On March 1, Cape Henlopen High School had a program to recognize the 192 students who achieved a 5, the highest possible score, on the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP). We have attended many recognition programs for academic excellence, from elementary school through high school during our children’s years in the Cape Henlopen School District. However, this evening’s program was very disappointing.

How did Cape Henlopen High School acknowledge the academic excellence of these students?

The program was held in the theater without use of the stage, no separate seating for the students; the students had to highlight their own name on the list of possible attendees, obtain a program from the table sitting at the front door of the theater and wait for the plaques to be unboxed and organized on the stage floor.

We were welcomed by Principal John Yore and were then informed Dr. George Stone, superintendent of the Cape Henlopen School District and all of the members of the Cape Henlopen school board were unable to attend the program. In addition to Principal Yore we had the following Cape Henlopen administrative staff in attendance: Ed Waples, Bob Fulton and Assistant Principal Mike Dmiterchik.

Then Mr. Waples, former principal and current supervisor of alternative programs, spoke to the students and family members and regaled us with a story. The story was about a principal who decided he would include the band and cheerleaders in the recognition program for the students who achieved academic excellence because he felt these students deserved the same fanfare experienced during athletic events. Mr. Waples, what was the point of the story? If you felt our students deserved a similar show of fanfare, then why didn’t you arrange for this to happen?

Following Mr. Waples, Mr. Fulton, director of secondary education, read a short note from Dr. Stone apologizing for his absence. After Mr. Fulton finished reading the note, he reminded the students this would be the last time they had to take the DSTP and gave a brief explanation of the new testing system.

We finally arrived at the time for the students to receive their recognition. Each student was called individually to the front of the stage, handed their plaque, shook hands with those in attendance from the Cape administration and then returned to their seats. All of this was done with the students’ backs facing the audience; so much for a family member trying to take any pictures.

At the conclusion of the program we were invited to have some refreshments in the rotunda and for the students to gather for a group photo. The photo was taken with a small digital camera. Why weren’t the local newspapers contacted to take a photo? Couldn’t someone have asked the athletics photographers to attend to get a more professional photo?
Cape to Great?
Leonard and Diana Tylecki
Cape High parents

Rehoboth Animal Hospital treated unfairly
In response to Ms. Sims’ letter in last Friday’s edition, I have several comments, First, after reading her letter several times it is obvious that Ms. Sims has a personal ax to grind here. She has made up her mind that her statements are facts and not rumors. She also peppers the letter with the phrase “I have heard.” If you are going to attack someone in a public forum, you should first approach your target and get both sides of the story, which is something Ms. Sims obviously did not do, nor do I feel she even wanted to know the truth.

Second, having had to euthanize my Scotty, Merce, at the age of 13 due to the fact that his quality of life had deteriorated outweighed my selfish needs to hold on. I know the decision process is hard and very personal between my pet, my vet and myself. These animals did not belong to Ms. Sims, nor did she know the health status or conditions of these animals. Despite what she may have “heard,” she has no right to accuse anyone of ethical malpractice unless she is directly involved with the situation, which she was not.

Third, I also find it odd the position the Cape Gazette seems to have taken in this matter.

First, to give the obvious malicious slander such prominence in last Friday’s paper and then follow it with a “feature” spending more time addressing these slanders than actually highlighting a new business. Never in almost 20 years of reading the Cape Gazette have I read a story that features a new business in the community concentrating on a negative rumor rather than the new opportunities the business will bring to the community.

Finally, my Australian terrier was a patient of Rehoboth Animal Hospital under Dr. Boros and he will continue to be a patient under Dr. Tim. I am also comforted by the fact that Dr. Tim will not prescribe medicine for Woody until he has examined him personally.
Wayne Hodge
Rehoboth Beach
Editor’s note: The Cape Gazette published a feature article on Dr. Tim Dabkowski after he assumed ownership of the Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital in the Friday, Jan. 1 edition.

Writer defends questions concerning Dr. Tim
This past weekend I was verbally confronted in the town of Milton and also admonished in the letters to the editor for my letter about Dr. Dabkowski which appeared in last week’s Cape Gazette.  I believe that some people who read it took it as an accusation. I would like to clarify my intention of writing this letter. As I stated, this was a rumor circulating in the area and I believed it needed to be addressed. I also said, if this was a false rumor, it should be explained and then put to rest. Dr. Dabkowski did give his explanation of the events. Now that people know about the issue and his reasoning behind it, it will be up to each one to decide for themselves whether the explanation satisfies them and they will make their own decision as to the future care of their animals. I tried very hard in the composition of the letter not to sound accusatory, but rather questioning. I wrote of the rumor, but I never said that it was fact. I asked for an explanation.  

Anyone who knows me, knows of my devotion to animal causes. For the last eight years, I have been involved with animal rescues. I have taken animals from the SPCA when they had run out of chances and transported them to another state in order for them to find a new home. I have pulled hurt animals from the side of the road and from cruel environments. I have paid for the care of many of these animals from my own pocket, not always an easy task on retirement income.

I drove to New Orleans several weeks after Katrina to take a vanload of supplies to a small independent shelter that had lost almost everything and came back with homeless cats and dogs that were able to begin a new life. I often have abandoned animals in my home, trying hard to place them somewhere on a permanent basis. I work with many of the vets and animal providers in the area. My reputation is very strong among those who know me and these people give me the encouragement to continue on with my animal causes. 

I have always been known for being on the side of the animals and for this, I will never apologize. If something needs an explanation, then I will question. And the very idea that this “questioning” is in any way ignorant, is ludicrous.  Never stop looking for answers when something doesn’t sound right to you.

As I said, people now have to make up their own mind as to this incident. I’m sure many will support Dr. Dabkowski and hopefully he will prove worthy of this trust. As was stated in one letter opposing me, this area needs quality vets. I hope Dr. Dabkowski is one of them.
Brenda Sims
Milton

School board candidate outlines platform
Cape Henlopen was the best school district in the state when we moved here nearly 20 years ago. It will be again. The Cape Henlopen School District needs good men and women who are not afraid to look at themselves and our schools and say “We can do better.” That is the job at hand. It takes vision to want more and to realize potential is right in front of you. It takes an honest appraisal and full disclosure to the community of everything we do in order to help our students realize that potential.
We need board members who set their personal agendas aside - people who strive for excellence simply because it is the right thing to do.
We need to bring more transparency to the budgeting process. How our money is used should not be a mystery. It is our money.
We need to reevaluate how our administrative dollars and hours are spent.
We need to recreate the connection between our elementary schools, our middle schools and the high school.
We need to stand up and say Cape’s drop-out rate is not OK, and that any of our schools being under state review is not acceptable for any reason, at any time.
We need to reward our great teachers and fire the bad ones.
We need to stop pitting academics, athletics and the arts against one another when in fact, they complement one another.
We need leadership that invites accountability in reaching our academic goals and creates a system in which the public has access to our progress in achieving them.
We need to honor our best students’ efforts so that they can be more visible role models.
We need to reach out to our underprivileged students and those who are falling through the cracks unnoticed.
We have a new high school that requires our undivided attention. It needs to be finished properly in the way the taxpayers have been promised so that it can best serve its students and staff. We have lots of great teachers and coaches and support personnel. They can help recreate an expectation of success. We must demand that our schools do better.
Our children are capable, hardworking and talented. They deserve schools that are always dynamic, environmentally progressive and academically challenging. We can show our kids how valuable they are and how much faith we have in them by raising the bar for everyone. And, by that, I mean raising the bar for the Cape Henlopen school board too. I want to be held accountable. If someone disagrees with my ideas or decisions, I want to be challenged. I think open and honest debate is healthy and good for the community. I will be running a green campaign, so don’t look for a lot of throw-away “Vote for Scott de Kuyper” signs. I am also setting up an interactive website to tell you a little more about my qualifications and interests and so that I can hear directly from as many people as possible. I look forward to it!
Scott de Kuyper
candidate
Cape Henlopen board of education

Outgoing Milton mayor thanks supporters
I want to thank all of my supporters, volunteers and friends, who have made my work pleasurable and successful. It was having a vision that transpired our work into reality and our accomplishments vast. Milton is a town with great potential. I want to wish Mr. Newlands the best of luck and look forward to all the great outcomes that the town now has ahead of it. Hopefully his plans will continue progress toward our quality of life and assure that our residents receive the standards of living they deserve. I’m content that he will assure his strict enforcement of site plan adherence throughout all of the current developments as well as those in the town’s future, just as he has in his own community.

I’m looking forward to helping those who have asked me to pursue my strong fortitude in bringing accountability to the built communities and future development. It will be exciting to participate as I did in the past from the outside. I now have a place to return to that alleviates the democracy back to an open arena, both publicly in the meetings and in the media. My greatest asset now is having the opportunity to understand extensively the internal and external dynamics of the town.

Especially important now is having the knowledge of those on council who are motivated in making Milton a better place. Those who make decisions that are based on the best interest of the town and not those as a political benefactor. That is why at this time I especially want to thank councilwomen Joanie Martin Brown and Deanna Duby, ongoing champions of a fair and equitable government.

I want to thank the hard work of a terrific administrative staff and those police officers that are dedicated by desire in keeping Milton safe. The work and dedication of this staff is often unnoticed and for those that assure adherence to fair and equitable treatment often recieve persecution.

Most important, I want to thank my wife, who will always be my first lady, and my son that makes losing an election painless by just having him in my life. Overall, life is great. I may have lost my term as mayor but I won back my ability to be a true activist for the town of Milton, an activist with greater knowledge, experience, passion and strength.
Reflecting back, there is great truth in the saying “No good deed goes unpunished.”
Mayor Don Post
Milton

Milton is the best little town in Delaware
In Milton on election night, as candidates and supporters awaited the election results, Jim Crellin of the Milton election board gave an announcement. His words reminded the citizens assembled before Milton Town Hall that everyone should be mindful of the commitment candidates had made by running, while acknowledging also the time and energy the candidates and their supporters had invested in the days of the campaigns.
This simple announcement made before Neva Baker read the results was a solid reminder of what is often said in Delaware that, yes,“after an election, we are all Delawareans, we are all neighbors.”

Thanks go also to former Milton Town Solicitor John Brady for having shared the original request for such a statement with the committee. And thanks to all those who followed through and especially to Mr. Crellin for his eloquent delivery.
Hands extended in congratulation to the winning candidates by those who can now continue to serve their community. Here is more evidence that Milton is, in the opinion of this Miltonian, the best little town in Delaware!
Jeff Dailey
Milton

Milton councilwoman pledges to do her best
I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the voters who expressed their confidence in me and supported me in the recent spring election. The interest that was shown in this election continues to demonstrate that the people care deeply about the future of our beautiful town of Milton. My pledge to you in the next three years remains to continue to do my very, very best on behalf of the wonderful people of Milton.

I would also like to express a hearty welcome to our new Mayor Cliff Newlands and Councilman Norman Lester. And thank you to all of the candidates – a good slate of candidates shows that people are willing to help guide the future of Milton. In the days ahead, there will be numerous opportunities to contribute to the town of Milton, so stay involved. A “great idea” we can use is a “great idea,” no matter the source.

Further, I would like to offer a special thank you to outgoing Mayor Don Post. It does not matter if you agreed or disagreed with Don in the past. One thing is clear. Don always had in mind what was best for Milton. We face many challenges in the upcoming months and years ahead, yet I would rather look at them as opportunities to gather the best thinking of everyone as we create a new positive future for the town of Milton. What we can achieve by working together in a positive way on behalf of the town of Milton will only be limited by our own creativity, honesty, integrity and plain old hard work.
Once again, thank you and stay involved.
Leah Betts
councilwoman
Town of Milton

Incoming Milton mayor appreciates support
I’d like to thank the citizens of Milton for exercising their right to vote in this year’s election. I welcome your thoughts and ideas and will be open with all residents. Shortly, we will schedule our first workshop to exchange ideas and information. I look forward to seeing you at the town council meeting.
Cliff Newlands
mayor-elect
Milton

Eastern Sussex deserves own planning panel
I was at the League of Women Voters meeting and my hat’s off to Sandy and her people for a great meeting.  And my hat’s off to Pete Schwartzkopf as well for speaking out.  And after listening to all that went on about the Arbors of Cottagedale, I believe with all my heart that it is time for us to have our own Eastern Sussex County Planning Commission.

The Arbors of Cottagedale decision was wrong in so many ways; it is hard to express the frustration I feel.  I am living in a community whose entire future is being determined by outsiders, including the three amigos on the Sussex County Council.  It live 20 to 40 miles away and dictate to the community that lives here what kind of future they will have.  Developers never speak directly to our community; they come into Sussex County and go over to Georgetown and work that crowd.  The council may or may not listen to the planning and zoning commission.  It can add or subtract units from the developer’s request. You can’t really speak up at the council meetings.  The professional “suits” get to make all the comments they want.  And they call this democracy?

I hate getting partisan on local issues, but Vance Phillips, Michael Vincent and Sam Wilson are all Republicans who, at least on paper, believe that government decision making should be at the lowest possible level closest to the community impacted.  At least they say that.  At the mid-year elections, just wait to hear them proselytize about Washington and Dover and how locals need to make decisions. But when it comes to Sussex County, out goes that principle.  We easterners have so little say in our future.  We have one great voice in Joan Deaver and a latecomer in George “I see the light” Cole.

We are one of the fastest-growing sections of the state and one of the most complicated. We need to balance tourism, year-round living, senior citizens needs, health needs, education, affordable housing, transportation, environment wetlands and wildlife issues, hunting and fishing, parks and recreation, poverty, agriculture, emergency management, sewer, energy and many more.

Does anyone believe that Phillips, Vincent and Wilson can comprehend all these interwoven and interrelated issues?  They make zoning decisions independent of their own commission, refuse to hire staff professionals, give developers more units than they ask for, dump on the Delaware Department of Transportation for not providing transportation services, and fight the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and environmentalists at every step.  They don’t even try to integrate and coordinate all these agency requirements and inputs.  And here we are.  Affordable housing on a former toxic waste site with no transportation solutions.

Now is the time for us to have our own Eastern Sussex County Planning Commission, with full support from Gov. Jack Markell and the Legislature.  And we need this commission to have teeth to speak and speak with authority.  We need a commission that forces state, county and city governments and regional utilities to work together.  We need comprehensive professional planning.  We need local citizen participation and voice.  And we need our developers and Realtors with home bases here in eastern Sussex County to work with us to build our future as well.

One last word: I hope those running for office this important election year will take a stance on this important issue.  I hope they hear the frustration from our community.  If they don’t like my solution, offer another one.  But help us form our community.  Help us have a voice.  And stop the carpetbaggers from destroying our piece of the planet before it is too late. “It’s about neighbors and neighborhoods, not developers and developments!!’
Ted Ferragut
Lewes

We will watch Arbors of Cottagedale closely
Sussex County Council made history Tuesday, Feb. 23, as it approved the zoning application for the Arbors of Cottagedale (Robino/Banning) project at the former Jackson Pit dump off Plantation Road.

Looking ahead, we have already been meeting with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to ensure the health and safety of neighboring communities, future residents as well as our water supply. Secretary Collin O’Mara has been briefed and is aware of this project. On Dec. 12, 2009, three DNREC division directors met with our concerned scientists, Sen. Gary Simpson, the Citizens Coalition as well as a contingent of residents to review the need to conduct more comprehensive and extensive soil and water testing and the actual procedures for cleanup at Jackson Pit before any construction will commence.

Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf was unable to attend this first meeting but he has been adamantly opposed to this project proceeding until extensive testing and cleanup has been completed.
We want to ensure the public is fully aware of the far-reaching ramifications regarding our water supply. The wells for the City of Lewes are outside the town limits next to the high school one-half mile from Jackson Pit. Water drawdown from pumpage at the Lewes wellheads has expanded under Route 1 and is very close to Jackson Pit with its toxic pollutants and ability to migrate.

Joining in our opposition, the City of Lewes sent a letter drafted Nov. 9, 2009, signed by Mayor Jim Ford and Gary Stabley, president of the Lewes Board of Public Works, to Sussex County Council opposing any development on this property owing to the potential threat of contamination of the public drinking water. It is all too easy to have another Millsboro disaster in Lewes! They will also be included in future meetings.

We are all extremely disappointed in the decision by council, but look forward to working closely with DNREC, our elected officials, the City of Lewes, Nanticoke Indian Association and Citizens Coalition as this project proceeds.
Shirley T. Ford
Eagle Point Coalition
Lewes

Plantation Road residents speak out
The following letter was sent to Sussex County Council President Vance Phillips with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
We are a coalition of homeowners associations on Plantation Road with the boundaries being from Route 24 north to Lowes just north of Shady Road. We were present and representatives from our developments testified at the planning and zoning and council hearings opposing this conditional-use development on a road that is 95 percent residential.

We have attempted to meet with the developer, Todd Bariglio to discuss with him certain conditions for development of the property that would provide some buffers for the residents directly across from this office complex and would enable it to fit into the character of the neighborhood. However, neither Mr. Bariglio nor his attorney, Dennis Schrader, returned our calls. We see the writing on the wall; the developers have the votes.
We are becoming increasingly concerned about the level of new development being approved on a road that is rapidly becoming total driving deadlock for tourists and residents during the tourist season. The council approved 168 units for theArbos of Cottagedale last week, and 46 additional homes are presently being constructed in the completion of Henlopen Landing. Therefore, we are requesting that you consider putting the following conditions on this conditiona- use development so that our homes will not be devalued by a complex that does not fit into the residential nature of our communities.

This office complex should be limited to professional or business offices including doctor’s offices and exclude residential medical or nursing facilities. Hours of operation – The developer stated that the office hours would only be open on weekdays. However the planning commission recommended that there could be office hours on Saturday. We are requesting that the hours of operation be weekdays only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance to the complex would be on Cedar Grove Road.

DelDOT will not be completing the realignment of Cedar Grove and Postal Lane and the installation of a traffic light until 2014. We are requesting that this complex not open until this realignment and traffic light are complete and operational. DelDOT reports there have been 23 accidents between July 2005 and July 2009 at this intersection. The total height of the building including raising of the building for underground parking be no higher then 42 feet. However, we recommend that there be no underground parking and that parking be in the rear of the building, not visible from Plantation Road. Outside lighting should be installed on the building shielding the lights downward or ground up with a preference for non-halogen and a preference for amber lights so that neighboring residences will be shielded from obnoxious lighting.

A 30-foot buffer from Plantation and Cedar Grove Road with the planting of eight- to 10-foot mature trees in double rows. There be no signage on Plantation Road, but a sign at the entrance on Cedar Grove Road announcing the entrance to the office park. Signage directing people to the specific offices should be inside of the office park attached to the building in the rear parking lot. Hours of construction of the building be limited to the proposed office hours. No construction noise before 8 a.m.

Temporary fencing placed around the construction site along with the required silt fencing in order to minimize construction debris blowing across the street into the Aydelotte Estates community until completion of construction. Special attention must be given to the grading of the land. If the development is totally paved over with impervious surfaces it will add to the standing water problems on Plantation Road, which floods regularly during a heavy storm and standing water remains for days.

We want to thank you for your consideration of these proposals, which we believe will make this complex more bearable to the surrounding residents.
Carol Reed
president
The Plantations Homeowners Assoc.
James A Ryba
member
Henlopen Landing Community Association Board
Judy Olson
database manager
Sandy Brae Homeowners Association
Joanne Kempton
treasurer
Sandy Brae Homeowners Association
Julia and Russell Morey
board outreach committee
Plantations East Homeowners Association
Gail Trager
Linda Dion
Aydelotte Estates
Ellie Menser
Sandy Brae development
Steve O’Donnell
president
Aydelotte Estates Homeowners Association
Kathy Davison
president
Sandy Brae Homeowners Association
Lawrence Magerko
board member
Aydelotte Estates

A Saint Valentine’s Day surprise in Lewes
It was a calm, relaxing evening to have dinner out at a calm and relaxing restaurant in Lewes, enjoying a cocktail and pleasant conversation with my wife. Who was to know in the next instant that I would be sprawled across the threshold to the lavatories and the traffic lanes to the very busy kitchen where dozens of Valentine’s Day meals were being prepared? I had fainted. Something that I had not ever experienced in my entire life.

As I regained consciousness, I was greeted by my wife and three Buttery staffers, Tommy, Diego and Lisa, who were busily and carefully attending to this fallen oak tree. Then came Christine, who offered a glass of orange juice. (First I had to make sure they weren’t angels. You know the kind I mean!) They all worked very quickly to summon the Lewes EMS squad, helped all of my 230-plus pounds off the floor, and quietly and efficiently assisted me to the kitchen where I could receive some fresh air and to await the arrival of the ambulance that swiftly whisked me away to the nearby emergency room. 

In spite of being more than half dazed, I realized that all of this happened while not causing a major disruption to the flow of business. Needless to say, I enjoyed my terrific rockfish dinner when I arrived home from Beebe Medical Center two-and-a-half hours later. 

My thanks to the restaurant staff who showed such quick and efficient responses. Thanks to the EMS squad who arrived so quickly and stealthily and to the Beebe emergency room staff who diagnosed, treated and got me back out the door in two hours. Bon appetit.
Wesley E. Perkins, CMEC
Lewes

A round of applause for Cape community
On behalf of Delaware Charitable Music Inc. and the many lovers of live music in our community, a big loud round of applause is requested for the staff and management of Bethany Blues in Lewes.

From the moment my organization approached Kevin Roberts, the general manager, and asked about the possibility of a fundraiser for the DCM organization and until the restaurant completed last call on Feb. 26 after the Rockin’ Jake event, the experience was as smooth and satisfying as sailing in Delaware Bay on a temperate light-winded sunny day.

What was produced that evening allowed DCM to help fund additional music clinics in schools in Sussex and Kent counties and gave our board of directors the encouragement to continue our work.

We also thank all who attended and all who wished they would have been there, but could not make it. We promise more of the same quality experiences in the future.
Sydney Arzt
vice president
Delaware Charitable Music
chairwoman
Sydney’s Music Revival Program

RAL Young at Art exhibit very charming
Last Saturday morning, March 6, quite by chance, I saw the most enchanting art exhibit at the Rehoboth Art League in Henlopen Acres. As I was to discover, “Young at Art” is a juried exhibition of art by students selected from elementary, middle and high schools in Sussex County and has been sponsored by the Rehoboth Art League for 15 years.

The walls in the art league’s galleries were filled to bursting with whimsical, colorful and original art by these talented and imaginative schoolchildren whose creations had been awarded blue ribbons. It was a joy to see their expressiveness, creativity and energy represented in different materials. The opening reception that morning was packed with families and friends of the students and of course the students themselves. It was a happy occasion and more than once I overheard parents remark how much the school art program meant to their child: how important it had been to his or her academic development.
Time will be well spent with a child or an adult, for that matter, at this charming exhibit.
Jane Wilgis
Rehoboth Beach

Mariner thanks supporters of evening
On Jan. 22, we hosted our first ever Cape Challenge Day Laughter and Lives Comedy Night. All the proceeds from this fun night out went to continuing Challenge Day in our Cape schools. We would like to sincerely thank the Milton Fire Department for the donation of their hall to host the event. Additionally, the Delaware Comedy Theater – including David Warick and Ellen Passman – generously donated their time and hilarious talent to make the night a huge success. Thank you so much for your support. We would also like to thank all of the donors who provided items for our auction. Your support will truly help change the lives of our youth in this community. You will never know how much your support means to all of us.

Additionally, we would like to say thank you to Joe R. Brake and Regina Jones-Brake. They generously made a cash donation to Cape Challenge Day that will help defer the cost of bringing Challenge Day to our district. Mr. and Mrs. Brake have participated in Challenge Day for the last two years and have worked closely with the staff and students at Mariner Middle School to notice firsthand the difference that this program can make for the students in our district. Thank you so much for believing in us, sometimes blindly, and for helping us support our kids! Your generosity will always be remembered and put to good use.
Tricia Collins and Dana Orton
Mariner Middle School
Milton

Cape High DSTP rally was really great
We’ve just returned from Cape Henlopen High School’s pep rally to fire up the students for the upcoming DSTPs. Terry Sutton did a fantastic job of presenting the tests in a positive light. She also put together a huge interactive extravaganza of fun.
Kudos to all the teachers and administrators who participated directly and helped organize a great affair. Our daughters thought it was the best pep rally yet.
Scott and Donna de Kuyper
Lewes