LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
As I sit down to begin writing this column, I feel like my attention is everywhere but on this page. One glance out the window explains whybeautiful, clear blue skies; gentle breezes with a hint of saltwater and sand; warm temperatures; flowering trees and plantsin short, the perfect spring day. With no effort at all, memories of our first beach house in Rehoboth come flooding back and I remember the excitement of opening the house and getting ready for the summer season. Long before the Rehoboth community became our work, Murray and I, like most Rehoboth residents, came here to play, and on days like today I admit to being a little jealous of those who still do.
Over the years there have been many changes in our little town, the most obvious (aside from the unending supply of new town houses) has been the four year downtown streetscape project on Rehoboth Avenue that is now nearing completion. Though there has from time to time been some grumbling from a few of the downtown business owners about the construction process, I find it hard to believe that anyone could complain about the final result. With its broad new sidewalks and unobstructed views from the traffic circle to the new bandstand, the stage for the future of Rehoboth has been set. Years from now Rehoboth residents and visitors will surely look back and be thankful for the vision and patience that reshaped Rehoboth Avenue. Five years ago CAMP Rehoboth started an art project called the heart of the Community. The purpose of the project was two-fold: to bring artists in our community together around a central theme, and to create a body of work that could be auctioned in support of the Founders' Circle of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Over the years some amazing pieces have been created for the HeART project and this year seems to be especially exciting. HeART co-chair Sondra Arkin describes this year's work as "more varied in both style and size than in previous years." Due, she also says, "to the change in the project size guidelines and to the addition of several new artists to the project." The May 19 issue of Letters will feature the 2006 HeART of the Community project and the artwork can be previewed at the HeART5 Power of Love Preview Party at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center on Saturday, May 27, 4-6 pm. HeART5 will be auctioned at the Black and White Beach Ball at the Atlantic Sands on June 3. Due to the growth of the Founders Circle, tickets for Beach Ball are only available to Founders' Circle members. For information about becoming a member of the Founders' Circle, the B&W Beach Ball, or HeART5, call CAMP Rehoboth. One of the biggest challenges facing CAMP Rehoboth in the coming years is the way we manage our growth. From the Founders' Circle and construction plans to the general upkeep of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center "CAMPus" and its administration facilities, the work is constant. Every year as the summer season gets underway, our need for volunteers increases. Last year it took close to 300 individuals to help us get through all our deadlines, events, and daily activities. Of special need to us at this time are people willing to be trained for recurring and specific jobs, including grounds upkeep (courtyard sweeping, watering flowers, and light maintenance) and office assistantsespecially for after hours and weekends. Currently, our volunteer co- ordinators are assembling a new volunteer form for our database. When that form is completed we will ask everyoneeven our regular volunteersto provide us with new information about how and when they would like to participate. On page 9 of this issue we have added both a call for volunteers and a volunteer recognition and wish list. The 2006 summer season is going to be a good one, I'm sure, and the CAMP Rehoboth courtyard and Community Center is a great place to meet friends or just relax. See you there. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 16, No. 4 May 5, 2006 |