Your RBMS Spring Newsletter April 2021 |
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While Spring is coming on slowly in Rehoboth Beach this year, the City is buzzing with lots of activity as we get ready for the summer season! In this edition of the RBMS Newsletter there’s lots to share about upcoming events that kick off the season and steps the City is taking to make Rehoboth Beach a safer, fun destination for this summer. Outdoor dining and retail, Rehoboth In Bloom, Meterless Monday evenings, Clear Space Theatre, are full Bandstand schedule, the return of the Farmers Market, and restaurants and retail are in the spotlight for this edition. Keep an eye out as well for the Rehoboth Beach Guidebook that will show up in lobbies and news boxes with freshly re-validated coupons for the 2021 season. We also have tips for visitors and residents on staying safe while we emerge from the COVID emergency and tips for our local businesses on hiring in what promises to be a tight job market this summer. This could be a busy summer in Rehoboth Beach as people begin to emerge safely from restrictions around COVID and seek respite and a breath of salt air. We’re here and we’ll be ready! Look for the first summer edition of this Newsletter just before Memorial Day. Have fun and be safe!
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Respect Rehoboth! COVID-19 Safety Rules |
As we prepare for the 2021 Summer season, the City of Rehoboth Beach and the Delaware State Government have provided rules to keep us all safe. The City and State Division of Public Health want people to know about and abide by these rules to limit new infections of the disease that has killed over 560,000 people in the US alone. We can have fun, and we can respect each other to keep ourselves safe. For Rehoboth Beach, under the City’s Proclamation of Civil Emergency and Order, face coverings are required in all public places. All persons within the City of Rehoboth Beach are required to wear a face covering in all public places, including streets, sidewalks, parks, the boardwalk, and commercial establishments, with the following exceptions:
- Facial coverings shall not be required while actively bathing in ocean water.
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Facial coverings shall be required while entering and leaving the beach. Face coverings shall not be required to be worn while on the beach when social distancing of 6 feet is possible.
- Facial coverings shall not be required to be worn while exercising when social distancing is possible. Exercise is defined as a strenuous activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.
In addition, the state of Delaware has ruled that:
At a minimum, towns must:
- Clean bathrooms, boardwalk railings, and benches multiple times per day;
- Demarcate (using tape, cones, etc.) six (6) foot intervals in front of certain retailers on boardwalks where lines are likely to form, at entrances to the beach, or any other area where congregating or waiting in lines is likely to occur; and
- Identify enforcement teams.
Regulations for beachgoers:
- Face coverings are required on boardwalks and required on the beach if social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Members of different households must always remain six (6) feet apart.
- Individuals with underlying health conditions or who are over the age of sixty-five (65) are encouraged to shelter in place.
- Avoid water fountains.
The Delaware Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (“DNREC”) is authorized to develop capacity limits for State beaches (including but not limited to Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, and Fenwick Island) on the number of vehicles and visitors allowed to enter the parks as well as limits on parking spots.
Any vehicle on the beach for the purpose of surf fishing may only be occupied by members of the same household. Vehicles on the beach for this purpose must be at least twenty (20) feet from any other vehicle. Persons on the beach for the purpose of surf fishing must follow the Minimum Social Distancing Requirements detailed as part of the State of Emergency as defined herein. All other rules and regulations regarding surf fishing shall apply.
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A New Season of Bistro Dining in Rehoboth Beach |
The City of Rehoboth Beach, RBMS, and RBMS / Rehoboth In Bloom have teamed up to support our local restaurants and retailers with attractive pedestrian separators on the sidewalks in town that will create safer sidewalk dining and open-air retail for the summer. The separators will consist of over 100 movable wall segments interspersed with almost 40 planters that will be maintained by Rehoboth In Bloom volunteers to make our sidewalk space more attractive as well as safer. RBMS raised funds for the lease of the barriers to support the City and our wonderful restaurants and retailers. https://www.capegazette.com/article/barriers-are-back-rehoboth-beach/217508 .
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Clear Space Theatre Summer Season |
The Clear Space Theatre Company was founded in 2004 and is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The Clear Space Theatre mission is “To inspire audiences, artists, and students by providing high-quality performances and educational experiences.” The three facets of Clear Space are: The Acting Company (a professional acting company producing dozens of performances each season); The Arts Institute (an educational program offering classes to more than 500 students of all ages); and On Tour (community presentations in southern Delaware using professional actors and outstanding students, offered in cooperation with local civic groups). Check out the Clear Space Theatre 2021 season offerings! Current Season » Clear Space Theatre
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Summer Jobs in Rehoboth Beach—Best Practices When Hiring/Retaining Seasonal Employees
As business owners are preparing for the Summer Season, many are hiring seasonal employees. We offer these tips as suggestions for hiring the “right people” and retaining staff through the summer.
We start with the importance of complying with Delaware labor regulations: minimum wage, pay (overtime, nights, weekends), and offering health insurance. Note that there are labor regulations for hiring teenagers aged 14–17.
To attract seasonal employees, we suggest employers write targeted job descriptions. The job ad should clearly state that you are hiring seasonal employees; it is best to mention that in the job title. It is also important to note the physical demands of the job, such as “While performing the duties of this job, work is performed outside in all weather conditions as well as indoors. Indoor time is spent on the computer and telephone, as well as interacting with customers.” “The position duties include walking, standing for periods of time, and lifting heavy items.”
Mention work schedule. Candidates for a position want to know how many days and hours they will be working and whether there is any flexibility around work schedules. By being clear about working hours, you avoid dealbreakers and scheduling conflicts. This is especially important for retail seasonal employment.
Explain your compensation structure. Being vague about whether you are hiring hourly or salaried employees will turn applicants off. Clarify how (and how much) you will pay your employees and mention if the position is commission-based.
Select the best places to advertise your seasonal jobs. Sources include Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, Snagajob (for hourly employees), TV, radio, newspapers, and your business website and social media outlets. If you are looking for local candidates, consider advertising on local radio stations. You could also place print ads in schools and colleges, community centers, and, if you are in retail, outside of your store.
Interview candidates in groups. Group interviews can speed up the hiring process, especially if you are recruiting more than one employee for the same position (e.g., salespeople for your stores.) This will also be helpful if the role involves communication, presentation, and collaboration, as you will have the chance to see how candidates interact in group settings.
Hire for culture fit, not just skills. Do not overlook culture fit simply because you are hiring temporary employees. Seasonal employees interact with customers, promote your products and services, and represent your company. Look for candidates who are not only able to do the job but understand your values and business objectives and will be advocates for your brand.
Here are some examples of culture fit interview questions to ask candidates: What do you hope to achieve during your time working here? What would make you quit a job in the first week or month? What would you do if a customer approached you with questions right before the end of your shift?
Offer end-of-season incentives. Employees who quit during peak season create gaps in your workforce when you want to be as productive as possible. To avoid recruiting from scratch, consider offering an end-of-season bonus. This will motivate employees to stay with your company through the entire season.
Note the perks your position offers. Perks might include: An end-of-season bonus; season to be determined by the employer. Excellent incentives and employee recognition programs. Discount coupons for friends and family. Employee parties throughout the season. Competitive wages. An opportunity to advance and gain supervisor experience. A contest for the most sales; prizes could include a lunch, merchandise, gift cards, and/or a free parking pass.
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Broadwalk on the Boardwalk Has Changed to a Virtual Event. April 25 10:00am
All proceeds from the 2021 Broadwalk on the Boardwalk benefit Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s programs that increase breast cancer awareness, promote the importance of early detection, provide access to mammograms, and provide support and resources to men and women in our local community who are newly diagnosed or facing recurrence of breast cancer. For more information see: https://www.camprehoboth.com/events/broadwalk .
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Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach Resort Area. From May 14, 10:00am, until May 16, 8:00pm. It is a weekend for deals and fabulous finds! Shopping in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Route One has never offered more merchandise at discount prices! The sale begins Friday and ends on Sunday running from 10:00am to 8:00pm daily (store hours may vary). For more information you can visit: https://www.beach-fun.com/sidewalk-sale.html
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Come one, come all for this Mother’s Day Weekend Art Walk at the Canalside Inn in Rehoboth Beach. Free to the Public. Bring your Mom for a fun, safe stroll through our featured local artists and vendor booths or pick up a Mother’s Day gift for her!
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CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST 2021
The Women’s FEST is a virtual event again this year, running April 22–25. Women’s FEST will return fully in 2022. In the meantime, join us this year for events such as: Ten More Women in Art and History Who Changed the World (Virtual), Women’s 9-Hole Tournament, Women’s FEST Handmade Art Market, FEST ART 2021! Exhibit Opening Night, Virtual Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, and the Sirens of Spring virtual, free concert. For more information go to https://www.camprehoboth.com/womensfest
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Clear Space Theatre—THE 25th ANNUAL PUTMAN COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 7–23
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter: one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride completes with audience participation, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. For more information go to https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/shows/the-25th-annual-putman-county-spelling-bee/
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Eating Rehoboth Tours Are Back!
Thank you for your patience while the tours regrouped. The 2021 tours start on Sunday, May 16th. As a courtesy to Facebook followers, Eating Tours is opening bookings EXCLUSIVELY to Facebook followers! Now's your chance to get in on the downtown Rehoboth action before the tours begin to sell out. The 2021 tours run Sundays from 1:30pm until 4:00pm, featuring five of our best downtown eateries as always. Join us for the inaugural 2021 tours NOW simply by going to www.EatingRehoboth.com. Your friends at Eating Rehoboth Tours cannot wait to feed you again!
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Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market
The Farmers Market re-opens on May 4! The market happens on Tuesdays through the summer at Grove Park and features dozens of local and regional vendors with fresh farm, fur, and fin products. For more information, please visit the Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/rbfarmmarket/. Information on safety rules and vendors will be posted there as well.
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Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department—Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show and Sale
Saturday, May 15 10:00am–4:00pm.
The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a silent auction, food, and music, and admission is free! All the fun is at the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company Station 1, at 219 Rehoboth Ave. For more information contact: [email protected]!
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The Bandstand Has a Full Summer Season Ahead
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series for 2021 IS ON! The series runs from mid-June through Labor Day Weekend and has been providing FREE entertainment for Rehoboth Beach and its visitors since 1963! This year’s opener is on June 12 featuring Philly Heart and Soul - https://www.rehobothbandstand.com/event/philly-heart-and-soul/. For information on the rest of this year’s schedule please visit www.rehobothbandstand.com.
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All Aboard! Transportation Alternatives
If you want to make moving around in town or moving between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach easier, make it a fun & stress-free ride by hopping on the Jolly Trolley (https://www.jollytrolley.com/images/JT_Web_Route_Map2017.pdf). Since 1970 the Jolly Trolley has been transporting visitors to Rehoboth Beach daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Current rates are $3.00 (one way), $5.00 (round trip), and children 5 and under are $1 (one way). Cash payments to driver. For inbound workers, contact Jolly Trolley for information on free fares. For more information go to www.jollytrolley.com or call 302-644-0400. Please remember to follow all COVID-19 protocols.
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Spotlight on Our In-Town Businesses |
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Salt Air is located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Salt Air continues to delight locals as well as tourists with classics from the ocean and farm, including delectable homemade desserts that do not disappoint. With David Lynch, General Manager, Kathleen Hy, Executive Chef, and Pete Farley, Sous Chef, Salt Air offers table-fresh cuisine in an upscale atmosphere with great hospitality provided by an encore dedicated staff. While there, be sure to check out the wide assortment of savory fine wines and spirits. Closed Monday and Tuesday thru May. Salt Air is open Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00pm–9:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm–10:00pm. Dining-In reservations may be made by calling 302-227-3744. Currently following current COVID-19 protocols. Be sure and visit their menu selections at Rehoboth Beach Upscale Dining | Salt Air Kitchen & Bar (saltairrestaurant.com)
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Double Dippers is a local old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving Hershey's Premium Ice Cream, located at 11 N. First Street in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Summer 2021 is Double Dippers’ 23rd season! Ask for a taste from over forty different wonderful flavors. Double Dippers also serves sundaes, soft serve, milk shakes, malts, and ice cream sodas. Come out and enjoy your night on the town and join the party with Joe and Rick at Double Dippers, where something’s always going on! (20+) Double Dippers | Facebook
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Jack Lingo, REALTOR® is your premier real estate resource for Coastal Delaware sales and rentals. For more information, visit our website at www.jacklingo.com or call 302-227-3883 (office) to speak with a qualified member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you! #DiscoverYouWonder #ListWithLingo #RehobothBeach #JackLingo #REALTOR #Delaware.
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Annual Spring Bulk Pickup
The annual spring bulk pickup will take place in the City of Rehoboth Beach from Monday, April 26, to Friday, April 30, 2021. This year it will occur for one week only, and it will be citywide. For more information click on this link:
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Wilmington-Baltimore Avenues Streetscape Task Force
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Meterless Monday Evenings in Rehoboth Beach
At their meeting on August 28, the Rehoboth Beach Commissioners approved extending free parking on Monday evenings to draw local visitors into town. Parking will be free from 4:00 to 10:00pm through September 14. Meterless Mondays’ goal is to help local businesses struggling with lost revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Why You Should Become a Rehoboth Beach Main Street Member! |
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Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting business through partnerships that strengthen and unify the downtown community.
RBMS is an effective supporter and advocate for its member businesses and an asset to the entire community. During the COVID-19 emergency, RBMS adopted new strategies to support our members and the wellbeing of thousands of summer visitors. Beyond its existing programs, RBMS supported our merchants through new Social Media campaigns to promote safety and a positive image of the downtown businesses, essential for the community’s economy. We have supported communication and collaboration through ZOOM meetings for business owners, residents, and city officials to work on strategies such as barriers for outside dining and free parking on Monday evenings. We have been providing free hand sanitizer and launched a Respect Rehoboth public service campaign to remind people to mask and distance. We supported a Christmas in July promotion, a food drive, and gift card donations, and secured merchant donations for first responders. During this time, our membership expanded by over 300% as we established business relationships with many community organizations such as Southern Delaware Tourism, Delaware Small Business, the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, University of Delaware—Small Business Development Center, and dozens of new business members.
RBMS is a volunteer-driven organization. With a single employee and over 80 volunteers Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s accomplishments in 2020/2021, included but were not limited to the following programs that could directly benefit you:
- Rehoboth In Bloom—Beautification of downtown Rehoboth
- Downtown Banner program
- Sign and Awning matching grant program
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Popular social media presence on Facebook and Instagram that provides up-to-date information about downtown Rehoboth and promotes our member businesses
- A new and vibrant RBMS website promoting Rehoboth Beach events featuring business members, community partners, and supporters!
- A return of the annual Community Unity Spaghetti Dinner featuring a citizen of the year award
- The Cottage & Town Award that encourages renovation, restoration, and preservation of downtown Rehoboth
- Business Assistance Workshops (with the Small Business Development Center) at no cost to downtown Rehoboth Beach business and property owners
- Advocacy for business promotion opportunities such as Summer Meterless Mondays to entice local residents for downtown shopping and dining
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Production of the official Guidebook to Downtown Rehoboth Beach that provides discounted advertising and promotional coupons for members
- The Winter Santa Is Coming to Town Event
- Speaker’s Bureau events
Come join other premium members that have joined RBMS in 2021 including:
- Rehoboth Property Development, Inc.—402 Rehoboth Ave (302) 426-2070
- Dave McCarthy & Associates
- CMD Interiors, Inc.
- Rehoboth Beach House Rentals
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Browseabout Books—133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach (302) 226-2665
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Devil Dave’s Bloody Mary Store—222 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach (302) 727-5119
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Federal Fritter Restaurant—62A Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach (302) 727-5609
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Freddie’s Beach Bar—3 S 1st St. Rehoboth Beach (703) 685-0555
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Seashell Shop—119 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach (302) 227-6666
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The Lilypad Children’s Boutique—149 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach (302) 227-4464
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The Scene Shop—33 Baltimore Avenue Rehoboth Beach (302) 212-2937
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Other Valuable Links for Rehoboth Beach |
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