Things worth knowing
Sickle Cell Tennis Classic
For two weekends in August, the Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Pearls of Hope Foundation will team up to bring the 39th Annual Sickle Cell Tennis Classic to the Rodney Courts in Wilmington. The goal is to raise funds to support sickle cell research at the A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital. Sickle cell is a disorder that affects hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the rest of the body. The tournament is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 6, 7, 13, and 14. To sign up for one of the 150 planned matches or to make a financial donation, visit sctennistournament.org.
Delaware City Branch Canal Trail Opens
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 15, the Branch Canal Trail, a connection to the Michael N. Castle Trail, was officially opened by Gov. Jack Markell and Delaware City Mayor Stanley Green. The entire project, which started in 2011, has helped Delaware rocket from 10th most bicycle-friendly state in 2012 to third in 2015, according to the League of American Bicyclists. The entire Castle Trail will connect Delaware City and Chesapeake City, Md., a total of 15.2 miles, when it’s completed later this summer. The Branch Canal Trail is open to pedestrians and bicyclists every day from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Howard Pyle Murals
Nine murals painted by Howard Pyle are now on display at The Delaware Art Museum. The panels were designed by Pyle for the drawing room of his home in Wilmington. He began work on the panels in 1903, and those on display represent his earliest attempt at mural painting. The murals will remain on display there until December 2020. Prior to the opening of this exhibit last August, the complete set of nine had not been on view since the 1930s.
Masters Rowing Event Set for Noxontown
On Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, the Wilmington Rowing Center will sponsor the 26th Howard M. Smith Diamond State Masters Regatta at Noxontown Pond in Middletown. The event was founded in 1990 by Howard Smith and John Schoonover. Smith’s name was added to the title in 2000 after his death. The regatta is Masters only, meaning all rowers must be 21 or older in the current calendar year. Both clubs and individuals may enter, though clubs are limited to two entries per age category in each event. Registration forms and prices, as well as required waivers, can be found at diamondstatemasters.com/dsmr.
Hockessin Book Shelf Sets Book Launch
On Wednesday, July 13, the Hockessin Book Shelf will host a book launch for The Prisoner of Hell Gate by J.E. Fishman (aka Dana I. Wolff), from 6 to 8 p.m. The event provides a chance to meet the author and have the book signed. The Prisoner of Hell Gate is a supernatural thriller by the same author who writes the only book series based in the real world of the NYPD Bomb Squad. For information about the event, call 235-7665.
Wilmington Green Box is Award Finalist
ArtPlace America has announced that initiative Wilmington Green Box is a finalist for its 2016 National Creative Placemaking Fund. Wilmington Green Box has proposed an idea that will make fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other nutritious foods, more accessible to residents of the city. Eighty projects are being considered for funding and, after the final projects are chosen in December, ArtPlace America will invest a total of $10.5 million in them. It involves using recycled shipping containers to build a community commercial structure in the city. Winners will be announced later this year.
Nightscape Returns to Longwood
This summer, Longwood Gardens is bringing back Nightscape, a popular nighttime exhibition, and adding a few surprises. The show, produced by the Klip Collective, is a riveting garden-wide installation using light, color and sound to create an unforgettable experience. Returning on Wednesday, Aug. 3, and running through Oct. 29, Nightscape brings different areas of the gardens to life, including the Flower Garden Walk, Topiary Garden, and the grand Conservatory. Tickets are $17 for ages 5-18 and $27 for those 19 and older.
