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Bethany history shines in new children’s book

Local author Joanne Guilfoil writes Bethany Beach ABCs Now and Then
January 1, 2019

Hearkening back on decades of fun in Bethany Beach, local artist and author Joanne Guilfoil has announced the publishing of her most recent book, Bethany Beach ABCs Now and Then.

Guilfoil, who first visited Bethany Beach in the late 1960s, said the book is intended for younger audiences and she wants it to be interactive. The book is 62 pages, mostly in color, but there are black-and-white pages for kids to make their own memories. “Coloring is encouraged,” Guilfoil said.

Guilfoil said the people, places and things she chose to write about are special to the founding of Bethany Beach, and how it appears today. She said many folks helped Guilfoil understand how Sea Colony got its name; why chicken is king in coastal Delmarva; how the tall wooden statue at the entrance to town came to be; why bayberries and beach plums are important Bethany memories; and of course, she said, there are the must-have for any beach book – umbrellas, ice cream, candy and fries.

At the end of the book a glossary explains current and historical terms. There’s also a resources page for further exploration into the items discussed in the book.

“Ultimately, with much help from locals, I wanted to give visitors memories of Bethany to take home,” she said.

This is the fifth book Guilfoil has published. The others are ABCs of Flying Over Delmarva; a children’s coloring book, Flying Over Delmarva A-Z; Berlin Maryland ABCs; and Ocean City Maryland ABCs Now and Then.

Guilfoil will be participating in a few book signings soon – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Ellen Rice Gallery, 111 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View; and from noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16, at Dolle’s Candyland, 12720 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Md.

Guilfoil said Bethany Beach ABCs Now and Then is available for $15 at Bethany Beach Books, 99 Garfield Parkway, Bethany, and Tidepool Toys and Games, 98 Garfield Parkway, Bethany. She said all of her books are available at Patti’s Hallmark Shop, 38069 Town Center Drive, Millville.

Guilfoil said her website, www.ShorebooksLLC.com, should be up and running by Saturday, Dec. 15, if not sooner. She can also be reached by email at joanne@shorebooksllc.com.

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