As our Women’s Conference Keynote Speaker, Melanie Mills, spoke about the choices we make to have "flowers or weeds in our garden of life," I looked around the room and thought about what beautiful flowers we have in our Conference garden. In fact, the whole weekend we were in full bloom! It was really too wonderful for words, but let me share a few comments from those who were able to articulate it.

• "Thanks to Andrea and all of the members of the committee for a great Women’s Conference. We had a great weekend and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Suzanne was fun on Friday night, but Saturday was our most enjoyable day. We loved the conference itself. We enjoyed the breakout sessions from the golf, to the party planning, to the tools. Golf teacher Norma has finally inspired us to get out there and learn golf; Chef Marti was fabulous and we hope you invite her back next year; and the tool lady, Lynn, not only was informative, but saved us a good piece of change by telling us how to solve a house problem. So, your conference achieved its purpose with us. AND, Cris, who is our favorite performer, was beyond words. Thanks to you all…keep up the good work and see you next year!" — Helen and Marsha

• "Last weekend’s performances by Suzanne Westenhoefer and Cris Williamson were just great! The staff at CAMP Rehoboth and all the volunteers worked hard to offer entertainment of this caliber. All deserve a great big thank you for a job well done. You really make a difference." — Mary Anne Fleetwood

• "Just wanted to say thanks and congratulations for another great conference! I made a lot of great contacts and it was a huge help being able to put our surveys in the packets. Thanks." — Vicky Morelli, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition

• "The Women’s Conference is such a gift. The volunteers and CAMP Rehoboth staff along with local and national sponsors and vendors with information made possible a unique learning experience for attendees. You were tireless in your efforts to accommodate our every need. After Melanie Mills gave her keynote address, I knew it was going to be a good day. Melanie certainly demonstrated by word and action that one can live a happy and joyful life. Most, if not all, of the workshops were at capacity. I wish there had been time to explore more of them. The topics were timely, informative, meaningful and fun. After speaking to many old and new friends, we all believed that we got the best educational bargain of the year." — Sharon Hansen

• "Congratulations on a wonderful conference. AND thank you so much for allowing us to participate. It was fun, happy and good vibes throughout. Great job!" — Lynne Maloy, Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

• "Thank you so much for having me back as a speaker this year. I enjoyed your great event and praise you for a job well done. Thanks for helping me stay in touch with your work." — Dr. Kim Furtado

It was a fun, empowering and introspective weekend for everyone. Suzanne Westenhoefer, who appeared on Friday evening, once again made us laugh until we cried. The Women’s Conference on Saturday was a sellout. Conference attendees rated the day’s events as excellent overall. Our keynote speaker, Melanie Mills, was a dynamic and powerful motivator. Melanie and the individual workshop topics and presenters also received overall excellent ratings. Press and Policy Assistant to Governor Ruth Ann Minner, Kelli Steele, a surprise speaker at the luncheon, did a wonderful job delivering a message from the Governor who was unable to attend. It was nice to kick back and listen to the soul stirring music of Cris Williamson on Saturday evening. I would be remiss in not thanking Sharon Messina of Dune Tunes for providing a fabulous time for those of you who attended the Cloud 9 parties before and after each evening event.

Many thanks to our generous Conference Weekend Sponsors: AmericInn; Blue Moon; Bud Light; Cloud 9; Dos Locos; Dune Tunes/Sharon Messina; Jackie Goff; Jammin Joe’s; Olivia Tours; Starbucks Coffee Company; Teresa "TC" Cason/RE/MAX Realty Group-DRT; and Wawa. We also wish to thank all of the workshop presenters (we couldn’t have done it without you!), conference vendors, and door and raffle prize donors. We’d like to extend a special thanks to our wonderful group of volunteers who believe in our mission and tirelessly give of their time and energy.

Last, but not least, thank you to all of the attendees who helped us make the Women’s Conference a successful event. The Conference was rated an overall excellent but you also gave us wonderful feedback. You indicated that you wanted workshops on more health issues; insurance; couples survival (part 2); retired lesbians; exercises for the aging; small or home business funding; surviving death of partner; basic home repairs; financial management; computer setup; landscape/gardening; home remodeling; home decorating; networking; more yoga; pet psychic; and spirit. Other comments were: allow more time for workshops; repeat the more popular topics; coffee served all day; healthier food for breakfast; and more water and diet drinks available. Suggestions for keynoter speaker were Dr. Sue Morter or Ceil Chavez. Event suggestions were: golf tournament; tennis tournament; lesbian bingo night; and a dance. We will consider all of your suggestions as we begin to plan for our 2005 conference. CAMP Rehoboth will continue to advocate for the women in our community so that all of us can build healthier and more balanced lives.

Andrea Andrus is the CAMP Rehoboth Development Director. She can be reached by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com or by calling 302-227-5620.