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VIA Day celebrated March 20 in Rehoboth Beach

114-year-old women’s organization has made many contributions to city
The Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach celebrated Women’s History Month and VIA Day with a small ceremony at their clubhouse March 20. Cutting the cake are (l-r) Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs President Trish Rodriguez, VIA President Kate McKenzie and Mayor Stan Mills. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
March 26, 2023

Story Location:
Village Improvement Association
415 North Boardwalk
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach held a brief ceremony March 20.

The ceremony came a few days after city officials announced during a commissioner meeting March 17 that VIA Day in Rehoboth Beach would be observed March 20. The day of recognition was sponsored by Commissioner Toni Sharp, the only woman currently on the board of commissioners. Mayor Stan Mills read a proclamation during the meeting and at the ceremony.

The VIA was founded in 1909, and its women have been advocates for the community ever since. Among the things the organization has overseen throughout the years are installation of the surf safety line in the early 1900s, operation of the library when it was in its infancy, construction of the children’s fishing pier at Lake Gerar in 1963, and thousands of hours of volunteering and fundraising for local organizations.

“The women of the VIA have always been a force to be reckoned with,” said President Kate McKenzie.

For more information on the Village Improvement Association, 415 N. Boardwalk, go to rehobothbeachvia.org or call 302-227-1631.

Attendees raise a toast before cutting the cake. Shown are (l-r) General Federation of Women’s Clubs Sussex Vice President Mindy Goss, Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs President Trish Rodriguez, VIA President Kate McKenzie and Mayor Stan Mills.
A number of past VIA presidents were called up to review their accomplishments. Carole Suchanek, middle, also brought up Sue Scaglione, left, and Jean Brolund because of their help during her tenure.
A cake celebrates 114 years of community service for the Village Improvement Association.
Carolyn Billingsley served as VIA president from 2012 to 2014.
It’s all smiles as VIA member Phyllis Fischer hands out the bubbly for the toast.
Mayor Stan Mills reads a proclamation naming March 20 as VIA Day in Rehoboth Beach.

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