Community Briefs 1/24/24
Estate-planning mistakes class set Jan. 29
The Delaware Money School will offer a free class on Common Estate Planning Mistakes at 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at Lewes Public Library with instructors Deirdre O’Shea McCartney, Esq., and Robert Jeter. 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, the instructors break 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 for their future to correct them. To register, go to demoneyschool.org.
Financial strategies for retirees events set Jan. 30-31
Delaware Retiree Connection will offer a free educational dinner event to present proactive, updated financial strategies for retirees.
Guests can attend at 5 or 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, or Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 1776 Steakhouse in the Midway Shopping Center north of Rehoboth Beach. Seating is limited; to reserve a space, call 800-560-0912.
There is no cost or obligation for attendees; sessions are for educational purposes only, and no products will be sold.
Topics include using money more effectively to increase quality of life, get more-predictable income to enjoy retirement, and align spending with one’s values while combating inflation and reducing tax burdens.
Presenter Len Hayduchok is the founder of Delaware Retiree Connection, and CEO and owner of Dedicated Financial Services. As a fiduciary, certified financial planner and certified life coach, he helps guide others to make the most of their retirement. Investment advisory services are offered through SGL Financial LLC. For more information, go to dedicatedfinancialservices.com.
Breast cancer coalition peer mentor training set Jan. 31
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is recruiting new peer mentors to support people who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer in Delaware. A peer mentor support training for breast cancer survivors is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, via Zoom.
DBCC peer mentors are trained survivors who provide free one-on-one support and education to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
As one peer mentor said, “Breast cancer has its own language; it’s difficult to navigate through all the information, research, anxiety and fear. I hope I can help someone else get through this and not just survive, but thrive!”
Space is limited, and registration is required.
For more information, go to debreastcancer.org/peer-mentor-support. To register and request the Zoom link, email Connie Holdridge at choldridge@debreastcancer.org.
To learn more about the program, visit debreastcancer.org/peer-mentor-support.
National DAR scholarship applications due Jan. 31
The Col. David Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, wants to spread the word about scholarship opportunities available through DAR Academic Works, an online scholarship platform.
The online application period for students to apply for scholarship opportunities offered by National Society’s DAR Scholarship and American Indians Committees runs through Wednesday, Jan. 31. To apply, go to dar.academicworks.com.
This year, the DAR Scholarship Committee offers 24 national scholarship opportunities for graduating high school students, college undergraduates and graduates. A wide array of scholarships is available for students majoring in American history, American studies, history, historic preservation, chemistry, education, English, horticulture, math, law, business administration, nursing, medicine and physical/occupational therapy. The American Indians Committee also uses the platform to award two scholarships: the American Indians Scholarship and the Frances Crawford Marvin American Indians Scholarship.
For inquiries about the chapter or scholarships, contact Kathy Lindemer, scholarship chair, at klindemer@gmail.com.
Specialty crop growers food safety assistance applications due Jan. 31
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds specialty crop growers that assistance is available for producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification through the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2023 expenses through Wednesday, Jan. 31.
“The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program is just one of the many ways USDA is helping support local and regional food systems and opportunities for small-scale producers,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency administrator. “I’m encouraging specialty crop growers to discover how this program can help mitigate the costs of on-farm food safety certification and meeting regulatory requirements, and apply by the January deadline.”
For more information and to apply, specialty crop producers can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist, or go to farmers.gov/food-safety.
Environmental stewardship film screening set Feb. 1
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, in collaboration with Sussex Conservation District and the University of Delaware, will screen the documentary, "DelMarVa and the Ground for Change,” from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at Georgetown Public Library, 123 West Pine St., Georgetown.
"DelMarVa and the Ground for Change" focuses on the vital role of farmers as environmental stewards around the Chesapeake and Delaware bays. The documentary illustrates how these farmers are leading the way in adopting practices that protect and promote healthy soils that are crucial for regional sustainability. These practices also serve as a defense mechanism for working lands against climate change challenges.
The film follows three different family-owned farming operations on the Delmarva Peninsula, showcasing their commitment to soil health and the significant impact it has on their lives. It emphasizes the essential connection between farmers and the land they depend on.
This free event is open to the public, but preregistration is requested at inlandbays.org. The film has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes.
