St. Joseph's Industrial School for Colored Boys

It is my experience, if you want to know about the history of something, it will be revealed.When Matthew was just a small tot, Jim and I would take him for walks on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church. It is located just outside of the residential town border of Clayton, Delaware. One enters the grounds through a stone arch that reads St. Joseph's Industrial School, and a scripture "What good doth it do a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul. Matthew 16:26" The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

I had always wondered if any of the boys that went to school here lived in the area. I also thought, it was such a beautiful peaceful place. Somehow the idea of writing an article in our local newspaper entered my mind. It was an impression to gather and educate our community about the idle property and find any remaining students to recant their experience.

An old decommissioned small chapel and old bell-less tower still stands surrounded by other buildings. Also marked are the stations of the cross around the 10-acre lot. One day we were walking, and a couple approached us and told us they got married in the chapel, but needed witnesses to sign the license. As we entered the chapel, you could see three sides of building covered in 53 stained-glass windows with the names of students, staff, and faculty. Originally, the building was lit with gas-lighting by the Josephites that lived there.

Beginning in 1896, the chapel was the center of activity at the St. Joseph’s Industrial School, an institution which served African American boys, providing them vocational skills, academics, and spiritual guidance. In 1920, St. Joseph’s Church became the parish church for the Catholic population in the Smyrna-Clayton area. Both the members of the school and the residents of the parish shared the chapel until 1968 when St. Polycarp was built in Smyrna. While the church was used by several small congregations after the industrial school closed down in 1972, it and the rest of the 10 acre property sat mostly idle. It wasn’t until 1997 that a group was formed to acquire ownership of the property, preserve its historical and cultural heritage, and restore it for use by all members of the local community.

10 years later: Another prompting, and I took a look at our local newspaper, the Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times, only to find an article written about the school and on-line comments to find a remark: "I am a graduate of St. Joseph's School for Colored Boys and am certainly grateful to the school for changing my life." I was thrilled and instantly emailed the man with my thoughts and curiosities of the school. He was so happy to be connected to someone from the area. I sent him recent pictures of the grounds. He has been through a rough patch of life, but felt strongly prompted to remember the life in Clayton. We are Facebook buddies and keep in touch a few times a year. Amazing, how God creates miracles by working through those who are willing to listen to his promptings!

In Loving Memory of Casey Santana Butler

Ten days ago, I found out that my former supervisor Mick Butler, no longer a DNREC employee, lost his young daughter in a tragic death. Casey Santana Butler was born on March 11, 1992. She was an 18-year-old bassoonist at the Peabody Conservatory and collapsed during a private lesson. She was in the midst of her weekly lesson about 12:30 p.m. when she lost consciousness and was prounounced dead at the hospital on November 15.

Last night I went to Casey Butler’s memorial in Bel Air, MD. I arrived at 5:30pm at the church and found police helping with parking and traffic. There were hundreds of people in attendance. I stood outside for nearly 20 minutes in line of funeral-goers wrapped around the building. I only wished I would have been able to give her parents, Mick and Sue, a huge warm hug. I waited to tell them that their DNREC friends were sorry to hear of their loss, and that they were on our hearts and minds. However, I was about 100 feet away from Mick & Sue when attendees were asked to be seated because the services were about to begin. The family was then taken away momentarily for a few private moments.

The memorial was a celebration of her life’s music, from the sound of her birth cry to the notes of the piano and her bassoon. Each musical group, student, musician, teacher, and friend performed favorite classical pieces of theirs, hers, and ones they shared . Each select group was listed as a “Symphony.” There were five symphonies which lasted 1 ½ hrs. There were bassoon, bass, and flute duets. Violin, piano, oboe, and bassoon solos. One gentleman sang “Seasons of Love” also known as 525,600 minutes acapella with such passion. He precluded his song by stating how Casey filled her life with the love of music each moment. Poetry, good memory moments, and a piano piece composed just for her was shared by her close family and friends. The Youth Chamber Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and Bel Air High School Counterpoints Choir members spoke through their music. We all wept, laughed, smiled, and prayed together as each “Symphony” was shared. Each person that performed hugged each family member.

The most tender moment of the tribute was when her father stood at the pulpit and and shared his open letter to Casey. Her mother also shared her letter, but had Rev. Sarah deliver it. Each letter was an intimate expression of their love, respect, and adoration. What a gift to hear the history of her beautiful life with humor, tenderness, and honesty. Casey was not only loved, but an model to those around her. She lived each day to the fullest filled with passion for music, compassion for others, having faith that all things are possible with hard work . One teacher quoted Casey expressing that “Life is Music!”

The presiding clergy, a married couple, testified that she truly understood what life was all about in just her short 18 years of life on earth. They also mentioned how blessed they were to live across the street from the Butlers. Another miracle of friendship, that at this particular time they would serve their daughter. Both serve as chaplains in the armed services. They watched the Butler children grow into amazing young people. A beautiful spiritual song sung by the high school choir, that Casey usually accompanied on piano, ended the performances. Mick stood up and applauded. We all joined him, as the room was filled with gratitude and thanks for those that shared their music. In closing, a quote from Dale Carnegie “For better or worse you must play your own little instrument in the orchestra of life” helped us to reflect on how we can make our lives rich and extraordinary like Casey. It was a wish that her contribution and example with lift a future musician, to pass her message of peace and love onward to others – that they too will find how to fill their lives with passion.

As I left the pew and started out, I was gratified to see the Butlers surrounded by compassion, concern, love, and respect. They were deeply moved and touched by the response of the community and long-term friendships. As I passed the last pew, there stood an former DNREC co-worker and friend Enemute Oduaran from Nigeria. We hugged and shared smiles promising to keep in touch by email.

We are ever connected by the time spent together in past, present, and future. That can not be changed! I’m very grateful for my job and for the friendships I hold dear.

At Peabody Conservatory, Life is Music - Casey Butler leaves an inspiring legacy

More Information about Casey:
Casey Santana Butler, age 18, of Abingdon, MD, died on November 15, 2010. Born in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of Michael Paul and Susan Moreland Butler of Abingdon, MD. A resident of Harford County for 11 years, she graduated from Bel Air High School in 2010 where she was a member of the Honor Society for four years, as well as, the Spanish Honor Society. She was a member of the Bel Air High School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus; the All County Band and Orchestra for four years; and she had earned a place on the All State Band where she played 1st chair bassoon. She was also field commander for the Bel Air Marching Band. For five years she was a member of the Harford Youth Orchestra, which was conducted by Brian Folus; three years with the Maryland Youth Chamber Orchestra, which was conducted by Vladimir Lande; and for two years, she has been a member of the Peabody Youth Orchestra, which is conducted by Dr. Harlan Parker. She was currently studying at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. A 2009 Benjamin Carson Scholar Award Winner and 2010 Recognition Scholar, she also participated for eight years with the Destination Imagination which is a Creative Problem Solving Group.

Smyrna High Homecoming 2010

This year is an important year for me. I'm 45 and when the fall temps started to tease us here in Delaware Mid-Sept., I was completely ready for fall. In fact, I think I started changing colors myself. I'm more positive and ready for adventure, almost as if I'm ready to peak? Probably a little too early, but I feel my love for life getting better each and every day.

When school began I was already for homecoming because, I wanted to twirl my flag. All the other years, I felt as if I wanted to hide behind it. However, I couldn't wait. My good friend Jamie, the high school theatre/drama teacher, SOH thespian, and newlywed which moved to PA this summer. She will no longer be at Smyrna High, but has finally graduated from divorce' and single mother to wife/step parent/spouse. She is a new stepmother to two terrific twin teenage boys, and an exchange student from China. I couldn't imagine starting off the year with these kids without Jamie. I asked her to come down and twirl with me. After all, she was the former SHS Regiment of Red's bandfront leader and choreographer as well.

We practiced our school's Alma Mater-theme song. Even though we were warned that the song is no longer played with a slow tempo, we did our best. I was amazed that the "silks" no longer include some of the moves because they are too elementary and boring. It wasn't as easy to manipulate the flag around my body. However, we asked four other bandfront alumni at the game to join us. We were positioned between all of the present marchers. We marched onto the field and hit our field lines and were positioned as an arch at the top of the band. As the music began, I starting counting 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.

Wow, after my sixth spin, I realized that they doubled the time on the song.....and I had missed my stop. So I stopped my pole and went the other direction for another sixth spin. I completely missed my stop but not on purpose. I was trying to keep up as the music was faster and faster. Next my broom sweeps from above my head to below...forget it. Two more beats and the music stopped, and so did my flagpole. I was out of breath, and complete red from trying to keep up.

As soon as we faced right to march off the field, I started giggling and couldn't stop. Who cares, I thought! That was amazing....so much fun. Jamie and I gathered the other flags from the others and put them in the shed. We continued our grownup discussion on her return plans, and said goodbye. However, the next day, I was surprised to get the fun photos.

I felt like a Senior ~ all over again!

The fun part about homecoming for me isn't that I see several folks from my class. No, actually, it is watching the present classmates in their new position from Freshmen up to the Seniors. Every year, I'm introduced to the new Freshmen in the band. I sneak into their marching band practices. Go to their chorus, and jazz band concerts. I get to see a preview of the kids that will be in the Spring musical. I see them when I'm shopping or at a school function. Either way, I love to watch them grow and become adults. My first student came to the football game with her 6 mo. old baby girl. I'd seen her on facebook, but it was nice to tell her how proud I am to know her.

It certainly is a blessing to live in a small hometown community where everybody knows your name.

A Traditional Wedding in Quanitco, Maryland

On Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) several coworkers, Matt, and I joined Amy Nicole DiPilla and Nathan Glenn Davidson in the celebration of the their love at one o'clock at the Old Green Hill Church in Quantico, MD. Nate, presently a history teacher in Saulisbury, worked with the AmeriCorp as a Programs Coordinator at Ft. Dupont, was Caesar Rodney in the Legislation re-enactment, and our evening graveyard lantern tour guide through several old historic places in Dover, just to name a few.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (aka Green Hill Church) was one of the original 30 Anglican parishes built for the province of Maryland. The original log built church was constructed in 1694, but replaced with the current brick building in 1733. It is located right on the banks of the Quanitco River. There is an old cemetery located right next the the church with old epitaphs. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot. We tested our bubbles there to make sure they worked.

The interior has a high pitched roof with exposed wooden beams across. The 18th century woodwork still remains. It's raised panel pew partitions are arranged on each side of wide aisles that align with the two front doors. Each partition, like a box, but only three pews in the shape of a U, still have the butterfly hinges on the doors. Imagine yourself walk down an aisle, then turning left or right to find yourself facing a box like enclosure. You open the hinged doors, and turn to face the pulpit, and then have a . The carved pulpit is connected on an angle and complete with a wooden canopy. The grounds are maintained, and although there is no service, it is opened every year in August for the Annual St. Bartholomew's day celebration and church service.

The wedding ceremony was researched and chosen with Bible and verse of the appropriate 18th century time period. One of the readings was "Husbands love your wife, as Jesus loved the church. Give yourself up to your wife. Treat her as if you would treat your own sacred body." We all made our way out of the church into a single line to blow bubbles to their white limousine. It was a beautiful 79F degrees with a nice breeze. We all gathered around the couple for a nice group friends/family picture.

Afterwards, we headed to the Green Hill Yacht & Country Club. It has a spectacular view of the wildlife and setting suns. The clubhouse building was surrounded by lots of decking with breath taking views of the river, a beautiful recreational pool, and docking for boats to disembark for a delicious meal. We were treated to hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dancing. The groom sang a special touching song, special to each other, for his wife.

I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my lovely coworkers, which are like family. Matthew enjoy the conversation and laughter as well. He loved dancing with all the single professionals in their 20s and being in the lineup of men catching the garter. After the pictures were taken, and most of the guests departed we made our way out to the parking lot giving each other hugs. We gave the newlyweds a bon voyage knowing they were packed and ready for their Bermuda honeymoon.

Just as the sun was setting, and the air started cooling we saw an ultralight plane with floats taking off from the river.

An Evening of Talent with Our Primary Kids

Thursday the 7th at 7pm, my church ward had a Talent Show activity for our *Primary children under the age of 12. There must have been at least 100 people in the audience. My cub scouts (8 & 9 year olds) did a few skits (one liner jokes) for the audience. Every child performed at least once or twice, depending on their individual or group talents. We had piano and trombone recitals, comedians, artists doing live quick paintings, new popular line dances, gymnastics, a hoola-hoop combination dance, cheerleading, and singing: All six verses of Puff the Magic Dragon, twinkle twinkle, and even the Primary leaders sang a song together.

However, one 9 year old girl named Brierly decided to dance to a sweet little country song (see below). She went to the raised platform stage, poised herself at the microphone and announced that she would be dancing all the parts of the song and dedicating it to her Daddy, whom she loved very much. She danced without rehearsed choreography, full of expression and flowing moves. She started out with her back to the audience because she had a bit of stage fright. Only when she twirled or slowly made a small circle or moves on the floor could you see her face. Her lips moved as she sang the slow ballad softly to herself. I was brought to tears as I watched her dance with abandon. She seemed to slide across the stage as if she was ice dancing as she bent backwards, forwards, and around. It was simply beautiful and heartwarming. It occurred to me that it was a teachable moment, that I was admiring. How wonderful it is to see children inspired by the spirit of God. When I sing or play piano for a spell, I feel liberated and most connected to God. Every day for me is a great day to be alive and to focus on God's blessings in my life! During this talent show evening I had the opportunity to listen to the music of their spirits in dance, music, laughter, smiles, and the happy clapping of the crowd!

Stealing Cinderella by *Chuck Wicks. (Click on the link for more information)

*Primary is the name we call our Sunday School for kids ages 4-12 years old. After leading the music for communion/sacrament service, I play the piano for sharing time for two hours in Primary. The Primary kids are split one hour for singing/sharing time, and the other for Sunday School. Everyone leaves at 1pm. Three hours may seem long. Sometimes it feels that way, when it has already been an exhausting week. However, for me, my church is a where I am spiritually fed and fellowship with people that have become my extended spiritual family. Sunday is my favorite day because it is very enjoyable as we all worship and learn about the scriptures, sing, share our testimonies and talents with one another. When I arrive home and have my mid-day meal, I take a nice two hour nap. I get up and usually share a meal with Matthew and Jim at our favorite Italian restaurant. It is a great way to start the week.

Nunsense 3-day run closes with 440 tickets sold!

Nunsense was a success. I truly enjoyed the directing opportunity. I learned many things.

1. You can never plan too early. When you do, you can't plan on anything but yourself.
2. You can't count on a promise from anyone about committing to a show.

3. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. You can't have enough help.

4. Know what you want, but be prepared to work with others creativity.

5. Schedule practices, so that the majority can make it.

6. Don't expect during tech week that everyone will be in attendance.

7. Almost two thirds of your time will be coaching right along the stage or actor.

8. Enjoy what your doing, don't take yourself too serious.

9. Word of mouth works better in a small town, than paid advertisement.

I was ever so humbled when most of my friends, co-workers, church members, and community contacts came out to support me and my first official Directorial debut. It was great seeing so many smiling faces in the audience each and every night. Also, having the support of the Smyrna Opera House's new Executive Director, David Keller helped me to attack the show with confidence.

12 More Practices and then it's SHOWTIME!

More Pictures to follow........as we move forward towards Opening Night!

A Sad Time for our DNREC Zoo Keepers

A sad time for my co-workers at the Brandywine Zoo. Their 20-year-old Siberian Tiger, Ashley, had fallen ill and died last Saturday evening. She arrived in Delaware in 1995. She was 5 years old when she came from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.

The zoo "definitely" will get another tiger, though when hasn't been decided. The zoo tiger population in the United States is managed through the nonprofit Association of Zoos and
Aquariums. Brandywine Zoo is accredited by the AZA.

There are only about 130 Siberian tigers, also called Amur tigers, in zoos around the country, Through the AZA program, tigers are free to zoos, though they must pay transportation costs.

The zoo will wait at least a few months before getting a new tiger. The zoo wants to make some improvements to the tiger enclosure. They also want to wait for cooler weather to avoid transporting a tiger in the summer heat.

Initially when Ashley arrived, she was housed with Kublai Khan, an older tiger. After Kublai Khan died, Ashley was paired with another Siberian tiger named Sergei. That relationship never worked out. Sergei had been raised by hand at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in
Colorado Springs, Colo., so he preferred humans over other tigers. Ashley and Sergei growled at each other and occasionally fought, so the zoo kept them in separate enclosures.

Tigers in the wild have a life span of 10 to 15 years. In captivity, longevity may reach as high as 20 years. According to the Zoo's Director, Nancy Falasco, Ashley's long life of 20 years is a tribute to the good care she received at both the Brandywine Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo, where she was born July 21, 1990.

The Brandywine Zoo is located in beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The Zoo grounds cover 13 landscaped acres on high ground above the Brandywine River. The Zoo hosts 150 animals, from tigers to snakes, and is open all year round.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society.

Vermont Bigelow & Utah's Brigham Young line

This month, our Church Organization celebrates Pioneer Day. Tomorrow, I will play pioneer songs that were sung as the Latter Day Saints walked with their only belongings in their handcarts. We will all dress in Pioneer clothing and pull our own handcart across the property. We will educate the children by talking about our ancestors which also were apart of the journey to Utah. I have distant relatives that were original Pioneers that walked from Illinois to Utah to escape persecution. Many lives were lost, but to them it was walking through the dessert just as the Jews did along with Moses to find a place to worship and be safe.

.....This is not my direct line, but my 2nd Bigelow cousin 5 generations ago. Muriel Bigelow's Mother was Madeline Young. Her father was born in Gorham, Maine and her mother was from East Livermore, ME. The Bigelow's came from England, but settled in Massachusetts.

It all began with Nahum Bigelow, born in Brandon, VT on February 19, 1785. As a common New Englander, his family were farmers and stock raisers. With true Yankee restlessness, he decided to try something with greater promise and speedy wealth. With a peddler's pack, he travelled from place to place until he came to Lawrenceville, Illinois. Nahum was middle-age at 36 when he met, Mary Gibbs who was just 12 years old. They married on December 2, 1826.

Their first child, Mary Jane (October 15, 1827), the second was a son named Hirum (May 20, 1829). Then came Lucy (October 3, 1830) the best looking of the family. Then Asa Elijah (Feb, 2, 1832) and in a short time Lovina (March 24, 1834).

When Lovina was a baby, rumours of a new religion of Joseph Smith and followers came to the farmhouse in Lawrenceville. The mysterious golden Bible and revelations from God were often spoken about by friends and neighbors.

Another son, Liola (October 4, 1835) was born. Shortly afterward two elders from the church came with the Book of Mormon preaching the new gospel to the Bigelow family. On Jan. 19, 1838, Sariah was named by her mother, Mary Gibbs, after the mother of the Lamanite and Nephite nation. Mary receive the gospel in her heart long before her and her family's baptism.

After many years of thoughtful prayer and bible study did Nahum, wife, and older children get baptized on April 29, 1839. After this another son, whom they named Moroni (September 1, 1840). They next moved to Mercer County, Illinois where Daniel was born on March 18, 1842. The family moved Lawrence to Coles County 10 years previously. They lived in North Illinois for another 4 years which was still quite a distance from the body of the Church in Navoo. Nahum decided to move once more and in the year 1843 bout 160 acres of prairie land. He was was only 18 miles from Navoo in Hancock County.

At this time there was religious persecution from those that hated and took abuse to Church members. Encouraged by the Governor (Ford) mobs would gather and set fire to hay stacks and barns of unsuspecting Mormons. Hiding behind the trees, as the husband would rush out to save his property, the men would shoot the Mormon leaving him to die in the arms of his wife and children. All this while Nahum would quietly go about his work, another child was born named after the Prophet, Joseph Smith (July 4, 1844). The Church's leader died June 1844.

In early fall of 1845, the members of the church were advised to move into the city of Navoo for protection. The Governor and new President Brigham Young made an agreement that he would gather the saints and move them beyond the borders of Illinois if they would go unmolested. Thousands of people moved far west. However, there were still people with homes outside the city, that were given permission to return and gather their crops if they felt brave enough to do so. The Governor promised protection, but suggested that when the state militia was not present, President Young should have a militia organized to help themselves. It was so done.

Nahum, quietly returned with his family to his farm, not ever having fear of man, was protected by the Mormon militia. It was not long that the plague had settled some of the children and at length attacked the father as well. The faithful mother went from bed to bed attending the wants of her sick children.

Surviving threatening mobs, standing trial at Carthage, near death pranks of poison to his family, he himself finally died after 5 years of living and suffering with pain. It was due to a neighbor poisoning him with arsenic-tainted coffee. He died in 1851. Loving hands and aching hearts did the rest—all that was left to do. As he waited to see the Prophet one more time just before his passing, his spirit left his body just as Brigham's carriage arrived at his home. And thus in the cemetery at Salt Lake City lies one of the sturdy Bigelow family who died for his family, his religion and his God! Mary Gibbs Bigelow died 19 April 1888.

Brigham Young married Mary Jane, his first daughter, in 1847 with little courting at the unknown country called "the West" Winter Quarters. It is where the Saints crossed snowy mountains and icy rivers in February to nest during the Winter before making the last part of the trip to Salt Lake. She stayed, and married to Brigham in Salt Lake City and bore three daughters.

Eudora Lovina "Dora" Young born on May 12, 1852. She died on November 21, 1922. She had two marriages and lived in Spokane, Washington.

Susa Amelia Young was born on March 18, 1856. She died on May 27, 1933. She was also twice married and remained in Provo, Utah.

Rhoda Mabel was born Februray 22, 1863 and died on September 20, 1950.

Lucy moved into the Lion House in 1855, until it was finished and remained there until President Young moved her and her family to St. George in November 1870, where she remained until 1892. Lucy did considerable missionary work in the Sandwich Islands and other places. She died in 1905.

As for the future of Nahum and Mary's other children:

Nahum, the first son, married Mary Mecham in Provo. He was asked to move to Dixie and grew a huge family in Arizona.

In the next Summer or Spring of 1948, President Young came back for more Saints, he asked to take Lucy (2nd daughter) with him. Lucy, however, divorced him and remarried four other times. She had one daughter at age 40 and died 6 months later.

Asa, with his family, is living in Provo. He is the same brave, fearless soul, and like all those with Bigelow blood in their veins, is conscientious and cautious to a marked degree. A loving father and kind husband, he is known as a good neighbor and honest friend. His numerous children have grown up under his wise watch and care.

Lovina married John Witt and settled in Heber City, Utah. Her large family are mostly married and settled down.

Liola, who was singularly intelligent and a spiritual child, died in his youth in Illinois on August 15, 1845. He had the black canker, which took his under jaw bone cut and five teeth. When Mary Gibbs (the mother) went to visit the same summer to see her parents, Liola died while she was gone. He was so bad that the neighbors came in and sat up with him. They were also there after he died. He had spasms. The family had blessings by President Young.

Sariah married a Mr. Daniel Cook and had several children. They had several misfortunes. Finally losing her reason, she died in this condition in Fairfield, Utah, in 1877.

Moroni—a loving, jovial, bright soul—was married to Elvira Mecham and had four children, one dying in its infancy. He was called on a mission to the Eastern States in 1868. On his return home he was murdered while crossing the Missouri River. He was thrown overboard by some dangerous desperadoes, presumably for the money which he carried.

Daniel married Miss Permelia Mecham. Together they have reared a fine little family. His family is a large one, but his affection and watch care reach out over every part and individual thereof. Whoever knows, honors and respects Daniel Bigelow.

Joseph Smith was the last child and lived only a few short months, dying during the violent persecutions which raged in Illinois.

America's Roadside in Smyrna, Delaware.

On the roadsides of America, you will find many attractions, signs, and statues. It's the ones that are of past years that always seem to stick out. However, as our little towns of Smyrna and Clayton grow, it gets new owners, new buildings, and new businesses. The old gets moved, cleaned up or transformed. Recently, in Smyrna we had two landmarks recently move. Smyrna residents, would mention these "marks" when giving directions to visitors.

1. The Smyrna Diner offers all the dinner classics, from the all-day breakfasts to liver and onions to belly warming chicken and slippery dumplings. It recently moved up the road to a larger location, but it still offers that delicious diner food.

The original diner was a 1965 Paramount trailer, which replaced a 1954 smaller diner. Later the diner's future exterior was covered with wood. Located in Cleveland, OH, A collector of vintage diners purchased it to restore, then to resell.

So many people here have great memories of being in this place. My memory was from the blizzard of 1978. We were visiting Dad for the weekend and he was delivering us back from his apartment in Newark. By the time we got to Smyrna, the roads were impassible. We had to stay in the diner for a few hours before the snowtrucks came. We stayed in the Sheraton in Dover overnight. They didn't plow the backroads of Smyrna (only 5 miles away) until the next day.

The new location is right off our highway bypass route to heading to the beaches.

2. Once a small travel agency named Traquility Travel, now an Antiques store, had a very strange looking statue just outside its doors. The 3000 pound 11 ft. fiberglass horned statue with red eyes, seemed to the same size as the 12 foot tall small brick 2 room building. Only Smyrna townspeople knew what is was from where it came.

It came from Hollywood's set of the 1955 movie The Prodigal starring Lana Turner. It's supposed to be a Babylonian
Fertility God Demon. After year of environmental wear and tear, the snake head has fallen off.

However, it was sold for $4000 to a town in Lumberton, New Jersey. It seems that the new neighborhood doesn't care for it as much as Smyrna, DE.

According to the which newspaper you read it is either a god of fertility, rain, or a giant demon. Either way, it is definitely Pagan and people are up in arms about it. They have referred to it as "despicable" "demonic" and "an eyesore". Even though its head can only be seen over the fence, which extends out near the side of the property, it is not wanted. One neighbor even complained that it scared the horses that are stabled next door. In fact, the township has ordered the new owner to remove it and place it in his backyard where its head can not be seen by passersby. However, the owner wanted to use it as a tourism attraction. Curiously, the local paper mentions that is wonders why the item was located next to a travel agency in the first place, or why the new owner spent $6000 to move it a neighborhood where he knew it would piss off his neighbors.

In Smyrna, the statue was a landmark, with a lovely plastic palm tree right beside it, located across the road from the only Delaware Rest Area built in 1937. There was only a picnic table and a place to park.

I mean, who wouldn't want to travel to some remote island and find that in the jungle, right?

Nunsense is Habit Forming.....

NUNSENSE
at the Smyrna Opera House

Friday & Saturday, September 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 12 at 2:30 p.m.

Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade production of “Grease.” Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. Featuring star turns,tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon.

CAST

Reverend Mother Regina: Barbara Bigelow
Sister Mary Hubert: Amanda Tusio

Sister Robert Anne: Amy Biang

Sister Mary Leo: Victoria "Nicki" Hodgson

Sister Mary Amnesia: Kathleen Baber

Director(s): Barbara Bigelow & Marissa Parker
Choreographer: Missy Anspach
Lights/Sound: Jim Cantillon, Tish & Rick Schuman
Stage Manager: Rocco Mastroserio

Wild Turkey in Delaware?

No matter what your paid position is at Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources, you never know what you are going to hear or see! This morning I had to go to our Enforcement Protection Office for Air & Waste Management to update software on a few of the Emergency Responders laptops. I drove up, parked the car, and found these two guys hanging out in the parking lot. They were curious about me, but stayed their distance, as I them. However, when one of the Enforcement Officers came out to see if I was safe, they went absolutely crazy and tried to attack him. I think they have a sixth sense of the fact that he goes turkey hunting in his spare time (go figure).

I've never seen a live turkey other than on a farm, or in a zoo. You know, the basic caged bird view. Talk about about a Wild view.....when I got back to my office, I checked my email as usual. (Read below the photos)

Subject: Survey for Wild Turkey in Delaware

Hello DNREC,
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is launching a new, volunteer-based survey to track the distribution and reproductive success of wild turkeys in Delaware. If you see turkeys on your daily commute, while you are out in field, or on that weekend birding trip – we would love to know about it! The survey starts today and goes through the end of August. We asking volunteers to record the location and number of gobblers, hens, and poults (young-of-the-year) they see during the course of their day. The attached file contains an observation data sheet, map, and brief instructions.

Of course, I was reminded of the sign I saw in the Aquarium

on Monday........and watched my footing!

My 4th of July Weekend 2010

Hope everyone had a wonderful 3-day weekend, like me! While Matt as with his Dad this weekend, I invited my friend & coworker Grace to spend the weekend with me. On July 2nd, on Friday evening, she followed me home after work. We had quick dinner, and then attended the performance of the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corp. at the Smyrna Opera House. The 4th of July Smyrna/Clayton committee sponsored them to come and march in our parade this year.

The Corps is a youth military style band, based in the London Borough of Havering. As one of the oldest independent youth marching bands in the country, it has a proud history, with performances throughout the U.K., France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Gibraltar and the U.S. It has also had the honor of performing in the presence of every member of the Royal Family including a performance at Buckingham Palace. This concert will feature a mixture of marches, film music, original compositions and popular music.

The next day we had breakfast at the Smyrna Diner. The first small diner was originally placed in 1954, but then replaced by a 1965 style silver Paramount. However, it was sold to a diner collector in Cleveland, Ohio. The new diner restaurant now resides about a mile south of its original location. My next blog posting will be about the changing scenery and history of Clayton, Smyrna. I have fallen in love with my own community. It is such an iconic "little home town" that is proud of its traditions.

After breakfast we headed north to Battery Park in New Castle. It's a middle sized park that faces the Delaware Riverfront looking towards New Jersey. The Park has basketball & tennis courts, playground, and a one mile walk/bike path. It also has an old ticket booth from the Frenchtown railway. On a windy day you might even spot a New Castle sailing member paddling out to their sailboat. We had a great walk and stopped to talk with older folks sitting under trees, or the dog owners with their cute pups. After the walk, onwards to the Farmers Market for fresh Amish meats, cheeses or South American fruits right off the boat heading up to Philadelphia, or local vegetables.

Sunday, Grace accompanied me to church. When I play piano in Sunday School, she teaches the children how to sign the songs they learn. In fact, they've learned so much from her visits that they can sign most songs on their own. It is so fun to watch her get excited and see the children reflect her joy in their faces. Later that night, we watched the fireworks on TV in NY, DC, and Philadelphia.

On Monday, we celebrated our Independence Day starting with the parade! The parade began at 9:30am and it was already 89F. We hit 102F that day and decided to stay in the shade under a nice tree. Our little town has the oldest running traditional 4th of July parade in the state. We have most beautiful baby contests, pretty leg contests, dog contests, and of course, the famous lawnmower races! The festivities start with the Smyrna Harrington Realty Association putting miniature American flags up and down every main street in Smyrna. At 10:00 a.m., we have the most awesome parade. Smyrna and Clayton take turns hosting the parade since the 2 towns together are smaller than most small towns. We have police cars, fire trucks, pageant winners, girl and boy scouts and our local sports teams strutting their stuff.

After the parade, we joined another co-worker and best friend, Gerald Mood for lunch. A movie was next on the agenda, in Dover. It was nice to spend a cool afternoon together. We agreed that although we were not happy with the movie, it was a blessing to have a wonderful place to work that gave us the paid holiday to do with what we want.

NJ Camden Waterfront

On Monday, June 28th Matt and I invited Chandler McNeil to visit the Camden NJ Waterfront. Chandler's mother offered her family pass card to the Aquarium. We packed up and spent a cloudy hot 96F day inside! This particular aquarium have wind turbines installed on the roof, which are actually called "Wind Architecture." They generate clean and green electricity for the Camden Waterfront. We had fun walking around looking at the fish, hippos, sharks, jellies, touch tanks: stingrays, sand sharks, and starfish.

If you do a 360, you can see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Aquarium, City of Philadelphia across the Delaware, and the Old RCA "Nipper" Manufacturing building. Presently, the remaining part of the huge building was made into luxury condos. The backpack radios that Buzz Aldren used on the moon were made in the building.

Usually, during the hot summer days we take day trips to historical places, museums, and points of interest. Matt had not seen Chandler in nearly six months. They were very happy to "hangout" together and talk. They are growing so fast, and are the best of friends. However, it is hard to connect with each other during the school year, as well as the summer family schedules. They certainly made the best of it! This is what ALMOST 14 year olds look like!

We had fun using the camera my mother gave me for my birthday!

Joy In The Journey LDS Singles Conference

This past weekend, I attended an LDS Singles Conference in Germantown, MD at the Seneca Stake Center. It is not far from Washington, DC. One of my best friends, Dawn McNeil, who is also a single mother (of 3) came along with me. She is also a church member but recently moved to Elkton, MD. Her oldest son, Chandler, is Matthew's best friend. We haven't had the opportunity to connect since her move last summer. When I told her about the conference, we decided to go together and leave the kids at home with their dads. It was the first time we've spent more than a day together. We stayed in the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center on the 8th floor overlooking a picturesque lake . The hotel was flush along a boardwalk that lined the lake and included a pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment center. We had fun walking and taking in the scenery.

We arrived Friday evening on June 25th and connected with quite a few attendees at a nice dance complete with DJ at the church and stayed until about midnight. The next morning, after breakfast, we went back to the church to join a roundtable discussion about the Conferences theme:

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy.....Send a Gleam Across the Wave
"How Great will be your joy..."

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me..,

how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me.

The discussion was about how The Father has mercy and love for us, that he send us his light like a lighthouse to a ship. Will we be willing to go out and rescue any survivors from the ship? How great will our love and spirit be filled if are willing to help many like us?

We were then served lunch. Afterwards, we went to several breakout sessions including: Finances for Today's World, Becoming a Daily Desciple of Jesus, and Communicating Effectively with People. After the last session, we left and rested before heading out for the evening.

Saturday evening was so fun. We were sent to the Folger Pratt Barn on Sugarloaf Mountain Road, where we had a true BBQ dinner complete square dance instruction. We had to hold hands with partners and do-si-do in groups of 4 and 8. There was also country line dancing and regular dancing with the same DJ.

Sunday morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and then shared in a very emotional and spiritual testimony meeting that lasted for almost 2 1/2 hours. There were many tears, hugs, and handshakes. Attending members came from Connecticut to Georgia and as far west as Tennessee. We met wonderful singles like ourselves that were parents, non-parents, divorced, never been married, and widowers. The communication and respect given to each other was amazing. We were ages 31+ that shared life stories, trials, and experiences with complete abandon. Dawn and I left feeling full of love and acceptance. As singles in our ward family, we are not always invited to events that are for married couples. We are also small in numbers. As we joined this event we started to feel like there was a place in our organization that would support us no matter our history or circumstances. We certainly found instant family and friends.

Father's Day Weekend!

Happy Belated Father's Day!

and to those men that make

good role models in a childs life.

Father's Day weekend was fantastic! Matthew and I planned to celebrate with Jim on Saturday evening. Matthew woke up in his Dad's house and they spent the day together. It was a warm day, so they mostly stayed inside and made it a relaxing one. By 5pm, Jim drove to my place and picked me up. We drove into the Italian section of the City of Wilmington to dine at his favorite restaurant, Mrs. Robino's Family Style Italian Restaurant. He always orders the spaghetti with red clam sauce and two meatballs, and a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. Italian bread is also served with olive oil or butter on the side. I love going too. Everything is homemade and the waitresses are friendly. If you're not Italian, you will feel like it when you eat their food.


After the filling meal, we headed towards Rodney Square to the Dupont Theatre, at the Hotel du Pont to see Delaware's All-State Theatre of high school performers perform URINETOWN: The Musical! That's right! No, it's not a misprint. It's a satirical comedy musical about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics. The show also parodies Les Miserables and Annie. It had wonderful music, basic sets, and great performers. We are always surprised at how professional the show is considering the cast is comprised of high school talents. However, it was not our favorite musical. We agreed that musicals can be about anything as long as it a story with music.

The next day was even warmer. Matt and Jim took a dip in their pool for the first time this year. Later, we went out for some lite fare to cease Father's Day. Later that night, we settled in for our favorite Vampire show HBO's First Blood.

Click on the links to hear music from the Urinetown musical, characters from HBO, and the menu from Mrs. Robino's Restaurant!