At its luncheon meetings over the past year, NARFE Chapter 1690 Coastal Sussex has hosted an array of speakers discussing topics that impact all federal employees, both active and retired. 

At one meeting, a Blue Cross representative discussed coordination of medical benefits for federal employees. Todd Lawson, Sussex County administrator, talked about the reassessment that will impact every county citizen.

As the chapter takes a break from luncheons during July and August, active federal employees continue their work, and retired employees serve as volunteers to support a variety of causes.

The chapter is ready to assist federal employees who need information or benefit assistance.  Active or retired federal employees living in Coastal Sussex are encouraged to join Chapter 1690.

To learn more, go to narfe.org/membership-who-can-join.

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice Education and Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for its new Paraprofessional Scholarship Program. The alliance will award $500 scholarships to selected Sussex County paraprofessionals who are currently working toward professional educator certification. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, July 15.

To be eligible for a scholarship, the applicant must identify as Black and/or African American, and must have completed some of the required coursework for teacher certification during the 2021-22 academic year. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated commitment to racial justice and equity in education as well as their intention to pursue a teaching career in Sussex County.

The aim of the scholarship program is to promote a more diverse faculty in Sussex County schools. To request an application form or learn more, email sdarj.educmte@gmail.com.

The Delaware Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 1 to 3 p.m., every third Saturday via Zoom. For the July 16 meeting Zoom link, email myelomaemailsue@gmail.com. To learn more, go to myeloma .org/delaware.

The Overfalls Foundation and Groome Church in Lewes will help celebrate the area’s maritime heritage with Songs of the Sea, a free midsummer concert featuring singer/instrumentalist Charlie Zahm and fiddler Tad Marks at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at Lewes Canalfront Park.

The evening will include a pass-the-hat effort to gather donations for Family Promise of Southern Delaware. This nonprofit group unites faith-based and other community groups to help prevent homelessness through financial aid, lodging and hospitality, and stabilization support for families with children in housing distress.

To learn more, go to familypromisesouthernde.org.

Indian Mission United Methodist Church will host Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 16, with the theme of Jonah and the Whale. Bible-based activities include games, arts and crafts, singing and snacks.The rain date is July 23. Indian Mission UMC is at 22701 Indian Mission Road, Harbeson. To learn more, call 410-808-4371.

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an online and in-person service at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 17, with the topic Listening to Others, Listening to Ourselves. To register or access the livestream, go to uussd.org.

The Delaware Money School will offer a free class, Eight Common Estate Planning Mistakes, at 6 p.m., Monday, July 18, at Lewes Public Library with instructors Deirdre O’Shea McCartney, Esq., and Robert Jeter. The class covers common estate-planning mistakes and how to avoid them. It will explore some common myths about estate planning and offer suggestions on how attendees can optimize their financial future and legacy for their own and their loved ones’ benefit. Having written, spoken and taught on the subject many times, the instructors break down a complex subject to understandable layman’s terms. Everyone should be aware of these mistakes and be able to consult with their attorney and financial advisor on a plan for their future to correct them. To register, go to dfli.org. 

The Friends of the Millsboro Public Library book sale will open with a member preview sale from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 18, in the hut next to the library at 217 W State St., Millsboro.

Memberships will be available at the door for $5 for an individual or $10 for a family.

Since the beginning of May, Friends volunteers have been busy handling hundreds of books Sussex Countians have donated so they’re sorted, alphabetized and organized by subject. Patrons may browse favorite authors or hobbies, discover new interests, and perhaps find gifts. Most offerings are bookstore quality and very affordable. Paperbacks will sell for $1 and hardbacks for $2.

The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, July 19 to 22; and concludes with a bag day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday July 23, when shoppers can stuff a bag full of books for $5.

All profits are used to support various library enhancements, especially the children’s summer reading program.

The First State Antique Tractor Club’s regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, at the Greenwood VFW on the corner of Governors Avenue and Mill Street in Greenwood. The annual show committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The club welcomes new members. For details, go to firststateantiquetractorclub.com or contact Maralene Givens, 302-228-2674 or maraleneg1@verizon.net.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Sussex County Chapter 1105, will hold its monthly meeting, optional 50/50 raffle and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, at American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro. All U.S. veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam era are welcome. To learn more, contact Joe at 302-542-3889.

St. George's Chapel will hold an indoor/outdoor yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 23, at 20271 Beaver Dam Road near Harbeson. Rain date is Saturday, July 30. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Light refreshments, breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs and baked goods also will be available for purchase. This event is being sponsored by the St. George's Chapel Men's Group, aka St. George's Dragons. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Ample off-street parking is available in the lot directly across the road from the chapel. For more information, contact Bob Tucker at 302-540-3437.

Second Street Players will hold auditions for its upcoming children's stage show, “The Big Bad Musical,” from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, July 25 and 26, at Riverfront Theater, 2 S.Walnut St., Milford. Prospective cast members must be at least 10 years old. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, demonstrations of light choreography and a vocal presentation. Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of a song that showcases their vocal range. Show dates are Friday to Sunday, Oct. 7 to 9. “The Big Bad Musical” tells a fun, lively courtroom story where the jury of audience members must decide the outcome of the biggest trial ever in the fairy-tale world.

For details, contact Director Tammy Crawford at Tlcrawford70@yahoo.com or 302-359-4097 and go to secondstreetplayers.com.

An in-person voter education forum will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes. The forum is free and open to the public, and intended to help attendees become more informed voters.

Voting rights, reproductive rights, immigration rights, the environment, and smart justice are among the many important issues on the ballot in the upcoming 2022 elections. This forum will feature experts from across the state who will discuss Delaware’s legislative agenda. Other covered topics include the new voting districts in Sussex County and the new voting rules.

The collaborative voter education forum is co-hosted by ACLU of Delaware, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, UU the Vote, League of Women Voters, Delaware Interfaith Power & Light, Votamos and Common Cause Delaware.

Registration is encouraged for in-person attendees and required for Zoom attendees. To register, go to eventbrite.com, search “voter education forum” and select the link for in-person or online attendance. 

Applications for the Sussex Conservation District cover crop cost-share program are being accepted through Friday, July 29.

This program provides farmers with up to $75,000 in cost-share assistance to offset costs associated with planting cover crops.

“Our producers report a significant reduction in input costs after implementing cover crops because they are an effective way to improve soil health,” said Debbie Absher, SCD director of agricultural conservation. “They also recycle nutrients, build organic matter, provide weed suppression and improve water quality. I encourage all farmers to learn more about our programs and services.”

SCD offers a variety of cover crops, and mixes are encouraged. The current cost-share rate for cover crops planted by Saturday, Oct. 1, is $60 per acre, and $50 for those planted by Tuesday, Nov. 15. Fields must be located in Sussex County. Early establishment is encouraged to take advantage of increased funding rates.

For more information about cover crops, the air seeder or how to apply, call 302-856-3990, Ext. 3, email bobbi.heck@de.nacdnet.net or go to sussexconservation.org.

First Millsboro Seventh Day Adventist Church will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 31, in the fellowship hall at 30007 Cordrey Road, Millsboro.

For more information or to make a donation appointment, call 302-841-4606 to give a name, cellphone number or email address and request a time. Registrants will receive confirmation from the American Red Cross.

“First Millsboro SDA Community Service is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Mildred Polk, community service director. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially negative types O, A and B.

The Delaware Art Museum Store and Brevity Bookspace will present the Wilmington Writers Conference from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, online. For a $10 fee, participants can enjoy a morning full of literary goodness from the comfort of their homes. Ethan Joella, author of “A Little Hope” and a University of Delaware professor, will present a keynote speech and lead a writing workshop. The conference will also feature a special workshop session led by Brevity’s Saliym Cooper. To learn more, go to delart.org/event/wilmington-writers-conference-2022.

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.