Community Briefs 5/8/24

Delaware Coastal Prime Timers welcomes participants

Delaware Coastal Prime Timers hosts many events to encourage single and coupled gay men ages 21 and older to socialize and create new friendships. Prime Timers is a fun, welcoming, member-driven international social organization with 75 chapters and more than 10,000 members.

For more information, go to delawarecoastalpt.org or email coastalprimetimers@gmail.com.

Farmhouse Pet Lodge installs cutting-edge air-disinfection system

Farmhouse Pet Lodge announced it has made a significant investment in commercial air-disinfection technology from Aerapy Animal Health. Aerapy's commercial air-disinfection system utilizes cutting-edge UV technology, proven to effectively mitigate harmful pathogens and bacteria present in the air. 

The state-of-the-art UV system has undergone rigorous research, testing and study-backed validation to ensure the safety and well-being of both furry guests and staff members.

“We are committed to providing the highest standards of care for our furry guests, and investing in Aerapy's air-disinfection technology reaffirms our dedication to their safety and well-being," said Chris Farrall, Farmhouse Pet Lodge owner. "Our clients can trust that we are taking every precaution to create a clean and healthy environment for their beloved pets."

For more information, go to farmhousepetlodge.com, call 302-532-BARK (2275) or email info@farmhousepetlodge.com.

Rehoboth library announces new director, staff changes

Rehoboth Beach Public Library announced Lauren McCauley as its new director. Since July, McCauley had served as interim director. At its March meeting, the board of trustees unanimously approved McCauley as permanent director.

With a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University, McCauley started as the library events coordinator in 2018. In 2020, she was promoted to program librarian, helping with community outreach, and providing an increasing variety of programs and events. 

Julie Pusey, circulation lead since 2021, has been promoted to adult services librarian. In addition to circulation duties, she set up passive programs for patrons and regularly contributed suggestions for new additions to the adult collection and services. Her new role includes cataloging the adult collection and handling interlibrary loan requests.

Jay Campbell has newly joined the library staff as events coordinator. In addition to organizing events, Campbell will help keep the community updated on library-related news via press releases, social media and the website.

Sussex entities lauded for conservation practices

At the Governor’s Agricultural and Urban Conservation Awards ceremony, Greenwood farmer Richard Swartzentruber was honored for sustainable agriculture practices and giving back. His operation covers almost 200 acres of cropland, with 60,000 organic broilers and 50 Wye Angus beef cattle that graze on organic pastures. As an organic farmer, Swartzentruber must be proactive in his operational management, with boots on the ground scouting and anticipating crop, soil and animal needs. Without the same tools as his peers, such as synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, he finds creative ways to manage his operation, like grazing cattle on cover crops planted in woods or utilizing the weed zapper, a 10,000-volt, tractor-mounted generator to kill weeds growing over a crop canopy.

Carl M. Freeman Companies and its Tower Hill Community in Lewes were recognized for providing a model of thoughtful and purposeful conservation. Tower Hill consists of 292 single-family homes covering approximately 135 acres in the Delaware Bay watershed. Stormwater management includes 13 wet ponds, two dry basins, approximately 60 acres of open space, and nine acres of woodlands. Recognizing the benefits of native plants compared with turfgrass, planners began meadow installation and seeding during the site construction phase.

All Saints’ to host Mother's Day concert May 10

A special musical offering has been scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, May 10, at All Saints' Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Celebrating Mother's Day will be presented by soloist Bob McDonald and accompanist Tony Nalker, both of whom are retired from the U.S. Army Chorus and frequent performers at the church. The program will include pop standards and favorites with special emphasis on songs about and tributes to mothers.

The concert is free and open to the public, and a freewill offering will be taken. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The church is handicapped accessible and there is ample parking on the street and in the church parking lot. For more information, email info@allsaintsandstgeorges.org, call 302-227-7202 or go to allsaintsandstgeorges.org.

Dewey Lions set community day May 11

The Dewey Beach Lions Club Community Day is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at the clubhouse at 115 McKinley Ave., Dewey Beach. All are welcome to the rain or shine event.  Attractions include a magic show at noon, games, face painting, crafts, educational interactive experiences, eye screenings, and representatives from Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and Brandywine Valley SPCA. Since its inception in 1951, the Dewey Beach Lions Club has been dedicated to the support of the community’s youth and their families. Club members have donated their time, thousands of dollars and goods in an effort to serve.

Festival of the arts set May 11 at Sussex Central

The Southern Delaware Festival of the Arts will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at Sussex Central High School, 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown.

Showcasing a rich tapestry of local talent, the festival offers a diverse array of activities and attractions sure to captivate attendees of all ages. In addition to culinary delights, craft activities and special performances, a marketplace will feature art and jewelry creations from talented artisans. Food trucks and ice cream vendors will be on site.

Attendees can also participate in a range of interactive classes and workshops. The festival will welcome guest clinicians from Delaware Shakespeare and the Choir School of Delaware. Live performances scheduled throughout the day include dynamic theater productions and soul-stirring singing.

"This event is a celebration of creativity, community and culture, and we can't wait to share it with everyone,” said Phoebe Marvel, Sussex Central choir director.

For more information, find Sussex Central Visual and Performing Arts on Facebook.

Funsters and Earth Jam to play May 11

The Funsters and Earth Jam will entertain attendees during the Race4Warriors 5K half-marathon races and festivities at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The Race4Warriors nonprofit organization exists to honor the veterans who have served in the Middle East and continue to recognize them for their service to the country. For more information, go to race4warriors.org and thefunsters.net.

Lighthouse for Broken Wings to benefit from May 11 food drive

Lighthouse for Broken Wings is one of the many participating beneficiary of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Founded and directed by Toni Short, RN, the nonprofit helps house people experiencing homelessness in the Rehoboth Beach area.

Members of the public are invited to leave a donation of nonperishable food in a bag near their mailboxes Saturday, May 11, and letter carriers will do the rest.

“The cost of food has risen post COVID-19. The increase of community members who are seeking assistance for basic needs has created an even greater need,” said Short. “Hunger is a symptom of the bigger issues at hand, the sharp escalation of inflation. Stamp Out Hunger will help supply food and decrease hunger pains of families, the elderly and individuals in need.”

For more information, go to nalc.org/community-service/food-drive and find Lighthouse for Broken Wings on Facebook.

Race4Warriors activities set May 11

The fourth annual Race4Warriors races and festivities will kick off at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 11, at the parade field in Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes. The Race4Warriors nonprofit organization exists to honor the veterans who have served in the Middle East and continue to recognize them for their service to the country.

The Funsters and Earth Jam will entertain attendees during the Race4Warriors 5K half-marathon races and festivities starting at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds will be divided with 35% supporting homeless veterans in Delaware and 35% benefiting wounded warriors in Delaware; 30% will go to support the following organizations: JROTC training programs for the Army (Sussex Central), Navy (Seaford High School), and Coast Guard (Sussex Tech); Fort Miles Historical Association: and the Dover Air Force Base First Sergeant Council to help military members serving today.

For more information, go to race4warriors.org.

UUSD to meet May 12

The Unitarian Universalist of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 12, with the theme, For All That Is. The  Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “On this Mother’s Day, we will ponder and practice together how we might all be less driven by worry. Worry is a necessary, understandable human emotion, and also, there is more to notice and to celebrate than just what our worrying homes in on.” For more information, go to uussd.org.

Women’s Club of Milton info meeting set May 13

The Women’s Club of Milton will host an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, May 13, at the Milton Public Library, for those interested in making a difference in the community. For more information, go to womensclubofmilton.org.

Aloft CEO to address Delaware Tech grads May 14

Delaware Technical Community College will hold commencement ceremonies to celebrate students graduating from its Jack F. Owens Campus at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 14,  at 21179 College Drive, Georgetown.

The commencement speaker will be Scott Meyer, president and CEO of Aloft AeroArchitects. He is an accomplished aerospace and business aviation executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large organizations. After earning his bachelor of science degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering from Purdue University, Meyer focused early in his career on leading-edge technologies like solid rocket motor design, advanced material applications for launch vehicles and aerospace technology-based operations. In the mid-’90s, he transitioned to the transport category business aviation sector where he spent almost 20 years in senior leadership roles. 

To view a live feed of graduation ceremonies, go to dtcc.edu.

Financial strategies for retirees events set May 14-15

Delaware Retiree Connection will offer free educational dinner events to present proactive, updated financial strategies for retirees.

Guests can attend at 5 or 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, or Wednesday, May 15, at 1776 Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach. Seating is limited. To reserve a space, go to dedicatedfinancialservices.com/events.

There is no cost or obligation for attendees; sessions are for educational purposes only, and no products will be sold.

Topics include using money more effectively to increase quality of life, get more-predictable income to enjoy retirement, and align spending with one’s values while combating inflation and reducing tax burdens.

Presenter Len Hayduchok is the founder of Delaware Retiree Connection, and CEO and owner of Dedicated Financial Services. As a fiduciary, certified financial planner and certified life coach, he helps guide others to make the most of their retirement. Investment advisory services are offered through SGL Financial LLC. For more information, go to dedicatedfinancialservices.com.

Pickleball injury-prevention seminar set May 15

Aquacare Physical Therapy will host a free pickleball clinic at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, at 34434 King Street Row, Lewes. The educational seminar is for those interested in starting to play pickleball, those who are already players, and anyone interested in learning about injury prevention, proper warm-ups, and cool-down exercises.

Presenters are expert physical therapists. The event is free but advance registration is required. Registrants will be entered into a drawing for a free one-on-one physical therapy consultation and evaluation.

To register, go to tinyurl.com/may15-pickleball or call 302-200-9920.

For more information, go to aquacarephysicaltherapy.com.

Free financial class to spotlight annuities May 16

The Delaware Money School will host Understanding Annuities, a free financial education workshop with Robert Jeter, CFP, CRPC, of InFocus Financial Advisors Inc. from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, May 16, at Lewes Public Library. Annuities are a vital component of retirement planning, yet many people remain unsure about how they work and when they are the right choice. This class aims to demystify annuities and equip attendees with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their retirement investments. To register, go to retireinfocus.com/educational-classes.

RD20 Democrats to meet May 16

The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at the Lewes Diner, 1201 Savannah Road, Lewes. An informal social gathering for Dutch treat dinner starts at 5 p.m. 

Guest speaker will be Trinidad Navarro, Delaware insurance commissioner. Navarro will discuss his re-election campaign, as well as the current status of the Delaware insurance industry.

Any registered Democrat in Delaware is welcome to participate in RD20’s social hour and business meeting. 

For more information, go to rd20deldems.com. To be placed on RD20’s email list, email rd20.deldems@gmail.com.

RD20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents of Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and sections of Harbeson and Georgetown.