Storm Report #1 Thursday, March 5, 2015

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Operations Center was activated at 4:00am, today, Thursday, March 5, 2015.  A statewide Winter Weather Warning remains in effect until 7:00pm this evening.

While the storm system is moving into Delaware later than originally expected, the National Weather Service forecast remains for 4-8 inches of snow in New Castle and Kent Counties, and 4-6 inches in Sussex County.  Steady snow is expected through the day statewide, and temperatures should drop into the 20s by this afternoon.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has crews at work.  No traffic impacts have been reported, but the afternoon commute will be affected by the snow and road conditions.

Information on school closures, is available at http://schoolclosings.delaware.gov/.


Four free programs at the state of Delaware’s downtown Dover museums during March 2015

-Three of the programs to celebrate National Women’s History Month-

(DOVER, Del.—March 4, 2015)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring four free programs during March 2015 at two of its downtown Dover museums—The Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum. Three of these events will be presented in commemoration of National Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of women’s lives and historic achievements. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include “Outstanding Women of Kent County: A Mother’s Legacy and a Daughter’s Contributions to Community,” a History Coffee-Hour lecture in which Dr. Cherritta Mathews discusses the impact of her mother, Dr. Ruth Mitchell Laws, an educator and former vice president of Delaware Technical Community College. Matthews herself went on to become one of the first students to end segregation at Dover High School in 1954. The program will take place on Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green, in Dover.

On Saturday, March 7, the division will sponsor two National Women’s History Month events. Between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St., will present “The Women Who Influenced Victor” featuring tours that examine the glamorous lives of the many female artists of the Victor Talking Machine Company, accompanied by early recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Meanwhile, at 1 and 3 p.m., The Old State House will present “War of the Roses: The Suffragist Movement in Delaware,” a living-history theater presentation explores Delaware women who were instrumental in the national suffrage movement.

March 2015 programs at the state of Delaware’s downtown Dover museums

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“The Women Who Influenced Victor.” Women’s History Month tours examine the glamorous lives of the many female artists of the Victor Talking Machine Company, accompanied by early recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“War of the Roses: The Suffragist Movement in Delaware.” Women’s History Month living-history theater presentation explores Delaware women who were instrumental in the national suffrage movement. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, 2015
Concert by Celtic Harvest. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 7 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 26, 2015
“Outstanding Women of Kent County: A Mothers Legacy and a Daughter’s Contributions to Community.” Women’s History Month program in which Dr. Cherritta Mathews discusses the impact of her mother, Dr. Ruth Mitchell Laws, an educator and former vice president of Delaware Technical Community College. Matthews herself went on to become one of the first students to end segregation at Dover High School in 1954. Part of the History Coffee-Hour Lecture Series. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

-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

 


Women’s History Month programs to be featured at Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation in March 2015

-Listing of plantation events through August 2015 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—March 4, 2015)—During the upcoming weeks in March 2015, Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation will present five special programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson owned the property. In commemoration of Women’s History Month, three of these programs, entitled “A Woman’s World,” will explore women’s lives and work at the site. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

The John Dickinson Plantation was the boyhood home and country estate of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” The plantation features Dickinson’s original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and a log’d dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River.

Following is a schedule of plantation events through August 2015. All programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The property is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for special programs are indicated. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

John Dickinson Plantation special events through August 2015

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 all complicated machines are composed.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore cloth production and learn how women lived on the plantation. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
“Pi(e) Day at the Plantation.” Celebrate Pi Day by exploring pie recipes from the 1700s and baking pies 18th-century-style. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturdays, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8, 2015
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Experience the art of water coloring, view family drawings and paint your own watercolor creation while learning how women lived on the plantation. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 28, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore the art of paper quilling and learn how women lived on the plantation. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Earth Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Explore the plantation’s natural beauty, enjoy tours of the colonial-revival garden and create a scented sachet 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, Colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. Part of the Dover Days Festival.

Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2015
“Watercolor Wednesdays.” Explore the hues of the John Dickinson mansion, learn about 18th-century paint colors and paint a scene.11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

-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


Twenty-one State Employees and their Family Members Awarded Art Honors

Twenty-one talented state employees and their family members will be recognized for their works of art featured in the National Arts Program®: Delaware State Employee Exhibition and Contest IV. In addition, one People’s Choice Award winner will be selected through a Facebook contest. The Awards Show and Closing Reception will be held at Delaware State University’s Arts Center/Gallery on March 14, 2015, 1-3 p.m. Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock and Division of the Arts Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton will preside at the Awards Ceremony.

“This program provides state employees and their family members with an opportunity to show a side that we don’t normally see in the workplace. It clearly demonstrates the range of talented individuals who are working for the state of Delaware,” said Secretary Bullock. “We’re proud to be able to support and recognize the artistic accomplishments of these employees and their families.”

Twenty-one awards will be given out in five categories – Professional, Intermediate, Amateur, Teen (13-18 years old), and Youth (12 years and under), culminating in one Best in Show. Sixteen cash prizes totaling $2,400 will be awarded by the National Arts Program®. Five Honorable Mention ribbons will also be awarded. Below is a list of all award winners who will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony and Closing Reception.

Two hundred thirty-five employees of Delaware state agencies and their immediate family members submitted artwork for the 2015 exhibition and contest. The participating artists came from across the state and region. Judges for the contest were Rosemary Connelly, artist and educator; Jennifer Gunther, Director of DSU Arts Center/Gallery; and James Ulry, artist and educator.

The Delaware Division of the Arts is proud to be the local sponsor of The National Arts Program®, an organization established in 1982 to identify, showcase, and reward the visual artistic talent in America. The National Arts Program® currently sponsors 82 annual programs, encompassing more than 450 cities and counties within 38 states.

The exhibition will be on view in the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University through March 14. The Gallery is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 7, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Vote for your favorites! To view a complete set of all 235 art works, visit the Division’s Facebook page or view the artwork on Flickr. The image with the most likes on Facebook will be named the “People’s Choice” and recognized at the Awards Show and Closing Reception.

View all juried winner images here.

Best in Show:
Stephanie Berry, Dover
Department: Capital School District, Art Teacher

Professional:
1st Place:
Adam Ledford, Philadelphia, PA
Department: Special Education, Teacher (Immediate Family Member)

2nd Place:
Gregory Thompson, Wilmington
Department: Red Clay School District, Teacher

3rd Place:
Jennifer Boland, Harrington
Department: Education, Art Educator

Honorable Mention:
William Cox, Wyoming
Department: Health and Social Services (Immediate Family Member)

Intermediate:
1st Place:
Mark Blome, West Grove, PA
Department: Labor, Office of Anti-Discrimination (Immediate Family Member)

2nd Place:
Suzanne Oliver, Wilmington
Department: Technology and Information, Project Management Team

3rd Place:
John Fitzgerald, Claymont
Department: New Castle County Vocational Technical School District

Honorable Mention:
William Montgomery, Wilmington
Department: Delaware Supreme Court, Court Administrator

Amateur:
1st Place:
Sandi Carney, Dover
Department: Health and Social Services

2nd Place:
Jennifer Jurczak, Dover
Department: Labor, Business Services Representative

3rd Place:
Elizabeth Lucas, Middletown
Department: Education, Speech Language Therapist

Honorable Mention:
Gary Piel, Oceanview
Department: Corrections, Correctional Officer

Teen:
1st Place:
Leah Martin, age 17, Dover
Department: Education, Star Hill School Nurse (Immediate Family Member)

2nd Place:
Samantha Greim, age 17, Smyrna
Department: North Star Elementary Library (Immediate Family Member)

3rd Place:
Hayley Schuster, age 18, Dover
Department: Caesar Rodney School District (Immediate Family Member)

Honorable Mention:
Willow Quillen, age 18, Lewes
Department: Education, Automotive Instructor (Immediate Family Member)

Youth:
1st Place:
Caroline Dooley, age 8, Wilmington
Department: Delaware Transit Corporation (Immediate Family Member)

2nd Place:
Skyler Ditizio, age11, Smyrna
Department: Labor Unemployment, Claims Interviewer (Immediate Family Member)

3rd Place:
Max Kichline, age 12, Georgetown
Department: Public Health, Trainer/Educator (Immediate Family Member)

Honorable Mention:
Alex Krumrine, age 6, Magnolia
Department: Natural Resources and Environmental Control (Immediate Family Member)


Statement by Governor Markell on University of Delaware President Patrick Harker’s Departure

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that University of Delaware President Patrick T. Harker will step down from his position at UD to become President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on July 1, 2015:

“I thank President Harker for his outstanding service in leading one of our state’s most important institutions and I wish him continued success in his next role.

“President Harker leaves UD in an outstanding position to continue as a leader in research and innovation and, most importantly, in preparing present and future classes of Blue Hens to realize their potential. From the growth of highly-skilled jobs and university activity on the STAR campus, to the instruction and cutting-edge scientific research at the new ISE Lab, to UD’s recently-launched cybersecurity initiative, President Harker’s tenure has been marked by progress in areas most important to building a stronger economy and workforce. I look forward to working with the university’s next president to build on these achievements and to continue pursuing greater educational and economic opportunities for the people of our state.”

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