First off—anyone reading who is in town for Women’s FEST 2023—welcome! We are so glad you’re here—and glad you’re browsing a copy of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. Of course, we’re delighted all our readers are browsing Letters—we treasure our regular readers even as we give a shout out to the perhaps-more-seasonal ones.
We have lots of Women’s FEST-related content for all our readers to enjoy. See Nancy Sakaduski’s Women’s FEST day-to-day (really, hour-to-hour) for a quick guide to what’s happening where and when. She’s planning to pack a good deal into her long weekend; maybe you will, too? And Beth Shockley offers a broader perspective, noting the importance of women’s spaces (Women’s FEST being one) and the joy she’s found occupying them over the years.
One special space you’ll want to occupy: the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center gallery, where FEST ART 2023! comprises the 44 artworks selected for this juried exhibit. Want to meet some of the artists whose work fills the gallery? There’s an artists’ reception on April 28, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Please stop by!
We’re honoring superheroes this issue—April 28 is National Superheroes Day—and our cover kind of says it all: Karen Laitman represents all the superheroes who worked to conceive, plan, organize, and produce FEST. Thanks to all those wonderful folks who wielded their respective superpowers to make it happen.
Our LGBTQ+ YA columnist this month, Olivia Segeda, offers some thoughts on what it’s like to be an almost-inadvertent superhero. Like when you find yourself performing in a high school musical—in drag—just as some states are outlawing that very thing.
Also in April—Earth Day. Landscape architect Eric Wahl has something to say about what Mother Nature is telling us—or trying to, anyway. Sharon Morgan introduces us to the One Earth concept (and initiative) in her health and wellness column. Rachel Carson is pretty much synonymous with nature; Nancy Sakaduski offers some insights into her life and work.
Speaking of nature…spring lures many of us outdoors. Mary Jo Tarallo has some ideas about what we might do when we get there (golf? softball?), and JR Futcher suggests some kite-flying might be just the thing.
CAMP Rehoboth has some big news of its own, this issue—see Matty Brown’s How “Suite” It Is to learn about the HIV testing and counseling program’s new digs. It’s a great space for this core program’s providers and clients. More on health and wellness—a quick guide to Medicare services available to transgender adults. Take a look; you might be surprised….
So—find yourself a comfy spot, sip one of those daiquiris Rich Barnett writes about, and page through this issue. We think you’ll find lots to enjoy.