The start of a new year opens a new page in our stories. A year full of new opportunities, and hopefully some good changes that empower us to make the most of 2025.
Whether it’s fitness, socializing, or regniting an old hobby, there are loads of local spots and organizations that might be just the connection we need to JUMP START our goals…
A “get more exercise” resolution for 2025 might mean earning a new sport like golf or pickleball.
The American Classic Golf Course (ACGC) on Bethpage Lane in Lewes Road is a perfect place to learn the basics of golf. The nine-hole course (behind the ACME) is challenging but not threatening. Coastal magazine has named the club’s pro – Sam Cresta – has been named “Best Golf Pro” in Sussex County two years in a row. Cresta teaches year-round and uses an indoor simulator for lessons when the weather is uncooperative. He also just published a book called. A Lifelong Hobby: How to Play Golf and Why you should.
The Rookery on Broadkill Road in Milton is another excellent choice. Like ACGC, The Rookery is a public course, and both offer league play for those interested.
The Dave Marshall Pickleball and Tennis Center might be the ticket to mastering pickleball, the country’s fastest growing sport. The Center has eight pickleball courts and seven tennis courts. Lessons are available for all levels of play.
The Midway Motion and Fitness Center is about to embark on a major expansion project that will add between 18 to 24 pickleball courts in addition to a second gym, sauna, and a large aerobics room.
Those resolved to support the arts will find many choices. The Rehoboth Art League (RAL) is the oldest and largest organization supporting the visual arts. RAL holds multiple events throughout the year including the summer outdoor art show, the Cottage Tour, artists receptions at the galleries, and the Rehoboth Arts Festival. RAL also offers a full range of classes for those who feel creative.
Other visual arts organizations include the Developing Artist Collaboration, Milton Arts Guild, Millsboro Art League, and Misspllion Art Guild in Milford. These organizations offer classes and also are in need of volunteers.
Are environmental issues important to you? For starters, investigate the Delaware Center for Inland Bays provides opportunities for citizens to actively support the Inland Bays and become engaged in protecting the local watershed. The Sussex Preservation Coalition is comprised of citizens and groups in Sussex County that focus on Preserving and protecting forests, wetlands and natural resources, promoting resiliency and sustainability and creating livable communities for all according to the coalition’s goals. Plenty of similar groups exist locally.
Community beautification organizations include the Milton Garden Club, Rehoboth in Bloom and Lewes in Bloom. These groups all focus on improving the look of local communities via plants and flowers.
Kelly’s Tote bags is a volunteer group that retrieves and recycles feed bags for horses, dogs, chickens, and other animals and group members sew them into shopping bags for general use. The group sells the bags at local craft shows and distributes the proceeds to a variety of charities. They always can use sewers. Contact Gail at gvgrich@gmail.com for details.
Looking for ways to get out of town for a change? ravel enthusiasts have more than senior center options for trips. The Delmarva Travel Club (DTC) offers selected trips that are easy to book because it acts as an intermediary between a travel agent and club members. also organizes monthly dinner/presentation gatherings at local restaurants. The club enables local travel enthusiasts to mingle in a casual but welcoming setting.
The Club is not associated with a specific travel agency. There is no membership fee. Retired professor Susanne Fox just enjoys opening the world to those who want to experience it.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
