Community Briefs 4/28/21

Rehoboth student inducted into all-discipline collegiate honor society

Madison Leto of Rehoboth Beach was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Fordham University. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Millsboro man honored as Alvernia resident assistant

Tyzhir Morris of Millsboro is serving as a resident assistant at Alvernia University for the 2020-21 academic year. Morris is pursuing a degree in early childhood education with special education certificate. RAs are academically successful students who help build strong and healthy residential communities while upholding the core values of the university.

"We are deeply grateful to all the Alvernia resident assistants for their hard work during this academic year," said John R. Loyack, Alvernia University president. "We wouldn't have made it to this point of our on-campus experience without all their help, engagement, kindness and support for their fellow resident students."

As an RA, Morris encourages student responsibility and accountability, working to provide a residential environment that enhances academic progress and success. As peers, RAs not only provide general information, but also assist with roommate/suitemate conflicts and plan educational, cultural, and social programs.

"We are especially grateful for all of the hard work this group has done to keep all of our students engaged and safe during this difficult year," said Shannon Merkey, director of residence life.

Lutheran church food pantry open Tuesdays 

The Lord's Cupboard food pantry at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, for anyone in need of assistance. The church is at 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth, behind Big Fish Grill.

Tanger Outlets job fair set April 30-May 1

Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach will host a center-wide job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, in an effort to recruit talent for the summer season at Tanger’s Seaside, Bayside and Surfside locations. Interested applicants can meet directly with store leaders, apply in person for positions and ask questions about job opportunities, employee benefits and discounts. “Tanger Outlets is eager to connect people who are looking for fun and engaging employment with over 115 stores here at Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach,” said Amy Schnerr, general manager. “This job fair event will provide a simple way for applicants to see the enormous amount of opportunities available to themselves and their family members who may wish to apply, just in time for the summer season.”

Register by May 1 for online parenting support group

Kelly Gordon, a licensed clinical social worker, and Stacey Chandler, a yoga and meditation teacher, will offer a four-week online parenting support group starting Tuesday, May 4. Parents, caregivers, and guardians of children and adolescents can email Gordon at kgordonlcsw@embracewellness.life for more information and to register by May 1.

With the global pandemic, people have been living in an unprecedented blanket of collective trauma for more than a year. This life change can impede a child’s feeling of security, leading to mood fluctuations and an increase in problematic behaviors. Connecting with others can increase parenting confidence. Gordon and Chandler will provide effective clinical and spiritual tools to help parents/caregivers cultivate calm strength and feel supported in order to be more emotionally present and help children become more resilient, centered, and secure.

Virtual walk to support mental health May 1-2

E-Racing the Blues South, a walk to raise awareness, will take place virtually Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2. Participants can choose when and where they walk - the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, a park, their own neighborhood – and show their support of efforts toward awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. This support is more necessary than ever due to the effects of the pandemic health crisis.

There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. Walkers can form teams and/or donate to help the Mental Health Association in Delaware continue its programs in the community. All participants, donors and team captains will be entered for a chance to win raffle prizes. Another contest will offer prizes for the best event-themed signs. 

Go to eracingtheblues.org to register, and visit mhainde.org for more information.

Drive-in worship to return to Long Neck UMC May 2

Long Neck United Methodist Church will resume outdoor, drive-in worship at 8:45 a.m., Sunday, May 2. All are invited to come to the campus and participate in worship from their cars, from outdoors by bringing their own lawn chair, or inside Benjamin Hall to view a live broadcast of the service. Traditional worship will also be held at 11 a.m. each Sunday in the sanctuary and Benjamin Hall, while observing state mandates. For details, go to longneckumc.com.

May 2 UUSD service to discuss working together

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an online service at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 2, with the Rev. Heather Rion Starr exploring the topic "Together We... Could?... Might?... Will!" All are welcome to view this Sunday service on UUSD's Facebook page. More information is available at uussd.org.

Food pantry distribution set May 3

The Milton Community Food Pantry will distribute food from 10 a.m to noon, Monday, May 3. All patrons should go to the Goshen Church parking lot at Federal and Mulberry streets, and follow the volunteers’ directions including all COVID safety protocols. Masks are required of everyone including volunteers and clients. 

Those needing food assistance can find local distribution sites by calling Delaware 211 or see the MCFP schedule at miltonpantry.org.

For more information or to assist in a volunteer role, email Donna Murawski, president, at pantrymilton@gmail.com or call 302-278-9557.

Rehoboth Green Drinks to meet May 3

Rehoboth Beach Green Drinks will meet virtually from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 3, to hear a legislative update on critical environmental bills in the Delaware Legislature and what citizens can do to support passage of important bills such as community solar, wind power and other bills. Guest speaker will be Dustyn Thompson, volunteer and outreach coordinator, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter.

All are welcome to connect with eco-minded people, share new ideas, discover new opportunities and build relationships. To request the Zoom call-in number, call Charlie Garlow at 301-312-7703 or 240-353-4962.

Story slam at Anchor Coffee House May 4

The Anchor Coffee House invites the public to its first 2021 Story Slam event from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 4. Anchor Coffee House is at Groome United Methodist Church, 610 Savannah Road, Lewes. For details and rules, go to The Anchor Coffee House on Facebook.

DCF specific-interest grant applications due May 7

Delaware nonprofits are invited to apply for the Delaware Community Foundation’s specific-interest grants. A limited number of these grants are available from DCF funds created by donors for very specific purposes. An independent committee formed of community leaders who are knowledgeable in these subject areas selects grant recipients within the parameters established by the donors. Grant applications are being accepted for programs to support animals and animal welfare, fulfillment of terminally ill children’s wishes and small grants for arts in Wilmington. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 7. Applicants will be notified of decisions in late June. For more information, go to delcf.org/grants.