LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
This issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is the final one for this season, and gives us reason to look back on a year that none of us are likely to forget. The cover of this issue has been created using covers and images from Letters 2001 season, and provides for us a visual reminder of what we were doing these last twelve months. In the light of September 11, the summer seems to have almost faded into a mystical memory from another time, another place, another world. It was, however, a great summer and nothing can take that away from us; its memories will surely help to get us through more serious times, and give us something to look forward to in the future. On page 8, Fay Jacobs shares some local opinions on the state of the post 9/11 world.
On a somewhat smaller scale than the state of the world is the state of CAMP Rehoboth as we come to the end of our eleventh year. I am still amazed that the time has passed so swiftly (and that I have so many gray hairs!), but it makes it more understandable when I see the progress and the growth we have made during that time. Our CAMPsafe contract with the State of Delaware has just been renewed for the next three years, (for more information on CAMPsafe, see page 54). The Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth is planning its Second Annual Women's Health, Legal and Financial Conference at the Rehoboth Convention Center in March of 2002. Sundance 2001 set a new recordraising over $165,000 for Sussex County AIDS Committee and CAMP Rehoboth. The CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project's Founder's Circle kicked off a five year campaign to raise a million dollarsand already has pledges for over $250,000. This magazine, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, continues to help us fulfill our mission of "creating a more positive environment," and by the end of the year we will have distributed over 105,000 copies in Rehoboth, Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The success of CAMP Rehoboth comes from the incredible support of so many people. We live in a community that, like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going, and giving and giving, day after day, year after year. It's going to be a busy winter for CAMP Rehoboth, if you would like to volunteer or join the work of the CAMP Rehoboth Project Advisory Committee or any of our projects or programs give us a call, email us, or stop by the office. December 1 is World AIDS Day, and in Rehoboth that means the Candlelight Walk and the Service of Remembrance and Hope. The walk and service are always moving experiences, reminding us of the incredible struggle the last twenty years have been, and the need to not give up the fight. This year's theme of "I care...do you?" focuses on young people. For various reasons, including the fact that younger people did not experience the devastation of the early years of the AIDS pandemic, people under 25 account for 50% of all new HIV infections. Every minute, five young people in the world are infected with HIV. Even though the mortality rate in the United States has dropped, the rate of new infections has remained the same. Don't miss the Candlelight Walkit's a time to remember the past, hope for the future, and celebrate the living. Candles are provided. For more information on World AIDS Day and a schedule of events, see page 6. This issue hits the stands the day before thanksgiving and is our "holiday" issue, so to speak, as it will carry us into the new year. The events of the last few months have reminded me how fragile our lives can be. I am thankful to be alive, and thankful for all of you who support the cause and work of CAMP Rehoboth with your passion, your vision, your finances and your talents. Have a great holiday and a wonderful New Year. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 15, November 21, 2001. |