The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Feb. 11 – Feb. 17

Monday, February 11 at 8:00 a.m. — The Senator will host a conference on sustainable development and trade with Africa. The Opportunity: Africa conference will give Delawareans a seat at the table with some of the nation’s leading voices on sustainable development and trade with Africa, looking closely at how Delaware’s businesses, faith communities, and individuals can engage with Africa. Senator Coons, Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. Elkanah Odembo, and author/columnist Michael Gerson will keynote. Delaware State University, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:45 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113^th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing entitled, “Opportunities and Challenges for Natural Gas.” The hearing will explore opportunities and challenges associated with America’s natural gas resources.  366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Budget Committee hearing. The hearing will focus on the Congressional Budget Office’s budget and economic outlook for fiscal years 2013-2023. Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, will testify during the hearing. 608 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. — The Senator and his wife, Annie, will attend the secretary of state’s annual dinner. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Tuesday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the president’s annual State of the Union address. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, February 13 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with business leaders from around the nation. The meeting will focus on innovation, job creation, and strengthening the economy. S. 207, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.  

Wednesday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. — The Senator will chair the second panel of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on comprehensive immigration reform. The hearing will take place a week after Senator Coons and Chairman Patrick Leahy called on their colleagues to ensure that the immigration reforms remain “grounded in civil and human rights, and ensure due process, equal treatment, and fairness. Witnesses include the Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security; Jose Antonio Vargas, Founder of Define American; Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies; Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC; Chris Crane, President of National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council 118 of the American Federation of Government Employees; and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 3:30 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Wednesday, February 13 at 3:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. During the meeting, members will consider committee rules for the 113^th Congress, as well as subcommittee membership and jurisdiction for the new Congress. Senator Coons is poised to be reappointed to the chair of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. S-116 Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact: Foreign Relations Committee’s Jodi Seth at 202-224-4159.

Thursday, February 14 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Feb. 4 – Feb. 10

Monday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center-Eastside clinic. Senator Coons will join Senator Carper, Congressman Carney and Mayor Williams for the dedication of Henrietta Johnson Medical Center’s new Eastside location.  The Henrietta Johnson Medical Center – Eastside is the result of a partnership between the Christina School District, Children & Families First, and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center. 600 North Lombard Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 6 – The Senator will attend the Senate Democratic Caucus Retreat. Annapolis, MD. Closed to press.

Tuesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. — The Senator will speak at the leadership dinner of the American Council on Renewable Energy Policy Forum. Senator Coons will deliver remarks during the 10th annual National Policy Forum entitled, “Moving from Politics to Policy: Advancing the Business of Renewable Energy,” which will aim to chart the path forward for pro-growth, constructive and bipartisan renewable energy policy. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend a World Learning ceremony honoring former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with the Distinguished Global Citizen Achievement Award. World Learning is a nonprofit organization advancing leadership through education, exchange, and development programs in more than 60 countries. Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the National Prayer Breakfast. Washington Hilton. Open to credentialed press.

Thursday, February 7 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, February 7 at 10:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at an Alliance to Save Energy press conference announcing the launch of its Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy. The Alliance will unveil a set of policies to double U.S. energy productivity by 2030, creating a framework for an innovative future by driving energy efficiency in all sectors of the U.S. economy. Senator Coons is an honorary vice chair of the Alliance to Save Energy. SVC 209-208, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Washington D.C. Open to press who RSVP here: http://bit.ly/Ujk5Sy

Thursday, February 7 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, February 8 at 5:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak to the Bank of America’s Black Professional Group. 1100 N King St, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Friday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at the 2012 Annual Dover Air Force Base Wing Awards Ceremony.  This year’s award ceremony recognizing the Base’s top performers will focus on the Air Force’s “tradition of dedication and excellence.” Dover Downs, Dover, DE – Open to press.  

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Jan. 28 – Feb. 3

Monday, January 28 at 7:30 a.m. — The Senator will give the keynote address at a breakfast benefiting the Del-Mar-Va Council of Boy Scouts. The Del-Mar-Va Council provides Scouting opportunities throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, serving approximately 388 units and more than 4,500 volunteers who are delivering the promise to more than 10,000 youth in traditional Scouting programs. Ed Oliver Golf Course, 800 North Dupont Road, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press.

Tuesday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee business meeting. S-116, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “What Should America Do About Gun Violence?” Witnesses that are confirmed to testify during the hearing include: CPT. Mark Kelly, Americans for Responsible Solutions; Nicholas Johnson, Professor of Law, Fordham University School of Law; James Johnson, Chief of Police, Baltimore County Police Department, and Chair, National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence; Gayle Trotter, Attorney and Senior Fellow, Independent Women’s Forum; and Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, National Rifle Association. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, January 30 at 2:15 p.m. – The Senator will speak at a “State of the Business” meeting hosted by The Real Estate Roundtable. The Real Estate Roundtable brings together leaders of the nation’s top publicly held and privately owned real estate ownership, development, lending and management firms with the leaders of major national real estate trade associations to jointly address key national policy issues relating to real estate and the overall economy.  325 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, January 30 at 3:00 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.

Thursday, January 31 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will cohost a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition breakfast for freshman senators to talk about the importance of the international affairs budget. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition is a broad-based influential 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. 383 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. - Closed to press.

Thursday, January 31 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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

Monday, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. — The Senator will speak at a press event on the dredging of the Nanticoke River.  Deepening the Nanticoke River clears the way for increased business and commerce for many industries in Sussex County and other communities along the waterway. Senator Carper and Congressman Carney will also participate. Nanticoke River Yacht Club, 30 N. Market Street, Blades, Delaware – Open to press.

Monday, December 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.

Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, "The State of the Right to Vote After the 2012 Election." Senator Coons, an advocate for voters’ rights, introduced legislation last month to help states improve their elections. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing entitled, “Benghazi: The Attacks and Lessons Learned.” Although Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is no longer available to testify due to illness, Deputy Secretary of State William Burns Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Thomas Nides will testify. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, December 20 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Dec. 3 – Dec. 9

Monday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at “A Call to Action: Collaboratively Ending Homelessness in Delaware,” hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. This discussion will allow participants to engage in dialogue about strategies, tools and action steps Delaware’s nonprofit executives can take to maximize available resources to end homelessness in the First State. Community Services Building, 100 West 10th Street, Wilmington, DE - Closed to press.

Monday, December 3 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, December 4 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, December 4 at 11:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a U.S.-Morocco Business Development Conference hosted by the U.S. Department of State. The conference will focus on Morocco’s economy and America’s trade relationship with Morocco. U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, December 5 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs hearing on Mali. The hearing, entitled “AssessingDevelopments in Mali: Restoring Democracy and Reclaiming the North,” will include testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State;  The Honorable Earl Gast, Assistant Administrator for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development; Ms. Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Department of Defense; Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa, National Democratic Institute; Ms. Corinne Dufka, Senior Researcher, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch; and Mr. Nii Akuetteh, Independent Policy Researcher. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Open to press.

Thursday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend and honorary-host the Taste of Delaware celebration of Delaware Day in Washington. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state in the nation to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Senator Carper and Congressman Carney will be among the many proud Delawareans who attend this event, which is hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and brings Delaware restaurants and beverage-makers. Kennedy Caucus Room, 325 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Friday, December 7 at 10:45 a.m. —The Senator will speak at a USDA grant announcement for rural housing development. During the event, Senator Coons will discuss the USDA Rural Development funds that have been allocated for the recruitment, loan packaging, and related activities for prospective self-help housing applicants throughout Kent and Sussex Counties. Milford Housing Development Corp., 977 East Masten Circle, Milford, DE – Open to press.

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Nov. 26 – Dec. 2

Monday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at a major grant announcement for Delaware State University’s neuroscience program. Senator Coons will join Senator Carper and Congressman Carney in announcing a National Institutes of Health grant to create infrastructure to support theresearch and career development of neuroscientists at Delaware State University and the University of Delaware. Open to press.

Monday, November 26 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, November 27 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.

Wednesday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m. — The Senator will chair a Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing. The nominees being considered are the Honorable Robert F. Godec, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya; and Ms. Deborah Ann McCarthy, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, November 29 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting. During the business meeting, the Committee will consider substitute amendments for H.R. 2471, which would give government agencies more cyber surveillance power than they possess under current law. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. 

Thursday, November 29 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, November 30 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will preside over the Senate until 12:00 p.m. 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.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: Nov. 13 - Nov. 18

Tuesday, November 13 at 1:30 p.m. — The Senator will speak at orientation for new senators in a session called “How to Survive the Next Few Weeks,” which will focus on the professional and personal transition into the Senate. Senate Visitors Center, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Tuesday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend a classified Senate Foreign Relations Committee briefing on the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.  Senate Visitors Center, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Tuesday, November 13 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.

Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the opening night of the Washington Ideas Forum. The Atlantic, in partnership with the Aspen Institute and the Newseum, willpresent the fourth annual Washington Ideas Forum. The event will draw together leading voices from government, business, and media for two days of conversation and debate on the challenges facing the President and Congress, and what lies ahead for the country. 2211 20th Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, November at 6:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at World Wildlife Fund’s Fuller Symposium on Conservation Crime. Senator Coons will discuss how poaching and other wildlife crime impacts broader U.S. foreign policy goals; the role of partnerships in creating solutions; and the importance of science and technical innovation in helping protect wildlife. World Wildlife Fund works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States. National Geographic, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, November 15 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will speak at orientation for new senators in a session called “Lessons Learned from the Class of 2011.” The session will highlight questions the senators who were elected two years ago wish they had asked during their own orientation. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Council on Competitiveness Dinner honoring Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.). The dinner will be hosted by U.S. Department of State Under Secretary Hormats to honor Senator Lugar and Senator Bingaman for their distinguished service to this nation and their work in keeping America competitive and Americans prosperous. State Department, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Friday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 12:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Saturday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will participate in the “Girls on the Run 5K” at the Wilmington Riverfront. Girls on the Run is a positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.  Senator Coons’ wife, Annie, is a volunteer with Girls on the Run and was the honorary co-chair of the organization’s Halloween Hoopla 5k last month. Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE.

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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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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