Huge Holiday Artisans Show Returns To CCArts

TOGETHER WITH

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Nothing like an unexpected fifteen hundred dollars to remind you how fragile a laptop is. My old one launched off the coffee table yesterday, so this issue is coming to you from a brand new machine. Thanks for reading, and yes, donations help.

Your 302 Rundown:

• CCArts fills with 40 plus holiday makers

• E-ZPass moves all exit ramps to toll by plate

• Festival of Trees opens at historic Brantwyn Estate

Let’s get to it

SPONSORED BY THE ROSAIO TEAM,
CROWN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Kristen Rosaio Presents: Classic Comfort in Dartmouth Woods

Set on a quiet street in Dartmouth Woods, 32 Sturbridge Drive pairs warm character with thoughtful updates in a classic North Wilmington setting. The split-level design opens with a welcoming family room anchored by a stone fireplace and easy access to a refreshed powder room, laundry and hobby space, and the peaceful backyard framed by mature trees.

Up a short set of stairs, the main level feels bright and open with a sunlit living room, connected dining area, and an updated kitchen with white cabinetry, black stone counters, stainless appliances, and a gas cooktop. Sliding doors lead to the back patio for simple indoor outdoor flow.

The upper level includes three comfortable bedrooms and a hall bath with direct access from the primary. Recent improvements include updated flooring, copper wiring, interior paint, and a 2022 water heater. Minutes from Naamans Road conveniences and I 95, this home blends comfort and location under five hundred thousand.

See the listing photos and full details.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🚗 E-ZPass Delaware is rolling out a new website and billing system

Changes are coming for Delaware drivers. E-ZPass is launching a redesigned website on November 13 that promises a cleaner look, better accessibility, and easier account tools. As part of the upgrade, customers will now get one monthly Toll by Plate invoice, with all tolls combined into a single bill that lists only what you owe.

Drivers without an E-ZPass will also stop using cash on exit ramps, since all ramps are shifting to Toll by Plate invoicing. Email and text alerts, automatic credit card updates, and improved customer service options are being added too.

Heads up: the entire system will go offline from November 13 at 8 pm through November 18 at 7 am while everything switches over.

🇺🇸 Wall of Remembrance debuts in New Castle

Veterans Memorial Park just revealed a major update, and it is a meaningful one. The newly expanded Wall of Remembrance now lists more than 16,000 service members from Delaware and New Jersey, covering World War II through today. According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the $5 million project restored the park’s original circular plaza, reinforced the monument’s structure, and added a new flagpole for the Space Force.

President Joe Biden attended the dedication and spoke about the stories carried by those names. Whether you pass it on a daily walk or visit once a year, the new design gives the space a stronger sense of place and purpose. 

🎨 Newark wants your ideas for the Library Avenue mural

The Library Avenue Mural is getting a fresh start, and the team behind it wants the community to help shape what comes next. The Newark Partnership and several local groups have launched a quick public survey to gather early input as they begin reimagining the mural.

It takes about two minutes, and it is the first step in a series of community engagement events planned for the project. If you want a say in one of Newark’s most visible public art spots, now is the time to jump in.

🎄 Newark invites groups to share their holiday spirit

If your organization loves decorating for the season, Newark is inviting local groups to install their own holiday displays in designated spots on city property. The city’s press release at newarkde.gov includes the Holiday Display Application and notes that space is limited and assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Applications are due Nov. 28, and it is an easy way to add some sparkle around town while putting your group in the holiday spotlight.

IN BUSINESS

💡 Wilmington launches a youth entrepreneurship program

Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation team just kicked off something pretty exciting for teens. The new Youth Entrepreneurship Business program pairs students ages 14 to 17 with local entrepreneurs and mentors at the MSK Community Center. Over six to eight weeks, teens will dive into branding, business planning, marketing, e-commerce, and financial literacy, guided by business owner Antinette Watson and the team at I Am My Sister’s Keeper.

The city says the goal is simple: give young people the confidence and tools to build something of their own. The program ends with a Youth Business Showcase where students present their ideas to family and community leaders. It is a clever way to plant entrepreneurial seeds early, and honestly, Delaware could use more of that energy.

✈️ Avelo adds new Wilmington flights to Chicago and Atlanta

Wilmington Airport is getting two big additions this winter. Avelo will begin offering flights to Chicago and Atlanta starting February 11, thanks to a third jet being based at ILG. The airline will run four to five flights a week to both cities, and if you are quick, you might catch one of the $34 introductory fares. The move comes as Avelo continues expanding service from Wilmington with routes like Orlando, San Juan, and Lakeland.

Chicago and Atlanta are two of the busiest markets out of Philadelphia, so peeling off even a small slice of that demand could make these new ILG routes surprisingly popular.

⚡ Bloom Energy raises $2.2 billion

Bloom Energy just secured a $2.2 billion note deal after strong investor interest pushed the offering higher. About half of the funds will retire older notes, and the rest goes toward research, manufacturing, and expansion at its Newark and Fremont sites.

Demand for Bloom’s fuel cells is climbing as data center developers look for steadier power during heavy loads, and the company’s stock has been on the upswing as orders build. The systems can run on natural gas or renewable gas, which gives Bloom flexibility as energy markets shift.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🏘 Newark approves 12 new rental townhouses on Lovett Avenue

A block near campus is about to change again. Newark council voted 5 to 1 to approve 12 new student rental townhouses on Lovett Avenue, even though the planning commission had recommended against it. The project covers both sides of the street and replaces older rentals, a parking lot, and a former church.

Each townhouse will be three stories with seven bedrooms, and the plan includes 48 parking spaces, which exceeds what code requires. After concerns about large enclosed backyards turning into party zones, the developer adjusted fencing and layout so the spaces are more visible from nearby streets.

This is the first major redevelopment on Lovett Avenue and reflects the ongoing shift toward higher density student housing near campus.

THE HAPPENINGS

Multiple Days

44th Annual Artisans Show – Center for the Creative Arts. Browse handcrafted works from more than 40 regional artists as CCArts transforms into a vibrant marketplace of fine art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and gourmet treats. Saturday from 10 AM–5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM–4 PM; free admission.

Fair Hill Arts Festival – Fair Hill Nature Center. Explore fine art and craftsmanship at this juried indoor show benefiting environmental education, featuring regional artists working in paint, sculpture, photography, and more. Saturday from 10 AM–4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM–3 PM; $5 suggested donation for adults.

Wilmington Festival of Trees – Brantwyn Estate. Step into a winter wonderland at this cherished North Wilmington tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, local artisan goods, baked treats, and live holiday music, all benefiting Delaware Hospice. The festival runs Friday through Sunday from 12–4 PM on Friday and 10 AM–4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Free to attend, with donations supporting hospice care programs.

Friday

An Evening with Spirit – The Everett Theatre. Experience an intimate night with psychic medium Deanna Fitzpatrick as she delivers heartfelt messages from the spirit world in this live gallery reading event. Friday at 7:30 PM; tickets $40.

Randy Rainbow: National Freakin Treasure – The Playhouse. The Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, singer, and satirist brings his sharp wit and musical parodies to Wilmington for a night of clever comedy and show-stopping performance. Friday at 8 PM.

Saturday

Winter Makers' Market – Blue Elk Vineyard. Sip, shop, and soak up the holiday spirit at this festive market featuring local artisans, food trucks, live music, and free photos with Santa from 11 AM to 1 PM. Saturday from 10 AM–2 PM; free admission.

Buried Brew – Wilmington Riverfront. Step back in time on a four-hour guided journey through Wilmington’s 300-year beer-making past, led by local historian John Medkeff. The tour blends a comfortable coach ride with a two-mile walking route and an active brewery stop. Saturday from 11 AM–4 PM. Tickets are $80 and include snacks, two drink tickets, and a keepsake program, with proceeds benefiting the Restore the King campaign.

The Rock Orchestra Performs Paul Simon – Copeland Hall. Celebrate the music of Paul Simon as The Rock Orchestra performs hits spanning his legendary career from Simon & Garfunkel classics to Graceland favorites. Saturday at 8 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

55 🌡️ 35 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 2% | 💨 WNW 19 mph

Friday

55 🌡️ 34 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 5% | 💨 WNW 14 mph

Saturday

55 🌡️ 48 | ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | 15% | 💨 SW 8 mph

Sunday

61 🌡️ 40 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers | 53% | 💨 WNW 19 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 58ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS

• 🥳 Casual Plans

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧒 For the Kids

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts

• 🎨 Workshops & Classes

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