Community Briefs 4/17/24

CBH receives funds to empower New Castle County youth

In support of its work with children and youth in New Castle County, Children’s Beach House has received $1,000 from Dot Foods distribution center in Bear. The contribution is part of the food redistributor’s charitable giving program, which is designed to help Dot employees understand how their work benefits their communities, according to the company website. CBH Family Engagement Coordinator Armina Domingue met with Dot employees and received the check on behalf of the organization. She shared how the donation will be used, including funding YMCA swim lessons for a New Castle County youth who is eager to learn how to swim. “Thanks to Dot, this young person won’t be held back by financial constraints and can develop their passion and a life-saving skill,” said Domingue. For more information about how charitable donations enable CBH’s work with children and youth across Delaware, or to get involved, go to cbhinc.org.

Community gatherings continue at Listening Booth

The Listening Booth, a music venue and local community hub, presents an acoustic open mic each week with host Nate McCormick. Signups begin at 6 p.m., Wednesdays in the Tanger Outlets at 35000 Midway Outlet Drive, Suite 218, Rehoboth Beach. Local songwriters circle workshops meet from 7 to 9 p.m., every Thursday. Participants share new songs, give constructive feedback and build a community of songwriters.

A variety of music and entertainment is scheduled during April and May. For a complete schedule, go to listeningbooth.com.

In early summer, the Listening Booth will be relocating to a new site at 18388 Coastal Highway, Suite 11, Lewes.

State housing agency unveils updated website

The Delaware State Housing Authority recently launched its new and improved, user-friendly website, destatehousing.com.

The updated site was designed to provide the public and DSHA partners with easy access to services, resources and information.

It offers a fresh look and enhanced features like site translation services, improved search functionality, and quality content ranging from affordable housing opportunities to development financing programs.

"Our new website demonstrates DSHA's commitment to serving the residents of Delaware by enhancing the online experience," said Cynthia Karnai, DSHA director. "We believe this new website will not only make information more accessible but will provide a more user-friendly experience for all our visitors."

VA claims/benefits help available in Georgetown

The Georgetown Community Based Outpatient Clinic will host a claims and benefits representative from the Veterans Administration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 21748 Roth Ave., Georgetown. The representative will be able to answer veterans’ questions and provide information to help them file claims for VA benefits, check on claims status and offer general assistance. For more information, go to vva1105.org.

WSFS Bank launches early pay for direct deposits

WSFS Bank, the primary subsidiary of WSFS Financial Corporation, recently launched early pay, which allows customers to receive eligible direct deposits from their employers up to two days early. Early pay is also available for recurring government benefits, such as Social Security payments.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer early pay to our customers to help streamline their eligible direct deposits and enable them to access funds sooner,” said Shari Kruzinski, executive vice president, chief consumer banking officer at WSFS Bank. “WSFS has been supporting our customers for nearly 200 years. Our customers’ needs continue to evolve over time, and so does WSFS. We’re proud to continue offering products and services to help our customers access their funds quicker and tools that make banking easier.”

Customers already enrolled in direct deposit for their paychecks or recurring government benefits will receive funds up to two days early when connected to their WSFS personal checking, savings or money market accounts. The direct deposit must be to a WSFS Bank personal account and indicate that it is a payroll or recurring government benefit in the Automated Clearing House description. There are no costs or fees associated with early pay, and customers can also set up alerts in online banking to be notified when their deposits are available.

For more information, go to wsfsbank.com/personal/banking/early-pay.

Encore Chorale sets April 19 concert

The Encore Chorale of Sussex County will present its end-of-spring-semester concert from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 19, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.

Encore is the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and over, with more than 40 ensembles nationwide.

Louise Foster, formerly a music teacher for the Cape Henlopen School District, is the conductor of the Sussex County ensemble, which practices at the Lewes library.

Although free, tickets for the April 19 performance are required. To reserve seats, go to eventbrite.com and search Encore Chorale of Sussex County.

Donations, at checkout or at the door, are greatly appreciated, and help Encore Creativity to continue its mission of creating meaningful arts experiences supporting lifelong learning, wellness and fun for all older adults.

For more information, go to encorecreativity.org.

Quiet Resorts coastal clean-up registration due April 19

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, in partnership with Keep Delaware Beautiful, will host the Coastal Delaware Community Clean-up from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, April 20. Groups and individuals are invited to adopt and clean up a section of roadway throughout the Quiet Resorts. Participants can clean up roadways wherever they see a need or can be assigned to an area. All registered volunteers will receive check-in details and location information the week of the event. Each cleaning area will be assigned a designated hub location where registered volunteers will check in, receive cleanup supplies and discard collected trash. Last year’s cleanup saw over 200 volunteers collect and dispose of a total of 2,200 pounds of trash. Signup is due by 8 a.m., Friday, April 19, at thequietresorts.com. For more information, call 302-539-2100.

Amateur radio expo set April 20 in Georgetown

The Delmarva Amateur Radio Hamfest & Electronics Expo will be held Saturday, April 20, at the CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown.

The parking lot will open at 6 a.m., with the expo starting at 8 a.m. Entry fee for ages 18 and up is $8; those under 18 enter free. The event will include the ARRL State Convention with guest speakers, forums, and info tables/displays for clubs and public service agencies; raffles and prizes; tailgating and great food; free blood pressure screening; commercial vendors and more.

Free Federal Communications Commission license testing will begin at 12 p.m. for preregistered applicants; they must also pay administrative fee via the FCC website.

For more information and to preregister for license testing, contact Jamie, W3UC, at 410-202-7690 or email hamfestdelaware@gmail.com. Go to radioelectronicsexpo.com for details.

UUSD to meet April 21

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service  at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 21, with the topic, The World is on Fire and We Still Fall in Love. The Rev. Cathy Rion Starr said, “Singer and director of the Texas UU Justice Ministry, the Rev. Erin Walter, wrote a song called ‘The World’s on Fire (and We Still Fall in Love).’ The song captures the essence of these times. How do we live in a world that is on fire (literally and politically) while still falling in love with beauty and humanity?” The Rev. Cathy Rion Starr is UUSD’s affiliated community minister and the Rev. Heather Rion Starr’s spouse. Cathy’s full-time ministry job is with the Unitarian Universalist Association as leadership development specialist for the Side with Love strategy team. For more information, go to uussd.org.

Healthy living for those with chronic pain sessions kick off April 23

Beebe Healthcare and the Delaware Division of Public Health are teaming up to host a six-week series of free healthy living workshops to provide education and resources for people living with chronic pain. The first session will meet from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, at Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540, 8544 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes. Workshops will continue every week until May 28.

The program is ideal for those dealing with debilitating chronic pain; it will help participants develop skills to manage pain so they can get on with their lives.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts six months or longer. It not only impacts a person physically, but also alters their ability to plan for day-to-day challenges. This evidence-based program can help participants gain the skills to manage these issues in coordination with their healthcare team.

More knowledge about chronic pain management can help prevent and/or delay health complications, identify techniques to help diminish chronic pain, help those affected understand the importance of an action plan for chronic pain control, and improve chronic pain self-management.

To register, go to tinyurl.com/ywa45f3j.

Fins dining to benefit Relay for Life April 24

Fins Ale House will host a dine and donate event for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Sussex County from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, at 19269 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Fins will donate 20% of each bill to support cancer patients and their caregivers, and to benefit cancer research. For more information and to donate, go to relayforlife.org/sussexccode.

Marine debris solutions is meeting topic April 25

In honor of Earth Month, talking trash will be the focus of the upcoming Citizens Café presented by the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ Citizens Advisory Committee, set for 6 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at the CIB office, 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, with a virtual option via Zoom. Attendees will learn about the various sources and types of marine debris, and discuss solutions. Katie Morgan, Mid-Atlantic regional coordinator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, will highlight the many efforts taking place on the regional level and beyond to combat this pervasive threat to coastal and marine environments. Lisa Swanger, CIB director of outreach and education, will share updates on litter prevention and removal efforts around the Inland Bays watershed.

For more information and to sign up, go to inlandbays.org.

VIA to host music bingo April 25

The Village Improvement Association will host music bingo from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at the VIA clubhouse, 415 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach.  

There will be five games with a $50 cash prize per game.Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with beer, wine and water available for purchase. Snacks and desserts are included with the ticket price.

Admission is $20 and tickets are available online at rehobothbeachvia.org and, if not sold out, $25 at the door. For more information call Sherry at 302-670-1534.