Community Briefs 4/26/23

Delaware woman honored with P.E.O. Scholar Award

Chelsea Rozanski, a PhD student in anthropology at the University of Calgary, is one of 110 doctoral students in the U.S. and Canada selected to receive a $20,000 Scholar Award from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by Chapter N of Calgary, Alberta. The daughter of Cynthia and Edward Rozanski of Georgetown, she is a 2014 graduate of the University of Delaware, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree with distinction in anthropology and women and gender studies. The P.E.O. Scholar Awards were established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. Scholar Awards recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement and their potential for having a positive impact on society.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded Jan. 21, 1869, at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is a philanthropic and educational organization focused on bringing women increased opportunities for higher education. 

For more information, go to peointernational.org or contact the Lewes chapter at peochapterlscholar@gmail.com.

Conley’s Church hosts soup social Wednesdays

In order to reflect a broader mission and purpose, the name of the soup kitchen at Conley’s Church has been updated to soup social. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Wednesday, several soup and sandwich selections are served free of charge at Conley’s Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes, Whether attendees need a meal or some social time in a warm and welcoming environment, all are welcome. The food is donated by Conley’s Church members, and the soup social is staffed entirely by volunteers. For more information, call 302-945-1881, email office@ConleysUMC.org or go to ConleysUMC.org.

St. Peter’s sets ministries fair April 28-29

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes will host a ministries fair from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 28, and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, April 29, in the parish hall, for those looking to becoming more involved or simply wondering what a particular committee or group does. This is a no-pressure, informational event with both lay and clergy representatives on hand to answer questions.  Refreshments offered will include wine and snacks Friday, and coffee and pastries Saturday. There is no charge to attend. St. Peter’s is located at the corner of Second and Market streets in downtown Lewes.

Participants can enter by the side door on Mulberry Street or the patio double doors.

For more information, call the office at 302-645-8479.

Apply by April 30 for Sunshine Circle Club scholarships

The Sunshine Circle Club in Sussex County, whose motto is Women Involved with Community, is now accepting scholarship applications for 2023. To find out about eligibility and to apply, email wpaskins@icloud.com or call 302-227-8738. Deadline is Sunday, April 30.

Healthcare education scholarship applications due April 30

The Delaware Institute for Healthcare Education Advancement will award 11 scholarships of $100 each for students enrolled in a healthcare program in fall 2023. The goal of the scholarship program is to encourage Delawareans to pursue careers in healthcare. Students who are planning to pursue a certificate, or college or postgraduate degree in a healthcare field are eligible to apply. DIHEA scholarships can be used on self-care, gas money to clinical sites, fees for testing and background checks, clinical supplies or uniforms, or whatever scholars would like. The application period closes Sunday, April 30. To learn more, go to delawareinstitute.org or contact Bet Wong, MSN, RN, CNOR, at scholarships@dihea.org.

MLK organization scholarship applications due April 30

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization Sussex County Inc. is accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors in Sussex County. The scholarship was established to help support local students who want to pursue higher education and are interested in perpetuating Dr. King’s legacy, vision and dream. For applications, call 302-227-3118. The deadline for completed applications to be returned is Sunday, April 30.

Nursing scholarship applications due April 30

Graduating Cape Henlopen High School seniors planning to study nursing are eligible to apply for the Andrea Smith Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This annual award of $2,000 honors the memory of a dedicated nurse and is intended to help future nurses meet their career goals. Application information is available at the CHHS guidance office.

Ocean 98 scholarship applications due April 30

Ocean 98.1 WOCM-FM radio announced its Cash for College Fund scholarship applications are due Sunday, April 30.

The Ocean 98 Foundation will be awarding three high school seniors $5,000 each to put toward their college expenses.

Initially, the foundation gave students $1,000 each from 2014 to 2021. In 2022, the amount was increased to $2,500.

Of the three recipients, one will come from Sussex County, and one each will be selected from Worcester and Wicomico counties in Maryland.

Foundation representatives said they are looking for well-rounded student leaders who are active in their school and community. Recipients will be selected based on grades, activities and application essays. There are no college major requirements to apply, but students must be attending a college or accredited university the following school year. Winners will be announced in early June and will be asked to come into the Ocean 98 studio and appear on the morning program, “Bulldog and The Rude Awakening.”

For more information and to apply, go to ocean98.com/cash-for-college-fund.

Sip and succulents terrarium workshop set April 30

A sip and succulents terrarium workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 30, at Milton Dough Bar, 109 Union St., Milton. Participants can enjoy water views in the outdoor bubble pods while they create live succulent terrariums with Heather Capezio from Paint Plant Create. Ticket price of $57 includes fresh personal pizza, glass of wine or beverage and terrarium project. No experience is needed; all supplies and instruction included. To purchase tickets, go to eventbrite.com/e/613364879867.

UUSD to meet April 30

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an in-person and livestreamed service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 30, with the topic Celebrating Trans Identity. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “We are in a time of increasing (again) attacks across the country on transgender people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Today we will reflect upon and celebrate transgender identity and ways that more of us can be stronger allies for our beloveds in the continual struggle for dignity and respect for all people.” For more information, go to uussd.org.

Distinguished Young Women program applications due May 1

Distinguished Young Women of Delaware is seeking applicants from the Class of 2024 for its August program. 

The nonprofit organization provides college scholarships and personal growth opportunities to young women who are looking to attend college. The program focuses on scholarship, leadership and talent. Workshops will help girls build life skills like job interviewing and public speaking.

The organization awards more than $1 billion nationally in scholarships to participants each year. Every girl walks away with new skills that will serve her well after graduation, and it's free to participate.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 1.

For more information or to apply, email Delaware@DistinguishedYW.org or go to DistinguishedYW.org.

Sussex Academy board applications due May 1

The Sussex Academy executive board is accepting applications for new board members beginning in the 2023-24 school year. To download an application, go to sussexacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BOARD-APPLICATION.pdf. Email submissions by Monday, May 1, to  Andrea Rogers, board secretary, at Andrea.rogers@saas.k12.de.us.

Bridge at the Beach tournament set May 1-5

Bridge at the Beach will return for its second year, from Monday to Friday, May 1 to 5, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Close to 500 card players will be playing Bridge every day and more than 700 visitors are expected to flood the streets and restaurants of Rehoboth throughout the week. For more information or to register, go to 4acbl.org.

Lewes library ESL classes start May 2

The Lewes Public Library will offer in-person English as a Second Language classes at 9 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting May 2 and continuing through June 15,  at 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

ESL helps English language learners succeed in an English-speaking community by providing communication skills and necessary cultural knowledge.

The classes are free and open to individuals ages 16 and up. To register or learn more, call 301-275-0250, go to lewes.lib.de.us.

Pastel masterpieces art opening set May 2 at Lewes library

The Lewes Public Library will host an art opening reception at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, featuring works from participants in its recent Whimsical Masterpieces pastel workshop.

During the event, the library will honor the artists for their participation in the 8-week course and reveal their works to the public. Following the reception, the artworks will be displayed at the library throughout the month of May.

The Whimsical Masterpieces course was funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts through its Access Creative Aging program, a community-based arts education program for adults ages 55+. Participants worked with local professional teaching artist John Donato to gain a basic command of oil pastel painting while exploring idea creation, personal style and finishing techniques.

The reception is free and open to the public, with light refreshments served.

Women's Club of Milton sets bingo May 2

The Women's Club of Milton will host its annual bingo fundraiser at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 2 at the Milton Fire House, 116 Front St., Milton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance for 20 games or $25 at the door. To reserve tickets, call 302-329-9738. Food will be available for purchase and door prizes will be awarded. All proceeds help make a difference in the community. Players must be 18 years or older to participate.

First State Accounting touts May 2-3 small business summit

First State Accounting in Lewes announced a virtual free summit for National Small Business Week is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 2 and 3.

Organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, workshop and webinar options highlight the vital roles small businesses play in the American economy, and provide resources and support for small business owners to help them succeed and grow. 

With educational presentations by experts, an exhibit hall, networking and a mentoring lounge, topics covered include marketing, financing and management. To register, go to sba.gov/national-small-business-week.

In Delaware there are more than 25,000 small businesses, and the state government also supports their success. SizeUpDelaware was launched last year during National Small Business Week to assist small business owners with a variety of research tools; go to delaware.sizeup.com.

Running a successful small business is challenging, and best served by innovation and creativity. First State Accounting can help small businesses implement new ideas. For more information, email tfisher@firststateaccounting.com or go to firststateaccounting.com.

Free financial courses for retirees set May 2, 11

The Delaware Money School will host two free financial education workshops at Lewes Public Library with Robert Jeter, CFP, CRPC, of InFocus Financial Advisors Inc. Planning for Required Minimum Distribution will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 2. Understanding Annuities will meet from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 11. The courses will examine various tax-related topics for individuals who are at or near retirement, including required minimum distributions, tax withholding, distribution planning, minimizing lifetime tax liability and other planning items to help attendees determine how to pursue appropriate long-term tax planning. To register, go to retireinfocus.com/education2023/ or demoneyschool.org.

Women’s civic engagement program to start May 3

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Delaware Chapter announced recruitment is now open for the Mary Anne Shadd-Carey and Margaret Rose Henry Civic Engagement Program virtual cohort set to meet weekly at 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, May 3 to June 7.

The specialized leadership development and women’s empowerment program targets adult women, ages 18 and above residing in Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties. 

The program’s purpose is to increase women’s awareness of and participation of local, state and federal governing bodies in establishing law and policy that affect the economic, educational, social and civic lives of women and girls.

The project is designed to measurably increase the civic engagement of participants through awareness of and improved access to training and leadership development. While there is an emphasis on the engagement of Black women, all interested women ages 18 and older will be encouraged to enroll.

For more information and to apply, go to ncbwde.org/shadd-cary-henry-program.

Mindful eating session set May 4

To demonstrate mindfulness techniques around food that can reduce stress in a gentle fashion, Alison Rosen will facilitate a chocolate tasting session 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach. This event is one element in a continuing weekly program that helps participants gain skills and techniques to calm the nervous system, regulate emotions, learn to be present in the moment, and strengthen the connection between mind and body for overall best health.

Each Thursday session thereafter will feature another aspect of gentle stress reduction such as Walk and Notice, Body Scan and Listening with Attention. Rosen is a certified wellness teacher and yoga instructor with a background in social-emotional learning and theater arts. Each hour-long session is $5; no advance registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a journal.

The Cape Henlopen Senior Center is at 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach. For more information, call 302-227-2055.