Photo courtesy of Grateful Acres Farm

The sanctuary is the realization of a dream for founder Ally Kennedy, who found comfort and healing among animals during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

By John Riddle, contributing journalist, Delaware LIVE

For many visitors, a trip to Grateful Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary offers something increasingly difficult to find in today’s fast-paced world: peace.

Photo courtesy of Grateful Acres Farm

Nestled in a quiet rural setting, the nonprofit sanctuary provides lifelong care for aging farm animals while creating opportunities for people to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the healing power of human-animal relationships.

The sanctuary is the realization of a dream for founder Ally Kennedy, who found comfort and healing among animals during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

After losing both of her parents and navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy discovered that time spent in the barn with her horse, Miss Coolie, provided a sense of calm that helped her move forward.

“Every morning while caring for my horse, Miss Coolie, I felt at peace,” Kennedy said. “Breathing with her and having the calm wash over me was like my own kind of therapy.”

Those daily moments inspired a larger vision. Kennedy wanted to honor her parents while creating a place where both animals and people could find comfort, connection, and hope.

Today, Grateful Acres serves as a sanctuary for farm animals entering what Kennedy describes as their “sunset phase” of life. Unlike traditional farms, where animals are often valued for what they produce, Grateful Acres focuses on providing lifelong care and allowing animals to age with dignity, safety, and compassion.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including horses, goats, chickens, pigs, and other farm residents. Each contributes to the welcoming atmosphere that has attracted volunteers, families, and visitors from throughout the region.

What makes Grateful Acres unique is its dual mission. While animal welfare remains at the heart of the organization, the sanctuary also seeks to foster empathy, understanding, and meaningful connections between humans and animals.

Visitors are encouraged to learn about ethical animal care while interacting respectfully with the sanctuary’s residents. The result is an experience that many describe as both educational and therapeutic.

Photo courtesy of Grateful Acres Farm

The farm has become a gathering place for people seeking community, wellness, and a break from everyday stress. Volunteer opportunities allow visitors to help feed animals, clean stalls, and participate in daily farm activities while building relationships with both the animals and one another.

For volunteer Karla, those experiences have become a source of renewal.

“The best part is interacting with the animals and getting to know their personalities,” she said. “I always feel better after spending time at the farm.”

That sentiment is echoed by many who visit Grateful Acres. The sanctuary regularly hosts activities designed to bring people together while promoting well-being and appreciation for nature. Volunteers and guests often describe the farm as a place where worries fade and gratitude takes center stage.

At its core, Grateful Acres is guided by a simple but powerful belief: every life matters.

Through compassionate care, humane education, and community engagement, the sanctuary strives to create a world where farm animals are valued beyond their productivity and where meaningful interactions inspire lifelong respect for all living beings.

For Kennedy, the sanctuary remains a living tribute to the lessons she learned during a season of grief and healing. What began as quiet moments shared with a beloved horse has grown into a place where animals are cherished, visitors are welcomed, and compassion is put into practice every day.

In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Grateful Acres offers something refreshingly simple: a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that there is always something to be grateful for.

Rehoboth Beach restaurants offer a day-by-day trail of food and drink specials for visitors who know where to look

REHOBOTH BEACH — The difference between vacationing like a tourist and vacationing like a local in Rehoboth Beach often comes down to one very important skill: knowing where the specials are.

Sure, anyone can wander into town, order whatever looks good and pay full freight. That is perfectly respectable. It is also completely unnecessary.

For visitors willing to plan their week around the town’s best daily food and drink deals, Rehoboth offers a simple strategy for stretching a beach budget without sacrificing the fun: seafood and wine on Monday, wings and beer on Tuesday, martinis on Wednesday, steak and wine on Thursday, cocktails and small plates on Friday, happy hour bites on Saturday and tacos with margaritas on Sunday.

In other words, you can eat well, drink well and still have money left for parking, sunscreen or one more round of fries on the boardwalk.

It is the kind of vacation math locals understand instinctively. Pick the day, pick the deal, and let Rehoboth’s restaurants turn your dining schedule into a weeklong treasure map — one happy hour, half-price bottle and margarita special at a time.

Monday: Above the Dunes

Start the week with a view, a plate of seafood and the quiet confidence of someone who has already figured out Monday night.

Above the Dunes offers 25% off all seafood dishes and half-price bottles of wine on Monday, making it an easy first stop for vacationers who want the classic Rehoboth combination: seafood, ocean air and a bottle at a better price.

It is the right kind of deal for the first night of a beach trip. You have unpacked, found the sunscreen, made peace with the parking situation and are ready to settle into vacation mode. A seafood dinner and half-price wine will help with that.

Tuesday: Purple Parrot Grill

By Tuesday, the beach week needs a little personality. Enter Purple Parrot Grill.

The Rehoboth favorite offers $1 wings, ordered in quantities of six, and $4 Yuengling drafts. That is not just a special. That is a strategy.

Purple Parrot has long been one of those places where Rehoboth visitors can loosen up, laugh a little louder and feel like they found the fun part of town. Wings and beer keep the math simple, which is exactly what a vacation budget needs after a day of beach chairs, boardwalk stops and impulse purchases.

Wednesday: Summer House

Wednesday is when vacationers start to lose track of what day it is, which is usually a sign things are going well.

Summer House leans into that midweek mood with a $12 grilled cheese and soup special paired with a half-price specialty martini. It is comfort food with a wink.

The grilled cheese and soup bring the cozy. The martini brings the vacation. Together, they make Wednesday feel like a reward for successfully reaching the middle of the week without paying full price for dinner or drinks.

Thursday: Café Azafrán

Thursday is when the weekend starts whispering.

Café Azafrán answers with a steak dinner special that includes a glass of wine. The dinner is offered at $28 or $33, giving visitors a more refined night out without the full splurge.

It is a strong choice for couples, friends or anyone who packed one “nice dinner” outfit and wants to use it. Steak and wine feel like a date night, but the special keeps it from becoming the kind of date night that requires checking the banking app in the parking lot.

Friday: Bodhi Kitchen

By Friday, sharing is the move.

Bodhi Kitchen offers happy hour small plates, sides and dim sum, along with $2 off beer and signature cocktails and $3 off wine by the glass. It is built for the kind of table where everyone orders a few things and then immediately starts negotiating bites.

That makes Bodhi a smart Friday stop for groups. It lets vacationers sample, sip and settle into the weekend without committing to one big plate or one big bill.

It also gives the week a different flavor, which is the point of dining your way through Rehoboth. The best vacation meals are not always the biggest. Sometimes they are the ones where the table gets crowded, the drinks arrive cold and everyone says, “Let’s order one more.”

Saturday: Salt Air

Saturday in Rehoboth does not need much help, but Salt Air gives it some anyway.

The restaurant offers everyday happy hour bar bites, along with drink and cocktail specials. That makes it a polished but relaxed Saturday stop for visitors who want to ease into the evening before deciding what comes next.

Salt Air has the kind of coastal feel that fits a beach weekend: casual enough for vacation, elevated enough to feel like a night out. The bar bites and drink specials make it easier to enjoy that experience without treating Saturday like a blank check.

Sunday: Dos Locos Fajitas & Stone Grill

Sunday is the final exam of any beach trip: Can you squeeze one more good meal out of the weekend before reality starts calling?

Dos Locos Fajitas & Stone Grill helps with $12.99 tacos and half-off margaritas.

That is a strong closing argument.

Tacos and margaritas are exactly the kind of Sunday special that can turn the end of vacation into one more celebration. It is cheerful, casual and just dangerous enough to make someone suggest staying another night.

More than a bargain hunt

The beauty of a specials-based Rehoboth vacation is that it is not just about saving money. It is about seeing the town the way regulars often do.

Each stop offers a different slice of Rehoboth: seafood with a view, a lively grill, comfort food and martinis, steak and wine, small plates and cocktails, coastal bar bites, and tacos with margaritas.

Together, they create a weeklong dining itinerary that lets visitors experience more of Rehoboth without turning every meal into a splurge. It is part restaurant guide, part budget hack and part excuse to try places that may not have been on the original vacation plan.

For restaurants, daily specials help bring people in throughout the week. For visitors, they make the nightly question easier: Where are we going, and what is the deal?

The answer, in Rehoboth, changes by the day.

Check before you go

As with any restaurant special, prices, hours and availability can change. Visitors should check with each restaurant before heading out.

And while the goal may be to never pay full price for a drink all week, the better goal is to enjoy Rehoboth well: walk when you can, plan a safe ride when you should, tip generously and treat the town’s restaurant workers like the vacation heroes they are.

Because the only thing better than finding the deal is being welcome back the next time you come looking for one.

To Go Box

• What: A day-by-day guide to Rehoboth Beach food and drink specials.
• Where: Above the Dunes, Purple Parrot Grill, Summer House, Café Azafrán, Bodhi Kitchen, Salt Air and Dos Locos Fajitas & Stone Grill.
• When: Specials run on different days from Monday through Sunday.
• Cost: Specials include discounted seafood and wine, $1 wings, $4 Yuengling drafts, grilled cheese and soup with half-price martinis, steak dinners with wine, happy hour small plates, discounted beer, cocktails and wine, bar bites, tacos and half-off margaritas.
• Good to know: Specials, prices and hours may change. Check with each restaurant before visiting. Drink responsibly, plan safe transportation and tip well.

New Castle County Schools Help Drive Clean Water Effort

More than 28,000 people pledged to help protect local waterways this year as part of New Castle County’s annual Great Schools, Clean Streams contest, marking another year of environmental education reaching families, classrooms, and communities across the county.

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry announced the winners of the 2026 contest on June 5, sharing that 28,303 people committed to helping keep waterways clean, a 7% increase over the number of pledges made in 2025.

For more than a decade, the contest has encouraged students to engage their families, neighbors, and communities in environmental stewardship while competing for cash prizes that benefit their schools.

“Great Schools, Clean Streams has allowed New Castle County to reach tens of thousands of people with clean water education for over a decade,” said Henry. “We are so proud of all the local schools who worked hard to win cash prizes, but more importantly, that so many students were able to educate their families and neighbors on how they can keep millions of pounds of pollution out of our waterways.”

The contest invited adults to make pledges tied to a school of their choice, committing to simple actions designed to reduce pollution and improve local water quality. Participants pledged to take five key steps:

• Scoop the Poop by collecting and properly disposing of pet waste
• Garden for Water and Wildlife by using chemical-free fertilizers
• Only Rain Down the Drain by keeping debris out of stormwater drains
• Reduce Household Chemicals by purchasing organic cleaning supplies
• Cease the Grease by disposing of cooking grease in the trash instead of the drain

Students could also earn additional points for their schools by submitting group photos, signed pledge posters, and artwork supporting clean water messaging.

According to Cleon L. Cauley, Sr., Esq., general manager of New Castle County’s Department of Public Works, the contest continues to serve as both an educational tool and a way to encourage lifelong habits.

“Our constituents’ quality of life is at the core of Public Works’ mission, and clean waterways are an important measurement of that,” Cauley said. “Great Schools, Clean Streams makes learning the five easy steps to clean water rewarding for the whole family, and shapes students into stewards of our clean streams.”

Schools from across New Castle County, including public, charter, private, and parochial schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade, were invited to participate. A total of $15,000 in prize money was awarded to top-performing schools for classroom materials and school projects.

Schools with 600 or more students

• First Place: North Star Elementary School ($1,500)
• Second Place: Odyssey Charter School ($1,000)
• Third Place: Newark Charter School ($750)

Schools with 300–599 students

• First Place: Marbrook Elementary School ($1,500)
• Second Place: West Park Place Elementary School ($1,000)
• Third Place: Olive B. Loss Elementary School ($750)

Schools with fewer than 299 students

• First Place: Townsend Early Childhood Center ($1,500)
• Second Place: Networks School for Employability Skills ($1,000)
• Third Place: Saint Anthony of Padua Grade School ($750)

In addition to the top finishers, 21 schools with at least 50 pledges were selected at random to receive a $250 Wild Card Prize, recognizing broader participation and community engagement.

Sonia Saunders, environmental education specialist for the Red Clay Consolidated School District, said the initiative creates an opportunity for students and families to take meaningful action.

“Great Schools, Clean Streams is a great opportunity for our Red Clay Consolidated School District because its messaging can impact so many students and families,” Saunders said. “It gives our community the opportunity to participate as they pledge to put into practice actions that will protect our most valuable resource: water. It is wonderful to see the numerous Red Clay schools that demonstrated their dedication to this campaign, and heartwarming as North Star and Marbrook have been rewarded for their outstanding achievement!”

For more information about Great Schools, Clean Streams, visit: https://www.newcastlede.gov

Participants at Mt. Cuba Center’s upcoming “Take Home Hummingbird Garden” workshop will learn how to create native spaces that attract hummingbirds while supporting pollinators, and take plants home to start their own garden.

Mt. Cuba Center Workshop in Hockessin Offers Hands-On Way to Attract Hummingbirds at Home

Gardeners looking to add a little movement, color, and wildlife to their yards this summer will have an opportunity to do just that at Mt. Cuba Center’s upcoming “Take Home Hummingbird Garden” workshop on Friday, July 10, in Hockessin.

Held from 10 a.m. to noon at Mt. Cuba Center, located at 3120 Barley Mill Road, the hands-on class invites participants to learn how to naturally attract hummingbirds using native plants designed to support them throughout the season. The workshop costs $79 and includes general admission to the gardens for the day.

Rather than relying on sugar water feeders and brightly colored nectar, the program focuses on creating habitat through thoughtful planting. Participants will discover how native flowers can transform a yard, patio, or garden bed into a welcoming destination for hummingbirds while supporting broader pollinator health. The class also includes native plants that attendees can take home and incorporate into their own gardens.

Known for their speed, color, and almost magical movement, hummingbirds are among the most beloved backyard visitors. Mt. Cuba’s workshop aims to help participants better understand what these tiny birds need to thrive and how gardeners can play a role in supporting them through ecologically minded planting.

The workshop also offers a chance to spend time at one of the region’s premier native plant destinations. Mt. Cuba Center, located in Hockessin, is a nationally recognized botanical garden and conservation organization focused on native plants and habitats, drawing visitors from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and beyond for its educational programs, gardens, and research.

For gardening enthusiasts, bird lovers, or anyone hoping to bring a little more life to their landscape, the July program offers practical inspiration and something tangible to take home long after the class ends.

For more information or to register, visit: https://mtcubacenter.org/event/take-home-hummingbird-garden/

Nighttime Show will Illuminate the Sky as Wilmington Riverfront’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Continues

The Wilmington Riverfront is set to light up the night sky with a Drone Light Show as part of its ongoing 30th anniversary celebration, offering visitors a chance to experience an evening of entertainment along the Christina River.

Beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, visitors are invited to gather along the Riverwalk for a 30-minute aerial display featuring synchronized drones and illuminated formations overhead. The show will take place between Taco Grande and Riverwalk Mini Golf, creating a scenic viewing experience in one of Wilmington’s most visited destinations.

Designed as a family-friendly evening attraction, the drone light show promises a modern twist on traditional nighttime entertainment, replacing fireworks with choreographed drones capable of creating shapes, patterns, and animated images through coordinated movement and lighting.

The event is one of several activities planned as part of Wilmington Riverfront’s yearlong 30th anniversary celebration, recognizing three decades of growth and transformation along the waterfront. Over the years, the area has evolved into a destination for dining, recreation, entertainment, housing, and public events, drawing both Delaware residents and visitors throughout the region.

Wilmington Riverfront has increasingly embraced large-scale public programming as a way to bring people together, especially during the summer months. Seasonal events, live entertainment, outdoor dining, and waterfront attractions have helped turn the district into a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors looking to experience Wilmington in a unique way.

Drone light shows have also gained popularity across the country as an innovative alternative to traditional fireworks. Using coordinated aircraft and advanced lighting technology, the displays can create illuminated images and synchronized movements in the sky, while offering a quieter experience that many families appreciate.

Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring family and friends, arrive early, and make an evening of the experience by enjoying nearby restaurants, attractions, or a stroll along the Riverwalk before the show begins.

With river views, walkable attractions, and a celebration of Wilmington Riverfront’s milestone anniversary, the event is expected to offer a memorable summer evening in the city.

For more information, visit: https://riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show/

Lettie’s Kitchen is celebrating 15 years in business this June, honoring the legacy of Lettie, the mother and grandmother who inspired the family-owned restaurant, while continuing a tradition of homemade comfort food and community connection.

Beloved Restaurant Marks Milestone by Honoring Its Roots and Looking Ahead

For 15 years, Lettie’s Kitchen has been serving up comfort food, family recipes, and familiar faces while building something that has become far more than a restaurant. This June, the family-owned business is celebrating its 15-year anniversary, marking a milestone rooted in history, gratitude, and community support.

Founded in 2011 by mother-and-son team Susan and Tom Alexander, Lettie’s Kitchen was created with the idea of bringing homemade meals and a welcoming atmosphere to the community. Located at 1318 Old Lancaster Pike, the restaurant has become known for its soups, sandwiches, prepared meals, catering, and especially its broasted chicken, which has developed a loyal following over the years.

The restaurant’s story begins long before its doors officially opened. Lettie’s Kitchen was named after Tom Alexander’s grandmother and Susan Alexander’s mother, Lettie, a lifelong member of the Hockessin community whose legacy continues to shape the restaurant today. Born in Hockessin in 1922, Lettie grew up helping at Gormley’s Market, her family’s grocery store, which served local families for generations. Her love of cooking, hospitality, and community eventually became the inspiration behind the restaurant that now bears her name.

For Alexander, reaching 15 years in business is both meaningful and humbling.

“15 years in business is a milestone we are incredibly grateful for,” Alexander said. “Naming the restaurant after my grandmother, Lettie, was a way to honor someone who dedicated her life to the Hockessin community.”

While Lettie’s Kitchen offers a welcoming spot for customers to dine in, much of its connection with the community comes through meals brought home to kitchen tables across the area. Over the years, customers have stopped in to pick up prepared dinners, holiday meals, soups, sandwiches, catering orders, and comfort food for everyday family moments. For many, the restaurant has become a trusted part of their routines, celebrations, and traditions.

“It’s been rewarding to see the restaurant become a place where our customers have become our friends,” Alexander said. “We are so thankful and appreciative for the support we’ve received from this amazing community and look forward to the next 15 years.”

In an industry where restaurants often face constant change, Lettie’s Kitchen has remained grounded in consistency, comfort, and connection. From family recipes to longtime regulars, the restaurant’s success has reflected the support of a community that embraced the business from the beginning.

As Lettie’s Kitchen celebrates 15 years this June, the anniversary serves as both a reflection on its history and a celebration of the people who helped make it possible, while looking ahead to the years still to come.

For more information, visit https://lettieskitchen.com/

Fox Hunt by Winslow Homer

A Nation of Artists: 250 Years of American Creativity on Display in Philadelphia

Running through the summer and fall of 2026, A Nation of Artists is a landmark joint exhibition presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — two of America’s greatest art institutions, collaborating for the first time in their combined histories to present more than 1,000 works spanning 250 years of American creative achievement.

What the Exhibition Presents

A Nation of Artists is the visual arts answer to the America 250 celebration — a sweeping survey of American painting, sculpture, photography, craft, and design from the colonial era to the present day. With over 1,000 works drawn from both institutions’ permanent collections plus loans from museums and private collections across the country, it is one of the largest exhibitions of American art ever assembled.

The scope is intentionally broad. The exhibition does not tell a single, linear story of American art history — it presents the full multiplicity of American creative expression, including works by artists whose contributions have been overlooked in the traditional canon: women artists, Black American artists, Indigenous artists, immigrant artists, and regional artists whose work never made it into the standard survey texts.

Two Institutions, Two Venues

The exhibition is split across two venues — the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at 118-128 North Broad Street — connected by Philadelphia’s excellent public transit. PAFA, founded in 1805, is the oldest art museum and art school in the United States. The PMA’s iconic building — the one Rocky ran up the steps of — houses one of the premier encyclopedic art collections in North America.

Visiting both venues in a single day is practical and rewarding. The combined experience gives a complete picture of American artistic achievement that neither institution could present alone.

For Delaware Valley Visitors

Both venues are easily accessible from Delaware by Amtrak or by car via I-95. The PMA is a 10-minute rideshare from 30th Street Station. PAFA is a 15-minute walk from the Reading Terminal Market, making a combined art-and-lunch visit a natural pairing.

A Nation of Artists Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | 118 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA pafa.org | philamuseum.org Admission required at both venues

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts trained some of the most significant American artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, and Maxfield Parrish. Eakins — widely considered the greatest American realist painter — taught at PAFA from 1876 until 1886, when he was fired for removing a loincloth from a male model during a mixed-gender anatomy class. Even in art, America has always had strong opinions about propriety.

As a self-published author, she has discovered the most challenging part is getting her books in front of people, then she discovered…

By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE

Since she was 4 years old Tasha Haight has been performing in a variety of venues, and she was one of the original Circus Siren Atlantians. Whether on land or sea, Tasha does everything with excellence.

Not only does she hold several certifications, including SCUBA Diving (Divemaster), Freediving, and Lifeguarding, but she is also a PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer. Tasha takes her passion for everything about mermaids very seriously. With her Mermaid Certification she has swam with sharks and rays in Tahiti, with sea lions in Mexico, and with tropical fish in the Caribbean. She was featured on the Netflix docuseries, MerPeople.

And if that’s not enough to keep her busy, she is also the author of several fun, interactive children’s books that help readers learn more about the environment and what they can do to protect it.

“What can I say? I like to keep busy,” Tasha said.

After she wrote her first book, Glitter is Not the Winner, she recognized her gift of creative communications.  “People really responded well to it, and it was a fun project to create,” she said.  The interest in that title inspired her to keep writing more books.  “I figured, why not?”

Tasha shares that the most rewarding part of being a writer is being able to influence the next generation in a positive way. “My books focus on conservation and kids really seem to grasp the meaning and importance of the themes of the book. Seeing them implement some of the suggestions, like using alternatives instead of glitter, shows I’ve made an impact.”

As a self-published author, she has discovered the most challenging part is getting her books in front of people. “Thankfully, my background is in business, so I have a leg up on marketing. I also own a successful mermaid company so I’m able to leverage those events into getting my mermaid books out there as well.”

As a new author, she didn’t know there were other ways to sell books besides traditional bookstores. “I’ve since learned about many other options and don’t need to rely on bookstores alone. I recently had my first Author Visit to a school, and they purchased 200 copies of Mermaid Tasha’s Missionfor their Teaching Track students (students that want to be teachers when they grow up).”

Tasha is extremely excited to pursue more opportunities like school visits, including boys and girls groups, clubs, and other community venues.

“I have been a professional mermaid for a while now, so all my mermaid adventures in my books are based on real life adventures! The real world inspires me! I did swim with the Pink Whiprays in French Polynesia, which inspired my book, Mermaid Tasha & the Whipray. You can even find real pictures of me with the Whiprays in the back of the book. In Mermaid Tasha’s Mission, we talk about different conservation issues, including plastic pollution and nutrient runoff. I did find 3 plastic bottles in the water while surfing one day, leading to my interest in conservation, and we really did lose all pelicans for about 10 years due to pesticide farmers were using on their fields.”

She has plans to create more projects. Other books not yet published involve my real life experiences and interactions with other marine life and conservation issues as well, including manta rays, sand tiger sharks, and balloon pollution.”

Over the years she has performed at various venues throughout the Delmarva area, Maryland’s Eastern Shore and even in Jacksonville, Florida.

Tasha loves to connect with the readers and reviewers of her books. “Feel free to stop by any of my in-person events to say ‘hi’ or give me a follow-on social media – @mermaidtasha on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!”

Community members will gather at Drip Café in Hockessin on June 11 for the Bail or Jail & Guest Bartending Event, an evening of fundraising, raffles, live music, and community support benefiting six local charities.

Bail or Jail Guest Bartending Event to Raise Funds for Six Local Charities in Hockessin

Hockessin residents will have the chance to sip, socialize, and support a good cause when the Friends of Fusion Foundation and Hockessin Gossip Girls team up for the “Bail or Jail & Guest Bartending Event” on Thursday, June 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Drip Café in Hockessin. The event blends community fundraising with playful competition, all in support of six local nonprofits.

Held at Drip Café, located at 144 Lantana Drive, the evening will feature local guest bartenders serving drinks to raise money for charity while volunteer “convicts” work to raise enough donations to post bail and avoid spending time in the event’s makeshift jail. Those who do not meet their fundraising goals by the start of the event will face a lighthearted sentencing from the evening’s judge and remain “locked up” until enough money is raised.

The fundraiser benefits six organizations serving children, families, healthcare needs, and public safety efforts throughout the region: the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, Police Athletic League of Delaware, Nemours, Friends of the Mounted Patrol, the JB12 Foundation, and Wolf Pup on Wheels. Proceeds from drink sales, bail donations, and raffles will be distributed among the participating nonprofits.

According to event organizers, teams of volunteer “convicts” partner together and are tasked with raising a combined bail amount of $750. Community members can even add to the fun by donating additional funds to increase a team’s bail, keeping them in “jail” a little longer while raising more money for local causes. Participants can also direct where their bail money goes by selecting one of the six featured charities to support.

Beyond the fundraising, organizers are aiming to create a lively, community-centered evening. Live music by Liz Watkins will provide entertainment throughout the event, adding to the atmosphere as guests gather for dinner, drinks, raffles, and a night focused on giving back.

The Friends of Fusion Foundation, known for supporting local causes through community-driven events, has hosted similar fundraisers in recent years, using creative programming to generate support for organizations making a difference across Delaware.

For those looking for an evening out with a charitable twist, Bail or Jail offers a chance to laugh, connect with neighbors, and support organizations helping improve lives throughout the community.

For more information, to donate, or to register, visit: Bail or Jail & Guest Bartending Event

Photo Caption:
Community members will gather at Drip Café in Hockessin on June 11 for the Bail or Jail & Guest Bartending Event, an evening of fundraising, raffles, live music, and community support benefiting six local charities.

Summer Entertainment and Festivals in Delaware Featuring Food, Music, Cultural Engagement, and Fun for All

Picturing yourself strolling down the street, authentic stromboli in one hand, local craft beer in the other, listening to a live band and the enthusiastic giggles of children as they ride carnival rides? You’re not alone. Welcome to Delaware’s summer festival season. Follow along as we go through some of the major events happening this summer.

Holy Trinity Greek Festival
June 1 – June 6, Wilmington
808 N. Broom Street Wilmington, DE 19806

Photo of the Holy Trinity Greek Festival, courtesy of www.facebook.com/wilmgreekfest/photos

Kicking off the festivities is the annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity. As the largest Greek Festival in the Mid-Atlantic region and the only Greek festival in Delaware, this yearly favorite event provides the perfect opportunity to dine and dance in the Greek fashion. Snag some baklava from the balcony, browse the vendors lining the grounds, and dance to live Greek music every night. The Terpsichorean Dancers will perform traditional Greek dances nightly beginning around 6:00pm. Collect a dinner of souvlaki, kalamari, loukoumades, and top it off with a gyro before settling in to watch the festivities.

The Festival runs daily, Monday June 1st through Saturday June 6th from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Don’t have time to wander the festival, but craving spanakopita and baklava? Order takeout goodies at this link. The Take-Out Booth is located in the south parking lot adjoining Broom Street. The Dining Room operates from 11:00a to 8:00p daily with a curbside drive-up/pickup option from 11:00a-3:00p along Broom Street.

Delaware Pride Festival
Saturday, June 6th, 10 AM – 5 PM
Dover Legislative Green, Dover

A photo of Delaware Pride, courtesy of www.delawarepride.org.

Celebrate Pride Month with Delaware’s own Pride Festival, celebrating diversity, acceptance, and the strength and beauty of our LCBTQIA+ community. Enjoy live music, panels, food trucks, and tons of vendors! Organized by Zach Workman, who will also be performing in drag as Scarlet Masters, this year’s event is sure to be a day of camaraderie, community, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.delawarepride.org/delawarepridefestival2026-1.

St. Anthony Italian Festival
June 7 – June 13
901 N. DuPont St. Wilmington, DE 19805

A photo of the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival, courtesy of Leslie W. Kipp.

Grab your family and get ready to eat, St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is up next. Held every year at the church, this festival features food and fun for everyone. Ride the carnival rides, dance to the Italian music, and eat as many cannoli as you can stomach at this state favorite event.

A variety of traditional Italian and contemporary music will play at various venues on site, including the stylings of Opera Delaware with a selection of Italian Arias. The Brandywine Center for Dance will present a dance tribute to Italian Music on Monday 6/8 at 6:30 PM! Check out the Cultural Activities tent next to the church for more activities.

It wouldn’t be an Italian event without mountains of delicious food! Taste handcrafted Italian specialties from vendors like Ristorante Attilio, Cafe Riveria, La Pizzeria Metro, La Casa Pasta, Luigi and Giovanni’s, and Trattoria di Napoli! Top off your meal of pizza and pasta with a cannoli from Serpe’s Bakery and a gelato from Gotta Lotta Gelata.

If you’d like to participate in the parish’s celebration of mass, there is a new celebration for this year’s festival. On opening Sunday, the 7th, the parish will mark their devotion to their patron St. Anthony of Padua by celebrating his Feast Day with a Mass at 12:30 PM and a Procession of Saints at 2:00 PM.

This event serves as the primary fundraiser for St. Anthony of Padua Grade School. Come on out to support and eat some delicious food while you’re at it. Tickets cost $5, with free admission for children under 14 and adults over 61. For more information, visit sapde.org/italianfestival/

Delaware State Fair
July 23rd – August 1st
Delaware State Parks 18500 S DuPont Hwy Harrington, DE 19952

A photo of a girl exhibiting her goat, courtesy of www.delawarestatefair.com/livestock/.

Celebrate all things Delaware at this year’s State Fair! View exhibitions of agricultural achievement, or just coo over how cute the kids and the baby goats are. Cheer on the horse and car races with a funnel cake in hand, or kick back and enjoy the country stylings of the Summer Concert Series. Ride the rides, shop for homemade goods, and celebrate the rural achievements of our fantastic state.

Parking is free. Tickets range from $5 for kids to $10 for adults, with free admission for children under 5. For more information visit www.delawarestatefair.com/.

Rehoboth’s Outdoor Show
August 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th
12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

A photo of the Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Show, courtesy of rehobothartleague.org/events/.

The Rehoboth Art League’s hallmark Outdoor Show will return to the historic Henlopen Acres for its 53rd year. Over 125 artists and artisans will showcase and sell their fine wares amidst great food, live music, artist demonstrations, gallery exhibits, beautiful gardens, the historic Peter Marsh Homestead, and a Dogfish Head Beer Garden. Explore their offerings for a new art piece to spruce up that corner of your home, or come to simply enjoy the ambience of shopping outdoors.

A weekend entry pass costs $5 for adults, and children under 12 attend for free. Purchase tickets at the gate. For more information visit www.rehobothartleague.org/events/outdoor-show/.

Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival
August 15th. 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM
Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709

A photo of peach-enjoyers, courtesy of middletownpeachfestival.com/.

Calling all peach lovers! Time to get your yearly fix of all things peaches at the annual festival in Middletown. Sample cobblers, pies, and tarts while sending your kids off to do crafts and meandering over to investigate a historical exhibit or an local artist’s display. No matter what you get up to, rest assured peaches will be involved. For more information visit middletownpeachfestival.com/.

Crowds gather along South Broad Street during a previous Kennett Summerfest, where wine tastings, artisan vendors, live music, and community experiences transform downtown Kennett Square into a lively summer destination. Photo courtesy of Kennett Collaborative.

Downtown Kennett Square to Transform Into a Walkable Celebration of Tastings, Art, and Community on June 14

Kennett Square’s signature summer celebration is set to return next month as Kennett Summerfest brings an afternoon of wine, food, music, and creative experiences back to the heart of downtown on Sunday, June 14. The fifth annual event, hosted by Kennett Collaborative, will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. along South Broad Street between State and Cypress streets in Kennett Square.

More than a traditional tasting event, Summerfest has evolved into a seasonal celebration of community, creativity, and local flavor. Guests can expect unlimited tastings from regional wineries, cideries, and meaderies, alongside artisan shopping, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to experience the charm of downtown Kennett Square in the height of summer.

General admission tickets include entry from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., a souvenir tasting glass, and unlimited tastings from a lineup of regional beverage makers. Participating wineries, cideries, and meaderies are expected to include familiar names from Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, offering everything from crisp whites and bold reds to sparkling ciders and honey-based meads. Food vendors and downtown restaurants will also offer options for guests looking to pair bites with beverages throughout the afternoon.

For those looking for an elevated experience, VIP admission includes access to a special reception from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring curated food stations from Kennett-based Sweet Amelia’s paired with exclusive wines. VIP guests will also receive early access to the festival beginning at 1:30 p.m. inside Holly Peters Studio before the general public enters.

This year’s festival also places a larger emphasis on inclusivity through an expanded non-alcoholic experience. Organizers say guests can enjoy handcrafted mocktails, dealcoholized wines, and other thoughtfully curated zero-proof beverages, ensuring attendees who are sober or sober-curious can still take part in the festive atmosphere.

Beyond the tastings, Kennett Summerfest leans heavily into creativity and connection. More than 20 artisan vendors are expected to line the streets, while guests can participate in collaborative art experiences, interactive installations, and a community mural created throughout the day. Add-on workshops, including chocolate and cheese tastings, will also be available for those interested in deepening the culinary experience.

Live music will add to the festival atmosphere as attendees stroll through the downtown corridor, sip beverages, browse vendors, and gather with friends in one of Chester County’s most walkable and vibrant communities.

The event also supports a larger mission. Proceeds from Kennett Summerfest benefit Kennett Collaborative, the nonprofit organization responsible for many of Kennett Square’s placemaking initiatives, beautification projects, and signature community events throughout the year.

Now in its fifth year, Kennett Summerfest has quickly grown into one of the region’s most anticipated seasonal traditions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Kennett Square through local flavors, creativity, and community spirit.

For tickets and additional information, visit https://kennettcollaborative.ticketspice.com/kennett-summerfest-2026

Separation Day 2026: Delaware’s Other Independence Day

What Is Separation Day?

Separation Day is unique to Delaware — a celebration held annually on the second Saturday of June in Historic New Castle, which served as Delaware’s colonial capital. It marks the Delaware colonial assembly’s decision to separate from Pennsylvania — and thus, England — and become its own state. Before that time, Delaware had been known as the “Lower Three Counties” of Pennsylvania.

Why 2026 Is a Big Deal

This year’s Separation Day marks 250 years since that assembly vote — and it lands squarely in the middle of America’s own 250th birthday celebrations. New Castle is also celebrating its 375th anniversary as a city, having been established as Fort Casimir in 1651. That’s a lot of candles on one cake.

In other words, Delaware declared independence before it was cool. The rest of the colonies caught up on July 4th.

Friday, June 12:  Kickoff Party (6–8:30 PM)

The weekend opens with a free block party on Friday evening featuring live music, food trucks, beer, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Special Delivery — an 8-piece band covering Rock, Soul, and Motown — headlines the night. Food and drinks are available for purchase; proceeds from alcohol sales benefit the Good Will Fire Company.

Alongside the festival, the Artisan & Vintage Market features a curated mix of makers, pickers, bakers, craftspeople, artists, collectors, and small businesses — handmade, hand-painted, up-cycled, and one-of-a-kind goods throughout the day.

Saturday, June 13: The Main Event (Noon Start)

• 12:00 PM — Parade along Delaware Street
• 1:00 PM — Festival and Artisan & Vintage Market open at Battery Park
• Live Music:
  • 1:30–4:00 PM: Lyric Drive (Classic Rock, Folk, R&B)
  • 4:30–7:00 PM: Brandi Sanders Experience (R&B, Funk, Soul)
  • 7:30–9:30 PM: Club Phred (7-piece band, ’60s to today)
• 9:30 PM — Fireworks over the Delaware River

The Colonial Parade

The parade progresses along Delaware Street and ends at the review stand in front of the Courthouse. Former Eagles player Kevin Reilly serves as Master of Ceremonies. This year’s parade features Caesar Rodney — The 250 Ride, historic re-enactors, antique cars and fire engines, dance teams, and floats.

Artisan & Vintage Market

Vendors include makers, pickers, bakers, artists, craftspeople, and small businesses. Free admission; food, drink, and ride tickets available for purchase.

The History Behind the Holiday

On June 15, 1776 — three weeks before July 4th — Delaware declared its separation from both the British Crown and Pennsylvania’s proprietary government, forming a distinct and autonomous state. The Delaware Assembly passed the Act of Separation, a bold assertion of independence weeks before the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Delaware’s commitment to liberty was further solidified when its delegates — Caesar Rodney, Thomas McKean, and George Read — signed the Declaration, helping to shape the nation’s future.

The vote was made by an 18-man Delaware assembly — six representatives from each county — meeting at what would become the New Castle Court House.

Under the Separation Resolution, anyone holding office — military or civilian — in the colony would thereafter do so in the name of the government of the Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Upon Delaware, and not the King of England. This cut all ties that Delaware had with the British Crown, and since the three counties had originally been part of Pennsylvania by royal charter, it also severed the few remaining ties with that government.

Two months later, on September 20, 1776, the first constitution for the Delaware State was adopted. In 1777, the capital moved to Dover.

The New Castle Court House

The New Castle Court House, located in the heart of Historic New Castle, is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the United States and a registered National Historic Landmark. It also served as Delaware’s first state capitol and the meeting place for the colonial and first state Assemblies.

 Separation Day 2026 — A Special Anniversary

This year’s festival carries extra weight: 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of Delaware’s Act of Separation. The 2026 festival marks the 250th anniversary celebration and precedes the country’s own 250th Birthday celebrations. The City of New Castle is also celebrating its 375th anniversary this year, established as Fort Casimir.

• Delaware is nicknamed “The First State” — partly because of moves like this one.
• The first Separation Day occurred on June 15, 1776, when representatives from the Lower Counties on the Delaware met at the New Castle Court House.
• Separation Day is different from Delaware Day (December 7), which honors the day Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. So yes, Delaware has two independence-adjacent holidays. Overachievers.
• Festivities were paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the first interruption in the modern celebration era.
• Caesar Rodney, featured in this year’s parade theme, is famous for riding through the night (sick, in a thunderstorm) from Dover to Philadelphia to cast the tie-breaking Delaware vote for independence on July 2, 1776. His face is on the Delaware state quarter.

The lifelong Delawarean, Marine Corps veteran and member of the du Pont-Copeland family left a legacy across the Delaware Art Museum, Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Conservancy, and animal welfare organizations.

WILMINGTON — Gerret van Sweringen Copeland, a lifelong Delawarean whose generosity helped strengthen some of the state’s most important cultural, environmental and charitable institutions, died peacefully May 28 with his family by his side. He was 87.

Copeland was born in 1939 to Lammot du Pont Copeland and Pamela Cunningham Copeland and grew up on the family estate that later became Mt. Cuba Center, one of Delaware’s signature public gardens and conservation institutions. His life connected one of Delaware’s most prominent families with a modern legacy of civic service, philanthropy and stewardship.

He served in the United States Marine Corps before studying at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. He later became known nationally in the wine world as the owner of Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa Valley and as an Officier Commandeur of the Confrérie du Tastevin. For 14 years, he shared that passion as a guest lecturer on wine at the University of Delaware.

But in Delaware, Copeland’s name is most closely tied to the institutions he helped sustain.

He served as chairman of the Delaware Art Museum and was a major supporter of arts and cultural organizations. He and his wife, Tatiana Copeland, pledged $15 million to the museum in 2018, a gift intended to support the Wilmington institution’s future. The museum’s Copeland Sculpture Garden also carries the family name, dedicated in 2006 by Tatiana Copeland in honor of Gerret Copeland and his parents.

Copeland also devoted much of his life to conservation and open space. He served as a former trustee of the Brandywine Conservancy and as a board member of Longwood Gardens and Mt. Cuba Center. His obituary described environmental stewardship and horticulture as central to his life’s work.

His civic reach extended well beyond one cause. In 2020, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce honored Gerret and Tatiana Copeland with the Josiah Marvel Cup, the chamber’s highest honor. The award recognized their contributions to the state, community and society, including support for the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art, Brandywine Valley SPCA, ChristianaCare, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Historical Society, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Grand Opera House, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, OperaDelaware and the University of Delaware.

Copeland’s affection for animals also became part of his public legacy. With Tatiana Copeland, he supported Humane Animal Partners and the Brandywine SPCA, organizations focused on animal care and welfare in Delaware.

The honors he received reflected the breadth of that work. Copeland was awarded the Order of the First State in 2011, Delaware’s highest honor; the Delaware History Makers Award in 2019; the Josiah Marvel Cup in 2020; and an honorary doctorate from the University of Delaware in 2022, presented by President Joe Biden.

Public tributes began appearing after his death. Matt Meyer wrote that Delaware had lost “one of its great civic and philanthropic leaders,” saying Copeland devoted his life to strengthening communities and preserving the state’s natural and cultural treasures.

Copeland is survived by his wife, Tatiana; his son, Gerret Copeland Jr.; his daughter, Ann Rose; his granddaughter, Louisa Rose; his brother, Lammot Copeland Jr.; his sister, Louisa Duemling; and his dogs, Billie and Orrie.

For Delaware, Copeland’s death marks the passing of a man whose influence is visible not only in buildings, gardens and institutions, but in the quieter civic culture that helps a small state hold onto its history, care for its public spaces and support the arts.

His legacy is one of privilege turned toward public purpose — a life spent using family name, resources and relationships to help institutions endure for the next generation.

To Go Box

A memorial service for Gerret van Sweringen Copeland will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville. A reception will follow at the Delaware Art Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandywine SPCA, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Symphony, Humane Animal Partners, Longwood Gardens or Mt. Cuba Center

An award-winning writer, speaker, workshop facilitator, and coach, Lois Hoffman is the author of several books, including The Self-Publishing Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing the Book of Your Dreams, Write a Book Grow Your Business, and the children’s picture book Don’t Touch That, Oscar!

Lois Hoffman has built a business dedicated to helping writers navigate every stage of the publishing journey

By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE

For many aspiring authors, writing a book remains a dream that sits quietly on the back burner year after year.

They have a story to tell, expertise to share, or a lifelong goal they hope to accomplish someday. What they often lack is a roadmap.

That is where Newark author and publishing coach Lois Hoffman steps in.

As founder of The Happy Self-Publisher, Hoffman has built a business dedicated to helping writers navigate every stage of the publishing journey, from the earliest planning stages to marketing a finished book.

“We’re helping people make a dream come true,” Hoffman said. “The joy is at the center of what we do.”

The name of her company reflects that philosophy.

Hoffman and her husband, Michael, have spent decades performing as The Juggling Hoffmans, entertaining audiences and spreading laughter. Along the way, her husband launched a house painting business called The Happy Painter.

“When it came time to name my business, I knew I was helping people make a dream come true, and the joy was at the center,” Hoffman said. “That’s how Happy Self-Publisher was born.”

Today, The Happy Self-Publisher offers a wide range of services, including book coaching, editing, manuscript formatting, cover design, publishing assistance, author coaching, and marketing support. The company works with both new and experienced writers, helping them transform ideas into finished books.

Hoffman is no stranger to the publishing world herself.

An award-winning writer, speaker, workshop facilitator, and coach, she is the author of several books, including The Self-Publishing Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing the Book of Your Dreams, Write a Book Grow Your Business, and the children’s picture book Don’t Touch That, Oscar!

She also teaches workshops, offers online courses, and maintains an extensive blog designed to help writers overcome common writing, publishing, and marketing challenges.

One of her signature offerings is an online nonfiction writing course called Adventures in Writing Nonfiction: A Roadmap for Writing a Book People Want to Read. Another program, the Author Success Toolkit, focuses on helping budget-conscious authors market their books effectively.

Through her coaching work, Hoffman often encounters people who have spent years thinking about writing a book but never taking the first step.

Many struggle with self-doubt, time constraints, or uncertainty about the publishing process. Her goal is to help them move past those obstacles.

“We can help you find the space in your schedule, find your target readers, give you the tools and resources to make sure your book is worthy of your name, and keep you motivated and accountable,” Hoffman said.

As technology continues to reshape publishing, Hoffman believes authors face both new opportunities and new challenges.

One of the biggest changes she has witnessed over the past decade is the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence.

“We know that AI will continue to flood the market with new books, which increases the challenges for all authors and publishers,” she said.

While AI-generated content creates concerns about quality, discoverability, and copyright protection, Hoffman believes writers can still stand out by building authentic connections with readers.

“Authors can still mitigate the problem to some extent with a more personalized marketing approach that connects directly with readers and fans,” she said.

She acknowledges that solutions to many of the industry’s copyright concerns have not kept pace with technological advances.

“Despite all of that, writers continue to write and share their stories,” Hoffman said. “Where would we be without the storytellers?”

For aspiring authors wondering whether they should finally begin that long-delayed book project, Hoffman encourages them to start by asking themselves a simple question: Why?

“The first piece of advice I give writers in my workshops and books is to ask why they want to write a book and what success looks like,” she said.

Those answers, she explained, influence everything from writing and editing decisions to distribution and marketing strategies.

“For some, it’s about sharing wisdom. For others, it’s a lifelong creative dream. Many writers are chasing success,” Hoffman said. “The answers help to shape the timing, effort, and money needed to invest.”

She also encourages writers to become avid readers of their chosen genre and begin building relationships with potential readers long before publication day arrives.

“Connect with people very early in the writing process so there is an eager audience once the book is published,” she said.

Most importantly, she hopes writers remember why they started.

“Find joy in writing and sharing the art,” Hoffman said.

For Hoffman, that combination of creativity, encouragement, and joy remains at the heart of everything she does, whether she’s coaching a first-time author, teaching a workshop, writing a book of her own, or helping someone finally turn a dream into reality.