Laurel Visitors Guide & Directory

Visitors’ Guide & MeMbership directory

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201 Mechanic St. , Laurel, DE Phone: 302-875-2277 Fa x : 302-875-2451

A town with heart, soul and imagination A town with heart, soul and imagination

Laurel, Delaware Laurel, Delaware

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06 History10 Overview12 Health15 Development16 CHEER18 Education22 Business25 Determined for Change26 Recreation28 Library31 Chamber of Commerce32 Categorical List of Chamber Members

Cover photo by Cassie RichardsonThis book is a publication of the

Laurel Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Morning Star Publications, Inc.

© Copyright 2011

contents

Photo by Cassie Richardson

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What is today a small Delaware municipality like many others surrounding it, the town of Laurel was once a thriving area of commerce that boasted some of the wealthiest residents in the First State, including several governors. Laurel has always been a town dominated largely by agriculture, a traditional way of life in Delaware’s southern-most county. Many families in Laurel have been in the area for decades, living with time-honored traditions passed down from generation to gen-eration. These families, these traditions, are a big

reason why driving through downtown Laurel is a lot like driving through a picturesque Delaware history book. As of the 2000 census, there were 1,389 households in Laurel, just your typical all-American small town. But take a closer look at the numbers and the “Land of the Bulldogs” becomes a very special place. An estimated 800 of the homes within the boundaries of Laurel proper are on the National Register of Historic Places, giving it more historic buildings than any other town in Delaware. It’s clear what makes Laurel such an important part

Photo of Bethesda Church by Evan Rogers

H I S T O RYlaurel

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of the First State’s history, even though it’s one of the smallest municipalities in Delaware.

Laurel was incorporated as a town on April 13, 1883, but its roots go back much further, to a time when Native Ameri-cans first settled in what they termed a “wading place” near present-day Broad Creek.

Plotted in 1802 after the sale of an Indian reservation, the town was named by settlers for the beautiful native laurel trees growing along the creek. Laurel boasts a long history of com-merce, agriculture and one infamous event that could easily have wiped it from the map. Through its history, there have always been two important ingredients essential for Laurel’s survival: the river and the railroad.

A tributary to the Nanticoke River, which in turn flows into the Chesapeake Bay, Broad Creek once teemed with ships

whose captains exchanged products between Laurel and other, more distant, ports. For many years, the waterways were the lifeblood of the town.

Then along came the long-awaited expansion of the Dela-ware Railroad, which opened up much more distant markets to the area’s farmers when tracks were put down in 1859. Farmers were now able to deliver their crops to market in days rather than weeks, and Laurel began to flourish.

The combination of the river and the arrival of the railroad made Laurel a desirable place to live and conduct business, and the town soon became known as one of the wealthiest in Delaware. Many homes were built in the late 19th century as a result of this new influx of residents, homes that still stand today.

The paving of Market Street in 1917.Delaware State Archives photo

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Drive along Central Avenue in downtown Laurel today and you’ll notice them - nearly every home along this histor-ic, tree-lined street can be traced back at least 100 years, to a time when what is now a quiet little town near the Maryland state line was a thriving hub of commerce.

There are Victorian homes, Colonial homes and Federal-period homes, all well-maintained as part of the Laurel His-toric District. Spending a day in this small town just a few miles from the state’s southern border is truly a history lover’s dream come true.

Just a few miles from the center of town is the historic Old Christ Church, which was built in 1772 and is believed to be one of only a dozen or so churches along the eastern seaboard to survive unaltered from pre-Revolutionary War days.

Stepping through the doors of the 18th century chapel is like stepping back into time, or as Colonial Williamsburg ar-chitectural historian Carl Lounsberry once said, “like walking into 18th century England.” Made almost entirely from heart of pine, the chapel continues to stand majestically as it has for generations in western Sussex County.

Built originally as a chapel of ease for Stepney Parish in Maryland, Old Christ Church remains very much in the same condition it was more than 250 years ago.

There are no modern amenities because, quite simply, they were never needed. By the time such modern comforts as indoor plumbing and electricity were readily available, the expansion of the Delaware Railroad to Sussex County had re-sulted in a population shift. Because most people now lived and worked closer to the railway line, St. Philip’s Church was established in 1848 on what is today Central Avenue in down-town Laurel.

Because of the new, larger church, services were discontin-ued at Old Christ Church. But, unlike many churches of its era, the chapel never went through any long periods of abandon-ment. This has largely allowed it to remain in its original form today. Laurel’s storied past was generations in the making, but it’s a history that was very nearly cut short in the summer of 1899 and it’s nothing short of a miracle that many of the homes in what is today the historic district were spared.

Still referred to by many town residents as “when Laurel burned down,” the day began like any other in western Sussex County.

That is until a lighted kerosene lamp overturned in a stair-way near the corner of Central Avenue and Market Street, sparking a horrific blaze. There was no fire department yet in Laurel, so residents and business owners really had no other option but to stand back and watch the fire burn.

And burn it did, though it was somehow contained to just the downtown business district. By the time the fire finally went out, however, the entire north side of Market Street was utterly and completely destroyed.

Many businessmen were forced to start over as the town sought to reinvent itself. But the fire did bring about one posi-tive result - it spurred residents to action.

In an attempt to avoid similar disasters in the future, the townspeople decided to get out their pocketbooks and their wallets and protect themselves moving forward, the Lau-

rel Volunteer Fire Department was established in October of 1899, just a few short months after the disastrous blaze.

Today, most of the businesses in Laurel are centered on Route 13, a state highway cutting north to south through town, heading into Maryland and the eastern shore of Virginia.

But savvy travelers who are in the know realize how fruit-ful a side trip through the Laurel Historic District can be.

There’s nowhere else in Delaware where you can view as many examples of turn-of-the-century architecture as in little old Laurel.

It’s no longer one of the wealthiest municipalities in the state, but Laurel provides residents and visitors alike with a unique view into the way townspeople lived more than 150 years ago in western Sussex County.

It’s a town that embraces it’s past, one historic home at a time.

Historic Laurel postcards.

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Laurel may no longer be the afflu-ent municipality it once was, but the town’s prime location on the Delmarva Peninsula is within three hours drive of several major cities, as well as the smaller cities of Dover, to its north, and Salisbury, Md., to its south. According to statistics compiled by the United States Census Bureau in 2000, 3,668 people lived within the town limits of Laurel at the turn of the century, with projections indicating a small population jump in coming years.

New numbers from the 2010 Census were not available at the time of this writing but, by July 2009, that number had grown to 4,047, a jump of 10.3 percent in nine years. The town is 1.7 square miles in size and sits near the southwest corner of Sussex County, Delaware’s largest and southernmost county. Census numbers further show 1,389 households within the town lim-its, with approximately 38 percent of families having at least one child under the age of 18. The racial makeup of the

town, as of 2009, was 55 percent white and 39 percent black, with the other 6 percent being made up of men and women of Hispanic, Asian or Native American descent. The median income for a household in the town was $36,643 in 2009, well below the $56,860 average median income for Delaware. It was a significant increase over 2000, how-ever, when the census showed the mean income in Laurel at just $28,321.

With a growing population, the Town of Laurel continues to focus on amenities afforded to residents within its limits.

Laurel provides sewage treatment to most of the town, via a system of sewer lines that carries waste to a modern and efficient treatment plant off of Old Sailor Path Road, in the northwest section of town. The Town also provides municipal water service to homes and businesses located within its boundaries. Laurel operates three wells for its source of water supply, in addition to two elevated water tanks and a system of water trans-mission lines that provide water to all

town residents. Garbage is picked up for town residents on a weekly basis by Allied Waste on either Tuesdays or Fridays, depending on the area of town, and electricity is provided by either Delmarva Power or Delaware Electric Cooperative, also depending on location.

Public transportation is provided in Laurel via the state of Delaware’s DART First State service. Residents can travel, from Laurel, to anywhere in the state via the bus service. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. The Laurel Airport is located just outside of town limits and several small private planes can fly in and out of the airport on a regular basis. The airport is also the home of Skydive Delmarva, which offers skydiving to residents and visitors regularly.

City property is assessed based on market value figures established by Sussex County, which has not reassessed values since 1974. Property is taxed by the Town of Laurel at a rate of $2.09 per $100 of assessed value, collected annu-ally.

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u Boys and Girls ClubA few years ago, the Town of Laurel

acquired the old National Guard Armory to use as a Boys and Girls Club, an affiliate of the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club in Seaford. The club in Seaford has hundreds of children who use their facility and Laurel is hoping for more of the same. The mayor and council of Laurel will continue to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to provide recreational opportunities for the town’s youth.

u Laurel Police DepartmentThe Laurel Police Department, locat-

ed within Town Hall at the intersection of Poplar and Mechanic Streets, provides police services to town residents. All of the department’s officers are trained and certified at the Delaware Police Academy. The police department’s operating budget is drawn mainly from city tax revenue, in addition to funds received from various federal and state programs. The police force includes 14 sworn officers and one administrative assistant. The department is overseen by Police Chief Michael Wilson and strives to provide high quality, professional, community oriented police services to all citizens of Laurel. The department has 12 patrol vehicles, a command vehicle and two other vehicles at its disposal. It also features two K-9 units. In 2010, the Laurel Police Department responded to 9,593 complaints and calls for service.

u Laurel volunteer Fire DepartmentFire protection in Laurel is provided

by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department,

located on 10th Street on the southern section of the town limits. Founded in 1899 in response to a destructive fire that forever changed Laurel’s downtown area, the department is a close-knit group of more than 70 dedicated and well-trained firefighters. The fire depart-ment’s equipment includes three engine pumpers, an engine tanker, a heavy rescue truck, two brush trucks, a rescue boat, two utility vehicles, a tower truck and a command unit. The department also has a dive team to assist in water rescues and provides ambulance service to the residents of Laurel and the sur-rounding communities. Members of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department are trained through the Delaware State Fire School. They also take regional and national training classes and seminars, and receive additional training through the National Fire Academy.

u Town GovernmentA mayor and six-member council

govern Laurel. The council constitutes Laurel’s legislative body, which is

responsible for passing laws. Council members are elected for four-year terms and represent one of the town’s four wards.

The mayor is elected for a two-year term and serves as council president.

The town council appoints a town manager and the police chief and any committees deemed necessary for the operation of the town.

The town manager is the chief admin-istrative officer for the town and serves at the pleasure of the town council.

The town manager is ultimately responsible to the council for Laurel’s daily operations.

All town employees are hired or dis-missed by the town manager, who also calculates and formats the town budget each fiscal year.

As of the date of this writing, Laurel was governed by Mayor John Shwed. Council members included Chris Calio, Don Phillips, Robin Fisher, Randy Lee, Alan Schweitzer and Terry Wright.

The town manager position was vacant, but a suitable candidate was being pursued by the mayor and council.

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Laurel does not boast a major health care facility, but two community hospitals are within just a few miles of the histor-ic town, one to the north in neighboring Seaford and one just across the state line in Salisbury, Md., to the south.

Several physicians keep their offices in Laurel though, spe-cifically in the Dr. Pierce Ellis Medical Center, near the shores of historic Broad Creek. Whether a doctor’s appointment or a needed surgical procedure, quality medical care is only a short drive from anywhere in the Laurel area.

u Nanticoke Health Services (Seaford, Del.)

Nanticoke Health Services is focused on providing health care services in western Sussex County. Their system consists of a community hospital, a cancer care center, a long-term care facility and a satellite campus.

Nanticoke Memorial HospitalNanticoke Memorial Hospital serves the towns of Seaford,

Bridgeville, Laurel, Georgetown and surrounding communities and is located on the banks of the Nanticoke River in Seaford. The hospital features more than 100 inpatient beds spread out over five floors. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital includes a pedi-atric unit with a specialty surgical unit for patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, as well as special Ronald McDonald rooms for children. There is also an 11-room maternity unit, a state-of-the-art intensive care unit and an outpatient center lo-cated on the hospital’s main campus. In the six operating rooms at Nanticoke, surgeons perform both routine procedures and cutting-edge surgeries on both an inpatient and an outpatient basis.

Cardiac RehabilitationThe hospital offers a full range of rehabilitative services for

cardiac patients, including follow up care for those who have recently had a heart attack, bypass surgery or valve replacement surgery. One of only a handful of such facilities in Delaware, Nanticoke has been serving local cardiac patients for more than 20 years. Every member of the staff is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

emergency ServicesThe hospital’s emergency department is a Level III Trauma

Center and is the facility’s most recent area of expansion and growth. Nanticoke’s emergency room is fully equipped to han-dle a broad scope of emergency medical conditions. With more than 20 beds, the emergency room is staffed around the clock by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and specially trained, emergency medicine nurses.

On rare occasions, when extensive, specialized care is need-ed, the emergency room can transfer patients by air or ground to an appropriate medical center in New Castle County or Baltimore.

Cancer Care CenterFilled with the newest technology, the Cancer Care Center at

Nanticoke Memorial Hospital has three floors completely dedi-cated to cancer care. Located in a tranquil setting, the Cancer Care Center is designed to relax the patient and make them feel comfortable during every phase of treatment.

Chemotherapy suites have a serene view of the Nanticoke River. Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is per-formed in a soothing, comfortable atmosphere using a state-of-the-art linear accelerator. The latest in cancer treatment, IMRT allows doctors to precisely target the cancer without hurting the surrounding healthy tissue.

Mears Health CampusThe Nanticoke Health Services Mears Health Campus is an

off-campus facility designed to alleviate pressure on the hospi-tal’s main campus.

Patients needing rehabilitation services can visit Herring Run Orthopedics or one of the rehabilitation or speech thera-pists located at Mears. Offices for orthopedic surgeons are also located at the facility.

The Imaging Center has many of the outpatient testing ser-vices found at the hospital, such as mammography, ultrasound and CT Scan.

Stroke CenterNanticoke Memorial Hospital was the first hospital in Dela-

ware to earn the gold seal of approval from the Joint Commis-sion for Primary Stroke Centers.

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Treatment for patients arriving at Nanticoke with stroke symptoms involve a multi-disciplinary team approach, provid-ing each patient an evaluation by a physician within 10 minutes of arrival to the hospital’s emergency room.

Community OutreachNanticoke Health Services is committed to creating healthy

communities and sponsors a host of services and programs to support that goal.

Area schools have wellness programs under the direction of Nanticoke staff. Healthy screenings are offered to the general public and community education programs on a variety of top-ics are offered at the hospital and other facilities.

u Peninsula Regional Medical Center (Salisbury, Md.)

Peninsula Regional Medical Center is located less than 15 miles south on Route 13, just across the state line in Salisbury, Md. The hospital is continuously ranked as one of the finest in the Mid-Atlantic region and offers a wide range of services, including, but not limited to, the services listed below.

Richard a. Henson Cancer InstituteWith an emphasis on advanced medicine, comprehensive

services and compassionate care, the Richard A. Henson Can-cer Institute is taking cancer services to a higher level. From initial diagnosis through ongoing follow-up, the specialists at the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute are uniquely qualified to offer comprehensive and compassionate cancer treatment.

The hospital’s cancer program received the 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

This award recognized the commitment of the hospital’s medical staff, administration and personnel for providing high quality cancer care to patients, and in meeting and exceeding the standards set by the commission’s accreditation program. PRMC is one of 95 programs nationwide, one of four in Mary-land, to receive this recognition.

Guerrieri Heart & vascular InstituteThe Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute offers patients an

exceptionally high level of care. The hospital features an award-winning heart program that

has evolved from its origination in 1972 to become one of the busiest heart hospitals in Maryland.

The Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute is a comprehensive, highly technological, state-of-the-art cardiac care program that includes minimally invasive, daVinci Surgical System Robot-assisted heart surgery, and is the only electrophysiology lab on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Peninsula Institute for Laparascopic and Robotic Surgery (PILaRS)

The Peninsula Institute for Laparoscopic and Robotic Sur-gery (PILARS) was developed by the laparoscopic and robotic surgeons at Peninsula Regional Medical Center to empower pa-tients through education.

The institute’s mission is to be the region’s top minimally in-vasive surgery provider, committed to the continuous adoption of proven technology and to patient-centered quality improve-

Nanticoke Memorial Hospital

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ment. Currently, PRMC’s surgeons perform 40 different types of procedures using minimally invasive or robotic techniques, more than 1,500 surgeries annually.

Stroke CenterPeninsula Regional Medical Center has earned the distinc-

tion of excellence in stroke care from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Penin-sula Regional is the first hospital or medical center on the Del-marva Peninsula to have been honored with this “gold standard” in stroke care, and one of only 17 in the state of Maryland.

According to the JCAHO, this certification has set Peninsula Regional Medical Center apart by demonstrating continuum-based approaches to stroke care that: supports the Medical Cen-ter’s self-management activities; uses a standardized method of delivering care based on clinical guidelines or evidence-based practices; tailors treatment and intervention to individual needs; promotes the flow of information across settings and providers, while protecting patients’ rights, security and privacy; analyzes and uses data continually to improve treatment plans; evaluates ways to improve performance and clinical practice to improve patient care.

Family-Centered CareMore than 2,200 babies are born at Peninsula Regional

Medical Center every year.

With maternity services dedicated to the entire family unit, the hospital’s professional staff can address the family’s com-plete medical, personal and emotional needs.

women’s ServicesThe hospital’s “Lifestages” program provides the prevention

and wellness services a woman needs during her lifetime. Since women today lead more active lifestyles than ever before, it is important for them to be informed and to take control of their own health and wellness. Lifestages provides integrated and convenient prevention/wellness programs to help keep women healthy and active.

Perinatal and Infant BereavementSpecial Treasures Are Remembered (STAR) is a program

designed to help those who have lost a baby due to ectopic preg-nancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. For more informa-tion on this program, call 410-543-7039.

Dr. Pierce ellis Medical CenterJust off the shores of historic Broad Creek in Laurel rests

the Dr. Pierce Ellis Medical Center, which opened in the fall of 2005 to provide better and more accessible medical care in western Sussex County. The 5,000-square-foot center consists of several doctors’ offices and the Azar Eye Institute. The center was started as a Laurel Redevelopment Corp. (LRC) project and today serves as the town’s major medical facility.


All new building projects within the town limits of Laurel must be approved by the town’s planning and zoning depart-ment and adhere to all necessary rules and regulations set forth by town leaders.

While growth has slowed in recent years, historic Laurel, like the rest of the county, saw a significant growth in popu-lation in the early part of the last decade. Between 2001 and 2005, Sussex County issued 17,714 building permits for hous-ing, which included more than 12,000 dwellings, 4,260 manufactured homes and more than 1,400 multi-family homes.

The area’s low taxes, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and friendly people are major draws in the county for people from neighboring states hoping to relocate to the southern regions of the nation’s First State.

One major difference between Laurel and the rest of the county is its vast histor-ic district, which is vigorously protected by the town and its leaders, as well as by members of the Laurel Historical Society.

One project on the radar screen is to turn Laurel’s old train station into a museum, further preserving the town’s role in Dela-ware history.

As of the 2000 Census, 48.5 percent of the town’s residents rent their homes and there were 172 vacant homes within the town limits of Laurel. The total number of single family, owner occupied homes was 706, with a median value of $79,900.

Home values have increased signifi-cantly since 2000, even with the recent downturn in housing markets from coast to coast. Most recent data, from the 2010 Census, was not available as of this writ-ing, however.

As is the case with most of Sussex County in 2011, new housing develop-ments are generally on hold as developers take a “wait and see” stance in regards to the local, state and national economies. Housing markets are beginning to show signs of life, however, and it’s only a mat-ter of time before building resumes in Lau-rel and throughout southern Delaware.

A few new developments have been built in recent years, however, providing modern housing opportunities for long-time residents, as well as new arrivals to southwestern Sussex County.

The most well known is the Villas on Broad Creek, which has opened Laurel to an entirely new way of living, via a col-lection of waterfront villas.

The Villas on Broad CreekThe Villas on Broad Creek, a privately

developed gated community of 18 luxury two-story villas was built on a redevel-oped derelict commercial site owned by the Laurel Redevelopment Corp. (LRC). The LRC was instrumental in bringing the project to Laurel; the development will add more than $5 million to Laurel’s property rolls, and will contribute signifi-cantly to municipal coffers as well as lo-cal businesses and services that support new job development.

Development

The Villas on Broad Creek in LaurelPhoto by Cassie Richardson

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Thinking about retirement and those opportunities to enjoy life. Sussex County has it, and for many active adults, Sussex County provides a more attractive quality of life than many of the more popularly known retirement spots in Florida and the west. Climate, cost of living, social and cultural ameni-ties and the overall quality of living all help to make Sussex County Delaware one of the fastest growing areas for active mature adults. Today, on the crest of the age wave when baby boom-ers are coming of age, Sussex County is the place to be.

CHEER is an intrinsic part of the quality of life for many of Sussex Coun-ty’s long term residents and those who are relocating to our county. CHEER is a private non-profit organization that has been serving the needs of Sussex County’s mature population with a wide variety of programs and services for more than 30 years. It is governed by a voluntary board of directors and staffed by more that 175 trained and dedicated professionals in addition to a commit-ted corps of volunteers. Through these resources, CHEER provides programs and services from 8 activity centers located throughout the county in addi-tion to a full range of programs that offer services to individuals in their homes. CHEER’s mission is “ to pro-mote and maintain the highest quality of life and independence by developing and providing services that meet the continuing needs of seniors 50 +” It is a part of the community that makes Sus-sex County the place to be.

Activity CentersLooking for action; CHEER’s activ-

ity centers are the place to be for many of Sussex County’s mature residents. With 7 locations throughout the Coun-ty in addition to the Warren L and Charles C Allen CHEER Community Center located right in the middle of

the County, you are never too far from a CHEER site. Fitness centers, crafts, hobby groups, games, educational and cultural activities, travel, health care and nutritional programs can all be found in the CHEER centers in addition to just plain fun. Maybe you like to play cards; how about line dancing or wine tasting. CHEER Activity Centers are the place to be.

Community CenterLocated right in the center of Sus-

sex County is CHEER’s Warren L and Charles C Allen Community Center. This modern facility features a banquet room capable of seating 450 people for meals or 700 people in a theater setting. The main banquet room is equipped with a stage complete with a professional lighting and sound system in addition to other amenities that can make any event truly special. Smaller meeting rooms are also available for corporate meetings, training activities or your important social functions. From wedding receptions to corporate parties to high school proms to training semi-nar sites, the event staff of the CHEER Community Center is committed to exceeding the expectations of each and every guest.

Catering at the CHEER Center is the perfect complement to the facilities offered at the CHEER Community Cen-ter. CHEER’s experienced and knowl-edgeable catering staff can provide a full range of menu opportunities to tantalize the pallet of our most discerning guests. From a business breakfast meeting, to a mid day meal, to a black tie dinner, catering at the CHEER Center can pro-vide it all.

Want to look good for your event or maybe you just need a trim. Check out the Beauty Salon and Barber shop also located in the in CHEER Commu-nity Center. Want to stay in shape, the Fit-n-Fun fitness center provides a full

range of fitness and workout equipment for your use. Afterward, how about a massage by a licensed therapist? You can finish off the experience with a treat from the Sand Hill Café that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for on site and take out dining.

A Caregiver Resource Center is also located in the CHEER Community Cen-ter with staff to assist you in identify-ing programs and services that may be helpful for someone important to you. It’s all there for you in your CHEER Community Center. It’s the place to be in Sussex County.

Home ServicesCHEER Home Services is a licensed

and bonded home service organization providing a little extra assistance that makes all the difference for many per-sons trying to maintain their person-al independence in their own homes. Housekeeping and errand services are ideal for individuals who need a little help managing meal preparation, clean-ing and routine household tasks. Assis-tance with local outings to the store, doctor’s office or recreational trips helps allow you to remain an important part of your community.

Perhaps a little personal assistance can make all the difference in your daily life. CHEER Home Services can help with that also by assisting with grooming, exercise and other neces-sary activities of daily living. Enabling individuals to maintain healthful inde-pendence in their own homes is a goal of CHEER’s Home Services program and that program helps to make Sussex County the place to be.

TransportationGetting out and about is an important

part of life for all of us. Sussex County has so much to offer and CHEER’s transportation programs may be just the ticket to connect you with those oppor-

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tunities. CHEER activity centers all have buses with trained drivers who get you to where you need to be going.

Whether you want to travel from your home to a CHEER activity center or maybe it’s a trip to the store, spe-cial event or other community activity, CHEER transportation helps make Sus-sex County the place to be.

Volunteer ServicesSussex County offers so much and

many of the programs and services offered by CHEER are made possible by the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. CHEER volunteers provide transportation, look in on individuals who may not have other local support, deliver homebound meals and make a difference in the lives of their fellow Sussex Countians.

In Sussex County people care about each other and they care for each other. CHEER volunteers help make Sussex County the place to be

Special EventsThere are special times in each of

our lives. CHEER is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of some of those special times and we look forward to the opportunity to give back to those special people and our County.

Each year CHEER hosts Beach Day drawing thousands of citizens from throughout the State to Rehoboth Beach for a day of sun and fun. CHEER’s annual picnic at Trap Pond State Park is also a highlight for thousands of our residents.

Holidays are a special time to cel-ebrate and remember and CHEER activ-

ity centers all host holiday activities. CHEER Celebrations help to make Sus-sex County the place to be.

Proud past and promising futureThe CHEER Board of Directors,

staff and volunteers regularly examine the role CHEER plays in our Coun-ty and the needs of County’s mature residents. CHEER’s strategic plan is regularly reviewed to insure that we

continue to be responsive to the needs of our county. The age wave is here; baby boomers have come of age, and the secrets out: Sussex County is the place to be. As we look at the growth of the mature population, the age wave in Sus-sex County looks like a Tsunami. The challenges will be great, but that is what has made CHEER and Sussex County the place to be. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the Quality of Life that is Sussex County.

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laurelEDuCATION

The Laurel School District is made up of five schools in the southwestern portion of Sussex County.

Consisting of two elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and a high school, the district is one of the smallest in Delaware and is overseen by a five-member school board intent on ensuring a quality educa-tion for all residents of the town.

The district attempts to incorporate parents, teachers, staff and the community in the overall educational experience of every student in each of its schools.

As of 2010, the five-member board of educa-tion consists of:

Lois Hartstein, PresidentDorothy G. Hickman, Vice PresidentCalvin L. MusserHarvey HylandD. Brent NicholsEach school within the Laurel School Dis-

trict strives to provide a quality education for all of its students by following guidelines set forth by the board of education.

Those guidelines are included in the mission of the district and include:

To offer a safe, disciplined environment con-ducive to learning while promoting respect for self and others.

To be staffed with quality educational per-sonnel who have access to programs for contin-ued improvement of professional skills.

To provide educational programs that pro-mote the opportunity for each student to reach his or her potential.

To utilize technology as an integral part of instruction and management.

To facilitate equitable opportunities to partner with business, education, family and community.

To promote the improvement of maintenance programs and facilities.

The schools within the Laurel School Dis-trict include:

u Paul Laurence Dunbar elementary School

Named after the famed black poet, Paul Lau-rence Dunbar Elementary School on Laurel’s west side houses children from pre-kindergarten through the first grade.

Photos by Mike McClure

laurelchamber.com20

Once renamed West Laurel Elemen-tary School, a grassroots campaign to change the school’s name back to its long-time one was successful in the 1990s. Dunbar Elementary School hous-es all of the kindergarten and first grade students in the Laurel School District and strives to provide a caring and sup-portive environment where all children can be successful. The administration of Dunbar Elementary considers the school to be a quality, child-centered learning community and utilizes guidance coun-selors, reading specialists and interven-tion assistants to enhance each child’s educational experience.

The school is concerned with each child’s development, on all levels – aca-demically, socially and emotionally.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School is located at 499 W. Sixth Street.

u North Laurel elementary School

North Laurel Elementary School has been recognized as a Distinguished Title I school and teaches students in second through fourth grades.

The mission of North Laurel Ele-mentary School is to provide an intellec-tually stimulating, positive environment that promotes success for students of all backgrounds. The school seeks to help parents build the foundations for a life-time of learning and a spirit of commu-nity involvement within their children.

In addition to a strong core curricu-lum, North Laurel is also committed to providing all children with an edu-cational experience that values the arts and special programs. With music, art, library, physical education and computer education classes, the school’s students receive a rich and diverse standards-based education. It is also a goal of the school to maintain a vibrant collabora-tive network, which includes the home, school and community. In addition to the school’s Parents-Teachers Associa-tion (PTA), parents also contribute to the North Laurel Elementary School Ex-ecutive Council, which meets monthly to discuss important issues involving the school. The group is composed of ad-ministrators, staff, teachers and parents.

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Top - Laurel High School graduation. Photo by Mike McClure

Above - North Laurel Elementary School kids. Photo by Pat Murphy


u Laurel Intermediate School

Housing students in the fifth and sixth grades, Laurel Intermediate School serves as a transitional environment between elementary school and middle school. While maintaining several tra-ditional elementary school concepts, teachers at the school gradually intro-duce new middle school level experi-ences to the educational environment, thus preparing students for the next step in their educational life.

Students at Laurel Intermediate School are expected to become engaged in their learning and take an active role in their educational experience.

Parents and members of the com-munity are also encouraged to become involved with the school and with its students.

u Laurel Middle School

Laurel Middle School’s mission is simple – students and staff will work with families and the community to pre-pare students for academic, personal and future success in a safe and challenging environment.

It is the goal of the school’s staff to help every student live in an environ-ment where they can experience and ab-sorb exciting lessons in an atmosphere of care and trust.

Hands-on experiences, technology, computer literacy and integrated the-matic instruction are all interwoven to provide each student of Laurel Middle School with the groundwork necessary to succeed in high school and beyond.

The instructional programs at Laurel Middle School provide all students with an integrated curriculum of study in the areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education and computer literacy.

The school is located on Central Av-enue and continues to provide the venue for the Laurel High School Bulldogs on Friday nights during the fall football season.

u Laurel High School

Laurel High School has been rec-ognized as a “superior school” by the Delaware Department of Education and as one of America’s best high schools

in a 2008 report by U.S. News & World Report.

Laurel High School students have been recognized for their school and community service, sportsmanship and performance in the classroom and on the athletic fields.

Laurel High School students consis-tently demonstrate the school’s core val-ues of Discipline, Achievement, Work ethic, Goals and Service (DAWGS).

Laurel High School has a wide range of activities for students including ath-letics and career opportunities.

The curriculum is extensive, chal-lenging and diverse with classes ranging from the basic core subjects to advanced placement courses in calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, language and com-position, literature and psychology.

Extra curricular activities include varsity sports like field hockey, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track and golf.

The school also features career path-ways in visual and performing arts, plant

and soil science, construction trades, marketing, criminal justice and early childhood education.

The vision of the staff and faculty of Laurel High School is to produce world class learners who become responsible citizens through school and community partnerships, while the mission of the school is that all students will be active-ly engaged in learning through the use of research-based instructional strategies.

The administration of Laurel High School believes that:

It is possible to prepare all students to contribute as productive citizens and set a foundation for lifelong learning.

Successful learning must include cultural, extra-curricular and commu-nity involvement.

Instilling high standards in students prepare them for success in the future.

Students learn best in a caring, safe environment.

To learn more about the Laurel School District, visit the district’s web-site at www.laurel.k12.de.us.

laurelchamber.com22

Once known as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Dela-ware, the town of Laurel has had to adjust and adapt to a chang-ing business environment over the course of the last century.

Today, you won’t find many of the national chains or big box stores in the small, southwestern Sussex County town, but what you will see is scores of quality, locally owned businesses that pride themselves on top notch service and getting to know their customers on a personal level.

Retail activity in Laurel is helped along by a vibrant and active Chamber of Commerce, which promotes business activ-ity in town by giving a voice to each small business within its boundaries, and beyond.

The Chamber offers regular mixers and other gatherings to help its members promote themselves and their businesses to others in the area. There are currently nearly 100 businesses that are part of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, numbers that should grow in coming years once the economy has fully rebounded.

As with most small towns in the 21st century, the retail ac-tivity for Laurel is centered along the major highway, in this case Route 13, one of the state’s major north-south corridors.

The newest and largest shopping center on the highway is just north of the intersection with Route 9 and is anchored by Food Lion, a national grocery store that arrived on the scene in

BuSINeSS


Laurel in 2000. Joining Food Lion in the town’s major shopping complex is Brother’s Pizza, Family Dollar, Fulton Bank, Happy Harry’s, Dollar General and a handful of other stores.

Travel a short distance to the south and you can’t miss the mega furniture store that is Johnny Janosik’s World of Furni-ture. The largest furniture store on the Delmarva Peninsula, the 180,000-square-foot structure is filled with furniture of all shapes and sizes and was built by the Whayland Co., another Laurel-based company.

Family owned and operated since 1953, Johnny Janosik has grown to more than 400 employees at its Laurel and Dover lo-cations and is today one of the premiere furniture stores in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Laurel has also become known in recent years as the home of two of Delmarva’s largest flea markets – the Route 13 Outlet Market, commonly called the “Big Red,” and the former Bar-gain Bill’s, which was bought by new owners in 2010 and now goes by the name of “Laurel Junction.”

The two flea markets offer hundreds of shopping choices, featuring everything from books and magazines to larger items like musical instruments and even small grocery stores. Com-bined, the two have become a regional destination for bargain hunters from all across the peninsula.

Then there’s “The Block,” Laurel’s version of a farmer’s market, on the corner of Route 13 and Route 9, where more than $3 million worth of produce is sold annually. Formed in 1940, the auction handles hundreds of watermelon-laden tractor-trail-ers annually, in addition to offering cantaloupes, honeydews, tomatoes, corn and many other forms of produce. The produce auction is open from Monday through Saturday between July and September.

While there is a noticeable lack of national restaurant chains in Laurel, except for the long-time Hardee’s on Route 13 and the relatively new Subway and Domino’s restaurants in the Food Lion Shopping Center, there is a multitude of choices for residents and visitors alike when the urge to eat out suddenly strikes.

From long-time eateries like Pizza King and the Dutch Inn to newer establishments like Tokyo Panda and the Georgia House, there is something for everyone in Laurel when the idea of preparing a home cooked meal seems just a tad too daunting after a hard day at work.

For those who enjoy quality homemade Amish delicacies, the Dutch Country Market just east of town continues to feature traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food items. From fresh meats and salads to local chicken and many other items, the Dutch Country Market is a quality choice, day in and day out, to resi-dents of Laurel and nearby communities.

There is also a growing medical presence in Laurel with the relatively new Dr. Pierce Ellis Medical Center, and a growing downtown retail presence with the addition of the Laurel Towne family of retail outlets.

Laurel Towne, built in 1993, features 11 stores, including MCM Jewelers, Edward Jones Investments, Maxine’s Hair Salon, Delmarva Digital and Seeds Baby Boutique, among others.

All in all, the Laurel business environment remains strong, but figures to become even stronger in coming years. To learn more about the businesses in and around Laurel, visit the Web site of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce at www.laurelcham-ber.com.

Laurel’s Auction Market, 1920

laurelchamber.com24

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Determined for change

When more than 100 members of the Laurel business com-munity got together in 1992

and formed the Laurel Redevelopment Corp. (LRC), they knew their common task would not be an easy one.

Years of neglect had resulted in the deterioration of many buildings in what was once one of the most affluent areas of Delaware. But their case was just and the committed group of men and women were determined to see sustain-able change come to the town where many of them live, work and raise their families.

The original mission of that pio-neering group of business people, of the LRC, was the same then as it is now – to rehabilitate and revitalize the blighted areas of Laurel. In the nearly two decades sits it’s founding, that’s exactly what members of the group have done.

“The success that we’ve had really says a lot about the folks who have been committed to improving the town of Laurel,” says Brian Shannon, the LRC’s long-time property manager. “They really have had a strong interest and concern about cleaning up Laurel and moving it in the right direction.”

According to data on the LRC Web site, it’s estimated the group and its associated projects have directly provided more than $12 million in eco-nomic stimulus and benefit to the local economy since 1992.

The organization has been respon-sible for many projects over the years, beginning with the demolition of sev-eral derelict buildings on Market Street – eventually replacing them with what is now the picturesque Market Square Park – and continuing through the construction of the six building Laurel Towne retail complex, the Dr. Pierce Ellis Medical Center and the building that today houses the popular Georgia House restaurant.

The group has been committed to seeing Laurel once again become one of western Sussex County’s most vibrant municipalities. Their results speak for themselves.

“We’re just really committed to keeping the businesses that we lease

to in town for the long term,” says Shannon. “We’ve always leased at what we feel is below the going rate in order to keep them here in our downtown business district. We want to make it reasonable so they can survive here, which is good for the overall well-being of Laurel.”

The LRC also worked with develop-ers to make the new Villas on Broad Creek housing development a reality in recent years. The villas, built on a once derelict commercial site, offer 18 luxury two-story homes directly along the shores of historic Broad Creek.

There are also plans to develop a significant piece of property recently obtained along the shores of the town’s historic body of water. Ideas for the property are still in the planning stages, but, according to Shannon, the LRC would like to see “some commercial or moderate residential use for it.”

The official mission of the Laurel Redevelopment Corp. is to enhance the quality of life in the town of Laurel by obtaining, rehabilitating and revital-izing properties, which will increase economic development for the town.

By all accounts, the committed group of town residents and business owners is succeeding many times over in their efforts to do just that.

“What we’re doing is really a win-win for everyone involved,” says Shannon.

A non-profit community investment organization. For further information, write: LRC, P.O. Box 333, Laurel, DE 19956

18 Years of Investing in Laurel

Contributing to a Better Quality of Life in Laurel for Everyone!

“The success that we’ve had really says a lot about the folks who have been committed to improving the town of Laurel...”

~ Brian Shannon

laurelchamber.com26

As with most of picturesque Sussex County, recreational activities in and around Laurel center on nature and the great outdoors. Whether it’s taking a hike through Trap Pond State Park, kayaking down Broad Creek or taking the boat out for a spin with friends and family, Laurel offers a little bit of every-thing for the nature lover in all of us.

And, of course, the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean are only a short drive away from historic Laurel, an easy jaunt for a day of fun and sun on any of southern Delaware’s world-class beaches. And when you want to come inside for a spell, take in a basketball game at Laurel High School, visit one of

Laurel’s fine restaurants or spend the afternoon at the relatively new Bryan’s Bowling Center. There’s no reason to be bored in Laurel – get out and enjoy everything the town, and the sur-rounding areas, has to offer.

u Trap Pond State ParkOne of the oldest state parks in Delaware, Trap Pond offers

something for everyone, so bring the entire family for a day of fun and sun in the great outdoors.

Whether it’s a game of disc golf, or beautiful nature walks or simply sitting at a picnic table and enjoying the wildlife, this

RECREATION


scenic wonder in the southwest corner of Sussex County is as serene a setting as you will find in the area.

Trap Pond State Park is home to the northernmost stand of bald cypress tress in North America, including one tree that is estimated by forestry officials to be about 750 years old.

The scenic park, with its abundance of ponds and creeks, was cre-ated shortly after the American Revolution to power a sawmill. Pur-chased by the American government in the 1930s, Trap Pond officially became one of Delaware’s first state parks in 1951.Wooden walkways throughout the park provide the perfect atmosphere for exploring or bird watching or simply taking a walk with the family or with that special someone.

There are also bike and horse trails, in addition to wetlands and forests to explore at this hidden treasure in Delaware’s southernmost and most scenic county.

The park is home to great blue herons, owls, hummingbirds, pileat-ed woodpeckers and even the occasional bald eagle. Spending a day here, surrounded by nature, is like immersing yourself in a picture postcard, one that just gets more enjoyable and remarkable the longer you stay.

Trap Pond State Park is also home to the Baldcypress Nature Cen-ter, which features a variety of displays and programs.

There are also picnic areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, a camping area, a boat launching ramp and so much more. To learn more about Trap Pond State Park, call 875-5153.

u Surrounding waterwaysThere is no shortage of water-related activities in the Laurel area.

The town is located near the middle of the Delmarva Peninsula after all, surrounded on three sides by two major bodies of water – the At-lantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.

In addition to Trap Pond, there is also the 73-acre Trussum Pond, the historic Broad Creek and many other ponds and waterways located in the area, including the 52-acre Chipman Pond, the 92-acre Records Pond and the 46-acre Horsey Pond.

All three of the ponds mentioned above have boat ramps for the avid fisherman or for the occasional angler out with the kids. Phillip’s Landing has three boat ramps and Broad Creek boasts a popular fish-ing pier.

u a stroll through historyLaurel boasts more historic homes than any other area in Delaware,

as well as the historic Old Christ Church, just east of town.Both the church and the town’s historic homes provide a unique

glimpse into what life was like in the once-affluent town of Laurel more than 200 years ago.

Take a day or two and explore the history of this unique town, one wonderfully preserved building at a time. For more information on Laurel’s history, contact the Laurel Historical Society at 875-1344.

To learn more about the history of Laurel, including Old Christ Church, read the “History” section of this publication.

u Laurel Independence Day CelebrationWhile there are many July 4th celebrations in the county, the one

held each year in Laurel has become one of the biggest and the best. Run each year by the Town of Laurel, the event features a huge pa-

rade through the center of town, dozens of vendors, competitions (in-cluding a very entertaining event pitting various Sussex County may-

Top - There’s no shortage of water related activities. Above - A scene from Laurel’s Fourth of July Celebration.

laurelchamber.com28

For more than 100 years, the Wilmington Trust corporate family has been privileged to work with, and support, individuals and organizations committed to creating opportunities for businesses, large and small, in our communities. In our second century of serving clients, our commitment

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We are proud to support theLaurel Chamber of Commerce.

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Laurel Public Library. Photo by Cassie Richardson


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LAuREL LIBRARy

Since expanding in 2006, the Laurel Public Library has become a focal point in town and a popular gathering place for meetings and other functions. Responding to the needs of the com-munity, the library offers a large meeting room and kitchenette for seminars and other get-togethers on a regular basis.

The library celebrated its 100th anni-versary in 2009 and has earned a reputa-tion as one of the finest libraries in west-ern Sussex County in recent years.

Now featuring nearly 25,000-square-feet on the corner of South Central Avenue and East Fourth Street, the library offers more than 55,000 books, in addition to videos, DVDs, audio books, music CDs, magazines and newspapers.

There is also a special collection in the library, housed on the second floor, that contains rare and out-of-print his-tories and other books about Delaware and Sussex County. The “Delaware Collection” is a prize section of the library, one that highlights the many special aspects, and unique history, of the First State. Much of the historical content of the Delaware collections is housed in the Elbert N. Carvel Display Room. Memorabilia from the life of Laurel’s last governor is available for viewing along with other exhibits reflecting Laurel’s rich history.

The library is supported by an active “Friends” group, a committed group of community volunteers who promote the library and its functions, and help to keep it a integral part of the Laurel com-munity.

The Friends of the Laurel Public Library is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organi-zation dedicated to serving the Laurel Public Library by supporting its pro-grams and other needs. The group proudly supports the summer and winter children’s reading programs, as well as youth programs like the home school book clubs, the teen reading program, the acting club and other activities geared to the area’s youngsters.

Now open more than 50 hours each week, the Laurel Public Library is com-mitted to bridging the information gap by offering free access to the World Wide Web, while providing patrons with access to materials from public and aca-demic libraries throughout the county and the state.

“Our library has been at the heart of Laurel for more than 100 years. Come and make yourself at home in our comfy

reading chairs and quiet study rooms, or hold a meeting,” says Wendy Roberts, director of the library. “With a library card, you can use any of our 12 public computers and even have books and DVDs delivered to Laurel from any other library in Delaware.”

The Laurel Public Library was first established in 1909 by the Laurel New Century Club and has today evolved into an educational, informational and cul-tural anchor for the community.

Membership to the Friends of the Laurel Public Library is available for a small fee, and all members are welcome to attend the group’s monthly meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month.

To learn more about the Friends of the Laurel Public Library, call Friends’ President Harriet MacVeigh at 875-7451.

To learn more about the Laurel Public Library, visit the group’s website at www.laurel.lib.de.us or call 875-3184.

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Located in the Laurel Towne com-plex near the town’s historic district, the Laurel Chamber of Commerce works as an advocate for the business community of Laurel and the surrounding areas.Funded via membership dues, grants, donations and fundraising events, the Chamber is comprised of business lead-ers from throughout southwestern Sussex County and plays a strong leadership role in the community.

The mission of the Chamber is to pro-mote sound business growth while serv-ing as the primary information source for business, community, interested indi-viduals and civic organizations in Laurel. It also aims to play a role in the events and issues of the greater Laurel area. The Chamber provides a network of sup-port and leadership for current members' businesses while attracting new business and members through promotion and activities, thereby creating interest and spurring growth.

The Laurel Chamber of Commerce supports area businesses and groups through many methods, including:

Distribution of literatureCreation of packaging ideasListing events in national publica-

tions, both in print and online mediumsPromotional opportunities pursued

by the Chamber include partnering with government and business entities to promote visitation and tourism, as well as business, recreation and reloca-tion efforts. This has been targeted in the region by utilizing billboard, print medium, brochures, advertisements and television campaigns.

Governor’s Tourism awards1999 Governor’s Tourism Award

in the Outstanding Environmentally Friendly Project category. This award,

entered by the Chamber through an essay, application and documentation process, was awarded to the Town of Laurel for its work in the Broad Creek Cleanup. The Cleanup was completed in honor of National Trails Day.

1999 Governor’s Tourism Award for New Product Development (co-recipi-ent). The Chamber helped lead comple-tion phases for the design, development and promotion of the Southern Delaware Trail, leading to this award.

u Programs offered by the Chamber

Membership meetingsEducational seminarsBusiness mixersRibbon cuttingsAdministrative Assistant breakfastCitizen of the YearBusiness Person of the YearChristmas partyBenefits of joining the ChamberNetworking with the Laurel business

communityGeneral membership meeting with

various speakersFree Chamber newsletterFree listing on laurelchamber.comFree link to your web siteMailed visitor and relocation packetsMaps and Chamber brochures to use

at your discretionAssistance with grand openings and

open housesChamber membership is tax deduct-

ible

u 2011 Laurel Chamber of Commerce Officers

President - Bob Wheatley (The Whayland Co.)Immediate Past President - Donald Dykes (The Whayland Co.)1st Vice President - Richard Small (Richard Small Inc.)2nd Vice President - Steve Adkins (Steven M. Adkins Land Surveying, LLC)Secretary - Karin D’Armi-Hunt (Bank of Delmarva)Treasurer - Connie Lewis (Payroll Plus & Assoc., LLC)

Board of DirectorsMike Cobo (Delmarva Broadcasting)Chris Johnson (O'Neal Brothers, Inc.)Mike Mercer (Laurel Junction)Kathryn Moore (Atlantic Financial/The Car Store)Paul Longshore (Georgia House Restaurant)

Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Ron MacArthur

laurelchamber.com32

Accounting Payroll, Tax PrepPayroll Plus & Assoc., LLCConnie Lewis208 Laureltown, Laurel DE (302) 875-0370

Sombar & Co., CPAsThomas SombarP.O. Box 127, Georgetown DE(302) 856-6712

Todd’s Income Tax & Accounting Svc., Inc. 11516 Commercial Ln., Laurel DE (302) 875-2433

Advertising/Promotional ASAP Screen PrintingDarrell Meade22536 Sussex Hwy., Seaford DE (302) 262-3394

Animal HealthKVS Corp/Kennel Vet/Pet MarketMeryl KretschmannP.O. Box 523, Laurel DE (302) 875-7111

Antiques & JewelryO’Neal’s Antiques, LLCShirley O’Neal12537 Sycamore Rd., Laurel DE (302) 875-3391

AttorneysGriffin & Hackett, PA Michael Smith218 Laureltown, Laurel DE(302) 875-5595

Moore & Rutt, P.A.Patrick Vanderslice122 W Market St., P.O. Box 554Georgetown DE(302) 856-9568

Automobile SalesArmiger’s Auto Center, Inc.Jay Armiger28866 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE (302) 875-7642

DND Sales, Inc., t/a D & C Auto Sales Don D’QuilaP.O. Box 442, Laurel DE(302) 875-6500

The Car StoreKathryn Moore28959 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-8751

Automotive Parts & ServicesChet’s Auto Body, Inc.Chester Porches, Jr.415 N Central Ave., Laurel DE(302) 875-3376

Carey’s, Inc.Robert & Grace Carey30986 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE (302) 875-5674

Fisher Auto PartsDoris Bozman211 W Market St., Georgetown DE(302) 856-9591

BanksBank of DelmarvaScott Rukowicz200 E Market St., Laurel DE (302) 875-5901

County BankEllen Hudson1122 South Central Ave., Laurel DE(302) 877-5000

Fulton BankAl TurchanP.O. Box 9, Laurel DE(302) 875-2136

Wilmington Trust Co.Keller Hoch101 W. Market St., Laurel DE(302) 855-2875

BowlingBryan’s Bowling CenterLee-Ellen Bryan1103 S Central Ave., Laurel DE(302) 875-7400

Car WashWash N’ Vac, Inc.Brian DaytonP.O. Box 959, Seaford DE (302) 628-8159

Construction MaterialsEmeca/SP USARick McVey200 10th St., Laurel DE(302) 875-0760

Contractors – Cabinets/CountertopsSolid ImageWarren ReidU.S. Rt. 13, Laurel DE(302) 877-0901

Contractors – GeneralThe Whayland Company, Inc.Bob Wheatley30613 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-5445

Contractors – HVACFirst Class Heating & A/C, Inc.Paula WeirP.O. Box 1264, Millsboro DE(302) 934-8900

Contractors – LandscapingBarton’s Landscaping Lawn Co.Timothy Conaway20689 Sussex Hwy., Seaford DE(302) 629-9645

Contractors – New Homes, Home Improvements & Development

M. W. Short Development, Inc.Michael & Lori Short32520 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Laurel DE(302) 858-6743

Contractors – New Homes & Home Improvements

Cannon Construction, LLCRobert & Maria Cannon12922 Laurel Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-7747

ConsultingN. R. Consulting, Inc.Nathan Hudson14617 Arvey Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-5276

Southern Delaware Research Consulting Inc.Lori Short32520 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Laurel DE(302) 858-6744

CosmeticsKathy The Avon LadyKathy Porter36561 Susan Beach Rd., Delmar DE (302) 846-2478

Dry GoodsAnderson Multi-ServicesPapa Yo MarketAnderson Despinasse114 W Market St., Laurel DE(302) 262-9443

Eye CareAccurate OpticalJennifer BriddellDr. Pierce Ellis Medical Bldg.116 East Front St., Suite B, Laurel DE(302) 875-1048

Farmer’s AuctionSouthern Delaware Truck Grower’s Association Thomas WrightP.O. Box 633, Laurel DE (302) 875-3147

Flea MarketLaurel JunctionMike Mercer10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel DE (302) 875-0543

Categorical List of Chamber Members


FloristKitty’s FlowersRobin Gravenor204 Delaware Ave., Laurel DE(302) 875-7600

FinancialCommercial Limited214 Laureltown, Laurel DE(302) 875-4225

The Premo TeamFairway Independent Mortgage Corp.Dan Premo218 Laureltown, Laurel DE(302) 877-0400

Fuel OilLaurel Petroleum, Inc.Nancy Farrelly Allen1014 S. Central Ave., Laurel DE (302) 875-7531

Peninsula Oil & PropaneBernie Reilly40 S. Market St., Seaford, DE(410) 441-1515

Funeral HomesHannigan-Short-Disharoon Funeral Home, Ed & Holly Hannigan700 West St., Laurel DE(302) 875-3637

Furniture & AccessoriesJohnny Janosik, Inc.Bev Hastings11151 Trussum Pond Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-5955

Glass Replacement Marvil Glass Co., Inc.Robert & Dawn Marvil10373 Camp Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-9378

GovernmentThe Town of Laurel201 Mechanic St., Laurel DE (302) 875-2277

GrainLaurel Grain CompanyDawn Carroll10717 Georgetown Rd.P.O. Box 422, Laurel DE(302) 875-4231

GreenhousesLakeside GreenhousesCraig Rice31494 Greenhouse Ln., Laurel DE (302) 875-2457

Grocery StoresFood Lion UC #145830124 Sussex Hwy., Unit 5, Laurel DE(302) 875-7630

Hardware & Building SuppliesDukes Lumber & Home CenterDale DukesP.O. Box 1360, Seaford DE(302) 629-6622

Dukes Lumber Co., Inc.Dale Dukes28504 Dukes Lumber Rd., Laurel DE (302) 875-7551

Home World, Inc.Stephen Seipp28477 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-2900

O’Neal Bros., Inc.Lumber & Home CenterChris JohnsonP.O. Box 756, Laurel DE(302) 875-7588

Healthcare ServicesAtlantic Physical TherapySteve Hoffman202 Laureltowne, Laurel DE(302) 280-6920

AZAR EyeSue Whaley116 E Front St., Laurel DE (302) 875-8991

Lakeside Physical TherapySteve Hoffman202 Laureltowne, Laurel, DE (302) 280-6920

LaRed Health CenterKevin Loftus1340 Middleford Rd., Suite 401, Seaford DE (302) 628-7752

Living Alive Home Health AgencyNancy Cole27187 Dillards Rd., Seaford DE(302) 629-7242

Peninsula Home Health CarePatricia Stroud8470 Herring Run Rd., Seaford DE (302) 629-4914

Insurance, Investments & Financial Services

Atlantic FinancialKathryn Moore38613 Benro Dr., Delmar DE(302) 248-7003

Edward Jones InvestmentsMelinda TingleLaureltowne, P.O. Box 330, Laurel DE (302) 875-0355

The Insurance Market, Inc.Matt Parker450 N. Central Ave.P.O. Box 637, Laurel DE (302) 875-7591

Richard E. Small, Inc.Richard Small1130 S Central Ave.P.O. Box 697, Laurel DE (302) 875-3333

Internet ServicesDelmarva DigitalTim Smith & Alan Cole218 Laureltowne, Laurel DE (302) 875-7700

Irrigation SystemsPrecision IrrigationScott Whaley34650 Hudson Rd., Laurel DE(443) 783-5717

Sussex Irrigation Co., Inc.David Brown11323 Trussum Pond Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-5207

Jewelery EngraversMCM Jewelers & EngraversCindy Matthews11465 Sycamore Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-3523

Land SurveyorsSteven M. Adkins Land Surveying, LLC28734 Seaford Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-3555

Lawn Equipment Sales & RepairsAdkins & Son Lawn & Garden Equipment, Inc.Greg Adkins407 N Central Ave., Laurel DE (302) 875-3877

LibraryLaurel Public LibraryWendy Roberts101 E 4th St., Laurel DE(302) 875-3184

MonumentsLeCompte MonumentsTony LeCompte30653 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE (302) 875-9510

NewspapersMorning Star Publications, Inc.Laurel StarBryant Richardson951 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford DE (302) 629-9788

Non-Profit OrganizationsAmerican Legion Post 19Carlton PepperP.O. Box 329, Laurel DE(302) 875-9948

Good Samaritan Aid OrganizationP.O. Box 643, Laurel DE (302) 875-5651

laurelchamber.com34

Laurel Civic ClubLawrence ElliottP.O. Box 127, Laurel DE(302) 875-3320

Laurel Community Foundation, Inc.John ShwedP.O. Box 81, Laurel DE

Laurel Fire Dept.William Hearn205 W 10th St., Laurel DE(302) 875-5666

Laurel Historical Society, Inc.Douglas BreenCook House, 502 E. 4th St., P.O. Box 102, Laurel DE(302) 875-1344

Laurel Lions ClubP.O. Box 10, Laurel DE

Laurel Ministerial AssociationTim Dukes4777 Phillips Landing Rd., Laurel DE(443) 235-9806

Trap Pond PartnersJanet Denman33587 Baldcypress Ln., Laurel DE(302) 875-1279

Pest ControlDave Smith’s Exterminating, Inc.David & Pam Smith9301 Sharptown Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-5668

PhotographyPea Pod Photography208 Laureltown, Laurel DE

Erica Forse(410) 603-3614

Physical FitnessFun Fitness, Inc./CurvesMarie GreenLaureltown, Laurel DE(302) 628-0347

RadioDelmarva BroadcastingMike CoboP.O. Box 909, Salisbury MD (410) 219-3500

Real Estate & Rental Mgmt.Atlantic Realty Mgmt., LLCCarol Beard31052 Shady Acres Ln., Laurel DE (302) 875-9571

Atlantic Realty Mgmt., LLCCarol Beard100 Hitch Pond Circle, Seaford DE(302) 629-0770

Century 21 Ramey Real EstateLaura Hastings22350 Sussex Hwy., Seaford DE(302) 629-5575

Cooper RealtyFred Sponseller30998 Shell Bridge Rd., Laurel DE(302) 875-0181

Laurel Realty/Durham RealtyBob DurhamP.O. Box 655, Laurel DE(302) 875-3000

Laurel Redevelopment Corp.Brian ShannonP.O. Box 333, Laurel DE(302) 875-0601

Providence of Brookfield HomesAngela Anderson8500 Executive Pk Ave., Fairfax VA(703) 270-1426

RecreationGame ZoneDonald D’QuilaP.O. Box 442, Laurel DE(302) 875-9500

Restaurants & CateringGeorgia House RestaurantMelissa JonesDelaware Ave., Laurel DE (302) 875-0555

Chesapeake Country KitchenBill Glenn30759 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-6011

Laurel PizzeriaGeorge Sakellis411 N Central Ave., Laurel DE(302) 877-0660

Oasis/Hardee’s Travel PlazaChesapeake Products & Svcs.Charlie Glenn30759 Sussex Hwy.P.O. Box 311, Laurel DE(302) 875-6014

Pizza KingBrad & Shirley Baynum403 N. Central Ave., Laurel DE(302) 875-4477

Station 710912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-0777

R&R Grill & BarBill Glenn30739 Sussex Hwy., Laurel DE(302) 875-3639

Station 77456 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville MD(410) 835-3577

SubwayWade Workman302 C High St., Seaford DE (302) 629-0620

Retail Baby Clothes & FurnitureSeeds - A Baby and Kids BoutiqueEd & Holly Hannigan408 Laureltowne, Laurel DE(302) 875-2909

Senior ServicesCheer, Inc.Cindy Mitchell546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown DE(302) 856-5187

Delmarva’s Busy Bee LLCDebbie Smullen3388 Whitehaven Rd., Tyaskin MD(302) 604-0786

Laurel Senior Center, Inc.Penny DuncanN. Central Ave., P.O. Box 64, Laurel DE (302) 875-2536

SportsDelaware District III Senior Softball World SeriesGeorge Cahill310 Nancy St., Georgetown DE(302) 856-2340

Technology/Web Site DevelopmentBroadcreek TechnologiesTim Smith218 Laureltowne, Laurel DE(302) 875-8700

Tourism & TravelDLD Sussex, LLC/Travel DebiDebbie Mitchell413 High St., Seaford DE (302) 629-9604

Veterinary ServicesEastern Shore Veterinary HospitalKathy RobertsonP.O. Box 586, Laurel DE(302) 875-5941

Individual SupportersThe following individuals support the Laurel Chamber of Commerce through individual memberships:

Marlene BrownBetty EllisJanet Lee


Laurel Ministerial Association Invites You to Church!

Centenary United Methodist Church200 W. Market St., Laurel, DE • 875-3983Website: www.laurelcententaryumc.org

Informal Worship 8:45 a.m.Traditional Worship 11 a.m.

Sunday School Classes 9:45 a.m., nursery - adultWednesday Higher Ground Youth Ministry 7 p.m.

Central Worship Center14545 Sycamore Road, Laurel, DE • 875-7995

Website: www.centralworshipcenter.orgSunday School 9 a.m.

Worship and Ministry 10:30 a.m.Wednesday: Youth and Family Night 6:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church510 S. Central Ave., Laurel, DE • 875-4233

Website: www.christumclaurel.orgSunday School 9:30 a.m. for all ages

Worship: Informal 8:30, Traditional 10:45 a.m.Free Soup Social Tuesday 5:30 p.m.

King’s United Methodist Church34526 Gordy Road, Laurel, DE • 875-1045

Worship 8:50 a.m.Sunday School 10:10 a.m.

Laurel Wesleyan Church30186 Seaford Rd., Laurel, DE • 875-5380

Website: www.laurelwesleyan.orgSunday School, all ages, 9 a.m.

Sunday Worship 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.Kidzburg (ages 3-12) Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church33038 Mt. Pleasant Road, Laurel, DE • 875-1045

Sunday School 10:15 a.m.Worship 11:30 a.m.

St. George’s United Methodist Church34896 St. George’s Road, Laurel, DE • 875-1045

Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship 10:10 a.m.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church32827 Old Stage Road, Laurel, DE • 875-7900

Wesite: stpaulsumclaurelde.orgSunday School 10:15 a.m. for all agesTraditional Worship 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Song Service, last Sunday of each month, 7 p.m.

St. Philips Episcopal Church600 S. Central Avenue, Laurel, DE • 875-3644

Holy Communion 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for adults & youth at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday Holy Communion at 12:00 noon

Victory In Grace Tabernacle128 E. Market Street, P.O. Box 605,

Laurel, DE • 875-8507Sunday School 10 a.m. for all ages

Worship Service 11 a.m.1st Sunday Healing & Miracles Service 5 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Attend Church this Sunday

Laurel Visitors Guide & Directory

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Transcript of Laurel Visitors Guide & Directory