Your RBMS Newsletter May 2021 |
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May in Rehoboth Beach is a time for renewal. Everyone young and old looks forward to a new beach season with great anticipa-tion. And this particular May there is even more of an anxious air of excitement due to changes in the CDC COVID-19 prevention guidelines. You can almost feel the buildup as you walk around downtown, peering into store windows to see what is being displayed, as we move toward the Memorial Day weekend, which heralds in the unofficial beginning of the 2021 summer season. Many restaurants will again be offering dining in unique outdoor dining venues. Rehoboth will again offer meterless Mondays. As the weather turns warmer, throngs of visitors from states near and far—as well as international visitors—will make their way to the Nation's Summer Capital to enjoy the sand and surf, stroll along the boardwalk, and visit both old and new haunts. Along the way they will satisfy their appetites in one of our many fine restaurants while shopping for souvenirs in any number of retail businesses. Everyone is busy with last-minute details—sprucing up store fronts, creating new and exciting menu items, and creating specialty drinks for all to enjoy. The Bandstand returns with professional high-energy music free to the public. Don't forget to check out RBMS’ Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach in hotel lobbies and street news boxes for things to do throughout downtown. But above all, whether it be a good book to read, a favorite drink to enjoy, a stroll on the boardwalk, or just soaking up some sunshine along the surf, take time to have a stress-free relaxing time while at the beach.
In this issue of the RBMS Newsletter we showcase several of Rehoboth Beach’s businesses and provide updates of RBMS’ Rehoboth in Bloom’s downtown beautification activities and the new COVID guidelines. As many Rehoboth Beach area locals and summer visitors spend time volunteering with various organizations, we highlight the benefits of volunteering—for the volunteers. Finally, this issue includes our regular Save-the-Date and City Update features.
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Patience Needed!
Many already know: This summer season will present some challenges for Rehoboth Beach businesses. COVID guidelines have changed as the number of fully vaccinated individuals is increasing, and restaurants and other businesses are able to increase the number of patrons served in their establishments. However, for reasons beyond these businesses’ control, there is a staffing shortage throughout the region (throughout the country!). Adequate staffing for full-time operations is not possible for most businesses, and the currently employed staff are working long hours to meet the needs of patrons. Some restaurants will not be open to full capacity, or not open 7 days a week, due to the staffing shortage. Wait time for being seated and for being served will most likely be longer than typical summer wait times. We urge our local and visiting patrons to understand what is happening and to be patient with the staff who are working hard to meet your needs. If going out to dine or shop, anticipate the longer wait times, take a breath, and enjoy your time out of the house! RBMS and our member businesses thank you for your understanding and patience!
For additional information:
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Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach
Don’t Miss the RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach! The Guidebook is back! The 2020-2021 Guide is being distributed around town to hotels, eateries, and other retail establishments. Look for the brightly fuchsia-colored news boxes around town where you can get free copies of the print-version of the Guide. The Guide spotlights entertainment, dining and retail establishments, and events in town. The coupons have been extended through April 2022! You can also get the Guide online at RBMS Guidebook.
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Spotlight on Our In-Town Businesses & Organizations |
Rehoboth Breeze is a family-owned business located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach. This downtown beach store carries top-quality t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and bags in both funky and classic designs. Whether you want to keep it classy or show off your sense of humor in style, Rehoboth Breeze’s designs are carefully chosen to represent your Rehoboth Beach experience. Check out the Rehoboth Breeze coupon in the RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach: 20% off regular priced clothing! Rehoboth Beach T-Shirts | Sweatshirts | Hats | Bags - Rehoboth Breeze.
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DiFebo’s Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach has been serving up authentic, coastal Italian cuisine to the downtown area for almost 7 years. It all started in 1989 when Lisa DiFebo-Osias opened DiFebo’s Cafe & Deli in Bethany Beach. Lisa, her husband, Jeffery Osias, and her mother and father, Charlotte and Bob, have continued to make their family recipes for other families to love and enjoy. Their Rehoboth Beach location is run by their General Manager, Kyle Atkinson, and Chefs, Brian Geiger and Diana Pisuc. As a team, they have made it their mission to continue the family’s tradition and make every guest feel as if they are part of the family each and every night, whether it be local residents or those who are visiting Rehoboth Beach. DiFebo’s is located on the corner of Baltimore Avenue and North 1st Street. You can make reservations through their website, www.difebos.com or through social media channels, Facebook and Instagram @DifebosRehoboth. Make sure to stop in for a delicious meal, a glass of wine, or an ice-cold martini.
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Rehoboth Beach Museum Re-opened on May 15, 2021. Want to know more about the history of Rehoboth Beach? The Rehoboth Beach Museum reopened to the public on May 15 with new hours, 9:00am to 3:00pm Mondays through Fridays and 9:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays and Sundays. The Museum provides a rich collection regarding the founding and development of the town. The public is encouraged to visit rehobothbeachmuseum.org to view planned online programs. The museum’s new exhibit, “Congregations of Rehoboth Beach,” will open to the public May 29. Free, timed parking is available for visitors, and visitors are asked to comply with local and state regulations about wearing face masks. For more information, visit the Museum website or call 302-227-7310.
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society kicks off its Walking Tours on June 2, 2021, starting at 10:00am at the bandstand. The Museum's historical tour guide, Jean Brolund, is back and ready to take you on a tour of downtown Rehoboth Beach from the bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue throughout the boardwalk and side streets. The tour is a gentle 2-hour stroll around downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tour participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. The cost of the tour is $10 cash, given to the tour guide. The Museum suggests "bubble tours" of family/groups of between 5–10 people. Call the Rehoboth Beach Museum at 302-227-7310 to make a reservation.
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CAMP (Create A More Positive) Rehoboth is a welcoming place on Baltimore Avenue that celebrates diversity, builds a strong sense of community, and “Creates A More Positive” environment for all people in our town and the surrounding counties. CAMP provides engaging, fun, and informative events, as well as advocacy and other programming that brings together people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, while promoting community health and well-being on all levels.
The monthly art exhibits and the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, theatre, and music performances that take place in the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center and online: These events celebrate who we are and tell our stories through our unique voices. CAMP offers free health and wellness activities that provide programs and safe spaces to find support in this challenging time in which we live, including:
• The July Art exhibit and sale, A Celebration of Life with Pride: In Honor and
Memory of Lee Wayne Mills,
• Battle of the Bachelors in August,
• The Block Party in the Fall.
Please check CAMP’s schedule regularly for updates as things are changing as the COVID Guidelines change. You can see the schedule of events on the CAMP Website and Facebook, or stop by the Community Center at 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, or call: 302-227-5620 for more information. Also, be sure to check CAMP’s regular magazine—Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, which is available both online and in newsstands around town.
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Devil Daves Bloody Mary Retail Store. One way to spice up breakfast and brunch is to include a custom Bloody Mary with meats, pickles, and a perfectly seasoned mix to compliment the menu. If this sounds difficult and frustrating, have no fear... Devil Daves will soon be opening their new storefront in the previous Bake Shoppe location at 222 Rehoboth Avenue. They promise to bring “Everything you need for your Bloodys while you visit the area. Our store is “Bloody Mary-Centric”! Can’t wait until they open? Visit their website at www.devildaves.com to order some of their signature mix today!
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Rehoboth in Bloom Hard at Work to Beautify Summer Sidewalk Dining
On Tuesday, May 4, the Rehoboth in Bloom team planted almost 600 summer annuals in the 58 planters that are part of the streetscape this summer—including planters that are integrated into the sidewalk barriers used to create sidewalk dining and retail this summer. On Tuesday, May 11, Bloom planted just under 400 plants. Thank you to all the people who donated to Bloom and to Main Street for planters, barriers, soil, and flowers. Check out the benefit of your contributions!! Thanks so much to all the veteran Bloom volunteers and all of our new crew. It all went so well and everyone is so dedicated to their planters. Love this group, so many incredible people! Not too shabby for just starting our third year!!!
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Arbor Day and Commemorative Trees
Arbor Day, April 30, 2021. This year's celebration brought special honors to Rehoboth Beach. Governor John Carney and several cabinet members were on hand to proclaim Arbor Day in Delaware at a ceremony at Rehoboth Elementary School. The event also recognized the City for its 30th year as a Tree City USA. Two new oak trees were planted on the school property to celebrate the event.
Left to right in the photo are DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, DE Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse, RB Mayor Stan Mills, and DE Governor John C. Carney.
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The Benefits of Volunteering
Rehoboth Beach is many things: a vacation resort with scenic beauty and an inviting beach, a community of more than a thousand full-time residents, the location of a second home, a place to retire, and more! Rehoboth Beach is also a place that provides opportunities to volunteer. People volunteer for a variety of reasons, including the desire to ‘give back’ or ‘pay it forward’; to help those who need a hand up; to make improvements in the community; to stay busy. The recipients of others’ volunteering see the benefits of the work provided by volunteers. And, there are benefits for the volunteers, as well.
An article in The Washington Post, “Want to be happier? Try volunteering…” cited a study published in 2020 in the Journal of Happiness Studies, in which researchers examined data from nearly 70,000 subjects, collected during the period 1996–2014. The findings included the following: Compared to people who didn’t volunteer, those who volunteer were more satisfied with their lives and rated their mental health and overall health as better.
Other researchers and supervisors of volunteers have found similar benefits to volunteering. For volunteers, these include bringing fun and fulfillment into their lives; finding a sense of purpose; counteracting the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety; and helping to stay active and physically healthy. Volunteering can also increase your self-confidence, improve self-esteem, and combat depression.
There are social benefits to volunteering, as well. If you are new to an area, volunteer activities provide opportunities to meet people with similar interests. Volunteering facilitates making new friends and contacts and provides opportunities to increase social and relationship skills. Volunteering can promote a sense of community, and the experience may result in getting involved with other aspects of the community, local politics, or as an advocate for programs that you see as important.
For those who are still in the job market, volunteering can help to grow your career, providing opportunities to gain valuable experience that can be used to obtain paid jobs. The training and hands-on experience gained through volunteering can help in learning new skills and building on the skills you already have. Through volunteering, you can improve your communication skills, public speaking, and marketing expertise. You might also meet people in your field of interest who can become mentors or at least part of your network.
Rehoboth Beach offers many opportunities to volunteer. Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s Rehoboth in Bloom gets volunteers outdoors and engaging in activities that beautify our downtown area. You could also serve on one of RBMS’s committees: Organization, Promotion, Design, Economic Vitality, or Communication (and through the latter, serve as a writer for the RBMS Newsletter). CAMP Rehoboth, Clear Space Theatre, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary, and Rehoboth Beach’s faith-based and other not-for-profit organizations seek volunteers to engage in a variety of activities—benefitting the recipients of volunteers’ work as well as benefits to the volunteers.
For additional information about the benefits of volunteering, check out these resources.
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Recognizing Our Volunteers
Rehoboth Beach Main Street is grateful for and celebrates the volunteers who make this organization shine! In appreciation, RBMS wanted to recognize our volunteers—the neighbors, Main Street staff, and others who are supporting our local business community. Last month during National Volunteer Month, volunteers were given a special gift bag in recognition of their contributions. In addition, a drawing was held for all volunteers with a chance to win a gift basket valued at $200. Barbara Lubar, member and former co-chair of the Organization Committee and Speakers Bureau lead, won the basket! She is pictured with her fur baby.
Kudos to all our volunteers! We thank you so much and appreciate all you do! And there is always room for more. You can become a Rehoboth Beach Main Street volunteer by calling us at 302-227-5448.
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Movie Night at Lefty's—June 7
Bring your chairs and join Rehoboth in Bloom for a fun night at Lefty's--see the movie Jurassic Park again or for the first time! Doors open at 6:30pm, the movie begins at dusk (approximately 8:00pm).
No outside food or drink permitted. Servers will be available for food and beverage purchase and delivery to your location. Sorry--no pets are permitted. Masks must be worn inside Lefty's when using restrooms.
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Eating Rehoboth—Walking Food Tour
Embark on a 3-hour culinary adventure through downtown Rehoboth Beach! Enjoy exclusive food tastings at five of the best eateries, paired with delicious wines, local beers, or signature cocktails. 5 Bites, 5 Sips plus a Specialty Shop, all for only $49, while walking our beautiful Rehoboth Beach. 1:00–4:00pm, Sundays in May; Fridays and Sundays June through October; and Sundays in November. Advance purchase required. Tours often sell out! Click here for more information.
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Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market
Open Every Tuesday in Grove Park
Rain or Shine!
May thru October
10:00am–2:00pm
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Marty and Friends at Arena’s Deli!
Sunday, May 30, 2021, 3:00–6:00pm
Arena’s Restaurant
149 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach
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Theo’s: A Steakhouse you can wear flip flops to...
During Summer 2021 Theo's is open Wednesday through Sunday at 3:00pm. Happy Hour every day from 3:00–5:30pm. Happy Hour Specials include: $6 martinis, $5 wines, $3 beers, $5 rail cocktails, and $6 appetizers.
Address: 44 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971
Phone: (302)227-7107
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Music, Poetry, and Art on Endangered Animals
Thursday, June 10, 2021, 6:00–8:00pm
Price: Free
**REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE:
Guillermo Silveira presents a collection of music videos and poetry inspired by endangered animals, including the Sumatran tiger, the Burmese turtle, the Northern Sportive lemur, the Java rhino, the Eastern black-crested gibbon, pigmie sloth, and Sumatran elephants.
This program will be conducted via MaX UC, an online meeting platform. If you have any questions, please contact Program Librarian Lauren McCauley at lauren.mccauley@lib.de.us
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"Sunsets" Live Music Series
Friday, June 18, 2021, 7:00–9:00pm
Online with Facebook Live
Price: Free
From June to October, join other music enthusiasts on the third Friday evening of every month to hear live performances from local singers and bands. Notes on the Beach will kick things off in June with "A Musical Journey Down Broadway: The Modern Era." The duo will cover hits from shows such as "Les Miserables," "Phantom of the Opera," Disney musicals, and more! In between songs, they provide a variety of trivia about the history of Broadway and the shows that they cover.
The library's June concert will be streamed virtually through MaX UC and Facebook Live. Please stay tuned throughout the summer as library staff continue to evaluate whether concerts will be virtual only or in person at the library.
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Clear Space Theatre
Summer Rep Sneak Peeks First Rehearsal
May 31, 2021 (Memorial Day!)
Buy a ticket (table for 2 or 4) and be the first to see the cast read-through and sing-through the summer shows! This is the opportunity to see and hear the summer casts and experience the process from the start, then return for the finished product after the shows open.
9:00am Priscilla Queen of the Desert
1:30pm Mamma Mia!
6:00pm The Sound of Music
Table for 2-$20, 4-$40.
Arts Institute Web-a-Thon
June 13, 2021, 7:00pm
Tables for 2-$100, 4-$200. Live link will be free to everyone. This is a fundraiser, so have your credit card ready!! All donations go towards the students in the Arts Institute. Participation in the performing arts leads to higher self-esteem, improved public speaking, a sense of inclusion, better muscle control, and improved memory. Theatre training is life training!
Upcoming Productions
The Vagina Monologues
June 4–6
A small group of women will take us on a whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone. They introduce a wildly divergent gathering of female voices, including a six-year-old girl, a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnesses the birth of her granddaughter, a Bosnian survivor of rape, and a feminist happy to have found a man who "liked to look at it."
Mamma Mia!
June 29–August 24
ABBA's hit tells the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!
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DE Wins!
The State of Delaware has announced the launch of DE Wins!, a public education and incentive program aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates in Delaware. As part of the DEWins! Vaccine Incentive Campaign, the State is asking businesses to set up special offers, opportunities and promotions specifically for vaccinated Delawareans. To help make that happen, the Division of Small Business is making grants of up to $5,000 a piece available to as many as 200 small businesses to defray the costs of their specific incentive program. Also, Delawareans 12+ vaccinated from May 25-June 29, and any Delawarean ages 12-17 vaccinated to date, will be entered to win $5,000 in cash and additional prizes in twice-weekly drawings conducted by the Delaware Lottery.
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City Update
COVID Guidelines Have Changed
The City of Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners voted on May 21st to eliminate the city’s requirement that individuals wear masks on the boardwalk and in public indoor settings and instead adopted guidelines consistent with Governor John Carney’s 29th modification to the State of Emergency Declaration.
The state’s current mask regulations, which became effective on May 21, follow guidance issued by the CDC and provide that fully vaccinated people may stop wearing masks in most outdoor and indoor places, except in crowded settings, including public transit, planes, schools, health care facilities, and congregate settings such as prisons and homeless shelters. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks when around others outside of their immediate household.
“The City of Rehoboth has been thoughtfully cautious in its response to the pandemic in order to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and businesspeople,” says Mayor Stan Mills. “And we thoughtfully have arrived at the conclusion, following guidance from the CDC and the state, that now is the time to lift most of our restrictions and gleefully get back to regular summertime activities. With the summer season upon us, we welcome visitors to our beach and community and encourage those who are not vaccinated to continue to take measures to protect themselves and others.” For more information, see Board of Commissioners drops mask requirements | City of Rehoboth and Following suit, Rehoboth lifts most mask requirements | Cape Gazette
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Fireworks and More
The City of Rehoboth Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks display will launch as scheduled Saturday, July 3. Festivities include musical sets performed by The Funsters at the Bandstand beginning at 8:00pm and again after the fireworks display, which will take place around 9:30pm. In addition, City Hall will reopen to the public beginning Tuesday, June 1. For more information see the city’s press release.
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