The Way I See It

As the summer heats up, apparently so do the passions-and not always in the right places. Last week a Rehoboth Beach sergeant and one of the patrolmen stopped by the CAMP office to discuss the continued problem of public sex on private property. Complaints have increased from homeowners on the south end of the boardwalk, tired of late night trespassers in not only their yards but their showers as well. The result of this activity is, of course, that more officers will be needed in the area-not to harass, but to investigate reports of trespassers. A similar problem facing the park police at Gordon’s Pond has already been addressed in these pages this year by Stephen Schilly, Park Operations Administrator of the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. CAMP Rehoboth works to address gay and lesbian sensitivity issues with both the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and the Delaware Park Rangers. We ask them to have respect for us, I hope that all of us can show a little respect for them as well. If you get caught breaking the law, you’ll have to answer for it. It’s always a shame when a few cause problems for the rest. As our CAMPsafe slogan says, “have fun, play smart,” and I might add-take it home.

Last week, another little problem surfaced in the Rehoboth area. Someone claiming to be Brooks Long, owner of Nassau Gallery on Rehoboth Avenue sent CAMP Rehoboth, the Blue Moon, and other Rehoboth establishments a letter that verbally bashed the gay and lesbian community, complaining about gay couples kissing, and so on. Brooks, of course, was as shocked as the rest of us-I was there when he saw the letter for the first time-and took it directly to the police. Nassau Gallery has been a big supporter of the gay and lesbian community in our area, and Brooks’ donations to the Sundance Live Auction bring big bucks every year. Murray and I know from experience what a terrible feeling it is to have someone steal and misuse your name. Don’t fall for this forgery. If you have any knowledge of this impersonator, or have received one of the letters, please call Brooks or the police.

Now that the problems are out of the way, lets talk about love-Love 2002 that is. This summer, Love celebrates its eighth year, and the Love committee is calling it “the ultimate summer dance party.” This year’s event includes not only the main Love dance at the Rehoboth Convention Center, but parties all weekend long, and raises money for Sussex County AIDS Committee (50%), CAMP Rehoboth (30%), The Women’s Project of CAMP Rehoboth (10%), and Rehoboth Beach Main Street (10%). The committee has been working very hard to make this a sensational year for Love. Tickets will go fast, and can be purchased at CAMP Rehoboth or Lambda Rising. For more details about Love 2002 see page 78.

Talking about Love has reminded me how much love there really is in this community. When we set out a dozen years ago to “create a more positive” community, we had no idea that the most powerful creation of all would be our own hearts. Murray and I would like to thank all of you who have worked with and inspired us to keep going.