News Briefs 3/6/26
VIA to host blood drive March 6 in Rehoboth
The Village Improvement Association will welcome the Blood Bank of Delmarva and encourage lifesaving blood donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 6, at its clubhouse, 415 N. Boardwalk at Grenoble Street, Rehoboth Beach.
One donation of blood can save up to three lives and takes less than hour. Interested participants may schedule an appointment to donate at delmarvablood.org.
The Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach is a women’s civic and charitable organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service.
Quinceañera Expo set March 8 in Rehoboth
HOY en Delaware will present the Miss XV Magazine Quinceañera Expo from 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at the Atlantic Sands Hotel, 1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Families and future Quinceañeras are invited to experience a vibrant celebration of culture, fashion and planning essentials.
The expo offers free admission to the public, providing an all-access pass to the latest trends in the Quinceañera world. Attendees will be treated to spectacular fashion shows highlighting stunning, colorful gowns and the latest collections from top clothing designers; expert vendors offering a curated selection of professionals ready to help plan the perfect celebration; and authentic flavors of delicious Hispanic cuisine, including fresh empanadas and tacos prepared by the Atlantic Sands Hotel executive chef.
“We are thrilled to bring this cultural showcase to Rehoboth Beach,” said Jose Somalo, organizer and publisher of HOY en Delaware. “It’s more than an expo; it’s a community celebration of a significant milestone in a young woman’s life.”
UUSD service to focus on giving March 8
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 8, with the topic, “Give to Gain: Lessons from Black Girl Joy in the Midst of it All.” The Rev. Crystal Saiyge, executive director of Sister Souurce Inc., will explore this year’s theme for International Women's Day, March 8, which is Give to Gain.
This theme emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, all rise. Contributing to women's advancement through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring or time helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
Learn more at uussd.org.
14th RD Democrats to meet March 9
The 14th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet Monday, March 9, continuing its speaker series featuring state and local candidates in the 2026 election.
The program will begin at 5 p.m. with a Dutch treat dinner, followed by remarks from a Democratic candidate at 6 p.m., and committee business at 6:30. All registered Democrats are welcome to participate in 14th RD meetings, with the event location provided to those who send an RSVP by Sunday, March 8, to de14rddems@gmail.com.
The 14th RD Democratic Committee represents residents of Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and southern Lewes. For more information, go to 14thRDDelDems.com.
Lewes council to meet March 9
Lewes Mayor and Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding a proposed ordinance to amend city zoning for off-street parking to include proposed revisions to design standards for vehicular parking areas. Agenda and meeting link can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth budget meeting set March 9
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 2 p.m., Monday, March 9, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. This session will include the regular commissioner meeting held the first Monday of each month and the city’s fourth budget meeting related to Fiscal Year 2027, which starts April 1. Typically, commissioners conduct a special budget meeting separate from their regular meetings, but the regular meeting agenda was light, so they combined the two.
Related to the budget, the agenda calls for presentations by community partners seeking grants, and continued discussion on the city’s schedule of fees and penalties. Commissioners are also expected to discuss an ordinance amending city code that would require permeable materials for new or replacement driveways.
A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Route 1 crossover work begins March 9
The Delaware Department of Transportation will temporarily close the crossover at Route 1 and Hudson Road/Steamboat Landing Road, and make lane closures along northbound and southbound Route 1 for crossover reconstruction work starting Monday, March 9.
Work will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, for about three weeks (weather permitting).
The project will include building a new median island between north and south Route 1, and an acceleration lane along southbound Route 1. Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones and to expect minor delays while traveling in the area.
For more information, go to deldot.gov.
Saltwater Fly Anglers to meet March 11
The Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware invites fly fishermen and women of all ages and skill levels to attend its meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, at the Rolling Meadows Clubhouse, Lewes. The guest speaker will be Capt. Murray deMuth of TWT Fishing Charters, who will talk about Fishing the Backwaters of Dorchester County, Maryland. Learn more at sfaod.com.
League of Women Voters sets spring luncheon March 12
Members of the Sussex County League of Women Voters will hold an informal luncheon from 12 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at Irish Eyes Restaurant and Pub, 105 Union St., Milton. All are welcome to attend and learn about the league and its activities.
The spring luncheon is offered as a fun and friendly social gathering for fostering conversation, connection and community spirit.
As a voice for citizens and a force for change, the league is a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. For more information or to reserve a seat, go to tinyurl.com/7hyc6kuh and click on the March 12 event link.
Rehoboth streets and safety meeting set
The Rehoboth Beach Streets & Safety Advisory Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 12, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussion on bike use in town and a discussion on sidewalk news boxes.
See agenda, meeting materials at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Speak Out Against Hate to meet March 12 in Georgetown
Speak Out Against Hate will hold its next community meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at a new location, the Howard T. Ennis School, 26021 Patriots Way, Georgetown. This meeting will be in-person participation only, no Zoom.
There is no admission cost, but attendees may bring canned or packaged goods to help support local food pantries.
The topic will be: Immigration in Sussex County - What’s Happening, and the panel discussion and Q&A session will be moderated by Cait Clarke, chief of defender services in the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and co-founder of Sussex Help. Panelists will be Bryant Garcia, La Esperanza executive director; Mary Dupont, La Plaza executive director and Sussex Help co-founder; Georgetown Police Chief Ralph W. Holm Jr.; Son-Djerry Cameus, constituent services representative for U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester; and Suhey Matamoros, second-grade Spanish immersion teacher, Cape Henlopen High School.
Registration is available at soah-de.org.
Post 28 to unveil new banquet room March 14
American Legion Post 28 will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening event for its new banquet room at 12 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at 31768 Legion Road, near Millsboro.
Community members attending will also be able to help mark the Post 28’s 43rd birthday and enjoy an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Immediately after the ribbon cutting, attendees are invited to remain for fellowship and tours of the new facility.
For details about use of the new banquet room, contact Lisa Schumann at 302-947-0581.
Reconciliation event set March 18 in Lewes
St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, invites all to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 18. Confessions will take place in both the church and the Parish Life Center. There will be 12 priests present to hear confessions that evening, which will greatly reduce waiting times for attendees. For details, call 302-644-7300 or visit stjudelewes.org.
Milton FD Auxiliary bingo event set March 19
The Milton Fire Department Auxiliary will hold its Winter Cash Bingo fundraiser Thursday, March 19, at the fire hall, 116 Front St., Milton. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. To reserve tickets in advance, text (preferred) or call Geri at 302-448-1552, and leave a message with name and number of tickets needed.
Reservations will be limited to five tickets per caller, and anyone with tickets who is not able to attend is asked to call and cancel so organizers can notify those on the wait list.
There will be door prizes, and concessions will be available for cash-only purchase. Attendees must be age 18 or older.
AL Post 28 Auxiliary variety show set March 22
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 will present its annual variety show, Long Neck’s Spectacle of Glorious Chaos, from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, near Millsboro.
Tickets include a delicious dinner featuring chicken parmesan, spaghetti, salad, bread, coffee and tea. They can be purchased in advance only at the post bar or by contacting Tina at 302-858-8399 or Beth at 302-381-3897. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, a program dedicated to members helping members in times of need.
Women’s Fest returns April 9-12
The 25th Anniversary CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest will take place from Thursday to Sunday, April 9 to 12, at a variety of venues in and around Rehoboth Beach.
Celebrating inclusivity and empowerment, the weekend will feature nationally known entertainers, a silver-themed dance, a live auction, sports events and a tribute to the late Christine Havrilla.
Proceeds will benefit CAMP Rehoboth, an LGBTQ+ community center working to create an environment that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware and beyond.
Learn more at camprehoboth.org/womensfest.
Dewey panel reviews fundraising efforts
Dewey Beach Marketing Committee members discussed upcoming town events, the status of town hall fundraising, and possible chamber of commerce partnerships during their March 3 meeting.
They explored ways to promote the Buy a Brick campaign, which allows folks to purchase 4-by-8-inch personalized bricks be displayed in a “walk of fame” at the new town hall. Bricks are being sold for $300 each. So far, 218 bricks have been sold; the goal is 2,000.
The committee decided to create a new fundraising option to accept smaller donation amounts for the project as a more affordable alternative to buying a brick or becoming a sponsor.
They also referred to council a possible $1,200 purchase of 6,000 Buy A Brick ads for inclusion in summer renter welcome packets distributed by the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. Council will vote on the purchase at a future meeting.
