LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
This is the memorial day issue of LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth, and once again I find myself scratching my graying head and wondering how it could possibly be time to start a new season. But it is, and as I look at the eighty-eight pages of this issue it reminds me that it has been a busy and exciting year in CAMP and I know that the excitement will continue to grow as we move into the summer. On page 66, Murray writes a little about whats going on "deep in the heart of CAMP," and reminds us that while this magazine is an important part of the CAMP Rehoboth organization it is far from being all that we doand all that we dream of doing. CAMP Rehoboth has always been about creating a vision, and to do that we need to hear from those of you who make up our community. It is important that we share our hopes and dreams with one another. It is important that we listen to one another. This magazine is called LETTERS for a reason, and I would like to remind its readers that as you enjoy the beautiful days of the summer beach season, I hope youll take the time to share with us a little about what you think it means to be gay or lesbian. As for the day-to-day life in CAMP, Memorial Day brings a return to our annual visit to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department for this years sensitivity training. Police Chief Doyle has worked hard over the years to see that visitors and residents of our town receive fair and equal treatment. Sensitivity goes both ways of course, and I hope that in the midst of the summer fun we all remember to be careful. Sensitive cops dont mean that they will be looking the other way when you are driving drunk or engaging in other behavior that is against the law. To borrow our CAMPsafe message againhave fun, play smart, and CAMPsafe! Speaking of CAMPsafe, CAMP Rehoboths safe sex campaign that targets gay men, we are in our second season of that program. On page 6, Bill Sievert, our 1999 CAMPsafe director, provides an update on what you can expect. I know that Bill and his team will be visible throughout the season. Anyone interested in lending a hand to the program can reach Bill through CAMP Rehoboth or at his clothing store SPLASH on Baltimore Avenue. It wouldnt be summer without talking about plans for the seasons big events. Though rumors have been flying about this years LOVE 99, youll be pleased to know that the annual 4th of July fundraiser and dance event is going to happen as planned. None of us want to see a summer without LOVE, so be sure and sign up to host or sponsor this years event. As in previous years, the Blue Moon will host the LOVE 99 kickoff event with its sensational Bachelor Auction 99 on Saturday, June 12. And of course plans are well under way for SUNDANCE 99the big, two-night, Labor Day Weekend auction and dance party. I knew the summer was upon us last weekend with the return of Tom Minnuto to Rehoboth. Its Beach Book time again. For those of you new to Rehoboth, the Beach Book, published by CAMP Rehoboth and produced by Tom Minnuto is a directory of 1999 Rehoboth area beach houses. To be a part of this summers book, fill out the form on page 52 of this issue and return it to Tom Minnuto or the CAMP Rehoboth office. Deadline for "being scene" in this years Beach Book is Sunday, June 6. On a sad note, many of you have inquired about a memorial service for Nick Alliano, who died on April 21. His long-time partner Lenny Chiofolo has asked that we let friends know that plans are being made for a memorial celebration of Nicks life on Sunday, June 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Cloud 9 Restaurant. Finally, a special thanks to Promarket of Washington, D.C. for their wonderful ideas to give LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth a new look. Mary Beth Ramsey, Sondra Arkin and Norman Mallard have certainly made my life easier. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 5, May 21, 1999 |