News Briefs 4-3-26

New pharmacy services available in Sussex County

Joli Martini, PharmD, RPh, a prior co-owner of Cape Pharmacy, is now offering pharmacy consultant services, including medication reconciliation, through her locally owned and operated small business, The Martini Collective. 

Martini offers medical advocacy (including transportation) for patients who could use some help processing and interpreting information provided during their doctor’s office visits, especially regarding medications. Martini will also come to a client’s home and review their medication list, including any over-the-counter meds, to help identify potential interactions, and advise them on the most appropriate way to organize and take their medications. 

To learn more about services The Martini Collective provides, call 302-614-0033 or email themartinicollective@yahoo.com.

Red Cross seeks blood and platelet donors

The American Red Cross asks people to help patients in need by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply stable as spring continues.

Between spring break plans and the return of outdoor activities, busy spring calendars can impact the availability of lifesaving blood products, but the need for blood never stops. “It’s critical that donors make and keep appointments in the weeks to come to help the blood supply stand up to any seasonal disruptions or challenges,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.

To learn more, go to RedCrossBlood.org.

Captioned Thursdays in effect at Cinema Art Theater

For viewers who are are hard of hearing and those who just prefer to watch movies with open captions, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society announced Captioned Thursdays at the Cinema Art Theater near Lewes.

All CAT This Week films playing on Thursdays will include on-screen captions. Captioned Thursdays will not include any special programming screenings, such as film festivals or live performances. To learn more, go to rehobothfilm.com.

Local author to sign children’s books April 5

Ed Haggerty, author of the children’s book, “Beeper,” will appear at a signing event from 12 to 3 p.m., Sunday, April 5, at Barnes and Noble, Seaside Outlets, Rehoboth Beach. “Beeper” is the story of a grackle abandoned by his own flock who is hatched and adopted by a robin. He is teased because he is different from the rest of the flock, but that difference eventually will save the flock when help is most needed. Haggerty is a Vietnam veteran and a volunteer reader with Read Aloud Delaware. He and his wife Lauren live in Milton.

UUSD to meet April 5

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 5, with the Rev. Heather Rion Starr and Julie Keefer, UUSD director of music ministries, exploring the topic, Easter: It’s … Complicated. 

Rion Starr said, “What are broader views of the traditional Christian Easter story? How and why might we redefine religious language on our own terms? What possibilities for spiritual growth might these reflections and efforts open up for us?” An Easter egg hunt for children and youth will follow the service. Learn more at uussd.org.

Lewes to consider home-biz reg April 6

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing and special meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 6, at the Rollins Center.

The panel will take public comment on a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 197, Zoning, Section 197-45 of the Municipal Code regarding use restrictions for home-based businesses.

A special meeting will follow in which council could vote on the measure.

The city has been discussing the ordinance for almost two years, after a couple’s application was rejected for a business license to operate a dog grooming business in their rowhome on Savannah Road.

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

Prime Hook dune appeal hearing April 6

An appeal hearing will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 6, related to the state’s denial of an application seeking the retroactive approval of a dune crossing at Prime Hook Beach.

The 10-foot-wide, 118-foot-long concrete dune crossing on Clifton Shores Drive came to light when the state issued a public notice Dec. 10 asking for public comment on an application to construct the crossing, which had already been built.

There was previously a 4-foot-wide wooden crossover at that location. The state’s Division of Watershed Stewardship issued a ruling Jan. 16 denying the retroactive approval. The applicant appealed that decision shortly afterward.

The appeal hearing will be virtual. For connection information, go to dnrec.delaware.gov and click on the public meetings link under the admin law tab.

Documents or comments can be sent to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov. The hearing record is open through Monday, April 13.

Rehoboth meeting slated for April 6

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 9 a.m., Monday, April 6, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

The agenda includes a discussion on proposed charter changes and a discussion on amending city code on property maintenance to add new sections regarding aged building safety inspections.

An executive session is set for after the meeting related to a strategy discussion involving legal advice. 

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.

Dewey Marketing Committee to meet

The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee will meet at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the town lifesaving station.

The committee will discuss and possibly take action on town hall fundraising initiatives and activities.

The group will also discuss social media content, development of future marketing materials, cooperation with the resiliency & sustainability committee, and committee participation at several upcoming town events.

Lewes to hold comp plan workshop April 7

The City of Lewes will hold an informational workshop on the comprehensive plan update at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes an overview and purpose of the plan, and the roles of various groups that will rewrite it.

Lewes to hold workshop April 7

The City of Lewes will hold a workshop at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes a presentation on streetscape design options for the Fourth Street and Park Avenue improvement project.

Apply by April 15 for SOAH scholarship

Speak Out Against Hate is accepting applications for its 2026 Social Justice Scholarship until midnight, Wednesday, April 15. Two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to eligible Sussex County students.

Each applicant must be a graduating senior attending Cape Henlopen, Indian River or Sussex Central high school, or Sussex Academy.

They also must plan to enroll for fall 2026 in a postsecondary college, university, training program or trade/technical school and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The scholarship aims to uplift students who demonstrate leadership, compassion and dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Application details are available online at soah-de.org and scholarships.delawarestudentsuccess.org, and at the eligible high schools’ counseling offices.

For more information, email SOAHscholarship2026@gmail.com.

Lewes Maritime Day seeks May 16 exhibitors

Celebrating maritime history and its impact on the Cape Region, the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration is set from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park.

The event, co-organized by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, and supported by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lewes, includes displays, boat rides, vessel tours and activities, all free and open to the public. 

Maritime or nautical-related exhibitors, Delmarva-themed activities and family friendly organizations are welcome.

A brief opening and remembrance ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. to kick off the day and reopen the Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) for the season. 

“Lewes has a rich maritime history – one worth celebrating, and this day gives the public plenty of interesting exhibits and fun things to do that remind us in Lewes of whence we came – the sea,” said Heath Gehrke, operations director for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  “We are registering exhibitors now, so please reach out.”

To learn more, go to cmlf.com/event/annual-lewes-maritime-day or email lewes.maritime.day@overfalls.org.

Words of Wellness open mic night for teens set May 16

In a safe, supportive space for poetry, spoken word and stories that highlight mental wellness, an open mic wellness night for teens is set for 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at First State Community Action Agency, 308 North Railroad Ave., Georgetown.

In a supportive, non-judgmental platform for emotional expression, participating teens can build self-confidence through creative outlets like music and poetry, reduce stress and strengthen mental health. Events like these help teens connect with peers, develop coping skills and feel seen, creating a sense of community and belonging.

Facilitating the open mic event will be Tanisha Showell, a therapist with Delaware’s Trauma Response for Youth and A Seed of Hope Counseling. 

UD by the Sea set May 19-22 in Rehoboth Beach

The community is invited to participate in four days of learning and social events from Tuesday to Friday, May 19 to 22, in Rehoboth Beach, hosted by the University of Delaware’s lifelong learning program for adults ages 50-plus.

Organized by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware, the program offers intensive learning and fun through presentations, field trips and demonstrations. Participants also will enjoy evening social activities, and welcoming and closing events at the oceanfront Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Learning tracks have limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Topics include: Lighthouses and Shipwreck; Ecology and Evolution; Farm to Table; Lewes Art and Artists through History; Environmental Impact on Coastal Sussex County; and International Affairs Nexus.

Fees include educational programming, continental breakfasts and social activities. Participants are responsible for accommodations.

To learn more or register, go to olli.udel.edu/ud-by-the-sea.

Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Fest returns May 30

The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival is pulling out all the stops for its milestone 10th and final event, set for noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach. Attendees can expect an exhilarating afternoon packed with indulgence, entertainment and heartfelt community spirit.

Since its inception, the festival has raised over $300,000 for local nonprofits, supporting causes like children’s health, hunger relief and arts education. In 2026, festival proceeds will benefit Celebrate Wellness, a nonprofit focused on supporting the mental wellness of hospitality workers. It provides education, connects individuals to resources and wellness experts, and offers financial assistance for mental health support. In the hospitality industry, well-being often takes a back seat to job demands. Long hours and job pressure can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Surveys reveal that financial constraints are a significant barrier for workers seeking therapy, and Celebrate Wellness helps reduce those financial barriers to care.

To learn more, go to sodelfest.com or call event founder Stacy LaMotta at 302-245-4262.

AG Jennings files for re-election

Attorney General Kathleen Jennings has officially filed to run for another term. Jennings, a Democrat, submitted her paperwork to the Department of Elections March 27. Jennings won the seat easily in 2018, garnering 61% of the vote. She had a much tougher campaign in 2022, but she won re-election over Republican Julianne Murray with 53.8% of the vote. As of March 31, no other candidates have filed to run for attorney general. 

BPW receives grant for streets project

The Lewes Board of Public Works has received a $6.6 million grant from the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council for the upcoming Burton subdivision infrastructure project.

The funding will allow Burton Avenue, Paynter Avenue, DuPont Avenue and the rest of Johnson Avenue to be added to the original plan, which included Fourth Street, Park Avenue and part of Johnson Avenue.

The project to replace the water pipes, some of which are 100 years old, is tentatively set to begin in October and be completed sometime in 2028, according to Robin Davis, BPW general manager.

Cooper files to run for Congress

The Rev. Earl L. Cooper has filed to run for Delaware’s lone seat in Congress. Cooper, a Republican, submitted his paperwork to the Department of Elections March 26. Cooper unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat in 2024, losing to current Congresswoman Sarah McBride, who had not filed for re-election as of March 31. 

DMV unit coming to Lewes, Milton

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has announced its DMV on the Go mobile unit will be operating in Sussex County through late October.

Locations and hours are: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays, at DART Lewes Transit Center, 17616 Coastal Highway, Lewes; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays, at Milton CHEER Center, 24855 Broadkill Road, Milton.

The DMV on the Go mobile unit has an ADA-accessible trailer and four fully functional workstations. It includes an awning for bad weather and a wheelchair lift, and performs all the same transactions as a traditional DMV. Customers who need road exams, inspections, driver improvement assistance or uninsured motorist services still need to visit one of the four primary DMV locations.

For the full DMV on the Go schedule, visit dmv.de.gov.

Lewes BPW approves FY27 budgets

The Lewes Board of Public Works approved its FY27 capital and operating budgets at its March 25 meeting.

Robin Davis, BPW general manager, provided the following numbers: Capital expenditures: $19,396,197; 
Operating revenue $25,128,259;
Operating expenses: $18,041,450; and Net income from operations: $7,086,809.

The vote on both budgets was 4-0 in favor. Commissioner Barbara Curtis was not present.

Milton farmer earns first place in state corn yield contest

With a yield of 311.6 bushels per acre, Milton farmer Kenneth Stevenson III earned a first-place state award in the 2025 National Corn Growers Association National Corn Yield Contest, ranking among the top corn yield producers in the nation. Stevenson won with Dekalb DKC68-35RIB brand blend in the No-Till Irrigated Class.

“We congratulate Kenneth for delivering exceptional results this season,” said Dipal Chaudhari, Dekalb brand lead. Farmers who planted Dekalb corn captured the most national placement awards (16 of 27), as well as 248 state-level awards,152 of which yielded 300 bushels per acre or higher.

Rehoboth library campaign receives $10K donation

Representatives from Shore United Bank recently visited the Rehoboth Beach Public Library to present a $10,000 donation toward the ongoing capital campaign. The funds will go toward renovations to the library’s downtown facility on Rehoboth Avenue. The project will include improvements to the building’s infrastructure, replacement of the roof, and construction of additional meeting rooms. Shore United Bank’s donation will help fund the second floor, where library users gather before a program in the large meeting room. To learn more go to reholibrarycapitalcampaign.com.

Wetlands Stewardship Act introduced

After years of collaboration among agricultural, business, environmental and government stakeholders, the Wetlands Stewardship Act was introduced in the Delaware Sentate March 31, to ensure the long-term preservation of Delaware’s wetlands.

Senate Bill 9 would create Delaware’s first combined tidal and nontidal wetlands program, establishing state-level protections for wetlands that currently lack adequate federal regulation.

While Delaware currently has a statewide tidal wetlands program, its nontidal wetlands are regulated federally and enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. This reliance on federal protections has left nontidal wetlands vulnerable to development that is not environmentally sustainable amid federal uncertainty following changes to wetland qualifications and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 Sackett vs. EPA decision that further restricted federal jurisdiction over wetlands.

A 2022 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control report found that roughly 30,000 acres of nontidal wetlands were unprotected in Delaware, and following the Sackett decision, that acreage has risen to about 75,000 acres.

SB 9 has been assigned to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee, and is scheduled to be heard Wednesday, April 15.