News Briefs 10/18/24
Canalfront Park playground to close Oct. 18
The City of Lewes is closing the Canalfront Park playground beginning Friday, Oct. 18 for installation of the new playground. The city said construction should take about one month.
The project is expected to cost just under $400,000. The city received a $125,000 state grant to help pay for the playground.
Dewey workshop set Oct. 18
Dewey Beach commissioners will hold a workshop at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Council will host a presentation and Q&A session with auditor Dan Kenney regarding town financial procedures. For the full agenda and meeting link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.
Barktober pet-friendly fun set Oct. 19
Tanger Outlets Seaside will host its inaugural Barktober dog-friendly event from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach. Attendees and their leashed pets can enjoy a lively parade and festive costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best owner/pet duo, and cutest and funniest costumes. For more information, go to tanger.com/rehoboth.
Faith and Blue BBQ set Oct. 19
The Rehoboth Beach Police Department and St. Edmond Catholic Church will host the annual Faith and Blue Free Family BBQ from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, in front of the fire station, 219 Rehoboth Ave. Free barbecue and hot dogs will be available to anyone who stops by.
Sussex Tech open house set Oct. 19
Sussex Technical High School will hold an eighth-grade open house from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at 17099 County Seat Highway, Georgetown. All Sussex County eighth-graders who would like to learn about Sussex Tech High School’s technical areas, academics and extracurricular activities, and new building construction plans are invited to attend.
Delaware’s school choice application period is open from Monday, Nov. 4 to Wednesday, Jan. 8. Sussex Tech is a public high school that prepares Sussex County students in grades 9-12 for their future success in workforce environments, higher education and the military.
The Met: Live in HD ‘Grounded’ to open Oct. 19
Rehoboth Beach Film Society will present The Met: Live in HD production of “Grounded” with screenings at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Cinema Art Theater.
Composed by Jeanine Tesori and commissioned by the Met, “Grounded” is based on librettist George Brant’s acclaimed play. Mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo headlines as Jess, a hotshot fighter pilot whose unplanned pregnancy takes her out of the cockpit and lands her in Las Vegas, operating a Reaper drone. As she adjusts to this new way of doing battle, she struggles under the pressure to be the perfect soldier, wife and mother all at the same time. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium, leading a cast that also features tenor Ben Bliss as the Wyoming rancher who sweeps Jess off her feet.
Admission for The Met: Live in HD broadcasts is $25 for adults, $22 for RBFS members, $22 for seniors ages 65 and above, and $10 for students with ID. To purchase tickets, go to rehobothfilm.com.
UUSD 25th anniversary concert set Oct. 19
Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will celebrate their 25th anniversary during 2024. A special concert titled Keeping on Moving Forward will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at 30486 Lewes Georgetown Hwy., Lewes.
Award-winning activist duo Emma’s Revolution is known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies within songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock. The duo’s signature soaring harmonies blend with lush acoustic instruments. Performing for more than 20 years, Emma’s Revolution writes songs about critical issues happening in the world, lending their voices to the movements those issues inspire. The duo’s songs have been praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near, and featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and Pacifica’s “Democracy Now!”
Tickets cost $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $20 for livestream access. All are welcome; no one will be turned away. Purchase tickets online at tinyurl.com/lewesoct19. For more information, contact uusdcares@uussd.org or go to uussd.org.
Learn about Duffle Bags and More during Oct. 20 event
Duffle Bags and More will be participating in the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, on the second block of Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. Representatives will have information available about the organization along with specially made toiletry kits available for purchase to support its mission.
The local nonprofit also announced the receipt of generous grants from the Village Improvement Association and The Harper Family Foundation.
Funds will be used to purchase materials to make duffle bags and toiletry bags, given primarily to children in foster care.
“These very generous grants will allow us to purchase fabric and materials so our volunteers can sew duffle bags and toiletry kits for foster children and other individuals in transition,” said Debbie Fratella, president of Duffle Bags and More Inc. "Furthermore, the grant from The Harper Family Foundation will ensure we can pay the expense to securely store our materials, sewing machines and other equipment.”
For more information, go to dufflebagsandmore.org or email dufflesmore@gmail.com.
Unity to host Cecilia Grace Oct. 20
Unity Spiritual Center of Coastal Delaware will host local musician Cecilia Grace at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, at 98 Rudder Road, Long Neck. The Rev. Sandra Butler, interim minister, will deliver the message, “A Roadmap for Spiritual Awakening,” via Zoom.
All are welcome. For more information, go to unityspiritualcenterofcoastalde.org.
UUSD to meet Oct. 20
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, with The Transformative Power of Music as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Through music, we practice being a collective, unified body. We learn how to be and to proclaim ourselves with one voice, one community, one united melody.” For more information, go to uussd.org.
NARFE chapter to meet in Seaford Oct. 21
NARFE Western Sussex Chapter 1992 will meet at 12 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21, at Pizza King restaurant on Stein Highway, Seaford. A Blue Cross representative will be the guest speaker. For more information, go to narfe-de.org.
Railroad fence on Lewes parks agenda Oct. 21
The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21, at the Rollins Center to discuss and possibly take action on the future of a fence around the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association exhibit in Stango Park.
The LJRBA is asking to have the fence requirement removed from a 2021 memorandum of understanding.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes bike plan discussion Oct. 22
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at city hall. The group will continue to review, discuss and possibly take action on the Lewes bike plan.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes finance group to meet Oct. 22
The Lewes Financial Stewardship Subcommittee will meet at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Rollins Center.
The group will continue its discussion on nonprofit grant opportunities and more.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes to discuss nation’s 250th
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a roundtable at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Rollins Center.
The panel will discuss forming a committee to plan and identify funding opportunities for the United States' 250th Anniversary celebration.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Sussex council not meeting Oct. 22
Sussex County Council will not meet Tuesday, Oct. 22. The next regular meeting will begin at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Sussex P&Z sets meeting Oct. 23
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
The group will consider a preliminary site plan and a revised master plan for White House Beach manufactured home park.
Under old business, the commission will consider a conditional use for indoor storage of watercraft on Conleys Chapel Road, Lewes.
A public hearing will be held for a conditional-use application for a five-unit multifamily dwelling at 20455 Lincoln St., Rehoboth Beach.
See the full agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Spooky fun and ‘King Kong’ screening set Oct. 25
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society will host a free Fright Night at the Museum starting at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Kids can decorate their own trick-or-treat tote, watch spooky cartoons, and go on a scary scavenger hunt around the museum to win a prize.
At 7 p.m., the 1933 horror film “King Kong” will be screened. Children must be accompanied by adults. Complimentary popcorn will be served. Museum guests can check out a display of Sea Witch memorabilia commemorating the festival’s 34th anniversary this year. For more information or to reserve a seat, go to rbmuseum.org or call 302-227-7310.
Burton Family Day set Oct. 28 at Israel UMC
Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host Burton Family Day at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. Guest speaker Kathryn Deshields Moon will present the topic, “Christ Above All; We Need Heaven's Help." This is a time for past and present church body members and friends to come home, receive blessings, and celebrate being part of the congregation with worship and songs of praise.
Five Points Working Group to meet
The Five Points Working Group will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28, at Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes. The meeting is also viewable via Zoom. The topic will be Route 1 congestion management and traffic operations.
The group will also receive updates on ongoing construction projects in the area and discuss the Route 1 low-stress bikeway study.
For more information and Zoom link, go to publicinput.com/t6338#tab-46909.
Trick-or-treat at Tanger Outlets Oct. 31
Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach will host Halloween family fun at its annual Trick-or-Treat Off the Street from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31. Children ages 12 and younger are invited to dress in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating from store to store at more than 30 participating retailers across all three Tanger Rehoboth centers, Surfside, Bayside and Seaside. For more information, go to tanger.com/rehoboth.
Estate-planning mistakes session set Nov 4
The Delaware Money School will offer a free Common Estate Planning Mistakes class from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown. Led by instructor Deirdre O’Shea McCartney, Esq., the class covers common estate-planning mistakes and how to avoid them. It will explore some common myths about estate planning and offer suggestions on how attendees can optimize their financial future and legacy for their own and their loved ones’ benefit. Having written, spoken and taught on the subject many times, McCartney breaks down a complex subject to understandable layman’s terms. Everyone should be aware of these mistakes and be able to consult with their attorney and financial advisor on a plan to correct them. To register, go to demoneyschool.org.
Trans health equity is program topic Nov. 4
TransLiance Rehoboth will host the Salisbury University Transgender Interprofessional Care Team at its meeting from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at the Lewes Public Library. Dr. Michèle M. Schlehofer and Dr. Daniel Green will share the results of a recent study of testimonials provided by gender-diverse individuals who are members of local communities.
Devon Filicicchia, site supervisor at the Zwaanendael Museum, will discuss the museum’s Shared Truths exhibit exploring people who witness, shape and record Delaware history. The exhibit’s first subject is TransLiance Rehoboth organizer Kathy Carpenter, celebrating her work in LGBTQ+ advocacy in Delaware.
Carpenter will discuss how the study results compare with school policies that affect students including athletes assigned female, and parental rights.
For more information, email transliance@gmail.com or call 302-381-0788.
Victoria’s event to benefit Read Aloud Nov. 13; reserve by Nov. 8
The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant will host a wine-and-dine evening to benefit Read Aloud Delaware at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The evening will feature a four-course dinner including an amuse-bouche, salad, appetizer, entrée and dessert, with wine pairings to complement each course. The cost is $85 per person including gratuity.
Reservations are required. To sign up, go to 302-644-6886 by Friday, Nov. 8.
“I’m looking forward to this fun-filled event,” said Stacy Penaranda, Read Aloud Delaware Sussex County director. “We are always grateful to our many supporters.”
Read Aloud Delaware is a children’s literacy program whose vision is for every child in Delaware to have the fundamental literacy skills to succeed in school and life.
Fundraiser proceeds will help support Read Aloud’s work in Sussex County childcare centers, preschools and elementary schools, the LENA Start program for young families; and the recruitment of additional volunteers.
Baywood craft fair set Nov. 10
More than 20 local artists and artisans will sell their wares at a craft fair from from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, Saturday, Nov. 10, in the upstairs ballroom of the Baywood Clubhouse restaurant, 32267 Clubhouse Way, Millsboro. With all spaces filled, an array of vendors will feature exquisite art, jewelry, handmade items and charming home decor. Holiday music will be playing to encourage guests to shop early for gifts. Do not contact the restaurant. For more information, find Baywood Craft Fair on Facebook.
Sussex ReStore to host furniture refresh event Nov. 11
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity invites community members to unleash their creativity at a chalk painting event from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11, at 18501 Stamper Drive off Route 9 west o Lewes.
Beginners and experienced participants should bring a small piece of furniture to refresh and paint, or purchase one from the ReStore prior to the day of the event.
The $60 per person ticket includes all painting supplies, expert instruction and refreshments. Proceeds support Sussex Habitat’s mission to provide accessible, affordable housing.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to sussexcountyhabitat.org.
Donate musical instruments until Nov. 16
Southern Delaware Orchestra’s third annual musical instrument donation drive, known as Instruments from the Attic, will run through Saturday, Nov. 16.
Instruments of any kind, regardless of condition, will be accepted; the drop-off site is Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Also welcome are accessories like music stands, sheet music, shoulder rests, instrument cases and similar items.
SODELO's mission is to assist local youth and adults to further their music education without the financial burden of purchasing or renting. All donations are tax-deductible.
More information about SODELO, a local nonprofit organization, is available at sodelomusic.org. Questions can be directed to delgalloviolin@gmail.com.
Lewes BPW discusses strategic plan
The Lewes Board of Public Works held a special meeting Oct. 7 to discuss updating its strategic plan.
Tom Panetta, BPW board president, said the way the utility handles PFAS, aka forever chemicals, and lead and copper pipes must be revised in the plan.
Board members discussed reprioritizing other issues, such as environmental resiliency.
The strategic plan, which was last updated in 2019, will serve as BPW’s operational plan for the next five years.
Details can be found at lewesbpwde.gov.
Lewes city flag available for purchase at LHS shops
The official City of Lewes flag is being sold at three Lewes Historical Society store locations.
Patrons can purchase the flag at the Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Ave.; the Antique Shop on the historic campus, 110 Shipcarpenter St.; and and the Ryves Holt House, 218 Second St.
Designed by Lewes native Alan Keffer, the flag has grown in popularity since its debut in 1991, when 35 dedicated Lewes residents sponsored its creation. Officially adopted as the City of Lewes flag in 2005, it now flies throughout the area, from city hall to private homes, boats and beyond.
Recently, the Lewes Historical Society acquired the rights to sell the flag, making it available at three of its sites.
The flag is rich in historical symbolism. Its central seal is based on one from Lewes, England, the namesake and sister city of Lewes, Delaware. Its blue-and-white background, adapted from the flag of the Zeeland Province in the Netherlands, symbolizes the sea, honoring Lewes' maritime heritage and its founding by Dutch settlers who sailed from Zeeland in 1631.
For more information, go to hstoriclewes.org or call 302-645-7076.
Lunch With a Purpose supports First State Community Action
In support of First State Community Action Agency, Lunch With a Purpose held its September gathering at the Clubhouse at Baywood Greens in Long Neck.
The total of donated funds raised was $7,835, along with in-kind donations of $4,600, and more than 2,000 pounds of nonperishable items for First State CAA food pantry.
Bernice Edwards, executive director, said First State CAA services cover all aspects of community needs: after-school programs, rental assistance, food pantry, housing, employment, families in crisis and tax-preparation assistance. Dell Hudson, college and career readiness coordinator, spoke about the agency’s Teens with Goals program that builds and strengthens educational and employment pathways for young people enrolled.
Formed in 1965 as the Sussex County Community Action Agency by a group of concerned citizens, First State was the first and remains the only Community Action Agency in Delaware. First State has grown to encompass the entire state, offering a diverse array of programs that target the root causes of poverty. For more information, go to firststatecaa.org and find Lunch With a Purpose/Coastal Delaware on Facebook.
Planners recommend open-space changes
The Lewes Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 16 to recommend a revised open-space ordinance to mayor and city council.
The ordinance aims to clarify open-space requirements within developments by setting definitions for active and passive open space.
See the ordinance details at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth offers strategic plan survey
As an initial step in developing Rehoboth Beach’s strategic plan, a community survey is now live on Reach Out Rehoboth, the city’s engagement platform.
The city encourages stakeholders and other individuals to share their perspectives about city services, priorities that should guide the city moving forward, and how the city can best work to meet the needs of those who live, work and visit in Rehoboth Beach.
The survey addresses the city’s current service areas – public outreach, land-use planning and maintenance, financial stewardship, public infrastructure maintenance, code enforcement, police/public safety, special events, and utilities – and asks how those efforts could be improved. Residents, business owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to complete this survey, which will be open through Monday, Nov. 5.
The city is working with Emergent Method, a national management consulting firm, to develop its first strategic plan.
Additional public engagement opportunities will be available throughout the process.
The final draft of the strategic plan is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025.
Sussex council awards grants
Sussex County Council presented the following councilmanic grants during its Oct. 15 meeting: $1,900 to Friends of the Laurel Library for its youth services program; $1,500 to Selbyville Historical Society for the Townsend Building; $2,000 to Coastal Concerts for its 2024-25 student scholarship grant program; $2,000 to Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation for its teacher grant program; $1,500 to Better Homes of Seaford for its senior resource activity and vendor events; and $10,000 to Good Ole Boy Foundation for Hurricane Helene relief.
