News Briefs 12/20/24

Dewey commissioners meet Dec. 20

Dewey Beach commissioners will meet at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20, at the Dewey Beach Life-Saving Station. 

The agenda includes a public hearing and possible vote regarding a conditional-use application for Playa Bowls LLC to operate an eatery at 1904 Coastal Hwy. Unit C7 between New Orleans and Bellevue streets. 

Also on the agenda is a discussion and possible vote on an ordinance to amend code to clarify definitions of canopy and baby tent, and to outline regulations regarding their use on the beach. 

Commissioners will consider an ordinance to establish a fee for beach wheelchair rentals, discuss a resolution to approve renewal of the town’s trash and recycling contract, and consider a code amendment to define standard and cluster-style mailbox assemblies. 

Other items under consideration include a discussion regarding Sussex County property reassessment as it relates to the town’s beach replenishment tax, a possible vote on a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025, and a possible vote to refer to the planning and zoning committee an ordinance to allow property owners in a flood zone to add one additional foot of freeboard with a corresponding increase of 1 foot in maximum building height as a voluntary measure of flood protection. See the meeting agenda and link at townofdeweybeach.com/meetings.

UUSD sets winter solstice service Dec. 20

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person winter solstice service at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. The Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD friend and ordained spiritual life minister, said, “Winter solstice is the marking of the earth’s pause before turning once again from darkness toward the light. On this, the longest night of the year, we will invite new beginnings into our lives and pause to listen to the renewal of our life’s direction. We will begin our ceremony indoors. Weather permitting, we may have an outdoor fire to celebrate the coming of the light. As part of the ceremony, we will release our worries and concerns into the fire, either indoors or out. In our celebration we will drum, so bring a drum if you have one or share the drums we have to offer. Come renew your fire and light.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Longest Night service set Dec. 21 at Westminster

Westminster Presbyterian Church will host a Longest Night Service at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. The holiday season can be a bittersweet time when missing a loved one is felt more deeply. In gathering together, attendees can allow some light to enter into the dark places through music, sacred readings, poetry and dance, and they can begin to see that hope, joy and life will come again. As the sun begins to bring more light-infused days, participants may come to see that relationships never truly end; they simply change forms.

UUSD to meet Dec. 22

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, with Jesus the Protestor as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Inspired by Jewish Studies scholar, Amy-Jill Levine, among others, we’ll contemplate what wisdom the historical Jesus has to offer us for these times and in our current context. Alternatively, this service could be titled, ‘What Would Jesus Say About This Mess We’re In?’” Learn more at uussd.org.

Parker Group holiday open house set Dec. 23

The Parker Group, a local real estate brokerage serving Delaware and Maryland, invites the public to a holiday open house from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at 673 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa, fun activities and a free photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In support of the company’s Day of Kindness initiative, community members are encouraged to drop off donations of warm clothing, nonperishable food, and animal supplies to be sorted and delivered to local charities. For more information, find The Parker Group on Facebook.

St. Edmond holiday services start Dec. 24

St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church announced its upcoming Christmas and New Year’s services. Christmas Eve services will be held at 4 p.m. and midnight in the church, and at 4 p.m. in the parish hall and at Rehoboth Elementary School, Tuesday, Dec. 24. Christmas Day services will be held at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the church. A New Year’s Eve service is set for 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31. New Year’s Day services will be held at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1. St. Edmond is at Laurel Street and King Charles Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. Learn more at stedmond.org.

Westminster sets candlelight service Dec. 24

Westminster Presbyterian Church will hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. All are welcome to the service of lessons and carols with holy communion. 

All Saints' and St. George's announce Christmas services

The Episcopal Parish of All Saints' Church and St. George's Chapel announced Christmas services at both of its locations. All Saints' Church is at 18 Olive Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. St. George's Chapel is at 20271 Beaver Dam Road (Route 23), Harbeson.

All Saints' will host an abbreviated service at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, with a focus on smaller children and families. The service will include the story of the birth of the Christ child, holy communion and carol singing. An extended prelude with special music and Christmas carol singing will begin at 9:30 p.m., Dec. 24, followed by by the 10 p.m. Christmas Eve service with full choir and guest musicians.. A Christmas Day service with carols is set for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25, at All Saints’.

St. George's Chapel will host a 4 p.m. family service and a 7 p.m. candlelight service with full choir for Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. A Christmas Day service with carols begins at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 25.

All services are open to the public; all are welcome. Freewill offerings will be taken. Both church and chapel are fully handicapped accessible with parking available on- and off-street.

For more information, go to allsaintsandstgeorges.org.

St. Peter’s Lewes announces Christmas services

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes announced its 2024 schedule of Christmas season services. Services will be broadcast on Facebook Live and YouTube unless otherwise stated.

Christmas Eve services will include a Godly Play Christmas service for families at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24; a festal service with handbells at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 24; a prelude with carol sing at 10:30 p.m. and a festal service with choir at 11 p.m., Dec. 24.

For Christmas Day, a worship service will meet in person only at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 25. All Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services include communion.

For more information, go to stpeterslewes.org.

Sussex Pride and GWOR to ring in new year Dec. 31

Gay Women of Rehoboth and Sussex Pride will host a New Year’s Eve celebration from 6 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Girls Room, one of the area’s most popular bands, from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by DJ Riddic spinning tunes until a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

“We wanted to end 2024 on a high note and embrace everyone in the Rehoboth LGBTQ+ community,” said Lisa Soens, GWOR director.

“New Year’s Eve is an evening full of looking back and looking forward, so music and dancing is a perfect way to end and begin,” said David Mariner of Sussex Pride. “We hope everyone will come to the Rehoboth convention center and dance their heels off.”

Learn more at sussexpride.org/events/jingle.

Lewes BPW makes fire dept. donation

The Lewes Board of Public Works voted 3-2, Dec. 12 to approve a $30,000 donation to the Lewes Fire Department.

Board President Tom Panetta said he thought they should have given more.

Board member Barbara Curtis said she did not think charitable contributions should be a BPW function.

BPW gave the fire department $25,000 last year.

Village Volunteers receives $40,000 from Matt Haley Trust

Village Volunteers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults live independently with dignity, recently received a generous $40,000 donation from the Matt Haley Trust.

The contribution will significantly enhance the organization’s ability to provide essential services including transportation, home maintenance and companionship programs to community members in need.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Matt Haley Trust,” said Anna Moshier, Village Volunteers executive director. “This donation represents a tremendous opportunity to expand our impact and ensure that we continue to meet the growing needs of our community. It’s partnerships like this that empower us to make a real difference in the lives of so many in our community.”

Inspired by the legacy of the late restaurateur and philanthropist Matt Haley, the trust in his name is dedicated to supporting those who transform lives and give back to foster a more compassionate society. The Village Volunteers team plans to use the funds to strengthen existing programs and explore new initiatives that align with the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for older adults in coastal Sussex County.

To learn more, go to villagevolunteer.org.