New Castle DIGEST - October 1, 2024
Monthly 'News, Views & Stuff to Do' for the City of New Castle, Delaware
I. September News Round-Up 📰
A New (Old) Ship in (Old) New Castle
On the early morning of September 18, the tall ship Nao Trinidad sailed up a misty Delaware River, cautiously emerging from the fog and ‘making port’ at The Wharf on Delaware Street. Several photographers and greeters were there to welcome the crew of the Spanish vessel, which is a faithful replica of the flagship from Ferdinand Magellan’s famous circumnavigation of the Earth in 1519.
That original Trinidad - which began the journey at the head of five vessels - did not make it all the way around the world. After becoming one of the first ships to cross the Pacific Ocean, the Trinidad suffered a major hull leak. It repaired the damage, then tried sailing East to return to Spain, only to be forced by heavy winds and storms to return to the Moluccas Islands, where it sank.
The beautiful 16th century ship - a ‘carrack,’ the 3-or-4-mast precursor to the later, larger Spanish Galleons - was beautifully and painstakingly recreated in 2014, an effort involving 300K work-hours by a team of tradesmen, artisans, historians and others. It now travels the world as a ‘floating museum,’ bringing the story of the expedition and the Age of Exploration to life for visitors of all ages.
The visit of the Nao Trinidad inspired a wave of interest, with photos galore on social media and even WDEL covering its arrival in Historic New Castle. During a visit on Sunday, 9/22, there was a constant stream of people visiting, with lively conversations in both English and Spanish heard on deck, shipside and on The Wharf around the ticket and merch booth set up there. The crew, largely bilingual and hailing from ports all over the world, was very friendly and informative.
(The Nao Trinidad is pictured in this month’s cover image, above, with many more photos available on our socials and lots of others!)
Updates from the New Castle Common
The Trustees of the New Castle Common held their first meeting of the season at the Penn Farm House on September 3, following the board's traditional summer off (during which committee work and management tasks continued).
Bylaws Changed to Reduce Runoff Elections
Of note, a change to the bylaws will allow future candidates for the Common's board to win by a plurality, rather than requiring 50%+1 of the vote. This is intended to eliminate run-offs except in the case of an actual tie. Those in favor cited reducing the hassle and expense created by runoffs, for candidates and the Common.
As he had in June when the change was first discussed, Tom Wilson again voiced sharp opposition. He decried the possibility of someone winning a 12 year term among the Trustees with just 34% of the vote as vaguely undemocratic. He also rebuffed claims that runoffs turn off voters, pointing to the last runoff's higher turnout than the election that prompted it.
Though he did not join the discussion, Mike Alfree joined Mr. Wilson in voting against the change, while all other members of the board voted in favor.
Trustees Recognize Lois Barth’s Stewardship of Old Library Garden
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Alfree asked Lois Barth to join him at the President’s end of the big table. For many years, he explained, Ms. Barth has volunteered her time tending the lovely, peaceful garden behind the Old Library Museum on East 3rd Street.
In recognition of her dedicated efforts, he read out a Resolution passed by the board to express its appreciation for her work and gratitude for her service to the community. That resolution can be read in full here.
Congratulations to Lois Barth on the much-deserved recognition.
Other Highlights of the Board’s September meeting included:
Good Will Fire Company Chief David Majewski presented findings from his organization following a detailed review of its current and projected facility needs. The presentation focused on the process and costs of upgrading the current firehouse on South Street to meet current operational demands, following a presentation earlier this year that considered a new structure. Majewski noted that updating the sleeping quarters for staff is a high priority, as is keeping operations on a single level. The envisioned renovation could play out over two phases, during part of which operations would need to relocate temporarily. The total projected cost could be $19M or more.
In reviewing the budget, questions arose around a $1000 grant expense. Mr. Alfree explained that the executive committee had received a letter from the city’s Outreach team requesting sponsorship for the visit of the Nao Trinidad. Pete Toner suggested that the TNCC board’s Outreach Committee should have been notified when that happened, while Tom Wilson objected to the executive committee having such spending discretion in the first place.
Reporting for the Land Management committee, Mr. Alfree confirmed that a 5Below is moving in at Airport Plaza, with a goal of opening ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Tom Episcopo reported for the Property Maintenance committee that the weather had made for a rough year managing the meadows, with invasives thriving and requiring an early mowing. Sunflower seeds were put down but getting eaten by geese, which Mr. Episcopo complained of residents and visitors feeding. He also noted that Bellanca Airfield Museum had acquired a new plane, which was built at Bellanca in New Castle and recently shipped back from AZ.
David Baldini introduced a proposal from the New Castle Library Friends to build a gathering area in the rear garden of the library at 5th & Delaware. The project, for which the Friends have contracted an architectural design and pledged to raise all funds, would replace the current drainage area/wildflower bed with an ADA-accessible hardscape patio (with a new drain diverting waterflow beneath it). Clarifying that the Friends needed formal support from the Trustees to proceed with permitting because TNCC owns the property, Baldini asked the board to vote. It did, and gave unanimous support to the project moving forward.
More than 60 days having apparently passed since its last request for information from the Historic Area Commission with regard to the bollards the Trustees hope to install at Fort Casimir Park, the Board agreed informally to just go ahead and install the preferred barrier. Several noted irritation with the city, and with people driving vehicles onto the grass of the park in the absence of any obstruction. This action will be accompanied by a letter to the city from Mr. Baldini and TNCC attorney Andy Taylor.
Speaking for the Outreach Committee, Tina Masiello noted they had not met over the Summer, but were receiving new kinds of grant requests. She expressed the committee’s intent to work on establishing updated guidelines for fairly considering grant requests that may vary widely in purpose, function and scope.
Fred Gallagher reported that the Strategy Committee continues working toward a 5-year plan for the organization. He hoped to meet with other committees in the coming weeks and months to get their input into its development.
Mr. Alfree announced that the Trustees had awarded fourteen scholarships to New Castle students headed to (or continuing in) college this year, seven of whom received a bonus due to excellent academic performance. He suggested that the scholarships might be opened up to local high school graduates headed to trade schools as well. Ms. Masiello agreed and the committee will look into how the scholarships might support higher education more broadly than under the current structure.
Mr. Alfree stated, in response to “recent back-and-forth about the Battery Park bathrooms,” that the city had keys to the restrooms near the playground there and could open them as it saw fit. In discussion, several board members seemed to take umbrage with a recent Op-Ed by city councilman Andrew Zeltt in The Weekly, which had urged the Trustees - who have, in recent years, managed the bathrooms along with the park - to be more responsive to the public need for it. Mr. Toner noted that the city had built the restrooms. Though Mr. Zeltt and another member of city council were present at the meeting, none of the Trustees invited either to speak to the issue directly, leaving discussion among the board.
Sen. Coons Shows off Historic New Castle to Visiting Caroline Kennedy & John Kirby
Among many visitors to New Castle last weekend, U.S. Senator Christopher Coons took some time to show U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and White House National Communications Security Advisor John Kirby a bit of Delaware History up-close.
The VIP tourists’ visit - which included spots like the Court House, Sheriff’s House, Wharf and others downtown - coincided with President Biden hosting the final ‘Quad Summit’ of his presidency at his own Delaware home, with leaders from Australia, India and Japan.
As New Castle Court House Museum supervisor Juliette Wurm told us, "Sen. Coons asked the Delaware Secretary of State for us to show the Ambassador [and Mr.] Kirby around the New Castle Court House Museum as Ambassador Kennedy was in the area and interested in learning about some Delaware history."
"The First State National Historical Park showed them around the Visitor Center in the Sheriff's House as well," the supervisor noted, adding that the group went on to check out the New Castle Saturday Market on The Green and "strolled down to the waterfront to see the Nao Trinidad."
September Updates from City Council
Council met on Tuesday, September 17. All members were present, along with the Mayor, police chief, and other city officials. City administrator Antonina Tantillo and treasurer Jim Whisman were not present, so their reports were read out by Council president Suzanne Souder.
Highlights from the meeting included:
Councilman Joe Day read out, members unanimously passed, and Mayor Valarie Leary signed, a Resolution honoring the life and service of Russ Smith. It read, in part: “Mr. Smith’s remarkable life touched and enriched the lives of many. His absence, a void that cannot be filled, will be deeply felt by all who knew, loved, and admired him. We join his family and friends in celebrating a well-lived life…”
Council officially established the Chief Eugene Petty Police Advisory Committee, unanimously approving Resolution 2024-36. This is one of the first such bodies in the state established under legislation passed last year. The committee’s purpose is “to provide advice to the department on policy, training, how the department engages with the community and other issues related to or affecting the department and the communities served by the department.”
Two Ordinances received a “first reading.” Both will receive consideration by other officials and a Public Hearing in coming months, before receiving a vote at future Council meetings.
Ordinace 549 would require people purchasing properties in the Historic District to sign an affidavit acknowledging the additional limitations and responibilities that come with such properties.
Ordinance 550 would establish a Citywide Moratorium on Consideration of Multi-Family Developments of 15+ units until December 2025.
From the City Administrator’s report…
A job posting will be up this month for a position in the Building and Code Enforcement department.
“The contractor for the floating pier has completed the driving of the test pile... Right now, they are awaiting a final set of calculations from their dock provider [and]… finalizing their schedule.”
“The City had received a notification from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner… that Sycamore Wine Bar LLC has applied for a taproom license with full spirits and Sundays at 208 Delaware Street, Unit C... This notification was mailed to neighbors and… posted on the City website.”
“The FY 2025 Citywide Paving Contract… involves roadway resurfacing portions of Buttonwood Avenue, West 10th Street, Kings Way, School Street, Foundry Street and Cherry Street- all projects for which the City has received FY 2024 and FY 2025 bond bill awards… Bidding is open until October 3rd.”
“Just a reminder that all FY 2025 tax bills are due by September 30th.”
Police chief Richard McCabe announced that, with a recent graduation, NCPD now has 17 officers, of 18 budgeted for. He also noted having learned from DelDOT that upcoming transportation projects in our area may cause more “cut-through traffic” in the city.
Ms. Souder noted in covering Mr. Whisman’s report that over 90% of tax revenues had been received, along with funds the city was awarded through the state bond bill process. With these funds, city accounts currently total approx. $14M, of which about $3.5M is restricted to specific purposes.
The city seems poised to move forward with surveys of the land at E. 3rd and Chestnut, behind/beside the Delmarva building, for a dog park. This follows a city survey on the issue, Councilman Zeltt noted, in which 65% of people preferred that location to the Hermitage Natural Area (71 respondents).
Mr. Day announced the resumption of ONC Litter Crew clean-ups on 9/29, starting on South Street. He also shared that a group of residents has reached out to him about attempting once again to reestablish the Bull Hill Boat Club and gain a lease for use of the Bull Hill boat ramp area.
Council unanimously approved the mayor’s appointment of Susan McLaughlin to the city’s Board of Health in Resolution 2024-35.
The GHShed Chop Chop Bar food truck gained unanimous approval from Council to operate within the city. According to the application, it will serve African food, including Jollof rice, Fufu, Banku and Okro, turkey and Fried Yam. (See more details in full application, in the Council Packet linked below.)
Further Info: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Video | Council’s Meeting Packet (with various monthly reports, plus resolutions, proposals and previous minutes)
II. ICYMI: Local Media Spotlight 📸
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… What, no views? I was promised Views!
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Editor’s Note: Sadly, no, not this month.
‘In Case You Missed It’ … so, most likely, did I.
Due to the unfortunate confluence of a rather brutal cold that hit me a couple weeks ago (whose cough still lingers) butting up against time needed this week to prep the Library Friends’ book sale for Art on the Green, our monthly look at the best of local socials will have to sit this issue out. Thanks for understanding.
Readers are nonetheless encouraged to check out and follow one, or a few, of the great local-based social media pages below:
Delaware Historical & Cultural Affairs (HCA) - Facebook | Insta | YouTube
New Castle Saturday Market - Facebook
The ‘Delaware History/All Things Delaware’ group - Facebook
The Mercury Cafe & Teahouse - Facebook | Insta
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III. Community Event Calendar 📅
There are lots of Seasonal and Spooky events coming up in Historic New Castle!
For a farther view and to catch more events as they are added, check out and bookmark our website’s Community Calendar, where you’ll also find recurring/ongoing events like the ones below (and many more).
New Castle Saturday Market, on the Green each week (thru 10/12), 9am-2pm, and
Bellanca Airfield Museum Open Houses on 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 11am-3pm.
Remaining in SEPTEMBER…
9/27 - Fourth Friday Art Loop on & around Delaware Street, 5-8pm, including:
Multimedia Artist Susan Benarcik at The Mercury Cafe & Teahouse,
Echoes of the Season: Traditional Paintings by Vivienne Cameron at the Arsenal, presented by Rodney Pratt Framing & Gallery,
Woodstock 1969 at Dennis Young’s Mo’zArt Gallery, featuring music of the era, “funny” brownies and good times in tie-dye,
Art of Journaling at The Window on Delaware Street, and
Within Walking Distance: Historic New Castle pop-up sale and book signing in the New Castle Visitor’s Center in The Arsenal.
9/27 - Lotería Night ft. ‘Mexican Bingo’ at Oaxaca Bar & Grill, 7pm.
A night of fun & prizes featuring Lotería, the game of ‘Mexican bingo’! The game is free to play and Oaxaca is giving away gift cards, t-shirts and more.9/28 - New Castle Lions’ Annual Art on the Green in Battery Park, 10am-4pm.
Featuring 300+ arts, crafts, and local vendors, ‘Artist’s Alley,’ food trucks, and more.9/28 - Library Friends’ ‘Books on the Green’ Book Sale, at Art on the Green.
Featuring Raffle prizes, free books for kids, and gently-used titles chosen for the event.9/28 - Historic New Castle Belgian Beer Fest at The Barn at Penn Farm, 1-5pm.
Named by USA Today as one of the country’s best beer festivals, now in only its 3rd year. (This event is sold out.)9/29 - ONC Litter Crew Pick-Up Event, starting on South Street, 4pm.
Meet at the old SPCA building. Bring gloves, bags, and pickers/grabbers if you have ‘em.
Coming up in OCTOBER…
10/1 - New Castle National Night Out … has been CANCELLED for 2024.
10/5 - ‘Historic New Castle Town-wide Sidewalk Sale,’ Town-wide, 8am-2pm.
A map is being prepared - email Wendy to be included. (Rain date 10/12.)10/5 - All-Fiction/Mystery Sidewalk Book Sale, NC Public Library, 9am-2pm.
A gently-used book sale by the Library Friends, benefitting the library, featuring all mystery, suspense, horror and other popular fiction. ‘Bag Sales’ available.10/6 - The Nation’s Guest: The Lafayette Bicentennial Tour in New Castle
Organized by the Battell & Read Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Registration is required for both events below (see links).Claret, Anyone? - A Welcome Reception at The Amstel House, 4 - 6 pm.
Dinner with Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, at Jessop's, 6 pm.
10/8 - City Council Regular Meeting at New Castle Senior Center, 7pm.
Agenda to be posted.10/9 - WPHS FFA Farm To Fork Dinner at the Penn Farm Barn, 5:30-8pm.
Support WPHS Agriculture students as they raise funds for a trip to the FFA National Convention. Includes multi-course meal, drinks and desserts. $50/person or $250/five.10/9 - Being Buried Alive Talk at New Castle Public Library, 6pm.
DE Humanities lecturer Margaret Opsata on the 18th century issue of rushed burials interring the living, and some of the inventive devices the problem inspired. (Free.)
10/11 - ‘Hauntings in History’ New Castle Ghost Tours start from NCHS.
Fridays & Saturdays from 10/11-11/2 at 7pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Tickets required.10/12 - ‘2K Walk for the Youth’ in Battery Park, 8-10am.
Fund- and awareness-raiser for FBCDE Youth Leader Anita Bruce’s project to create a local Youth Center. $35 registration includes entry, t-shirt, breakfast sandwich & water. More info is on the city website’s Event page.10/12 - Great Pumpkin Patch at the Saturday Market on The Green, 9am-2pm.
A special Saturday Market featuring Halloween activities for kids, including a pumkin patch … Gourds on the Green?10/12 - River Towns Ride & Fall Festival, along local bike trails, starting 9am.
Riders visit the historic riverfronts of New Castle, Delaware City, Wilmington and Chesapeake City, Md., while earning medals based on distance completed. Post-ride will at DE City’s Battery Park with live music, beer, food and non-alcoholic beverages.10/16 - Prime Time Family Reading returns to New Castle Public Library, 6-9pm.
This program is open to all families whose children are eligible for free or reduced lunch at school, including homeschoolers. The FREE six-week series includes dinner for all participants (parents and children)! Promoting love of learning, literacy, and leadership.10/18 - Well-Seasoned Heirlooms via Facebook and Zoom, 12pm.
Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak through their food.10/19 - CSD Homecoming Parade & Fall Festival at Wm. Penn HS, 9am-12pm.
Watch Colonial School District teams & groups parade to William Penn along Basin Road, then enjoy food, music, vendors and kids’ amusements at the festival. Free.10/19 - Annual Harvest Bazaar at the New Castle Senior Center, 9am-2pm.
Featuring homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, sewing/craft supplies, new & gently used items, books, breakfast/lunch foods (to-go), raffles and more!
10/19 - Breakfast With BLUEY at New Castle Public Library, 10:30am.
Registration required for this free, special Storytime and Breakfast with the popular children’s character. Kids will meet Bluey, read stories, color, and watch the show!
10/25 - Movies by Moonlight: Blair Witch Project, at NC Public Library, 8pm.
Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket to snuggle up in the back garden with friends, snacks and the classic camcorder-style horror film. A 21+ BYOB event.10/26 - Celebrating William Penn Day at NC Court House Museum, 10am-4pm.
Commemorating the anniversary of William Penn’s Oct. 27, 1682 arrival at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Admission for all programs is free. Learn about the treaty Penn made with the Lenni Lenape at Noon, then enjoy music from the period, performed by Delaware Music School’s Suzuki Academy at 3pm.10/26 - Fire Prevention Open House & Award Ceremony at GWFC, 11am-3pm.
Good Will Fire Company welcomes guests and announces winners of its Poster and Essay Contest… See equipment and apparatus from Good Will and other companies and pick up valuable information from various aid agencies.10/30 - New Castle Lions’ Annual Halloween Parade, Delaware Street, 6:30pm.
Open to residents of all ages, and friendly pets. Costumed participants should be at the St. Peter’s School lot at 6pm to register/line up. Cash prizes for winners in 12+ categories.
Thank you for reading!
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