CAMP Connect

I know that spring is still six weeks away by the calendar but Punxsutawney Phil did fail to see his shadow this Groundhog Day. So, according to the myth, spring should be here earlier this year. There is further evidence of an early spring in that the daffodils are up and in bud—although firmly frozen in place. Okay, it may be wishful thinking on my part! I certainly am looking forward to spring after all this particularly cold weather recently.

I am not alone in my quest for spring as evidenced by the changes that merchants have made around town. A number of shops and restaurants that are closed for a few weeks or for part of the week during the winter have been seen doing their spring cleaning and painting. Others have moved to new locations or opened new businesses. Others have their signs up announcing their opening dates for the 2007 season. (People that don't live in a resort town simply don't understand how we mark the seasons here.)

Just a few short years ago, people would complain that there was nothing happening in Rehoboth Beach in the winter. You don't have to look any further than CAMPshots in this issue to see that there has been plenty going on this year. The Community Unity Dinner was a huge success and one of my favorite events in Rehoboth Beach. It really is a snapshot of the best of our community coming together—food, friends and family with lots of holiday spirit thrown in. The Starburst Gayla had a record crowd again this year. The positive energy and spirit in the room coupled with a great DJ had the dance floor full. Two of our male friends who attended and said what a great time they had, couldn't understand why there were not more men in attendance. Maybe next year it will be different, as the word spreads.

Before the winter ends, consider joining your friends and neighbors at a few of the upcoming events. February 10th you have a choice of Masked Marvels and Wondertales brought to you by the Henlopen Theater Project or Bingo-A-Go-Go: Hot and Bothered at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. On February 14, there is a Black Valentine program at CAMP Rehoboth and on Sunday afternoon, February 25 you can play Texas Hold-em at the Atlantic Sands Hotel to benefit CHEER, Sussex County Senior Services.

It may be a bit more difficult to connect with the community in the winter, when we don't easily run into friends and neighbors on the beach or the boardwalk, but it is worth the effort. Make the effort to attend a community event or visit your favorite restaurant. Connecting with others will boost your spirits. It could even make you feel warmer!

Founders' Circle

The Founders' Circle remains active with a number of members upgrading their pledges. While the Founders' Circle is closed to new memberships, many members have chosen to add to or upgrade their own memberships. The result is that our current totals stand at $1,304,699.17 pledged with $996,302.37 of those pledges being fulfilled. I predict that we will reach $1 million contributed before spring. This is really an incredible community! We are humbled by the generosity and devotion of our members. The board of directors and the staff join me in thanking you for all that you do.

Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE