Middletown Life Spring/Summer 2023

Letter from the Editor:

There are many exciting things going on in the Middletown area this year. In this edition of Middletown Life, we highlight just a few of them.

The Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area is getting a new, $26 million YMCA featuring a 56,000-square-foot building with a pool, a gym, a full-size basketball court, multiple fitness studios, a STEM room for youth, a children’s adventure zone and a community education room.

The YMCA of Delaware has offered limited programs in Middletown since 2017, but the new YMCA, scheduled to open later this year will offer many more programs and activities, and will be a major element of a walkable downtown. The YMCA is located on E. Cochran St. in Middletown.

This issue also features a story about the Middletown Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy. Started in 2019, this program has introduced nearly 150 area residents to the work of an agency that is dedicated to teaching, empowering and listening.

The Q & A in this edition is with Dr. Suzanne Street and Dr. DeAngello Eley. Middletown Life recently caught up with both educators to learn more about their principles for learning, leadership, STEM education, and their vision for the future of K-12 education in the United States.

In his story, “Mission: Possible,” writer Ken Mammarella presents a story about the work of four teams of students who are following the engineering career pathway in the Appoquinimink School District.

In his story, “Middletown: Yesterday and today,” writer Gene Pisasale offers a look at some interesting aspects of the town, including its historic buildings, institutions, and monuments.

We also include information about the most recent town council elections and a look at some community events coming up in Middletown.

The photo essay showcases Delaware’s largest zoo, the 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend.

Whether you’re a longtime resident of the Middletown area or a newcomer, we hope you find something interesting in this issue. We’re already hard at work planning the next edition of Middletown Life that will arrive in late summer. Until then, we hope you enjoy some of the exciting things that are going on in the Middletown area.

Sincerely,

Randy Lieberman, Publisher

[email protected], 610-869-5553

Steve Hoffman, Editor

[email protected], 610-869-5553, Ext. 13