LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See ItCommentary by Steve Elkins, Editor |
This is the last issue of letters for this season, and I find it hard to believe that the year 2000 is almost over. Does anybody remember Y2K? It seems so long ago, and yet at this time last year it was all we could talk about. Now we sit in front of the TV watching people count ballots in Florida and listening to endless conversations about hanging chads, pregnant chads and swinging chads. Could this be some weird latent strain of Y2K resurfacing to wreck havoc and bring down empires? I don't think so, but it has been the most interesting part of this year's election process. We call this the holiday issue because it covers the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's. That includes December 1, World AIDS Day. This year's theme reminds us that we are all in a position to "make a difference" where AIDS is concerned. Whether it's giving money, volunteering time, care giving, educating, or talking about safe sex, there's something each of us can do. For a complete guide to World AIDS Day activities in our area see page 6, and don't miss this year's Candlelight Walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope. Last year Murray and I talked about whether we thought it was still important to read the names each year. After last year's service he said that he had decided that the answer was yes. "We forget," he said. "We forget so fast what it was like when everyone was dying. We need to hear those names. We need to remember, and we need to celebrate their lives." The dying is not over, however, and there are new names to be added this year. Together we can make a difference. I hope to see you at the bandstand on Friday, December 1. It has been a busy year for CAMP Rehoboth, and looking back over the preceding months I can't remember a time more filled with progress and exciting change. More and more people are getting involved in the work of CAMP Rehoboth. From support groups for gay men and women, to The Women's Project, The Community Center Project, Sundance and CAMPsafe, the umbrella of CAMP Rehoboth is growing. For an update on the November 4 meeting and the "state of CAMP" see page 16. If you missed the rehoboth beach independent film festival this year, you missed a "reel" treat. CAMP Rehoboth has been a sponsor of the festival since its beginning because of the wonderful way it brings the community together. The festival challenges us, it entertains us, it opens us to the world around usand it provides a meeting ground for gay and straight. Our community is very lucky to have Film Fest Director Barry Becker and all the volunteers who provide the support he needs. Congratulations Barry and crew on another successful festival. I'm already looking forward to next year. The first letters of the new year will be out in time for Valentine's Day and the Beach House Rush Party in DC. Next season will be the eleventh year for CAMP Rehoboth and I believe it will be the best one yet. I believe that because there are so many people working to make it happen. At the November 4 meeting I mentioned a moment ago there were 38 people working to make things happen38 talented, generous people. As I looked around the room at that meeting, as I talk to the many people who come through the doors of CAMP, as I work on the hundreds of thank you notes for Sundance 2000, as I work with the many staff and volunteers who make CAMP Rehoboth and it's programs possible, and as I watch CAMP Rehoboth continue to unfold, I know that the new year will be a good one for us. I know it because of youthe people who are CAMP Rehoboththe people of our community. Have a great holiday season. See you next year. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 15, Nov. 22, 2000. |