Dover, DE – Earlier this month, the Governor’s office began releasing a series of videos highlighting the progress the state has made over the past eight years through the voices of Delawareans. They will address ways in which the lives of Delawareans today, and in generations to come, are affected by efforts to strengthen our schools, develop cleaner and more efficient energy, make the state a safer and more welcoming place for all people, improve recreational and cultural options, and create more economic development and opportunity.

The video below addresses the progress of the state’s economy and how Delaware’s business climate encourages companies to locate and expand in Delaware. These results have happened as the state has pursued an approach of working with private, public and non-profit partners to support innovative technology, workforce development, and job-creating capital investment.

By the end of Governor Markell’s first year in office, Delaware’s unemployment rate was climbing toward ten percent and five percent of the state’s jobs were gone. In 2010, Gallup ranked Delaware 45th in its annual job creation index. Today, however, Gallup ranks Delaware fourth. Our unemployment rate has fallen drastically to 4.1 percent, while employment gains have been the largest for any two consecutive years in the state’s history. Since Markell took office, the labor force participation rate has grown by 1.4 percentage points—the second highest rate in the nation.

In today’s economy, businesses can hire, locate and expand anywhere in the world, and because of the diligent efforts of the state and its partners, and the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Delawareans, the state is now one of the nation’s leaders in job growth, outpacing the regional and national rates.

Excerpts from the video:
“I think it’s in the DNA of a very small state to prioritize the interests of very small companies,” Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery said. “The way Dogfish is a David in the world of Goliaths—the multi-national conglomerates that dominate the beer world—to some extent Delaware is a David in a world of Goliaths when you look at the giant states that are out there.”

“I heard about project pop-up via Facebook, and it was really great to see something like that happening in Delaware,” Amber Shader, owner of First & Little and Amber Shader Photography said. “As soon as I saw it I really jumped at the opportunity to be able to have three months out there where you can have a safety net and test out your business.”

“We just can’t believe the can-do attitude we received from here, the immediate responses to any of the questions or issues we had,” Dermot Brady, CEO of AB Group Packaging said. “All I can say is if anyone wants to choose the right state, choose Delaware—biggest secret in the USA.”

The video series will be released via email as well as on the Governor’s YouTube channel. This week’s video is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9PuPrRlMx4U
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Previous Videos:
Building Better Trail Systems
Revitalizing Delaware Downtowns

The Delaware Board of Funeral Services has ordered the revocation of the funeral service license of Deborah E. Harris-Nock of Bridgeville, Delaware, following determination that Ms. Harris-Nock violated Delaware law.

In May 2015, during which time her license was already suspended, Ms. Harris-Nock was arrested and pled guilty to failing to return pre-need funeral expenses which were paid to her. As a result, the Board of Funeral Services voted to terminate the five-year suspension of her Funeral Director license and revoke the license. The Board’s ruling also directs Ms. Harris-Nock to make an accounting to the Board of all pre-need funeral funds paid to her or Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services within 30 days, and pay a $500.00 fine to the State of Delaware.

A copy of the signed public order suspending the license of Deborah E. Harris-Nock can also be viewed here.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) has awarded $22,000 in grants to eight volunteer fire companies to purchase equipment to fight wildfires and improve their wildfire readiness and capabilities. In the past 10 years, the DFS has provided 122 grants totaling more than $288,000 to many of Delaware’s 60 volunteer fire companies through its Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service.

The matching grant program also represents a cost-effective use of limited federal funds. While applicants must offer a minimum of 50 percent in cost-share match for its request, many provide much more, which resulted in every federal dollar being matched with $1.61 in spending from the recipient. The grants help underwrite the cost of useful items and equipment to help volunteer firefighters meet the unexpected and often unpredictable threat of wildfires in fields, forests, open spaces, and marshes. Funds can be used to purchase items such as Nomex – the lightweight fire-resistant clothing used by wildland firefighters – or necessary equipment such as two-way radios, hoses, drip torches, flashlights, pumps, hoses, gloves, boots or chainsaws.

The 60 volunteer fire companies in the First State are extremely vital to the mission of the Delaware Forest Service as they provide much of the manpower and equipment to fight wildfires in the state. In fact, many members of Delaware’s wildland fire crew who help battle blazes in the western United States are drawn from the ranks of local volunteer fire companies.

In the past fiscal year, the Delaware Forest Service assisted 43 of Delaware’s 60 volunteer fire companies (72%) either through wildfire suppression, loaning of equipment, or training. In addition to the fire assistance grants, the Delaware Forest Service also provides funding to help provide basic wildland firefighting courses for volunteer firefighters. This year, $12,000 was spent in association with the Delaware State Fire School to help offset the costs of basic training courses for a total of 138 wildland firefighters.

Middletown’s FFA Chapter won the 2016 Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) – a challenging test of tree identification skills, forestry knowledge, and math abilities – held this week at Brecknock Park in Camden. Middletown will represent Delaware in the forestry event at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo from Oct. 19 to 22, 2016 in Indianapolis, IN. The Milford FFA Chapter placed second and will compete at the Eastern States Exposition or “The Big E!,”  scheduled to take place in Springfield, MA on September 17. Other teams competing were from Newark Charter and Smyrna.

The annual forestry CDE took place under the direction of Delaware Forest Service education specialist Ashley Peebles. This year’s challenge was designed to measure a diverse range of student skills, which included the ability to identify tree species, tree pests and disorders, and forestry equipment.  Students also demonstrated knowledge in reading topographic maps, timber stand improvement, compass and pacing, board-foot volume estimation, and an individual written examination.

According to the FFA, Career Development Events help students “develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market.” Twenty-four CDEs and one activity cover job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.

Established in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, FFA is now officially known as the “National FFA Organization,” and describes itself as an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership that forms one of three components of agricultural education. FFA is also one of the largest youth groups in the United States: it is comprised of 629,327 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As such, FFA is also the largest of the career and technical student organizations in U.S. schools.

(DOVER, Del.—June 20, 2016)—During the month of July 2016, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 20 special events at sites across the state including five programs focusing on America’s struggle for independence. A full schedule of events is listed below.

Highlights of the month include a series of patriotic-themed activities held on Monday, July 4, 2016 at The Old State House located at 25 The Green in Dover. At 1 p.m., the museum will present a spoken-word performance by area youth on Delaware’s role in the 13 Colonies’ fight for independence from England. The performance is part of “Listen Up!,” a year-long series of activities in which participants research and develop their own spoken-word presentations based on events in Delaware history. At 2 and 4 p.m., the bell of The Old State House will ring in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by site interpreters, dressed in period clothing, who will recite the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776.

Between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday July 2 and Monday, July 4, 2016, the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St. in Dover, will present “Stars and Stripes,” special guided tours that explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines.

Finally, on Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in historic downtown New Castle, will present “1776—Independence Declared,” a lecture by historic-site interpreter Bob Vander Decker. The lecture is part seven of “The Founding of America in One Year,” a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, July 2016

Saturday July 2, 2016
“Independence Day.” Screening of the film “Thunder and Rain” about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride to Philadelphia to break the tie for the Declaration of Independence. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Film screenings at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Free admission. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday July 2 and Monday, July 4, 2016
“Stars and Stripes.” In celebration of Independence Day, guided tours explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3262.

Monday, July 4, 2016
Independence Day. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-736-7400.

Monday, July 4, 2016
“Independence Day.” Performance at 1 p.m. by youth participating in the “Listen Up!” spoken-word program on the meaning of Independence Day. At 2 and 4 p.m., the bell of The Old State House will ring in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by site interpreters, dressed in period clothing, who will recite the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2016
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the 18th-century history, artifacts and the surviving hull section of this shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click on “Tours” in the “Categories” column). For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2016
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, July 9, 2016
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. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
“1776—Independence Declared.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Bob Vander Decker. Part seven of “The Founding of America in One Year,” a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, July 23, 2016
Summer Bridge Service Project Day. History-related activities presented by Delaware State University students as part of the school’s Jumpstart Program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, July 23, 2016
“Movie Night on the Lawn.” Screening of the film “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” plus live music, food trucks, outdoor activities and a photo booth. Buena Vista Conference Center, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 6–10 p.m. Admission $3 per person. 302-323-4430.

Exhibits and displays, July 2016
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:

Thru Dec. 31, 2016
“Wine and Spirits in Delaware: Producing, Preserving, and Presenting.” Exhibit features objects and graphics from the 18th to the 21st centuries that illustrate Delaware’s wine and spirits trade. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Thru mid-April, 2017
“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
“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. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. 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. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–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
“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. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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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