It’s pretty obvious that the Milford Middle School is an old school; the architecture says it all, even if you don’t notice the historic marker at the front of the school on Lakeview Avenue.

Still, news that it will probably close this year hits close to home for those of us who spent 12 years of our lives there.

For this editor, it’s more accurate to say 10 years since I was in the first class to attend Ross Elementary School. That was for 5^th and 6^th grade.

Nevertheless, for several generations what is now known as the middle school was simply school.

We started there in 1^st grade and graduated from there, although commencement ceremonies were held downtown inside the former Schine Theater.

In addition to fond memories of proms held in the gymnasium, friendships formed on the playground and football games behind the school, that building has some unfortunate association with a dark time in history.

It’s there that in 1954, 11 local African American students were denied access to education, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to desegregate schools in the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision.

Any building that is still standing since 1929 has plenty of stories, and no doubt each student who attended class there has at least one.

 Downtown Milford seems to be growing into its brand: River Town, Art Town, Home Town.

Many folks might think of art as visual art, such as paintings and sculpture.

Others are taking art to new levels, including culinary art.

Nancy Chirdon Forster is planning to open a cooking school right here in Milford.

She says the project is in the development stage but she is aiming for a spring opening for the Italian cooking school.

Although she has not signed up for a location, the former owner of Nancy’s Cafe will teach hands-on classes in kitchen.

The classes will reflect the diversity of Italian cuisine and also incorporate local, farm-fresh ingredients.

“Italian food is not just pasta. In fact, it can be gluten-free,” she said.

She’s having a website developed so that people can register online.

In addition, the school will offer Italian products, such as cheeses, pastas and sausages for purchase.

Mrs. Forster, who has been teaching cooking classes at Polytech, says she picked Milford as the location not only because it’s where she lives, but because she believes it can be a convenient destination for folks form other communities.

“I’m totally devoted to Milford,” she said.

This new endeavor will be called Verde, the Italian word for green.

Nancy Chirdon Forster is planning to open a cooking school right here in Milford.
She says the project is in the development stage but she is aiming for a spring opening for the Italian cooking school.
Although she has not signed up for a location, the former owner of Nancy’s Cafe will teach hands-on classes in kitchen.
The classes will reflect the diversity of Italian cuisine and also incorporate local, farm-fresh ingredients.
“Italian food is not just pasta. In fact, it can be gluten-free,” she said.
She’s having a website developed so that people can register online.
In addition, the school will offer Italian products, such as cheeses, pastas and sausages for purchase.
Mrs. Forster, who has been teaching cooking classes at Polytech, says she picked Milford as the location not only because it’s where she lives, but because she believes it can be a convenient destination for folks form other communities.
“I’m totally devoted to Milford,” she said.
This new endeavor will be called Verde, the Italian word for green.

 The first Paddle Pedal Festival and 10K Run is in the history books, and happily so.

The festival, the brainchild of Gary Emory, Milford Parks & Rec director, was planned to celebrate the completion of a 30-year project, the Mispillion Riverwalk.

Many of us remember a time was a ribbon of murky wander that simply bisected downtown. The banks at times were littered with debris; let’s say it wasn’t attractive.

But Gary had a vision, and he never lost sight of transforming that same river into an asset.

I’m sure he’s logged somewhere the many grants he’s received, the pleas for matching funds from the city, the hard physical labor that’s gone into making this dream a reality.

Fortunately, Saturday’s festival was blessed with clear, crisp October weather and enthusiastic group of participants who paddled, pedaled or ran in celebration of a vital natural resource.

As a participant, I can say the course from Milford to the Cedar Creek boat ramp was just beautiful, and as Gary envisioned, an opportunity to actively appreciate the natural resources in our own community.

Technically, there’s one more piece of the project: Goat Island.

Gary hopes there will be another dedication ceremony around this time next year, and from all feedback, participants hope there will be another active festival as well.

It’s probably been at least five years since I first met Nunya and Linda Perfetti at Morris Early Childhood Center.

Linda and I were both volunteers/ mentors, and so was Nunya. We are still doing that.

Most people probably notice Nunya first because she is such a strikingly cute, curly-coated dog. I think Linda’s OK that Nunya gets most of the attention.

Nunya’s 10 years old now, and the Spanish water dog is a highly trained therapy dog. She patiently listens to children read.

     Some might think that is no big deal, but her non-judgmental ears and snuggly dog love have taken non-readers and low achievers to success in school.

     She is just a great dog, and after she listens she loves to play ball with kids.

     These days, Nunya and Linda travel to two Lake Forest elementary schools, and Linda has been going above and beyond in the support she offers struggling students.

    Nunya’s time is not promised to anyone, so students have to stay on track with their behavior in order to spend time with her.

    Guess what? They do!

    And research shows that dogs help students improve in school, and watching Nunya rest in the lap of a student reading a story is pretty much proof that she is one amazing dog.

     Linda, the lady behind the leash, also deserves a lot of credit for giving of her time, her patience and her dog to these kids.

     What a great story!

 We’re in the season of Oktoberfests, fall festivals and Punkin Chunkin is just around the corner.

That means the local growing season is winding down and farmers’ markets are either closing or just attracting fewer vendors.

Looking back over the late spring and summer, we’d have to agree that the Downtown Milford Farmers’ Market was a success.

As I have said before, the Farmers’ Market has evolved into more than just a place to pick up a few vegetables.

Regular customers turn their shopping excursion into an opportunity to socialize with friends, pick up a cup of coffee at Dolce’, browse the shops, stop by the Mispillion Art League Gallery and go to the library.

Now that we’re into October  tomatoes are nearly gone, but who isn’t attracted to the displays of pumpkins, fall and winter squash, mums and tender greens.

There’s not intent to omit the local honey, eggs, mushrooms, baked goods, meat, cheese and seafood that are available each week.

And if you aren’t sure what to do with an acorn squash, for example, just ask the farmer.

Chances are he or she knows at least a couple of easy recipes and usually the person standing next to you has something to offer as well.

That’s just the beauty of buying fresh and supporting local growers!

To be honest, this is an experiment in using photos along with text in this blog. . . so here goes!

On a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon, young vocalists from the Keenote Korale performed the National Anthem before a Phillies game in Citizens Bank Park.

What makes this interesting and local is that the young ladies study a cappella singing at the Keenote Studio in Lincoln. Debbie Kee, the founder of the music school, teaches from a small studio adjacent to their home.

Mrs. Kee, an accomplished singer and teacher, actually starts music lessons with babies as young as three months old, along with a parent, of course. Studies now show that music, and music lessons, at an early age stimulate the brain. I'm not sure those studies were complete when Mrs. Kee started her business back in the '90s.

Some students drop out once music and singing compete with Little League or dance lessons, but many continue their singing and musical experience through high school.

In addition to singing, Mrs. Kee creates and choreographs musical shows so that the students have performance opportunities, just like the one shown here.

Why the Phillies? Mrs. Kee and her husband, Ed, are very, very loyal Phillies' fans, so it seems a natural fit for this teacher to share that passion with her students.

What a thrill it must be for these young ladies to sing for more than 40,000 people in a stadium!

By all accounts, the Downtown Milford Merchants’ Association Sidewalk Sale got a thumbs up, and from some, a two thumbs up!

A sidewalk sale, to some, may not seem like such a big deal, but this venture represents a successful collaboration in more ways than one.

The goal of the event was to bring people downtown on a sunny Saturday, have them shop and find a bargain, and of course, create some interest in return traffic.

While a sidewalk sale may be seemingly simple, organizers had to do some planning and collaborating. After all, it’s been a long time since there were was such a thing in Milford.

Then very early Saturday morning, Mother Nature caused a little anxiety as a rather violent thunderstorm hovered over the area around 5 a.m.

But as dawn broke, the skies cleared, blessing the merchants with a bright and breezy day, minus heat and humidity.

Emails sent back and forth between participants express satisfaction to the point of suggesting twice a year sidewalk sales because business was good.

That’s the point!

Seems like Downtown Milford is living up to its brand: River Town, Art Town, Home Town.

The “River” obviously references the Mispillion that meanders through the heart of the town, paradoxically separating and joining Kent and Sussex counties.

The banks of the river provide a beautiful setting for countless community activities. Just last night, for example, Milford’s Night Out was held in Bicentennial Park adjacent to the river.

Two upcoming fall festivals, Riverwalk ‘Freedom’ Festival and the new Paddle/ Pedal Festival, obviously include the river as a focal point for celebration.

Art Town. . . there’s no doubt that Milford is becoming an art mecca. A new show, “Some Like It Hot,” opens with a reception Friday evening at the Mispillion Art League Gallery.

Let’s not forget that art is more inclusive than visual artists: Milford has music, live community theater and abundant culinary art.

All this wraps around the Home Town portion of the brand.

Although Night Out’s primary purpose is to create an awareness of and a positive relationship with the local police department and first responders, it’s obviously much more.

The crowd that came out to Bicentennial Park to listen to live music, socialize with friends and neighbors, have some pizza and snacks and enjoy a good time outdoors.

That’s probably a great description of a home-town event.

At least once a week, someone says “Why don’t we have a Trader Joe’s (Barnes & Noble, Taget, Whole Foods) in Milford?

The answer is not a simple one, but if people asking that question had attended the Complete Communities forum/ workshop on Thursday evening they certainly would have gained some insight.

City residents were asked to attend on their electric bills, on the city’s website, in a notice in this newspaper.

At best there were less than a dozen folks present, and no one representing the city council or planning commission, and just one person from Downtown Milford Inc. as well.

Here’s the short version on what people missed: an opportunity to provide valuable input. This is the level where opinion counts.

Hundreds of towns just like Milford want upscale retailers, but those investors are looking at things most of us don’t think about.

Yes, we’re close to ocean resorts, and yes thousands of cars drive right past us every weekend.

But investors investigate other things before they sink big bucks into a new store during a lackluster economy.

This forum addressed important issues such as gateway signs, historic preservation, walkability, bikability, and the possibility of a local shuttle service.

Claudia Furnish Leister believes that when people visit a museum, they should have an enjoyable and educational experience.
As the Milford Museum director, she believes the museum will exceed those expectations when the museum reopens on Tuesday, July 24.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are planned at 4:45 p.m.; the public reception under tents on the museum lawn runs from 5-7 p.m.
The museum was closed for 10 weeks of state-funded rehabilitation and repair, and during that time, Mrs. Leister worked on collections and exhibits.
Since the building itself is owned by the state Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the state upgraded the ramp that makes the museum handicapped accessible, replaced the failed heating system, painted the interior and purchased storm windows.
Funds from Rep. Harvey Kenton (R-Milford) and state Sen. Gay Simpson (R-Milford) paid for paving the parking lot.
Mrs. Leister estimates the total costs around $100,000.
While crews worked on the structure, Mrs. Leister, along with volunteers, worked on cataloging artifacts and creating meaningful exhibits.
Although it seems obvious, Mrs. Leister knows it’s important to have labels on each item on display to draw visitors into each exhibit.
Since space is at a premium at the building that was once Milford’s post office, Mrs. Leister created designated galleries.
For example, a lighted display case contains labelled new acquisitions to showcase items donated to the museum that may not blend with other exhibits.
She has created a map wall to highlight framed maps from Milford’s past, demonstating in minute detail how the city has changed over the years.
One portion is designated for local businesses.
A glass case holds advertising memorabilia from once thriving local businesses.
“I really want people to stand and look at them,” she said.
Other exhibits focus on African American history, shipbuilding and L.D. Caulk., and on the lower level, there’s the office of Dr. O.V. James and an Iwo Jima display.
“It’s been cleaned up and spruced up. We’ve made quite a lot of progress here. My goal is to raise the visibility of the museum in the community, and I think I’ve done that,” she said.
“We will back open, and there’s plenty to see.”

Milford will have a new festival this fall: on Saturday, Oct. 13 the Paddle Pedal Festival and 10K Run/ Walk will officially commemorate the completion of the Chaney-Wilmont Greenway.

That’s the newest portion of the Mispillion Riverwalk.

The festival commemorates the completion of a project that has been completed in phases over the past 25 years.

Paddle/ Pedal is an active festival, and one without vendors, but it’s an active festival.

Here’s how it works: starting at 7 a.m. paddlers in kayaks, canoes or rafts can register at Mispillion Marina for a paddle on the river and into town.

“There’s always been talk of a float-in to bring attention to the Mispillion River, and not is the time to float, when we have something to celebrate,”  said Gary Emory, Milford Parks & Rec director.

There is no fee to participate in the paddling portion of the festival.

The boats, kayaks and rafts will launch at 7:30 a.m. at the Mispillion Marina and are expected to arrive at the Chaney-Wilmont Greenway by 8:15 a.m.

Park dedication ceremonies are planned at 8:30 a.m.

At 9 a.m., the festival continues as cyclists, runners and walkers take off, following South East Front Street to Del. 36 down to the Cedar Creek Boat Ramp.

DelDOT agreed to close one lane of the winding, two-lane road to accommodate the event.

Cyclists will ride down and back for a 20K ride, while runners and walkers will complete a 10K course that finishes in the parking lot off Lighthouse Road.

Runners and walkers will need to plan ahead in order to have transportation back to the Chaney-Wilmont Greenway where a picnic lunch will be provided to all participants at 11 a.m.

The paddle-in is free, but pre-registration is required for the run, walk or cycling at www.cityofmilford.com. The fee is $20 for pre-registration; $25 on the day of the event.

Sounds like fun!

Six very brave people helped rescue two residents from a house fire last week.

On a very hot June 20, at 7:14 p.m. Carlisle Fire Company of Milford responded to the 911-call and arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the second floor of the occupied two-story home in the 500 block of South Washington Street.

Two occupants, Thurman “Ben” Benson and Carol Fitzgerald Robinson. were assisted out of the residence without injury by people who were at the Milford Little League Park which is located next to the residence.

According to William Carpenter, Carlisle Fire Co. chief, when the fire began, people at the ballpark saw smoke coming from the residence.

A group headed over to the house and upon arrival found the rear of the house in flames, and that both knew Mr. Benson and Ms. Robinson were still in the residence.

Chief Carpenter praised “six heroic citizens”: Casey Sharp, who carried Ms. Robinson to safety; Mike Edwards, a Houston Fire Co. captain; Shane Casper, Tom Cahall, Samantha Wright, a Houston Fire Co. member, and Larry Jarrell.

“These six folks entered the burning home and escorted Thurman out of the house as well as located Carol in the living room and carried her to safety. The group also searched as much as possible for the grandchildren. Once outside they were able to determine that the grandchildren were not inside the home. While inside doing the search, the group also located important medical equipment and medication for Carol and moved those items outside as well before they were driven out by the smoke and heat. They then waited for fire apparatus to arrive on scene,” said Chief Carpenter.

“These people went above and beyond to get into the home, to rescue Carol, search for the Grandchildren and remove equipment that could have been hazardous to the firefighters if it had remained in the residence,” he added.

We have to echo the chief’s praises: these courageous folks are hometown heroes.

Summer time and the living is easy, but not for everyone.

Since school is out for the summer, some kids aren't getting fed. It's unfortunate, but true. Some families have become dependent on meals provided at school: breakfast and lunch. Some children even qualify for backpacks of food to carry them through the weekend.

The Food Bank of Delaware helps fill the gaps through community-based agencies, such as churches or child-care center.

So the Food Bank needs on-going donations to restock its warehouse, one of which is located in Milford.

Right now, a major industry is leading a big campaign to assist the Food Bank of Delaware.

Businesses, faith-based organizations, community organizations and others can host food drives to benefit Perdue’s Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.

Through the challenge, Perdue will match up to $10,000 worth of food, funds and volunteer hours raised by the community during the Shorebirds’ regular season and provide an additional $5,000 earned through the Shorebirds’ strikeouts.

The Food Bank of Delaware will split the $15,000 amongst two other Delmarva food banks - Food Bank of Maryland and Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

Some of the Food Bank of Delaware’s most needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, tuna fish, peanut butter, canned meats, pop-top microwaveable meals (raviolis, spaghetti and meatballs, etc.), cereal, fruit cups and shelf-stable milk,
In addition to hosting food drives, the community can also get involved by organizing fundraisers or volunteering at the food bank’s facility in Milford.

The Food Bank of Delaware distributes between seven and 10 million pounds of food and grocery products each year its network of 475 hunger-relief program throughout the state and also provides thousands of meals a month for children through the After-School Feeding Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Backpack Program.

The Food Bank’s hunger-relief programs directly provide for 241,600 Delawareans at risk of going without meals each year.

For more information about the Food Bank of Delaware, visit www.fbd.org or call (302) 292-1305.

So here’s an issue nobody is talking about. . . yet.

There are no public restrooms in downtown Milford.  Yes, there are bathrooms at the Milford Public Library, but they are becoming overused and abused, according to Kay M. Hudson, library director.

Here’s what’s been happening: people soil and dirty the bathroom floors and walls. Now the library has to pay for someone to come in and clean twice a day.

For security reasons, the bathrooms are locked, so people come in off the street and want to use the bathroom. Staff has to hand out and monitor the keys.

At this time of year, the problem is really a problem because downtown is bustling with the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. No bathrooms for patrons or vendors.

The city is actively encouraging people to use and enjoy the Riverwalk. No bathrooms.

The city basketball court is often crowded. No bathrooms.

Talking with Milford City Manager Richard Carmean, it seems like their might be an opportunity to address and remedy the problem when the new water department is built on Washington Street.

Let’s see if this problem gets flushed out!

OK. . . bad pun!

If you really want to have a say in the future of the Milford community, here’s your chance.

The University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration is trying to spread the word to invite Milford-area residents to take an online Visual Preference Survey (VPS) as part of the Planning for Complete Communities project.  

As part of the Planning for Complete Communities in Delaware project, the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration (IPA) facilitated a workshop on May 15 at Milford’s City Hall and administered a Visual Preference Survey to workshop participations.

Marcia Scott, an associate policy scientist, explained that a VPS is a tool that is useful at assessing the public’s perspective on images of natural and built environments. The process involves asking participants to view and rate a wide variety of images depicting streetscapes, land use, site design, building type, aesthetics and amenities.

The intent of the survey is to gauge general opinions of respondents, inform the planning process, and better define the vision of the Milford community.

Milford-area residents are also invited to take the VPS online until July 10.

 
The survey may be viewed on the city of Milford's web site by clicking the appropriate link on the home page.

This editor participated in the survey. It offers some interesting choices, but it takes more than a few minutes to complete.

Not many press events are actually fun.

This past week there were two exceptions.

Root Gourmet hosted a small media event at its Rehoboth next to Nage restaurant.

 Root offers a variety of hand-made artisan food from hors d’oeuvres to desserts, including a kids’ menu, plus options to eat in, take out or having a meal delivered starting in July.

Nage is already a star  in the beach culinary scene, so Root seems destined to take take-out to the next level.

Root has a gourmet pantry stocked with fresh vinegars, oils, jams and sauces. A private blend coffee from Notting Hill in Lewes is available.

Steve McLerran, a marketing and image consultant, was called in to design the new image that Root wanted to project.

Customers are welcomed by fresh produce, display cases featuring an array of selections of salads, sides, entrees and further down the aisle, home-made cakes, pies and breads.

A featured promotion is a dinner for four for $44 that includes choices of sides, entrees, salads and home-baked bread.

Next: Members of Delaware’s social media community gathered Wednesday at Abbott’s Grill to link up and network, tweet about the finest wines and tastiest beers the First State has to offer and hear details on enhancements to the Delaware Tourism Office’s Delaware Wine and Ale Trail.

The event, dubbed Tweet The Trail, drew some of Delaware’s most active tweeters as well as media and representatives from the 12 Wine and Ale Trail sites.

Upgrades to the trail, which now features a passport and prize system similar to the one on the Delaware History Trail.

Participants who download a passport and visit at least eight of the dozen sites will receive a Delaware Wine and Ale Trail wine glass or beer mug.

Trail sites are now also fitted with signs that feature MS tags that, when scanned with a mobile ap, connect visitors with a feedback site at the state Tourism Office website, where comments and photos can be posted and shared.

While the news of the day was the enhancements to the trail, a storyline that ran neck-and-neck as a headline was the use of a tweet-up event like Tweet The Trail to announce and disseminate news on a digital platform.

In addition to networking and tweeting about the trail, participants also took part in contests and received free items from participating breweries and wineries.

From this perspective, everyone had a great time!

One of the best things about being a journalist is that it's OK to ask questions, and the answers often reveal people's true passions.

For example, at Saturday's Peace, Love & Horseshoe Crab Festival on Saturday, I was quite fortunate to strike up a conversation with Jacquie Clark on the deck of the DuPont Nature Center.

I learned Ms. Clark is an ornithologist from Great Britain who vacations in Slaughter Beach. It’s a working vacation, but obviously a labor of love to monitor and band migratory shorebirds for the Delaware Shorebird Project.

According to its website, since 2005 the Delaware Shorebird Project has conducted research and monitoring on the health and status of shorebird populations including Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin and Semipalmated Sandpiper.

The program is currently managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

As Ms. Clark set up her binoculars on the center’s deck, she was willing to discuss her involvement with the project.

For her, it’s a treat since it gets her away from a desk and provides hands-on experience with the birds.

Believe it or not, this site in Delaware is unique. (As an aside which reveals some personal ignorance, when I was growing up Slaughter Beach was not a destination other than to have an under-age adult beverage with your friends.)

“There is nowhere else like this in the world. It’s an incredible site,” she said.

Nature provides abundant and necessary nutrition for the red knots who migrate from Tierra del Fuego in South America to breeding grounds in the Arctic.

While stopping here, they are able to feast on nutritious horseshoe crab eggs, within three to four weeks they have regained weight and move one.

In the Arctic, they dine on insects, including mosquitoes, Ms. Clark explained.

Once the chicks are hatched, they are able to pretty much fend for themselves, and the adults head back to South America.

That's the short version of this natural symphony. Scientists like Ms. Clark study the details to preserve this miracle for future generations, and that's why they vacation in Delaware.

Hard to believe it’s mid May, a month that’s jammed packed with community festivals, Little League games and civic fundraisers.

But one veteran wants folks to pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day.

Mac Foster is an 88-year-old World War II U.S. Army veteran who’s also a musician.

He’s put together a Memorial Day observance at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28 inside the Milford Senior Center.

Note, inside.

The venue has changed this year.

In the past few years, the Memorial Day program was held outside in Bicentennial Park, a lovely setting adjacent to the Mispillion River.

The only problem has been that by 10 a.m., the temperature and humidity rose to uncomfortable levels for many people.

Mr. Foster also thinks the weather might have kept some older people from attending.

He said in the past the senior center had served as a back-up setting for the program, leaving room for uncertainty if the weather looked iffy.

So with a site in place, Mr. Foster lined up the Milford Community Band and several veterans’ organizations for a program that focuses on the 150^th anniversary of the American Civil War.

Included in the program are vocalist Rachel Gutshall singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Michael Mignogno, portraying Abraham Lincoln and reading the Gettysburg Address.

No doubt, Mr. Foster and other veterans would be pleased if this commemoration becomes a standing-room only event.

If this program is anything like his Veterans’ Day observations, the audience will be proud that they spend an hour paying tribute to fallen heroes.

Anyone who thinks his or her vote doesn’t count needs to think again.

The polls in Harrington closed promptly at 8 p.m., ending the day’s municipal election.

On the ballot were two council seats.

A handful of people filed in to listen to the tally while a Kent County election official expertly folded up the voting machines. The clocked ticked in council chambers.

The city clerk and election officers conferred: the charter required them to recount the absentee ballots. The ladies, one carrying papers and a wooden box, left the room.  Mayor Gene Price and Terry Tieman, city manager, realized the election was close.

The candidates waited, standing against the wall. The door opened and officials were back for the announcement.

In District 4, the tally was Cheryl Lahman, 39 to 11 votes for Brian P. Slattery. In District 2, challenger Amy Minner got 61 votes and incumbent Jack Stewart got 60.

One vote made a difference, the difference. Mrs. Minner burst into tears, and Mr. Stewart hugged her.

They shook hands, and vowed to work together. What if there had been a tie? Even long-time Mayor Price wasn’t sure what would have happened.

But everyone commented on the significance of that one vote.

 On Saturday, Milford will celebrate its 9^th annual Bug & Bud Festival so organizers are praying for blue skies, sunshine and mild temperatures.

Those new to Milford or outside the community may be thinking “What the heck is that?” the first time they hear the festival’s name.

Bug and Bud can be the brunt of some word play and jokes.

That’s OK. We have a sense of humor.

This festival celebrates spring, nature, the environment, Arbor Day and a very important piece of local history all on one day. How great is that!

Let’s start with the historical piece, the Bug part of the name.

In 1974, a class of local second grade students led by their teacher Mollie Brown Rust, successfully lobbied the state legislature to have the ladybug officially designated as Delaware’s state bug.

Milford started celebrating this accomplishment at  the urging of Dan and Rhonda Bond who opened The Ladybug Shop, a boutique in the historic part of the city.

The Bud in the festival’s name connects to Arbor Day, and also the fact that Milford maintains a Tree City designation.

On Saturday, look for a ladybug-themed parade and free rides on the Mispillion River in ladybug paddle boats. Milford Parks & Rec will give away tree seedlings, and there will be food and craft vendors, live entertainment and lots of community camaraderie.

See you there!

City meetings can be oh so boring and dull. No surprise there!

Although decorum was maintained, sparks flew, though, at Wednesday evening’s Economic Development Advisory Council.

Space is limited here, but in a nutshell, Dave Stevenson, a Milford resident and spokesman for the Caesar Rodney Institute, wanted the panel to consider selling the city’s electric operation to Delaware Electric Cooperative.

 As a prelude to his presentation, he wrote a guest opinion that appeared in the April 18 Milford Chronicle that started ruffling some feathers.

 Mr. Stevenson argued that in the long run citizens would not only get a lower rate but the move would attract manufacturers to locate here to broaden the tax base and boost the local economy.

 No surprise but the proposal met with strong opposition not only from panel members Garrett Grier III (also a councilman), Bob Connelly and Irv Ambrose, but also from city manager Richard Carmean.

 Second Ward Councilman Skip Pikus was in the audience next to this editor and also thought the proposal totally lacked merit.

 Will Mr. Stevenson bring his plan to council or is it dead in the water? That remains to be seen.

Do you need an invitation to blog?

Technically, no. But here it is.

This is an invitation to sign on as a blogger at delaware.newszap.com. (Click on blogs in the bar across the top of the home page, and go from there.)

It’s easy, free and a chance to be heard. Really, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to blogging.

You can write about anything from baseball to raising chickens and/or children, from literature to well, your own life, past or present or future. A blog can be an opportunity to share vacation planning, growing tomatoes, your reflections on gas prices, politics and mosquitoes.

Believe or not, readers love an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and successes, from your thoughts and everyday experiences.

Blogs are also an opportunity to get club, organizations or group news out to the public, whether it’s to share a message or to recruit more members.

Writing a blog is not a huge commitment in terms of time or effort; it’s short and quick because there is always tomorrow to write some more.

Bloggers are not locked into a single subject, so it’s perfectly acceptable to share thoughts on many subjects. After all, life is a changing canvas.

Blogs are about sharing the focus of your life, and we all know that can change from day to day or season to season.

Sign up and see how it goes for you!

 One benefit of working as a journalist is that each day affords an opportunity to learn, and most days, there’s more than one opportunity.

Another benefit is that I get to meet some pretty inspiring people.

For example, this week’s cover story about cancer ties in with a special health-related section inside.

The news is good: Delaware’s cancer mortality rate is declining.

To put a face on the facts, I talked with two extremely inspiring women, both of whom are not only cancer survivors but also advocates on behalf of cancer patients.

They have become active on many levels in the battle against cancer.

In addition, I had the opportunity to briefly interview Dr. Rishi Sawheny, Bayhealth Medical Center’s chief oncologist.

He offered several pieces of good news.

Did you know that Bayhealth has a cancer research team?

Did you know that 50 percent of cancers are preventable? That’s pretty amazing!

Healthy lifestyle choices do make a difference, he said.

I hope that I have another opportunity to do more stories about cancer research right in our own backyard!

 You know you are over the hill when . . . sounds like a birthday card from your best friend.

Here’s a new marker: You know you’re old when there is a big music festival and you don’t recognize the names of  any of the performers.M

The Black Keys, Jack White and more than 30 other acts will hit the stage for the Firefly Music Festival at the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway in Delaware. The two-day festival kicks off July 20 through July 22, and also features John Legend, Death Cab for Cutie and Lupe Fiasco.

Other featured acts include Passion Pit, OK Go, Tinie Tempah and Young the Giant.

I’m admitting total ignorance of this genre of music.

This festival must be a big deal. It’s gotten attention from media in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.

A quick visit to the event website shows there is more than music in what is billed as “unique” dining experiences and beverages from local breweries and wineries.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds benefit a music program at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are set to go on sale Thursday.

The festival coincides with the first weekend of the Delaware State Fair. (I know who Jason Aldean is!)

Is  some indication that Central Delaware could be branded as a music mecca? We’ll see!

It’s just a month until Downtown Milford Inc.’s Bug & Bud Festival.

On Saturday, April 28, rain or shine, folks will celebrate Milford’s connection to Delaware’s state bug, the ladybug.

In the 1970s, a second-grade teacher named Molly Brown and her students petitioned the state legislature to have the spotted ladybug designated as our state bug.

But it was not until 30 years later that Dan Bond, a new resident at the time, conceived the idea of a parade, festival and celebration.

Mr. Bond and his wife, who own The Towers Bed & Breakfast, also opened the LadyBug Shop on North West Front Street.

Some of those second graders as well as their teacher, now Molly Brown Rust, were on hand for the inaugural festival.

After the first festival the costumed parade grew, and ladybug paddleboats are available for free rides on the Mispillion River.

The festival is also a commemoration of Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Yes, the festival is bigger, but the charm remains with plenty of festival-goers goers enjoying the day in ladybug costumes or accessories.

Don’t miss the fun! Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for updates in the Milford Chronicle and on the Milford Chronicle’s Facebook page.

The festival starts around 9 a.m.

My, how times have changed!

In this editor’s corner of the world, gathering and reporting community news is a whole new ballgame.

I remember the world before Facebook, Google and Wikipedia, even when keystrokes were tapped on a bulky electric typewriter.

Yes, typewriter. Not computer.

So fast forward to social media and smart phones.

When I checked my e-mail this morning, a local friend who does not use Facebook, asked if I was aware of a police incident that allegedly occurred late last night.

Hmm. She has a good track record and keeps her ear to the ground, even without Facebook.

So when I moved over to Facebook, several friends mentioned that incident. No details, because they too wondered what was going on.

Back to e-mail. No release yet from Milford Police, so I tapped out a brief request to the one of the lieutenants.

Soon, I think, I’ll have some information to post on Delaware.newszap.com, on Facebook, and then I’ll write something up for the Milford Chronicle.

Electronic, then print!

Time have changed.

There’s a new section of the Mispillion Riverwalk, east of downtown Milford. Construction is complete, and the walkway and 30-foot floating dock is visible to travelers on North East Front Street, but some residents are left wondering how to access the improved area.

To say that provides an unexpectedly beautiful view of the Mispillion River is an understatement.

Unlike the narrow river flowing through downtown Milford, this portion of the river is wide and its banks curve and wind around toward Goat Island and eventually the Delaware Bay.

Residents driving to this portion of the Riverwalk should follow Marshall Street to a small, paved parking area.

Pedestrians walking from downtown need to detour at Memorial Park, then walk through the Calvary Church parking lot to Columbia Street and then access the path.

The city’s parks are closed from dusk to dawn, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Read more about this park in the March 28^th Milford Chronicle.

In this writer’s mind, on Sunday Milford lived up to its brand: River Town, Art Town, Home Town.

On a foggy Sunday morning, I joined eight other folks for Rosemary Connelly’s Watercolor Journaling Workshop at the Studios Upstairs.

The open space overlooking Walnut Street made for a nice classroom space with windows providing a view of the Mispillion River and a portion of the winding Riverwalk.

About half of us had previously taken one of Rosemary’s workshops, so this time we got some instruction in lines and in color mixing followed by an opportunity to practice.

When the fog lifted, the class moved outdoors to paint en plein air.

How nice it was to capture the sweet little pansies and ornamental cabbages in a watercolor journal while getting a cheery good morning from ambitious runners passing by.

Believe it or not, two of the students travelled from the Wilmington area to attend this workshop.

Milford, my home town, is becoming a destination too.

Nothing reveals the truth like hands-on education, or in the case of the distracted driver simulator, hands-off education.

Throughout the day, Officer Joey Melvin, school resource officer, and teachers shepherded about 500 Milford High School students  into the auditorium where they and this editor learned the dangers of distracted driving.

They watched an emotional  video and then took a turn behind the wheel of a driving and texting simulator.

Here’s how it worked:  you sit behind the wheel and drive, then the phone rings with a text message.

Easy? Not!

The simulator’s steering was extremely sensitive, so it was difficult to keep the vehicle on the road while maintaining the 45 mph speed limit.

This driver swerved, even before responding to the phone.

The young man monitoring the equipment had the authority to write a faux ticket, complete with a fine.

Truth be told, it’s very difficult and very unsafe to text and drive. This editor was ticketed for swerving, driving too slow, driving off the road, speeding and driving on the shoulder.

Grand total: $2,500 fine plus some nausea from the swerving.

Some student rides ended in less than a minute due to a fatal crash.

The program was funded through the state Office of Highway Safety.

One of the interesting things about working as a community journalist is being able to witness grass-root success stories.

Tuesday evening the Milford-based  Delaware Community Appreciation Group hosted a fundraiser at the Greene Turtle in the Village of Five Points, Lewes.

Butch Elzey, a Milford businessman, started this non-profit organization about six years ago to help wounded soldiers returning to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

After garnering a lot of community support, Mr. Elzey got the powers-that-be to allow this group to host a Fathers Day barbecue in the courtyard outside the Mologne House on the center campus.

It was all volunteer, including a live rock ‘n roll band, The Movies.

That day was the start of an on-going effort and labor of love, and despite a recession, the support continues.

Walter Reed shut down and the veterans were moved to Bethesda Naval Medical Center, and another barbecue is planned for Fathers Day this year.

Meanwhile, after learning about individual veteran's needs and struggling with  bureaucratic red tape, the group’s efforts  focus more recently on Delaware veterans.

There was a strong show of support at Tuesday’s event as Milford's city manager, chief of police, several council members and many, many friends packed the restaurant.

I don’t have a tally from Butch yet, and there’s more to this story which I’ll leave for another blog.

Inside this week’s Milford Chronicle is a 16-page special Progress section, an opportunity to tout just a portion of the progress Milford has seen in the last few years.

Milford’s zip code 19963 grew by 26.9 percent, and an overwhelming number of those new residents, 91.78 percent, were in the 60-65 age bracket.

From an editor’s point of view, there was no problem finding stories about progress. . . positive stories.

In preparing content, I talked with people who had been here for decades, people who had seen boom and bust, as well as some newer Milfordians.

The section takes a look on how Milford is growing into its brand: River Town, Art Town, Home Town.

The bottom line seems to be that Milford is a work in progress, and perhaps the one flaw with this section is that the stories are incomplete, unfinished and a snapshot in time.

I’m betting that future stories are in the making about how Milford becomes an even larger star in the state’s crown, a regional destination for art, culture and ecotourism.

So many residents are committed to Milford, willing to donate time, talent and resources to improve business, culture and quality of life.

Almost there! On Saturday evening, we change all the clocks to Daylight Savings Time. The old adage is spring forward, fall back.

This editor is more than willing to sacrifice an hour of sleep to gain an hour of sunshine at the end of the day.

There are never enough hours in the day anyway, and Daylight Savings Time means we have a survived yet another winter.

This winter, thank goodness, didn’t require the traditional survival skills.

Once we officially move into spring, in addition to the spring cleaning and the yard clean-up, there’s some not-to-be missed fun.

Monday night is the third and final Magic Monday at 7 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Milford Senior Center.

On St. Paddy’s Day, we will all be seeing green at the Toast the Town Pub Crawl.

Get a t-shirt now for $15. More on these festivities in the Milford Chronicle and The Journal.

Jon Stetson, a mentalist, takes the stage March 12 on the third and final performance in Milford’s Magic Mondays series.

By all accounts, these shows have been a success. Over 200 people packed the house for January and February’s performances.

Those who have enjoyed the show know that magic has taken on a whole new meaning, as in laugh out loud fun and a sense of suspense that probably went over the heads of children in the audience.

There’s also a bonus included in the $15 ticket price. The performers reappear after the curtain falls to mingle tableside with the audience, show off a few bonus tricks and chat.

In addition, the cash bar at the Milford Senior Center opens before the curtain rises, and after the show refreshments are available from a local restaurant.

Tickets are $15, and show time is 7 p.m. Monday.

Just a reminder: Daylight Savings Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11. Spring forward. Fall back.

March entered like a lamb, and with a hint of spring community activity increases.

This weekend, for example, Milford lives up to its branding as an Art Town. A student show opens March 2 at the Mispillion Art League Gallery, coinciding with the Second Street Players’ production of “Golden Goose,” children’s dessert theater.

But that’s not all. Milford High School is staging its spring musical, “Annie,” this weekend. And if it’s dinner and a show you’re after, the Lions Club annual Spaghetti Dinner is right at the high school on Saturday. The civic group offers a discount for theater-goers.

Looking ahead. . . there’s a buzz about the third Magic Monday on March 12 and of course, the 2^nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on March 17.

Kelly green t-shirts for that event are now on sale at the participating venues and at the Downtown Milford office on Washington Street.

Is there anyone out there who remembers the damage from the March 1962 storm that ravaged the East Coast and caused a total of 40 deaths, including several in this area?

The impact of the storm has been recorded by Michael Oates in a film documentary in which he talks with Rehoboth Beach residents.

The University of Delaware’s Department of Geography prepared a 1977 report about coastal storm damage.

According to this report, Bowers Beach was the hardest hit area in Kent County; Rehoboth Beach took the worst hit in Sussex, with the worst property damage between the Henlopen Hotel.

Those few sentences don’t do justice to the impact of the storm; the university’s report addressed proposed policy changes.

There’s even a Facebook page to address the Storm of ‘62, now 50 years later.

If you’re old enough, what do you remember?

Cooking can be fun, and it can also be competitive.

Back up to the fun: I was surprised to see more than 30 people at Saturday morning’s cooking class at Abbott’s Grill.

Talking with Laura Burton, the restaurant’s manager, I learned the cooking classes are always a draw.

I didn’t have time to stop and see what Chef Ryan Cunningham was doing because I had to cover another event, but everyone was attentively watching him create some mother sauces.

Segue into the contests: the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford sent out a call for entries to this year’s Chili Cooking Contest at the Heritage at Milford.

It’s only fair to state that Ryan is the defending champion in the chef’s category, and Steve Monz took the blue ribbon in the Wanna-be competition last year.

Entrants must call the chamber office at 422-3344 by Feb. 29 to participate. You can also email milford@milfordchamber.com.

A disclaimer: This editor is NOT a judge.

On a bright and sunny Friday afternoon, there's a hint of spring in the air.

Crocuses are in bloom in downtown flower beds, and some folks see their daffodil blooms nodding in the breeze.

This evening in Milford, support the "Art Town"  by stopping by a reception at the Mispillion Art League Gallery. It starts at 5 p.m.  In addition to the winter show, this exhibit includes what organizers are calling a show-within-a-show, a tribute to Black History Month.

After visiting the gallery, walk across the street to the Riverfront Theatre for the Second Street Players production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Obviously an adult-themed drama, this show promises to entertain.  Curtain time is 8 p.m.

Tomorrow morning, there's a Black Histor Month Forum in the Smith Meeting Room at the Milford Public Library. At 10 a.m., Orlando Camp will discuss his personal experiences with a failed attempt to desegregate the Milford School District in 1954. Free and open to the public.

Afterwards, why not take advantage of spring-like temperatures and walk the Riverwalk?

Why not?

There are champions, then there are champions.
Will Fern, the 2011 International Champion of Strolling Magic, will be right here in Milford on Monday evening.
His show is the second in Milford’s Magic Monday series.
Curtain time is 7 p.m. in the Crystal Room in the Milford Senior Center.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
According to Mr. Fern’s web site, his fascination with magic started in the third grade. With detours for college and a stint in the corporate world, he parlayed his love for magic into a full-time career in 1992. He’s performed in Europe, New Zealand and Hollywood.
The 200 or so people who came out to the inaugural show last month were not disappointed.
In fact, they enjoyed the entertainment so much about half hung around after the curtain fell for some more magic, coffee and dessert.
Hosted by DMI and the famed Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville, Del., the three monthly shows features award-winning comedic magicians from around the country.
A cash bar is available.
Shows start at 7 p.m. promptly. Following the show, at 8 p.m. there will be refreshments and desserts for purchase from Abbott‘s Grill.