Dollars & Sense

Sussex County Council members on Tuesday, Jan. 19, rejected a proposed 320,000-square-foot commercial project near Lewes, adjacent to Cape Henlopen High School, on a 3-2 vote, citing concerns about traffic, lot coverage in an environmentally sensitive area and the project's size - larger than existing commercial projects in the area.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, Daren Criswell and Billie Nichols’ new business could write novels. At the end of last year, the young couple introduced their new service, Love Photo Booths, which brings the classic fun and entertainment of photo booths to any occasion. The two are hoping that 2010 welcomes not only some economic relief, but smiles and laughs with it, as well, as they help countless people capture life-long memories.

Whether one is heading out of town for the holidays, for a few weeks or for the cold, winter season, it’s always a comforting feeling to know that property, pets and home are safe and protected. That is precisely what Selbyville resident Barbara Hobbs is offering through her new pet-sitting and concierge service, Home Minders.

An international company with roots in Sussex County is making leaps and bounds in customer care and work-from-home opportunities. All-American (AA) Teleservices LLC is a national provider of enhanced telephone support services, geared toward government agencies, the Fortune 1,000 community, and the medical and emergency services industries. And based locally in Dagsboro, George Meringolo is helping it thrive on both a national and local scale.

After nearly four months of recovery from a fire that caused roughly $7,500 worth of damage, Selbyville’s Dollar General store has reopened in time for the holidays, much to the relief of customers and employees. The store, situated right in the center of downtown Selbyville along Church Street, caught fire on Aug. 10 from an ice cream machine installed too close to an interior wall. Fire damage to the structure and smoke damage to a large amount of the merchandise shut the business’ doors for nearly 15 weeks.

One step inside Fenwick Island hotspot Bikinis and More, and shoppers may think it’s Christmas in July, as a wide selection of bathing suits, flip-flops and beach apparel line the walls. What those shoppers are quickly learning, however, is that store owner Jill Lamberston has found a way to provide great deals on beach favorites and swimwear, as well as one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays from local crafters.

Local entrepreneur Robb Leech is now offering some sybaritic indulgences at the Delaware shore, backed by the recent acquisition of his massage-therapy license. Leech’s Fusion Day Spa in Millville is quickly becoming a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Have a grandfather clock that just isn’t keeping time? Don’t get your pendulum all out of whack, just call Roland Murphy.

The Peninsula Regional Health System in Salisbury, Md., recently recognized Dr. Danielle Giddins and the Ocean View Family Medicine staff for making significant improvements in the services they provide to the community.

Since 1993, Charlie Getz’s Fenwick Island restaurant has provided customers with fresh food, a breathtaking view and affordable prices. What sets Charlie’s Bayside aside from other local establishments, however, touches on Getz’s simplistic mindset and welcoming personality.

The law office of Steen, Waehler and Schreider-Fox LLC may have relocated earlier this year, but the practice is still established as one of the area’s most successful.

Brothers Richard and Bryan Keith consider themselves commercial developers more than restaurateurs, but it would be hard to tell that from the success of their newest project, Mio Fratello Italian Steakhouse in west Fenwick Island. Only three months old, the restaurant is becoming a popular spot for locals and turning tables at a rate to rival long-established eateries in the area – something the brothers attribute directly to renowned chef Bert Parks, who creates the menu.

Situated right along the Route 113 corridor, just north of Millsboro, the Indian River Espresso and Coffee Company has been one of lower Delaware’s best-kept secrets for five years. Owner and “roastmaster” Dennis Lasher has been singlehandedly helping hundreds of people nationwide wake up to some of the most exotic and richest blends of coffee and espresso from across the globe.

Mental and physical health are not the sole components required to live a sound life. One’s financial well being can have just as much impact, and that is precisely what senior financial advisor Michael Loftus of CPC Financial Planning proposes to share at two Health and Wealth Workshops next week.

Jessica Stephens always knew she enjoyed “making.” It was just recently that she learned that selling her art and sharing her art in the form of teaching could be an added element to the making of it. Her newest project is making one-of-a-kind blankets that she has been showcasing at area shows and plans to market online.

They just don’t make toys like they used to – G.I. Joe, Rainbow Bright and Raggedy Anne, Linkin’ Logs. When most of people look back on their childhood, they remember the television shows, games and toys that kept them occupied. And many of those names have become nothing more than lost memories – at least, until now. Yesterday’s Fun Toys, Games and More is bringing out the kid in everyone, offering a nostalgic step back in time for all generations.

Ever wanted to sit on that back porch but then remembered that it was only 40 degrees outside? Or thought twice about sitting on the deck in the middle of summer because the mosquitoes were out?

For generations, local farm families have been staples throughout the area’s agricultural community, providing residents and visitors alike with some of the freshest products and produce in the region. While names such as Johnson, Parsons, Bennett, Megee and Hudson have served as mainstays of Sussex County’s farming scene for centuries, it’s the younger generations who will be carrying on the tradition for years to come.

For Joe Garner, who owns Blue Water in Bethany Beach, with his wife, Sarah, opening the restaurant in Bethany Beach is a little like coming home.

Asian slaw in an Italian restaurant? Sure.

With the heart of the summer arriving, Bethany Beach is certainly livening up, and much of this year’s attention is focused on the town’s most recognizable difference: the newly constructed Blue Surf condos and shops along the Bethany Boardwalk. The structure situated on the plot of land wedged at the corner of Garfield Parkway and the boardwalk has been transformed from a landmark half-century-old motel into a three-story commercial and residential mixed-use establishment.

Moving to the Delaware shore full-time was more than just a change of scene for three friends. It’s turned into a business venture for Cindy Davis, Kathy Green and Susie Lanuza, who have fused together their affable personalities with a love of decorating and some business-savvy know-how to bring the area its only furniture consignment shop. Seaquels, situated just inside Ocean View, on Route 26 near Bethany Beach, is a hard location to miss, and the bargains inside are even harder to pass up.

For Leigh Scott, transforming a Selbyville staple into a spacious and modern daycare and early-learning center wasn’t simply a matter of answering a true calling: It was a way to secure a family legacy and hold onto its heritage. The structure – which, from the 1940s until last year, operated as Scotty’s, a men’s clothing store – has now entered it’s fifth generation in the family, opening last month as the Next Step Learning Center.

In the eternal words of George Gershwin, “summer time and the livin’ is easy.” The sunshine has returned in Delaware, and warmer weather means it’s finally time to catch some well-earned R&R. In Sea Colony’s Marketplace, Paula Miller and the employees of Beauty at the Beach Salon are all set to make everyone’s summer as relaxing as possible, and next Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., they will be celebrating the summer season with an evening packed full of pampering.

Ray Ray’s Snack Shack in Bethany Beach may be less than a year old, but already it’s becoming a stand-out stop for passers-by and hungry visitors.

The Barefoot Gardeners Club of Fenwick Island will be holding their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1600 Coastal Highway at the corner of James Street and Coastal Highway, by Pottery Place.

The sale, hosted by the club of about 50 members will feature many different types of plants.

Delaware has rolled the dice, betting a new law will allow sports wagering and table games in the First State. However, pending and threatened legal action will likely determine when, and if, the state hits the jackpot.

Gov. Jack Markell signed the omnibus gaming bill (HS 1 for HB 100, as amended) into law during a brief ceremony on May 14 at Delaware Park.

As business owners on both the Delaware and Maryland shores can attest, Memorial Day weekend kicks off one of their most anticipated weekends of the year, as vacationers ready their trips to some of the best-loved beaches in the Mid-Atlantic. Earlier this month, the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly breakfast at Mango’s in Bethany Beach, where guest speaker and Delaware tourism director Linda Parkowski explained the dynamics of tourism within the state and what businesses particularly need to be aware of this year.

As the summer months approach and people begin to spend more time outdoors, it’s important they remember to take care of their skin. A number of qualities of coastal living can have an effect on the skin, such as sunlight, salt in the air and the constantly changing humidity. If you’re worried though, fear not. With a little bit of help from the right place, your skin could be glowing all summer long.

There’s something different about things that are hand made. Things an artisan took pride in and worked on with skill and with calculation — things that have a story.