Dear Friends, My family and I have teamed up with Bob Ciprietti at Touch of Italy Salumeria & Pasticceria to form the Prudential Gallo, REALTORS – Touch of Italy Foundation. The foundation was created to benefit worthy organizations in our community. Viva Italia - An Evening with Aprile Millo is our first benefit concert and will take place at the new Cape Henlopen High School Theatre on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Millo and assisting artists will delight the senses, while Touch of Italy and Nourish will appease your appetite with a pre-performance supper. Tickets, priced at $100.00 and $130.00, are on sale now and can be purchased on our website at http://www.operaatthebeach.com Proceeds from Viva Italia will benefit these local organizations:

• Cape Henlopen Education Fund (CHEF)
• CAMP Rehoboth Community Center
• Autism Delaware
• Lewes/Rehoboth Rotary Club Scholarships for the Arts

Sponsorships range from $100 to $3000.00 with attractive incentives at each level. For more detailed sponsorship information click here. If you decide to help us sponsor the event, a portion of your contribution will be tax deductible. If you'd like to be a part of this fabulous night, please contact my sister Tricia Ratner at 302-745-4131. I’m confident that the performance will be a sell-out. Hope to see you all there! -Lee Ann

"Lewes Steps Out for Fitness" celebrated the end of summer and the beginning of Fall on Thursday Sept 18th with a large bonfire celebration at the beach. The Lewes Fire Department was on hand to demonstrate their rappelling skills and the event was DJed by Lewes Fire Department Detective John Miller. The great weather drew a large crowd, many of whom stayed well after dark to enjoy the bonfire and comraderie. Lewes Steps Out is a program designed to encourage the citizens of Lewes to get outside and EXERCISE! During the summer months participants are asked to log the amount of exercise they do each week. The total amount is registered at the end of the summer and each participant is given a pin recognizing their accomplishments.

Country Music, Square Dancing and a Buffet Dinner. Enjoy it all at a Fundraiser for Wellness Community of Delaware. The Wellness Community - Delaware provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. For more information, contact Marcia Esposito at 302-645-9150 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For the fifth straight year, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware will once again be the stage for our annual Polka festival, "Polkamotion by the Ocean." Celebrating its 29th consecutive year, Polkamotion takes place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, September 11th through 14th, 2008. This family-friendly festival delivers a variety of "live" Polka bands each day, and has a daily admission charge of $16 for adults, $15 for Seniors. Children under the age of 16 accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Delicious homemade Polish food and a variety of beverages are available each day at affordable prices. For more information visit www.rbpolka.com

Bring your family to watch or bring your dog to compete at the Cape Henlopen State Park on Sunday September 21st. Contests include Agility, Obedience, Dog/Owner Look A Like, Best Kiss, Most Creative Costume, Most Beauty Challenged and Most Adorable Pooch categories. For more information or to register your dog, visit www.crittersforacure.com,

Friday and Sat Sept 19-20th - Elvis Festival at Ruddertowne. Two nights of Elvis Impersonators vying for a $5000 cash prize. Details at www.deweybeachlife.com

Monday September 15th LDAF Beach Classic Golf Tournament at BayWood Greens in Long Neck, DE. A field of 128 Golfers, Scramble Format. Details & registration at www.ldaf.com.

Relive your childhood days at the 3rd Annual Chocolate Tasting event sponsored by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park at the Biden Center in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. When? 1-4pm. Cost? $4 for 5 tastings. For more information call 302-945-8584 or 302-644-4923 or visit www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.

Looking for a little musical excitment at the beach? This is Delmarva's own "South by Southwest". Come listen to great new music from undiscovered pop, rock, rockabilly, alt, etc. at the Dewey Beach Music Conference in Ruddertowne. 150 Bands. No Cover. 21 and up after 9 PM. For more info. go to www.deweybeachfest.com.