2016 Coastal Cleanup drew more than 1,500 volunteers who collected 6 tons of trash and recyclables from 45 sites

DOVER – This year’s DNREC-sponsored 29th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup held Sept. 17 drew 1,572 volunteers, who collected 6 tons of trash from 45 sites along more than 75 miles of Delaware’s waterways and coastline stretching from Wilmington to Fenwick Island. About one-quarter of that trash – mostly aluminum cans and glass and plastic beverage bottles – was recycled this year.

DNREC organizes the annual cleanup with co-sponsors including: the Ocean Conservancy; Edgewell Personal Care/Playtex Manufacturing Inc., which donates gloves; and Waste Management, which hauls trash and recyclables collected by volunteers.

“In addition to marring the natural beauty of our beaches and waterways, trash is dangerous to marine life and unhealthy for water quality,” said Delaware Coastal Cleanup Coordinator Joanna Wilson. “Each year, the Coastal Cleanup helps make a difference for marine life and water quality – and it’s the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, many of whom come back year after year, who make the Cleanup possible.”

Some of the more unusual items found during this year’s cleanup were: a Walkman cassette player, a television, a set of pornographic DVDs, an air horn, map, pay stub, bowling pin, badminton shuttlecock, fake aquarium plants, peach basket, vampire teeth, book, candle, finger splint, tweezers, respirator, surgical mask, pacifiers, baby wipes, teething ring, selfie stick, dog crate, toothbrush, dental floss, mailbox, a U.S. Postal Service plastic bin, real estate sign, political sign, two file cabinet drawers, a wine cork, two full beer bottles and a volleyball-sized round metal weight, purpose unknown. Other items of interest included:

  • Toys and sports items: Golf balls, tennis balls, soccer ball, football, hockey puck, rubber balls, swim fin, boogie board, plastic beach toys and shovels, glowstick, kiddie pool, baby doll, plastic jet plane, toy dinosaur, green plastic army men, toy light saber and an action figure entangled in fishing line.
  • Clothing and personal items: Assorted underwear including three pairs of boxers, socks, shorts, gloves, goggles, belts, hair ties, sunglasses, a bandana, a stocking, scarf, hairbrush, combs, eyeglasses, nose clip, Bandaids, plastic razor, towels, a rubber cane tip, pens, a Sharpie marker, chapstick and more than 50 shoes, including flip-flops, sneakers, boots and a “glitter sandal.”
  • Household and automotive: A window screen, 10 buckets, a rain gutter section, plunger, plastic zip ties, nuts, bolts, nails, hammer, fencing, a 50-foot piece of rope, cinder blocks, bricks, tiles, flooring, assorted lumber, metal and PVC pipes, hammer, laundry detergent, five burlap bags, paint rollers and brushes, pipe insulation, mattress, box spring, three propane tanks, seven sand bags, wire, chairs, patio table umbrella, clothespins, a car seat, bumper, two oil filters, car oil can, antifreeze, steering wheel and 44 tires.
  • Fishing and boating: A dinghy, wooden boat, life raft, anchor, floating dock piece, boat seat, bait box, fishing reel, 185 crab pots, traps and buoys, crab pot tags, steel piling pieces, sand fencing, an umbrella pole, 374 yards of fishing line and 270 fish nets.

Some items were notable in their numbers. Statewide, volunteers picked up 13,577 cigarette and cigar butts, a decrease of 6,833 from last year’s total of 20,410. Balloons increased slightly, from 458 last year to 654 this year. Other items included 331 fireworks, 215 shotgun shells and 2,350 plastic bags.

This year, more than 23,500 pieces of food/beverage-related trash were picked up. This year’s notable numbers included 4,842 food wrappers, 5,600 plastic bottle caps, 1,028 lids, 1,840 straws, 3,024 plastic beverage bottles, 2,030 beverage cans, 1,183 glass bottles and 2,753 paper, plastic and foam cups, plates and take-out containers.

The Delaware Coastal Cleanup is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the Ocean Conservancy’s flagship program dealing with marine debris and data collection. The types and quantities of trash collected are recorded on data cards and forwarded to the Center for Marine Conservation, which compiles the information to help identify the source of the debris and focus efforts on eliminating or reducing it.

Delaware’s next Coastal Cleanup is set for Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. Registration will be posted on DNREC’s website next July.

For more information on The Ocean Conservancy or the International Coastal Cleanup, please visit www.oceanconservancy.org.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, at 302-739-9902.

Vol. 46, No. 347

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Governor’s Weekly Message: Strengthening Our Neighborhoods Through Community Engagement

In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights various community-driven efforts to strengthen and revitalize Delaware neighborhoods. 

“As I’ve traveled throughout the state, I hear a common message from residents: they want to play an active role in revitalizing struggling neighborhoods,” said Governor Markell. “They’re interested in being a part of the solution, and not dwelling on challenges, and their enthusiasm presents an incredible opportunity for the future of our towns, and for the future of our state. If we tap into the energy of the many selfless Delawareans who want to give their time to help friends, families and neighbors, we 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/eShpQl0Kzr8
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message:  Strengthening Our Neighborhoods Through Community Engagement


Nominations Open for Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards

Nominations Open for Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards; Submission Deadline Is Aug. 26

NEW CASTLE – Nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through Wednesday, Aug. 26. These awards recognize the important contributions that Delaware’s volunteers, 18 and older, make to their communities. Award recipients will be honored in October at a special ceremony at Dover Downs Hotel.

The awards honor individuals, organizations, community groups, and corporate volunteerism in the areas of arts and culture, education, community service, environment, health, human needs and social justice. The Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism. Volunteer efforts must have been performed during 2014.

“I am appreciative of the volunteer efforts that happen every day across our state,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “I see the difference that people are making in their communities, especially on behalf of our most vulnerable residents. These dedicated volunteers support individuals and families, and help to build stronger communities. That’s why I am in awe each year of the passion they have for the causes they serve.”

“The volunteer does not do his or her work expecting to be rewarded. Volunteers give generously of their time and abilities to serve their local community and, in some cases, the world community. They do it quietly and thoughtfully,” said Nancy Forster, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service is pleased to participate in the Governor’s Adult Volunteer award program and gratefully acknowledge the good work our citizens perform in service to others.”

The nomination form is available on https://volunteer.delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a nomination form by emailing deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov or calling (302) 255-9893. Prior to submission, you may email the nomination form to Deborah Tokarski for review and feedback.

Nominations must be delivered by Wednesday, Aug. 26, to the Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Deborah Tokarski, 1901 N. Dupont Highway, Charles Debnam Building, New Castle, DE 19720 or emailed to deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov.

According to a 2013 study by the Corporation for National & Community Service, more than 187,700 Delawareans volunteered, contributing 21.7 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations. That volunteerism is valued at almost $500 million a year.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to https://volunteer.delaware.gov, or contact Deborah Tokarski, Volunteer Service Administrator, at (302) 255-9893 or via email deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov.

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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.


The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum

Vietnam Wall News Release Flyer

The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum

Date: July 2 – 5, 2015
Time: Open to the public 24 hours a day
Location: Kent County Veterans Memorial Park
S. Little Creek Road, Dover
(near Kent County Admin Bldg & Blue Hen Mall)

Opening Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2015, 10:00 am

If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Sherri Taylor at (302) 257-3117 or sherri.taylor@delaware.gov – we appreciate your support!

StarBanner

Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Roll

Benefits the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund

July 4th at 9:00 am (rain or shine)

Kent County Memorial Park – next to Kent County Admin Bldg, 555 Bay Rd, Dover

Vietnam Wall News Release Flyer


Volunteer Fair in Dover

20 Kent County Organizations to Be Represented at May 16
Volunteer Fair in Dover

DOVER – The State Office of Volunteerism and the Kent County Public Library will host a volunteer fair from 2-4 p.m. May 16 at the library for prospective volunteers of all ages to learn about more than 20 organizations in Kent County.

“This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in volunteering to hear from people involved with the organizations and to get an understanding of the impact that volunteers have,” said Secretary Rita Landgraf of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism. “We know that people who do volunteer get so much out of the experience. They see that their gifts and talents truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Organizations that will be represented at the volunteer fair are American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, national Capital Therapy Dogs, Creative Mentoring, Heartland Hospice, and many more.

The Kent County Library is at 497 S. Red Haven Lane in Dover.

For more information about the volunteer fair or to have your group included, contact Carrie Hart with the State Office of Volunteerism at (302) 857-5006.

For more information, go to www.https://volunteer.delaware.gov.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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.