News Briefs 9/26/25
Beebe to launch Epic, MyChart Nov. 1
Beebe Healthcare will launch Epic, the nation’s leading electronic health record system, and its patient portal MyChart Saturday, Nov. 1, creating a single, connected health record for patients across its more than 50 locations in Sussex County.
Epic will provide a comprehensive electronic health record for patients, whether they visit one of Beebe’s outpatient locations or receive inpatient care at the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus.
“This is a significant moment to launch Beebe into a future that will impact every aspect of our strategic plan, and create a more patient-centered and comprehensive community healthcare system for the people of Sussex County,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, president and CEO of Beebe Healthcare. “With MyChart, powered by Epic and Beebe Healthcare, we’re creating a single, comprehensive EHR platform that connects every patient, clinician and care setting. Beebe will truly become a smarter, stronger and more connected health system for every person we serve, reflecting our transformation into one patient, one chart, one Beebe.”
With MyChart, Beebe patients will be able to view health information and appointments online or through the mobile app. Features include secure messaging, scheduling certain appointments online, checking in faster, and managing billing and family health records in one place.
Epic will also give Beebe access to improved analytics to help its Community Outreach teams identify health trends, address gaps in care and proactively manage chronic conditions across Sussex County more effectively. Beebe will improve connection with community-based organizations, and local and regional partners to further address social determinants of health to monitor and improve overall community health outcomes.
Acres environment committee to meet
The Henlopen Acres Environmental Approval Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, in town hall, 104 Tidewaters. The agenda includes possible action on a screened enclosure for the second-story deck at 9 Pine Reach, and on demolition and new construction for 15 Tidewaters.
For more information, call town hall at 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.
DNREC offers update on piping plovers
Beach-nesting piping plovers, which are a federally listed threatened species and Delaware state-listed endangered species, experienced mixed results in Delaware in 2025. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reported an increase in adult pair numbers, but nesting success faltered, largely due to predation and unfavorable climate conditions.
At The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, biologists with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded nine pairs of nesting piping plovers, a record high for the site since intensive monitoring began. Counting 21 nesting pairs documented at Fowler Beach in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a total of 30 nesting piping plover pairs were recorded in the state.
Pair counts in Delaware had steadily increased since 2016, when Fowler Beach was restored after impacts from Hurricane Sandy. The pair count stabilized at 24 in 2021 and 2022 but rose to 31 in 2023 before declining to 24 in 2024.
However, piping plovers faced challenges across their breeding territories this year. Predation by owls at Fowler Beach, in addition to the ongoing threats from red foxes, coyotes, ghost crabs and other predators, posed a significant hazard. Weather conditions also affected the birds, with excessive heat in late June potentially contributing to chick and nest loss during a critical vulnerable period.
Statewide, Delaware’s piping plovers produced fewer fledglings than in 2024, with 27 chicks raised to fledging compared to 41 a year ago.
Nesting areas at The Point and Fowler Beach remain closed through Wednesday, Oct. 1, to provide an undisturbed foraging area for southbound migrant shorebirds, including many fledglings making their way out of their natal grounds for the first time.
Learn more at delaware.gov/fish-wildlife or by emailing deshorebirds@delaware.gov.
Lewes ordinance group to meet Sept. 30
The Lewes Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee will meet at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding feedback from the parks and recreation commission regarding proposed revisions to city code on beaches.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes City Hall to close Oct. 3
Lewes City Hall will be closed Friday, Oct. 3, for Lewes Community Service Day. It will reopen at 8 a.m., Monday, Oct. 6.
For details on Lewes Community Service Day, go to ci.lewes.de.us.
Karaoke and band T-shirt contest set Oct. 3
Taco Reho will host the Taco Loudly Karaoke & Band T-Shirt Contest at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, at 18784 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Prizes will be given for best karaoke live performance and for the best band T-shirt.
Hispanic Heritage celebration set Oct. 3
Downtown Milford Inc. will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at its final First Friday event this year, from 5 to 9 p.m., Oct. 3, on Walnut Street in Milford. Attendees will enjoy live music, a DJ, local vendors, authentic food and family-friendly activities that showcase the culture of the Hispanic community.
Learn more at downtownmilford.org.
Reservations due for Oct. 9 NARFE meeting
The Delaware NARFE Federation and NARFE Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 will meet Thursday, Oct. 9, at 1776 Steakhouse in Midway Plaza, Rehoboth Beach.
The program speaker will be national board member Paul Schwartz, NARFE Region 2 vice president.
All NARFE members statewide are welcome. Reservations must be made by Thursday, Oct. 2, via email to luncheon@narfe-de.org. Payment is due upon arrival by cash or check made out to NARFE Chapter 1690.
Learn more at narfe-de.org.
Chronic condition sessions start Oct. 1
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services will present a chronic condition self-management workshop from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday Oct. 1, at Lewes Public Library. Weekly sessions continue Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5.
The series will help participants learn about chronic health conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, asthma, blood pressure, COPD, depression, emphysema, heart and kidney disease, obesity and other physical or mental conditions.
Gaining knowledge about chronic health conditions can help people delay and/or prevent health complications; address frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; encourage appropriate exercise to maintain and improve strength, flexibility and endurance; facilitate effective communication with health professionals and others; and underscore the role of nutrition for good health. Participants are expected to attend all six sessions. Registration required.
To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.
Craft Market set Sept. 27 in Millsboro
The Indian River Senior Center Autumn Craft Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at 214 Irons Ave., Millsboro.
Crafters from all over Delaware will come together at IRSC to sell their handmade creations.
Lunch and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Admission is free.
For information, go to indianriverseniorcenterde.com.
GriefShare support to start Oct 4
Anyone who is suffering a loss is invited to attend a free GriefShare program starting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Moorings at Lewes, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes.
Hosted by the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, weekly sessions will be held where attendees who have lost a loved one to death can support one another at whatever stage of grief they are in, hear from grief recovery experts and walk forward together in hope.
For more information, call 302-542-1657 or email lcos_griefshare@yahoo.com.
Cape Artists to exhibit at The Moorings
The Moorings at Lewes is hosting an exhibition of work by members of the Cape Artists Gallery during October. The show is open to the public for viewing in the retirement community’s gallery at 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes.
AARP theater trip reservations due
AARP Chapter 5340 will host a trip Tuesday, Nov. 18, to the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. for “Deck the Halls.” Cost includes round-trip bus transportation, admission to the show, and lunch. Paid registration is due by Oct. 9. For information, call 302-567-1748 or email paulaluvslabs@aol.com.
Phares earns graduate degree at Wilkes
Wilkes University announced Mari Phares of Lewes received a master's degree in nursing at its summer commencement ceremony.
Crouch named to The Citadel dean’s list
The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., announced Luke Crouch of Milton was named to its spring 2025 dean's list.
Local students excel at SNHU
Southern New Hampshire University announced Jhana Powell of Millsboro and Ericca Shavack of Lewes were named to its summer 2025 dean's list for achieving a GPA of at least 3.5.
IRHS Hall of Fame nominations open
The Indian River High School Hall of Fame continues to honor alumni for their outstanding achievements. The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 17, for the 2025-26 Hall of Fame induction. The selection committee is looking for graduates who show great character, citizenship and leadership, and have made significant contributions in their field and community. The nominee must have graduated from Indian River High School at least 10 years prior to the nomination. The candidates will be evaluated on achievements and recognition in their chosen fields.
Previous inductees include educators, legislators, artists, civic leaders, athletes, first responders and more. The ideal candidate would be considered a role model whose life and work will inspire Indian River students in their pursuit of excellence. Download nomination forms at IRHSAlumni.com. Submissions must include the nomination paperwork, plus a second recommendation letter from another individual. Late applications will not be accepted.
Locals graduate from Lebanon Valley
Lebanon Valley College announced local students who received degrees at its May commencement ceremonies.
Chris Myers of Milton received a master of music education degree.
Sussex Academy alumna Nicole DiAmico of Lewes received a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. She is pursuing a master of athletic training at Lebanon Valley.
Sussex Central High School alumnus Penn Smith of Millsboro earned magna cum laude recognition. He received a bachelor of science degree in computer science and data science, and mathematics and physics. One of more than 200 student-athletes who competed for the Lebanon Valley College Flying Dutchmen during the spring 2025 semester, Smith was a member of the men's cross country team and men's track and field team.
Alvernia honors graduate DeGregory
Gianna DeGregory of Lewes graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Alvernia University in Reading, Pa. DeGregory is one of 23 Alvernia University students honored at the inaugural Student Leadership Recognition award ceremony. DeGregory earned the Study Group Leader of the Year Award.
