And... So It Begins
Jim Mease
And ... So It Begins. April 2024 is here, and having shed the last vestiges of winter, Spring has sprung, bringing with it warmer weather. April comes from the Latin word aperio which means to open. It is commonly believed that the word refers to the season when trees and flowers begin to open or bloom. Of course, here in Rehoboth Beach, as well as elsewhere on the East Coast of the US, it is also a time to get ready for another Beach Season. As you are out and about this month you will see all types of activity as businesses prepare to open for the season. A certain excitement hangs in the air as new and old restaurants advertise opening dates and publish updated menus in anticipation of the crowds, who we know will be back in a couple of weeks, lured by the sun, sand, and surf. Shops will be receiving new merchandise and redoing their window displays in an attempt to entice residents and visitors alike to come inside and take a look.
The town will come alive as everyone is out and about checking out the new stores and visiting the beach and boardwalk while sprucing up their respective areas. Don't miss the chance to enjoy live music and fun while you try some of the best Gumbo in Rehoboth Beach at the Gumbo Crawl on Saturday April 6th from 12:00 noon until 4:00pm at participating restaurants across town. Tickets are $20 and available at the RBMS Office 509 Rehoboth Avenue or by calling 302-227-2772. Then on Sunday April 21st prepare to be dazzled by stunning looks from Rehoboth's finest boutiques at the Runway 2024 Formal Style Fashion Show from 4:30–7:00pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Discover the latest trends in formal wear and find the perfect outfit for your next big event!
Spotlighted businesses this month include a restaurant and two retail shops for you to enjoy as the weather turns warmer and we long to be outdoors. First up is Federal Rehoboth Restaurant located at 62A Rehoboth Avenue just a short block from the Boardwalk. It is a full-service beach casual fine dining bistro that will satisfy all. If running is your thing be sure and stop by the Rehoboth Beach Running Company at 301 Rehoboth Avenue for the latest in running shoes and sneakers along with other running accessories. For those picture-perfect days on the beach stop by the Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company at 70 Rehoboth Avenue for a wide range of amazing, mind boggling toys and kites of all sizes and shapes to help you make the most of your beach experience.
Don't miss our member reviews about their visit to each of the establishments spotlighted this month later in this Newsletter and on our website. We encourage you to stop in and visit each of these businesses and while there tell them you read about them in the RBMS Newsletter. And remember parking is still free for the month of April in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Please be mindful of the runners, walkers and bicyclists who will out enjoying the warm spring weather. And... So It Begins.
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBMS Website at Newsletter I Home I Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
New Businesses & Membership Renewals*
· RBMS welcomes Fins Hospitality Group as a new member at the Silver Partner level.
· RBMS thanks Dogfish Head/Chesapeake & Maine for renewing at the Diamond Partner level.
· RBMS thanks Rehoboth Property Development for renewing at the Gold Partner level.
· RBMS thanks Shorebreak Lodge for increasing their membership to the Silver Partner level.
· RBMS thanks Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant and E&R Enterprises for renewing at the Silver Partner level.
· RBMS thanks these members for renewing at the Bronze Partner Level:
o Egg
o Indigo
For information about levels and benefits of RBMS membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
*See News from RBMS regarding the renaming of the membership levels.
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
Rehoboth Running Company
Peter Beck
The first few days of Spring are finally here. Daylight savings time has arrived, dandelions and crocuses are blooming, and it’s time to get a bright new pair of kicks perfect for the warmer weather. Luckily, the Rehoboth Running Company at 301 Rehoboth Avenue is ready to meet your needs! Whether you are a marathoner, a triathlon athlete, or a beginner wanting to tone up for summer, you can find the perfect shoe at the store!
By perusing their website at www.runrb.com, you will see what I mean! Looking for a pair of shoes that fits perfectly? At the shop, you can have a custom gait analysis, have your needs assessed, and receive tips to help you achieve your fitness goals. Even better, no appointment is necessary to receive outstanding personalized one-on-one service!
In addition, the website is chock full of information about running and exercise. In addition to items to purchase, you can learn about all sorts of opportunities for racing and socializing with other runners in the Delmarva area. You can even discover many tips and then click on dozens of other websites to help you with proper form, nutrition, and recovery after your run.
Once you get to the store, you will find a wide variety of workout shoes from some of the most noteworthy manufacturers such as Asics, Brooks, Hoka, and SauxonySaucony. The shop also features biking, swimming, and athletic gear as well as apparel for runners of all ages. If you need running accessories or want a great sale, look no further than The Rehoboth Running Company!
Owner Mary Hutton explained that she opened her shop because when she moved to Rehoboth, there wasn’t a store that specialized in running gear for people who participated in long-distance running. Even though she did not have a retail background, she consulted other running store owners and opened her shop in 2007. Luckily for us, the result is an ideal shop for athletes of all shapes and sizes!
Current hours are 10:00am–6:00pm on Monday, Thursday, and Friday; on Saturday the hours are from 10:00am–4:00pm, and on Sundays from 10:00am–2:00pm. So, get on over there, find the perfect shoe, and start running!
Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company
Mark May
As the coast once again begins to drift back toward springtime, and the days warm and lengthen, there is one particular shop in downtown Rehoboth Beach that comes to mind. Whether you choose to visit them at 1 Virginia Avenue or 70-A Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company will keep you entertained no matter what your outdoor adventure might be.
Whether the change in the weather signals a return to your garden or a day at the beach, Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company has you covered. With garden decorations, ornaments, flags, windsocks, and an array of wind mobiles and chimes, you will be able to transform your garden or outdoor living space into a true oasis this season. And if you are looking for a supplier for your beach day, look no further!
Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company’s location on the boardwalk makes it easy to stop in, browse, and let the day take you where it may. If the weather is favorable, purchase one of their famous kites and join the dozens of other fliers as they take to the skies. There is no lack of options when it comes to kites, and a quick glance up can confirm this! If kites aren’t quite for you then there are plenty of other options. Their array of beach toys and sandcastle equipment is perfect for a family beach day to keep everyone involved and creating. And don’t forget to check out their souvenirs to commemorate your day, vacation, or visit.
With an impressive selection guaranteed to please visitors of all types, Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company has something for everyone. But what really turns this shop into a landmark is the friendly staff and owners. Whether it’s welcoming you in, answering questions, or even explaining and playing some of the shop’s games with you, Rehoboth Toy & Kite truly blurs the lines between shopping and playing. Stop by either of their two locations in downtown Rehoboth or give them a call at 302-227-6996.
The Federal
Peter Beck
Since opening at 62A Rehoboth Avenue, The Federal has become a mainstay of the Rehoboth Beach dining scene. Chef Todd Gray, a five-time James Beard Award nominee, and his wife/business partner, Ellen Kassoff, also own and operate Equinox on 19th in Washington DC, for almost 25 years. Equinox is well known for its mid-Atlantic seasonal fine dining.
Luckily for us, in 2019, Ellen and Todd expanded their business to “the Nation’s Summer Capital.” Originally slated to be a food truck, their plans were interrupted by COVID, and the couple made the classic pandemic small business pivot by turning that idea into a charming beach bistro in 2020. The Federal has been a popular dining spot ever since; check out their menu at https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/ to see all of the options.
While it's fun to enjoy fritters while window shopping on the avenue or strolling down to the boardwalk, soon after opening in the permanent location, the Federal expanded its menu to include more than just delicious, crisp fritters. The dinner menu, offered after five o’clock, now features tasty choices that represent the culinary traditions of the mid-Atlantic region. Diners rave about the lobster bisque, the poached pear burrata salad, bouillabaisse, scallops, and the hangar steak.
Customers enjoy a cozy ambiance at The Federal that makes them feel like guests in Ellen and Todd's home rather than mere diners in a restaurant.
During the off-season, the Federal has been organizing a monthly event called "Spirit Dinner" for the past three years. It's a unique experience for our beach community where diners get to enjoy a special four-course meal prepared by Chef Gray and Chef d' Cuisine Andrew Guffey. Ellen, the spirit guru, carefully selects spirits and creates cocktails that perfectly pair with the meal. Unfortunately, the April spirit dinner is sold out, but there has been a whisper that a new one will be added in May: You heard it here first! You can also look forward to the opportunity of enjoying the spirit dinner season next fall.
News from RBMS Members
Rehoboth Breeze New Location: Ribboncutting
Rehoboth Breeze is a family-owned business located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: “The nation’s summer capital.” The downtown beach store recently moved: New location is 138 Rehoboth Avenue.
Rehoboth Breeze carries top-quality t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and bags in both funky and classic designs. Whether you want to keep it classy or show off your sense of humor in style, their designs are carefully chosen to represent the Rehoboth Beach experience. They provide quality cotton apparel with unique beach designs. In fact, 95% of their designs are produced by Big Hed and they are proud to be the only store in Rehoboth to carry this line.
RBMS conducted a ribboncutting at the new location on February 28. Pictured left to right: Dan Slagle (RBMS Executive Director), Cindy Lovett (RBMS Board Member), Carolyn Diefenderfer (RBMS Assistant Treasurer), Suzie Martin (RBMS Board Vice President), Michele Hysock (WSFS Bank), Kristin Daisey (WSFS Bank), Gale Riggs (Rehoboth Breeze), Terry Kistler (RBMS Board Member), John Riley-Spillane (Rehoboth Breeze Owner), Keith Riley-Spillane (Rehoboth Breeze Owner), Thea Quillen (Rehoboth Breeze), Adam Emil-Firestone (Rehoboth Breeze), Sandra Skidmore (RBMS Board Member).
News from CAMP Rehoboth
Welcome, Mark McDaniels! CAMP Rehoboth is pleased to announce Mark McDaniels as the Deputy Director for CAMP Rehoboth. Mark will begin his duties April 1, 2024. He is a graduate of New School University and has held various administrative and management positions over the past 20 years. Mark’s finance and management experience includes private, theatre, and hospitality industries. Mark is an excellent advocate for our community who has been described as grace under pressure, passionate, organized, and always rises to the occasion. Mark’s positive attitude was instantly recognized by all who were part of the interview process. We look forward to having Mark as part of the CAMP Rehoboth staff team.
CAMP Rehoboth is deeply appreciative of Lisa Evan's leadership over the past two years, her positive contributions will be felt for many years to come at CAMP Rehoboth. Lisa will assist with Mark's transition and onboarding as we ensure excellent continuity.
News from the Rehoboth Beach Bears
Bear Weekend T-Shirt Design
The Rehoboth Beach Bears organization is looking for a creative person to design a t-shirt with a Mardi Gras / Bear / Rehoboth Beach theme to be used for this summer’s Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend. You can use your own artwork, stylized logo, or font to get your message across. The event is happening this summer, September 12–15, 2024, and the host hotel is The Sands Hotel. Everyone is welcome to compete!
Rehoboth Beach Bears 2024 Scholarship Applications Are Now Available on the RB Bears Website
Founded in 2017, the Rehoboth Beach Bears Scholarship Program makes awards available to graduating seniors who are a part of their high school’s Gay Straight Alliance organization and are seeking to further their education. These awards may be used to help fund any part of the recipient’s post-secondary education expenses. The submission deadline is April 15th.
Local schools included in the 2024 outreach:
Sussex Central
Dover High School
Sussex Tech
Poly Tech High School
Cape Henlopen High School
If you are interested in submitting an application, please use the below forms:
Online Application: https://forms.gle/oWNXrFqDRFka878k8
Peer Recommendation: https://forms.gle/5KzD4rfLRLf3aWVp7
Advisor Recommendation: https://forms.gle/tYZnSDqNguw25zRD8
If you have questions, please reach out to your guidance counselor or email info@rehobothbeachbears.com
Note: Scholarships are only available for students graduating from high school in 2024.
Winners will be announced after the deadline of April 15th, 2024 and revised by the Rehoboth beach Bear's Board. They will be contacted via email and or phone call and once contacted will be posted online.
The deadline to have them submitted is April 15th. Here is the direct link to the page. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
*RBMS Renames Membership Levels
Starting this month, RBMS membership levels will have new names. Instead of using colors, these more conventional terms should help promote a clearer understanding of RBMS's membership tiers.
· The Concierge Partners are now Diamond Partners
· Blue Partners are now Platinum Partners
· Yellow Partners are now Gold Partners
· Green Partners are now Silver Partners
· Basic Members are now Bronze Partners
The membership fees remain the same at each of the renamed levels.
Stats: RBMS’ Reach via Social Media, the Website, and the Newsletter
· Facebook reach for February was 33,450, higher than last month.
· Instagram reach for February was approximately 12,000, higher than last month.
· The top web page views year to date are the webcam, off-season specials, events calendar, shop directory, February and March newsletters, and Save the Date.
· Instagram: Top views were Rehoboth Beach History Lecture, Rehoboth Art League Gallery Talks, Rehoboth Beach Bears, Gumbo Crawl.
· Facebook: Top views were Cape Henlopen Senior Center’s Cash Bingo Fundraiser, Tideline Gallery, The Wooden Indian, Gumbo Crawl, Penny Lane, Chocolate Wave.
March Newsletter Stats
· Emailed version: Sent 1542, 62% open rate, 8% click rate
o Average rates for non-profit member organizations: 42% open rate, 2.75% click rate
· Website version: 404 views
Exciting Events Planned for April and June!
· RBMS and The Purple Parrot Grill present the 2024 Gumbo Crawl on Saturday, 4/6.
· RBMS presents “Runway 2024,” a weekend of fashion events, 4/18–4/21, with a Formal Style Fashion Show on 4/21, 4:30–7:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
· RBMS presents the Margarita Crawl on Saturday, 6/8 (note date change from the previously posted date of 6/1).
RBMS Design Committee Seeks New Members
The RBMS Design Committee is seeking new members with interest in volunteering and supporting downtown Rehoboth Beach. As a member of the Design Committee, you will be part of the team that supports our downtown community by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set our commercial district apart—as well as promotes the history of downtown Rehoboth.
Design Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of each month.
Some of our ongoing projects include:
· Sign and Awning Grants
· Wreaths Across America
· Rehoboth in Bloom
· Cottage and Town Awards
Future projects include:
· Preservation Plaques
· Art Stroll
If interested, please contact Cindy Lovett at info@pdlovett.com or 302-521-4190.
Looking for something to do on an April afternoon...
Rehoboth Beach Then and Now—Take a self-guided walking tour on the Built Story mobile app! Tour takers can explore downtown Rehoboth Beach and learn about the 19th century religious summer camp, how the fires and storms shaped the community, the transformative impact of the railroad, and the illustrious citizens who made Rehoboth Beach what it is today. The app is available from either Android or iPhone app stores for free. The 15-stop tour of downtown focuses on how the city evolved from its 19th century roots as a rural community, the arrival of the summer religious camp in the 1870s, the arrival of the railroad, and the “battles” between the “saints and sinners” that influenced the later development of the community.
The Built Story mobile app is free and tickets for each tour are $10.00. Tickets for individual tours are good for 30 days and may be viewed more than once. The Built Story app is also your gateway to other tours around the world. Half of the proceeds from this tour benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street. For more information, call the RBMS office at 302-227-2772.
RBMS and the Purple Parrot Grill present Gumbo Crawl 2024
Let's get ready to gumbo! Tickets for the 2024 Rehoboth Beach Gumbo Crawl are on sale! Featured Events | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Join us for a delicious afternoon of gumbo tasting, live music, and fun on Saturday, April 6th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. This tasty event is hosted by The Purple Parrot and Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office (509 Rehoboth Avenue) or by calling 302-227-2772.
Check out our virtual map of all the participants!
Don't miss out on this chance to try some of the best gumbo in Rehoboth Beach! Participating restaurants:
· 302 Social
· Above the Dunes
· Aqua Bar & Grill
· Blackwall at the Beach
· Blue Moon
· Chesapeake & Maine
· Coho's Market & Grill
· DiFebo's
· Dos Locos
· Downtown Blues
· Fins Ale House & Raw Bar
· Freddie's Beach Bar
· Kiwi Tiki Hut
· Mariachi Restaurant
· Nalu
· Purple Parrot Grill
· Rehoboth Ale House
· Rigby's Bar & Grill
· Sirocco
· Somewhere
· Summer House
· Sunny Bay Café
· Tiki Jac's Street Eats & Brews
· Victoria's Restaurant
· Zogg's Raw Bar & Grill
See you there!
RBMS Presents Runway—A Formal Style Fashion Show
Mark your calendars for April 21st, because Rehoboth Beach Main Street is bringing you the hottest event of the season: Runway - A Formal Style Fashion Show!
4:30pm–7:00pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Prepare to be dazzled by:
· Stunning looks from Rehoboth's finest boutiques: Discover the latest trends in formal wear and find the perfect outfit for your next big event.
· Champagne and hors d'oeuvres: Cheers to the fabulous fashions and mingle with fellow style enthusiasts.
Tickets are $50 and are available now at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Office: 509 Rehoboth Avenue (next to the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Grove Park) or Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/runway-a-formal-style-fashion-show-tickets-795310223287?aff=oddtdtcreator
Rehoboth in Bloom: Bloomin’ Dance Party and Summer Annuals
Cindy Lovett
On Friday night, March 15, Rehoboth in Bloom held their third successful fundraising dance. It’s a Bloomin’ Dance Party was deemed a success by all. Since the event happened to be the opening of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, flashing shamrock necklaces were purchased by many of the attendees. Sky Brady played several eras of great dance music, and generous donations were made by local businesses. And, the Bloom Crew donated delicious desserts!
The Rehoboth in Bloom Crew would like to thank everyone who came and supported our organization. Next year’s dance will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025!!
We would like to thank the following donors:
· Dogfish Head Benevolence for the beer
· Bin 66 for the wine
· The Zerby’s of Boardwalk Plaza and Victoria’s for the $500 gift card
· Coast Hotel and Sirocco Restaurant for the 2-night stay and $100 gift card
· The Bellmoor for a 1-night stay
· The Admiral for a 2-night stay
· Megan Kee’s Group for the four $100 gift cards to their wonderful restaurants
· Jack Lingo and Mod Cottage for the huge gift basket
· East Coast Garden Center for the Mother of Millions plants
· Joe Hengel for the beautiful photo on metal
· Back Porch Café for their $100 gift card
· Wooden Indian for a beautiful glass bowl
· The dance committee and the Entire Crew for their baked goods, time, and effort to make this event successful.
In other Bloom news: Summer annual flowers will be planted the first Tuesday of May. Stay tuned!
Volunteer Recognition: Mike Venanzi
As the Managing Partner of Above the Dunes and a board member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Mike Venanzi is deeply involved in the local community. Additionally, he serves on the RBMS Fashion Show Committee and Economic Vitality Committee, dedicating his time to enhancing our town’s vibrancy and sustainability.
Mike is a former soccer coach for youth and high school level teams, as well as past president of the Lake Linganore Homeowners Association. He is also a past member of the National Youth Suicide Protection Association.
Mike has lived in Rehoboth Beach full-time for five years with his wife and two children. In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing golf and engaging in water sports, making the most of the coastal lifestyle that Rehoboth Beach offers.
Many thanks to Mike for all he does for RBMS and for the City of Rehoboth Beach!
City Update
Adapted from the City of Rehoboth Beach “Lines in the Sand,” March 22, 2024.
City Adopts $38.6 Million FY25 Budget, Increases Fees
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners has adopted a $38.6 million budget for fiscal year 2025, which begins April 1. The city’s FY25 budget has a focus on infrastructure investments, with approximately $10 million appropriated for capital improvements, as well as appropriate staff resourcing, providing for raises as indicated by a compensation and classification study, increasing health insurance costs, and several new positions.
· Committing to an anticipated 29% property tax increase, from $0.06/$100 of assessed value to $0.0775/$100; a vote on the property tax rate is expected at commissioners’ May or June regular meeting
· A 28% increase in wastewater meter fees from $14.70/1,000 gallons to $18.81/1,000 gallons to fund ongoing improvements at the city’s wastewater treatment facility
· Anticipated increases in mercantile license fees resulting in a projected additional $138,000 in revenue.
Previously, commissioners adopted additional rate increases, including:
· An increase in hourly meter parking fees during the season from $3 to $4 per hour
· An approximately 30% increase in parking permit fees
· An increase in the rental tax rate, for contracts entered into after April 1, from 6% to 7%.