News Briefs 9/27/24
Lewes bike panel recommends prioritized plan
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee unanimously voted Sept. 24 to recommend a prioritized bike plan to mayor and council.
The panel had previously identified short-term, mid-term and long-term infrastructure projects, in partnership with Delaware Department of Transportation and its consultant.
Projects include intersection improvements on Sussex Drive, advisory shoulders on Pilottown Road and a bike bridge over the canal.
The panel also recommended the city promote policies and programs that include bike parking, and rules for the trails and trail crossings.
The bike plan can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth creating strategic plan
Rehoboth Beach officials announced the city is kicking off an effort to develop a multi-year strategic plan that will establish a clear vision for the community and a road map for how to get there.
The city is working with Emergent Method, a Louisiana-based consulting firm, to develop this first strategic plan. The contract is for $28,000.
The process is expected to take about seven months, with a final draft of the strategic plan to be presented next spring.
According to a Sept. 20 city-issued press release, community input and engagement will be among the first steps taken in the plan-development process this fall. Engagement opportunities will include one-on-one interviews, up to four community focus groups, an online survey for community partners and an anonymous employee survey.
The strategic plan is an initiative led by City Manager Taylour Tedder, who took over May 15.
“What kind of community does the City of Rehoboth Beach want to be, and what are some of the strategies that will help us get there? Those are the questions that this strategic plan will help us answer,” said Tedder, in a prepared statement. “I think it’s important for our commissioners and our community to clearly define our vision, mission and core values. From that foundation, we can determine our priorities and goals. And then staff will have a clear road map that will help them implement strategies to achieve the identified objectives.”
Closures planned for New Road, Forecastle Road in Lewes
The Delaware Department of Transportation announced lane and road closures on New Road and Forecastle Road from the end of September to the end of November so Chesapeake Utilities can install/relocate a gas line.
From Monday, Sept. 30 to Saturday, Oct. 5, there will be a single-lane closure from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on New Road between Creekside Drive and Park Road.
From Monday, Oct. 7 to Saturday, Nov. 30, New Road eastbound will be closed between Creekside Drive and Park Road. A detour route will be marked.
From Monday, Oct. 7 to Saturday, Nov. 30, Forecastle Road will be closed in both directions. Motorists who want to access New Road from Forecastle Road will take Lightship Lane to Captains Circle.
For more information, go to deldot.gov.
Lane closures coming to Routes 1/16
The Delaware Department of Transportation announced new lane-closure hours at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 16 starting Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Route 1 motorists can expect daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, nighttime lane closures on Route 1 are permitted seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Route 16 motorists can expect daytime lane closures seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, nighttime lane closures on Route 16 are permitted seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
These extended lane closure hours will continue in the off-peak season until Wednesday, April 30. Motorists can expect to be driving in the current traffic pattern until the end of 2024. The contractor continues to work on Route 1 southbound pavement, embankment, bridge, and ramps C and D. The project is expected to be complete in 2025.
For more information, go to deldot.gov.
Dewey Beach Civic League happy hour set Sept. 27
The Dewey Beach Civic League will host a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Starboard Claw, 1818 Coastal Highway. If attendance is good, the civic league will hold more happy hours through the off-season. The civic league also meets for breakfast at 9 a.m. every Friday at The Starboard. For more information, call President Diane Hanson at 610-322-8527.
Oompah band to play at Thompson Island Sept. 28
Thompson Island Brewing will host the Schützengiggles Oompah Band from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach. “We finally got the oompah band. Every year we look forward to welcoming fall with an Oktoberfest celebration in the beer garden, and having live, traditional music was the final step,” said Lauren Bigelow, director of marketing for Southern Delaware Brewing.
UUSD service to be held Sept. 29
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, with the topic Reimagine Together. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said the congregation will learn about the UU Climate Justice Revival that seeks to honor the inherent worthiness and dignity of all and the interconnected web of existence while dismantling racism and systemic oppression. For more information, go to uussd.org.
Belhaven going before Rehoboth BoA Sept. 30
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment has set a hearing for 1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave., and the only thing on the agenda is the proposed Belhaven Hotel.
The developers are seeking answers from the board on the number of loading dock berths needed, the permitted floor area on individual floors, the height of the proposed antennae and a variance for safety railings related to HVAC equipment.
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.
Lewes environmental group to meet Sept. 30
The Lewes Environmental Subcommittee will meet at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion of existing lighting regulations.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Cape Henlopen State Park’s The Point open fully Oct. 1
The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park will open in full Tuesday, Oct. 1. Since 1990, The Point has been closed annually in March to protect beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations. The oceanside portion of The Point reopened Sept. 1. For more information, contact Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-8983, or visit the park office at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes.
Flags Over Delaware program set Oct. 1
The Zwaanendael Museum will host World Vexillology Day: Flags Over Delaware, a program set from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. During the course of Delaware’s 390 years of history, numerous flags have flown over it, and the program will discuss how some of those flags have influenced others currently flying throughout the state. To sign up, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.
Music inspired by dolphins set Oct. 1
Delaware composer Guillermo Silveira will appear at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Rehoboth Beach Public Library, 226 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. He will present “Music on Delaware's Beach Dolphins,” a set of instrumental pieces inspired by the dolphins of coastal Delaware. Light refreshments will be served. To register, go to the calendar of events at rehoboth.lib.de.us.
Sussex County Council meets Oct. 1
Sussex County Council will meet at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
Members will hear an update on the Sussex County Land Trust, including review and approval of a property management agreement for the Forest on the Broadkill Preserve.
Council will hold five public hearings, starting at 1:30 p.m. The second is about a conditional-use application for vehicle storage, maintenance and repairs on a 0.43-acre parcel within the Collins Russell subdivision outside Milton.
Another public hearing is for a conditional-use application from Beachfire Brewing Co. to operate a food truck for a period exceeding three days on a property lying on the northwest side of Central Avenue outside Rehoboth Beach.
The final public hearing concerns a conditional-use application to operate a business office on a property on the northeast side of Mallory Street outside Rehoboth Beach.
See the full agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Film on forced organ harvesting to be shown Oct. 3 in Lewes
The Lewes Public Library will host a free film screening and discussion of “State Organs,” an eye-opening documentary about forced organ harvesting in China, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, at 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. To register, go to StateOrgans-DE-LS.eventbrite.com.
This event is co-sponsored by Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, Delaware Medical Freedom Alliance, Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association and Ending Forced Organ Harvesting Rotary Satellite Club.
The question-and-answer period will be moderated by Abraxas Hudson, president of Delaware Medical Freedom Alliance, with panelists: Peiming Cheng, a survivor of forced organ harvesting; William Huang, a survivor of religious persecution in China; Cindy Song, producer of “State Organs”; Dr. Jessica Russo, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting; and Alex Luchansky, Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association.
For details, connect with the EFOH Rotary Satellite Club at EFOH.org and email info@EFOH.org.
AARP theater trip reservations due Oct. 4
AARP Chapter 5340 is sponsoring a trip to see “Joy to the World,” Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, Pa.
The cost includes round-trip bus transportation, lunch at Dienner’s buffet and the show at 3 p.m. Participants should arrive by 7:45 a.m. to depart at 8 a.m from the College Park Shopping Center in front of the Georgetown Walmart. All are welcome; membership is not required.
The cost of the trip is $110 payable on or before Friday, Oct. 4. For more information, call Pat at 302-856-2274 or Paula at 302-567-1748. Make checks payable to AARP Chapter 5340, include a telephone number and email address, and send to Treasurer Paula Norma, 24933 Betts Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Garden clubs to present fall flower show Oct. 4
A fall flower show will be open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, in the grand ballroom of the clubhouse at Heritage Shores in Bridgeville. Admission is free.
Fall in Love with Gardening will be presented jointly by Four Seasons Gardeners of Heritage Shores and the Spade & Trowel Garden Club of Seaford. The Photography Club of Heritage Shores has been invited to participate, and several members will have their photos on display along with those of garden club members.
Community members are encouraged to come see creative designs, artistic crafts, photographs and the best horticulture specimens from local fall gardens.
Sharon Christopher, a member of the Delaware Judges Council, is mentoring the two clubs in this joint effort. For more information, contact co-chairs Wendy Calvin, 301-751-8730, or Leeann Wells, 302-228-5800.
Mysteries of Lewes history tours kick off Oct. 5
The Zwaanendael Museum will host Mysteries of History half-mile walking tours from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Participants will explore the darker and more unusual history of Lewes as Zwaanendael interpreters share stories of shipwrecks, mysterious disappearances and much more. Tours begin at the museum and end at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Tours fill quickly. To sign up, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.
Wings & Wheels Festival beach party set Oct. 4
Tickets are now on sale for the Wings & Wheels beach party to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, at Delaware Coastal Airport. For $50 each, guests will get a catered dinner from local favorite Nothing Better, entertainment from Cocktails @ 3, Freebirds Mobile Bar and auction items including themed baskets and framed aviation prints. Tables of eight will be reserved. Beach party proceeds will benefit the Pathways to Aviation Program.
Visitors to the Oct. 5 festival are encouraged to bring a toy for the annual Coffee & Cars Toy Drive benefiting Nemours Children’s Hospital. Toys can be dropped off at the car show registration trailer on Saturday, or at the Chamber office, 827 E. Market St., Georgetown.
Go to wings-wheels.com for complete details on all events.
Blessing of the Animals set Oct. 6 at LCOS
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior will host a Blessing of the Animals from 12 to 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, at 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach. The event is free and open to all who wish to bring their pets to receive a special blessing. The annual ceremony is held close to Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, whose heart had a great respect for animals. For more information, call 302-227-0723.
Agencies team up to launch Blue Zones Ignite Oct. 7
Partners for Wellbeing, United Way of Delaware, and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities are working together to launch the Blue Zones Ignite readiness and feasibility assessment in Sussex County.
A kickoff event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7, at the Sussex Academy Elementary Campus, 22051 Wilson Road, Georgetown. To register, go to tinyurl.com/2ja86wd7.
Blue Zones works with communities, cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to the built environment. The overall goal is to make communities healthier, happier places to live, work and play.
Ocean Waves Quilt Guild to host marketplace Oct. 12
The Ocean Waves Quilt Guild will hold a marketplace sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at Conley’s United Methodist Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes.
More than 16 vendors will be selling quilts, fabric and notions, and craft items. Admission and parking are free.
With a current membership of 250, the guild was first organized in 1997. Its primary purpose was increasing members’ knowledge of quilting, and supporting the needs of the community by sewing and donating items to various charities and organizations.
Ocean Waves Quilt Guild welcomes and encourages active new members. For more information, go to oceanwavesquiltguild.org.
Delaware State to host DIAA championships
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association recently announced that the First State’s Historically Black College and University will be the home site for several DIAA interscholastic tournament games.
Thus far, the DIAA has announced it is moving its 2024 Class 3A and Unified football championships, along with its Division I and Division II field hockey championships to DSU’s athletic facilities.
"We are excited to collaborate with Delaware State University, an institution that shares our commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities to shine in a supportive and competitive environment,” said David Baylor, DIAA executive director. “DSU’s facilities and resources will elevate our championships, making them memorable experiences for all involved."
Moving these tournament and championship games to DSU coincides with the institution’s ongoing athletic transformation, and will offer great exposure to DSU for more students and their families.
Delaware State University was founded in 1891. It is currently ranked as the No. 3 public HBCU in the country and the No. 9 HBCU overall of more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country.
