VIA cuts ribbon on renovated Rehoboth clubhouse

The Village Improvement Association cut the ribbon at its newly-renovated clubhouse at the corner of Grenoble Place and the Boardwalk March 17.

The VIA, founded in 1909, a charitable, nonprofit organization and a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs, undertook renovation of its clubhouse with a groundbreaking in July, 2012 and completion of the project in February. With additional space and a membership of over 200, general membership meetings now accommodate those wishing to attend.

The clubhouse provides a beautiful new venue for VIA fundraising events and membership activities. The clubhouse will also be available for rentals to outside parties with sponsorship by a VIA member, for events, such as weddings and receptions, community meetings and other celebrations.

The renovated building includes additional meeting room space, a refurbished kitchen, an ADA-compliant bathroom and more storage space. A deck was added on the Boardwalk side and new sliding glass doors provide an ocean view from the meeting room.

This is the first major renovation since the nor'easter of 1962 when the VIA suffered damages requiring the clubhouse to be closed for a period of time for repairs.

Shown at the ribbon cutting standing in back are (l-r) Joanne DeFiore, Cynthia Ritthaler, Cheryl Blackman, Pat Carlton, Anne Jack, Dion Lamb, Lewes Chamber Executive Director Betsy Reamer, Rehoboth Mayor Sam Cooper, Laurie Meacham, Rehoboth City Manager Greg Ferrese, Patty Derrick, Sussex County Councilman George Cole, Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Rehoboth, Carol Hall, K-W Solar Solutions' Ann Wolf, Rose Marie Patin and Ronnie Lutz.

In the middle row are Immediate Past President Susie Dominguez, Past Building Committee Chairman Judy Palmer, President Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce Carol Everhart and VIA Treasurer Suzanne Jones.

In front are VIA President Carolyn Billingsley, Capital Campaign Chairman Theda Blackwelder, Building Committee Chairman Eileen Polini and Capital Campaign Treasurer Phyllis Stone.