Smudge was abandoned on the street with her siblings. At first, she was too brave and too feisty to be adopted. She lived in the Safe House for many months; during this time, she "mothered" other kitties and won our hearts. But, a handsome prince came for this Cinderella. Robert Sessa of Robert Thomas Salon took her home to his castle and changed her name to Darla to go with her new brother, Rascal. Darla is now part of a family.

There are so many more abandoned animals but they are not unwanted. The CAMP community wants them; we just have to parcel them out, one-at-a-time. If you can help, please call Pat at Just Us Rescue Association, 302-245-7666. They need your help.

Libby Stiff
Just Us

Editor’s note: We are continuing to run notices of pets available for adoption. See page 93 for more information.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1970 the percentage of American households fitting the traditional definition of the family as a husband and wife living with their children was only 40%. By 1998 it had dropped to 25%. In 2007 it seems clear that domestic legislation should be based on reality—real households, real people.

Delaware Senate Bill 57 would include straight and gay unmarried couples in Delaware’s domestic violence statute and thus allow the issuance of protective orders. Victims of abusive relationships can bleed and be killed just as easily whether they are married or unmarried.

Delaware Senate Bill 10 would mandate the same insurance and pension benefits for state employees’ straight and gay domestic partners as their married co-workers have for their spouses. This is called equal pay for equal work, something most of us believe in.

I encourage our legislators to do the right thing and pass these reasonable and broadly bipartisan bills and thus value all Delaware families, not just 25% of them. Delawareans wanting to lobby their lawmakers on these bills can find help at www.towardequality.org.

Douglas Marshall-Steele

Delmarva Pride is a new organization serving the lower shore area.

Based out of Salisbury, Maryland, Delmarva Pride tackles the current climate toward gays and lesbians, and shows that things are changing locally for the better.

GLBT people often feel isolation and a lack of support while the mainstream community has a lack of understanding and awareness about gays and the issues they face. This lack of understanding promotes ignorance that creates an atmosphere that includes hate crimes, a high suicide rate, and medical and legal discrimination.

Although Delmarva Pride is primarily a social group for the GLBT population, we strive to promote social connections, garner mainstream community support, and empower GLBT families raising children. Through increased visibility in the community, GLBT people and supportive straight partners will raise the awareness of our perspective of inclusion through community involvement and social activities. Delmarva Pride also promotes information, resources and activities for GLBT families.

E-mails are sent out a few times a month to announce events sponsored by individual group members. From biking to brunch, there is something for everyone. To join the e-list, email micaelatedford@aol.com. Or, for more information, call Carol at 443-435-1427.

Micaela Tedford

On behalf of all the Public Allies, I would like to say thank you for hosting us last week at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. The Allies really enjoyed hearing about the history (and future) of CAMP Rehoboth, as well as all the services you provide the community.

Thanks, also, for the fabulous lunch! We truly appreciate your continued support of our program.

Ali Seiders
Public Allies Delaware