Queen of the (Pickleball) Court
The first of what will be an ongoing series of pickleball play days was held at Sandhill Fields on October 26. Twenty-one intermediate-level women signed up for a “queen of the courts’’ format tournament. Players were randomly partnered for the first game. For succeeding games, those who won moved up, those who did not win moved down until, after nine games, one player remained on the top court for three games. Several women held the crown for one game but were then dethroned. Only one player remained to the end: Judy Kolb was crowned the Queen of the Court.
The pickleball tournament during Women’s FEST sells out very quickly, making it clear that women want more opportunities to challenge themselves in pickleball. So, pickleball play days are being planned throughout the year and will begin again in March. They will be designated by levels so many more women can play similar competition. Different tournament formats will be used, and partners will be randomly assigned. ▼
LGBTQ+ Bereavement Group Sets Monthly Meetings
Grief can present special challenges for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In partnership with Delaware Hospice, CAMP Rehoboth will be hosting an LGBTQ+ bereavement group monthly on third Wednesdays, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in-person at the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. After kicking off with a meeting on Wednesday, October 18, monthly meetings are set through April 2024.
This space will be for anyone who has lost someone and would like to have the safety and security of a bereavement group within their own community. This gathering will be facilitated by Meredith English, MSHS, a Bereavement Counselor at Delaware Hospice. Refreshments will be served.
Please register in advance by contacting Ann DeLazaro, Provider Service Executive of Delaware Hospice, at adelazaro@delawarehospice.org or 302-893-9456. ▼
Holiday Handmade Market
‘Tis the season! Join CAMP Rehoboth on Friday, December 8, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for the Holiday Handmade Market in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. Come stroll through the atrium, shop local, and support LGBTQ+/ally artists. Entry is free and open to the public!
A variety of vendors and artists will be showcasing their works and merchandise from a variety of mediums, including: reverse painting on glass, CBD products, t-shirts, sea glass/shell art, crochet, and pearl/gemstone jewelry. Shop to the sounds of Robb the Uke Guy, who will bring his signature Hawaiian flare to cherished holiday classics. ▼
Going Solar!
In early November, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center installed solar panels on its roof. This eco-friendly measure will see CAMP Rehoboth practice more energy efficiency, with cost savings used to support vital programs. Energy reduction is estimated at 75 percent of electric costs.
This fall will see more renovations at CAMP Rehoboth: a new lighting and sound system in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium, new gutters at both 37 and 39 Baltimore Avenue, and a new HVAC system in the second floor offices at 37 Baltimore Avenue. These renovations were made possible by the Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund, also known as the Bond Bill, from which CAMP Rehoboth was awarded a $300,000 grant. ▼
CROP Returns to Delaware Botanic Gardens
Tuesday, October 24, was a splendid day, and perfect for a small but mighty CROP team of five gardeners to travel to the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro. This time they planted in a new area called the Hedgerow, which is a hedge or row of shrubs bordering a field or road. At DBG, this hedgerow will border a turnaround area for buses. Once the team finished planting, they did some weeding. Many thanks to the CROP volunteers—they really made a difference and as always, won the appreciation of the staff. ▼
Kicking Off the Strategic Plan
CAMP Rehoboth kicked off its strategic plan with a retreat on Saturday, October 21. “The strategic plan allows us to move thoughtfully forward,” explained CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, PhD. “We also must remember the power of ‘and.’ We must operate today and plan for tomorrow,” she said. ▼