Wow! Ready or not, the summer season is here! This is the Memorial Day weekend issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and with its publication we join the rest of our community in celebrating the official kick-off of Summer 2014. The great thing about the Rehoboth community is the huge number of folks who claim it as a part of their lives: for some of us it is home all year long; others have second homes here and are with us off and on throughout the year; and many others are just with us for the three months of the summer season—or even for just a few short weeks of summer vacation. No matter the amount of time spent here, the Rehoboth area is loved by many. A big “welcome home” to those who have been away for the winter, and a “happy summer 2014” to all!
Many of those folks i mentioned, who vacation with us in Rehoboth, eventually retire here. In fact, the newly retired are some of our most involved volunteers and members. Our large retirement community also means that we have a huge need for services for the aging. Here at CAMP Rehoboth, we are excited about a collaborative project we’re working on in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Aging and United Way of Delaware, called Aging in Place. The goal is to develop a needs driven program that provides an LGBT Aging in Place network for eastern Sussex County. Over the summer, we will be working to determine what gaps exist in services now being provided, and how we can best bridge those gaps for the aging in our community.
Along the same lines but on the opposite end of the age spectrum, we are also working with the United Way to encourage the creation of gay/straight alliances throughout the State. Working for United Way, Bob Martz is spearheading this important task, and is supervising a team of folks who are meeting with both middle and high school administrators to make this possible. I’ve worked with Bob since the ‘90s on LGBT equal rights issues, and know how much time he puts in “behind the scenes” to make things happen. Thanks Bob, for your continued hard work throughout our state.
Here on the CAMP Rehoboth “CAMPus” we are excited about hosting our Black and White Beach Ball on our home turf for the first time. Location is not the only thing new to this event. While the HeART of the Community Art Auction has long been a part of the B&W Ball, this year we are adding a silent auction and shortening the live one to make it even more fun. With auctioneer Lorne Crawford and the music of Jimmy DePre it should be a fun evening for all—plus it starts at 5 p.m., making it a perfect happy hour party. For a preview of some of the art to be auctioned at this year’s event, see page 18. Tickets are $60 and are limited. Tickets may be purchased on the CAMP Rehoboth website or by calling the CAMP Rehoboth office.
The CAMP Rehoboth Spring Membership Drive is still underway. Please consider becoming a member of CAMP Rehoboth or, if you are already member, upgrading your membership. Because of the funding members provide, we are able to continue to do the important work that CAMP Rehoboth does in our community. See CAMPmatters for more.
In the coming weeks (as i have already done for the Rehoboth Beach police), I will conduct a diversity training session for the park police in the area. Please remember that no matter how understanding an officer may be, however, there are no nude beaches in Delaware. A few other words to the wise regarding the summer season: safe sex, sunscreen, designated drivers! Have fun this summer, but please play safely. CAMP Rehoboth provides condoms and HIV testing all year long, and we’re here to help in any way.