LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Late in the day on Friday, October 5, we received the bad news that the construction on the new wing of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center would be delayed at least two months because of another variance matter. On page 6 of this issue Murray writes about the details of the variance and our disappointment over the delay. He also reminds us to be patient, to persevere, and to even look for ways we can make the best of the situation. As he counsels, this in no way diminishes our excitement over the new building or our continued need to raise money in support of it. The delay and the variance process and attorney's fees will be costly, so please take the time to look at the information about the GEM Club and the Wish Listour new financial campaignson pages 16 and 17. We are also asking residents of Rehoboth Beach who would like to send a letter of support for the Community Center variance to contact the CAMP Rehoboth office for details. November 7-11, the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary. Over the years the RB Film Festival has become one of the most exciting and anticipated annual events in Delaware. From the beginning, CAMP Rehoboth has been a supporter of the Film Festival because of the amazing artistic work it brings to the area, and for the Festival's continued efforts to include films about the GLBT community. From full length feature films to documentaries and shorts, this year's Festival line-up gives us another chance to glimpse ourselves and our lives through the eyes of numerous filmmakers. On page 46 of this issue is our annual preview of Film Festival films that are of special interest to the GLBT community. Don't forget, membership level determines if you can purchase tickets in advance or only on the day of the show. See pages 12-13 in this year's Film Festival guide for "everything you need to know" about this year's Festival, or visit their web site at www.rehobothfilm.com. At the very first Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival back in 1998, filmmaker John Waters appeared at the opening night party at the Bottle and Cork in Dewey Beach. That party, by the way, remains one of the most eclectic and memorable parties I've ever attended in the Rehoboth area. As a prelude to this year's Film Festival and in place of its usual opening night party, a very special event has been plannedthe return of John Waters. The party begins at 5 p.m. at Baywood Greens on Route 24. Tickets, which include a performance by John Waters, are $135. For hard core John Waters' fans or for anyone just interested in extending this fabulous evening, Marcia and Henry DeWitt will host a dinner with John Waters following the cocktail party. Tickets for the dinner are $350 and very, very limited. In preparation for world aids day, CAMP Rehoboth is again sponsoring a Student Art Contest to focus attention on the fact that 50% of all new HIV infections occur in young people under 25. The contest is open to both high school and middle school students, and includes a $250 first prize in each category. Entry forms are available through area middle and high schools or by calling Sal Seeley or Beth Fitton at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. The student art will be on display in the CAMP Gallery starting December 1. Earlier this year, a law was passed in Delaware that expanded eligibility for civil Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders to same-sex couples. This makes it possible for same-sex victims of domestic violence to be able to seek the same protection in Family Court as heterosexual victims. Not that domestic violence is ever anything we're happy about, but at least it's another step toward equality, and that's always a good thing. Anyone in a violent relationship and in need of a PFA should apply at the Family Court in the county where they live. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 14 October 12, 2007 |