New Castle DIGEST - June 1, 2025
Monthly 'News, Views & Stuff to Do' for the City of New Castle, Delaware
I. May News Round-Up 📰
Budget Workshops lined up throughout June as Council considers big revenue and tax questions
New Castle’s current fiscal year - and the budget that governs it - ends on June 30, 2025. In the FY2026 budget, Council must address a deficit created largely by the rising costs of insurance (both health and liability) and employee retention (mainly the police department).
Complicating matters, the countywide tax reassesment was just finalized on April 24, forcing Council to begin its work with projections, then continuing amid changing property valuations. To sort all of this out, a spate of Budget Workshops is planned throughout June to give city leaders time to hear from residents and consider all of these interrelated financial questions.
The reassessment, completed by Tyler Technologies, was prompted by a 2021 state Supreme Court ruling that determined the state’s 50-year-old property assessments had to be updated. The law that subsequently authorized the reassessment required that no county or municipality receive more tax revenue as a result of the process. Therefore, tax rates will generally be going down, to account for the underlying appraisal values being higher.
Property owners will see generally marginal increases or decreases in their overall tax bill based on how their property changed value relative to the rest of the properties in its county and census zone. Homeowners can check their assessed values on the New Castle County Parcel Search.
Whether City Council needs to reconsider the amount of revenue it raises from taxes in order for the City to keep covering annual expenses (ie., not have a deficit) is a separate question and process, though it must play out simultaneously.
Some residents have vociferously argued that Council has allowed expenses to rise too much, including by agreeing to update worker contracts and by setting aside funds for projects like the Battery Park playground and dog park. These project allocations have come from ‘reserved’ funds, however, mostly from the ARPA grant, funds which can not be used for regular operating expenses.
The claim of an across-the-board “100% + tax increase,” which has been repeated without evidence by one ardent critic (and which has increased with each retelling), is simply not plausible. Likewise, several council members have indicated little interest in levying trash collection fees on residents, as proposed as a possible new revenue stream by a group of UD students who analyzed the city’s budget.
The best source for what the city Administration is proposing for next year is the budget proposal itself. The most recent Budget Draft, from May 28, is available online here. The far-right column (“%PY”) indicates the change from the previous budget year, offering a quick guide to what is set to change the most if this budget is adopted.
The budget proposal does not directly include an amended tax rate. However, it does anticipate a need for tax revenues roughly 56% higher than the city currently collects. Though this does not translate directly to increased tax rates for property owners, it may portend significant changes (if not “100%+”).
While seeking to address the issues above, Council is also considering measures to stabilize the budget and provide for major ‘capital’ projects into the future. Code changes being discussed alongside the budget process would establish two new funds within the city’s ‘reserved’ balance - one to provide a financial pressure relief in lean years, the other to enable it to save up ahead of major capital needs.
For readers wishing to get extremely wonky, a spreadsheet of how the countywide assessment process affected every individual parcel of property in the city is available here.
The May 28 Budget Meeting can be viewed in full on YouTube.
Air Tractor provides mosquito control over city
On the morning of May 20, sharp-eyed residents who were out and about may have spotted the small plane below flying over New Castle. The Air Tractor, which took off from and returned to an airfield in Farmington, DE, was delivering mosquito control treatments to the city and surrounding areas for the DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
DNREC tries to take an ecologically sustainable and multi-layered approach to preventing excessive mosquito breeding throughout the state. This is to prevent the spread of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, pets, farm animals, and widlife by the flying bloodsuckers.
The approach “focuses on controlling larval and adult mosquito populations and treating mosquito breeding habitats,” according to the Mosquito Control Section’s page on the DNREC website. “It uses the latest Integrated pest management approach, combining source reduction with the judicious use of insecticides.”
This includes statewide monitoring, working with other agencies and property owners to reduce (or treat) potential freshwater breeding areas, reintroduction and encouragement of native predators like bats and birds, and - as seen on May 20 - preventative spraying.
Learn more about DNREC's mosquito control program here.
May City Council Updates
At its regular meeting for the month on Tuesday, May 13, City Council considered the establishment of new funds to aid in long-term planning and stability, voted to give more local seniors property tax relief, OK’d a new plan for beautifying the end of Harmony Street, and executed a new agreement with the Trustees for management of Battery Park’s bathrooms and other structural amenities.
Highlights from the May meeting included:
Treasurer Jim Whisman reported that the city’s “expenditures are on track with the budget at 83% spent, [roughly] 83% of the way through the year.” He noted the city has $11.8M in the bank, of which $2.9 is in reserved or restricted funds.
City Administrator Antonina Tantillo reported that…
JMT Engineering is completing a feasibility study for the proposed Delaware River trail that could connect the Broad Dyke Wetlands Natural Area to either the historic Buttonwood House, or possibly the proposed Flats at River’s Edge development on Lukens Drive. Tantillo said the city is seeking an ORPT (Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails) grant to allow the work to continue.
Norfolk Southern finally cleaned up the ditch behind Walgreens. (The word ‘finally’ was not Ms. Tantillo’s, diplomatic as she is.)
The Delaware Street Railroad and Intersection project has been put on hold by DelDOT pending Norfolk Southern re-approving it after further study they want to do. Both claim to remain committed to doing the project as soon as next year.
The floating dock at the Wharf (primarily for Good Will’s use) was almost done, save for a few final items. When it is, the gangway between it and The Wharf will be removed and The Wharf will once again be fully open when no ships are docked.
Students from the University of Delaware were done or wrapping up three projects as part of their Spring Semester, relating to Human Resources processes, City Revenue options, and Communications systems. The city will have a summer intern from UD, as well as a graduate student who will help with capital project planning.
She sent a request in for the state bond bill that, if approved, would provide funding for a raft of street and sidewalk work selected as priorities by the city’s building and public works departments. Tantillo continues to pursue other grants to support improvements to the city’s buildings, streetlights, HVAC systems and more.
In response to a question from Councilman Nermin Zubaca, Tantillo noted that the city would be running paid advertisements to promote the upcoming budget meetings so that residents are aware of them.
New Castle Police Chief Richard McCabe:
Expressed concern that the “Homeless Bill of Rights” being considered by a state legislative committee in Dover would have a chilling effect on the willingness of police to engage with unhoused people due to the potential for “being accused of harassing.” This, he said, could impact officers’ “ability to handle ‘quality of life’ calls.” McCabe went on: “We have to have the ability to address people that are infringing on rights of way, in traffic, and causing quality of life issues. Our response [in New Castle] is to connect them with resources to get help” via the CORE program, a partnership with the Community Collaboration of DE.
Previewed the traffic restrictions that will be in place for Separation Day, noting that his department planned to do proactive outreach to local residents and businesses to make sure they are aware of the closures and possible delays around the block party, parade and other activities.
Presented the Department’s monthly report, noting it would be on the website soon. The April report is in the ‘Council Packet’ linked below, starting on page 30. (No reports for 2025 appear to be listed on the NCPD site as of 5/30.)
Members considered a new Agreement regarding Maintenance of Battery Park, which would see the Trustees of the New Castle Common shift all expenses for park maintenance except for routine landscaping, cleaning and replenishment of toiletries to the city. The Trustees will provide a $10K grant to the city to support surveillance in the park around the bathrooms, but hereafter the city will be “on the hook” if the bathrooms (or other built structures, like the basketball court) are damaged, vandalized, or otherwise need major repairs. Members approved the agreement unanimously. (For context: 1. The bathrooms were severely damaged three times over the past two years, and 2. As of last year, New Castle Common was valued at $18.5M, up from $17.5M the prior year, with annual revenue of ~$3.9M.) See Council Packet for full text of the Agreement.
Ordinance 554, updating the income restrictions to allow more seniors within the city to claim its Property Tax Exemption, received a first reading.
Council unanimously agreed to establish a New Castle Legacy Fund with the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF). An anonymous resident pledged $10K toward starting the managed investment fund as long as Council agreed to create it soon. Members reallocated $15K from funds for employee retention in the 2025 budget that have not been spent, enabling the city to meet DCF’s $25K minimum. Members will work with City Admin and DCF to set up the fund, which will enable people to donate or bequeath valuables to the city, such as art, securities, major cash gifts and more.
Planning Commission (PC) Chair Margo Reign presented an annual summary of that body’s work over the last year and plans for the next. Highlights included:
Members continue to seek training on FOIA and other administrative matters, as well as professional training through the Biden School.
The PC adopted an updated Rules and Procedures document to guide its own work last year. It also considered various matters on behalf of City Council and advised the elected body on these.
A rundown of about a half-dozen approvals given by the commission over the previous year.
A recommendation that members of council start budgeting early for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which she said could cost as much as $100K.
Mayor Valarie Leary gave a shout-out to the crew of the AJ Meerwald, including Captain Fern Hoffman, whom she and members of Council greeted the prior evening during a stop-over en route to Trenton, NJ. The mayor also offered a proclamation, declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month as Board of Health Chair Tish Gallagher joined her at the podium.
During Public Comments (non-exhaustive and apologies for any name misspellings - Meeting Minutes @ city website)…
Florence Smith rose to “beg for some help for my community,” saying that Jacquette Square, Buttonwood and William Penn Village were all facing an ongoing high water problem, which could cause an explosion of mosquitoes in the area. “We need someone to see why that water is not moving in all three communities,” she said, referring to clogged storm drains.
Richard Staat (sp?) of 326 Associates (one of the Trustees’ biggest lessees, which sub-leases to many other businesses) related “liberty and justice for all” to the need for Council to consider the effect rental taxes would have on businesses. He wanted “to attach a face, and a real person” to the idea and its potential impact, equating the proposal to “trying to get a dent out of a ping pong ball,” implying there was little point to trying to balance the budget by taxing businesses.
Brenda Graves related a problem in her neighborhood where a small retention pond appears “to be poisoned,” urging Council to look into the matter.
Charlie Kantor (sp?) questioned whether the city needed to send any funds beyond the purview of the Treasurer to enable investments. Claiming to have worked for two community foundations in the past, he stated neither had ever solicited investment by a municipality.
Phil Gross reiterated Mr. Staat’s ping pong tax ball analogy, then repeated his claim that Council is set to massively increase taxes for the entire city (“could be 150%!”). Meanwhile, Mr. Gross also offered praise for Ms. Tantillo’s aggressive pursuit of grants, then pivoted to his approval of Pete Rose’s ban from the MLB being lifted.
Good Will Fire Co. Capt. Tim Moore reported that…
The department had an increased volume of calls for both fire service and Emergency Medical Service in April.
During tree work in a local utility right-of-way (usually an unpaved alley for utility vehicles), a man was electrocuted when his saw came in contact with a power line, and he became immobilized. Crews got him down using a ladder truck and he was airlifted to a local hospital.
Members of Council and the Mayor commended the organizers of and volunteers for May Market and A Day in Old New Castle. The return of the New Castle Saturday Market on The Green was also lauded.
Councilman Andrew Zeltt asked if the city could use the CodeRed alert system to send residents info about street sweeping, which resumed this month (Ms. Tantillo said they could). He also asked that info about parking restrictions for special events be made more readily accessible on the city website.
Mr. Zubaca offered a Battery Park Playground Project update on behalf of ONCOR, noting the group had raised a little over $1M toward Phase II, needing just $70K more in order to be “shovel ready,” and about $200K more total.
Mr. Mattaway noted he’d found an electronic speed safety program through DelDOT for which Wilmington Road north of Ferry Cut-Off may qualify. He also previewed events including a succession of Juneteenth activities centered around Delaware City and its library, as well as the 101st St. Anthony’s Day Procession starting from St. Peter’s Church at 12:30pm on June 8.
Further Info: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Video | Council Meeting Packet (with all Motions/ Ordinances and full reports from City Treasurer, NCPD, GWFC, Building Official, etc.)
II. New Castle Reminiscences
by Beverly Flannigan, guest contributor, and neighbors
Editor’s Note: The stories and photos below come from the locals-only New Castle City Topics group on Facebook, where Ms. Flannigan originally posted them. They are shared with the author’s permission and minimal editing for the newsletter, along with a bit of additional info offered by commenters on her original posts.
The Grand Opera House on Delaware Street
Pictured is the Grand Opera House on Delaware Street which once housed Hoys 5&10 Cent Store. Hoys was the perfect place for any kid to spend the money they earned from their paper route or baby-sitting.
Decades ago, boys in junior high or high school would carry a comb in their back pocket and a rabbit’s foot with a penknife attached to their belt loop. I don’t know if the rabbit’s foot was real or fake but nonetheless, the problem became the penknife which schools banned. There does not seem to a recollection of the boys misusing the penknives. They came in really handy when they would pull them out when someone needed to cut fishing string or other items.
At the time, the girls would carry small purses that had a change purse, a comb and a small compact with powder. None of us had keys for the house or car or identification. That all came later. Hoys was popular for items like paper dolls or model airplanes.
Wassams eventually took over the space and not ever knowing the owner’s name, we simply called him Mr. Wassam. He brought much exciting inventory to the town including beautiful flowers for planting in the garden and some popular snacks and groceries. Mr. Wassam sold water ice for a while in front of the store, but everyone from downtown and Shawtown knew it could not compete with Mrs. Iannoni’s Italian water ice in her front yard on 10th Street.
At the time, the prevailing wisdom was when a boy hit 14 years of age, he could eat you out of house and home and it was true. They developed monster appetites. Girls much less so and the small packets of Lance cheese or peanut crackers sold at Wassams were convenient for the girls to stick in their purse for when they were hungry. The boys on the other hand were likely to try to fill themselves up with sandwiches between meals using lunchmeat and bread bought from Mr. West’s Penn Mart down the street. We didn’t have fast food so pretty much all meals and snacks were home based.
Mr. Wassam was a great store manager with the inventory but somehow the store ran into some financial trouble and the inventory purchases became “cash-only” and eventually the store closed.
We are really lucky we have the Oak Knoll Book Store and Rodney Pratt’s Framing shop and Opera House Arts & Antiques since it is much nicer to have that space filled.
Neighbors added:
“I believe his name was Jack Wassam, and that he had a couple stores. My sister had worked there and it was bought by Mr. [O’Donald], it remained [O’Donald’s] until it went out of business.” - John B. [Name correction by Marianne C., who also confirmed John’s recollection.]
“I worked at Hoy’s when I was a senior at William Penn in 1962. Worked with nice ladies. Really enjoyed it.” - Jeanne B.
“I worked there when it was Wassams then became O'Donald. It was a great place to work while attending school.” - Mary Jane S.
“This building was originally built to house the meeting rooms of Washington Lodge #5 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. And St John's Lodge #2 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons… Both lodges built it in partnership. If you look at the top of front you'll see symbols representing both.” - RW L.
“Wassam’s had everything. If they didn’t have it you didn’t need it.” - Dennis Y.
Wilmington Fibre Mill on Washington Street
Pictured is the old Wilmington Fibre Mill located at the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets. Wilmington Fibre was founded in 1904 as a non-metallic fabricator and had a thriving business which pretty much covered the land between Washington Street and the start of Dobbinsville.
Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, the operation became smaller but fortunately there is still an ongoing operation “specializing in the manufacture of custom non-metallic component parts.”
According to their website,
The Wilmington Fibre Specialty Company is a 4th generation family owned business. The company was taken over in 1992 by Jeffrey M. Morris and B. Scott Morris, the great grandchildren of the original founder John W. Morris. Although the company’s customer foundation was based on the Electrical, Fastener, Automotive and Plumbing Industries, the two brothers focused on other possibilities and opportunities. Their business plan of diversification paid off and now the company has expanded into musical accessories and become the world’s largest guitar pick manufacturer, supplying all the large US guitar and strings Manufacturers with printed and packaged guitar picks. Wilmington Fibre wouldn’t exist today without its very talented and dedicated employees. This year the company will celebrate its Stamping Department Foreman’s 54 year anniversary with Wilmington Fibre.
The company was originally established as “craftsmen of vulcanized fibre” and they had good jobs in the plant and the administrative office. Many residents of Shawtown and Dobbinsville worked in the plant and enjoyed the opportunity because it was convenient to their homes with much camaraderie.
It was the kind of place where dads would get jobs for their sons and they would work together on the plant floor. And women also had the opportunity to get jobs in the administrative office at a time when many plants had limited options for women.
A neighbor added:
“Love this place. My dad and a few others, sealed up the windows, and placed the concrete floor in the mid 70s when they changed part of the operation back then… the guy who did the block and stucco work was an old stone mason, from the old country. He was an awesome man, died too young.” - Anthony D.
Thanks to Beverly Flannigan for sharing her great memories of New Castle people and places, and to all in the Group who engage with these ultra-local history posts!
III. ICYMI: Local Media Highlights 📸
In case you missed it... we had some wonderful events in the City of New Castle this month!
First, Arasapha Garden Club’s May Market brought hundreds upon hundreds (likely over a thousand!) of Home and Garden enthusiasts out to Market Square on May 2-3. Folks came from all over Delaware, including a friendly garden group from Ocean View, the Salt Air Gardeners, whose members plan to make the trip an annual pilgrimage (see May Market co-chair - and one of our own favorite local historians - Linda Suskie greeting them in the second photo below.)
There were hundreds of plant varieties, a community-donated treasure trove of home goods in the Arsenal and unique plants next to it, a book sale by the Library Friends, and - unexpectedly but thankfully - cooperative weather. In addition to the hundreds of smiles and happy gardeners/decorators/readers, the event was one of the most successful May Markets on record. Its success enables Arasapha’s ongoing support for the Amstel House and Dutch House gardens and the club’s own community programs.
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A few weeks later, A Day in Old New Castle celebrated its 100th Anniversary, bringing hundreds and hundreds more visitors to town to tour over a dozen private, historic homes and enjoy a day where the city’s history was front and center.
With performances, reenactors, historical artisans and demonstrators, classic vehicles including GWFC’s Ahrens Fox firetruck, the Paint Historic Old New Castle plein air art competition, deck tours on the Kalmar Nyckel, food trucks, and games and activities for kids, DIONC 2025 had a lot to offer.
Satisfyingly, the 100th Anniversary event also hearkened to DIONC’s history in many great ways. And, as with May Market, after looking questionable ahead of the event, the weather mostly cooperated, improving through the day. From the vantage of this afternoon Dutch House docent, what started as a slow day became, by the late afternoon, a constant stream of enthusiastic visitors lining up in waves to tour the historic little house.
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Finally, we have to highlight a clip from A Day in Old New Castle, which went a bit viral and quickly became City Topics’ most-watched Reel ever… This kind, patient and very talented artisan from For Woodness’ Sake (Fb link) skillfully using his 18th century English spring-pole lathe gets all the credit:
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Congratulations to Arasapha and to New Castle Community Partnership, and thanks to all of the volunteers who make these community events work and make our town look so good!
Lastly, both events got a boost by working cooperatively with the New Castle Saturday Market on the Green (a photo of which is among the DIONC pics above). The Market features great local produce, dairy, food and craft vendors and frequently live music. It continues every Saturday through the Fall - see the Calendar below for more details.
IV. State News Spotlight 🔦
City Topics is proud to announce that we’ve partnered with Spotlight Delaware as a ‘Community Information Hub’ to bring readers a monthly digest within the Digest of state-level news impacting life in the City of New Castle. Spotlight DE has, in the year since it began operations, proven that the non-profit community news model can scale to support a statewide source for in-depth and investigative journalism.
Each of the stories previewed below first appeared on Spotlight Delaware. Both of the articles featured this month explore aspects of the rapidly rising cost of healthcare in the First State.
As health care costs near $11B, hospital review board seeks footing
For the third consecutive year, health care spending in Delaware far surpassed analysts’ recommendations – a finding that comes just as a state board created to hold hospitals accountable for rising health care costs struggles to find its footing.
Health care spending in Delaware increased 9.1% between 2022 and 2023 to nearly $11 billion, according to an annual assessment released by the Delaware Department of Health & Social Services this month.
The increase is nearly three times what the state recommended as its benchmark rate of 3.1%. On a per-capita basis, Delawareans spent $10,588 on health care in 2023 – or about an eighth of the median gross household income for the state.
The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board, state-appointed board responsible for lowering health care costs in Delaware, is still trying to finalize how it will hold hospitals accountable, while a lawsuit of its very existence looms overhead.
Read the full article here.
Delaware Explained: How to find hospital prices
Hospital Price Transparency, a federal program launched during the first Trump administration, required hospitals to publicly post prices for common, pre-planned medical procedures, allowing patients to shop around to neighboring hospitals.
Implementation of the program took years, but today most hospitals in the mid-Atlantic region appear to be in compliance.
In this report, Spotlight Delaware has compiled the price transparency webpage information posted in recent years by Delaware’s top hospital systems, and those in nearby states.
As Delaware residents spend more on health care every year, understanding how much a procedure costs and where options may be cheaper could save someone thousands of dollars.
Read the full article here.
V. Event Calendar 📅
For a farther view and to catch more events as they are added, as well as the list of regular/ongoing events, check out and bookmark our website’s Community Calendar.
The calendar also includes a listing of Regular/Ongoing Events.
Coming Up in JUNE…
6/1 - FIT ZONE 10K Walk/Run in Battery Park, starting from the Wharf, 1pm.
Hosted by Fit Zone on Churchman’s Road and trainer Que Trainsem, the event welcomes people of all fitness levels to participate at their own pace. $20 entry, more info here.
6/4 - ERASERHEAD Film Screening at Old Town Hall, 6:30pm.
Part of The Mercury Cafe’s collaboration with New Castle Public Library to bring classic films to the 2nd floor of New Castle’s historic Town Hall. New film every Wednesday.
6/6 - Outdoor Storytime in Battery Park (first of series by NCPL), 10:30am,
Hosted by New Castle Public Library for families of babies and toddlers. Returning every Friday until August 30 (except 6/20, 7/4 and 7/25). Free, no registration required - guests encouraged to bring water, snacks and blankets and/or lawn chairs.
Separation Day Activities: Friday & Saturday, June 6 & 7
6/6 - Separation Day Kick-Off Party at The Wharf, 6-9pm.
Live music from Brad Newsom & the Jagermintz, beer, wine, seltzers and non-alcoholic drinks along with food trucks in a block-party setting. Free admission. Proceeds from sale of alcohol benefit the Good Will Fire Company.6/7 - Separation Day Book Sale & Raffle at (& in front of) the Library, 9am-3pm.
The Library Friends’ biggest annual book sale fundraiser, featuring over a dozen genres of gently-used books, a half dozen amazing raffle prizes, free books for kids and more.6/7 - Separation Day Festival in Historic New Castle, 1-10pm.
1pm - Separation Day Parade down Delaware Street.
2pm - Family Festival & Artisan Market in Battery Park.
Featuring live music, rides for kids, games, and an artisan and vintage market… **Including many favorite vendors from the New Castle Saturday Market normally held on The Green.9:30pm - Separation Day Fireworks over Battery Park.
6/8 - Saint Anthony Day Procession from St. Peter the Apostle Church, 12:30pm.
Honoring St. Anthony of Padua ahead of his June 13 feast day, the procession - in its 101st year - winds is way from St. Peter’s Church to the Italian Immigrant Families Memorial in Shawtown and back.
6/10 - Regular City Council Meeting at New Castle Senior Center, 7pm.
Agenda to be posted.6/10 - Colonial School District Board of Education Meeting at WPHS, 7pm.
6/11 - NCHS Annual Garden Party in the Amstel House Garden, 6-8pm.
An evening of music and good company in the Colonial Revival garden, including light summer fare and an open bar. Open to all, not just NCHS members. Get tickets here.
6/12 - Vision to Learn Kids’ Vision Clinic at NC Public Library, 10am-5pm.
Providing free eye exams for children in grades K-12. To make an appointment, please call the library at 302-328-1995 during our regular business hours.
6/14 - New Castle Saturday Market on the Green resumes weekly, 9am-1pm.
6/14 - (New Castle Public) Library on the Loose in Battery Park, 10am-1pm.
The library and community partners will be in the park offering outdoor activities, games to play, a Storytime for children ages 0-5 at 10:30am, and free resources including:
- Healthy Snacks + Used Clothes
- Hygiene & Dental Products
- Summer Camp Information
- School Supplies + Books
- Narcan Training6/14 - Seeds of Recovery Family Fun Day at First Baptist Church of DE, 12-4pm.
Carnival-style festival with music, a dunk tank, bounce houses, games, food vendors and more. Free for kids up to 14, $10 contribution for older guests.6/14 - Art in the Garden in the Amstel House Garden, 3-6pm.
Co-hosted by Cabernet Candles and New Castle Historical Society, featuring live music and poetry, art exhibits, and wine and small bites. $25 per person - tickets here.
6/16 - Matthew Black in Concert at NC Presbyterian Church, 7pm.
Part of the ‘Everything Is Terrible and No One Is Okay’ Tour, featuring “passionate, provocative songs that will feed your soul.” There is a suggested donation of $5.6/17 - Vision to Learn Kids’ Vision Clinic at NC Public Library, 10am-5pm.
Providing free eye exams for children in grades K-12. To make an appointment, please call the library at 302-328-1995 during our regular business hours.6/18 - The Jimmies Summer Concert in Battery Park, 6:30-8pm.
Part of the Summer Concert Series from New Castle Community Partnership. Free.6/24 - Vision to Learn Kids’ Vision Clinic at NC Public Library, 10am-5pm.
Providing free eye exams for children in grades K-12. To make an appointment, please call the library at 302-328-1995 during our regular business hours.6/24 - Free Lunch & a Movie for Kids & Teens at NC Public Library, 12pm.
Every Tuesday & Friday through August 1 (except July 4). For grades K-12. Lunch provided by Colonial School District. Movie schedule is available at the link above.
6/25 - The Witchdoctors Summer Concert in Battery Park, 6:30-8pm.
Part of the Summer Concert Series from New Castle Community Partnership. Free.6/26 - African Drum Circle with Music Play Patrol at NC Public Library, 3pm.
“Feel the pulse of West African culture… Learn to play a variety of hand drums, including the djembe and the talking drum.” No registration required. Recommended for ages 5-12.6/26 - Conversations w/ Councilmen Carter & Caneco at NC Senior Ctr., 6:30pm.
A public town hall for residents of the 6th and 12th county council districts to hear from and ask questions of their county representatives. (New Castle is in District 12, represented by Councilman Kevin Caneco).6/27 - Songwriters’ Circle with Bryan Scar at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
Singer-songwriter Bryan Scar and musicians Jim Rezac and Cathy Jane share an evening of storytelling and song. Hear the inspiration and artistry behind local musicians’ songs during a chill evening in the library after closing time. 21+, BYOB, no registration req’d.6/28 - Community Chalk-the-Walk from the Library to Battery Park, 11am.
Registered families will receive chalk kits to chalk up Delaware Street and ‘Color our World,’ stopping at select locations en route to Battery Park, ending the day with a picnic. Families on the waitlist are also welcome, but must provide their own chalk and snacks.6/28 - Dog Days of Summer: 1776 screening on The Green, 8pm.
Pet-friendly outdoor showing of 1776 by New Castle Court House museum.
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