SEAsons Greetings: Local Holiday Cheer
The Holiday Season is always a magical time of the year. It is especially exciting to be in Rehoboth Beach to celebrate the SEAson, as the city dresses itself in its Holiday finery of bright lights and colorful decorations for all to enjoy. It is the time of year we pause to reflect and give thanks for the multitude of charities looking out for those who can use a helping hand. From the welcoming display of decorated lifeguard chairs on the circle, lighted trees along Rehoboth Avenue, storefronts all decked out to lift our spirits to the decorated Christmas Tree at the bandstand, everyone is in a festive mood. And soon, Santa will reside at his boardwalk house for all to visit as the Holiday Parade marches on. With high spirits, we are busily preparing for the celebrations we all know and love. Holiday shopping for family and friends takes center stage as we carefully look for the right gifts to share during this season of giving. Whatever your pleasure, the businesses of Rehoboth Beach Main Street are all ready to welcome you as they eagerly look forward to presenting all sorts of gift ideas for everyone on your list this year.
For some great gifts, Fun For All Toys on Penny Lane is where you can find unique treasures for the kid in all of us, especially those who have everything.
The Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company at 70 Rehoboth Avenue is sure to have a beach-friendly kite for all of the kite-flying enthusiasts on your list. In addition to kites, they also have a wide range of amazing, mind-boggling, original toys and games to choose from, including windsock, and garden decorations.
And of course, what trip would be complete without a visit to Frank and Louie's Italian Specialties at 58 Baltimore Avenue for an order of nicely cooked cheese rolls, Italian sandwiches, and mozzarella.
We know you will enjoy visiting all of these businesses and others in Rehoboth Beach. You can find out more information on each of these establishments later in this Newsletter. Be sure and tell them you read about them here!
We wish everyone SEAson's Greetings/Happy Holidays and look forward to seeing everyone in the new year, ready to explore together all that Rehoboth Beach and the entire Cape Region has to offer. May we have Peace on Earth and good will toward all.
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBMS Website at Newsletter | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
New Businesses & Membership Renewals
RBMS welcomes Heart Wish Healing Center as a new member at the Green Partner Level!
RBMS welcomes Radio Rehoboth/East Sussex Public Broadcasting, Inc. and Zava Café as new members!
RBMS thanks Bellmoor Inn & Spa and Bad Hair Day? for renewing at the Yellow Partner level!
RBMS thanks Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine, E & R Enterprises, and Rehoboth Cycle Sports for renewing at the Green Partner level!
RBMS thanks these businesses for renewing as RBMS members:
For information about levels and benefits of RBMS membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
Fun For All! Toys
Dick Byrne
This wonderful shop specializes in classic toys, games, and novelties, as well as a nice selection of nostalgic candy. The Fun For All! toy store will bring a smile to any age. If you are looking for a jigsaw to a logic puzzle, they have a unique collection to excite the brain—and tchotchkes starting at 10 cents!
Ever since 1998, Fun For All! has brought merriment to so many families. Next year will be their 25th anniversary! Open daily during the summer and weekends in the winter. Take a stroll down Penny Lane Mall, come in and say “Hi!” and revisit your childhood.
I can tell you this shop will provide a great gift assortment as we go into the holiday season!
This unique shop is located at 42 Rehoboth Avenue, #17, Penny Lane Mall. Contact information: 302-515-5800, email: funforalltoys@hotmail.com.
Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company
Peter Beck
Since moving to Rehoboth Beach three years ago, I have often visited Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company, located right on the boardwalk by Virginia Avenue. The summer boardwalk location is very inviting, with kites, windsocks, chimes, and maybe even toy barking dogs on display in front of the shop. However, when strolling through town, I have never taken the time to visit the other location at 70 Rehoboth Avenue! With the holiday season fast approaching, it was time to stop in!
As soon as I walked in the doors, a cordial, outgoing salesperson greeted me. Everywhere I looked I saw bright, cheerful colors: kites in all shapes and sizes hanging from the ceiling, sea glass windchimes, mugs, flags, hats, jewelry, and lawn signs. There are jigsaw puzzles, family games, and all sorts of unique toys on display.
The toy area was particularly intriguing because there are display tables in front of the shelves. Shoppers can play the games to see if they are appropriate for children. In fact, employees will even take the time to teach you the games if need be!
Looking to buy a kite? At Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company, they will teach you how to fly the kite and perhaps show you a few tricks of the trade. In fact, they will even help you to put the kite together if need be!
Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company has been a mainstay in Rehoboth for around 30 years. Be sure to visit the shop if you are in town looking for some fun, enjoyable holiday gifts. They are located at 70 Rehoboth Avenue—and during this holiday season there’s a Rehoboth Toy and Kite Company Christmas Shed in Schellville. 302-227-6996.
Frank and Louie's Can Help with Your Holiday Baking and Cooking!
Mike Edelin
Frank and Louie’s is a family-owned Italian deli and specialty store located on the very quaint and trendy Baltimore Avenue, just steps from Rehoboth Beach. The Bascio Family has a rich history of baking and preparing delicious foods! The menu features Ciabatta Heros, homemade sandwiches, cheeses, olives, lasagna, baked treats, and other Italian specialties perfect for any gathering.
The team bakes fresh every day to offer customers an extensive variety of scratch-made goods, using the freshest ingredients, all prepared on premises, and in small batches in the Bascio Family tradition—from assorted cookie trays, beautiful pastries, flaky pies, and more. Let Frank and Louie’s handle the baking so you can spend more time with your loved ones. They also offer shrimp cocktails and charcuterie trays that will surely impress your guests. Stop in today! Located at 58 Baltimore Avenue, phone: 302-227-5777.
News from Rehoboth Beach Members
Off-Season Daily Specials Return to Rehoboth Beach
Special thanks to RBMS Blue Partner The Canalside Inn for again publishing the Off-Season Daily Specials in Downtown Rehoboth Beach! Come on out to enjoy a meal with an off-season discount! Off Season Rehoboth Beach Restaurant Deals (subscribepage.com)
Holiday Stroll* Event from the Body Shop Fitness Center
Purchase a 6-month membership and get 1 FREE flexibility session ($249–6-month gym membership/$299–6-month unlimited membership)
Purchase an annual membership and get a FREE Body Shop Welcome Package (1 Body Shop t-shirt, Body Shop logo sticker, 1 flexibility session, and 1 free gym pass to bring a friend) ($399–annual gym membership/$499–annual unlimited membership)
Unlimited membership: includes gym and group fitness classes (Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 8AM-9AM)
Body Shop Fitness Center, at 70 Rehoboth Avenue, 302-226-0920
*The Holiday Stroll will be held on December 10—see story below.
Check out Cooter Brown’s Twisted Southern Kitchen & Bourbon Bar for you holiday gathering.
Looking for a place to celebrate the upcoming holidays with friends and family? Cooter
Brown’s Twisted Southern Kitchen & Bourbon Bar is offering to help you host parties for
any size group, Happy Hours with apps and drinks at their location at 70 Rehoboth
Avenue, or catering with pick-up party platters for you guests at home. Staff at Cooter’s
will customize your party with items from their extensive menu.
Cooter Brown’s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open:
Wednesday and Thursday Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Closed
Monday, 12/26 Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 12/27 Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 12/28 Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, 12/29 Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 12/30 Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12/31 Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1/1 Noon to 8:00 p.m.
News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Roll-out of New Rehoboth Beach Virtual History Tour
Rehoboth Beach Then and Now—A self-guided walking tour on the Built Story mobile app is now available! 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.
Mark your calendars for these December RBMS events!
Community Unity Dinner
Join Friends, Neighbors & Downtown Merchants for a Tradition Since 1994!
Gather with us Sunday, December 4th at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Community Unity Dinner!
From 4:30–7:30pm join us for an all you can eat pasta dinner provided by the Big Fish Restaurant Group and many other downtown restaurants. Tickets are $20 per person and ages 8 and under are free. For an additional $5 donation at the door you can add unlimited beer & wine.
We will also feature and Ice Cream Bar, the Cape Jazz Band, Nutcracker Ballerinas, and of course Santa & Mrs. Claus! You can also meet the RBMS Citizen of the Year Drexel Davison of Bad Hair Day and Cindy Lovett, RBMS board member and Rehoboth in Bloom Chair, who is being honored for her work with Rehoboth in Bloom.
Tickets are available at the door and are now for sale at the RBMS Office, 509 Rehoboth Avenue. Office hours: 10:00am–4:00pm. Credit cards, checks, and cash accepted (Credit Card Fee will be added).
Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll
Rehoboth Beach Main Street is excited to announce a new event for this December: The Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll. This event will take place on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00–4:00pm in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Our Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll will be known as: “Our Hometown for the Holidays”
· Come downtown and shop for the holidays
· Stop for a coffee in one of our amazing coffee shops
· Shop in any one of our award-winning specialty shops
· Take time to enjoy a meal at any of our great restaurants
Our downtown will feature:
· Santa and Mrs. Claus walking through the Downtown
· Town Carolers will be strolling and singing tunes of the seasons
· There will be several locations where you and your family can stop and take a picture
· Be on the lookout for Snowmen walking throughout the downtown
Wreaths Across America
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association are co-hosting their second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 17. This is similar to what happens every year at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. (See story below.)
Rehoboth in Bloom: Canalside Garden—The Work Begins!
Cindy Lovett
Next time you come from Route 1A (Rehoboth Avenue Extended) over the canal onto Rehoboth Avenue, take a look to your left. Rehoboth in Bloom has completed Phase 1 of the Canalside Garden, our first really major project. As soon as the irrigation is re-installed, the garden will be mulched. In the spring, more shrubs, perennials, and annuals will be planted. Our goal is to create a welcoming entrance to our beautiful city.
So many people to thank: Bob Arner and Diane Cutler of Rehoboth in Bloom for all of your planning help; Senator Ernie Lopez and the State of Delaware for the major funding; Dogfish Head, whose contribution will pay for all of the plants for fall and spring; the City of Rehoboth and Liz Lingo for supporting our project; and especially RSC Landscaping for making this project go so smoothly. Mark Voelkel is a joy to work with!
Volunteer Recognition: Suzie Helscher Martin
This month, a big shout-out to or Board Vice President, Suzie Helscher Martin for all that she does for RBMS. We should all have energy like hers!
Suzie joined the Board in 2021 but has been an RBMS volunteer for the Design Committee’s Rehoboth in Bloom since 2019. She is an organized whirlwind for us, leading our joint committee chairs’ meetings to coordinate activities across our many working groups. She also led RBMS’ efforts for this year’s Sign and Awning Grant program and the Cottage and Town Awards. But her work doesn’t stop there. She is still active in Rehoboth in Bloom, and Suzie also found time to help coordinate the recent RBMS fashion show at the convention center. But wait! There’s more! Suzie also finds time to serve as an RBMS Ambassador to some of our business members and dove right into making the wine-pull table a success at the Oldies Dance which benefitted Rehoboth in Bloom. She somehow works this all in with being a certified Pilates instructor, conducting classes locally several days each week.
Suzie and her husband Jeff moved to Rehoboth Beach in 2016 from Wilmington, although they had been coming to Rehoboth Beach for years. Suzie’s husband Jeff has family roots here as well. Suzie says that she even met her future husband at the Bottle and Cork, and they were engaged within two months! Suzie grew up in Arlington, Virginia, where her father, an Air Force Officer, worked at the Pentagon and later worked there as a civilian. Suzie went to Roanoke College and worked in DC for the Illinois office at the Council of the States.
We are so grateful to have Suzie and her enthusiasm, energy, and focus at RBMS. Her willingness to dive in where needed and lead or participate with equal enthusiasm is a gift to RBMS and to Rehoboth Beach.
Wreaths Across America
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association are co-hosting their second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday December 17. This is similar to what happens every year at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.
RBMS and RBHA invite the public to attend and help lay wreaths at the gravesites of the over 150 veterans who are interred at our Epworth Cemetery. Wreaths are provided by donations from local merchants, community groups, and individuals.
We are asking if any former or current Armed Service members would like to represent their branch of service by honoring it during the ceremony. Each service branch—Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and United States Merchant Marines—will have a single member bestowed with the honor of presenting their branch’s ceremonial wreath during the program.
Time and place are Saturday December 17 at 12:00noon. Location is the Epworth Church Cemetery on Henlopen Ave, next to Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Parking is limited, so please arrive early.
For more information contact RehobothWreaths@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE
CAMP Rehoboth
World AIDS Days Service and Art Exhibit Opening
Thursday, December 1, 4:00pm
An exhibition titled ART & AIDS, A Story to Be Told, will open in the CAMP Rehoboth gallery on World AIDS Day. The exhibit will run through January 6, 2023.
A commemoration begins at 4:00pm at CAMP Rehoboth, when participants will walk together in a group to attend a service of hope and remembrance at All Saints’ Church, 18 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. For this year’s observance, CAMP Rehoboth is honored to host a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which will serve as a powerful visual backdrop as participants remember the many lives lost to AIDS and reflect on the continuing impact today.
For those who cannot attend the service, there will be two additional opportunities to view the AIDS Quilt while it is on display at All Saints Church. These are Friday, December 2, from 5:00–7:00pm and Saturday, December 3, from 10:00am until noon.
The exhibition’s purpose is to promote dialogue and raise awareness. The complicated stories of HIV/AIDS comprise devastation, loss, anger, and isolation, as well as survival and hope. For more information: camprehoboth.com
Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
Saturday, December 3, 7:00am
Kickoff at Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The 15th annual marathon and half-marathon will kick off from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Some 900 full marathoners and 2,100 half-marathoners will toe the line for the event. Hotels are full, restaurants will be hopping, and thousands of folks will be running the 26.2- and 13.1-mile distances, raising money for several nonprofit charities that the Rehoboth Beach Running Company and Seashore Striders support.
This is a sold-out event.
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale
Saturday, December 3, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Avenue
The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale is set for December 3 at Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
Rehoboth Beach Santa Bar Crawl 2022
Saturday, December 3, 1:00–6:00pm
Various venues in and near Rehoboth Beach
Welcome to Rehoboth Beach’s Santa Bar Crawl to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The event will take place on Saturday, December 3rd beginning at 1:00pm. Dress up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or one of his elves, and head to Rehoboth to spread some holiday cheer as you hop from location to location. Most importantly, don’t forget a new and unwrapped toy.
All participating restaurants/bars will have official Marine Toys for Tots Foundation toy drop boxes for your convenience. We hope to have a few Marines on location to accept your toys donations in person and to pose for pictures.
The event will begin at 1:00pm and wrap up around 6:00pm as Santa needs to head back to the North Pole in order to prepare for the big day later in the month.
Below is a list of participating restaurant and bar locations. You are welcome to start and progress in any order and timeframe you prefer:
Above the Dunes – 101 S. Boardwalk Aqua Bar & Grill - 57 Baltimore Avenue Arena’s Deli & Bar – 149 Rehoboth Avenue
Freddie’s Beach Bar - 3 South 1st Street Jam Bistro - 21 Baltimore Avenue
Kiwi Kove at The Atlantic Sands – 1 Baltimore Avenue
Nalu Rehoboth Beach - 41 Rehoboth Avenue The Pines – 56 Baltimore Avenue
The Pond Bar & Grill - 19266 Coastal Highway The Purple Parrot Grill - 134 Rehoboth Avenue Rehoboth Ale House - 15 Wilmington Avenue Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill - 1 Wilmington Avenue
A drop box for toys is also available at Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s Office, 509 Rehoboth Avenue, (behind the Rehoboth Beach Museum at Grove Park) in case you cannot make it to the Santa Crawl. RBMS Office hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday.
Note: All new and unwrapped toys will go to Nassau, DE LCO. Nassau DE LCO (Local Campaign Organization) is sponsored by Marine Corps League Diamond State Detachment 704 for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Central (Eastern-Western) and Northern Sussex County, Delaware.
Community Unity Dinner
Sunday, December 4, 4:30–7:30 pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Rehoboth Beach Main Street Annual Community Unity Dinner is fast approaching. Tickets are on sale now! Stop by the RBMS Office or call to reserve your tickets for pickup.
Time: 10:00am–6:00pm
Phone: 302-227-2772
Location: RBMS Office 509 Rehoboth Avenue
Credit cards, checks, and cash accepted (Credit Card Fee will be added).
(See story above.)
2022 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
Monday, December 5, 6:00pm
The 2022 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade will be presented by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Their goal is to make the 2022 Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Hometown Christmas Parade the largest we’ve ever had. If you know any other groups who are interested in participating, please refer them to the RBVFC website at www.rehobothbeachfire.com. All parade participants and attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Station Museum after the parade for SANTA’S CHRISTMAS PARTY for refreshments, and children to visit Santa Claus for a small gift.
Bring your friends and family out for a night of holiday fun for all. Thank you for making our community’s parade a success, and have a Merry, Merry Christmas.
Cape Henlopen Senior Center
Jackpot Bingo
Wednesday, December 7, at 1:00pm
Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach. The doors open at 11:30am; Games start at 1:00pm. The cost is $20 per person and includes one game pack and specials. Additional games and food may be purchased. The public is welcome, but you must be over 18 to participate. OUR COOKIE JAR amount will be announced. Plan ahead and mark your calendars: Afternoon Jackpot Bingo is scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month!
For more information contact 302-227-2055.
Clear Space Theatre presents "Elf: The Musical"
Thursday, December 8, 11:00am
Friday, December 9, 7:00pm
Saturday, December 10, 2:00 and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 11, 2:00pm
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF brings us Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Tickets available at
CAMP Rehoboth Handmade Market: Holiday 2022
Friday, December 9, 5:00 to 8:00pm
CAMP Rehoboth Elkins-Archibald Atrium
Come stroll through our atrium, shop local, and support local LGBTQ+/ally artists. Entry is free and open to the public!
Rehoboth Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 10, 1:00–4:00pm
Downtown Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Main Street is excited to announce a new event for this December - The Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll. This event will take place on Saturday, December 10 in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
(See story above.)
Mistletoes & Mimosas
Saturday, December 10, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Grab your girlfriends and come on down to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center to eat drink and be merry while you shop for those last-minute Christmas gifts!!! Over 70 local businesses and artists with their one-of-a-kind gifts on display!! A gift for you….COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSAS AND COOKIES!! Door prizes every 30 minutes!!! Stop by, sip, shop and support local! Event by Saltwater Roots Boutique (find them on Facebook).
This is a sold out event.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 10, 8:00am and 10:00am seatings
Kiwi’s Kove, Atlantic Sands Hotel
101 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach
Full breakfast buffet, omelet station, kids’ hot cocoa bar, Christmas cookie station, ornament decorating. Reservations required: 302-227-2511.
Wreaths Across America
Saturday, December 17, 12:00pm
Epworth Cemetery
Henlopen Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association will co-host their second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony in Epworth Cemetery on Henlopen Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. Parking is limited, and participants are asked to arrive early. To learn more, email rehobothwreaths@gmail.com.
See story above.
Rehoboth Beach Library
226 Rehoboth Avenue
December Events
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Santa Claus is coming to town...and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library!
Friday, December 2, 10:30am—Best for babies and toddlers
Saturday, December 3, 10:30 am—Best for children ages 4 and up
Come to the library’s annual story time and visit with Santa and enjoy some homemade cookies & cocoa. Each family will receive a picture book to take home with them. Friday's event will be for children ages 0–3 in lieu of the usual Baby & Me Storytime. Saturday's event will be for children ages 4 and up.
Carols & Crafts
Monday, December 5, 5:00 to 6:30pm
Stop by the library before and during the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade to "build" a snowman as a take-home craft! All supplies will be provided.
Recurring & Weekly Events
· Start a Book Club at the Rehoboth Beach Public Library!
· Creative Movement Sunday Yoga: Every Sunday, 10:30am, free of charge.
· Basic Computer Skills Help Desk: Third Tuesday of every month, 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
· Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild Free Writes: An informal gathering of writers of ALL skill levels! Meets Every Monday and Saturday at 9:00am.
Link for December events at the Library: https://rehoboth.lib.de.us/
Editor’s Note
This is the last issue of 2022! Thank you all for your support of RBMS and for subscribing to the RBMS Newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me, Peter Pizzolongo, Newsletter Editor, at PeterRBMS@gmail.com.
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