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.

May 1st, 2012

What’s Going On?, Rehoboth Beach, Activities, Events, Entertainment, Delaware Beaches

Driving or walking around Rehoboth Beach you will see that is in full bloom.  The gorgeous azaleas are not yet at their peak, but getting there.

If you are in Rehoboth Beach today, well, at the time of this writing the weather does not look that great.  The famous Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is opening its doors today, May 1st.  Rain or Shine!!  From Noon to 4 p.m. the vendors will be there to show off their produce. 

The Farmers’ Market is part of the Rehoboth Beach community, with 100% of the profits going to the farmers.  Baked goods, flowers, chef demos, always on Tuesdays.  You can find the Farmers’ Market by the only roundabout in Rehoboth Beach, behind the Chamber of Commerce.

Check their website, www.rbfarmersmarket.com.  

It will be turning from this,

to this.

Tuesday, May 2nd – Clear Space Theatre Company, located at 20 Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach will be joining forces with Bethany Blues Lews to raise funds for and awareness of the non-profit organization, in support of the performing arts in our community.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, 4/2 from 4 – 7 p.m.

During those hours, patrons who present a coupon provided by Clear Space to their server, will have a portion of their total bill donated directly back to Clear Space.  Members of the Board of Directors will be on hand for the evening, as well as members of the acting company, staff and volunteers to field questions patrons may have about the organization.

Bethany Blues Lewes is located at 183 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1).  To download the coupon, please visit www.clearspacetheatre.org, scroll down to the botton and on the right hand side, and under the heading In the Community, you will see this event.  Just click and download the coupon.

Tuesday, May 2nd – From the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, the next Around the World screening will be taking place.  Around the World features critically acclaimed, international, independent films.  Free to the public.

The screening will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs room at Movies at Midway, located on Coastal Highway.

Before Their Eyes – It is a moving drama about ten-year old Gulistan and her younger brother, Firat, who live happily with their parents in the heart of Turkish Kurdistan.  Suddenly, tragedy strikes when their mother and father are shot down by paramilitary gunmen before their eyes.

Traumatized and orphaned, Gulistan and Firat try to care for the infant sister, but their money soon runs out and they’re forced onto the street.  It is there that Gulistan meets the part-time escort Dilara.  Accompanying her on a hotel call one day, Gulistan is shocked to discover Dilara’s client is the murderer of her parents, and quickly devises a plan for revenge.  Running time is 102 minutes.  Not rated.  In Kurdish with English subtitles.

Until May 6th – Needlework Exhibit at The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum, located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-7310.  Website? www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.  It is a judged exhibit.

On Saturday, May 5th – Residents are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Museum at 2 p.m. for an unusual presentation of vintage wedding clothing.  Mike Connolly, Director of the New Castle Historical Society will present a review of an exhibit titled Tying the Knot – New Castle Nuptials Since 1784. 

Examples from the collection will be on view for the program.  Images from the exhibit that took place in New Castle in 2010 will be shown.  The original exhibit featured 14 wedding dresses dating from 1784 through 1935.  Mr. Connolly will discuss how the exhibit was organized and the challenges in presenting such fragile items.  Regular admission rates apply.  $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students and military, $2 for children ages 13-17.  Members and children 12 and under are free.  There is also a AAA discount. 

Please call 302-227-7310 to register for this event.  Spaces are limited.

Unitl May 27th – The Rehoboth Art League looks gorgeous this time of the year.  It is located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres, in Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-227-8408  Website? www.rehobothartleague.org.

Two exhibits:  Alan B. Tuttle:  For the Sake of Art is located at the Corkran and Tubbs Galleries.

The other exhibit, ORBS is located at The Homestead.

Gallery hours:  Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m.

Friday, May 4th through Sunday, May 6th – Last week-end to see the Designer Show House.  A vintage 1920 Rehoboth Beach Home, decorated by preeminent interior and landscape designers.  It is located at 10 4th St. 

This event is sponsored by The Village Improvement Association, Rehoboth Beach.  For tickets ($25 at the door, $20 in advance), and information, please call 302-227-2598 or 302-227-1466.  Website? www.rehobothbeachvia.org.

Have a great day!!  Talk to you later…