The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: October 23 – October 28

Tuesday, October 23 at 5:45 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Department of Education’s 2013 Teacher of the Year Ceremony at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.  Each year the program honors a Delaware teacher who exemplifies fine teaching in the state. The Delaware Teacher of the Year is chosen from the District Teachers of the Year, and automatically becomes the state's candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Program. Dover Downs, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE - Open to press.  Contact: Alison Kepner, Delaware Department of Education, at 302-735-4000 or at akepner@doe.k12.de.us.

Wednesday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will participate in Make a Difference Day with students from Prestige Academy at Barclays in Wilmington.  The Senator will join employees as they meet with students to teach them money and savings skills and offer a glimpse into the world of working for large professional organizations like Barclays.  Since 2000, Barclays has led Make a Difference Day events in Delaware to enable employees to get involved in their community. Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Barclays, 125 S. West St., Wilmington, DE.  Contact: Nicole Dye-Anders, Barclaycard US, at 302-255-4910 or at ndyeanderson@barclaycardus.com.

Thursday, October 25 at 8:30 a.m. — The Senator will tour the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care with the center’s medical director, Nicholas Petrelli, M.D.  The Senator and Dr. Petrelli will discuss the topics of long term and palliative care of patients with cancer.  Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE – Closed to press

Thursday, October 25 at 5:30 p.m. – The Senator, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will receive an award from the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence at the Purple Ribbon Event, hosted annually during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The Senator will receive the organization’s 2012 Vision of Peace Award for his leadership on behalf of victims of domestic violence, continuing a legacy established during his tenure as New Castle County Executive.  Sen. Coons has fought for the reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act and has worked to empower women worldwide.  Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, 200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE - Open to Press. Contact: Stephanie Ferrell at 302-658-2958 or at sferrell@dcadv.org.

Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Del-Mar-Va Council of the Boy Scouts of America Kent County Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner at Dover Downs.  This year, the Del-Mar-Va Council is honoring Bill and Mary Jane Willis of Smyrna, DE.  The award was established to recognize a local Kent County leader that through their dedication, hard work and passion has made the community stronger. Dover Downs, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE - Open to press. Contact: Kevin Les Callette, Boy Scouts of America Kent County, at 443-523-7639.

Friday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the annual Meet the Allies event sponsored by Public Allies Delaware.  Public Allies Delaware is a program of the University of Delaware Center for Community Research and Service.  Since 1994, Public Allies Delaware has developed over 335 young leaders, who have completed nearly 600,000 hours of service to Delaware.  For 10 months, Allies are placed in paid professional apprenticeships at local nonprofits where they create, improve, and expand services that address economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.  DoubleTree Hotel, 700 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE - Open to press. Contact: Christina Garrett-Morrow, Public Allies Delaware, at 302-573-4438.

Friday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Neighborhood House of Delaware’s 85th Anniversary Celebration.  Neighborhood House is a non-profit agency, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, that has served the Wilmington community since 1927, addressing the needs of low-income families to improve their quality of life and stabilize the neighborhoods in which they live.  Deerfield Golf Club, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE – Open to press.  Contact: Christy Pennington, Neighborhood House 85th Anniversary, at 302-598-8696.

Saturday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute’s “From Purses to Portfolios” event at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.  Purses to Portfolios is a free financial education certificate program where women and men gain the tools and knowledge necessary to take charge of their finances. This year's theme is entitled “just FAB! - For Women, About Women, By Women...and the men in their lives!” Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.  Contact: Lisa Wolfe, Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, at 302-494-5769.

Saturday, October 27 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak about the importance of parent engagement at the Annual Delaware PTA Convention.  Representatives from National PTA will also be in attendance, and Betsy Landers, National PTA President, will conduct a session on grant writing.  There will also be workshop sessions on Applying to and Paying for College, Advocacy Tactics, Hispanic Outreach, Bullying Prevention and Reading Strategies for Elementary Students.  This event draws hundreds of parents and leaders across the state to discuss the most important issues facing children and schools. Conrad Schools of Science, 201 Jackson Ave., Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact: Yvonne Johnson, Delaware PTA, at 302-753-7107 or at yvonne_johnson@verizon.net.

Saturday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Kind to Kids Halloween Hoopla 5K Run-Walk in Wilmington.  Annie Coons is honorary chair of this year’s event which benefits Kind to Kids, a non-profit organization that provides services to children and families in need through other non-profits and state agencies.  Its mission is to enrich the lives of foster children and children in poverty.  Since its inception in 2008, Kind to Kids has given 5,000 children access to events they normally wouldn’t have the resources to attend, at over $80,000 in ticket costs.  In addition, the organization provides LifeSkills, an educational course that teaches teens at-risk the skills they need to become independent and successful adults.  Wilmington Riverfront, Dravo Plaza, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact:  Caroline Jones, Executive Director, at 302-654-5440.

Sunday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will march in the 65^th Annual Newark Halloween Parade.  This costume parade is complete with marching bands, floats and antique automobiles. Tyre Avenue and Main Street, Newark, DE. – Open to press.  Contact: Sharon Bruen, City of Newark, at 302-366-7060.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: October 8 – October 13

Monday, October 8 at 7:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend St. Anthony’s 16^th Annual Columbus Day Mass and Breakfast.  St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Ninth and DuPont Streets, Wilmington, DE - Open topress.

Monday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the New Castle County Farm Bureau Annual Fall Dinner. Senator Coons will discuss the many contributions Delaware Farm Bureau members make to agriculture in the state. Townsend Fire Company Hall, 107 Main St., Townsend, DE - Open to press.

Tuesday, October 9 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Low Income Energy Summit sponsored by Delmarva Power and Pepco. The summit is for service providers to network with peers and tolearn about national issues related to the energy industry, including stormrestoration, weatherization, diversity and economic independence. Delmarva Power will discuss what programs and services it provides for groups who provide heating assistance. Attendees include representatives from social service agencies, churches, civic and community organizations.  Sheraton Dover, 1570 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 – Open to press.

Tuesday, October 9 at 9:45 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Delaware Police Chiefs Council meeting.  Members include every police chief in Delaware, as well as the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.  The Council was formed in 1971 for the purpose of improving police services in Delaware and establishing standardization and uniformity in policies and procedures. Senator Coons is a member of theSenate Judiciary Committee and is co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. Dover Police Department, 400 S. QueenSt., Dover, DE – Closed to press.  

Tuesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak to the World Affairs Council of Wilmington about boosting trade opportunities in Africa for Delaware businesses.  Founded in 1967, the World Affairs Council of Wilmington provides a forum for thought-leaders and intellectually curious citizens to hear from foreign and domestic leaders about the world affairs issues that will shape the global business, political and cultural world we share. Senator Coons is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. Wilmington Club, 1103 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 - Closed to press.

Wednesday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a check presentation by JPMorgan Chase & Co. to the Challenge Program in Wilmington.  The Challenge Program provides vocational training for Delaware’s at-risk youth to empower them with the confidence and skills they need to be productive members of society.  124 E. 7th St. Wilmington, DE 19801 - Open to Press.

Wednesday, October 10 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak to the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council of New Castle County. Senator Coons will address the current political climate, his expectations for whatCongress will work on during the remainder of the year, and some of the policy ideas that might affect Delaware’s real estate community. This non-profit organization brings together members of the Delaware Valley community who are in a variety of fields relating to commercial and industrial real estate. Clarion Belle Hotel, 1612 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.  Closed to press.

Thursday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will address members of the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (DelARF) about the impact of the Affordable Care Act on persons with disabilities. DelARF is a statewide membership association of agencies supporting people with disabilities. Membership is open to organizations that provide direct services, advocacy and/or educational services to Delawareans with disabilities, their families and advocates. Easter Seals, 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720 – Closed to press.

Thursday, October 11 at 10:15 a.m. – The Senator will host David Kappos, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, for a discussion with doctoral candidates at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University about commercializing technology developed at universities. Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was a cosponsor of the America Invents Act, the 2011 legislation that radically modernized the patent system. Under Secretary Kappos advises the President, the Secretary of Commerce and the Administration on intellectual property matters. University of Delaware, 201 Lammot duPont Laboratory, Newark, DE 19716 – Open to press.

Thursday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Delaware State Housing Authority’s 2012 Governor’s Conference on Housing.  This year’s keynote speaker is Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban and Development Shaun Donovan. Sheraton Dover, 1570 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 – Open to press.

Friday, October 12 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will join members of the University of Delaware community as they launch the Horn Initiative for Entrepreneurship.  The Horn Initiative is anticipated to have a transformative impact on innovation andentrepreneurship through the expansion of curricular, co-curricular and outreach programing.  At the event, aspiring entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to try to win funding as part of the launch celebration.  1975 University of Delaware alumnus Charles Horn and his wife Patricia Horn committed $3 million for the initiative, which will be housed in the AlfredLerner College of Business and Economics. University of Delaware, Roselle Center for the Arts (On the Lawn), Newark, DE 19716 – Open to press.

Friday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the public investiture ceremony for Magistrate Judge Sherry Fallon.  Judge Fallon serves on the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Judge Fallon earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 and is a 1986 Graduate of the Delaware Law School of Widener University. She is a member of the Delaware, New Jersey and American Bar Associations.  J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, 844 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 – Open to press.

Friday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Latin American Community Center’s (LACC) Annual Grand Ball.  Since 1969, this fundraising event has been part of Delaware’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.  The gala is held to recognize community leaders and companies that have made significant contributions to the LACC and the Latino community in Delaware.  Waterfall Banquet Center, 3416 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 – Open to press.

Saturday, October 13 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the inaugural Lt. Joseph Szczerba 5KRun/Walk at Salesianum School in Wilmington. Lt. Szczerba was a 1985 graduate of Salesianum and a New Castle County Police Officer who died in the line of duty last year.  Proceeds from the run will benefit a scholarship fund in his name, and assist sons of police officers and first responders who wish to attend Salesianum. Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802 – Open to press. 

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Sept. 17 – Sept. 23

Monday, September 17 at 9:15 a.m. — The Senator will participate in a roundtable discussion on student financial aid in New Castle. As part of a national initiative to increase financial aid awareness, the United States Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid and Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker are hosting a roundtable discussion on helping Delaware students access financial aid for college. The purpose of the roundtable is to share ideas on how to effectively increase awareness about federal student aid and the many services and resource that are provided to help local communities across the state. This session will also highlight Title IV programs and recent updates to the new FAFSA application. 399 Wilmington Avenue, New Castle, DE — Open to press.

Monday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak at a job fair hosted by the Brandywine Counseling & Community Services. The job fair will feature nearly 65 employers from the area who are looking to connect with job seeking Delawareans.  815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Monday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. —The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. —The Senator will preside over the Senate until 11:00 a.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. — The Senator will participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by Thomson Reuters on the opportunities and challenges ofdoing business in Africa. The roundtable will be moderated by Sir Harold Evans, editor-at-large of Reuters News. Thomson Reuters, 3 Times Square, New York, NY — Open to press.

Wednesday, September 19 at 2:15 p.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. Several pieces of legislation will be discussed during the business meeting including the Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012. U.S. Capitol, S-116, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact: Foreign Relations Committee’s Jodi Seth at 202-224-4159.

Wednesday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at the 2012 Opportunity Nation Education Summit in Washington. Opportunity Nation is a national bipartisan coalition of 250 organizations working to restore economic mobility in America by addressing every rung of the ladder – from closing the growing skills gap and reinvigorating our K-12 education system to ensure families have safer communities. The George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Thursday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC — Open to press. Contact: Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Thursday, September 20 at 12:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at a reception for the African Diplomatic Corps hosted by General Electric in coordination with the Congressional Black Caucus. The keynote address will be given by President Joyce Banda of Malawi. U.S. Capitol, SVC-212, Washington, DC

Note: The Senator’s in-state schedule for Friday and the weekend will be released when it becomes more certain that the Senate will not be in session on Friday.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Sept. 10 – Sept. 16

Monday, September 10 at 7:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak to the Public Relations Society of America Delaware Chapter membership meeting. Senator Coons will discuss the evolving state of political communications in government and campaigns, highlighting the increased role of social media and the 2012 Presidential election. Christiana Hilton, 100 Continental Drive Newark, DE — Open to press.

Monday, September 10 at 1:45 p.m. — The Senator will visit North Georgetown Elementary School in the Indian River School District. Principal Rick Evans will give Senator Coons a tour of the school’s English Language Learning classrooms during the visit. 664 North Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will speak at a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition breakfast. The U.S.Global Leadership Coalition is a broad-based network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating diplomacy and development alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 385 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, September 11 at 10:45 a.m. — The Senator will attend the Congressional Remembrance Ceremony for Eleventh Observance of September 11, 2001. Members of Congress will participate in a bipartisan, bicameral 9/11 Congressional Remembrance Ceremony on the Capitol’s East Front Steps. The venue is the same spot where members spontaneously sang “God Bless America” after a news conference on the day of the attacks 11 years ago. East Front Steps, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, September 11 at 2:15 p.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. The meeting will focus on several pieces of legislation and the nomination of the Honorable Richard G. Olson of New Mexico to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. U.S. Capitol Room S-116, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, “The Citizens United Court and the Continuing Importance of the Voting Rights Act.” Witnesses will include Anthony Johnstone of the University of Montana School of Law, Michael A. Carvin of Jones Day, and Elisabeth MacNamara of the League of Women Voters. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. — Open to press.

Wednesday, September 12 at 3:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak to members of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Members will be in Washington to meet with lawmakers. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. — Closed to press.

Wednesday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Ambassadors Ball. To raise vital funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, this black-tie gala hosts members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps, Congressional leaders, and a variety of local and national celebrities. Over the past 33 years, the Ambassadors Ball has raised more than $15 million for the Society's movement toward a world free of MS. Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, September 13 at 8:30 a.m. — The Senator will deliver remarks at a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Breakfast. Senator Coons will discuss his ideas for boosting American innovation and manufacturing, including reauthorization and expansion of the Research and Development Tax Credit and the creation of similar credit for innovative new businesses. Hyatt Regency, 400 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Thursday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. The meeting will focus on the Child Protection Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 645). 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Friday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will speak at the Delaware National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials(NAHRO) Annual Conference. NAHRO is committed to help create a nation in which all people have decent, safe, affordable housing and economic opportunity in viable, sustainable communities. Dover Downs, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Friday, September 14 at 11:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Conference Luncheon. This luncheon is a part of the weeklong conference hosted by the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association and the Ladies Auxiliary Mutual Relief Association. Dover Sheraton Conference Center, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Friday, September 14 at 1:15 p.m. — The Senator will join Governor Markell in attending the Grand Opening of Acorn Books. Approved for a low interest loan through the Delaware State Small Business Credit Initiative, Acorn Books will offer books and magazines to the greater Kent country region. 1030 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the annual Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Parade. The Clayton Volunteer Fire Company and the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Company compete in the annual Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association parade in September each year. Dover, DE – Open to press.

Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m.  — The Senator will attend the Police Academy Dedication Ceremony for Lt. Joseph L. Szczerba. The ceremony will celebrate the official renaming of the police academy building as the Lt. Joseph L. Szczerba to recognize Joe’s sacrifice and commitment to the training and mentoring of young police officers. Kimberton Police Academy, Kimberton Drive, Newark, DE — Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: August 6 to August 12

Monday, August 6 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak at the Junior Achievement Global Titan Challenge Business Ethics Symposium. The symposium will host 30 high school students and recent graduates from around the world to compete in a computer simulation curriculum where students compete in a virtual economy for highest retained earnings. Clayton Hall Conference Center, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, August 7 at 12:45 p.m. — The Senator will tour Dentsply Caulk.  A division of Dentsply International, the world's largest professional dental products manufacturer, is located in Milford, Delaware. Senator Coons will meet with plant representatives and tour the site. 38 West Clarke Avenue, Milford, DE– Closed to press.

Tuesday, August 7 at 2:30 p.m. — The Senator will visit Baltimore Aircoil Company. For more than seven decades, Baltimore Aircoil Company in Milford, Delaware, has been dedicated to the development of innovative, cost-effective heat transfer solutions for its customers, establishing the company as a global leader of factory assembled evaporative heat rejection and thermal storage equipment. 1162 Holly Hill Road, Milford, DE– Open to press.

Tuesday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. — The Senator will attend the Delaware Electric Co-Op Annual Member Dinner. Delaware Electric Cooperative will hold its annual community fair and business meeting at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. During the meeting, members will have a chance to visit with various community organizations and hear an update on the state of the Cooperative from President and CEO Bill Andrew. 18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE

Wednesday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend an event to celebrate the completion of the South Market Street Safety Improvement Project. The project began on September 8, 2010 to elevate the roadway out of the 10-year flood plan, put underground existing overhead utilities, and to construct sidewalks, pedestrian lighting and landscaping. Senator Tom Carper and Congressman John Carney will also attend. ShopRite Parking Lot, Christiana Crossing, 501 South Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: July 30 to August 5

Monday, July 30 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a news conference with Senator Carper, Governor Markell and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara to mark the completion and naming of the Cedar Creek boat ramp facility in Milford.  This state-of-the-art facility includes eight 16-foot wide concrete launch lanes, five floating boarding docks and one floating courtesy dock.  Funding for the project was made up of 75% federal Sport Fish Restoration funds allocated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and 25% state matching funds from fishing and boating license fees. Cedar Creek Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Road, Slaughter Beach near Milford, DE. Open to press. 

Monday, July 30 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will join Senator Carper, state officials and Seaford cattle farm owners Carlton and Jody Jones to highlight USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service accomplishments in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. NRCS has achieved historic levels of conservation implementation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during the past two fiscal years, leading to water quality improvements, wildlife habitat enhancement and support of rural economies.  3174 Woodland Ferry Road, Seaford, DE. Open to press.

Monday, July 30 at 1:15 p.m. – The Senator will visit the Davis Farm in Georgetown with Senator Carper and USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse to view the effects of the current drought and high temperatures on farmers.  Farmer Mark Davis will show the devastation to both irrigated and “dry land” corn. On the Georgetown farm of Mark Davis. Turn north on Piglet Lane from Route 404 for approximately 0.7 mile. You will see a mowed area in the cornfield on your left. (Piglet Lane is about 1.5 miles west of Route 113 and Del Tech.) Open to press.

Tuesday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 11:00 a.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. - Open to Press.

Thursday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Friday, August 3 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate if the Senate is in session. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Saturday, August 4 at 8:45 a.m. — The Senator will attend the 2012 Wyoming Peach Festival. The 27th annual Peach Festival will be kicked off by a parade that will begin at Fifer Middle School, traveling west Camden/Wyoming Avenue, crossing the tracks, making a right on Railroad Avenue, and breaking up at Railroad Avenue and Third Street.  After the parade, downtown Wyoming will be lined with craft and food vendors. Wyoming, DE. Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: July 23 to July 29

Monday, July 23 at 12:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at a press event announcing $13 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Christiana Care and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.  Senator Coons will join Senator Carper, Congressman Carney, Governor Markell and hospital officials as they recognize Christiana Care and Nemours as recipients of the Health Care Innovation Awards.  The hospitals will use the funding to implement programs that will result in more accurate and efficient care for patients.  University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, Newark, DE.  Open to press.

Tuesday, July 24 at 2:30 p.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Supreme Court’s ruling of Citizens United. The Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights hearing is entitled “Taking Back Our Democracy: Responding to Citizens United and the Rise of Super PACs.” 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Wednesday, July 25 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with leaders in the Native American community.  S-207, United States Capitol, Washington, DC.

Wednesday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. —The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on judicial independence.  The hearing, which is entitled “Ensuring Judicial Independence Through Civics Education,” will feature Sandra Day O’Connor, retired justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.  Open to press.

Wednesday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m. — The Senator will participate in a panel discussion at the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington. Senator Coons will join Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-09) in a panel discussion on Congressional efforts to cure HIV/AIDS globally. The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learned, and collectively chart a course forward. Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Wednesday, July 25 at 3:00 p.m. —The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on African economic statecraft. Witnesses will include: Francisco Sanchez, Under Secretary of International Trade, Department of Commerce; Elizabeth Littlefield, President and CEO, of Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Fred Hochberg, Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank; Steven Hayes, President and CEO, Corporate Council on Africa; Mwangi Kimenyi, Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Growth Initiative, Brookings Institution; and Scott Eisner, Executive Director of Africa Business Initiative, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. Open to press.

Thursday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. —The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Thursday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. — The Senator will meet with Delaware members of Boys and Girls State. American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are the premier programs for teaching how government works while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for your rights as a citizen. Open to press. 

Thursday, July 26 at 4:00 p.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Friday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate, if in session. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: July 16 to July 22

Monday, July 16 at 8:30 a.m. — The Senator will deliver remarks at the Delaware Department of Education STEM Institute. More than 400 elementary, middle and high school teachers will join administrators and business leaders at the first annual STEM Institute in Delaware to work together to better prepare students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Providence Creek Academy Charter School, 355 West Duck Creek Road, Clayton, DE.

Monday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Monday, July 16 at 9:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak on the Senate floor about the DISCLOSE Act and the need for reforms to combat the influence of money in campaigns. Supporters of the bill will speak about the bill all evening. Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the DISCLOSE Act. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery. Televised on C-SPAN2 and streamed at www.coons.senate.gov/floor/.

Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on cyber security. The hearing, which is called “Cyber Security and the Grid,” will examine the status of actions taken to ensure that the electric grid is protected from cyber attacks. Senator Coons has been working on a compromise policy framework for cyber security legislation to better protect critical infrastructure. 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 11:00 a.m.Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, July 17 at 11:30 a.m. —The Senator will visit and deliver remarks at a Save the Children photo exhibit. The exhibit will showcase images of the Dollo Ado refugee camp in Ethiopia. 385 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.

Wednesday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with American job creators. Marty Miller, the CEO of Miller Metal Fabrication, Inc., in Bridgeville, will participate in the roundtable discussion. S-207, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.

Wednesday, July 18 at 11:30 a.m. —The Senator will deliver remarks at a Senate Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Caucus briefing. A representative from Bloom Energy will also be present. The event will focus on the future of domestic fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems that have achieved significant advances in power generation, portable applications, transportation, back-up, and material handling. Across the nation, fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies are creating jobs, reducing emissions, and improving efficiency. 188 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Thursday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. —The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. During the meeting, the Committee will consider extending select amendments made by the FISA Amendments Act of 2008. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Friday, July 20 at 8:15 a.m. — The Senator will attend the STEM Summer Scholars Middle School Summer Enrichment Program Showcase. Senator Coons will tour the STEM classrooms as students demonstrate the various projects they created. Dickenson High School, 1801 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE.

Friday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will deliver remarks at the Frankfort Bakery’s grand opening. The bakery was the first Kent County business to be approved for low interest loans through the Delaware State Small Business Credit Initiative. 323 South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE. Open to press.

Saturday, July 21 at 3:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the Delaware State Fair. Delaware State Fairgrounds, 18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE. Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: July 9 to July 15

Monday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Food Bank of Delaware children nutrition education program. KID C.H.E.F. (Cooking, Healthy, Easy, Food) is a skills and knowledge-building program utilizing the nutrition recommendations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. This program focuses on teaching children about healthy eating and how they can learn to prepare nutritious easy foods on their own.  Palmer Elementary School, 1210 Lobdell Street, Wilmington, DE. Open to press.

Monday, July 9 at 12:00 p.m. — The Senator will join Senator Carper, Congressman Carney, federal and state officials as they break ground and formally announce the name of the C&D Canal trail. The 16-mile shared-use trail along the north side of the C&D Canal will create safe new recreational opportunities along the canal where people can hike, bicycle, jog, skate, bird watch and ride horses. Under the St. Georges Bridge, on the north side of the C&D Canal. Inclement weather location is the Grass Dale Conference Center. Open to press.

Tuesday, July 10 at 9:15 a.m. — The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Biomass Conference. The fifth annual conference will examine the dynamic playing field of bioenergy in 2012 as exciting new technologies move forward within a shifting policy, tax, and economic landscape. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC – Open to press.  

Tuesday, July 10 at 3:30 p.m. —The Senator will host a Senate Law Enforcement Caucus briefing on information-sharing initiatives. The briefing will provide an opportunity for Members and staff to get an on-the-ground status update on law enforcement information-sharing programs.  Panelists, including Delaware Criminal Justice Information System’s Executive Director Peggy Bell, will discuss the impact of task forces, fusion centers, RISS, NCHIP and other programs on advancing law enforcement priorities and officer safety. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. Capitol Visitors Center, SVC-200, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Wednesday, July 11 at 9:00 a.m. —The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting on reproductive rights. The meeting will bring together Democratic senators and leaders of women’s groups to discuss the importance of women’s health and reproductive rights. U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.

Thursday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Thursday, July 12 at 2:15 p.m. — The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing. Witnesses include: Gene Cretz, nominee, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana; Deborah Malac, nominee, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia; David Wharton, nominee, U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe; and Alexander M. Laskaris, nominee, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press. 

Friday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate if in session. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s week ahead schedule: July 2 to July 8

Monday, July 2 at 9:15 a.m. – Senator Coons, along with Senator Carper and Congressman Carney, will meet with Col. Raymond Kozak, the new Commander of the Air Force Reserve’s 512^th Airlift Wing.  Col. Kozak assumed this leadership role in May from Col. Randal Bright who held the position for five years. Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902 – Closed to press.

Monday, July 2 at 11:45 a.m. – Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Energy Committee and co-chair of the Alliance to Save Energy, will join Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Governor Markell, Senator Carper and Congressman Carney on a tour of Delaware State University to view how DSU is implementing President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge.  DSU President Harry Williams was one of 60 CEOs, mayors and university presidents who committed to invest a total of almost $2 billion of private capital into energy efficiency projects.  Delaware State University, Mishoe Science Center Auditorium, 2^nd Floor, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 – Open to press. 

Monday, July 2 at 2:30 p.m. – Senator Coons will join Small Business Administrator Tony Leta, representatives from the Delaware Economic Development Office, and leaders from The First National Bank of Wyoming to congratulate Lori Llewellyn, owner of Landscape Consulting Services, on securing $33,000 in SBA loans.  The company, located in Wyoming, Delaware, will use the money toward hiring more employees and buying equipment.  As a newly-approved SBA lender, this is the first SBA loan given by The First National Bank of Wyoming.  The First National Bank of Wyoming, 120 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 – Open to press. 

Tuesday, July 3 at 11:30 a.m. – Senator Coons will join Governor Markell, Senator Carper and Congressman Carney at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand to recognize the completion of more than $35 million of ocean beach nourishment along Delaware’s coast.  The project included the dredging and placement of 3 million cubic yards of sand along community beaches from Lewes to Fenwick Island.  Delaware’s ocean beach nourishment was completed in June.  Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 – Open to press.

Tuesday, July 3 at 1:15 p.m. – Senator Coons will join Senator Carper, and Rehoboth Beach Mayor Sam Cooper at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market to talk with customers and vendors about how the 2012 Farm Bill will help Delaware’s agricultural community.  Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, 501 Rehoboth Avenue, Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 – Open to press.

Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 a.m. – Senator Coons will celebrate Independence Day at the Laurel 4^th of July Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Laurel Ministerial Association.   Georgia House Restaurant, 300 Delaware Avenue, Laurel, DE 19956 – Open to press.

Wednesday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m. - The Senator will walk in the Smyrna-Clayton 4^th of July Parade.  South Street near Smyrna Elementary School and St. Polycarps Church, Smyrna, DE 19977 – Open to press.

Wednesday, July 4 at 3:00 p.m. - The Senator will participate in the Hockessin 4^th of July Parade. Old Walkers Farm, Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 – Open to press.

Thursday, July 5 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will tour Evraz Claymont Steel with Senator Carper, Delaware Economic Development Office Secretary Alan Levin, and officials from Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP).  Evraz Claymont Steel is a carbon plate mini-mill specializing in the manufacture and sale of custom-order discrete steel plate in the United States and Canada.  Evraz Claymont Steel, Claymont, DE 19703 – Closed to press.

Thursday, July 5 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the Wilmington Rotary Club meeting. The Senator will address the need for both parties to come together to create jobs, as well as the ways to strengthen our local economy by expanding overseas markets for Delaware goods and services.  He will also discuss the suite of bipartisan innovation and job creation bills he has introduced in the last month to help jumpstart our economy and help local businesses grow and create jobs. The Hotel DuPont, DuBarry Room, Wilmington, DE 19801 – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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