News Briefs 4/17/26

Carey files to run for 38th District

Fenwick Island businesswoman Carlie Carey filed April 10 to run as a Republican for the Delaware House of Representatives District 38 seat vacated by Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville, who is not seeking re-election.

Democrat Maureen Madden filed in 2025 to run for the 38th District seat.

Artist reception set April 18 in Rehoboth

A meet-and-greet event will be held for local artist Kathy Buschi from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Odysea … Destination Beach, 110 Rehoboth Ave. No. 5, Rehoboth Beach.

Buschi will be introducing her new limited-edition giclée print, “Funland Rides.” She is well known for her iconic Delaware scenes, especially those of the Rehoboth and Lewes areas. 

“Kathy’s artwork captures the feel and nostalgia of coastal Delaware. People really respond to her images,” said store owner Mary Anne Callaghan. She and her business partner, Patrick Turner, purchased Odysea in December 2023.

Last tryouts set for beach patrol season 

The third and final tryout for the Rehoboth Beach Patrol’s 2026 season will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Sussex Family YMCA, 20080 Church St., Rehoboth.

To be considered for hire, all applicants will be required to take a test that includes a 1-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, a 550-yard swim, a 100-yard sprint swim, a 25-yard underwater swim and two types of pool rescues. There are time completion requirements. Applicants can be 15 at the time of the tryout, but they must be 16 on or before the Memorial Day weekend, and certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Applicants also must complete the online employment application.

For more information, an application and a full list of requirements, go to rehobothbeachpatrol.com, or contact Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Jeff Giles at rehobothbeachpatrol@cityofrehoboth.com or 302-258-4888.

UUSD to meet April 19

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 19, exploring the topic Climate-Resilient Communities: How Do We Prepare?

The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Climate change on this, our shared planet and in our local communities, is both inevitable and unpredictable. Perhaps you are already witnessing the impact of climate change on a hyper-local level. How do we engage in the ongoing work of building more resilient, caring and interconnected communities for these times?”

Learn more at uussd.org.

Henlopen Acres BoA meeting April 20

The Henlopen Acres Board of Adjustment will meet at 10 a.m., Monday, April 20, in town hall, 104 Tidewaters. The agenda includes two requests from the property owners at 52 Tidewaters. The first is an extension request on a previously approved variance for that property. The second is for a variance seeking relief from town code that says the bottom of the first-floor joists shall not exceed three feet in height, measured from the point where the centerline of the proposed building intersects with the centerline of the street on which the building fronts. The applicant requests a variance of 4.5 feet to permit the bottom of the floor joists above the basement, which would be below ground level on the applicant’s lot, to be located 7.5 feet above the referenced street centerline.

For more information, call town hall at 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.

Lewes parks panel to meet April 20

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, April 20, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes a presentation and possible action regarding an updated beach ordinance.  See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth committee to meet April 20

The Rehoboth Beach Environmental Advisory Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Monday, April 20, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda includes a review of community lighting educational materials and an update on the lakes management plan.

A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Lewes finance group to meet April 21

The Lewes Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, at city hall.

The panel is set to review the FY27 budget process and begin looking at FY28.

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

Parks offer Earth Day events April 22

Delawareans are invited to celebrate Earth Day Wednesday, April 22, with hikes, cleanups, and other programs at parks and public spaces across the state.

Cape Henlopen State Park will host the Dunes or Defense program from 1 to 2 p.m., April 22, at the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.

Attendees will learn how dunes contributed to coastal defense and how students defended the dunes on Earth Day 1970.

CHSP visitors can take an evening hike from 5 to 6 p.m., April 22, to discover the flora and fauna visible before sunset at Seaside Nature Center. Preregistration is required by calling the park office, 302-645-8983.

Delaware Seashore State Park will welcome volunteers from 10 a.m. to noon, April 22, for the Coast to Coast Cleanup event. Participants will gather at Indian River Life-Saving Station for staff-led beach cleanup and debris removal from the salt marsh at Savages Ditch.

Sussex nonprofit to hold open house April 23

Love INC Mid-Delmarva invites community members, local businesses and partners to attend an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at its C.R.O.S.S. Campus, 703 East King St., Seaford.

This free event offers guests the opportunity to meet the team, learn about Love INC’s mission and programs, and engage in a Q&A session about how the organization is serving individuals and families in the community.

The event will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how Love INC connects people to vital resources and supports transformational life change through its system of accountability. 

For more information, contact Love INC Mid-Delmarva at 302-629-7050. 

Israel UMC to host Native American ministries service April 26

Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host a United Methodist Native American Ministries service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 26, in the church at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, and online via Zoom. Guest speaker will be Dr. Karelle Hall (Spirit Dancing), now of Boston, Mass. A dancer and member of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe of Millsboro, Hall has written a book about the Nanticoke language. United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to the church and to society. Attendees are invited to wear and share their regalia to honor their cultural heritage and ancestry.

VegSpringFest to promote plant-based eating April 26

VegRehoboth will celebrate the season with VegSpringFest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at Lewes Public Library. 

This free, family-friendly event will feature plant-based food, educational presentations, and opportunities to learn how eating more plants benefits individual health, the environment and animals.

Featured speaker Maryam J. Tabrizi, PhD, will discuss how plant-based eating boosts health and community wellness. Tweety Dong of Milton will discuss the process of transforming her 3-acre wooded property into a thriving pollinator habitat. Teresa Ripley of The Teach a Person to Fish Society will share about her personal journey to eating more plant-based foods and present a live cooking demonstration.

VegRehoboth is a local nonprofit that promotes the many benefits of eating more plants and provides year-round education, resources and community events.

Admission is free for presentations; for more information, visit VegRehoboth.org.

VIA to host music bingo April 29

The Village Improvement Association will host an evening of music bingo from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, at its clubhouse, 415 N. Boardwalk at Grenoble Place, Rehoboth Beach. The admission fee includes five games as well as snacks. Wine, soda and water will be available for purchase. The VIA is a women’s civic and charitable organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. To learn more, go to rehobothbeachvia.org.

VIA to host barbecue fundraiser May 1

The Village Improvement Association will hold a Spring into Summer fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 1, at its clubhouse, 415 N. Boardwalk at Grenoble Street, Rehoboth Beach. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a barbecue dinner from Bethany Blues, shop for spring and summer blooms from local nurseries and join the fun with a silent auction, raffle prizes, cornhole and music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

The VIA is a women’s civic and charitable organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. To learn more, go to rehobothbeachvia.org.

Estate planning mistakes session set May 2

The Delaware Money School will offer a free Common Estate Planning Mistakes class from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Led by instructors Deirdre O’Shea McCartney, Esq., and Robert Jeter, CFP, CRPC, the class covers common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them. It will explore some familiar myths about estate planning and offer suggestions on how attendees can optimize their financial future and legacy for their own and their loved ones’ benefit. Having written, spoken and taught on the subject many times, McCartney and Jeter break down a complex subject to understandable layman’s terms. Everyone should be aware of these mistakes and be able to consult with their attorney and financial advisor on a plan to correct them.

To register, go to deemoneyschool.org.

Spaces available for town-wide yard sale May 2

Goshen United Methodist Church in Milton will host a town-wide yard sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 2, in its parking lot at 103 Mulberry St. 

The church is renting out spots for anyone looking to sell their treasures. Sellers must provide their own tables and chairs. 

Those interested should email Goshenofmilton@gmail.com to reserve a spot and will receive further details in response.

County seeks opioid fund bids by May 4

Sussex County is accepting applications from area nonprofit organizations that have programs to help community members heal in the wake of the national prescription opioid crisis.

Council members reviewed a plan April 14 to distribute funds awarded to the county as part of the landmark $26 billion nationwide settlement reached in 2021. 

Sussex County will receive $479,641 in the initial disbursement. Funds must be used for eligible health-centered treatments and programs, as stipulated in the National Opioid Settlement Agreement, to mitigate the harm caused by the opioid crisis. Communities can directly administer the programs or partner with groups focused on such work. Sussex is choosing the latter.

“The opioid crisis in this country left no corner untouched, including Sussex County,” said County Administrator Todd F. Lawson, who serves on the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission. “It damaged and destroyed lives, and put an incredible strain on healthcare systems. While these funds won’t undo the tragedy, they can help support programs that help victims and communities pick up the pieces to move forward.” Applications are due by Monday, May 4, and will be reviewed by county council before being sent to the commission. Learn more at sussexcountyde.gov/application-opioid-settlement-funds.