Does anyone know what happened to 1997? (Maybe I should say, does anyone know whats happened to the nineties?) Oh, I know weve still got another month to go, but the way things are going the new year will be here before you can say "Jingle Bell Rock!"
This issue is the last one of the 1997 season. As I look back through this years issues I am reminded of just why the time passes so swiftly. Their pages are full of bits and pieces of our lives, the good and the bad, the hopeful and the sad. I see great triumph and horrible tragedy, I see great joy and deep sorrow and all points in between, but most of all I see a community in progress. I see a community struggling to create a good and positive life. Murray is always talking about how Rehoboth is a crossroadsa meeting place. Hes right, it is, and from where I sit in this little crossroads the view is very nicenot perfect, but were working on it. From the great highs of raising $114,000 at SUNDANCE 97, to the sad loss of beloved friends, it has been another year of "life in CAMP."
Speaking of the loss of friends it was, indeed, with great sadness that we heard of the death of Dennis Ruppert from cancer on October 20, 1997. For a number of years Dennis was a part of our lives at the Surfside Diner and Westside Caf. He will be missed by all of us who worked with him during those years.
Monday, December 1, is World AIDS Day. In Rehoboth, the observance will again center around the candlelight walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope at Epworth Methodist Church on Baltimore Avenue. For information and details on World AIDS Day, see page 6 of this issue. Also, a quick word of thanks to all who have worked to raise money for the Michael Brossette Fund, especially Jonathan, Gina & Jeff of Fusion, for their special dinner; Kevin McAffee, for hosting an event at his beach house, and Tom Miglino, for all the graphics work he has done. Dont forget that at 10 p.m., Saturday, November 29, Kennie Russell and Company can be seen in a performance to benefit the Michael Brossette Fund at Cloud 9. The fund has been established to help bridge the gap for PWAs not eligible for financial assistance.
While Im on the subject, a friend of mine suggested that there is a need in Rehoboth for a social groupnot a support group for those who are HIV positive. I told him that I would try to find out if there is an interest among CAMP readers. If you are interested in taking part in such a group, give me a call (or fax or e-mail us) at CAMP Rehoboth. With the winter coming on, now is a good time to make some plans to fill some of those long, cold evenings.
Not to be a pessimist but thats whats cominglong, cold evenings, so get out the VCR and the popcorn, light a fire, grab a few good books, or a few good friends, a warm body, or all of the above. Just because this is the last issue until February doesnt mean the CAMP Rehoboth office is closed, so keep in touch. By the way, dont forget about our web site. When the snow is falling and your toes are cold, snuggle up to your computer and relive a few of those hot summer days. The stats from our new server show that we are getting over 600 hits a day from all over the country. We are fast becoming "The Link to the beach."
Finally, to all of you who helped to make the 1997 season at CAMP Rehoboth and LETTERS a success, I say thank you. And to all a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Joyous New Year. See you Valentines Day.
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11/21/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.