This week: Bridgeville's upcoming election and other local news
In case you missed it
In the category of news that will give you that crawling feeling, lone star ticks are invading the region. Identifiable by the white dot on their backs, these ticks used to be uncommon, but no longer. They don’t transmit Lyme disease, but in the venerable tick tradition of spreading horrifying medical problems, they might give you a potentially life-threatening red meat allergy. Bay Journal Media's Jeremy Cox has the story.
A citizens group in Greenwood is calling for the town to restore open public comment at town meetings. The town does allow people to sign up in advance to speak, but some residents say the Council should restore "citizens privilege."
We also had a deeply sad story out of Harrington this week. According to state police, a man killed his wife and the family dog, and then called 911 to report himself.
If you haven't already, you can sign up to get local stories like these by email.
In other news
Bridgeville election open for candidates
A few months after voters in Greenwood get to weigh in on three Council seats, Bridgeville residents will get to select three of the town's five commissioners. The election is set for Saturday, March 5, from noon to 7 p.m. Seats up for a vote are District 1 (currently held by Marlene Saunders), District 2 (held by Tom Moran) and District 3 (held by Bruce Smith, who is not the legendary defensive end who starred for the Buffalo Bills).
The deadline to file as a candidate is Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Candidates need to be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, not convicted of a felony, and to have lived in Bridgeville for at least a year before election day. They also need to have been a registered voter in Bridgeville at least a year before the election, and live in the district they want to represent. You can find a map of the districts here. Candidates need to file a written letter of intent with Commission President Tom Carey or secretary Marlene Saunders by the deadline.
For their part, town voters need two separate voter registrations: with the state, and with the town of Bridgeville. They must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old, and have lived in town at least 30 days before the election. Residents can register to vote until February 23 at the town hall on 101 N. Main St., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can only vote for the candidate in their district.
If you have questions, contact the town of Bridgeville at 302-337-7135.
Southern Delaware snapshot
Woodbridge hosts a home playoff game
The undefeated Blue Raiders, who had a bye week for the first round of the division 2A playoffs, will face Tower Hill at home Friday night at 7 p.m. Tower Hill beat Sussex Tech last week 14-0.
An important note is that ticket sales are online only; they will not be available at the gate, Woodbridge announced. The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association is doing online ticket sales only for all championship athletic events this year. Sales started Tuesday for the Woodbridge game, but if there are any tickets left you can get them on the GoFan app.
Delmar stomped Newark 43-7 to advance last week; they'll play Wilmington Friends Saturday at 1. Seaford, which has been having itself a nice season at 7-3, is playing Tatnall on the road Saturday at 1 p.m. in the 1A playoffs.
(Another) chance to support local small business
The fabulously successful marketing campaign started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday, returns this weekend. The company started the tradition during a recession, as a way to help small business get in on the holiday shopping frenzy, and just possibly to link their brand to good will for a good cause. At any rate, as soon as Americans get done being thankful for all they have on Thanksgiving, they embark on buying more things to be thankful for next year. After Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder to shop local. The U.S. Small Business Administration said last year that Americans spent nearly $20 billion on Small Business Saturday. If you're looking for a local small business to support that day, I have a recommendation.
Speaking of business
For those in need of full time or part time work, the Delaware Restaurant Association is holding a virtual job and career fair Nov. 30 from 12-2 p.m. Candidates can interview virtually for a wide range of positions with dozens of restaurant employers. Register here.
Watch a fire department at work
Spectators can watch Seaford Volunteer Fire Department practice with a live burn on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The department warned neighbors of the 23407 Atlanta Road property that they will notice some smoke and a large fire department presence. The instructional burn gives firefighters realistic hands on training, the department said. You don't have to sneak into the area to watch — the department said anyone is welcome to come by, take photos and ask questions.
Santa begins his yearly tour
There are a plethora of opportunities to see Santa beginning in the next few weeks, including these:
Bridgeville's Cornerstone Community Center is holding a Christmas Extravaganza featuring an evening with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the Greenwood Cheer Center. The event will feature ornament decorating, story time with Santa and a toy giveaway. There will also be a coat giveaway in partnership with the Bridgeville Library. Registration is required.
As is his habit, Santa will also make an appearance at the Harrington Fire Company's annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To counteract wait times for photos with Santa, the fire company is asking everyone to bring a camera or phone. Even those not inclined to interact with Santa may be enticed by the breakfast buffet, which includes eggs, sausage patties, bacon, and sausage gravy and biscuits. Proceeds benefit the fire company, which is asking people to buy tickets online at harringtonfireco.square.site. If there are any tickets left they will be sold at the door. The price is $12 for adults and $5 for children 2-12 until Dec. 10, then $15 for adults and $8 for children at the door, if applicable.
Other Christmasy things
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can publish Christmas related events without wincing too much.
One of those, the Georgetown Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 2. Local restaurants by the Circle will be open, plus other food vendors, with hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, french fries, pretzels and more. Discovery Church will offer hot chocolate. A community band imported from Milford will warm up the crowd with holiday music starting at 6 p.m., then the parade will start at 7 p.m. Fittingly, the theme is "Holiday Parade of Lights."
Another event that isn't exactly Christmas themed, but falls under holiday traditions, is the annual train display at the Georgetown Public Library. That opens this Saturday, the 27th, and runs every Saturday through Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Caroling on the Circle returns to Georgetown
A multicultural Christmas celebration is coming to the Circle at Georgetown on Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Sussex County announced in a news release.
The caroling part of the traditional Caroling on the Circle was canceled last year because of COVID, although the associated food drive went on. This year, there will be an evening of traditional English and Spanish carols, as well as performances by local singing artists Kevin Short and Ed Shockley, and performers from the El Centro Cultural group. WBOC TV's Jimmy Hoppa will emcee.
The event is free, but the county asks people to bring nonperishable food to donate.
This is the 38th annual food drive. The county said it collected 15,000 food items last year for distribution to area food pantries and churches, down from about 30,000 the year before.
Attendees are asked to follow the latest CDC COVID guidelines.
Statewide pet adoption event
The Brandywine Valley SPCA is holding a Mega Adoption Event with $35 adoption fees at all its campuses, including Georgetown. The event is Dec. 4-5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All pets are spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped.
Learn about Mennonites, or at least their old house
The Delaware Mennonite Historical Society is holding its fall dinner on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at Greenwood Mennonite School. There will be stories, catered food and a video presentation on the story of the society's restored Bender House. The event is free, although donations are welcomed. The society suggests wearing a mask. Register by Monday, Nov. 29 by calling 302-930-0562 or emailing dmhsbanquet@gmail.com.