THIRTY-FIVE TALENTED STATE EMPLOYEES AND
THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HONORED
Delaware Division of the Arts announces award-winning artists in its annual
Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition reception & award ceremony

Wilmington, Del. (March 19, 2018) – The talented state employees and their family members were recognized for their art work exhibited at the seventh annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition sponsored by the National Arts Program^® reception and award ceremony held on Sunday, March 18. Featured guests and speakers included the First Lady, Tracey Quillen Carney, the Honorable Secretary of State, Jeffrey W. Bullock and Delaware Division of the Arts Deputy Director, Kristin Pleasanton.

“I look forward to this art exhibition every year and I’m proud to be able to support and recognize the artistic accomplishments of state employees and their families,” said Secretary of State, Jeffrey W. Bullock. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these employees and their family members participate in a statewide exhibition, to showcase art work that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

Twenty-eight awards were given out in five categories–Professional, Intermediate, Amateur, Teen (13-18 years old), and Youth (12 years and under). Other distinguished awards included the: Best of Show Award, Two People’s Choice Awards (calculated by most number of “likes” on Facebook and entries by email and in-person ballot votes at the Gallery), Art Education Award (up to $200 reimbursement for arts instruction and materials), and four Special Award categories. Award winning images and photos from the reception can be found on Flickr.

Below is a list of all award winners who were recognized at the 2018 reception and awards ceremony.

2018 National Arts Program Award Winners

 

Best of Show: Jessika King, Greenwood

People’s Choice Award (Facebook): Brynn Bowen, age 12, Dover

People’s Choice Award (Ballot): Ayla Knight, Bear

Art Education Award: Luana Spalluto, age 17, Dover

 

Special Awards:

Special Award, Portrait: Ayla Knight, Bear

Special Award, Mixed Media: Keith Mosher, Lincoln

Special Award, Animals: Suzanne Oliver, Wilmington

Special Award, Abstract: Tracy Channel, New Castle

 

Professional:

1st Place: Cindy Morris, Hockessin

2nd Place: SoYoung Park-Bovee, Newark

3rd Place: John Waters, Camden

 

Honorable Mentions:

Lindsey Mical, Middletown

Colleen Zufelt, Wilmington

 

Intermediate:

1^st Place: Megan Thomas, Dover

2^nd Place: Leslie Snowdon-Jones, Lewes

3^rd Place: Luis Rios Fontanez, Dover

 

Honorable Mentions:

Cynthia Scherry, Dover

Thomas Gears, Wilmington

 

Amateur:                   

1^st Place: Mark Huling, Lewes

2^nd Place: Grover Langshaw, Clayton

3^rd Place: Briana Rodriguez, Bear

 

Honorable Mentions:

Pao Lin, Dover

Lina Romano’Swincki, Wilmington

 

Teen (13-18 years old):

1^st Place: Cassie Paterson, age 18, Middletown

2^nd Place: Leilani Anupol, age 13, Milford

3^rd Place: Raina Semenick, age 16, Smyrna

 

Honorable Mentions:

Brandi Nichols, age 17, Magnolia

Sara Paulish, age 15, Dover

Haley Musemici, age 16, Magnolia

 

Youth (12 years and under):

1^st Place: Harshana Sundaravelu, age 11, Middletown

2^nd Place: Samantha Guinals, age 11, Townsend

3^rd Place: Brynn Bowen, age 12, Dover

 

Honorable Mentions:

Natalia Gatti, age 7, Wyoming

Elizabeth Dierkes, age 8, Clayton

Piper Drace, age 11, Seaford

Walter Thompson, age 12, Elsmere

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

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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.

Banner image: Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition

Report includes recommendations to improve State policies and procedures

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday released a report on the state’s sexual harassment policy and reporting procedures. In December, as part of his focus on improving workplace conditions for state employees, Governor Carney directed Secretary Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), to analyze the state’s current policy and training and recommend ways to improve the state’s policies and procedures.

“As we all know, in recent months, allegations of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace have emerged across our country,” said Governor Carney. “The State of Delaware, like all employers, has an obligation to protect our employees from facing harassment and assault of any kind. That’s why I asked Secretary Johnson to prepare this report, and to look at ways we can improve the state’s policies and procedures. We will take appropriate action on all of the report’s recommendations.”

DHR presented its report to Governor Carney summarizing current Executive Branch policies, practices, and procedures and made recommendations for improvements. The report identified the need to revise the state’s current anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies; streamline the monitoring and reporting process; and mandate consistent sexual harassment awareness and prevention training across state government.

Recommendations include:

• Policy Revisions: Consolidate the Policy on Anti-Discrimination, Workplace Harassment and Retaliation and the Policy Sexual Harassment Prevention to create one concise policy. This inclusive policy will outline a clear complaint process, necessary training, reporting, sexual harassment complaint tracking separately, and investigation requirements.
• Centralized Reporting/Tracking: Develop or identify and secure a centralized tracking system to streamline reporting and tracking of complaints and investigations of harassment from filing to resolution. This one-stop-shop system will have the ability to create, manage, track, and report on allegations of harassment.
• Performance Plans: Employee performance plans to include accountability for each employee to support a respectful workplace, free of discrimination and sexual harassment and sexual assault. The plans will set clear and specific performance expectations for each employee.
• Training: Provide mandatory training to all new and existing employees on anti-discrimination, retaliation, bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault, with periodic updates.
• Agency Accountability: Execute Service Level Agreements with Executive Branch agencies to establish clear expectations, for training, monitoring and tracking performance to support a respectful workplace.
• Communications Toolkit: Implement a communication plan to educate employees on the State’s sexual harassment policies, practices, procedures, and training. The plan should include marketing materials, talking points, and fact sheets, surveys, and evaluations.
• Employee Relations Helpdesk: Enhance DHR’s helpdesk and continue to provide information and receive employee questions and complaints.

The report includes completion dates for each recommendation. DHR will report publicly on the status of the recommendations and their implementation.

The Department of Human Resources, responsible for the implementation of these recommendations, was created in July 2017 by House Bill 4, to help confront issues important to state employees, improve the delivery of human resources services, and promote diversity and inclusion across state government.

“DHR has a responsibility to create and sustain an environment for State employees that is free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault,” adds Secretary Johnson. “We are committed to achieving this by implementing the recommendations of this report and developing consistent and clearly defined policies, practices and procedures.”

Read the full report here.

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MEDIA ADVISORY
February 26, 2018

THE DELAWARE DIVISION OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES
2018 DELAWARE STATE EMPLOYEE ART EXHIBITION

WHAT: This program is designed to give Delaware state employees and their families, at any skill level, a unique opportunity to exhibit their artwork and to compete for cash prizes. Several special recognition ribbons will also be awarded. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Photos are allowed in the Gallery.

WHEN: Now through March 19, 2018. Gallery Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sat, (3/3 and 3/10) 12:00 – 4:00 pm

WHERE:

Delaware State University Art Center/Gallery
1200 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
302.857.6697
Click here for directions

WHO: Over 220 pieces will be displayed at the seventh annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition sponsored by The National Arts Program®. Participants must be a current employee, or immediate family member of a current employee (parent, spouse, sibling, or child), of the State of Delaware (participating group members are also eligible).

The reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 1 to 3 pm in the Bank of America Building auditorium. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served prior to the ceremony. Speakers will include the Honorable Jeffrey W. Bullock, secretary of state and Kristin Pleasanton, deputy director, Delaware Division of the Arts.

OTHER: Make sure to tag us on Facebook or Twitter when you visit the Gallery at @ArtsDelaware.

# # #

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

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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.

Banner image: Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition gallery image from 2016

 

Governor lays out plan for strengthening Delaware’s economy, improving public schools and investing in state’s workforce

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney delivered his 2018 State of the State Address on Thursday in the House Chamber at Legislative Hall in Dover, outlining his priorities for strengthening Delaware’s economy, improving Delaware’s public schools, lowering healthcare costs for Delaware businesses and families, improving public safety, and investing in Delaware’s state workforce.

Full text of the speech, as prepared for delivery, is available here.

“We won’t always agree on the solutions, but we can all agree on the goals,” said Governor Carney. “To make our economy stronger. Our healthcare system more effective. Our communities safer. Our state workforce strong and stable. Our children more ready to compete for the future. Working hard and working together, we can and we will get this done.”

Below are highlights from the Governor’s address:

ON EDUCATION:

“Working with you last year, we created the Opportunity Grants program to provide new resources to students who need it most. We reached thousands of students across 13 schools last year. Next week, we will be proposing additional funding for Opportunity Grants that will more than triple the number of schools receiving this support. Schools could use this funding for things like after school programs, reading interventions, or other resources to help students and teachers be successful.”

ON THE BUDGET:

“The budget smoothing task force is considering several good ideas to bring more fiscal discipline to our spending patterns. For the long-term, we need structural spending reform, just as we need structural revenue changes. I want to continue working with the General Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – to do both. And, this is important, we cannot build new ongoing spending on top of one-time revenues. It’s just not responsible, and we can’t allow it, no matter how compelling the cause.”

ON HEALTHCARE:

“Here’s the bottom line. We’re spending too much money on healthcare, and not getting the best results. We all need to come to the table – state government and hospitals most of all – and be part of the solution. The hospitals and other providers have been laying the groundwork for this effort for years. Now it’s time to make the hard decisions, and change the way we deliver healthcare.”

ON THE CITY OF WILMINGTON:

“I firmly believe that the strength of our state lies in the strength of our largest city. But as everyone here knows, we continue to face significant challenges in Wilmington that pose a threat to its long-term success. I’ve called Wilmington home for three decades. Tracey and I raised a family there. And I care deeply about its success. But we all have a stake in helping our city succeed. Its success is closely linked to the success of our state. That’s why, over the past year, Delawareans have seen this administration work with Mayor Purzycki and members of Wilmington City Council to devote unprecedented time and attention to making Wilmington strong again.”

ON WORKPLACE CONDITIONS:

“As part of our focus on improving workplace conditions for state employees, I directed Secretary Johnson to analyze our state’s current sexual harassment policy and training, and to recommend ways to improve it. In the coming weeks we will announce a series of changes to ensure that no state employee is made to feel uncomfortable or threatened at work.”

ON DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION:

“We have been working every day since February 2nd to make our prisons safer, and to address the conditions that contributed to that terrible tragedy. Based on the Independent Review Team’s recommendations, we reached an agreement to increase salaries for Delaware’s correctional officers. We have implemented significant investments in equipment, recruitment, technology and training at the Department of Correction. And we’re installing cameras at James T. Vaughn and other correctional facilities as we speak. I made a commitment that the Independent Review report will not collect dust on a shelf. It has not. And it will not.”

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Full text of the speech, as prepared for delivery, is available here.

Proposal offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave, would make Delaware the 6th state to offer the benefit to public workers

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney joined members of the General Assembly on Tuesday to call for passage of legislation that would offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave to state workers. The bill, House Bill 3, would allow state workers to care for their families without losing wages, and would make Delaware just the 6th state to offer the benefit to public workers.

Governor Carney hosted Tuesday’s announcement in his Legislative Hall office as lawmakers returned to Dover for the second half of the 149th General Assembly.

“Delaware can and should lead on this issue,” said Governor Carney. “This legislation is about supporting our state workers – and creating a workplace that values family. Workers deserve time to spend with their families when their children are born, and this benefit will help us attract and keep good employees. Thank you to the state workers, members of the General Assembly, and advocates who are leading on this issue. I urge lawmakers to offer their full support for this legislation.”

“As a nurse and a mother, I can tell you, those first days and weeks at home with a new baby or child are the most crucial for both the parent and the child,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “It can also be a stressful time, and the worry of getting the time off, as well as a paycheck, shouldn’t be a barrier to establishing a strong and healthy family bond. It is essential, and everyone should be able to enjoy these types of benefits.”

“The State of Delaware has an opportunity to lead on leave, and I am so encouraged by the support of my colleagues and Gov. Carney. Our dedicated state workers deserve to have the time to experience the all-important and educational “firsts” with a new child, without the anxiety of leaving their child too soon,” said Representative Debra Heffernan, the prime sponsor of House Bill 3. “Having a child is completely life-changing, and we should be supporting our state workers as they navigate that experience.”

“Many of our state workers rely on two incomes to cover household expenses so taking unpaid leave is not an option. The availability of paid parental leave will be transformative to those working families, so they don’t have to choose between their career or their home life,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, co-sponsor of House Bill 3. “I am so proud to see Gov. Carney back this policy. Delaware has the chance to be one of the leading states on this issue and we need to continue to champion the discussion around it.”

“Anyone who’s been a working parent understands how hard it is to leave a newborn at home so that you can pay your bills,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry. “Paid parental leave is a step forward and for thousands of moms and dads across Delaware, but it’s also key to our kids’ futures and to the strength of our communities. This is common-sense health and economic policy that I’m proud to support, and I’m glad that Gov. Carney is stepping up for moms and dads across our state.”

The United States is one of only nine countries in the world – and the only industrialized nation – that does not offer paid maternity leave, and one of only a handful of high-wealth nations that does not offer paid paternity or parental leave. House Bill 3 would make Delaware a leader on the issue. Under the legislation, full-time state employees, including teachers, would be eligible for 12 weeks of paid maternity or paternity leave after one year of employment. Parents would be eligible for leave for up to one year after the birth of a child, or the adoption of a child under the age of six.

Passage of House Bill 3 would make Delaware the sixth state to offer paid parental leave for state workers. Delaware would join Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, and Washington D.C. in extending the benefit to public workers.

More and more, families rely on two incomes to cover household expenses, and lose billions in wage by taking unpaid leave to care for their families. Nationally, nearly one-quarter of moms are back at work within two weeks of giving birth.

“We are thankful to Governor Carney for supporting House Bill 3 and paid parental leave for state workers,” said Mike Matthews, President of the Delaware State Education Association. “When starting or adding to their families, our educators and state workers need to be able to spend the time needed at home with their newborns or newly adopted children.  They shouldn’t have to choose between bonding with their new arrival and putting food on the table or paying their bills.”

“This legislation will help state workers remain together with their families during an important time in their lives, without having to worry about how they’re going to pay the bills,” said Michael Begatto, Executive Director of Council 81 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “We are very pleased that Governor Carney and legislators are considering the needs of state workers and their families, and thank them for moving forward with this legislation.”

“The bond between a parent and either their newborn or adopted child is the most fundamental element contributing to the healthy family unit as we envision it,” said Dr. Richard Henderson, President of the Medical Society of Delaware. “The 12 weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth or the adoption of an infant or child up to 6 years of age proposed in this bill removes the economic penalties and pressures associated with this life-altering choice. Equally as important is that it provides for the opportunity for this critical bonding to occur. The physicians of Delaware are glad to see the Governor’s support for this important legislation.”

“This bill would set a new standard for how states should and can invest in their workforce when it comes to paid parental leave,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy at the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We are thrilled that Governor Carney and legislators are prioritizing a bill that recognizes the importance that both mothers and fathers play in child development.”

 

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Photo caption: Gov. Carney announces support for House Bill 3, which would allow paid paternal leave for state workers.