Community Briefs 8/21/24
Delmarva Power customers to see refunds
Delmarva Power electric customers in Delaware will soon see a refund on their bill. Based on when their billing cycle ends, the refund might not appear until the September bill.
The refund is a result of the lower rates that were approved by the Public Service Commission in April.
Delmarva Power originally submitted its electric rate case filing Dec. 15, 2022. As permitted by Delaware law, the utility implemented interim rates seven months later, July 15, 2023. As part of a settlement agreement with numerous parties, the Public Service Commission this year approved final rates April 18, and they went into effect on April 24.
Because the final rates are lower than the interim rates, electric customers in Delaware will be refunded the difference paid between July 15, 2023, and April 23, 2024, plus interest. This will appear as a one-time-refund-rate on customers’ bills.
Customers who are enrolled in budget billing will see the refund as a deduction from their budget balance.
School board members can apply for mini grants
First State Educate, a Delaware nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering school boards, recently launched its Mini Grants Program.
This initiative is designed to enhance the effectiveness of Delaware’s school boards by providing targeted financial support for projects that improve governance, foster community engagement and address local educational challenges. With a total funding pool of $10,000, FSE will award mini grants to school board members across Delaware. The amounts will vary depending on the scope and impact of the proposed projects, ensuring that the most innovative and impactful ones receive the resources needed to succeed.
The grant application will be available on the FSE website Monday, Aug. 26, and only current school board members who meet eligibility requirements will be able to apply. The deadline for application submission is Friday, Oct. 11. For complete details, go to firststateeducate.org.
Apply by Aug. 23 for chamber board position
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce has one vacancy on its board of directors for 2024-25. The minimum requirements for board of directors members are as follows: attendance requirements of 50% at general membership meetings and 75% at board meetings; chamber member for at least one year; able to volunteer hours to the chamber; serves as task force chair or co-chair; and participate in interview with executive committee.
The Rehoboth-Dewey chamber requires representation in six business categories: accommodation, attraction, retail, real estate, restaurant/eatery, and service. The chamber also requires representation in three major geographic business areas: Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Route 1.
Applicants for the board of directors are being accepted until Friday, Aug. 23. Those with interest in serving a two-year term on the chamber board in 2024-25 should contact Carol at 302-227-6446, Ext. 13 (office), 302-542-7547 (cell) or carol@beach-fun.com.
Farm bureau sets Aug. 23 networking event
The Delaware Farm Bureau works diligently to advocate with legislators on behalf of its members. Following the 152nd General Assembly that was highly beneficial to farmers, the bureau will celebrate progress in agriculture at its networking event set from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, 866 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover. DEFB leadership and legislators will discuss the importance of supporting the agriculture industry, highlight legislative achievements and share the benefits of DEFB membership. For more information, go to defb.org.
Back-to-school bash set Aug. 24 at Tanger Seaside
Tanger Outlets Rehoboth will host a back-to-school bash, teacher appreciation day and donation drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at Tanger Seaside Plaza, Rehoboth Beach. Attendees can enjoy family-friendly festivities. Clothing Our Kids will be on site accepting donations of new school supplies, school clothes and shoes to help local students in need prepare for a successful school year.
Needlework show entries accepted Aug. 26-Sept. 4
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society will open its Annual Needlework Exhibition Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Rehoboth Beach Museum.
More than 80 regional needle artists typically participate by submitting nearly 100 entries each year.
The works are evaluated by a certified judge, and awards are given in 11 categories including best in show. The public is invited to visit the museum to view the show and vote for the People’s Choice Award winner.
Needleworkers of all ages are encouraged to enter their work. There is a nominal entry fee. Find a copy of the application form at rehobothbeachmuseum.org or call 302-227-7310. Copies are also available at the museum’s front desk.
“This is my favorite annual event, and I’m thrilled that it continues to grow each year. The creativity and talent of our local and not-so-local needleworkers is phenomenal,” said Michele Wilt, museum collections manager and needlework exhibit curator.
The exhibit runs from Sept. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 10. All award winners will be posted on the society’s website.
Sussex Academy sets kickoff event Aug. 28
Kicking off the 2024-25 school year, Sussex Academy will host families and the community on its secondary campus from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28. There will be local food trucks, yard games, and community-building with teachers and staff at 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.
