Journal

Chris spoke to the group today regarding county issues and what the path forward for continuing to manage through our financial challenges.

Chris attended a ceremony honoring Marbrook Elementary today for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award, the first Delaware school to receive this recognition since 1985. Chris presented Principal Brad Holstein with a tribute honoring the work of Marbrook's staff, students and parents.

Chris spoke to the Southern New Castle County Rotary this morning about current issues facing the county, and the efforts being made to work in partnership with the state and other agencies for responsible planning in the MOT area of the county. Thanks to David Rich and all the members for the warm welcome!

Chris attended the groundbreaking for the new Delaware Children's Museum on the Wilmington riverfront today. New Castle County has contributed funding to help make this project a reality.

Chris joined in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Sunday Breakfast Mission Shelter in Wilmington that will house up to 80 women and children, as well as providing services and programs.

County Executive Coons hosted a press conference at the Sweeney Public Safety Building today. In attendance were Governor Markell and U.S. Senators Carper and Kaufman to announce the securing of $6.6 million for Delaware law enforcement agencies. New Castle County will receive $240,000 that will allow the continued funding of an aggressive gang enforcement police officer and an Operations Safe Street police officer.

Chris traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Vice President Joe Biden. Vice President Biden met with county and local leaders from across the country to discuss stimulus funding.

Today in Wilmington, Chris joined Mayor Baker and state officials for the ribbon cutting of the Greenhill Car Wash. The property at 4th Street and Greenhill Avenue sits on what had been a Brownfield. Co-owner Dave Shepherd addressed the environmental issues when rebuilding the facility and used recycled materials in the construction. The car wash also uses environmentally friendly chemicals. New Castle County is proud to welcome this "green" business to our community.

Chris, Council President Paul Clark, and Councilman Tim Sheldon held the 8th Listening Campaign session last night at the Mill Creek Fire Company. Close to 100 residents attended to discuss County finances and the challenges ahead. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Chris spoke to members of the New Castle School Boards today, and discussed County finances and the challenges ahead. Chris also talked with the group about such topics as reassessment and the needs of our school districts.

Tonight was the 7th stop on the countywide listening tour. Councilman Powers, Council President Clark and Chris met with 100 residents at the Middletown Fire Hall to discuss County finances and the hard choices that are ahead. The session lasted until 9:00pm and Chris appreciated the feedback he received. The next listening campaign will take place on Monday, February 23, at 6:00pm with Councilman Tim Sheldon at the Millcreek Fire Hall.

Chris joined Governor-Elect Jack Markell and other local leaders in Wilmington to ceremonially present a $160,000 check to the critical non-profit service provider West End Neighborhood House. The money is part of a grant given by the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Wal-Mart Foundation. West End is among the first local organizations to benefit from Wal-Mart Foundation's Delaware State Giving Program, which is intended to support local non-profit organizations meeting important needs in the communities they serve.

Today Chris took the oath of office for a second term as New Castle County Executive in the Council Chambers in Wilmington. Sworn in by Judge Jane Roth and standing with his wife, Annie, and their three children, Michael, Jack and Maggie, he highlighted achievements in the first four years as well as challenges the county faces with a projected $160-million budget deficit over the next four years.

Chris recognized David Lawrence, a paramedic corporal with New Castle County Emergency Medical Services, for leading the effort to collect 3,600 pounds of food to benefit the Sunday Breakfast Mission. David proposed the County-wide food drive to help the mission after hearing that they are facing a greater demand for their services and higher costs. The mission provides shelter, food, furniture, clothing, and counseling to those in need. We want to thanks David for his exemplary leadership in this effort that has enabled the mission to better serve our community!

Chris met with Delaware Solid Waste Authority officials at Carousel Park to officially open the new single-stream recycling center. The Talley Day Park recycling center opened recently and a new center will open soon at the New Castle County Government Center. DSWA now offers more than 150 existing recycling pickup sites throughout the state, making recycling more accessible to everyone. The DSWA/County partnership is part of Chris' Go Green initiative, which aims to promote recycling at all New Castle County facilities.

Chris attended the Middletown High School Chapter of Jobs for Delaware Graduates induction ceremony today. The ceremony marked the official induction of students from grades 9 through 12 who are focused on career preparation and job skills into the Delaware Career Association. Chris spoke to the students about the importance of showing up and putting your best foot forward as they prepare to enter the working world.

Chris visited Rodney Square in Wilmington for the Fire Prevention event held by Wake Up Delaware. Children from area schools attended and were educated about fire prevention and the need to have working smoke detectors in their homes. Chris was a guest on the Al Mascitti Show to discuss the Emergency Services Corps. program which helps recruit new volunteers for the county's fire service.

Chris attended the Farm to Fork event today at Coverdale Farm and spoke about the Buy From Your Neighbor program and the partnership between our local farms and restaurants. It was a beautiful day to be out on the farm with so many residents enjoying the fun and festivities!

Chris attended the deployment ceremony of the 261st Signal Brigade of the Delaware Air National Guard today in Dover. The 110 member unit is headed to Texas for training before being deployed to Iraq to handle communications for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chris commends the guardsmen and their families for their commitment to serving our country, and looks forward to welcoming them home at the end of their tour of duty.

During the nationwide Read for the Record event, Chris read the children's book 'Corduroy' to about 50 children and their parents at Newark Free Library. Read for the Record is a national Jumpstart for Young Children campaign designed to bring attention to the importance of early education. Public officials read to groups of children at libraries across the New Castle County. The campaign encourages hundreds of thousands of children and adults to read the same book on the same day across the country in an effort to break a world record. Chris also had the opportunity to speak to the Christiana Rotary Club today and give an update on county government to the group. Chris touched on county finances, and on programs such as the Emergency Services Corps which are strengthening volunteerism in New Castle County.

Chris attended a community-wide reforestation effort at St. Andrews School in Middletown. The goal was to help expand the riparian buffer along Noxontown Pond. The effort is a joint collaboration between St. Andrew's School, The Appoquinimink River Association, the University of Delaware, and the Department of Agriculture. A riparian buffer consists of shrubs and other types of vegetation create a filter strip along waterways. St. Andrews is reforesting a 15-acre parcel on its land with the help of local Middletown volunteers, St. Andrew's students and faculty, University of Delaware students, and State of Delaware employees.

Chris attended the opening of the Eastside Charter School Sports Complex today in Wilmington with Mayor Baker, Jack Markell and other dignitaries. The complex was funded by a donation by Barclay Bank's Spaces for Sports program, and provides students with new playgrounds, basketball courts and a baseball field for recreational programs. The event was attended by former Philadelphia 76ers World B. Free and Darryl Dawkins.

Chris and his daughter, Maggie, attended the Tri-State Bird Wildlife Response Annex groundbreaking today in Newark. Afterwards, Chris stopped by the Iron Hill Park Celebration of Success picnic held by the Friends of Iron Hill group and Councilwoman Stephanie McClellan. Chris also appeared on the Congo Hour tonight with Keya and Trippi Congo, and discussed the new Garfield Park Lending Library.

Chris met with Denice O'Neill, President of the United States Jaycees, and Frank Dowling, President of the Delaware Chapter today to discuss volunteerism, and building a volunteer partnership with the jaycees. The Wilmington Jaycees have volunteered for such county events as the platinum picnic, and are working with the county to develop other opportunities.

Chris celebrated the graduation of the third class of the Emergency Service Corps Program on Tuesday. He thanked the members for their 15,000 hours of ESC service and for their continued participation. The Emergency Services Corps meets a critical need in the County: the need for a new generation of volunteer firefighters and EMTs, as well as paramedics, police and other public safety professionals. Chris said that as our County continues to grow, our Emergency Medical Services Corp has been consistently understaffed by as much as 20 percent. The ESC program helps to avoid these shortfalls in the years to come. In the past three years, members have collected nearly 1500 interest forms and 238 applications of which 106 have become members of fire companies at this time. The ESC members have performed more than 350 outreach activities and conducted 71 First Aid/CPR classes for more than 1000 residents. They have served a total of more than 55,000 hours.

Chris helped kick off the 13th annual AFL-CIO Golf Classic today at Rock Manor Golf Course in Wilmington this morning. The outing benefits the United Way, and New Castle County is proud to support this worthy cause!

ING Direct dedicated this year's "Orange Days of Giving" effort to working in New Castle County. 1,100 employees from ING Direct spent the day working in Surratte Park, Oakmont Park, Simonds Gardens Park, Rose Hill Park, and in several Wilmington schools. Chris helped kick the event off in the morning before heading out to lend a hand in the effort. The volunteers accomplished a full summer's worth of work in just one day! Chris presented Jim Kelly of ING Direct with a plaque at the end of the day in recognition of the efforts of all the volunteers. Chris has worked hard to build partnerships between New Castle County and the business community, and today's project is a great example of its success.

Chris joined county employees at Frawley Stadium tonight for New Castle County Night at the Blue Rocks. During a pregame ceremony, Chris recognized county employees and presented tributes to representatives from local businesses and organizations whose volunteers have contributed to working at county events, cleaning up county parks, and other projects as well. A chorus of county employees sang the national anthem and the sons of county employees Mary Beth Miller and Chris Gigliotti threw out the first pitches. It was a perfect night for a game!

Today Chris updated residents on the Problem Properties Task Force efforts. He made his announcement on the 500 block of Homestead Rd. in Alban Park in Wilmington. In addition to introducing this year�s list of the Top 25 Problem Properties, which includes both residential and commercial properties, he also provided information on the status of properties appearing on the past three lists. All 25 properties on the original list have been remediated. 23 of 25 properties on the second list have been brought into compliance with the remaining two being abated by New Castle County. The third list featured 34 properties and 25 of those are now in good standing. The task force has worked diligently to resolve issues at each of these problem properties and has been successful in reducing the negative impacts that these problem properties have on the communities surrounding them.

Today Chris attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Voigt & Schweitzer, a company that provides hot dip galvanizing services. The process involves dipping steel into hot zinc, which prevents corrosion. This environmentally friendly process is used to protect steel in bridges, stadiums, parking garages, and roller coasters, among other things. Also on hand were Karl Kalbacher, director of redevelopment for the County, and representatives from Voigt & Schweitzer, the Delaware Economic Development Office, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the site developer, Commonwealth Group. The new facility is slated to open in November 2008 and will introduce 30 new jobs to the area upon opening. This number will increase to between 50 and 60 jobs in the following year. This company is known for its customer service and innovative processes and it is great to have them as part of the New Castle County business community.

Chris stopped by Frawley Stadium before the Blue Rocks game to join in the celebration of AARP's 50th birthday. Chris joined State Director of AARP Lucretia Young and several other representatives and volunteers on the field to sing "Happy Birthday" and present them with a tribute on behalf of New Castle County. AARP has done great work in the community with older Americans, particularly through their research and advocacy.

Tonight was a great night as New Castle County celebrated the graduation of the 33rd Police Academy Class at the Roselle Center for the Arts in Newark. Chris spoke to the crowd about what this class has achieved and thanked the officers for their desire to serve. 15 of the 30 graduates are New Castle County Police Officers, while other graduates will be serving in Clayton, Middletown, University of Delaware, Elsmere, and the Division of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The 33rd academy class and the incoming 34th were authorized by Chris and County Council as we work to ensure our communities are safe places for all of us to call home.

Chris was inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington this evening. Chris was sponsored by Frank Hayes, and spoke to the group about the role volunteerism has played in his life. Chris also spoke about the partnerships the county has built during his first term as county executive, and the integral role volunteers are playing in county government as we continue to rein in spending and lower costs. Chris is honored to join such a great group of Wilmingtonians!

Today Chris attended a retirement luncheon for one of the County�s longtime employees, Diane Trala. Diane began her career with New Castle County in 1979 as a secretary in the Parks Division. She then went on to work in the Senior Services Division, and in 1998 settled into the Administrative Division of Community Services. Chris was happy to participate in the celebration of an outstanding and well-loved employee!

Chris helped Governor Ruth Ann Minner cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Corn Prouducts Specialty Ingredients today in Newark. Chris has worked with Judy McKinney-Cherry and the DEDO team to bring new businesses and jobs to the New Castle County community. Chris presented Jack Fortnum, Vice President of Corn Products International, with a tribute in recognition of the occasion. This innovative company provides ingredients for such products as toothpaste, chewing gum, and ice cream.

Chris attended worship today at Limestone Presbyterian Church to celebrate the first solar church in the state. When the church was told it needed to replace its roof, it went one step further and had solar panels installed to provide for the energy needs of the church. Chris spoke to the congregation and presented Pastor Bruce Gillette with a tribute recognizing the efforts of the congregation to make this project a success.

Chris helped kickoff the 6th Annual Summer Blood Challenge 5K this morning at the Wilmington Riverfront. New Castle County had 30 employees participate in the 5K in support of the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

Afterwards, Chris headed to Bear for the County's Public Safety Day in the community of Sparrow Run. Today's event was a partnership with the Latin American Community Center to help build a positive relationship between Public Safety and the local community.

Chris attended the County's Safety Town graduation ceremony this morning at Mote Elementary School. Chris spoke to the parents about the important lessons learned by the children, and thanked the counselors and crossing guards for their work over the past two weeks with the campers. Later in the day, Chris visited ING Direct on Delaware Avenue and spoke to the associates about the impact their Orange Days of Giving will have on New Castle County. Chris has worked to build partnerships between the county and corporated community, and as a result, ING will be sending 1100 employees into our community to perform service projects in August.

As a former participant, Chris was invited to speak to the 2008 Governor's School of Excellence today at Clayton Hall in Newark. He spoke to about 80 students, all of whom were nominated to attend by their principals and teachers for their academic achievements. Chris told the high schoolers about his background and also took questions from the teens about County operations, as well as his own personal experiences as a student and as County Executive. It was great to see Delaware�s youth engaged in such a worthwhile program!

Chris was the guest speaker this evening at the Newark Senior Center's "Food for Thought" program and spoke to the group about issues facing the county and provided an update on the services New Castle County provides for seniors. Chris spent an hour answering questions from the group and appreciated the opportunity to join them.

Chris met today with James May, who has retired from New Castle County after 33 years of service. He began his career with the County in 1974 as an Ambulance Medical Technician. In 1995, he was promoted to the position of EMS Lieutenant. Chris thanks Jim for his dedicated service to the residents of New Castle County, and wishes him well in retirement!

Chris visited The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute's "Chasing the Dream" entrepreneurship camp today in Rodney Square. 33 students are spending two weeks learning about entrepreneurship, and today launched their businesses to the lunchtime crowd passing through Rodney Square. Executive Director Ronni Cohen and Camp Director Karen Graham have done a great job teaching the kids about managing money and the process of starting a business. Chris left the camp with a variety of goodies prepared by the students!

Chris attended the ribbon cutting at the Economic Impact Center, located on the East Side of Wilmington. He was joined by many elected officials, representatives from contributing financial institutions, volunteers, and community members to celebrate this event. The Economic Impact Center is an expansion of the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC) services provided in the adjacent building. The main goal is providing equal access to credit and capital to underserved populations in the area. This expansion will increase the number of people reached, as well as the extent of services. The new services will include the Point & Click Center (focusing on student/teacher relationships and computer technology), the Longwood Training Center, and the Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union.

Chris spoke at the Pencader Hundred Community Center�s grant award press conference. The Community Center is located in the neighborhood of Sparrow Run in Newark, near Rt. 40. The Community Center joined residents with 34 organizations to develop the �Imagine We Can� Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. This plan includes the creation of both resident and youth councils, training for the councils, and assistance to residents to gain complete control of the maintenance association. The Wachovia Regional Foundation awarded Pencader Hundred $475,000 over 5 years in support of this plan. This funding will help the continued revitalization efforts in this 544-home community. New Castle County has been a partner with the Pencader Hundred Community Center and the Sparrow Run Neighborhood and has provided support through the Community Services and Public Safety Departments.

Chris and his family attended several community events today to celebrate the 4th of July. It was great to see so many residents celebrating our freedom with family and friends!

Chris attended the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce's grand opening of the new business incubator today, and spoke about the impact the center will have on helping build new business opportunites right here in the County. The 10,000 square foot facility is housed at the headquarters of the County Chamber which is located in Corporate Commons in New Castle. Along with providing start-up companies a home and shared access to meeting and conference facilities, office equipment and IT infrastructure, the Emerging Enterprise Center will offer business startup education programs, formal opportunities to establish business connections and professional business counseling and mentoring programs.

Chris spoke to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Tax Committee today about the County's finances and the steps he is taking to ensure the long-term financial health of the government. The FY2009 budget includes just a one half of one percent increase in spending that is not related to capital or employee costs. That afternoon, Chris joined several veterans at Carousel Park to announce the "Horses for Heroes" program. This program expands the County's Therapeutic Riding program to help veterans who have a variety of disabilities use horseback riding for exercise and rehabilitation. News articles about the program can be found here and here.

Today was the funeral service for County employee Jimmy Corcoran. The New Castle County flag at all County facilities will fly at half staff in honor of Jimmy's dedicated service to the residents of New Castle County.

Chris appeared on "Comcast Newsmakers" today and discussed "Visit Delaware Day" which will be taking place on Saturday, June 28th to welcome more than 400 visitors from Monmouth County, New Jersey who are being affected by the closing of Fort Monmouth in New Jersey and being relocated to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Newark is just 30 miles from Aberdeen Proving Ground, and we are promoting the many great things about New Castle County to those who are looking to move to the area. Chris also discussed our new instant ticketing program which begins July 1, 2008. This program will allow code enforcement officers to issue tickets for violations on the spot if a homeowner has not corrected the problem 10 days after receiving a notice of the violation. This program will allow community eyesores to be more quickly addressed and remedied.

It was an exciting day in Claymont as the new Claymont Fire Company facility was officially dedicated. Chris spoke to the crowd and presented a tribute in honor of the occasion. Since 1928, the Claymont Fire Company has served the community and now has a beautiful new facility. The $5.6 million, state-of-the-art station has eight vehicle bays, housing for volunteer firefighters and amenities including a game room, kitchen and administrative offices.

Chris attended the United Way's Success By Six Learning Initiative Trail Build today at Glasgow Park. Chris participated in the "Day of Action" to help build an outdoor interactive trail that will help turn a day at the park into a fun learning experience for preschoolers and their parents and caregivers. The Born Learning Trail is designed to help boost children�s language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Ten colorful signposts suggest games and physical activities that will help children enter school ready to learn. New Castle County is proud to partner with the United Way for this great addition to Glasgow Regional Park! That evening, Chris attended the Delaware HIV Consortium's 4th Annual WOW Awards Gala on the Wilmington Riverfront. The event raised money for those affected by HIV/AIDS via donations, a silent auction and a raffle.

Chris attended the Monday Club's 114th annual ball this evening at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Started in 1876, the Monday Club is the oldest Black Men's Social Club in the State of Delaware. It is believed to be the oldest in the United States. The Monday Club Ball raises funds to provide scholarships annually to local high school students. Scholarships are in the names of Dr. Woodrow Wilson, the late Senator Herman Holloway, the Honorable Jim Sills and The Monday Club. This great event continues to grow every year!

Today was a sad day for all of us in New Castle County. James "Jimmy" Corcoran, Jr., a tree surgeon in the Department of Special Services was fatally injured by a falling tree in Bringhurst Woods. Jimmy has worked with New Castle County for 5 years, and was named the 2007 Special Services Employee of the Year for his professionalism, positive attitude, and commitment to his department and co-workers. Jimmy and his wife live in New Castle and have two grown children. Jimmy will be sadly missed.

Chris and Annie traveled to Washington, DC for the National Jefferson Awards ceremony Tuesday evening. Also attending was County Paramedic Mark Allston, who was recognized with a Jefferson Award last year for his many charitable efforts. New Castle County is a Jefferson Awards Champion and will be launching a new program this summer that will serve as a blueprint for other governments across the country.

Chris visited the Hockessin Library this evening for the beginning of New Castle County's Summer Reading Club. The program provides age appropriate reading lists for kids to encourage them to keep reading while school is out. Kids will receive certificates and prizes upon completion of the reading list.

Chris traveled to Baltimore, MD with Chamber of Commerce President Jim Wolfe and several local executives to tour the Emerging Technologies Centers (ETC). The ETC is a non-profit business incubator program with two separate incubator facilities, focused on growing early-stage technology and biotechnology companies in Baltimore City. The ETC incubators offer fully wired office and space for participating companies at below market rates. ETC companies enjoy flexible leases, shared basic services and equipment, tech support, and on-site management. Chris believes a similar venture in New Castle County could help support new business and lead to new jobs for New Castle County residents. Chris then headed to Newark to help Senator Tom Carper kick off the Delaware Special Olympics. 1,000 athletes from our area have prepared to compete in six athletic activities this weekend. Col. Rick Gregory represented New Castle County in the torch run earlier in the day by running the torch from the Sweeney Public Safety Building to the Wilmington Police Department headquarters.

New Castle County held its 59th annual Platinum Picnic for seniors today in Banning Park. Thankfully, the weather was cooler and we had record attendance. Chris served as Master of Ceremonies and helped give out the awards for best dressed in patriotic garb, oldest senior, and longest married. Wilmington Jaycees, Bank of America and AARP all played a role in making this year's picnic possible, and the county employees did a great job coordinating the event! Chris traveled to Dover this afternoon to brief the House Agriculture Committee on New Castle County's Buy From Your Neighbor program, which helps local farmers connect with restaurants, school districts, and groceries to buy produce grown here in New Castle County. Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse also attended and commended Chris on the program's success to highlight Delaware's number one business - agriculture!

Chris attended the Friends of Rockwood's ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated kitchen quarters at Rockwood Mansion today. The kitchen has been restored to its original look and feel from when Rockwood was a home. Hillary Murtha also spoke to the attendees about the the significance of servants' bells and how a traditional Victorian home operated. Rockwood's gardens are also in full bloom and you are encouraged to visit this historic property. Later in the day, Chris attended the National Association of Women's 64th Annual Scholarship Luncheon and helped Councilman George Smiley present awards to this year's honorees, Maria Matos who received the NAUW Community Service Award, Josie Roy, who received the Community Service Award, Althea Delores Blackwell Bond, who received the 2008 NAUW Woman of the Year Award, and Evelyn Edney, who received the NAUW Education Award. Chris has also prepared special tributes in honor of each their accomplishments. Congratulations to these three remarkable women!

Our county libraries were closed today for the second annual staff development day. 150 library employees gathered at the Brandywine Regional Library to participate in workshops and other activities. The group heard from Maureen Sullivan, librarian and "Organization Development" Consultant who works with libraries across the country. Chris also joined the group for lunch and spoke to everyone about the important role they play in assisting the nearly 300,000 New Castle County library card holders and how they are the gatekeepers for all who enter our world class library system that we have grown over the last four years.

Chris attended the New Castle County photography exhibit at Rockwood Mansion. The annual contest allows residents to share their photography skills while highlighting scenery from across the county. Congratulations to all the winners!

Chris helped kick off the first official event in Glasgow Regional Park this morning, the Trooper Ron 5K. This race is held each year in memory of Delaware State Trooper Ronnie Williams who was killed in an automobile accident. The foundation in his name supports families of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. New Castle County is proud to support this great cause and thank everyone who turned out!

Chris attended the Annual Memorial Day Service held at the Veterans Memorial Park today in New Castle. Chris then traveled to Lafayette Hills, Pennsylvania for the Greater Delaware Valley Chamber of Commerce Luncheon with Mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter and many county officials from our surrounding area. Chris is working with officials from our surrounding counties to promote the economic adavantages we have here in the Mid-Atlantic, and what we can do to continue to keep our local economies strong and creating jobs. After returning from Pennsylvania, Chris participated in the 141st annual Memorial Day Parade in Wilmington with his children, and the following ceremony at the Civil War monument on Delaware Avenue.

Chris attened the Bi-Annual Public Safety Awards Ceremony today at the Sweeney Public Safety Building today. Chris presented a tribute to Scott Dunkelberger, a member of the New Castle County Emergency Communications, in recognition of him being named the 2008 National Dispatcher of the Year. As a Fire Medical Communications Specialist, Scott plays a critical role in initiating emergency response to residents in need. We are fortunate to have Scott in New Castle County, and congratulate him on this achievement!

Chris spoke to the Delaware Contractors Association today about County finances and economic development efforts. That evening, he attended the graduation of the 18th Citizens' Police Academy at the Sweeney Public Safety Building. Chris joined Col. Rick Gregory in recognizing the 26 participants who took part in the course.

Chris attended the First State Innovation press conference this morning at the Hotel DuPont for the announcement that FSI has received a $500,000 federal grant. Chris, who is a board member FSI, joined U.S. Senator Joe Biden and Congressman Mike Castle for the announcement. FSI, A nonprofit aiming to kick-start Delaware's entrepreneurial economy, is chaired by Ernie Dianastasis of CAI, Inc. First State aims to bring together entrepreneurs and investors, along with the universities and corporations that provide research, patents and talent to startups. That evening, Chris and Council President Paul Clark signed the unanimously approved FY2009 County budget into law at the Redding City/County building. "The $240 million budget is one New Castle County can afford," said Chris. "I appreciate the efforts of council to review and ultimately approve this budget," he added.

Chris attended the annual Korean American picnic in Bellevue State Park today. Chris had the opportunity to meet and enjoy a great lunch with the nearly 200 attendees. It was a beautiful day for the picnic, and Chris appreciated the opportunity to join in the fun.

Chris and his daughter, Maggie visited Iron Hill Park today for the Community Day in the park. Among the activities were pony rides, hay rides, a demonstration by the County Police K9 teams and disc golf tutorials. A great crowd, including many dogs, came out to enjoy the park and the new bark park. Special thanks to the Friends of Iron Hill Park and the Special Services employees who made the fun-filled day a success!

Chris helped kick-off the official reopening of Iron Hill Park in Newark today. Joined by Councilwoman Stephanie McClellan, Council President Paul Clark, Councilman Dave Tackett, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, and members of the Friends of Iron Hill Park, the group cut the ribbon on improved park pathway. Closed since November, the park has undergone a series of improvements by our Special Services Department. Among the improvements are a bark park for dogs, an 18-hole disc golf course, and trail and security improvements.