LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
2004 is the 14th year that CAMP Rehoboth has served this community, and this Valentine's Day issue is the first Letters from CAMP Rehoboth to be published in the new season. Thinking back over all the years that have carried us to this point makes me a little nostalgic, and though they have run together somewhat in my memory, I cherish all of them. By its nature as a resort, Rehoboth is a crossroads, a place where people from different areas converge, mingle, make connections, and return to their homes in distant places. CAMP Rehoboth has been successful all these years because we exist in the crossroads, and because we have been able to become a part of the connection. Most small towns the size of Rehoboth Beach would be hard pressed to support an organization like CAMP Rehoboth, but because so many people claim this town as a part of their livesas seasonal visitors, second home owners, or full time residentswe have been able to continue to grow and expand over the years. We have also been blessed with an amazing community of talented, generous supporters, willing to share their time, energy, and money to help us become the organization we are today. As part of this winter's work, the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and staff, along with outside consultants, and members of the community, will be working to develop a strategic plan to help us prepare the organization for the future, and better understand how we can serve the community. As we reported last fall, Andrea Andrus is now our full time Development Director, working not only on the Founders' Circle for the new Community Center building, but on other projectsincluding the strategic planas well. Andrea will be working hard this year to help us focus on the needs and goals of the coming year. For more about what's happening in CAMP, see Andrea's article on page 6. One of the biggest successes of the pre-summer season for the last couple of years has been the CAMP Rehoboth Women's Conference weekend. This year's conference will take place on April 16-17, and will feature not only an expanded lineup of workshops and speakers, but great entertainment as well. On Friday, April 16 comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer returns to the Rehoboth Convention Center for another, sure to be sold out, night of laughs. Last year's concert was one of the funniest evenings I've ever had the pleasure to see, and one that everyonewomen, men, gay, and straightenjoyed. The evening concerts are open to all, so don't think that just because they are part of the Women's Conference, they are not something to be enjoyed by everyone. On Saturday, April 16, singer/songwriter Chris Williamson will be performing. Space for the conference is limited, so sign up early. Tickets for the concerts are on sale now at CAMP Rehoboth. For more on the Women's Conference see page 6. Long before April, however, comes the time for summer residents to make plans for the coming season. Once again, on Sunday, February 22 from 5-8 p.m., CAMP Rehoboth and the Love Benefit Committee will be sponsoring the Beach House Rush and Reunion Party at Lizard Lounge in Washington. The event, besides being a good party, is a great way to find or rent a beach house for the summer season, or sell shares or find shares in group houses for the summer. Lizard Lounge is located at 1223 Connecticut Avenue, NW in DC, at 18th and N Streets. For more information about the event, call CAMP Rehoboth or go to www.beachhouserush.org. And so the new season beginsand with it come the people, activities, and events that make life in CAMP exciting and keep every day full of surprises. Looking over the calendar for the coming year, I think I can assure you that there will be something for everyone. From all of us here at 39 Baltimore Avenue, happy Valentine's Day, and the wish that this year is filled with peace, joy, and a whole lotta love! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 1,February 13, 2004 |