LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Beth Fitton |
Connect Talk about your real estate deal! Imagine $7.2 million for 586,412 square miles of land and more ocean front than all of the continental 48 states. That was the purchase price negotiated by then, Secretary of State, William H. Seward (about 1.9 per acre). I am referring to the United States purchasing Alaska from Russia. Quite a difference from any property along the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, isn't it? As you might have guessed, Mary and I have just returned from a trip to Alaska. It really is as beautiful and unique as Discovery and the Travel Channels depict. The first half of our trip was to towns and cities that can only be reached by boat or plane and that includes the capital city of Juneau. You can walk the streets of these many coastal towns but there are not roads between the towns. A number of small villages have access to "flag-stop" trains. If residents want to go from their village to some place along the train's service route, they go out to the tracks and wave something whitea flag. There are, however, train tracks and highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This route takes you past the town of Talkeetna which was the inspiration for the old TV show Northern Exposure and is the staging area for Mt. McKinley climbers and on to Denali National Park. While we have "wild life" in Rehoboth, Denali has "wildlife!" We were lucky enough to see black bears, moose, caribou, artic hares and bald eagles. We met many interesting people along the way too. One of our waitresses in Fairbanks told us that she loves living there but that in the winter she keeps a 40 below sleeping bag in the car just in case her car breaks down. An Athabascan tribal leader told us much of his people's history and the tribe's quest to send their young people to college and then to persuade them to return to the reservation. (The leader has a Master's Degree in urban planning.) He spoke of the great sense of community among his people and I thought, "Yes, mine too!" Our tour guide for the second leg of our trip also made a point of telling us that, perhaps because of the isolation and harsh winter conditions, Alaskans take care of each other. Again, I thought of so many stories I have heard here in Rehoboth of community members going the extra mile in helping out a neighbor or friend. Finally, the shuttle bus driver in Talkeetna pointed out an ice cream social that was taking place. He said that the community was very supportive and that the proceeds would go to pay for EMT equipment. And once again, I thought how very much their community was like Rehoboth Beach. You can't see it by looking at the surface but you sure can by comparing the goodness and caring of the people. Founders' Circle The Founders' Circle continues to be enriched by our truly generous and caring community here in Rehoboth Beach, We appreciate the increased funds and the continued commitment to the Community Center. The upgraded memberships and recent payments have resulted in the Founders' Circle totals reaching $1,372,703.60 pledged and $1,100,637.37 contributed. CAMP Rehoboth's board of directors, the staff and our building committee appreciate your generosity. Beth Fitton is Development Director at CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached by e-mail at beth@camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 9 July 13, 2007 |