SUNFESTIVAL 2022
Is in the Books!
And what a celebration it was! From the SUNFESTIVAL 5K and 1 Mile Walk to the return of the iconic Sundance, SUNFESTIVAL is officially etched into the memory books. For the official recap, see Wesley Combs’ column on page 8, and relive the memories through the photos! ▼
It’s Bear Weekend in Rehoboth Beach
An amazing roster of events and entertainment is planned for the 8th Annual Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend, September 14-18. The festivities kick-off with a welcome dinner Wednesday evening; highlights include a themed costume party on Friday evening and Ben Zook’s one-man show on Saturday evening. Find details—and purchase tickets—at RehbothBeachBears.com. ▼
Stonewall PAC Summer Funder
Delaware Stonewall PAC held its 18th annual “Summer Funder” at Shrimpy’s Bar and Grill in Rehoboth on August 13, 2022. A political action committee whose mission is to help elect candidates who support equality, fairness, and opportunity for all, Delaware Stonewall PAC honored local pioneers and announced the endorsement of candidates for the 2022 election cycle.
The event was attended by over 130 residents of Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties, and featured a keynote by State Senator Marie Pinkney.
Awards to civil and human rights pioneers were presented to Murray Archibald, co-founder of CAMP Rehoboth; C. Dixon Osburn, who co-founded the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which fought to overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; and Charlotte King, founder of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. See photos in CAMPShots. ▼
Additional information on the Stonewall PAC can be found at delawarestonewall.org.
CAMP Rehoboth partners with the History Book Festival
CAMP Rehoboth is proud to partner with the History Book Festival in Lewes all weekend, September 23-25, in various venues. On Saturday, September 24, at 1:30 p.m. at Rollins Community Center and Lewes History Museum, CAMP Rehoboth will help present James Kirchick’s Secret City event.
James Kirchick is the author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age. His articles about civil rights, politics, and culture have appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Atlantic. ▼
Travels with Letters
Green River Distilling Co, Owensboro, KY
Bourbon River Boat Cruise with American Queen Voyages
Front row: Geri Dibiase, Deb Knickerbocker, Ruth Dickerson, Michele Boyer, Leah Kaplan
Back row: Liz Wheeler, Ruth Morse, Sandy Sullivan, Lorie Seaman, Deni Boyer, Kathy Davison, Loretta Imbrogna, Kathryn Imbrogna.
On the Cover
Letters was lucky enough to get a photo of these two very good boys, visiting Rehoboth to enjoy some end-of-season festivities. Eager (and experienced) sports-dogs, both are keen on dog agility—especially those tunnels. Says their handler, “What goes into a tunnel comes out really fast!” The younger of the two is still learning the course (but already is well able to charm the judges); happily, his older brother is able to show him just how it’s supposed to be done. “We do agility for the sheer joy of it,” says their handler. ▼
Battle of the Bachelors brings in $27K
On Sunday, August 14, the lucky 13th Battle of the Bachelors at Aqua Bar & Grill brought in a phenomenal $27,000 for CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Hostess with the most-est Kristina Kelly riled up the crowds, as bachelors (and one bachelorette!) took to the stage, representing the fabulous waitstaffs from local bars and restaurants. Auctioneer Lorne Crawford facilitated, and BRASHhh was the swimsuit sponsor. ▼
Pictured (top) The full roster of bachelors and the bachelorette.
Bottom row (l-r): Bachelor Joey Wham with highest bidder Rick Perry. Bachelorette Jaya Mandala with the highest bidder of the night, Natalie Moss. Thank you, Rick, Natalie, and all the highest bidders for making this year’s fundraiser one of the most successful yet!
CAMP Rehoboth Teams with DPH to Address the hMPVX Virus
On Tuesday, August 23, CAMP Rehoboth—partnering with the Delaware Division of Public Health—became one of the first community organizations in Delaware to offer vaccinations against the hMPVX (commonly referred to as monkeypox) virus. Preparation for the event began more than a week earlier, as CAMP registered people for vaccination; all available (200) vaccination slots were filled within a day. As the vaccine is not effective till two weeks after the second dose, those vaccinated on August 23 are expected to return to CAMP Rehoboth on Tuesday, September 20, for a second dose.
The vaccination clinic came just a week after CAMP Rehoboth hosted a Town Hall with Secretary Molly Magarik, head of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services, and Dr. Marci Drees, chief infection prevention officer and hospital epidemiologist at ChristianaCare. The pair discussed Delaware’s response to the public health emergency and fielded questions from attendees. The town hall is available to replay on CAMP Rehoboth’s Facebook page. ▼
Block Party ⊲
CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Block Party will be held on the second block of Baltimore Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Come on down for a day of celebration, performances, and vendors—including local restaurants, caterers, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. ▼
Free Flu Shots at CAMP Rehoboth
Roll up those sleeves! On Wednesday, October 5, Beebe Healthcare will host a flu clinic at CAMP Rehoboth beginning at 9:00 a.m. Shots will be administered (to those age 18 or older) by Beebe community outreach registered nurses; both high-dose and low-dose shots will be available. ▼
Miss Gay Eastern States America Pageant at The Pines
In late August, The Pines hosted the second annual Miss Gay Eastern States America Pageant, a feeder to the famed Miss Gay America pageant. The pageant is produced by The Pines co-owner Bob Suppies and the illustrious Mona Lotts. Several notable pageant players were in attendance, including Miss Gay America 2022, Dextaci. Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Gay Eastern States America 2022, Courtney Kelly (pictured above), and First Alternate Jennipher Jameson. Both will be representing Eastern States America at Miss Gay America 2023 in January!
At the ceremony, past CAMP Rehoboth Board President Chris Beagle was honored with the Mona Lotts Humanitarian Award, for his service to the Rehoboth LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, Roxy Overbroke was presented with the Bob Suppies Drag Icon Award. CAMP Rehoboth joins Bob and Mona in saluting you both! ▼