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Pancreatic Cancer

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Pancreatic Cancer Action NetworkToday is the last day of National Pancreatic Awareness Month, but I hope it we’ll work on raising awareness all year round.  As I look back at November, I want to thank all of the advocates – the family members, patients, and survivors – for sharing their stories. 

I also want to share mine.

I lost one of my best friends and one of the finest people I ever knew to pancreatic cancer. She died almost eight years ago.

Mary and I were college classmates. She grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and was the second of five children.  Her family was very close; they were people of faith and of energy.  They loved each other and the community loved them.

After college, Mary’s career developed from news-writing for the evening news in Philadelphia to working in the helping fields, culminating in her position as head of the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children in  New York.  The Commission is part of the International Rescue Committee.

In this role, Mary traveled frequently to some of the most difficult places on earth to advocate and fight for women and children refugees. Mary was truly one of the nicest people I have ever known, but she was also tough as nails when it came to fighting for others.

I think of Mary often and I miss her a lot. She continues to be a great inspiration to me.

http://www.knowitfightitendit.org/According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2011, an estimated 44,030 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 37,660 passed away from the disease.

Please take a moment to learn more about pancreatic cancer, get in touch with the Delaware Chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or sign up to volunteer.

Delaware Volunteers for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Volunteers with Governor Markell as he signed a proclamation naming November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. You can find local volunteers online at www.facebook.com/PanCAN.Delaware

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Walk on the WILD Side of Volunteering

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

The fall is a great time to be outside (probably not today though).  And…it’s always a great time to volunteer.  That’s why we asked Lynne Staub, our volunteer coordinator for the Division of Fish and Wildlife to tell us more about the incredible variety of volunteer opportunities they offer.

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Lynne Staub, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Have you ever listened to frogs calling on a warm summer night, or gotten so close to Delaware’s shorebirds you could almost count their feathers? Have you ever had an opportunity to help restore wildlife habitat with a simple pair of loppers? Volunteer with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and you’ll soon find yourself in the middle of exciting activities such as these and much more!

Volunteering with Birds!The Division is committed to the conservation and restoration of wildlife species and habitats, and to providing safe and enjoyable fishing, hunting and boating opportunities.  Volunteers play a key role by monitoring wildlife species, restoring native habitats and helping teach environmental education programs.

So if you want to come over to the WILD side of volunteering, DNREC offers plenty of programs to unleash your inner-environmentalist.

Just next month, the Division of Fish and Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help with three projects in state wildlife areas:

The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s volunteer activities range far and wide, covering fish and fowl and plenty in between.

  • Happily Volunteering with DNRECWant to do more toward helping wildlife? Check out the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, which include monitoring opportunities for frogs, shorebirds, piping plovers, osprey, bats and breeding birds.
  • Is education a little more up your alley? The Division is always looking for volunteers to assist with educational programming at the DuPont Nature Center near Milford, the Aquatic Resources Education Center on the Rt. 9 Greenway outside Smyrna, and with the hunter and boater education programs throughout the state.
  • Or just wanting to get outside a little and get moving? Why not sign up for a wildlife area project and help to maintain duck blinds and deer stands, plant trees, remove invasive plants, or keep an eye out for other restoration projects!

Speaking of restoration projects, click here for the calendar of upcoming volunteer opportunities and visit this page to see the broad range of activities. (Please note: there are some age restrictions). Please call ahead to register with contact information in case of inclement weather:  Lynne Staub at 302-735-3600 or lynne.staub@state.de.us.

Do something wild and lively this fall,

and get outside with Fish & Wildlife!

Volunteer with DNREC!

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Cool Spring Farmers Market – Rain or Shine Tonight

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Delaware Fresh: apps.delaware.gov

The leaves are turning and it’s a great day to get outdoors.  We helped kick off the Sussex Outdoors Summit this morning and we’ll be celebrating the success of Cool Spring Farmers Market in Wilmington this evening.

It may be getting colder, but you can still get fresh fruit and vegetables.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy Delaware agriculture this season – there are a few farmers markets still open; you can visit on-the-farm stands and shops; and for a more hands-on experience you can pick your own pumpkin!

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has put together this great guide with plenty of options.  You can also download Delaware Fresh for Androids or iPhones – it will lead you to the closest farmers market or stand.

Farmers markets can help you live healthier, but they’re also a lot of fun.  Come out today (Thursday, Oct 13, 4pm – 8pm) to celebrate the success of Cool Springs Farmers Market, offered by West End Neighborhood House’s Bright Spot Ventures Program and the Cool Springs Neighborhood Association. It features a selection of Delaware produce from leading farmers’ market producers: Tommy Eliassen and Fifer Orchards Farm and is located in Cool Springs Park at 10th and Jackson Streets in Wilmington.

A variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, spreads, and homemade pastas, breads and snacks are available for sampling and purchase while enjoying live musical performances.

In addition to providing the community with healthy alternatives, several farmers have donated portions of their unsold crops for distribution through the emergency food closet and for healthy cooking workshops conducted by the Life Lines program for former foster care youth.

The market is also providing employment opportunities and training for a group of former foster care youth through the Bright Spot Ventures social enterprise. They have been doing a great job setting up and taking down the market every week, as well as selling some of the fruits and vegetables.  A portion of all sales are given to Bright Spot Ventures to support continued vocational training.

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For more information on how to enjoy fresh produce and Delaware agricultural activities, check out the Department of Agriculture’s 2011 Agricultural Directory.

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If You Really Knew Kirk: How Delaware Kids Stand Up to Bullying

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

Our kids are back to school – and as parents, we worry when they’re not around.  Across the country, many students, parents, and educators are concerned about bullying.  Bullies can make kids – and adults – feel weak.

But often, kids can surprise and inspire us with their strength, their passion, and their creativity.

To honor the memory of their classmate, John Sullivan, a team of middle school students at Kirk Middle School created ”If You Really Knew Kirk.” Working together, the students created a program for their peers that confronted four issues: grief, acceptance, family and bullying.  You can learn more about John and his classmates here.

Now the students have come together again to tell their story by video.

Please take some time to watch it, share it and be inspired.

Watch on YouTube: http://youtu.be/FxlhjDa-Mss

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Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance: Deadline Approaching

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Guest post from Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi.

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi

Have you seen all the Sheriff Sales in the newspapers?  I have, and the numbers are staggering.  With the downturn in the economy over the last few years, more families than ever are losing their home to foreclosure.

If you, or someone you know, have fallen 90 days or more behind on their mortgage due to unemployment, under-employment, illness, or injury – there is help available!

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) offers the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).  The goal of this program is to stop foreclosure and keep families in their home. DSHA’s DEMAP program recently received a huge boost of $6 million from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to help even more families save their home.

I hear from many families who think they are too far behind and their home can’t be saved.  Many times, that’s not the case at all.

DEMAP offers up to $50,000 to bring your mortgage, taxes and insurance current, and may be able to help make your mortgage payments for up to two years.

I know this sounds too good to be true, but it’s not!  Even if you’re not sure that you will qualify, give us a call and let us try to help you. The $6 million in federal assistance is only available until September 30 – so call now!

The toll-free number is 888-363-8808, or visit www.DeStateHousing.com/SaveMyHome.

 

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Are You Prepared for the Heat Wave?

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Please take a look at the information below from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to prepare for this heat wave.  We could use your help to raise awareness, protect our children, and keep an eye out for our elderly family, friends and neighbors.  Thank you!

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Delaware Emergency Management AgencyWith a significant heat wave smothering the region this week, emergency management officials urge the public to constantly monitor the weather situation in their areas and to take precautions for the health and safety of all.

According to the National Weather Service, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Persons of all ages are susceptible to heat-related illness and life-threatening conditions, but infants and small children and elderly persons are often at higher risk.

Actions that help in avoiding heat related health issues include drinking plenty of water, staying out of the sun and remaining in an air-conditioned location whenever possible. Those without air conditioning are encouraged to seek cool locations such as indoor shopping malls, libraries and public buildings that are not restricted.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director Jamie Turner said, “Listen to local media for updates on cooling stations or facilities that might open for use by the public. It’s also a good time to look out for others. Be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors. Make sure you keep your pets in a cool location with plenty of water available.”

No one, especially children, the elderly and pets, should remain in a parked car during periods of moderate to extreme heat. Even with windows open for ventilation, extremely high temperature develops in a very short period of time. According to the National Weather Service, tests show that with an outside temperature of just 80 degrees, the thermometer in a parked car can rise to a reading of 123 degrees F. in less than an hour. In just over two minutes, the car can go from a safe temperature to 94.3 degree F.

If you must work or spend time outside, take extra precautions. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities for the early morning or late evening hours. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk when working outdoors, it is recommended that frequent rest breaks in a shaded or air conditioned environment are scheduled. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency, call 911 for assistance.

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided during exposure to extremely hot weather and caffeinated beverages should be limited.

Special tips on child and car safety during extreme heat:

  • Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belt buckles aren’t too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
  • Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle in warm weather, even with the windows down.
  • Teach children not to play in, on or around cars.
  • Always lock car doors and trunks–even at home–and keep keys out of children’s reach.
  • Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don’t leave sleeping infants in the car ever!

The impact of the current heat wave will intensify in the region starting Thursday, July 21.  According to the National Weather Service, Friday, July 22 looks like it will be the “hottest” day. Heat index values (a measure of the combination of temperature and humidity) will approach a maximum of 105 degrees on Thursday, and 110 degrees on Friday. The highest values will be experienced in highly urbanized areas. Overnight low temperatures may not drop below 80 in those areas.

There is some uncertainty regarding high temperatures on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, as a cold front may approach the region. However, maximum heat index values may again exceed 105 on Saturday and Sunday.

For additional safety and preparedness information visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.

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Prepare for Weather Emergencies

Friday, May 27th, 2011

We are very saddened by the devastation caused by the tornadoes in Missouri, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.  I hope your thoughts and your prayers are with our fellow Americans.  Please consider donating to the American Red Cross or giving blood.

I also hope you will take a moment to read the message below from the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security on how to prepare for tornadoes.  If you don’t have an emergency kit and an emergency plan – this is a great weekend to get prepared.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Tornadoes

And Other Weather Emergencies

Tornadoes can appear suddenly and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up and propelled away from the funnel or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival.

Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that while tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important.

There are three important steps all families must take to prepare for an emergency.

First, get an emergency kit that includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries and store it in your shelter. Also include copies of personal identification, insurance papers, homeowner related paperwork and documentation of your furnishings, preferably electronically stored on a disk or card. Strongly consider downloading a weather warning application to your cell phone and the purchase of a weather radio for your home.

Second, make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what actions you will take in the event of an emergency.  Identify several locations where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:

  • Cellars or basements provide the best protection.
  • If underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
  • A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
  • If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Third, familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.

  • A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
  • A tornado warning identifies that it is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.

For additional information visit the DEMA web site at http://dema.delaware.gov/services/disaster_prep.shtml

Register Special Needs with 911

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$tand by Me: Helping Delawareans Achieve Financial Goals

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

As we keep our focus on putting Delawareans to work and improving our state’s future, we’re working to provide tools that can enable individuals to improve financial responsibility and save up for college, to buy a new home or achieve other financial goals.

I’m particularly excited about a new effort called $tand By Me DE—the Delaware Financial Empowerment partnership. This brings together state employees, the United Way, major banks, non-profits—dozens of groups who are volunteering their time, resources and talents to make a real difference in our community.

(Interested in joining with us to volunteer?)

Here are some of the services offered through $tand By MeTM available to all Delawareans:

  • One-on-one coaching, sticking with you as you work towards goals
  • Help with creating a budget and understanding credit
  • Advice for college and financial aid applications
  • Access to consumer loans and savings accounts
  • Referrals for additional resources if needed

We’ve been hearing some tremendously positive feedback about $tand By MeTM.

One participant told us: “This is exactly what I need—a place that does not tell me what I have to do, but lets me tell the coach what I want to work on and what I think I need to do first. It’s great to have someone to listen to my concerns and help me sort out what I can do next.”

At the $tand By MeTM website, you can set up a meeting with a coach, find a wide assortment of resources designed to help manage your finances, or volunteer to help grow the program. Initially, sessions will be held at the first $tand By MeTM Financial Empowerment Center in the Hudson State Service Center in Newark, with these efforts later spreading to public agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations around the state—free help will not be far away.

Financial literacy and responsibility are keys to economic growth and personal stability, and we hope you’ll take advantage of the resources that $tand By MeTM has to offer.

Visit standbyme.org to learn how they help you or sign up to volunteer!

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Saturday: Find the Answers to All Your Homebuying Questions

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Guest post by Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi

As the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, the question I get asked the most is, “Is now a good time to buy a home?”

The second question is almost always, “Where do I start?” That’s why Delaware State Housing Authority and The Money School are having a free Homebuyer Fair this Saturday, May 14, at the Christiana Hilton from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The answer to the first question is, “Yes!”  Mortgage interest rates remain at historic lows, and there is a large inventory of affordably priced houses on the market.  The answer to the second question is to come to the Homebuyer Fair this Saturday, and we’ll show you how to get started.

Making sensible decisions is the key to a successful home buying experience. Before you purchase a home, come talk to the experts at the Homebuyer Fair about the importance of credit; budgeting & finance; strategies for finding and negotiating on properties; and the value of a home inspection.  Lenders and Realtors will also be there to explain affordable mortgage options and the downpayment/closing cost assistance that’s available.  Housing counselors will also be on hand to walk you through the home buying process from beginning to end.

So join us this Saturday at the Christiana Hilton. There will be 40 vendors and exhibitors, free food, give-aways, prizes, and TOM-FM will be broadcasting live from 9 to Noon.  Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons will also be stopping by to talk to people about the benefits of homeownership in Delaware.

To learn more about the Homebuyer Fair, visit our website at www.DeStateHousing.com.  Pre-registration is recommended (but not required) by calling toll free 877-307-6858 or visit www.DelawareMoneySchool.com.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Hope to see you there!

Anas Ben Addi, Director
Delaware State Housing Authority

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Delaware Emergency Morgage Assistance: Could We Help Someone You Know?

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Guest post by Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi

Although our economy has improved, the process of recovery continues. Many families have not yet recovered from financial hardships due to unemployment, underemployment, injury or illness. Most likely, someone you know is struggling to pay a mortgage and could lose their home.

We understand the uncertainty and stress that foreclosure can cause. That’s why the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and DSHA have teamed up to bring $6M in foreclosure assistance to keep more than 200 Delaware families in their homes through the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).

DEMAP can provide up to $30,000 to pay past due mortgage, property tax and insurance payments for homeowners that have had their income reduced by 15% or more. It can also help pay future payments for up to 24 months. This assistance is recorded as a loan, but is forgiven over five years. This is great news for Delaware.

Facing foreclosure can be intimidating.

People may be scared to open their mail or answer their phone, for fear that it may be their lender asking them for payment – money they don’t have. Often, they don’t know who to call or that there is help available.

If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure, please call DSHA at (888) 363-8808 to learn more about DEMAP or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com. You can also contact DEMAP housing counselors directly for assistance and a complete contact list can be found here.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we are here to help!

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Our Sister State in Need: Tragedy in Miyagi

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Help MiyagiWe have all been watching the devastating events in Japan with heartache and compassion.

Our state has long had a close relationship with Miyagi Prefecture, beginning with Governor Castle and evolving into a formal sister-state partnership under Governor Carper in 1997. But the relationships go well beyond our governors to where it really matters: the people of Delaware and Miyagi have built lasting and meaningful friendships over the years.

Our businesses have worked together to help expand our markets and employ more people, both in Delaware and Miyagi.

Parents from Delaware and Miyagi have hosted our children, taking them in as our own. Teachers and classmates from both states have helped our students understand each of our cultures and each other as mentors and friends.

I’m extremely proud of the outpouring of support that we’ve heard from Delawareans. Many of us, across the state, want to reach across the ocean to help.

We have been in contact with our colleagues in Miyagi since Friday, and we will be identifying ways that we can help as they develop a better understanding of the full impact of the earthquake and the tsunami. In the meantime, we have established the Delaware Fund for Miyagi, Japan with the Delaware Community Foundation.

We hope that you will consider contributing and also let us know about any efforts that you are already working on.

Delaware is the state of neighbors – thank you for your interest in helping our neighbors on the other side of the world.

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