Community Briefs 4/10/24

Tidemark named to Top 100 Credit Unions

Tidemark Federal Credit Union was recently recognized as one of the top-performing credit unions in the nation. S&P Global Market Intelligence has ranked Tidemark No. 84 in its prestigious annual rankings of the Best-Performing U.S. Credit Unions of 2023.

The accolade attests to Tidemark's steadfast dedication to excellence in serving its members, providing competitive financial products and maintaining operational efficiency. The rankings are highly regarded in the financial sector, evaluating institutions across various categories including community banks and credit unions with significant assets.

“We are honored to be recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence, a testament to our team’s hard work and the trust our members place in us,” said Pam Fleuette, CEO of Tidemark FCU. “This ranking reflects our commitment to financial excellence and our mission to empower members to build a brighter future.”

The recognition also highlights Tidemark's role in the broader financial community, showcasing its achievements in operational efficiency, member satisfaction, and fiscal management. It reaffirms the credit union’s position as a leader in the industry, dedicated to providing superior service and support to its members.

For more information, go to tidemarkfcu.org.

Friends of Millsboro Library jewelry sale set April 11-13

Friends of the Millsboro Library will host its inaugural jewelry extravaganza fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, April 12, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at 217 West State St., Millsboro. A preview night for Friends members is set for 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 11, with memberships available at the door. Cash, checks or credit cards will be accepted for payment. 

Proceeds will be used for the children’s reading programs and for e-book purchases.

Since September, library patrons and friends have been donating gently used jewelry in preparation for the event. Committee members estimate more than 3,000 items have been bagged for sale. Most will sell in the $1-$10 price range. A silent auction table featuring more-expensive jewelry, a Dooney & Bourke handbag, and an Asian-style standing jewelry chest will also support the fundraising efforts.

Lewes Little League sets opening day April 13

Lewes Little League will begin another youth baseball and softball season Saturday, April 13.

Starting at 9 a.m., all teams, managers and coaches will march in a parade along Savannah Road from Lewes Elementary School to the Little League complex on Pilottown Road. Community members are welcome to cheer on the participants.

Once all teams have reached the complex, ceremonies will begin, including the national anthem and a few words from the league president. In keeping with tradition, the league will recognize a special Volunteer of the Year. 

Following the ceremony, games will start at about 10:30 a.m. and continue until late afternoon. For more information, go to leweslittleleague.com.

Milton Little League to hold opening day April 13

Milton Little League will hold its opening-day events Saturday, April 13, starting with a parade stepping off from Milton Elementary School at 9 a.m. The parade will make its way to the Little League ballpark at 1000 Atlantic Ave., and opening ceremonies will commence following the parade, with ball games being played throughout the day.

The community is invited to join in along the parade route or at the ballpark to cheer on the players as they prepare for a successful season. Find more information at miltonlittleleaguede.com and the MLL Facebook page.

UUSD to meet April 14

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 14, with the theme In the Garden. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Whether or not gardening is your jam, reflecting on it as a common human pursuit and even as a spiritual practice is a growth opportunity for all of us.” For more information, go to uussd.org.

Apply for Rehoboth Beach Bears scholarship by April 15

Rehoboth Beach Bears Inc. is accepting applications for scholarships from LGBTQIA+ youth who are graduating from local high schools. Awards may be used to help fund any part of a recipient's postsecondary education expenses for the following year. 

Submissions are due by Monday, April 15. For complete guidelines and to apply, go to rehobothbeachbears.com.

Founded in 2017, the nonprofit aims to provide inclusive fellowship and fraternity for the LGBTQ and ally communities, while raising money to benefit charities that provide for community betterment.

First State Antique Tractor Club scholarship applications due April 15

The First State Antique Tractor Club will be accepting scholarship applications until Monday, April 15. 

For more information, contact Maralene Givens at 302-228-2674 or maraleneg1@verizon.net, or go to firststateantiquetractorclub.com.

Huxtable constituent conversation set April 15

Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, will host his next constituent conversation at 9 a.m., Monday, April 15, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. All are welcome to attend. 

14th and 20th RD Republicans to meet April 16

The 14th and 20th Representative District Republican Committees will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Pre-meeting mingling starts at 6 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Maria Evans, executive director for Sussex Community Crisis House. Donations of toilet paper and paper towels will be collected.

For more information, email de14thrdgop@gmail.com.

Efficiency Smart seeks Lewes volunteer nominees by April 16

Nominations are now open for Efficiency Smart’s Premier Volunteer contest. Five volunteers will win a free home energy efficiency checkup and up to $500 toward energy-saving improvements from Efficiency Smart. Volunteering is vital to building and maintaining a strong, healthy community. The contest provides an opportunity to nominate those whose hard work deserves recognition. To nominate a Lewes volunteer by Tuesday, April 16, go to efficiencysmart.org/volunteer.

First State Antique Tractor Club to meet April 16

The First State Antique Tractor Club will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the Greenwood VFW, on the corner of Governors Avenue and Mill Street, Greenwood. In addition to new business, the club will be planning its annual tractor show set for June. Light refreshments will be served. 

The club will be accepting scholarship applications until Monday, April 15. 

The club is always accepting new members. For more information, contact Maralene Givens at 302-228-2674 or maraleneg1@verizon.net, or go to firststateantiquetractorclub.com.

Local poets to read April 16

Award-winning Cape Region poets Sherry Chappelle, Irene Fick and David Salner will read from their works at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine Street, Georgetown.

Chappelle, of Lewes, is the former director of the Browseabout Book Club and is active in numerous literary organizations. Her chapbook, “Salmagundi,” won a Dogfish Head Poetry Prize.

Fick, also of Lewes, is the author of “The Wild Side of the Window” and “The Stories We Tell.”

Salner, of Millsboro, has published six poetry collections, including “The Green Vault Heist” and “Summer Words: New and Selected Poems.”

Panelists to discuss bullying, bias in schools April 16

Combating Bullying and Bias in Sussex County Schools will be the topic of a panel discussion from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at Lewes Public Library and via Zoom, sponsored by Speak Out Against Hate.

The panel will be moderated by Marlene Saunders, a Delaware State University trustee and former chair of its Department of Social Work; she is also a SOAH board member.

Panelists include: Rachel Greenberg, assistant education director for the Anti-Defamation League No Place For Hate curriculum grades K-12; George Beckerman, editor of the Viking Gazette, a current events educational guide for students at Cape Henlopen High School; Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, former school administrator;

Chantalle Ashford, Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence head of school;

Samuel Mincey and Miranda Vasquez-Vergel, Cape Henlopen High School students; and others to be named.

Patricia Maloney, SOAH president, said, “Hate crimes and hate incidents in Delaware have skyrocketed in the past year. Bullying is a known and ongoing problem. This panel aims to take a hard look at these two problems and learn what can be done to prevent more serious problems in the future. We believe this panel will interest students, parents, and anyone who cares about our children and their well-being.”

To register for the meeting, contact SOAH at infoforsoah@gmail.com.

Free health and nutrition series to start April 18

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension will present a free, six-week health and nutrition course for adults at 11 a.m., Thursdays, from April 18 to May 30, at Lewes Public Library. No session will be held May 23.

The Eat Smart and Move More program offers strategies for choosing healthy foods, saving at the grocery store, increasing activity levels, preparing tasty meals, handling food safely and more. Participants will come away with simple and practical steps to improve health, even on a tight budget.

A nutrition assistant at the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, instructor Mary Edwards teaches nutrition classes in schools, libraries and senior centers throughout Sussex County.

To register, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call the library at 302-645-2733.

Political strategist to address RD20 Dems April 18

The Delaware 20th Representative District’s Democratic Committee will hold its regular meeting Thursday, April 18, at the Lewes Diner, 1201 Savannah Road, Lewes. There will be an informal social gathering for dutch treat dinner starting at 5 p.m. with the business meeting starting promptly at 6 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Mitch Crane, a former district judge and veteran strategist in Delaware politics. Crane will provide an overview of Delaware’s political structure, focusing on elected offices and campaign strategies that win elections. He will also answer questions from those in attendance.

Any registered Democrat in Delaware is welcome to participate in RD20’s social hour and business meeting. 

For more information, go to rd20deldems.com. To be placed on RD20’s contact list, email rd20.deldems@gmail.com.

RD20 is the local Democratic Party organization for Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and sections of Harbeson and Georgetown.

Republican Women’s Club dance ticket purchases due April 18

The Sussex County Republican Women’s Club will host a dinner and dance fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at St. Jude the Apostle parish center in Lewes. Guests can relive their teen years and dance the night away with music by the Fabulous Greaseband. Ticket cost is a $60 donation per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, April 18. For more information and to buy tickets, go to scrwc.net.