Originally from Virginia, Dan Cruce came to Delaware with a set plan in mind, but, as life often does not go exactly as expected, he ended up falling in love in more ways than one. Currently the Chief Operating Officer of United Way of Delaware, Cruce has been living in Delaware for over 21 years.

Since his initial journey to complete his degree at the Delaware Law School, he found a home in the state. His first love was of the state itself, then the area he was living in, and finally, he met his spouse, anchoring him for good to the state of Delaware. Cruce and his partner both have jobs that they love, and thankfully because they live in Delaware, they can engage in relaxing activities once the work week is over.

Cruce finds great meaning and purpose in his job, which is with the United Way of Delaware. With a mission of improving the quality of life for Delaware citizens through a sharing of resources, United Way has been able to feed, uplift, educate, and provide for families and individuals within the community. The organization boasts a variety of programs, each with a specific focus that targets a direct need, such as financial empowerment, reading improvement, college and career readiness, and racial equity and social justice. United Way makes life in Delaware possible for a greater population. 

“I originally came to Delaware with a temporary plan-complete my education here in Delaware Law School then go back to Virginia where I’m from and sounds rather cliche but I’ve been here and I actually fell in love with the state. I fell in love with the area, then eventually fell in love with my spouse. So all three of these things happened and 21 plus years, here I am.

Mark and I are really fortunate to have jobs that are incredibly meaningful to us with the ability to get away and recharge our batteries down here in the beach area. It’s essential. It became part of our DNA. 

There’s a different beach for everyone and if you like all of them, you can pick your menu so to speak. And it’s the perfect way to do a little bit of everything then recharge and you’re ready to be back to your busy lives that we have. 

We are kings of our bikes. So, we are again really lucky to live in Rehoboth, when we park a car, we have to get back into the car. We can hop on our bikes and our ritual is that we are always biking from our home to Louis. We do a little bit of walking around, a little bit of margarita, a little bit of good food – there’s amazing food then bike right back. So the ritual, on our bikes, every chance we can, any place we can go, and eliminate the cars. 

It’s a very inclusive state from the North to the South and so it’s beautiful that, that is the case. It’s certainly because of the LGBT history and our allies as well down here that made it such a wonderfully warm and welcoming space. There’s a bunch of us in our community and incredible comfortable and it’s a wonderful place for those in our community to build businesses. Small businesses are the bedrock of our state. And so there too, our community has the chance to be part of the economy and to build the strength of the state.”

Falling in Love With Delaware’s Welcoming Community 

Since moving to Delaware, Cruce has been able to continuously fall in love with the state. He and his spouse take a particular interest in the beach, and they often enjoy bike rides through their hometown of Rehoboth, where they can walk around, enjoy food and drinks, and then bike right back home. While the beaches and towns are a significant perk, the real factor making Delaware feel like home is the inclusive and warm community. Cruce admires the long-standing history of LGBT+ support, as it has led to him feeling more comfortable and accepted in his home state.

Wherever you live, you want to feel supported and welcomed, and the people of Delaware help to make this a reality for many. The openness of all is what makes Delaware such a perfect place to live and prosper. Whether starting a business or hoping to find a home, Delaware opens its doors to anyone looking for love.

A World War II Army base, a pristine beach with a lighthouse view, a hip restaurant and a daredevil zipline course — what do they have in common? They’re all features within the Delaware State Parks systems, which recently won the prestigious 2021 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Delaware and Florida are the only repeat recipients of the award given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration with the National and Recreation and Park Association. Delaware, which is 20 times smaller than any other finalists, last received the honor in 2015.

The award is timely. This year is the 70th anniversary of Delaware State Parks, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). While the division does not know the factors that set Delaware apart for the award, many of the 6 million annual guests can attest to the parks’ appeal.

The History

On the genteel side, Bellevue State Park was once the property of the du Pont family, and the elegant mansion still graces the grounds. Nearby, the stables remain occupied by horses that trot around the indoor training facility.

At Auburn Valley State Park, the Marshall family’s Queen Anne-style Auburn Heights Mansion looks down on an old paper mill site. The former owner collected Stanley Steamers cars, and his impressive collection is in a museum next to the mansion. Rides are often available.

In Delaware City, Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island, dominates the Fort Delaware State Park. The stone-and-brick fortress is formidable, but the wildlife and bird refuges are just as awe-inspiring — albeit in a different way.

Dover’s First State Heritage Park is a happy amalgam of historic sites, including the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Public Archives, the Johnson Victrola Museum and Legislative Hall.

To the south, Cape Henlopen State Park is on the former Fort Miles Army base. Remnants are readily visible, from the concrete fire control towers to the bunkers under the dunes to the Fort Miles Museum, which has hunted down and displayed many types of the big guns once on the grounds.

The Swimming and Fishing

The Delaware State Seashore Park and Fenwick Island State Park share the Atlantic coastline with Cape Henlopen State Park, which consistently receive praise for their pristine views and amenities, including the opportunity to surf fish with a license.

Parks like Holts Landing are known for crabbing, fishing, and clamming.

The Boating

Most of the parks near the sea and back bays have boating ramps. But so does Fort Delaware State Park, which rests against the Delaware River and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.

The park system has two marinas: Indian River Marina and Summit North Marina

The Food

No kidding. The Big Chill Surf Club sits atop the concession stand at Delaware Seashore State Park. Dine alfresco with breathtaking ocean views on one side and the Indian River Inlet Bridge on the other.

Just over the inlet is Hammerhead Dockside, which is next to the Indian River Marina.

The Camping

There is no shortage of campgrounds in the First State’s parks, and bookings jumped nearly 60% from 2012 to 2020, contributing to $319 million in spending.

For back-to-nature “primitive” camping, head to Brandywine Creek State Park, where 19th-century blue gneiss stone walls crisscross the landscape.

Full hook-up sites are available at Lums Pond State Park, which offers cabins, cottages and yurts.

For a complete list of options, visit Delaware State Parks RV and Tent Camping.  

The Trails

Delaware’s parks are laced with so many trails that a website is dedicated to them:  https://destateparks.com/Trails. Select the type (hiking, biking, equestrian, water or accessible) and the park.

Tip: the Gordons Pond and Junction and Breakwater trails have won local and national awards for the scenery — don’t forget your camera.

The Adventure

Climb Delaware’s only natural rock wall at Alapocas Run State Park or roll across the mountain-biking trails in Brandywine Creek State Park or White Clay Creek State Park.

Lums Pond boasts the Go Ape zipline course, which includes rope ladders, treetop crossings, a Tarzan swing and, of course, ziplines.

In Kent County, Killens Pond State Park has bragging rights to a waterpark with four-speed slides, a tot lot, and a leisure pool. In Laurel, Delaware, board a pontoon boat for a tour around Trap Pond.

The Attractions

The division thinks outside the box, and historic buildings, ponds, coastlines and trails aren’t the only draws. Delaware State Park amenities include the Brandywine Zoo in downtown Wilmington, Deerfield Golf & Tennis and Garrisons Lake Golf Course.

To learn more about the awards, visit aapra.org. To see the list of Delaware state parks and amenities, visit destateparks.com.

LEWES, Del. – David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO of Beebe Healthcare, was awarded the Delaware Healthcare Association’s American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award at the 25th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, which was held virtually on October 28.

The Grassroot Champion Award recognizes those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital and who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.

Delaware Healthcare Association President & CEO Wayne Smith presented Dr. Tam with the award during the virtual forum. Smith noted that Dr. Tam became the President & CEO of Beebe Healthcare just as COVID-19 was hitting the state of Delaware.

“Your willingness to fully engage your community, your patients, your employees, and policymakers has been tireless and inspiring,” Smith noted. “You have displayed tremendous leadership on behalf of your health system and Delaware hospitals in the midst of the pandemic.”

Dr. Tam, who presented the ACHE Regents Award during the forum, was very thankful for the honor.

“It’s been a privilege to come to Sussex County and Delaware and become a part of this community and Beebe Healthcare during such a challenging time,” said Dr. Tam. “Thank you to all who have welcomed me and my family. There is a lot of great healthcare being provided in Delaware but there is more to do. You can expect Beebe to lead the way for Sussex County.”

Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people who live in, work in, and visit the communities we serve. Beebe Healthcare has three campuses: the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, which houses the medical center; the Rehoboth Health Campus; and the South Coastal Health Campus. Beebe Healthcare offers primary care as well as specialized services in the areas of cardiovascular, oncology, orthopaedics, general surgery, robotic surgery and women’s health. Beebe also offers walk-in care, lab, imaging and physical rehabilitation services at several locations throughout Sussex County, in addition to a home health program and a comprehensive community health program.

For more information about Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org.