July 26th, 2013
In memory of NAU-GWA-OK-WA (Lydia E. Clark), who died in 1859. She was the last of the Nanticoke Indians in Delaware and Eastern Maryland to speak the Nanticoke language. The memorial was erected by The National Society of Colonial Dames in Delaware in 1927. It was tucked away on a corner road in Oak Orchard; just by itself and it did attract my attention.
A visit to the Nanticoke Indian Museum a few days later was another “serendipity”…not looking for it but finding fortunate discoveries by accident.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is located within the Nanticoke Indian community. It is not far, at all, from the beaches. It is on Rt. 24 on 27073 John J. Williams Highway, near Oak Orchard and Millsboro. Tel. 302-945-3400. Website? http://www.nanticokeindians.org.
For years I have driven past this museum. I looked at it and continued on. This time, I stopped.
Mr. Sterling Street was in the Museum on that day. I introduced myself and asked if I could take pictures. He gave me permission, but not before he mentioned that I could take all the photos I wanted, but not from the eagles. I was curious and asked him to pardon my ignorance. He said that the Eagle is sacred to the Nanticoke Indian….it flyes the highest and therefore closest to God.
 
Many years ago I knew Butch Coursey who was a Nanticoke. I have not seen him in many years, but Mr. Street told me that he is still around and that Butch had attended school in the building which is now the Nanticoke Indian Museum. He even brought photos out. There are 2 rooms full of artifacts and information. The library houses a large collection of Native American books, photos, and video presentations. The public is welcome to use the library.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, from Noon until 4 p.m. It takes no time to get there. And, it is only $3 for adults and $1 for children.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is the only Native American Museum in Delaware. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Every artifact, carving, pottery, basketry, traditional clothing, and tool has been found in the community and offer glimpses of the complex traditional ways of the Nanticoke Tribe.
 
The portrait of Chief Little Owl caught my attention. If you have visited Bethany Beach, then you must have noticed the Totem Pole that welcomes all visitors to Bethany. That carving is paying hommage to the Nanticoke Indians and, specifically, to Chief Little Owl.
The 2013 Annual Powwow is taking place from September 7th through September 8th. A powwow is a gathering of Native people. And, for the Nanticoke Indians is a time to teach us more about Delaware’s first inhabitants.
So, if the weather is too cool to sit on the beach, and if it is rainy and the shoppers are making you crazy…think about the museums that are scattered throughout Southern Delaware. They are very doable…and let me tell you….kids would love the Nanticoke Indian Museum.
Have a great week-end.
June 14th, 2013
Don’t just drive past it; stop and discover it!! This life saving station is a historic site. It was built in 1876. It is the only station in Delaware that still stands in its original location.
There are so many programs on-going at the Life-Saving Station, including private events that are held in the property.
Inside the Station a U.S. Flag flew with 38 stars. It was the official flag of the U.S. from 1877 until 1890.
If you are visiting the beaches this week-end, you might want to attend either of these programs on Saturday, 6/15:
10 a.m. – Beachcombing, until 11:30 a.m. Stroll along the park’s famous undeveloped beach, looking for signs of marine life. Met at the Indian River Life Saving Station. $3 per person. A park naturalist will display beachcombing items from the park’s collection before heading out to find your own.
1 p.m. – Edible Plants, until 2:30 p.m. Learn about the many culinary uses of plants at the beach. It is an indoor program that will introduce you to some of the marine plants of Coastal Delaware, like the beach plum, the prickly pear, and the sea lettuce. Leave with some cooking tips, but not before trying some samples. $6 per person.
Please visit http://www.destateparks.com/park/delaware-seashore/programs/index.asp. The Indian River Life Saving Station is located on Coastal Highway, just before the Indian River Bridge, on the ocean.
Have a great week-end!!
June 11th, 2013
Busy, Busy, historic town, located at the entrance of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Southern Delaware. Something for everyone. What’s Going On, Lewes?
We are in the coast and a lot of the events and activities depend upon the weather. That’s why you come to the Delaware Beaches…to experience this casual lifestyle that by no means I take for granted. So, check the weather before you head out.
Tuesday, 6/11 – Summer Concert at Stango Park – Captain Blue’s Grass Band. The genre? Bluegrass. 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Take your blanket, chair, or both, friends and bug spray. Beautiful Stango Park in Lewes is next to the Lewes Public Library along King’s Highway.
Wednesday, 6/12 – Seining the Bay – Search the shallows with a seine net, catching fish, snails, shrimp, crabs, and other critters. Dress appropriately; you will get wet. No flip-flops. Ages 5 and up with a paying adult. No pre-registration is necessary. Tickets are available only on the day of the program. $5/person. Call 302-645-6852. Location? Seaside Nature Center located inside the Cape Henlopen State Park (admission) on 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive.
Until Thursday, 6/13 – Chautauqua – America Takes Flight – 15th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show. Step back in time with musical entertainment, first person theatrical performances, and numerous educational opportunities for the whole family. Free!
Until Friday, 6/14 – 4th Annual Delmarva on View – Lewes Library Benefit Photography Contest & Show. Delaware, Maryland and Virginia in Photographs. Professional and Amateur Categories. For entry, rules and deadlines, please visit http://www.leweslibrary.org
Wednesday, 6/12 – Battery 519 Museum Tour – 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. – Take a guided tour of WW II coastal defense gun battery and learn about how it functioned and why it was here. Ages 10 and up, with a paying adult. $5/person. Cash only. More info? Please call 302-645-6852. Call same Tel. for pre-registration. Location? 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, Delaware.
Wednesday, 6/12 – Zumba with Kelly!! 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Lewes Canalfront Park on Front Street, Lewes. It is Free!! Every Wednesday through August 28th.
Wednesday, 6/12 – Fort Miles Lantern Tour – 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tour the gun battery by lantern light and experience how soldiers defended our coast during WW II. Ages 10 and up with a paying adult. $5/person; cash only please. Call 302-645-6852 for more info. and to pre-register. Location? 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, Delaware.
Thursday, 6/13 – Ghost Crab Walk. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center inside Cape Henlopen State Park, at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. The walk starts at 8:30 p.m until 9:30 p.m. Take a flashlight and search the bay for the elusive and fast ghost crab. Ages 7 and up with a paying adult. $5/person. Call 302-645-6852 for further info. and to pre-register.
Friday, 6/14 – Family Boat-Building Weekend on the Banks of the Canal – Lewes was a shipbuilding town, where hundreds of vessels were built. Rekindle this art in Lewes as part of their Family Boatbuilding Weekend over Father’s Day weekend. Support their participating groups and families as they build wooden boats called “Bevin Skiffs” June 14-16 in front of the Lewes Lifesaving Station to view more than 16 wooden boats made by wood boat enthusiasts. Launching of the new handmade Bevin Skiffs at Lewes Canalfront Park on Sunday around 1 p.m. will be the place to be. More info? Please call 302-645-7670.
Friday, 6/14 – Flag Day on Front Street! A Celebration of The Red, White, and Blue!!
Saturday, 6/15 – The 23rd Annual Lewes Garden Tour 2013 – Rain or Shine!! It is sponsored by The Lewes Chamber of Commerce, http://www.leweschamber.com. This is a self-guuided tour of 7 private gardens and one public garden in the Historic Seaport town of Lewes. Five of this year’s gardens are all located in or near the Historic Distric. Many of them are walking distance from the Zwaanendael Park where the Garden market and the Chamber’s Visitor Center are located. Two of the gardens are located on the Lewes Beach-side of the canal.
Lewes’ newest public garden will be on the tour. The Children’s Learning Garden, designed to teach children about all aspects of gardening, is a new initiative by Lewes in Bloom, the award-winning volunteer organization responsible for the beautification of Lewes.
It will be a fun day with more than 40 vendors specializing in garden related retail items and working artists will be in the tour gardens painting. Tour visitors can enjoy beverages and lunch in the Refreshment Tent provided by Cafe Amici in Zwaanendael Park with coffee service beginning at 8 a.m. During the hours of the tour, free shuttle service is available for ticket holders.
Cape Artists painting in the Gardens: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Libby Zando, Sarah Pavlik, Jean Bowers, Geri Gaskin, Ellen Serafini.
The Garden Tour will begin at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. $20/person in advance and $25 the day of the Tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce located at 120 Kings Highway in the Fisher-Martin House. Payment by charge…Visa and MC by calling the chamber; 302-645-8073. Toll free 877-465-3937.
Sunday, 6/16 – Yoga at Canalfront Park on Front Street in Lewes at 8 a.m.
Have a good one!!
October 25th, 2012
This is the key that opens the doors of Historic St. Martin’s Church. On November 2 ,2012 they will open, again, the doors to this 256 year old architectural gem for the celebration of St. Martin’s Day. It is the Fall Feast of St. Martin. It will also serve as a fundraising event with all proceeds going to the continuation of Phase II-Preservation and New Public Facilities.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Worcester Highway (Rt. 113 & 589 Junction), Showell, Maryland, 21813. Only 4 miles north of Berlin, about 1/2 hour, give or take, from Rehoboth Beach and the rest of the Delaware Beaches. The Church is adjacent to Highway 113. Tel. 410-430-2142. Website? http://www.historicstmartinschurch.org. Find it on Facebook as Historic St. Martins Church.
The first time I visited St. Martin’s I fell in love with it; so quiet. On my first post, I mentioned that I passed this Church every day for so many years. Looked at it, standing all by itself among the tall pines. I did not know that it had been there for so long.
Its preservation has been a labor of love by many in the community that wanted this relic preserved. The Historic St. Martin’s Foundation was established and with its President, Mrs. Sherrie Beckstead, at the helm of this Foundation, St. Martin’s has opened as a Museum. It is also available for romantic and historic weddings; it is the perfect setting.
St. Martin’s is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums. It is a proud gem of the community and a National Historic Landmark.
The simplicity of this St. Martin’s says it all. It was built in colonial times when life was a challenge; it took brave hearts and determination. It was a place of worship.
The preserved brick floor remains.
Reminiscent of the 18th century are the pine box pews, the barrel vaulted ceiling and the magnificent pulpit.
On Friday, November, 2nd, a dining of the season’s harvest celebrates St. Martin’s Day. It is also a way to raise funds in order to proceed with Phase II – Preservation and new public facilities. At this event you will be able to see what has been accomplished so far. There will be music, food, and plenty of cheer. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. The tickets are $125.00 per person. For more information, please call 410-726-2197. But, do it soon since seating is limited. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.
So….take a look…to appreciate it, you’ll have to see it.
August 19th, 2012
Saturday was a great day to be in Rehoboth Beach. The weather was 82 degrees with just a few clouds. It was the perfect day to stroll through the Rehoboth Art League’s 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show. This is the second week-end; Sunday is the last day.
The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach. Already plans are taking place for 2013. The League will be celebrating its 75 years. I remember taking my own kids for classes during the summer at the League. June 21, 2013 is the kick off week-end. Check the website for details and events http://www.rehobothartleague.org.
This year I decided to take advantage of the free shuttle from K-Mart on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth. From experience, I know how hard it is to park in Henlopen Acres, where the Rehoboth Art League is located. It was such a breeze. I highly recommend it.
You can either pick up the shuttle at K-Mart or at the Rehoboth Elementary School located at 500 Stockley St.
No hassle; the Jolly Trolley was super clean, air conditioned, and the driver had some great music playing. We were there in no time since the Jolly Trolley traveled through the bus lane.
The traffic on Coastal Highway was incredible on Saturday, so believe me, this was the easiest way to get to the Rehoboth Art League. The buses make the rounds; they come and go every 15 to 20 minutes.
The Rehoboth Art League looked so lively, with so many people walking around. The property is about 3 acres. Over 100 artists and artisans were showcasing their variety of mediums.
 
There were food vendors, children’ activities and music.
On Sunday the Van Williamson Trio will be performing from 11 – 1 p.m. Marv Ashby and High Octane will be performing from 1 – 3 p.m.
At Noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. there will be a pottery demonstration, outside the Pottery Studio. On Saturday, Brenda was working on a piece.
There was also some face painting all day.
Their fig tree had fruit so I little tasting took place.
The Homestead which dates from 1743 is beautiful and tours are available, as well.
I stopped by to see my friend, Susan Gladstone. She is a potter whose studio The Happy Rock Pottery is located at the Celebration Mall Galleries at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.
 
Raku is her specialty; her booth is #53. Her tel. is 410-375-7120. Her e-mail is the happyrock@earthlink.net.
 
Then, I went looking for an artist that I met last year. Her name is Lynda Dahiell-Ohotnicky of Wahine Designs. Her home? Vieques, which is the island between Puerto Rico and the U.S.Virgin Islands. She is a designer/metalsmith. Her jewelry is handcrafted, and it is gorgeous. To know more about her and to see what she is all about, please visit http://www.wahinedesigns.com. Her booth is #5.
Last year I noticed the booth occupied by Martha Lechner Spak. She is from Potomac, Maryland. Her mediums? Fine Art, Photography, Designs. Check http://www.marthaspak.com.
I stopped to see Joy Davis of Joy Davis Jewelry Designs, who is a Wilmington, Delaware, native and a self taught silversmith. She had very unique pieces, as well. Her email address is jd2thesun@aol.com. You can learn more about her by visiting http://www.delawarebyhand.org/davis.shtml.
I met Lynne McKay today too. She has Whimsical Creations. She is an artist and interior designer. She lives in Rehoboth Beach. If you would like to talk to her, please call 302-381-5038.
  
Laura Hickman is a painter and a Delaware native with a multitude of accolades and awards to her name. She grew up in Bethany Beach and many of her paintings show her affection for this coastal, Southern Delaware town. I, particularly love some of her Bethany Beach’s alleys. Her travels have taken her to Italy, among other countries, where she has painted for years. If you would like to talk to her or schedule an appointment, please call her at 302-539-0494. Her website is http://www.laurahickmanfinearts.com. At the League, you will find her as you come in.
Kevin Fleming, photographer. There are not enough words to describe the talent of this artist. His photographs are awesome!! He has traveled the world for National Geographic and has been recognized as America’s Best Observer by Readers Digest. His studio is located at 239 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. His tel. 302-227-4994. Website? http://www.kevinfleming.com. He is on booth #111.
 
Enjoy, relax, and have a good time!!
And how about dinner?
Crabs from Jimmy Lynn’s located on Rt. 1 in Lewes and corn from Freeman’s….my favorites!!
June 14th, 2012
Miles of beaches, up and down the Delaware Coast. The surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches looking for shipwrecks and warning other vessels of the imminent dangers along our coastline. The years? 1876 – 1915.
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, a stop to the Indian River Life-Saving Station, should be put on the list of things to do. It is located south of Dewey Beach and about a mile north of the Indian River Inlet, by the bridge. On August 29, 2010, I wrote a post on this museum with pictures. You can check it out on the archives of this website. You can also check www.destateparks.com.
The Life-Saving Station was built in 1876. It is the only station in Delaware that is still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the Station. This particular flag, has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 until 1890.
It is believed that Flag Day originated in 1885. More info? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
Have a great day!!
June 8th, 2012
This is the actual key that has unlocked the past of Historic St. Martin’s Church. Preserving it has been a labor of love and much work.
I thought I had gotten an e-mail by mistake. An invitation to a Business after Hours from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. No, no mistake at all. My connection to this invitation had to do with the Historic St. Martin’s Church.
A Business after Hours where members can relax an meet one another. The location? The Historic St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21813. (Rt. 113 & 589 Junction.) Four miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The Church is adjacent to the highway (113). Tel. 410-430-2142. E-mail historicstmartin@aol.com. Website? www.historicstmartinschurch.org.
I don’t think words describe how beautiful this Church is. It was built in 1756, twenty years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. They came by carriage, horse, boat or by foot to worship.
It is so quiet, peaceful and sits on a property that is surrounded by pine trees.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is 256 years old. After all these years, the preserved brick floor remains. The pine box pews, the barrel vaulted ceiling and the magnificent Pulpit are reminiscent of the 18th century.
 
The Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, was well attended with a lite fare and drinks available. The Church was open and guests could either sit inside and enjoy the Church or just chat and make friends outdoors. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing were also part of the evening’s activities.
I wrote about St. Martin’s Church last year, on May 9th. If you want to see it, just go under the Archives and click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the 9th.
The Church is worth visiting. It is a Museum. It is open every Saturday, from June until October. Volunteer docents are available for tours. Tour hours are at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is the perfect setting for a wedding. Simple, romantic, historic and charming. If you have an interest, please call 410-430-2142, or email hitoricstmartin@aol.com.
Besides weddings, the Church is available for lectures and educational events.
Admission to Historic St. Martin’s is free of charge; but donations are graciously accepted.
Note: Please call ahead of time or e-mail for special assistance or handicap access.
Have a great week-end!!!
February 22nd, 2012
 Almost that time of the Year!! Founded in 1631 Lewes is located where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet. It is such a walkable town; shops, restaurants, museums all within a few blocks. The scenery is beautiful and the residents are so protective of this very first town in the first state.
So, if you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, check out what Lewes is offering this coming week.
Thursday, 2/23 – The Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway presents Archaeological Illustration Through Stipple Drawing” Tips of the Trade. It is a workshop on illustrating historical artifacts through the art of stipple drawing. Led by historical interpreter and artist, Sharyn Murray. Program starts at 2 p.m. The Museum opens at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It is free admission. More info? Call 302-645-1148.
An Oyster Eat? A Shrimp Feast? 2 Events; One for Men and the other for Women
Friday, 2/24 – It is the 75th Annual Oyster Eat at the Georgetown Fire Hall in Georgetown, DE. This is a Men only event and it has been long standing in Sussex County. A tradition, shall we say. 7 p.m. until midnight. For information, please call 302-841-0877.
Friday, 2/24 – The Women’s answer to the Men’s Oyster Eat. It is the 23rd Annual Shrimp Feast at the Lewes Fire Hall in Lewes from 7 p.m. until midnight. For more information, please call 302-645-6556.
Friday, 2/24 – Sydney’s Revival at Bethany Blues, Lewes, located on 18385 Coastal Highway (Rt.1). At 8 p.m. More Info? Visit http://www.bethanyblues.com.
On Friday the 24th Daddy Mack Blues Band will be the entertainers and on Saturday, the 25th Galaxy Collective will be main act.
Bethany Blues is in a casual environment with great food. If you have a gluten allergy, you can eat at this restaurant with ease. Just mention it to your server and you will get great service.
Saturday, 2/25 – Coastal Concerts present Carpe Diem String Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church Hall, located at Fourth & Market Sts. in Lewes. Tickets are $25. Ages 10 to 18 are free. For tickets and further info., please call 888-212-6458. Or, visit www.coastalconcerts.org.
 At Cape Henlopen State Park The Cape Henlopen State Park encompasses over 7,000 acres of beach, dune, forest and wetland at the mount of the Delaware Bay. There are 4 miles of ocean and 2 miles of bay beach.
The State Park is so important for all of us that live at the Delaware Beaches. It is enjoyed by so many visitors, as well. The Park offers a variety of recreational, historical and natural opportunities for all ages. It is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-8983. Seaside Nature Center 302-645-6852.
Check out what’s going on at the Park:
Saturday, 2/25 – It is the Semi-Annual Book Fair hosted by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park. Food and homemade baked goods will be available. This is a private, non-profit (501(c)3) member-supported organization working with the Division of Parks and Recreation and staff of Cape Henlopen State Park.
This group holds throughout the year different fundraising events like Bird Seed Sales, Used Book Fairs, Chocolate Tastings, Wine, Cheese, & Beer Tastings, Flea Markets and Fishing Tournaments. You can check them out at http://www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.
This Saturday is their book fair at the Seaside Nature Center, which is inside the Cape Henlopen State Park. Book donations can be dropped off Friday, the 24th, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Events like this one support activities at the Park like Borrow-A-Bike Program, Monthly Trails Day, Playground Program, Park Beautification, and the Osprey Camera.
Saturday, 2/25 – Cold War at Fort Miles at 11 a.m. Take a tour of Fort Miles and learn what took place on this base during the Cold War. Hear tales of Doomsday ships, Soviet spies, tracking Soviet submarines and more. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3/ person. Please call to register at 302-645- 6852. You will need to meeet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historic Area. To get there, follow the “Fort Miles” signs to the Historic Area parking lot. Walk the paved road through the Cantonment Area to the Orientation Bldg. which is the last large building on your right.
Fort Miles was a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during and After WWII. In April of 2005 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Saturday, 2/25 – Turtles, Snakes & People…Oh My!! at 2 p.m. at the Seaside Nature Center inside the Cape Henlopen State Park. See live turtles and snakes and learn how these animals have been used in different cultures. Hear stories and legends, and discover the truth behind some of the myths. For ages 5 and older with an adult. Registration is required so please call 302-645- 6852. $2/person
In Dover (25 minutes North from the Delaware Beaches) on Saturday, 2/25 – The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition presents Southern Lights of Life. It is an Evening of Living & Giving. It is Delaware’s Premier Breast Cancer Event. Venue? Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover. It is a fundraising event. Tickets start at $150/person. Dress? Business to Glamorous.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will start at 6 p.m. Silent auction will be open. The program, dinner and Live Auction will start at 8 p.m., followed by an exciting fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors as models. Auction check-out will begin at 10 p.m.
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is located at 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. More info? Please visit http://www.debreastcancer.org/SLOL/
Have a Good One!!
 
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