News Briefs 11/8/24
DelDOT sets Nov. 8 workshop in Milton
The Delaware Department of Transportation will hold a public workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, in the Green Room at Milton library on the future of the bicycle and pedestrian network in town and around Route 16.
DelDOT officials will be on hand to discuss certain recommendations from the Coastal Corridors Study – DelDOT’s plans for improving Route 16 – review the results of an assessment of current Route 16 conditions, and facilitate discussion about the community and the town's vision for Route 16 in Milton.
The Milton Transportation Advisory Group, which consists of Milton government officials and residents, was formed to help with this study. The committee last met Oct. 11, when DelDOT presented results from a survey of Milton residents regarding bike and pedestrian plans around town and along Route 16, as well as proposed solutions that could be pursued to improve traffic safety.
The Nov. 8 meeting is hybrid, so those who cannot attend in person can watch over Zoom at tinyurl.com/bddjy75r using passcode 123456.
To view the DelDOT report from Oct. 11, go to tinyurl.com/yce44r5m.
Tanger Outlets to host tree lighting and Santa’s arrival Nov. 8
Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting and Santa’s arrival from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, outside the corner of Osh Kosh at Tanger Seaside, 36504 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach. Attractions include a holiday craft station, face painting, musical entertainment and photos with St. Nick. A drawing will take place to find out which lucky child will flip the switch to light the center’s holiday tree. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at tanger.com/rehoboth.
Holiday artisan fair set Nov. 10 at Baywood
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. An array of vendors will feature exquisite art, jewelry, handmade items and charming home decor. Do not contact the restaurant; for more information, find Baywood Craft Fair on Facebook.
Rehoboth film festival wraps up Nov. 10
The 26th Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will conclude its run Sunday, Nov. 10. Screenings have included 25-30 original indie films encompassing features, documentaries and international titles hosted at the Cinema Art Theater’s two-screen complex in Lewes, with additional screening venues at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware on Route 9 west of Lewes, and Possum Point Players’ 185-seat theater in Georgetown.
Launched in 1998, the festival is one of the longest-running in the United States and has stood the test of time as a must-attend international event in Sussex County. As in past years, attendees were expected to attend from multiple states and the nearby Mid-Atlantic region.
For more information, go to rehobothfilm.com.
Unity to meet Nov. 10
Unity Spiritual Center of Coastal Delaware will host the Rev. Raymont Anderson at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, at 98 Rudder Road, Long Neck. His message will be “T.A.G. You Are It! Thankfulness, Appreciation, Gratitude as a Way of Life.” All are welcome. For more information, go to unityspiritualcenterofcoastalde.org.
UUSD to meet Nov. 10
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, with Too Soon to Tell as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “No matter the outcomes of this month’s elections, our human lives are just a blip along the arc of history. How do we reconcile that fact with how deeply election results can matter to us, and can truly impact our and our loved ones’ lives?” For more information, go to uussd.org.
DART bus offers free rides to veterans Nov. 11
On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, DART will offer free rides to veterans on all statewide bus services. Veterans displaying a veteran’s ID card (which would also cover spouses and partners) or DD 214 can ride for free on all DART bus services all day.
“We are committed to honoring the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. Offering free bus rides on Veterans Day is just one small way we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure they have access to the transportation they need. We are proud to support our veterans and their families,” said John Sisson, Delaware Transit Corporation CEO.
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State. For more information, go to DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-time bus information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App.
Lane closure at IR bridge begins Nov. 11
The Delaware Department of Transportation will close the right northbound lane of Route 1 in the area of the Indian River Inlet bridge from Monday, Nov. 11 through Wednesday, Dec. 11, for installation of a sheet pile wall. Motorists are reminded to slow down and expect minor delays while in work zones.
For more information, go to deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.
County council to meet Nov. 12
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the County Administration Building in Georgetown. Council will conduct a public interview for the board of adjustment with nominee Shawn Lovenguth. The group will also discuss implementation of the Family Paid Leave Act. See the full agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Overfall Preserve on Lewes agenda
The Lewes Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Rollins Center to discuss the Overfall Preserve development, formerly known as the Warrington Property.
The preliminary site plan is for 90 townhomes at 1147 Savannah Road.
The Lewes Historic Byway Committee is calling for changes to the plan to include a connector road between Savannah Road and Kings Highway.
The group said a connector would improve safety and traffic flow through Overfall Preserve, and the adjacent Dutchman’s Harvest and Lodge at Historic Lewes communities.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Sussex P&Z meets Nov. 13
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the County Administration Building in Georgetown. The panel will consider the final subdivision and landscape plan for The Estuary at Oyster Rock, and the preliminary and final site plans for Village Center Cottages. Under old business, commissioners will consider the expansion of the Anchors Run cluster subdivision for an additional 91 lots near the intersection of Beaver Dam Road and Conleys Chapel Road west of Lewes.
They will also consider Lockhaven, a standard subdivision to divide 81.84 acres into 18 single-family home lots along Round Pole Bridge Road near Milton. Later in the agenda, the commission will consider a conditional-use request from Lauden Investments LLC to amend conditions related to permitted days and hours of operation for a professional office project on the southeastern side of Savannah Road near Wescoats Road outside Lewes. J.G. Townsend Jr. & Co. has also submitted a conditional-use request for land in the MR medium-density residential district regarding requirements for a gate on Stockley Boulevard between the Governors community and the proposed Village Center Cottages. See the full agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Winning Democrats to speak Nov. 13
The 14th Representative District Democratic Committee will host an election wrap-up with the area’s Democratic winners at its Wednesday, Nov. 13 meeting. The featured guests will be Sen. Russ Huxtable, re-elected in Senate District 6; Claire Snyder-Hall, now the 14th RD state representative; and Jane Gruenebaum, who will represent Sussex County Council District 3.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a Dutch-treat dinner at Iron Hill Brewery on Route 1 north of Rehoboth Beach, followed by post-election analysis, questions from attendees and committee business at 6 p.m.
The 14th RD Committee represents Democrats who live in and around Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. All registered Democrats are welcome to participate in group meetings; those planning to attend Nov. 13 should RSVP by Monday, Nov. 11, to c.fruchtman@comcast.net. Learn more at 14thRDDelDems.com.
Tennessee genealogy is meeting topic Nov. 16
The Sussex County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, at Lewes Public Library and via Zoom. All are welcome; to request a Zoom invitation, email programs@scgsdelaware.org. Presenting a program on ancestry research through the Tennessee State Library Archives will be Melissa Barker, professional genealogist and certified archives manager of the Houston County, Tenn. Archives and Museum. With genealogical research expertise in Tennessee and Kentucky records, Barker has been researching her own family history for 30 years.
Tunnel to Towers 5K supports first responders Nov. 16
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will host the Sixth Annual Tunnel to Towers Delmarva - Delaware Beaches 5K Run & Walk at 8 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. Established in memory of a fallen 9/11 firefighter, the foundation’s mission is to honor and support first responders, military service heroes, Gold Star spouses and families, and veterans from Delmarva and across the country. For more information and to register, go to T2Trun.org.
YMCA clothing and food drive continues thru Nov. 22
Sussex Family YMCA is accepting items for its annual food and clothing drive during regular operating hours through Friday, Nov. 22, at 20080 Church St., Rehoboth Beach.
Community members are encouraged to help neighbors in need by donating nonperishable food items and winter clothing. These items will be distributed to local organizations that support Delawareans facing food insecurity and other challenges this season.
Nonperishable food needs include pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned soups and other shelf-stable foods.
Winter clothing items needed are hats, gloves, scarves, warm coats and more.
All YMCA of Delaware branches will accept donations to make a meaningful difference statewide.
For more information, go to ymcade.org.
Holiday craft fair set Nov. 23 at East Coast Garden Center
East Coast Garden Center will host its annual holiday craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at. 30366 Cordrey Road, Millsboro. More than 50 local artists, crafters and makers will be offering handmade goods including pottery, jewelry, photography and fine art, stained glass, wood crafts, candles, bath and body products, greeting cards, pet wear and treats, baked goods, sweet treats and more. Live music will entertain guests, and a variety of food trucks will be on site. The garden center bar will be open with soda, beer and wine; all bar proceeds go to Cordrey Charities. For more information, call 302-945-3489 or go to eastcoastgardencenter.com.
St. Andrew Orthodox to host Advent retreat Nov. 23
St. Andrew Orthodox Church invites all to an Advent retreat Saturday, Nov. 23, at 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes, just off Plantation Road.
Coffee and welcome begin at 9:30 a.m., and sessions are scheduled into the afternoon, concluding around 4:30 p.m.
Lunch will be provided.
The topic is the early second-century work and apocalypse, “The Shepherd of Hermas,” one of the earliest pieces of Christian literature extant outside the New Testament. Although not a part of the canon of scripture, this work has been considered spiritually beneficial through the centuries with its commentary on the efficacy of repentance. “The Shepherd of Hermas” also provides an illuminating window into the spirituality of the generations immediately following Christ’s sojourn on earth.
There is no cost to attend. Registration is requested; sign up at standrewlewes@gmail.com, or call 302-645-5791 and leave a message.
Drought-resilience workshop set Dec. 3
The Delaware Soil Health Partnership will host Make Your Operation Drought Resilient, a free workshop, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Bridgeville Fire Hall. Presenting the program will be Dale Strickler, an author and consultant with over 30 years of expertise in agronomy, pasture management and drought prevention.
A passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, Strickler has had an extensive career spanning academia, private industry and sustainable farming consultancy. He has developed successful crop and grazing systems for farms and ranches across the United States, Europe, and Africa, often in challenging climates and soil conditions.
Attendees will gain insights from Strickler’s work, including strategies detailed in his influential books, “The Drought Resilient Farm,” “Managing Pasture” and “The Complete Guide to Restoring Your Soil.”
“These events share invaluable knowledge and insights on how producers can make their operations more sustainable and profitable,” said Jen Nelson, Delaware Association of Conservation Districts executive director.
Preregistration is required, lunch will be provided, and nutrient management and Certified Crop Advisor credits are pending approval.
For more information or to register, go to sussexconservation.org/events or call 302-856-3990, Ext. 3.
Hertrich’s seeks snack donations for USO thru Dec. 8
The Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships and Collision Centers is hosting its eighth annual Pack the Truck supply drive to benefit the United Service Organizations.
Hertrich packs trucks with various portable supplies, snacks and monetary donations that are used throughout the year.
Through Friday, Dec. 8, contributions can be delivered to all Hertrich locations on Delmarva. Monetary donations are also accepted via drop-off to cash boxes in each dealership or collision center.
Snack and beverage items accepted for donations are: water bottles (24-pack); energy drinks, hydration drinks, pretzels and nuts, sandwich crackers, ramen noodle cups, microwavable lunch cups and more.
All drinks and snacks need to be single-serve size and in cases.
For more information, go to hertrichs.com.
Georgetown chamber rewards local shopping thru Dec. 31
To reacquaint residents with the benefits of shopping local and the lasting impact it has on the local community, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Small Business Season through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Community members are encouraged to think small and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small businesses.
Linda Price, Georgetown chamber president and CEO, said, “This year we are excited to have you participate by playing bingo with us. Pick up a bingo card at the chamber office, visit any of the businesses listed, make a purchase and have your card stamped. Once you have a bingo, bring the card back to the chamber office at 827 E Market St. Georgetown, and receive a small gift.”
For more information, go to georgetowncoc.com.
Clothing Our Kids golf event raises critical funds
Nearly 130 supporters participated in the Clothing Our Kids golf tournament fundraiser Oct. 14 at Peninsula golf course. With the support of sponsors including Schell Brothers/Ocean Atlantic, Tidemark Federal Credit Union, and Tait’s Barbershop, funds raised will cover half of the organization’s yearly clothing budget. In September, the volunteer center distributed a record of almost 8,500 items of clothing, not including the needs of high school closets.
Founder Mary Rio and her husband John were in attendance along with Mike Wezel, COK treasurer and golf event chair. Wezel led a team of over 50 volunteers who assisted with preparing for and hosting the event. Cape Henlopen High School Homeless Liaison Craig Warrington and teacher Stephanie Collick let golfers know about the positive impact Clothing Our Kids has made for their students in its first year of supporting kids in higher grades. Cape High receives emergency government funds for shelter and food, but nothing for clothing. For more information, go to clothingourkids.org.
Lewes receives grant for trees
The City of Lewes has received a $10,000 grant from the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, which will pay for 66 trees that volunteers will plant next spring.
Janet Reeves, assistant city manager and parks and marina manager, congratulated Tree Commissioner Mardi Thompson and Parks and Marina Administrator Giulia Kirsch for winning the grant on the first try.
