LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
This is the labor day issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and as usual it's the biggest one of the year. Ten years ago when the first issue appeared on the streets of Rehoboth it was only four pagesthis one is 120. Over the years, Letters has been the most visible program of CAMP Rehoboth and has given us a voice within our community. As CAMP Rehoboth grows into a full service Community Center, Letters will continue to be an important part of the pictureproviding support for many programs and projects of CAMP Rehoboth and the community. One of the most exciting new projects growing out of this past year's CAMP Project Advisory Committee, along with the Community Center Project, is the Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth. Over the summer, the Women's Project has developed a vision and mission that will be the creative guide for building its long term programs. On page12, Maggie Shawthe Women's Project Committee Chairprovides an update on the Project, and a little about the vision and mission. It wouldn't be labor day weekend without SUNDANCE, and this year's event promises to be the best. With over 450 Sponsors, Supporters and Hosts, the two night event is off to a great start even before the doors open. Just a reminder, Saturday, September 2, is the SUNDANCE Auction with a cocktail buffet provided by the Blue Moon, and an open bar. Sunday, September 3, is the dance, with open bar, a fantastic light show, and music by DJ Mark Thomas. Tickets go fast for both events, so don't be left standing outside the Convention Center while all your friends are inside having a good time. On page 6, there's a complete overview of SUNDANCE 2000: The Super-Duper Ultra Iridescent Rainbow Revolution. I mentioned this is the tenth year of CAMP Rehoboth, and as I sit here at the end of the summer of the year 2000, it makes me feel a little nostalgic to think back over not just those ten years but the ten years before thatwhen Murray and I were traveling to the beach every weekend. It makes me think about all the changes that have taken place over the years, and yet how it's still, in many ways, the same little place it was twenty years agoonly bigger, fuller, with a lot more traffic. As Director of CAMP Rehoboth, I've had the privilege to work with and meet some amazing people over the years. One of the important parts of the mission of CAMP Rehoboth has always been the building of bridges wherever we can, in both the straight and the gay community. It has included health organizations and social events and the growing arts community as evidenced by the Rehoboth Independent Film Festival and Henlopen Theater Project. It has included churches and government and the law enforcement agencies. It has included much success, but also its share of failure. There are many places where bridges still need to be built and others that need repair. As the plans for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center get underway, I hope that bridge building will continue to be a part of that process. I hope CAMP will always be a place where problems can be solved and not created. I hope, as stated in the CAMP Rehoboth Mission Statement that's always printed on the preceding page of Letters, we will always "seek to promote cooperation and understanding among all people, as we work to build safe, inclusive communities with room for all." It always seems like these last couple of weeks of the summer are what we remember the rest of the year. I hope it's a wonderful, magical time for everyone. If your beach house season ends with the Labor Day Weekend, don't forget that fall in Rehoboth has it's own special charmwith some of the best weather of the year. From Autumn Jazz to the Film Festival, it's a great time to come back to the beach. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 12, Aug. 25, 2000. |