LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Letters to LETTERS |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
To the Editor: Community is a word that is seldom misused to mean merely the place in which we live. But throughout the four days of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, the true definition was demonstrated time and time again. Countless members of the area resort towns (and even the surrounding metropolitan areas) were unified in helping us share a vision. The members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society had worked throughout the year in order to prepare for this event, but in order to make it a reality, a number of individuals pooled together their collective talents and created something that far exceeded all our expectations. From the crew who worked hours to create a magical opening night ceremony, to the host of volunteers who ushered the crowds through the theaters, to the group that organized the downtown Rehoboth Beach workshops and those who transformed the Rehoboth Mall Food Court into a dazzling closing night affair, the members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society owe you our deepest gratitude. Throughout this past year, we have received an outpouring of support from both individuals and businesses who put faith in us to produce an event that would unify the community and showcase the area in which we call home. But all of this preparation would be meaningless if it were not for the staff of the Atlantic Theaters. Their technical skills, dedication and professionalism delivered a flawless event, which is unheard of for established film festivals, let alone one in its inaugural year featuring more than 90 films in six theaters over the course of merely three days. And to the residents in and around our coastal city, you have helped alter our cultural landscape and we are dedicated to bring you an even stronger calendar for 1999. We hope to see you all next year. Thank you. Respectfully, The Rehoboth Beach Film Society Board of Directors Rob Rector, President Dear Steve, On behalf of the Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC), I would like to thank you and Murray, and CAMP Rehoboth, for the donation from SUNDANCE98. The check for $84,000.00, which represents 70% of the net proceeds from the event, will be used to finance the on-going programs here at SCAC. There have been tremendous advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS during the past several years. Protease inhibitors allow persons with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. However, these persons still struggle to live with the financial burden of HIV/AIDS, as well as other issues relating to quality of life. SCAC can help meet those emergency needs by providing financial assistance, transportation to medical appointments, or supplemental food assistance. SCAC also provides educational programs for clients, recently on such topics as dealing with grief, eating well, and using the Internet to learn about HIV treatment strategies. SCAC staff and volunteers also act as advocates for clients on a variety of issues. The money raised by SUNDANCE provides a tremendous financial boost to SCAC. As I look at other non-profit agencies, I see some that struggle financially and are forced to curtail services to clients. Because of the communitys support of fundraisers such as SUNDANCE, SCAC can spend more time fulfilling its mission: to serve persons in Sussex County with HIV infection and AIDS. So once again, on behalf of SCAC and the clients that it serves, thank you! Sincerely, Glen C. Pruitt, Executive Director Sussex County AIDS Committee Dear friends, Since 1988, local and national artists have graced our stages in "A Labor of Love." For our 10th anniversary, Jesus Christ Superstar, the concert version, will be performed at the Jim Rouse Theatre of Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, MD, on Monday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m., the evening before World AIDS Day. There will also be several sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on display in the lobby. As in past years, all the money raised by the benefit will support the emergency fund of the Howard County (Maryland) AIDS Alliance. The fund helps individuals living with AIDS meet their daily needs. As one physician and one artist, we have witnessed the devastating effects of AIDS and the difficulty of living with the disease. We are committed to improving the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS and hope we can count on your support in this effort. Tickets to "A Labor of Love" and the Jesus Christ Superstar concert are available for $25 minimum donation at AIDS Alliance, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 433, Columbia, MD 21045, or by calling one of us at 410-730-6122. The show promises to be a terrific family entertainment with Broadway singers, Hollywood actors, and international dancers joined on stage in Superstar. We sincerely hope that you will join us for the benefit, or, if you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider supporting AIDS Alliance. Tell a friend about "A Labor of Love." Sincerely, Dr. Michael Kelemen and Carolyn Kelemen Dear Steve, This letter is long overdue. Mike and I would like to offer our thanks to all who helped establish MCC by the Sea, the Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach. The list is very long, but that long list is filled with love! First and foremost, we wish to thank Murray and you for your initial encouragement and ongoing help. The conversation we had many years ago helped plant the seed for a very well known secret in Rehoboth that was never in the closet. We offer a special thanks to the Reverend Jonathan Baker and the congregation of Epworth United Methodist Church for their support and generosity of allowing MCC to use their church building for memorial services and worship activities. The support Jonathan gave me in my calling will forever be a highlight in my life. The following business owners, managers and staff deserve blessings abundant for their kindness, generosity, and time: The Renegades Glen Thompson and Wayne Hodge; The Blue Moons Joyce Felton and Rob Dick; Cloud 9s John Berdini, (the late) Paige Phillips-Berdini, Kelly Harp, Aaron Flamm, (the late) Michael Brossette; Manos Restaurants Dan, Greg, and Helen, and Joanne Wallett of the Tijuana Taxi. The press support came from The Whale (Delaware State News), Delaware Coast Press, Cape Gazette, LETTERS From CAMP, Carol Fezuk of the Underground and Rehoboth Beach Gayzette, WGMD-FM, WBOC-TV, Gay Fairfax, and The Washington Blade. Thanks to Donna Gibler and Joy Reese of Sand in my Shoes; Sue Slater and Lois Eldridge, (the late) Bud Clements, the former West Side Cafe, Surfside Diner and The Strand all allowed use of their homes and businesses. Special thanks to Mary Beth Ramsey for her art work, Bob Ramsey, businesses too numerous to mention for their kind raffle donations, the Odd Fellows, Subway Downtown, the Sussex County Aids Committee, the John Issenock Memorial Fund, Audra Rivers, Glen Pruitt, Jeff Goeringer, Ward Ellinger, Allen Jarmon, Steve Hoult, Rich Bane, Marsha Stidham, Bill Brierly, Bill Gordon, Michael Olesen, Deb Morin, Cheryl Graf, Joe Biliski, Roberta Exner, Connie Lundquist, John Foster, Billy Christian, Austin Clayton, all the people who helped bring Christ and Christmas to the street in two award winning Christmas floats. Thanks to the PRIDE and Sundance benefits, and all other fundraisers and activities that asked us to participate and/or sponsor. To Ebony Productions and their stars, Tom ONeil and Danny James, all participants in the JDG Memorial Building Fund. Thank you to the over 700 visitors nationwide to MCC-Rehoboth Beach, the Rev. Candace Shultis, MCC Washington, the congregations in the Mid Atlantic District, the UFMCC, the District Committee, the Rev. Arlene Ackerman, all people gay, lesbian, bisexual, Trans-gendered and Straight whom we may have missed, we ask Gods blessings on you. Thank you one and all for your support, prayers, and love. Finally, to the congregation of MCC-Rehoboth Beach, the backbone of Gods work in Rehoboth, our love goes with you. We are all on a journey of Faith, Love, Hope, and Unity. Any who have left, go back and visit Pastor Tom and feel the continuation of the Spirit there. Mike and I know that this Church is going to grow and reach out even further. The foundation is laid, let us all build from there. In service to God, Dave Patterson and Mike Schilling Dear Editor: I found you on the Internet and thought you might be able to help. I am looking for any information about Heddy Lamar, the pioneer of "spread spectrum." I am a relatively new amateur radio operator who has recently learned that Heddy Lamar (the actress) and George Antheil the musician pioneered spread spectrum which prevented the enemies from interfering with the Allies torpedoes during World War II, and led to the wireless communication of transmission of information today. If you have any information on Ms. Lamar, I would be most grateful. Ham operators get very excited by the new technologies and the people involved, especially when they are women. Canada does not have very many licensed women who "participate" in ham radio. I am trying to locate Ms. Larmars call sign which would likely be under her "real name," but I cant find out what her real name would have been. If your readers can help, please e-mail me at suzanne@worldchat.com. Thanks for your time Sue Robson |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 15, November 20, 1998. |