News Briefs 10/1/24

Rehoboth seeks mixed-use task force

Rehoboth Beach is establishing a task force to develop a mixed-use zoning classification for city code and is looking for individuals who are interested in helping.

This task force will be charged with developing a code classification that clearly articulates flexible design guidelines and standards for mixed-use projects. This zoning classification would be limited to the city’s commercial district, and should provide protections for nearby residential and commercial properties. When the task force is done, city commissioners and planning commissioners will discuss its recommendations.

The task force is expected to begin work this fall and meet six times over a nearly year-long period. All task force meetings will be open to the public.

City commissioners will approve representatives to serve on the task force, which will comprise two city commissioners, two planning commissioners, two representatives from the builder/development community, etc., a representative from Rehoboth Beach Main Street, two representatives who own businesses in the city and four citizens who own property in the city.

Those interested in serving on the Mixed-Use Zoning Ordinance Task Force may apply by Friday, Oct. 11, through the city’s legislative portal at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net/portal. Scroll down to find this task force.

Sussex OKs money for wastewater upgrades

Sussex County Council voted Sept. 24 to approve up to $350,000 for construction engineering services that include the Rehoboth Beach wastewater treatment plant.

Improvements are part of the South Coastal WRF treatment process upgrade. County Engineer Hans Medlarz said road improvements will be made, and the entire project should be done by the end of the year.

Dialogue Toward Ending Racism sessions kick off Oct. 2

Registration is now open for Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice’s seven-week Dialogue Toward Ending Racism sessions. The program is free to all participants.

Online sessions will start at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2. In-person sessions will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Exploring the root causes of bias and systemic racism, groups of eight to 15 individuals will watch videos, read articles and talk honestly, sharing experiences, questions and ideas. Each two-hour session will be led by trained facilitators. 

More than 200 Sussex County residents have taken the course, now in its fifth year. Participants report that the program is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends.

For more information and to register, email turnheartlighton@gmail.com or go to SDARJ.org.

Lewes architectural group to meet Oct. 3

The Lewes Historic Architectural Review Commission will hold two meetings beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Rollins Center.

The first is a public hearing regarding the installation of a new foundation that requires the house to be elevated approximately 12 inches. The property is located at 131 Franklin Ave. HPARC’s regular meeting will begin immediately following the hearing.

That agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding revision to previously approved roof height on behalf of Darnell and Darryl Daisey’s property at 111 Coleman Ave.

The full agendas and meeting links can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.

Reserve seats by Oct. 3 for NARFE meeting Oct. 10

Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 of the National Active and Retired Employees Association will meet at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10 at 1776 Steakhouse, Midway Plaza, Rehoboth Beach. Reservations are due by Thursday Oct. 3, via email to fullerwe@gmail.com. Guest speakers will be Claire Snyder-Hall and Mike Simpler, candidates for the Delaware House of Representatives District 14 seat. NARFE chapter and national members as well as guests are welcome. For details, email Trombello@comcast.net.

Monthly book club meetings begin Oct. 6 at Browseabout

Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach will host three book club meetings in October for readers of different genres and interests. All clubs are free to join and require no registration.

Words That Bleed, led by staff member and published author Kelly Lidji, is for fans of horror and suspense. They will meet from 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, to discuss “Chasing the Boogeyman” by Richard Chizmar.

Celebrating its 28th year, Browseabout Book Club discusses works of literary fiction, poetry, nonfiction and a range of genres. Members select works for their timely and timeless importance, uniqueness of perspective and literary excellence. This month’s book is Heather Cox Richardson's “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,” and the club will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13.

Browsers Forensic Files, led by staff member and intrepid sleuth Steve Swain, is for enthusiasts of true crime and investigative journalism. They will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, to discuss “Don't Call It a Cult” by Sarah Berman.

For more information, go to browseaboutbooks.com.

AARP to host speaker on hearing aids Oct. 7

The AARP Chapter 5390 Georgetown will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 7, at the Pizza King in Millsboro. No reservations are needed and all are welcome. A speaker from Hearing USA will offer information about making informed decisions on hearing devices. It is not a sales pitch, as this organization looks to assist consumers.

Construction to impact New Road 

The City of Lewes is reminding drivers that construction will impact New Road, beginning Monday, Oct. 7.

The city said Chesapeake Utilities will begin line installation, which will mean a single-lane closure on the inbound lane to the city. 

During this installation, the entrance to Pilottown Reserve by way of Forecastle Lane will be closed for equipment staging.  The lane and road closures are expected to be in effect for eight weeks. 

For more information, go to ci.lewes.de.us.

Dewey charter & code committee to meet

The Dewey Beach Charter & Code Review Committee will meet at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Members may vote to recommend code amendments to town council that would limit the size of canopies allowed on the beach and revise setbacks for dipping pools, and charter amendments increasing the maximum penalty that can be levied by the alderman court. For the full agenda and meeting link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.

Breast cancer group sets Monster Mile Walk Oct. 19

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s 14th Annual Monster Mile Walk for a Cause will feature a 1-mile walk and fall fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at Homestead Gardens in Smyrna.

The coalition and Homestead Gardens partnered to expand the event to include family-friendly activities, music, games and food. “On the lush grounds of Homestead Gardens in Smyrna, you’ll weave through thousands of seasonal plants and activities guaranteed to bring out the green monster in you,” said Hayley Ross, Homestead Gardens marketing manager.

Businesses can support this event as sponsors. Anyone interested can register a team or participate as an individual. Funds generated support the coalition’s programs to increase breast cancer awareness, promote the importance of early detection, provide access to mammograms, and offer support and resources to men and women in the greater Delaware region who are newly diagnosed with or facing recurrence of breast cancer.

For more information, go to debreastcancer.org.

Players, sponsors sought for Nov. 11 golf tourney

Registration is now open for the 2024 Delmarva Folds of Honor Golf Tournament sponsored by Jack Lingo Realtor, according to Rob Robison, event coordinator.

The tournament will be played on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, at The Rookery Golf Club near Milton. Event proceeds benefit Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled veterans and first responders. For information about the nonprofit, go to foldsofhonor.org.

The tournament format is a no handicap scramble with prizes for the winner of each division as well as closest-to-the-pin and long-drive contests. Lunch is included in the $125 registration fee. Raffle tickers will be sold for more than $5,000 in prizes donated by sponsors and area businesses. 

To register, go to tinyurl.com/y8ene7bc or mail a check to Delmarva Folds of Honor Golf Tournament, 18260 White Cedar Court, Milton, DE 19966. Golfers’ names must be included.

Businesses wanting to become a sponsor can contact Rob Robison at robrobison78@verizon.net.