Bob Dylan said it best, “the times they are a-changin’.” No matter the outcome of the Supreme Court decisions on Proposition 8 and DOMA in early summer, as Murray points out in his CAMPmatters column, “the conversation has changed—the tone has changed.” Thanks to a generational shift in attitudes, more people than ever are talking about LGBT equality. Here in Delaware, we’re moving full speed ahead with plans to make Delaware the next state to pass marriage equality. Don’t forget the Equality Delaware phone bank at CAMP Rehoboth, every Tuesday evening, from 6-9 p.m.—bring a laptop and cell phone if possible. We provide the training and the pizza. For more information about Equality Delaware or to participate in a phone bank in another part of the state, visit the Equality Delaware website.
Throughout March, the signs of spring have been few and far between, and I even heard someone muttering under their breath, something about Punxsutawney Phil being a liar. But never mind all that, we know it’s officially springtime because the umbrellas and chairs are back out in the CAMP Courtyard, and Lori’s Café is open daily for business.
Looking ahead, in April, the staged reading of the play 8 will take place at Epworth United Methodist Church on April 6, and the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus returns on April 7, with an encore performance of their sold-out concert, Broadway—Our Way. This time the show’s at the Possum Point Playhouse in Georgetown. April 11, the 13th annual CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST kicks off with a Retro Disco Party at the Atlantic Sands Hotel. Everyone’s welcome, men too, by the way, and it’s free. Though FEST Passes and Vickie Shaw tickets are sold out, at press time, there were still some Kate Clinton and Christine Havrilla tickets available, but they’re going fast. Tickets to the Ladies 2000 Tea Dance on Saturday night are available at the door. None of these events could happen without our many volunteers, and we say “thank you” to them on Saturday, April 20 3-5 p.m, at our annual Volunteer Thank You party. If you’ve volunteered for anything CAMP Rehoboth related, or would like to volunteer, please join us.
Looking even further ahead, the Black and White Beach Ball takes place Saturday, June 1 from 5-8 p.m. at the Clear Space Theatre on Baltimore Avenue. Once again the B&WBB will feature the HeART of the Community Live Auction with art by invited artists selected by four curators. Tickets are $75 and limited. Advance tickets, only available on the CAMP Rehoboth website, are $65 and will go on sale April 8. The advance ticket price will end on April 30, after which tickets will be available online or at the CAMP Rehoboth office for the regular price. There will be a Sneak Peek Art Reception at CAMP Rehoboth on Sunday, May 26 from 5-7 p.m. to preview the 2013 HeART art. For the second year in a row, we are proud to welcome PNC Wealth Management as the presenting sponsor of the Black and White Beach Ball.
In preparation for the summer season, scooter riders will need to take notice of the new scooter rules in Rehoboth Beach. There are now designated areas for scooter parking throughout the city, but use of those areas (and in unmetered parking spaces) will require the purchase of a seasonal $40 permit. Scooters (with or without permits) may be parked in metered parking spaces as long as the meter has been paid. Scooter parking will not be permitted on sidewalks or at bike racks around the city. Summer parking regulations begin on Friday, May 24, and the city will begin enforcing the new scooter regulations at that time. Fortunately for us, there is a designated scooter parking area across the street from CAMP Rehoboth. Scooter permits will go on sale Monday, April 29, and are available at the parking meter department next to the Convention Center on Rehoboth Avenue.