Faithful Friends: Bursting at the Seams at 25

Rise and Shine, 302. Let’s make this quick, you’ve got things to do. Just enough to know what’s happening above the canal.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Packed Kennels Mark a Milestone for Faithful Friends

• Lights, Camera, Newark: Indie Filmmakers Take Over

• Changes Coming to Main Street Before UD Students Return

Let’s get to it.

QUICK POLL

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🐾 Faithful Friends turns 25 amid record crowding

New Castle’s Faithful Friends Animal Society is celebrating 25 years of rescuing Delaware’s homeless pets, but the party comes with a problem: they’re packed to the gills. The shelter is caring for 346 cats (116 are kittens!), 70 dogs, plus a critter room overflowing with guinea pigs and rabbits. Some pups are even bunking in office space due to full kennels.

Executive Director Jane Pierantozzi says summer adoptions slow as surrenders spike, with inflation and housing costs making it harder for families to keep pets. Last year’s dog virus outbreak strained resources, so Faithful Friends is aiming to raise $125K this month through donations, its annual 5K & Mutt Mile, and fostering.

They’ve never turned an animal away in 25 years — and they’re determined not to start now.

🎬 Newark goes indie

According to the Newark Post, the Newark Independent Film Festival is back August 14–16, bringing 58 short films from across the U.S. and even Germany to the Chapel Street Players stage. Genres range from horror to heartfelt documentaries, with a special category for Delaware-made films like Return to Hockessin No. 107C and Unseen American Dream.

Organizer and Newark local Kazy Tauginas says the fest is all about heart over profit, giving independent filmmakers the big-screen treatment they deserve. His own feature, Mirror Life, will premiere during the event.

With visiting filmmakers staying downtown and exploring local spots, the festival doubles as an economic boost during Newark’s slower summer months. Tickets are $15 per block, and cinephiles can catch all the details at newarkindependentfilmfestival.com.

🚦 Main Street safety upgrades start Friday

Work is scheduled to begin this week on new safety measures for Main Street after two pedestrian deaths in the past year. The $1.3 million project will add all-way stops at Main & Haines and the slip lane at McKees Lane, plus rumble strips near Library Avenue, fresh crosswalk markings, upgraded pedestrian signage, and a new bike lane where a turn lane is being removed.

City and state officials pushed to have some improvements in place before UD students return this fall. Longer-term ideas still on the table include speed cameras, lower speed limits, roundabouts, and wider sidewalks.

If you’ve driven Main Street lately, expect a few changes, and hopefully, a safer trip for everyone

IN BUSINESS

🥂 French flair comes to Concord Pike

Concord Pike is getting fancy. La Fête, led by Philly chef Max Kaklins, opens Aug. 27 in the old diner spot near the Charcoal Pit. Expect modern French comfort food, garden-inspired décor, and a patio perfect for sipping from the sommelier-curated wine list.

This stretch of 202 has churned through Italian cafés, diners, and bakeries, but La Fête is betting big on Wilmington’s appetite for French flair. With pedigreed mixologists and an opening date just weeks away, reservations might be the smartest thing you book all summer.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Delaware’s leaders face the same tax hikes as you

Turns out Delaware’s elected officials aren’t immune to the post-reassessment tax shuffle. A Spotlight Delaware review found most state and county leaders will see higher property tax bills this year, despite rumors that they all scored cushy cuts. A few—like Gov. Matt Meyer, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and even President Biden’s Greenville home—came out ahead, but many others are paying $1,000+ more.

In the General Assembly, 38 of 61 lawmakers face hikes, with Rep. Nnamdi Chukwoucha taking the biggest hit. Meanwhile, county and city leaders are a mixed bag: some paying more, some less. The bottom line? The reassessment didn’t play favorites, even for Delaware’s political VIPs.

⚡ Big data, bigger bills?

A proposed Delaware City data center could make your electric bill a little spicier. Starwood Digital Ventures plans to plug into the PJM grid, the same one powering your home, and experts warn the project’s massive energy needs could push prices higher if supply cannot keep up, Spotlight Delaware reports.

Industry reps insist they’ll pay their “full cost of service,” but watchdogs say that’s a fuzzy term. Infrastructure upgrades, often shared by all ratepayers, plus Delaware’s reliance on imported energy could also bump costs.

Supporters tout 200+ new jobs and potential economic growth. Skeptics counter that any gains could be zapped if power prices climb. Definitely one to watch, especially if your lights flicker when someone boots up a supercomputer.

DOG OF THE WEEK

Say hello to Andre🐾

Andre is proof that good looks and a great personality can come in the same package. This 4-year-old, tan-coated charmer is a happy-go-lucky guy who’s never met a stranger, canine or human. His favorite pastime? Play yard hangouts with his dog buddies, where his tail wags as much as his legs run.

Large enough for big adventures but gentle enough to stroll politely by your side, Andre is ready for a fresh start with a family who will love his friendly, easy-going nature.

Come meet him at the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Copeland Center in New Castle. He’s neutered, microchipped, and waiting for his forever home. Maybe with you.

THE HAPPENINGS

Monday

Eljuri at Rockford Park. Experience the high-energy fusion of rock, reggae, and world beats as trailblazing Ecuadorian-born Latina artist Eljuri delivers bold lyrics and soaring guitar work in an inspiring outdoor show. Monday, August 11, 6:30 PM.

Tuesday

Alfie Moss at Brandywine Mills Plaza. Saxophonist Alfie Moss sets the tone for a summer evening with her dynamic blend of jazz styles, rich melodies, and irresistible groove. Tuesday, August 12, 5 PM.

OperaDelaware Mixer at Brandywine Brasserie. Meet OperaDelaware’s artists and friends in a laid-back social setting, complete with delicious bites and lively conversation. Tuesday, August 12, 5 PM.

Joanne Shaw Taylor at Arden’s Shady Grove Stage. British blues-rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns to Arden with her powerhouse band, performing hits from Heavy Soul and previewing tracks from her upcoming album. Tuesday, August 12, 6 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM).

Wednesday

Downtown Wilmington Farmers Market at Rodney Square. Rodney Square transforms into a lively marketplace with fresh local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and a tempting lineup of food trucks. 10 AM–2 PM.

Lunchtime Concert on the Arts Center Patio at Bellevue State Park. Take a midweek break with live music from Steve and Sam Nobles, enjoyed from the shaded patio or scenic music garden—perfect with a picnic. Wednesday, August 13, 12 PM.

Lunchtime Concert Series – Candace C. Culcleasure at Hare Overlook Pavilion. Savor a midday escape with smooth jazz from vocalist Candace C. Culcleasure, best enjoyed with a picnic and a riverfront view. Wednesday, August 13, 12:15–1:15 PM.

West Side Farmers Market at Cool Spring Park. This neighborhood market brings together local farmers, food trucks, and artisans, offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to honey, flowers, and hot meals. Wednesday, 3:30–6:30 PM.

Summer Evenings at Hagley Museum and Library. Stroll the Brandywine’s “most beautiful mile” while enjoying live music, local food trucks, Dogfish Head drinks, and Woodside Farm ice cream in a family-friendly, dog-friendly setting. Wednesday, August 13, 5–8 PM.

Summer Parks Concert – The Fuzaholics at Herman Holloway Park. Groove into the evening with The Fuzaholics’ infectious blend of rhythms, served up alongside free Bernie’s Water Ice for a sweet summer treat. Wednesday, August 13, 6–7:30 PM.

Levitt AMP Wilmington Concert Series – Sug Daniels at Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. Enjoy an evening of soulful storytelling and heartfelt tunes as Delaware-born, Philadelphia-based artist Sug Daniels blends folk, rock, and soul with uplifting messages. Wednesday, August 13, 6–8:30 PM.

Spokey Speaky at Carpenter Recreation Area. Wilmington’s own Spokey Speaky brings infectious reggae grooves and uplifting energy to this summer evening performance, blending classic rhythms with soulful flair. Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 PM.

Wednesday Night Summer Concert – Olivia Reynolds at Battery Park, Old New Castle. Wrap up the summer concert season with singer-songwriter Olivia Reynolds performing along the scenic Delaware River. Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 PM.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

87 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 8% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

Tuesday

89 🌡️ 71 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 8% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

Wednesday

87 🌡️ 71 | ☁️ Cloudy | 24% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLIST

Now on Their Own Pages

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts 

• 🥳 Weeknight Social 

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🧒 For the Kids (coming soon)

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