Hundreds of guests crowded into the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building last Thursday for a chance to sample food and drinks from some of Delaware’s best eateries at the 4rd Annual Taste of Delaware celebration. Co-hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Senator Coons, the tradition brings together Delawareans and D.C. guests to enjoy the finest of the first state’s eats.
Taste of Delaware has come a long way. The first "unofficial" Taste of Delaware took place three years ago in a conference room just a week after Senator Coons took office. The gathering consisted of about 20 people enjoying a small sampling of Grotto Pizza, Capriotti's sandwiches and Dogfish Head beer. Three years later, the event has gained a reputation among congressional staff and legislators as one of the can't-miss events of the year.
Kicking off the reception, Senator Coons thanked guests and vendors for taking part in the event and encouraged those who enjoyed themselves to come to Delaware and explore more of the state’s culinary – and tax free - offerings. He also recognized Richard Heffron, President of Delaware’s Chamber of Commerce, Delaware staff, and the late restaurateur and humanitarian Matt Haley – noting how much Matt would have enjoyed the gathering. Senator Coons then invited the crowd to enjoy themselves, relaying the Benjamin Franklin quote, “beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!”
Vendors from more than 20 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and wineries from all corners of the state came to share their goods with D.C. guests, many of whom were Delaware transplants hungry for a taste of home. Celebrated Delaware staples like Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Brandywine Brewing Company, and Dogfish Head Brewery lined the walls between popular restaurants like House of William and Merry, (a)Muse, and Piccolina Toscana. For images of the evening’s festivities, click here.
Five years ago, Alan Gross was imprisoned in Cuba simply for trying to give others access to the Internet. He remains in Cuban captivity today.
Alan wasn’t a spy and he wasn’t a soldier. He was a humanitarian working to ensure Cubans could experience some of the freedoms we enjoy every day. It was a privilege to meet with Alan in Cuba two years ago and I have remained in touch with him since. The Cuban government should release Alan immediately.
I pray for Alan's strength and his health, and I will continue working with the White House and State Department to win his release.
Monday, November 24 at 9 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Vision To Learn event to distribute glasses to children. Vision To Learn provides free eye exams and free glasses to elementary school students in low-income communities throughout Delaware. Highlands Elementary School, 2100 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-650-7858.
Monday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak to a group of Cub Scouts on the merits of citizenship. Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church 500 McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, DE. Closed to press.
Tuesday, November 25 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator, along with University of Delaware students from the Formula Society of Automobile Engineers club, will test drive their latest race car. Senator Coons will then talk about the importance of preparing students for future manufacturing and STEM jobs currently left unfilled throughout the United States. University of Delaware STAR Campus parking lot. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-650-7858.
Tuesday, November 25 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend Norman Oliver’s 32nd Annual Turkey Drive. The Stormin’ Norman Turkey Drive is one of Delaware’s biggest and oldest Thanksgiving feeding programs. This year marks the first in which the program will expand from the city of Wilmington to across the State. Boys & Girls Club of Newark, 109 Glasgow Drive, Newark, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.
Thursday, November 26 at 9 a.m. – The Senator will fire the opening cannon of the Annual PNC Bank Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk for MS. PNC Bank’s Thanksgiving Day race is the largest race in Delaware, 36 years running. Runners participate in 5k, 10k and non-competitive 5k races in support of care and research done by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Starting line is in front of PNC Building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington. – Open to Press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.
Monday, November 17 at 12 p.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks to attorneys from Lawyers for Israel Society. LFIS is a group of professionals who host educational programs, cultural events, fundraising events, and social and business networking opportunities on behalf of the land of Israel. Young, Conaway, Stargatt and Taylor. 1000 King Street, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.
Tuesday, November 18 at 5 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global IP Summit. The Global Intellectual Properties Center (GIPC) is holding a summit conference to highlight the critical role of copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets to foster in the next era of innovation. 1615 H Street NW, Washington D.C.– Registration required. Contact the summit administration at 202-463-5926.
Tuesday, November 18 at 5:30 pm. – The Senator will attend the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration, ‘A Decade of Driving Change and Delivering Impact,’ will feature keynote speakers such as John Kerry, John Podesta, Dana J. Hyde, and others, to award GE, the country of Jordan, and Anushka Ratnayake for outstanding contributions in driving Millennium Development Goals. Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets, N.W. Washington, DC 20001.
Wednesday, November 19 at 2 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.
Thursday, November 20 at 10 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Business Meeting. The committee will consider S. 2520, a bill to improve the Freedom of Information Act, and multiple nominations for both U.S. Court seats and various District courts. Dirksen Senate Building, Room 226, Washington D.C. – Open to Press. Contact Committee Press Jessica Brady (majority) at 202-224-7703 or Beth Levine (minority) 202-224-5225.
Friday, November 21 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend and deliver brief remarks at the dedication of Incyte’s corporate headquarters. The recently renovated Incyte headquarters boasts 191,000 square feet of office and laboratory space to house more than 550 employees.John Wanamaker Building, 1801 Augustine Cutoff, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Friday, November 21 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the Delaware Contractors Association’s annual fall luncheon. The Delaware Contractors Association (DCA) is a non-profit organization designed to bring strength and unity to the Delaware construction industry. Wilmington Country Club, 4825 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Senator Coons, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urged his colleagues on Wednesday to support the President’s emergency funding request for the fight against Ebola, and warned about the danger in cutting funds from efforts to stop the virus in West Africa. The comments came during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Obama's $6.2 billion emergency request to fight the Ebola outbreak.
“The single best way for us to protect American lives is to engage vigorously in the work and the fight against Ebola on the ground in West Africa,” Senator Coons said at the hearing. “This emergency funding request provides support for every facet of what’s needed to keep Americans safe, first by strengthening and bolstering our readiness here in the United States, but principally by ensuring that we contain Ebola in Liberia, in Sierra Leone, in Guinea, and prevent its spread to neighboring countries.”
Senator Coons also recounted a conversation he had last week with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, “who wanted me to make a point of thanking the American people for our generosity and our engagement, but urged us not to let off now. Just because there is some hopeful news doesn’t mean that we’ve turned the corner on this, and in the region, it still remains a dangerous and difficult time.”
The Senator expressed his gratitude for the “remarkable sacrifice” of the volunteers, missionaries, aid workers, and military personnel who have deployed to West Africa to fight the virus, and reiterated his opposition to a “travel ban” that would prevent them from returning to the United States. “Americans who go abroad should not be stigmatized when they return; should be honored and supported in their commitment and service; and should have confidence that they can return from their service, and be supported when they do so.”
Introduced -- Creating Quality Technical Educators Act Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Kaine (D-VA), and Portman (R-OH) introduced the Creating Quality Technical Educators Act. The Act creates a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher-training grant partnership to recruit and train high-quality CTE teachers. The Creating Quality Technical Educators Act grant would foster partnerships between high-needs secondary schools and post-secondary institutions to create one-year teacher residencies for CTE teachers. Through grants in the Higher Education and Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), many teacher residency partnerships already exist between post-secondary institutions and local schools to train prospective educators, but none are CTE focused.
CTE teacher residencies created through the Creating Quality Technical Educators Act would target mid-career professionals in related technical fields, as well as recent college graduates, veterans or currently licensed teachers with a desire to transition to a CTE focus. More:Baldwin release
Introduced -- Manufacturing Skills Act Senators Coons (D-DE) and Ayotte (R-NH) introduced the Manufacturing Skills Act, bipartisan legislation to help cities and states build 21st century manufacturing training programs. The bill creates an annual $100 million competitive grant to support initiatives that strengthen the manufacturing workforce and address regional skills challenges. Applicants will establish a local task force, consisting of leaders from the public, nonprofit, and manufacturing sector, as well as labor and education representatives, to apply for and carry out the three-year grant. A federal inter-agency partnership will review applications and award grants to the five states and five metropolitan areas with the strongest proposals. More:Coons release
Announced -- President Obama announces new manufacturing hubs competition The President announced a new competition to award more than $200 million in public and private investment to create an Integrated Photonics Manufacturing Institute. This is the second of four new institute competitions that will be launched this year. The competition will be led by the Department of Defense, which will award more than $100 million in federal investment to match $100 million or more in private investment. The money will be used to build a new Institute for Manufacturing Innovation (IMI) focused on Integrated Photonics. Photonics covers all of the uses of light; applications include powering the internet, medical technology, and national defense. The Institute will focus on developing an end-to-end photonics ‘ecosystem’ in the U.S., including domestic foundry access, integrated design tools, automated packaging, assembly and testing, and workforce development. More:White House fact sheet
2. OTHER NEWS ==================================
News -- Manufacturing Day The President and Secretary of Commerce Pritzker visited Millennium Steel Service in Princeton, IN to celebrate Manufacturing Day. Millennium supplies automotive grade steel sheet to Toyota and related parts makers. Other cabinet members traveled across the country to discuss the importance of continuing to invest in American manufacturing, as more than 1,600 U.S. manufacturers opened their factories to the public.
As part of Manufacturing Day, the White House and Department of Commerce released a “Digital Tour of American Manufacturing,” a new digital report that highlights the central role of manufacturing in laying the foundation for a new American economy.
The Department of Commerce also released the Assess Costs Everywhere portal to help manufacturers evaluate the advantages of locating in the United States. Developed with experts at Lausanne University, the tool helps manufacturers directly quantify the often hidden costs of lengthy, overseas supply chains. The new inventory costs tool will be used across Commerce’s manufacturing extension centers, which already support more than 30,000 small and medium manufacturers each year. More:Manufacturing day | Digital Tour of American Manufacturing | Assess Costs Everywhere
News -- Senators host briefing on Career and Technical Education Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Kaine (D-VA) and Portman (R-OH), co-chairs of the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, hosted a briefing and panel discussion on the current opportunities and challenges in aligning skills training with the needs of the 21st century workforce. The panel featured leaders from the education, business and government sectors in Wisconsin, Virginia, Ohio and the U.S. Department of Labor who shared their perspectives on the best practices and policies for supplying employers with a skilled workforce and providing students with the training necessary to find employment. More:Baldwin release
News -- Congressional briefing on NNMI Senators Brown (D-OH) and Blunt (R-MO) and Congressman Reed (D-NY-23) and Kennedy (D-MA-4) hosted a briefing on the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). The briefing featured Commerce Secretary Pritzker and leaders from industry discussing the activities of the pilot Manufacturing Innovation Institutes and the role of the Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation (RAMI) Act. More:Manufacturing.gov
News -- McCaskill Op-Ed Senator McCaskill (D-MO) recently wrote an op-ed arguing that “it’s critical that Congress take bipartisan action to renew the Export-Import Bank.” Senator McCaskill described the Ex-Im Bank as “[o]ne of the most import tools in [the] toolkit … which helps Missouri businesses boost jobs and gives them a competitive edge to succeed internationally.”
As the Senator noted, “Export-Import Bank’s work is simple and incredibly valuable to American business. The Bank supports American jobs by helping to finance foreign sales of U.S. products through loan guarantees, direct loans, and credit insurance, all at no cost to taxpayers. The bank actually earns revenue for the Treasury, including more than $1 billion in 2013 alone. Since 2009, the Export-Import Bank has supported $188 billion in U.S. exports and 1.2 million American jobs. More than 3,400 small businesses rely on the bank to finance export deals
In Missouri, the Export-Import Bank has supported $1 billion in exports from 96 Missouri companies since 2007. And nearly 85 percent of businesses supported by the Export-Import Bank are small and medium-sized businesses.” More:McCaskill Op-Ed
Report -- The Shifting Economics of Global Manufacturing A new report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) identifies the United States as a “rising global star” of manufacturing. The report finds that “China’s estimated manufacturing-cost advantage over the U.S. has shrunk to less than 5 percent” and “[c]ost structures in … the U.S. improved more than in all of the other 25 largest exporting economies.” More:BCG report
Monday, October 20 at 6 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner with keynote speaker, Senator Amy Klobuchar. The annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is a fundraising celebration held by the Democratic Party to honor party leaders.Sen. Amy Klobuchar is the first woman to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate and has been a strong progressive in the fight for social justice. Executive Banquet Hall, Newark, DE. Open to press. Contact Courtney McGregor at 302-650-8844.
Wednesday, October 22 at 8 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Fund for Women’s annual Philanthropy Breakfast. Senator Coons will introduce Susan Sherk as this year’s winner of the prestigious First Founders Award. Susan has made major contributions to the field of philanthropy and continues to recruit new members to support young women and girls. Wilmington Country Club, Dover, DE. – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Wednesday, October 22 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Inspiring Women in Science and Technology Event. The Inspiring Women in STEM conference serves as a platform for successful female leaders to share their success and journeys with others. Keynote speaker, Amy Ericson, is the U.S. president of Alstom. Amy’s background in engineering and business has contributed to her success as an executive.DuPont Country Club, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Helen Stimson at 302-636-8437.
Wednesday, October 22, at 11 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the 2014 Annual Cooperative Extension Conference. Delaware’s cooperative extension is committed to spreading awareness of resources to address youth, family, agricultural, and community needs. Modern Maturity Center, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Doug Crouse at 302-730-4000.
Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Vision to Learn Launch Event with Gov. Markell.Shortlidge Elementary School, 100 W 18th street, Wilmington, DE– Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend Wilmington Senior Center’s 10th Anniversary Celebration honoring Sam Beard and Peg Tigue.Hercules Building, 1313 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 23 at 7 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the League of Local Governments Dinner Meeting. The Delaware League of Local Governments (DLLG) is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan association of city, town, village, and county governments established in 1963 to improve and assist local governments through legislative advocacy at the state and federal levels. Duncan Center, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Carl Luft at 302-678-0991.
Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Delaware Arthritis Foundation’s Annual Bone Bash. Delaware’s Arthritis Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for arthritis research. Furthermore, the DAF provides special programs that serve children who are diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Deerfield Country Club, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711 – Open to press. Contact Carol Reilly at reillycc@me.com.
On Sunday, my wife Annie and I took on the challenge of running the 30th Annual Army 10-Miler in Washington, D.C. During our run, we took time to reflect on the serious challenges our soldiers face daily and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform and their families have made and continue to make in defending our country.
I personally ran this course in memory of my dear friend, mentor and colleague Jim Brown. I had known Jim for more than 30 years of my life, having trained under Jim as a young lawyer at W.L. Gore & Associates, then working side by side with him. He was a kind and humble man, who cared about his family and fellow Associates. He served his country in the US Army in the Judge Advocate General Corps for 26 years, retiring as a colonel. Jim passed away earlier this year, and I miss him deeply.
As we passed monuments and mile markers, I considered the bravery and dedication our American soldiers demonstrate as they protect our freedoms here at home and abroad.
I especially recalled my family’s service to our country in the Army: my father, Sgt. Ken Coons, Signal Corps, attached to 1st Signal Company, my brother 1st Lt. Tom Coons, 2nd Armored Division and my sister-in-law Lt. Col. Jean Rapley Coons, USAR Legal Command.
In the early part of the race, as thousands of runners strode by Arlington National Cemetery, the memory of two particular Delaware Army members entered in my mind.
One was Warrant Officer Sean W. Mullen, who grew up in Dover and graduated from Caesar Rodney High School. Sean joined the Maryland National Guard and went on to serve on active duty as an infantryman and in the Special Forces, deploying six times.
Sean made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on June 2, 2013 while conducting combat operations in the Nimroz Province of Afghanistan. Sean is laid to rest in Section 60, Grave 10372 in Arlington National Cemetery.
As I continued to run, I also recalled the memory of my neighbor from my high school years in Pike Creek, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class James S. “Shawn” Moudy. Shawn attended Independence School and the Tatnall School. Shawn was killed in an IED attack while on a mounted combat patrol in the western part of Baghdad, Iraq, December 11, 2005. Shawn served with the 10th Mountain Division’s 1 Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment.
I also took time to remember a friend of mine who recently passed away - Pfc. Harry Shevchuck. Harry served in the Army's 29th Division in WWII and was a Prisoner of War. I admired Harry and enjoyed all of my conversations with him, most recently at the annual Delaware Memorial Day event.
I was sure to represent Delaware and the more than 2,600 members of the Delaware Air and Army National Guard via t-shirt that was given to me a couple of years ago. These individuals are the essence of bravery, sacrifice and love of country. I am grateful for the chance to join so many others today in running to honor and remember our Army veterans.
Monday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Annual Columbus Day Mass and Breakfast. Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 901 North Du Pont Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Monday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend and give remarks at the New Castle County Farm Bureau Fall Banquet. Established in 1944, this non-profit organization aims to provide a unified voice for farmers in the state of Delaware. The New Castle County Farm Bureau is committed to increasing understanding of Delaware’s Farms while fundraising to provide food for the needy. Townsend Fire Hall, 107 Main Street, Townsend, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Tuesday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at Dover High School. Senator Coons will speak to senior students on current events and their future plans. Dover High School, One Dover High Drive, Dover, DE. – Open to press. Contact Principal Evelyn Edney at Evelyn.Edney@capital.k12.de.us.
Wednesday, October 15 at 12:15 p.m. – The Senator will deliver the keynote address at the New Castle County Economic Development Annual Lunch. This event attracts business, community, and political leaders to support economic development in New Castle County. Senator Coons will address the economic issues facing Delaware and the United States.Doubletree Downtown, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Bob Chadwick at 302-294-2058.
Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the 29th Annual Delaware Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Every year, the Delaware Leadership Foundation hosts a prayer breakfast to bring men and women together with the faith of Jesus Christ to discuss leadership responsibilities in Delaware. Chase Center, Riverfront Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the ACLU of Delaware 29th Annual Kandler Dinner honoring Bernice Edwards, Senator Karen Peterson, and Sheldon Sandler. The American Civil Liberties Union is committed to protecting our rights and freedoms.The ACLU-DE has made a variety of contributions to education reform ranging from challenging segregation laws in the 1980’s to providing equal education for children with special needs in 1975. Chase Center, Riverfront Wilmington, DE– Open to the press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence 20th Anniversary Purple Ribbon Event. The DCADV seeks to support the empowerment of domestic violence victims while challenging societal conditions that support sexism, homophobia, and racism. Delaware Theatre Company, Water Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-685-2795.
Saturday, October 18 at 9:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Purses to Portfolio Conference. This conference is free of cost and offers financial workshops, light breakfast, lunch, over 70 exhibitors, awards & door prizes. Financial Journalist Lynnette Khalfani-Cox will share her tips on getting out of debt and how to gain financial freedom. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with a certified credit counselor to explain credit reports and make recommendations. Chase Center, Riverfront Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-685-2795.
Wednesday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will be awarded the Science Coalition Champion of Science award. The Science Coalition is a non-profit organization committed to sustaining federal government funding to stimulate scientific research while making America a global competitive force. University of DelawareISE Lab Foyer,221 Academy Street, Newark, DE – Open to press. Contact Angie Anderson at 302-540-9342.
Wednesday, October 8 at 5:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Easter Seals Annual Dinner where Governor Markell will be presented with the National Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate Award. This award is given to those who strive to enhance the quality of life amongst disabled individuals. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE 19801 – Open to press. Contact Verna Hensley at 302-221-2056.
Thursday, October 9 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Alder Creek apartment complex. Alder Creek is Newark’s newest affordable housing community and once completed will include 56 one- to four-bedroom apartments in 13 two-story buildings.398 Cleveland Avenue, Alder Creek, Newark, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 9, at 5:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 8th Annual Delaware History Makers Award Dinner honoring Ellen Kullman. The History Makers Award is granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in Delaware. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Delaware Historical Society educational programs. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Trudy Hansen at 302-295-2392.
Thursday, October 9 at 6:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Boy Scouts 2014 Citizen of the Year Event. For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have provided lifelong lessons to young children while demonstrating the importance of youth involvement in building a more sustainable society.Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, DE– Open to the press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Thursday, October 9 at 7:15 p.m. – The Senator will attend the anniversary celebration of the Brandywine Chapter of the Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is the World’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving North America’s waterfowl habitats. Vicmead Hunt Club, Owls Nest Road, Greenville, DE – Closed to press.
Saturday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Fatherhood & Family Coalition’s 5th Annual Delaware Devoted Dads Summit. Father involvement plays a major role in a child’s life due to its never-ending benefits. The DFFC is committed to giving fathers a voice to build positive relationships within their communities to enhance the well-being of their children. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Saturday, October 11 at 11:15 a.m.– The Senator will attend the 23rd Annual Apple Scrapple Festival. The Apple Scrapple Festival has become a major fundraising event while spreading awareness of agricultural professions across lower Delaware. The festivities include a carnival, food court, and street dance. Bridgeville, DE – Open to Press.Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.
Sunday, October 12 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 11th Annual Vendemmia da Vinci Wine Festival. The Societa Da Vinci is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness of the Italian Heritage. Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington, DE – Open to Press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-685-2795.
Sunday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the DAABA Diwali Party. The Delaware Asian American Business Association supports the state’s retail community by supporting and proposing policy changes to support retailers. Nur Shrine, South Du Pont Highway, New Castle, DE – Open to Press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham 302-685-2795.
I also took time to remember a friend of mine who recently passed away - Pfc. Harry Shevchuck. Harry served in the Army's 29th Division in WWII and was a Prisoner of War. I admired Harry and enjoyed all of my conversations with him, most recently at the annual Delaware Memorial Day event.