News Briefs 1/3/25

January 3, 2025

UUSD to meet Jan. 5

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, with “Movin’ Forward” as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “It’s an old trope, but true nonetheless: Time marches on. Throughout 2024, UUSD joyfully celebrated the 25th anniversary year of this congregation’s January 1999 founding. Today, we conclude this yearlong celebration. We have the opportunity to appreciate all the 25th anniversary display panels assembled in the sanctuary, and we embark together on the new year and new endeavors ahead.” Learn more at uussd.org.

AARP Chapter 5340 to meet Jan. 6

AARP Chapter 5390 Georgetown will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at its new location in the Millsboro Police Station community room, 120 W. Railroad Ave. Ext., Millsboro. No lunch options are offered, though attendees may choose to dine out together after the meeting. Meetings will continue the first Monday of each month in the new space. For more information, email Carol Ann Stone at casflowers@comcast.net.

Home business panel to meet in Lewes

The Lewes Planning Commission’s Home Occupations Subcommittee will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at city hall.

The panel will continue its discussion of proposed changes to what home-based businesses should be allowed in the city.

See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes council to hold public hearing Jan. 6

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing on open space at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at the Rollins Center.

The hearing will consider proposed changes to the city’s open space requirements for major subdivisions and site plans. See the full agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes environmental group to meet Jan. 6

The Lewes Planning Commission’s Environmental Subcommittee will meet at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at city hall.

The panel is set to discuss potential environmental regulations.

Rehoboth Beach workshop set Jan. 6

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a workshop at 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

The agenda calls for a status update on the proposed replacement of the Lake Gerar fishing pier, a discussion on the structure of city committees and a discussion on the implementation of a water interconnect with Tidewater Utilities near the city’s well No. 8 facility.

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 to begin tree pruning Jan. 6

Rehoboth Beach has announced its winter pruning will begin Monday, Jan. 6. Public trees on multiple streets, including Henlopen Avenue, Columbia Avenue, Gerar Street, Third Street, Rehoboth Avenue and Scarborough Avenue will be pruned by SavATree. The pruning effort, which is expected to take place over a couple-week period, will remove hazardous branches and help promote healthy growth of mature trees.

Special Rehoboth meeting slated Jan. 6

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for consideration of a resolution to set a date for continuing a public hearing on the proposed rezoning of a portion of 330 Rehoboth Ave. from residential to commercial, and consideration of a vote regarding a waiver of the PLUS hearing at the state level. The agenda calls for consideration of setting a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to potentially change the residentially zoned portion of 8 Wilmington Ave. to commercial.

Finally, the agenda includes consideration of the mayor’s nomination of Rick Perry for appointment to the board of adjustment.

Speak Out against Hate to host faith leaders Jan. 9

Speak Out against Hate will hold its bimonthly community meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at Lewes Public Library and online via Zoom.

Led by moderators David Mariner of Sussex Pride and Helen Salita, campaign manager for ACLU of Delaware, a panel of faith leaders from several congregations in Sussex County will share how they are addressing the anxiety, fear, and anger that many people are experiencing in these difficult divided times. Invited panelists are: Rabbi Julie Danan, Seaside Jewish Community; the Rev. Heather Rion-Starr, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware; the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, Israel United Methodist Church; the Rev. Dania Griffin, Antioch AME Church; the Rev. Markenson Petit Frere, Bethlehem Baptist Church; and the Rev. Canon Mark Harris, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. This program was organized by the Faith Leaders Action Group of SOAH.

In addition to other business discussion, new SOAH board member Gail Jackson of Rehoboth Beach will be introduced. Jackson is a retired psychotherapist. She and her spouse Donna moved from the Philadelphia area and have lived in Sussex County for over 20 years. She fills the board vacancy left by founding member Dr. Marlene Saunders.

To register, go to soah-de.org.

Tax planning for retirement is workshop focus Jan. 16

New Tax Planning Ideas Your Retirement is Missing, a free financial workshop, will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16., at South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach.

Led by Robert Jeter, CFP, vice president of InFocus Financial Advisors, 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, Jeter 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.

Jeter said, "Through this workshop, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and maximize their retirement savings."

The workshop is open to all individuals seeking guidance on managing taxes in retirement, regardless of their current financial situation or investment portfolio. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and ask questions. To register, go to retireinfocus.com/new-tax-planning.

Dessert bakeoff and chamber mixer set Feb. 12

The Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce will host its decadent dessert bakeoff competition and after-hours mixer from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Hampton Inn Rehoboth Beach. The event is open to professional bakers as well as amateur and aspiring bakers. For more information and to enter, go to georgetowncoc.com.

Register early for Ocean to Bay Bike Tour; events set May 2-3

Registration is open for the 2025 Ocean to Bay Bike Tour, to be held Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, presented by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. Cyclists have the choice of a 30-, 50-, 62.5-, or 100-mile ride throughout Southern Delaware’s scenic beaches and bays.

In 2024, more than $10,000 was raised for event beneficiaries including Justin F. Jennings Foundation, Contractors for a Cause, Cancer Support Community Delaware and local volunteer fire companies.

The Saturday ride will benefit local first responders and nonprofits including those from last year’s event.

Registrants will receive access to exclusive gifts and amenities, and fully equipped rest stops.

There will be a 10-mile Coastal Cruise option featuring an out-and-back route from Bethany Beach to the Indian River Inlet May 2-3.

To learn more and register, go to oceantobaybiketour.com.

Lefty’s seeks nonprofits for 2025 fundraisers

Lefty’s Alley & Eats is scheduling its 2025 calendar to host fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations. Events include dine-and-donate nights, bowl-a-thons and Lefty’s fun pass sales.

“At Lefty’s Alley & Eats, we believe strongly in supporting those organizations that make a difference in the Cape Region. Partnering with local nonprofits is a meaningful way to amplify our collective impact,” said Gary Foley, general manager. “We’re excited to offer creative and enjoyable ways for organizations to raise funds while bringing people together.”

To apply, local nonprofits may go to iloveleftys.com or call Taylor Jefferson at 302-864-2026. Applications for partnerships are open now and will remain open throughout the year based on availability.