LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
In Brief |
Everything Is in Black and White
"I've been accused of designing the theme for The Black and White Beach Ball so I would have something to wear," says CAMP Rehoboth Board President Murray Archibald," laughing about his penchant for wearing black on almost every occasion. "The committee planning the event," he goes on to say, "wanted to dress things up a little-but not too much, because it is summer at the beach after all." The Black and White Beach Ball is the annual event of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project's Founder's Circle, and kicks off the second year of its capital building fund campaign to raise a million dollars. "It's going to be a great time," Murray says, "there is so much excitement and energy surrounding the idea of the Community Center-an idea that is becoming a reality far faster than any of us would have believed possible." The doors for the Black and White Beach Ball will open at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Atlantic Sands Ballroom, overlooking Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk. The evening, which includes an open bar, will begin with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment; will feature special guest Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner; and will conclude with the HeART of the Community Art Auction. The HeART of the Community Art Auction will feature the work of 16 artists interpreting the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project house and heart theme/logo. The paintings will be reproduced as a boxed set of greeting cards and sold to raise additional funds for the Project. "Last year was an awesome party," says CAMP Rehoboth Board Member and Main Street Director Fay Jacobs, "and I expect it to be even better this year-it's a fabulous way to kick off the season." Dress for The Black and White Beach Ball is, of course, black and white casual. Tickets for the event are $30 and are limited. Reservations are suggested. For reservations or information about The Black and White Beach Ball or the HeART of the Community Art Auction, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620. Hopkins Doctor Is Consortium Speaker The Delaware HIV Consortium announces Dr. Richard D. Moore from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as its guest speaker at its annual meeting on May 21, 2002. The meeting will run from 3-5 p.m at the Maple Dale Country Club in Dover and is open to the public. In addition to Dr. Moore's presentation, highlights of the events and achievements of the Consortium from the past year will be featured. Plans and special projects for the upcoming year will also be announced. "The Consortium is very excited to have Dr. Moore as our guest speaker," Executive Director Sue Weimer said. "Considering the important work he does in the HIV/AIDS field, his presentation couldn't be more timely," she adds. "It's a wonderful match with what the Consortium does." Dr. Moore is a professor and Director of the HIV Outcomes Programs at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His work in the field targets cost-effectiveness and improvement of outcomes for those living with the disease. In addition to writing more than 200 articles, Dr. Moore has spoken internationally on HIV/AIDS-related topics. His lecture at the Consortium's meeting will examine the epidemic from a historical view, with focus on testing and adherence. The Delaware HIV Consortium is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to see that Delaware residents with HIV are provided the highest quality AIDS-related education and services available. In addition, the Consortium coordinates statewide efforts to plan effective HIV prevention and care programs. Christopher Peterson's Eyecons Returns Direct from an extended run in Key West, Christopher Peterson, one of the nation's most popular female impersonators and creator of the "Eyecons Show" will open for a 5th season at the Renegade Resort in Rehoboth Beach on Friday May 31st. Three completely different shows will alternate weekly, guaranteeing a different performance each night. The one-man, many women, show has thrilled audiences from Atlantic City Casinos to Key West to Palm Springs. Many should also recognize Peterson from his recent debut as Lucy in the movie Rat Race. The show features Peterson changing from Hollywood icon to icon on stage, singing live both standards and parodies at perfect pitch. In this one hour high energy show, Peterson tells tall tales of a drag queen coming of age, between belting out tunes as Barbra Streisand, Shirley MacLaine, Judy Garland and Liza Minelli, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Cher, Tina Turner, Carol Channing, Lucille Ball, and Joan Rivers just to name a few. The Eyecons stage, special effects and fabulous lighting enhance Peterson's show. Due to the show's extreme popularity, the Renegade will be adding a Saturday night performance at 9 p.m. in addition to the usual Friday and Sunday night shows at 10 p.m. For those wishing to have dinner and attend the show, reservations are a must. For the show only, an early arrival is suggested as each performance quickly fills to capacity. The Renegade Resort Complex is located at 4274 Highway One in Rehoboth. For reservations, call 302-227-4713. Gay Men's Support Groups Scheduled to Begin Soon Two gay men's support groups are scheduled to start up shortly. One of the groups, The Retreat, will resume on Thursday, May 23. The other group, Growing Up Gay, will begin on Monday, June 3. The Retreat will soon be celebrating its second anniversary as a drop-in group for gay men of all ages. During the past two years, this group has had a fairly open agenda, where participants addressed whatever life issues they brought to the meeting. The focus of The Retreat will change significantly in the upcoming season. According to Peter Robinson, group facilitator, "The group is intended for gay men wanting to learn intimacy skills in a safe environment. Only those individuals seeking to explore themselves openly and honestly will benefit from this group." Peter says that "vulnerability is the key to self-discovery and that through such self-discovery, participants can begin unlocking the door to more fulfillment in their lives." Because of the open and honest nature of this group, the need for confidentiality is paramount. Peter says that "no breaches of confidentiality will be tolerated. While this group is not a classic therapy group, there are many therapeutic aspects to the process and as such maintaining a safe environment is tremendously important." Peter cautions, "The Retreat is not a social or a topical group and individuals looking to attend such groups should contact CAMP Rehoboth about getting such support groups started." The Retreat will meet on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer and early fall. The other gay men's support group, Growing Up Gay, is limited to gay men, ages 18 to 35. Group participants will focus on issues that many younger gay men typically confront in early-to-mid adulthood. These issues include: forming new relationships and maintaining long-term ones; negotiating safe sex; coming out to family, friends and co-workers; dealing with alcohol and other substances in gay venues; forming and maintaining significant friendships; and confronting issues emanating from repressed sexuality. Such issues will be explored weekly. Peter Robinson will also facilitate this group. Peter says, "The need for such a group arises because younger gay men often feel more comfortable discussing issues within their own age-appropriate peer group." He believes that most younger gay men shy away from support groups because they believe that such groups are attended only by the 40-and-older crowd and they may not be able to relate to younger gay men's issues. Peter states that "while this is untrue, the perception is real and because of that, the younger gay male population ends up being under-served." Growing Up Gay will meet every Monday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. throughout the summer and early fall. Both The Retreat and Growing Up Gay will meet at the new CAMP Rehoboth offices at 39 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth. Both groups are intended as drop-in groups, but one or both may have to be closed to new participants at some point because of limited space availability. For more information or questions about eitherof these two groups, contact CAMP Rehoboth at 227-5620. CAMP Rehoboth's Beach Book 2002 Comes Out June 22 Beach Book 2002, a directory of Rehoboth Beach area summer residents and their frequent guests, is now being assembled. To be included in this year's book, names must be received by Sunday, June 2. Published by CAMP Rehoboth and edited by Tom Minnuto, the Beach Book is organized into two parts. In the first section houses are listed by street with the names of persons at that address and the phone number. The second section lists each person alphabetically with address and phone number. In its tenth year of publication, the Beach Book is an important part of Rehoboth's gay summer scene, making it easy to keep track of both old and new friends. The Beach Book will be ready for distribution by Saturday, June 22. To be included in Beach Book 2002, fill out the form on page 88 and mail it to CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth, DE 19971, fax it to 302-227-5604, email it to beachbook@camprehoboth.com or fill it out on-line at www.camprehoboth.com. Love Songs and Other Fairy Tales...Benefits SCAC The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) has long been known for the powerful harmony of their 100+ voices and delightful surprises they add to their full chorus concerts. Last year, and several times before that, the full chorus has performed to sold-out audiences in concerts benefiting the Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC). On Saturday, June 22 the GMCW will be back in Rehoboth, again bringing their beautiful voices and plenty of surprises. But this time, part of the surprise is that instead of a concert by the full chorus, eight members of the acclaimed GMCW will perform their original production of Love Songs and Other Fairy Tales...A Cabaret. Staged at the Atlantic Sands' Swan Ballroom, Love Songs and Other Fairy Tales...A Cabaret musically explores the gay experience in ways that promise to touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. It was first performed last fall to enthusiastic sold-out audiences in Washington. "This is a remarkably talented and brave cast," says Jarrin Davis, the show's director. "They all sing different types of songs, from compassionate to comedic, but each man brings so much of himself to the words he sings." Proceeds from the dinner and cabaret will again benefit the Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC) and its supportive services for those with HIV and AIDS. The evening of Love Songs and Other Fairy Tales...A Cabaret begins with cocktails at 7 and dinner with wine at 8. The cabaret performance will immediately follow dinner. Tickets for the dinner and cabaret show are $100 each. Sponsor packages are also available for $1,250 and include preferred "up front" seating for a table of 10, recognition in the evening's commemorative program, and special recognition signage at the sponsor's table. Tickets are available at the SCAC offices, located at 107 South Street in Rehoboth, and at CAMP Rehoboth. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 05, May 17, 2002. |