New Castle DIGEST: Late Winter 2023
Monthly, Always-Local News, Media, Chat, Events & More
I. February News Round-Up đ°
Bill Blest and Valarie Leary Running for Mayor, as Eight Candidates Vie for Three City Council Seats
With less than 20 minutes until the filing deadline as of this writing, former City Council president William (Bill) Blest was the only candidate running to be the next Mayor of the City of New Castle. First elected to Council in 1991, Blest served multiple terms until the 2015 city election, in which he was not among the winners.
However, at the eleventh hour, current council member Valarie Leary also filed to run for Mayor, stating on Facebook that, âI believe that the Mayor's position is important in representing and promoting the interests of the city and its residents. Also, the Mayor's position will give me greater flexibility in managing my time as opposed to the many fixed obligations of the Council.â Mrs. Learyâs candidacy is not even listed on the city website, although the Weekly has posted the final, official list.
The race for City Council promises to be even more lively, with newcomers Andrew Zeltt, Rick Schiller, Ethan Quirk and Nermin Zubaca joining the contest alongside repeat candidates Victor Bryson, Phil Gross and William Robinett, as well as lone incumbent Suzanne Souder. There are three seats up for grabs - two for full, four-year terms, and one for a two-year term in the seat recently vacated by Russ Smith.
City Topics wants to help put your questions to the candidates for office! What issues will you be voting on this year, and what do you want to know about the candidates and their platforms? Let us know by email here, and âstay tunedâ for continuing election coverage.
Trustees Set May 13 Election Yet Full Board Unlikely Before 2024
With difficulties scheduling the use of a state voting machine and the desire to stay clear of the cityâs municipal elections in April, the Trustees of the New Castle Common are set to hold the next election to a seat on that body in May.
As reported in The Weekly this week, potential candidates may file until April 13, by scheduling an appointment at the Trusteesâ Penn Farm office, where requests for mail-in ballots must be received by 4/21. Voting will take place on May 13 at Good Will Fire Company on South Street, from 8am to 4pm.
The next election would have brought the body back to its 13-strong full membership, save for the unexpected resignation of Brenda Antonio this month. And with Trustee Thomas Claytonâs term expiring in the Fall, that means the Trustees are set to return from this yearâs Summer break to once again have two vacancies to fill - unlikely based on the timeline of recent elections.
City Topics reached out to both Mrs. Antonio and the Trustees for comment on her departure. Mrs. Antonio declined to comment, while the Trusteesâ office could only confirm that she had, in fact, resigned.
Finally, a correction regarding the Trusteesâ open house style event which was authorized at their January meeting and mentioned here last month. That is being planned for Fall 2023, and will not, in fact, be held in the Spring, like the Penn Farm Open House last June.
Highlights from this Monthâs (Short) City Council Meeting
City Council met on Tuesday, February 14, with all current members present. Here are the highlights of this month's regular meetingâŚ
Judge Richard Cooch appeared to describe efforts he is involved with to move a marker commemorating the 'Dutch Occupation of the Delaware' closer to where recent archaeological research has indicated Fort Casimir once stood. He sought Council's blessing to move the 1905 stone marker (pictured below), which was erected by The Colonial Dames of America and currently stands at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut Streets.
New Castle City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit, following what Chief McCabe described as a "really well planned and thorough investigation," has made two arrests in the ongoing Mail Fraud conspiracy case, resulting in seven charges, with more arrests expected soon. NCPD is "not getting any more reports of check-washing or theft," McCabe noted.
Mayor Michael Quaranta announced that he will not seek a second term, in adherence to a pledge made when he ran for the office. He also shared his involvement in a recent "senior meeting" in D.C. to work with USPS on reducing the amount of heavy postal traffic coming through Dobbinsville and Washington Park.
Council approved the use of nearly $750K in ARPA funds for a list of needs presented by City Admin, including a new garbage truck, new leased police vehicles, studies on improving security at city facilities, and more. See the full list in the Resolution, here.
Lastly, Theresa Buchanan, editor of The Weekly, shared that she is working with a group led by Guido Campanelli to formalize a 501(c)(3) non-profit to spearhead restoration of the historic Buttonwood House currently languishing on the riverbank north of town. The group wants representatives from Council, the Trust and NCHS involved, and Buchanan asked Council to consider their choice.
DelDOT Proposes Overhaul of Ferry Cut Off âGatewayâ Area
DelDOT (via Century Engineering) has resurrected the possibility of including a revamp of the city 'Gateway' at Ferry Cut Off and Delaware Streets as part of upcoming improvements to the railroad crossing at 8th Street. The changes would close off that end of 8th, and make the Gateway turn-off toward downtown (down Delaware Street) more pronounced in order to clarify the flow of traffic.
The plan, which would also replace the signal at Ferry Cut-Off and Delaware, add one at 9th Street, replace the railroad warning lights and crossing, and repave the roadway all around the complex intersection, was presented to City Council at their February meeting. There would be no cost to the city, although it would be responsible for any signage or improvement for the new green space the project would create.
Council members were reluctant to give the blessing DelDOT sought, however, without time to consider and input from the public. So, Council will discuss and vote on whether to approve the plan at the March meeting.
II. ICYMI: Media Highlights & Spotlights đ¸
âIn case you missed it,â most of this February hasnât felt much like Winter! While the month started with the first snow of the season, local media scrolls ended the month already featuring buds, flowers, critters, construction, and other signs of Spring.
Click on any image to scroll through the galleryâŚ
More from the socials above at:
And of course, @CityTopicsNCDE on both as well!
Our feeds also featured some fascinating and important history in FebruaryâŚ
You can learn more about James Lindsay Smith on our website, take a closer look at Judith Gupton-Wiley in the original post, and follow History in Pictures: Delmarva for great archival photos and clippings from all over the peninsula at their Facebook.
Lastly, we were delighted this month to come across some wonderful silent footage from A Day in Old New Castle 1931. Credit for the discovery goes to former Mayor Don Reese, who made the tape available to Jim Meek, who in turn gave City Topics his blessing to add contemporary music and a bit of info on ADIONC 2023. Enjoy!
III. Community Event Calendar đ
This month, City Topics started a permanent, regularly updated Community Calendar for events throughout New Castle. Check it out on our website for an even farther view of the local event scene and bookmark the page so you can stay informed about whatâs coming up!
Remaining in FEBRUARY:
Through Sunday, 2/26 - 2nd Annual Historic New Castle Restaurant Week!
Organized by New Castle Community Partnership and now including several restaurants at the Farmerâs Market. Reservations recommended at most dinner establishments.2/24 (Tonight!) - 4th Friday Art Loop at various shops downtown, 5-8pm.
Including special exhibits/events at the Opera House, MoâzArt Gallery, and the Mercury!2/25 - âSaturdays At Sea: Meet Henry Fisher,â at NC Historical Soceity, 9:30am.
Part of a lecture series on the maritime history of Delaware waters. Tickets required.2/25 - âThe Letter of the Lawâ at New Castle Court House Museum, 12pm.
A presentation on how bias and racism were written into the laws of Delaware and enforced, from the Revolution to Reconstruction.2/26 - âWhaling on the High Seas: Thar She Blows!â at NC Court House, 1:30pm.
With a focus on the industry in this region, DE Humanities Speaker Steve Renzi âtells the story of whaling and the whalesâ subsequent slow recovery from the brink of extinction.â
Coming up in MARCH:
3/1 - Last Day of the Easter Egg Sale by the Good Will Ladiesâ Auxiliary.
3/1 - On the Same Page: Your City & You (I) at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
Following its successful first iteration last year, NCCPâs get-to-know-your-city event will return Wednesdays in March. Featuring short presentations by local institutions and non-profits, with wine, snacks and time to meet & greet!3/2-3 - DoMore24DE âDay of Givingâ Fundraiser, 6pm Thursday to 6pm Friday.
Several local non-profits will participate in the event designed to boost individual giving. The links below go to their pages on the DoMore24Delaware.org fundraiser website:3/4 - 10th Annual Attack Addiction 5K Run, starting at St. Peterâs, 9am.
3/4 - Trail Maintenance Party at the Hermitage Natural Area, 9am-12pm.
Bring water, gloves and the will to work outdoors for a few hours... Pizza for lunch.3/4 - âSaturdays At Sea: John Barry, American Hero,â at NCHS, 9:30am.
Part of a lecture series on the maritime history of Delaware waters. Tickets required.3/4 - Free Prom Dress Giveaway at Rosehill Community Center, 12 to 4pm.
Baconâs Boutique outfits young ladies who need to look spectacular but lack funds.3/4 - St. Patrickâs Day Party at the New Castle Senior Center, 6:30 to 10pm.
A fundraiser featuring live music by Seven Rings. Enjoy a night of Irish music, drinks (cash bar) and dancing to support the Senior Center. (Bring your own food.) $25 in advance; $30 at the door (cash/check).3/7 - Trustees of the New Castle Common Meeting, Penn Farm, 7pm (Public).
3/8 - On the Same Page: Your City & You (II) at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
3/9 - Green Invaders, at NC Public Library and on Zoom, 6:30pm.
Presentation led by Jack Bruhn of the Delaware Master Gardeners examining the many ways that weeds have evolved to be successful invadersâŚ3/10 - Library After Hours: Oscar Preview Party at NC Public Library, 6pm
21+ BYOB event featuring previews of this yearâs Oscar nominees, hors dâoeuvres, a prediction contest and more⌠Free but ticketed event at the (otherwise closed) library.3/14 - Regular City Council Meeting at the NC Senior Center, 7pm.
3/15 - Paranormal Tours of New Castle, starting from the Arsenal, 7-10pm.
Join the seasoned paranormal investigators of Delmarva Historic Haunts to explore the historic museums of the New Castle Historical Society. Tickets $35 at linked sign-up.3/15 - Mad Hatters and White Elephants at NC Public Library, 6pm.
Part of New Castle Library Friendsâ annual membership meeting (those wishing to attend can join or renew at the door). The talk on the âSurprising Origins of Common Phrasesâ includes light dinner and refreshments, as well as brief NCLF updates and business.3/16-18 - Beauty and the Beast (the Musical) at William Penn High School.
The 2023 production by the Penn Players. 7pm (except Saturday the 18th: 2pm).3/17 - Diamond Swing Jazz LIVE at Zollieâs, 7pm to 9pm.
A St. Paddy's Day âevening of jazz tunes and spectacular food.â3/18 - March Into Spring with the Bees, a Community Nature Day at the Hermitage, 10:30am.
Witness the introduction of Mason Bees to the Native Bee Hotels with Fort Casimir Honey Company and learn about the importance of native bees, how to care for them, and what you can do at home to support native bee populations!3/18 - âThe Kidnapping of Bathsheba Bungyâ, at NC Court House, 1pm.
A dramatic performance by Valarie Petty Boyer, exploring the story a free, African American girl from New Castle who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and her subsequent rescue and retribution. Free, registration requested.3/18 - Feast of St. Joseph Wine Festival, at St. Peterâs Gymnasium, 6pm.
BYOB plus wine and beer available for purchase. Includes Italian buffet, music, homemade wine contest. By St. Anthony Society, tickets $35 - call 302-388-4565.3/19 - âThe Big Houseâ with Steve Renzi, at NC Court House, 1:30pm.
Delaware Humanities program on the history of the New Castle County Workhouse.3/22 - On the Same Page: Your City & You (III) at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
3/24 - Well Seasoned Heirlooms by NC Court House, on Zoom, 12pm.
A spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Also streaming on the Court Houseâs Facebook page.3/25 - Easterseals Volleyball Challenge at William Penn High School, 9am-7pm.
An event raising critically needed dollars for the programs and services at Easterseals Delaware & Marylandâs Eastern Shore for 42 years. Visit the site to learn more.3/25 - âA Delaware Mystery: The Disappearance of Little Horace Marvin Jr.â at the New Castle Court House Museum, 1pm. Registration requested.
Brian Cannon recounts the tragic story and sensational national manhunt for the four-year-old child whose 1907 disappearance from his Kitts Hummock was much-publicized.3/27 - Historical Bourboun Tasting Fundraiser at Jessopâs Tavern, 6pm.
Benefitting the local Battell and Read Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Details and prices TBA for this ticketed event with limited seats.
âWait⌠Whereâs the Rest? Is That It?â
Indeed. You didnât miss anything⌠this Digest is just a bit shorter, with the three core/ permanent elements above but no interview or other features, due to the passing last week of the editorâs grandfather. May he rest in peace.
A fuller Digest with extra content will be back next month. Thanks for understanding.