Tourism is a $1.7 billion (and growing!) industry in Sussex County. In fact, nearly 20% of all jobs in the county – about 18,000 of them – are tourism related. And tourism revenue saves each Delaware household nearly $1400 in taxes each year. This is definitely due, in large part, to our fortunate geographical location and our beautiful 5 Star beaches – but it’s also the result of a lot of initiative, creativity, planning and hard work by the many people and organizations who strive to keep up with changing travel trends and demographics and to create and provide the types of attractions, events, activities, services, and atmosphere visitors to Southern Delaware will be delighted to find when they arrive.

In recognition and appreciation of this, Southern Delaware Tourism is expanding the number of nominating categories in 2016 from one to four.

Area residents and businesses are asked to nominate groups or individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry in Sussex County, Delaware between October, 2015 and October, 2016. Nominations must be completed and submitted by November 15, 2016 to be considered. The winners, selected by an impartial panel of judges, will be announced in December.

“Tourism is a huge economic engine for Sussex County,” says Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “This is our way of honoring those that have gone above and beyond to contribute to the tourism industry in our area. We encourage everyone to consider who they think may be worthy recipients of these awards, and to nominate them.”

The categories and criteria for each are:

Best Event
Criteria: Visitation draw, uniqueness, out-of-area promotion, helping to spotlight Sussex County as a destination.

Best New Event (for first time events held in Sussex County)
Criteria: Visitation draw, uniqueness, out-of-area promotion, helping to spotlight Sussex County as a destination.

Best Attraction
Criteria: Visitation draw, tourism economic impact to the community, group friendliness, collaboration with accommodations

Tourism Partner of the Year (Business or Organization)
Criteria: Collaboration and participation with Southern Delaware Tourism and/or Chambers of Commerce in Sussex County

Past recipients of the annual award include The Freeman Stage at Bayside. Nassau Valley Vineyards, the Apple Scrapple Festival, Dogfish Head Brewery Tours, the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, the Lewes Maritime History Trail, the Ocean to Bay Bike Tour and Eating Rehoboth Walking Food Tours. Last year’s recipient was The Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers’ Festival.

Nomination forms and instructions for the 2016 Southern Delaware Tourism Awards can be obtained at www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/nomination, or by calling 302-856-1818.

Southern Delaware Tourism supports and encourages the identification, development and promotion of sustainable, year-round tourism in Southern Delaware that contributes to economic growth and improves the quality of life. For more information, call Southern Delaware Tourism at 302-856-1818 or visit their website, www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com.

Ocean City, Maryland – October 3, 2016: Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one smoke alarm. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Ocean City Fire Department and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Fire Marshal David Hartley.  “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms.”

The NFPA’s National Fire Alarm Code® requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old.

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016. To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). The Ocean City Fire Department also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

Remember- Don’t Wait! Check the Date!

Town of Ocean City employee, Barbara Scheleur, has retired after contributing 16 years of dedicated service to the town. Her employment began in September of 2000, when she was hired as an administrative office associate in the Engineering Department.

Before joining the town, Scheleur held administrative positions at Advo, Inc and Wohlsen Dashiell. Her daily duties with the Engineering Department included managing the front desk, assisting her co-workers and greeting customers. Scheleur also was well organized and helped created a well flowing atmosphere for her colleagues and supervisors.

“I have enjoyed my time working for the Town of Ocean City and was privileged to have had an incredible boss,” Scheleur commented of City Engineer Terry McGean. “I also have had great co-workers in my department and throughout the town, who always work together as a team.”

McGean praised Scheleur during her retirement recognition at Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council work session “Barb has been the face of our department for the last 16 years, greeting our staff and our customers with a positive attitude and helpful manner,” McGean commented. “Although small in number, our department has large and varying responsibilities and Barb has handled them all with consummate skill and professionalism. She has kept our department running smoothing and she will be greatly missed.”

Scheleur’s retirement plans include traveling the United States, visiting family and volunteering her time.  “My retirement is bittersweet,” Scheleur finished. “It was not an easy decision to make, and although I look forward to more free time, I will also greatly miss the people who have made my workplace a home for the last 16 years.”

Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to participate in a free, 8-sessionCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Newark.

The training will take place at the Fire Training Center, located at 6743 Central Site Lane just off U.S. Rt. 113 adjacent to Worcester Technical High School, on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. from October 11 – November 22, 2016.

CERT is an informative, hands-on, educational program packed with information to equip residents, who have no prior emergency medical training, to support their families and communities during a disaster. Participants will gain the decision-making and practical skills necessary to offer immediate assistance to those in need following an emergency until further help can arrive.

Participants will learn to recognize both natural and manmade hazards. In addition to Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training, sessions will include Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Safety and Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations I and II, Light Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials; Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Incident Command System; Practical Work Stations, and Special Topics. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to create disaster plans and supply kits.

Those who successfully complete the training will receive CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association. During the course, instructors will provide information on hazards typical to Worcester County, hazardous materials in the home and the National Incident Management System. Instruction is geared to help residents better prepare and survive during the first 36 to 72 hours after a catastrophic event, when local first responder resources are stretched to their limits.

CERT is available at no cost to all interested residents thanks to the generous support of the Worcester County Commissioners. Space is limited to 20 individuals and is available on a first come, first served basis. For more info or to register, contact Tom Kane at 410-632-3080 or tkane@co.worcester.md.us.