Your RBMS Newsletter September 2021 |
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This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Greer Maneval. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Newsletter Executive Editor / Communications Committee Co-Chair: Peter J. Pizzolongo. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Jerry Filbin, James Mease, Cindy Lovett, Ed Chrzanowski, Peter Beck, & Lisa Schlosser.
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The Shoulder Season
Just about the time everyone is tiring of the dog days of Summer with its Hazy Hot and Humid weather, along comes September. Gone are the large crowds of visitors from cities and towns along the Atlantic seacoast, and our interests turn to festivals, art shows, and fun filled days, enjoying our favorite restaurants where reservations are easier to obtain. Happy hours never disappoint, and the weather is almost always nearly perfect. This is the shoulder season: a period of time after Labor Day but before the holiday seasons when time seems to stand still. Even though days grow shorter, we can still catch gorgeous sunrises and sunsets strolling along the boardwalk. We can also enjoy the fruits of the harvest as roadside markets are overflowing with the best that DELMARVA has to offer.
In this issue we spotlight some of the businesses that make Rehoboth Beach a special place. Beginning with Bad Hair Day? which is always ready to help you look your best before venturing out for a fun-filled day of fun in the sun. Freddie’s is a new pub coming to the area this fall which is sure to delight, along with Café Azafran, always a favorite of many a visitor and resident alike. And don’t miss all of the action at Aqua’s outside patio with good food and drinks to be enjoyed by all. If you find yourself wanting to satisfy your love for caffeine and your sweet tooth, stop in at a Rehoboth Tradition: The Coffee Mill is located in the Shops at Rehoboth Beach, between Rehoboth and Baltimore Avenues. If art is your forte be sure and wander over to The Ocean Gallery at 26 Wilmington to gaze upon works by local artists. If you are looking for gifts for children, visit the Lily Pad Boutique at 149 Rehoboth Ave in the Village by the Sea shopping area. Finally, if you’re in need of legal services, check out The Smith Firm, LLC, also on Rehoboth Avenue.
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As a reminder, The RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach continues to be available across town in news boxes and hotel lobbies. It is packed full of things to do and places to go while visiting downtown Rehoboth Beach. Be sure and pick up a copy for friends and family. And don’t miss our Save-the-Date feature to make your future planning needs.
Remember always to practice patience and understanding for the safety and well-being of all as we continue to experience staffing shortages resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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RBMS New and Renewal Businesses
Rehoboth Beach Main Street welcomes seven new member businesses and organizations!
We welcome these businesses and organizations as Business Partner members:
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Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses |
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Freddie's
A new and exciting look is coming to 3 South First Street this fall in the space formally occupied by The Pond. Freddie’s Beach Bar will be an LGBTQ+, "straight-friendly" restaurant and bar with a similar look and feel as the original Freddie’s located in Arlington VA. And, like its counterpart, Freddie’s Beach Bar will be decorated in various shades of pink and purple throughout, giving the space a distinctly beachy feel. An array of Barbie dolls, which owner Freddie Lutz has been collecting for years, will be prominently displayed on a shelf surrounding the top of walls along with an assortment of stuff for customers and staff alike to enjoy. You can expect lots of glitter and glitz surrounding you while enjoying your dining and entertainment experience. Of course a full range of cocktails is available for all to enjoy, including a Purple Piña Colada and a Flashing Flamingo.
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Café Azafran
Celebrating over 10 years on Baltimore Avenue, Café Azafran serves up an award-winning blend of Mediterranean and Spanish Cuisine. Winner of the 2018 and 2019 Top Chef of the Culinary Coast, Azafran features both a happy hour and dinner menu. Each dish from tapas to large plates will leave you looking forward to your next visit. Café Azafran has cozy dining areas and a back porch. They also have a take-out menu. Specials include shrimp on Monday, tapas on Tuesday, Wednesday is paella night, and Thursday is for steak! And bartender, Holly Lane, and John Flynn add to the Thursday ambiance with live music. Café Azafran is located at 18 Baltimore Avenue. For more information see their website or call 302-227-8100 for reservations.
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The Coffee Mill
Celebrating its 30th year, The Coffee Mill is the oldest coffee house in the Rehoboth Beach area--"The Coffee Lovers' Destination" is a Rehoboth Beach tradition! Located at 127 Rehoboth Avenue, Suite B, The Coffee Mill specializes in offering organic fair-trade coffee, whole bean or ground gourmet coffee beans to take home, breakfast, light lunch, an outside sitting area, and a large display of local photography.
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The Lilypad Children’s Boutique
Have you finished your back-to-school shopping? It’s not too late! Be sure to check out The Lilypad Children’s Boutique. Do you have a child who’s not yet school age? Everyone’s favorite organic onesie is back in stock! The Lilypad has the "There's No Place Like Rehoboth Beach" onesie in sizes 3/6m up to size 6t. The Lilypad Children's Boutique offers exciting brands such as: Beaufort Bonnet, Tea, Mayoral, Kissy Kissy, and Copper Pearl, as well as fun toys and fashionable accessories.
The Lilypad Children’s Boutique is located at 149 Rehoboth Avenue in the Village By the Sea Shopping Center, open 10:00am–6:00pm every day except Sunday—hours are 11:00am–4:00pm.
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The Smith Firm, LLC
The Smith Firm prides itself on being accessible to their clients and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in their Rehoboth Beach office, located at 323D Rehoboth Avenue. The firm specializes in commercial and residential real estate, business law, and litigation matters, including personal injury and criminal defense. The attorneys of the firm can meet in any of their offices located in Sussex County—a County with diverse agricultural, business, and development needs that overlap with the diverse legal practice of The Smith Firm. While a young, fresh, and enthusiastic law firm, the Smith Firm has the years of experience to address their clients’ needs. The firm’s attorneys are all Sussex County natives and understand the needs of the county’s communities.
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Bad Hair Day?
Pamper yourself right in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach at Bad Hair Day?—Delaware’s first and only Aveda Lifestyle Salon, Spa, & Barber! Opened in 1993 by Dover native and owner Lewis Drexel Davidson, Bad Hair Day? is one of the city’s most iconic businesses. An outstanding staff of over 50 highly trained professionals guarantees every customer a relaxing and rewarding experience. At this award-winning spa, treat yourself to manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and full-service waxing. Generations of area residents and beach visitors will attest that Bad Hair Day? consistently succeeds in its mission to provide guests with a first-class experience of customer service in a fun, friendly, affordable, and upbeat atmosphere!
Open six days a week year-round, getting an appointment is a snap. Bad Hair Day? is conveniently located at 20 Lake Avenue. Simply dial 302-227-HAIR (4247) to schedule your visit.
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Aqua Bar and Grill
Aqua Bar and Grill, 57 Baltimore Avenue, is a seasonal restaurant open from April to January that features a beautiful, pet-friendly deck and delicious, creative cocktails and food—including a vegetarian dish. Aqua, open for over 17 years, was acquired by The Pines owners Tyler Townsend and Bob Suppies, with partner Kevin McDuffie, in 2019. According to Bob, "The energy from the people who visit Aqua makes it so fun—the ability to sit on our deck, with a view of the iconic Rehoboth Beach tower, creates a fabulous and unique outdoor experience in Rehoboth Beach."
Aqua also sponsors amazing events ranging from Taco Tuesdays, to Sunday Sweat with SoulFire Collective, to the annual CAMP Rehoboth Battle of the Bachelors. Spend some time on Aqua's outdoor deck on a summer evening, enjoy a cocktail, and create memories with your friends and family. For more information visit https://aquarehoboth.com/index.html.
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Ocean Gallery
Ocean Gallery & More, located at 26 Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, has been in business for over 36 years. The other location in Ocean City MD is over 57 years! The art gallery has vintage jewelry, handmade local art, reclaimed antiques, local soaps, local candles, home and garden items, collectibles, nautical furniture, gifts, and much more. The Rehoboth location is open year-round! Ocean Gallery is associated with Unique Finds in Lewes, 1152 Savannah Rd. Please mention the RBMS newsletter and get 10% off your purchase. Visit the Ocean Gallery website and Facebook page.
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RBMS Comes to the Aid of the Tideline Gallery
The Tideline Gallery is an art gallery and gift shop in the heart of Rehoboth Beach and a member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. The Gallery is open year-round and has been in business for 38 years. The Gallery can also ship gifts home for you or send a gift to someone in the USA. The Tideline Gallery features local artists and craftspeople and well as nationally known craftspeople.
Recently, a summer storm destroyed the Gallery’s sign. Rehoboth Beach Main Street wanted to show their support and presented owners Bill and Barbara Hammond with a check to help pay for the replacement sign. RBMS Board Member Cindy Lovett presented the check to the Hammonds.
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Rehoboth in Bloom
Rehoboth in Bloom continues to grow! Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s spring Jersey Barrier and Pedestrian Planter fundraising initiative has yielded a bonus for Rehoboth in Bloom!! In late October the group will take over the 35 EarthPlanters distributed among the jersey barriers. Many of these planters will be distributed through the second block of Rehoboth Avenue and fill in spots on the first block of Baltimore and Wilmington Avenues. Our two wonderful new Pedestrian Planter teams will move with the relocated planters. However, we will be looking for about 7 new volunteers for spring 2022. Would you like to join this awesome group of friendly, fun, engaged folks? Contact Cindy Lovett at info@pdlovett.com
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Recognizing Our Volunteers:
Jerry Filbin
Jerry Filbin joined the RBMS Board in 2020 as the Organization Committee Co-Chair and Board Secretary. Since then, he’s been busy with a variety of efforts, most prominently building a grant-writing process that has been very successful in 2021, particularly helping RBMS find support for the sidewalk dining and retail effort during COVID-19. Jerry wrote four proposals that received funding to reimburse the City for its costs for sidewalk barriers. In his role on the Organization Committee, he also helped spin off the new Communications Committee, which has developed this newsletter and oversees our press and social media. Jerry retired to the Rehoboth Beach area in 2015 after 23 years with the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington DC where he worked on supporting community-based environmental protection, ecological risk assessment guidelines, regulatory innovations that help to make environmental compliance easier for small businesses and, finally, climate change adaptation. These days, Jerry also has been supporting a local Senior Greyhound Adoption organization as a doggie-foster, and he also works part-time for CAMP Rehoboth as an HIV Testing Counselor, working primarily in western Sussex County. Jerry is a native of the New England coast (Boston) but has lived in 10 states over the years (including DC) and is now very happy to call Rehoboth Beach home. We are indebted to Jerry for his work with RBMS and other organizations to make Coastal Delaware a vibrant place in which to live and vacation.
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Payments on HELP Loans Deferred until at Least December 1
The Delaware Division of Small Business has once again deferred loan payments for the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP). HELP loan recipients are not required to make a payment on an outstanding HELP loan until at least December 1, 2021.
The Division of Small Business will continue to communicate as that date approaches to let loan recipients know when payments will begin. The Division of Small Business is not accepting payments at this time; please do not send payments for your loan until instructed to do so.
If you have any questions, please visit the Division of Small Business website at delbiz.com or call the main office at 302-739-4271.
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Our Rehoboth Beach Community & DHA: A Match Made in Doggy Heaven
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, offers so many amazing, unique experiences—from the beautiful beach, to the ocean-front bandstand that features free music concerts, to the fabulous local retail stores, to the restaurants that offer everything from delicious ice cream and fries, to restaurants that offer nationally recognized high-end dining. But what many don't know: Rehoboth Beach is also an incredibly pet-friendly town. Many restaurants offer pet-friendly outdoor patios, where canine buddies can dine with their people in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. In addition, Rehoboth has two pet stores that each offer unique treats and toys for your furry BFF, and Rehoboth boasts the first doggy ice cream store in the area.
In addition to the pet-friendly amenities in the City of Rehoboth Beach, Rehoboth Beach also is home to the Delaware Humane Association's (DHA) Rehoboth Beach adoption center, located in the Midway Plaza at 18675 Coastal Highway. DHA Rehoboth Beach is an animal adoption and resource center that allows individuals and families to adopt cats and dogs. Prior to adoption, DHA completes a full veterinary exam by their medical team in Wilmington, administers age-appropriate vaccinations, and makes sure the adoptee is spayed/neutered. The center also offers other services such as low-cost vaccination clinics, a free pet food pantry, and dog license sales, and boasts a plethora of animal enrichment resources.
The DHA Rehoboth Beach Center originally opened its doors in 2017 and earlier this year completed a transformative, state-of-the-art renovation. To help celebrate the new renovation, DHA is holding a Grand Reopening Event open to the public on Tuesday, September 14, from 5:30–7:30pm. Old and new friends alike are invited to attend the event and enjoy light snacks, beverages, live music, gift basket raffles, full center tours, and of course…plenty of furry friends who can’t wait to meet you!
In exciting news, the DHA Rehoboth Beach Adoption Center Grand Reopening Event is being applauded by pet lovers near and far as well as Rehoboth Beach Main Street and many of the Rehoboth Beach pet-friendly establishments. Rehoboth Beach restaurants and retail stores are donating gift certificates and other pet-related contributions, which will be auctioned at the September 14 event. As of the date of this publication, the following Rehoboth Beach establishments have donated in support of DHA: Aqua Bar and Grill; Browseabout Books; Coho's Market and Grill; Critter Beach; DogFish Head; Lori's Cafe; Port 251; Pet Wants; Somewhere; Salty Paws; The Coffee Mill; The Mill Creamery; and The Pines. If you still want to contribute, please send a note to Lisa Schlosser at lschlosser@gmail.com.
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Sun Festival
If you are looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend be sure to check out Camp Rehoboth’s Weeklong Sun Festival fundraiser. Completely reimagined for 2021 into a week-long celebration running from August 29 to September 5 in support of CAMP Rehoboth's health, wellness, arts, and advocacy programs. The fun begins on Sunday August 29th with the annual Sun Festival 5K Biathlon & 1m walk-racing event. The race will kick things off at 8:00am at the bandstand on the boardwalk. The Sun Festival on-line Auction will open at noon and remain open until 11:30pm on September 4, and the Aqua Grill will host a Sun Festival Tea Dance from 5:00–8:00pm. Then, on Monday August 30th Iron Hill Brewery will host a give-back event from 5:00–9:00pm with a special performance by the band “OFF 24.” On Tuesday, August 31, 24 teams will compete for the GOLD in a Corn Hole Tournament & Party at the Little League Fields on Holland Glade Road. Grounds open at 6:00pm, with the tournament beginning at 6:30pm. On Wednesday, September 1, Diego’s will host a Retro Disco–Studio 54 Tea Dance & dress-up party with DJ Harrison from 6:30-9:00pm. On Thursday, September 2, Port 251 will host a Women’s Dance event. On Friday, September 3, The Skivvies will perform at the Convention Center, with special guests Randy Harrison of Queer as Folk fame and Diana Huey, who played Ariel in the national tour of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and was Kim in Miss Saigon. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 7:30pm.
Finally, on September 4, Dreamgirl Jennifer Holiday will close out the week's festivities at the Convention Center. Doors open at 6:30pm with the show beginning at 7:30. Note that masks will be required for the two events at the Convention Center.
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Save the Date
Note: As we were preparing this issue of the newsletter, masking requirements for indoor events in Rehoboth Beach were changing. Check the webpages of the events listed below to find out if they are taking place or if the venue has changed.
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Beach Goes Red, White and Blue
September 4, 11:00am–3:30pm
Bandstand area in downtown Rehoboth Beach
The Rehoboth Beach–Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, USO Delaware, and Delaware's First Responders invite you to join them for the 5th Annual Beach Goes Red, White & Blue Service Recognition Day. Join them as we salute police officers, firefighters, paramedics, our military, and all those who serve! Free musical entertainment at the Rehoboth Bandstand, demonstrations and displays by USO Delaware and local, county, & state first responders, retro & historical displays by Fort Miles and other groups.
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Clear Space Theatre
Our Town
September 16–26, 7:00pm
Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Avenue
Hailed as the greatest play ever written, this story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: "Daily Life," "Love and Marriage," and "Death and Eternity." Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, OUR TOWN depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die. Join us as Clear Space collaborates with the Rehoboth Beach Museum to incorporate Rehoboth Beach’s history, making it truly “our town.” For tickets and schedule of performances: Tickets » Clear Space Theatre.
In order to provide the safest seating possible for our patrons, Clear Space is selling tables only. Four-person and two-person tables are available. Seating is limited to 100 people instead of the normal 192. Face masks are still requested. No food or drink is allowed inside the theatre.
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RBHA Annual Fall Picnic
Sunday, September 19, 2021, 11:30am–3:00pm
Grove Park
The RBHA Annual Fall Picnic will again be held under the beautiful tall trees at Grove Park. An assortment of sandwiches and side dishes will be offered, all skillfully prepared by one of our own local restaurants. The RBHA picnic is always open to everyone, and it is a great time to meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends. Please plan to come and bring your entire family!
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The Ball Is Back!
Friday, September 24, 7:00–11:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
The 2021 Blue Jean Ball presented by Hertrich Toyota of Milford is back! Sponsorships are now available, and individual tickets will be on sale soon.
The overarching theme for this year’s event is FUN! We can all use a little fun these days. At the Blue Jean Ball you will enjoy a delicious and fun welcome drink and open wine and beer bars courtesy of our friends at NKS Distributors, as well as an available souvenir glass filled with a signature drink featuring Western Son vodka. Try out the photo booth packed with fun & funny props and try your luck at one of the exciting games: The popular wine ring toss, the Duck Pond, and many more. A ticket auction is planned for this year in place of the silent auction, as well as a live auction that will feature a signature item: a 4-digit black porcelain license plate. Enjoy food from some fantastic local restaurants, including Touch of Italy, Raas, Bethany Blues, D&H BBQ, Grain on the Rocks, Bramble & Brine at the Buttery, Old World Bakery, and more! Then dance the night away to this year’s house band, The Glass Onion!
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Rehoboth Beach Cottage and Town Awards
Nominations Due September 27
Nominations are open for the Rehoboth Beach Main Street 2021 Cottage and Town Awards. The awards recognize residential and commercial property owners who contribute to the “charm and beauty and history of Rehoboth Beach through architectural and landscape architectural renovation, restoration, and preservation.” Submissions are due by 5:00pm, September 27. Winners will be notified on October 7.
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CAMP Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth Block Party
October 10, 11:00am–4:00pm
Baltimore Avenue
Don't Miss the Baltimore Avenue Fun at the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party! The Block Party is a tremendous way to reach a broad and diverse group of attendees, while supporting CAMP Rehoboth, so sign up fast. For additional information and vendor signup, go to CAMP Rehoboth Block Party | CAMP Rehoboth.
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31st Annual Sea Witch® Festival
October 29–31, 2021
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A Postponement & Cancellations |
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Polka Motion
September 14–17, 2022, 5:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Note: Polka Motion’s September 2021 event has been postponed to 2022. Next year you can enjoy the best in live polka music by the nation’s top polka banks, authentic Polish food, and all your favorite libations in the air-conditioned Convention Center. Go to www.polkamotion.com for more information.
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Rehoboth Beach Museum “Piping Out” Event
Due to concerns about surge in COVID cases, the "Piping Out" event scheduled for September 6 has been cancelled.
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Oktoberfest
The RBMS and the Canalside Inn are cancelling Oktoberfest, which was scheduled for September 25 in the Convention Center. In consideration of the continued surge in cases and increase in hospitalizations due to the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 and to safeguard against likely future variants, RBMS and the Canalside Inn have determined that in the interest of public health and safety concerns we needed to cancel the event. We hope to have this event in 2022!
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Rehoboth Beach Contracts for Planning Services
The City of Rehoboth Beach has contracted with Thomas West, AICP, of Greener Planning, LLC, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to provide planning services to the city and Planning Commission. West will provide planning services for the city for up to 16 hours per week through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2022. This is the first time that the City of Rehoboth Beach has contracted with a planner to provide long-term services.
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Community Service Opportunities in Rehoboth Beach
The City of Rehoboth Beach invites residents to apply to serve on one of the city’s boards, commissions, or committees. The mayor plans to present recommendations for appointments and reappointments, for terms of 1-3 years, for the Board of Commissioners’ consideration at its September 8 workshop.
Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for appointment next month, applications are due by September 1. City residents may apply online at cityofrehoboth.com/committee-application; some committees also are open to area residents who live outside the City of Rehoboth Beach limits. Membership criteria and meeting information also are posted on the webpage.
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Rehoboth Reflections Competition
Rehoboth Reflections is a new, annual photo competition hosted by the City of Rehoboth Beach. The competition, open to amateur and professional photographers, provides an opportunity to share images that demonstrate the diversity, beauty, and vibrancy of the Rehoboth Beach—in all seasons. Ideally, photos will have been taken within the last two years within Rehoboth Beach city limits; entries may include nearby local amenities (such as the Junction & Breakwater Trail), but should not clearly represent another community. Because winning photographs will be used in the city’s annual printed calendar, participants are encouraged to share photos from all seasons. Submission deadline is September 14.
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Wilmington/Baltimore Avenue Streetscape
The Wilmington/Baltimore Avenue Streetscape Task Force will hold a public workshop meeting on Wednesday, September 29th from 9:00am12:00pm. All stakeholders are invited to attend, and comment cards will be provided for input. More information will be forthcoming.
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Editor’s Note
Rehoboth Beach Main Street has created a Communications Committee. This committee's purpose is to "Serve as the focal point for communicating RBMS accomplishments, partnerships, and direction, while promoting our membership and the City to both local and regional audiences." In addition to developing and disseminating the RBMS newsletter, the committee's responsibilities include oversight for social media and press releases. The chair of the Communications Committee is Peter Pizzolongo, who is also the editor of the RBMS newsletter. Committee members are volunteers Jerry Filbin, James Mease, Peter Beck, and Lisa Schlosser, and the RBMS Social Media Consultant, Donald Graverick.
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