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Archive for May, 2014

May 16th, 2014

Brunch & Bubbly, Lewes Yacht Club, Lewes, Fundraising, Event, Sunday, May 18th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Children & Families First, An Afternoon of Spring Fashion, Fun & Beauty, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

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Eat & Drink!!!! Lewes Yacht Club’s exclusive “Champagne Bar”, Hot Crab Dip with Crostini, Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Salmon, Brie in Raspberry Cups, Fresh Fruits and Cheeses…..and plenty more.

Shop!!!  Some of the shops attending will be Jane & Georgie, Ocean Retreat Day Spa & Salon, Caitlyn’s Candles, Blooming Boutique, Taylor’s Toffee, Square Peg, Sea Glass Originals and Seascape Treasure.

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Brunch & Bubbly is a fundraising event taking place on Sunday, May 18th, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Lewes Yacht Club, located at 2701 Cedar St. in Lewes, Delaware.  This club has been in existence since 1934.  The scenery is breathtaking. Directions can be found at http://www.lewesyc.com/home/directions.html.

It will be a fun afternoon….relax, shop, eat, and listen to Nancy Micciulla who will be entertaining guests.  For tickets, please call 302-604-6277.  Tickets are $35/person.

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Children & Families first is an organization that started in 1884.  They provide services in 5 agency locations throughout Delaware, as well as in homes, schools, and other community sites.  The location in Georgetown is at 410 S. Bedford St.

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The mission of Children & Families First is to help families develop solutions to meet challenges and embrace opportunities.

And, their vision is to see communities where children are nurtured and safe, individuals are valued, and families are strong.

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If you would like to learn more about Children & Families First, please visit http://www.cffde.org.

Through the year fundraising events are held and for Southern Delaware this first event is always an important one.

SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, October 11, 2014 is A Taste of Art of Southern Delaware at Indy Hall at Independence…..should be a must on your calendar….more to come later.

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May 14th, 2014

The Birch Tree Cafe, Clarksville, Delaware, Restaurant, 100% Gluten Free, Espresso Bar, Smoothies, Baked Shoppe, Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, Delaware Eats Gluten Free, Delaware Beaches, Welcome to The Beaches

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When my husband, John, was first diagnosed 6 years ago with celiac disease, eating gluten free became a way of life.  It is the only treatment for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.  It is an allergy to wheat and its derivatives.  It does not stop just by not eating gluten, but also, you have to watch out for products that contain gluten and cross-contamination.  Believe me, there are many, including prescription drugs.

Needless to say, we learned quickly and just like anything, you adapt.  He really would have preferred to have had chicken fried steak, sweet breads, or anything traditionally cooked, but all in all he was pretty good about it.  He had to.

In 2008 people would say, how lucky we were because prior to that year, not much was on the market.  Nowadays, I say, how lucky everyone is because restaurants, grocery stores, and gourmet shops have jumped on the band wagon….oh yes, it is definitely a business.  There is still more to do but if you have a gluten allergy, then, Welcome to the Beach!

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The Birch Tree Cafe is Delaware’s 100% Gluten Free restaurant.  It is also an espresso bar and a bake shoppe.  It is located in Clarksville, which is about 4 miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26.  The actual address is 31826 Good Earth Lane.  Tel. 302-539-2468.  You can find The Birch Tree Cafe on Facebook and Twitter.

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I stopped by to get a few things for a friend in Rehoboth Beach.  Some special treats.  It was late in the day, but Cathy Berzins, Co-Owner, and Chef, was there like always.  She opens every day.  And, this is what I got.

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Muffins:  2 cinnamon, 2, blueberry, 2 chocolate chip….my friend has a sweet tooth.  These muffins, besides being gluten free were also dairy free and nut free.

Everything is baked by Cathy from scratch, so I also got Multi Grain with Flax bread; 6 whole grains plus flaxeed.

Could not resist the Pecan Brownies….a classic made also dairy free.

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Living Gluten Free in Delaware….is all about food.  Every 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. the public is invited to join The Birch Tree Cafe and discuss the Gluten Feree Lifestyle.  Share recipes, stores, and dining advice….we all have something to say about that, cooking/baking how-to’s and product information.  Cathy will also have samplins.  Any questions, pease call 302-539-2468.

The Birch Tree Cafe features its own pizza crust.  To me, that was the hardest thing to achieve.  Cathy also offers quiche, sandwiches, salads and soups.  Her cream of crab soup is her signature dish.  If you have been coming to Bethany Beach, you might remember that Cathy owned South Bethany Seafood Market.  The soup is made with organic cream, organic milk and touched with a finish of sherry.

Her breads and muffins can be ordered in quatities, just give her a call.  Any other dietary restrictions or allergies….she can handle that, as well.

The Birch Tree Cafe sits inside Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, http://www.goodearthmarket.com.  You walk through the market and pick up natural products, groceries, and then step outside to see the actual farm.

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Now you know that if you have celiac disease or gluten allergy, even a sensitivity…..the Delaware Beaches have it all.  You don’t have to arrive carrying tons of groceries.  Relax, you are at the Beach!

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Have a great day!

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May 12th, 2014

Destination? Nectar, Cafe, Juice Bar, Historic Lewes, Delaware, Opens Every Day, Breakfast, Lunch, Delaware Beaches

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A one year anniversary….hard to believe it, but Sara McKewon, proprietor of Nectar, has been busy giving customers some delicious juices, breakfast, and lunch.  Nectar is located at 111 Neils Alley in Historic Lewes, Delaware.  It opens every day from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Tel. 302-645-5842

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Love Beet Salad

Love Beet Salad

Step into Nectar and get a feeling of comfort….Customers can take a seat at the bar, relax on the sofa, or grab a table in the back.

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Consistently good, with attentive service and reasonable prices. Passing by the homemade baked goods….they looked so enticing.  Guess what?  We resisted.

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Jody and I got together and started with a couple of juices.

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On the left of the photos is Heavy Metal Detox.  This juice had cilantro, flaxeed, lemon, lime, and apple.  It contained natural chelators that flush heavy metals such as mercury from the body.  On the right, Morning After….Lemon, ginger, apple, spinach, kale and pineapple.  A hangover cure to relieve nausea, stabilize blood sugars and balance pH.

If you love cilantro, try the Heavy Metal Detox.  And if you like ginger then Morning After will be a winner.

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We actually chose traditional breakfasts:

My omelette with mushrooms and spinach was exactly what I needed.  The side dish?  Sweet potatoes.

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Jody’s eggs….bacon and fresh fruit.

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Reviewing a restaurant can be tricky.  The writer tells you that you are going to love it.  But, in reality it is a very personal opinion.  Nectar has a little of everything for every taste.  Wholesome, fresh food.   And, who wouldn’t want that?

So, stop by and let me know what you think.

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May 11th, 2014

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 74 Degrees, Blue Skies, Delaware Beaches, Cafe Papillon, Crepes, Authentic French Cafe, Happy Mother’s Day, An Awesome Day in the Nation’s Summer Capital

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We took off early this a.m. for Cafe Papillon, located at the Penny Lane Mall, 42 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  It is right on the ocean block.  It is one of my favorite places in the summer to grab an authentic crepe.  Tel. 302-227-7568.  Website?  http://www.cafepapillon.com.  Cafe Papillon has been in Rehoboth Beach for over 20 years.

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Jerome was at his usual spot….cooking away.  Always very serious.  He never changes.  These photos are new today, but I could show you the ones from years back and he truly does look the same.  Scarf and all.  We got there just in time.  A line was starting to form.  Jerome would be cooking 2 crepes for us; a strawberry and nutella and an egg, smoked, salmon, cheese and tomato.  Cafe Papillon is at street level, so customers can get up close and personal.

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Love to see how easily he prepares them….mine was looking awesome.

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At Cafe Papillon there is outdoor seating.

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But, for John, Miochael and I…sitting on one of Rehoboth Beach’s iconic benches, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was priceless!  Our crepes were delicious!

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I take this photo every time I go to Rehoboth’s award-winning boardwalk.  My kids reminded me of it.  Never get tired of it.  It feels so good to be here and I don’t take it for granted.

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The sky is so blue today and the ocean is perfect.  Not too many people this morning…..Mother’s Day activities are on the schedule.

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The Nation’s Summer Capital is ready for Summer of 2014….with that comes, meters, crowds….heat waves.  All are very much welcomed.

Have a wonderful day!!!  74 degrees?  We’ll take it any time.

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May 11th, 2014

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! Enjoy the Day!!

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I wish all my friends and readers a beautiful day.  I remember when I became a Mother, I was totally complete.

For those of you you who Mother someone in your life….Happy Mother’s Day!

Note:  The photo was taken in Bethany Beach the other day.  It is not unusual to see families like this throughout the Delaware Beaches in the Spring.  I never get tired of looking at them.

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May 9th, 2014

Destination? Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Annual 5K Fun Run, 3K Walk, Breast Cancer Fundraising Event, Saturday, May 10th, Show Up!! Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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After months of constant work to put such an event Annie Raskauskas is actually ready.  A cause so dear to her heart….

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Volunteers gathered at Bethany Area Realty on Rt. 26 in Bethany Beach to rally and also to get their orders.  Others, showed up to sign up.  There is still plenty of time to register.  Just arrive at the Bandstand in Bethany Beach on Saturday between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

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There was much anticipation….The theme this year is Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer.  So, needless to say, hot dogs and all the trimmings associated with baseball were there.

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Annie welcomed all of the volunteers that have been helping her over the years back.  The new volunteers got a sense of family atmosphere. We talked, laughed and said hello to some that have not been seen in a long time.

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For more information, please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.

See you tomorrow….

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May 8th, 2014

Destination? 2014 MidAtlantic Wine + Food Festival, 50 Events, 23 Courses, 90 Chefs, 20 Winemakers, 6 Continents, From the Main Line to the Delaware Beaches, May 14 – May 18…One Unforgettable Week-end!

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“There comes a moment on a journey when something sweet, something irresistible and charming as wine raised to thirsty lips wells up the traveller’s being.”  patrick macgill

“Cookery is not chemistry.  It is an art.  It requires instinct and taste rather than exact measurements.”  marcel boulestin

With that in mind and Southern Delaware as a journey my post begins….

In 2013 the MidAtlantic Wine + Food Festival began as an independent festival. It featured international vintners and chefs in collaboration with Delaware’s local talent. The festival would bring tourism to Delaware and also would increase awareness of this small state’s cultural assets.

The MidAtlantic Wine + Food Festival is a Delaware nonprofit.  A designted portion of this year’s festival proceeds will benefit 5 arts related beneficiaries throughout Delaware.  These are: CAMP Rehoboth, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which operates the Freeman Stage in Fenwick Island, OperaDelaware, and the Smyrna-Clayton Heritage Association, which operates the historic Smyrna Opera House.

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You have an open invitation to participate in as many events as you want.  All you have to do is visit htt://www.mawff.org.

The website has all the info. you will need and more.  It is very well detailed.  You can buy tickets through the website, as well.

This is a statewide event…..Southern Delaware is a culinary destination and the events coming to the Delaware Beaches are not to be missed.  So, what’s going on?

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“Meet the Winemakers” – Saturday, May 17th – Eden located at 23 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach – 3 award-winning winemakers will have an informal “up close and personal” type of meeting.  Very informal.  Tastings of each winemaker’s varietals will be accompanied by finger foods provided by Eden’s acclaimed chefs, Andy Feeley and Danielle Pamarello.  Stop by between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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The following notable winemakers are:

Regina Martinelli, Martinelli Vineyards, California – She comes from a lineage of farmers, starting with her Great Grandfather, Giuseppe Martinelli, who planted the family’s flagship vineyards in 1885.  The primary goal of Martinelli Winery is to hand-craft excellent wines born in their vineyards.

Tom Mortimer, La Cadeau, Oregon – Tom Mortimer and his wife, Deb, are the proprietors of Le Cadeau Vineyard. They manage the farming and development of the vineyard, the winemaking team, and the marketing of Le Cadeau to top restaurants and retailers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Sweden.  Le Cadeau Vineyard specializes in estate-grown Pinot Noir from the Chehalem Mountains AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Jon Staenberg, Hand of God Wines, Argentina – Jon Staenberg and Santiago Achaval, one-time classmates at Stanford Business School, now partner in Hand of God wines in Mendoza, Argentina. Jon will pour from the inaugural vintages of this new winery, as well as wines from Achaval Ferrer.  Wine Advocate awarded 92 points to one of the wines from Hand of God.  Achaval Ferrer boasts four of the five highest-rated wines from Argentina, (receiving 99s and 98s) from Wine Spectator, and Achaval Ferrer is ranked the highest-rated Argentine wine to date by The Wine Advocate.

More info?  Please call Sue St. Laurent at 302-981-5849.

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CULINARY COASTS EVENTS

Thursday, May 15th – FESTIVAL BREW LUNCH – Dogfish Head Craft Brewery – 11:30 a.m. in Milton, Delaware.  Sam Calagione moderates this 3-course lunch plus gives a tour.  Take home a bottle fresh off the line.  Menu highlights: Asparagus and Radish Salad, Woodgrilled Delaware Bay Rockfish.  Chef:  Brenton Wallace

Thursday, May 15th – A TASTE OF BRAZIL LUNCH – Lula Brazil – 11:30 a.m. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  This is Rehoboth’s newest international restaurant, opened by Meg Hudson, former owner of Domaine Hudson.  Lula Brazil’s focus will be authentic Brazilian seafood.  Chef: Abde Dahrouch.  Brazilian Winemaker: Patricia Carraro

Thursday, May 15th – THE FARMER MEETS THE FISHERMAN:  A Pop-Up Dinner – Magee Farm in Lewes – 6:30 p.m.  This is a 5-course down-home dinner, served family style.  Delaware-centric dishes.  Highlights: Lobster Roll Tartlet, OCMD Tuna.  Chefs:  James Beard Award winner, Matt Haley, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle.  Winemakers:  Johan, Reyneke, Kerry Damskey, Manfredo Di San Bonifacio

Thursday, May 15th – THE ART OF FOOD – WINEMAKERS DINNER – Home of Chris Holt and Emory Bevill in Lewes – 6:30 p.m.  5 course inspired by Sussex County artists, on the farmhouse terrace.  Highlights:  Sous Vide Veal, Foie Gras Soup.  Chefs:  Jay Caputo, Ted Deptula, Lion Gardner, Jermaine George, Vince Trotta.  Winemakers:  Manu Muga, Tom & Deb Mortimer, Paul Colantuoni, Ira Goldberg

Friday, May 16th – TAPAS – RIOJA LUNCH – Ivy in Dewey Beach – 11:30 a.m. – With the Rehoboth Bay as the backdrop, enjoy 3 Riojas with authentic Sevillan tapas.  Menu highlights:  Blue Crab, Mushroom and Leeks in Phyllo, Cachorrena Soup.  Chefs: Peter McMahon, Javier Cuesta Munoz.  Winemaker:  Manu Muga

Friday, May 16th – I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING – LUNCH ADVENTURE – a(MUSE) located on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach – 11:30 a.m.  Orgasic and ecstatic are words often used by diners in James Beard nominee Chef Hari Cameron’s restaurant.  Menu highlights: Local Grass Fed Steak Tartare, Steamed Snake Head Fish and Squid.  Chefs: Hari Cameron, Alexandra La Noue-Adler.  Winemakers: Nik Weis, Carol Shelton

Friday, May 16th – WINEMAKERS DINNER: BAREFOOT BLACK TIE – Home of Alex Pires in Dewey Beach – 7:00 p.m. – Take off your shoes!!  Enjoy 5 courses made by 2 global + 3 beach chefs.  Menu highlights:  Oxtail Tartlet, Jerusalem Artichoke Soup.  Chefs: Peter McMahon, Tim McNitt, Ron Duprat, Lion Gardner, Javier Cuesta Munoz.  Winemakers:  Nik Weiss, Carol Shelton

Saturday, May 17th – WINEMAKERS LUNCH IN REHOBOTH – Eden Restaurant located on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach – 11:30 a.m.  A taste of heaven in 3 courses.  Menu highlights:  Apple Foie Gras Eclair, Pistachio Pavlova.  Chefs: Andrew Feeley, Danielle Panarello, Ron Duprat.  Winemakers:  Regina Martinelli, John Staenberg, John Geber

Saturday, May 17th – AMERICAN EXPRESS 1000 POINT WINE TASTING:  South – Eden Restaurant located on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach – 3:00 p.m. – A flawless 100 points…times 10 wines.  A perfect tasting in a heavenly setting.  Guests at concurrent North and South events will be tasting an almost entirely different selection of 100 point wines!

Saturday, May 17th – WINEMAKERS DINNER AT THE BEACH – Home of Steve and Kathy McGuiness in Rehoboth Beach – 6:30 p.m.  3 global + 1 national + 2 beach chefs create 5 courses, paired with wine.  Highlights: Smoked Mozzarella Polenta Fritters, Monkfish with Pancetta.  Chefs:  Peter McMahon, Robert Staegemann, Ron Duprat, Paul Gallo, Erik Niel, Jermaine George.  Winemakers:  Jon Staenberg, John Geber, Tom & Deb Mortimer, Maria Giulia

Sunday, May 18th – SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH – Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes – 11:00 a.m. – Sample dozens of wines from around the world and some interesting cocktail creations and taste culinary cerations from a dozen area restaurants while meandering in Delaware’s first vineyard and enjoying sultry jazz entertainment.

The Beach….time for some R & R!!  Have a good one.

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NOTE:  A Non-alcoholic event.  “Scrapplegasm” at Michele’s Restaurant in Dover…Saturday, May 17th.  The defining berakfast meat of the MidAtlantic gets redefined and served with all the “fixins”.  Menu Highlights:  Tempura Battered Biscuit Sliders, Buffalo and Duc Scrapple.   Chefs:  Mike Daniels, Chef Otto, Ludovic Bezy.

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May 5th, 2014

Destination? Zumbathon!, Delaware SPCA, Georgetown Shelter, YMCA, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Fundraising Event, A 2-Hour Fitness Party!!, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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At the end of April was the 5th anniversary of Addy, my Diva pooch, coming into our home.  She quickly became part of our home and she really does think she owns the neighborhood.  Here, you see her on the sofa…watching for golfers and grounds keepers.  She is not to fond of them, but they keep the community in top shape.

I had never adopted a pet and cannot recommend it enough.  They really give back to you so much.

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The Delaware SPCA is a private non-profit organization that is 140 years old.  It is the oldest animal welfare organization in the state of Delaware.

The local Georgetown Shelter is a very active shelter.  They promote their dogs and take them to many events throughout the Delaware Beaches.  It is located at 22918 Dupont Blvd. in Georgetown, Delaware, 19947.  Tel. 302-856-6361.  You may also visit http://www.delspca.org.  You can even call them and tell them what you are looking for.

Besides adoptions, they offer Spay/Neuter clinics, vaccination clinics and hope that you will also call them if you suspect any cruelty to an animal….they have an investigation’s department.

The Delaware SPCA does not receive state or county funding, and there is no national SPCA.  They count on just local donations to carry on their work for the animals.

So, Alice and I decided that for the animals we were going to join in the First Annual Zumbathon at the Rehoboth Beach YMCA, on Sunday, 5/4.  We joined about another 50 particpants and took over their gym for a 2-hour fitness party.

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They had a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and door prizes.  Everyone started the Zumbathon with great energy.  Plenty of instructors took over the lead during the 2 hour fitness party.  Some of us took breaks but then got back into it.

It was well attended and I imagine that they will continue to have it, after so many came in even on a sunny day in Rehoboth Beach.

Have a good one!!

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