The Grove Club turns 25

What came about from a nice evening run on a May Tuesday night in 1994 between Seashore Strider Bob Porter and myself turned into a streak that is now the longest in Delaware.

Porter and I decided to go for a four-mile run on that Tuesday at 6 p.m. from Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Then we did it again the following week. And then again, again and again. We decided to start a small Tuesday evening running and walking club, and call it The Grove Club. Bob came up with the slogan “Running and walking for the health of it.” Bob and I ran mostly by ourselves, with Bob’s wife, the late Pauline Porter, pushing the pace many evenings as well. The normal course of Henlopen to Surf to the Boardwalk and back through the country club to the Grove became the signature four-miler of The Grove Club. On hot evenings, it was a loop around Henlopen Acres, where the trees of the Acres would provide much-needed shade.

This past Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., the club celebrated its 25th year, as I gave a brief history on how it was formed, and a dedication to add Pauline Porter’s name to the memory plaque was held. After that, a run and walk in Rehoboth was held. That is what Bob would have wanted, and that is what they do. Groovin’ at the Grove!  

Field Day fun

Cape Henlopen elementary schools recently celebrated their annual field days with thousands of young athletes running, jumping and competing against their teammates for a day of fun.  At Shields, I stress and do lessons on the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, following directions, listening, peacemaking, fun and being mindful of each other.

Shields Elementary was my 29th celebration in a row, and it was still as rewarding as my first in 1991. My hope is that it is an elementary experience that will last a lifetime.

The following was written by Cape sophomore Amaya Daisey:

“Field day in elementary for me was the best time of the school year. I remember walking out to the playground field seeing all the colorful stations filled with plenty of activities to keep us busy. My favorite activity was the parachute station, which was a colorful rainbow parachute that once me and my classmates lifted up would quickly run under the mesmerizing colors. Field day was filled with the best opportunity to let anyone’s athleticism shine in a light that everyone could participate in and have fun. I can personally say I dominated the sack race and it would be a memory that has always remained with me.”

Cape Triathlon and Blue-Gold All-Star

This weekend will be the running of the annual Blue-Gold All-Star 5K from Irish Eyes in Lewes Saturday, June 8. The run will be hosted by Irish Eyes and will complete the normal East Market to Cedar course, turning around just past Children’s Beach House. The run and walk will begin at 7:30 a.m., with race-day registration slated for 6:15 a.m. Pick up your bib early and get some pre-race dinner at Irish Eyes from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 7. This is the 16th annual event to benefit DFRC-Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities. DFRC is a well-respected foundation dedicated to raising funds and consciousness through quality events to support enrichment programs so that all Delawareans with intellectual disabilities maximize their potential, independence and enjoyment of life. For more information about this charity, go to www.dfrcfoundation.org.

The Cape Triathlon and Duathlon will be Sunday, June 9, beginning at 7:30 a.m. in Cape Henlopen State Park. The triathlon will consist of a quarter-mile swim, 9.7-mile bike, and 5K run. The duathlon will be a two-mile run, 9.7-mile bike, and 5K run. Race packet pickup will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the main beach parking lot just south of the bathhouse. Read about the event at www.seashorestriders.com. This is a great first-timers event, with a special clinic at 2 p.m., Saturday at the transition area.