News Briefs 12/5/25

Autism Delaware to host Snowflake Soirée Dec. 5

Autism Delaware will present the Snowflake Soirée, a dazzling evening of celebration, inclusion and inspiration, at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Guests must be age 21 or older to attend. Cocktail attire is the dress code. In an elegant evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Autism Delaware’s vital programs and services, guests will enjoy a carefully curated menu, live music by the renowned Jellyroll Band, and a silent auction filled with exclusive items up for bid. 

All proceeds support Autism Delaware’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. Through advocacy, services and support, the nonprofit organization empowers individuals and strengthens communities across the state.

To purchase tickets, go to autismdelaware.org. For more information, call 302-220-6020.

Advent Lessons and Carols service set Dec. 6

The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ Church and St. George’s Chapel will hold an Advent Lessons and Carols service at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, and 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at All Saints’, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. The program will include scripture lessons from both the Old and New Testaments, prayers, Eucharist, and special music provided by the combined adult choirs of the parish and the handbell choir. For details, go to allsaintsandstgeorges.org.

Gallery open house set Dec. 6 in Lewes

Cape Artists' Gallery will hold an open house with some painting prices marked down from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 110 W. Third St., Lewes. For details, call 302-644-7733 or go to capeartists.org.

Model trains display continues Dec. 6 at Georgetown library

The Delaware Seaside Railroad Club will display prize model trains for all to see from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown. Sessions continue Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, and registration is not required.

Learn about Lewes railroad history Dec. 7

The Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association will offer tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, of its restored 1916 Pennsylvania Railroad red caboose and a vintage coal tender. Guides will provide details about the rich rail history of Lewes over the years. 

The railroad display is at Lewes Junction, between the Lewes Public Library and the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center on Adams Avenue.

UUSD to meet Dec. 7 

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, with A Tempered Radical as the topic. Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “What does it mean to be a ‘tempered radical?’ Today we’ll reflect on this and six other insights of inclusivity as we strive as a community to keep our hearts, minds and arms open to all earnest, compassionate seekers.” The service will also include a Fall New Member Ceremony. Learn more at uussd.org.

Lewes council to meet Dec. 8

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8, at city hall.

The agenda includes possible action on a proposed home occupation ordinance. The measure would create a three-tiered system for classifying home-based businesses.

Council is also expected to discuss and possibly award a bid for the floating dock replacement project.

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

Rehoboth workshop set Dec. 8

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a workshop at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 8, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussion on the Bandstand concert series, and a discussion on parking and pedestrian improvements on King Charles Avenue.

A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

State park passes go on sale Dec. 9

Delaware State Parks will begin selling its 2026 park passes and surf-fishing permits Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Passes and permits can be purchased online at destateparks.com/buy-a-pass or at park offices. Daily entrance fees in state parks will take effect March 1.

New fees were adopted for 2026 for the first time in 10 years.

“Delaware State Parks are now hosting 7.4 million visitors annually, nearly 2 million more people than in 2015, and we are grateful our residents and visitors appreciate the quality of the parks and the programs they provide,” said Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Greg Patterson. “And they appreciate the value; for Delaware residents, a family can spend a day in a state park for less than a single movie ticket, and a pass to get them in any park unlimited times for a whole year is less than a family dinner out.”

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will continue to offer free or low-cost options to make Delaware State Parks accessible for all. In partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, those who receive assistance from a state service center are eligible to purchase an annual pass for $10. A park pass also can be reserved online at no cost using a library card.

For more information on fees, go to destateparks.com/passes-permits-and-fees.

Henlopen Acres BoA hearing Dec. 10

The Henlopen Acres Board of Adjustment will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, at town hall, 104 Tidewaters. The agenda includes a public hearing on a request from the property owners at 77 Pine Reach to replace an existing nonconforming fence in a modified footprint.

For more information, call town hall at 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.

Saltwater Fly Anglers to meet Dec. 10

The Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware invites fly fishermen and -women of all ages and skill levels to attend its meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Rolling Meadows Clubhouse, Lewes. Member Roy Miller will give an annual update from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. To learn more, go to sfaod.com. 

Tours are weather dependent; learn more at lewesjunctionrr.org.

Advanced defensive driver classes set Dec. 11

The Delaware Safety Council will hold advanced (refresher) defensive driving classes Thursday, Dec. 11, in the community room at Delaware State Police Troop 7, 19444 Mulberry Knoll Road, Lewes.

The classes are certified by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles to meet all requirements for insurance discounts of up to 15% as mandated by law. All enrollees must have completed a Delaware DMV-certified defensive driving course within the past five years.

The first class runs from 12:45 to 4 p.m. The second class runs from 5:45 to 9 p.m. To learn more, go to delawaresafety.org/defensivedriving.

Established in 1919, the nonprofit Delaware Safety Council has provided driver safety programs since 1935.

Lewes library to host Delaware Art Museum program Dec. 11 

Festive treasures from the Delaware Art Museum Library, Archives and Museum collections will be the topic of a seasonal presentation at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Heather Campbell Coyle, curator of American art, and Rachael DiEleuterio, librarian and archivist, will showcase special holiday pieces from the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington. Highlights include unique artist Christmas cards, beautifully bound holiday books, rare illustrations of Santa Claus and seasonal artworks that celebrate the magic of the holidays.

To register, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.

Holiday concert to benefit Children’s Beach House Dec. 12

Lazy Mary Productions will present Seaside Greetings: A Holiday Concert Benefiting Children’s Beach House at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at Palm Beach Bar and Grill in the Midway Shopping Center, 18585 Coastal Highway, Unit 23, Rehoboth Beach. Acclaimed vocalists Christine Asero and Paul Maisano will perform a selection of holiday favorites with accompaniment from Rehoboth pianist Doug Yetter.

Proceeds will support Children’s Beach House, which helps youngsters with disabilities reach their fullest potential through year-round programs that build confidence, resilience and community connection.

Lazy Mary Productions is a Lewes-based entertainment group with its principal players having performed on stages across the country for large companies such as Disney and Lowes Hotels, and various nonprofit organizations and professional theaters. Lazy Mary’s mission is to showcase and duly reward local and regional talent with a performer-first model.

To learn more and reserve tickets, go to cbhinc.org/seaside-greetings.

Possums podcast hosts Christmas show cast and crew

Possum Point Players’ newest podcast features chats with some of the cast and crew of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” by Barbara Robinson. The episode is available now on major podcast platforms.

Show dates are Friday to Sunday, Dec. 5 to 7, and Dec. 12 to 14, at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown.

The Herdman kids might set the Christmas tree on fire and perhaps toss the baby Jesus doll off the stage, but they surely will melt hearts in the last scene of this hilarious holiday classic.

Veteran director Marge Ventura has assembled a cast of 28 to bring to life the six infamous Herdman kids and a patient church member and mom who falls into directing the annual Christmas pageant. Add in the mom’s family, a host of interested (gossipy) church members and many young Sunday school attendees unnerved by the Herdmans for the perfect mix to create a delightful show.

Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; the Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

To learn more, go to possumpointplayers.org. 

Zelky’s food drive continues thru Dec. 19

To support local families in need, Zelky’s Beach Arcade is collecting nonperishable food items through Friday, Dec. 19, at both its locations in Rehoboth Beach. Donations can be dropped off daily at Zelky’s Tanger-Bayside location at 36706 Bayside Outlet Drive, Suite 470, Rehoboth, and on weekends at Zelky’s South, at 15 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach.

All donated items will benefit the Harry K Foundation and the Community Resource Center, two organizations dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Sussex County.

“We’re grateful to our community for always stepping up to help us support local families during the holidays,” said Natalie Dixon, Zelky’s marketing coordinator. “Every donated item makes a difference.”

Delaware Lottery celebrates 50th anniversary

The Delaware Lottery marked 50 years of fun, excitement and winning with an anniversary celebration held Oct. 25 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.

The program kicked off with a special appearance and message from Gov. Matt Meyer. Players, retailers, partners and community supporters enjoyed dinner and live entertainment while celebrating the lottery’s legacy of impact across the state.

“This milestone was not only about celebrating the Delaware Lottery’s 50 years, but also about thanking the players, retailers, and partners who have supported us along the way,” said Helene Keeley, Delaware Lottery director.  “We’re proud of our history, and we’re excited to keep delivering fun and entertainment to Delaware for many years to come.”

Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $6 billion to the state’s general fund, which helps finance essential state services such as public safety, education, health and social services, and environmental initiatives that benefit all Delawareans. These contributions underscore the lottery’s role not just in providing games and entertainment, but in strengthening the communities it serves.

Honors were also bestowed on many employees and partners who have helped shape the Delaware Lottery’s 50-year history.

DRBA police join Lewes, Rehoboth PAC

The Rehoboth Beach & City of Lewes Police Accountability Committee unanimously voted 5-0 Dec. 4 to add Delaware River & Bay Authority Police to the panel.

DRBA Police Lt. Jason Lamora said his agency wanted to join the Rehoboth-Lewes committee because the DRBA’s troop at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal is its only one located in a community.

Other DRBA troops are located at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, New Castle County Airport and at the Cape May Ferry Terminal.

“We’re more hands-on with people down here, definitely community policing, as opposed to proactive enforcement at the other troops,” Lamora said.

Lamora pointed to his department’s working relationship with Lewes police for events like July 4 fireworks and summer concerts.

The Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission requires all departments to establish accountability committees, either individually or in combination with other departments.

U.S. Postal Service ready to mail and ship for holidays

As the United States Postal Service’s busiest season is in full swing, its holiday mail counter is live online at usps.com/holidaynews. The tracker keeps a real-time tally of how many mail pieces and packages have been accepted into the network this holiday season.

Postal service leaders said they are ready to deliver for every American's holiday mailing and shipping needs. Continued investments in network transformation and modernization have boosted the strong and reliable service customers have come to expect throughout the organization’s 250 years of service to the nation. Along with the dedication of the USPS workforce, improvements in infrastructure, technology and shipping standards are core components of holiday readiness in Delaware and across the nation.

This holiday season, customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days. For shipping within the same regional service areas, holiday customers can expect a 2- to 3-day turnaround.

Local hours at all post offices are available at USPS.com.