Kenneth Russell Hammerschmidt, 61, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in North Wales, Pennsylvania, Kennie Russell was a vivacious entertainer who performed for more than 35 years. Many of his shows, billed as Kennie Russell and Company, were fundraisers at Cloud 9 in Rehoboth Beach. He was recipient of numerous awards for his fundraising efforts, and was active in many community initiatives, including SCAC and CAMP Rehoboth.

He is survived by his partner of more than 25 years, Brian McCrossen of Rehoboth Beach, and their faithful dog Oscar. He is also survived by his brother, Harry Hammerschmidt, and his sister, Pat Fondi, both of Pennsylvania; and his sister, Nancy DeCarma of Florida.

Kennie was well-known and loved. He will be remembered by many for introducing drag performance to Cloud 9, and continuing that tradition in benefits and charitable events for more than a decade.

He worked in many local restaurants and shops, including the Lighthouse Restaurant in Lewes, Harlow’s in Rehoboth Beach and Magnet Junction in Penny Lane Mall. He and Brian also opened their own business, Talk of the Town, in 1996 in Gingerbread Square.

Funeral services were held Monday, February 19, in Pennysylvania. A celebration of Kennie’s life was hosted by his friends and loved ones on March 4 at Cloud 9.

Donations in memory of Kennie may be sent in care of Brian McCrossen, 503 Fourth St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Bob Hattoy

Bob Hattoy died March 4, 2007 in Sacramento. Bob first rose to prominence in 1992 as the first openly-gay person ever to address the national convention of a political party. Speaking from the podium at the Democratic National Convention in New York City, Bob moved the country by speaking of his diagnosis as an HIV-positive individual.

Hattoy served as a political appointee in both Clinton Administrations. In the first Clinton Administration, Bob Hattoy was reassigned to the Department of the Interior from a prominent position in the White House shortly after he publicly criticized President Clinton for the newly adopted "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue" policy regarding gay members of the military. Continuing his personal friendships with the Clinton family, Hattoy proudly accepted his reassignment and never stopped speaking out on issues important to the GLBT community.