Baywalk tree lights up Dewey Beach
The Lighthouse Dewey Beach hosted the annual Dewey Beach Tree Lighting Dec. 6, on the TJ Redefer Memorial Baywalk. The celebration included lively tunes from DJ Manny, appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and a heartfelt tree-lighting ceremony led by Redefer’s family members, including his wife Bobbie Redefer, son Jack Redefer, his wife Kirstin and their two children.
“We are proud to celebrate the legacy of TJ Redefer and all that he did for the Dewey Beach community,” said Stevie Blush, general manager of The Lighthouse Dewey Beach. “It means a lot to our team to be a part of this tradition and light the annual tree on our baywalk.”
“The annual TJ Redefer Memorial Baywalk Christmas tree lighting means the world to our family,” said Bobbie. “TJ worked so hard while he was the mayor for the entire town, but worked especially hard to have the Hyatt, Lighthouse and the baywalk meet all the requirements to be built. The Redefer family was humbled when the Dewey Business Partnership, TKO Hospitality and Thom Harvey dedicated the baywalk to him and placed a plaque to honor him. Although we missed our daughter, Leigh Ann and her family, our son Jack, his wife and children helped me light the tree. It’s so heartwarming each year that they help our family keep his memory alive. This is a very special evening. ”
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
