Community Briefs 2/21/24
Cooperative Extension seeks agriculture community feedback
Farmers and ranchers, farm workers, foresters, aquaculture and marine producers, and others who live in rural communities and/or work in agriculture-related industries are invited to take part in a short survey about stress and mental health. Participation is anonymous and entirely voluntary. Survey takers may skip any question they do not wish to answer, and may discontinue at any time.
“Farmers, ranchers and watermen are key to our secure food system. The ability for them to operate touches every individual and community in our region. And yet, many of our growers face challenges that impact their ability to maximize their profits and production,” said Maria Pippidis, UD Extension educator. “Stress is real. There are barriers to mental well-being. The goal of this survey is to identify topics related to the mental well-being of our growers and to identify solutions.”
Survey results will help extension educators learn more about these barriers to getting help, and what ideas can be shared for reducing the stresses farmers, ranchers and growers face.
For more information, go to bit.ly/Cultivemos.
UUSD to meet Feb. 25
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, with the focus on mental health’s impact on people’s lives, families and communities. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “We will hear some stories of public figures who struggled with depression. We will consider the facts about seasonal affective disorder and ponder how we might all address more directly a reality that affects more than 280 million people worldwide. The Children's Faith Exploration program will read ‘A Church For All,’ by Gayle E. Pitman, and explore how, when we practice justice and equity, there is joy and diversity.” For more information, go to uussd.org.
Huxtable constituent conversation set Feb. 29
Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, will host his next constituent conversation at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 29, at Rehoboth Beach Public Library, 226 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Representatives from the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit will give a presentation on consumer protection topics, including how to avoid becoming the victim of financial exploitation scams and how those scams are investigated.
Leap Day sale at Lewes library set Feb. 29
The Friends of the Lewes Public Library will hold a special Leap Day sale, when customers will receive a 10% discount on all purchases made at the Just Between Friends Shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. The shop offers gently used books, movies and music CDs; new children’s books; tote bags; ball caps; adult and children’s T-shirts; and Lewes-themed gifts. Credit cards will be accepted for purchases of $10 or more. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Lewes Public Library. This sale may not be combined with any other discounts. Friends of the Lewes Public Library is a separate 501(c)(3) affiliate of contributing members who support the Lewes Public Library. Proceeds will be used for library book and media purchases, programming, special projects, and other library needs. For more information, call the library at 302-645-2733 during business hours or go to lewes.lib.de.us.
Rehoboth library board of trustees applications due Feb. 29
The Rehoboth Beach Public Library board of trustees is seeking additional at-large, nonvoting members. Candidates should be dynamic, positive individuals who will bring their energy to the library. They would be part of a team that will lead the library into a new era. Planning is currently underway for a renovation/expansion of library facilities. By law, the board may only have five voting members at a given time. At-large members do not vote on decisions; however, they attend monthly meetings and provide input on the operation and future direction of the library. This is an opportunity to learn about board functions and members’ responsibilities. If interested, email rehobothbeach.library@lib.de.us no later than Thursday, Feb. 29, with “At Large Vacancy” in the subject line.
Milton Community Foundation seeks cap and gown donors
Every year, the Milton Community Foundation makes a donation to Cape Henlopen High School to support graduating seniors in need of financial help to obtain their caps and gowns, which are required wear for students to participate in the graduation ceremony.
This donation is made in the name of the Noble Prettyman Fund, a core initiative of the foundation. Prettyman was a longtime school board member who cared deeply about providing equal educational opportunities for all students.
Due to tremendous community support, the foundation was able to support 30 seniors with a donation totaling $3,500.
To donate for this year’s initiative, go to miltoncommunityfoundation.org or send a check with cap and gown noted in the memo line to the Milton Community Foundation, PO Box 12, Milton, DE 19968.
Organizers plan to make the donation by the end of February, since the cost of caps and gowns increases as the graduation date approaches.
To learn more, go to Facebook.
