News Briefs 5/30/25
DART Beach Bus operating daily for season
DART Beach Bus services are operating daily through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1. DART’s Route 305 – Beach Connection will operate weekends and holidays through Sept. 1. Rehoboth’s Park & Ride ticket booth has closed. DART passes can be purchased on the DART Pass mobile app, at the Lewes Transit Center or on the bus.
For statewide bus service changes, DTC received feedback from riders and the public through four public hearing workshops held in March, as well as website submissions. After a thorough review of all comments, modifications were made to the original proposal. The route-specific details can be viewed at Approved May 2025 Service - Dart First State.
To view new route schedules, go to DartFirstState.com; printed pocket schedules are also available.
Rehoboth to welcome Pride Month June 1
The City of Rehoboth Beach will recognize Pride Month with a proclamation and flag-raising ceremony at 12 p.m., Sunday, June 1, outside city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The public is invited to attend.
The LGBTQ+ Pride flag will be flown at city hall throughout the month of June.
“Rehoboth Beach is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, which greatly contributes to the social and economic vitality as well as the character of our city,” said Mayor Stan Mills.
“The City of Rehoboth Beach strives to foster diversity among its residents and visitors, and to be a welcoming community to all.”
UUSD to meet June 1
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 1, with "Out, Loud and Proud” as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “A very special guest will join in celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. We appreciate the support and involvement of our straight ally and advocate communities. In this service, we will try our best to put into words and song why all of us living our lives authentically, honestly, joyfully and gratefully is so important.” Learn more at uussd.org.
Lewes council to hold public hearing June 2
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing followed by a special meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 2, at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes comments and possible action on a request by Historic Lewes to consolidate two parcels into one at the Shipcarpenter Street campus.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week benefits first responders June 1-6
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Cape Gazette and Rehoboth Foodie, announced Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week will take place from Sunday to Friday, June 1 to 6.
Diners can enjoy their favorite foods on the Culinary Coast and support the red, white and blue.
A portion of the event proceeds will be distributed to local first responder groups including Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach police departments, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Home of the Brave and Tunnel to Towers.
To learn more, go to beach-fun.com or call the chamber at 302-227-6446.
Concert ticket auction bids due June 6
The Brain Cancer Answer Foundation announced bidding for its silent auction fundraiser remains open through midnight, Friday, June 6.
Up for bid are pairs of tickets to see August and September concerts headlined by Eric Clapton, Eric Church, Billy Idol and Alabama Shakes at Philadelphia venues.
For details about concert dates and bidding, email Frances Emery, Brain Cancer Answer Foundation communications chair, at francesemerybcaf@gmail.com.
The Delaware nonprofit was established in 2023 in memory of Nicholas McGuiness, who lost his life to a brain tumor at the young age of 29.
This year’s McGuiness Memorial Golf Tournament and Auction is set for Monday, Oct. 6, at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach.
To learn more, go to braincanceranswer.org.
Brimming Horn Meadery to host Viking-themed festival June 6-8
Brimming Horn Meadery will host its annual Party Like It’s 793! weekend celebration of Norse heritage, heavy music and heroic revelry from Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, at 28615 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy., Milton.
Marking the legendary raid on Lindisfarne in 793 AD, widely recognized as the dawn of the Viking Age, this immersive festival brings together epic live music, authentic Viking-themed entertainment, artisan vendors, mead, cider, beer and mouthwatering food.
A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Humane Animal Partners of Rehoboth.
Bethany Beach Seaside Craft Show set June 7
The Bethany Beach Seaside Craft Show will return for its 19th year from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 7, along the boardwalk, bandstand area, Garfield Parkway, Hollywood Street and Parkwood Street, rain or shine.
Sponsored by the Town of Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee, the nationally recognized event will feature more than 100 juried artisans in diverse media including wood, jewelry, pottery, glass and more. The Joe Baione Trio will perform jazz standards from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the bandstand.
To learn more, go to townofbethanybeach.com.
Midway Assembly of God yard sale set June 7
Midway Assembly of God church will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 7, off Coastal Highway at 34677 Old Postal Lane, Lewes. Vendor spaces comprising two parking spots are available for a fee, and proceeds support Christian summer camp fees for children in first to sixth grades. Items offered include household goods, furniture, children's clothing and supplies, beach and outdoor gear, tools of all sorts, crafts and baked goods. To learn more, contact Dawn Hutchison at 727-600-3643 or Christina Ross at 302-864-7084
Sussex Habitat to celebrate 200th home dedication June 25
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its 200th home built in partnership with local families since the organization’s founding in 1991 with a ceremony at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, at 19826 Hebron Road, Rehoboth Beach.
The public is invited to join Habitat staff, volunteers, supporters and community leaders for a dedication and celebration that honors the families, donors and partners who have made this achievement possible.
Since its founding, Sussex Habitat has worked to create affordable housing opportunities across Sussex County by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. This 200th home dedication marks the continuation of a 34-year legacy of partnership, perseverance and possibility.
“This moment belongs to every volunteer who picked up a hammer, every donor who gave generously and every family who trusted us to walk alongside them,” said Kevin Gilmore, executive director. “We are so proud to celebrate how far we've come and excited for the work still ahead.”
To learn more or RSVP, email eileen@sussexcountyhabitat.org.
Delaware Symphony Orchestra appoints new music director
Delaware Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Michelle Di Russo as its next music director, following an extensive international search.
Di Russo’s tenure will begin with the first main stage production of the 2025-26 season, the orchestra’s 120th year.
Frank Clowes, board president, said, “[Di Russo’s] genuine presence, artistic command and bold vision have inspired our musicians, staff and board alike.”
Di Russo said, “From the first time I conducted this orchestra, I knew there was a special connection between us. I am inspired not only by the extraordinary talent of the musicians, but also the passion and dedication of the entire DSO team. This orchestra is a cultural treasure of Delaware with limitless potential, and I’m honored to be entrusted with its future.”
“From the time she first appeared with the DSO in 2024, it was obvious Michelle was something special,” said Dan McDougall, principal bassist.
The selection of Di Russo reflects input from all facets of the organization – musicians, board, staff and community – who participated in evaluating each candidate during the search process.
J.C. Barker, CEO, said, “Over the past 22 months, this search has been a deeply collaborative, thoughtful and inspiring process.”
To learn more, go to DelawareSymphony.org.
Lewes Board of Public Works elects officers
The Lewes Board of Public Works elected its officers for 2025 during its May 28 regular meeting.
Tom Panetta was reelected as president, Barbara Curtis as vice president, Preston Lee as secretary, Richard Nichols as treasurer and Bob Heffernan as assistant treasurer. All were elected unanimously. See a meeting link at youtube.com/@lewesboardofpublicworks8084.
Talent acquisition pro ranked in top 10 nationally
For the second year in a row, Lewes resident Peter Garneau has been recognized for excellence in talent acquisition and has been selected to receive an OnCon Icon Top 10 Talent Acquisition Professionals Award. Determined through peer voting, industry colleagues were instructed to select those they observed to have a considerable impact on their organization and the professional community through thought leadership, innovative drive and exceptional leadership. Known as a steadfast advocate for equal opportunity, inclusivity and belonging, Garneau has championed initiatives such as resume anonymization, inclusive hiring practices and mentorship opportunities to foster diverse, people-first workplaces. Garneu’s initiatives have elevated the talent function at SMCP North America, resulting in stronger pipelines, faster hiring cycles, and enhanced organizational performance.
