September is usually the time of year when those of us who live and work
at the beach year-round can finally relax a bit from the frantic pace of
the summer season. This year is a little different for us, however, as we
are only days away from the construction start date for the new wing of
the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Though the construction is costing
more that we had anticipated we’re excited to be moving ahead and
excited about the new campaigns—both long and short term—we’re
launching this fall. On page 6 Murray writes about those new campaigns and
our passionate belief that the new building will be a big step forward for
all of us, and will make a tremendous difference in the Community Center’s
ability to meet the needs of the community it serves.
The beautiful weather on Labor Day weekend was a perfect backdrop for
the very busy last few days of the summer season. From Sundance to Drag
Volleyball the crowds were out and ready for fun. Judging by the huge
crowd still dancing at 2 a.m. when the Sundance ended, and their good
spirits, I would guess that a good time—no a great time—was had by
all.
All those Sundancers, as well as our many sponsors, supporters, hosts,
Auction Donors, Team Captains, Technicians, and Volunteers, helped
Sundance to clear over $150,000 this year for CAMP Rehoboth and Sussex
County AIDS Council. On pages 10-12 there is a list of all those who
contributed money, time, talent and auction items to make this year’s
20th anniversary event a success. I’m always amazed at the size of that
list, and our very grateful thanks goes out to everyone on it. Sundance
couldn’t happen without them. I wish there was a way to document the
entire Sundance experience. The individual stories of each person’s
involvement are fascinating and moving. Murray and I are always honored
and humbled by the deep commitment that is given to this event and to the
organizations it serves.
Almost everyone who has spent time in Rehoboth during the month of
September will remember that once a year the town is suddenly full of
antique cars. From September 20-23 the Straight Eights (it has to do with
cylinders, I understand) Gay and Lesbian Car Club from the Baltimore/DC
region of Lambda Car Club International will be in town for their Beach
Ball Invitational Weekend. The highlight of the weekend is the Collector
and Vintage Car Show at Grove Park on Saturday, September 22 from noon
until 3 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. For more about the
weekend’s events and the Straight Eights, see CAMP Profile in this
issue.
With Rehoboth’s rumor mill always in high gear, there’s no way this
is breaking news, but we were all very excited when Christopher Peterson
and Allison Morelle from the Atlantic Sands, stopped by CAMP Rehoboth to
tell us that they had successfully negotiated for the return of another
season of Christopher’s extremely popular Eyecons show at the Atlantic
Sands Hotel. Equally thrilling, for us, Christopher will be returning to
the Atlantic Sands the weekend of December 14-16 for a very special
Christmas Eyecons show. The Christmas show will star many of Christopher’s
characters in an all new show featuring—you guessed it—Christmas
music. Don’t miss it.
Everyone who stops by CAMP Rehoboth knows our administrator Kathy Weir.
Her beautiful laugh and welcoming voice is quite often the first thing
newcomers hear when they come to CAMP Rehoboth. Many of you also know that
Kathy’s father has been very ill, so we wanted you to know that as we
finished cleaning up after Sundance and started preparing for this issue
of Letters, word arrived that Kathy’s father had passed away. I know
Kathy would want us to thank all of you who have expressed concern and
sympathy for her and her family in this difficult time.
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