As the age-old saying goes, there comes a point in every young person’s life when it’s time to leave the nest and spread their own wings.
Descending into a life of bills, hard work and much responsibility, I left the nest for good only two weeks ago.
I packed up a room full of possessions and memories built up over a lifetime in Newark and made the move “south of the canal.”
To be honest, although I was born and raised in Delaware, I never knew much about the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area growing up. But don’t worry; I realized just what I was missing when I stepped foot onto Main Street in Middletown.
Although the town has grown immensely over the past few years from what I hear, that small-town feel most certainly remains.
I could tell after only seconds of being in Middletown that the term “community” is alive and well here. The residents here have a genuine interest in preserving the town’s history and wellbeing, and everyone who I’ve talked to has been nothing but friendly.
Before officially becoming a resident of the town, I frequently made the 30-minute commute between Newark and Middletown by crossing the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal and traveling Route 896.
I came to realize there’s just something about crossing the Summit Bridge heading south that puts the mind at ease. This could be in my head, but I’d like to think it’s the calm environment on the other side of the bridge.
Also, the great thing about my job is I get to interact with my fellow community members every day of the year, whether it’s at the Halloween Trick or Treat, the local parades, or at the next show playing at the Everett.
So to my Middletown comrades, I look forward to getting to know as many of you as I can. You will surely see me out and about either along Main Street or perusing your local market.
And for those of you who I’ve already met, thanks for making me feel so welcome, as I make the transition into full-on adulthood.
Jennifer Hayes is a staff reporter for the Middletown Transcript.
