Government Archives - Page 42 of 61 - Milford LIVE! - Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

MHS teacher accepted to Supreme Court Summer Institute

Terry Rogers May 22, 2023Education, Government

Shae Parks, Milford, Delaware, and a teacher at Milford Senior High School will travel to Washington, D.C. this June to attend the prestigious Supreme Court Summer Institute. After a highly competitive application process, 60 teachers were selected to participate this year. The Institute, open to teachers in the fields of law-related and civic education, is co-sponsored by Street Law, Inc. …

Bike and Pedestrian Lanes Robert Ruggerio Unsplash

UD issues grant to assist Milford and Slaughter beach with bicycle and pedestrian path

Terry Rogers May 22, 2023Government, Headlines

The Grant Assistance Program at the University of Delaware celebrates its first successful grant application, bringing vital bipartisan infrastructure funding to local municipalities throughout the State. The federal Department of Transportation selected GAP’s application, submitted on behalf of the City of Milford and Town of Slaughter Beach, as one of 64 nationwide recipients for its Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Awards. …

City of Milford to Host Touch-A-Truck Community Event

Terry Rogers May 15, 2023Government, Headlines

The City of Milford is hosting its Annual Touch-A-Truck Community Event – its first since COVID – on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Walnut St. in Downtown Milford. This family-friendly event will feature City Public Works vehicles (i.e. trash and electric bucket trucks), Milford Police Department vehicles, Carlisle Fire Company trucks, food trucks, and city …

Council discusses Capital Improvement Plan

Terry Rogers May 8, 2023Government, Headlines

Milford City Council recently continued discussing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the next five years. The plan includes capital improvement projects of $16,772,044 in 2024, $27,784,735 in 2025, $21,699,063 in 2026, $15798,361 in 2027 and $4,804,080 in 2028. Before discussing the projects, City Manager Mark Whitfield explained that the CIP, including projects, costs and timelines were requests and not …

City of Milford Recognized As A Reliable Public Power Provider

Terry Rogers May 3, 2023Government, Headlines

The City of Milford recently announced that their Electric Department has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include …

Public comment no longer restricted to agenda items at council

Terry Rogers April 27, 2023Government, Headlines

Milford City Council recently made changes to their public comment code to allow members of the public to speak about any city-related business during the 15-minute public comment period at the start of every meeting. Mark Whitfield, City Manager, explained that this was at the request of several council members who wanted to increase public input at meetings. “I think …

Electric rate increase approved by council

Terry Rogers April 27, 2023Government, Headlines

At a recent meeting, Milford City Council learned the results of an electric rate study conducted by Utility Financial Solutions (UFS). Dawn Lund, Vice-President of UFS, provided details on where the city’s electric funds were now and projections for what the funds would like in the future. After Lund’s presentation, council voted to approve a new electric rate ordinance at …

Downtown streetscape plans presented to council

Terry Rogers April 26, 2023Business, Culture, Government, Headlines

At a recent meeting, Milford City Council viewed a presentation by Rick Kane of KCI Technologies regarding potential streetscape improvements in the downtown area. The demonstration included upgrades to improve the aesthetic of Walnut and Washington Street as well as Southwest Front Street, Denney Row and Park Place. “There was a whole vision plan created for the downtown core that …

Marijuana legal in Delaware Sunday; Carney won’t sign, veto

bshupe April 21, 2023Government, Headlines

Gov. John Carney said Friday that even though he disagrees with legalizing marijuana and creating a regulated and taxed industry, he will allow the two bills that do that to become law without his signature. “I want to be clear that my views on this issue have not changed,” he said in a Friday afternoon press release. “I understand there …

City approves TID funding

Terry Rogers April 17, 2023Government, Headlines

Milford City Council approved a funding rate for the Southeast Milford Transportation Improvement District plan at a recent meeting. The plan will add 30 percent to building permit fees that will be used to offset the cost of improvements to roads in the Milford’s southeastern area. The plan, which includes additional traffic signals and roundabouts, was approved in 2021 and …

Page 42 of 61
←
1
...
41
42
43
...
61
→

Milford Wellness Village expands primary care access with addition of new nurse practitioner
This is the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community. MILFORD, Del. — Primary care services at the Milford Wellness Village continue to grow as Village Primary Care announces the addition of nurse practitioner Juanquetta D. Howell, MSN, FNP-C, expanding access for families and seniors across the Milford area. Health leaders say the move reflects the Wellness Village’s broader mission to strengthen community-based care and address an ongoing shortage of primary-care providers in Sussex County and across Delaware. Howell is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than eight years of clinical experience serving patients in southern Delaware. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a family practice specialization and previously worked as a registered nurse before transitioning to primary care. Her clinical background includes chronic disease management, diabetes and asthma care, treatment of anxiety disorders, and support for patients with complex conditions such as end-stage renal disease. Prior to joining Village Primary Care, Howell practiced with I & O Diabetes Consultants in Millsboro and maintained professional affiliations with Bayhealth Kent Campus, Bayhealth Sussex Campus, and Beebe Medical Center. She is licensed in Delaware as a family nurse practitioner, accepts Medicare and participates in collaborative care teams designed to improve continuity for seniors and families managing ongoing health needs. Colleagues describe Howell’s care style as relationship-driven and compassionate, emphasizing listening, shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans—an approach that aligns with Village Primary Care’s patient-centered model inside the Milford Wellness Village. Her arrival is expected to increase appointment availability while preserving the practice’s relationship-based approach, which emphasizes longer visits, continuity with the same provider and coordinated care for patients managing ongoing health conditions. Village Primary Care is led by executive director and family nurse practitioner Kaitlin Fielder, APRN-FNP-C, who designed the practice around extended first visits, preventive screenings and close collaboration with other health services located throughout the Wellness Village campus. The integrated setting allows patients to access rehabilitation, skilled nursing, social services and other supports in one location, improving coordination and reducing transportation barriers. Local demand for primary care remains high. Recent analyses show Delaware faces one of the nation’s most significant shortfalls in primary-care access, with Sussex County needing dozens of additional providers to meet current population needs. Growth in southern Delaware, combined with clinician retirements and workforce shortages, has contributed to longer wait times and increased reliance on urgent care and emergency departments. “Expanding primary care at the Milford Wellness Village is part of our long-term commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring Milford families can access consistent, coordinated care close to home,” said Lon Kieffer, executive director of the Milford Wellness Village. Village Primary Care currently operates from a temporary suite at 21 W. Clarke Ave. while a permanent, expanded space within the Wellness Village campus is under construction. Leaders say the larger facility will further increase patient capacity and strengthen the campus’s role as an integrated hub for health, wellness and supportive services in central and southern Delaware. “The continued growth of services across the Wellness Village reflects our focus on building a comprehensive, community-centered system of care designed to serve residents at every stage of life,” Kieffer said. The addition of Howell marks the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion as leaders work to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community.
...
Read More
Milford Wellness Village to Host Free Lunch & Learn on Advance Care Planning
The Lunch & Learn program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Wellness Village is hosting families and caregivers for a practical introduction to Advanced Care Planning so that future medical decisions are made before a crisis occurs. The session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Conference Center Main Board Room at the Milford Wellness Village. The educational presentation will take place during the first 30 minutes, followed by an informal discussion. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Kieffer said the Lunch & Learn reflects the Wellness Village’s commitment to helping families and caregivers prepare before difficult situations arise. “Advance care planning is one of the most important conversations families can have, but it’s often delayed until a crisis,” Kieffer said. “Our goal is to give people clear, practical information in a setting that feels approachable, supportive, and respectful of their time.” Kieffer added the program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. Advance care planning helps individuals document their healthcare wishes and identify a trusted person to make medical decisions if they become unable to speak for themselves. Delaware encourages all adults age 18 and older to complete an Advance Healthcare Directive. Without advance planning, caregivers and family members are often left making critical decisions during medical emergencies, frequently under intense pressure and with limited information. Clear plans can reduce confusion, prevent family conflict, and ensure care aligns with a person’s values and preferences. The Lunch & Learn format is especially geared toward family caregivers, working adults supporting aging parents, and professionals who regularly interact with older adults or individuals managing chronic illness. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.Seats can be reserved online at:https://form.jotform.com/253554029214150 Those with questions are encouraged to contact the Milford Wellness Village directly. Call Mona Boyer, Director Campus Operations & Workforce Partnerships, Milford Wellness Village Mobile:302-300-5563.
...
Read More
The Balancing Act: How Milford Caregivers Juggle Work, Family, and Caring for a Loved One
As more families in central and southern Delaware take on caregiving roles, local experts say support, flexibility, and self-care are key to avoiding burnout. MILFORD, Delaware— For many families in Milford and throughout central and southern Delaware, caregiving is not an abstract concept — it is part of daily life. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a serious illness, or a loved one with disabilities, caregivers often balance demanding responsibilities at home while trying to maintain full-time employment and family commitments. That balancing act can take a toll. A recent AARP and S&P Global survey found that 67% of family caregivers nationwide struggle to manage both work and caregiving responsibilities, often reporting stress, guilt, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Locally, caregivers say the pressure can feel even heavier when support services are difficult to find or navigate. This article — part of an ongoing Milford LIVE series examining the caregiver experience — highlights practical strategies to manage stress while pointing readers to local resources, including Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford Wellness Village, Oasis Senior Care, and Delaware Hospice. Caregiving at Home: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Caregiving is rarely meant to be a one-person job, yet many Milford-area caregivers find themselves managing everything from medical appointments and meals to finances and household maintenance. Experts recommend starting with a realistic assessment of what your loved one needs — and identifying where help can be shared. Sharing the Load Delaware Hospice, Easterseals, and Oasis Senior Care all encourage caregivers to list daily and weekly tasks and determine which responsibilities can be delegated. That may include asking a family member to manage paperwork, a neighbor to help with transportation, or arranging part-time in-home support. When loved ones live out of town or cannot provide hands-on care, financial contributions toward respite care or professional support services can ease the burden significantly. Caregivers are also encouraged to be specific when asking for help. A clear request — such as “Can you stop by Tuesday at noon to help with lunch?” — makes it easier for others to step in and provide meaningful assistance. Local Support in Milford: A Growing Network of Care Easterseals at the Milford Wellness Village One of Milford’s most important caregiving resources is Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, located within the Milford Wellness Village, a growing hub for health and community-based services. Easterseals offers a range of programs designed to support both caregivers and those receiving care, including adult day services, respite care, counseling, and caregiver support programs, as well as services for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Crystal Baynard, a caregiver herself and a member of the Easterseals Community Outreach Program, said caregivers often put every ounce of energy into caring for others while neglecting their own needs. “Most caregivers fully devote themselves to the role of supporting and providing for their loved one,” Baynard said. “Having connections of their own by socializing with friends or family, finding the right support group, and not ignoring signs of stress or burnout are critical to the journey.” By offering services locally through the Milford Wellness Village, Easterseals helps reduce travel time and stress while strengthening community-based support for families throughout Sussex and Kent counties. Oasis Senior Care: Guidance When Families Need Direction In addition to hands-on services, many families need help understanding care options and coordinating next steps. Oasis Senior Care works with families as a consulting and care-planning resource, helping caregivers navigate complex healthcare decisions, coordinate services, and develop clear care plans as needs change. For caregivers feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, having professional guidance can provide clarity and confidence during difficult transitions. Planning Ahead Reduces Stress Unexpected medical events and sudden care needs are part of the caregiving reality. Preparing in advance can prevent last-minute panic. Experts recommend caregivers keep medical, legal, and financial documents organized and up to date, maintain a list of trusted contacts for emergencies or home repairs, and create a folder with medications, care instructions, and provider information. Preparation allows caregivers to respond calmly and decisively when challenges arise. Taking Care of the Caregiver Caregivers often put their own needs last — but burnout is one of the most serious risks they face. Even small, intentional breaks can help restore balance. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Short walks, quiet moments with coffee or tea, reading, stretching, or time with a pet can all help caregivers recharge. Experts recommend scheduling personal time on a calendar and treating it like an appointment that should not be skipped. Caregivers are also encouraged to resist the urge to be “perfect.” Managing a household, a career, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously is not always realistic — and comparing one’s situation to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Every caregiving journey is different. Balancing Care and Work in the Milford Area For working caregivers, open communication with employers can make a meaningful difference. Many workplaces offer flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, or Employee Assistance Programs. Caregivers should also be aware of their legal protections. Employees at workplaces with 50 or more staff members may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects caregivers from discrimination related to family responsibilities. Managing Stress and Staying Connected Chronic caregiving stress affects both physical and emotional health. Tools such as shared digital calendars, medication apps like CareZone, and structured routines can help bring order to busy days. Caregiver support groups — including those offered through organizations like Easterseals — help reduce isolation by connecting people facing similar challenges. Recognizing warning signs such as fatigue, irritability, sadness, or withdrawal and asking for help early can prevent long-term health problems. The Takeaway for Milford Families Balancing work, family, and caregiving is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about setting boundaries, planning ahead, asking for help, and using trusted local resources. For Milford families, organizations such as Easterseals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford […]
...
Read More
Founder of Milford Wellness Village honored on National Rural Health Care Day by State and Community Leaders
Milford Wellness Village founder Meir Gelley named 2025 Community Star MILFORD, Del. — Mr. Meir Gelley, founder and owner of Milford Wellness Village, was honored Thursday morning with the 2025 Community Star award for his leadership in expanding services for older adults and improving access to care in rural Kent and Sussex counties. Gelley was recognized during a National Rural Health Day event at Milford Wellness Village from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Conference Center lobby at 200 Kings Highway in Milford. The celebration is being held by the Delaware Rural Health Initiative in partnership with members of the Governor’s Health Cabinet and local officials. Speakers included Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young, Office of Public Health Nursing Director Kyle Phillips, Milford Mayor F. Todd Culotta, and Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy. Gelley is expected to address the delegation and share his vision for the Milford Wellness Village. The honor comes as southern Delaware continues to wrestle with deep-rooted healthcare challenges. Sussex County is one of the fastest-growing and oldest counties in the state, with more than a quarter of residents age 65 and older. Health assessments show higher-than-average rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as well as persistent shortages of primary care, behavioral health, and specialty providers, particularly in rural communities. Limited public transportation, long travel distances to hospitals and clinics, and pockets of poverty and food insecurity create what advocates describe as “care deserts” for seniors, farmworkers, and low-income families. These gaps have prompted Governor Matt Meyers to launch a $1 billion rural health infrastructure plan to strengthen facilities and expand services in Kent and Sussex counties. Christen Linke Young, Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Health and Human Services reported that Delaware ranks last for access to primary care services, especially in Sussex County. Against that backdrop, Betsy Wheeler, Executive Director of the Delaware Rural Health Care Initiative, recognized that Meir Gelley and this team have taken action that has made Milford Wellness Village a model for how rural communities. Built on the former Milford Memorial Hospital site, the 264,000-square-foot campus at 21 W. Clarke Avenue now houses more than 25 healthcare and social service providers. The site is anchored by Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, a 150-bed skilled nursing facility offering post-acute care and therapies. Rather than simply replacing the hospital with a single nursing home, Gelley led the effort to create a multi-use wellness campus that brings together primary care, rehabilitation, behavioral health, adult and child day programs, pharmacy services, transportation, and social supports under one roof. The site has created over 750 jobs and provides services to 200 patients living at one of the providers every day. Gelley, CEO of Nationwide Healthcare Services, has described the approach as breaking down barriers between providers and patients. “This facility has walls, but imagine that it has no walls,” he has said. “Following a patient after they leave the home is what we found to be successful.” For seniors, the campus offers a practical path to aging in place by coordinating medical care, rehab, pharmacy and social programs in one location. Adult day services, transportation and the WeCare support program help families who are juggling work while caring for aging loved ones. The Village is also home to innovative programs such as PACE Your Life, launched in 2022 to help seniors remain in their homes while receiving comprehensive medical and social services. Mayor F. Todd Culotta points to the project’s economic impact as another reason for Gelley’s recognition. Transforming the former hospital into a wellness village preserved a key community asset, created more than 220 jobs, and continues to attract providers, nonprofits, and businesses to Milford’s downtown corridor. Culotta believes that Milford will soon become the Heart of Health Care in Sussex and Kent Counties. He concluded by saying, “It’s our industry now!” For Kent and Sussex counties, where hospitals and clinics are clustered in a few areas and rural residents often travel long distances for care, the Village offers what advocates call a “one-stop” hub. Seniors can see a primary care provider, attend rehab, pick up medications, participate in day programs, and connect with social services in a single trip. Executive Director Lon Kieffer says that an integrated, walkable campus is especially important in a county where there is roughly one primary care provider for every 2,000 residents, behavioral health services are limited, and families often rely on nonprofits and churches to close gaps in transportation, food, and basic needs. By pairing healthcare with education and workforce development programs, Milford Wellness Village is also helping train the next generation of nurses, therapists and support staff to serve in rural Delaware—an important step in addressing long-term workforce shortages. The 2025 Community Star award recognizes those efforts and Gelley’s role in turning a vacant hospital into what many now see as a lifeline for seniors and families in lower Delaware. The National Rural Health Day event is open to guests and community partners. Organizers say it is intended not only to honor Gelley but also to spotlight the continuing needs of rural residents and the role community-based hubs like Milford Wellness Village can play in closing care gaps.
...
Read More

Follow Milford Live