Enforcement focus is on DUI, Speed, and Seat Belts.

 Dover – If you listen closely, instead of saying “Gobble, Gobble, Gobble”, the Thanksgiving turkey is reminding all to “Buckle, Buckle, Buckle” up this holiday season. The Office of Highway Safety also wants to remind motorists as they travel this holiday season to buckle up, be patient and slow down, and, if partaking in some holiday spirits, use a designated driver. Delaware law enforcement will be on high alert this holiday to make sure you arrive safely to your destination. Historically, Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year, putting more people on the road, and unfortunately increasing the likelihood of crashes

There is one DUI checkpoint scheduled for the Thanksgiving holiday as follows:

Wednesday Nov. 26th                        Wilmington (New Castle County DUI Task Force)- Checkpoint

Since January 1^st of this year, 111 people have lost their lives on Delaware roadways in 98 fatal traffic crashes, compared to 95 people killed in 90 fatal traffic crashes this time last year. Speeding has contributed to 41% of the fatal traffic crashes to date. Alcohol consumption has attributed to 49% of the traffic deaths. Forty three percent (43%) of vehicle occupants killed this year were not wearing their seat belts.

Wednesday, November 26th marks the beginning of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s annual Safe Family Holiday Campaign. Safe Family Holiday enforcement activities over the next six weeks will include 30 law enforcement agencies statewide conducting overtime patrols focusing on speeding, impaired driving, and seat belt use. Enforcement will supplement already scheduled Checkpoint Strikeforce DUI checkpoints. The Safe Family Holiday Campaign is OHS’ major traffic safety initiative for the holiday season. It includes a combination of high visibility enforcement, public awareness activities, and media messaging aimed at stopping impaired and other dangerous drivers.

Over the last decade, several public awareness activities have become Safe Family Holiday traditions including the OHS “Mocktail” party and the DUI Tree project. “Mocktails” are non-alcoholic cocktail parties, where safety information, responsible party hosting tips, and samples of “smart” party foods will be provided for attendees. OHS will have several mocktail events this holiday season with seven corporate partners across the state. Find recipes and safety tips for your own mocktail from the OHS holiday mocktail booklet http://1.usa.gov/1FmVWOb.

The DUI Tree memorializes alcohol-related deaths and injuries during the campaign. Colored light bulbs on the tree represent each victim killed or injured in an impaired driving crash. DUI Trees are sponsored by four highway safety corporate partners and are set up the week of Thanksgiving. OHS has created a virtual DUI Tree for the public to view at www.DUIRealTime.com. Last year, 2 people were killed and 15 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Delaware during the holiday season.

For more information on these or any of our other Safe Family Holiday campaign efforts follow us on Twitter @DEHighwaySafe, visit our website for updates at www.ohs.delaware.gov, www.DUIRealTime.com/Safe-Holidays or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

(DOVER, Del.—Nov. 26, 2014)—Lewes, Del.’s Zwaanendael Museum will celebrate the winter-holiday season with the programs “Hospitality Night,” which will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m., and “Tour Zwaanendael Museum” which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, “Hospitality Night” will include a 1920s holiday-themed program featuring festive décor, music, demonstrations and seasonal refreshments. The second program, “Tour Zwaanendael Museum,” held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes, will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore this historic museum which showcases the Lewes-area’s maritime, military and social history.

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters. The museum’s exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history.

Following is a long-term schedule of Zwaanendael-Museum-sponsored activities. Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. Museum hours from Nov. 1 to March 31 are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April 1 to Oct. 31, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Zwaanendael Museum upcoming special events
Note: Recent program changes are highlighted in brown.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
“Hospitality Night.” 1920s holiday-themed program featuring festive décor, music, demonstrations and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. 6–9 5–8 p.m. Note additional program info and time change.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1980s: ‘Salvage of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak.’ ” Lecture by Claudia Leister, executive director of the Milford Museum. Part six of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history.2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 5, 2015.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1990s.” Program description TBA. Don Voltz, executive director of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, will discuss the planning and creation of the museum and its inductees. Part seven of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb.2, 2015. Note updated program information.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Delaware’s Decades—the 2000s. Lecture by Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will discuss the future of space travel and space suits from the early 2000s to the present. Eighth and final installment of a series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than March 2, 2015.

Thursday–Saturday, April 9–11, 2015
Lewes Tulip Festival. City-wide series of activities celebrating Lewes’ Dutch heritage including Dutch games, crafts and a display of Delftware ceramics at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-8073.

Saturday, April 18, 2015
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today.10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, 2015
King’s Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 23, 2015
Fourth Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Festival: “A Sailor’s Life for Me.” Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Recently added program.

Zwaanendael Museum exhibits and displays

Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.”Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century.

Ongoing
“Simple Pleasures: Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring-20s fall and winter fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the “Downton Abbey” television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Recently added display.

 -End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

As Governor, I am continually reminded of all of the reasons our state gives us to be thankful year-round: our beautiful beaches and abundant natural resources, along with a rich history of invention, courageous leadership, and a belief in cooperation – even among political adversaries. It is the Delaware Way. But each year as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s clear that we can be most thankful for the overwhelming kindness and generosity of Delawareans – people who are committed to serving the less fortunate and most vulnerable. That giving spirit was on display this week at the Thanksgiving Turkey & Food Give Away, where non-profits, youth organizations, and others came together here at the Dover Boys and Girls Club to distribute food for thousands of families and seniors. WJBR’s annual Turkey-Thon benefited the Ministry of Caring – a remarkable group that works to provide affordable housing and to help the homeless and working poor see a brighter future. And for more than a decade volunteers with Stockings for Soldiers have supported our troops overseas by sending blankets, hats, and personalized stockings stuffed with basic needs. We all have the opportunity to make the holiday season a little more joyful for others, and we should be inspired to act by the incredible efforts of the many Delawareans who take it upon themselves to lend a hand to those who need one. I wish you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for all that you do to help keep Delaware moving forward.

(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, filmed at the Dover Boys & Girls Club, Governor Markell shares a Thanksgiving message of gratitude to individuals and organizations throughout Delaware who provide help and support to those in need.

“Each year as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s clear that we can be most thankful for the overwhelming kindness and generosity of Delawareans – people who are committed to serving the less fortunate and most vulnerable,” said Governor Markell. “We all have the opportunity to make the holiday season a little more joyous for others, and we should be inspired to act by the incredible efforts of the many Delawareans who take it upon themselves to lend a hand to those who need one.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8smPfhiRb0s
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

You can also view a copy of the Transcript: Recognizing the Generosity of Delawareans

DOVER – Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden advised Delaware consumers to take several steps to protect themselves during this year’s holiday shopping season that starts this week.

“This is a special time of year, but unfortunately, it is also the time of year when consumer s need to be especially vigilant,” Biden said. “Consumers who believe they have been victimized by fraud should contact my office’s Consumer Protection Unit immediately.”

This holiday season, according to ComScore, U.S. consumers are expected to spend $61 billion online, a significant increase from 2013.

Biden recommends the following tips for consumers purchasing holiday gifts online:

• ​Purchase only from reputable retailers that you are familiar with. Make sure you have the retailer’s physical address and phone number in case you have problems with the purchase.
• Do not send sensitive personal or financial information through e-mail. Legitimate companies will not ask you to send personal identifying information via e-mail, because it is not a secure way to transfer such information.
• Place your order only when you know the site is secure. If a site is secure, the web address will begin with “https” rather than “http,” and a locked padlock icon will be visible at the bottom right of your computer’s screen. Be aware, however, that some con artists have learned to forge these security indicators.
• Avoid making purchases over public, non-secure networks such as those at coffee shops or libraries.
•  Protect your computers with anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
• Use unusual passwords when you register with a website to make online purchases. Try to include special characters, numbers, and make your password case-sensitive.
• Pay with a credit card, which provides consumers with protections not afforded by debit cards and other payment options.
• Read the fine print and the product description very closely to ensure that you understand exactly what you are purchasing. Be aware that some retailers that offer free shipping charge fees for returned merchandise.
• Keep a record of all transactions. Print records of all your online orders, including the confirmation page, which will include information about your order, payment, and shipping, and any e-mails to and from retailers.
• When the shopping is done, consumers should check their credit card and bank statements often to identify any unauthorized charges.

Biden’s Consumer Protection Unit can be reached by calling 800-220-5424 or sending an email to consumer.protection@delaware.gov.