So long, Pete: Lewes Chamber salutes Schwartzkopf

The trio of local legislators known as the Three Amigos were together again to honor one of their own, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach.

Former Sen. Ernie Lopez and former Rep. Steve Smyk reunited with Schwartzkopf at the the Oct. 24 Lewes of Chamber of Commerce breakfast. The chamber paid tribute to Schwartzkopf, who is retiring after 22 years as representative of the 14th District.

Schwartzkopf, a Democrat, talked about the bipartisan relationship he had with Lopez and Smyk, both Republicans. 

“We worked together on some serious issues. We didn’t always agree, but it’s OK to [disagree]. As the Three Amigos, we were able to help this community in a way that should be done in all communities,” Schwartzkopf said.

They singled out Rylie’s Law as an example. Rylie’s Law is named after Rylie Maedler of Rehoboth Beach. It allows Delaware children under the age of 18 to use medical marijuana-based oils to treat intractable epilepsy and dystonia. The Legislature passed the bill unanimously in 2015.

Lopez said he recently saw Maedler on the Boardwalk and was reminded of the impact that law is having today.

“Rylie was home for fall break from Temple University. She walked up and said, 'This is Sen. Lopez. He and Pete saved my life,'” Lopez said.

The trio also talked about another of Schwartzkopf’s achievements, the passage of the orange crush bill back in June. It made the popular drink Delaware’s official state cocktail.

It was Schwartzkopf’s final act as a legislator.

“Senate members wanted to know, ‘What’s in an orange crush?' We had to bring [Pete] up to the podium and ask those tough questions,” said Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, who sponsored the legislation.

The chamber presented Schwartzkopf with a gift basket full of ingredients to make his own orange crushes.

“We appreciate Pete’s efforts in supporting business,” said Jim Smith, a member of the chamber’s board of directors, also noting he was always supportive of Lewes’ tourism-driven economy.

Dennis Forney Award

The chamber honored Lewes in Bloom with the third annual Dennis Forney Community Service Award.

Forney is the publisher emeritus of the Cape Gazette.

Warren Golde, who founded the nonprofit garden group in 2002, accepted the award on behalf of its 450 volunteers.

Communities in Bloom recently announced the City of Lewes as the winner of the International Challenge small category during its 2024 symposium.

Lewes received a rating of Five Blooms - Silver and a special mention for transforming public spaces through community dedication.