Dover, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell visits the Delaware Public Archives in Dover to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the importance of accepting Delaware’s past so we can build a brighter future for all Delawareans.

“This past week, I proudly issued our state’s annual proclamation for Black History Month – an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of remarkable Delawareans,” said Markell. “Every step we take toward opportunity for all brings us closer to the society we want for ourselves and our children. It means more great Delaware achievers of all races. And it keeps Delaware moving forward.”

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

YouTube: https://youtu.be/bTd46rV7vD4
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Accepting Our Past to Build a Brighter Future

(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 10, 2016)—On Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at 1p.m., The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del., will present a “George Washington Birthday Celebration” featuring writings by, and about, the first president, read by historical interpreters and distinguished guests, plus a display of Washington books and memorabilia. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054.

Selections that will be read during the program are drawn from a wide array of letters and scholarly writings about Washington covering the entirety of his life from his youth when he was raised by a single mother to his final days at Mount Vernon. Participating readers will include Kim Burdick, president of the George Washington Society; Dr. Samuel Hoff, George Washington Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science at Delaware State University; Dr. Stephanie Holyfield, assistant professor of History at Wesley College; Beth Klemstine Jelich, current teacher of “Washington’s Crossing” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware, Dover; Thomas Summers, outreach coordinator for the Delaware Public Archives; Deborah Wool, professor of Curatorial studies at Wesley College; and historical interpreters from The Old State House.

In addition to the readings, the museum will feature a display of memorabilia about Washington from the personal collection of Dr. Hoff and books from the Wesley College Washington Collection. The display will be presented in the Senate chambers of The Old State House which features an imposing portrait of George Washington by Denis A. Volozan.

Completed in 1791, The Old State House is one of the earliest state-house buildings in the United States, serving as the home of Delaware’s legislature until 1933 when the General Assembly moved to larger quarters in Legislative Hall. The venerable structure now appears as it would have in the late 1700s during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. It features a courtroom, governor’s and county offices and chambers for the state’s Senate and House of Representatives. The building is situated on Dover’s historic Green, a public area designated by William Penn in 1683.

-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

For Immediate Release 

MACK WATHEN JOINS DELAWARE STATE ARTS COUNCIL AS CHAIR

WILMINGTON – February 8, 2016 – The Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) today announced that Gov. Jack A. Markell has appointed J. Mack Wathen of Hockessin, as Chair to the Delaware State Arts Council.

“I’m deeply honored to be following Lise Monty as Chair of the Delaware State Arts Council,” said J. Mack Wathen. “She made countless contributions to the arts in Delaware, having served as Chair since 2008 and as a Council Member since 2004.” Monty submitted her resignation to the Governor in January, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the arts in this capacity.

The Delaware State Arts Council is the advisory body to the Delaware Division of the Arts. The Council advises the Division of the Arts on matters of arts policy, funding for the arts, and other issues relevant to support for the arts in Delaware. The Council, according to its enabling legislation, “shall be composed of not more than 15 members” appointed by the Governor, who represent the state geographically and politically and are appointed on the basis of their interest and experience in the arts.

Mr. Wathen is active in the Delaware arts community serving on the Delaware State Arts Council from 2010-2015, and as a board member of the Arts Consortium of Delaware from 2011-2015, which manages the Arts Stabilization Fund supporting capital needs of the State’s eight largest arts organizations. Mr. Wathen also serves on the board as an officer of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation from 2014–present, an organization based in Baltimore which connects performing artists, arts presenters, and state arts agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the US Virgin Islands. Other roles in the arts community have included volunteer roles with the Delaware College of Art and Design in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn, Delaware.

In addition to his service to the arts, Mr. Wathen serves on the board of the Food Bank of Delaware, and has been a business leader in the utility industry for 39 years. He has a successful track record in leading groups responsible for strategic planning, finance, communications, public policy, and regulatory affairs. Mr. Wathen presently serves as Vice President, Support Services for Pepco Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Wathen holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from Georgetown College and a M.M. from the University of New Mexico.

Current Delaware State Arts Council Members:

Madeleine Bayard, Wilmington

Tina Betz, Wilmington

Donna Blakey, Newark

Lori Crawford, Dover

Robert Fitzgerald, Dewey Beach

Ralph Kuebler, Hockessin

Mary Ann C. Miller, Wilmington

Heather Morrissey, Newark

Jon W. Newsom, Lewes

Cheryle Pringle, Newark

Michael Quattrociocchi, Milford

Carol S. Rothschild, Wilmington

John Sarro, Wilmington

Catherine M. Walls, Milford

If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Delaware State Arts Council, complete the Board and Commission Application, found on the Governor’s site, and return it to the Governor’s office. Be sure to indicate Board #0014: Delaware State Arts Council on the application.

The Delaware State Arts Council is the advisory body to the Delaware Division of the Arts. The Council advises the Division of the Arts on matters of arts policy, funding for the arts, and other issues relevant to support for the arts in Delaware. The Council, according to its enabling legislation, “shall be composed of not more than 15 members” appointed by the Governor, who represent the state geographically and politically and are appointed on the basis of their interest and experience in the arts.

Council members serve as advocates for the arts, promoting and encouraging participation in and appreciation of the arts throughout the state. Council members are citizens of Delaware and serve a renewable three-year term. A Chairperson of the Council is designated in addition to the members of the Council by the Governor and serves in that capacity at the pleasure of the Governor.

About the Delaware Division of the Arts

The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit artsdel.org or call 302-577-8278.

Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing
302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

 # # #

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the Delaware Certified Massage Technician license of David T. Fooks of Laurel following his arrest on charges of unlawfully entering a Rehoboth residence in January.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the criminal charges by the Delaware State Police for authorizing the temporary suspension of the professional license of Mr. David T. Fooks.

The Delaware Code Titles 23 and 24 were amended on April 15, 2014, to enable a temporary suspension pending a hearing to be issued upon the written order of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Board chair if the activity of the licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

The suspension of Mr. Fooks will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held or the final disposition for this individual will take place. As the result of a hearing, the Board of Massage and Bodywork has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions up to and including revocation of a practitioner’s license or certification.

The licensure status of Mr. Fooks has been updated on the Division of Professional Regulation’s online license verification service. A copy of the signed public order suspending the license of David T. Fooks is below.

David Fooks Suspension Order

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell celebrated the groundbreaking of the new US Route 301 and its positive impact on the surrounding economy.

“Supporting a strong economy and a high quality of life for Delawareans requires a safe and efficient transportation system,” Gov. Markell said. “The new US 301—and other projects like it—will keep our people safe, while helping to attract and retain employers and the strong workforce Delaware needs for the 21st century. That will keep Delaware moving forward.”

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

YouTube: https://youtu.be/VkWo1C-Rshs
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Building Our Economy by Investing in Delaware’s Infrastructure