Your RBMS Newsletter
February 2022
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This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Greer Maneval. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Communications Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Pizzolongo and Mike Edelin. Newsletter Executive Editor: Peter Pizzolongo. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Mike Edelin, Jerry Filbin, James Mease, Cindy Lovett, Ed Chrzanowski, Peter Beck, Lisa Schlosser, and Richard Byrne.
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Valentine's Day
Welcome to the second season of the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Newsletter. With the December holiday season behind us, safely retired to our memories, February returns us to a slower pace of fewer parties and family gatherings. In addition to being the last month of meteorological winter, it is a time the nation has set aside to celebrate Black History as well as a national holiday honoring the nation's Presidents. But it is February 14th, Valentine's Day, which is most recognized by all for displays of romance and love: A time to show appreciation to those we love. It is in that vein we are showcasing businesses that can help you find the perfect way to show your appreciation to a loved one, be it romantically or otherwise. Candies of all kinds are always a winner for Valentine's Day, and Rehoboth Beach features several businesses which sell an assortment of candy for everyone's enjoyment.
Rehoboth Beach’s businesses that feature candy include Dolles Candyland–Ibach's, where you will experience some of the best homemade chocolate candies at the beach. Then there is Snyder's Candy, known for its variety of licorices and an assortment of chocolate candies. Just down the street from Snyder's is Kilwin's where an impressive selection of confections made in their sweets kitchen while you watch will surely entice you. The Candy Kitchen, a family-owned business, takes great pride in all of their candies, still making them the old-fashioned way with only the freshest and finest ingredients. New to the candy scene this season is Chocolate Wave, offering a variety of handcrafted chocolates and candy prepared fresh daily. And don’t forget the Seashell Shop! The Seashell Shop’s creamy fresh fudge is made daily in their Rehoboth Beach shop with real butter!
In addition to candy, the Valentine's Day traditions include a dinner out. In this issue of the newsletter we've included a list of restaurants offering Valentine's Day specials. Finally, if it’s gifts you are in search of, be sure to stop in at Mod Cottage, an upscale gift and coastal decor shop serving both local and visiting customers with upbeat service. All these businesses are in downtown Rehoboth Beach, and you can read more specifics about each one later in this newsletter.
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And remember The RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach remains available across town in news boxes and hotel lobbies thru April 2022. It is an excellent source of ideas for your shopping, dining and entertainment experiences this winter. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself, friends, and family as you enjoy downtown Rehoboth Beach this year. And don’t miss the popular Save-the-Date feature in this newsletter for your future planning needs.
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RBMS New Members
Rehoboth Beach Main Street welcomes our new members!
RBMS Yellow Partners
RBMS Green Partners
RBMS Members
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Rehoboth Beach Main Streets also thanks the businesses and organizations that have renewed their membership for 2022!
Special thanks to the Canalside Inn for renewing at the Blue Partner level. Our first Blue Partner!
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Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses |
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Candy Kitchen
Since 1937, Candy Kitchen has been making saltwater taffy, creamy fudge, and delicious hand-dipped chocolates the old-fashioned way. They are a family-owned and -operated business that prides itself on using only the freshest, quality ingredients and time-honored recipes. Candy Kitchen is located on the boardwalk (1 South Boardwalk) and 102 Rehoboth Avenue. Phone: 302-645-4769.
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Chocolate Wave
Chocolate Wave has a variety of handcrafted chocolates, candy, and caramel apples—prepared fresh every day! Chocolate Wave features a dozen assorted flavors of bark, all of which come in dark, milk, and white chocolate. For Valentine’s Day Chocolate Wave is featuring chocolate-covered strawberries. Chocolate Wave is located at 5 N 1st Street. Phone: 302-567-2419.
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Dolles–Ibach's Candy by The Sea Inc
Dolles—Ibach’s offers a wide variety of handmade and hand coated chocolates, caramel corn, brittles, saltwater taffy, and mint sticks. They specialize in high-quality handmade caramel corn (over ten flavors), fudge, saltwater taffy (24 flavors available in long shape and kiss shape), cashew and peanut brittle, and mellow mint sticks. Dolles-Ibach’s also offers a wide variety of gummies and jelly belly. Dolles-Ibach’s is located at 9 Rehoboth Avenue. Phone: 302-227-2870.
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Kilwins
Handmade Chocolates, Fudge, Caramel, Brittles and so much more! Whether you are a local or a tourist, a visit to Kilwins is sweet in every sense! You can watch them make creamy fudge or other delicious confections in their open kitchen. Kilwins also offers 28 Flavors of Kilwin's Original Recipe Ice Cream. Now Featuring their #1 Flavor Salted Caramel! Bring Kiwlin's to the party! Weddings, Baby Showers, Birthdays: The possibilities are endless! Kilwins is located at 140 Rehoboth Avenue. Phone: 302-227-3611
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Seashell Shop
The Seashell Shop homemade fudge makes a decadent gift for anyone! Say thank you to your business associates, employees, teachers, or even your babysitter with a box of fresh fudge. It is perfect for the holidays and birthdays! Seashell Shop Fudge is a treat waiting to happen! Their creamy fresh fudge is made daily in our Rehoboth Beach shop with real butter. The shops highlight a daily display of over twenty-four rich and creamy varieties, including their Sucrose-Free Fudge. Seashell Shop is located at 119 Rehoboth Avenue. Phone: 302-227-6666.
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Snyder's Candy
Snyder's Candy is celebrating 82 years in Downtown Rehoboth Beach and features over 60 flavors of saltwater taffy, fudge, Asher's Chocolates, handmade truffles, a gummy bar with over 40 varieties of gummies, jelly belly & candy bins. Snyder's is known for licorice and imported candies from around the world with over 80 varieties of licorice in stock and online. Stop by for gifts, including plush toys as well as some great local souvenirs for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.
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Mod Cottage
Do you need some new home accessories or some perfect gifts for friends and relatives? Look no further than the Mod Cottage! Since 2008, store co-owners and life partners Brad Holsinger and Ed Moore have provided upscale, sophisticated gifts and coastal decor to locals and visitors. Walk into the Mod Cottage and automatically you will appreciate the warm and inviting atmosphere filled with all sorts of irresistible merchandise! Shoppers will receive outstanding customer service and view exciting items offered at a large variety of price points. Browse through linens, area rugs, baby gifts, dinnerware, and glassware.
At the Mod Cottage, you will find soaps and bath salts, assorted jewelry, nightwear, and even planters for your garden. Additionally, you will find a wide variety of gift items to celebrate any holiday or special occasion. Shoppers are always amazed at all of the fine merchandise on display! Stop by the shop at 247 A Rehoboth Ave or browse their website. Phone: 302-227-7277
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Celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one at a local Downtown Rehoboth Beach Restaurant.
Options include:
Café Azafran—Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday 2/12 and Monday 2/14 with a 3-course prix fixe menu, tapas, entrée, and dessert for $50 per person. The regular menu will also be available.
Chesapeake and Maine—Valentine's Day Weekend. Three-course prix fixe menu starting Friday, February 11.
Blackwall Hitch—Valentine's Day Weekend. Special three-course menu for just $60 a person.
Eden—Valentine's Day Weekend. Entrees: chateaubriand, garlic mashed potatoes, haricots verts demi-glace, crab imperial stuffed lobster tails, sweet potato au gratin, grilled asparagus, lemon aoli, surf and turf–8oz filet, crab imperial stuffed lobster tail, garlic mash, grilled asparagus, lobster bisque.
Square One—Valentine's Day Weekend Friday through Monday: Special starters, entrees, and delightful treats.
The Pines Rehoboth Beach—February 11-12. Dinner for two: a 50-ounce Tomahawk or a Whole American Snapper, wine and drink specials., and chocolate truffles with strawberries!
Federal Fritter— For Valentine’s Day, Chef Todd Gray is creating an extravagant menu paired with wines from the most romantic country in the world to inspire your own love story. Five delectable courses paired with Italian wines and romance, all weekend long. Choose from: 3 courses for $50 per person, $80 with pairing, OR 5 courses for $85 per person, $125 with pairing.
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Dining Off-Season in Rehoboth Beach!
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Rehoboth in Bloom
In late October the Rehoboth in Bloom team planted purple kale and winter pansies in 77 of the downtown planters. But, when you have planters that sit in front of businesses and under awnings, they pose a real problem in the winter months. No rain can reach them, and watering flowers throughout the winter isn’t appealing to anyone.
So, the always-imaginative Bloom team—thinking outside the (planter) box—created “wire trees” for those 16 planters. Bloom volunteers change the theme of the trees depending on the season. These planters have had 3 different decorations since October: Fall, Winter holidays, and now Mardi Gras. The team includes Robin Bedlington, Linda Corcoran, Carol Rickert, and Claire Worrell. These volunteers have been out there in all sorts of weather keeping the trees fun and colorful. Clair makes all of the bows herself!!
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News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
We are initiating a new feature in the RBMS Newsletter: News from RBMS! This column will highlight the work of the RBMS Executive Director, Dan Slagle, the RBMS Board, and the five committees. We believe that our RBMS members and others who subscribe to the newsletter will be interested in the behind-the-scenes work of the staff and volunteers, as well as the activities that are planned and carried out.
The RBMS Board and Committees
First, a word about the RBMS board and committees. The board provides direction for the work of RBMS. Board members are elected for 3-year terms and represent a diversity of social, cultural, racial, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic, and business, resident, and visitors’ interests. RBMS has five committees: Communication, Design (including Rehoboth in Bloom), Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotion. These committees are each co-chaired by board members and other volunteers, and volunteers serve as committee members—carrying out the planning and execution of RBMS events, under the auspices of the board. For further information, go to About RBMS | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
Recent Activities of RBMS
Dan Slagle, Executive Director, and Greer Maneval, Board President, attended the January Board of Commissioners meeting. Dan also attended the monthly Business Network International January meeting.
Dan and board members developed presentation plans and letters of support for the February Board of Directors meeting; funding for RBMS will be addressed at this meeting.
The Design Committee continued planning for the Oldies Dance, a fundraiser tentatively scheduled for April (pending the status of the COVID emergency).
The Organization Committee is working on implementation details for its 2022 workplan tasks. It has established a Development Sub-Committee that will prepare a multi-year strategic plan for implementation of tasks in the future. The Committee also has submitted one grant proposal and is working on two more for submission early in 2022.
The Promotions Committee began developing plans for promoting the 2022 RBMS Community Unity Dinner, Italian Night, Fashion Show, and other events.
The Communications Committee continued development of newsletter and social media content. This committee also finalized the Newsletter Ads Policy and Specs document (see below).
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New RBMS Board Members
RBMS welcomes four new board members, elected for 3-year terms.
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Richard Byrne
After 40 years serving as a schoolteacher, community outreach educator, and University administrator, Richard retired and has been serving the larger Rehoboth community as a Board member with DE SPCA, Sussex Family YMCA, Cape Henlopen Senior Center, and the Clear Space Theatre Company. He has served as an elected City of Rehoboth Beach Commissioner from 2018-2021, providing leadership for environmental and animal issues. Richard has lived full-time in downtown Rehoboth Beach since 2009, serving as President of his HOA. He lives with his wife Sherri Wright and a rescue dog and cat.
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Jill Dunham
Jill graduated from Taylor University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a heavy emphasis in accounting and worked 22 years in the Private Sector. In 2001 she began her Federal Career in Budget and Finance and Retired from the National Gallery of Art at the end of October 2019. She became a fulltime Delaware resident where she resides with her spouse and their two rescue dogs. In addition to supporting many Rehoboth Beach Community functions she began volunteering as an Assistant Treasurer for Rehoboth Beach Mainstreet. In January 2022, she was elected as the Treasurer and now serves on the RBMS Board of Directors.
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Mike Edelin
Mike is the Marketing Manager at Jack Lingo REALTOR®. He is a Delaware native, born and raised in Bridgeville. Mike attended Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown, where he studied Digital Publishing & Print Design for 4 years. He received his Associate’s Degree in Advertising Design—Visual Communications from Delaware Technical & Community College. He then attended Wilmington University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Publishing—Digital Media.
Mike at a young age has already acquired over 11 years of graphic design and advertising experience and over 6 years in the marketing industry. He has worked with a myriad of projects and brands that have involved graphic design, social media marketing, digital marketing, email marketing, printing, advertising, multimedia, strategic planning, and more. From real estate, development, and construction to commercial, retail, office, hospitality, sports, non-profit organizations, and start-ups, Mike has been able to complete some incredible work for both major and local brands. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family & friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, and going to the beach. Mike serves as Co-Chair of the RBMS Communications Committee and is a reporter/editor for the RBMS Newsletter.
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Robyn Rosenfeld-Aburrow
Robyn and her husband, Paul Aburrow, retired from the Washington DC metropolitan area and moved to Lewes in 2016. Throughout her food industry career, Robyn served as Regional Manager for Quaker Oats, Pompeiian Olive Oil, and Paul Newman Popcorn, before owning Hn’M Associates/RG Food Brokerage. She has worked with a myriad of charities and served on many Boards, taking active roles in the planning and execution of large fundraising events, including co-chairing the Beebe Bash In 2018 and 2019.
Robyn currently serves on the Beebe Medical Foundation Board, the Harry K Foundation Board, and as co-Chair for the RBMS Promotions Committee.
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Recognizing Our Volunteers: Jen Carroll—Chair of the Community Unity Dinner Team
Hats off to Board member and Community Unity Dinner Chair, Jen Carroll, for all of her hard work in making this year’s dinner such a successful event. Attendance was larger than any previous dinner, and Jen and her team did such a great job organizing the dinner, advertising the event, and recruiting event sponsors. Jen has been on the RBMS Promotions Committee for 3 years, and in 2019 she was on the event team working with former RBMS Board member and Promotions Committee co-chair, Jenny Burton.
This year, Jen stepped into the lead for this signature event with help from Jenny Burton and Robyn Rosenfeld Aburrow. We asked Jen what made her want to jump into the breach and she said, “I just love Christmas, and the Unity Dinner is such a great kick-off to the season. How can this not be fun!” Jen also told us that she is “a great talker,” and that makes her perfect for rounding up volunteers and donors for the event. Jen came onto the RBMS Board in 2021 and dove right into organizing the dinner: No small feat in the face of COVID! RBMS did not convene the Community Unity Dinner in 2020 because of the public health emergency, and there was much uncertainty about going forward with it in 2021. Putting on the event required a lot of contingency planning, as well as amazing flexibility and planning with our sponsors and volunteers. Did we mention the entertainment, the celebrity servers, and the amazing food and beverage? All coordinated by Jen!
Our thanks to Jen for her amazing job.
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Thank You to Community Unity Sponsors and Supporters
The 2021 Community Unity Dinner was a terrific success. More people attended the gala event than in any previous year. The 2021 Dinner could not have been such a great success without the work of our team of volunteers and the many, many fabulous sponsors who donated the ingredients of success.
First of all, we want to say a big thank you to the City of Rehoboth Beach for providing the convention center facility and staff free-of-charge and a very special thanks as well to Mayor Stan Mills; City Commissioners Patrick Gossett, Susan Gay, Jay Lagree, Edward Chrzanowski, Toni Sharp, and Tim Bennett; and City Manager Sharon Lynn for providing all of the paper products. Our special appreciation for the businesses that donated food and beverages, decorations, craft supplies, and entertainment:
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Big Fish Charitable Foundation
Nicola Pizza
Fins
Lupo Italian Kitchen
Louie's Pizza
Frankie and Louie's
CAMP Rehoboth and the CAMP Choir
US FOODS
RBMS Board
Fresh Market
Giant Foods
Sea Shell Shop
Coffee Mill
Grottos
Blue Moon
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Dogfish Head
Sposato Family Vineyards
Nalu Rehoboth
Shorebreak Lodge
The Pines
Indigo
Blackwall Hitch
Browseabout Books
Bad Hair Day?
Lowe’s Lewes
Rehoboth Beach Homeowners
Association
Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Hermie the Elf
Sussex Dance Academy
Cape High School Jazz Quartet
Epworth Preschool students
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Thank you all! We could not have done it without you. |
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Wreaths Across America Recognition Ceremony
On Thursday, February 3, Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association held an event to thank the sponsors of our inaugural Wreaths Across America event.
On December 18, 2021, our nation's heroes were remembered as each name was said aloud and honored. Nationwide over 525 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 390 different carriers. Over two million volunteers, a third of whom were children, helped place more than 2.4 million veterans' wreaths on headstones of our fallen across the country.
Each sponsor of the event was presented with a commemorative plaque. Thanks to their generosity and time, enough funding was raised to place approximately 150 wreaths on the final resting sites of our local veterans. Thank you to the over 100 volunteers, generous sponsors, local officials, City of Rehoboth, and our friends in the media for coming together in unity and support for those who have protected our freedom.
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Thank you for your support:
Community Bank
Highway One Companies
RB Main Street
RB Homeowners Association
VFW Post 7447
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American Legion Post 5
City of Rehoboth
WRDE
Epworth Church
Cape Henlopen JROTC
Dewey Lion's Club
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Want to Reach a Growing Local &Tourist Audience of Over 1,000 Readers Through Main Street’s Newsletter and Social Media?
Announcing the Availability of Advertisements in the RBMS On-Line Newsletter!
Your business or not-for-profit organization can now place advertisements in the RBMS newsletter. The Newsletter publishes by email blast 10 or more times annually, reaching a growing subscription audience and is posted on RBMS social media sites. Ads may be placed by RBMS members and nonmembers, located in the city of Rehoboth Beach. Ads will be accepted from businesses or organizations located outside of the city of Rehoboth Beach for promotional events that will take place in the city of Rehoboth Beach or from suppliers promoting their products marketed by in-town RB businesses. The cost of the ads will be $50.00 for RBMS members and $75.00 for nonmembers.
For the RBMS Ads Policy and Specs, contact Peter Pizzolongo, Communications Committee Chair / RBMS Newsletter Editor, or Dan Slagle, RBMS Executive Director.
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Clear Space Theatre
"39 Steps"
February 4–5, Friday–Saturday, 7:00pm and February 6, Sunday, 2:00pm
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue
In Alfred Hitchcock’s THE 39 STEPS a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have THE 39 STEPS, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!
"Sylvia"
Saturday, February 26, 6:30pm, and Sunday, February 27, 2:00pm
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue
Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after 22 years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.
A Reader’s Theatre Collaboration with the Delaware Humane Association.
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2022 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
Sunday, February 6, 1:00pm
On the beach in front of the Bandstand
Two ways to Plunge. One great mission. Join Special Olympics of Delaware IN-PERSON at Rehoboth Beach on Sunday, February 6, or VIRTUALLY from your backyard, schoolyard, or anywhere. No matter how you Plunge, what is most important is that you Plunge— in support of 4,200 Special Olympics of Delaware athletes. Visit www.plungede.org for more information and a schedule of events.
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Jewelry Trunk Show
February 11, opening reception from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. The show continues Saturday, February 12 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Rehoboth Art League
12 Dodds Lane
This popular event is held the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day…perfect for gift giving! This year the Jewelry Trunk Show will begin in the evening, More than a dozen Rehoboth Art League member jewelry artists will be available onsite to discuss their creative process and have their work available for sale. Sales transactions will be completed with individual jewelers at their own booths. View the complete list of participating artists. There is no admission fee for this event.
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Looking Ahead to March...
Italian Meatball Showdown
To Benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Come show your support by eating at the participating restaurants on the designated night(s) and vote for your favorite meatball! Ballots will be available at each location. The winner will be awarded a trophy.
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City Update
Parking Permits
The City is considering a number of changes to parking including: adoption of a special parking permit for Deauville Beach; increasing the permitted parking time on the beach block of Rehoboth Avenue from 1 hour to 8 or 12 hours; and expanding the paid parking season from May into October, looking at neighboring jurisdiction policies as potential models. The City is currently in the process of acquiring a new parking system with meters that will enable parking by license plate, not by space.
There is a discussion also in City government about changing the parking rules in residential neighborhoods to allow permit parking for a vehicle up to 1 week without requiring a move. Currently the limit is 24 hours. There will be a need to educate and communicate any change to residents and visitors.
Meterless Mondays
The City Commission is also discussing doing away with Meterless Mondays and food pick-up set-aside parking spaces in the 2022 season. Commissioners have concerns about lost parking revenue and abuse of the food pick-up spots. (Note: RBMS is conducting a member survey to see how merchants feel about these changes and provide information to the Commissioners prior to any vote.)
Outdoor Dining
Continued outdoor dining also was discussed by the Commission in January. There is general agreement that the aesthetic of the jersey wall barriers is not what we want. (Note: the City now has 36 sidewalk planters on hand by virtue of last year’s grant to RBMS. These would perhaps provide an attractive alternative in places where sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate dining.)
Canal Dredging
Rehoboth Beach will receive $3.7M for its part in dredging the canal.
Rehoboth Beach’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) update is on target for July adoption; public comment is still welcomed. The City of Rehoboth Beach has submitted a draft of its Comprehensive Development Plan for Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) review through the Office of State Planning Coordination. This puts the city on target to meet the revised schedule to adopt the state-mandated plan by the end of July.
While submission of the CDP for state review marks a major milestone in the process, the city continues to welcome public feedback on the plan, and there remain opportunities for additional changes to the CDP. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders may address comments to the Planning Commission at a virtual meeting to be held at 2 pm Thursday, February 17. Those wishing to speak at the meeting must pre-register by emailing [email protected] at least 24 hours before the meeting. The draft of the CDP that was submitted for PLUS review as well as public comments received to date are available online.
Debt Refinancing Saves More than $1.8 Million
The City of Rehoboth Beach closed last week on an agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA to issue nearly $17.2 million in general obligation bonds at a rate of 1.61% for a 15-year period. This effort to refinance a portion of the city’s debt will save taxpayers approximately $1.85 million in loan repayments and result in a 4-year reduction on the payoff of a previous loan.
Income from the issuance of these general obligation funds will be used to pay off two pre-existing loans, one from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, with an interest rate of 2.76%, for construction of the Lynch well, and the other a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan, with an interest rate of 2.375%, for construction of City Hall.
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Editor's Note
We are happy to begin the 2nd year of publishing the RBMS Newsletter. Thank you to the RBMS board, Executive Director Dan Slagle, Communications Committee members, and the volunteer reporters/editors for their support of this RBMS resource.
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