This issue of
letters is the first one of the new year, and kicks off the thirteenth
season for CAMP Rehoboth. Thirteen years ago, winters in Rehoboth were a
bit slower than they are today—at least for us—and I sometimes get a
little nostalgic thinking about them. On the other hand, the work of CAMP
Rehoboth is very exciting, and we have an amazing year ahead of us. As I
look over the long list of activities and projects that are a part of life
in the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, I think I can safely promise
something for everyone. There are many ways to get involved—fundraisers
and events like Sundance, Love, Follies 2003, and The Black and White
Beach Ball; programs and projects like the Founders’ Circle, the CAMP
Rehoboth Women’s Project, CAMPsafe, and the Gay Men’s Health Project;
as well as support groups for men, women, transgendered, and young people.
Be sure and check out CAMPdates (page 56) in every issue of Letters, to
keep up with what’s happening around CAMP and in the community.
I mentioned the CAMP Rehoboth Women’s
Project a moment ago, and i must say how exciting it has been to watch the
birth and growth of that committee over the last couple of years. On April
12, the Project will present its Third Annual Women’s Conference on
Financial, Health and Legal Issues. Last year, close to 200 women gathered
to hear Governor Ruth Ann Minner and to participate in the many
fascinating and inspiring workshops being offered. This year promises to
be even better. The weekend includes two shows as well. On Friday,
comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer performs, and on Saturday, don’t miss
Olivia recording artists Barbara Higbie and Teresa Trull. For more
information on the Conference and the performances, see page 13 or call
the CAMP Rehoboth office.
As most of you know by now, the Renegade
Resort is closing its doors after more than twenty years of providing
entertainment and dancing for the Rehoboth Beach area. The first years
Murray and I spent in Rehoboth were in the very early 80s, and we, along
with our housemates, spent many hours there, dancing the night away. On
page 8, Fay Jacobs interviews long time Renegade manager Wayne Hodge, and
says farewell to a Rehoboth institution.
Speaking of Fay Jacobs, have you heard
about the dolphin project yet? As director of Rehoboth Beach Main Street,
Fay has joined forces with the Rehoboth Art League and a host of local
artists to bring the dolphins to the streets of Rehoboth. Chicago had
cows; Baltimore, fish; DC, elephants and donkeys; and now we’ve got the
dolphins. When I say we, I mean that quite literally, because Murray has
one in his studio. It’s not painted yet, however, but it was last seen
wearing a black and white leopard print dress, a blond wig, and pearls.
Murray wanted me to tell Fay that this dolphin thing is a real drag! Just
kidding! Watch for the dolphins around town this spring.
As
we start this new year, I am optimistic that it will continue to be a good
one for CAMP Rehoboth. At the same time, like most of us, I’m a little
apprehensive about the state of the world. The threat of war, a wavering
economy, and the continued threat of terrorism loom in the background for
all of us. Recently, the shuttle exploded 30 miles in the sky over Texas,
further dampening the spirits of a country already a little depressed by
weeks of freezing temperatures and gray skies. None of us knows what
tomorrow will bring, but having a community like this one for support
certainly can’t hurt. I am always amazed by the level of talent and
commitment that makes up our community. In a big world it might seem that
there is not much we can do to make a difference, but I strongly believe
that every act of kindness and grace helps to transform the world in some
small way. Happy Valentine’s Day.
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