Calling All Bookworms!
We know you love to read. And we compliment you on your choice of reading material. Now, tell us the four pages we’ve hidden a stack of books and you could win a cool prize. Email your answer by October 22 to Contact@TSNPub.com with the subject line: I Found the Books. We will choose three winners from correct submissions. Congrats to Lindsay Ent, Thomas Frey and Frank Forrest, who found the ballerinas on pages 27, 29, 51, and 64 of last month’s issue.
From ‘Mare Of Easttown’ To ‘Task’: An Evening With Brad Ingelsby
Wilmington University’s Center for Law, Justice and Society will present a special edition of its True Crime Lecture Series on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington.
The evening will feature a conversation between Dr. Maria Hess of Wilmington University and Brad Ingelsby, the acclaimed writer and creator of the multiple Emmy Award-winning HBO drama Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet, and the current HBO series Task, starring Mark Ruffalo.
A Pennsylvania native, Ingelsby has earned international recognition for his ability to bring working-class stories and authentic communities to life on screen. His work is celebrated for its emotional depth and realism.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Light fare will be served. Register at CJI.WilmU.edu/events
Poplar Hall Promises A Ghostly Good Time
Poplar Hall is bringing back one of its most beloved Halloween traditions while unveiling a brand-new spine-tingling event this October. “The Revisionists: A Haunted Gothic Walk” returns to Wilmington’s Rockwood Museum Oct. 17–18 and 24–25. This 90-minute guided lamplight tour blends gothic atmosphere with immersive performances and five original ghost stories, all woven into a chilling theme exploring the sinister side of a traveling circus & side show from the early 1900s. Guests can also enjoy beer and wine from “The Revisionist Speakeasy,” with proceeds benefiting the Rockwood Park Preservation Society.
New this year, “Revolutionary Spirits” makes its debut Oct. 4 in and around the colonial gardens of Historic Poplar Hall in Newark. During this haunting candlelit experience, guests will hear five original ghost stories set during the American Revolution, performed by veteran storyteller Cory McCarrick. Each ticket includes an heirloom pumpkin from Poplar Hall’s patch. Both events promise a perfect mix of history, atmosphere, and Halloween chills. More at PoplarHall.life
West End’s Annual Fire Truck Pull
West End Neighborhood House will host its 2nd Annual Fire Truck Pull on Oct. 18 at Frawley Stadium on the Wilmington Riverfront, aiming to raise more than $55,000 for its programs. This year’s theme, Ignite the Spark — Empower the Future, brings back the one-of-a-kind competition where teams of up to eight pull a fire truck with help from Wilmington Fire Department personnel. This year’s event is a full competition with bracket-style challenges leading to a Final Four Pull-Off and a Wild Card round, with prizes in multiple categories. Online registration closes Oct. 15; participants who register by Oct. 6 receive an event t-shirt. In addition, the day includes vendors, food trucks, and activities for the whole family. Register at RunSignUp.com/firetruckpull
Walnut Street YMCA 85TH Anniversary Celebration
The Walnut Street YMCA, a cornerstone of East Wilmington since 1940, will celebrate its 85th Anniversary with a gala at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Oct. 24. “This celebration will pay tribute to our past while laying the foundation for an even brighter future,” said Anesha Law, Community Executive Director. The milestone honors decades of youth development, civic engagement, and community progress. The evening will feature inspiring stories, a vision for the YMCA’s next era of impact, and presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards community champions including Representative Stephanie T. Bolden, Claire Carey, Harmon Carey, Mayor James Sills, and Enid Wallace-Haley. The celebration continues into 2026 with a documentary by Dr. Jeanne Nutter highlighting the YMCA’s enduring legacy and impact. More at YmcaDe.org/locations/walnut-street-ymca
University & Whist Club Unveils New Game Lounge
The University & Whist Club has opened the James Lounge, a stylish new event space in the historic Tilton Mansion. Designed by Eric Hastings of Hastings Creative, the lounge blends vintage sophistication with modern entertainment. It features a wine bar & snack station, fireplace conversation space and library, board games, arcade classics, and more. The space is designed to foster connections and spark engaging conversations. “People can stay home and play games whenever they want,” said club member Jim Lee. “This is about getting together, meeting people, and having fun.” More at UniversityAndWhistClub.com
Central Delaware To Host Media Marketplace Event In 2026
Visit Central Delaware will host the 2026 Media Marketplace, MATPRA’s annual signature event, September 22–24 at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort. The conference will bring more than 100 travel journalists and tourism professionals to the region for one-on-one meetings, story pitches, and curated familiarization tours showcasing Delaware’s attractions, history, and outdoor experiences during America’s 250th celebration. “Being able to showcase all that Delaware has to offer to media from all over the U.S. will be huge for our region,” said Pete Bradley, Kent County Tourism President. More at MATPRA.org/media-marketplace
Two Area Artists Celebrate Big Wins
This month brings big things for two local artists who credit Out & About for helping launch their careers. Folk artist Eunice LaFate marks a notable milestone, while graphic designer Patrick Warner celebrates a big award win.
In May, 1993, LaFate created the first of three covers she would do for Out & About.
“My cover art was the catalyst of LaFate Gallery, which became a commercial storefront in September, 2015,” LaFate says.
On Saturday, October 18, the LaFate Gallery will hold its 10th Anniversary Celebration from 3pm to 6:30pm at the store’s 227 N. Market Street location in Wilmington.
The theme of the event is “Reflection & Vision Forward.” Special features will include live music, refreshments, and the unveiling of LaFate’s 10th Anniversary painting.
A designer who got his first Out & About cover published while he was still studying design at UD, Warner is also currently riding high.
The Graphis International Awards recently honored Warner with a gold medal and three silver for his logo design work. Since 1944, Graphis has earned the reputation for showcasing the work of artists and designers around the world in print and online. Their annual design publication was of particular interest to Warner.
“Graphis has been a source for inspiration my entire 30-year career,” Warner says. “I use their design annuals for ideas and inspiration. “
For Warner, the timing could not be more meaningful. Due to the restrictions of a progressive muscular disease, he is finally retiring.
“Three of the four logos were done while my disease was already making work hard,” Warner says. “It’s a ‘drop the mic’ moment as I move on to whatever is going to be next.”
