News Briefs 6/20/25
Healthcare group opposes move to continue board
The Delaware Healthcare Association issued a statement June 17, expressing its disappointment after the Delaware Joint Finance Committee voted June 17 to reverse a funding pause that would have delayed implementation of a hospital accountability law.
A lawsuit filed by ChristianaCare against Delaware establishing a board to oversee hospital budgets remains in the court, and many healthcare officials have said they want the court to decide the merits of the law before it moves forward.
“While we are disappointed in Tuesday’s vote, we remain laser focused on ensuring Delaware has a better solution that addresses transparency, collaboration, and accountability around healthcare costs. Now is the time to come together and work on a real solution to meaningfully address healthcare affordability and improve health outcomes for all Delawareans. DHA and our hospital members have fully supported enhanced transparency that will assist with this important effort all along,” said Brian Frazee, DHA president and CEO. “The issues we face as a state and country are bigger than a hospital problem. In a letter to the JFC, the Delaware Nurses Association, Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Delaware Health Care Facilities Association, LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware, and United Way of Delaware joined DHA in advocating that lawmakers delay implementation of the House Bill 350 law for one year in the wake of looming federal funding cuts and because hospitals do not know how they will be held individually accountable to the healthcare spending benchmark. These external issues impact patients that interact with a variety of service-focused organizations, including hospitals, and many patients have complex health challenges. Delaware is home to a growing, aging population with higher rates of diabetes, obesity and chronic diseases than the rest of the nation. These populations need greater access to high-quality care, not less.”
All Saints’ to host Elevate Vocal Arts Choir June 20, 22
All Saints' Episcopal Church will host members of the acclaimed Elevate Vocal Arts professional ensemble, along with vocal arts apprentices from its summer institute, during two upcoming services at 18 Olive Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. A contemplative evening prayer service of compline is set for 7 p.m., Friday, June 20. The choir will also perform as principal musicians for the service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 22. Both events are free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken.
The summer institute is a stipend-based apprenticeship for emerging vocal artists, focused on the workforce development skills needed to succeed in a career in the vocal arts. The organization provides extensive vocal training and performance opportunities for historically marginalized communities and lifts up audiences with a variety of vocal stylings, storytelling and spoken word. Elevate Vocal Arts is under the direction of Dr. Arreon A. Harley-Emerson. To learn more, go to allsaintsandstgeorges.org and elevatevocalarts.org.
The church is handicapped accessible, and there is limited off-street parking available in the church's parking lot for the Friday evening service. Sunday morning parking is allowed on the street without payment until noon.
‘Luminescent’ cabaret show set June 21
The Milton Theatre will present “Luminescent: A Sparkling Cabaret Show” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at 110 Union St., Milton. Shining the spotlight on love in all its forms, the experience celebrates pride, individuality and the magic of live performance. Featured will be iconic pride anthems and songs that celebrate love, freedom and individuality. Vocal performers include Lennon Heits, Thomas Higgins, Marge Egeln and Jay Wade. The band consists of Steven Soltow, music director, piano; Zac Nelson, bass; and Brenden Groll, drums. To learn more, go to miltontheatre.com.
Grow-your-own garlic workshops set
Weathered Eye Farm will offer hands-on, grow-your-own garlic workshops, rain or shine, with options from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 21, or Saturday, June 28, at 16371 New Road, Lewes.
Growing garlic is a simple, low-maintenance process, and the product is often superior to those found in stores. Participants will learn the growing cycle including planting, maintaining, harvesting and drying; garlic varieties and which may be best for the Cape Region; and the differences between growing garlic in the ground or in containers. Participants will harvest three bulbs to take home for planting or eating. Attendees should wear closed-toe shoes and dress for gardening. Learn more at weatheredeyefarm.com.
Praise-worship concert set June 22 at Israel UMC
Israel United Methodist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host its young adults 54th anniversary praise-worship music concert during the service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 22, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. We've Got to Give Him the Praise is the theme. Special guests include The Kings Voices, Voce Del Rey, consisting of three singers from the Millsboro SDA Spanish Church. Come as you are. To learn more, email Betty Streett at bjnscruisers@aol.com.
UUSD to meet June 22
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 22, with “Our Essential Nature as a Source of Light, Strength and Sustainability,” as the topic. The Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD member and ordained spiritual life minister, said, “Summer brings fullness. Summer gives us light. It is the time of light and a time for growth. Summer awakens us. In these, our longest days, I invite you to explore with me what is your source of light and strength, both inner and outer.” Learn more at uussd.org.
Lewes African American panel to meet June 23
The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, June 23, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding DE250 celebration updates, and participation at the state and local levels.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
RD38 Republican Club to meet June 23
The 38th District Republican Club will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 23, at Millville Town Hall, 36404 Club House Road, Millville.
Sussex County Council President Doug Hudson will discuss Senate Bill 159, which aims to reverse a legal decision by Sussex County Council to reject the US Wind conditional-use permit for the substation in Dagsboro.
All members and interested residents are invited to attend this informative session to gain a clearer understanding and join the discussion of how SB 159 would impact 3R’s Beach and the implications of bringing the Maryland US Wind offshore wind project to the Delaware beaches.
SB 159 has already been approved by the Delaware Senate and is currently in the Delaware House, where it is being prepared for release from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee before being voted on by the Delaware House of Representatives.
If the House approves SB 159, it will be presented to Gov. Matt Meyer for his signature to become law.
To learn more, go to 38thdrcp.com.
Lewes bike group to meet June 24
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action on enhancements to the bike corral on Gills Neck Road to increase usage.See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Milford chamber morning seminar set June 24
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford will host its June Sunrise Seminar from 8 to 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, at the Milford Place Bistro, 500 S. Dupont Blvd. RSVP at tinyurl.com/4tb848nx.
Featured guest speakers George Rotsch of Milford LIVE and Brian Trompeter of Delaware State News will share insights on “Getting Your Message Out in Milford: Telling Your Story and Meeting the Journalists.”
Members will have the opportunity to connect with local media professionals and learn how to effectively share their message with the Milford community and surrounding areas. Early birds arriving by 7:30 a.m. will have a chance to win a gift card from Dolce Bakery & Coffee Shop.
Catholic Byzantine Mass set June 29
The Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka, pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wilmington, will once again come to Lewes to celebrate the divine liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the Catholic Byzantine rite Eucharistic liturgy, at 4 p.m., Sundays, June 29, July 27 and Aug. 25, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, off northbound Route 1 just past the Five Points intersection.
The Catholic Byzantine rite Eucharistic liturgy is enjoyed by many Catholics of Eastern European background and is specifically practiced by many at the Delaware beaches.
For more information, call 302-762-5511.
Financial landscape webinar set June 30
Dedicated Financial Services will offer a free webinar exploring the 2025 landscape at 6 p.m., Monday, June 30, via Zoom. Presenters Len Hayduchok, CFP, CEO of DFS, and Andrew Tang, CIO, will review significant opportunities poised to thrive despite macroeconomic headwinds. To learn more, go to dedicatedfinancial.com.
ESPN to feature Dover Motor Speedway July 20
ESPN’s “SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days” will feature Dover Motor Speedway as its Delaware destination during the during the 10 a.m. edition, Sunday, July 20, ahead of the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race.
Live from the Monster Mile, ESPN’s Marty Smith, who has covered NASCAR for more than two decades, will begin his coverage from the track during “SportsCenter” and will include multiple reports, interviews and features throughout the day.
“A NASCAR weekend at Dover is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and we’re honored ESPN will share our story with the nation next month,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway president and general manager. “From the top racing on the high-banked concrete oval to all the excitement in our family-friendly fan zone, a Monster Mile visit is the highlight of any summer vacation for NASCAR Nation.”
To learn more, go to DoverMotorSpeedway.com.
Farmer cover crop cost share grant applications due July 25
The Sussex Conservation District is now accepting applications from farmers for its cover crop cost share and referral programs through Friday, July 25.
SCD’s cover crop program supports farmers in planting winter cover crops that improve soil health, reduce erosion, suppress weeds and protect water quality. Fields must be located in Sussex County. While final details of the program may be adjusted based on available funding, producers are encouraged to apply now to secure consideration.
The cover crop referral program, launched in 2023, helps expand participation by rewarding current participants who refer new producers to the program. Referrals play a key role in helping SCD reach its goal of planting 90,000 acres of cover crops across Sussex County in 2026.
“Our producers report real savings and improvements in their soil after planting cover crops,” said Debbie Cahall, director of agricultural programs at SCD. “They’re a proven practice that benefits both the farm and the environment. We’re here to help producers get started or expand their efforts.”
To learn more, contact Bobbi Heck, financial programs specialist, at 302-856-3990, Ext. 3, email bobbi.heck@de.nacdnet.net or go to sussexconservation.org.
Delaware FC 3-v-3 tourney set Aug. 2
Delaware Football Club will host a 3-v-3 soccer tournament Saturday, Aug. 2, at Hudson Fields near Milton. Age groups range from U8 through U14, with high school and adult divisions, for boys and girls. Cost is $250 per team, with each squad guaranteed at least three games. Rosters are limited to six players.
To register, go to delawarefc.org/club/beach3v3.
