Out & About Magazine - May 2021 - Getting Sirius by outandabout

Is Legalizing 'Weed' A Good Idea?

Area Arts Scene Springs Forward

Seven Winning Tailgating Tips

Getting

Sirius Wilmington’s Jamila Mustafa continues to find new media worlds to conquer

MAY 2021 COMPLIMENTARY

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2 INSIDE 2

Out & About Magazine Vol. 34 | No. 3

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7 From the Publisher 9 War on Words 11 FYI 15 Is Legalizing ‘Weed’ A Good Idea? 20 Marijuana: A Growing Market

FOCUS 21 Getting Serius with Jamila Mustafa 27 Area Arts Scene Springs Forward

33 Tailgating Tips

DRINK 37 A Visit to Blue Earl Brewing

Publisher Gerald duPhily • jduphily@tsnpub.com Director of Publications Jim Hunter Miller • jmiller@tsnpub.com Contributing Editor Bob Yearick • ryearick@comcast.net Creative Director & Production Manager Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC Digital Services Director Michael O’Brian Contributing Designer Allanna Peck, Catalyst Visuals, LLC, Contributing Writers Jill Althouse-Wood, Danielle Bouchat-Friedman Adriana Camacho-Church, JulieAnne Cross, David Ferguson, Mark Fields, Pam George, Lauren Golt, Jordan Howell, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Ken Mammarella, Matt Morrissette, John Murray, Larry Nagengast, Kevin Noonan, Leeann Wallett

PLAY 41 Fill in the Blanks

WILMINGTON 42 In The City 44 On The Riverfront

On the cover: Wilmington’s Jamila Mustafa has plenty of reason to be all smiles these days. Photo by Michael Nicholls-Pierce

33 EVENTS CALENDAR

All new inWilmDE.com coming this month.

Contributing Photographers Jim Coarse, Justin Heyes and Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography, Butch Comegys, Lindsay duPhily, Matthew Loeb, Matt Urban

Printed on recycled paper.

Special Projects John Holton, Bev Zimmermann

Editorial & advertising info: 302.655.6483 • Fax 302.654.0569 outandaboutnow.com • contact@tsnpub.com

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

I AM DANCE I AM

Ashley S.K. Davis Pieces of a Dream

Events & More

inWilmDE.com

START

From The Publisher

JOY RIDE Y

ou do realize you’re a grown man, sitting by yourself in a basement, yelling at the television over a stupid ball game,” my wife has exclaimed more times than the 2020 Phillies bullpen blew a lead. “Well, they never should’ve signed this guy. He’s a disaster,” I retort. What I’m thinking to myself but don’t dare verbalize: What part don’t you understand? To be honest, it is rather immature behavior from a grown man. And the fact that a tough Phillies loss can cast a shadow on my entire day is not something to be proud of. But it’s an affliction I’ve been suffering since age 6 or 7. And I’ll bet you season tickets I’m not the only one. In other words, the Phillies are my longest steady relationship — by a mile. Before newspaper routes, high school, dating, college, marriage, kids…I’ve been wedded to baseball. For better or worse till death do us part. It goes back to the mid60s when I sat glued in front of the television for every game — regardless of weather. Then, upon the final out, I’d dash to the back yard and conduct my own imaginary baseball league. It was a full and gratifying day. Back then, each Phillies broadcast would be followed by a contest called Diamond Derby. To be eligible, you had to mail the Phillies your name and phone number. As a highlight to the post-game analysis, the host would randomly select from those mailed-in numbers, call the fan, and ask a question about the just-completed game. Answer correctly and you would win tickets to a future game. Trust me, I mailed in at least 100 times. And I religiously watched every game — keeping score, taking notes, hoping my phone would ring. After hundreds of games and no call, I accepted the fact that it simply was not going to happen. So, I began cutting out

of one-sided games early, eager to join a neighborhood pickup or get in a couple of games in my imaginary league. Of course — you guessed it — the call came, and I was out playing baseball with the boys — on a neighborhood diamond we had collectively built with our own hands (back stop, home run fence, dugout benches, real bases, lined field). My mom answered, which was the equivalent of me being called upon to solve a long-algebra equation. She considered never telling me about the call, realizing I’d be crushed. But she did. And I was. So, I never cut out early again. But a second call never came.

For many, a season this long may sound as monotonous as watching the grass grow. But I’m OK watching the grass grow — as long as the game is on.

his lifelong affair has been on my mind as this 2021 baseball season gets underway (I’ve caught every game but one thus far). We’re back to 162 games after last year’s pandemic-shorted aberration. And that’s a beautiful thing. For many, a season this long may sound as monotonous as watching the grass grow. But I’m OK watching the grass grow — as long as the game is on. In fact, while much has been made of limited fans now being allowed to attend games, I’m appreciative of something much more fundamental. A full season will be played, which means a game almost every day for six solid months. A sense of normalcy. In other words, I’ll have my lifelong companion throughout spring, summer and into fall. The only thing better? Well, you could throw in another 11 or 12 games. Because that would mean playoffs. And the World Series. The ultimate destination for any fan, for sure. But for me, the true joy is in the journey. — Jerry duPhily

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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

Compiled from the popular column in Out & About Magazine

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

MEDIA WATCH The Wilmington News Journal leads off with a triple play: • A reader sent this headline: “Replacing damaged road signs are costly.” The subject of the sentence is replacing, not signs, so the verb should be is. • A story about the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce referred to “chamber of commerces.” It’s chambers of commerce. • And before it was corrected, a Delawareonline story about legalizing recreational marijuana spelled it marijuanna throughout. • AM radio station WDEL published its take on the same subject, reporting that the bill would “regulate the oversite and license issuing.” The word is oversight. • And that most venerated of newspapers, The New York Times, in a story about the backlog of goods caused by the Suez Canal traffic jam, referred to “a finite amount of big containers in the world.” When dealing with plurals, the correct term is number, as any NYT reporter or editor should know. Let’s end with a couple of press releases from the inbox: •Many publicists (and journalists, for that matter) insist on putting a comma after a title that appears right before the person’s name, as in this press release from the Hotel DuPont: “'We are honored to see the hotel and the city of Wilmington receive such positive recognition,’ shared Hotel DuPont Managing Director, Greg Kavanagh.” Also: “shared”? • And from something called the Consumer Choice Center there was this: “When we compare plastic grocery bags to their alternatives, more often then not the alternatives have a higher environmental impact.” Then/than are often mixed up. Than is for comparisons; then is for time references. CHANGING EXPRESSIONS Speaking of mix-ups, people — including broadcasters and authors — sometimes confuse, conflate, and generally mangle common expressions. A few examples: • On a Golf Channel broadcast, according to a reader, an announcer commented on a player going through an extended process of determining how to hit a putt. When the process was over, the announcer said the golfer was “done with all the rigamaroo.” He meant rigmarole — “a long and complicated procedure.”

By Bob Yearick

• Peter MacArthur, on WDEL, used the phrase “that puts the nix on that.” The correct phrase is “puts the kibosh on that.” A strange word that has been around for almost two centuries, kibosh is a noun meaning something that serves as a check or stop. Nix, on the other hand, is a transitive verb that means to veto, reject, or refuse to accept. E.g., “He nixed the idea.” • In his latest Jack Reacher novel, The Sentinel, Lee Child uses the expression “get the lie of the land.” The commonly accepted term is “lay of the land” — how something is organized. Some research reveals that “lie of the land” is the British version. Can’t fathom why Child would have his All-American boy Reacher utter such a foreign phrase. • And finally, I came across a Facebook post that mentioned “getting down to brass tax.” The expression, of course, is brass tacks. And no, it wasn’t a reference to filing income tax returns.

DANGLER From Blue White Illustrated, the Penn State sports magazine, we have this long one from reporter Dave Eckert: “Sifting through some of the box scores from Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s final season at Oklahoma State, the outcomes are staggering.” The outcomes did not sift through the box scores, Eckert did. PLURALS OF ACRONYMS With the start of baseball season, grammarians everywhere are faced with the age-old question, “RBI or RBIs?” Since the letters stand for “runs batted in” an argument can be made for RBI. Although somewhat illogical, however, it’s correct to treat the initials as a word and add an s — RBIs. That is consistent with the plurals for such acronyms as RPMs (revolutions per minute), POWs (prisoners of war), WMDs (weapons of mass destruction), and MBAs (Masters of Business Administration). LITERALLY OF THE MONTH From a WDEL traffic report about construction on I-95 in Wilmington: “It’s literally a parking lot.” Yes, traffic is slowed to a stop, but no, it’s not a parking lot.

Follow me on Twitter: @thewaronwords

Word of the Month

petrichor Pronounced pet-tri-kor, it’s a noun meaning a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.

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

Buy The War on Words book at the Hockessin Book Shelf (hockessinbookshelf.com) or call me at 302-482-3737.

START Things worth knowing

GET OUTSIDE, HAVE A BEER

GREENWAYS EXPANDS WEBSITE RESOURCES

elaware Greenways has launched a new website tailored to help people plan adventures on the state's trails and scenic byways. The new site design features several new and enhanced capabilities including: • Expanded library of trails and byways to make it easier to find your path to fitness, a scenic getaway or family fun. • Interactive maps now offer directions to trail heads and parking lots. • Quick access to status and information on current and past projects • Ways advocates of Delaware Greenways and the statewide network of trails and byways can help with the expansion of these resources. "Delaware Greenways' vision is to connect everyone to where they want to go," said Mary Roth, Executive Director, Delaware Greenways. Visit DelawareGreenways.org

FIRST STATE FC DEBUTS AT ABESSINO

irst State FC, a new semi-pro Delaware soccer club, will kick off its inaugural season against Atlantic City FC, Sat., May 8 at Abessino Stadium in Wilmington. Known as the Midnight Riders, First State will compete in the Keystone Conference of the National Premier Soccer League, which boasts more than 90 teams throughout the U.S.

LIVE AT THE JACKSON INN

he historic Jackson Inn (DuPont Rd. & Lancaster Ave., Wilm.) presents MAY DAY! Outdoor Show on Sat., May 15, 5-11pm. The marathon concert will feature the music of Hoochi Coochi, Rngleader, MEGA and PinWheel, with Café Rivera’s food truck serving from 6 to 10 p.m. The concert has a $10 cover and is for ages 21 and older. Call 652-9972.

A RIDE FOR THE BIRDS

rban Bike Project of Wilmington is teaming with the Delaware Ornithological Society for Pedals, Pewees and Pegrines, an exploratory bike ride along the Brandywine River and through downtown Wilmington on Fri., June 4 (5:30-7:30pm). Binoculars will be provided as riders will look to find birds living close to the city -- from the ducks in the Brandywine to the small birds singing from the treetops to the raptors that nest Downtown. Ride distance is 5.5 miles. The program is free, but pre-registration is requested. Visit UrbanBikeProject.com

ogfish Head Brewery will release its first non-alcohol beer this month while kicking off a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the world’s leading environmental non-profit. Lemon Quest is a non-alcohol wheat beer that checks in a just 90 calories per 12-ounce can. The partnership with TNC, “Mother Nature, Let’s Do This” is a year-long initiative that challenges beer and nature lovers to get outside and enjoy nature. Dogfish Head, which began its relationship with TNC back in 2007, will donate more than $50,000 to the organization while including the TNC logo on every package of Lemon Quest. Throughout the year, the brewery will be presenting contests, giveaways and themed events in partnership with other outdoor brands and active-lifestyle icons. Visit DogFishHead.com/MotherNature

FIRST STATE BALLET HOSTS NATIONAL COMPETITION

irst State Ballet Theatre will present the first live event at The Grand since the COVID-19 pandemic began by hosting the National Ballet Competition Fri., May 14. The competition will consist of individual and ensemble performances in front of an invitation-only audience of friends and family. The awards ceremony will be posted on the National Ballet Competition YouTube channel on May 17. Visit FirstStateBallet.org

HAGLEY’S BIKE, HIKE & BREW RETURNS

he public is encouraged to bring a bike or stroll through areas of Hagley Museum & Gardens normally closed to foot traffic on Wednesday evenings (5-8pm) from June 9 thru Aug. 25. Presented by Dogfish Head Brewery, Bike, Hike & Brews offers guests the option to bring a picnic or try the featured food trucks that will be rotated throughout the summer. Dogfish will offer craft beer and Woodside Farm Creamery will be selling ice cream. Admission is $3 for non-members; free for Hagley members or children 5 and under. Visit Hagley.org A family ride through Hagley. Photo by Kerry Harrison

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM 11

Things worth knowing BUCCINI/POLLIN GROUP LAUNCHES INTERN PROGRAM FOR TEENS

SLAM DUNK BECOMES PART OF NATIONAL HOOPHALL SERIES

PG U is a new, three-week, paid internship program just launched by Wilmingtonbased developer The Buccini/Pollin Group. The program is designed to introduce high school students to all aspects of real estate development – from acquisitions and finance to lease, marketing and operations. The program will begin June 21 and run through July 31. With assistance from Goodwill of Delaware, Delaware Pathways, and Reach Riverside, BPG U will source talent from a diverse pool of high school applicants, especially those who would benefit from a college preparatory experience. Visit BPGroup.net/career-opportunities.

elaware’s popular Slam Dunk to the Beach high school basketball showcase has been selected to be one of four regional tournaments in a newly formed national series operating under the umbrella of the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Classic. Slam Dunk will represent Hoophall East and take place Dec. 27-29, 2021 at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes. The other events in the series are Hoophall West (Scottsdale, Az.), Hoophall Central (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Hoophall South (Bentonvillle, Ak.). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Spalding Hoophall Classic held at Springfield, Ma. over Martin Luther King Weekend. Since its return in 2014, Slam Dunk to the Beach has given fans a chance to see budding Division I college and NBA stars. More than 60 high school players who appeared at Slam Dunk showcase went on to play in the NBA. For more, visit SlamDunktotheBeach.com

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START

$ WEED ? Would legalizing ‘rec’ marijuana mean an untapped market for jobs and revenue, or a headache for Delaware and its citizens? By Bob Yearick

ixty-one percent of Delawareans support legalization of cannabis; 18.5 percent already use it; medical marijuana has been legal for years in the state, and possessing a small amount of recreational marijuana was decriminalized in 2015. Now, as Out & About goes to press, Delaware may be poised to take what seems to be the next logical step: legalizing recreational marijuana. On March 18, State Rep. Ed Osienski (D-Brookside) and State Sen. Trey Paradee (D-Dover) formally introduced House Bill 150, which would allow adults over the age of 21 to legally possess and consume under one ounce of marijuana for personal use. It also would allow the cultivation and sale of marijuana and provide small business license opportunities. Six days later, the bill made it through the House Health and Human Development Committee by a vote of 10-5, with all nine Democrats and one Republican voting for it.

▶

MAY 2021

| OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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KRESTONWINES.COM 16 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

| InWilmDE.com

WEED$? continued from previous page

But the bill must traverse a long path to becoming a law. Since it includes a tax provision, it must go through the Appropriations Committee, where public comment will be allowed. If voted favorably out of Appropriations, it goes to the full House for a vote. If it passes the House, the process is the same in the Senate. In March, Osienski predicted that the bill would be heard on the House floor sometime after the Easter break, “possibly at the end of April or early May." If the legislation is signed into law, Delaware would join 16 other states, including neighboring New Jersey, in legalizing “rec” marijuana. Virginia became the latest to pass an adult-use marijuana legalization law, although sales will not start until 2024. Maryland is also considering legalization. The narcotic remains illegal on a federal level, but in March, Democratic Senators Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden proposed legislation to end federal cannabis prohibition.

$43 Million in Taxes?

Whether it’s called weed, pot, Mary Jane, grass, herb, ganja, 420, or any of dozens of other sobriquets, marijuana has always attracted passionate supporters and equally passionate opponents in Delaware. Both camps are looking at the same picture, but one sees the young woman while the other sees the old lady, one the duck, the other the rabbit. And both back their arguments with dueling research. In the middle are the General Assembly and a reticent governor. Advocates have been pursuing legalization in the First State for several years. Former State Sen. Margaret Rose Henry and former Rep. Helene Keeley first introduced a legalization bill in 2017. Osienski then took up the cause, introducing a bill in the last session, but it died in committee. Proponents got a big boost in late January, when Delaware Auditor Kathy McGuiness authored a report optimistically titled “Millions in Revenue Anticipated from Legalizing Marijuana in Delaware.” In it, she claimed that Delaware could realize more than $43 million in annual tax revenue from the regulation and taxation of legal marijuana. It further stated that legalization would create new business and more than 1,000 jobs over five years, leading to a $215 million industry in the state. McGuiness also stated: “With neighboring states either legalizing it or considering doing so, taking action now is the only way to prevent Delaware from being at a competitive disadvantage in the future. The First State cannot and should not be the last state to approve legalization in the region.” While McGuiness assumed an excise tax of 20% on sales, H.B. 150 contains a 15% tax, meaning the potential tax take would drop by about $10 million, using McGuiness' calculations. The legislation would establish an Office of Marijuana Control Commissioner to regulate the industry and would initially authorize 30 retail store licenses, 30 manufacturing licenses, 60 cultivation licenses and five testing facility licenses. Osienski and Paradee claim they don’t intend to make legal marijuana a revenue engine, saying one of their major aims is to shut down the illegal street market. Toward that end, their bill calls for Social Equity and Microbusiness applicant pools. Social equity applicants are defined as those who either live in an area

disproportionately affected by marijuana laws, have been convicted of a marijuana-related offense, or who have a parent convicted of a marijuana-related offense. They would be entitled to technical assistance, reduced fees, loans and scoring preferences in the awarding of licenses.

“According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety,” Grant says, “following legalization in Washington state, fatal crashes involving drivers who recently used cannabis doubled. Crash rates and insurance claims also increased in Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon after recreational legalization passed.” Further, he says, “A Colorado study released last September showed that since the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2013, traffic Under the bill, using cannabis in deaths in which drivers tested positive for public or in a vehicle would be illegal, and marijuana increased 135%, while total Colorado employers can prohibit its use. It does traffic deaths increased by only 24%. Traffic not allow home-grown marijuana, and deaths involving drivers who tested positive for individual cities and counties can opt out marijuana more than doubled from 55 in 2013 of allowing cannabis facilities. It would be to 129 people killed in 2019. From 2013 to 2019, regulated like alcohol under the Division the percentage of all Colorado traffic deaths of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement. that were marijuana-related increased from A January report from State Auditor Kathy Among the most vocal backers of McGuiness predicted that legalizing marijuana 15% to 25%.” legalization is Delaware Cannabis would created 1,000 jobs over five years. If H.B.150 is passed, says Grant, “Delaware is Advocacy Network (“Delaware Can” not prepared to manage the potential highway for short) and its executive director, safety consequences, lacks a sufficient number Zoë Patchell. Says Patchell: “Both in my of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), and has personal life as well as in my career as a paralegal, I have seen yet to fully commit to a comprehensive public education campaign the devastating effects that the senseless policy of cannabis around the traffic safety dangers.” prohibition has had on otherwise law-abiding citizens, due to A DRE is a police officer who has received advanced training the criminalization of a plant in recognizing drug-impaired that research shows is safer drivers. The state coordinator of than alcohol. Prohibition has the DRE program, Lt. Andrew served as a gateway to the Rubin of the Newark Police criminal justice system, with Department, confirms Grant’s collateral consequences that assertion. Rubin says there are last a lifetime for many.” currently 49 DREs statewide. Speaking of “gateway,” If recreational marijuana is Patchell disputes the oftlegalized, he says, “we have repeated claim that marijuana estimated in the past that we will leads users to more serious need 75 DREs, maybe higher.” drugs. “First of all,” she says, Rubin says drug use is “lifetime consumption of cannabis is 46.2%, meaning half of all increasing dramatically in the state, and cites DUI arrests, which total adults try cannabis at one time or another during their lifetime. If about 4,000 to 4,200 annually. In 2015, 623 of those were tested for cannabis was a ‘gateway,’ then more people would be addicted to drugs by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. In 2020, that heroin or cocaine or whatever cannabis is alleged to be a gateway figure was 856 — a jump of about 37% in the five-year period. to. Also, both research and anecdotal evidence show that cannabis is actually an exit strategy and acts as harm reduction for many people who find themselves addicted to pharmaceuticals, hard Rubin says pot is number one on the DRE hit parade. “Of our drugs and even alcohol.” DRE evaluations, more than 50% are cannabis-related,” he says. She cites studies indicating cannabis legalization can make a He points out that the actual number is likely higher significant dent in the nationwide opioid crisis. “Legalization is because, in Delaware, as in many states, if a driver exceeds associated with a reduction in opiate use, abuse, and overdose, as the DUI threshold of 0.08 for alcohol on a breathalyzer, well as a reversal in what was an upward trend in opiate overdose there is no further testing for drugs — unless the driver is involved deaths,” she says. in a fatal accident. Current breathalyzers cannot detect cannabis. Samples of urine, blood, saliva and even hair follicles can reveal cannabis. All of those tests, however, have drawbacks. Marijuana does not Perhaps the most prominent voice opposing legalization dissipate from a person’s system as quickly as alcohol, and is of rec marijuana — in Delaware or any other state — is the sometimes detectable 30 days after use, so the tests often can’t American Automobile Association. Ken Grant, manager of determine how long ago a driver used marijuana or how much Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says marijuana he used. ▶ AAA’s opposition is based on the impact on traffic safety.

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WEED$? continued from previous page

Patchell, who at the drop of an email can unleash an arsenal of statistics and studies supporting legalization, claims opponents “often repeat exaggerated, misleading or cherry-picked arguments, Patchell posits that this may be while failing to take into account the because marijuana users are more careful totality of the situation.” than drunks. “Studies show that while She counters with a peer-reviewed drunk drivers tend to underestimate study, published by the National Institute their degree of impairment, marijuana of Health and the American Journal of users actually tend to overestimate Public Health, which found that “three their impairment,” she says, and that years after recreational marijuana results in their employing what she calls legalization, changes in motor vehicle “compensatory strategies.” crash fatality rates for Washington and Ken Grant of AAA Mid-Atlantic says legalizing Another opponent of legalized Colorado were not statistically different cannabis in other states has led to more crashes and insurance claims. recreational marijuana is Scott Spencer, from those in similar states without of Wilmington, a transit safety consultant recreational marijuana legalization.” and community activist who lost Democratic primary contests She also cites what she calls “the most in-depth study on for Congress in 2010 and mayor of Wimington in 2012. cannabis impaired driving.” Conducted in 2015 by the National Spencer especially targets McGuiness’ report, calling it Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it concluded that, while “seriously flawed,” particularly in terms of cost. alcohol use dramatically increases accident risk, drivers testing “The whole report is focused on revenue,” he says. “Not a positive for cannabis were no more likely to get into an accident dime of cost is reflected in it.” than sober drivers.

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Legalizing marijuana, he argues, desk. During his successful 2020 will create “another legal substance that campaign for re-election, Carney called causes driver impairment. That should legalized marijuana “a bad idea,” but has be figured into the cost, especially not specifically said he would veto it. in terms of hospitalization and law The governor’s position on the enforcement” — such as the need for issue hasn’t changed, according more DREs. to his communications director, Spencer contends that H.B. 150 will Jonathan Starkey. lead to “a whole series of unintended “He supported decriminalization consequences,” including “an expanded and an expansion of Delaware’s medical black market” and regression in the marijuana program,” Starkey told gains made by the campaign against “big O&A, “but he still has concerns about tobacco,” leading to exposing children legalizing recreational marijuana.” to “second-hand pot.” If the bill reaches Carney — and Zoé Patchell, executive director of the Delaware Cannabis “Delawareans are going to pay for Advocacy Network, says legalizing "rec" marijuana will that’s a big if — he has 10 days to either have multiple benefits. legalizing pot with their lives,” he says. sign it or veto it. If he does neither, the Spencer also pooh-poohs the idea bill automatically becomes law. (This that failing to legalize marijuana will put the state at an actually has happened before; then-Gov. Tom Carper never economic disadvantage in the region. “Give it the advantage signed the law legalizing slots gaming in Delaware, and of not legalizing, and attract businesses that don’t have to it became law without his signature in 1995.) If it chooses worry about their employees being on pot,” he says. to, the General Assembly can override a veto with a threeAssuming the bill clears all the legislative hurdles — which fifths majority. is not a sure bet — it will then land on Gov. John Carney’s Stay tuned.

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Medical Marijuana: A Growing Market “That is our mission. Our team takes the time to educate, to The medical marijuana program in Delaware began six years ago, and there are six “compassion centers” licensed to make patients feel welcome and comfortable.” FSC also offer programs to help with costs, including discounts sell marijuana to patients holding a written certification from a physician and an identification card. Patients can possess no more for veterans, first responders, and those with a terminal illness. “The amount of feedback is amazing,” Lewis says. “We have than 6 ounces of medical marijuana and a compassion center cannot dispense more than 3 ounces of marijuana to a patient over patients who were using walkers who no longer need to, others who are now sleeping when they hadn’t slept in months. I’ve a 14-day period. The number of registered patients has been steadily growing been in the natural health industry for 30 years, working with since the program’s inception, despite the fact that medical supplements, diets, and natural food nutrition, but what I’ve seen cannabis is not covered by insurance. In 2020, the state Office of this amazing medicine do is beyond belief.” Foraker and Lewis are not only employees but patients of FSC. Medical Marijuana issued more 16,497 registration cards, which Foraker, previously a non-cannabis user, had been hospitalized was a 37% increase over 2019. The increase is understandable. Cannabis has proven effective with extreme neck and head pain as well as body tremors after in treating many ailments, especially those involving severe, sustaining an injury from a chiropractic adjustment. Nothing — debilitating pain, and it can significantly decrease anxiety and including opioids — helped until her sister, who works in health care, alerted her to medical provide a sense of overall marijuana. Foraker tried a well-being. Conditions tincture treatment at FSC, that respond to cannabis and it provided almost treatment include PTSD, immediate relief. HIV, AIDS, ALS (Lou Lewis suffered from Gehrig’s Disease), chronic chronic back pain as a result migraines, glaucoma, and of a work-related injury. “I many others. never wanted to take pain Its efficacy extends to meds, so thought I would try reducing opioid addiction. medical marijuana,” she says. “Some of our patients “I had used it recreationally, became addicted to opioids, but never thought of it as some for 10-to-15 years, and medical.” After treatment they have used cannabis to at FSC, she says she “very come off those,” says Haley rarely” experiences any of Schell, regional director of Compassion centers educate patients about marijuana and help them manage their treatment the pain she used to have. Retail Operations for First programs. Photo courtesy First State Compassion The medical marijuana State Compassion (FSC). community has expressed concerns about H.B. 150, which “Cannabis has a way of controlling withdrawal symptoms.” Led by CEO and retired State Trooper Mike Lally, FSC became would legalize recreational marijuana. At a hearing in March, a the first licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Delaware in representative of the industry said that the bill will have a negative June of 2015. It also operates Delaware’s first and largest cannabis impact on their business and that state compassion centers should growing facility. With locations in Wilmington and Lewes, FSC be grandfathered into the recreational market, as they are in other serves approximately 9,000 patients. Besides inhalation products, states where rec marijuana is legal. Rep. Edward Osienski, D-Brookside, the bill’s primary it offers ingestibles, topicals, oils and more. “We believe patients should be champions of their own sponsor, said the industry has nothing to worry about. “This bill treatment program,” says Senior Communications Manager really doesn’t affect the medical marijuana industry,” he said. “I Lauren Foraker. “Our role is as an information partner and guide was kind of surprised by their concerns.” Lally issued this statement to Out & About: “We support to helping them manage their pain and have a much better quality the mission of the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network and of life.” “A lot of patients are elderly,” says Louise Lewis, FSC’s manager applaud Zoé Patchell’s hard work and leadership. We’re both of Patient Engagement and Education, “and they have not had involved in the cannabis industry, but First State Compassion’s experience with and don’t understand THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, central objective has been focused on creating and establishing the the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological foundation for medical marijuana in the state.” For further information on medical marijuana in Delaware, go effects), and they’re really nervous. By time they leave, they’re to dhss.delaware.gov or call 302-744-4749. confident and are back in charge of their life. 20 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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Working with MTV and now SiriusXM, Jamila Mustafa has been named one of the Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40 by the United Nations. Photo by Michael Nicholls-Pierce

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Getting

Sirius A whirlwind of creativity, Wilmington’s Jamila Mustafa continues to find new media worlds to conquer By JulieAnne Cross

alling what Wilmington’s Jamila Mustafa is building a “media empire” might be premature, but people have been comparing her to Oprah for years. Praise swirls around this Cab Calloway School of the Arts and Delaware State University (DSU) alum as her career skyrockets. Last summer, President Joe Biden penned a letter to the 28-year-old MTV host, saying she represented “the most talented, most tolerant, the most educated generation in history,” and lauding her for using her “voice and talent to inspire future generations.” That was before Mustafa became a producer on MTV's Sound Up on Snapchat, which she also hosts, in addition to hosting MTV’s Fresh Out Live. Before that, she hosted MTV’s 2020 pre-shows for the Video Music Awards (and the post-show) and the Europe Music Awards, which reaches more than 180 countries. ►

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GETTING SIRIUS continued from previous page

And before that, she struck a deal with SiriusXM to deliver commentary on hip-hop music, news and culture, as the host of Jamila’s Jams! The show broadcasts live on Mondays at noon, with semi-weekly replays and limited archives on the Sirius app. That gig made her both the youngest host and only Black female anchor on the Volume channel. In addition to Method Man and Jimmy Jam, Mustafa joins a roster with the likes of music royalty Simon Le Bon, Scott Ian, Ahmet Zappa, original MTV VJ Mark Goodman, and legendary rock journalist Lisa Robinson. Roger Coletti, Volume’s executive producer and MTV, VH1 and CMT programming veteran, announced the show’s February 2021 debut, saying, “It’s our latest chapter featuring a fresh new voice.”

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Mustafa’s upbringing fostered the self-discipline and dedication that drives her continuing success. Her father, Wilmington Superintendent of Recreation Rashid Mustafa, is a grandmaster in Goju Tai-Jitsu. He coached her through multiple championships, including her first junior national win at age 7. As her interests evolved into other competition categories — namely, pageants — her father convinced her to enroll in a pageant boot camp (yes, such a thing exists) that focused on topics that would counterbalance the ferocity of martial arts training, such as poise. “Goju is a Japanese term that means hard and soft,” says Rashid Mustafa, “so there’s a balance, like yin and yang. Jamila went through hard training — I trained my daughters to be warriors. [But] my wife and I realized it was time to encourage her to be more well-rounded and the pageant world did that.” The boot camp worked. Mustafa went on to win Miss Middletown and Miss Teen Essence, which included a oneyear DSU scholarship. After enrolling, she won the Miss DSU crown, and that, in turn, resulted in a relationship with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community that would prove fruitful later. Other successes came early to Mustafa. The multi-talented youngster was dancing competitively, auditioning for movies, and hosting Fox29's Philadelphia Eagles Kids Club all as a middle schooler. She received a 2011 Wilmington Award for the Arts from Mayor James Baker when she was just 17. Her mother, Andrea, supported her daughter’s vision. She quit the banking industry to work nights so she could drive the budding star to auditions. But Mustafa admits she was more focused on her creative success than her books, and she struggled academically in high school. “Sometimes things suffer, and unfortunately, it was my grades,” she says. Eventually she realized, “in order to even participate in activities, I needed a certain GPA.” To kids who may have their own struggles, she advises, “Every kid blossoms at different times. Give yourself grace.”

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After Mustafa interviewed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on MTV, he invited her to a Hawaiian luau. Photo courtesy Jamila Mustafa

Once the pageant scholarship put a DSU education in her sights, she was determined to harness her study skills and “make the best of it.” And she did, graduating from DSU in 2015. The HBCU connection began to pay off even before graduation. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored 10 HBCU students, including Mustafa, to attend the 2014 Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Fort Lauderdale. She brought her video equipment and interviewed the speakers, leaving quite an impression on the summit leadership. Six years later, the deputy director of the summit asked Mustafa to address the 2020 graduates of Bennett College. Her grandmother’s alma mater, this Greensboro, N.C., HBCU counts Maya Angelou and Phylicia Rashad as past keynote speakers. Not only was Mustafa the youngest-ever commencement speaker, she also produced the videobased event.

Battling Ciara — Twice

Since her college days, Mustafa has been on a career trajectory that has understandably elicited the Oprah comparisons. She’s got the interviewing skills and energy down pat, and the philanthropic side, too. “I’m a host that might do a split,” she says. In fact, she has taken on Ciara in a dance battle. (Twice, technically. Once when hosting MTV’s TRL Top 10 in 2019 and once on Cab’s stage in sixth grade.) She adds, “I produce my shows, creative direction – you name it. I shoot and I edit every day.” All the while, she stays connected to the young people she can inspire. The international HBCU advocate founded HBCU 2 Hollywood, a higher education speaking tour that highlights the importance of education, health and purpose while raising scholarship funds for students. And as her fame spreads, opportunity continues to knock. Last year, the Ladybug Festival, touted as the nation’s largest celebration of women in music, tapped Mustafa as host and creative director for the pandemic-driven virtual edition of the annual event. ►

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Festival co-founder Gayle Dillman says, “As the emcee for the festival, she brought such an incredible professional level of energy. She is showing young women how to be it all and do it well. She really elevated our event.”

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The SiriusXM offer came in June — in the midst of the pandemic. Though it was an empire-building opportunity, she didn’t rush to the airwaves. “Podcasting is different,” she says, “and I needed to study.” “To me,” she adds, “podcasting is the simplest form of human expression. Throughout history, before podcasting, it was radio, storytellers. Comedians tell stories in their standup.” Since her February debut, she has interviewed singer Kelly Rowland, rapper Waka Flocka Flame, filmmaker Director X, and Netflix’s Last Chance U basketball star Deshaun Highler. Coincidentally, rapper G-Eazy was her first guest on Jamila’s Jams! after being her first interview on MTV’s Fresh Out Live. One-time MTV co-host and friend Sway Calloway, who has called Mustafa “one of the most authoritative voices of her generation” also appeared on her first episode. In addition to interviewing guests, she takes listener calls, and her opinions on music have gained respect. Pandora now publishes a weekly playlist of songs Mustafa mentions each Monday, which can include both well-known and emerging artists. This proud Delaware native also frequently name-checks the First State and its artists. Out of a hundred music submissions, she chose to highlight Wilmingtonian Drizz’s rap track “Bomb” on the program, and Smyrna-raised Farees Kaleemah created the show’s theme song.

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“I’m lucky to be from Delaware. From Delaware and in Delaware, you can do it,” she says. “And Wilmington really is a ‘place to be somebody.’ Everyone poured into me so I could be somebody, and everybody is somebody. Wilmington is buzzing as a whole. It’s really exciting; every time I come home there’s something new.”

Mustafa is currently the host of MTV’s Fresh Out Live and a producer and host of MTV’s Sound Up on Snapchat. Photo courtesy Jamila Mustafa

Her favorite interviews include actress Salma Hayek, whose on- and ww ww ww off-camera observations of Mustafa left an imprint, and Dwayne “The Rock” ww ww Johnson, whose professional hospitality wwz in Hawaii extended into a luau. Her chat with Lil Wayne, on a yacht in Miami, touched on memories of his late friend Kobe Bryant. One MTV interview became especially memorable: that of Pop Smoke, who was killed four months after Mustafa personally sought out the rapper to appear on TRL Top 10. “He was a man of few words, but the interview was so vibrant,” she says. “He told me about things he was excited about. And he performed live, which I think was his first TV performance. I’m blessed to have just been a part of it, but I would exchange that moment absolutely to have him here.” In five years, she sees herself hosting a prime time talk show, and starring in a box office hit or series, perhaps creating and directing. It’s clear that she is smart and driven, but Mustafa is also stylish…and incredibly warm. She says that even more important to her than a pageant crown was the Miss Congeniality awards she won. Dillman recalls Mustafa’s Ladybug work: “She’s wearing leather and dancing, and it’s a hundred degrees out. That’s how dedicated she was to what she was doing. And she’s really nice, too.”

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Spring Forward Wilmington arts scene set to deliver plenty of live, in-person performances By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

v or more than a year, we’ve eagerly anticipated the return of the Wilmington arts scene. Finally, we can finally begin to satisfy that craving. The following listings offer enough options to keep you singing, dancing, and celebrating right up to fall. Enjoy and welcome back to the arts. ► MAY 2021

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SPRING FORWARD continued from previous page

From l-r: Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (O&A file phot0), Wilmington Drama League, Delaware Art Museum (Shannon Woodloe photo).

Candlelight Theatre Candlelight looks forward to welcoming patrons back with several performances scheduled. Running now through Sun., May 23 is Clever Little Lies, a hilarious exposé of the relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and unintended consequences. Next, the theater will be abuzz with Beehive (June 12-July 18), a rollicking musical tribute to the ladies who left their mark on the music of the ‘60s. The sassy, sultry musical celebration of the Golden Age of Jazz, Ain’t Misbehavin’ hits the stage next (July 31-August 29). And, The Best of Candlelight opens Sat., Sept. 18 to celebrate the best staged works at Candlelight over the past 20 years. Visit CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org

food trucks, and art activities. The same day, the Picturing America exhibit opens at 10am. This exhibit kicks off a series of reimagined galleries opening throughout Summer 2021. The Museum’s main floor reimagines stories told with art, including significant new works by women and Black artists. Following exhibits are Radical Beauty on Sat., July 31; Sassafrazz: From Roots to Mastery on Sun., Aug. 8 (in partnership with Clifford Brown Jazz Festival); and Illustration: America's Imagination on Sat., Sept. 11. Other spring and summer events include Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk (June 20); Mixers with Molly (4th Thursdays, 4:45 p.m. via Zoom); Dara Meredith Dance Premiere of The Bridge of Our Roots (virtual, July 1); and the virtual 2021 Wilmington Writers Conference (July 24). Visit DelArt.org

CityFest

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CityFest is bringing back festival season to Wilmington — starting with The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (June 23-28), now the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast. The multi-day celebration of the music, culture, and art of jazz will take place in the recently “spruced up” Rodney Square, just a few blocks from Brown’s actual childhood home. The party continues for the city’s July 4th Celebration (Sunday, July 4). Spectators can enjoy an array of family festivities, food, and entertainment followed by spectacular fireworks launched from Tubman Garrett Riverfront. The city’s festival season closes out with the Riverfront Blues Festival (August 7-8) – a two-day, outdoor concert that featured past performances from notables like Koko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins and Elvin Bishop. Visit CityFestWilm.com

Delaware Art Museum The Museum has been busy lining up a bevy of arts events. They’ve partnered again with DelArt Cinema for the Drive-In Movie Series in Parking Lot B of the museum. The series, which began in April, will continue select Fridays at dusk through October. Upcoming titles include The Cotton Club, Ed Wood, Weekend at Bernie's, The Color Purple, Dazed and Confused, Dead Poets Society, and The Blues Brothers. Additionally, DelArt Cinema Movies in the Sculpture Garden run Fri., July 2 through Fri., Sept. 10, with an array of pop-culture favorites like Jaws, Get Out, Tommy, American Graffiti, and Selena. Happy Hours on the Terrace and Sculpture Garden start Thur., May 27, at 4pm and continue until Thur., Sept. 16 with live music, artisans, a cash bar of local brews, wine and cocktails, and food vendors. Sat., June 19 welcomes the free 2nd Annual Beyond Juneteenth: Egungun Festival, held in the Copeland Sculpture Garden, where festival-goers can connect and be empowered by live performances, guest speakers, 28 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

| InWilmDE.com

Celebrate the opening of The Contemporary’s summer exhibitions at its free West Street Art Festival, Sun., June 13, beginning at 11am. Indoor and outdoor art-based activities, live performances, arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, and refreshments abound at the family-friendly festival. The Contemporary partnered with neighboring Wilmington Riverfront non-profits to deliver a day of fun for all ages. Highlights of the day include a community bike ride with the Urban Bike Project and a community mural focusing on mental health awareness, designed by artist 7GOD. All COVID-19 precautions will be in place for this event. Visit DeContemporary.org

Delaware Theatre Company

For their 2020/21 Season, Take 2!, DTC has produced several experiences engaging a variety of Hollywood, Broadway, and regional performers with social-distancing guidelines in place. They’ve created a new admission process, designating 58 general admission (i.e., firstcome, first served) “boxes” that accommodate either two or four people. Subscription series performances are organized in short-run productions of either one-actor or small ensemble shows. Patrons can purchase eight- or five-show packages running from May 4 to August 14, which include works like Taylor Rodriguez’s homage to Elvis, A Tribute to the King (May 11-15); Harry Hamlin in Icarus, the Sun and the Limelight (May 18-22); Jenna Pastuszek in the Judy Garland salute, Get Happy! (June 22-26); and local jazz artist Jonathan Whitney’s The Whitney Project — A Celebration of Black Joy (July 13-17). Other “Front & Center” offerings include Robert Dubac in The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? (June 9-12); Clare O'Malley in My Immigration Story (July 20-24) and another local jazz favorite, Fostina Dixon, in 5 Women (August 6-7). Visit DelawareTheatre.org

From l-r: Concerts by Car at Frawley Stadium (Matt Urban photo), Hoochie Koochie (Yarissa Luna photo), Serafin Ensemble, The Music School of Delaware (Andre Lamar photo)

Gable Music Ventures Gable continues to deliver accessible live music experiences, while providing much-needed exposure and work for independent artists. While they’re not able to announce all their ventures just yet, here is the confirmed lineup. Live performances, in the openair urban oasis of Makers Alley, run Friday & Saturday nights May 1 through June 26 at 7 p.m. and feature an array of artists such as Nic Snow, Genesis Z & the Black Mambas, Darnell Miller, Sarah Czechowski & Clark Cummins, Too Tall Slim, Eastern Elk, AlyCat and more. Gable’s Rockford Summer Concert Series runs June 14 through August 16, with 6:30pm performances by the likes of Nihkee Blue, Honey Badgers, HOT Breakfast!, Howl Train and others. The Sugar Bowl Summer Series, running June 16 to August 18, brings 6:30pm shows by Haha Charade, The Blues Reincarnation Project and Lili Anel, to name a few. Finally, Gable is developing the Glasgow Summer Concert Series, a set of 6 p.m. shows with bands to be announced. Visit GableMusicVentures.com

The Grand/The Playhouse on Rodney Square The Grand and The Playhouse on Rodney Square remain grateful to the community for continuing to support live entertainment during this time of extended closure. Its staff is forging ahead with plans to reopen for indoor performances by this fall. Until then, keep an eye out for a return of their popular Drive-In Movies at Bellevue State Park, rockin’ Concerts by Car series, and the addition of socially distanced walk-in concerts. The Grand aims to safely and gradually raise the curtain on both the Broadway In Wilmington and Music & Variety schedules in the fall. For the immediate future, The Grand is finishing up its Live @ 818 series on Thur., May 13 at 8pm with a performance by local singer-songwriter and “artivist,” Jea Street, Jr. Visit TheGrandWilmington.org

Hagley Museum The beauty of Hagley in springtime is showcased in a new series featuring pop-up restaurants, live music, and children's activities. Hagley Alfresco invites patrons to dine behind the E.I. du Pont Barn each Thursday evening in May, accompanied by the sounds of local bands. Featured restaurants and musicians include Piccolina Toscana and The Acoustic Jam Band (May 6); Caffé Gelato and The Acoustic Jam Band (May 13); Goober's Diner and Nick Alfieri (May 20); and Le Cavalier at The Green Room and Nick Alfieri (May 27). Visit Hagley.org

Market Street Music Popular local classical ensemble Pyxis Piano Quartet closes out this season of the free Market Street Music Virtual Concert Series in a two-part performance, viewable on YouTube. Part One premieres Saturday, May 1, and Part Two on Tue., May 4, both at 7:30pm. Market Street Music also renews its partnership with Wilmington Alliance this summer, bringing free monthly Outdoor Concerts to 7th & West Community Park. The first date sees popular Dover-based, soul-blues band Hoochi Coochi take the stage on Thur., June 17 at 7pm. They’re followed on Thur., July 15, at 7 p.m. by well-known and loved local jazz ensemble, Sharon Sable Quartet. The final date of Thur., Aug.19, has an act still to be determined, so stay tuned for details! Masks must be worn at all performances. Visit MarketStreetMusicDE.org

The Music School of Delaware The Music School has creatively pivoted throughout the pandemic, finding new ways to deliver musical experiences to audiences — music-based Zoom chats, virtual concerts and recitals — and they continue that creative approach this summer. With a Song in Our Hearts (Sun., May 30, 3pm) is a livestream-only concert spotlighting the Music School’s Voice Faculty members, advanced voice students, and its premier choral ensembles, The Delaware Women’s Chorus and Cantabile Women’s Chorus. The livestream is free to view, but advance reservation should be made. The Music School is also presenting Serafin Summer Music live and livestream at its Wilmington Branch, June 4-19 (see below). Visit MusicSchoolofDelaware.org

OperaDelaware If music be the food of love, play on! OperaDelaware collaborates with Delaware Shakespeare for Shakespeare in Song, May 20 through 23, with 8pm performances — all in the parking lot of OperaDelaware Studios. DelShakes’ actors will bring the original material to life while OD soloists give voice to the operatic equivalents. The performance will delight audiences with scenes from Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and The Merry Wives of Windsor as well as music by Britten, Debussy, Gounod, Verdi, and more. OperaDelaware’s parking lot plays host to yet another evening of song with Al Fresco Arias (June 17 & 18; July 22 & 23, all 8pm performances). The popular outdoor series returns with new artists and OD’s Aurelien Eulert performing fan-favorite arias. Grab a comfy chair and picnic basket, and settle in for open-air, live opera on the Wilmington Riverfront. Visit OperaDe.org ►

MAY 2021

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After postponing in 2020, The Serafins and The Music School of Delaware combine musical forces to host Serafin Summer Music festival, in both live and livestream performances (June 4, 5 & 6; June 11 & 12; June 18 & 19) at the Music School’s Wilmington Branch. The roster includes 22 artists from Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and even Norway. The festival opens with an all-Gershwin program on Fri., June 4. Saturday (June 5) brings a whimsical performance, Sibling Rivalry, featuring three violin/piano sibling pairs. Songs of Norway on Sun., June 6 puts the works of Edvard Grieg and other Norwegian composers at center stage. Serafin Summer Music’s repertoire delivers chamber music favorites, infrequently heard masterworks from Beethoven and Brahms, and “hidden gems” such as the String Sextet by Danish composer, Niels Gade. Tickets can be purchased singly, as a three-pack or full-festival pass. Visit SerafinEnsemble.org

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“Meet me at the Grove!” That’s a phrase we’re all looking forward to hearing again, as the 2021 Shady Grove Music Fest in Arden is confirmed for Sat., July 10, at 11am. Tickets for the Fest opened April 30. Here’s hoping for another sellout (in COVID terms) with a knockout lineup of Grace Vonderkuhn, Catbite, Ellen Siberian Tiger, Buddie, Dominy, Grant Claytor, The Knotty G's, The Luscious’s and Bad Smidgen. A $5 off “early bird” non-member ticket is available until June 30; a limited number of tickets are being issued to enable socialdistancing protocols. Masks must be worn to enter and move about the festival. Distancing must be maintained between groups. Wash stations and sanitizers will be provided throughout the concert area. Visit ShadyGroveMusicfest.com

Wilmington Alliance

Get into the groove with Wilmington Alliance’s Drumming Circle, starting Tue., May 18, at 6pm and running through Tue., Oct. 12, at 7th & West Community Park. It’s a free night of family fun, where participants can bring a drum or use one provided to get creative in a public drumming circle. The Alliance also turns up the park’s good vibes for monthly Family Picnic Nights. On Wednesdays (June 9, July 7, & Aug. 11) from 6-7pm, families can bring chairs or blankets and gather to enjoy relaxing outdoor time and a meal from a local food vendor. Masks are required to participate in all events. Visit WilmingtonAlliance.org

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Winterthur Museum & Garden (Herb Crossan photo)

Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance Wilmington Ballet offers a range of summer classes for young dancers. Beginning Ballet Summer Weekly Classes run July 8 to August 12. Their Summer Intensives series are taught by Wilmington Ballet Directors Benjamin Sterling Cannon and Chris Davis with guest teaching artists. The intensives are valuable outlets for dancers to improve their technique, to exercise, and bolster their creativity in preparation for the coming season. The Advanced Intensive class runs July 12 -23; the Intermediate runs August 9-20. Finally, all young princes and princesses ages 4-6 are invited to join The Royal Academy, July 10-31, 10-11:30 a.m. Visit WilmingtonBallet.org

Wilmington Drama League The Drama League returns to a live, indoor performance (COVID precautions in place) with the award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (May 14-23). No more than 50 tickets will be sold for this performance. Next, fairies and players abound in three outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s celebrated comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream ( June 18-20). For local thespians ages 7 to 17, summer will be full of Seuss! WDL’s Summer Stock runs June 21-July 17, with limited-audience performances of Seussical Jr. on July 16 and 17. Camp discounts will be offered for early registration and second child sign-up. Their summertime schedule rounds out with the annual Jeff Walker Youth One-Act Festival on Sat., July 24, set on an outdoor stage. Admission to that festival is free. Visit WilmingtonDramaLeague.org

Winterthur Museum & Gardens Experience many of the region’s most talented craftspeople at Winterthur’s first-annual Artisan Market ( July 17-18). Spend the day exploring Winterthur while shopping for original objects including antiques and collectibles, up-cycled and architectural salvage pieces, high-quality crafts and handmade items, vintage clothing and jewelry, gourmet packaged goods, original art in a variety of media and garden items. The Market is included with a general admission ticket, as is access to the 60-acre garden, paths and trails, a self-guided tour of the house, access to the galleries, including latest exhibitions and a garden tram tour. Visit Winterthur.org

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Making a statement with your tailgate has become as important as the races at Winterthur's annual Point-to-Point. Photo by Bob Hickok

EAT

Tailgating Tips Seven suggestions to help you cover the bases this spring and summer By Pam George

hen the pandemic threatened the hand sanitizer supply, Kathy Berg initially panicked. Husband Jim calmly told her to look in the “tailgate bag.” The Bergs are enthusiastic supporters of U.S. Naval Academy sports teams, and they tailgate so often they have staples ready to go. Long before COVID-19, she had learned that sanitizer and wipes are game-day essentials. Berg is not the only one who is a seasoned tailgating pro. Recently, Susan Teiser, chef-owner of Montrachet Fine Foods in Centreville, prepared “tailgate” foods for socially distanced outings. The caterer is no stranger to the lavish spreads that characterize Winterthur’s Point-to-Point Steeplechase, which returns on May 30 after taking 2020 off. (The Willow Dale Steeplechase is May 8). ► MAY MAY 2021 2021 || OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

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Tailgating diva Sandi Bihary-Waltz is a regular at Fireworks at Hagley celebrations. This year, the two-night event is scheduled for Aug. 13 and Aug. 20. Along with these annual celebrations, many outdoor concerts and performances allow picnics. “Tailgating is fun, and we all need to have fun back in our lives,” says Jill Abbott, race director for Point-to-Point and an event planner at the museum. “I think the most important thing is planning. Tailgating does not have to be a lot of work if you plan and pace yourself as far as preparations — in other words, don’t wait until the last minute because it can make a long day longer.” Now is the time to dust off your coolers and your tailgating approach. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Pick A Theme

A common thread connects all aspects of the event, from the attire to the décor to the food, Teiser says. Her favorites include music, such as favorite songs from the 1970s, French or Italian picnics and a season, such as spring and summer. During her 23 years at Winterthur, Jill Abbott has seen it all, from the Radio City-style kick line to illustrate New York, New York to a tank that underscored a Patton theme. Spanish dancers once stomped around a tailgate saluting Madrid. One year, for the “favorite song theme,” Abbott and friends chose “Hot, Hot, Hot.” All the food was spicy, except for the cucumber that they’d turned into shot glasses. Using washable paint, they covered a black Suburban with red chili peppers. She calls such efforts “extreme tailgating.” These themes were once standard at Winterthur. Similarly, Fireworks at Hagley has a theme each year, and BiharyWaltz matches her tailgate to it. “It can be an adventure,” she acknowledges. When there’s a patriotic theme, she breaks out the red, white and blue. A theme requires décor. But even without one, flowers are a plus. Stargazer lilies are standard on Bihary-Waltz’s table. Use weighted vases so they won’t tip and flood your food, Abbott suggests. Even if candles are not allowed, a candelabra adds drama at more formal outings. “The taller, the better,” Teiser says. Stagger the height of any item by bringing boxes that you can drape with fabric.

2. Make It Fun

A theme adds to the entertainment value. So do games. Cornhole —named for the bags that contain corn, not beans — doesn’t take up much space in the car and gives guests something to do between eating and the big event. Tuck a container of kids’ bubbles in your bag. “They make everyone laugh,” Teiser says. Bihary-Waltz prefers to walk the grounds and “vote” for tailgates in categories such as “most sophisticated,” “cleverest” or “prettiest.”

3. Create A Menu

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Since tailgating can start early, Karen Wright of Old New Castle begins with a brunch of bagels, lox and all the accouterments — including mimosas. No matter what she and husband Darren devise as a theme, they always have a Thanksgiving-like dish, even in May. Favorites include muffins made with turkey, stuffing and cranberry on mashed sweet potatoes.

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Lavish spreads are the norm at Winterthur's Point-to-Point. Photo courtesy Winterthur

Berg, who was once asked to roast a turkey for a Winterthur tailgate, prefers to keep it simple for her events. For football games, she’s ordered pizza and barbecue. Similarly, Abbott prefers room temperature foods that guests can eat with their hands. “You don’t need a lot of utensils,” she says. Plus, guests don’t need to juggle plates and glasses. You don’t need to prepare all the food yourself. Montrachet has provided clients with fried chicken, mini croissant sandwiches, tea sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese boards, crab claws with cocktail sauce, brownies and blondies, and cookies. Janssen’s Market in Greenville offers a create-your-own picnic basket. Choose the starters, sandwiches or entrees, sides and sweets from a list. Selections include barbecued ribs, baked or fried chicken, deviled eggs, wings, sesame noodles and lemonblueberry cheesecake cups.

4. Take Cover

If allowed, canopies and open-sided tents let the party continue even in inclement weather, Teiser notes. Darren Wright made “food tents” to protect food from rain. “They look like the sneeze guards you’d see at a buffet,” his wife says. The Wrights also bring tablecloths to both dress the popup tables and hide the supplies kept underneath them.

5. Carry With Ease

Bihary-Waltz can’t say enough about her wheeled cart. “It looks like an adult wagon and folds up to the size of a suitcase,” the Greenville resident explains. The Amazon purchase has proved valuable at Hagley, where guests must tote items from a parking area to the picnic area. If you are hauling supplies from a considerable distance from the car, consider disposable food carriers that let you leave with less. “They’re creative and practical, Teiser says. She also recommends lightweight serving equipment. “The plastic designs today are amazing.” Also, think clear, plastic glasses for beverages. “It’s not fun to drink wine out of a Solo cup,” notes Paula Janssen of Janssen’s Market, “and your stemware probably won’t make the trip home.” Wright, however, brings glassware and fancy serving dishes to Point to Point. “It just needs to look pretty,” she maintains. ►

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TAILGATING TIPS continued from previous page

6. Stay Hot or Cold

Depending on the temperature, you’ll need ice. “Plan to bring one cooler just with ice — you will need it as the day goes along,” Janssen says. “Also, it’s great to separate your ice for drinks from the ice that is keeping things cold. Much cleaner. Food safety is hard in an outdoor setting and ice is your friend.” Tip: Put labels on each cooler. For cold foods, Wright uses a standard cooler. Small hot or cold items, however, go in separate foldable Styrofoam carriers. For large events, the family has used insulated carriers that hold five food pans. Use one for hot and another for cold foods. Bihary-Waltz uses a slow cooker for sausages and peppers in red sauce. Even unplugged, it will retain its heat for several hours. Berg has a device that plugs into the car’s 12volt outlet to keep items warm. But if you don’t want to invest in a hot-food carrier, heat bricks in an oven, wrap them in foil and Unique accessories at a tailgate — say, a vintage line a cooler’s bottom with phonograph — make a lasting impression. Photo by Wendy Hitchens Perry. them, Abbott says.

7. Pack A Tailgating Toolbox

Of course, you need more than food and a way to carry it. You will undoubtedly be glad you packed the following items:

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• Foldable Table. Pack it first and load items on top, Abbott says. • Tablecloths, linens or napkins. • Paper towels, wet wipes and hand sanitizer — lots of it. • Cutlery, serving spoons, tongs, glasses and plates. • Serrated knife. Janssen wraps hers in napkins and plastic to keep it safe. “You will need it. I promise.” Berg stocks up on inexpensive paring knives from Pampered Chef. • Ice buckets and separate cooler for ice. • Portable grill or firepit if permitted and warranted, and the supplies for them. • A bottle opener-corkscrew. Abbot ties one to the cooler so it won’t get misplaced. • Camping chairs — bring extra in case your guests forget. • Umbrellas, blankets, sunscreen and a change of clothing or additional clothing and shoes. “At Point-to-Point, you never know if it’s going to be 50 or 80 degrees,” Wright notes. • Bungee cords. • Saran wrap, foil, garbage bags and freezer bags for leftovers. • Condiment caddies (or a cardboard six-pack holder). • Painter’s or masking tape and a Sharpie. • First-Aid kit. • And, of course, duct tape.

DRINK

Music To His Ears

Ronnie Price at the bar of Smyrna's Blue Earl Brewing. Photo by Butch Comegys.

Leaving his engineering career to pursue craft brewing was a natural progression for Blue Earl Brewing founder Ronnie Price

aking music has always been at the core of Ronnie Price’s life, and he’s combined that love of music with another outlet for his creative nature — brewing beer. Price is the owner and operator of Blue Earl Brewing in Smyrna and, like so many professional brewers, Price started out as a home brewer whose focus was to make good beer to share with friends. But those friends kept commenting on how good it was and encouraged him to mass produce it, and when Price won several awards (locally and nationally), it planted the seed that eventually grew into Blue Earl Brewing. Price, 55, went to William Penn High in New Castle and then the University of Delaware, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. That led to a job in the manufacturing industry and a six-figure salary, so life was good — but not complete. Again, like so many professional brewers, Price wasn’t satisfied with sitting behind a desk in a 9-to-5 setting. He wanted to be his own boss. And that was the motivation that led him to make the hard-but-easy decision to leave his well-paying job and start his own brewery and tap room. So, he decided to start a new life in a new town, even though that meant new risks. ►

By Kevin Noonan

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Celebrating

84 Years!

MUSIC TO HIS EARS Price was also a semi-professional continued from previous page musician who played bass guitar and drums in several local bands with decent local followings, but, in his own words, he realized “I’m not going to be the next Billy Joel’’ and scaled back his playing. However, Price used that love of music — especially the blues and jazz — in his next career as a brewer. When Price started his business on Artisan Drive in Smyrna in 2014, Blue Earl was the seventh microbrewery in Delaware. Today, there are almost 30. In his first year in business, Price produced 200 barrels of beer; in 2021, he estimates his company will produce 1,200 barrels. For more information on Blue Earl Brewing, call 302-653-2337 or go to www.blueearlbrewing.com.

O&A: You went to high school in New Castle and college in Newark — how did you end up in Smyrna? Price: “I was living in Bear, but wanted to get out of there and I wanted to open my own brewery. It was really my wife who pushed for me to start in Smyrna. She was the catalyst, because of its central location and because the area was really starting to grow. So, I wrote up a business plan and pitched it to the mayor and city council. And they voted on it and shot it down.”

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O&A: Why did they shoot it down? Price: “They said they didn’t want to turn into a booze town. I didn’t understand it, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it, so I went to Plan B.” O&A: What was Plan B? And how did you end up returning to Plan A? Price: “I went to Middletown and talked to Mayor [Ken] Branner, and he welcomed me with open arms. He said they had plenty of open properties and we would be a real asset to their town. And that same day, I got an email from the town manager of Smyrna and he said the town council regretted their vote, and would you please come back? He said they had an open property that was a great deal — it was almost virtually rent free. I really appreciated how Middletown welcomed us, but the deal in Smyrna was too good to pass up. And the town of Smyrna has been a wonderful partner ever since.” O&A: Why did you decide on such a heavy blues theme? Price: “I never really considered any other kind of theme, because I love the blues and jazz so much and music has been such a big part of my life, and still is. I just love creating things, whether it’s music, beer or food, and it just seemed natural to combine all three things.” O&A: What do you think about the craft beer scene in Delaware? Price: “We’re behind a lot of other states, per capita, but that’s changing and more and more breweries and tap rooms are opening, and I think that’s great. I love it. And you obviously have to give Dogfish Head and Sam [Calagione] a lot of credit for that. They showed that you can produce a quality product in a small town in a small state and be successful if you do things the right way. That’s why we’ve always tried to do and what we’ll always try to do. I’m certainly not saying well be as successful as Dogfish Head, but we’ll try to follow the same path.” O&A: With all the competition out there, what do you think is the key to success in selling your beer? ►

A catchy name and eye-catching artwork are key to success in the craft beer industry, says Blue Earl's Ronnie Price. Photo by Butch Comegys.

Price: “Actually, there are three keys — what I call the trifecta of brewing. First of all, you have to have recipes for the liquid. If you don’t have a quality product nothing else matters. Second is to have a name that’s really catchy and colorful and easy to remember. And to complete the trifecta, you have to have amazing artwork, something that grabs the attention of the consumer. Because there are so many craft beers out there when you go into a liquor store, you have to have the artwork that draws them to your product in the first place. If you have all of those things, if you’re successful in all of those things, you’re going to knock it out of the park.” O&A: Now you have added an eclectic food menu, once again based around a blues and jazz theme. What made you decide to offer food as well as beer? Price: “That was always part of the plan. To me, they go hand in hand — good food and good beer. At first, we had food trucks in front of the place and we did that for four years. But I always knew that I wanted to have our own kitchen and serve good food, food that would complement the beer we sell. We wanted to feature fresh, local food that would really complete the experience of coming to visit us. And, so far, the response has been great.” O&A: In the last few years you’ve added new recipes and, of course, started serving your own food. Where do you see Blue Earl Brewery in a few more years? Price: “Ironically, the thing that hurt our business so much in the past will help it in the future. When the pandemic hit, we had just started to make a real profit, and when that hit and everything got shut down, I thought to myself ‘We’re screwed. We’re done.’ Then President Trump and the government pushed a lot of money into the hospitality industry with low-interest loans and grants and we applied for that, and we got approved for a substantial amount of money. So, we reformulated and went out and doubled our capacity at the brewery and fixed up our kitchen a little bit more, brought in new equipment. So, [the pandemic] was a blessing and a curse — essentially, it set us up for the next five years. “And in the next 10 years, I want to establish two or three new brew pubs in Delaware. I’ve got to find the right properties and I’m already working with a commercial real estate company. And I want to expand our brand — we’re already in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania and I want to expand into New Jersey, and eventually even Virginia and Ohio. So, we’re not just sitting still. As long as I’m in this business, I want to grow and improve and make Blue Earl Brewing a rewarding experience for everybody.” 40 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

| InWilmDE.com

WIN A WINTERTHUR POINT-TO-POINT TAILGATE SPOT!

Fill in the You know the drill: (1) Ask your friends to help “fill in the blanks” by giving suggestions for the missing words needed below. (2) Once completed, read aloud and watch hilarity ensue. (3) Got a funny one? Take a photo and send it to us at Contact@TSNPub.com. Best one wins a Winterthur Point-to-Point Tailgate Spot (Sunday, May 30) plus a $50 Gift Card to Pizza By Elizabeths (One entry per person; must be 21 or older to enter). Have fun!

Winterthur’s Point-to-Point! The gang was really excited about Point-to-Point this year! As tradition would have it, ( met up early in the morning to pack the cooler with ( ice-cold bottles of (

) sandwiches, (

type of food

)(

) and I ) and

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liquid

“I’ve been looking forward to this for so long,” she said. “I’m so ( As if on cue, in walked (

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female friend

male friend

) with a tray of (

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) right now I can barely stand it!”

) stacked up upon a case of (

liquid

“Who’s ready to have some fun?” he asked with a grin. “(

), it’s gonna be a (

exclamation

adjective

) day!” I shouted.

When we got to tailgate spot at Winterthur, it was such a beautiful sight. Crowds of well-dressed (

plural noun

) mingled on the hillside, as the announcer called the start of the first race.

I spotted another old friend approaching us. “Oh boy,” I said. “Watch out, here comes ( (

male friend

)!” Without missing a beat, our (

“My family’s (

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)

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) pal was hooting and hollering.

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) owns a horse in this race!” he shouted. “her name is (

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She’s a longshot! So dinner’s on me tonight if she wins!” We ran up to the racing fence to cheer on horse # ( jumping over the (

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Just moments later, the announcer’s voice ( “Holy ( luckiest (

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). And here she came, like a thing of beauty,

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) with excitement as we heard him call out the winner.

)!” my good friend said jumping for joy. “I can’t believe it! She won! She won! We’re the ) in all of (

area town

)!”

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

THE CITY MAYOR PURZYCKI HELPS LAUNCH 2021 LITTLE LEAGUE SEASON

he Wilmington Little League (www.wllde.org) officially kicked of its 2021 season on Saturday, April 17 with help from Mayor Purzycki, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Masen Price of the Major Division Philadelphia Phillies before their game against the New Castle Mets. An affiliate of Little League International, WLL is a branch of the largest youth sports organization in the world, with 2.4 million children playing “America’s pastime” in more than 80 countries.

COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS CONTINUE IN WILMINGTON

Phillies vs. Mets on Opening Day.

Mayor Purzycki throws out the first pitch of 2021. It’s a strike!

Philadelphia Phillie Masen Price and Mayor Purzycki.

ayor Mike Purzycki joined 3rd District City Councilmember Zanthia Oliver at People’s Settlement Association on East 8th Street last month to welcome back residents who were getting their second dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and to thank Delaware Dept. of Health and Human Services, members of the Delaware National Guard, and other medical professionals who helped make this event possible. The Mayor reminds everyone that as of April 6, Governor Carney and DPH have expanded Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program to include everyone aged 16 and older. Visit de.gov/covidvaccine for more information on Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

42 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

Mayor Purzycki is joined by Delaware National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen at a People’s Settlement COVID-19 vaccination event on April 17.

Gaye Council of DHSS, Mayor Purzycki, and Councilmember Oliver at People’s Settlement on April 17.

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE

NEWS YOU CAN USE! TRASH & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Visit the City of Wilmington’s website for more info about trash and recycling in the City. To report issues about trash and recycling collection, please dial 3-1-1 or visit: WilmingtonDE.gov/311.

WILMINGTON WORKS “I ALSO CONGRATULATE DIRECTOR MEGAN MCGLINCHEY AND HER REMARKABLE TEAM FOR THEIR VISION AND DEDICATION IN MOVING THE RIVERFRONT FORWARD INTO THE NEXT QUARTER-CENTURY. -MAYOR MIKE PURZYCKI

”

Looking for general job information and resources? Visit: wilmingtonde.gov/government/employment to learn about education and training, labor laws and regulations, how to apply for government jobs, as well as other employment-related information.

MAYOR AND CITY CELEBRATE RDC’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

ayor Mike Purzycki and the City of Wilmington congratulate the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware, which marked its 25th anniversary in April. Mayor Purzycki served as the RDC’s first Executive Director beginning in 1996, and was instrumental in resurrecting the blighted, industrial wasteland along the Christina River and transforming the former WWII shipyard into an economic, cultural, and social hub of the City. “It was my great fortune for twenty years to be part of a team that had a dream and committed itself to seeing that dream come true. What a wonderful ride,” said the Mayor.

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO OUT & ABOUT MAGAZINE

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY! During this difficult time, there are numerous options on the Riverfront to get out, enjoy nature, and dine from some of your favorite restaurants! The Riverfront is a perfect venue to enjoy the outdoors and walk our 1.75 mile Riverwalk along the beautiful Christina River! Additionally, the DuPont Environmental Education Center is now open to the public. DEEC’s nature trails, including the eight-mile Jack A. Markell Trail continues to be fully operational! Get out and enjoy some quality time in nature!

Re-Opening This Summer!

44 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

The Riverfront Market

OPEN

MON-FRI: 9AM-6PM SAT: 9AM-4PM

Stop in and enjoy fresh produce, salads, sandwiches, coffee, pizza, sushi, Mexican,Thai cuisine and much more!

Dine-in or carry out!

DINING OPTIONS RIVERFRONT RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN

for in-house indoor and outdoor dining Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar Big Fish Grill Ciro Food & Drink Cosi Del Pez Docklands Drop Squad Kitchen Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Riverfront Bakery River Rock Kitchen Starbucks The Juice Joint Timothy’s on the Riverfront Ubon Thai

NOW OPEN at the Riverfront Market! Pachamama Peruvian Rotisserie Serena’s Soulfood

MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

ring e f f O w No nt Riverfro ! tals n e R e k Bi

Opening May 15th!

Outdoor mini golf, bike rentals, and ice cream return to the Riverfront! RiverwalkMiniGolf.com RiverwalkMiniGolf.com /RiverwalkMiniGolf

46 MAY 2021 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM

/RiverfrontWilmington

FOR THE ONE TIP YOU CAN’T MISS, VISIT DONKNOWSBETS.COM.

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