LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
I apologize that I led a few people to believe that I would consider supporting HB99. Because I didn't scrutinize the bill to the degree that I should have, I put your publication, and particularly Steve Elkins, in a compromising position. I have personally apologized to Steve. I have tremendous respect for Steve and the wonderful contributions he has made to the Rehoboth community over the last decade.
I recognize that many in the community feel betrayed by my position. I look forward to proving to the gay community that while I can't support this particular bill, I am an ally and friend to the community and would continue to be so when elected. Mike Meoli, Candidate 14th Representative District As election day approaches, the Gay and Lesbian Community must remember their friends who accept us as equals. Last year I worked diligently for the passage of HB99 which, in the end, died in the hands of Senator Venables when he and others decided to mix politics with religion. Recently I moved to New Jersey, where employment and housing discrimination due to sexual orientation is illegal. In July my partner, Roberto, and I were married in civil union, accepted by Vermont law. All people of Delaware should be truly represented in Dover. The First State should be in the "lead" where human rights are concerned. I know that Pete Schwartzkopf accepts everyone for who they are. He will proudly serve as Rehoboth's own House member in Dover. Register in Georgetown prior to the deadline and vote in November for our friend. Herbert A. Russell An event held September 1 in Rehoboth to introduce the possibility of creating a Stonewall Democratic Club in Delaware raised $400 and was a great success. Over 30 people attended, including Chad Johnson, Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats (NSD); Mike Marsico, Board Member of NSD; Peter Schott, former NSD Board member; and Mark Aguirre, the openly gay, newly elected Rehoboth Beach City Commissioner. As you know, there is no Stonewall Democratic Club in Delaware. In light of the interest expressed by Delaware residents, we plan to have a Steering Committee meeting on Sunday, October 6 (time and place to be determined) to discuss the formation of a state-wide club. Please email me (TSpies@aol.com) or Peter Schott (dc2de@aol.com) to let us know if you can attend. We need the support of all you Delawareans, so please put it on your schedule, if at all possible. Many thanks to all who attended the event and to those who have expressed an interest in starting a new club. Tim Spies I was most pleased to see Rehoboth Beach, DE, named to the top 10 list of family beaches in the United States by the National Geographic Traveler (see the July/August issue, page 46, article entitled "America's Best Beaches" by George W. Stone). As the gay men and lesbians of Rehoboth continue their active roles in its civic life, a recognition such as this certainly goes a long way to support their efforts as they work tirelessly to maintain and enhance a community where all are not only welcome, but greeted with the utmost hospitality whether they are gay or straight, male or female, single or partnered, and with or without children. It is undeniable that Rehoboth Beach has a certain something that entices people from all walks of life to visit this seaside community and I, for one, believe that the active presence of the gay community has much to do with this difference that puts Rehoboth ahead of the rest. Pat Young Atlantic Color Lab's 5th Annual Best Pet at the Beach Photo Contest was a huge success. Contestants had between July 1-31 to bring in their favorite picture of their pet, then friends and customers could vote between August 1-31. Each vote required a $1.00 donation. Over $2,300 was raised for the Sussex SPCA Building Fund! More space means more time for more adoptions. These great animals desperately need our help. We want to thank the following merchants for their generous prize donations: Spoil Me Rotten Pet Sitting, Tickled Pink, Never Never Land Kennel & Cattery, The Pampered Pet, Atlantic Color Lab, Photos In The Sand, The Wizard of Paws, Concord Pets, Wash and Wag, and The Dirty Dog. The winners of this year's contest: Top Dogs1st Jackson; 2nd Tess; 3rd Zeus & Zena; 4th Nicky; 5th Izzy. Top Cats1st Simon; 2nd tie between Jessie & Mindy, 3rd Kitty Slippers. Best OtherSweet Pea (Skunk) & Tugger. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all the generous voters. Special thanks to Tijuana Taxi and Krissy Clary for their great support. Photos will be on display through the end of September at Atlantic Color Lab in Rehoboth Beach. Any extra donations can be made directly to the Sussex County SPCA in Georgetown. They can be reached at 302-856-6361 or visit www.delspca.org. Thanks for giving a paw a hand. The staff at Atlantic Color Labs |
Letters should be addressed to Editor, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth, DE 19971, or e-mail: editor@camprehoboth.com. Include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 13, September 20, 2002. |