'Tis the Season to Shop, Eat, & Be Merry!
As we move into the final days of 2023, it is a good time to reflect on all of the things that make Rehoboth Beach a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike. Strolling through the streets of downtown Rehoboth Beach, one quickly becomes aware of the variety of shops carrying fine jewelry, beach accessories, books, and the latest styles in both men's and women's clothing fashions. The shops are all decked out in their holiday finery, waiting for you to visit. They are intertwined with art galleries and first-class restaurants serving up culinary delights known far and wide. Rehoboth In Bloom has dressed the earth planters in their winter attire of pansies and other hardy plants and greenery, ready to challenge the coldest days. The streets are bathed in sparkling holiday lights, making the season bright to help put you get in the holiday spirit.
Our showcased businesses this month will help you in your hunt for that perfect gift for those on your holiday gift list. They include Christmas Spirit at 129 Rehoboth Avenue, Atlantique Gifts and More at 166 Rehoboth Avenue, Brashhh Boutique 1 N. First Street, and Café Azafrán at 18 Baltimore Avenue.
These businesses are all located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, and you can read more about them on our website at Newsletter | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street. And remember: Parking is free, so bring your family and friends downtown and enjoy a plethora of off-season specials offered on our website for your dining enjoyment.
As we say goodbye to 2023, Rehoboth Beach Main Street wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday Season as you shop, eat, and be merry. We look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year!
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBMS Website at Newsletter | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Editor’s Note: A Format Change
The RBMS Newsletter has included a Save-the-Date column since its inception. While we will continue to list upcoming events in an abbreviated way in this newsletter, we have created a Save-the-Date page on the RBMS Website: Save The Date | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com). This new website feature will allow us to continually update the Save-the-Date entries as we learn of new events planned for downtown Rehoboth Beach during the month.
Note that the RBMS Website also includes an Events page, which highlights events planned or supported by RBMS and RBMS members. The Save-the-Date page will feature events planned by all organizations and businesses that will be held in downtown Rehoboth Beach during the month.
New Businesses & Membership Renewals
RBMS welcomes Cooter Brown’s Twisted Southern Kitchen and Bourbon Bar as a new member at the Green Partner level!
RBMS welcomes new members:
RBMS thanks One Spirit Massage Studio for renewing at the Green Partner level!
RBMS thanks Quiet Storm and in2soles 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
Christmas Spirit: "It's the most wonderful time of the year..."
Colleen Evans
Christmas. The sharp, pungent scent of pine. The reflection of twinkling, colored lights in every window and mirror. The scent of gingerbread. Stockings carefully hung. It’s almost time to celebrate the holidays on Coastal Delaware.
If you haven’t started decking the halls quite yet, don’t worry. Where to start your seasonal retail journey? Rehoboth Beach’s Christmas Spirit—celebrating 50 years of business. This is the place to shop for holiday frills, especially if that means picking up the chicest holiday Christmas tree ornaments and décor to deck your halls.
Christmas Spirit is a one-stop-shop for everything holiday and an iconic Rehoboth Beach business that stays open all year. With a wide variety of items that fit all tastes, it is hard not to find what you’re looking for. Even if you are retail-shopped-out, simply visiting the venue will get you in the Christmas spirit as dazzling lights, wreaths, ornaments, and collectibles of the season adorn every inch of your surroundings. Best of all, everything is unique: Here you get the impression everything has been picked out with care, just for you.
“More than anything else, we understand our customers' desire to deck their homes with the perfect Christmas tree ornaments and decorations, which is why we have taken every possible step to turn that desire into a reality” says Jill Hudson, who started working at the shop in 1988, and is now the owner. “We also specialize in a large selection of Coastal Delaware themed ornaments, many made by local Delaware residents, collectibles from Possible Dreams Santas, Jim Shore, Wee Forest Folk, Christopher Radko, Joe Spencer Dolls, Old World Christmas, along with 13 theme trees. As a special treat for our customers, we personalize many of the ornaments for free.”
Milk and cookies left for Santa. The joyful anticipation of unknown treasures when morning finally arrived. The temptation to stay up into the wee hours of the night, to catch a glimpse of Santa’s cherry red coat or team of magical reindeer. Fill your home with these memories and all the warmth and joy of the holidays by visiting Christmas Spirit. It's your childhood dreams coming true, it's always Christmas Spirit here.
Christmas Spirit is located at 129 Rehoboth Avenue. Phone: 302-227-6872. Email: christmasspiritrb@gmail.com.
Brashhh
Peter Beck
Since 2014, BRASHhh at 1 N.1st Street has specialized in offering high-quality menswear featuring premium merchandise from designs from all over the world. The merchandise is carefully selected by owner Mel Damascena, who also owns the very popular Coffee Mill in the The Shops at Rehoboth Mews.
Mel Damascena selected the moniker BRASHhh to represent the kind of man the store is trying to attract: a “Strong, powerful, tough, bold, uninhibited, fashion-forward, distinct man, effortlessly stylish and noticeably different.”
Strolling through the cozy shop, you can see why the name is so fitting. Throughout the store, you will notice brightly colored items: shirts, blazers, and jackets. A large assortment of fun tee shirts is on display, and fun accessories such as wallets and jewelry are available to peruse. There are some interesting household items to peruse, as well as intimate apparel and swimwear for the summer season.
The store features products from several popular designers, including Penguin, Scotch and Soda, and GIGO. If you have a friend who is a Golden Girls fan, be sure to check out the Golden Girls tee shirts on display. If you have another friend who likes funky and fun winter hats, be sure to check out their unique Peruvian hats!
All items in the shop are available to purchase online. Visit their website at https://www.brashhh.com and find that perfect gift for that special someone!
Atlantique Gifts and More
Peter Beck
With the holiday season approaching, it is always a challenge to find something appropriate for my older brother, who has just turned 70. This year he asked me to avoid books and coffee mugs, as well as DVDs and CDs which are no longer in vogue. I thought perhaps I could find him something fun at one of the gift shops in town.
Atlantique Gifts and More, located at 166 Rehoboth Avenue, was a perfect spot to find interesting gift items for my brother! The store offers a fascinating and eclectic assortment of unique gifts and unusual handpicked items.
In December 2022, Keith Kroll and Tom Newhard became the new owners of the shop. They moved here from the Lehigh Valley to be closer to family and were eager to give the shop an exciting new look. Walls were freshly painted, and lighting and fixtures were modernized. Keith and Tom worked hard to improve the quality and variety of the merchandise, which is evident throughout the store.
Keith showed me around the store and explained that the first summer was very successful for the revamped shop, and the experience thus far has been an exciting learning process! He further explained that the most popular items are Modgy’s Illuminaries; one look and I knew I found a perfect gift. The luminaries I selected are copies of Van Gogh paintings—perfect for my brother and his wife. Other popular items in the shop are the Messenger birds and very interesting, unusual Edge sculptures.
As I strolled through the store, I taste-tested a bit of delicious Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup, a 100% organic product imported from our northern neighbor! Additionally, there was a “man cave” area featuring a variety of attractive items as well as another area dedicated to the book Bun Bun, A Lovey Story, along with copies of the book and adorable stuffed animals based on the characters!
To celebrate the holiday season, Atlantique Gifts and More as well as the owners of other shops in the 100 block of Rehoboth Avenue are holding a Saturday night open house featuring wine and cheese from 5:00–8:00pm. Be sure to stop in during the first three Saturdays in December! You are sure to enjoy perusing the store!
Finally, Keith informed me that some items, such the Modgy Luminaries, the Old Whaling Company Body Butter, and the Messenger Birds are available online at their website: https://www.atlantiquegifts.com. Shipping is offered and are working hard to expand the online store options as we speak!
It definitely appears that Atlantique Gifts and More is an excellent addition to the Rehoboth Shopping Scene.
Café Azafrán
Peter Beck
On an unseasonably warm Friday night in late October, my neighbors and I decided to see the musical Young Frankenstein at Clear Space Theater. After hearing raves from several friends and neighbors about Café Azafrán, I was eager to have dinner there before the show. The cafe is just a stone's throw away from the theater, which made things even more convenient.
A pleasant hostess greeted us and showed us to our table. Situated in a lovely old house on the ocean block of Baltimore Avenue, the room has a charming and cozy ambiance. We had some drinks and some tapas. I enjoyed the pecorino crusted chicken cutlet for my main course. The presentation of the food on my plate was a work of art itself, and my meal was very filling and tasty. Since we had theater tickets, we didn't have time to sample any of the desserts: maybe next time!
Cafe Azafrán has been open at its current location for 13 years. Before that, the restaurant was located in Lewes. A small family business run by father and son, the food blends Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Cafe Azafrán prides itself on high-quality food using the freshest ingredients.
Now that the off-season has arrived, the cafe runs fantastic specials five nights a week! Monday is shrimp night for $25, Tuesday is the $12 tapas menu, Wednesday is half-price wine night, and Thursday is steak night for 25–30 dollars, along with a complimentary glass of wine. The grand finale of the specials is Seafood Night on Friday, which features a prix fixe menu consisting of three courses for $32.
You can learn more about the cafe and make a reservation by visiting http://cafeazafran.com or by calling (302) 227-8100. Located at 18 Baltimore Avenue, a pleasant evening is guaranteed!
News from RBMS Members
Downtown Blues Ribboncutting
RBMS held a ribboncutting for new member, Downtown Blues, on November 8. Welcome, Downtown Blues!
Surf & Skate Sign Grant Award
RBMS presented Sierra Moon Surf and Skate with a Sign Grant award on November 3. Congratulations, Sierra Moon Surf & Skate!
Seagreen Bicycle Sale
Now through February 2024 Seagreen Bicycle is offering 25% to 50% off select bicycles, both electric and standard. The sale is only at the 54 Baltimore Avenue location in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Seagreen Bicycle is open 7 days a week from 10:00am–3:00pm. Phone: 302-226-2323.
The Beaches Green Truck Is in Town!
The 1966 Chevy truck from Beaches—The Green Truck Shop will be on site each Saturday prior to Christmas, 11:00-5:00, at the store. Come take a photo behind the wheel of the historic truck to start a yearly Christmas photo tradition. Photo opportunities, behind the wheel, are $19.99. Visit inside the shop to purchase your fun photo. Look for Santa in the iconic truck during the Christmas parade, Monday December 4th! Happy Holidays!
Beaches—The Green Truck Shop is located at 33 C Baltimore Avenue.
Rehoboth Beach Bears December Events
The Rehoboth Beach Bears has announced its remaining events for 2023. In addition to the Bear Beer Bust held at Aqua on November 19, the Rehoboth Beach Bears will be collecting donations of toys, winter hats, gloves, and coats during the following three events. The Rehoboth Beach Bears is partnering with CAMP Rehoboth in this effort and will be dividing the donations among several local beneficiaries.
· Friday December 1, 5:00–7:00pm FURst Friday Holiday Bar Crawl at Top of the Pines
· Friday December 1, 7:00–9:00pm FURst Friday Holiday Bar scrawl at Above the Dunes
· Sunday December 17, 2:00–6:00pm Bear Beer Bust at Aqua
Collections also will be occurring daily during business hours at CAMP Rehoboth and the Auto Gallery in Lewes.
The Rehoboth Beach Bears collected pantry donations for the Epworth Food Pantry on Saturday November 25, 5:00–8:00pm during Santa Saturday at Top of the Pines.
Lastly, the Rehoboth Bear Bears will be having their year-end annual meeting on Sunday, December 17, at 10:00am. The meeting will be held at CAMP Rehoboth and is open to the public.
Clear Space Theatre Announces the 2024 Season—& a Dine & Donate
Clear Space Theatre has announced the live theater’s 2024 Season, beginning with an opening reception (appetizers donated by SoDel Concepts) and the Agatha Christie iconic murder mystery, The Mousetrap. Individual tickets for the 2024 Season productions will be on sale beginning January 9.
Clear Space Theatre also offers heartfelt thanks to Nicola Pizza for including Clear Space Theatre Company in the dine and donate program this year. Come to Nicola Pizza to share some great music and some great pizza with friends of Clear Space on December 11! Nicola Pizza is located at 17323 Ocean One Plaza in Lewes.
Dine to Donate for Radio Rehoboth
Nicola Pizza is hosting a Dine to Donate evening to benefit Radio Rehoboth on Monday, December 18, 5:00–9:00pm. Come to Nicola Pizza and bid on Silent Auction treasures, enjoy excellent food, and meet your favorite radio personality! Nicola Pizza is located at 17323 Ocean One Plaza in Lewes. 20% of dine-in proceeds will be donated to East Sussex Public Broadcasting (99.1 Radio Rehoboth).
News from CAMP Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth announces the following events for December 2023 and January 2024:
· Toy & Clothing Drive - Donate toys, hats, gloves, and coats to CAMP Rehoboth and Rehoboth Beach Bears' drive. Drop off items at CAMP Rehoboth until Friday, December 8. Benefactors include West Side New Beginnings, Community Resource Center, Sussex Wellness Center, and local families in need.
· World AIDS Day - Join CAMP Rehoboth Friday, December 1, at World AIDS Day service, starting at CAMP Rehoboth at 5:30pm. Attendees will walk over to All Saints' Church for the service at 6:00pm. A portion of the AIDS Quilt will be hosted there.
· Holiday Handmade Market - On Friday, December 8, from 5:00–8:00pm, join LGBTQ+/ally artists and craftspeople to shop locally for a variety of holiday gifts. Musicians Robb the Uke Guy and Kerry Hallett will play holiday tunes to drum up the holiday spirit.
· Daily HIV Testing available at CAMP Rehoboth - Get yourself tested! Testing is available at CAMP Rehoboth Monday–Friday, and for the first three Sundays of December.
· Nutrition Series: Food Labels Workshop - CAMP Rehoboth's three-part Nutrition Series continues with a workshop on Food Labels on Wednesday, December 6, at 6:00pm. Register here.
· How To Promote Sleep Workshop - Sleep can sometimes be elusive during the rush of the year-end. Join Steuart Martens on December 13 at 4:00pm for a workshop to learn more about promoting sleep. Register here.
· Gay Men's Chorus of Washington returns to CAMP Rehoboth on Saturday, January 13 for multiple performances of their SELFIES showcase. Purchase tickets at camprehoboth.com.
· CAMP Rehoboth Chorus' President's Day weekend concert - Looking for a great present for your loved ones? Lucky for you, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus' signature concert returns on President's Day weekend for The British Are Coming! Tickets are available for the general public the week of December 4.
News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Small Business Saturday Proclamation
The City of Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners asked RBMS Executive Director Dan Slagle to represent Rehoboth Beach’s small businesses and accept a proclamation on the business’ behalf at the Commissioners’ November 17 meeting. The proclamation, Small Business Saturday, notes that there are 33.2 million small businesses in the US, and small business owners have said that it would be most useful to their business to have their “regulars” return and make purchases. The City of Rehoboth Beach supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities.
Small Business Saturday was held on November 25. RBMS applauds the small businesses of downtown Rehoboth Beach and thanks our residents and visitors who shopped locally on November 25 and throughout the year.
New on the RBMS Webpage: Off-Season Specials
Each year, locals and visitors look for the off-season specials offered by Rehoboth Beach businesses. We’ve created a chart of the downtown restaurants’ specials, based on a chart created by Michael Moreland and posted on Facebook. RBMS members are identified with an asterisk on the chart. We will add to this chart as more specials are announced. Hours of operation are subject to change: Verify hours, prices, and particular terms of specials with the restaurants directly. Please be kind to servers and tip on the full bill before discount!
To access the chart, go to Off-Season Specials | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Looking for something to do on a December 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 Holiday Events
December is typically a busy time for all of us—and RBMS’ event planners jump on the busy wagon as well. We have several events coming up & would love to have y’all join us!
The annual Rehoboth Beach Main Street Community Unity Dinner will be held on Sunday, December 3, 4:30–7:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Avenue).
You’ll enjoy a delicious pasta dinner, generously provided by the Big Fish Group and many other downtown restaurants. We’ll have an ice cream bar, as well, and entertainment by the Cape Jazz Band and Nutcracker Ballerinas! Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too!
A highlight of the evening: We will honor two Rehoboth Beach leaders. RBMS will recognize Carol Everhart as this year’s Citizen of the Year. We are thrilled to honor Carol for her 30+ years of serving downtown Rehoboth Beach. This year’s RBMS Champion is Jenny Sugrue Burton. We will recognize Jenny for her dedication to RBMS. We are so thankful for these two women who make a difference.
Join friends, neighbors & downtown merchants for a tradition since 1994! Tickets on sale now at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Office (509 Rehoboth Avenue). Tickets also will be sold at the door on December 3 starting at 4:30pm. $20 per person—all you can eat! Ages 8 & under free. $5 donation at the door for unlimited beer & wine.
The Downtown Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll will be held on Sunday, December 10, from 1:00–4:00pm. Join us in checking out the fabulous downtown decorations and store displays. You’ll have many opportunities to buy presents for friends and family! Our Hometown for the Holidays will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus walking around downtown, Carolers singing tunes of the season, and several photo opportunity locations for pictures. Be on the lookout for snowmen walking around town, too!
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association will co-host the third annual Wreaths Across America event at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 16, at Epworth Cemetery on Henlopen Avenue near Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Parking is limited, and arriving early is recommended.
Members of the public are invited to attend and help lay wreaths at the gravesites of more than 170 veterans who are interred at Epworth Cemetery. Wreaths are provided by donations from local merchants, community groups, and individuals.
Organizers are seeking former or current armed services members to represent and honor their branch of service during the ceremony. Each service branch—Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marine—will have a single member bearing the honor of presenting their branch’s ceremonial wreath during the program. If interested, call the RBMS office at 302-227-2772.
With the mission to remember, honor, and teach, National Wreaths Across America Day sees organizations across the country conduct wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.
To sponsor a wreath, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Other December Events
Two additional events are taking place in downtown Rehoboth Beach in December that RBMS is supporting through publicizing these events via our newsletter and social media.
The Rehoboth Beach Santa Bar Crawl is a bar crawl that benefits the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The event takes place on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 1:00pm.
Participants dress as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or one of Santa's elves, and head to Rehoboth Beach to spread holiday cheer as they hop from bar to bar. All participants are encouraged to bring at least one new and unwrapped toy as a donation to the Toys For Tots Foundation. All participating restaurants/bars have official Marine Toys for Tots Foundation toy drop boxes in which participants may place their toy donations. Several Marines will be present to accept your toys donations and to pose for pictures.
The event begins at 1:00pm with a group photo at the Rehoboth Beach Christmas tree (next to the bandstand) and wraps up around 8:00pm at the last stop / closing party location (Conch Island). There is no participation fee or ticket. Simply bring at least one new & unwrapped toy as your donation to the USMC Toys for Tots Foundation.
The 2023 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade will be presented by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company on December 4, starting at 6:00pm. The RBVFC goal is to make the 2023 Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Hometown Christmas Parade the largest we’ve ever had. RBMS will have a contingent in the parade.
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 where children can visit Santa Claus and receive a small gift.
Bring your friends and family out for a night of holiday fun for all!
Rehoboth in Bloom
Cindy Lovett
What a great time the Rehoboth in Bloom gang had on Tuesday, November 14! Currently the owners and manager of 103 EarthPlanter, we invited the sales team to come to Rehoboth and see their product in person. The sales team of Bob Buckley and Jack Burgmaster took us up on the offer. After a walkabout with some of the Bloom Crew, we were treated by EarthPlanter to Happy Hour apps at Above the Dunes. We enjoyed showing off our beautiful town and planters. The guys particularly like the “trios” in the medians on second and third block of Rehoboth Avenue.
Volunteer Recognition: Rachel Macha
Daniel Slagle
Rachel Macha is a member of the RBMS Board of Directors and serves on the RBMS Organization Committee. Along with fellow Organization Committee member Sherri Brown, Rachel recently planned and co-led the RBMS Strategic Planning session, which resulted in a two-year strategic plan that will guide the work of the RBMS board and committees.
For the past 25 years, Rachel has balanced her life between family, career, and community. Her career has been focused on improving Customer Experience. In addition, Rachel has served on various non-profit, community, church, and school boards and committees. She is married to her husband Rich, and they are the proud parents of a set of triplets and twins.
Over the past 15 years, Rachel has held senior executive Sales, Marketing, Client Services, and Planning roles in the BPO/Technology industries. During this time, she also expanded her competencies in contact center technology software and applications, specifically contact center software/technology, big data and predictive analytics space focused on improving and providing an extraordinary customer experience. Rachel’s career experience includes working with start-up, mid-size, and Enterprise BPO/Technology companies. She has worked cross-vertical and utilizes a consultative approach with clients. Rachel has been responsible for client engagement, retention, and growth and has significant global expertise as well. She has leveraged her experience building and leading Sales, Marketing, and Client Services teams, significantly contributing to accelerated revenue growth and unprecedented financial results. Before working in the BPO/Technology industry, Rachel worked for AT&T for 10 years. She was on their management development program and held various roles in sales, management, operations, sales operations, product marketing, and change management.
Rachel has always given back to her community. Over the past 25 years, in addition to her current volunteer work with RBMS, she served on the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware Board of Directors for over 10 years. She also served on various committees at her children’s schools: St. Ann School, Padua High School, and Salesianum High School. Rachel served on Christ Church Christiana Hundred Strategic Planning committee and Mission Outreach committee. She also served as President of Wynleigh Homeowners Association and Secretary and Vice President of the Highlands Community in Wilmington, Delaware. Rachel also served on the Rehoboth Planning Commission and the Plant, Shade, and Tree Committee.
Rachel is a graduate of Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, in Chicago. Her 5 children are now in their ‘career’ phase of life. She resides in Rehoboth Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach FL with her husband and Duke, their Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Scout Guide—Delaware Beaches
The Scout Guide—Delaware Beaches is a city guide dedicated to supporting local businesses in Delaware Beaches. The mission of The Scout Guide is to support and highlight excellent independently owned businesses within their communities and join them together in one national network. By advertising with The Scout Guide, a business is aligning with thousands of Scouted local businesses across the country.
If you own or are affiliated with an independently owned business and want to learn more about advertising opportunities, go to Delaware Beaches - The Scout Guide.
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach: Reach Out Rehoboth Report #2
Parking & Traffic Study Stakeholder Survey Results Are in
Many of you are clearly interested in traffic and parking issues in the City of Rehoboth Beach! The City of Rehoboth Beach officials thank the 665 individuals who took the time to respond to the Traffic & Parking Stakeholder Survey, which was available on Reach Out Rehoboth from October 24–November 26. The survey results and feedback have been shared with the city's traffic and parking study consultant, Rossi Group. Results also have been posted to Reach Out Rehoboth: Traffic & Parking Stakeholder Survey Results
The Rossi Group is scheduled to present survey results and preliminary recommendations during the Board of Commissioners workshop at 9:00am on Monday, December 4.
Work to Begin on Rehoboth Beach Patrol/Comfort Station
Following the Commissioners' November 17 approval to abandon the eastern terminus of Baltimore Avenue for the new Rehoboth Beach Patrol/public restroom facility, work is set to begin during the week of December 4. The updated construction schedule calls for work to continue through the summer 2024 season (with portable public restrooms to be installed) and for a May 2025 completion date. Project updates and photos of ongoing work will be posted to the Beach Patrol HQ page on Reach Out Rehoboth. New Beach Patrol HQ & Comfort Station Project Page
Rehoboth Avenue Repaving May Be Delayed
The Rehoboth Avenue repaving project, which was expected to be completed during this off-season, may be delayed until after Labor Day 2024. The project remains in design with DelDOT at this time. If the Rehoboth Beach portion of the DelDOT project cannot be completed before May, it will be postponed until next fall.
What’s Been Completed
· The water main replacement project on Laurel Street is complete, and paving of Laurel and Scarborough Avenue is essentially complete with only minor finishing work remaining.
· Approximately 400 new water meters have been installed on the southside of town.
Keep up-to-date with all of the city's annual maintenance and enhancement projects via the Additional Projects page on Reach Out Rehoboth.
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
Small Business Export Delaware—Compass Grant Webinar
The Compass Grant is a new grant program from the Delaware Department of State that helps Delaware small businesses navigate selling their products or services around the world.
Are you seeking financial support to help your organization grow your sales overseas? This interactive webinar will provide you with essential insights into the brand-new Compass Grant, guiding you through the application process and eligibility criteria. The Export Delaware team will answer your questions and help you navigate the grant with confidence. Don't miss the opportunity to chart your course toward obtaining the funding you need to expand around the globe!
The Department is holding an informational webinar on the program on Tuesday, December 12, at 10:00am. For information on the webinar, go to Introducing Export Delaware’s new Compass Grant - Export Delaware - State of Delaware.
Del-One’s Minority Designated Entities Loan Program to Launch on January 1
Del-One has partnered with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) to bring the MDE Loan Program to small businesses to help create jobs, spur economic development, and revitalize the central business districts to under-resourced members of our community. The Program is dedicated to small businesses and women or minority entrepreneurs that may not qualify for traditional member business loans.
For additional information, contact Chavonya Reddick, Del-One Federal Credit Union, 302-672-1413, Chavonya.Reddick@del-one.org; OR Ayanna Khan, DEBCC, 302-384-7761, email@debcc.org.
Mark Your Calendars
The following events are happening in January and February:
The Mousetrap at Clear Space Theatre, January 19 – February 4
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington returns to CAMP Rehoboth on Saturday, January 13 for multiple performances of their SELFIES showcase. Purchase tickets at camprehoboth.com.
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus' President's Day weekend concert: The British Are Coming! Tickets are available for the general public the week of December 4.
Save the Date
For full descriptions of the events listed below, go to the Save-the-Date page on the RBMS Website: Save The Date | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
World AIDS Day Events at CAMP Rehoboth
Friday, 12/1 through Sunday, 12/3
Clear Space Theatre presents “Estella Scrooge”
Friday and Saturday, 12/1 and 12/2, at 7:00pm
Sunday, 12/3, at 2:00pm
Thursday, 12/7, at 11:00am
Friday, 12/8, at 7:00pm
Saturday, 12/9, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, 12/10, at 2:00pm
Seashore Marathon and Half Marathon
Saturday, 12/2, 7:00am to 2:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Open House at Anna Hazzard Tent House
Saturdays, 12/2, 12/9 and 12/16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Santa Bar Crawl 2023
Saturday, 12/2, 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Browseabout Books Author Signings
· Tommy, Jeffy, and Lizard Go Fishing by Courtney Clucas
Saturday, 12/2, from 11:00am to 1:00pm
· A Quiet Life Author to Sign Books
Saturday, 12/2, 3:00pm to 5:00pm
“Delaware Before the Railroads” by Dave Tabler
Sunday, 12/3, from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Community Unity Dinner
Sunday, 12/3, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
Monday, 12/4, 6:00pm
Rehoboth Avenue
Holiday Laughs at the Beach
Tuesday, December 5, 7:00pm
Clear Space Theatre
Jackpot Bingo Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 6, 11:30am to 4:30pm
Cape Henlopen Senior Center
CAMP Rehoboth Holiday Handmade Market 2023
Friday, 12/8, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
CAMP Rehoboth Elkins-Archibald Atrium
CAMP Rehoboth Toy, Hat, Glove, & Coat Drive
Friday, 12/8, Until 8:00pm
CAMP Rehoboth
Mistletoe & Mimosas – Hosted by Saltwater Roots Boutique
Saturday, 12/9, 11:00am to 4:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue, AND Rehoboth Beach Fire Department, 219 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Art League Holiday Open House
Saturday, 12/9, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Spunky Women Tour
Saturday, 12/9, 10:00am
Tour starts at Village Improvement Association
Browseabout Books In-Store Signings
Saturday, 12/9
· The Girl Who Ruined Christmas by Cindy Callaghan
2:00pm to 4:00pm
· The Ladybugs’ Adventure by L. Gianforte
Sunday, 12/10, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Downtown Rehoboth Beach Holiday Stroll
Sunday, 12/10, 1:00–4:00pm
Paige Turner to Bring “Slay Ride’ Show to Rehoboth
Friday, 12/15, 7:30pm
Top of the Pines
Browseabout Books In-Store Book Signings
· Tides of Blue by Sharon Brubaker
Saturday, 12/16, 11:00am to 1:00pm
· All the Right Wrong Turns by Bill Newcott
Sunday, 12/17, 11:00am to 1:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Library
For December holiday activities at the Library, please visit https://rehoboth.lib.de.us/2023/11/03/upcoming-holiday-programs/
Race Into the New Year 5K and Kids Dash
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and North Shores
Sunday, 12/31, Noon–1:30pm
Editor’s Note
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Peter Pizzolongo, Newsletter Editor, at PeterRBMS@gmail.com.
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