Welcome to the last 2022 issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth! And thanks for once again picking up a copy from a distribution box or accessing it online—we’re grateful every day for our readers and are delighted you’re among them.
We’ve packed a lot into this issue, including a special section (starting on page 36) devoted to four of our writers’ reactions to the devastating mass shooting at Club Q. United in their outrage, each writer offers her/his own particular perspective, reaction, and response to the event. Both individually and collectively, they make for a compelling read. I encourage you to take the time to discover that for yourself.
Beyond that—well, it’s not otherwise all “beer and skittles” in this issue, but it is beer! Rich Barnett taste-tested a variety of Christmas beers and has recommendations (both for and against).
We don’t have any sugar plums on offer either, but we do have beach plums. See page 20 for JR Futcher’s column on this delightful native shrub, made all the better when its fruits become jam. Those plums offer sustenance to our wildlife, as well. So too do a variety of trees and shrubs that bear fruit the overwintering birds will enjoy—see Eric Wahl’s column for some suggestions.
Maybe you’re still shopping? Not to worry! We have last-minute gift ideas. See Mikey Rox’s column (rechristened “Buy-ways” for just this issue—sorry, we just couldn’t resist), and Terri Schlichenmeyer’s book-buying guide (page 76). Or—how about gifting that special someone a year’s subscription to Letters? See page 49 for details.
We’ve got seasonal stories, too: Michael Thomas Ford speaks to making it through December; Eric Peterson writes about the challenges inherent in holiday get-togethers with certain family members. Clarence Fluker has suggestions about how best to approach the season solo, and Pattie Cinellli offers some strategies to reduce holiday (or any day) stress.
Tom Kelch tells us about his very best New Year’s Eve ever (page 16). And, speaking of the new year, Jon Adler Kaplan has some ideas about how to better sustain those fitness resolutions so many of us make.
Letters’ first 2023 issue will appear on February 10. We’ll publish monthly thereafter, through December. Want to share some thoughts on what you’d like to read next year? I’d love to hear them! You can reach me at editor@camprehoboth.com.
Meanwhile, my best wishes to each of you for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.