewery.com
WILMINGTON
147 EAST MAIN STREET NEWARK, DE 19711 302 266.9000
620 JUSTISON STREET WILMINGTON, DE 19801 302 472.2739
PLAY TIME Blonde Chardonnay 2015 Bright aromas of fresh pear, citrus and tropical fruits with light oak and rich vanilla notes. Flavors of ripe tropical fruits, citrus, pear, and apricot notes. Soft, creamy midpalate with a long, lingering, balanced finish.
VOTED BEST WINE STORE UPSTATE WINE • SPIRITS • BEER • GROWLERS 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 58 AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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www.westsidegrows.org/events/gowestfest www.westsidegrows.org/events/gowestfest
Aromas of fresh dark cherries, plum, blackberry; a touch of sweet oak and vanilla; dark spices and a hint of pie spices. Flavor is a soft, silky entry with sweet red fruits, spice and vanilla notes; good mouth feel and a long ripe fruit finish.
Go West! Go West! Fest 2018Fest 2018
PLAY TIME Lake County Red Wine 2015
& Lincoln Streets August Various9,Locations August 9, 10, 11 Union & Lincoln Streets Union Various Locations 10, 11 Enjoy outdoor dining, localparade, artists, parklets, Enjoy outdoor dining, local artists, parklets, a bike and more!a bike parade, and more!
NEWARK
Go West! Fest 2018
Go West! Fest 2018
Union & Lincoln Streets Various Locations August 9, 10, 11 Enjoy outdoor dining, local artists, parklets, a bike parade, and more!
Union & Lincolnwww.westsidegrows.org/events/gowestfest Streets Various Locations August 9, 10, 11 Enjoy outdoor dining, local artists, parklets, a bike parade, and more! www.westsidegrows.org/events/gowestfest
7/25/18 2:10 PM
DRINK
BRIMMING HORN’S MYTHICAL MEAD
SIPS
Here's what's pouring Compiled by Jacob Orledge
DOWNTOWN BREW FEST
S
ave the date: Saturday, Aug. 11, will bring the second annual Downtown Brew Fest to Market Street. Live music, beginning at 2 p.m., will continue through the afternoon. The festival is centered around Chelsea Tavern and will include a variety of food trucks and artisan vendors. More than 100 brews from 50 local breweries and 11 local restaurants will be there, with VIP sections providing access to special products. In addition, there will be a homebrew competition. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online. Visit visitwilmingtonde.com for more information.
IRON HILL OFFERS PERFECT SUMMER BEER
I
ron Hill Brewery is producing a session IPA geared to summer and beach life. The Crusher Session IPA has smooth notes of pineapple and grapefruit topped with a slight hoppiness. It has an alcohol content of 5 percent. The new beverage can be found on tap at Iron Hill and is also available in canned four-packs. More information on Iron Hill Brewery and the Crusher Session IPA can be found at ironhillbrewery.com.
H
ave you seen Avengers: Infinity War? Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? Are you a fantasy novel aficionado? If so, then you’re probably familiar with the short, stocky creatures called dwarves of Norse mythology. These master craftsmen are the inspiration and namesake for the new handcrafted black raspberry mead “A Friendship of Dwarves” that Jon Talkington and Brimming Horn presented on July 20. The mead is composed of earthy black raspberries mixed with pure honey to create a “melomel,” a mead with fruit. Brimming Horn praises its balanced tannin and acidity, saying it’s bursting with flavor. This is a limited release so it will not stay around long. For more information on the mead and Brimming Horn, visit brimminghornmeadery.com.
WINE SPECTATOR HONORS 9 DELAWARE RESTAURANTS
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he 2018 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards honor businesses that maintain wine lists with vintage depth and breadth across multiple regions. Nine Delaware restaurants from up and down the state received accolades this year. First State honorees are: the Bluecoast Seafood Grill Raw Bars in Rehoboth and Bethany, Cafe Gelato in Newark, Catch 54 in Selbyville, Churrascaria Saudades in Newark, Domaine Hudson in Wilmington, Eden in Rehoboth, Lupo Italian Kitchen in Rehoboth and Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington. More information about the recipients of the Wine Spectator awards can be found at winespectator.com or with the free restaurant awards app.
STATEWIDE SALUTE TO CRAFT PRODUCERS RETURNS TO DOVER
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he Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival will celebrate its ninth year on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover. The event is the only statewide celebration of Delaware craft alcohol producers. The event will take place from 11 a.m.4 p.m. and incorporate a collaboration with Delaware’s agriculture industry. Features include beer, wine and spirits tastings, opportunities to meet brewers, special demonstrations, food trucks, live music, outdoor games, special exhibits, guided tours of the Agricultural Museum, and an event store for alcohol-makers to sell collectables and products for home consumption. The DBWS Festival will also spotlight the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail. For more information about the Trail, go to VisitDelaware.com/bwst and the Trail’s mobile app. VIP tickets are available, and include reserved parking, early access, exclusive samplings, catered lunch and more. General admission tickets are also available. Kids under age 16 will be admitted free. Visit DeBeerWineSpirits.com for ticket prices and more information. AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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WATCH
Eighth Grade
4
STARS µµµµµ
Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) faces the challenges of middle school in a way that is more realistic than most films about teens. Photo Linda Kallerus, courtesy of A24
THE TRAUMA OF EIGHTH GRADE Bo Burnham avoids clichés in his directorial debut By Mark Fields
G
iven the traumatic life experiences that regularly unfold there, it’s a small wonder that any of us survive middle school. I suspect that many adults, including yours truly, carry the poignant baggage of those years—bodies that suddenly have become strange and uncomfortable, hormone-fueled social interactions, the prolonged transition from childhood innocence to young adult awareness—well into our adulthood. And the children of today face all of that, with the added distraction of smartphones and social media. Stand-up comic and YouTube celebrity Bo Burnham makes his feature film debut as writer-director with a remarkable little drama, Eighth Grade, that explores this fertile narrative territory. What is most remarkable about Burnham’s film, however, is the anti-Hollywood (read: realistic) treatment that he gives the subject. The story, the characters, the settings are so startlingly familiar
and unglamorous that the film feels fresh and unexpected, and also occasionally painfully close to our own personal recollections. Eighth Grade charts the final days of Kayla Day’s eighth grade year as she and her classmates are preparing for the move to high school. As played by Elsie Fisher, Kayla is unexceptional: lonely, awkward, struggling with self-esteem, slightly out of step with everyone around her. She bucks herself up with online videos, in which she dispenses trite advice based more on her own shortcomings rather than any well-earned insights into human behavior. She is her own target audience, and sadly, one of the very, very few people who are even aware of her workmanlike efforts. The only ray of hope on Kayla’s landscape is an effervescent older girl, Olivia (Emily Robinson), whom Kayla shadows at the high school. By her very being, Olivia demonstrates to Kayla that there can be life and happiness after eighth grade. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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P L AYI N G THIS MONTH Nemours Building 1007 N. Orange Street
Aug 3 - 6
Yellow Submarine
Fri 5:30 | Sat 3, 8:15 Sun 12:20
Boundaries Fri 8:15 | Sat 12, 5:30 Sun 3, 6 | Mon 7
Rocky Horror Picture Show Sat 11 pm
August 10 - 13
Yellow Submarine
Loving Vincent
Fri 5:30 | Sat 3, 5:30 Sun 12:15
Fri 8:15 | Sat 12:15, 8:15 Sun 3, 6 | Mon 7
August 17 - 20
Three Indentical Strangers Fri 5:45 | Sat 2:45, 8 Sun 12, 6 | Mon 7
The Catcher Was A Spy
Fri 8:30 | Sat 12, 5:15 Sun 3
August 21
Rocky Horror Picture Show Sat 11 pm
August 24 - 27
RGB
Outdoor Summer Movies
Raiders of the Lost Ark Tuesday Aug. 21 Starts at Dusk!
Fri 5:30 | Sat 3, 8:15 Sun 12, 6 | Mon 7
On Chesil Beach
Fri 8:15 | Sat 12:15, 5:30 Sun 3
August 31 - September 3
Won’t You Be My Neighbor
The other people floating around Kayla—her helpful but THE TRAUMA clueless dad (Josh Hamilton), a OF EIGHTH GRADE casually cruel mean-girl classmate continued from previous page (Catherine Oliviere), an equally awkward friend (Jake Ryan)—easily could have come off as clichés if they weren’t so spot on. It also helps that all these characters are played by relatively unknown actors, without the perfect teeth and sunny demeanors of Hollywood stars. They look and feel more real, without the wink-wink coyness of knowing there is a beautiful movie celebrity just waiting to emerge in the movie’s third act. Burnham clearly understands this world and Kayla. And he captures the zeitgeist of middle school with all its moment-tomoment indignities and fleeting grace notes. At times, I felt myself right back there, a sensation that was compelling, if not altogether pleasant. (Incidentally, Burnham notes the unfortunate effect that smartphones have wrought on the teenage landscape. Most of the background figures in this story never look up from their own screens to notice what is happening right in front of them.) Eighth Grade is not a typical summer movie; there are no special effects, no superheroes, no CGI dinosaurs. But for a bracing bit of reality, and an echo of one’s own ill-at-ease adolescence, the film is a remarkable change of pace. Also opening in August: The Spy Who Dumped Me, comedy thriller starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, Aug. 3; a family drama about a boy and his robot dog, A.X.L., Aug. 10; the muchanticipated romantic comedy featuring an all-Asian cast, Crazy Rich Asians, Aug. 15; and Juliet, Naked, an off-beat transatlantic romance with Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke, Aug. 17.
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
Fri 5:45 | Sat 12, 5:15 Sun 12
For more information and tickets, visit
Fri 8:15 | Sat 2:30, 8 Sun 3, 6 | Mon 7
Rocky Horror Picture Show Sat 11 pm
TheatreN.com
AT THEATRE N: LOVING VINCENT, AUG. 17-20 An Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature in 2018, Loving Vincent tells the story of a young man sent to deliver Vincent Van Gogh’s final letter a year after the artist’s suicide. Visiting the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, the man meets many townsfolk who interacted with the eccentric painter in his final days. The film was shot in a distinctive oil-painted animation that faithfully evokes Van Gogh’s signature Post-Impressionist style. Aug. 10-13. Coming to Theatre N in August: Boundaries, a family road comedy with Vera Farmiga and Christopher Plummer, Aug. 3-6; The Beatles: Yellow Submarine, remastered re-release of classic ‘60s pop art cartoon, Aug. 3-5 and 10-12; a moving documentary about triplet boys separated at birth and yet oddly alike, Three Identical Strangers, Aug. 17-20; and the ongoing countdown of AFI’s Top 100 films of all time. theatren.com.
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LISTEN
FOR THE RECORD
Tony Cappella WITH
“For the Record” is a periodic feature in which musicians discuss powerful influences and what they’ve been listening to lately.
Photo Joe del Tufo
By Krista Connor
T
alk to Tony Cappella about playing bass, and one word will keep coming up: melody. It’s an unconventional focal point for a bassist, who shoulders a band’s rhythm, but then again, there are few things conventional about Cappella. Bassist for local mainstay Montana Wildaxe for nearly 31 years, Cappella beats most artists when it comes to the number of projects he’s a part of. He performs with a handful of local outfits like the Stone Shakers, Vinyl Shockley, WTF (aka What the Funk), the Sin City Band and occasionally, Special Delivery. He’s a longtime staple at tribute shows like the annual Shine a Light on The Queen. Tuning into and contributing to melodic elements keeps him rooted, regardless of who he performs with. “Melody is very important,” says Cappella. “It’s important for me as a bass player to listen to everything that’s going on around me. If there’s an opportunity to be melodic underneath, then I take that opportunity.” He calls the Stone Shakers his “main squeeze these days.” The band, made up of cajón player (and lifelong friend to Cappella) Ritchie Rubini, guitarist Kevin Walsh (who plays in three other ensembles with Cappella) and harmonica player Pete Cogan, revived itself recently with the addition of vocalist Samantha Poole. “She’s young, in her early 30s, but she’s got an older spirit when it comes to playing,” says Cappella. “She knows all this old school rock and roll. She nails the stuff. She’s got a great stage presence and people really love her.”
With Poole at the helm, the Stone Shakers are finishing up an EP mid-to-late August. Untitled as of press time, it’s 99 percent original music, produced by Walsh’s son Ian, who has worked with big-name bands like the Chain Smokers. “It’s happiness,” says Cappella. “The EP makes you feel happy. Lyrically, music-wise. Both.” See the Stone Shakers at Trailfest on Sept. 22 at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Meanwhile, psychedelic rock cover band Montana Wildaxe, channeling the sounds of Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band, typically only plays twice a year. But the group is adding a few performances to their 2018 roster. They’ll play at Blue Earl Brewing Co. in Smyrna on Saturday, Aug. 4, Kelly’s Logan House in Wilmington on Thursday, Aug. 23, and on Saturday, Sept. 29, they’ll jam at Fortify Music Fest at Fort DuPont. Fortify features area tribute bands like Kashmir reimagining the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Joey DiTullio and more. And last comes Montana Wildaxe’s annual holiday show on Friday, Dec. 21, at The Queen. “In February 2019 the band will be 31,” says Cappella. “When we hit the stage, it’s magic. There’s never been bad blood or anything, but 30 years creates a lot of history—when we hit the first note, everything goes away. The fans have been so incredibly loyal over the years. We’ve gotten to a point where our original fans’ grandchildren are coming to shows. It’s heart-warming, it really is.” O&A caught up with Cappella by phone to get a take on his favorite albums and how they’ve influenced his bass playing over the decades. ► AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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down. He kind of set the pace for any jam band bass player that’s out there today. Some people would argue that it was Phil Lesh from the Grateful Dead, but Phil is not a rhythmic player as much as Berry Oakley was.
The Beatles — Rubber Soul
Just hearing the vocal harmonies and simplicity of the songs blew me away. Paul McCartney’s bass work on that was amazing to me. He managed to be melodic underneath of a lot of other melodic stuff going over it. He created his own great melodies. And he still continues to do that in everything he does. He’s always had that knack. I’d say it has influenced my playing. Of course, I’m not where Paul McCartney is, that son of a bitch.
The Allman Brothers Band — At Fillmore East
Amazing songwriting. Chord changes that blow my mind. Sounds that he got in the studio that nobody else was doing. He was doing all kinds of stuff in the studio with synthesizers and manipulating the tape to make things go backwards and all kinds of panning back and forth, utilizing a stereo effect. Back in the days where I would get stoned, that was some profound shit to listen to. To this day, he’s just an amazing songwriter. I guess when I sit down and write, I usually write at the piano, and his chord changes always influenced me. It’s almost like my go-to. Of course, I am certainly not comparing myself to him. I wish I could write as well as he could, but he influences the way I think of chord structure. I’d say his chord changes are not intuitive. They don’t follow mainstream changes like typical rock and roll changes; they’re usually layered in a way that can take something raw and make it sound beautiful.
Something For Everyone.
Berry Oakley was the bass player on that record. He drove that band, he did it in a way that was a pioneer to that kind of music. He was another guy that had very melodic bass lines weaving in and out of the guitar parts that Dickey Betts and Duane Allman would lay
Todd Rundgren — Todd
WVUD.ORG
FOR THE RECORD WITH TONY CAPPELLA continued from previous page
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Day!
Utopia — Todd Rundgren’s Utopia
I know we talked about Todd Rundgren as a solo artist. This is with his band Utopia that stretched the reaches of music in a very deep, intricate, complicated way. The songs and the arrangements are more like anthems than just songs. Incredible players. And that album had a lot of influence on my bass playing as well. Just moving through the chord changes the way the bass player in that band did. He was another melodic bass player locked in with the rhythm.
Stanley Clarke — Stanley Clarke
Another pioneer in bass playing, Stanley Clarke was one of the first guys to really put a bass out as a solo instrument. Very funky, slap-style bass playing. Definitely in the ‘70s it was a bit [unique]. Stanley Clarke really rose to reach a level of stardom by doing it. His speed and precision in playing was something that I never really heard before out of a bass. He’s a huge dude, man. He’s probably 6’4”, 6’5”, and no matter what bass he’s playing, it looks like a ukulele.
Melody is very important. It’s important for me as a bass player to listen to everything that’s going on around me. If there’s an opportunity to be melodic underneath, then I take that opportunity. Steely Dan — The Royal Scam
That’s an iconic-bass, iconic-everything record. I can never remember the guy’s name who played bass on that but it’s mind-blowing. Just his approach. Funk, melodic, creative, oh my God, it’s just everything rolled up in one. And obscure, too. He approached songs in a very obscure way by creating—just as McCartney does—a whole other song underneath the song in his bass playing. For more about Cappella, visit Montana Wildaxe’s Facebook group or the Stone Shakers’ page.
w
August
Entertainment Schedule EVERY MONDAY: Showtime Trivia EVERY THURSDAY: DJ Willoughby EVERY FRIDAY: EDM DJ Dance Party
LIVE BANDS! SATURDAY:
COME ENJOY THE WARM WEATHER ON THE BIGGEST DECKS IN NEWARK!
8/4-Zodiac Jack 8/11-High Reaper and Grace Vonderkuhn 8/18-Small Town Throw Down 8/25-The Thieves
Lobster Bakes Are Back! Every Friday-Sunday 5pm-Close (While Supplies Last) $25.99 Includes Lobster, Mussels, Shrimp, Baked Potato, Corn on the Cob and Cornbread!
MONDAYS ½ Price Appetizers ALL DAY!
TUESDAYS ½ Price Burgers ALL DAY! $4.50 Double LIT’s
WEDNESDAYS - MEXICAN NIGHT! ½ Price Nachos & Quesadillas ALL DAY! $3.25 Dos Equis Lager & Margaritas • $2 Tacos $15.99 9oz NY Strip Steak All Day
THURSDAYS ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Wings (5pm-Close) ½ Price Burgers (11:30am-3pm) • $3.25 Rail Drinks
Next time you stop in don’t forget to sign up for our Ashby Hospitality Groups VIP Loyalty Program! 302.369.9414 | 108 West Main Street, Newark | www.deerparktavern.com
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AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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AUGUST MUSIC at Kelly’s Logan House
Now featuring early shows from 7-10 p.m. every Friday night with original local music. #livemusicforearlybirds 8/03 – The Salometers/Too Tall Slim 8/10 – Hepner’s Rebellion/Grass’n Gravel 8/17 – The Joe Trainor Trio 8/24 – Reverse Giraffe 8/31 – Eliza & The Organix/Feral Ponies
Look for these great bands upstairs!
FRIDAY, 8/03
Click - 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, 8/04
Stephanie Brown Duo - 10 p.m. Photo Elias Muhammad
FRIDAY, 8/10
Bad n Ruin - 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, 8/11
Stereo Giants - 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, 8/17
Travel Songs & High Reeper - 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, 8/18
Sidepiece - 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, 8/24
Cadillac Riot - 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, 8/25
Cher’s Playground - 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, 8/31
DJ Gifted Hands - 10:30 p.m. 1701 Delaware Ave. Wilmington, DE 19806 (302) 652-9493
LOGANHOUSE.COM Bands and times subject to change.
LISTEN
TUNED IN Not-to-be-missed music news PLAYING MUSIC FOR MICKEY
On Friday, Aug. 3, Mickeyfest takes over Delaware Park in an effort to raise funds for San Filippo Syndrome research. From 5 p.m. to midnight, bands will take the stage at the Grove to support the cause. The lineup includes Grinch, Phatboddum, Fat Daddy Has Been, Spokey Speaky, The Bullbuckers, Caravan, Steve Pepper Band, Xtra Alta, Brixton Saint, Andrew Bedell Michaela “Mickey” Merrill Collective, DJs and more. The fundraiser supports Michaela “Mickey” Merrill, a 4-year-old music lover suffering from San Filippo Syndrome, also known as MPS III. It’s a terminal genetic disorder often referred to as children’s Alzheimer’s. Mickey has subtype-A, which is the most common and, unfortunately, the most severe. As the disease progresses, children like Mickey lose their abilities to speak, walk and eat. The current life expectancy is 10-20 years. Currently there is no treatment or cure, but national and international research shows signs of potential breakthrough, so friends and family are hopeful, bringing the community together to help raise awareness and, most important, to raise money for research. Festival parking and entrance is free, but donations are strongly encouraged. Rolling Revolution food trucks, family entertainment and beer trucks also will be on hand. For more information, go to savemickey.com.
CHUNE FM GATHERS BOOK BAGS
The twilight of summer means the school year is right around the corner. Every year teachers and students alike participate in a last-minute scramble to find school supplies. This year, local online radio station Chune FM is organizing a 24/7 Back-ToSchool Bookbag Drive beginning Friday, Aug. 17, and running through Aug. 25. Chune FM is seeking sponsors to donate $100, which will result in 10 book bags being donated to students who need them. The bags will be filled with essential school supplies. The radio station was formed online in 2015 and is committed to serving the community. The book bags will be available to be picked up Saturday, Aug. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at Chicky’s Pizza Pub. Additionally, home deliveries will be happening the entire week of the drive.
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Kashmir will pay tribute to Led Zeppelin.
FORTIFY MUSIC FEST
Music lovers, mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 29. From 1-9 p.m., historic Fort DuPont will turn into festival grounds with Fortify Music Fest, bringing local bands and national-touring tribute acts together on two stages for a day of outdoor music. Don’t miss the food truck gallery and beer garden featuring local craft beers, including the brand new Fortify IPA! From The Police to David Bowie to Led Zeppelin, Fortify merges music that fans already love with up-and-coming local talent. Here’s the schedule: 1-2 p.m. June Divided with a tribute to The Police 2-3 p.m. Soraia with tribute to David Bowie and Joan Jett 3-4 p.m. Spokey Speaky with a Bob Marley tribute 4-5 p.m. Steal Your Peach with a Grateful Dead/Allman Brothers tribute 6-7 p.m. Montana Wildaxe 7-8 p.m. Joey DiTullio 8-9 p.m. Kashmir with a Led Zeppelin tribute For more, go to fortdupont.org/fortifyfest.
GLENN HUGHES COMES TO THE QUEEN
English rock bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes brings his Classic Deep Purple Live tour to the United States, stopping at Wilmington’s Queen Theater on Friday, Aug. 31. Expect a dynamic two-hour performance paying homage to Hughes’ time performing with MK 3 and MK 4 lineups of Deep Purple. Hughes, from Cannock, England, grew up with various musical influences, including early British hard rock, the Beatles and American soul and R&B. In 1973, Hughes joined the band Glenn Hughes Deep Purple. The hard-rock legends were trailblazers for others in the genre, and the iconic 1974 release of Burn made waves in the industry. Hughes’ first solo album, Play Me Out, was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982, and Hughes has since released dozens of recordings. Tickets start at $34.50. The show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, go to thequeenwilmington.com. AUGUST 2018 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
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THIRTY EVENTS
FOR THIRTY YEARS!
OutAndAboutNow.com
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Between a Rock and a
Real Hard Place A 78-foot wall of Brandywine blue gneiss was not so nice to our neophyte climber/intrepid reporter. Disco leg ensued.
By Mike Little Photos by Lindsay duPhily
I
suppose you could call me an experienced rock climber. A long time ago I attempted to scale a treacherous rock wall at Great Falls, Va.—without ropes. When serious climbers do this, it’s called bouldering. When totally inexperienced knuckleheads like me do it, it’s called stupidity. Anyway, I made it some 20 feet up a nearly vertical wall, froze when I found I couldn’t go forward or backward, developed a panic-induced trembling disorder climbers call “disco leg,” and promptly fell off the mountain. One broken ankle later, my climbing career was over. But here’s the thing: I have made it my life’s mission not to learn from my mistakes, and lately I’d been hearing the same wild call that led George Mallory to die in his attempt to scale Mt. Everest. My ankle told me to ignore it. My soaring spirit told me to get back out there and prove that painful experience had taught me nothing. Rock climbing has come a long way since I fell off that rock wall in Great Falls. Here in Delaware you can still do it the old-fashioned way; namely outdoors at the foreboding, 78-foot high wall of Brandywine blue gneiss at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington. And you can also do it indoors at the First State’s only facility dedicated solely to rock climbing and bouldering, The Delaware Rock Gym in Bear.
Rockin’ Indoors
In short, you have two great ways to get your rock on, and I decided to go the indoor route first. There I learned an amazing thing—you don’t have to break an ankle climbing. Done correctly, i.e., with harness, rope and an experienced belayer below, it’s safe as pasteurized milk. Your belayer will give you just enough rope to climb with but not enough to fall. It’s idiot-proof. Rock climbing isn’t exclusively for adults in peak physical condition. According to Matt McCorquadale, who opened the state-of-the-art Delaware Rock Gym in 2007, his customers range from near toddlers to nonagenarians. Kids are natural climbers— their strength-to-weight ratio is daunting—and as for seniors, McCorquadale told me about a 90-year-old first-timer who dropped in to celebrate his birthday. That’s what I call spunk. The first thing that strikes you about the Delaware Rock Gym is its size; we’re talking more than 11,300-plus square feet of climbing walls. But what really gets you is just how high those walls are. Forty-four feet may not mean much in the abstract, but just wait until you’ve taken in the view from the top, which I can liken only to the one you’d get as a window washer hanging outside a fourth-story window.
▲ Instructor Andrew Blinn is on belay as 15-year-old Drew Tamassia, of Greenville, ascends the Alapocas wall.
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The gym caters to everyone from beginners to experts, and for the former it’s a real confidence booster. The more experienced make do with limited finger-tip BETWEEN A ROCK AND holds, but I made it to the top every time by utilizing A REAL HARD PLACE some of the simpler color-coded routes. Holds on these continued from previous page routes are both larger and closer together, and the experience, while strenuous and occasionally nerve-wracking, isn’t all that different from climbing a ladder.
The Alapocas Wall
Alas, the self-assurance I gained at the Delaware Rock Gym ebbed away when I showed up at Alapocas Run for a park-sponsored introductory rock-climbing course on a beautiful Saturday morning in early July. I’d seen photographs of that wall of Wilmington blue rock—the remains of a quarrying operation that ended, according to Liza Androskaut, one of the course’s two instructors/belayers, in the late 1930s or early ‘40s. But it was much more intimidating in person. I can only liken it to seeing a photo of Yao Ming, the 7 ft. 6 in. former center for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and then actually meeting him—and discovering you only come up to his navel. But that wasn’t what scared me most. I’d anticipated that climbing at Alapocas Run would be easier than climbing indoors, for the simple reason that the walls at the gym go straight up, whereas most of the climbing routes at the park don’t. But here’s the thing; while the hand- and foot-holds at the rock gym were user-friendly and plentiful, a close look convinced me that such was not the case at Alapocas. And if that wasn’t enough to put the frighteners to me, the pre-climb safety lecture delivered by Androskaut was. Her brutally blunt lecture on falling rocks (“If somebody shouts ‘Rock!,’ don’t look up, it may hit you in the face. Just do your best to make yourself smaller.”) was sobering. And her equally chilling warnings about copperhead snakes and poison ivy made me wish I were someplace safer, like the Vietnam War. But it was too late to turn back, if only because this magazine had sent a photographer along and I didn’t want the only photos taken to be of me fleeing the scene. Nor did I want the other three guys taking the course to think I was chicken. And then there was the registration fee. I was to be reimbursed, but I wasn’t sure that applied in cases of outright desertion. So I donned my harness and helmet, said my prayers, and tried Mike Little (orange shorts) and others receive pre-climb into soothe myself by listening to struction from Liz Androskaut. Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” on the MP3 player that is my brain. Except it kept shuffling tracks to Tom Petty’s “Free Falling.” Very disconcerting. There were three roped routes to the top. The one on the left was clearly beyond my capacities, while the one to the far right entailed ascending a sheer face of seemingly hold-free rock that would have had Spiderman saying, “Are you kidding me?”
Paid to be Foolhardy
Which left the middle route, which I knew was possible because I’d watched our group’s only teen climber make it up before me. But he’d overcome several treacherous-looking obstacles in the process, and his very real travails ate away a bit more at my already low self-confidence. But I get paid to do the foolhardy, and I wasn’t about to let the queasy anticipation of imminent doom stand in the way of following through with a dubious life choice. No, I commenced climbing, and, slowly but methodically, I made progress. As expected, good holds were hard to come by, and making headway meant scrambling up steep inclines and hoping my feet didn’t slide out from under me. This was takeyour-chances mountain goat climbing, and I’m no mountain goat.
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2518 West 4th St. Wilmington, DE Mike gamely searches for purchase on the unfriendly wall.
And here’s what I discovered: When you’re trying to shinny up precipitous inclines like an Alpine ibex, and relying on precarious holds or no holds at all, rock climbing seems much more dangerous than it actually is. Sure, your belayer is there should you slip or lose your grip, but just try convincing your frightened inner child of this. I was scared up there to a degree far beyond what I’d experienced at the Delaware Rock Gym. At the halfway point I found myself marooned on a ledge after my rope snagged on an obstruction above me. There I was, a long way up, unable to move up, down, or even sideways. It was a real predicament and I had to suppress an almost overwhelming urge to shout (you had to shout to be heard below), “I want a search and rescue helicopter piloted by the Rock! And I want it now!” But I managed to calm myself, untangle the rope, and even ferret out a new route up, which unfortunately involved squeezing nervously through a muddy, copperhead-friendly crevasse. I was beginning to think I’d make it to the top, until I found myself face-to-face with a vertiginous knife edge of nearly vertical rock with nary a hand- or foot-hold. How had that kid managed it? I had no idea. One thing I did know: My dreams of joining Sir Edmund Hillary in the annals of climbing glory were as dead as George Mallory. Going down was even less fun than going up. It entailed releasing my death grip on that wall and leaning backward into nothingness, then taking blind and timid backward steps. It was the ultimate in trust-building exercises, and it was made worse by an incipient case of fatigue-induced disco leg. I’ve never been happier to find myself at the bottom of something in my life. I was bruised, thirsty, and I had a headache—I suspect I adjusted my helmet too tight—but I was alive, and that was cause for celebration. I could have gone up again; everybody else did. But like Bartleby the Scrivener said, “I’d prefer not to.” As I said before, climbing is safe. But why tempt fate?
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DOWNTOWN NEWARK FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL 2018
Photos by Lindsay duPhily
3. Caffé Gelato bartender Rick Patterson offers plenty of options. 1. Hailee Valichka and Jessie Ortiz with siblings Daniel Bornemann and
Kimmie Bornemann at Caffé Gelato. 2. What’s a little rain say Kim Milla, Felicia Bergman and Jordan Burgess as they enjoy a craft beer tasting on the deck at Home Grown Café.
4. Steve and Vicki Allegretto with Karen & Doug Foster at Caffé Gelato. 5. Martin & Elaine Wollaston with David Scott at a crowded Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. 6. Rich Silvesti, Zach Collings & Lindsey Killmeyer toast the Festival’s 15-year run.
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the 9 annual th
tickets on sale Aug. 13
a celebration of our state's craft producers!
saturday october 13, 2018 at the delaware agricultural museum & village, in dover, dElaware
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