Community Briefs 8/3/22

Healthy Communities Delaware announced a $3 million combined public-private investment in communities between the State of Delaware and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. This investment is targeted to support place-based, community-driven initiatives to improve the vital conditions all communities need to thrive. The $1.5 million investment from Highmark Delaware’s grant fund, BluePrints for the Community, matches a $1.5 million investment from the State of Delaware in a public-private partnership to advance health, well-being and equity.

“Highmark Delaware’s investment will directly support the work of many HCD community partners, which are community-based organizations throughout the state working to create healthy, safe and vibrant neighborhoods. Highmark’s investment is vital to advancing health, well-being and equity, and will help move us toward a Delaware where all people and places are thriving,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, Delaware Community Foundation president and CEO, and Healthy Communities Delaware managing partner.

First responders appreciation event set Aug. 6

White’s Chapel will host first responders and 911 dispatchers from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, in the parking lot at 15373 Coastal Highway, Milton. To show appreciation for first responders’ service to the community, event organizers will be serving free coffee and refreshments, and free grab-and-go food items. A prayer tent will be available for those who wish to receive a blessing from the Rev. Andrea Parks, church pastor. 

Outtrain 5K and Color Run set. Aug. 6

Outtrain Fitness & Performance will hold the Outtrain 5K and Color Run Saturday, Aug. 6 at Sandhill Fields in Georgetown. The competitive 5K begins at 8 a.m., with the color run following at 8:05 a.m. Awards presented to the top finishers. For more information or to register, call 717-891-6858 or email outtrainfp@gmail.com.

Wilmington Writers Conference to be held online Aug. 6

The Delaware Art Museum Store and Brevity Bookspace will present the Wilmington Writers Conference from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, online. For a $10 fee, participants can enjoy a morning full of literary goodness from the comfort of their homes. Ethan Joella, author of “A Little Hope” and a University of Delaware professor, will present a keynote speech and lead a writing workshop. The conference will also feature a special workshop session led by Brevity’s Saliym Cooper. To learn more, go to delart.org/event/wilmington-writers-conference-2022.

Special Olympics Delaware sets August summer camps 

Special Olympics Delaware is hosting its annual summer camps Wednesday to Friday, Aug. 6 to 8, and Aug. 14 to 16, at Camp Barnes in Frankford.

More than 50 athletes and dozens of counselors are attending each session as the organization celebrates its 21st summer of offering the traditional camp experience.

Summer camp is one of the most anticipated events of the year for Special Olympics athletes of various ages and abilities. Campers participate in several traditional camp activities while enjoying the opportunity to reacquaint with old friends, and meet new friends during the three-day, two-night camp experience.

“Our summer camp is three amazing days where our campers and counselors interact with each other in an inclusive setting to enjoy a traditional camp experience,” said Kylie Frazer, senior director of sports. “For many of our campers, it’s the highlight of their summer as they get to experience all the fun that a summer camp can provide and create memories that they talk about all year long until they return again.” 

Lewes Rainbow Club to host mixer Aug. 7

The Lewes Rainbow Club will host a cocktail mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7, in the beer garden at Grain On The Rocks in the Lewes ferry terminal. It’s open to all LGBT folks who live in the greater Lewes area. For more, call or text Kevin McDonald at 302-690-0193. 

Unitarian Universalists set service Aug. 7

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an online and in-person service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 7. Stand for Love Without Losing Your Heart will be the message from guest speaker and lay leader the Rev. Sue Greer, ordained minister of the Gaia and Tibetan Traditions. To register or access the livestream, go to uussd.org.

WaterMel Run 5K set Aug. 7 in Laurel

The fourth annual WaterMel Run 5K is set for Sunday Aug. 7, at Janosik Park in Laurel. The event benefits and highlights the Mar-Del Watermelon Association, which aims to promote the benefits of watermelon and support buying local watermelons and produce. There will be race-day registration. Miss Mar-Del watermelon queens will be in attendance.

Refreshments will include watermelon and Tito’s watermelon crushes for those 21 and over. There will also be beer and seltzers, courtesy of NKS Distributors. Awards will be given to overall male and female and masters winners, plus top three in 10-year age groups. Watermelons will also be given to award winners. Registration and packet pick-up take place at Janosic Park from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Contact Barb@races2run.com for more information or go to Races2run.com.

Cape Vikings Basketball Camp set Aug. 9-11 at Beacon

The Cape Vikings Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Aug. 9 through Thursday, Aug. 11, at Beacon Middle School. 

This coed camp is for kids in grades 4-8. Camp cost is $100 and can be provided in cash or by check. Checks should be made payable to Cape Henlopen School District - Boys’ Basketball. All funds benefit the Cape boys’ basketball progam. 

To register, call or email coach Steve Re at 410-430-7852 or stephen.re@cape.k12.de.us.

Healthy eating seminar set Aug. 10 in Milton

Stephanie Brown, RN, will offer a seminar at 12 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Goshen United Methodist Church, to discuss healthy eating and the impact of diet on many of today’s health issues. All are welcome. The church is at 103 Mulberry St., Milton; for details call 302-684-3328.