News Briefs 3/27/26
Sussex Tech ‘Freaky Friday’ shows continue March 27
The Sussex Technical High School Drama Program’s performances of “Freaky Friday the Musical” continue at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at the Delaware Tech Owens Campus Theater in Georgetown.
When an overworked mother (Ava Maloney) and her teenage daughter (Ella Soni) magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before mom’s big wedding. A musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, “Freaky Friday” is a hilarious, contemporary update on an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it is to be a family and experience each other’s lives firsthand, if only for a day.
Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for general admission, available at the door (cash only).
Israel UMC to host revival service March 29
Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host a revival worship service at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 29, in the church at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, and online via Zoom. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Janice Herman, pastor, and the choir of Friendship and Harmony UMCs of Millsboro. All are welcome.
UUSD to meet March 29
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 29, with the topic, Still I Rise.
The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “How do we inspire one another to keep on keeping on, while also appreciating one another’s unique backgrounds and voices? How might we draw upon community, conviction and art to creatively counter oppression and sing out for good?” Learn more at uussd.org.
Henlopen Acres sets March 30 meeting
The Henlopen Acres Planning Commission will meet at 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 30, at town hall, 104 Tidewaters, and virtually. The agenda calls for a discussion of draft changes to the town’s code related to zoning and building construction.
For more information, town hall can be reached at 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.
Dining event to support Village Volunteers March 31
Village Volunteers will host a dine-to-donate event from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Mariachi Restaurant, 14 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, as part of its spring fundraising efforts to support older adults in coastal Sussex County.
During that time, 10% of net restaurant sales will benefit Village Volunteers. Community members can participate by dining in or ordering takeout and mentioning Village Volunteers.
“This dine-to-donate event is a fun and meaningful way for our community to support older adults, and it plays an important role in our broader spring fundraising efforts,” said Anna Moshier, Village Volunteers executive director.
In 2025, Village Volunteers completed 7,845 services, contributing more than 18,000 hours of support valued at over $642,000. Volunteers also drove more than 143,000 miles to assist members with essential transportation.
Village Volunteers is a small nonprofit committed to helping older adults in the greater Milton, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach communities age in place with dignity and independence. Learn more at villagevolunteer.org.
Development rules on P&Z agenda April 1
The first four ordinances to change the course of development in Sussex County are set to be discussed during public hearings before Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, starting at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at the County Administration Building in Georgetown.
The rules introduced at the March 10 Sussex County Council meeting are among the first recommended by the county land-use reform working group to move ahead for consideration.
The proposals involve: the Sussex County Rental Program; open space requirements; preliminary plat requirements, interconnectivity and superior design; and subdivisions in rural areas and growth areas.
Following the P&Z public hearings and recommendation, Sussex County Council will hold its own public hearing and make a final decision on whether to adopt the ordinances.
Other items on April 1 P&Z agenda
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, at its Wednesday, April 1 meeting, will also consider a number of other issues.
Under old business, commissioners will consider approval of a cluster subdivision called Rivers Edge, comprising 187 single-family home lots on 125 acres along Cave Neck Road south of Milton.
The commission will also hold a public hearing for a conditional-use application for a mechanical trailer maintenance business and storage on a 5-acre parcel on Doddtown Road in Harbeson.
Another public hearing will be held for a conditional-use application for an auto repair and vehicle storage business on Long Neck Road near Pot Nets Road in Long Neck.
Another public hearing will be held for a conditional-use application for outdoor boat and RV storage on a 4.48-acre parcel on West Hudson Pond Road, just west of Route 113 in Lincoln.
The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. To view the full agenda, go to sussexcountyde.gov.
Holy Week services begin March 29 at White’s Chapel
White’s Chapel United Methodist Church will hold its Palm Sunday service at 11 a.m., March 29. A Maundy Thursday service will take place at 7 p.m., April 2, and a Good Friday service will begin at 7 p.m., April 3. The Easter Sunday service will start at 11 a.m., April 5. The church is at 15373 Coastal Hwy., Milton. Learn more at whiteschapel.faith.
Coolspring Presbyterian sets Holy Week services
Coolspring Presbyterian Church, led by the Rev. Dr. Anne Ledbetter, announced its services for Holy Week. All are welcome. Palm Sunday service with communion and the Coolspring choir is set for 9:30 a.m., March 29. Maundy Thursday service with communion is set for 5:30 p.m., April 2, with soup supper to follow in the community hall. Easter Sunday worship service is set for 9:30 a.m., April 5. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., Coolspring is located at 28843 Log Cabin Hill Road, Lewes. To learn more, go to coolspringchurch.org.
Area churches announce Easter week events
Goshen United Methodist Church, 103 Mulberry St., Milton, will offer a Maundy Thursday event at 6:30 p.m., April 2. "Defending Easter,” a play written by Jo Bower, will be presented by members of Goshen, Indian Mission and Zion churches. All are welcome. Goshen UMC's Easter Sunday worship service will begin at 11 a.m., April 5. To learn more, call the Goshen UMC office at 302-684-3328.
Indian Mission UMC, 22701 Indian Mission Road, Harbeson, will host Journey to the Cross, a drop-in event, from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 3. All are welcome to experience this series of visits to four Stations of the Cross. Indian Mission UMC's Easter Sunday worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m., April 5. For more information, call 410-808-4371.
Zion UMC's Easter Sunday sunrise worship service will begin at 6:30 a.m., April 5, followed by a continental breakfast, at 26743 Broadkill Road, Milton. An Easter Sunday worship service will begin at 8 a.m. Call 410-808-4371 to learn more.
St. Jude Holy Week services begin April 2
St. Jude the Apostle Church at 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, announced its schedule of sacred liturgies for Holy Week. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will begin at 7 p.m., Holy Thursday, April 2. A Service of the Lord’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross will start at 3 p.m., Good Friday, April 3. A Solemn Easter Vigil Mass will begin at 8 p.m., Holy Saturday, April 4. During this special liturgy, 15 catechumens and candidates, including both adults and children, will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Mass services for Easter Sunday, April 5, will be held at 7, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. in the church, and at 7:15, 8:45 and 10:45 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. For details, go to stjudelewes.org.
NARFE meeting RSVPs due April 2
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Chapter 1690 Coastal Sussex, will meet at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 9, at its new venue, Kaja Asian Restaurant, Midway Plaza, Rehoboth Beach. Warrior Weekend representative Buddy Clark will be the guest speaker. RSVPs are due by Thursday, April 2, to fullerwe@gmail.com. To learn more, go to narfe-de.org.
AARP chapter to meet April 6
AARP Chapter 5340 Georgetown will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, April 6, in the Millsboro Police Station community room, 120 W. Railroad Ave. Ext., Millsboro. Representatives from Beebe Healthcare will discuss fall prevention and home safety. New members are always welcome. To learn more, email Carol Ann Stone at casflowers@comcast.net.
Delaware Symphonic Winds names new board members
The Delaware Symphonic Winds recently welcomed three new board members.
Karen Brause has joined the board as treasurer, following a 36-year career at Merck & Co. Inc.
A member of the DSW French horn section, Deborah Hunt, member-at-large, is a retired teacher of mathematics.
Retired from a career in teaching and directing instrumental music, Terry Alvey will chair publicity and marketing for the board.
Pamela Letts, newly elected board president, said, “I am so excited to kick off the spring concert season. The start of a new season brings the promise of new opportunities, new friendships and inspiring performances.
"DSW was founded as the Delaware Winds in 2018 under the direction of Dr. Jordan Kinsey, and since that time, we have expanded our concert offerings and survived the pandemic. We also welcomed a new music director, Mr. Michael Russo, and many new members into the fold. Through all of this, our mission has remained constant: to unite distinguished musicians throughout the state of Delaware to present the best wind band literature with an emphasis on works by underrepresented composers," said Letts.
Dewey board grants variance to expand nonconforming townhome
The Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a request March 25 for a variance for 4 Seastrand Ct., Unit 10, to add a half-story to a nonconforming townhome with party walls extending into the required 8-foot side-yard setback.
The request was submitted by Tina Halle of Stanley Halle Companies.
The variance would allow the property owners to expand their townhome to accommodate their children and grandchildren. At present, the unit is two stories with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a small kitchen and family room.
“It really hinders space for today’s modern family,” said Alan Halle, who represented the property owners at a public hearing.
Halle argued that the proposed renovation is consistent with the character of the neighborhood and would not have an impact on surrounding homes.
The unit will still be under 2,000 square feet with the addition.
Dewey recommends town alderman for reappointment
Dewey Beach Town Council approved a recommendation March 20 to Gov. Matt Meyer on reappointing Ronda McIntyre as alderman of Alderman’s Court 36.
If nominated by Meyer and confirmed by the state Senate, McIntyre, who has served as alderman for the past two years, will start her next two-year term Saturday, May 16.
“Judge McIntyre does a fabulous job for the Town of Dewey Beach,” Town Manager Bill Zolper said.
McIntyre first came to the town in 2020, when she started as the Alderman’s Court clerk. Since 2024, she has served as both clerk and judge for the court.
“She is currently doing both jobs, which is a huge savings to the town,” Zolper said. “She does it very well, and she’s very professional.”
Zolper said McIntyre has a good relationship across the board with all town employees.
Alderman’s Court 36 is one of six active alderman’s courts in Delaware.
These courts handle minor legal matters, including municipal code violations, parking tickets and misdemeanor traffic offenses. Their jurisdiction is limited to town limits, and they are not part of the unified Delaware state court system.
Katz to challenge Coons for Senate seat
Dr. Michael Katz filed March 19 to run as a Republican against Sen. Chris Coons.
Katz, who served as a Democratic state senator from 2008-12, and ran as an Independent in 2024 for retiring Sen. Tom Carper’s seat, said in a press release that he is running as a Republican because “over the years, my values have not changed. What has changed is the political landscape around us.”
Rehoboth BoA approves variance
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment voted unanimously March 23 in favor of a variance request made by the property owner at 69 Oak Ave. that would allow the second-floor deck elevation height to be 15-feet-9-inches above the crown of the street.
City code calls for a maximum height of 14 feet above the street crown. Natural grading of the existing property was cited as the main argument for the hardship, and the board agreed.
This was the second time the board had approved a variance request for the property. In June 2025, the board voted in favor of allowing an accessory building in excess of 12 feet tall, as measured from grade. The proposed height of the building was 3.5 inches taller than allowed. Natural grading of the existing property was cited as the main argument for that hardship as well.
