The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons November 24-26

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 32^nd 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.

The Senator's Week Ahead Schedule for October 8 - October 12

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 Delaware ISE 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 8^th 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 5^th 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 23^rd 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 11^th 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Senator Coons talks financial responsibility with Shortlidge Elementary School students

Photo credit: Evan Krape, University of Delaware

Senator Coons, along with members of the Delaware Bankers Association, visited with 4th grade students from Shortlidge Elementary School as part of the 16th annual Teach Children to Save Day. Chris joined Mrs. Mahotiere’s class and read from the book The Great Investo and The Secret Saver.

The Teach Children to Save program is a state-wide outreach program sponsored by a partnership of the Center for Economic Education & Entrepreneurship and the Delaware Bankers Association. The goal of the program is to draw attention to the importance of teaching children about saving at an early age. The program is held in April as part of Financial Literacy Month. More than 285 volunteer bankers are visiting 92 schools this week to teach a lesson on saving using the Great Investo book.

This year’s Teach Children to Save Day lesson is based off Greg Koseluk’s new book The Great Investo and the Secret Saver. The book was written and illustrated by Koseluk, a member of the Delaware Bankers Association. Koseluk created the book specifically for the 2014 Teach Children to Save Day event with the assistance of a grant from Capital One.

Senator Coons' office accepting summer 2014 internship applications

Interested in working for Senator Coons in Washington or Delaware? The Office of Senator Chris Coons is seeking interns for offices in Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, and Dover, DE for the summer of 2014. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail, handling requests for flags and tours, and assisting front office as well as legislative staff. Summer internship positions are full time. Please note that all positions are unpaid, but may qualify for academic credit if eligible. 

This position requires outstanding organizational abilities, strong communication skills, attention to detail, poise, flexibility, and an ability to prioritize in an extremely fast-paced office. Motivated, hard-working, and professional applicants looking to get a taste of Capitol Hill or state congressional offices are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should e-mail Eric Wall at Eric_Wall@coons.senate.gov with the subject line reading “Intern” and include a cover letter, resume, and one brief (2-3 pages) writing sample. Applicants should also specify which offices they are interested in applying to. Applications received by May 15 will be given priority. Delaware ties a plus, but not required. Absolutely no walk-ins or phone calls.

ZOUP’s! On! Senator Coons welcomes new business to New Castle County

Senator Coons, joined by students from William Penn’s Communities in Schools program, members of the Small Business Administration, and Delaware State Chamber of Commerce congratulated new business owners Eric and Zia Ames at the grand opening of their new ZOUP! Franchise in Wilmington. Customers and friends filled the seats and lined the walls of the new soup and sandwich store to celebrate the new business, which was launched with the investment of the Small Business Adiministration and Applied Bank .

“Small business is the lifeblood of the community, not just here in Delaware, but across America,” said Chris. “Our small businesses do more than sell us goods and services — they support and strengthen our communities. I congratulate Eric and Zia on their passion, pride and boldness, to take that leap to start this venture.”

Eric and Zia spoke to the more than 30 students gathered at the event about the sacrifices, as well as the rewards that come with being an entrepreneur in the community.

Two out of three new jobs created in this country are created by small businesses, and here in Delaware, there are 70,000 small businesses that create jobs and give many families a chance to attain the American dream.

“It takes a community to build a business, and thanks to the support of the SBA, Applied Bank, and a strong business community, my family's dream to own our own business has become a reality,” said owner Eric Ames. “As a first generation business owner, I am excited by what this opportunity means for my children, knowing that when they graduate from college, they can begin their career or pursue a passion as an entrepreneur because they saw their dad do it.”

Zoup is located 4715 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808

Investing in American workers

The smartest investment Congress can make is in American workers — whether they currently have a job or not.

Although we’ve come a long way since the depths of the Great Recession, there’s still more we can and must do to help our small businesses grow and create jobs. Americans continue to face a tough job market and too many of our neighbors have been out of work for a long time.

At a minimum, we must do more to help unemployed Americans stay afloat as they look for work. That’s why this week, like I did several times last month, I voted to extend emergency unemployment insurance benefits for the 1.7 million Americans and 4,300 Delawareans who have been jobless for more than 26 weeks – and whose benefits expired at the end of December. They’re folks who were laid off through no fault of their own because of the Great Recession. They’ve worked for much of their lives and paid into the system, and they deserve our support as they work to get back on their feet.

We need to stand with our job-seeking neighbors, and yesterday I spoke on the Senate floor on their behalf. Click here to take a look and to share your own opinion on helping out-of-work Delawareans.

As I argued on the floor, unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline to Americans looking for work – keeping families from falling into poverty and providing needed support to our economy at the same time.

Renewing emergency unemployment insurance, though, should only be the start of our work. If we want to grow our economy and our middle class, Washington needs to renew its focus on helping our manufacturers grow and create jobs.

We need to make sure that at every level, we’re training Americans for the needs of the modern economy. Investing in American workers is how we’ll be able to rebuild our middle class and ensure that our nation can compete over the long-term. By modernizing our education system and building partnerships between our schools and our businesses, we can ensure that our workers have the skills employers need today and tomorrow.

The best way to help our job-seeking neighbors is to grow our economy and create jobs. Click here to learn more about how I propose to do that and let me know what you think.

I’m doing everything I can to help businesses create jobs in Delaware, but I can’t do it without you. We’re at our best when we remember that we’re all in this together – when we help lift each other up when one of us has fallen. Thank you for joining me in this critical fight.

3rd Annual 'Taste of Delaware' showcases First State’s culinary chops

More than 500 guests packed the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building Monday for a chance to sample food and drinks from some of Delaware’s best eateries at the 3rd Annual Taste of Delaware celebration. Hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Senator Coons, the tradition brings together the some of the first names in dining from around the First State. Taste of Delaware is traditionally held on December 7 in honor of Delaware Day, which fell on a Saturday this year. 

Addressing the crowd, Chris thanked participants 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 offerings. “We may be a small state, but we have a big appetite, and our restaurants and breweries rank with the best of them,” Chris said. “We hope your taste today will inspire you to come visit or to come home.”

Vendors from more than 20 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and wineries from all corners of the state braved the snowy commute to share their goods with D.C. guests, many of whom were Delaware transplants hungry for a taste of home.

Around the room, 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, all sampling their fare in the name of promotion and fun.

Chef Dan Butler, owner of Deep Blue, Piccolina Toscana, and Brandywine Prime missed last year's event because of restaurant renovations and was happy to return. "This event is a blast," said Butler. "You look around the room here and realize that there are a lot of great restaurants here in Delaware, and I'm proud to be a part of it."  

Contributing to the success of the event were more than 30 students and teachers from Delcastle Technical High School's culinary arts program, led by Chef James Berman. Students fanned out across the room to assist vendors with their preparations, gaining valuable experience and developing connections with local restaurant owners and operators.

The event also drew its fair share of legislators, including the full complement of the Delaware delegation, as well as Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and John McCain of Arizona, who both enjoyed Johnnies Dog House hot dogs. Governor Markell was also on hand to thank participants.

Taste of Delaware has come a long way from humble beginnings. 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.

Video: Senator Coons warns of shutdown's impacts on Judicial Branch

Senator Coons, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Bankruptcy and the Courts, spoke on the Senate floor Thursday about the government shutdown's impact on the Judicial Branch of the United States, which will run out of reserve funds next Tuesday. As Subcommittee chair, Senator Coons is responsible for oversight of the nation's federal court system and has been reaching out to federal judges and clerks over the last week to find out how they are planning to move forward after funds are depleted Tuesday. On Thursday, the head of the Third Circuit, which includes Delaware, announced that almost all personnel would be deemed "essential" — a decision Senator Coons endorsed in his speech.

Recognizing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

In July, Senator Coons supported a resolution passed by the Senate to proclaim September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The President and the Senate began issuing this designation in 2001. With nearly 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer expected this year and more than 2.5 million American men living with the disease, there has never been a more important time to increase our understanding of this terrible illness. The Senate resolution declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase research funding; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.

One in six men is diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his life, and prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. The chances of prostate cancer increase to one in three if a man has one close relative who has had the disease and to 97 percent with three close relatives.

In Delaware, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among males, and from 2003 to 2007 there were 3,813 new cases reported.  Delaware’s prostate cancer incidence rate of 180.2 per 100,000 men is also significantly higher than the average U.S. rate. African American men are at an increased risk for the disease, with one in four men diagnosed each year, and African American men in Delaware are two times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.  

Fortunately, early detection and advancements in treatment have resulted in high survival rates.  Indeed, with early testing, nearly 100 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer were still alive five years later. The proportion of prostate cancer cases in Delaware that are detected in the local stage has increased dramatically over the past 30 years.

This month, Chris’ health policy staff met with a representative from the Delaware Prostate Cancer Coalition who underscored the importance of continued research funding and early detection methods. While prostate cancer has seen remarkable advances, adequate research and early testing remain important tools for combatting the disease. Chris has been a longtime supporter of funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) and will continue fighting to ensure that the NIH and research centers like the National Cancer Institute have adequate funding to prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer.

Delaware students headed to International Science Fair

Senator Coons congratulated four Delaware students who earned medals at the 65th Delaware Valley Science Fair and are now headed to the International Science Fair. Two of the students are from Sussex County and two are from New Castle County.

Chris is a passionate supporter of science education, and loves attending Delaware science fairs to talk with students about their projects. He believes that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are critical subjects for the next generation of American innovators. One of the first bills Chris cosponsored as a U.S. senator was the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, which extended investments in cutting-edge research and STEM education. This legislation was signed into law in January 2011.

The Delaware students participating in the International Science Fair are:

• Bansri Patel, Sussex Technical High School
• Mikayla Ockels, Sussex Central High School
• Martin Kurian, The Charter School of Wilmington
• Edward Bao, The Charter School of Wilmington

For a complete list of winners, click here.

Senator Coons also congratulated four middle school students from Kent County who earned honorable mentions at the Delaware Valley Science Fair. They are: 

• Jordan Tribbett, Milford Middle School
• Carson Rios, Milford Middle School
• Joseph Dean, Milford Middle School
• Ashish D'Souza, William Henry Middle School