Community Briefs 11/04/20

Literacy Delaware online tutor training to start Nov. 4

Literacy Delaware will hold weekly online tutor training sessions in November from 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m., starting Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Delaware ranks 34th out of the 50 states in literacy. In Sussex County, nearly 50,000 people are reading at or below a third-grade level.

This means unemployed and underemployed adults don’t have the income for spending on cars, homes and furnishings; unemployed adults don’t have a taxable income; and unemployed or underemployed people rely on social safety nets which influence government spending needs.

Literacy Delaware offers targeted instruction to adults with limited literacy and English language skills. Tutors are needed for one-on-one or small-group instruction. Volunteer tutors give the gift of learning to adults in Delaware.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tutor training classes will be held online. For more information or to register, call 302-658-5624 or go to literacydelaware.org.

Millsboro library book sale set Nov. 5-7

The Friends of the Millsboro Public Library’s annual book sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Nov. 5 and 6; and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, next to the library at 221 W. State St.

Hardcover and softcover fiction, young adult fiction, children's books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks on tape and CD will be available. Mask wearing and social distancing norms will be observed.

“The book sale has been extremely successful over the years,” said Rita Bittner, Friends president. “It’s well organized and customer friendly.”

Since the Friends is a nonprofit organization, it can benefit from fundraising through the charitable arm of Amazon. Customers can make purchases and identify the Friends as a recipient of a percentage of their orders. “With ordering for the holidays just weeks away, it’s a perfect time for the community to support the Friends by buying on Amazon,” said Wendy Ferranti. To sign up, go to smile.amazon.com. When asked to identify the charity to support, enter The Friends of the Millsboro Public Library.

VFW Auxiliary Post 7447 at Ace in Lewes Nov. 6-7

Members of the VFW Auxiliary Post 7447, Rehoboth Beach will be offering poppies and taking donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, at Ace Hardware, Lewes. Community members are encouraged to stop by for a poppy to thank a veteran. Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11.

SoDel Cares 5K set Nov. 7 in Rehoboth

The second annual SoDel Cares 5K Run/Walk will take place at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at Thompson Island Brewery, 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach. The event is sponsored by the SoDel Concepts restaurant group, and the proceeds benefit SoDel Cares, which donates money to local organizations that assist children, at-risk youth and the elderly. The primary goal is to contribute in a positive way to the local communities where SoDel has its 12 restaurants. For information on registration and the event, go to www.races2run.com. Runners and walkers will be treated to a breakfast sandwich after the race. They also will receive a Thompson Island neck gaiter as part of their participation. Join your favorite SoDel restaurant team when you register online.

Precautions are taken to ensure that Gov. John Carney’s Phase 2 guidance and CDC guidelines are in place. The event is limited to fewer than 250 people. It will take place outside and will provide ample space for social distancing for registration and packet pickup. Wave starts two minutes apart will ensure social distancing at the starting line. Masks must be worn by volunteers and participants when they pick up race numbers and T-shirts.

Awards are all based on chip time and will go to the overall male, female, and masters, and top three in 10-year age groups. For more information, contact Barb@races2run.com.   

Tommy 10-Miler and 5K going virtual

The seventh annual Tommy 10-Miler and 5K run/walk will take place as a virtual event through Saturday, Nov. 7. This event is in memory of Tommy Coveleski, who was a beloved teacher at the Sussex Consortium. All proceeds will benefit Sussex Consortium programs. 

This is a virtual event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants can run either a 10-miler or 5K whenever and wherever they want.

Runners may post their time and picture, and print out a finisher certificate. There are awards for largest team and largest fundraising team.

Registration information can be found on Races2run.com. For details about registration and or sponsorships, contact Barb@races2run.com. A T-shirt is included with the registration cost.

The mission of the Sussex Consortium is to provide intensive academic, functional, vocational and/or behavioral interventions for students with moderate to severe disabilities.   

Rotary to hold family fun bike ride Nov. 7

The Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club will sponsor a family fun bike ride from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, starting at at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School in Milton. Riders will have a choice of three courses, measuring 25K, 50K and 100K, all designed to be family friendly, avoiding main roads. Registration fee is $30 per rider. Participants under age 14 may register for free with a paying adult participant. Proceeds will benefit Rotary programs for Sussex County public and private school students, including college scholarships, elementary school dictionary project, and Rotary youth leadership award scholarships for high school sophomores and juniors. All cyclists are required to wear bicycle helmets. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Masks will be required at check-in, finish, and breaks and water stops. Parents must accompany children ages 16 and under. There will be no registration the day of the rides due to COVID restrictions. To register online, go to eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-rotary-autumn-bike-ride-tickets-118744916241. For more information, call Gail Dejmal at 845-781-3563.

Lewes Senior Activity Center seeks yard sale support Nov. 7

Lewes Senior Activity Center will host a yard sale, soup and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at 32083 Janice Road, Lewes. Concessions will be available during the sale. The center welcomes donations of salable goods which may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Friday. The center also seeks volunteers to work the sale and to donate homemade soups or baked goods. To sign up to volunteer, contact Dennis Nealen, director, at 302-645-9293. Proceeds from the raffle, bake sale and white elephant items will support center programming and operations. The center promotes health and wellness for individuals 50 and older, offering fitness and exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, social get-togethers, affordable travel, and community service opportunities for its members. Virtual classes currently being offered include yoga, tai chi, balance and strength training, and Zumba.

Incarnation of Christ retreat set Nov. 7

The Eastern Orthodox Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Lewes invites all to a retreat titled The Incarnation of Christ: Its Meaning and Its Consequences for Our Lives, set for 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7. Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald, PhD, will be the presenter. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. COVID-19 precautions are in place: Masks must be worn and seating is appropriately spaced. Seating is limited, and registration is required; go to orthodoxdelmar.org/retreats. St. Andrew Church is located at 33384 MacKenzie Way, off Plantation Road, Lewes. For more information, call 302-645-5791.

UUSD to meet Nov. 8

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an online service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 8. A Post-Election Reflection on Healing our Racial Divides will be the topic. All are welcome to view this Sunday service on UUSD's Facebook Page. For more information, go to uussd.org.

Supporting Youth in Difficult Times free webinar set Nov. 9

NAMI Delaware and the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension will present Let’s Talk - Real Conversations About Supporting Youth During Difficult Times, a free webinar set for 2 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, via Zoom. Understanding the warning signs of stress and/or a developing mental health condition is a key to supporting youth and families. Annie Slease, MEd, NAMI Delaware director of advocacy and education, will be presenting. She will review some of the myths and facts of mental illness. Participants will learn strategies for having real conversations with youth and teens that will build resiliency skills. Information about free resources and support for individuals and their families will be provided. This workshop is suitable for parents, volunteers who work with youth, and educators. This program has been underwritten by the UD Sea Grant Program and the Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative. To register and receive a Zoom link, go to pcsreg.com/real-conversations.

Selbyville library seeks board applications by Nov. 10

The Selbyville Public Library is seeking qualified applicants for a board of commissioners position for a four-year term, as a member is stepping down early from a five-year term. Kelly Kline, library director, said, “We are building a new library and the workload is a little more for that reason.” Candidates should have strong ties to the Selbyville area, because they are responsible for oversight of the library which provides direct services to Selbyville residents and beyond. Susan Kirsch, board president, said, “This is a great time to be a member of the board because we are now planning the library expansion; the next few years will be busy but very exciting.” The commissioners and director are eager to share the schematic designs from Becker Morgan Group with the public when they are finalized. This will be a significant time for the community, as library capabilities for a host of activities will be expanded. For an application, go to selbyvillelibrary.org. Applications should be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 10. The board meets at 6 p.m., the fourth Monday of the month via Zoom.

Veterans ride DART bus free Nov. 11

DART is offering free rides to veterans on all statewide bus services Wednesday, Nov. 11. Veterans displaying a veterans ID card or DD 214 can ride for free on all DART bus services all day. “In honor of Veterans Day, DTC is happy to once again offer free bus rides to the men and women who proudly serve our country in the military and to veterans who have served, in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice,” said John Sisson, Delaware Transit Corporation CEO. Everyone must wear face coverings when riding any DART bus, fixed route or paratransit. Riders not wearing face coverings will not be permitted to board the bus. Exceptions to the face covering rule include children 12 years and under and individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition. For more information, go to DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.

Milton Theatre youth to perform Nov. 12-13

The Milton Theatre children's musical theatre ensemble will present Voices of Hope at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13. The program features songs from “Zootopia, “The King and I,” “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” “The Lion King,” “Memphis, the Musical,” “Sister Act,” “Prince Of Egypt.,” “Ragtime,” “Glee,” Frank Sinatra, Josh Groban, the Jackson 5 and more.

Tickets are $10-$12. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.MiltonTheatre.com or call 302-684-3038.

CHEER to honor veterans Nov. 13

CHEER will host its annual Veterans Day celebration Friday, Nov. 13, at the Warren L. and Charles C. Allen Jr. CHEER Community Center on Sand Hill Road east of Georgetown. Dinner will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the honor ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided DJ Sky Brady for dancing to end the evening. A cash bar will be offered. All veterans are welcome free of charge. Tickets for spouses or guests are $10 each. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no tickets sold at the door. Entry will be by pre-sold ticket only. Attendees must practice social distancing procedures and wear face masks except when eating. For tickets or more information, call Robin Greene at 302-515-3063.