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Music at the Mill summer concert series returns to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

Sara Uzer June 4, 2026Arts & Entertainment, Headlines

Music at the Mill returns with summer lineup at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

Delaware Nature Society’s Music at the Mill summer concert series returns to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center next week, featuring four Thursday evening performances. (Photo courtesy of Delaware Nature Society.)

Delaware Nature Society’s Music at the Mill summer concert series returns to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center next week, featuring four Thursday evening performances. (Photo courtesy of Delaware Nature Society.)

The Delaware Nature Society’s annual Music at the Mill summer concert series will return to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center next week, offering a series of outdoor evening performances throughout the summer.

The family-friendly event series is scheduled for four Thursday evenings: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, located at 15411 Abbotts Pond Road near Milford.

The opening concert on June 11 will feature acoustic duo Acorn Whiskey. Food vendors Taco Reho and Mill Creek Coffee are also scheduled to attend.

According to organizers, the events are designed to encourage residents and visitors to spend time outdoors while enjoying live music in a natural setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and outdoor games.

Admission is free for Delaware Nature Society members. Tickets for non-members are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and older.

Additional concerts throughout the season will feature a variety of musical performers and food vendors.

More information, including performer lineups, food truck schedules and registration details, is available through the Delaware Nature Society.

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Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate. She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.

Delaware healthcare professionals to gather in Dover for geriatric care symposium
Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village are collaborating to bring healthcare professionals together to explore geriatric and age-friendly care. DOVER — As Delaware’s population continues to age, healthcare professionals from across the state will gather on June 5 at Delaware State University for a symposium focused on one critical question: How can healthcare systems, providers, and community partners work together to improve care for Delaware’s aging population? The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Symposium, presented by the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on the university’s Dover campus. The event is designed to help nurses, physicians, caregivers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals better understand the unique and changing needs of seniors as they age. Organizers say the symposium will focus on translating evidence-based practices, education, and current geriatric care practices into practical knowledge that can improve care for older adults throughout Delaware. Addressing Delaware’s aging population The symposium comes as Delaware continues to experience significant growth in its senior population, increasing demand for healthcare workers trained in geriatric care. The event is part of Delaware’s broader Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a federally funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is helping to strengthen Delaware’s ability to care for older adults through workforce training, caregiver support, and community partnerships. At the center of that effort are Karen L. Panunto, EdD, MSN, RN, Principal Investigator for the Delaware GWEP and Tracy Harpe, DNP, RN, Co-Principal Investigator for the program. Panunto oversees the more than $5 million federal grant supporting the program and directs partnerships among Delaware State University, Education and Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and aging services organizations across the state. Her work focuses on strengthening geriatric education, expanding dementia-capable care, supporting family caregivers, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of an aging population. Building a stronger geriatric workforce The symposium reflects the broader mission of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, which seeks to improve care for older adults by educating current and future healthcare professionals. Through collaboration between the Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University and Education Health & Research International at Milford Wellness Village, the program supports education and training in gerontology, chronic disease management, dementia care, and community-based healthcare. Because Delaware State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), organizers say the program also emphasizes reducing health disparities, expanding access to care, and serving underserved communities across Kent and Sussex counties. The agenda focuses on practical senior-care challenges. This year’s symposium theme is “Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships.” The day begins with a Welcome and Opening Remarks featuring: Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean of Graduate, Adult & Extended Studies | Wesley College Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University Rabbi Halberstam, Chief Strategy Officer for Education Health & Research International Dr. Karen L. Panunto, Associate Professor/MSN Program Director, & Principal Investigator for Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program at Delaware State University Morning sessions will address several key challenges facing seniors and their healthcare providers: Pharmacology and Geriatric Patient: Avoiding Harm from Medication Lois Chappel, DNP, APC, will discuss how aging affects how the body processes medications and explore strategies to reduce medication-related harm among seniors. Advanced Care Planning in Skilled Nursing Facilities Christie Whitlock, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, will present advanced care planning in skilled nursing facilities, helping providers and families better prepare for future healthcare decisions. Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Clinton Middleton, MSN, APRN, FNP-D, will introduce the GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), which focuses on improving care for individuals living with dementia while providing support for family caregivers. Comprehensive Primary Care: Across the Lifespan Following lunch, Louis Silverstein, MD, will discuss how healthcare providers can deliver coordinated care that addresses the changing physical, emotional, and social needs of adults as they age. Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware The symposium concludes with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones that explores ways healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations can work together to improve services for older adults. Why the symposium matters Organizers say the topics reflect many of the most important issues affecting seniors today, including healthy aging, medication management, dementia care, caregiver support, mental health, and maintaining independence. The goal is not only to educate healthcare professionals but also to strengthen the network of organizations and providers working to improve the quality of life for older Delawareans. As Delaware’s senior population continues to grow, leaders at Delaware State University, Education Health & Research International, and the Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program hope the symposium will strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce with knowledge, skills, and collaborative partnerships needed to support healthy aging for years to come. If You Go What: Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Symposium Theme: Advancing Age-Friendly Care Across the Continuum: Strengthening Geriatric Care Systems in Delaware through Education, Practice, and Community Partnerships When: Friday, June 5, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, Parlor A, Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover Presented by: Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Delaware State University, Education Health Research International at Milford Wellness Village, and the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Who Should Attend: Physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, case managers, community health workers, senior-care professionals, students, and caregivers Registration: go.desu.edu/GWEP2026 Cost: Free Purpose: To share education on evidence-based age-friendly care practices that support senior health, wellness, and caregiving with Delaware’s healthcare workforce and community partners.
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Milford Wellness Village to anchor $1.25M federal grant expanding chronic-disease self-management for caregivers and adults with disabilities
EHRI, based at the Milford campus, is pleased to announce enrollment opportunities in May! MILFORD, Del. — A $1.25 million federal grant awarded several months ago is positioning the Milford Wellness Village as a central hub for expanded mental health education services across Delaware, with Education Health & Research International leading the effort. EHRI, which is headquartered at the Wellness Village, received the funding through the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization is responsible for designing and implementing the program, while the Milford campus will serve as the operational base and coordination center. EHRI has announced the first no-charge, once-a-week, six-part course. to help individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. “The project directly addresses combined health factors that lower quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, such as increased healthcare costs and a strain on caregivers and health systems,” said Rabbi Halberstam, EHRI’s chief strategy officer. How the pieces fit together The initiative brings together three key elements: The federal grant provides funding and a program framework focused on prevention and independent living EHRI acts as the lead organization, responsible for program development, coordination, and delivery Milford Wellness Village serves as the physical hub where services, partners, and outreach efforts are connected This structure reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward community-based models that integrate medical, behavioral health, and social services in one location. Focus on mental health and chronic conditions The program will prioritize individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress tied to caregiving, grief, financial hardship, or new diagnoses. Rather than providing direct clinical treatment, the initiative emphasizes education and self-management, including: Workshops on stress, grief, and anxiety Tools for managing chronic illness alongside mental health challenges Support resources for caregivers Connections to local healthcare and social services Officials say the goal is to help participants stabilize earlier, reducing the need for emergency care or long-term institutional support. Enrollment Now Open With programming now underway, EHRI officials are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities. Join in a no-cost Workshop, once a week for 6 weeks. Workshops are nationally recognized as making a real difference for individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. Bring a loved one or friend and each will learn some new ideas for feeling better and reclaiming control. Tuesdays, May 19 to June 23- 5:30-8 pm Thursdays, May 19 to June 23- 9-1130am Thursdays, June 4-July 9- 5:30-8 pm To register; call, email or go online. Statewide reach through local partners While anchored in Milford, the program is designed to extend across Delaware through a network of partner organizations, including: Mental Health Association in Delaware Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Jewish Family Services La Red Health Center WeCare Services PACE Your Life Beebe Healthcare Modern Maturity Center These partners will help deliver programming in community settings, expanding access to populations that may not engage with traditional healthcare systems. A growing model for community-based care The initiative comes as Delaware faces increasing demand for mental health services and caregiver support, particularly among its aging population. By linking federal funding, a lead nonprofit organization, and a centralized health campus, the program positions Milford as a model for integrated, community-based care—focused on prevention, education, and long-term independence. If you have any questions, contact Mona Boyer, Milford Wellness Village Education Coordinator Telephone: 302-300-5563 Email: mboyer@milfordwellnessvillage.com ONLINE: https://form.jotform.com/260816298177165
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