A strange fax arrived at the CAMP Rehoboth office this week all the way from Alaska. It contained only one word: "HELP!" Who was the facsimile from you might ask? Well, no one knows for sure, but lots of ideas have come to mind. For example, could the fax have been sent by Rehoboths social emperor Chris Riss, suffering from theme-party withdrawal on his Alaskan vacation? Or (and this is the more popular theory) was it simply sent by the good people of Alaska, seeking refuge from a sudden outbreak ofget thissocial coordination? Either way, our favorite publicity hound should be able to shed some truth on the matter when he returns to Rehoboth this weekend. Welcome home, Chris.
If youve been keeping up with Rehoboth politics, then you certainly know about the very special event that occurred two weeks ago outside the Municipal Building. If not, then heres one for your history books: Delawares Governor Carper, at precisely 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, July 12th, signed an amendment to Delawares anti-hate crime bill adding crimes based on sexual orientation. Governor Carper was introduced by Meredith Hunter, President of the Rehoboth chapter of P-FLAG, with the signing being witnessed by a variety of people from throughout the state. In attendance was George Bunting, the Delaware State Senator representing Rehoboth; Bob Frederick, Mayor of Dewey Beach; Delaware ACLU Executive Director Judy Mellen and ACLUs gay and lesbian coordinator Cathy Blough; Publishers of Q. Public, Chris Egan, Vicki Morelli and Dee Duvall; CAMP Rehoboths Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald; and sexy songwriter Doug James.
Later that evening, Peter Rosenstein worked magic at the Blue Moon to raise money for DCs Whitman-Walker Clinic. The kind-hearted donations by the patrons of the Moon helped Peter raise approximately $4,000 during happy hour. Meanwhile, another happy hour had developed across town at 22 William F. Street. A sarong and a flower lei was all you needed to enjoy the tropical paradise concocted by Sandra Skidmore and hula-hussies, Michael Baker, Jim Bost, Mike Buzzelli, Lenny Conrad, John Corona, Steve Doyle, JonJon Godshalk, Barry Goodman, Jeff Hill, Kevin Medwedeff, Hugh Owens, Keith Petrack, Keith Scott, Mike Singer, Tom Saulsbury, and Alan Zaloum. The early evening party packed a real Hawaiian punch with every prop and gimmick imaginable from the giant Mt. William F. volcano to the bare bottoms of the "Boom-a-rang" bartenders. Attempting to go out with a bang, four hula girls (actually, boys in grass skirts) climbed the roof to perform a dance ritual that would awaken the dormant Mt. William F. volcano. Unfortunately, the only activity that came from the large volcano was caused by two old friends who claimed they were just "catching up" behind it.
Once the Hawaiian mist had settled, all of Rehoboth began to prepare for the nights biggest event, the highly anticipated Social Climbers Ball presented by 2 Blackstone (Kurt Marin, Brian Creamer, David Martel, Michael Patterson, Paul Rappaport, Roger Browner, Ron Cochran, Jerry Chavez, Joe Skrzypczak, Duane Creggar, Dan Eckhart, and Rob Cox). If you happened to be "on the list," then you were treated to a gala unlike any other in Rehoboth. The guest list consisted of many of Rehoboths, finest up-and-coming, socially ambitious climb-a-holics; although a few members of the jaded and faded crowd managed to sneak in the back door (you know who you are!). Elaborate shrines were dedicated to several Rehoboth hall-of-famers such as the "A-List Lounge" in honor of ex-Being Scene columnist Dave Parham; "Clipboard Corner" to honor the assiduous Chris Riss; and "Monopoly Madness" to pay tribute to Mark Chaikowski (but you needed a playing piece from the game itself in order to see it). Flying high above the guests were Mike Patterson and Lance Schema who performed a fierce fan-dance duet from the roof of the Blackstone temple while Housemother Brian Creamer oops, I mean Kurt Marin held training sessions on how to organize a beach house. Even Paul Rappaport cashed in on the fun by offering his "101 ways to drink for free"; and some rule about obtaining a LOVE97 magnet. All in all, it was a "fabulash" party!
Last weekend, 213 Rodneys Jim Marshall, Jerry Callahan, John Pittman, David Patrick, Ran Borgersen, John Drewes, Todd Graham, Brian Hecht, Gene Kluesner, Lisa Landsman, Don Mauldin, Tom Palmer, Jeff Shewy, Scott Shumaker, Bruce Weiss, and David Batt kept the Titanic afloat long enough to please 100+ people at their pre-evening Titanic Party. Absent on board this Titanic were women and children, but soon enough, the echoing sounds of the men drew attention from about 15 ladies at the house next door. It didnt take long for a special "girls only" party to materialize on the front lawn of their weekly rental at #211. At the controls of this party was 103 New Castles Debbie Bower, who helped steer the boisterous women to a fun-filled evening at First Streets Plumb Loco.
The second event last Saturday evening was 11 Robinsons Bubble-Bath-House Party. With a little help from the humid weather and over 250 towel-wrapped bodies, Mike Herr and Mike Petrei, Mike Ruch, Scott Campbell, Michael Murtha, Andy Elvin, Kevin Love, Jim Bailey, and Morgan Washburn pulled off the summers "hottest" party yet; a super follow-up to their "Salsa" and "Sauna" parties of previous years. Sultry red lighting, dry ice pumped into the air to simulate steam, and bubble blowers working overtime all made the atmosphere of this party sinfully fun and definitely one of the most unique Rehoboth has seen. Join 11 Robinson next summer when they present the "Wild, Wet, and Wonderful Whirlpool of Whoopee."
After 11 Robinson, the masses headed home for a quick costume change. Then it was off for a quick appearance at Cloud 9, followed by a final rendezvous over at the Renegade to get on the "Peace Train" with Philadelphias Brian Norwood. Needless to say, Brian was wonderful and it was a fun evening, indeed.
This Sunday night is PRIDE 97 at the Renegade. Its not too late to be a sponsor, so call Wayne Hodge at the Renegade, (302) 227-4713. And as a reminder, Murray Archibald will be donating one of his paintings entitled Butterfly III as an item in the PRIDE live auction.
Speaking of Murray (and Steve Elkins), this years SUNDANCE will mark the couples 19th ANNIVERSARY!!! Congratulations to them for 10 successful years of SUNDANCE and, more importantly, on this wonderful upcoming occasion. Lets help them make SUNDANCE 97 the best ever!
At this point, devoted reader, youre scanning the page in a desperate attempt to find out what parties are going on this weekend, arent you? Well, I apologize dearly, but there arent any parties this weekend. This puts me in quite a predicament because it leaves me with nothing to write about. However, if your beach house thinks its swift enough to pull together an impromptu party (you can even call it THE IMPROMPTU PARTY), then bless youyou and your housemates will have given me something to talk about.
Next weekend, however, get your swingin shoes on because 302 Laurels Brian Barber, Jerry Alderfer, Jack Strogus, Tom Peightel, Terry Isner, Mark Liberson, Dean Franclik, Willard Heuser, and Jim H. are turning up the madness with their Martini Madness Party from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday. Expect quirky music and the finest martinis in Delaware served straight from 302 Laurels "La More, La Merrier Lounge."
Looking ahead, it appears that those boisterous belles from Baltimore (208 Rodney) are creating quite a stir with their upcoming August affair. Dont want to spoil the surprise for you, but if you must know now what theyre planning, just look for their black and white checkered flag on the beach. Hopefully, it wont be a "drag."
If youre out and about this weekend, be sure to wish a very warm HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! to poolboy Peter Melchiorre who turns 34 on Tuesday, July 29th.
And finally, take a glance at the adorable guy pictured here on the inflatable sofa. Thats Cloud 9 co-owner Aaron Flamm, enjoying the lush life. When asked how comfortable the sofa really was, Aaron replied, "Its the best thing Ive ever sat on!" Yeah, right, Aaron.
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7/25/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.