November 12th, 2013
The Village Improvement Association, VIA, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, The 8th St. Nicholas Tea, Sleigh Boutique, Fundraising, Event, Wine Tasting, Friday, November 22nd, The VIA Meets the Needs of the Local Community…Charity, Scholarships, Service
The Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach is best known as the VIA. I was telling Carolyn Billingsley, the current President of the VIA, who is also my neighbor, how I had taken a fun history tour of Rehoboth Beach through the Rehoboth Beach Museum and our guide was telling the visitors that you do not get to do anything in Rehoboth Beach unless the VIA approves it. She laughed and said “I would not put it that way.” Haha, I did laugh because this association of only women has done for Rehoboth so much since 1909 when it was first organized and continues to remain dedicated to their mission of supporting the needs of the local community. It is a 501(c)3 non profit organization, and a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
In the past 100 years of service to the Rehoboth Beach community, some of the many VIA’s accomplishments are: The establishment of the Rehoboth Beach Library, provided parks with shrubbery, flowers, trees, provided Boardwalk with lights, benches, water fountain, original bandstand, and refuse cans, began a successful mosquito campaign, restored Cape Henlopen Lighthouse replica, helped with the formation of the Rehoboth Art League and Sussex Gardeners Club, spearheaded war bond drive to buy a bomber for the Air Force, established nursing scholarships, purchased beach wheels to provide beach access to the disabled. The VIA also contributes to many charities in our coastal communities. For more information, please visit http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org/accomplishments.
The VIA is located at Boardwalk & Grenoble Street, north of the Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-1631. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org. On Facebook and Twitter, as well. On Friday, 11/8 and Saturday, 11/9, the VIA was celebrating the holidays with their 8th Annual St. Nicholas Tea & Sleigh Boutique. It was the perfect opportunity to get into the Holiday Spirit, shop a little and eat a lot. On both days, the VIA, with the cooperation of so many of its volunteers, became the perfect hostess as it offered twice each day, the St Nicholas Tea and Sleigh Boutique. A lot of work comes into preparing this grand fundraising event. Looking effortless, to say the least….it was my first time, and a beautiful day in Rehoboth Beach.
Arriving at the VIA with Carolyn, we were directed to our table. It was a sold out event and the tables were assigned and beautifully decorated by members who displayed their own personal china and touch to make the tables festive and ready for tea.
The holidays are around the corner and the Sleigh Boutique offered something for everyone with many of Rehoboth Beach local artists making a presence at the St. Nicholas Tea. Baskets, jewelry, handmade note cards, home accessories were there for easy shopping.
It was time to sit down, relax and enjoy tea. The shopping would continue later on.
The servers were being instructed. There are about 220 members and these servers were all VIA members, as well.
The guests started with a choice of tea, cider or water and Blueberry Scones with Lemond Curd. Please remember that all the food was prepared by the VIA members.
Savories like the classic Cucumber Sandwich, the Chicken Salad on mini croissant, Ham and Swiss Palmiers, Canberry Feta Pinwheels, and Mushroom Tarts were just delicious.
While continuing the tea and friendly chat….Santa came in…we were all behaving.
Sweet Endings with “Melt in Mouth” Cookies, Three Chocolate Cake, Apricot dipped in chocolate, and Decorated Pretzel Rods.
Please note that the recipes for the Chicken Salad, Melt in Mouth Cookies, and Three Chocolate Cake can be found in the V.I.A. Cookbook, which is now in its third printing and available, locally, at bookstores. You may also order the cookbook by visiting the VIA’s website above mentioned. Scroll down and click on the order form.
Some continued to shop, there was still plenty to see.
NOTE: Friday, November 22nd is the VIA Wine Tasting by Teller Wines, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse on 415 N Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach!! 6 Premium Wine Tastings with Food by Touch of Italy. $20.00…please RSVP to 302-227-1631…Door Prizes!
Then, it was time to go….the VIA was getting ready for another tea and shopping experience!! Have a good one!! And, many thanks to Carolyn for inviting me to such great event.
Tags: Coastal Delaware, DE Beaches, Delaware Beaches, Events, Fundraising Event, rehoboth beach, Sleigh Boutique at the VIA, Sussex County, The 8th St. Nicholas Tea, The Second Season in Rehoboth Beach, The VIA, The Village Improvement Association, The Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach, VIA, Visit Southern Delaware, Visiting Rehoboth Beach, What to do at the beaches, Wine Tasting Event
Gloria,
What a wonderful writeup!! You covered it perfectly! We really appreciate your comments!
Thank you!
Kathy
It was so nice and the perfect time for the Holiday Spirit to make a presence in my life.