For years, gay and lesbian couples had to identify one partner as the adopting parent while the second parent could not adopt. In 2001, one of our adoptive families challenged the law with the help of the Lambda Defense Fund and numerous Delaware attorneys. In that landmark case, the second parent was allowed to adopt the children his partner had already adopted.

We are looking for families or singles to foster and adopt children from the foster care system. Most of these kids are children of color and we do place transracially. Many are teens and sibling groups. We do not work with families who are interested in fostering or adopting healthy infants (there are other agencies that specialize in these placements) but the more difficult kids who have experienced the trauma of being removed from their biological family and placed in foster care. We also need homes for gay, lesbian, and questioning teens.

Foster and adoptive families need to be Delaware residents able to provide a loving home to kids not born to them. They need to be financially stable, healthy, have adequate housing, and over 21. The children come with a subsidy for room and board and all qualify for Medicaid.

If you are interested in learning more about the possibilities of becoming foster parents, please contact me at Children & Families First by e-mail at Merrijane.Pierce@cffde.org. Or, call CAMP Rehoboth, 302-227-5620, for more information.

Merrijane Pierce, LCSW
Children & Families First

I would like to encourage the readers of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth to support the candidacy of Kathy McGuiness for city commissioner. During my term as a city commissioner I found her to be one of the best. Kathy works hard, is effective, and is always a voice of reason and moderation.

There are three sitting city commissioners that I served with during my term on the board. Kathy McGuiness is the only one who gave unequivocal support concerning my early efforts to have the city send a message to the state Legislative Hall to include "sexual orientation" in statewide anti-discrimination laws.

Kathy’s extensive involvement with the Rehoboth Beach community has given her experience that is unparalleled among the slate of candidates for city commissioner. I endorse her candidacy and ask that you vote for Kathy McGuiness on August 12.

Mark Aguirre

On Sunday, July 2nd I spent the evening with my kids walking around downtown and listening to the music at the new Rehoboth Beach bandstand. Our downtown adventure was followed by a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. No individual did more to make our downtown revitalization possible and bring fireworks back to Rehoboth than Kathy McGuiness. Those of us who know and have worked with Kathy are not surprised that she is often on the forefront of making great things happen for Rehoboth.

Pat Coluzzi has worked hard as a member of the Main Street board to enhance opportunities for our downtown businesses. Pat has also made clear that we need to continue to address issues of growth and development in our residential areas. As an independent business owner, she knows how to balance priorities and make tough decisions. Both of these talented women have the skills necessary to be great leaders for the City of Rehoboth Beach.

Paul Kuhns has announced that he has no opinions about what direction Rehoboth should take. He tells us that his decisions will be guided by taking polls.

We deserve Commissioners who have a vision for Rehoboth Beach and have the leadership ability to implement it. We do not need a candidate who will use polls to justify inaction. Please join me in voting for Kathy McGuiness and Pat Coluzzi on August 12th.

Richard Sargent