Two New Plays Debut This Week In Northern Delaware

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Yesterday was 71, and the forecast says we are not done yet. Neighborhood dogs are about to have a very busy week.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Home Clean Heroes North Delaware helps busy households keep their homes consistently clean without sacrificing their weekends.

Owners Khan and Shermeen lead a locally owned team focused on dependable service, attention to detail, and giving homeowners back their time.

If you're looking for reliable help keeping up with the mess, you can learn more or request a quote at HomeCleanHeroes.com, or by calling (302) 467-2637.

You can also meet Khan and Shermeen at the Delaware Home Owners Expo this weekend if you happen to be attending.

Some people swear by early morning grocery runs, while others prefer stopping in after work or doing one big weekend trip. Everyone has a system that works for them. What is yours?

💙 A Delaware Trooper’s Legacy Is Becoming a Foundation for Police Families

After the loss of Delaware State Trooper Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook, his wife has launched the Ty Snook Foundation to support families facing the same kind of loss. The organization aims to build a community for the children and surviving spouses of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.

The focus is on connection and shared support, bringing together families who understand each other’s experiences in ways few others can. As the foundation grows, plans include gatherings, programs, and opportunities designed especially for children navigating life after losing a parent in law enforcement.

It is still in the early stages, but the mission is clear: making sure the families behind the badge never have to walk that road alone.

Delaware has seen some chilly Marches over the years, and now there's a list ranking the coldest ones since 1895. Using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, the ranking showcases the months with the lowest average temperatures. March 1960 takes the top spot with an average temperature of just 32.2°F.

The list dives into the specifics, noting the monthly highs, lows, and total precipitation for each frigid March. For instance, March 1960 not only had the lowest average temperature but also recorded a high of 41.4°F and a low of 23.1°F, with 1.97 inches of precipitation.

If you're curious about other cold Marches, the list features years like 1915 and 1916, rounding out the top three. Keep those scarves handy; you never know when the next cold snap might hit.

Delaware's Do More 24 campaign brought in over $2.4 million for local nonprofits during its 24-hour online fundraising event. More than 20,000 donors from across the country participated, supporting over 600 organizations. This annual event is organized by the United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact.

The campaign, which started in 2016, has raised nearly $15 million to date. Nonprofits compete for a share of $300,000 in matching gifts and prizes, boosting their ability to serve communities. Organizers note the campaign's growth highlights both the strength of Delaware's nonprofit sector and the generosity of its supporters.

Sponsors for this year's event included major foundations and organizations, reflecting a strong community effort. The campaign continues to spotlight the essential role of nonprofits in Delaware, encouraging widespread participation and support.

Newark Charter School's high school marching band, choir, and orchestra are gearing up for an exciting return to Rome. They received an official invitation to perform in the city's New Year's Day parade later this year. Bob Bone, the parade's recruiter, made the announcement during a ceremony at the school, expressing his delight at welcoming the talented group back.

This won't be Newark Charter's first international performance. The band last played in Rome's parade in 2023 and had previously showcased their talents in London's New Year's Day parade in 2019. The parade in Rome, which starts at Piazza del Popolo, is a grand event drawing around 30,000 spectators and is broadcast on Italian TV.

In addition to performing, the students will enjoy cultural activities, including museum visits and concerts in historic venues. The trip promises to be a memorable experience for all involved, marking another milestone in the school's musical achievements.

If you're longing for a touch of nature amidst the winter chill, the Newark Arts Alliance has just the thing. Their latest exhibit, "Good Nature: Interpretations of the Outdoors," showcases the work of two talented regional artists, Rebecca Howell and Jessica Graae. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the natural world, capturing its beauty through abstract styles.

Rebecca Howell, a Wilmington artist, presents a series of oil paintings that deconstruct landscapes into fleeting moments. Her work is a meditative practice, using a personal calligraphy of marks to express her connection with nature. Meanwhile, Jessica Graae draws inspiration from Delaware County's familiar parks and woods, transforming them into vibrant abstract pieces.

The exhibit runs until March 20, with a public reception planned for March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit the gallery at the Shoppes at Louviers on Paper Mill Road, open Tuesday through Saturday, for a refreshing artistic escape.

The Wilmington DMV is set to reopen its doors on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. After a period of closure, the facility will now operate by appointment only, aiming to better manage the flow of customers through its doors.

Residents can book their appointments online via appointments.dmv.de.gov, or if they prefer, by calling 302-744-2500. This appointment system is expected to be in place for at least a month, providing a structured approach to service.

Meanwhile, DMV locations in Delaware City, Dover, and Georgetown will continue to welcome walk-in customers, offering more flexibility for those in need of immediate service.

The Wilmington City Council is pushing for SEPTA and DelDOT to bring back in-person staff at the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station. The station, the 14th busiest in the nation, saw its ticket office closed in December. Councilmember Maria Cabrera highlighted the need for human assistance, especially for seniors and those unfamiliar with digital ticketing. The resolution passed with strong support, urging action from relevant authorities.

In the same meeting, Councilmember Coby Owens introduced an ordinance for a Low-Income Rental Assistance Program. With rising rental costs putting a strain on Wilmington residents, the program aims to provide up to $1,500 per month for eligible candidates. The proposal is now with the Community Development and Urban Planning Committee for review, and the Council will vote on it after the committee's assessment.

In Dover, Delaware's Secretary of Education Cindy Marten is asking for a nearly $2.4 billion budget for public education in FY27. This request marks close to a 4% increase from the current year. Marten made her case during a budget hearing with the Joint Finance Committee, emphasizing the need for investments in teacher salaries, early childhood programs, and literacy improvements.

The proposal aims to raise starting teacher salaries to $60,000 and boost third-grade reading proficiency. With growing student enrollment and rising costs, the budget reflects a strategic push to enhance educational outcomes across the state's 19 school districts.

As the debate unfolds, taxpayer advocates call for accountability tied to measurable improvements in student performance. The General Assembly will review the proposal, with a decision expected before the fiscal year starts on July 1.

The Redding Consortium, tasked with reshaping Wilmington's school district boundaries, has decided to delay its final proposal. Initially aiming to present a plan by June, they've now pushed the timeline to the end of the year. This shift means the earliest approval for the consolidation of Wilmington-area school districts could be in 2027, affecting over 43,000 students.

Spotlight Delaware's reporting indicates that the consortium needs more time to work with the American Institutes for Research on a detailed plan. The consortium voted to form an executive committee to collaborate with the consultancy, despite some pushback on its composition.

State Sen. Elizabeth Lockman, co-chair of the consortium, emphasized the importance of a thorough proposal over meeting a tight timeline. Wilmington families and school officials will now navigate an extended period of uncertainty as this significant educational restructuring unfolds.

On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.

Young Frankenstein at The Candlelight Theatre. Mel Brooks’ wildly funny stage adaptation brings the classic monster tale to life with big musical numbers, outrageous characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. March 14–April 19. Dinner theatre seating available with show tickets.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure– Delaware Children’s Theatre. Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo as their zoo life turns into a wild adventure in this lively stage adaptation of the hit DreamWorks film, packed with music, laughs, and plenty of kid-friendly fun. March 14–April 29. Family-friendly show recommended for younger audiences.

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

If dogs had a superpower, Harrison’s would be charm. The kind that works instantly, with zero effort. One look at that tilted head and those big brown eyes and you will understand why everyone at the shelter is already a fan.

Harrison is a nearly 7-year-old mixed-breed who already has the basics down. He knows commands like sit and paw, and he is the type of smart, steady companion who seems to understand exactly what is going on around him. Around other dogs, Harrison likes to take things slow and pick his friends carefully. Once he is comfortable though, he is happy to add a new pal to the circle.

What he really wants is a home where he can show off that easygoing personality and loyal heart.

If Harrison looks like your kind of dog, stop by the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s New Castle campus at 290 Churchmans Road and meet him in person. Fair warning: that face is even more irresistible up close.

Minas, Brazilian Jazz Duo: Bossa Nova Classics and Originals at Chapel Street Players enchants Newark with the rhythms of Bossa Nova. Led by Orlando and Patricia Haddad, Minas delivers a rich blend of classics and original compositions, celebrating over 30 years of Brazilian jazz excellence. Tuesday at 7-8 PM.

California Guitar Trio w/ Special Guest Tim Motzer at Elkton Music Hall captivates audiences with their genre-blending guitar harmonies and the innovative sounds of Tim Motzer. Expect an evening of intricate melodies and improvisational flair. Wednesday at 8 PM.

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

72 🌡️ 42 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 8% | 💨 SW 8 mph

75 🌡️ 53 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 22% | 💨 SSW 7 mph

76 🌡️ 48 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 19% | 💨 S 14 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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