News Brief 3/7/25

March 7, 2025

Learn about consumer scams and how to report them

In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week March 2-8, the Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit held in-person events and shared digital content geared toward education and prevention in the realm of consumer protection.

The DOJ released the list of Delaware’s top 10 scams for 2024 and has been sharing additional digital content on social media throughout the week.

Representatives from the CPU held in-person events in Newark and Dover March 4, and they also met with constituents across the state in partnership with state legislators. A meeting with Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, is set for Friday, March 7.

Find the 2024 list of Delaware’s top 10 scams along with a full library of National Consumer Protection Week educational videos with partners from the Federal Trade Commission, National Consumer Protection Bureau, AARP of Delaware, Better Business Bureau and many more at de.gov/ncpw.

Delawareans who suspect they may have fallen victim to fraud are encouraged to make a report at de.gov/consumercomplaint.

Learn about tax planning for retirement March 7

As retirement approaches, individuals face a new set of financial considerations, particularly when it comes to taxes. To address these concerns, InFocus Financial Advisors will offer a workshop titled New Tax Planning Ideas Your Retirement is Missing, from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 7, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Led by Eric Johnston, CFP, at InFocus, the workshop aims to equip current and future retirees with essential knowledge on navigating taxation during retirement years. With years of experience in financial planning, Johnston will guide participants through strategies to minimize taxes, efficiently take distributions from assets, and implement advanced tax planning techniques to optimize their financial situation.

Attendees can expect to learn key strategies including methods to reduce taxes over the course of retirement, navigating IRMAA penalties, understanding required minimum distributions, and identifying common pitfalls in retirement tax planning.

The workshop is open to all individuals seeking guidance on managing taxes in retirement. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions and gain valuable insights from Johnston's expertise.

For more information, contact Jessica Grangier at jessicag@retireinfocus.com.

Lewes to hold budget hearing March 7

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a budget hearing at 9 a.m., Friday, March 7, at city hall.

The panel will continue its discussion of the FY2026 draft budget.

The full agenda and meeting link can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.

Israel UMC to host Trustee Day March 9

Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host its Trustee Day worship service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 9, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. Delivering the message, "Making God's House a Priority,” will be guest speaker Deacon Clyde N. Selby of First Baptist Church, Salisbury, Md. For more information, go to faith-israelunitedmethodist.org.

Support Congo center March 9 at Bethel

The Missions Ministry at Bethel United Methodist Church will host a dinner event at 5 p.m., Sunday, March 9, at 129 West Fourth St., Lewes.

Susie Keefer, founder of Miriam’s Table, will present To Congo With Love, detailing her November trip to the nutrition center she founded in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she shares days filled with love, hugs and adventure with both old and new friends.

The evening will begin with a dinner of pizza, salad and dessert as guests enjoy a time of fellowship. Keefer will begin her presentation about 6 p.m. Reservations are appreciated to help organizers plan the dinner; call 302-645-9426 or email office@bethellewes.org.

UUSD to meet March 9

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 9, with “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Some hours of our lives stand out from the rest, or slow down. Our experience of time is fraught with grief and memory, hope and mystery. Time leaps forward to form timeless moments and gaps or stretches of nothing much. Join us for this reflection on time, memory, and how we measure our days. Daylight saving time begins today. Be sure to spring your clocks forward an hour on Saturday night.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Acres Investment Committee to meet

The Henlopen Acres Investment Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Monday, March 10, in town hall, 104 Tidewaters. The agenda calls for a review of the town’s financial portfolio, potential modifications to it, and a discussion on cash requirements for the town.

For more information, call town hall at 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.

Lewes mayor and council to meet

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 10, at city hall.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action on the approval of a budget for fiscal year 2026. See the agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth budget workshop March 10

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a budget workshop at 2 p.m., Monday, March 10, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. This will be the city’s fourth meeting for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which begins April 1. The agenda calls for presentations from city organizations seeking money from the city.

A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Rehoboth sets special meeting March 10

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 12 p.m., Monday, March 10, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. They will consider the appointment of Clifton Hilderley III to the Parks & Shade Tree Commission to fill the vacant seat formerly held by Marti Marino.

Rehoboth workshop slated March 10

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a workshop at 9 a.m., Monday, March 10, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda includes discussion on parking recommendations, an update on stormwater utility and discussion on possible charter changes. Full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For information, call 302-227-6181 or email information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Special Rehoboth hearing set March 11

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 11, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a public hearing on an ordinance regarding the authority of the planning commission to have final say on site-plan review compliance for large commercial projects.

TidalHealth to hold Advance Care Planning webinar March 11

TidalHealth will offer a free Advance Care Planning online class at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 11.

Attendees will be able to learn about advance care planning, which can help them develop answers to important questions such as what care they would want if they had an unexpected illness, who would be the best choice to make decisions for their care, and how to ensure their loved ones will know how to advocate for their wishes if they are unable to speak for themselves.

It is important for adults of all ages to plan for future medical needs now, because a serious accident or illness can happen at any age.

To register, contact Tina Basel at 410-463-9964 or tina.basel@tidalhealth.org; Gigi Pierce at 410-912-6734 or georgette.pierce@tidalhealth.org; or or John Tyler at 410-543-7202 or john.tyler@tidalhealth.org. The webinar link will be provided upon registration.

Bake sale benefits Boys & Girls Club March 15

Joynt Physical Therapy will host its fourth annual bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 15, at the Boys & Girls Club of Oak Orchard, 31550 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro. Proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club.

Meeting set March 16 on Belle Meade

A public meeting will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 16, in the Angola by the Bay clubhouse, 33457 Woodland Circle, to discuss the proposed Belle Meade project on Route 24 next to Beacon Middle School. The meeting is being held in advance of a public hearing before Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission set for 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, and a public hearing before Sussex County Council scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20. Belle Meade is a proposed C-4 master plan project with mixed-use development on 40 acres along Route 24, including 480 multifamily rental units and 125,000 square feet of commercial development. The property is currently an equestrian facility.

For more information, contact Judy Kane at judyk15@verizon.net or 302-542-5507, or Judy-Rose Seibert at mizjudyrose@msn.com or 240-688-2223.

Sussex Preservation Coalition to meet March 18

The Sussex Preservation Coalition will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Guest speaker will be Jacob Owens, editor-in-chief of Spotlight Delaware. The new nonprofit newsroom covers public policy in Delaware and how it affects residents. Owens will discuss Spotlight's work on land-use debates in Sussex County, his experience on such debates in Delaware and Maryland over the last 20 years, what the publication will be working on this year and how the public can make its voice heard in these decisions.

A longtime Delawarean, Owens previously served as editor of Delaware Business Times in Wilmington and the Cecil Whig in Elkton, Md.

The meeting is free and open to the public, and a Zoom link will be available at sussexpreservationcoalition.org. Attendees are asked to register in advance by emailing spcde.org@gmail.com.

SPC is a coalition of local environmental groups in Sussex County dedicated to preserving and protecting local ecosystems. Its mission is to increase the impact of groups and individuals through working together to educate, organize, advocate and act.

Bay Crossing neighbors gather for dinner and a show

Bay Crossing community members recently came together for a special evening filled with heartwarming performances, delicious food and the joy of shared company. A group of 60 residents gathered to enjoy a captivating rendition of “Love Letters,” performed by Bay Crossing’s own John Marino and Liane Hansen from Clear Space Theatre Company. Their moving portrayal of love and friendship through letters left the audience enthralled, reminding everyone of the power of storytelling.

Attendees also enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and dessert crafted by the talented students of Cape Henlopen High School’s Culinary Arts Department. The young chefs not only showcased their impressive skills but also demonstrated kindness and professionalism. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident, and Bay Crossing residents were delighted to support the students’ hands-on learning journey.

The Bay Crossing Lifestyle Committee sponsored the event, ensuring refreshments were available and every detail was thoughtfully arranged. In true Bay Crossing spirit, residents pitched in to help with setup and cleanup Laughter, conversation and warm connections filled the evening, making it a night to remember.

IRHS Class of 1987 scholarship fund seeks donations

The Indian River High School Class of 1987 is seeking donations for its scholarship fund to provide financial support to graduating seniors in need.

The Class of 1987 Scholarship Fund will make a tangible difference for a graduating senior who demonstrates academic promise but may not otherwise have the financial means to pursue higher education. The selected recipient, who will be carefully chosen by an impartial scholarship selection committee, will receive a one-time award of $1,000 to be used for tuition, books, fees or other necessary educational materials at a two- or four-year college, university or trade school.

To donate, go to givebutter.com/2y0Y7i, text Classof87 to 53555 on a cellphone, or mail checks to IRHS Class of 87 Alumni Fund, c/o Devi Enerio-Ellant, 2 5th Ave., Apt. 8T, New York, NY 10011. To apply, eligible IRHS seniors should visit the IRHS guidance counselor’s office or email Classof87scholarships@gmail.com for an application.

The Class of 1987 Scholarship Fund is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible. For more information, email Devi Enerio-Ellant at deviellant@gmail.com.

One Rehoboth Hotel lots consolidated

During a Feb. 28 meeting, the Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of allowing the development team behind the proposed One Rehoboth Hotel to consolidate the lots the hotel will be built on. The property includes Grotto Pizza on the Boardwalk, the Sirocco Hotel, the former Dolle’s Candyland property and Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard. The commission vote was a formality in the city’s approval process. The planning commission approved the preliminary site plan for the four-story structure in January. Plans call for retail/restaurant space at ground level on the Boardwalk, while the hotel is planned for the top three floors.

Starbucks drive-thru near Lewes holds ribbon cutting

The Lewes Chamber of Commerce recently facilitated a ribbon cutting for the new Starbucks drive-thru-only store near Lewes that opened Feb. 20, at 18422 Coastal Highway. The Starbucks mission says it all, according to Bryce Swearingen, store manager: “To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”