Community Briefs 6/26/24

Elks donations support local nonprofits

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 recently presented $1,000 donations to the Boardwalk Buddy Walk and Operation SEAs the Day Inc.The Boardwalk Buddy Walk funds will benefit Uncle David’s s Ice Cream Shop, a nonprofit business providing employment opportunities to individuals with Down syndrome while raising awareness within the community. Operation SEAs the Day supports wounded active-duty and veteran military service members and their families for a no-cost beach week vacation each year. The Elks also committed to a $500 sponsorship for the Lewes Public Library to support its programming. 

New Wings & Wheels website launched

The Greater Georgetown of Commerce recently unveiled a new website for its Wings & Wheels weekend event, set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5, at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown. For more information, go to wings-wheels.com.

Israel UMC sets young adults anniversary service June 30

Israel United Methodist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host its 53rd young adults anniversary celebration at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 30, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. All are welcome to join in praise, prayer and worship including a gospel concert featuring God's Travelers. Come and See What God Has Done is the theme.

UUSD to meet June 30

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 30. The Rev. Dave Hunter will deliver the message, “Shall We Give God a Second Chance?” Jean Charles, worship coordinator, said, “Many Unitarian Universalists have ambivalent feelings about God. The God who watches over humanity and intervenes in our affairs from time to time seems implausible, but are there other images of God that are worth consideration?”

Hunter is a graduate of Princeton, Harvard Law School and Wesley Theological Seminary. In his 33 years as a civil rights lawyer, he concentrated on the preservation and expansion of democracy. After 25 years in the voting section of the Justice Department, he retired in 2000 to become a full-time student for the ministry. Ordained in 2003, he served congregations in Maryland, New Jersey, Arkansas and Pennsylvania along with his wife, the Rev. Kerry Mueller.

For more information, go to uussd.org.

Dining events to support Lewes fireworks July 2

Kindle and Half Full restaurants in downtown Lewes will host dine and donate fundraisers from 4 p.m. to closing, Tuesday, July 2, in partnership with Go Fourth Lewes Fireworks. A portion of the evening’s sales at both establishments will benefit the fireworks fund.

Half Full is at 125 Second St., and Kindle is right around the corner at 111 Bank St., so everyone is encouraged to get an early start on the holiday, enjoy a great dinner and support the community fireworks display. For details on dining options, go to kindlerestaurant.com and halffulllewes.com.

RSVP by July 2 for Republicans’ Big Tent Event

Republicans for Sussex will hold its annual Big Tent Event for friends and family from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 14, at American Legion Post 28, Route 24, Millsboro. Guests will meet candidates and enjoy an old-fashioned picnic of chicken, hot dogs, sides, chips, ice cream and cold drinks.

This classic summer Sunday afternoon family picnic includes an auction and a chance to win $100 in cash. Cost is $25 per person; children under 12 are admitted free. RSVP by Tuesday, July 2, by calling 302-947-9437. Sponsorships are also available.

Indoor yard sale set at Rabbit’s Ferry center July 6

The Miracle Angels of Israel United Methodist Church will host a Christmas in July indoor yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 6, at the Rabbit's Ferry Community Center, 19112 Robinsonville Road, Lewes. Proceeds will benefit Beebe’s Cancer Patient Special Needs Fund. There will be refreshments, baked goods and basket drawings. 

Unity Spiritual Center to meet July 7

Unity Spiritual Center of Coastal Delaware will host the Rev. Raymont Anderson, PhD, at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 7, at 98 Rudder Road, Millsboro. He will present “The Power of Vision.” Anderson is a minister ordained by the Centers for Spiritual Living. He currently serves as founding minister and spiritual director of Center for Spiritually Integrated Arts. Anderson uses tools and techniques aimed at practical spirituality to transform people's lives. Mind, body and spirit are aligned to make up the true self. His services can assist anyone in remembering their true consciousness. For more information, go to unityspiritualcenterofcoastalde.org.

Quilt guild to meet July 8

The Ocean Waves Quilt Guild will meet at 9 a.m., Monday, July 8, at Conley's United Methodist Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes. To learn more, go to oceanwavesquiltguild.org.

St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School to kick off July 29

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host Vacation Bible School with the theme Compassion Camp: What Every Living Thing Needs, from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, July 29 to Friday, Aug. 2, at Second and Market streets in Lewes.

Compassion Camp explores compassion for self, others and the world. Participants learn about the needs of all living things and how to show compassion for the Earth, including their local ecosystems. By fostering awareness, gratitude, wonderment, reciprocity and kinship, participants become stewards of God's creation.

Water activities are scheduled for Wednesday, July 31. Attendees are asked to dress accordingly and bring a towel. 

For more information and to register, go to stpeterslewes.org/christian-formation/vacation-bible-school.

Second Street Players auditions start July 31

Second Street Players announced upcoming auditions for its fall children’s stage production, “Boo! Thirteen Scenes from Halloween.”

Director Rachel Loper will host open auditions at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, and Friday, Aug. 2, at Riverfront Theater, 2 S. Walnut St., Milford.

The cast will comprise 15-20 members of varying ages and genders, with many having multiple roles. Prospective cast members must be ages 10-18. Crew members will include two stage managers, four stage crew, one or two light operators and one or two sound operators.

Auditions will consist of a cold reading from the script.

Show dates will be Friday to Sunday, Oct. 4 to 6. 

With a full moon and a grinning jack-o'-lantern beaming from every window, it's a hard heart that doesn't get a little spooked at Halloween. This witch's brew of 13 playlets, each with a sinister twist, is designed to make the skin crawl and tickle funny bones with a few scary chuckles. Full of a wicked assortment of trick-or-treaters, grave diggers, witches and goblins, each story is a special haunt.

For more information, go to secondstreetplayers.com or email rachelbassdrum@aol.com.

Millsboro library summer reading program runs thru Aug. 19

Millsboro Public Library has launched its annual summer reading program, themed Adventure Begins at Your Library.

Readers of all ages are invited to embark on a journey filled with books, activities and events designed to inspire a love of reading and exploration.

“Child literacy is a significant problem in Delaware,” said Anthony Connolly, library assistant director, referring to the latest data published by the state. “Our state has dropped considerably in national reading scores, coming in at 37th in the U.S.” Most agree continued investment in literacy programs is paramount in combating declining literacy rates in the state, he said. “One such investment is a summer reading program at public libraries, like ours. There’s a direct benefit for children who participate.”

Program hIghlights include learning challlenges, interactive storytelling sessions and author visits; craft workshops and science experiments; and scavenger hunts, trivia nights and book-themed escape rooms.

The program continues through Monday, Aug. 19. To sign up, go to millsboro.lib.de.us/summer-reading-program-2024 or stop by the library at 217 West State St., Millsboro.