LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Though the summer season, Sundance, and the crowds of labor day weekend are behind us, for many, the best is yet to come. With its multiple festivals and still beautiful weather, the autumn season in RB has a special charm, and as I've said many times over the years, is my own personal favorite, as well. Some of that, I'm sure, is the fact that Letters returns to its monthly publication schedule and life around CAMP Rehoboth settles back into a little more normal pace.
Once again, Sundance ended the summer with a joyful explosion of fun. As usual I loved seeing all our old friends, but (and no offense here to those dear, old friends) I was especially excited this year to see the many new faces in the crowd at the dance. Every few years a new generation starts to add its own touch to this community we call Rehoboth, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if years from now we discover that the future leaders of Rehoboth Beach danced their first Sundance in 2008. Pure speculation, of course, but sometimes we just have to go with a gut feeling. Though the total amount raised for CAMP Rehoboth and SCAC is down slightly over last year, the event will still clear close to $130,000better than we expected in this year's economy, and a good sign that perhaps more optimistic days are ahead. Please take time to look at the Sundance thank-you ads on pages 8-10. The event could not happen without the tremendous support of our Sponsors, Supporters, Hosts, Auction Donors, and Volunteers. Our heartfelt thanks go to all of them and to all who came out to enjoy the Auction, the Dance, or both. The great weather this summer made it possible for construction on the new wing of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center to proceed at an amazing pace. Because much of the work is directly behind the existing structure, the view from the street doesn't provide the best way for seeing the new space. Recently some friends who have followed the project on paper from the beginning took their first tour of the interior space. "Wow!" was their comment. "Everyone should walk inside to see this." I couldn't agree more. Stop by the CAMP Rehoboth office for a tour anytime. The fall season in Rehoboth is jam-packed with activities and festivals, starting with the YMCA Rehoboth Beach Block Party on Baltimore Avenue on Tuesday, September 23. Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 the day of the event) and are available at the YMCA and at CAMP Rehoboth. The Block Party benefits the Sussex Family YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. For a fabulous taste of all the best restaurants in the area, don't miss the Celebrity Chef's Beach Brunch on October 5. The Beach Brunch benefits Meals on Wheels. Also in October, the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival celebrates its 19th season with five days of music. See page 46 of this issue for more on this year's Autumn Jazz Festival and to find out what entertainers are appearing at your favorite RB hotspot. October ends with the Sea Witch Festival and, of course, Halloween. This year, Christopher Peterson will be hosting a Halloween Ball at the Rehoboth Theatre of the Arts at Celebration Mall with a portion of the proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth. On November 1, the Beebe Medical Center Thanksgiving Ball brings out all the designers in the area to create stunning table decorations at the Bay Center. The following week, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society's wildly popular Independent Film Festival (November 5-9) provides a perfect entry into Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Though we still haven't set a date for the grand opening on the new wing of the Community Center, it will be sometime this fall. The additional space will allow us to expand the programs we have and create new ones. It will also increase our ability to serve this community and provide new ways to get involved. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 13 September 12, 2008 |