Dollars & Sense

The uncanny success of Southern Delaware barbecue hotspot Bethany Blues is anything but a secret. From award-winning sauces to one of the state’s largest bourbon selections, Bethany Blues has become a staple in Bethany Beach, and now owners plan to sustain the same reputation with a new location in Lewes, with a little help from a familiar face.

Over the past 40 years, the Indian River Senior Center has given an outlet to elder members of the community, providing clubs and activities, as well as a social bond. The interest in such programs has always been there, ever since the center’s start in the basement of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in 1969. Later, in 1980, they made a move to the Millsboro Civic Center, though, even then, they were limited in space and availability. Now, the Indian River Senior Center has a new location and high hopes that they can continue with the same service and enjoyment they have for four decades.

Understanding personal finances in today’s market is no easy task, but with the help from the right minds, it can be much simpler. For more than 40 years, certified senior advisor Robbin W. Gray has assisted countless clients on their financial options throughout the Delmarva region, and with the recent addition of senior advisor Robert Webster, many more are finding solid ground again.

A shift from northern Wilmington to the lower, southeast region of the state 15 years ago might have seemed like a drastic adjustment for Dave Goodman, but there’s one thing he couldn’t leave behind: his love for dogs. Just months ago, he proved that, after transforming his 13.5-acre wooded property to the ultimate getaway for his canine companions. With help and expertise from business associate Camille Rossi, Ashley’s Pet Ranch was born.

Anyone who has driven through Dagsboro on a Thursday evening may have noticed a giant chicken dancing outside the Dagsboro Café. Those inclined to investigate further may have met Kathy Parrish and her family, the new owners of the café.

Like many people who move to Coastal Delaware full-time, Dr. Norman Koval is semi-retired. After coming to the beach since the ’70s, he and his wife decided to build a home in the area to enjoy their golden years. In February of 2008, shortly after moving to Delaware full-time, he joined the practice of Dr. Jose Pando in Lewes and is now available in Millville two days, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at the Millville Medical Suites, just east of Miller’s Creek Antiques, off of Route 26.

Businesses throughout the country are feeling the effects of a slumping economy, but that hasn’t discouraged Billy Lewis one bit. This year, he opted to keep the doors of his Bethany Beach business, Surf’s Up, open all year, a decision few throughout the area have made. With customers continually coming back for his food and friendly service, Lewis has also been preserving one of the original stops in downtown Bethany.

There are few things one cherishes more than a reliable friend, and businessmen Mike Kappes and Danny Day understand that better than most. The two have known each other for nearly a decade, and they’re now combining their knowledge and cooperation into a new venture, The Good Neighbor.

For those who might have blinked, the annual Girl Scout cookie pre-ordering period is now over. But no worries – cookies can still be purchased at “cookie booths” all over town starting on Friday, Feb. 13, until Saturday, March 7.

With all the beautiful scenery in the beach, as well as the numerous parks and wildlife areas dotting the landscape, it isn’t hard to imagine why the coastal area seems to attract artisans. Countless night spots feature local musicians and, if you know the right places to look, there are plenty of studios and galleries that are open to the public, featuring beautiful works of art. One such location is Gallery One, located across the street from Lord Baltimore Elementary School on Route 26.

Women throughout the state have been making a difference over the past few months, proving that there’s no job too big. The Sussex County Women Build, an international Habitat for Humanity program, is getting a helping hand from the ladies, creating a comfortable, un-intimidating environment for women to learn construction skills while establishing connections throughout the community. Just last week, the Sussex County Women Build began their third project since 2007, promising another welcoming home for a qualified family.

After 102,000 square feet of retail space has been built, 32,000 items have been stocked and 120 people have been put to work, the Lowe’s in Millsboro is officially open. Lowe’s opened its doors on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, but was set this week to hold its official grand opening – including a Lowe’s Board Cutting ceremony – on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m.

Attention people living or working in Dagsboro, Frankford and Millsboro: Pepper Creek Pizza and Subs, located in the Savannah Square Shopping Center in Dagsboro, now delivers!

For April Fels of Ocean View, all it took was watching a YouTube video about an animal shelter in North Carolina that used a gas chamber to put unwanted animals to sleep. Fels had always been a self-described “animal person,” but seeing the video brought it all together.

For those who might have missed it, the new B.J.’s wholesale club in Millsboro quietly opened this past Saturday and has welcomed a packed parking lot full of people in the peak shopping days since. While the official grand-opening festivities will not be held until Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, the store is now open for business. And business is good.