In our global economy, we can greatly expand opportunities available to our kids if we recognize the advantages of speaking multiple languages. So two years ago we launched a world language immersion program in which students can take half of their subjects in Chinese or Spanish – starting in kindergarten. The response has been phenomenal. More than 800 of our youngest students can talk about their school day in more than one language. By next year more than 1500 will be able to do so.

Nearly all of the students’ parents have agreed that our seven Spanish and three Chinese programs enrich their child’s education. As one Spanish immersion teacher said: It’s amazing to see 5-year-olds arrive in kindergarten unable to write their name, and by the end of the year have a conversation in two different languages. By 4th grade, students will be proficient. By 9th grade, they’ll be able to pass an Advanced Placement language class. And they’ll succeed because of great educators. We’re working with our colleges to train more language teachers, while building relationships with China and Spain.

I was proud to welcome Spain’s United States Ambassador to McIlvaine Early Childhood Center where we renewed a partnership that has brought dozens of Spain’s best teachers to our schools and that has allowed us to send Delaware teachers to training programs in Spain. Ambassador Gil-Casares emphasized that hundreds of Spanish companies invest in the United States. And you cannot overestimate the importance of languages in determining where they will create jobs. By giving students the chance to start language training early, we’ll help them make the most of their talents, and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

–Listing of plantation events through December 2014 also included–

During the month of June 2014, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Rd. in Dover, Del., will present six special programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson was in residence at the property. The site will also be open for visitation and tours between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

On June 5, 12, 19 and 26, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the plantation will present “Thirsty on Thursdays,” a program in which visitors will have an opportunity to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. On Thursday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m., Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre will portray the noted Philadelphia physician Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States. This living-history program is presented as part of the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion annual meeting which will take place at 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public but, due to seating limitations, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277. Finally, on June 14, between 1 and 3 p.m., the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild will be conducting demonstrations of spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts.

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 December 2014. 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 December 2014

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.

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2014
“Benjamin Rush.” Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays the noted Philadelphia physician Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Part of the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion annual meeting. Annual meeting at 5 p.m. Benjamin Rush at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public but, due to seating limitations, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturdays, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Saturday, June 21, 2014
“Shall Faithfully Serve!” Program explores indentured servitude and tradesmen associated with the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Note: Program cancelled.

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2014
Hands On History. Visitors will experience 18th-century history by participating in a different demonstration each week. Hands-on demonstrations will include sachet making, paper marbling, paper quilling, plantation journal-making and plaster casting. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2014
“Weaving Wednesdays.” Indoor, staff-led program in which visitors will learn how to weave a blanket or rag rug. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014
“Raiding the Mansion—Plundering the House of all its Provisions.” Learn about the Tory raid on the plantation’s mansion house through a special tour, and through examination of letters and primary documents. 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2014
“Taper Thursdays.” Learn to make your own candle and help the plantation dip 200 candles that John Dickinson would have required from his tenants are part of their leases. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014
“Hearth Cooking Basics.” Hands-on workshop. 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
“Smoked, Pickled and Salted for Survival.” From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., learn how smoked, pickled and salted meats helped stretch food reserves in the winter, and participate in pickling meats with brine and smoking meats in the plantation’s smokehouse. Concurrently, join the John Dickinson Plantation in celebration of the St. Jones Reserve’s “Arts in the Estuary” program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
“A Day in the Life of the John Dickinson Plantation.” Visitors of all ages will enjoy a day of music, food, entertainment and hands-on activities from colonial trades to hearth cooking in the 18th-century setting of the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. Programs 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
“An 18th-Century Sweet Tooth.” Hands-on workshop in which visitors can learn how to create 18th-century sweets and goodies. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2014
John Dickinson’s Birthday Month. Visitors celebrate the birth of John Dickinson by helping to make a great cake and decorate it using royal icing and shaped marzipan. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Candle-making workshops. Bayberry-candle workshop from 10 a.m.–noon examines bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. Reservations required by calling the St. Jones Reserve at 302-739-3436. “Light Me Up!” workshop on candle dipping and discussion of lighting devices of the 18th century from 1–3 p.m. Reservations required by calling 302-739-3277 no later than Nov. 14.

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can learn to create and decorate cards through the art of paper quilling and stenciling, and write a personal note with a quill pen. 11–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a plaster ornament. 11–2:30 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

Wilmington, DE –   The Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Henry Topel, founding director of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and a former chairman of the state Democratic Party.

“The State of Delaware lost a true champion with the passing of Henry Topel. He was committed to highlighting the best Delaware had to offer and truly exemplified what it meant to be a community advocate and public servant. I had the privilege of calling him a friend, but also considered Henry a mentor and a role model.

“As we mourn his loss, those who knew Henry can take solace in knowing the incredible impact he’s had on our state, which will continue to resonate with residents and visitors alike.”

 ###

82% of non-profit funding dedicated to re-entry services; up from 46% in 2007

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn, Chair of the Criminal Justice Council, and Chris Kervick, Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Council, announced the 2014 Byrne Grant recipients at a press conference at the Rick VanStory Resource Center in Wilmington.

This year’s Byrne Grants were awarded to seven non-profits agencies – representing all three counties – that specialized in the CJC’s priority areas of Re-entry and Recidivism Reduction for Adults and Juveniles, Juvenile Prevention and Intervention, and Reducing Homicide and Violent Crime. The total of all awards is $501,079.76 and 82% of funding is dedicated to re-entry services, up from 46% in 2007. The increase in re-entry funding reflects a decision by the CJC to concentrate its limited federal grant resources in this important area.

Lt. Governor Denn said, “These groups have proven track records of providing quality services that continue to make a difference in our communities. I am impressed with their plans to expand these much-needed programs in our state.”

“The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant is the cornerstone federal assistance program for the Criminal Justice Council,” said Executive Director Chris Kervick. “It allows the flexibility required to support local programs as they provide much needed services to the people who need them most. The Criminal Justice Council congratulates this year’s grant recipients and we look forward to working with the agencies to make each program successful.”

Rick VanStory Resource Center CEO Allen Conover said today, “We would like to thank the Delaware Criminal Justice Council for the opportunity to enhance our ability to provide essential services to individuals involved with the criminal justice system that are mentally ill and/or that suffer from substance abuse. We look forward to utilizing our collective experiences to assist others.”

Here is a list of recipients, the award amount, and short description of what the funding will be used for:

Boys & Girls Clubs at Oak Orchard/Riverdale: Stop It Before It Starts Prevention Program $50,930.00
Facilitating 2 curriculums: “Positive Action” on bullying, substance abuse, and suicide for 8 to 13 year-olds; and “Courage to Speak” on drug abuse prevention for parents. Grant will fund program facilitators, counselor, and educational equipment.

Courageous Hearts Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning Center Equine Assisted Learning: Power Tools for Living Program $39,690.00
Providing therapeutic equine activities for at-risk youth. The program teaches youths to interact with and care for horses, and offers mental health counseling. Grant will cover salary for the director, bookkeeper, equine specialists, & therapist, as well as facility rental.

Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Inc.: Re-entry Opportunity and Recidivism Prevention $97,900.00
Provide shelter, job placement, case management, and counseling to former inmates.

The Hospitality School, Inc.: Culinary Arts & Restaurant Training Reducing Recidivism $69,933.00
Provide culinary training for hard-to-employ individuals, specially focusing on ex-offenders. This free, 14-week program also teaches soft skills & financial literacy, and includes an internship.

Rick VanStory Resource Centers: Case Management for Mental Health Offenders $115,711.76
Provide case management, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment to homeless former inmates. Program will operate in all counties.

Victims’ Voices Heard: Victim Impact: Listen and Learn / Stand Down: Courage to Change $60,000.00
Implement two programs that involve group sessions at correctional institutions; one focuses on victim impact awareness and the other on setting and working toward re-entry goals.

The Way Home, Inc.: Expanding Way Home Case Management Services $66,915.00
Add to the agency’s case management staff to serve inmates who are re-entering the community. Case manager will assist with employment, education, and basic needs.

Background: The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system from multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.

Event pictures can be found here.

(Smyrna) –  Emergency management officials remind residents of Delaware that National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs from May 25 through May 31 2014, is in progress.  Sunday, June 1 marks the official start date of Atlantic Hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 50 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season.  For the six-month hurricane season which begins June 1, NOAA predicts a 70 percent likelihood of 8 to 13 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 2 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).  The prediction from NOAA does not predict how many of the storms could affect the mid-Atlantic region.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) encourages Delaware residents and visitors to be personally prepared for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane affecting the state sometime during hurricane season (June 1-November 30).  While Delaware has been fortunate to be out of the critical impact areas from storms in recent years, officials warn that residents should not be lulled into letting down their guard.

Delaware residents are urged to know their risk from hurricanes and floods, take action, and be examples for family and friends.  National Hurricane Preparedness Week provides an opportunity for people to take action now to respond to the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane sometime during the year.

Actions to be taken now include making an emergency evacuation plan and knowing evacuation routes, preparing an emergency kit or making sure an existing kit is up to date, and inventorying and copying important documents and making sure valuables are secured in a safe place.

Essential to every household is an Emergency Supply Kit.  This is a collection of basic items that should be readily available in the event of an emergency of any nature.  Basic items to have in an Emergency Supply Kit include:

• WATER – One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days (4 person household = 12 gallons), for drinking and sanitation.  If a storm is anticipated, fill a bathtub to provide water for sanitation purposes (refilling toilet tanks).
• FOOD – A supply of non-perishable food for three days.  Take into account that cooking might not be possible.  Make sure you have sufficient food for pets, as well.  And very importantly, a manual can opener is needed in the event power is lost.
• RADIO – A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, and a NOAA weather radio with a tone alert.  Make sure to have extra batteries.
• LIGHTING – A flashlight with extra batteries at the least.  Battery-operated lanterns can also provide safe indoor light.  Battery-operated, flameless “candles” can also provide illumination.  Solar-powered lawn lights can be recharged during the day by placing them outside (when there is sunlight), and brought inside after dark to provide safe, renewable light.  Avoid regular candles and other open flames.
• FIRST AID KIT – You should also make sure that medications are current and there are sufficient amounts, especially prescription medications, to last three days.
• WHISTLE – Allows you to signal for help.
• DUST MASK – Certain events could put large amounts of dust and other contaminants in the air.
• PLASTIC SHEETING & DUCT TAPE – Certain events might result in emergency officials advising residents to shelter in place.  These items can help prevent damage to the residence.
  • PERSONAL SANITATION – Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
  • TOOLS – You may be instructed to turn off utilities such as gas or water.  A wrench or pliers can help do the job.
  • EVACUATION SUPPLIES – An evacuation plan should be made well in advance, but it is a good idea to have maps available if you are not familiar with the area.
  • COMMUNICATIONS – In an emergency, electrical power could be lost for days.  A car charger, inverter or solar charger can keep a cell phone working.  If the household has only cordless phones, keep a “corded” phone on hand – if the power is out, the cordless phone will not work, but a corded phone could be plugged in, providing phone service.  Keep calls to a minimum, but to conserve power and to keep phone lines from becoming clogged.
  • GENERATORS – Generators should never be used in enclosed spaces, including garages, or near doors or windows.  Plenty of ventilation is needed to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.  Gasoline and other fuels need to be stored outside as well.  Generators should be tested and care used when re-fueling.

Preparation is important.  Residents should know whether their land is flood-prone, and if any nearby dams or levees pose a risk.  Make plans to secure your property.

Permanent storm shutters provide the best protection for windows, but 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install is an alternative.  It should be prepared in advance and stored, as in-stock plywood might be hard to find in stores when a storm is imminent.

Trim trees and shrubs near your home to prevent damage.  If trees or branches pose a threat to power lines, contact the utility – homeowners should not attempt to remove them because of the risk of electrocution.  Clear rain gutters and downspouts.

More information on how to prepare can be found at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.   DEMA also has a Delaware Hurricane Evacuation Guide.  It can be obtained in printed form, or viewed as a pdf file at www.dema.delaware.gov.