AGP Executive Report

Lewes Connections: Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco and a city committee visited Lewes, England, to build support for reviving the sister-city relationship. Their trip explored shared history, including Thomas Paine’s years in the English town. Delaware Traditions: Georgetown’s Return Day returns Nov. 5. The roughly 230-year-old celebration features a parade where election winners and losers ride together—facing opposite directions. Indigenous Heritage: Delaware has created a Commission for Indigenous Affairs to strengthen ties with the state’s Indigenous community. Public Education: First State Educate has formed an advisory board of school leaders from all three counties to guide resources and training for Delaware’s school boards.

Community Giving: Community Bank Delaware donated $1,000 to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, supporting its work in breast health education, early detection and patient services. Education & Opportunity: Delaware Tech opened its Seaford Innovation Center, offering workforce training in fields from welding to health care. The state also awarded more than $7.1 million to 28 districts and charter schools for early-literacy instruction, and will name its 2027 Teacher of the Year in Dover today. Delaware Heritage: The state has created a Commission for Indigenous Affairs to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities, while a new visitor center is planned at the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover. Arts & Culture: The True Blue Jazz Festival brings swing and more to Delaware Oct. 14–18.

Education: Delaware will name its 2027 Teacher of the Year Tuesday, after honoring 20 district and charter-school nominees. Separately, the state awarded more than $7.1 million to 28 schools for early-reading instruction. Indigenous Heritage: Delaware has created a Commission for Indigenous Affairs to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities, as local events and projects spotlight Lenape history and culture. Arts & Events: The True Blue Jazz Festival runs Oct. 14–18, and Coast Day marks its 50th anniversary. Local Storytelling: Spotlight Delaware’s new Spanish-language reporting team is bringing more news to Latino communities across the state.

Coastal History: A Lewes father and son’s 2012 beach finds—a watch key and iron spike—may trace back to the Faithful Steward, wrecked off Delaware in 1785 with 181 lives lost. Latino Heritage: Georgetown’s La Esperanza marks 30 years with an Oct. 23 celebration and a film revisiting the stories of Sussex County’s immigrant community. Young Readers: History Book Festival author Beth Kephart visited Cape-area elementary schools, sharing Mud Angels, a story of children helping rebuild flood-ravaged Florence. Indigenous Affairs: Delaware has created a nine-member commission to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities and give them a voice in state government.

Books & Schools: Author Beth Kephart brought her history-inspired children’s book Mud Angels to students at Love Creek and Milton elementary schools, sharing a story of teamwork and rebuilding. Indigenous Affairs: Delaware has created a nine-member Commission on Indigenous Affairs to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities and give them a voice in state decisions. Community & Heritage: La Esperanza is marking 30 years alongside Sussex County’s Latino community, while Friends of Milton Public Library hosted a Hispanic festival. Arts & Entertainment: Delaware’s new production tax credit offers a 30% incentive for eligible film, TV, music, gaming and esports projects, aiming to grow creative work in the state. Coastal Culture: Coast Day celebrates its 50th year, continuing a Delaware tradition of connecting the public with the coast.

Creative Culture: Delaware-born hip-hop engineer Young Guru pushed back on AI-generated art in a new interview, citing concerns about artistic expression and corporate control while discussing his lifelong love of comic books. Delaware History: The John Dickinson Plantation opened a new visitor center in Dover, with exhibits exploring Native American history and the lives of enslaved people, servants and tradespeople. Film & Arts: Delaware’s new production tax credit offers eligible film, TV, music video, game and esports projects a 30% credit on qualifying in-state spending, aiming to create opportunities for local artists and workers. Community Traditions: Milton’s public library hosted a Hispanic heritage celebration featuring dances, food and local organizations. Coastal Learning: More than 5,000 people marked Coast Day’s 50th anniversary in Lewes with research vessel tours, exhibits and hands-on activities.

Delaware History: The John Dickinson Plantation opened a new visitor center in Dover, with exhibits on Native American history and the lives of enslaved people, indentured servants and tradespeople who shaped the site. Arts & Film: Delaware’s new 30% production tax credit aims to bring film, TV, music-video and game projects—and creative jobs—to the state. In Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space Theatre named its design team for a planned performing arts center and will begin community listening sessions. Community & Culture: Delaware’s first commission focused on giving Indigenous communities a seat at the table is a step toward greater representation. Milton’s Hispanic heritage celebration brought music, dance and food to the library, while Coast Day marked 50 years of ocean science and hands-on activities in Lewes. Creative Voices: Delaware-born hip-hop producer Young Guru spoke out against creative AI at New York Comic Con, citing concerns about artistic expression and corporate control.

Creative Economy: Delaware’s new entertainment production tax credit offers eligible film, TV, music video, game and esports projects a 30% credit on more than $100,000 in state spending, aiming to grow local creative jobs. History & Heritage: The John Dickinson Plantation opened a new visitor center in Dover, with exhibits on Native American history and the lives of enslaved people, indentured servants and tradespeople. Arts & Culture: Clear Space Theatre named its design team for a planned performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach, with community listening sessions ahead. Community Celebrations: Milton’s Hispanic heritage festival brought together music, dance, food and local organizations. Coast & Nature: More than 5,000 people marked the University of Delaware’s 50th Coast Day in Lewes with research vessel tours, exhibits and hands-on activities. Local Life: In Lewes, Monarch Flower Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own blooms and pesticide-free fields designed to support pollinators.

Delaware History: The John Dickinson Plantation opens a new visitor center in Dover Saturday, with exhibits on Native American history and the lives of enslaved people, servants and tradespeople who lived there. A new multipurpose room will make space for more school and community programs. Arts & Culture: Clear Space Theatre has chosen a design team for Sussex County’s first purpose-built performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach. Community listening sessions are expected to begin soon. Local Life: Monarch Flower Farm in Lewes offers seasonal pick-your-own blooms and bouquets, with native flowers and pesticide-free growing to support pollinators. Community History: Bethany Beach hosts a free Oct. 13 talk on cemetery history, while Selbyville’s historical society continues its public talks on local stories and traditions. Education & Heritage: University of Delaware educators are sharing ways teachers can use students’ home languages to support literacy. Delaware has also created a commission to give Indigenous communities a seat at the table.

LGBTQ+ Community: Sussex Pride is marking National Coming Out Day with a Seaford reception Oct. 9, a youth and family bowling night in Lewes Oct. 10, and a film screening Oct. 11. Arts & Culture: Wilmington volunteers hosted the city’s first Hispanic cultural exposition; Christina Cultural Arts Center will present Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Michael Mayo, and the True Blue Jazz Festival runs Oct. 14–18. Delaware Traditions: Greyhounds Reach the Beach returns to Rehoboth for its 32nd year, bringing owners, dogs and visitors together for a weekend of activities. Indigenous Communities: Delaware has created a commission to give Indigenous communities a seat at the table. Education: The state awarded more than $7 million in literacy grants to 28 school districts and charter schools.

Arts & Events: Wilmington International Film Festival runs through Oct. 11, with more than three dozen films, filmmaker Q&As, live music and international food. Rehoboth’s True Blue Jazz Festival follows Oct. 14–18, bringing headline performers and local talent to venues across the Cape Region. Community & Heritage: Delaware is creating a commission to give Indigenous communities a seat at the table, while Wilmington volunteers hosted the city’s first Hispanic cultural exposition. Food & History: New Castle’s Jessop’s Tavern serves regional history alongside its pub fare, and Delaware eateries are putting fresh spins on scrapple. Local Traditions: The Rehoboth Boardwalk Buddy Walk marked its 20th year, celebrating community and inclusion.

Delaware Voices: The state is creating a nine-member Commission on Indigenous Affairs, giving Lenape and Nanticoke representatives a formal role in state government. Legacy: Former state Senate leader Patti Blevins has died at 72. Her work included advancing equal pay, marriage equality, domestic-violence prevention and animal welfare. Arts & Culture: Wilmington’s inaugural Hispanic cultural exposition and a festival showcasing Delaware’s Korean community put local heritage in the spotlight. Christina Cultural Arts Center is also set to host Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Michael Mayo. Fall Outings: Delmarva’s seasonal calendar is filling up with pumpkin patches, festivals and Halloween events. A new guide also spotlights Delaware eateries putting their own spin on scrapple.

Immigrant Education: Advocates are pushing back against the Trump administration’s campaign to end in-state tuition policies for some immigrant students. The Justice Department has sued Delaware and 24 other states over the policies. Wilmington Culture: The city’s inaugural Ritmos del Quetzal festival brought music and dance from across Latin America to an audience of about 200, helping immigrant residents keep traditions alive. Fall on Delmarva: Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and seasonal festivals offer plenty of ways to enjoy the cooler months. Jazz in Wilmington: Grammy-nominated vocalist Michael Mayo performs at Christina Cultural Arts Center on Oct. 23, continuing the center’s long-running commitment to bringing jazz to local audiences. Voter Reminder: Delaware residents who want to vote in the Nov. 3 election must register by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

Delaware Housing: Delaware State Housing Authority rebrands as Housing Delaware, rolling out a new name, logo, and website (same web address) to better reflect its broader work in health, stability, and community growth. Education & Workforce: A national report warns the U.S. needs 1.7 million skilled trades workers each year through 2035, but training pipelines produce far fewer. Community & Culture: GRRL Haus Cinema brings women, trans, and non-binary filmmakers to the big screen with short-film screenings focused on representation and resilience. Local Lifestyle: The Greene Turtle in Newark closes after more than a decade, adding to a run of restaurant churn in New Castle County. Delaware Spotlight: The state honors 10 Delawareans with the Order of the First State, recognizing leaders across education, public service, health care, media, and community advocacy. Sports: UD freshman Julia Flanagan earns Conference USA Freshman Runner of the Week after a standout Paul Short Run performance.

Delaware Housing: The Delaware State Housing Authority is rebranding as Housing Delaware, rolling out a new name, logo, and website to better reflect its broader work beyond traditional public housing and homeownership. Local Politics & Community: The League of Women Voters is hosting a District 4 state representative candidate forum in Sussex County, with questions submitted in advance and ASL interpretation available. Education & Equity: Delaware educators are pushing back on a proposed school accountability plan, arguing it could harm students and communities. Culture & Arts: The Media Theatre opens its season with “Murder for Two,” a local-talent comedy-mystery running through Oct. 18. Representation on Screen: GRRL Haus Cinema brings short films by women, trans, and non-binary filmmakers to the big screen, spotlighting themes from queer immigrant identity to transphobia. Public Health & Care: A new partnership aims to test a Medicare dementia care model, focusing on better coordination and caregiver support. Community Spotlight: Delaware honored 10 recipients with the state’s highest civilian award, the Order of the First State.

Early Literacy Push: Delaware is putting another $7.1 million into early reading through Bridge to Practice grants, with 28 districts and charters getting money for teacher training, coaching, and classroom materials—Christina is among the recipients. School Accountability Backlash: Delaware educators and civil rights leaders are speaking out against a proposed school accountability plan, arguing it won’t improve outcomes. Community Health & Prevention: “Delaware Goes Purple” brought substance-abuse prevention resources to Laurel, aiming to cut stigma and connect families to help. Immigration & Tuition Fight: The Trump DOJ is suing the University of Delaware over a policy that allows certain illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition while some U.S. citizens pay higher out-of-state rates. Senior Living Uncertainty: Residents at a New Wilmington nursing home are meeting with the buyer after a planned sale, pressing questions about contracts, rates, and financial stability. Coastal Cleanup Results: DNREC says volunteers removed more than 21,000 trash items from Delaware beaches and waterways ahead of a nor’easter. Culture & Events: Wilmington hosts ConCon, a conspiracy-themed convention built around comedy and pop culture, plus a World Communion celebration honoring Rev. Yolanda Pupo Ortiz’s ministry.