The Coastal Point encourages the exchange of ideas. Letters to the editor must be signed by the author with phone number included for purposes of verification. Please send your letters to P.O. Box 1324, Ocean View, DE 19970.

Darin J. McCann

If experience has taught me anything, it’s that it’s best to run in the opposite direction whenever Carolyn Fitz or Susan Argo come up to me with a look of an anticipated conversation in their eyes.

See, discussions with these two usually center around me spending money on something, the awe-inducing swell of my belly or something they really, really want to get in the paper. As nice and intelligent as both these ladies admittedly are, conversations with either of them usually wind up with me curled up in the fetal position, twitching in spasms as I suck my thumb.

This being said, you could certainly understand my trepidation when Fitz came into my office Tuesday night with a gleeful look splayed across her mug.

“Oh, I have the coolest thing to tell you,” said Fitz, as I shakily reached for the bottle of Tums. “There’s a Web site where you can have an action figure made of yourself.”

Whoa.

If there’s one thing I truly love in this world, it’s myself. To be honest, it’s not even really a healthy love affair I have with the dashing bald editor of the Coastal Point, it’s an outright love fest — bordering on stalking, if I could figure out a way to climb a tree and take pictures of myself while I sleep. To say I have issues with my ego would imply that it is something I could work through. I can’t.

I just happen to think I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread. If you don’t believe me, ask my mommy. She’ll tell you how wonderful I am. She’s always hammered it in to me that I’m smart and handsome, and that all those hundreds of people made fun of me simply because they were jealous and ...

But I digress.

My dread over talking to one of the FitzArgo twins was quickly washed away as I pondered a world where an action figure of me would exist. To make matters worse, Fitz told me they could put in a microchip with me talking. Imagine that — kids from around the world would huddle around each other on the playground to hear me say, “But I digress,” or “The name’s McCann, not McCan’t,” or, “There is no visible sign that says I have to wear pants on this bus, sir.”

Let the good times roll.

Once Fitz left my office, I scurried back to my desk and found herobuilders.com — and there it was. For a mere $500 I could get one action figure of myself. But wait, there’s more.

I could also add a cell phone for my action figure for an additional $3.95. And, according to the Web site, I could add a drill for $7.95 and something called a “Dual Headed Ax” for $4.95. Now, I’m not exactly sure what that is, but it sounds so “me.”

Oh, this is such a good idea.

Playing around on the Web site a little more, I found that I could dress Li’l Darin just like me. Yes, khaki pants and golf shirts would adorn the little fella, and I could have custom-made shoes fitted for his little feet.

Kids are going to eat this up, I thought to myself while continuing my search through herobuilders.com.

Suddenly, sadness created a void in my heart. I realized there could be no Sam Harvey action figure, because the guy was no longer with The Point. Man, that could have been such a cool action figure. It would harrass state and local officials on the phone and charm women — and, at 12 inches tall, it would have been just about life-sized.

I started thinking about a little Susan Lyons figurine instead, but I couldn’t find yard sale attachments and the volume level only goes so high on these things. Reality would have been tossed out the window.

Bob Bertram? Nah, the purse accessories don’t really mesh well with the “action figure” look.

How about the FitzArgo twins? No, the microchip doesn’t have enough space to fit all their talking.

Our new graphic artist, Jaime Ellis? Possible. But, no, we don’t do anything nice for newbies. Especially that one.

Well, it was back to me.

Armed with a renewed vigor for my quest, I scrolled through more accessories for myself. I could get a podium for $24.95 so Li’l Darin could deliver stirring speeches to children, and a shotgun for $7.95, so I could, well, I’m not exactly sure what I’d do with that — unless we made an action figure of Shaun Lambert.

Oh, yeah. This is such a good idea.

And I’d only have to charge about $700 apiece to make a profit.

Officials take right course

In a democracy, citizens vote in their political leaders to vote on their behalf. The leaders study issues, take input from their constituents and make decisions based on what they feel is in the best interest of the people they represent.

Sometimes, the decisions are not met with glee from the public. The way the leaders deal with that is sometimes just as important as the original decisions themselves.

Take the Bethany Beach Town Council, for instance.

In an effort to put more order in council meetings, the officials put in a policy to limit public comment to the extent of only allowing conversation from those recognized by council — a move that makes sense if you’ve ever sat in a formal meeting and people attempt to talk over one another.

The problem? The council faced backlash from the public, because some perceived the new policy to be an attempt to censor the public and not take input on matters that screamed for public discourse.

So, in an effort to alleviate bad feelings, members of the council considered in a recent public workshop to allowing comment from the public in meetings on matters that were scheduled to receive a vote. So, in a nutshell, Bethany Beach Town Council will continue to limit public input to an extent, but still allow residents to make their feelings known in a public platform.

This should ease everybody’s concerns, and allow more order in the town council meetings.

This was a good move every step of the way. Though we understand some of the public backlash regarding restrictions of public input, we certainly do not believe the council acted in any manner whatsoever to censor the public, or to restrict any individual’s voice.

The consession arrived by the council to allow public input on matters up for a vote allows a continuation of free speech and thought, and shows a flexibility not always seen by officials on any level to address public concern.

And, for the residents who made a fuss about the new policy, good for them. It was their airing of grievances that brought this to the forefront and commanded a change in institutional policy.

Bravo, all around.

Chamber thankful for help with event
Editor:

On behalf of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank the many restaurants, businesses, volunteers and “tasters” who turned out for the Bay Forest Taste of Coastal Delaware on Sunday, June 4, at The Marketplace at Sea Colony.

This was our seventh year for the event, and it continues to grow and thrive thanks to the support of our wonderful community. Nearly 400 people gathered in the festive, tented area to kick-off the start of the summer season with great food and live music by the Pam Miller Group.

I would like to thank the title sponsors, NVHomes and Ryan Homes, for generously underwriting this year’s event. I also wish to thank Platinum Sponsor ResortQuest Realty, Supporting Sponsors Bear Trap Dunes Restaurant & Banquet Facilities, Coastal Point newspaper, Delaware Today magazine and Great Scott Broadcasting, and Ticket Sponsor Mercantile Peninsula Bank.

Without the support of our sponsors, this event would not be the success that it continues to be. A special thanks to Carl M. Freeman Retail for allowing us to use The Marketplace at Sea Colony for the event, and also to Bunting Fire & Safety Equipment for letting us borrow fire extinguishers for the event.

Last but not least, I would like to thank the 22 restaurants that participated and generously donated their food and their time for this worthwhile event: Armand’s Pizza, Baja Beach House Grill, Bear Trap Dunes Restaurant & Banquet Facilities, Bethany Blues, Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Fish Market, The Blue Crab, Chalkboard Tavern & Grill, The Cottage Café, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Fat Tuna, Fenwick Crabhouse, Gary’s Bethany Beach Grill, Harpoon Hanna’s, Magnolia’s Restaurant, Mango’s, Matteo’s Salsa Loco, Mickey’s Family Crabhouse, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, The Parkway, Patsy’s, Sedona, and Surf’s Edge Deli & Pizzeria.

Thank you as well to Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and United Distributors of Delaware for providing the delicious wine and beer samples, and to our fantastic clean-up crew from the Indian River High School Business Club, led by Bennett Murray.

Thank you again for your generous support, and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s “Taste.”

Amy Tingle
Events Manager
Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce

Committee members dismayed by dissolution
Editor:

On May 26, the Bethany Beach Town Council voted to dissolve the Bethany Beach Historical Association and place the Bethany Beach Museum totally under town management, with the Cultural and Historic Affairs Committee formed in 2004, as the controlling entity. Also, it was directed that association funds be turned over to the town.

The association, formed by Val Montanari and friends in the bicentennial year of 1976, established the first museum behind the old town hall. These volunteers completely managed the museum, collecting and displaying artifacts and pictures, along with serving as guides, until the building’s demolition in 1996, to make way for the present town hall.

The association was reactivated in 1997 to establish the new museum. Its members worked closely with Lynch Co. to create the history panels, and have continued to be active in gathering memorabilia in order to enrich the collection, and keep the museum as a growing attraction, while also serving as docents.

The members of this long established association are dismayed by the council’s decision.

Comments may be directed to: Bethany Beach Historical Association, P.O. Box 886, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 and also to the Wave and Coastal Point newspapers.

We sincerely thank you for your interest and loyal support through the years.

Margaret Young
Carolyn Hughes
Sara P. Fitzgerald
Dorothy E. White
Regina M. Trodden
Lois F. Lipsett
Elaine Robinovitz
Grace Stumple
Bethany Beach Historical Association

Bunting a great ‘Homeroom Mom’
Editor:

Anyone who has had school-age children will know what I refer to when I mention the dreaded “Homeroom Mom” signup sheet. You know: the thing that everyone is always too busy to volunteer for but will be more that willing to help the “Mom” out.

You get hit with sign-up sheets every year at open house. Yeah, sure, in the beginning it’s fun to be “The Mom.” The little guys are always so glad to see you and you feel so appreciated. Then they grow up and don’t really want their moms around to help.

My daughter Alyssa has been fortunate to have had the best “Homeroom Mom” in the world. This same mom has been her “Homeroom Mom” for eight years. Starting in first grade at School of the Arts, “Miss Irene” or “Erin’s mom” has been actually been “The Mom” pretty much for her daughter’s whole grade. She has organized pizza, popcorn and ice cream parties. She has organized field trips, fundraisers, field days, arts festivals, runs, and anything else you can imagine.

There is nothing this woman can’t do. Irene has volunteered so much of her time, she is pretty much a permanent fixture at SDSA. She is known and, more importantly, loved by all who know her.

Irene has volunteered in probably every classroom at SDSA and I’m sure I speak for the SDSA staff when I say they are going to miss her tremendously next year, when her daughter Erin moves up to high school. She has been there since day one, when SDSA was just a dream, and she and her husband, Greg, were such important parts of getting the school up and running. She has never wavered in her support of SDSA and, most importantly, our children.

As the eighth grade leaves SDSA, I would like to thank Irene Bunting for always being there for our children. She has loved one and all and they will miss her. You have meant so much and please know that you are greatly appreciated.

Anne Devine
Selbyville

Foundation thankful for help with fundraiser
Editor:

The Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation would like to thank The Coastal Point for the advertisement that appeared in the May 26 issue. Our First Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction was a huge success, raising more than $20,000.

The event sold out quickly and we were unable to accommodate almost 100 people who wanted to attend. For that we apologize. During the four months since Ryan passed away, his foundation has raised nearly $50,000, which will go directly to families of children with cardiac problems that are facing extended hospitalizations.

The Wine Tasting and Silent Auction would not have been possible without the help of individuals who are too numerous to mention, but we would like to recognize the following local businesses: The Coastal Point, Phillips Signs, The Wave, NKS Distributors, Century Wine and Spirits, Premier Distributing Co., Specialty Wines and Liquors, A Vintner’s Selections, Delaware Importers, DOPS, First State Distributing Group, DelMar Wines, Regal Wine Imports, Shiffrin Selections, Vintage Imports, Lighthouse Sound, Bear Trap Dunes, Bayside, Beach Liquors, Blossoms, Bethany Florist, Sedona, Mickey’s Crab House, Dynamic Physical Therapy, Indulgence, Bethany/Fenwick Chamber of Commerce, Maria’s Gems, Schmittinger & Rodriguez, Toscanna’s, Magnolia’s, The Fat Tuna, Beach Happy Services, McCabe’s, Hand Bags Etc., Made Ya Look Saloon, The Holiday Inn, and the more than 40 wineries that participated.

We know that next year’s event will be even bigger and better. If you wish to contact the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation, our mailing address is P.O. Box 30647, Wilmington, DE 19805.

The Kappes family

Point dropped the ball on Odyssey team
Editor:

How quickly my excitement regarding an article about the World Champion Odyssey of the Mind team turned to disappointment.

These very deserving and hard working youngsters, who worked diligently for many months under the leadership of both Lisa Fourney and Bryna Groveston (also an IRSD teacher) as their coaches, as well as supported by parent volunteers, were not even mentioned.

There was no picture of these incredible students, nor were their names listed in your paper. Their other coach, Mrs. Groveston, wasn’t even mentioned. It was, however, a great tribute to Mrs. Fourney.

Maybe the next article could speak about the children (and the other coach) who earned the title of World Champions.

Kathy DiSabatino
Dagsboro

Craft show a big hit, thanks to volunteers
Editor:

The Bethany Beach Seaside Craft Show committee would like to express our gratitude to all the volunteers that donated their time and energy to the success of the 2nd Bethany Beach Seaside Craft show.

This year’s event had a significant increase in vendors, a testament to the success of the premier 2005 show. Due to this increase, many volunteers were essential to the smooth orchestration of the 2006 show. This “rain or shine” show turned out to be just that, and our volunteers and crafters put on their raincoats and with enthusiasm persevered under adverse weather conditions.

Thanks to the 5:30 a.m. crew: Nada Argonish, Emie Bernhardt, Sharon and Dick Fox, Lew and Maureen Kilmer, Dot Lane, Theo and Fulton Lopatto, Sue and Charlie McMullen, Julie and Chuck Peterson, Pat Rantz, Judy Rieg and Michael Headman.

Our parking lot attendants: Frank Barrett, Jerry Dorfman, Tony McClenny, Bob Wallace and Allen Zuckerman.

Our booth sitters and programs distributors: Jacquie Christman, Barbara Cleary, Betty Gullo, Flo Smith and Marie Wallace.

Bethany Beach Police and Public Works came to our aid in the early hours of the morning and throughout the day of the show to assist in making this community event a success.

Thanks to our local merchants, who supported the show posting flyers in their stores.

We appreciated the coffee and donuts from Maureen Pilot of Maureen’s Ice Cream and Desserts for the exhibitors and volunteers.

Not to be overlooked, thanks to the Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee for sponsoring the show.

It takes an excellent team working together to produce a quality event.

Thank you, team!

Carol Olmstead, Chairperson
Gloria Farrar
Sharon Fox
Mary Headman
Jeri Walsh
Sandy Wood
2006 Bethany Beach Seaside
Craft Show Committee

Memorial Day service success because of help
Editor:

On behalf of St. George’s United Methodist Church, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who participated in our Memorial Day service: Maj. Ryman and the ROTC, IRSD Color Guard, Jim Gallagher and bag pipers, Delaware State Police, State Trooper of the Year Cpl. Jason Minear, the Army National Color Guards and Drill Team, VFW Atwood Timmons, Lee Derrickson, Ruley Banks, Benjamin Singletary, Jena Quillen, and our distinguish guests Sen. George Bunting, Rep. Gerald Hocker, Mr. and Mrs. Greg White and gospel singer/songwriter Jerry Jones. Thank you for joining us as we honored our American heroes.

Lidia Smith
St. George’s United Methodist Church

Who are these coastal legislators?
Editor:

George Bunting, Gerald Hocker and John Atkins represent coastal Sussex citizens, but , they don’t act like it when it comes to the two single biggest issues of concern to their constituents — unfair county council representation and irresponsible county land-management decisions.

That’s because they chose to sponsor Thurman Adams’ SB 304 legislation. Initially, George Carey also sponsored this legislation but he has since removed his name from the proposed bill. Thank you, sir, for putting your constituents needs ahead of Thurman Adams’ agenda.

It is legislation which would deny Sussex residents any relief for the next six years. How in good conscience any Sussex legislator, much less a coastal Sussex legislator, could look their constituents in the eye and say, “I did it for you,” is beyond rational comprehension. Of course, the fact is it wasn’t done for their constituents’ benefit, but rather for Thurman Adams’ benefit, and perhaps their own, as well.

The extent of SB 304’s spiteful nature becomes apparent with the realization that it was proposed by Thurman Adams in order to give him some means of trying to deflect mounting criticism for his stonewalling of HB 170, while at the same time assuring that HB 170 would not get out of his committee for a senate vote. HB 170 passed the House last year by a resounding vote, is popular with their constituents and by all accounts would pass the senate if voted on. So why would coastal legislators sponsor a bill that would not go into effect until six years from now and that would in effect kill legislation that stands to benefit their own constituents the most?

That Hocker and Atkins, who voted for HB 170, would now turn and participate in its death knell seems to defy a rational explanation. But perhaps there is one, of a sort.

Gerald Hocker owns a large food-store operation in the Millville/Ocean View area — an area whose population has grown an estimated whopping 580 percent since the 1990 Census. It is an area that continues to experience rapid population growth. That’s a lot more people who need groceries, and the more development there is the greater the need for groceries.

John Atkins is a partner in the Blue Hen trash removal company. His silent partner is rumored to be Rob Tunnell. In fact, Atkins’ office is located in the Tunnell Complex.

As some of you may know, the Tunnells are extensive Sussex County property owners, who also own a number of mobile home parks in the area. The residents of these parks may even be existing or potential customers for Blue Hen. Of course, the more development there is the more residences are created, and thus the need for trash removal services grows and grows.

George Bunting is in the insurance business and as more residences are created, obviously the need for all types of insurance increases, whether it is homeowners, automobile or business insurance. It is also my understanding that he has a son in the construction business who is quite active here in Sussex County.

The point of all this is not to condemn these individuals for being successful businessmen, but rather to point out that in their dual roles there exists great potential for conflicts of interest. I submit that it is how they handle the responsibility of their dual roles that determines whether or not they are fit to continue as elected representatives. After all, we must assume they voluntarily pursued the elected position they now hold, and thus voluntarily assumed the responsibility to their constituents that comes with the office.

That these three legislators will be standing before us in November and asking to be reelected after having sponsored SB 304 at the expense of HB 170 will surely test not only their own audacity but their belief in the extent of their constituents’ gullibility.

Allen Ide
Millsboro

Softball team to hold public celebration
Editor:

The IRHS softball team would like to thank the fans and community for their support this year and invite family and fans to a night of celebration on Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m. in the IRHS cafeteria. There is no charge for admittance and donations are being accepted to help with championship jackets.

Mark Browne, IRHS softball coach
Dagsboro

Mentoring program at Frankford school a hit
Editor’s note: The following letter was addressed to volunteer HOSTS mentors and forwarded to the Coastal Point for publication:

As another school year closes, I would like to thank you for your dedication to the HOSTS (Help One Student to Succeed) students at Frankford Elementary School. The average reading gain for the children you have mentored is 1.8 years during the nine-month school year. This year you volunteered 6,427 hours as our students read over 62,000 pages. With your impact we are making a difference at Frankford Elementary School.

Each volunteer comes with something special to share with the students. And each mentor is so willing to accommodate the needs of the children. It is a known fact that the Frankford Elementary mentoring team is the largest in the state, with 160 mentors servicing 128 students.

If you would like to become a part of our superior mentoring team at Frankford, please call Renee Clarke at 732-3808. Our first mentor meeting for the 2006-2007 school year will be on Sept. 18.

Renee Clarke
Mentor Coordinator