Governor Carney, Governor Hogan Urge FERC to Expedite Review of Artificial Island Cost Allocation

As currently funded, $278 million project would unfairly burden electric ratepayers on Delmarva

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware Governor John Carney and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday sent a letter to members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, urging commissioners to expedite their review of the $278 million Artificial Island transmission line project and consider a financing model that does not unfairly burden electric ratepayers on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Governors Carney and Hogan urged FERC to consider alternative cost methodologies presented in June by PJM’s Board of Managers. Under PJM’s alternative methods for cost allocation, Delmarva ratepayers would fund approximately 7-10 percent of the project costs.

As currently financed, residential and commercial electric ratepayers on Delmarva would fund more than 90 percent of the cost of the project through higher electric bills, while receiving few of the project’s direct benefits. Governors Carney and Hogan previously appealed the cost allocation to FERC, and urged PJM to support a more equitable solution for ratepayers on Delmarva.

“We remain optimistic that FERC will consider a financing plan for this project that will not unfairly burden businesses and families on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Governor Carney. “As we’ve said all along, as currently financed, this is a bad deal for Delaware ratepayers, who would be asked to finance this project, while receiving few direct benefits. Thank you to FERC commissioners for considering our request to expedite their review. And thank you to Governor Hogan for his continued partnership and leadership on this issue.”

“Our administration has expressed our repeated opposition to any proposal that unfairly and inequitably allocates the costs associated with this project,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland will continue to stand with Delaware to protect our citizens from disproportionately paying hundreds millions of dollars in rate increases, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to reach a speedy, reasonable, and equitable solution to this process.”

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Free DHSS Community Sessions on Addiction Treatment Services and Supports Available in Delaware

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 21, 2017) – Dozens of community partners will participate in a series of free addiction-related community sessions hosted by the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) as a way for people to talk with treatment experts, learn about local services and supports, and have access to a training class on how to use the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

“We’ve heard from people across our state who say they aren’t always sure where and how to access treatment for their loved ones suffering from addiction,” Gov. John Carney said. “These sessions will give people the opportunity to talk face-to-face with providers and advocates from their communities, to ask questions and to figure out which options are best for their particular needs.”

All community sessions are from 2-7 p.m. The schedule:

Kent County: Thursday, Nov. 30, Delaware Technical Community College, Terry Campus, Corporate Training Center, 100 Campus Drive, Dover.
New Castle County: Wednesday, Dec. 6, West End Neighborhood House, 710 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington.
Sussex County: Thursday, Dec. 14, Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, Carter Partnership Center, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown.

Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician, said the sessions also will give people in the community the opportunity to learn more about naloxone, the medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

“It’s important for us to meet people where they are, and in this case, it’s in their communities,” Secretary Walker said. “By offering community naloxone training classes at these sessions, we can increase access to this life-saving medication. Saving a life from an overdose is our first priority, and from there, we can encourage people in active use to seek treatment as their next step toward recovery from this disease.”

A Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health trainer will lead the naloxone training sessions at each event.

In July, Governor Carney signed legislation providing for increased access to naloxone at pharmacies in Delaware. DHSS’ Division of Public Health (DPH) announced earlier this month that people now can buy naloxone at all 20 CVS Pharmacy locations statewide after they are educated on the appropriate use of the medication and sign an acknowledgment form.

In 2016, naloxone was administered 2,334 times by paramedics, police and other first responders to 1,535 individuals. In the first half of this year, the antidote was administered to 866 people in Delaware. Under Delaware’s 911/Good Samaritan Law, people who call 9-1-1 to report an overdose and the person in medical distress cannot be arrested for low-level drug crimes.

Dr. Clarence Watson, acting director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, said the community engagement sessions are a good way to help families understand how to access addiction treatment for their loved ones. “We thought it was critical to have these sessions in each county as a way to personalize the connection to treatment,” he said.

Dr. Watson urged individuals in active substance use to see a medical provider immediately or call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Services Hotline to be connected to trained crisis professionals who can discuss treatment options. In Kent and Sussex counties, the number is 1-800-345-6785. In New Castle County, the number is 1-800-652-2929. Individuals and families also can visit DHSS’ website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, for addiction treatment and recovery services in Delaware and nearby states.

In 2016, 308 people died in Delaware from overdoses, up 35 percent from the 228 people who died in 2015.
For more information about the community engagement sessions, contact the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Training Office at 302-255-9480 or email dsamh.training@delaware.gov

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to sponsor 17 special programs during the 2017 winter-holiday season

(DOVER, Del.—Nov. 17, 2017)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 17 special events, including nine winter-holiday-themed activities, between Nov. 25, 2017 and Dec. 23, 2017. A full schedule is included below. Except where otherwise indicated, all programs are free and open to the public.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a sachet with herbs and spices. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017
“Hospitality Night—Victorian Yule-Tide Celebration.” Holiday-themed program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners including luminarias lighting the entrance walkway. Activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Friday, Dec. 1, 2017
Concert by the Honey Badgers. Folk music duo. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk and the First State Heritage Park. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
“Delaware’s State Constitution.” Guided tours explore the Delaware State Constitution of 1792 which changed the Delaware State to the State of Delaware. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
2017 Holiday Open House at Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence. The home of Delaware’s governor will be decorated for the holidays and open for guided tours. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence, 151 Kings Highway S.W., Dover. 302-739-5656.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: A Country Tale.” Program, “Play That Old-Time Country Music,” explores Victor Records’ early recordings of country music, accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of a series celebrating the museum’s creation in 1967. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required for the programs by calling 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can design a tile for the holidays. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 7 and 8, 2017
“Fully, Freely and Entirely— Becoming the First State.” Historical theater production based on Delaware Day, the date when Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on Dec. 7, 1787. Sponsored by the First State Heritage Park and presented in the candlelit Old State House. Ticket-holders will meet at the John Bell House, 43 The Green, Dover. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Admission $10. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. 302-739-9194.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
CANCELLED: “Fully, Freely and Entirely— Becoming the First State.” Historical theater production based on Delaware Day, the date when Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on Dec. 7, 1787. Sponsored by the First State Heritage Park and presented in the candlelit Old State House. Ticket-holders will meet at the John Bell House, 43 The Green, Dover. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Admission $10. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. 302-739-9194. NOTE: Due to inclement weather, these two performances have been cancelled.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
POSTPONED: Delaware Day awards ceremony. Event honors participants in the Delaware Department of State’s 16th annual Delaware Day Fourth Grade Competition which challenges students to create displays that help illustrate and explain the U.S. Constitution and the role played by Delawareans in the writing and ratification of the nation’s founding document. Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 10 a.m. Free admission. 302-744-5000. NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been postponed. Rescheduled date TBA.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
CANCELLED: Buena Vista Holiday Open House. One-day-only event featuring self-guided tours of one of Delaware’s most historic homes decorated for the holidays plus crafts and other activities for children and adults, refreshments and a book drive hosted by the University of Delaware Pi Beta Phi sorority. Guests are encouraged to bring books to benefit local schools through Read>Lead>Achieve! Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate , 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4430. NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been cancelled.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America will feature tours of historic homes bedecked in holiday decorations, activities at museums including the New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment, caroling, shopping, tree lighting and more. Downtown New Castle. 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 302-328-3279.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
CANCELLED: “A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat, Part Two.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Andrew Lyter on the glory days of the American whaling industry (1783–1861). Part of “Global to Local: International Events and the First State,” a series exploring how world events impacted Delaware’s history. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Dec. 9, 2017 program cancelled and incorporated into March 24, 2018 program.

Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.” Activities include music, merriment and refreshments on the 50th anniversary of the museum which opened to the public on Dec. 14, 1967. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Celebration from 1–3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a gift tag with paper quilling. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can design a holiday card with stencils. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Monday, Dec. 25, 2017
Christmas Day. All museums of the State of Delaware (the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Jan. 1, 2018
New Year’s Day. All museums of the State of Delaware (the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays. Admission is free and open to the public:

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship, including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship and a model of the vessel. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Drawing America to Victory: The Persuasive Power of the Arts in World War I.” Online exhibit revolves around 27 World War I posters from the collections of the State of Delaware.

Ongoing
“Five Stories.” Display explores the varied lives of people who lived on the plantation including Dickinson family members, tenant farmers, tradesmen, free blacks, indentured servants and enslaved individuals. John Dickinson Plantation Welcome Center, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania.” Online exhibit explores the life of Founding Father John Dickinson on the 250th anniversary of the publication of his essays that described Colonial American grievances with the British government.

Ongoing
“New Castle: Three Forts, One Community.” Exhibit examines the 17th-century struggle for control of New Castle by the Dutch, Swedes and English, and the strongholds that they built to maintain their power. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first state capitol building was restored to its original appearance in 1976. From the collections of the State of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Rose Color to Gold to Glowing Red: Orville and Ethel Peets in Paris 1913-1914.” Exhibit featuring paintings and painting materials used by the noted Delaware artists Orville Houghton Peets and Ethel Canby Peets. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

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. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel—that constitute the elementary building blocks of which many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the State of Delaware—the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits, school programs and hands-on activities, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park.

Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

Governor Carney Declares November 13-17 as American Education Week

Week recognizes educators, parents for their vital role in supporting schools

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the following statement after signing a proclamation declaring November 13-17 as American Education Week across Delaware:

“All of Delaware’s students deserve a quality education, and an equal opportunity to succeed. American Education Week recognizes our educators, parents, staff, and community members for the vital role they all play in supporting our public schools, and their work to ensure student success. Delaware is lucky to have such great teachers, education support professions and substitute teachers, and we thank them for their commitment to our students.”

DHSS Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program Seeks Donors to Provide Gifts for Delaware Children, Families and Seniors in Need

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 16, 2017) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is seeking donors to help make the holiday season a happier one for thousands of children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need in Delaware.

The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program anonymously matches donors to a senior, individual with a disability or a family with at least one child. In 2016, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils of New Castle County and Kent/Sussex counties, helped 1,927 Delawareans.

“It’s important those of us who have the ability to help others in need take the opportunity to do so, especially during this time of year,” said Gov. John Carney. “Donating through Adopt-A-Family’s Holiday program is a good way to make sure the needs of some of our fellow Delawareans are being met over the holidays.”

The deadline to “adopt” a family is Dec. 8, and all gift cards and gifts must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family office by Dec. 15.

Adopt-A-Family provides the donor with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The donor then provides gift cards for the head-of-household to use to purchase holiday gifts. The recommended minimum gift is $100 per child, with a gift card for the parent/guardian optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting a senior or a person with a disability will be matched to an individual in need who is living in a nursing home or living alone receiving in-home care services. A wish list of things the individual enjoys, needs, or would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided.

“Even as many Delawareans face their own struggles, they continue to show their generosity each year by giving to the Adopt-A-Family Holiday program and helping neighbors who find themselves in even more vulnerable positions,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of DHSS. “I am heartened by the true spirit of giving witnessed through this program.”

Families who are adopted are contacted by Adopt-A-Family to pick up their gift cards from their respective Adopt-A-Family office. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by a social worker or case manager through state agencies and human service nonprofit organizations.

“Each year we find that many of our neighbors in need are referred to Adopt-A-Family through our State Service Centers, and other organizations, because of serious medical conditions, behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” said Renée P. Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers, which operates the program. “The stories of those in need are poignant, and I am hopeful that my fellow Delawareans will respond generously.”

These circumstances serve as a sampling of the hundreds of individuals and families available for adoption this season.

• Single veteran father and teenage son experienced homelessness this past year, but were recently placed into permanent housing. Father is seeking employment. His 15-year-old son is active in school and loves football. This family would appreciate any assistance to brighten up their holiday.

• Mother and four children lost their apartment earlier this year. After staying with friends and in shelters, the family is now living with the children’s paternal grandfather. Family lost most of their belongings. Mom is working three part-time jobs as well as taking classes to become a certified medical assistant with a goal to complete the program by next year.

• Family of seven, including a new baby. Husband is no longer in the home due to domestic violence. In addition to her children, the mother is caring for her elderly mother who has stage 4 cancer. Mother is seeking resources and assistance to ensure her children can enjoy the holiday season despite their hardships this year.

• Family of eight. Grandmother recently gained custody of six grandchildren. The parents are not active in the children’s lives. Grandmother cannot work because she is the only caretaker of the children. Her 18-year-old daughter is still in school and helping with younger children when possible. Grandmother is struggling to keep her grandchildren out of foster care.

To “adopt” an individual or family, please contact:

• New Castle County: New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at 302-792-6150 or email sharon.brown@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.

• Kent and Sussex counties: Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at 302-424-7260 or email elizabeth.senato@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

After shopping for the residents, items can be dropped off at Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex counties (13 SW Front St., Milford). Donors will be given a code when they are matched to include with the gift cards or items when they drop them off so the Adopt-A-Family knows who should receive the items.

If you need to arrange an alternate “time” for delivery, please feel free to ask the Adopt-A-Family Team as they are able to make accommodations when needed.

The Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment – throughout the year. The program began in 1973 by Marge Meyerman and is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to the website or contact your nearest state service center.

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