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powered by:The Milford ReviewThe News Of The Week for Greater Milford, DelawareNovember 15,2011Public EducationFinancial Structure‘Crumbling’by Bryan ShupeWater TreatmentPlantReferendumThis Saturdayby Bryan ShupeMHS STUDENTS “THANK A VET”Students at Milford High School took time to ‘Thank A Vet”during their lunch period on Wednesday, November 9. In honorof the observance on Veterans Day on the following Friday studentswere greeted during lunch by retired military Edward Mocevlskiand Raymond Manuel.Story and photos on page 5.On Tuesday, November 8 the Milford School District helda community meeting in the Senior High School auditoriumto discuss the budget crisis and updates on the federal Raceto the Top program.Sharon Kanter, Superintendent of Milford School District,opened the evening by explaining that the K-12 public educationfinancial structure is not sufficient to maintain currentservices and performance levels. Over the past several yearsDelaware’s legislature has decreased funding for multiplestate-wide programs including education. Ms. Kanter providedthe audience with a list of state programs that have beencut since 2008 in education including Reading ResourceTeachers, Math Specialists, Academic Excellence AllotmentMore on page 3The City of Milford will be holding areferendum on Saturday, November 19from 12 noon to 8 pm at City Hall forthe complete rehabilitation of the CityWater Plant and the City owned officebuilding located on Washington Street.The primary focus of the project will berebuilding the water plant but the projectwill also include the demolition of the officeslocated in front of the water plant tomeet production needs for the City. TheCity of Milford expects to move the billingstaff back downtown in this locationto increase accessibility to residents.More on page 2Do You Enjoy Our Digital Newspaper? Click Here To Get Your Free Subscription!

WATER REFERENDUM from page 1City officials state that the facility is outdatedand has outlived its useful life. The new ReplacementProject will replace an existing nonproducingwell and perform upgrades to the wellcontrol system on a number of the City’s existingwell to improve efficiency.“There are leaks coming into the plant fromthe Mispillion River and it cannot be determinedwhere the water is coming from or going,”commented Erik Retzlaff, ConsultingEngineer from Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. “Itwill cost the City more money to learn how tofix it than it will be to replace the entire plant.”The water treatment facility was originallyused as part of the City’s Electrical GenerationPlant and after its abandonment in the 1950’swas converted to a water treatment facility. Thelast upgrade that was done to the building occurredin the mid-1980’s. The condition of severalareas of the building has deteriorated sincethen including the piping, reservoir and thebuilding itself.“We have had contractors refuse to repair thefacility because they are afraid of further damagingthe facility,” commented City Manager DavidBaird. “The building was not really made forthis purpose so the entire building is piecemealtogether.”City officials agree about the importance ofthe Washington Street Water Treatment Facilitynoting that it is the most centrally locatedfacility in the City’s water system and is a mainsource of water for downtown Milford. Officialsalso state that if the facility was simply abandonedit would “compromise the City’s abilityto perform routine maintenance on other facilitiesand negatively impact the water quality indowntown Milford.”Last month City Council voted to move forwardon the Washington Street Water PlantProject and to take advantage of a $4,000,000Loan and Grant package from the State’s Officeof Drinking Water through the Drinking WaterState Revolving Fund. The terms of the financingare $4,000,000 loan with 35% principalforgiveness. The loan is broken down to a $2.6million loan and $1.4 million grant. The loanwill be issued at a rate of 1% for a 20 year term.The project must receive public approvalthrough the referendum which is scheduled forSaturday, November 19 from 12 noon to 8 pmat City Hall. According to the Charter of theCity of Milford the referendum must be set atleast 30 days after the approval and no morethan 60 days after the approval. Eligibility ofMilford residents for the referendum will be thesame as annual elections. For more informationon the project or the referendum process contactCity Hall by phone at 302-424-3712 or in personat 201 S. Walnut Street in downtown Milford.Absentee ballots may be filled out at CityHall by eligible voters during office hours beforeSaturday, November 19.

EDUCATION FUNDING from page 1and Teacher Cadre and Mentoring. In all, the Delaware legislature has reduced spendingof public school in Delaware by $58 million.In addition to those cuts Superintendent Kanter explained how public educationhas been disproportionally impacted in recent years.“The demand on local budgets have increased while the State has cut $58 million ofprograms since 2008,” stated Ms. Kanter. “By 2014 we will be short $1.6 million as adistrict if we do not come up with a way to fix this problem.”Ms. Kanter stated to the audience that the current funding from the state legislatureis not sufficient to maintain current services and recognized the need to do somethingbefore the Governor’s recommended budget is released; this is usually done in mid-January.Delaware was the first of two states to receive federal funding through the Race tothe Top program to temporarily fund support programs through 2014. Those fundshave been used in the Milford School District to support programs such as the LeadAcademy , Accelerated Summer Program, Mapping of the Curriculum, After SchoolTutoring and a district-wide mentoring program. According to Superintendent Kanter,the results of these new programs have helped Milford School District to succeed,increasing the number of students in honors and Advanced Placement Classes andincreased student scores on the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System testing(DECAS).With the budget crisis already present and a shortfall of school funding expected by2014, when federal funds from the Race to the Top program will end, Milford SchoolDistrict needs to find a way to sustain the current programs and services that are offeredto students and the community. Superintendent Kanter says that the schoolmust take immediate action by asking their state legislators to reinstate the fundingthat has been cut for public education across the state since 2008.“We would like to take some action and we need your help to take it to the nextContinued on next page

level,” stated Ms. Kanter to the audience on Tuesday evening.“We want to get back the funding we received threeyears ago and we need your help. Write a letter to yourlocal legislator, make phone call to their offices, we need tomake our voices heard.”At this point during the evening the floor was open fordiscussion for commentary on the budget crisis. Therewere many supporters of the decision to write local legislatorsand even talk of bringing a bus full of students andparents to legislative hall to advocate for more funding foreducation. Others who attended the community meetingasked the school to provide more solutions to the budgetcrisis and reevaluate some of the services that the MilfordSchool District has been providing under the Race to theTop program.Senator F. Gary Simpson spoke on the subject and commentedthat it may be in the best interest of schools toseek legislation that creates autonomy for local districts todecide where the funding they receive is spent. This type oflegislation would allow schools to govern their own dollarsand prioritize services as needed.With approximately 70% of all public education fundingbeing provided by the State of Delaware, the MilfordSchool District will need to find a solution for the upcomingbudget shortfall. Whether it be advocating for morefunds, prioritizing their services and programs or helpingto enact legislation that enhances the local schools’ abilityto allocate funds where they see fit, the Milford SchoolDistrict acknowledges and understands the severity of thecurrent budget crisis.MSD Superindendent Sharon Kanter:public education funding is “crumbling.”on239 NE Front St., MilfordHear every eaGLeS Game LIve on eaGLe 97.7brought to you byA Full-Service Facility:Cardio EquipmentFree WeightsHammer Strength & CybexSpinning - Yoga - ZumbaAnd Much More!Click Here to Learn More At:extremetotalfitness.com“The foundation of our public education financial structureis crumbling,” stated Superintendent Kanter.

MHS Students Thank VeteransStudents at Milford High School took timeto ‘Thank A Vet” during their lunch period onWednesday, November 9. In honor of the observanceon Veterans Day on the following Fridaystudents were greeted during lunch by retiredmilitary Edward Mocevlski and RaymondManuel. With the help of Collen Thompson,Department of Delaware Ladies Auxiliary tothe Veterans of Foreign Wars, children weremeet with poppy flowers and explained thesignificance they hold for all Americans.The poppy flower has come to symbolize thebloodshed and sacrifice of soldiers and originatesfrom the battle in Flanders Field in Belguimduring WWI. A particularly bloody battle,many soldiers were buried at Flanders Field.Red poppy flowers began to grow through thefield where white crosses were placed for buriedsoldiers. The contrast of the red poppy andwhite crosses was so significant that John Mc-Crae, poet and soldier during WWI, wrote “InFlander Field” describing the site. In 1923 theVeterans of Foreign Wars decided to distributered poppy flowers in remembrance of all whohave made the ultimate sacrifice.Students from Milford signed two postersin the main lobby thanking veterans for theirsacrifice. The banners will be sent to the localby Bryan ShupeVFW post 6483 and the Home of the Brave, anon-profit organization in Milford that assists veteranswith housing, to show students’ gratitude forthe sacrifices made by all veterans.“I always remember veterans coming to ourschool when I was growing up,” commented PrincipalCooper. “Last year we received over 800 studentsignatures on these posters. It meant so muchto the veterans at the VFW.”Thursday morning Milford High School held anassembly in the auditorium to honor veterans whohave served. Cyndi McDougall, Milford HighSchool teacher and ten year veteran of the UnitedStates Air Force, spoke to the students about theimportance of veterans day.“We are here today to reflect on the sacrifice ofour veterans,” commented Mrs. McDougall. “Everysingle one of you are connected to the U.S.military as they are protecting all of you. Weshould never forget the sacrifices that have beenmade and are being made to protect the freedomsof this great nation.”The assembly on Thursday recognized over 80MHS alumni who have served or are serving theUnited States Armed Forces.

Downtown Milford Honoredby Kent County Tourismby Lee Nelson, Executive Director Downtown Milford Inc.Kent County Tourism named Downtown Milford,Inc/Milford as “2011 Attraction of the Year.” Milfordwas well represented by Mayor and Mrs. Rogers,City Manager David Baird and members of theDMI Board, including President Irv Ambrose andDeputy President SaraKate Hammer at the awardlunch in Dover. The credit for our success goes to allour hard working volunteers who made this a reality.Thank you very much.Speaking of hard working volunteers, the nextthing on their long list is filling 30 baskets on thelamp poles in downtown Milford with winter greens(pines, magnolias, cedar branches). We always needmore volunteers, so, if you want to help, please meetSunday, 20 November at 8:00 a.m. in front of Dolce’s.We should finish by noon. Chuck and George,Dolce’s generous owners, have very kindly offeredfree regular coffee which will be much needed at thattime. Thank you.Speaking of kindly people, Santa and Mrs. Clausmake their first visit to Milford the weekend of 26& 27 November. The First State Harmonettes willserenade them on 26 November from 10:30-11:00a.m. in their NEW house on Walnut Street at theRiverwalk. Then they will be in residence every Friday,6:00-8:00 pm, Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. until Friday, December23… Santa and Mrs. Claus head North after8:00 p.m. on Friday, 23 December. Be sure to bringyour family and lots of friends for a “HO-HO-HO“lot of fun.While Santa’s here we will have our wonderful“Downtown Milford’s Holiday Stroll” on Friday, 2December from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In addition to allthe popular local business specials, wagon rides, foodand music, this year we will light our communityChristmas tree and illuminate the Mispillion Riverwith red and green lights. So, come on down and bemerry…very, very merry.The New Year features exciting new events – Januaryis the start of our “Milford Magic Mondays”…all will be revealed later.

Bag of Hope Project InspiresSouth African WomenStaff ReportAnne Jenkins, owner of Anne Jenkins Art Galleryin Milford, started The Bag of Hope project in December2008 when still living in Georgia. A groupof unskilled women in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, in Jenkins’native South Africa, formed a support groupfor those living with HIVand AIDS, especially theorphaned children.But, with a lack of skills, their problem was how tomake some money. There may be a lack skills but notdetermination. They believe in Vukuzakhe, Zulu for“Wake up and do it for yourself.“ Thus was formedthe Amandwe Support Group (ASG) – Amandaweis the area they live in. They are learning to sew andembroider, tutored by Jenkins‘ sister. They producelittle fabric landscapes or pictures made from donatedhandmade and dyed fabric and thread. Eachpicture is different and charmingly simple. Some depictAfrican life, some are whimsical. They send thelandscapes to Jenkins. Once here, Jenkins’ husband,Lee Nelson, irons them on to canvas tote bags. Jenkinsset up a website and the bags sell at her galleryfor $30.Rhonda Bond of the LadyBug Shop, heard aboutthe project and wanted to support the group. Bondrequested ladybug themed landscapes. These weredelivered last week and are now on sale at the Lady-Bug Shop for $30.The ASG think big – they participated in constructinga community center to provide education,support and material help for the needy. They run asoup kitchen and feeding program for the little ones,a portion of the money from these bags goes directlyto the soup kitchen. This is a safe zone for the children.It’s a dangerous world for them with no adultsto help, support and to guide them.The price per bag has been set to cover the cost ofthe bags, ironing transfers, postage with the balanceof $25- which is equivalent to nearly R200 in localcurrency, think of getting the equivalent of $200buying power – going to the group, Jenkins added.The first year, 2009, Jenkins sent $1200, 2010 was alower $900 but already in 2011 they have sent $800and have another transfer to go before the end of theyear.“In Georgia our bank, BB&T, sent 2-3 transfers ayear for us for free,” Jenkins said. “Unfortunately Ihaven’t been able to persuade M&T to do the samesince we moved to Delaware. I’m hoping they willchange their mind. About $100-150 a year may notseem like a lot of money to folks here, but to have totake that out to pay for the transfers really impactsthe support group.”Whenever people talk about what a hard time weall are having, Jenkins added, she realizes we are absolutelyfine – the courage these ladies show is amazing.Every $50 waived by the bank will mean thesame as a few hundred bucks worth of help to thelittle ones.Not only is buying The Bag of Hope an act of generositywhich helps the group, it is also green, Jenkinsnoted. The bag can be used for a variety of things –shopping or carrying a laptop computer and myriadother things. And they make wonderful Christmasgifts – inexpensive, handy and it helps people tryingto help themselves.The website is www.thebagofhope.com and thetotes are on sale at Jenkins’ gallery and at The Lady-Bug Shop on NW Front Street in Milford. For moreinformation, call Jenkins (302) 323-6629.

You Still Have Time to Get Ticketsintroducing:by Jo Schmeiser, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford Executive DirectorStat e Fa r mPo c k et Ag en tfo r t h e i P h o n eConvenience atyour fingertips.Click Here To Learn MoreWednesday November 9th during an AmbassadorsMeeting we were talking about the 5th AnnualHoliday Auction & Tastes of Milford whenone of the committee members blurted out thatshe couldn’t believe it was only a few days away.The 2011 Holiday Auction & Tastes of MilfordCommittee had a few obstacles along theway, like two key Del-One Employees being outon maternity leave and Shawnee Country ClubGeneral Manager Trisha Marney having an emergencygall bladder operation, however the eventis going on as planned and shaping up quite well.Auction items are still coming in and ticketsare still being sold, however the “Tastes of” Vendorsare confirmed and excited about participatingagain. In case you may have missed the listingof vendors, they include Abbott’s Grill, TheGeorgia House, LeLoLi Espresso Bar & Café,The Carlisle Fire Company Woman’s Auxiliary,Delaware Hospice Center, The Heritage at Milford,Grotto’s, Mr. Bar-B-Que, Nick & Charlie’sand Walmart. You can expect everything fromsavory to sweet from these area restaurants, cafesand caterers, while learning about their menuand services.Several of the food vendors donated gift cards,which can be found in one basket with a valueclose to $300.00. Talk about a great holiday gift!The auction items are really nice, and CCGMAdministrative Assistant, Susie Avalos and I aretrying to figure out how we can make bids whileworking. We both agree our husbands will bemore excited about the tastes, so we’re on ourown when it comes to the auction items.The event is in Milford, and you can tell bysome of the items donated. If you’re a MilfordBucs fan, there’s a huge basket filled with all kindsof goodies from every school in the district. TheMilford Museum and Milford Historical Societyput together a basket full of books and CD’s allabout Milford, and the Mispillion Art Leaguedonated a watercolor painting of Milford CityHall.Some other recent donations include two differentbaskets each filled with hair products fromRedken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix. There’s a basketfull of beautiful glass wear, to go along withbaskets full of food and adult beverages great forContinued on next page

Diamond Dance CompanyPrepares for Nutcrakerby Bryan ShupeThis year’s production will be the 13th annual performanceof The Nutcracker Ballet by the DiamondDance Company. The public performances this yearwill be on Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. and onSunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. As in years past thedance company will also hold two performances forarea school children and senior citizens from nearbyassisted living facilities on the Friday before thedoors open to the public. This gives an opportunityto hundreds in the Greater Milford Area who mightnot otherwise have a chance to experience this professionalperformance.The performance will be led this year by TaylorHogan, of Milford, dancing as Clara and VictoriaBrown-O’Brien and Angela Zielen sharing the roleof the Sugar Plum Fairy. Guest dancers from FirstState Ballet Theatre in Wilmington including JakeAllison, Justin Estelle and Taylor Gillan will accompanylocal dancers for all of the performances.Misty Yencer, granddaughter of co-founder TatianaAkinfieva-Smith and mother of Sugar Plum FairyVictoria Brown-O’Brien, is the main production coordinationof this year’s performance and has beenextremely busy organizing scheduling for rehearsalsand coordinating instruction in preparationfor the performance. The night of theproduction Ms. Yencer will be workingbackstage and also be included this yearin a performing role.Susan Grant, President of the DiamondDance Company Board of Directors, hasbeen facilitating costuming and organizingthe logistics of the performance.“Misty and I have an unbelievably supportiveteam of volunteers to help withthe never-ending tasks we encounter,”commented Ms. Grant. “Although theamount of effort and time going into aproduction at times seems endless, the rewardsare even greater. The applause andhearing: ‘Our Family Holiday Season beginswith your production of The Nutcracker’is priceless.”Rehearsals for the December performancesbegan early in September. TheContinued on next pageTwo Exciting Events to MakeYour Holidays Bright...BLACK FRIDAYNovember 25 • 7 a.m. till 8 p.m.20% Off for Early Birds 7- 10 a.m.shop Brand Name Items while you Enjoy Delicious Treats!spin the Wheel for Discounts!10% - 50% OffOpEN HOusEDecember 2, 3 & 4Fri. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.& sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.Rt. 13, Across from the Fairgrounds • Harrington, DE302-398-4630 • www.chicksaddlery.com

NUTCRACKER from page 10younger dancers attend rehearsals at least 5 hours each week, as the seniorspractice even longer, many times with individual instruction. As the productiongets closer, the amount of time spent rehearsing is increased. Thecast numbers over 50 this year and includes dancers from the original cast,as well as community members experienced in theater.This year’s performance will be missing something very important to thehistory of the Diamond Dance Company, Co-founder Tatiana Akinfieva-Smith. Tatiana passed away on September 15th, after celebrating her 92ndbirthday 10 days earlier. Tatiana was born in Russia, but fled that countryas an infant with her family, went on to become a famous dancer in Europe,was imprisoned for refusing to become a communist and finally settled inthe United States after marrying an American Soldier stationed in Italy. Tatiana’spresence will be felt through the performance of several dancers thatTatiana mentored over the years and the many costumes that Tatiana createdfor The Nutcracker performance.“Each year we strive do something better but this year it will be especiallyimportant to the dancers to perform better to honor Tatiana,” commentedMs. Grant. “After Tatiana passed we saw donations from across the countrypour in to set up a scholarship for younger dancers. The dancers haveworked very hard to make this performance a special one.”The public performances of The Nutcracker will be on Saturday, December3 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. The performance willbe held in the auditorium at Milford Senior High School. For additionalinformation on the performance visit www.southerndelawareballet.com.

Relay for LifeChristmas House TourBy Bryan ShupeMilford’s Relay for Life team, The Rose Colored Lasses, will host their fourth annualChristmas House Tour on Friday, December 2, from 6:00-9:00 pm. All proceedswill benefit American Cancer Society’s 2012 Milford Relay for Life.The American Cancer Society‘s Relay for Life Event in Milford occurs in July eachyear but teams from across the nation are busy raising awareness and donations forthe event all year long. The July event as a whole gives individuals across our communitya chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, rememberlove ones lost and fight back against the disease. This year’s event included 36 teamsfrom the Milford community that committed to walking around the track throughoutthe entire night.One of many events throughout the year sponsored by The Rose Colored Lasses,The Christmas House Tour allows participants to celebrate the season while raisingmoney for a great cause. The houses included on the tour are some of the best decoratedhouses in the Milford area, adorned with Christmas lights, nativity scenes,flowers and Christmas trees.All of the proceeds from the Christmas House Tour will go directly to the AmericanCancer Society and their continuing efforts to fight cancer.The tour includes five Milford area homes:1) Allen and Aileen Warfel’s home was designed and built by Mr. Warfel. Theywill feature a collection of Nativity Scenes.2) Randy and Barbara Byle’s home will be decorated professionally by CountryFlowers of Houston and Ronny’s Garden World. They will have a shop with itemsfor sale to benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind.a Dept. 56 display and handmade porcelain dolls.4) The McCann Manor, home of Lt. Gen. Hank and Bonnie McCann, will bedecorated with over 150 trees, each with a theme and a story of its own. There willalso be a craft shop with unique items from local artisans and homemade bakedgoods.5) The home of Ed and Sharleen Morris will feature a stunning display of outdoorlights and a Santa workshop. Refreshments will be served at this home, and thedrawing for the Christmas Raffle Basket will be held at 9:00 pm.Tickets for the House Tour are $15. For further information and tickets contactDee Greenlee (424-0395), Bobbi Lauer (422-4136), or Pat Lankford (422-5477).3) Greg and Rose Nosher’s theme is “A Down Home Christmas.” They will have

NEWS BRIEFSby Bryan ShupeU Just ASK HoldsCoat Giveaway Nov. 18U Just ASK will be holding a Coat Giveawayon November 18th from 10:30 am – 12:30 pmbehind the offices of Delmarva Rubber & GasketCo., Inc., 1004 Mattlind Way, Milford (off AirportRd./near Food Bank). Coats, hats, scarvesand gloves will be given to neighbors in need inthe Milford and immediate surrounding area.A group of area women have formed “U JustASK (Actively Supporting with Kindness), a newcommunity effort aimed at helping those in need.The group includes Kris Phillips, Lisa Mallard,Pamm Swadley, Donna Schanne, Connie Warren,Laura Rust, and Faith Ennis. U Just ASK islooking for volunteers throughout the year to helpwith their missions. Individuals can lend sometime delivering goods, wrapping gifts, droppingoff donations, attending meetings, giving namesof those in need, or just offering up a prayer fortheir success. For more information, U Just Askhas created a Facebook page and will be buildinga website in the near future.Open Mic Championships At Abbott’sAbbott’s Grill will be hosting their first evenrOpenMic Championship on Wednesday, November16 at 8pm. Eight finalist will be competing for theGrand Prize, an all-exclusive trip for 2 to PuntaCana in the Dominican Republic. The competitionbegan this summer and featured many talentedindividuals from the area over the last severalmonths.The 8 finalists were chosen as the best of the competitionand will compete against each other in aone night, winner takes all challenge. Each musicianwill have the chance to perform 5 songs, thatthey have prepared, and will be judged on theirability to perform and excite the crowd. The finalistsperforming on Wednesday, November 16 at 8pmwill be Ashley and Donny, Nancy and Mike, BryanShupe, Dave Landis, Jeremy Lum, Vin Fischer,Kevin and Frankie and Scott Honeychurch. Abbott’sGrill welcomes everyone to the competitionto hear great local artists compete against eachother. To view what else is happening at Abbott’sGrill visit their website, http://www.abbottsgrillde.com/. Abbott’s Grill is located at 249 N.E. FrontStreet and can be reached by calling 302-491-6736.Community Thanksgiving ServiceThe annual Community Thanksgiving Servicesponsored by the Milford Ministerial Associationwill be held at Avenue United Methodist Churchon Sunday, November 20th at 7:00 p.m. You willenjoy joyful music, a Thanksgiving message by TheRev. Lindsay Wessell, and warm fellowship and refreshmentsafter the service.Two offerings will be received. An offering of nonperishable food is received for the Milford CommunityPantry which served 107 families in September.The monetary offering goes to the BenevolenceFund of the Milford Ministerial Association,which helps people in the community with rent,utilities, and other basic needs.

Walmart, KSI Mark DisabilityEmployment Awareness MonthLighthouse Christian CenterCelebrates 40 YearsOn behalf of Walmart/ Sam’s Club, George Bailey, Sam’s Club MembershipManager, presented a donation to KSI CEO, B Craig Crouch. Together, KSIand Walmart/ Sam’s Club recognized October as National Disability EmploymentAwareness Month.This donation will enable KSI to continue to assist people with disabilitiesin the pursuit of their potential in employment and meaningful participationin their communities. Mr. George Bailey, Sam’s Club Membership Manager,said, “We have a number of associates that work at Sam’s Club who have disabilities.They make a tremendous contribution to what we do. We are happyto support KSI because I know they are a good organization that definitelychanges people’s lives.”More than 200 people came to the Dover Sheraton Hotel November 6thto celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Lighthouse Christian Center in Milford.Begun in 1971 as a small ministry meeting in a building owned by a localnon-profit group, the Lighthouse Christian Center currently has its ownchurch building along the Milford-Harrington Highway. Having grown toa congregation of more than 500 members, the church is currently planningconstruction of a new facility near Delaware 1, north of the city. State Reps.Jack Peterman (R-Milford), at left, and Harvey Kenton (R-Milford), at right,presented Pastor Royce Andrus and Mrs. Glenda Andrus with a House of Representatives’Tribute at the occasion, praising the strong commitment and hardwork that has led the continued growth of the organization.

Sanders, Becker ReceiveAthletic ScholarshipsSeniors Alyssa Sanders and Savannah Becker receivedrecognition on Monday, November 14 forreceiving athletic scholarships to attend collegenext year. Athletic Director Glen Stevenson, PrincipalTamara Cooper, the students’ parents andcoaches were present to congratulate them on thissignificant accomplishment.Alyssa Sanders found out two weeks ago that shereceived a scholarship from the University or Delawarefor women’s swimming. Just visiting the UDcampus last month to tour the facilities, the newscould not have come at a better time.“I was beyond excited,” commented Sanders duringthe recognition event.Alyssa will be attending the University of Delawarenext year with an undeclared major and looksforward to joining the many individuals from Milfordwho have attended the University of Delawarein Newark.“I love the state of Delaware and this will give mea chance to still be close to my family,” commentedAlyssa. “I look forward to having my mom come tothe meets.”by Bryan ShupeSanders has received the honor of first team allstate three years in a row for swimming, amongnumerous other awards. She will be swimming herlast year with the Milford Bucs this winter and hasalready started practices with the team. Her coachMichele McKenzie is very proud of her competitivenessand attitude towards the sport.“She is pretty amazing,” commented Coach McKenzie.“She always has a great attitude. She will dovery well at the University of Delaware, she has hada rigorous training schedule her whole life.”In August she will be off to the University ofDelaware as she begins her freshman year. Sandershopes to be a influential part of the UD team andhas aspirations of making the women’s Conferenceteam her first year.“It will be a hard, tough transition but it will bea lot of fun,” stated Alyssa.Savannah Becker learned before the beginning ofthis school year that she was offered a scholarshipto play softball at James Madison University inVirginia. Savannah is an all-around athlete, playingsoftball, field hockey and winter track at MilfordHigh School. Becker has received the honor offirst team all state for softball the past three yearsand played center field for the State Championshipteam in 2009 as a freshman.“I am nervous,” stated Becker when asked abouther thoughts on playing softball on the collegiatelevel. “It is going to be a completely different intensitylevel.”Savannnah will be pursuing a speech pathologymajor as she attends James Madison University.With still one more year to play on the MHS softballteam, Becker has her heart set on another StateChampionship win.“I definitely want to make it back to the StateTournament,” commented Becker.Athletic Director Glen Stevenson spoke aboutboth athletes and their abilities at Monday’s event.“Alyssa is an amazing athlete. When you look ather in the water it seems so natural and effortless.She will do very well at the University of Delaware.”“Savannah is an unbelievable athlete. She canplay any sport with great intensity and will do greatthings at James Madison University.”Both girls will be fortunate enough next year tonot only attend two great Universities but also playsports at the collegiate level.

Hockey Falls To St. Marks Despite Strong Effortby Sean MarraffiniJoin Our Swim Team!Looking for their first playoff victory in 15 years,the Buccaneers traveled north to take on the SaintMarks Spartans. Despite Milford controlling muchof the first half play, a Saint Marks goal halfwaythrough the first half was enough to ensure a 1-0victory by the Spartans.At the opening whistle Milford drove the ball forwardand spent most of first 15 minutes in the Spartansend. Despite a few penalty corners, keeper RebekahYanacek kept her team in the game until the15 minute mark.On a penalty corner the defense failed to mark upand a shot trickled passed the defense and Yanacek,giving the Spartans an early lead.Immediately after Milford head coach AndreaFleming called a timeout in an attempt to organizeher team and get them back on the task at hand.Despite the timeout, Milford was unable to tie thegame and went into half time still trailing 1-0.From the start of the second half, thing did notlook like they would go the Buccaneers’ way. TheSpartans had numerous penalty corners and a lightingfast offensive trio made it extremely difficult forMilford to search for an equalizer.Peyton Shockley (#4) reaches for the ball in anattempt to take it from the SMHS attack.It would be much of the same when moments later;Yanacek had to rush forward to make a kick saveto quell the impending offensive attack.After much relentless offensive pressure and sixminutes left in the game, Saint Marks called a timeout.Coach Fleming used the time to rally her troopsfor a last-ditch effort at tying the game.After another volley of Spartan corners, Milfordwas unable to get one past Saint Marks and the Spartansmoved on to the next round of the playoffs witha 1-0 victory.New FITNESS FacilityMemberships start atThe Greater MilfordBoys just $15/month.& Girls ClubSwim TeamClick here for ourWinter Competition SeasonmembershipStarts Novemberrates1st$150 per childpayment plan availableFor more information or toregister, click here to visit ourwebsite, contactSarah Ziccarelli atsziccarelli@bgclubs.org,or call 302-422-4453.

Milford Hosts 42nd Battle of the Bellby Sean MarraffiniIn the 42nd annual Battle of the Bell, the Lake Forest Spartans visitedBriggs Stadium on a rainy and windy fall night.The Buccaneers received on the opening driveand were subsequently three and out on that drive.However on the ensuing Spartans possession, theLake Forest running back fumbled the ball on arunning play. Milford made it count with a rushingtouchdown on the opposing drive. The PAT gaveMilford a 7-0 lead.The returning Lake Forest offensive drive turnedinto a punt and with an odd turn of events endedin a touchdown. While the ball was traveling inthe air during the punt it bounced off the helmetof one of the Buccaneer players and was grabbedby the Spartan’s special team. After a short drive, aSpartans touchdown run and ensuing kick, tied thegame at 7-7 with two minutes left in the first quarter.“We felt we had several chances but turnovers just killed our momentum,”Head coach Mike Tkach said. “This is from interceptions, fumbles, gettinghit in the head on a punt. They just hurt.”The second quarter saw much of the Bucs and Spartans with three and outdrives. With 26 seconds left in the second quarter Lake Forest called a timeout right before a Milford field goal attempt. The Icing the kicker attemptworked as the kick went wide left and the teams went into half time tied at7-7.A few minutes into the third quarter Bucs runningback Chas Holden had a 65 yard touchdownrun to put the Bucs up 14-7. It wouldn’t be long,however, until Lake Forest would strike back. AnotherSpartan touchdown run brought them withinone. The PAT would be blocked by BuccaneerVance Daniels who sped towards the kick, threwhis feet out in front of him, sliding on the ground,to get his hand up for the block. This gave Bucs aone point lead.Milford would maintain that slim lead until 8:20in the fourth quarter when a turnover by Bucs’quarterback Nicholas Jefferson lead to yet anotherSpartan rushing touchdown.Lake Forest scored the touchdown but wouldbe unable to convert the 2 points.Despite the effort of the Bucs offense and tenacious play of Jefferson, Milfordwas unable to regain the lead and lost the Battle of the Bell, 19-14.“He (Jefferson) is a scrappy player and I’m very happy with how he progressedthroughout the year.” Tkach said.