Townsend

We Want Your Input: Take the Bike Trail Study Questionnaire!

The Town of Townsend is conducting a Bike Trail Study to better understand community needs, preferences, and experiences related to biking in our area. Your feedback will play an important role in planning improvements, enhancing safety, and shaping the future of our bike trail network.

We invite residents, trail users, cyclists, and community members to take a few minutes to complete our online questionnaire.

Take the Questionnaire

📋 Click here to participate:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=53PBhrX2IE2hIxwAQSbSMEtehGNbfS1LgT0zIKcJk7pURExTMEFPSkJIV0w1UU0wNVk2Q1oxSkNUUy4u&route=shorturl

Why Your Feedback Matters

• Help us understand how people use the bike trails

• Share your thoughts on trail conditions, safety, and amenities

• Influence future enhancements that benefit the whole community

Who Should Participate?

Everyone! Whether you’re a regular cyclist, occasional rider, or someone interested in community health and recreation — your input is valuable.

Deadline

Please complete the questionnaire by January 31st, 2026.

Thank you for taking part in this important community effort! If you have questions about the survey or the Bike Trail Study, please contact us at 302-378-8082 or via email at townhall@townsend.delaware.gov 

NOTICE OF BID OPENING- PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

 

Notice of Bid Opening- PW Facility

December 2025 Business Spotlight: Mountaire Farms – Proudly Serving Townsend Since 2012

This month, we shine our Business Spotlight on Mountaire Farms, a company with a century-long legacy of quality, family values, and strong agricultural partnerships. With operations across five states and an important grain facility right here in Townsend, Mountaire plays an essential role in supporting our local farming community and regional food supply.

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About Mountaire Farms

Mountaire Farms began its story in 1914, when the company was founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, as a small feed business. Over the course of more than 110 years, Mountaire has grown and evolved into the fourth-largest chicken company in the United States, with operations in:

• Delaware

• Maryland

• Virginia

• North Carolina

• Arkansas

Today, Mountaire remains proudly family-owned and operated, reflecting the same strong values they were built on—hard work, quality, and caring for their customers and communities.

Here in Townsend, the company’s Prime Quality team is responsible for buying and selling grain from local farmers, providing the essential feed ingredients needed to raise healthy chickens across Delaware. This location plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping Mountaire’s poultry operations running efficiently and sustainably.

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How Mountaire Came to Townsend

In June 2012, Mountaire purchased the former Gavilon Grain Elevator located in Townsend. The acquisition strengthened Mountaire’s network of grain storage facilities across the Delmarva Peninsula and expanded their ability to work closely with farmers in northern Delaware and surrounding areas.

The Townsend facility operates as Mountaire’s northernmost grain elevator, allowing the company to purchase grain from:

• Kent County, Delaware

• New Castle County, Delaware

• Southeastern Pennsylvania

• Southwestern New Jersey

This strategic location not only benefits Mountaire but also offers farmers in multiple states a dependable, local buyer during the busy harvest season.

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A Commitment That Sets Them Apart

Mountaire Farms stands out for more than its size and longevity. What truly sets the company apart is its unwavering dedication to quality and integrity.

• Family-owned for over a century

• More than 10,000 employees nationwide

• Quality assurance built into every step of their operation

• Strong focus on customer care and community partnership

Despite their growth, Mountaire has remained grounded in their core values, ensuring every decision reflects their belief in doing the right thing—day after day, season after season.

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What Mountaire Enjoys Most

The team at Mountaire’s Townsend location says the highlight of their work is the people—especially the local farmers they serve each year.

These farmers, many of whom have partnered with Mountaire for decades, rely on the facility to help them move their harvest efficiently and reliably. Mountaire considers it a true blessing to support these hardworking individuals who feed our region and beyond.

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A Memorable Story from the Townsend Team

Among the many farmers who come through each year, one stands out in particular. He was a small, seasoned farmer who arrived every harvest season pulling a wagon of corn behind his 1950s-era tractor. For years, he greeted the Mountaire team with a warm smile and a steady determination.

On his final visit before retiring, his antique tractor broke down and had to be towed to the facility. Despite the setback, his spirit, dedication, and work ethic left a lasting impression on the Mountaire team—serving as a reminder of why their work matters and how deeply connected they are to the farming community.

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Support From the Townsend Community

Mountaire is grateful for the strong working relationship they have built with:

• Townsend officials

• Local residents

• Nearby farmers and agricultural partners

These partnerships help create a smooth and successful harvest season each year. The company values the open communication and mutual respect they’ve received since opening their Townsend location.

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What’s Coming Up: Harvest Season

The upcoming harvest season is one of the busiest times of the year for Mountaire. As farmers begin bringing in their crops, Townsend residents may notice an increase in truck traffic as loads of corn are delivered to the grain facility.

Mountaire kindly asks residents for patience and understanding during this period. Their team works hard to get trucks unloaded quickly so farmers can return to their fields and keep their operations running smoothly.

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What Many People Don’t Know

Behind every package of chicken on the dinner table lies a complex and hardworking process. Mountaire emphasizes that it takes many people—from farmers to grain buyers to plant workers—to ensure the highest quality product reaches families across the country.

Their Townsend facility is a key piece of this much larger agricultural chain.

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How Residents Can Support Mountaire

Mountaire is proud to be part of the Townsend community and welcomes open communication with residents. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about their operations, they encourage you to reach out directly:

📞 William Brandes
Grain Facility Manager
(302) 378-2222 ext. 2662

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Mountaire Farms has spent more than a century caring for the communities they serve. Townsend is grateful to be part of that legacy, and we appreciate the value they bring to our local farmers, our regional food supply, and our town.

Thank you, Mountaire, for your continued investment in Townsend and your dedication to quality, community, and tradition.

Honoring Our Veterans – Veterans Day 2025

 

 

Today, the Town of Townsend joins our nation in honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time to pause and reflect on the courage, dedication, and sacrifices made by those who have worn the uniform in defense of our freedom and democracy.

From those who served in times of peace to those who stood in harm’s way during conflict, each veteran has played an essential role in shaping the history and safety of our nation. Their commitment reminds us that freedom is never free—it is protected and preserved through the selfless acts of service members and their families.

As a community, we are proud to recognize our local veterans and thank them for their unwavering service. Whether through a moment of silence, flying the flag, attending a ceremony, or simply offering a word of thanks, let us each take time today to show appreciation for those who have given so much.

The Town of Townsend encourages all residents to:

• Thank a veteran personally — a simple “thank you for your service” goes a long way.

• Display the American flag proudly in honor of all who have served.

• Take time to reflect on the history and meaning of Veterans Day.

• Support local veterans’ organizations that continue to provide care and connection to those who served.

On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and staff — we extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Your strength, resilience, and devotion to our country continue to inspire us all.

Thank you, veterans. Your service will never be forgotten.

❄️ Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Winter Assistance Program ❄️

❄️ Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Winter Assistance Program ❄️

This winter season, the Town of Townsend is encouraging neighbors to help neighbors when inclement weather arrives. We understand that snow shoveling can be a challenge for some members of our community, and we’re here to help connect those willing to lend a hand with those who may need a little extra assistance.

If you are interested in volunteering to help shovel snow for a neighbor within town limits, please use the volunteer sign-up link below.

If you are a neighbor in need of snow shoveling assistance, please use the needs sign-up link below.

👉 Volunteer Sign-Up Form

👉 Neighbor Needs Assistance Form

Prior to each snow event, these lists will be shared with both volunteers and households requesting assistance so connections can be made in advance.

Please note: The Town of Townsend is only facilitating these connections and assumes no responsibility for the services provided. This is a community-driven effort built on kindness, cooperation, and care for one another.

Let’s work together to keep Townsend safe, accessible, and neighborly this winter!

Best Regards, 

Julie Goodyear

Town Manager

$40 for 40 Meals- Food Drive

2025 Townsend Holiday Meal Drive

🎄 Townsend’s Efforts to Support Our Neighbors This Holiday Season 🎄

The holiday season is a time for community, compassion, and coming together to support one another. This year, the Town of Townsend is proud to announce our initiative to help local families enjoy a hearty holiday meal through Aldi’s $40 Holiday Meal Deal program.

Each $40 meal package provides all the essentials for a festive holiday dinner — including a main course, sides, and dessert — feeding a family of up to ten with comfort and cheer.

🍽 Our Goal: 40 Meals for 40 Families

We’re committed to sponsoring 40 holiday meals for 40 Townsend-area families this season. By working together as a community, we can ensure that every family has the opportunity to gather around the table and celebrate with a warm meal and full hearts.

💛 How You Can Help

We invite our residents, neighbors, and local businesses to join us in this effort by contributing toward the cost of the meals. Every donation makes a direct impact right here in our community.

Donations can be made in the following ways:

• Cash or Check: Drop off your donation at Townsend Town Hall during regular business hours.

• PayPal: Donate online by scanning the QR code below or by visiting our PayPal link.

All funds collected will go directly toward purchasing holiday meal kits for local families.

🕊 For Our Neighbors in Need

If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving one of these holiday meals, we welcome you to sign up using the confidential sign-up sheet linked below.
This information will be used solely for the purpose of meal distribution and will remain private.

👉 Townsend Holiday Meal Sign-Up Sheet  – Fill out form

🌟 Let’s Make the Season Bright

Your generosity helps us continue the spirit of giving that makes Townsend such a special place to live. Together, we can make sure that no family goes without a warm meal and a reason to smile this holiday season.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about this project, please contact Town Hall at (302) 378-8082 or email townhall@townsend.delaware.gov.

Thank you for helping us make this holiday season brighter for our neighbors!

Townsend Business Spotlight – November 2025

🌟 Townsend Business Spotlight – November 2025

Featuring: Gabrielle’s Italian Ice 🍧

Each month, the Town of Townsend proudly highlights one of our incredible local businesses through our Townsend Business Spotlight series! This feature is all about celebrating the hardworking entrepreneurs who bring life, flavor, and community spirit to our town. From long-time local favorites to new small businesses making their mark, each one helps make Townsend a place we’re proud to call home.

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on a sweet local tradition that’s been cooling off our community for over a decade — Gabrielle’s Italian Ice!

About the Business
Gabrielle’s Italian Ice is a family-owned food truck serving authentic, homemade Italian ice in a wide variety of refreshing flavors. Since opening in 2009, Gabrielle’s has become a beloved part of summertime in Townsend, known for its friendly service, bright smiles, and delicious treats that bring people together at festivals, family events, and neighborhood gatherings.

The Inspiration Behind the Business
What began as a simple idea rooted in fun and family has grown into a cherished community staple. “I was inspired by a passion for creating something family-friendly and community-focused,” shares the owner. “Italian ice was the perfect fit—it’s light, refreshing, and always puts a smile on people’s faces.”

Why Townsend?
For Gabrielle’s Italian Ice, choosing Townsend was easy. “Townsend is a welcoming community with strong family values,” the owner says. “It felt like the perfect place to share what we do. People here truly support local businesses and appreciate the value of something unique and family-oriented.”

What Makes Gabrielle’s Special
Every scoop of Gabrielle’s Italian Ice is crafted with authenticity, consistency, and care. Their focus on quality ingredients and friendly service has helped them build a reputation not just for their treats, but for the experience they provide. Customers know that each visit will be met with the same great flavor and warm smiles that keep them coming back year after year.

The Joy of the Business
For the team at Gabrielle’s, the best reward is seeing joy on customers’ faces. “There’s nothing better than watching kids try Italian ice for the first time or seeing families come back each summer for their favorite flavor,” the owner says. “Those moments make it all worthwhile.”

A Proud Moment
One of the business’s proudest achievements is hearing families say that a visit to Gabrielle’s Italian Ice has become part of their summer tradition. “Knowing that our small business has become a lasting memory for families is something I’ll always treasure,” says the owner.

Community Connection
From day one, Townsend has shown tremendous support—visiting regularly, spreading the word, and inviting Gabrielle’s to community events. That loyalty and encouragement are what fuel the business’s continued success.

What’s Next for Gabrielle’s
Gabrielle’s Italian Ice continues to bring smiles to every event they attend! They regularly appear at local festivals, private parties, school events, and corporate gatherings—and they’re always adding new seasonal flavors and fun promotions. Follow them on social media to stay updated on where to find them next!

🍧 Support local and treat yourself to a taste of summer with Gabrielle’s Italian Ice! Whether it’s at a community event or your next special occasion, you’re sure to leave smiling.

   

 

📢 Are you a business located within the Town of Townsend?
If you’d like your business to be considered for an upcoming Townsend Business Spotlight, please contact Town Hall to request the Business Spotlight questionnaire. We’d love to share your story and highlight your contribution to our community!

Business Spotlight of the Month!

Holiday Food and Coat Drive: Give the Gift of Warmth and a Full Plate