News Briefs 10/31/25

Día de los Muertos events kick off Oct. 31 at cantina

Big Chill Surf Cantina will host heartfelt and lively Día de los Muertos weekend activities Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2, at 19406 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. The three-day event will blend Mexican tradition with the cantina’s signature coastal spirit, honoring loved ones who have passed while celebrating life through music, color and community. Attractions include live music and costume contests for people and pets.

All weekend, guests can visit the Day of the Dead Altar, adorned with marigolds, candles and photographs. Community members are encouraged to bring their own photos or small mementos of loved ones to add to the altar. While the altar is meant to be lighthearted and fun, it is also rooted in serious tradition.

“We strongly believe that everything old will be new again, including all those loved ones that have gone before us,” said Emily Burns, Big Chill marketing coordinator. “On this most sacred and festive of holidays, Big Chill Surf Cantina is inviting everyone in Delaware to come and reflect on the vibrancy of life. Bring a photograph. Raise a glass. Let’s have fun!”

Reserve dance party tickets by Nov. 1

The Msgr. Francis J. Desmond Columbiettes of St. Jude The Apostle Parish will hold a Dancing to the Oldies fundraiser event from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, in the parish hall at 156 Tulip Drive, Lewes. Doors open at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress for their favorite decade from the ‘50s to the ‘90s.

The event includes music by DJ Conrad, a 50/50 raffle, basket auction and more, and proceeds benefit people in need in the local community.

Tickets must be purchased in advance by Saturday, Nov. 1, and the $30 per person cost includes dinner, dessert and coffee/tea. Soda, wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Tickets will be sold (cash or check only) at St. Jude Church before and after all masses, and are available by calling Cathy Szap (718-640-7885), Stephanie Lupo (516-220-9758), or Loretta Holtgrewe (410-570-7543). No tickets will be sold on event day.

UUSD to meet Nov. 2

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 2, with All It Has to Lend: Predecessors of Our Places, Part 1, as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “What do you know about the people who have preceded us in this beautiful place we now call home? When we visit the places we most treasure, do we think about prior generations and communities who also cherished these places? As we move from the All Souls Day season further into the fall, let us ponder the predecessors of our precious places.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Dewey Beach paving begins Nov. 3

The Delaware Department of Transportation will begin paving operations in Dewey Beach Monday, Nov. 3, continuing through the end of the year. Work is expected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the side streets off Coastal Highway in the area of King Charles Avenue to Collins Avenue.

Milling and paving operations will occur under flagger control.

Motorists should expect intermittent delays, as full-width roadway paving will temporarily restrict vehicle traffic during active operations. Parking will also be restricted in areas with active paving operations.

For more information, go to deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.

Lewes council sets public hearing Nov. 3

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing and special meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at the Rollins Center.

The panel will take comments on possible uses for the New Road farm field, including proposed tree planting and maintenance requirements.

See the agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Milton council to meet Nov. 3

Milton Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at the Milton library to discuss approval of the plat plan for Phase 2 of the Granary at Draper Farm development.

Phase 2 of the Granary is planned for 110 homes, with a mix of townhomes and single-family houses. All told, the Granary is planned to be built in 10 phases with a 20-year buildout, for a total of 1,350 homes on a 450-acre site off Sand Hill Road. Phase 1 of the project is currently under construction and will consist of 180 homes.

Council will hear two proclamations, one for Lung Cancer Awareness Month and another for Small Business Saturday, as well as a request from Milton Main Street related to the town logo. 

Franchise Management Services Inc. is seeking record plan approval for a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise on Route 16 at the Cypress Grove development. The final site plan for Dunkin’ was approved by the planning and zoning commission Oct. 21.

Calliope Project Inc., owner of Milton Theatre, is requesting a lot-line adjustment as part of the new education wing addition. 

Finally, council will discuss three ordinances related to nuisance plants, subdivision and land development, and handicapped-accessible parking requirements.

Nicola dining to benefit historic lighthouse, railroad groups Nov. 3

Nicola Pizza will host a dine-to-donate event in support of the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation and the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes. Nicola will donate a percentage of dine-in sales only to the groups.

Representatives from both organizations will be on hand to answer questions about their work. The foundation is working to restore and maintain the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse and the maritime history of Lewes and the Delaware Bay. The association is preserving the legacy of the railroad that serviced Lewes for many years. 

Lewes board of adjustment to meet

The Lewes Board of Adjustment will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at city hall.

The meeting will begin with a public hearing on a side-yard setback request from the owners of 127 Paddock Way.

Lewes parks panel to meet Nov. 4

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Rollins Center.

The commission will discuss and possibly take action on the reforestation of the New Road farm field.

See the agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Milton historic commission to meet

Milton Historic Preservation Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Milton library to hear one request.

Peter Larson, 320 Union St., is requesting to remove the existing asbestos siding, renew the wood siding or replace it with cement board, replace the decorative windows and make improvements to the porch roof.

The structure is a contributing property to the town’s historic district, which is registered with the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Changes to contributing properties within the district require a review by the commission.

Coastal NARFE meeting RSVPs due Nov. 6

NARFE Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 will meet at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at 1776 Steakhouse in Midway Plaza, Rehoboth Beach. Expected to attend are representatives from some of the major health providers that serve the federal employee population. Reservations must be made by Thursday, Nov. 6, via email to luncheon@narfe-de.org. Payment is due upon arrival by cash or check made out to NARFE Chapter 1690. 

Learn more at narfe-de.org.

‘The Crucible’ to open Nov. 6 at Milford High

The Milford High School Drama Club, under the direction of Elli Swain, will perform Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, and 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, in the auditorium at 1019 N. Walnut St., Milford. 

In a town gripped by paranoia, a lie spreads like a virus, turning neighbor against neighbor. When a group of girls uses accusations of witchcraft to exact revenge, a young farmer must choose between his good name and his life. This timeless drama reveals how fear can corrupt justice and tear a community apart.

Tickets will be sold at the door.

Right Balance Pilates to cut ribbon in Selbyville Nov. 7

In partnership with Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Right Balance Pilates will hold a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at its newest location at 37427 Gateway Lane, Unit 2, Selbyville. The event is free and open to the public

Right Balance also has studios in Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Easton, Md. Owner Carin Langen said she opened her first studio in Lewes to bring her love of Pilates and movement to the beach area, and she is excited about the expansion into Selbyville. The studio will offer mat and reformer classes, education programs and free introductory classes.

Israel UMC holiday bazaar set Nov. 8

Israel United Methodist Church will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar, Basket Drawing and Baked Goods holiday event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Rabbit's Ferry Community Center, 19112 Robinsonville Road, Lewes. 

Attendees can purchase basket drawing and gift card tickets, decorative Christmas items, grab bags, breakfast/lunch specials and homemade baked goods. Shoppers should bring their own bags, and sales are cash only.

Proceeds benefit Israel United Methodist Church Women in Faith Mission Ministry for women and children. 

Pumpkin-tossing contest set Nov. 8 in Rehoboth

Big Chill Surf Cantina will host its 8th Annual Sling N’ Squash Competition from 12 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at 19406 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach.

Individuals age 21 and up can go to eventbrite.com and search 2025 Sling N' Squash to sign up as competitors and test their strength by throwing pumpkins as far as they can.

The event is free to attend and 21+ only. Competitor registration includes a limited-edition event T-shirt. The top throwers will take home cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights.

In honor of Veterans Day weekend, a portion of event sales and registration fees will be donated to a local nonprofit supporting veterans.

Friends of Cape Henlopen set holiday boutique sale Nov. 16

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will hold its annual holiday boutique and book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Officer’s Club in the park. 

An array of selections will include gently used holiday décor, ornaments, crafts, books, puzzles and Friends merchandise.

Quality donations are sought and may be delivered to the Officer’s Club from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14.

Park entrance fees will apply.

For more information, call 302-858-6127 or email fochsp@gmail.com.

Delaware Day on Maui event set for Dec. 8

The Annual Delaware Day Celebration on Maui will take place starting at 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8, at Nalu’s South Shore Grill, 1280 South Kihei Road (across from Ace Hardware), Kihei. A local favorite, the Nevah Too Late trio, will provide live music from 4 to 6 p.m.

Those invited include people who have lived and worked in Delaware, were born in Delaware, went to school in the First State, and Delawareans who are visiting Maui. Attendees should be sure to wear an article of clothing from the First State.

For further information, contact coordinator Adele Rugg at 808-879-9964 or email adeleonmaui@yahoo.com.

Volunteer senior assistance group earns nonprofit status

South Coastal Village Volunteers Inc. recently announced it has been granted federal nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. The milestone marks SCVV’s transition from a branch of Village Volunteers into an independent nonprofit serving Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Ocean View and Millville.

Founded in 2020 through a partnership with Village Volunteers of Lewes, SCVV now has 176 volunteers providing more than 300 monthly services for 100-plus members. These include transportation, errands, small household tasks, wellness programs and social activities.

“We are deeply grateful to Village Volunteers for their guidance during our first five years,” said Claudia Thayne, SCVV chair. “As we move forward independently, our mission remains the same: neighbors helping neighbors. We look forward to continuing collaboration where it strengthens our work.”

Village Volunteers, serving older adults in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton and Dewey Beach, also welcomed the announcement. “We are proud to have supported SCVV’s growth and are excited to see both organizations thriving,” said Anna Moshier, Village Volunteers executive director. “With two strong, independent villages, we can better serve our communities while partnering when it makes sense.”

Together, SCVV and VV will continue to provide essential services, foster social connections and advocate for older adults across coastal Delaware.

For more information, visit SouthCoastalVillageVolunteers.org and villagevolunteer.org.