CAMP Connect

They’re back! This Memorial Day weekend, summer folk, tourists, weekenders and year-round residents were all present and accounted for by my observations. And they were having a great time! Whether you were on the beach, in a restaurant, on the street or shopping, there was a tremendous feeling of reconnecting. You just couldn’t miss seeing all the hugs, kisses and hearing the shouted greetings as the community got reacquainted. If you listened for a minute, almost anywhere you happened to be, the talk and excitement was of the parties or get-togethers that would be happening during the weekend. The community, our family, was celebrating in fine style.

CAMP Rehoboth kicked off the summer of 2006 with our sixth annual HeART of the Community Art Preview. What a great event! The weather was perfect and the back patio provided a shaded venue for refreshments and socializing. The artists present seemed so genuinely interested in each others work. They questioned each other on techniques and changes in style that provoked great conversations. The attendees appeared to enjoy the art and the chance to reconnect with each other in equal measure.

Two of our guests at the art preview were three-year-old twins. They, too, appeared to enjoy greeting friends and honorary relatives (Aunt Kathy, Uncle Steve, etc.) At a point in the evening, a six-foot-four-inch tall (in heels) drag queen dressed in a floor length white gown strolled down Baltimore Avenue and past the twins. One of them looked up at that vision and said in quite a loud voice, "Look! It’s a princess!" It is hard to know who enjoyed that experience more. That brief happening seemed to me to offer a snapshot of some of the best in our community—acceptance and flair!

This Memorial Day weekend, Mary and I did many of the things that we do all year round, dining out, fixing dinner for friends, etc. But, there is just a different spirit and excitement about the start of summer in Rehoboth Beach. I love it!

Founders’ Circle

To support your Rehoboth Beach community, please consider joining the Founders’ Circle Capital Campaign. It is a tangible means of showing your support for our community. Become a stakeholder along with more than 775 of your friends and neighbors. So far, our community has pledged $1,080,140.60 with $832,224.30 of those pledges being fulfilled to date.

If you need something beyond the ordinary host or hostess gift for the many parties and cookouts you will be attending this summer, please consider giving an honorary membership in the Founders’ Circle. You will be making an investment in our community, plus it’s a great tax deduction. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

If you have become a recent member of the Founders’ Circle, upgraded your original pledge, or made your pledge payment, please know that the CAMP Rehoboth board of directors is deeply appreciative.

We would like to hear how you became a member of the Rehoboth Beach family. Whether you just moved here, are a native or something in between, your story may provide entertainment or inspiration for others. We will print a selection of them over the next few months. My e-mail is beth@camprehoboth.com or you can send snail mail to 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.