Community Briefs 6/12/24
KSI receives grant from Milford Lions
KSI recently received a generous $2,500 grant from the Milford Lions Club Eunice Reed Fund.
As KSI continually makes improvements to its programs and services, these crucial funds will enable the agency to provide easier access to water by conveniently locating water-dispensing stations in the pre-vocational training program area, and the life enrichment and explore program areas in Milford’s skill development center.
KSI is a private, not-for-profit agency providing vocational training, employment, community integration, transportation, day habilitation, life enrichment and nutritional services to individuals with disabilities in Sussex and Kent counties since 1962. KSI is committed to making all reasonable accommodations in order to ensure that its programs and services are as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
For more information, go to ksiinc.org.
Milton food pantry gets $2,200 grant from Food Lion
The Milton Community Food Pantry recently received $2,200 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help nourish neighbors experiencing hunger. The Feeding the Hungry grant supports community feeding partners by helping neighbors increase their access to nutritious food and providing nutrition education to eliminate health risks for those experiencing food insecurity.
Pantry President Lawrence Bivens said, “The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is one of our most important partners, and this grant will buy enough eggs for us to give to our clients for approximately the next 10 weeks. We are so very grateful for the Food Lion’s generosity and consideration.”
For more information, to donate or volunteer, go to miltonpantry.org. To find other local distribution sites, call 2-1-1 or go to delaware211.org.
Realtors warn of scam targeting vacant properties
Regional real estate brokerage Coldwell Banker Premier team members want to alert the public about scams involving vacant properties.
“Scammers are searching the internet for unoccupied homes, then posing as property owners or real estate agents to ‘lease’ these properties and defraud prospective tenants out of thousands of dollars,” said Steve DuBrueler, Coldwell Banker Premier founder and CEO.
“We used to encounter this just a few times a year, but now this week alone, our company has experienced several of these crimes in multiple states. Sadly, this results in police having to remove the ‘tenants,’ who sometimes don't have enough funds to get another home. This scam is not only harmful to those directly involved, but also creates broader dangers for the public and the housing market.”
Coldwell Banker Premier agents are taking proactive measures to safeguard clients and properties. For more information, go to PremierMove.com.
SDARJ launches membership drive
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial justice has created a way for its many supporters to officially join its newly established active individual member category. Member status and annual dues of $40 will help fund SDARJ’s growing array of programs, events and initiatives, and expand many of them to serve more areas in Southern Delaware.
SDARJ’s mission is to educate, inform, and advocate for racial justice and social equality for all. To that end, the alliance offers high school student scholarships and programs to educate youth and adults about racial justice issues and how to champion racial justice in everyday life.
Most popular and visible are monthly town halls and the highly acclaimed quarterly magazine, Black Voices, sent out to several thousand households in Sussex County. The alliance also sponsors a monthly book and film club, the African American Film Festival, local and statewide legislative advocacy initiatives, and various community outreach activities.
For more information or to become a member, go to SDARJ.org, and click on the link that says join SDARJ.
Fill the Field concert to benefit Beebe cancer patient fund
Hosted by Lisa Soens and Gay Women of Rehoboth, the second annual Fill the Field concert is set for 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at 30265 Soens Lane, Harbeson. This year’s show will raise money for the Beebe Healthcare Cancer Patient Special Needs Fund.
Co-host Christine Havrilla will perform as a duo with Colleen Clark. Also on the bill are Julie Derrick, Christine Moll, Ellie Spy and Natalie Darkes Band. Suggested donation is $25.
There will be grilled food for purchase, and the event is BYOB. Attendees should also bring blankets or chairs for comfortable seating.
To purchase tickets, go to eventbrite. For more information, go to Facebook and search Fill the Field Cancer Benefit.
HAP adoption event set June 15 at Groome Church
Groome Church will host an adoption event for Humane Animal Partners from 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 15, in its side yard at 601 Savannah Road, Lewes.
The event will be an opportunity for potential adopters to meet dogs looking for their forever homes and families.
The Rev. Dr. S. Willard Crossan III, Groome’s pastor, said, “Groome’s congregation is full of animal lovers, so much so that it is not uncommon for pets – including a turtle named Harriet – to turn up for services, events, even staff meetings! They are always welcome and brighten our day. It’s not coincidental that the cross in our chancel is the cross of San Damiano, before which St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and nature, was praying when Christ exhorted him to ‘rebuild the church.’
“Groome is always happy to support - and greatly appreciates - the much-needed and very good work of HAP’s staff and volunteers in helping our four-legged friends find safe and loving homes,” said Crossan.
For more information, go to humaneanimalpartners.org or call 302-200-7159.
Multiple myeloma support group to meet June 15
The Delaware Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets every third Saturday of the month, with occasional exceptions. The next session will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Milton Public Library. Guest presenter will be Becky Bosley from the International Myeloma Foundation. For more information, go to myeloma.org/delaware or email Sue Iwahashi at myelomaemailsue@gmail.com.
Summer block party set June 15 at Lighthouse Church
Lighthouse Church will host a summer block party from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at 21265 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes. There will be waterslides, inflatables, games, prizes and free food. All are welcome. For more information, go to thelighthouseabc.com.
UUSD to meet June 16
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 16. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “In June, we celebrate Father’s Day, Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Summer Solstice and UUSD’s 25th Anniversary year. Join us in finding a reason to be thankful for all of it and celebrating all the things in community. Following the service is our annual gratitude picnic.” For more information, go to uussd.org.
OLLI enrichment learning for adults starts June 17
Community members are invited to register for summer activities and classes at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from Monday, June 17 to Thursday, July 27, in Lewes, Ocean View, Dover, Wilmington and online.
Past OLLI participation is not required, and the usual 50-plus age guideline is waived for adults of any age to participate in OLLI summer classes. This summer, participants can register for a single week for $30, or unlimited access for the full five-week session for $125. Partial scholarships are available.
“Our new flexible summer schedule and pricing were implemented with seasonal visitors in mind, or anyone with summer vacation plans or schedules who would like to join us at OLLI for some fun activities, learning about new topics and meeting new friends,” said Karen Asenavage Loptes, UD OLLI director.
Examples of Sussex County courses include: Monday at the Movies, Sussex County Volunteerism, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, History of Scotland, Retirement Tax-Planning, and Seated Exercise for All. Online classes include: Electric Vehicles: Pros/Cons/Myths, Family History: African Americans and Indigenous Americans, Elder Law and Planning, and Writing Memoirs.
To register, go to olli.udel.edu/summer.
Summer of Livin’ events kick off June 17
Big Chill Beach Club announced its third annual Summer of Livin’ Celebration, marking the official start of summer with events set for Monday to Sunday, June 17 to 23, at 27099 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, in Delaware Seashore State Park.
From 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, June 17, interested folks can join a beach cleanup and help rid the sands of improperly discarded trash. Coupons will be given to participants to receive 15% off their Big Chill Beach Club check following the event.
Starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, there will be a kids’ movie night screening of “Moana,” in the sand pit. Guests can bring beach chairs and blankets for seating.
The Electric Velvet Duo will play tunes to keep the good vibes going from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 20, in the sunset lounge. Luau-inspired menu items and cocktails will be featured Thursday to Sunday.
Full moon and summer solstice festivities will kick off with DJ Gregg at 7 p.m., Friday, June 21, in the sunset lounge, and the fun will continue in the sand pit, transformed into an energetic silent disco dance party.
A watermelon-eating contest is set for 5 p.m, Saturday, June 22.
For more information, go to bigchillbeachclub.com.
14th and 20th RD Republicans to meet June 18
The 14th and 20th Representative District Republican Committees will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Pre-meeting mingling starts at 6 p.m.
For more information, email de14thrdgop@gmail.com.
Proactive financial strategies for retirees event set June 19
Delaware Retiree Connection will offer a free educational dinner event to present proactive, updated financial strategies for retirees at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club, 29494 Cripple Creek Road, Dagsboro.
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.
To reserve a space, go to dedicatedfinancial.com/event-june-19.
There is no cost or obligation for attendees; sessions are for educational purposes only, and no products will be sold.
Hall-Long to address RD 20 Democrats June 20
The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 20, 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 Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, who will discuss her current campaign for governor and respond to questions from attendees.
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.
