New skills lead to changed lives in Wilmington

I have posted about Delaware's premier coding school - ZipCode Wilmington - before. 

All of us who have heard about this school have recognized the potential it has for improving lives and helping companies based in the region.

Now, thanks to a new series on WHYY Radio, we're hearing about how much of a difference this school is making.

Here's an excerpt:

There are about 70 coding boot camps in North America, according to the industry group Course Report. All operate on the same basic premise — that smart, motivated people can become employable developers with a little bit of intense training.

Zip Code Wilmington stands out, though, in a couple ways. First, it’s a nonprofit boot camp, one of just a small handful. Two, it’s one of the very few that teaches Java — a computer language more commonly used in existing businesses, not start-ups. And three, it’s in Wilmington, a city with a lot of big, old financial institutions that rely on languages like Java.

About 60 percent of coding boot camps are in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, or Seattle. The usual suspects. So when something like this pops up in a place like Wilmington, it comes with equal doses of symbolic heft and civic aspiration.

​I highly recommend clicking here to listen to the first report in the series about ZipCode Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington is about improving business possibilities and improving lives.

Marty

Let's do the Time Warp Again!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic that has been entertaining audiences since its release in 1975.

For those not familiar with the phenomenon, the film starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and Richard O'Brien, is normally shown in theaters while a cast of local performers recreate the action on screen and audience members talk back to the screen and even join in on some of the dance sequences.

Here's a look at one of the more popular dance scenes in the film:

The Rocky Horror experience is coming to Theatre N in Wilmington!

The first viewing is scheduled for Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 PM - with more to come.

The group "Frankie's Midnight Runners" will be providing the live entertainment during the film.

Click Here to learn more.

Come on, Wilmington, let's do the Time Warp again!

Marty

Music and video talent featured downtown

I am so proud of the talent that is growing in Downtown Wilmington and the number of artists who are using downtown as the canvas on which to create their art.

Richard Raw is a dynamic musician and performer who has performed at events sponsored by Downtown Visions, who teaches young people throughout the region, and who makes a difference in our community.

Ivan Thomas is a talented filmmaker who offers valuable information through DETV.

Here's a video Ivan filmed and edited featuring Richard's newest song - filmed in and around Wilmington.

I am proud of the diverse talent we have in Downtown Wilmington.

Marty

Wilmington is the place for love

This coming Sunday is Valentine's Day - for some of us, that means it's time to start planning something special for that someone special in our life.

Fortunately, several places in Downtown Wilmington are providing plenty of opportunities for us.

I encourage you to take a look at all of the events listed below and get your tickets and reservations all set.

From all of us at Downtown Visions, Happy Valentine's Day!

Marty

Valentine's Day Partner Yoga

 FLYOGI has announced a super exciting Valentine's Day treat special!

This Yoga event is only $35 per couple! Please sign up at Flyogionline@gmail.com while they're spots available.

Click Here to learn more about Flyogi

Valentine Specials at Ernest & Scott and Chelsea Tavern

Ernest & Scott and Chelsea Tavern are both running great specials - 4 course meals for $85 per couple.

Click Here to learn more.

Couples Game Night - Friday, Feb. 12

Have a pre Valentine's Day date with your spouse with a twist! Enjoy games, food, shopping, prizes and more all in the same night to prepare you for the day of love or just a fun night out of you don't celebrate.

Each couple will receive a three course Olive Garden meal, $45 shopping credit for the night, games, prizes, and more! 

$45 per couple

Click Here for more details and to get your tickets.

Valentine's Day Special at La Fia

La Fia's Valentine's Day special features a four course meal for $60 - but you'll want to get your reservations in right away.

Click Here for the menu.

Click Here to make a reservation.

Melomanie Valentine's Day Concert

Calling all lovers & MUSIC lovers: Share a unique musicial Valentine with us! A Special Valentine's Day Collaboration with The Delaware Contemporary. 

Mélomanie Wilmington Series: Valentine's Day Concert
The Delaware Contemporary, 200 S. Madison Street * Wilmington, DE 19801. 

Featuring guest artist * Priscilla Herreid, oboe. Repertoire inlcudes "The Nobility of Women" * Kile Smith; "Quartet in G Major" (from Tafelmusik) * Georg Philipp Telemann; "Sonata in G Major" for oboe & basso continuo * Louis-Antoine Dornel & "Two Interludes" for flute, violin & harpsichord * Jacques Ibert

Tickets $20 adults * $15 students & seniors * Youth through age 15 free.

Click Here for more information.

Singer Songwriter Showcase at World Cafe Live at the Queen

Each month, Gable Music Ventures brings together a group of impressive Singer Songwriters to entertain and inspire audiences at World Cafe Live at the Queen.

This Friday evening, you don't want to miss this lineup.

Click Here for more information and to get your tickets.

Battle of the Sexes Comedy Night Thursday at The Baby Grand

Liberty Comedy brings you Battle of the Sexes Comedy Night starring hilarious stand-up comedians from late-night TV. 2 Men, 2 women, 1 each single & married. Pre-celebrate Valentine's Day (or don't!) with tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams.

Starring Adrienne Iapalucci from The Late Show with David Letterman, Ophira Eisenberg from The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central & NPR, Mike Burton has been the fill-in warm-up guy for daytime shows Rachel Ray and The View and Shaun Eli from The Joey Reynolds Show.

Click Here for more information and to order your tickets.

Two Downtown Wilmington Businesses Featured in Article

The Cecil Whig just published a great story about two of our Downtown Wilmington businesses. Here's a couple of excerpts:

On Nov. 18, Tynisha Lomax celebrated her first anniversary as proprietor of Levitea, located at 228 W. Ninth St.

...

Visitors include those from London, Singapore, Canada and Australia. The teas are also served in The Green Room at Hotel du Pont.

“Tea brings internationals together,” she said

...

Two blocks away, Ninth Street Book Shop stands as a beacon at 730 N. Market St. Named for its original location, it now sits at the corner of Eighth Street.

...

Today, at the larger location, they house 20,000 books which include a selection of black fiction, nonfiction and author books; regional titles; and an extensive children’s section.

The steady flow of customers are welcomed with smiles and kind words. Most are called by name. “Some of my daughter’s first books came from here,” one customer shared.

Gemma added, “We have third-generation customers.”

Click Here to read the complete article

I am proud of the great job being done by all of our entrepreneurs and businesses in Downtown Wilmington, and it's great to see recognition coming from far and wide for our community.

Marty