In Brief

Delaware’s HIV/STD/Family Planning Conference was an annual tradition for 15 years that brought together medical professionals, service providers and community members to learn about the most relevant and urgent HIV/AIDS issues facing Delawareans. The Consortium would like to thank all planning committee members and looks forward to sharing greater success with events planned for 2004.

Meet Author Sarah Aldridge, Sun., Oct. 19
On Sunday, Oct. 19, from 4-5:30 p.m. CAMP Rehoboth will celebrate the latest publication by literary icon and hometown author Anyda Marchant. Marchant, who has written lesbian literary works for over 30 years under the pen name of Sarah Aldridge, has just released her 14th novel, O, Mistress Mine.

CAMP Rehoboth will host the author, and her partner of 55 years, Muriel Crawford and invite the public to drop by the CAMP office and meet the couple, celebrate the publication of the book and have the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of O Mistress, Mine.

Set on a university campus, the story skillfully blends an examination of a lesbian relationship with impassioned points of view on some very contemporary social topics. And, it’s the book’s contemporary themes which make this publication event so noteworthy.

Noteworthy, because Marchant, at age 92, has an enthusiasm for writing, and a delight in voicing her very strong opinions that would exhaust a person one-third her age. Her words on "far right" organized religion, same-sex marriage, adoption, abortion and discrimination, in addition to a contemporary love story make this book a great read.

From her professional literary beginnings as a founder of Naiad Press to her current publication house A&M Books, Marchant/Aldridge is a fascinating Rehoboth neighbor.

Writing her novels in long-hand, Anyda relies on Muriel to transcribe them for publication. Working as a team, the women have been navigating the world of writing and publishing for as long as many of Sarah Aldridge’s readers have been alive.

"It’s been a lot of fun," says Muriel of the literary collaboration.

All of the Aldridge books are still available, and Anyda receives letters from readers on a fairly regular basis. "I think people have an emotional response to my books because I write honestly. I have been touched when I get letters from women who see themselves in the fictional characters." Over the years, Anyda has developed a mailing list that reaches all across the United States for fans of her books. A mailing announcing O, Mistress Mine just went out last week and already orders are pouring in.

In addition to the hometown connection of the author, the book’s cover art is by local artist Julie Baxendell. The artist had long been a reader of the Aldridge books and was delighted to be asked to create the cover art for this latest novel. Baxendell conferred with the author on several occasions before coming up with the colorful and evocative painting used for cover art.

The book party will include a short reading, light refreshments and an opportunity to ask questions or just chat with the author.

Plan to join Anyda and Muriel at the CAMP Community Center on Sunday Oct. 19 to raise a toast to the author, learn a little about O, Mistress Mine, and be part of this great literary celebration prior to the national release of the book in bookstores.

Hometown Christmas Parade Calling
The Hometown Christmas Parade Committee, made up of community volunteers, is pleased to announce that the 2003 Hometown Christmas Parade will be held in downtown Rehoboth Beach on Monday evening, Dec. 8.

Now is the time for your group, organization or business to begin making

plans for an eye-catching entry. Calling all groups to march, drive a decorated car, or outdo the competition with a fantastic float!

Set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday Dec. 8,, the parade line-up will begin on the side streets off Bayard Avenue and King Charles Street. The parade will enter town from Second Street, turn East on Rehoboth Avenue, continue to the Boardwalk and then proceed West to the Convention Center.

A truly local tradition, the parade will feature more music, more costumes and more fun than ever, with volunteers from the Fire Department, Police, Public Works and community organizations playing a role in its organization. Dozens of local groups, bands and participants have already volunteered their services.

As usual, the parade entrants will be judged, with prizes being awarded at the Christmas Party immediately following the parade at the Convention Hall. Youngsters will have the chance to chat with Santa and light refreshments will be served. Groups and individuals wanting entry information should call the Hometown Parade voice mail at 302-441-8615.

Donations are being accepted at P.O. Box 878, Rehoboth Beach, DE, 19971.

The Laramie Project to Benefit CAMP
A montage of images—the prairie, cattle ranches, fast-food restaurants, a cement factory, car dealers, the University of Wyoming—reveals the town of Laramie, Wyoming, pop. 26,687. As the town’s police sergeant says, "It’s a good place to live. Good people—lots of space. We’re one of the largest states in the country, and the least populated." Laramie residents take pride in being part of the "gem city of the plains," and appear to believe in the motto "Live and Let Live."

What happens to a town like Laramie when something unexpected, unconscionable and unforgivable rips it apart? What happens to its people when they are thrust into the unrelenting glare of a national media spotlight? And what happens to a community when trust among its own people has been shattered?

This is the story of Laramie, Wyoming as told to the members of The Tectonic Theatre Company in the months following the beating and subsequent death of Matthew Shepard in October of 1998.

On November 22 at 8:00 p.m. this story will be brought to life on the stage of The Little Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, by a group of local actors when The Laramie Project is performed to benefit the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Fund. Director Rebecca Craft has brought together nine actors from throughout Kent and Sussex Counties who will perform the over 60 roles which make up this production. Each role reflects an individual who lived through the Shepard beating and the publicity which surrounded the town of Laramie in the months following the murder. According to Don Gardiner, Rehoboth resident, Coastal Frameshop and Gallery owner, and narrator of The Laramie Project, "This is an important play that needs to be seen."

Members of the company include Gardiner, Dominick Scott from Lewes, Sarah Burton and Teresa Figgs of Georgetown, Trish Herholdt, David Landis and Steve Twilley from Milford, Cassandra Peterson of Milton and Christopher Sampson from Dagsboro. Each brings incredible life to the individuals of Laramie reflected in the script.

Tickets for this production ($15 general admission and $10 for students) are available at CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, or by calling 302-227-5620.

Foundation of Support for Our Children
GLBT parents are wanted! Whether you have a baby or a teenager, bring your whole family and enjoy dinner. Come meet other families with similar interests and help organize fun and educational activities that will bring together the community and build a foundation of support for the children.

Join in the fun Saturday, November 1, at 5:30, at Grotto’s, 36 Rehoboth Ave.