The three phrases in the upper right corner of our cover are hints to what lies within. This month, the first is “Never Forget.” It’s a reminder to pause as we rush into the oncoming holidays to reflect on two especially sobering annual occasions: Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), and World AIDS Day (December 1).
These days are personal for me, just as they are for many of you. Each year, even as I am thankful that my own trans niece is thriving, I grieve for those who are not, and for those lost to us altogether. And each year, I remember how long ago I first lost a friend to AIDS; it’s been 36 years, now. I am especially thankful for the progress that has allowed other friends to live with HIV rather than follow suit. Both of these occasions will be honored in our community; see pages 4 and 5 for details.
The second phrase—Thanks & Giving—points us toward both this month’s signature holiday and the upcoming one. Among the things we at CAMP Rehoboth are thankful for: CAMP Rehoboth’s three new staff members (meet them in CAMP News) and the three women who have stepped up to co-chair Women’s FEST 2022 (see Who’s That?—That’s CAMP!).
Then there’s State Senator Marie Pinkney, who’s the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 144, which would amend Delaware’s hate crime statute in important ways. Pinkney, who is the first openly lesbian Black member of Delaware’s General Assembly, was interviewed about the bill by Clarence Fluker; see what she had to say on page 22. We’re grateful for her efforts to make things better for all Delawareans.
Maybe you’re thankful for the music (and musicians) in your life? Meet the couples of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (page 44). Or check out Before the Beach (page 26) for an intro to a woman who—in her career as a sound engineer—helped assure the sound quality of the music making its way to our ears.
But what about the “Giving” part of that phrase? Opportunities abound! Giving Tuesday (November 30) is fast approaching. Even as we give thanks for the organizations that benefit our community, let’s also give some thought to how we can support them when that date arrives (and really, throughout the year). CAMP Rehoboth is also participating in the area’s annual drive to collect toys, hats, gloves, and coats for those in need; please donate if you can.
To help with the individual gift-giving, see Mikey Rox’s holiday gift guide (page 88). And, just to put yourself in a festive shopping mood, maybe indulge in one of Ed Castelli’s spectacular seasonal martinis (page 52).
That third phrase—Let’s Go Walkabout—was inspired by Beth Shockley’s piece on volkssporting (page 56). Who knew Rehoboth (and Lewes and Bethany, as well as upstate locales) were home to sanctioned volkssporting trails?! Well, now we all know—and ‘tis the season when a little more exercise might help keep off the pounds resulting from holiday indulgences.
So, let’s get out there and explore!
I hope—as we move along all-too-briskly from Sea Witch® to gift guides—you can pause long enough to enjoy some of what lies in these pages. And even more, to rejoice in having found a community that welcomes and embraces our authentic selves. Resolve never to forget. To offer thanks and model giving. To go walkabout—together. Happy Thanksgiving! ▼