LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Over the almost 20 years that CAMP Rehoboth has been in existence, we've had many memorable days and events; with the signing of SB 121 on July 2nd we added another one to that list. For the crowd gathered at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center to witness the signing by Delaware Governor Jack Markell it was a thrilling moment and the culmination of more than a decade of hard work by state officials and activistsmany of whom joined us for the eventincluding: Lt. Governor Matt Denn, House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, Sen. Dave Sokola, Rep. Bill Oberle, Sen. Karen Peterson, Sen. Liane Sorenson, Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, Sussex Recorder of Deeds John Brady, ACLU Director Drew Fennell and many other city and county officials. It was an awesome moment for all of usequal parts cheers and tearsand a day that we will celebrate for many years to come. SB 121 adds "sexual orientation" to the state's non-discrimination law which forbids discrimination in housing, employment, public works contracting, public accommodations, and insurance. See page 6 and 56 for photos of the signing.
I've been writing for months now about the LottoHEART event that took place on Friday of the July 4th weekend, and I confess now that I'd been more than a little anxious to see how it would all shape up. I should have known better! With all the talent involved in the projectworks by more than 200 artists, brilliant organization by chair Sondra Arkin, the super-amazing skills of Host Christopher Petersonit was definitely a one-of-a-kind, night to remember. Plus, every would-be fashionista in the house was itching to get up on the 40 foot runway that carried the action right out into the middle of the room. Take a look at the list of Love volunteers and sponsors on page 12 who made LottoHEARTand the Big Love Dance the following nightpossible. Now that we're past the july 4th holiday, and with summer half over, we turn our attention to the biggest event of the yearSundance 2009. Everyone on our mailing list should have received, by now, the letter requesting support for the event as a Host, Supporter, or Sponsor. These days most of us have to make hard choices about how much and to whom we are able to contribute. With the economy continuing to sag, support in any form or amount is even more important than ever to organizations like CAMP Rehoboth. As we said in that letter, the demise of SCAC (a long-time recipient of Sundance money) demonstrates how vital it is that we support the organizations making a difference in our lives. Sign up to be a Host, Supporter, or Sponsor by returning the form in the letter (or see page 70 of this issue) or simply go to sundancebenefit.com and do it all online. On August 15, comic and writer Bruce Vilanch is appearing in a benefit performance for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. As Fay Jacobs wrote in a recent press release on the event, "In Hollywood, the battle cry is 'Get Bruce!' if you want to laugh. And CAMP Rehoboth's got him." Bruce has been responsible for more good material than any of us will ever know, and for the likes of Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal to name a few. Just the email exchanges I've had with Bruce over the last couple of months have me smiling in anticipation. This will be Bruce's first appearance in Rehoboth and we're looking forward to showing him a good time in RB. Tickets are available at CAMP Rehoboth. Call 302-227-5620 for reservations. The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association will hold its annual Candidates' Forum at CAMP Rehoboth on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. I've been invited to moderate the event for the three candidates running for the two available City Commissioner positionsincumbents Paul Kuhns and Kathy McGuiness, and former Board of Adjustment member Bill Sargent. All three will be on hand to answer questions about the August 8 election. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19, No. 09 July 17, 2009 |