News Briefs 11/22/24
Community Thanksgiving dinner set Nov. 23
Indian Mission United Methodist Church will host a community Thanksgiving dinner from 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Nanticoke Indian Center, 27073 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro. Dinner is free, and all are welcome. For more information, call 302-945-0830.
Thanksgiving community meal set Nov. 23
Unique Minds Changing Lives will host its third annual Thanksgiving community meal at no cost to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at 17584 Stingey Lane, Lewes. For more information, call 302-550-7266.
Israel UMC sets Norwood Family Day Nov. 24
Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host Norwood Family Day at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. Special guests will be pastor Keith Harmon and the praise team of D.W. Church, Georgetown.
Belmont said, “We are excited for another powerful worship service this year with the gathering, and celebrating the gifts of God through our family and friends. The theme is Family of Unity and Love: Spiritual Legacy, with scripture reference of Colossians 3:13-20.” For more information, call 443-298-0076 or go to faith-israelunitedmethodist.org.
UUSD to meet Nov. 24
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, with Begin Again in Thanks as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “We will ground ourselves once more in gratitude on this day – gratitude for our lives, for this earth, for our interconnectedness, for all that nourishes us. Please bring a harvest item, a fruit or vegetable such as a potato, apple, or squash, for our communal altar of abundance and thanks. You will have the opportunity to place whatever you bring on the altar before the service begins.” For more information, go to uussd.org.
Lewes finance group meets Nov. 25
The Lewes Finance Committee will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25, at city hall. The agenda includes discussion of proposed studies on waste and recycling services, and on a community and visitor parking program. Agenda and meeting link can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth BoA meeting Nov. 25
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will meet at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for three variance request hearings.
The first hearing, for 15 ½ Stockley St., is related to allowing a newly constructed patio to remain in the rear-yard setback.
The second hearing, for 69 Park Ave., is related to construction of a new bathroom and expansion of an existing screened porch.
The third hearing, for 104 Scarborough Ave. is related to code requiring that any new lot contain a rectangle of at least 4,000 square feet in area, with the shortest side measuring at least 48 feet. 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.
Sussex Habitat info meeting set Nov. 25 in Milford
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity invites community members to a Monday morning meetup from 10 to 11 a.m., Nov. 25, at the Milford Public Library, 11 S.E. Front St., Milford. Engaging directly with Habitat staff, attendees will learn about volunteer opportunities and the homeownership process.
The monthly meetups allow attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's initiatives.
"As we grow, volunteers are needed now more than ever. This is an opportunity to discuss with us as we grow," said Jenell Mattera, volunteer services manager for Sussex County Habitat. “In addition to highlighting Habitat's volunteer roles, the Monday morning meetups also educate prospective homeowners about the qualifications and steps involved in the Habitat homeownership program.”
"Together, we can support more families on their journey to homeownership," said Steven Duval, Sussex County Habitat director of homeowner services.
Seats are limited, so reservations are required; email jenell@sussexcountyhabitat.org.
No meeting Nov. 26 for Sussex council
Sussex County Council will not meet Tuesday, Nov. 26, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition, council will not meet Tuesday, Dec. 3. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle.
Overfall Preserve on Lewes agenda Nov. 26
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion of public access for bicycles and pedestrians at the proposed Overfall Preserve on Savannah Road. See agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes civic offices closed Nov. 28-29
Lewes City Hall and Lewes Board of Public Works offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen at 8 a.m., Monday, Dec. 2.
Sussex County offices closed Nov. 28-29
Sussex County government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, to observe Thanksgiving.
Holiday greens orders open for Dec. 2-3 pickup
Members of the Spade & Trowel Garden Club in Seaford are taking orders for their annual greens sale. Pickup will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 and 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Ross Station, 585 N. Market St. Ext., in Seaford, across from the library. Club members will be harvesting evergreen boughs, holly, magnolia, boxwood and pine cones in preparation for two days of fashioning holiday decorations to sell in their biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are used for scholarships, downtown beautification and other community projects.
Wreaths will be made from mixed greens, boxwood or magnolia. Swags feature evergreens fastened to a board that can be hung on a door, wall or mailbox. Centerpieces come in single or double sizes, depending on the number of candles. For more information and to order evergreens, ask any club member or contact Sandy Blackwell at 302-542-3174.
Milton Arts Guild seeks Giving Tuesday donations Dec. 3
With the goal of raising $6,000 to enhance its diversity efforts, Milton Arts Guild will participate again this year in Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. A global initiative, Giving Tuesday encourages people to support nonprofits in their communities.
Programs guild board members would like to expand include MAG Talks, presentations that include voices from a broad range of artists and cultures; outreach to all communities in Sussex County; and scholarships for deserving young people.
“Milton Arts Guild is entirely volunteer driven, and continues to develop new programs and outreach efforts to engage with the greater community,” said Sue Dutton, MAG board president. “Diversity remains one of our key goals in better serving our artist members and the community at large.”
To support Milton Arts Guild, go to degives.org.
Dogfish holiday brew to support Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Dogfish Head’s Rehoboth brewpub, Brewings & Eats, will launch a new brew, Good Old Fashioned Family Holiday (7.8% ABV). The rye winter warmer, brewed with rich cocoa and cinnamon, was crafted in collaboration with Rehoboth Beach Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting a vibrant, year-round, in-town experience for Rehoboth Beach businesses, residents and visitors.
“We hope everyone who tries Good Old Fashioned Family Holiday feels the warmth of the holiday season and the close-knit, festive spirit that fills the Rehoboth Beach community this time of year,” said Suzie Martin, RBMS president. “This collaboration brew has been a truly special experience, and we’re grateful to Dogfish Head for bringing our organizations together to create a recipe as warm and inviting as our community.”
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats will also host benevolence nights Wednesday, Dec. 4 and 18, inviting guests to dine and/or drink with 10% of proceeds going to support Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
Sussex offices closed Dec. 6 for luncheon
Sussex County government offices will close at 12 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, to allow employees to attend the annual Mildred King Luncheon.
County offices will be open for regular business from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 6, so members of the public with time-sensitive needs should plan accordingly on that date.
County offices will return to their normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9.
The luncheon is held each December to recognize county employees for their service to the county government and the people of Sussex County. The annual event is named in honor of former employee Mildred King, who served Sussex County for nearly 30 years.
Browseabout book clubs continue Dec. 8
Browseabout Book Club, celebrating its 28th year, discusses works of literary fiction, poetry, nonfiction and various genres. Members select works for their timely and timeless importance, and uniqueness of perspective. Its next discussion, set for 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, will cover Zadie Smith's “On Beauty.”
Browseabout’s Words That Bleed book club will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, for a discussion of “Mary,” by Nat Cassidy. Led by staff member and published author Kelly Lidji, the club is for fans of horror and suspense.
Browsers Forensic Files, led by staff member and intrepid sleuth Steve Swain, is for enthusiasts of true crime and investigative journalism. Its next discussion is set for 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, focusing on “People Who Eat Darkness,” by Richard Lloyd Parry.
The book clubs are free to join and do not require registration. For more information, go to browseaboutbooks.com.
Sign kids up for Christmas program by Dec. 9
Unique Minds Changing Lives Inc. is encouraging low-income families with children up to 13 years old to sign them up for its Christmas program and help make sure the youngsters have a cheerful holiday. The deadline for sign-ups is Monday, Dec. 9; call 302-550-7266.
The nonprofit agency based in Lewes offers a variety of programs and services to assist individuals, families and children in need. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Learn more at uniquemindscl.com.
DNREC Georgetown accepting Toys for Tots
With the holiday season beginning, Delaware Natural Resources Police offices have boxes in place throughout the state ready to accept donations of new, unwrapped toys through Thursday, Dec. 12. Donations will be distributed as gifts to children in communities statewide through the local branch of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. In Sussex County, toy donations may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the DNREC office at 23530 Campbell Circle, Georgetown.
Milton Holiday House Tour tickets now on sale
The Women’s Club of Milton will host its annual Milton Holiday House Tour from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, rain, snow or shine. The event is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Now in its 42nd year, the holiday house tour will present nine of Milton's most charming homes, both historic and new, as well as three historic public buildings: Milton Historical Society and Museum, Milton Town Hall and Milton Arts Guild. All will be beautifully decorated for the season.
Advance tickets are available at the Mercantile at Milton, Friendly Flowers Florist & Gifts in Milton, and Lewes Gourmet in Lewes. Advance tickets also will be sold at the club’s Holly Festival bake sale table a week prior to the tour, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at Milton Fire Hall.
Early purchase is advised, as last year’s holiday house tour sold out.
If still available, tickets the day of the tour may be purchased from the Mercantile at Milton and the Milton Historical Society and Museum.
For more information, go to womensclubofmilton.org.
Wreaths Across America seeks Rehoboth volunteers Dec. 14
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association will hold their fourth annual Wreaths Across America event starting at 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at Epworth Cemetery on Henlopen Avenue near Grove Park. Parking is limited, and early arrival is recommended.
Members of the public are invited to attend and help lay wreaths at the grave sites of more than 180 veterans who are interred at Epworth Cemetery. Wreaths are provided by donations from local merchants, community groups and individuals. To sponsor a wreath, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.
The Wreaths Across America mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out via coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
Lunch will be provided by Delaware Community Bank at Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Ave., following the event. For further information, contact Rehoboth Beach Main Street at 302-227-2772.
Buddy the Elf kids’ activity continues thru Jan. 1
Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes is creating a Buddy the Elf-style Christmas wonderland in its main dining room, and kids are invited to put their super elf skills to the test by folding, cutting and stringing together paper garland decor through Wednesday, Jan. 1. A cheeky re-creation of Gimbels Department Store from the movie “Elf” starring Will Ferrell, the dining room transformation will mimic Buddy’s masterpiece including paper snowflakes, shiny tinsel and glistening gum drops, all designed for kid-friendly fun and photo ops.
Legion Auxiliary seeks donations and volunteers Jan. 20
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 invites the community to take part in its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Monday, Jan. 20, at American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro. Following a free breakfast, volunteers will begin at 10 a.m. packing food drive donations for the Veterans Pantry at the Wilmington VA Medical Center. No canned items are needed. Along with monetary donations, items requested include breakfast or protein bars, Quaker oatmeal packs, Hormel Compleats meals, Starkist Tuna and lunch to-go packs, Ben’s Ready Rice packs, Lance crackers and tea bags.
