Volume 1 Number 8 November 12, 2021
Your RBMS Newsletter
November-December 2021
This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Greer Maneval. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Newsletter Executive Editor / Communications Committee Chair: Peter Pizzolongo. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Jerry Filbin, James Mease, Cindy Lovett, Ed Chrzanowski, Peter Beck, Lisa Schlosser, and Richard Byrne. Contributors to this issue: Jen Carroll and Suzie Martin.
The Holiday Season

Within the blink of an eye, we have rather seamlessly moved from the shoulder season right into the Holiday Season—all the while enjoying spectacular fall weather allowing for the continued enjoyment of the out of doors, even as the days grow shorter.

While we look forward to every season with great anticipation, the November–December Holiday Season always brings with it anxious anticipation for social gatherings among family and friends, along with time to reflect on people and things we love most as another year draws to a close. As this issue of the RBMS Newsletter goes to press, the news about the COVID-19 pandemic is hopeful. The numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are decreasing; vaccine booster shots are available for those over 65 and for individuals with certain health conditions; and the vaccine is now available for children. Coastal Delaware's residents are making plans for safe holiday gatherings with friends and relatives to celebrate the season. In the meantime, Rehoboth Beach, along with the rest of the country and the world, is beginning to pick up the pieces and get on with our lives as best we can. To that end, this Holiday Season we are all cautiously looking forward to gathering with friends and relatives to celebrate the season: to enjoy visits to Santa Claus on the Boardwalk and the Tree Lighting and Sing-Along at the bandstand, as well as the Christmas Parade and the beginning of a new year. We hope you find this final edition of the RBMS Newsletter for 2021 informative. It’s time to get out and enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment as you make your way through downtown Rehoboth Beach with its myriad of shops and restaurants all festively decorated and ready to cater to your Holiday needs.

Be sure and check out our showcased businesses in this edition as you go about your holiday shopping and entertainment venues. Visit Penny Lane with its Old-World charm and lots of gift ideas to satisfy all the people on your Holiday list. And when you are ready to take a break, stop in at Sazio, a coastal Italian seafood kitchen offering Mediterranean cuisine, or Dogfish Head which epitomizes originality with its Dogfish Head restaurant serving up original food, music, and an assortment of Dogfish-brewed ales and spirits for both young and old alike. The Breakers is always a favorite place for out-of-town guests to stay, within walking distance of all Rehoboth Beach has to offer. Also plan to stop by Sassy Chic with its unique gift ideas of hand-crafted items, collectables, or antiques for the most discerning individuals on your gift list; or Carltons, always a memorable shopping experience for men and women, featuring resort lifestyle apparel for all occasions. Finally, no visit is complete without a visit to the Christmas Spirit to peruse their extensive collection of Christmas ornaments and other holiday decorations.             
And remember The RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach remains available across town in news boxes and hotel lobbies. It is an excellent source of ideas for your shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences during this Holiday Season. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself, friends, and family as you enjoy the season in downtown Rehoboth Beach this year. And don’t miss the popular Save-the-Date feature in this newsletter for your future planning needs.       
RBMS New and Renewal Businesses

Rehoboth Beach Main Street welcomes six new member businesses!
 
We welcome Gallery 50 as a member at the Partner level.
 
We welcome these businesses as Business Partner members:

For information about the RBMS levels of membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
New Business Grand Openings
The Grateful Head

The Grateful Head is a new hair salon in downtown Rehoboth Beach, performing hair cutting, coloring, and blowout services.

Attending the salon's Grand Opening and Ribboncutting ceremony, left to right, were Delaware General Assembly Representative Pete Schwartzkopf, Bunky Markert, Kate Markert, Richard DeCore (Owner/Operator), John DeCore, Christopher Rüdolf, Aaron Heller (Stylist/Colorist), and RBMS Board Member Peter Pizzolongo.

Contact information for The Grateful Head: (302) 567-5126 and thegratefulheadrb@gmail.com.
Sussex Public House

Sussex Public House is an American Gastropub that opened on May 19, 2021, in the heart of Rehoboth Beach. The Sussex Public House focuses on high-quality food, beverages, and service. Home of the Food, Beer, and Liquor Flights! You can visit the Sussex Public House on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and their website at sussexpublichouse.com to see the menu and new daily drink and food specials. Happy Hour daily from 4:00–6:00pm and after 9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Dine in, takeout, curbside, patio seating, and reservations accepted. Private space available for your next meeting or event! Follow the Sussex Public House on Facebook and Instagram and join their loyalty program for special promotions, discounts, and VIP access to events and specialty dinners.

Attending the salon's Grand Opening and Ribboncutting ceremony, left to right, were Suzie Martin (RBMS Design Committee Co-Chair), Ed Chrzanowski (City Commissioner and RBMS Vice-President), Jonathan Lizer (Executive Chef), Cole Haggerty (Manager), Missie Watts (Manager), Bobby Gulab (Owner), Craig Richardson, Samantha Campbell, Alaina Watts, Valladdres (Sous Chef), Laura Guarnizo, and Greer Maneval (RBMS President). Contact information for the Sussex Public House: (302) 212-5107 and
US Foods Territory Manager Opportunity

US Foods has an exciting Territory Manager opportunity available for the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area, and we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!

We're actively interviewing candidates that have a track record of substantial sales growth in the foodservice industry and/or a strong culinary/restaurant management background and great people skills.


Paid Advertisement
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
Penny Lane Mall

Rehoboth Beach's Penny Lane Mall was recently named the most underrated place in Delaware—and it is no wonder this hidden gem is getting some recognition. “The world-famous vacation town of Rehoboth Beach is known for its pristine sand, clean water, family-friendly boardwalk, and more. No trip to the beach is complete without stopping in to shop along the tucked-away Penny Lane Mall. It was recently named the Best Kept Secret in Delaware, and you’ll soon discover why it’s a must-visit here in the First State.” (Posted in Delaware Attractions July 26, 2020, by Kim Magaraci.)
 
Do not expect to find your favorite chain at this outdoor mall. Instead, the shopping center is home to a variety of independent retailers that sell everything from art to sunglasses. Penny Lane is nestled in a quaint, European inspired, open-air mall and features a diverse selection of shops, ensuring that the whole family's shopping needs will be satisfied.
 
Penny Lane is located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, just steps from the boardwalk, with access on both Rehoboth Avenue and Wilmington Avenue. Penny Lane: a favorite stop for vacationers and locals alike.
Sazio

Sazio, located at 32 Lake Avenue, is Rehoboth Beach’s premier destination for fresh seafood, pasta, hospitality, and wine. Sazio offers a serene, Mediterranean dining experience with a menu that boasts an array of gems from the ocean: octopus, oysters, and lobster, as well as the land: homemade pasta, stone-fired pizza, vegetarian entrees, and their famous, one-pound Kobe meatball. Wine enthusiasts also will find a comprehensive wine list. A quaint wrap-around porch offers cool breezes in the summer and heating towers in the winter. If top-tier service and creative Italian cuisine is what you crave, Sazio is a must. For more information, including the menu, visit the Sazio website.
Dogfish Head Brewery and Eats Restaurant

Over the past 25 years, the Dogfish Head Brewery and Eats Restaurant has had an iconic presence in the beach region! Named after Dogfish Head, Maine, Sam and Mariah Calagione started the original brewery in 1995 here in Rehoboth as a small home-brew system. Today, Dogfish Head beers have now expanded to all 50 states! Starting small gave the owners a wide variety of opportunities to experiment with all sorts of fascinating and original beer recipes.
 
The Dogfish Head Brewery and Eats Restaurant opened in 2002 at its current location and has expanded several times. The tasteful decor reflects three American art forms: punk rock, hip-hop, and craft brewing. The brewhouse is adjacent to the patio and courtyard, to the delight of the patrons. Offering salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, and wood-fired pizzas, the menu has something for everyone. There’s even a kid-friendly menu, although the beer is off-limits to them! In addition to the food and refreshing beer, the Dogfish Head Brewery and Eats Restaurant offers live music on weekend evenings. Food specials include $10 Wood-Fired Pizza & Burger Day Tuesdays & Thursdays and Half-Off Appetizers on Mondays.
 
The restaurant is open Monday–Saturday from 12:00pm–8:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am–6:00pm. For a great time, stop in at 320 Rehoboth Avenue, call 302-226-BREW, or visit https://www.dogfish.com/restaurants/brewpub.
Breakers

The Breakers Hotel & Suites at 105 N. 2nd St, is more than just a hotel! A stay at the Breakers will be most memorable, comfortable, and relaxing! The Breakers is in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, just a short two blocks from the beach and boardwalk and steps away from Rehoboth Avenue and the Convention Center and across from Lake Gerar and Cranberry Park. The Breakers also offers limited dog-friendly accommodations. A hot breakfast and complimentary Starbucks coffee are provided daily in the lobby, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suits to swim in the indoor pool! The Breakers also features some great off-season specials. Come stay and meet the friendly staff!
Sassy Chic

For a unique small family owned and operated gift shop, look no further than Sassy Chic at 33 Baltimore Avenue. While the cool gifts make Sassy Chic a wonderful addition to Rehoboth Beach, there is something else that makes Sassy Chic extra special - Keith and Lynn Misener came back to their home to create this gem. "Keith and I grew up in Rehoboth so it feels good to be back in the heart of the town and the people", said Proprietor Lynn Misener.
 
This incredibly cute store features handcrafted items, embroidery/monogramming, and other gift items - to include a special new section - “Gifts under $25,” for the upcoming holidays. 

Sassy Chic also has hand crafted items like vintage sash windows decorated with sea shells, dried flowers, beach grass, mussel shells, etc., unique beach themed shadow boxes, beautiful seashell trees, lighted and unlighted, and much more. They also have a large selection of purses and tote bags, baby items, and beach towels. As you are enjoying the fine dining on Baltimore Avenue, take a minute to browse this fun gift shop in the ‘hood!
Carltons

As Carltons enters their 62nd holiday season, this retail shop has quickly pivoted their fashion directions to focus on the Men’s & Women’s formal and the casual departments. The current lifestyles of weddings and remote working have taken over at Carltons. If you are planning to attend any weddings in the future, do not delay as supply can dry up at any given moment. The reality of supply chain challenges is everywhere we look, but Carltons has invested heavily in suits and dresses for weddings and galas. The casual department is highlighting the advances in textiles with soft and stretchy fashions. The core brands of Peter Millar, Joseph Ribkoff, Fish Hippie, Lysse, & Tommy Bahama lead the casual departments with new brands, such as Rhone, Zacket & Plover, Rails, OST, True Grit, Capote, Dylan and Tasc, expanding the remote working and fire pit lifestyle focus. It’s all about soft, stretchy, and comfy.

Cartons has become known for their extensive and diverse outerwear department. You can find great coats, vests, and winter accessories from the fabulous assortments of outdoor active lines, such as Kuhl, Save The Duck, Patagonia, Spyder, Peter Millar, UBU, Alan Paine, and Smartwool, offering the best in performance advances. The selection at Carltons specifically focuses on the needs of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal lifestyle.

And, of course, Cartons will continue to have the best unique, quality gifts for the holidays that has been their signature for decades. Carltons is located at 31 Rehoboth Avenue.
Christmas Spirit

Cheerful shoppers enjoy celebrating Christmas in July while browsing through Christmas Spirit at 129 Rehoboth Avenue. The shop gets people into the holiday spirit even when it’s 100 degrees outside! Open year-round, the store feels like a holiday fantasyland, filled to the brim with lights, colors, unique objects, and collectibles!

Christmas Spirit has been an integral part of the Rehoboth shopping scene since the late 1970s. The store has had several locations over the years, but it has been located in its current space for four years. The shop specializes in holiday decorations and collectibles, such as Christopher Radko, Wee Forest Folk, Byers Choice Carolers, Possible Dreams Santas, and Mark Roberts Fairies. Shoppers can also purchase a large variety of seasonal merchandise, such as Halloween decor, Thanksgiving decorations, coastal ornaments, Rehoboth Beach ornaments, and beach-themed tea towels. The store will even personalize merchandise at no extra charge!

In spite of the supply chain shortages that many businesses throughout the country are experiencing, Christmas Spirit will have plenty of stock for the upcoming holiday season. Christmas Spirit is currently open daily from 10:00am–5:00pm and on weekends from 10:00am–7:00pm. Check out their website at http://www.christmasspiritrb.com.
Rehoboth in Bloom

On Monday, October 25, almost 60 Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers turned out to remove the summer annuals from all 94 of our EarthPlanters. We filled just over 100 paper yard waste bags (donated by Lowes and Home Depot, thank you!), which were picked up promptly by the city workers. On Wednesday the city crew started at about 6:00am, and by 10:00am had all Jersey Barriers drained and removed, the asphalt walkways removed, and 31 of the Pedestrian Planters moved to their permanent homes. Thank you, City of Rehoboth Beach!!

Then on Monday through Thursday the Bloom Crew planted beautiful pansies and kale (from Pepper’s Greenhouse) in the planters and majorly upgraded “tomato cage” holiday trees in those planters that sit under awnings. Lots of planning and hard work went into this project!! We even made the city’s newsletter: "Individually, planters may seem like a small thing, but collectively the well-maintained planters nurtured by Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers have a big impact on the positive impression made on visitors from across the country," says Mayor Stan Mills. "The planters add a great deal to our community's attractiveness and provide a warm welcome to visitors, from near and far, to downtown Rehoboth. The city is extremely grateful to the service of these community volunteers."

If you're interested in volunteering with or donating to Rehoboth in Bloom, you may make contact via https://www.downtownrb.com/bloom or by emailing info@pdlovett.com.
Community Unity Pasta Dinner Is Back!

Rehoboth Beach Main Street will again host the Community Unity Pasta Dinner! This year’s dinner will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021, from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Join friends, neighbors, and downtown merchants for this annual dinner, which includes children’s activities, holiday music, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and performances from The Nutcracker and by the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. A special attraction will be an ice cream bar. Tickets are $20.00 per person, children under 10 FREE. Dinner will be provided by the Big Fish Charitable Foundation. Nick Caggiano (Nicola Pizza) will be recognized as our Citizen-of-the-Year at the event, and we hope you will come to offer your congratulations! Although tickets will be available at the event, better to get them ahead of time in person at the Main Street Office (509 Rehoboth Avenue), or by contacting the RBMS Office (302-227-2772). For more information, contact Jen Carroll at jcarrollpink@gmail.com
Recognizing Our Volunteers:
The Rehoboth in Bloom Team Leads

Rehoboth in Bloom could not possibly exist without its 65 volunteers. Some tend the flowers each Tuesday and make sure the EarthPlanter reservoirs are filled and the flowers are deadheaded. The group is divided into ten teams, with a Lead as coordinator. The Lead’s job is to communicate with their team, be sure there are enough volunteers each week, and forward information from the Chair to the team. On Wednesday, October 13, Rehoboth in Bloom had a Lead meeting at Grove Park to discuss the relocation of Pedestrian Planters, the process of removing the summer annuals, and prepare for off-season designs. 
 
The Team Leads pictured left to right: Linda Corcoran—Wilmington Avenue, Phyllis Bolton—Farmers Market, Carol Revak—South Rehoboth Avenue, Diane Winiarczyk—Baltimore Avenue, Diane Cutler—North Rehoboth Avenue, Dick Byrne—Wilmington Avenue, Cindy Lovett—Rehoboth in Bloom Chair, Fred Smith—South Rehoboth Avenue, Jane Perkins—Island Trios, Kathy Paulish—Pedestrian Planters, and Mary Van den Berg—North Rehoboth Avenue. Missing from the photo: Phyllis Fischer—Pedestrian Planters.
Wreaths Across America Epworth: Highway One Companies and Community Bank Donations

Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, organizations across the country conduct wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. The Wreaths Across America initiative is designed to express our appreciation to our veterans during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 
 
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association are teaming together to participate in this initiative for the first time this year to honor our local heroes. A short ceremony and the laying of wreaths at our veterans’ sites in Epworth Cemetery will take place on December 18, 2021, at 12:00pm.
 
In amazing news, Highway One Companies and Community Bank Delaware have contributed $3,000 to fund the purchase of wreaths to place on the final resting sites of our veterans on December 18. Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association are extremely grateful for these generous donations, and we thank owner Alex Pires and the other members of the Highway One Companies and Community Bank Delaware who made this happen, as pictured above.
 
Reminder: If you would like to place a wreath at a specific site, place a wreath on marked sites for the others who are not spoken for, or if you would like to volunteer to help in this important inaugural event, or have questions, contact us as soon as possible at rehobothwreaths@gmail.com.
 
Pictured left to right: Community Bank DE VP Shannon McGinn, Community Bank DE Rehoboth Branch Manager Amynda Verderame, Community Bank DE President Jack Riddle, RBMS President Greer Maneval, RBMS Committee member & WFA Chair Lisa Schlosser, RBHOA President Mark Saunders, RBMS Executive Director Dan Slagle, Highway One General Manager Meggin Holtzclaw, Highway One Comptroller Cindy Issel, Community Bank DE COO Ronda Douglas.
Cottage & Town Awards

Rehoboth Beach Main Street honored its 2021 Cottage and Town Awards winners with a ceremony and reception on Saturday, November 6, in the Main Street offices. This year’s awards were generously sponsored by The Smith Group LLC and Burton Builders. Suzie Martin serves as the RBMS lead for this project.

The winner of the Residential New construction is the home of Charles Vila and Tom Melloni of 341 Hickman Street. The Residential Renovation/Reconstruction/Preservation award went to Tom and Kim Lawson of 303 Country Club Drive. Coho’s Market and Grill was awarded the Commercial Renovation/Restoration/Preservation plaque. Debra Weinreich and Tim Leary were awarded the Landscape Renovation plaque.

Pictured, left to right: Dan Slagle, Greer Maneval, Tom and Kim Larson, Dave Lyon and Rick Hardy of Coho's Market and Grill, Suzie Martin, Tom Melloni and Charles Vila (holding Porter), and Kathleen Mahon, representing Debra Weinreich and Tim Leary.

Rehoboth Beach Main Street congratulates the winners of the 2021 Cottage and Town Awards and thanks all nominees for their submissions.
Friends of Main Street

Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit organization comprised of our wonderful merchants, supportive residents, and visitors during the summer and off-season who love downtown Rehoboth Beach and are dedicated to keeping it a real hometown and a thriving resort community. We celebrate our amazing community, our commitment to support local businesses, and our passion for our unique and appealing downtown. We work to promote downtown Rehoboth Beach as a year-round beach town with a vibrant commercial area, attractive signage and storefronts, a pristine shore and adjacent scenic areas, a full calendar of events, and programs benefiting the business and residential community.

While most members are our business partners, Friends of Main Street is also a membership category for any individual—Rehoboth Beach resident or non-resident, non-business owners, and businesses located outside the City of Rehoboth Beach. The Friends are enthusiastic about supporting the Main Street movement and endeavoring to ensure downtown Rehoboth Beach maintains its hometown atmosphere and meets the needs of—and is enjoyed by—local residents, visitors, and our business partners. If you’re not yet a member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street, we urge you to join and participate in our work to maintain and enhance the vitality of Our Town. For information about membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com). Thank you!
Holiday Market

The Holiday Market will be held in Grove Park on Saturday, November 27, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Free cider will be available. Also, limited edition of prints featuring Dolles by Dale Sheldon will be offered for sale. It’s possible there may be Christmas caroling by the Camp Chorus. Numerous vendors will participate in the market, including Blue Moon Sea Glass—Jewelry, Charlies Treats, Elysium, Four Acres Living—Alpaca wool items, McIntosh Decorative Tiles, Mood Shell—original cards, MLF—glass serving trays & bowls, Olive Girl, Sandy Curson pottery, Sherri Neale ornaments ….and many more!
 
Holiday Market volunteers pictured left to right: Marty Johnson, Karen Ferguson, Market Manager Pat Coluzzi, Carole Ellison, and Mimi Rottiers.
Save the Date
Frozen JR
November 12–14
7:00pm Friday, 2:00pm and 7:00pm Saturday, 2:00pm Sunday
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/our-shows/current-season/
Scrooge!
November 26 – December 19
7:00pm Friday, 2:00pm and 7:00pm Saturday, 2:00pm Sunday
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue

This timeless musical follows the plot of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. In 1970, the hit screen musical enjoyed acclaim starring the late Albert Finney. Featuring songs including “A Better Life,” “I Like Life,” and “Thank You Very Much,” this score will get you into the Christmas spirit. https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/shows/scrooge/
Cashmere Gardens Informal Fashion Show
November 20
Party starts at 5:00pm, fashion show begins at 6:00pm
Hotel Rehoboth, 247 Rehoboth Avenue

Cashmere Gardens is thrilled to host their first-ever event in the Hotel Rehoboth lobby. The first annual party will feature the newest trends for the holiday and upcoming resort season for the fashion industry's top sustainable luxury brands including EILEEN FISHER, Kinross Cashmere, Rachel Comey, Alemais, A Bronze Age, Boyish Jeans, and more! Hors d'oeuvre and desserts provided by local caterer, Mermaid Kitchen. Light refreshments and spirits served. Gifts (while supplies last) including an EILEEN FISHER wrap valued at $298 for qualifying purchases of $750 or more. For tickets: Cashmere Gardens Holiday Fashion Show Tickets, Sat, Nov 20, 2021 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite.
Southern Delaware Heart Walk
November 21
Check-in 9:00am, walk begins at 10:00am
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
 
Heart Walk is a 2-mile walk on the boardwalk. By participating in the Heart Walk, you are joining a million Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation who are raising funds for lifesaving science—science that can teach us all how to live longer and be Healthy for Good. Take a few minutes to consider the lives you are going to help change for the better through your leadership and donations. We are talking more moms, dads, brothers, aunts, and babies' lives saved. Help keep hearts everywhere beating. Let us take steps together to cure heart disease and stroke.

Health screenings, kids’ zone, refreshments, entertainment, sponsor booths, and much more will be available. www.heart.org/southerndewalk
Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting and Sing-Along
November 26, 6:30pm
The Bandstand, Rehoboth Avenue

Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the big community tree and a little holiday sing-along. Stay downtown after the event to enjoy dinner and holiday shopping with family and friends. 
RBVFC Auxiliary 2021 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
December 4, 9:00am–3:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Avenue
 
The members of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary invite you to join them for the 2021 Holiday Arts and Crafts Show to benefit the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Local artists and crafters will be showcasing their talents with handmade items just in time for your holiday shopping. In addition, there will be food available for purchase and a silent auction. Please join the RBVFC for food, fun, music, and to support your local Fire Company and their First Responders.
Community Unity Pasta Dinner
December 5, 4:30–7:30pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Avenue

See the Community Unity Dinner Is Back article in this issue of the RBMS Newsletter for information regarding this event.
2021 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
December 6, 6:30pm
Rehoboth Avenue

The 2021 Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade will be presented by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. The RBVFC goal is to make the 2021 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 Fire Company 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 for children to visit Santa Claus and receive a small gift.

Bring your friends and family out for a night of holiday fun for all. The RBVFC thanks you for making our community’s parade a success, and have a Merry, Merry Christmas.
City Update
County Outfall Capacity Proposal

Sussex County made a proposal to procure a portion of the city’s excess ocean outfall capacity for treated wastewater. The county proposed to purchase 2/5 of the city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control-permitted waste load allocation to pump up to 2 million gallons/day of outfall capacity. The county proposed a one-time payment of $7.6 million, which could be used to minimize future City of Rehoboth Beach wastewater rate increases. To pay for improvements underway at the city’s wastewater treatment facility, rates increased sharply in 2020 and are scheduled to increase another 60% beginning in 2024.

The City of Rehoboth Beach and Sussex County currently have a renewable 25-year agreement, approved in 2017, for the county to utilize 42% of the city’s wastewater treatment facility and to cover an equal portion of capital improvement costs at the facility. The county expressed interest in coming to an agreement about shared outfall capacity within the next few months, but the agreement would not be implemented until 4–5 years in the future, while the county seeks the necessary permits and constructs a pipeline. The Board of Commissioners will continue to discuss this proposal and seek input from residents during a special meeting on November 15th.

Outdoor Dining

The outdoor dining permits on public space ended on October 31, 2021. The Mayor and Commissioners will continue discussion about outdoor dining for the future in the coming months.

Changes to Refuse, Yard Waste, and Recycling Services

The city staff is recommending certain fee and operational changes:
  • Change twice-a-week pickup of refuse annual end date from November 30th to October 31st.
  • Change free bulk pickup from the last week of April/first week of May to the first two weeks of April.
  • Change yard waste container and bag collection from 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays to every other Wednesday.
  • Change Monday through Friday loose leaf pickup to southside of Rehoboth on Thursdays and northside of Rehoboth on Fridays.
  • Update fee to consumers to charge going rate for a yard waste container.
  • All trash cans must have a tipping mechanism effective July 2022.
  • Change yearly trash billing to quarterly effective July 2022.

Since the Recycling program was initiated, the costs have always been completely absorbed by the city in the general operating fund.  In April of this year, Blue Hen was the only bidder for our contract renewal and increased their rates significantly. In turn, the city staff has recommended that those costs now be passed on to the homeowners. The operational changes and yard waste container fee will be voted on during the November 19th regular commissioners meeting at 2:00pm.  The recycling fee proposal will continue to be discussed on December 6, 2021, at 9:00am.

City Committee Changes

The city sunset the Bandstand/Convention Hall/Special Events Committee and Parking Task Force. Any parking related issues or topics will be discussed in the Streets and Transportation Committee. Commissioner Tim Bennett now Chairs the Animal Issues Committee; he can be reached at tbennett@cityofrehoboth.com. Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski now Chairs the Environment Committee, Streets and Transportation Committee, and serves as the City Liaison for the Senior Center; he can be reached at echrzanowski@cityofrehoboth.com.

City Budget

In October, City Manager Sharon Lynn reported that General Fund revenue increased by $3.96 million from the same April–August 2020 time period. Increases from the prior year included the following major categories: Property Transfer Tax ($151 thousand), Building Permits and Appeals ($132.7 thousand), Parking revenue sources ($1.97 million), Sale of Property ($1.68 million), and Hotel Accommodation Tax ($572 thousand). Grant revenue declined by $320 thousand but this may be timing related. In the Sale of Property category, the net sale proceeds from the sale of 84 Kent St. were $1,069,000.
Editor’s Note

This is the last issue of the RBMS Newsletter in 2021. I have enjoyed serving as the editor and am very appreciative of the support from Dan Slagle, RBMS Executive Editor, Greer Maneval, RBMS Board President, and the RBMS Board. Special thanks to the newsletter’s ‘regular reporters’—Dan, Jerry, Jim, Peter B, Lisa, Cindy, Ed, and Richard—and to our sometimes-contributors, Jen and Suzie. We couldn’t produce this newsletter without their support and hard work.

Thanks to the Cape Gazette for allowing us to use their pictures in some of our issues. In this issue, the picture in the Save-the-Date Cashmere Gardens piece is from the Cape Gazette.

In this issue we introduce a new feature: paid advertisements. With a readership of more than 800, we anticipate many businesses would like to advertise in this newsletter. For more information about advertising, contact Dan Slagle at the RBMS Office: 302-227-2772 or via email at dan@downtownrb.com.

Our first issue in 2022 will be the Valentine’s Day issue, to be distributed in early February. See y’all then!