November 24, 2020
DelDOT Traffic Alert: Replacement of failing crossroad pipe will require the closure of Bayard Road 
Frankford -- Traffic Information: DelDOT announces to motorists that Bayard Road will be closed for the removal and replacement of a failing crossroad pipe.

Times and Dates: 7 a.m. on November 30, 2020 until 11:00 p.m. on December 14, 2020, pending weather.

Location: Bayard Road between Zion Church Road and Evans Road, Frankford. 

At all times, residents and businesses will have access but may need to take the posted detour route.

Detour signage will be posted for motorists.
Delaware public school teachers are encouraged to apply for CARES Act funding to assist with teaching challenges brought on by COVID-19
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New Castle County government has announced a partnership with DonorsChoose to help fund COVID-19 related Delaware public school teachers’ funding requests. New Castle County has set aside $1 million of federal CARES Act dollars to fund these requests.
 
Teachers throughout Delaware - not only those in New Castle County - can apply for up to $1,000 each to adapt their classrooms and address learning challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding can go towards anything that helps students during the coronavirus pandemic: books and hands-on materials for moments they’re learning from home, flexible seating and extra individual supplies to keep their distance in the classroom, or anything that teachers need to teach remotely or in person. 

The program aims to help hundreds of teachers offset additional expenses caused by the coronavirus.  

The original deadline to apply was today (November 24th), but has now been extended to December 10th or until funding is exhausted.
Replay of last week's House Small Business Caucus meeting on the expansion of the DE Relief Grants program
The House Small Business Caucus, which Ron serves on, last week held a virtual meeting to discuss the expansion of the DE Relief Grants program.

Thank you to Damian DeStefano, Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, for joining the ZOOM call and answering participants' questions.

To watch the entire program, please click here and enter Passcode: Pc.0!v%*.  

The DE Relief Grants program assists businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions. The expansion will provide up to $25 million in additional relief for hundreds of businesses that have been disproportionately impacted. Qualifying businesses, including restaurants and taprooms, will receive double their original grant allocation.

The deadline to receive applications is December 4th and the application can be found at delbiz.com/relief.  
News from DNREC: DNREC’s state parks, zoo waive entry fees on Black Friday; #OptOutside movement draws thousands outdoors each year
The public is invited to enjoy free entry to Delaware’s state parks and zoo Friday, Nov. 27. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has waived state park and zoo entry fees annually on Black Friday for as part of a the #OptOutside movement. 

More than 7,000 organizations and seven million people nationwide participate in the #OptOutside campaign each year. Visitors to state parks can support and promote the movement on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the #OptOutside hashtag. 

Those kindergarten age or older must bring face coverings with them to enter a park and wear them when they cannot maintain social distancing from other visitors, such as in bathhouses, concession buildings and on trails where others are present. Face coverings are strongly encouraged for children ages 2 and older, unless a child has a medical condition that makes it hard to breathe or disability that prevents the child from wearing a face covering. 

All Delaware state parks will open at 8 a.m. on Nov. 27, with the exception of Fort Delaware State Park, which is closed for the season. Park offices will be closed. The public may visit the Brandywine Zoo and its new Madagascar Exhibit featuring rare lemurs and radiated tortoises, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 302-571-7788, ext. 213. Members can reserve time at the zoo online at brandywinezoo.org.  

For state park locations and other ideas on how to get outside, go to www.destateparks.com.  
Pop-up COVID-19 testing events this week in Sussex County
To contact Ron: [email protected]