LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Being Scene |
by Tom Minnuto |
Being seen in Rehoboth is one thing. Being a part of the sceneeven better. But nothing compares to actually creating the scene itself. Just ask any Rehoboth housemother. After only one week into the official summer season, many beach house matrons have already reserved a slot on this summers party calendar; carving out their very own date and time for one shot at making a social statement that will be remembered by all. Sure, theres some work involved, but the social rewards are plentythats if you do the job well. Either way, house parties are central to the beach culture in Rehoboth, and like it or not, theyre here to stay. As a matter of fact, Rehoboth was treated to a pack of parties a week prior to the Memorial weekend which made it one of the most entertaining and enjoyable pre-holiday weekends in years. While Lake Comegys crusader, Tony Burns, was hosting his first Preakness Party of the season, little did he realize that 23 Robinsons Jack Harman was secretly organizing a surprise retirement/birthday party for him later in the evening. The teller of tales was so surprised upon his arrival that he launched into a self-depicted rendition of "This is Your Life," all the while insisting he wasnt a day over forty. In the time it took Tony to describe his life, Tom Shima hosted a gathering at his summer house and Nick Eggleston hosted a Cloud 9-catered dinner for Rick Hardys 34th birthday. Later, 37 Quillen (Marvin Miller and Dan Kyle, David Franco, Bill Pullen and Craig Schwartz, Bruce Namerow, Steve Haden, Doug Jeffries) held Marvins annual birthday dinner party for many of Rehoboths time-honored beach houses. Among the guests were the renowned Ricki Rutley, and select members from 24 Annie B, 112 Atlantic, 2101 Eagles Landing, 10 George, 901 King Charles, 211 Lake, 119 Norfolk, 31 C Sixth St, and 10 Terrace to name a few. Getting this social obligation out of the way early was a smart move by these guys as it allows them to enjoy the summer while the rest of us remain indebted by their generosity. An honorable mention goes to shirtless chef, David Franco, for being the hottest thing cookin in the kitchen. As Memorial Day weekend begins, and beach houses are opened and aired out, its always good to have a handle on the splits, switches, start-ups and stops that are specific to the season. The great turn-out at the fifth annual Beach House Rush Party in February triggered an entire new batch of houses this year and introduced dozens of new faces. Steve Garrahan is heading up an all new 151 Columbia, Bob Sheavley has breathed life into 101 B. New Castle, and Joe Conrad is taking up residence in 119 Rodney. Its been a few years, but even 312 Bayard is being revived by Richmonds David Campbell. Heres a good one: Some of the crafty Richmond boys occupying 312 Bayard have divided housemates into two categories, the As and the Bs, to help identify who comes down which weekend. A little birdie reports that these letters actually represent the social ranking of housemates (something to make you say, hmmm....). If youre wondering why the doors of 11 Robinson are locked, its because Phillys Mike Herr and Mike Petrei decided to close up house, and join the masses on Fire Island, where they opted for quarter shares. An even bigger surprise comes from the closing of the infamous Cathouse at 48 Olive. But dont expect to get rid of Paul Robinson that easy. He, Craig Byers and Paul Dradransky can be found this summer bunking with the boys at 1 Robinson. Leaving the 901 King Charles nest are Matt Blocher, Mike Kearns, Hans Kline and Rob Williams who have formed a new house with Matt Alion, Jeff Blum and Jonathon Fullerton at 309 Hickman. Leaving 208 Hickman behind for new digs at 19 Terrace is Dirk Smith while the Jon Swift clan moves from 13 Terrace back down to Rehoboth proper at 707 Bayard. There was a time when Hickman was touted as the gayest block at the beach, but times are certainly changing. These days, it looks as if overly mispronounced Stockley St. has taken the lead (Its a short sounding "o"). Baltimores Mark Furman, and Joe Coates found a new summer home for themselves at 220 Stockley. David Webster and friends are located at 201 Stockley, with Michael Fitzgerald and company at #108 and Joe Beards crowd at #104. Carl Schmids group is also back on the boardwalk at 1 Stockley. And finally, Chris Riss has retired from his position as housemother of 10 George and has bitterly accepted a new role as house Grandmother. His duties have been reliquished to his former protege whose name I dont think I need to mention. If youre in the mood to dance this weekend, then head to the Renegade Friday night for DJ duo Alan Chasen and Bill Keart or to Cloud 9 on Friday for DJ Mark Cicero. Then on Saturday and Sunday night, Cloud 9 is treating Rehoboth to a dose of Brian Norwood. Expect it to be fabulous. As of yet, there are no parties planned for this or next weekend. Surely something will materialize, but until it does, this might be a good time to brainstorm for a theme idea for your house party. There are so many possibilities. A few of last summers most popular parties, if this inspires you, were "The Social Climbers Ball," "The Bubble Bath House Party," and "The Hot Rod Drag Race." Revealing some of the grandiose themes housemoms have concocted for the summer ahead would spoil all the fun, but just know that the crazier it is, the better it will be. For the Rehoboth newcomer, house parties generally occur twice every Saturday: Once from 5 - 8 p.m., affectionately dubbed "dirty cocktails," and then again from 9 - midnight, the larger of the two events. Word to the wise: Dont attempt a 9 to midnighter without ample yard space. Unless you specify "invitation only" on your clever invite, expect word of mouth to really kick in. Oh, and hiring a security guard is a smart decision or else all your hard work is worth nothing if the cops have to break things up due to a complaint or other disruption [SEE HAT PARTY, 1996 for further explanation]. Peeking ahead, expect another Bachelor Auction to heat up the overhead canvas at the Blue Moon. Slated for Saturday, June 13th, this years auction promises to present at least ten of Rehoboths hottest beach boys. Each bachelor will accompany his winning bidder to dinner at a fine Rehoboth restaurant. All proceeds will be donated to LOVE98, the July 4th dance which benefits SCAC of Delaware, Food & Friends of DC, AIN of Philadelphia and HERO of Baltimore. This years hand-picked bachelors will get to model clothes from David Schaefers new store, Beach Essentials, located at 33 Baltimore Avenue. Happy Memorial Day! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 5, May 22, 1998. |