LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
It isn't often that I get the chance to make a major announcement in this column, but this sure feels like one to me. On Monday, August 9, a letter was mailed to all the members of the CAMP Rehoboth Founders' Circle from Murray Archibald, President of the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth. The letter read as follows:
"As you know, a couple of years ago we purchased the property at 39 Baltimore Avenue to secure a permanent site to house the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Last year, the property next door to us at 37 Baltimore Avenue (the old Our Place Restaurant) was put on the market and, at the direction of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors discussions took place with the owners about the possibility of CAMP Rehoboth buying it to expand the available area for the Center. After some preliminary negotiations it was determined that the price was too high, so we tabled the idea for a time. However, recent changes in the price of the property caused us to re-open negotiations and in late July a contract was offered. On Friday, August 6, that contract was accepted. We are now in the process of securing financing and, pending a final inspection, expect to move ahead with the purchase. This, of course, changes our plans, but it seems obvious to us that if at a lesser building cost we can modify and add on and at the same time create a larger community space in downtown Rehoboth Beach, then we have accomplished our goals. It also seems obvious to us that owning both properties creates a whole new range of options for both present and future usageand that owning property on Baltimore Avenue is a great way to invest in that future. Our Capital Campaign will continue with its current goals as planned." Though we are still in the process of working out the details, this is a community project and we will do our best to keep everyone informed about the progress. Late in the day on August 5, a spectacular rainbow that stretched from horizon to horizon embraced Rehoboth in an arc of color and set the perfect background for the last weeks of the summerand especially for Sundance 2004 with its Radiant Rite of the Rainbow Revelation theme. I'm not always sure why, but somehow August seems to be my favorite time of the summer, and as it comes to a close and we all gather to "dance the last dance" of the season, there is something magical that takes place. If you haven't made plans to be in Rehoboth on Labor Day weekend, do it now. This will be the 17th Sundancean extraordinary, two night event made possible by the extraordinary commitment of hundreds of Sponsors, Supporters, Hosts, auction donors, and volunteersand I hope to see you all there. For more information on Sundance see page 8, or visit our Web site at www.sundancebenefit.com. With this fall's election looming on the horizon, politics have been a big part of the Rehoboth summer season, and the Delaware Stonewall Democrats pulled out all the stops for their summer benefit at the home of Dr. Jim D'Orta on Saturday, August 7. Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, US Senator Tom Carper, and National Stonewall's Chrissy Gephardt were all present to hear openly gay Congressman Barney Frank declare his intention to run for the US Senate when John Kerry is elected President. Senator Carper recalled a time some years ago when the not yet out Congressman told him he was gay. Barney Frank then explained to the huge crowd that the two of them had been in the habit of going to the gym together and that the next day Carper made a point of keeping that appointment to show his continued support and friendship. It was a touching moment, and a reminder about how powerful coming out stories can be. Suddenly, I am reminded of how powerful and amazing life can be. My thanks to all of you who give so generously to this community. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 11 August 13, 2004 |