DNREC Awards New Contract for Management of Deerfield and Garrisons Lake Golf Clubs

The par 72 William Gordon-designed course at Deerfield Golf Club encompasses 145 acres at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark and offers dramatic elevation changes.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has partnered with Troon St. James, LLC to manage operations of the Deerfield and Garrisons Lake golf clubs owned by DNREC. Troon, which will assume operations under their affiliate Indigo Sports starting Jan. 1, 2024, is an international leader in providing golf and club-related services.

Weddings and other events already booked with the current operator Forewinds Hospitality LLC for 2024 or beyond will be honored by Troon under the new contract. Troon was awarded the contract by DNREC to manage operations at the clubs as part of a request for proposal (RFP), as the existing contract with Forewinds is to expire at the end of 2023.

“Forewinds Hospitality has been a terrific partner for nearly 20 years and we thank them for their valuable contributions over the years. They have done a tremendous job of managing and improving golf operations and event services for the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We look forward to working with Troon as one of the top golf course management organizations in the country as they continue to build on the success of the Deerfield and Garrisons Lake golf clubs.”

Following state procurement requirements, DNREC released the golf course concession RFP with the goal of identifying suitable vendor(s) and executing a new contract. The division evaluated the bids received by utilizing criteria and scoring included in the RFP.

“We are thrilled about this new partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and we’re very much looking forward to the future of Deerfield Golf Club and Garrisons Lake Golf Club,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Justin Smith. “As we move toward assuming management operations in 2024, we expect a seamless transition for employees, golfers, guests, pass holders and friends of Deerfield and Garrisons Lake.”

As part of the new management agreement, Troon will invest a percentage of their revenue into making capital improvements at both courses annually. The agreement with DNREC and the State of Delaware expires at the end of 2038 and may be extended for an additional 10 years.

The contract includes management of operations for the golf courses, pro shops, conference facilities, banquet rooms, restaurants and bars. Additionally, improvements are under way at Garrisons Lake that include a new cart barn and a 4,300-square-foot clubhouse. The clubhouse will feature a pro shop, restrooms, pub and grill, and indoor/outdoor dining.

Troon manages more than 825 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe, including nine in Delaware – they are: Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville, Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View, Delcastle Golf Club in Wilmington, Ed Oliver Golf Club in Wilmington, Fieldstone Golf Club in Greenville, Heritage Shores Golf Club in Bridgeville, Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club in Millsboro, Rock Manor Golf Course in Wilmington, and the Peninsula Golf & Country Club in Millsboro.

The par 72 William Gordon-designed course at Deerfield Golf Club encompasses 145 acres at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark and offers dramatic elevation changes, while the par-72 Garrisons Lake Golf Club course encompasses 160 acres of well-bunkered, undulating greens in Smyrna.                                      

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov

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DelDOT Breaks Ground on I-95/896 Interchange Improvements Project

Governor John Carney, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and state and local officials from Newark joined Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski on Monday for a groundbreaking event to mark the start of the I-95/896 interchange improvements project.

“There’s nothing more important that keeping Delaware drivers safe. Since this interchange first opened 60 years ago, we have seen continued growth along the Route 896 corridor and the resulting higher traffic volumes that come with it. Modernizing this interchange will improve safety for the thousands of people who travel through this area every day,” said Governor John Carney.

“This is a great example of the kind of investments we can make here in the First State and across the nation when we invest in our infrastructure,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Investments like the one we made right here, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which I was proud to lead to passage in the Senate, helps the flow of goods, and allows traffic to run more efficiently and safely. Ultimately, we are working to create jobs and make Delaware an attractive place to live and work.”

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction aimed to make Route 896 safer and stronger so that it can continue to support those who utilize it for life, work, and travel,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud that half of the funding for this project is coming from federal funds – a testament to our commitment to investing in our transportation infrastructure across the state. But today isn’t just about investing in Route 896, it’s also about investing in the jobs and innovation that Route 896 connects us to through Newark-based businesses and the University of Delaware.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “There have been more than 700 crashes at this interchange since 2019 due to congestion and the current configuration. This project is necessary in order to greatly reduce these incidents that cause serious injuries or worse. We appreciate the input we received throughout the planning process from residents and the business community to develop a project that accomplishes our goal of minimizing crashes and keeping traffic moving.”

The construction project includes reconfiguration of existing interchange ramps, widening of I-95 northbound and southbound, widening and rehabilitation of existing bridges on I-95 and SR 896, and construction of new bridges, retaining walls, sign structures, and lighting. A separated path will also span the interchange providing a connection for bicycle and foot traffic from Newark to Glasgow.

The more than $280 million project is expected to be completed by the end 2025. Additional project information can be found at 95896improvements.com.


The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Stephanie Boateng’s “The Sweet Shoppe” from March 3-31

On view from March 3-31, 2023

 

Wilmington, Del. (February 25, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2022 DDOA Individual Artist Fellow Stephanie Boateng’s exhibition, “The Sweet Shoppe”, running March 3-31, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, March 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Stephanie Boateng is a 24-year-old Delaware based three-dimensional portrait artist. Boateng’s work features black women created to be an experience of happiness, love, and beauty. Boateng’s subjects feature wide smiles as the artist wants the paintings to fill the viewers with contagious joy.

Boateng is inspired by Black artists, stylists, photographers, and influencers, especially by Alyssa Silos, whose social media following and flourishing world-wide art career led Boateng to begin her business and venture into the 3-D portraits that garnered her Fellowship. The addition of flowers, rhinestones, papier mache, sweets made from , and myriad other objects allows Boateng’s vivid, smiling, and sometimes larger-than-life portraits to move off the canvas.

“The 3-D elements in my work are so important because I want the artwork to truly speak to the viewer and allow them to interact with it in a very personal way.” But making actual objects cohesive with a painted canvas creates challenges. “As my paintings get bigger, I know the 3D pieces are going to get more difficult, but I’m excited for all of the new milestones.”

Her work is grounded in a deep passion for connecting with people. Boateng is especially delighted when her paintings are appreciated on an emotional level and people are enlivened by the contagious joy they see. That’s the purpose of her art. “I am always so grateful to be able to share a smile with others. Many people don’t understand just how powerful it is. Sharing a smile could brighten up someone’s day or even someone’s life.”

Boateng dreams of owning her own studio, and teaching others how to use art to improve their daily lives through art therapy. She also wants to promote mental health awareness in black women.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Image: “Sienna”. Mixed Media on Canvas. 60″x84″. 2022.

Image: “Mocha”. Mixed Media on Canvas. 48″x72″. 2022.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.


Eligibility For Monkeypox Vaccine Expands Again In Delaware

DOVER, DE (Sept 22, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing upcoming opportunities for individuals to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus (MPX). The current case count for MPX in the state is 35, including 23 cases in New Castle County, three cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues to offer vaccinations to people at a higher risk of exposure.

Vaccine eligibility is being expanded to include all gay, bisexual and transgender or nonbinary persons having sex with men, or females having sex with gay, bisexual, non-binary, or transgender males. Delaware is also expanding vaccine eligibility to health care workers who are providing direct patient care to confirmed/suspected MPX cases in areas such as Emergency Departments, urgent cares, Federally Qualified Health Centers, DPH clinics, STI/HIV or sexual health clinics, and those at occupational risk such as laboratory staff that handle MPX specimens. 

Recent data show the risk of MPX to exposed health care workers to be low even when use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is incomplete.  However, to ensure the greatest level of protection against MPX, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends health care staff wear PPE consisting of gown, gloves, eye protection, and an N95 (or higher-level) respirator while caring for patients with suspected or confirmed MPX.

Vaccines remain available to those at highest risk including:

  • Persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days
  • Certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days
  • Those living with HIV or who are receiving HIV PrEP
  • Immunocompromised persons (including those with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with autoimmune disease)
  • Those treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last six months
  • Individuals traveling to an area with community spread of MPX cases.
  • Those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX, such as:
    • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple, or any, anonymous sexual partners in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes meeting partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
    • Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men
    • Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender)
    • Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs)
  • People who fall into any of the identified high-risk categories who are also experiencing homelessness or incarceration

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not encouraging vaccination against monkeypox for the broader public or for everyone who is sexually active. Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Those at higher risk should continue using preventive measures and reduce engaging in high-risk behaviors both prior to, and after, vaccination to reduce the chance of continued spread of MPX in the community. 

Eligible Delawareans may also receive monkeypox vaccinations at: 

  • Newark Urgent Care – Visit NewarkUrgentCare.org to view eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment. Vaccine clinics are on Thursdays, and there is no cost for the vaccine.
  • Beebe Healthcare: Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
  • DPH clinics: Individuals can call the MPX hotline at 866-408-1899 for a screening evaluation. Walk-ins at DPH clinics will not be accepted. Monkeypox vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to prioritize individuals at highest risk, as a result of confirmed or potential exposure to someone with MPX. As a result, your appointment may be scheduled a few days out.
 

Signs and Symptoms 

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately:  

  • Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
  • Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
  • Avoid being intimate with others.
  • Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

It can take three to four weeks for all symptoms to fully heal. While there is no specific treatment for MPX, antivirals can be prescribed, though they are not always needed. To learn more information about monkeypox, please visit de.gov/monkeypox. DPH posts MPX case and vaccine data on the website along with resources for the general public, and provides a separate page for medical providers.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.


Skunk in Newark Tests Positive For Rabies

DOVER (July 1, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising New Castle County residents who live or spend time in the area west of Rt. 273, near S. Brownleaf Road, Sonant Drive, and Stature Drive in Newark, of a positive case of rabies in a skunk. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the tissue/saliva of the skunk after their dog had found and killed it in their backyard.  The skunk was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. The individuals have begun post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.

 

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched, or come in contact with a skunk in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a skunk may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian for examination, treatment, and to report the exposure to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

 

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

  • All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
  • Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
  • Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
  • Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
  • Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
  • Keep your garbage securely covered.
  • Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

 

Since Jan. 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 75 animals, two of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one cat and this skunk. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

 

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats.

 

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

 

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

  • If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/.
  • Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
  • If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

 

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

  • To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
  • If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

 

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

 

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