by Steve Elkins
As I sit down to start this column, I confess that I'm experiencing mixed emotions. This is the day of the National Equality March and Rally in Washington, but for some of us here at CAMP Rehoboth its also another Letters' deadline,so here I sit. Thanks to the efforts of Sal Seeley and the CAMP Rehoboth Men's Group, however, we are well represented by the bus load of Rehoboth supporters joining others from all across the country. The single demand of the day is clear: equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. The March and Rally are the first step in building a grassroots network in all 435 Congressional Districts.
Here in the first state, the Delaware Equal Rights Coalition hopes to build on the success of SB 121. Members of the Coalition, including CAMP Rehoboth, are in the planning stages for next year, with gender identity and discussions of civil unions/marriage high on the agenda. Were all hopeful that the National Equality March will inspire even more participation in local politics. For information about the work of the Coalition, feel free to contact me at 302-227-5620.
Always one of my favorite times to be in Rehoboth, the fall season is not only beautiful, but full of things to do. The Autumn Jazz festival is October 14-18; Sea Witch, October 23-25; and the 2009 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, November 11-15. See CAMPdates on page 75 for an easy guide to whats happening at the Jazz Festival. As we have been for many years, CAMP Rehoboth is a Corporate Sponsor of the Film Festival. For films of special interest to the LGBT community, don't miss our RBFF09LGBT preview on pages 20-23. From feature films to documentaries and shorts, this years festival will be one of the highlights of the year don't miss it!
One downside to this time of the year is the return of flu season. on November 3, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., CAMP Rehoboth and Beebe Medical Center will offer free flu shots at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Though the shots will be available to walk-ins, reservations are encouraged to ensure an adequate supply.
After almost a full season of use, were still thrilled with our new space here at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center and still discovering all the exciting ways it can be used. Not only does it provide room for all the CAMP Rehoboth activities including the CAMP chorus, Tai Chi, men's and women's groups, support groups, CAMP Families, lectures, and all our workshops and conferences it also offers space for a variety of community events, and is available for private functions as well.
Looking ahead to the winter months, December 1 is World AIDS Day, and here in Rehoboth we will be observing it with our annual candlelight walk and a service of remembrance and hope. On December 6, CAMP Rehoboth volunteers will be providing desserts at the Community Unity Dinner at the Rehoboth Convention Center. On New Years Eve, the Starburst Gayla women's dinner and dance will celebrate the arrival of 2010 with a two-tiered event featuring food by Nourish, dinner entertainment by the sensational Viki Dee, and dance music by DJ Peggy Castle.
Many friends of CAMP Rehoboth have commented on the youthful photos of Murray and me that accompanied a recent article in Delaware Beach Life magazine. Yes, we really did used to go to the beach! The wonderful article (The Gaying of Rehoboth) was written by our own Fay Jacobs. In his Editors Note column, Delaware Beach Life editor Terry Plowman writes: Its easy to forget the controversy of the 1980s when you see what Rehoboth has become today: a model of how different communities can integrate, and benefit each other. Thanks Terry for always being so inclusive in your coverage of southern Delaware.