News Briefs 10/10/25

Speed cameras coming to Route 1, Minos Conaway

A speed camera will go live Tuesday, Oct. 21, on southbound Route 1 north of Lewes in the Minos Conaway Road work zone, but fines won’t start immediately. 

The first 21 days will be a warning period, officials said, with motorists incurring no violations. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 11, registered vehicle owners receiving a first offense will receive a base violation of $20 and an additional amount for each mile per hour over the posted work zone speed limit of 50 mph in accordance with Delaware law. Signs warning drivers of the speed camera will be placed on Route 1 south in advance of the work zone with radar speed signs, officials said.

Family day set Oct. 12 in Millsboro

Indian Mission United Methodist Church will sponsor a Fall Family Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, at Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Station 1, 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro.

This free community event is open to all ages, and guests can enjoy games and prizes, fire truck rides, food, face painting, health screenings and more. To learn more, call 302-841-7962 or 302-542-5533.

UUSD to meet Oct. 12

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, with Living Our Dream Forward as the topic. The Rev. Paula Maiorano said, “As we gather to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the dedication of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware’s building and sanctuary, we are given a unique opportunity to reflect on the journey we've shared, the space we've created together, and the spiritual values that continue to guide us. Living the dream into the future, the work of cultivating compassion continues. It is a practice — a garden that must be tended daily.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Lewes council to meet Oct. 13

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, at city hall. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on a request for support to address stormwater improvements at 25 and 27 Devries Circle.

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

Lawson to discuss land-use topics Oct. 14

The Sussex Preservation Coalition will host Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson as guest speaker for its meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Lewes Public Library. The meeting is free and open to the public, with a Zoom link for remote viewing available at the website below.

Lawson will discuss the Land Use Reform Working Group recommendations, the proposed state spending strategies and a possible development pause recently called for by Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum.

SPC is a coalition of Sussex County-based environmental groups dedicated to preserving and protecting local ecosystems. Learn more at SussexPreservationCoalition.org.

Milford library to host Toniebox event Oct. 14

Youngsters and families are invited to a demonstration by the Tonies company from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Milford Public Library ampitheater, 11 SE Front St., Milford.

The Toniebox is a child-friendly audio system that allows children to enjoy stories and music in a screen-free environment, with no advertisements, microphones or cameras. Part of a nationwide tour, the event marks the release of the Toniebox 2. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations, explore interactive activities and crafts, and receive complimentary giveaways.

Along with the Milford library, event co-hosts are Read Aloud Delaware, the Delaware Readiness Team and Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford.

“Rep. Shupe introduced Delaware Libraries to Tonieboxes, and they’ve become a popular resource for families throughout the state,” said Lea Rosell, Milford Public Library director. “Children look forward to discovering new Tonies during each visit, and the devices have generated a lot of excitement among library users.”

To learn more, email milford.lib.de.us or call 302-422-8996.

Police accountability committee to meet

The Rehoboth Beach & City of Lewes Police Accountability Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Lewes City Hall.

Sean Moriarty, executive director of the State of Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, will share information on the duties and responsibilities of Rehoboth Beach & Lewes Police PAC members.  See the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Delaware Shakespeare performance set Oct. 15 at Lewes library

Delaware Shakespeare will kick off the Lewes Public Library Spoken Word Society’s fall and winter performance series with a production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

“Two Gents is a romantic comedy, following best friends Proteus and Valentine as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationships. This production has vibrant costumes, original music, hilarious clowns, and a dog puppet that steals the show,” said Mariah Ghant, Delaware Shakespeare producing artistic director. “ As always, the tour is performed in the round, creating an intimate theater experience, prime for old and new lovers of Shakespeare.”

The performance runs two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Registration is required. To sign up, go to tinyurl.com/SWSFall2025 or call 302-645-2733.

Delaware Shakespeare community tour productions include live music and minimal sets with a cast of six actors and a musician.

Drive-through prayer set Oct. 16 at Lewes Presbyterian

Lewes Presbyterian Church will offer drive-through prayer from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16. Anyone who is in need of prayer, feeling lost or overwhelmed, or looking for peace is welcome.

LPC members will pray for visitors while they sit in their cars. Attendees can request a simple prayer or one for special concerns. Following the prayer, visitors will receive “You’ve been prayed for” cards with the church website and address so they know who prayed for them and have an invitation to return. The church is located at 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. Signs will be posted on Kings Highway for visitors to access the parking lot on Franklin Street.

To learn more, call 302-645-5345 or go to lewespresbyterianchurch.org.

Library to hold info session on child abuse prevention Oct. 16

The Beau Biden Foundation will host a free community information session on child abuse prevention at 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

This program is for parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and anyone who cares about children’s safety.

Attendees will learn how to recognize, report and prevent child abuse.

Topics include the responsibilities of mandatory reporters in Delaware, how to identify warning signs, and steps communities can take to keep children safe.

An open question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

Organized by the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children and sponsored by Lewes/Rehoboth Beach Rotary Club, the event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not mandatory; go to bit.ly/BBF-Lewes-Workshop.

Cape High Class of ‘75 reunion set Oct. 18

The Cape Henlopen High School Class of 1975 will celebrate its 50th reunion starting at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at Big Oyster Brewery, 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes. No attendance fee will be collected; food and beverages will be available for purchase at the venue. To learn more, go to Facebook and request to join the Cape Henlopen High School Class of ‘75 group.

Community yard sale, BBQ set Oct. 18 in Long Neck

Unity Spiritual Center will host a community yard sale and barbecue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at 98 Rudder Road, Long Neck, across from the Crab Barn. Vendors will be offering jewelry, home decor and more. All are welcome.

Costumed bike ride Oct. 18 to benefit Celebrate Wellness

Celebrate Wellness invites community members to its third Annual Dilly Dally Cruiser Rally Saturday, Oct. 18, for a relaxed, costumed cruise along the Junction & Breakwater Trail.

Proceeds benefit programs that support the mental health of hospitality workers throughout Delaware. 

Registration kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at at Schellville near Rehoboth Beach, and the cyclists take off at 4 p.m. for an easy 3.5-mile trail ride.

Participants are encouraged to wear outlandish costumes and/or decorate their bicycles, with fun prizes awarded for creativity and team spirit. 

“Restaurant workers face constant stress and undue pressure every day, and oftentimes, they have nowhere to turn when it comes to mental health care,” said Kathy McDonald, Celebrate Wellness director of development. “The Dilly Daily Cruiser Rally is another opportunity to come together as a community and raise awareness and funds while illuminating a brighter future for the often-overlooked hospitality industry workers.”

To learn more, go to celebrate-wellness.org.

SDTR Oct. 18 fundraiser tickets limited; buy now

Tickets are going fast for the Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Center’s 9th Annual Barn Dance, set for 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at 17170 Harbeson Road, Milton.

Festivities will again include live music by the Mason Dixon Band, a mouthwatering barbecue dinner and the always-popular bourbon tasting station. This year in particular, many local businesses have stepped up to provide exciting travel, entertainment and art donations for the live and silent auctions.

Tickets typically sell out, so early purchase is recommended; go to sdtrhr.com.

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization established in 1988. Its mission is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults living with disabilities through equine-assisted services in a supportive environment for riders and their families. See the website for details.

Possums set “Sondheim on Sondheim’ auditions Oct. 18-19

Possum Point Players director John H. Hulse will hold auditions for “Sondheim on Sondheim,” a musical revue, at 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown.  

The show is performed by a cast of eight singer-actors of a variety of ages, 16 years old and above.

Based on vocal range, those auditioning should choose and prepare one of six preselected Sondheim songs, which are listed in the complete audition and casting requirements.

“Sondheim on Sondheim” performances are scheduled for Friday to Sunday, Jan. 23 to 25, and Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

The cast must be available for all shows and technical rehearsals.

To learn more, go to possumpointplayers.org or call John Hulse at 302-245-4147.

Robinsonville Road lane closures begin Oct. 20

The Delaware Department of Transportation has announced lane closures on Robinsonville Road between Webbs Landing Road and Harts Road from Monday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Nov. 7, for milling and paving operations.

Motorist are advised to slow down in work zones and expect minor delays during work hours.

For more information, go to deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.

Zwaanendael Club to sponsor blood drive in Lewes Oct. 22

The GWFC Zwaanendael Women’s Club Health and Wellness Committee, in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. Walk-ins are welcome or appointments can be made at donate.bbd.org.

Bras for a Cause seeks auction donations

The Women’s Council of Realtors Sussex County will hold its pirate-themed fundraiser, Bras For A Cause, from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach. Organizers are seeking donations of merchandise, services or experiences for the silent and live auction fundraisers.

Local business leaders and community members will model creatively decorated bras, working the crowd for tips as they walk along a pink-carpet runway before each bra is auctioned live to the highest bidder. Additional silent auction items will be showcased throughout the night.

Event proceeds will support the fight against breast cancer, along with the council’s community programs.

To learn more or arrange donation pickup or delivery, contact Linda Millikin at linda.millikin@msir.net or 240-643-3764.

Burton Family Day set Oct. 26 at Israel UMC

Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host Burton Family Day at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes. Kenneth Burton Jr. will present the topic, “God Is Always Enough." This is a time for past and present church body members and friends to come home, receive blessings, and celebrate being part of the congregation with worship and songs of praise. 

Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary grant applications due Oct. 31

The Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Flags for Heroes Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications.

Grants awarded will range from $500 to $5,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations working to address community needs in in Georgetown and Millsboro, with preference given to programs assisting underserved individuals and communities. 

The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 31. For more information, go to delcf.org/grants.

Stuff the Bus food drive set Nov. 3 in Rehoboth

DART and the Food Bank of Delaware are in their 28th year of partnering for the annual Stuff The Bus Thanksgiving food drive. This year’s goal is to collect 15,000 pounds of nonperishable food for Delawareans in need of assistance.

A local collection event is set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at Giant Food, 19312 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach.

DART also encourages the public to donate directly to the Food Bank of Delaware.

To learn more, contact the Food Bank at 302-292-1305 or go to FBD.org.

Outstanding ag educator nominations due Nov. 15

The Delaware FFA Association is accepting nominations for the Golden Owl Award, which honors agricultural educators who have made tremendous contributions to help develop the next generation of ag industry leaders.

Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state. Nominees have an opportunity to win the title of Delaware Agricultural Educator of the Year and cash prizes.

“Agricultural education is the backbone of our mission in FFA,” said Trey Thompson, Delaware FFA Association executive secretary. “The Golden Owl Award gives us the opportunity to spotlight the incredible teachers who dedicate countless hours to preparing students for careers and leadership in agriculture.”

These educators play a vital role in strengthening the future of farming, agribusiness and community leadership across the First State.

The deadline to submit nominations is Saturday, Nov. 15.

To learn more, go to delawareffa.org. 

Stockings for Soldiers seeks donations thru Nov. 12

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club, the Col. David Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and RISE Fitness + Adventure are partnering to collect items for deployed service members serving during the holidays. 

Requested items include crew socks, foot warmers, small packages of toiletries, beef jerky, candy, nuts, chewing gum, granola bars, crossword puzzles and music CDs. Holiday messages and letters of support are also appreciated. To see a complete list, go to gfwcZwaanendael.org.

Items collected will be delivered to Stockings for Soldiers Delaware as part of its 22nd consecutive year sending personalized holiday greetings to those serving the United States in locations around the world.

Donations can be brought through Wednesday, Nov. 12, to RISE Fitness + Adventure, 35770 Airport Road, behind Hotel Waves north of Rehoboth Beach. Donations are also being accepted at the Janet Maher office of Edward Jones Financial from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, at 18335 Coastal Highway, Suite 101, Lewes.

Capital Ringers concert set Dec. 5

Freeman Arts Pavilion Spotlight Series will present a holiday concert by the Capital Ringers handbell ensemble at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at 31255 Americana Parkway, Selbyville.

The Most Wonderful Time ... And a Few of Our Favorite Things is a festive program featuring songs handpicked by ensemble members. Capital Ringers is known regionally for its diverse repertoire spanning rock, jazz, sacred and holiday classics, bringing warmth, joy and cheer to every performance.

To learn more, go to freemanarts.org.

All Saints’ designates drop-off hours for new clothing donations

All Saints' Church is partnering with Clothing Our Kids as a drop-off location for donations of new clothing items for local youngsters in need.

New clothing donations can be dropped off at the church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday, at 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Clothing should not be left outside the building at any other time.

The mission of Clothing Our Kids is to improve the lives of at-risk students from Head Start through high school by providing them with appropriate school clothing

In Sussex County, many children do not have essential school clothing, which has a direct negative impact on their self-esteem, school attendance and learning ability. It can also lead to bullying.

The goal of Clothing Our Kids is to assist these youngsters with an equal start in their early education and help them become successful students.

To learn more, email info@allsaintsandstgeorges.org, call 302-227-7202 or go to clothingourkids.org.

Local boat tour group earns national award

Cape Water Tours, a family-owned provider of public boat tours, cruises and private charters in Lewes, was recently selected as one of Entrepreneur’s Favorite Mom and Pop Shops for 2025.

“We are honored to be recognized among America’s favorite mom and pop shops,” said Capt. Dave Green, Cape Water Tours owner. “This award is a reflection of our team, our community and every guest who has joined us on the water since 2012.”

This national recognition honors small businesses that embody community spirit, customer dedication and entrepreneurial excellence. Green praised his family and crew members for their passion and professionalism whether offering narrated ecology and birding tours,  sunset cruises, seal and dolphin watching, or live music cruises.