News Briefs 12/26/25
DNREC seeks comment on marina
A Federal Consistency Certification has been submitted to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for the Henlopen Bluff Community Marina.
Showfield LLC is proposing to use a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to build a marina on the south shore of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, 40-feet east of Route 9 in Lewes.
The project would include nine boat lifts, nine piers, associated mooring piles, a kayak launch dock and associated parking for the proposed Henlopen Bluff Community.
Water and electric services would be provided, with utility pedestals at the landward end of the piers.
Henlopen Bluff would be a 79-lot major subdivision located on a 61-acre parcel south of the Freeman Highway bridge along Gills Neck Road. Lewes Mayor and City Council approved the preliminary site plan in 2024.
Comments will be accepted through Jan. 16 at DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov.
UUSD to meet Dec. 28
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold its annual remembrance service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28. Susan Goekler, lay leader, said, “We take time at this time of year to celebrate the lives of people who affected our lives directly or indirectly and to remember those who died this past year. During this service we acknowledge their contributions, which help make us who we are today. We will celebrate through words, images and music. This is a celebration of life. Those that are remembered are with us.” Learn more at uussd.org.
AARP Chapter 5340 to convene Jan. 5
AARP Chapter 5340 Georgetown will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 5, in the Millsboro Police Station community room, 120 W. Railroad Ave. Ext., Millsboro. The chapter will hold its annual memorial program to honor the lives of departed members. Meetings continue the first Monday of each month. New members are always welcome. To learn more, email Carol Ann Stone at casflowers@comcast.net.
Needlepoint guild to meet Jan. 5
Delaware’s Seashore Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild meets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the first Monday of the month, at Georgetown Public Library, 123 West Pine St., Georgetown. Bringing a boxed lunch is encouraged and prospective members are always welcome. No meetings are held in June, September and December. For more information, email delawaresseashorechapter@needlepoint.org and go to needlepoint.org.
VIA to host art journaling Jan. 8
Due to building renovations, the Rehoboth Beach Public Library winter programming schedule is limited. The Village Improvement Association will provide meeting space for New Year, New Ideas, an art journaling session, at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, at the VIA clubhouse at 415 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach. Focusing on meditation, inspiration and transformation, attendees are free to paint, collage, journal, and sketch using a variety of art supplies and materials provided. Bringing a journal is recommended to help keep artwork tidy. To register, go to delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/15966142.
Ocean to Bay Bike Tour set April 24-25
Registration is open for the 2026 Ocean to Bay Bike Tour, with events set Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, presented by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. Cyclists have the choice of a 30-, 50-, 62.5- or 100-mile ride throughout Southern Delaware’s scenic beaches and bays.
Proceeds from the Saturday ride will benefit Contractors for a Cause, the Justin W. Jennings Foundation and the Harry K Foundation. Registrants will receive access to fully equipped rest stops.
There will be a 10-mile Coastal Cruise featuring an out-and-back route from Bethany Beach to the Indian River Inlet April 24-25. To register online, go to oceantobaybiketour.com.
DANA receives grant to strengthen local nonprofit boards
DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, has received grant funding to bolster Sussex and Kent county nonprofits by strengthening their boards of directors. The Mid-Del Charitable Foundation has awarded DANA a $1,000 grant to recruit and match community-based leaders with local nonprofits through DANA’s Board Connections program. Helping to diversify boards and provide leadership opportunities to individuals who wish to serve their community, Board Connections matches local professionals with DANA nonprofits seeking board members based on skills, interests and values. Participants receive training to prepare them for board service and nonprofit leadership.
The Mid-Del grant will help offset participation costs for select nonprofit members in southern Delaware, enabling more organizations to access high-quality board development resources.
“DANA’s Board Connections program has been extremely successful at connecting nonprofit members with community leaders whose values align with their mission,” said Sheila Bravo, DANA president and CEO. “It has broadened the pool of people who serve in these positions, increasing diversity and bringing fresh, new perspectives to these organizations.”
The program also offers board fundamentals training, certification, support and ongoing mentorship.
Legal documents for seniors seminar set
The Village Improvement Association will host Essential Legal Documents for Seniors, a free seminar with attorney Sheila Maddox, at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the VIA clubhouse at 415 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach. The new year often brings a resolution to be more organized. For seniors, this can bring thoughts of how and where to store important documents regarding estate, financial and healthcare planning. With career expertise in the areas of tax, investment management and financial planning, Maddox will share her perspective on these topics and provide an elder care life checklist. Now retired, Maddox resides in Lewes.
