LEWES, Del. – Beebe Healthcare is proud to present its first annual Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs (PHIL) Award to Nancy Collick, a respiratory therapist who has served Sussex County for over 30 years. Collick is recognized as a valuable leader within Beebe’s respiratory and emergency departments; someone who provides clinical excellence for patients while treating everyone who surrounds her with kindness and compassion.

The PHIL Award is a nationally recognized hospital-based program that honors respiratory therapists who provide outstanding care and treatment for patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses. It was created in 2006 by the family of Philip C. Lamka, who was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and courageously battled his condition for three years. Their foundation, FACES, aims to give hope to patients facing life-threatening lung diseases while celebrating the respiratory therapists who bravely care for them. The PHIL Award is presented annually to one respiratory therapist at each participating hospital who demonstrates genuine dedication to their practice, with an understanding that each breath matters. Nominations are accepted from clinical providers, hospital leadership, and patients.

“Nancy is an unsung hero who has earned a reputation as being among the ‘best of the best’ here at Beebe,” said Chris Steele, EKG, EEG, Director of Respiratory Therapy. “She is always smiling and carries a positive attitude that brightens people’s days. Her dedication shines brightly and was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nancy regularly covered extra shifts and worked overtime to assure our patients in need were taken care of. She is an irreplaceable part of our team.”

As winner of the first annual PHIL Award, Collick received the FACES Foundation’s appreciation sculpture, along with paid tuition to attend a professional conference in Delaware.

“Nancy serves as an incredible role model for her colleagues in Respiratory Therapy, the Emergency Department, and for all members of the Beebe Healthcare team,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO of Beebe Healthcare. “She is a skilled clinician with a long history of providing excellent care to every patient she encounters. She is truly deserving of this award.”

Featured Image (l-r): Dr. David Tam, President & CEO; Nancy Collick, Respiratory Therapist; Chris Steele, Respiratory Director; Tom Protack, Beebe Foundation President; Dan Mapes, Executive Director of Diagnostic and Satellite Services.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday announced a family-friendly career fair for youth and adults to explore careers in construction, health care, education, public service, and more. The Governor’s Central Delaware Career Expo is a one-day event on September 21 that will expose middle school students, and adults looking for a career change, to training programs and career paths in many high-demand industries. The Expo will be held at the Blue Hen Corporate Complex in Dover.

“We currently have more jobs available than we have people looking for work, and that’s a great outlook for folks looking for a career,” said Governor Carney. “We hope the Central Delaware Career Expo will connect Delawareans with in-demand careers and training opportunities to strengthen Delaware’s workforce.”

This event will showcase a variety of central Delaware’s fastest growing industries to middle and high school students just beginning to explore local career opportunities, as well as adults looking to start a new career and/or re-enter the workforce.

The student portion of the event, held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., will feature interactive presentations and activities geared towards giving students a first-hand experience of what they can expect from their fields of interest. The student portion of the expo is organized by school districts and charter schools, and is invitation only.

“As a local superintendent, I am excited to assist in planning the Governor’s Central Delaware Career Expo. We have designed a fun, interactive, and informative event to support our community’s workforce and employers across a range of career areas,” said Amelia E. Hodges, Ed.D., Superintendent of the POLYTECH School District. “It will be a great opportunity for local students and adults to connect directly with central Delaware employers and workforce training options as they plan for a career or take the next step in their current career.”

The 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. portion of the event will be open to everyone in the community, but with more of a focus on adults seeking career opportunities.

“As the executive Director of the Greater Kent Committee I am thrilled to be a partner organization of the Governor’s Career Expo,” said Shelly Cecchett, Executive Director of the Greater Kent Committee. “The opportunity to connect young people with high demand careers and to connect adults with pathways to upskill their current profession is incredibly important to our business community as well as our workforce. This hands on event should truly showcase the workforce opportunities in Central Delaware.”

Featured industries include construction, health care, education, transportation, manufacturing, public service, and more.

Visit Governor Carney’s website for more information about the Central Delaware Career Expo.

We’ll Be Falling in Love!

Strolling along a boardwalk while diving into an ice cream cone or testing each other’s bravery on a classic pier-side thrill ride is practically a right of passage for having a proper summer. These 12 destinations host some of the best boardwalks across both coasts of the U.S.—and sometimes even in-between. From cult classic spots like Atlantic City, New Jersey, to newer, celebrity spotting outposts like Venice, California, and beyond, here are 12 of the best boardwalks built for summer across America.

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WHERE: Long Island, New York

New York is famous for its classic boardwalks, including the famed Coney Island and Playland Beach (known as the place in the movie Big, where Tom Hanks’s younger self wishes to be a grown-up before realizing adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be). But the Long Beach Boardwalk on Long Island made a bigger and better come back after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which is a must-visit. This 2.1-mile boardwalk dates back to 1914, and today is a great spot to grab an ice cream and set out for a stroll next to the clean sandy beach. The walkway is teeming with quirky boutiques and unique eateries to explore. Head to Skudin’ Surf School & Shop for surf lessons, board rentals, and other cool gear, or snap a picture in front of the highly Instagrammable Long Beach Osprey Wings. 

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WHERE: Santa Monica & Los Angeles, California

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is internationally renowned for its quirky street performers, talented artisans and vendors, buff “Muscle Beach” athletes, and the plethora of tasty food and drink choices along this 2-mile stretch of sand. Start the journey at the end of the Santa Monica Pier, where Pacific Park offers amusement park rides and funnel cake choices. Traveling south along the boardwalk, bikers, joggers, roller bladers, and walkers can enjoy unending sights of the California coastline flanked by a palm-tree-lined walkway. Scope out popular stops like The Waterfront, which sits directly on the boardwalk and serves tasty eats and curated cocktails in a spirited setting, or enjoy a more “elevated” atmosphere at High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin, which overlooks the boardwalk for the ultimate sunset view.

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WHERE: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Who says boardwalks have to be on land? In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, visitors can explore the World’s Longest Floating Boardwalk, which is 3,300 feet in length, 12-feet wide, and 10-feet deep, with a 60-foot-long bridge. Visitors can hang out on the marina and enjoy the opportunity to rent out paddleboards, pontoons, or speed boats. At the Boardwalk Bar, adults can buy a beverage that can be enjoyed anywhere across the walkway. At Marina Cantina, try a signature cocktail and dive into some light bites while enjoying live music every Friday and Saturday evening. And it’s not just a “summertime boardwalk.” Each year at Christmas, this stretch of wood is brilliantly illuminated as part of the Holiday Light Show, featuring America’s tallest floating Christmas tree as well as 1.5 million lights and 100-plus displays live on the boardwalk.

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WHERE: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk received the official trademark of “America’s Boardwalk.” This 1.2-mile-long stretch of promenade in the heart of the Grand Strand leads visitors through the sand from 14th Avenue to the 2nd Avenue Piers in Myrtle Beach. It’s home to a number of festivals and events throughout the summer and is a favorite destination for visitors of any age. Walk along the pathway and enjoy oceanfront views of the sea. Ride the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, and stop at various shops and restaurants along the path, such as Riptydz Oceanfront Grill, Rooftop Bar, and Landshark Bar and Grill. This boardwalk is getting a $3.7 million facelift at the moment; the traditional wood surface is being replaced with new decking from Plyler Park to Eighth Avenue North, with work scheduled to be completed later this summer.

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WHERE: Carolina Beach, North Carolina

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a vintage icon dating back to 1887. Visitors can enjoy tasty food, shopping, and even seasonal attractions on this pathway that feels like a nostalgic blast into beach days past. Those with a sweet tooth can Britt’s Donut Shop to dive into a handmade donut—this legendary, cash-only shop dates back to 1939 and still serves their original, family-made recipe. Those who’d prefer something heartier can stop by the Carolina Smokehouse for some of the best barbecues in the region. Hurricane Alley’s perch on the Boardwalk offers ocean views, beachy beverages, and local craft brews with classic seafood selections and light snacks. Stop into the Carolina Beach Arcade just a block from the ocean for a break from the southern sun and ride the brand new 95-foot Ferris Wheel that just opened in Spring 2022.

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WHERE: Ocean City, Maryland

The classic Ocean City Boardwalk spans three miles offering amusements, games, and rides. Plus, visitors can encounter live music and street performers on any given day. Enjoy the scenic sights from the top of the Ferris wheel, or squeal with excitement on the roller coaster. Slow down and hop back in time on the carousel, which dates back to 1902, and was installed in 1912—it’s the country’s oldest continuously operating carousel with two tiers of elaborately carved and painted animals. Explore the diverse foodie scene offering everything from iconic Maryland crab cakes to fresh-baked pizza. Grab some cotton candy, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, or a hot funnel cake, or cool down at one of the ice cream parlors on the boardwalk.

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WHERE: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach’s one-mile beach boardwalk offers visitors the chance to dive into classic summer fun with beach snacks, games, shopping, and major attractions such as “Funland,” an amusement area and arcade that’s been operating for over 60 years. There are nearly two dozen rides at Funland, ranging from low-key classics like the carousel to more thrilling adventures like the “Superflip360” or “Freefall.” After working up an appetite at Funland, listen to the sounds of the free summertime bandstand concerts, dive into a “Big Daddy Funnel Cake” at Starkey’s Funnel Cake Factory, and curb any seafood cravings at Obie’s By the Sea. The boardwalk is open to bicycles from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. from mid-May through mid-September. But be warned that roller blades and skateboards are prohibited from mid-May through mid-September.   

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WHERE: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dating way back to 1888, Virginia Beach’s famous 3-mile boardwalk is a perfect spot for visitors of all ages to enjoy some summertime fun. The path is 28-foot wide and has a separate bike path for two-wheel thrill-seekers. Check out live entertainment at one of four oceanfront stages on 7th, 17th, and 24th and 31st streets. Art enthusiasts can admire the range of nautical sculptures decorating many side streets leading to Atlantic Avenue. Be sure to stop at King Neptune—this 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street (and is a great photo opp). There are dozens of places to grab a bite, like popular local restaurants, Waterman’s—and history buffs should check out The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum for a unique and historic educational opportunity.

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WHERE: San Diego, California

Spanning 3.5 miles from North Pacific Beach to South Mission Beach, San Diego’s iconic Mission Beach Boardwalk has it all. Guests can step into one of the dozens of local shops, restaurants, or parks along the walkway—and the boardwalk is also popular amongst bikers as it offers equipment for rent. Stop at Belmont Park, which is free to enter since visitors pay only for the attractions they’d like to try. Thrill-seekers can embark on the historic, restored wooden roller coaster or enjoy some friendly competition with a game of laser tag. There’s also a tilt-a-whirl and a carousel, among other exciting rides. Grab a bite to eat and settle in for some people (or surfer) watching with a classic cream cone at Beach Treats, or a quintessentially SoCal Dole Soft Serve. The Mission Beach Boardwalk is what seaside summer dreams are made of.

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WHERE: Chicago, Illinois

Completed in 1916, Chicago’s Navy Pier feels like the ultimate boardwalk experience. Head to Pier Park for a ride on one of Navy Pier’s most iconic attractions: the magnificent Centennial Wheel, which soars to nearly 200 feet and offers unrivaled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. There’s also a carousel, a wave swinger, mini-golf, and a drop tower for thrill-seekers. Check out the Navy Pier Beer Garden for free and live outdoor music performances and local craft brews from Tangled Roots Brewery. And there’s of course, a seemingly never-ending array of Chicago classic food options on the Pier, like Giordano’s (legendary Chicago deep dish pizza) and Garrett Popcorn Shops (the Original Chicago-Style Popcorn). Look out for Fireworks lighting up the night from Wednesday through Saturday nights, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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WHERE: Galveston Bay, Texas

In Texas, travelers can explore the Kemah Boardwalk overlooking Galveston Bay, which features a variety of themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusements for visitors of any age. Dine at boardwalk classics like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Landry’s Seafood House, or Aquarium Restaurant, which serves guests a great view of the 50,000-gallon aquarium full of diverse marine life. This boardwalk also offers plenty of carnival festivities, including a 36-foot carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, and exciting rides like the Boardwalk Bullet. Relax and listen to some live music at Kemah Boardwalk’s Summer concert series called “Rock the Dock” every Thursday night at 7 p.m., beginning on June 19th.

Health is something everyone keeps in mind when choosing where to live. One’s health is extremely important, and you want to make sure that wherever you live, access to great healthcare is available. Healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to taking care of others, and the opportunity to do that in a unique environment is appealing. Professionals like Stephen Keiser commit to healthcare in Delaware, as, like Keiser says, “It’s a really special state.” After growing up in Delaware and then moving away, Keiser chose to return to his home state not just because of the job offer, but because he loves the atmosphere the state possesses.

Keiser is the Vice President of Medical Group Operations at Beebe Health System, which is a nonprofit community healthcare system. Beebe has three campuses in Sussex County and serves as the largest employer within the county. With a focus on patient-centered care, Beebe offers care to both Delaware residents and those passing through. The three campuses promote primary care along with various areas of specialty including, but not limited to, cardiovascular, oncology, and women’s health. Because of the numerous campuses and wide range of fields of interest, Beebe serves as the perfect healthcare system to find employment. 

“So Beebe Health System is a small nonprofit hospital that has also a medical group, a lot of ambulatory services, and really serves Sussex County.

I have a long history with Delaware. I was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. Delaware is a really special state. I did all of my degrees at University of Delaware, and then I went out to Chicago for six years. And the opportunity to come back to Delaware was really important to me.

There’s just a really special atmosphere in this area with having our beaches and a tourist environment, and Beebe and its healthcare professionals have cared for that community always, including the locals, including the tourists. It definitely attracts a lot of people in their middle to older stages of life.

With healthcare, there’s multiple large health systems within Delaware that work hard to take care of. As we have specialized health systems throughout the state, we take care of people in the tri-state area and beyond. In the community-based health system, what we’re finding is, as people move to the area, they’re looking to us to take care of them. Rather than people going to large academic health systems, they’re coming here because of the community feel.

People are moving to Sussex County and to Delaware because it’s so unique. We’re really growing because of the area. People want to live here. And that’s sort of unique. We’re growing because people are choosing to move from an adjacent state, from a couple states away, to Sussex County to hang out at the beaches and enjoy their life.”

Along with Beebe providing a variety of healthcare jobs for anyone interested, multitudes of factors attract individuals to work and live in Delaware. The reason Beebe flourishes in Delaware is because so many people are moving to this state. From the beaches to the vibrant towns, Delaware has much to offer for younger and older residents looking for a change in pace. And with a healthcare system like Beebe so close by, one can feel safe and confident that they will be taken care of in their new place of residence.

Delaware’s caring atmosphere is unique and special, and Beebe Health contributes to this through a dedication to its patients. Whether you are moving and concerned about healthcare, or if you are a healthcare professional looking for a job, Beebe Health System in Sussex County has your back.

Awarded by Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index

LEWES, Del. (April 12, 2022) – Beebe Healthcare is proud to announce it has again been designated an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).

This designation means Team Beebe received an evaluation of 100 for the “Leader” designation due to its patient-centered focus when it comes to providing inclusive and equitable care for LGBTQ+ patients, their families, and Beebe team members.

“I am proud of our team to be recognized with this designation about the inclusive care that we provide throughout the Beebe Healthcare system,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Providing equitable care to all of Sussex County is part of our mission, and something we will continue to build on as our community grows and becomes more diverse. We want to be your healthcare provider of choice because Sussex County is Our Specialty.”

Beebe providers welcome all members of the community and provide LGBTQ-centered services, such as trans-affirming gynecology, hormone therapy, and referrals. To learn more about these services and the partnerships Beebe has in the community, visit beebehealthcare.org/beebe-lgbtq-inclusive.

This is the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The Index is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.

A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey, and Beebe was one of 496 to earn the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality “Leader” designation.

The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

• Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+
• Patient-Centered Care
• LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support
• Employee Benefits and Policies
• Patient and Community Engagement.

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.

LEWES, Del. – Beebe Healthcare was on hand Tuesday for Phoenix RHCS Holdings’ groundbreaking event for the Jerry Ann McLamb Medical Pavilion in Milton.

As a part of the pavilion located on Route 16, west of Milton, Beebe Medical Group is planning on providing primary care, walk-in care, laboratory and diagnostic imaging for the Milton community and surrounding area. 

Expanding Quality Healthcare in Delaware

The pavilion is named in honor of Jerry Ann McLamb, a graduate of Beebe’s School of Nursing and dedicated to nursing for 50 years. Many of those years were dedicated to Beebe, her community, and her hometown of Milton. During her time at Beebe, she worked in various departments, including surgery, Home Health and Population Health, and contributed to various advisory boards.

“It was an honor to share Jerry’s legacy today at the groundbreaking,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Just last month, Beebe Healthcare introduced its new 5-year strategic plan, One Beebe. Two goals of this five-year plan were ‘delivering superior access to care and experience to patients’ and ‘enhancing and expanding core clinical services’ – the Beebe services that will be a part of the medical pavilion match those goals wholeheartedly. We are committed to filling the needs of the community with the highest quality care throughout Sussex County.”

The projected timeline for the first building is Spring 2023.

“Phoenix RHCS Holdings is proud to host Beebe and welcomes Beebe as a long-term anchor medical care provider at the Jerry Ann McLamb Medical Pavilion campus,” said Chris Selzer, principal at Phoenix, CFO, and General Counsel. “Mrs. McLamb would be very pleased.”

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. 

In terms of age, Delaware’s wine industry is a baby. And that baby’s mother is Nassau Valley Vineyards co-owner Peggy Raley. 

 Raley and her father Bob almost single-handedly started the Delaware winemaking tradition about 30 years ago, when they planted their vineyard in Lewes and championed legislation to enable commercial winemaking. 

 Delaware had long been a state where it was illegal to operate a small-scale alcohol-producing facility – likely a holdover from more puritanical times. Raley, a Delaware-native, originally left home to globetrot and pursue a career in the wine industry. She ended up working for Les Amis du Vin International and The Friends of Wine magazine for several years. Eventually, citing the Delaware “sand in her shoes” that she never got out, she returned home to the beaches in the 1980s and vowed to bring winemaking with her. The Delaware vintner and her father planted their first grapes in 1987, helped change the laws in 1991 and opened the doors of Nassau Valley Vineyards in 1993. 

“I drafted the legislation that the General Assembly ended up passing – it essentially created what is known as farm wineries in the state,” she said. “The legislation actually ended up opening the door for the entire craft beverage industry here. The manufacturing and reselling clause that was passed through was done in a way that didn’t break down the three-tier system (of Delaware’s alcohol distribution policy). So other craft brewers began popping up after that.”

Raley notes the old legislation truly had been the only barrier for Delaware winemaking. The state’s growing conditions, she said, are excellent.

“Our conditions are very conducive to growing grapes,” she said. “Our soil, especially in the southern part of the state, is sandy, which grapevines love. Our proximity to the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean also makes for a nice temperate growing climate.”

Nassau Valley Vineyards has thrived since its opening. The operation quickly increased its menu of 14 different wines and has achieved an extensive collection of awards to drape around their bottlenecks. 

“We’re at over 600 medals from various international competitions,” Raley said. “We’ve earned the respect of the wider wine world itself. I still have people say all the time, ‘It can’t be as good as the wine from the typical regions, because it’s from Delaware.’ But it is.”  

Ramping up production over the years, Raley said her facility now produces between 3,800 and 5,000 cases per year depending on growing conditions. Many of the grape varieties are grown on their farm, but some are trucked in from other parts of Delmarva. 

“We grow cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit Verdot and chardonnay – so we’re concentrating on the traditional European varieties,” she said. “We contract for a few hybrids from other growers on the Eastern shores of Virginia and Maryland. We get some things shipped in from the Finger Lakes as well, but all the wine is actually made here.” 

Like most craft beverage facilities, Nassau Valley Vineyards quickly became a destination. In addition to selling its high-quality wine, the vineyard offers tours, serves as an event venue and holds a regularly scheduled farmer’s market.

“We weren’t even open a full calendar year before a couple came in and asked if they could get married here,” said Raley. “I was like, ‘You want to do what?’ But we kept getting requests. We started holding ceremonies outside in tents and even in the wine cellar. Things got crowded quickly, though, so we first built a 3,600-square-foot space and later an additional 8,400-square-foot event center, and it’s been an important part of our businesses ever since the beginning. We’re one of the few places at the beach that can accommodate over 300 people in an interior building.”

 The farmer’s market came more recently.

“About five years ago, we started hosting them every Sunday during the growing season,” said Raley. “All kinds of local growers, artisans and crafters show up for it, and it’s a great time. We have a sangria bar, live music, winery tours and art shows. For a lot of local folks – and visitors – it’s their Sunday hang. COVID-19 threw things for a bit of a loop, but we slowly started to reintroduce everything while observing restrictions.”

As for the future, Raley, who now runs the vineyards with her sister and business partner Suzette Hopkins, says she plans to grow and refine the young Delaware vintners’ tradition.

“Tastes have changed in recent years, and a lot more people want to be aware of exactly where what they’re eating and drinking comes from,” she said. “When I first opened, I scarcely saw anyone under 30 come through the door, but the demographics have shifted. People are very excited about trying out and enjoying local wineries and breweries.”