You may recall April’s 50th anniversary issue in which we asked authorities statewide to comment on the most influential Delawareans of the past 50 years. Laird W. Stabler III and Priscilla Rakestraw wrote eloquently about Celia Cohen, the creator and author of the acclaimed “Delaware Grapevine” column. They stated that since 1974, Celia “has developed an enviable reputation for accuracy, fairness and an understanding of the particular ways in which Delaware politics works.”
Journalists, political pundits and community leaders in Delaware (and certainly beyond) hail Cohen as an influential voice—a strong voice nurtured by sound reporting and genuine respect for the state of Delaware. Celia doesn’t run from controversy, though some politicians run from her. Agree with her commentaries or not, most would admit that Celia’s work is born of extensive research and formidable knowledge. She has earned our respect.
Now for the great news: Delaware Today has partnered with Celia, and will offer the “Delaware Grapevine” column monthly. It premieres on page 24.
We don’t expect all of you to agree with Celia’s thoughts, but we do hope you’ll appreciate them. We’re certain that “Delaware Grapevine” will enhance our editorial content and provide for you a political voice that’s been missing from our pages.
We also offer an excerpt from the book “The Milford Eleven,” by Orlando J. Camp and Ed Kee. The excerpt (taken verbatim) introduces a true story about racism, and how it changed the lives of 11 African-American students in 1950s Milford. We thank the authors for allowing us to print this important work—and we encourage you to read the rest of it.
This popular “Best of Delaware” issue celebrates all that’s great about our state. The 300-plus winners you’ll see listed reveal the winning votes from readers and editors. We’re headed to Dover for the Best of Delaware Party this year, and hope you’ll join us at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino on Thursday, July 26. We editorial types love to congratulate our champions in person, and few would argue that this party is the hottest shindig in Delaware. Proceeds benefit charities that serve our children and families. For more information, please visit bestofde.com.
We salute those incredibly dedicated winners who help make Delaware a wonderful place to live. You’re the best.
Enjoy the issue.
Team Notes
Mark It was a surprise and a pleasure to meet Richie Jones, new executive director of The Nature Conservancy for Delaware, while counting horseshoe crabs at Big Stone Beach on a blustery night in May. TNC is doing much to protect marine fisheries and our major estuaries, which is more important than many people realize. Thanks, TNC.
Jared I enjoy shooting the Best Of issue every year. I get to visit a bunch of Delaware’s great establishments. I especially like stopping by all the restaurants. If you’re a foodie, Delaware won’t disappoint!
Katie The Best of Delaware kick-off party at i.g. Burton in Milford was a mini-version of what to expect in Dover this month: fabulous food, drinks, music and people. Just ask the “fireflies”—Dover is the place to be this July.
Drew My family recently did a whirlwind tour of the state to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. We stopped at Willey Farms in Townsend to buy gifts for grandparents, lunched at the new go brit! in Lewes, then hit Cake Bar for—what else? After photos at Cape Henlopen point, we were off to Rehoboth to walk the boards, play games at Funland and buy candy at Snyder’s. Oh yeah, we brought half-baked Nic-o-bolis home to Newark for dinner that night. Phew.
Kelly My husband and I attended the Greyhound Association’s annual picnic. It is amazing how many ex-racers (and hounds that didn’t make it to the track) have found second lives in our great state. This is such a special group of people and dogs. You can meet them and others at their annual gathering for greyhounds, owners and enthusiasts in Dewey Beach, Oct. 7-10.
Louise My fiancé and I recently made our way to Fifer Orchards for the first time to experience the Strawberry Festival. What a blast! Not only was there a great sampling of local faves but there was a petting zoo, live bands and pick-your-own-strawberries. We made sure to bring home some goodies: a bucket of strawberries, peach cider and a mango-strawberry pie from Fifer’s, but we also couldn’t pass up root beer from Old Dominion Brewing Co. and honey from the Gage Family Beekeepers in Middletown! It was a successful event.
