Community

Compassionate Cliff: Downtown Visions Ambassador Helps Citizen to Safety

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Downtown Visions Cleaning Ambassador Cliff Fitzgerald was out on his morning rounds one Sunday when he came across someone in need of his help. Downtown business owner, Victor Battaglia, accidentally injured himself and was without a phone or the keys to his office. Without a second thought, Cliff rushed to help him and get him to the hospital.

Mr. Battaglia wrote to the Downtown Visions office to share his experience and how grateful he was for Cliff’s assistance. Though this incident is rare, the compassion shown by Cliff is not. Cliff is a a true example of our values as an organization, and could not be more deserving of this praise.

Please read an excerpt of Mr. Battaglia’s letter below and understand just how willing to help our Ambassadors are at all times:

I write to thank you for kindness shown to me by Cliff Fitzgerald on Sunday April 25, 2021.

On that day, I had gone to work for a client at about 8:50 a.m. My son dropped me off at the office, and I entered and put my key to the office and cell phone on the desk. In a short time, I felt the need of coffee. I went out without my keys or phone. It was Sunday and nobody with reasonable distance is open. I walked the street looking for a place. No such thing. Resumed walking to go across the street to parking garage to see if there is a phone. No phone. I went along the walkway in the garage which appeared to me to be about 4 inches above the drive way. I tried to step off the walkway to the driveway and when I did, I fell and injured myself.

As I lay on the ground, for about 5 minutes, no one stopped in the garage on or on the street.

Then I spotted your vehicle and Cliff. Problem solved. I don't know if I would have bled to death if not for him. He got me to go to the hospital and the cure was started.

I had to lengthen this letter because I want you to know the great kindness of your employee and what appeared to be my recovery.

Thank you for him and thank him for me. He is not only a good employee he is both kind and thoughtful.”

In case you didn’t know, Downtown Visions Ambassadors offer cleaning and safety support 7 days a week in the Downtown Central Business District. Next time you see one of our uniformed ambassadors (in bright yellow clothing), don’t hesitate to approach them and request information about downtown! They can give you directions, information on restaurants, hotels and local shops — just ask. You can also request a free safety escort by calling (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood during operating hours from 6AM to 12AM.

Downtown Visions Safety Ambassador Praised on Brandywine Buzz!

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In a post on Brandywine Buzz, local blogger Tracy Murphy details her recent experience with Downtown Visions Safety Ambassador, Reggie, who assisted with the return of lost property. Reggie couldn’t be more deserving of the praise, and we thank Tracy for the kind words!

In case you didn’t know, Downtown Visions Ambassadors offer cleaning and safety support 7 days a week in the Downtown Central Business District. Each Safety Ambassador receives over 80 hours of in-house training in addition to field training on topics such as crime prevention, customer service, local history, and local attractions. Next time you see one of our uniformed ambassadors (in bright yellow clothing), don’t hesitate to approach them and request information about downtown! They can give you directions, information on restaurants, hotels and local shops — just ask. You can also request a free safety escort by calling (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood during operating hours from 6AM to 12AM.

Read an excerpt of Tracy’s experience below:

“I decided to attend a public event declaring racism a public health crisis (it is) and, since I would be in downtown Wilmington, I added on a lunch with a board member. This was the kind of thing I did ALL THE TIME in the before times. Looked at the calendar, figured out based on location and timing what else I could squeeze in, arranged it. I did this in my sleep in the before times.

So, I parked the car on Market Street and went to park using the parkmobile app but it had been so long since I had used it that the card had expired so I used my last 5 quarters to park (relevant later) and walked to the event. For late-April, it was FREEZING and afterward, I hustled back to my car to move it to a spot closer to the restaurant and put a dime in the meter and figured I’d get to the restaurant, order a hot beverage, and re-do the parking app while I waited.

Except when I reached into my bag to get my wallet to use the credit card to update the app, no wallet. I dash to the car, retrace my steps, look in the car, no wallet. Panic sets in. All I can picture is spending the next week dealing with cancelling cards, disputing charges, getting a new license, and then the real panic - my vaccine card was in there. UGHHHH. Actual panic. Sweating, short of breath, heart racing. Just panic. I spend the next ten minutes on the phone, alerting my Chase card, husband, and board member; the lovely restaurant host was so helpful when I couldn’t even pay for my hot tea; and then I walked back out to my car and THE DOWNTOWN VISIONS GUY WALKING BY WAS HOLDING MY WALLET.

Seriously. Like, he walked by me with my wallet. After confirming it was mine, we peeked inside - cash, cards, license and holy vaccine card inside! Panic abated, leading to sheer elation. Showing him my vaccine card, I asked if he’d accept a hug from a fully vaccinated Delawarean. He said yes, and so that is the story of how hugs are back and how I don’t know how to live in the world anymore.”

Click here to read the full story on Brandywine Buzz.

Open for Business in Downtown Wilmington DE

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Downtown Wilmington DE is home to hundreds of small businesses ready to serve you! Use this directory to search what businesses are currently open for business.

As Delaware continues to safely ease restrictions and establishments return to more normal operations, please be sure to follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines, and check with businesses for additional safety precautions during your visit.

For help traveling to Downtown Wilmington DE during the ongoing I-95 construction, please visit www.restorethecorridor.com for up-to-date traffic information, an interactive map, and alternate routes. For information on parking in Downtown Wilmington DE, please click here.


We rely on our small business community to create thriving neighborhoods for our residents and visitors every day. During this time of uncertainty, we need to do all we can to support these businesses, and their staff, by: dining in, ordering takeout, purchasing gift cards, following them on social media, spreading the word about their offers, or posting a positive review.

Please consider helping our small business owners and #ShopSmall during this crisis and always!

If you are looking for additional ways to support these businesses and help them bounce back from COVID-19, please consider donating to the Wilmington Strong Fund, which offers grants to small businesses within the City of Wilmington to ensure they remain open for business for years to come.

Stick to your New Year's Resolutions with These Downtown Businesses

Sticking to your New Year's resolutions all year long can be difficult, but with help from these Downtown Wilmington DE businesses you'll be able to achieve your goals whether you want to feel your best, nourish your body, or even learn a new skill!

If you want to feel your best…

CoreTen Fitness Wilmington DE

CoreTen Fitness | 1007 N. Orange Street, Suite GL-05

CoreTen Fitness is Wilmington, DE’s premier fitness facility offering a variety of membership options for any type of exerciser. In addition to their state-of-the-art cardio equipment, knowledgeable coaches and extensive weight room, CoreTen Fitness offers personal training programs, group exercise classes, small group training and more!

Central YMCA | 501 W 11th St

As a Y member, you will have access to personalized fitness plans, state-of-the-art fitness centers, hundreds of group exercise classes, babysitting while you work out, indoor and outdoor pools, tons of programming for youth and adults, personal training and so much more! Oh, and did you know that you can also visit most YMCAs across the country at no extra charge? What are you waiting for?


If you want to nourish your body…

Green Box Kitchen Wilmington DE

Eat Clean Juice Bar | 225 N Market St

Healthy never tasted this good! Eat Clean is a full-service juice bar serving health-conscious comfort food, including cold-pressed juices using local and organic produce. Build your own smoothies & acai bowls with an array of ingredients that meet your healthy tastebuds, and so much more.

Green Box Kitchen | 400 N Market St

Eating healthy should be simple and enjoyable. The goal of Green Box Kitchen is to make eating healthy uncomplicated and tasty by using nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients that are not only good for you but, also taste absolutely amazing. Their mission is to nourish our community by serving a healthy, approachable, and tasteful plant-based menu, all while rooting our efforts in local philanthropy and social change. 


If you want to learn something new…

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LaFate Gallery | 227 N Market St

Painting the Folk Art Way class is designed for participants to "Discover the Artist in YOU". The presenter will discuss the basics of creating a work of art. Participants will tour the gallery for inspiration. Participants will be guided to create a work of art using LINES, SHAPES, & COLORS.

NextFab | 503 N Tatnall St

At NextFab, you’ll find all the tools and technology needed to support your entrepreneurial endeavors, as well as a tight-knit community to connect with. With department workshops, offices, communal space, and flexible space ready to be tailored to members’ needs, they offer the latest resources and a clean, comfortable environment to work in.

The Sold Firm | 800 N Tatnall St

The STORM exhibit opens Friday 2/19/21 in the Sold Firm art gallery. This is a solo exhibit by Sakana Walls. An incarcerated painter using his gift as freedom until the release date. Tickets are $10 and are now available for opening weekend 2/19, 2/20 and 2/21. Sakana will be live on video during opening weekend, from the correctional facility he is currently housed in.

Wilmington Public Library | 10 E 10th St

It's Lit Community Book Club is a partnership between the Wilmington Public Library and PowHER Book Club. This book club is an open virtual space for adults. Each month they read a book from a writer from the African diaspora. For more information and to register for the book club, click here.

Have you ever wanted to learn American Sign Language? Here's your chance! Learn the basics of American Sign Language ONLINE through the library! This class will meet every Wednesday at 7pm via Zoom for (4) weeks. All participants are expected to attend all four sessions. Each week participants will learn new skills to prepare them for future meetings. Learn more.

Zip Code Wilmington | 1007 N Orange St, 4th Floor

No matter your age, gender, educational background, or career, Zip Code Wilmington coaches every day, motivated people from diverse backgrounds into skilled, professional developers. The program will give you the know-how and network to build a career you're excited about all while doing meaningful work. Join a dynamic group of people hungry to be in control of their career paths and love what they do. Become a Zip Coder.

Winter Ready Grants Offer Comfortable Outdoor Dining in Downtown Wilmington DE

Image Credit: Local_boy_photography

Image Credit: Local_boy_photography

Earlier this fall, New Castle County announced its Winter Ready Restaurant Grant program in an effort to support local Delaware restaurants as they prepared their outdoor spaces for colder climates. These grants have allowed several of our Downtown Wilmington DE restaurants to keep outdoor dining a viable and comfortable option for restaurant goers with additional heaters, lighting, and furniture,

Stitch House Brewery

Restaurants, such as Bardea, have used these grants to expand their outdoor seating for comfortable open-air dining. Bardea co-owner Scott Stein wants the restaurant to be a safe space for customers to feel good knowing protocol is being taken seriously and they can step away from the current struggles and enjoy a good meal.

“I just want people to feel comfortable,” he says.

The Bardea Winter Garden is open for reservation along with many other Downtown Wilmington DE restaurants that have benefited from the Winter Ready Grants. Please visit them today and continue to support small during this difficult time.

Chelsea Tavern Wilmington DE