News Briefs 9/12/25

Compassionate Friends butterfly release event set Sept. 13

Compassionate Friends Lighthouse Chapter will host its annual remembrance walk and butterfly release at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the pavilion near Blockhouse Pond, George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 14.

This is a special time of remembrance for families and friends whose children have died. The event transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious and political boundaries.

It includes a quiet walk around Blockhouse Pond, where the natural setting provides a place of meditation and reconnection. It culminates with a gathering at the pavilion where each family will receive a butterfly to be released in memory of their child(ren). 

When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain, and may feel hopeless and isolated. Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a grandchild, and can help others better assist grieving families.

To learn more, go to compassionatefriends.org/chapter/lighthouse-chapter.

Thunderbird car club cruise-in set Sept. 13

The Delmarva Thunderbird Car Club will host a cruise-in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal parking lot on Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes. All are welcome. There is no charge for fun and socializing with other Thunderbird owners. To learn more, contact Jack Hobman at 717-468-7338.

Service to celebrate cancer survivors Sept. 14

The Miracle Angels Cancer Mission Ministry of Israel United Methodist Church will host its annual worship service in celebration of cancer survivors, with the theme Put On the Full Armor of God, at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. All cancer survivors, families, caretakers and friends are welcome to attend a service of reflection, remembrance, honor and celebration, and wear their cancer survivor pink attire or ribbon color of choice in honor or memory of loved ones. Luminaria bags that have been purchased prior to the service will be lighted and displayed throughout the church. Beebe Oncology Center representatives will be in attendance to receive a gift for the patient special needs fund. To learn more, email bjncruisers@aol.com.

Emergency preparedness seminar set Sept. 15

With hurricane season in progress, the Safer Congregation Committee of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will host an informative seminar on how to protect homes and communities when dangerous weather hits. Sussex County Department of Public Safety staff will present the program from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, in the UUSD sanctuary at 30486 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes.

Attendees will learn about evacuation zones, how to stay informed of upcoming hazardous weather patterns and how to find guidance in the event of an emergency. A quick refresher on CPR will be offered, as well as tips for making a disaster kit for emergencies.

Sussex County public safety programs include the Smart 911 Delaware Emergency Notification System which directly alerts homeowners by phone of a developing emergency situation. 

To learn more, go to smart911.com and preparede.org.

To sign up to attend, email r.lamothe@uussd.org.

Lewes parks panel to meet Sept. 15

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding the request to place a fence around Canalfront Park.  See agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Local construction week events set 

Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Construction Enforcement, along with community and industry partners, will celebrate National Construction Week Sept. 15-19, with a series of events highlighting workforce opportunities, safety and education for careers in the construction industry.

Local-area events include Student Apprenticeship Presentations at Sussex County vo-tech schools from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16; and a Latinos in Construction Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m., Sept. 16, at Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford, in partnership with La Plaza.

To register, go to tinyurl.com/425dw57u.

Tax planning for retirement webinar set Sept. 15

A free educational webinar, Smart Tax Planning for Retirement: Using the New Law to Support Your Life Goals, is set for 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15. Presenting speakers Len Hayduchok, CFP, and Shane Scott, financial planners with Dedicated Financial, will review changes to U.S. tax law and consider recommendations for both retirees and pre-retirees. Registration is required; learn more at dedicatedfinancial.com.

Zwaanendael Women’s Club information meeting set Sept. 15

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club will hold an informational meeting for prospective members at 10:15 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, at Lewes Public Library. 

Whether lifelong Sussex County residents or new to the area, all women are invited to come hear about volunteer opportunities that fit all interests and needs, and about ways they can contribute to the community’s quality of life, build friendships and have fun.

Registration is not required but would be appreciated for planning purposes; to sign up, email zclublewes@gmail.com.

Among the many organizations and causes the club supports are What is Your Voice, Home of the Brave Foundation, People’s Place SAFE Program, scholarships for Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing and Cape Henlopen High School students, Historic Lewes, USO Delaware, I Support The Girls and Epworth Food Pantry.

Founded in 1905, the GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose members are public-spirited women serving and improving the community.

For more information, go to gfwcZwaanendael.org.

Belmead project set for Sept. 16 hearing

Sussex County Council will hold a public hearing at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, on a zoning change request for a proposed 344-unit apartment complex with planned commercial buildings near Lewes. The hearing was delayed when a sign advertising the meeting disappeared from the site near Lewes.

The Belmead Farm project needs a change in zoning from AR-1 agricultural-residential to C-4 planned commercial district for the 30-acre parcel on John J. Williams Highway/Route 24. The property is about one-third of a mile southwest of Mulberry Knoll Road, adjacent to Beacon Middle School.

The location is listed as Belle Mead Farm on the application, but the applicant is Belmead Farm LLC. 

The project site is currently an equestrian facility known as Love Creek Farm.

State law requires several forms of public notice before a public hearing, including posting a sign on the property with meeting details. 

A sign advertising a July 22 hearing was removed from the site, and to ensure adequate public notification, the county rescheduled the meeting to Sept. 16. For more information, go to sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council.

DRBA board meeting set Sept. 16

The commissioners of the Delaware River and Bay Authority will hold a public board meeting at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the University of Delaware Virden Center, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes. Seating is limited. Members of the public wishing to attend in person are asked to register in advance by contacting james.salmon@drba.net. After opening the meeting, the board will immediately go into an executive session, closed to the public, to discuss information of a confidential nature. Following the executive session, the public committee meetings will precede the public board meeting. The board agenda will be posted online at drba.net at 3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15.

Kiwanis Club sets membership drive happy hour Sept. 16

The Coastal Delaware Kiwanis Club will host a meet-and-greet membership drive and happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Attendees will meet local members and learn about volunteer opportunities to help local youth grow, thrive and prosper. Club service project beneficiaries have included the Sussex Family YMCA, Rehoboth Beach Boys & Girls Club and the Community Resource Center. 

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

Lewes planners to meet Sept. 17

The Lewes Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Rollins Center. The agenda includes discussion and possible recommendation to mayor and city council regarding the annual review of planning commission bylaws.

Cape superintendent to speak to RD20 Dems Sept. 18

The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Rose & Crown restaurant inside Hotel Rodney, 142 Second St., Lewes. 

An informal social gathering for Dutch treat dinner starts at 5 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Jenny Nauman, Cape Henlopen School District superintendent. Nauman will discuss her vision for the district, including issues like voluntary school assessments.

RD20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents in Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and sections of Harbeson and Georgetown. Any registered Democrat in Delaware is welcome to participate in RD20’s social hour and business meeting.

For more information, go to rd20deldems.com.

Navigating Medicare RSVPs due Sept. 19

Conor Williams, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, will host a free seminar, Navigating Medicare with Confidence, from 12 to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 10 W. Pine St., Suite 102, Georgetown. The guest speaker will be Tracy Jones, a licensed insurance agent and Medicare and Medicare supplements specialist.

Lunch will be served and seating is limited. RSVPs are due by Friday, Sept. 19, to Katie Corey at 302-856-3083. 

Stein-holding strong arm contest set Sept. 20

During its not-so-traditional Oktoberfest celebrations, Crooked Hammock Brewery will host a stein-holding competition at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, in Lewes. Revelers of all shapes and sizes hoping to strong-arm their way to glory will compete to hold a full beer stein with a straight arm, parallel to the ground, for as long as possible. A kids’ hoist with root beer will follow.

Genealogical society to meet Sept. 20

The Sussex County Genealogical Society will hold its general meeting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, with a Zoom presentation by Cynthia Steinhoff from Main Line Geneaology Club. She will discuss vintage samplers and steps she uses to find forgotten family members whose names appear only on the needlework pieces. 

All members and guests must register at lewes.lib.de.us and find the meeting date under Events. For more information, go to scgsdelaware.org.

Thompson Island Brewing to host fire company fundraiser Sept. 24

In support of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Thompson Island Brewing Company will host a fundraiser all day Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach. 

The restaurant will debut a a New Zealand-style pilsner will and donate $2 from every 4-pack sold to the RBVFC, in addition to 10% of proceeds, to help purchase protective gear for the fire company, which provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to a full-time population of 30,000 people and a seasonal population of more than 300,000.

“This is a great way to support the volunteers that support our community,” said Elisabeth Kammerer, owner of Thompson Island Brewing Company. To learn more, go to rehobothbeachfire.com.

Bingo event to benefit Rehoboth fire company Sept. 26

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary will host a Fall Bingo fundraising event Friday, Sept. 26, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:30. All attendees must be age 18 or older.

The event will include regular bingo, bonanza, ball games, pull-tabs, door prizes and 50/50 drawings. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $25 in advance, $30 at the door; for details, go to rehobothbeachbingo.com and facebook.com/rbvfcauxiliarybingo.

Workshops on state planning set 

The Office of State Planning Coordination will host public workshops in all three counties this month to review proposed updates to Delaware’s 2025 Strategies for State Policies and Spending document and maps. At each workshop, staff will give a brief presentation, explain how the maps and investment level areas were determined, and answer questions.

The Sussex County meeting will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Emergency Operations Center, 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., there will be open dialogue with local government officials. 

From 5:30 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to view documents and maps and speak to staff. Presentations by Office of State Planning Coordination staff will happen at 5:45 and 6:30 p.m. It will be the same presentation each time. 

For those who cannot make the meeting, a hybrid meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17. For the virtual link to the hybrid meeting, go to publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/82890.

Comments may be submitted until Friday, Oct. 10, via email to strategies@delaware.gov or by mail to: Office of State Planning Coordination, 122 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. South, Dover, DE 19901.

All comments will be taken into consideration, and the final draft will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues and the governor for final approval.

For details, call 302-739-3090 or see updates on the 2025 Delaware State Strategies site at 2025-delaware-state-strategies-delaware.hub.arcgis.com.

Email questions to govcomm@delaware.gov.

Genealogy for beginners session set Oct. 8

The Sussex County Genealogical Society will offer a Genealogy for Beginners session from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Jon Smith, SCGS education chair, will be the presenter. A genealogy instructor at Howard County Community College, Smith serves on the boards of four genealogical societies.

All members and guests must register at lewes.lib.de.us and find the meeting date under Adult Activities.

To learn more, go to scgsdelaware.org.

Girl Scout Cookie season helps youngsters build business skills

Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay announced the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season starts Saturday, Jan. 3, and continues through Saturday, March 8.

Each cookie season, through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls push their limits, embrace challenges, think creatively and believe in their own potential. While earning skill-building badges, girls acquire leadership and entrepreneurial tools needed for brighter futures. As entrepreneurs, girls master the ability to set goals, make decisions, manage money, develop people skills and learn business ethics.

All proceeds from cookie sales stay local with Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay and troops to help fund life-changing programs, experiences and learning all year long.

Joining fan favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas will be Exploremores, a new rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie.

Filled with delicious notes of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout.

To learn more, go to gscb.org.

Sussex honored for finance, budget

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has again honored Sussex County with its prestigious Triple Crown Award, recognizing the county’s financial management team for earning GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the previous year.

The distinction is the second consecutive Triple Crown Award win for Sussex County and the latest in a string of financial accolades earned during the past 20-plus years, including an upgrade to the highest AAA bond rating.

Sussex County is one of only 403 local governments nationwide and the only one in Delaware to have earned the Triple Crown Award this year, according to GFOA.

“We are proud once again to be named a Triple Crown Award recipient,” said County Finance Director Gina Jennings. 

“It’s a testament to the diligence and hard work of our staff in ensuring the county’s financial records meet the highest accounting standards. It represents that highest form of accuracy and transparency our taxpayers expect and deserve, and continuing to have earned and maintained the public’s trust is our greatest award.”