Dennis Museums Seek Non-profit Status; Township Given Bus for Emergency Crews

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee met Aug. 1. Former Committee member Albert DiCicco, a current volunteer with the Dennis Environmental Commission and Historical Museum, reported that he along with other interested township residents were in the process of forming a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) that would be called “Friends of the Old Schoolhouse Museums.” 
“We’re using the plural to include both the current museum as well as the old Ludlam Schoolhouse. Dennis has such a rich and fertile history we want to make sure we are documenting and preserving all that our township has experienced and has to offer. With the publication of ‘Introducing Dennis Township’ by Thomas Champion and Ray Rebmann (volunteer at the museum), there’s been a lot of new and renewed interest in the many years of events and experiences that have occurred here.”
DiCicco also noted that with the designation as a not-for-profit organization the new entity would be eligible for grant funds.
“As a municipality, Dennis is not able to apply for or receive any grants, so this 501(c) (3) status gives us the flexibility to pursue funding,” he continued.
Committee member Lisa Salimbene reminded the gathering that Aug. 9 is the township’s annual safe driving training for seniors conducted by the Woodbine Station State Police.
“This training is open to all, but we’re focusing as we do each year on seniors, and the event will take place at our Senior Center from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 9,” she said.
Salimbene briefed committee on her meeting, along with Township Engineer John Gibson, with the Board of Education.
“This was a positive meeting to figure out how to use County Open Space money for the walking path we have planned from the Rec Center. Phase One will include the path and a one-acre dog park as well as a better site for birders,” she said.
Committee member Donald Tozer reported that the Belleplain Emergency Corps had donated a “rehab bus” for the township’s emergency use.
“What they’ve given us is a large school bus that has been converted to hold a few beds, stretchers, a generator, and we’re hoping to install a refrigerator. I put the license on it yesterday, so it’s good to go. We’re planning to use it for emergency responders who need relief from both summer heat as well as winter cold when there is an emergency. For example, last Thursday (July 28) we had two fires going at the same time about a mile from each other at Route 47 and Tyler Road. We could have used this vehicle to take care of the responders who were working all night in the oppressive heat,” said Tozer.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.