LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
In Brief |
Committee to Release HB99 Vows to Keep Fighting
The Committee to RELEASE HB99, a coalition of civil rights organizations across the state of Delaware, today expressed its thanks to all those legislators and citizens who worked hard in support of HB99. HB99 would prohibit discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation. The bill was passed in the Republican controlled House of Representatives in June 2003. Senate President pro tempore, Thurman G. Adams (D-Bridgeville) assigned the bill to the Judiciary Committee. Senator James T. Vaughn, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee (D-Clayton) refused to allow the bill to go to the Senate floor for a vote. Bob Martz, President, Delaware Liberty Fund said, "Four Republicans and eight Democrats were ready to vote YES in the Senate. This has truly been a bipartisan effort to get this bill through the General Assembly." Martz said, "Every statewide elected Democrat endorsed HB99: Governor Ruth Ann Minner; Lt. Governor John Carney; State Treasurer Jack Markell. The Delaware State Democratic platform as well as the National Democratic platform endorsed HB99. Yet the Democratic leadership of the Senate: Senators Adams, McDowell, DeLuca and Vaughn refused to allow this bill to come to a vote." Committee members are quick to point out that although this bill failed, the fact of the matter is that a majority of Delawareans believe this bill should be law. "Our citizens believe in equality and fairness, even if a handful of cowardly but influential officials don't", said George Meldrum, Delaware Liberty Fund Steering Committee member. Drew Fennell, Executive Director of the ACLU of Delaware said, "People today recognize gays and lesbians as hard-working, tax-paying, law-abiding members of society who deserve the same rights as everyone else. We won't give up the fight for equal rights. HB99 will be filed again in 2005!" Members of the Committee to RELEASE HB99 include: ACLU of Delaware; AIDS Delaware; CAMP Rehoboth; Civil Liberties Union at the University of Delaware; Delaware Human Relations Commission; Delaware Liberty Fund; Delaware Pride; Delaware Stonewall Democrats; Family Pride of Delaware; HAVEN; University of Delaware's LGBT Student Group; Human Rights Campaign; JUST for Youth Coalition; Members of the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware; National Association of Social Workers, DE; National Conference for Community and Justice, and PFLAG, Wilmington. Rehoboth Comes Out for Kerry A John Kerry for President fundraiser is planned for Saturday, July 3rd at the home of Lee Rubin and Jim Walker in the Canal Corkran section of Rehoboth Beach. Though still in the planning stage, the event dubbed "Rehoboth Comes Out for Kerry," has raised over $20,000 in pledged "host" contributions. With a goal of $25,000, the event is well on the way to exceeding their goal and is quickly becoming one of Sussex Counties most successful Democratic fundraisers. Hosts can contribute in one of 3 levels: Blue Hosts at $1000; Red Hosts at $500; and White Hosts at $250. To date over 30 hosts have signed on. As a thank you for their support, Blue hosts ($1,000) will be invited to a special dinner at the Rehoboth home of Brad Davis and Philippe Dupont immediately after the event. A recent Fox News poll, dated Friday, June 18, 2004, shows that the momentum for John Kerry is growing steadily with Kerry receiving 45 percent and George Bush receiving 43 percent, if the presidential election were held that day. This same momentum is apparent in Sussex County. Susan Swan from Sussex County For Kerry says, "We are seeing steady growth in interest for the Kerry Campaign. Our meeting last week turned out about 60 people, and more than half were NEW volunteers. That brings our membership to over 100." The apparent success of "Rehoboth Comes Out for Kerry" is representative of the pulse of the country. On June 23, 2004, National Public Radio's Morning Edition reporter Peter Overby reported that Kerry has raised more money than President Bush this calendar year, $123 million to Bush's $82 million. And the Washington Post noted that Kerry's fundraising in April and May outstripped the president's by about $30 million. "The response from the Rehoboth Beach community has exceeded my expectations," said Paul Hazen the event chair. For information, see the ad on page 11, or visit https://contribute.johnkerry.com/events/0156. Metro Gallery Opens in Rehoboth "AJ" Andrea Jones, of Red Letter Day, and Wendy Carr, a local abstract expressionist artist, have recently opened Metroan art gallery/studio featuring contemporary art and accessories. Metro features the whimsical and colorful abstract mixed-media works of Wendy Carr whose professional art career spans 20-something years of artistic exploration. Original abstract expressionistic paintings, one-of-a-kind chairs and tables, mirrors, fish coat racks and key holders, brushed aluminum picture frames and funky screen dividers are just some of the cool and original furnishings you will find in this wonderful new gallery. Metro is tucked unassumingly behind Java Beach Coffee House at 169 Rehoboth Avenue. You can also reach it through Gingerbread Square, home of SOB's Deli, at 56 Baltimore Avenue. Carr and Jones have injected new life into this tiny space. The bright chartreuse Metro sign with multicolor lettering will lead you to a hidden treasure of contemporary culture. Join Wendy and AJ in the Metro courtyard on Saturday, July 10 for an opening celebration between 5-8 p.m. One Spirit Massage Has New Location One Spirit Massage Studio, located on Rehoboth Avenue between the Post Office and Java Beach Coffee House, will be hosting an open house reception on Saturday, July 10. Having relocated to this wonderful, light filled spot earlier this year, Mark Thompson invites you to stop by and take a look at the new space. While touring the massage studio, take note of the works of local artist Jim Bobick that are on display. Mark, along with massage therapists Corina Jenkins and Jim Barber welcome you to stop by between 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 302-226-3552. Love Ambassadors Willis Bininger, Sandra Skidmore, and Bill Alldredge get ready to set sail on the S.S. Love. The crowd at the Blue Moon's 2004 Bachelor Auction gets primed to bid. Over $16,000 was raised in support of the Love 2004 benefit. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 8 July 2, 2004 |