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Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly

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Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly


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  • Pastor Rick Kelly at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches was born almost completely deaf.
  • He’s leading efforts to serve those in need in the rural Kent County towns and inviting people to join in service projects and community events.
  • Programs include “Trunk or Treat” for children in October, the Veterans “Cruz In” car show and veterans information program in November, along with food giveaways for people in need.

Rick Kelly said he might not know the pain or loneliness you’re experiencing, but he’s willing to listen and help because he knows about facing challenges, hardships and feelings of being overlooked and left out.

The pastor at the United Methodist churches in Kenton and Hartly was born almost completely deaf, describing himself as a deaf person with residual hearing, like trying to hear a radio station you can’t tune in clearly.

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Now, he’s helping to lead an effort to bring people together in the rural Kent County communities.

During his childhood, he sometimes attended schools for the deaf and he learned sign language.

“I learned to talk fairly well, but that made some people ask if I was really deaf,” Kelly said.

He communicated with some lip reading, closely observing how people reacted and a lot of smiling and nodding, even if he didn’t hear everything that was said.

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He just released a book, “Call Me Rick: Grace in the Middle,” about growing up as a deaf person and his struggles and achievements in becoming a teacher, coach and pastor. He also details the hardships and happiness he and his wife have gone through raising a family.

He said his experiences help him relate with people who have been belittled, ignored, patronized and treated unfairly; people with an addiction or in prison and people society labels as different or strange.

In his book, Kelly writes, “Standing with someone in their pain does not mean you agree with every choice they’ve made. It means you refuse to abandon them in the middle of their story. It means you recognize that the image of God in them is not erased by their struggle. It means you choose to believe that grace is stronger than your fear of being misunderstood.”

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As part of the effort to help residents get acquainted and to serve and support each other, the Kenton and Hartly churches are teaming up on programs and events.

Kelly said the idea is to “bring people from all walks of life together,” providing “lifelines for people who might otherwise feel forgotten.”

Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. in Kenton and at 11 a.m. in Hartly, but Kelly said the congregations also want to “meet people where they are.”

The churches host monthly “outreach” events for the community such as an Easter parade and egg hunt, vacation Bible school and a Bluegrass music program.

The next outreach programs are:

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  • “Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when church volunteers offer kids the chance to trick-or-treat from car to car in the parking lot at Kenton United Methodist Church, 74 W. Commerce St. (Route 42), west of Route 300.
  • Veterans “Cruz In” on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, where people are invited to show off their vehicles at a car show while veterans can receive help and information on services that are available, also at the Kenton church parking lot.

Opportunities to help and to get help at community service programs

Serving others is one way to feel more involved in the community, Kelly said.

The congregations invite people to events that help children’s hospitals and animal rescue organizations. They’ve delivered protein bars to paramedic and ambulance stations so the workers have something quick to eat during an emergency. They’ve collected backpacks and school supplies for students in need.

At the Kenton church, one of the leaders of the outreach efforts is Kathy Steele.

“Our goal is hopefully that by reaching out to the community, people will want to come to our church and join what we’re doing,” Steele said. “But the main thing is doing our part to help the community and give back.”

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She said Pastor Kelly has rallied the congregations in Kenton and Hartly to be more involved in the community.

“He’s really emphasized the outreach programs,” Steele said. “He has a passion for the church and has such beautiful prayers. The text prayer chain is a good example. He always has a wonderful prayer and asks if there’s anything the church can do for you.”

Former Kenton Mayor Jessica Penawell has attended the Kenton United Methodist Church off and on for about five years, but she officially joined as a member this year.

“I remember my first day, I was greeted by everyone and everyone was so welcoming,” Penawell said.

She recognizes the importance of the outreach programs that Pastor Kelly is promoting.

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“We’re hoping they bring the community together,” Penawell said. “I think it’s great that the church is doing more things with the town.”

Among the highlights this year were the Easter parade and egg hunt attended by about 400 people and the “Butterpot Awakening” revival Aug. 11-15 attended by about 40 people each night at the Kenton Town Hall in the former Kenton School building.

Food pantries at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches

Probably the best examples of programs offering continual support are the food pantries at the Kenton and Hartly churches, offering groceries – and prayer if requested – to people in need.

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At Hartly United Methodist Church, the program serves about 20 families each month, usually more during the holidays, said food pantry co-chair Joy Ford.

During the pandemic, the program moved outdoors with drive-up service that worked so well, the congregation decided to continue it.

Along with donations from church members, the program receives food from a variety of businesses and community organizations.

While people of all ages stop by for food, Ford said many are older residents.

“We have grandparents raising grandchildren,” Ford said. “There’s a burden on these folks. Sometimes they’re in poor health. They’re very grateful, very appreciative of our food pantry.”

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She’s helped with the food pantry since 2009 and has served as co-chair since 2016.

“We are supposed to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” Ford said. “I want to help others, and this is my opportunity to do that. I always had a desire to do missions in another country, but we’ve got folks who need us right here.”

Along with monthly food assistance, the Hartly food pantry also “adopts” families with children at Christmas, providing clothes and toys along with a gift for the parents.

For information about the food pantries or other church programs, email PastorRickKelly22@gmail.com or see the website www.KentonUMC.org or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/hartlyumc.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.

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Delaware

Wound Care Delaware Launches Mobile Wound Care Service

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Wound Care Delaware Launches Mobile Wound Care Service


NEWARK, DE – October 27, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Wound Care Delaware today announced the launch of a mobile wound care service effective October 27, 2025, expanding access to clinical wound assessment and treatment across Delaware. The program operates from the organization’s medical clinic at 1101 Twin C Lane, Suite 201A, Newark, DE 19713, and is designed to bring licensed clinicians to patient residences and care facilities in coordination with referring providers.

“The new service enables the clinical team to deliver wound evaluation and procedures in residential and facility settings while maintaining continuity with the clinic,” said Dr. John Ashby, physician at Wound Care Delaware. “The model emphasizes coordination with primary care, specialty practices, and case managers to support timely scheduling and documentation within established care plans.”

Wound Care Delaware operates a brick-and-mortar medical clinic that serves as the logistical base for mobile deployment. The clinic schedules visits, verifies coverage, and coordinates referrals. The mobile teams travel to patient residences, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities under physician oversight. The program incorporates documentation that aligns with referring provider instructions and plan of care requirements.

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The mobile service follows a standard visit structure that includes intake, assessment, and procedure documentation. Clinicians record wound characteristics, materials used, and follow-up intervals in the patient record. The team communicates with referring offices regarding visit outcomes and next steps. This structure supports continuity across settings and reduces duplicate appointments. The objective is consistent record keeping within existing treatment plans.

The organization states that the service footprint includes communities throughout Delaware. The clinic address remains 1101 Twin C Lane, Suite 201A, Newark, DE 19713. The main line is (302) 404-2541. The scheduling team assigns routes based on geographic clusters and provider availability. The mobile units operate on weekdays with the capacity to adjust hours for facility coordination. The service integrates with transportation and building access policies at each location to meet compliance and safety requirements.

The clinical scope includes assessment of acute and chronic wounds as defined by referring providers. The team performs wound measurements, dressing changes, and related procedures that fall within licensure and policy. The program supports transitions of care following hospital discharge when wound care tasks are ordered for the home setting. Records from mobile visits are retained with clinic records to maintain a single chart. This approach enables a consolidated history for case review.

Wound Care Delaware maintains procedures that address consent, privacy, and infection control. Staff utilize protective equipment according to policy. Instruments and materials are handled in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Documentation is completed in an electronic record that supports secure data retention. The organization conducts periodic reviews of visit notes for completeness and consistency. Staff education covers route planning, equipment management, and incident reporting.

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The program’s operational design centers on coordination with existing care teams. Referring clinicians transmit orders to the clinic, and the scheduling team assigns a visit window. The mobile team confirms entry instructions with the residence or facility. After the visit, the team transmits notes to the referring office. This process aligns tasks among providers and reduces administrative delays. The model is intended to keep the plan of care intact across settings.

Wound Care Delaware began developing the mobile capability to address logistical barriers that can arise for patients with limited mobility or transportation. The clinic serves as a point of contact for questions about routes, referrals, and documentation. The organization notes that the mobile service will adapt as referral patterns evolve. The clinical team will evaluate routing, equipment, and staffing on a recurring basis to match demand. The goal is reliable scheduling and consistent documentation.

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For more information about Wound Care Delaware, contact the company here:

Wound Care Delaware
Dr. John Ashby
(302) 404-2541
office@woundcaredelaware.com
1101 Twin C Ln Ste 201a
Newark, DE 19713

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Where to watch Norfolk State vs Delaware State today: Time, TV channel for Week 10 game

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Where to watch Norfolk State vs Delaware State today: Time, TV channel for Week 10 game


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During their NFL careers together, Michael Vick connected with DeSean Jackson for 13 touchdown passes in Philadelphia.

The former Eagles teammates will meet up on Thursday, Oct. 30, coaching against one another at Lincoln Financial Field in a showdown between two prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Jackson is in his first year leading Delaware State (5-3, 1-0 MEAC), while Vick is in his first year with Norfolk State (1-7, 0-1).

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Stream Norfolk State football vs. Delaware State live on Fubo (free trial)

“It’s a hell of an opportunity to be across the field from DeSean,” Vick said on Monday, Oct. 27 (via Norfolk, Virginia CBS affiliate WTKR). “That’s what I respect. We’ve worked hard for this and we’ll see how it goes.”

The Spartans fell to South Carolina State, 51-20, last weekend in their MEAC opener, while the Hornets defeated North Carolina Central 35-26.

Here’s how to watch, including time, TV schedule, live streaming info and game odds:

What TV channel is Norfolk State vs Delaware State on today?

Norfolk State vs Delaware State will air on ESPNU in Week 10 of the 2025 college football season. The teams will play at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with Tiffany Greene (play-by-play) and Jay Walker (analyst) calling the game.

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Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Norfolk State vs Delaware State time today

  • Date: Thursday, Oct. 30
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET

The Week 10 MEAC matchup between Norfolk State football vs. Delaware State is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Norfolk State vs Delaware State predictions

  • Prediction: Delaware State 42, Norfolk State 28

Jackson and Delaware State earn a two-touchdown victory over Vick and Delaware State behind a three-touchdown rushing performance from running back Marquis Gillis. 



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Delaware Life CEO offers strategies for combatting sequence of returns risk

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Delaware Life CEO offers strategies for combatting sequence of returns risk


Colin Lake, president and CEO of Delaware Life, sits down with InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to explain how workers approaching retirement can counter sequence of returns risk through guaranteed income products.

  • Oct 29, 2025



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