LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
At the Follies 2003, after our skit was over, and my costume removed, I discovered that my ear did not contain its hearing aid. Everyone was so kind and helpful in searching: CAMP Rehoboth staff, stage hands, skit performers, but without any luck! The next morning, just before heading to the beach, Steve Elkins called with the wonderful news that the hearing aid had been foundintact and still working!
Many thanks to all who helped in the search and to all who were concerned about my dilemma. Billy Christian (Memphis TN) In his recent Weekend Beach Bum column titled "A Gay Man's Dating Questionnaire," (Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, July 25, 2003) Eric Morrison used the phrase a "doped up schizophrenic"words which are stigmatizing for people with brain disorders. I was very impressed by a column Eric had written last winter concerning Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It was well written and explained his own experience with SAD. Unfortunately, in his column of July 25, I was very SAD (pun intended) to see his lack of sensitivity for those with mental illnesses. I am the Director of Services for Kent/Sussex Counties for NAMI-DE, Delaware's Voice on Mental Illness. NAMI-DE is a nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to providing support, education, advocacy and housing on behalf of persons with mental illness and those who care about them. One of our missions is to eliminate stigma associated with mental illness. Prejudices are borne out of judgments and opinions formed before facts are known. These judgments frequently manifest into fear. These fears result in actions of intolerance and often cause harm to the person who is the target of prejudice. The stigma that results can be devastating. The stigma placed on mental illness decreases opportunities in all facets of life for the person who experiences the disease and for those who love them. Stigma, in many instances, prevents people from seeking effective treatment as well as placing financial barriers between the person and access to effective treatment. It cuts off necessary support systems and the communication of needs for both the mentally ill person and their families because of the "shame and blame" attached to the disease. Mental illnesses are brain disorders. Like diabetes or any other illness, there are symptoms and treatment. As with many other illnesses, treatment works. Through education and understanding, we all need to work to eliminate the stigma attached to these illnesses. Please consider working with us to increase public awareness regarding mental illness being biologically based medical diseases. For a person experiencing the brain disorder of schizophrenia; medication and support can make the difference between a fulfilling life or, without it, living a life of isolation and despair. Mark Thompson Director of Kent/Sussex Services The letter from Guy Abernathy in the previous issue of Letters concerning AM and Cafe Zeus, made me laugh a little. Why? I have a sense of humor! The T-shirts that offended Guy so terribly were bought by me, the manager of Caf Zeus, as a gag. Neither the owners nor myself told anyone they had to wear them. In fact, one bartender and myself were the only ones who wore them. They were purchased from a local merchant. I do most of my business in the downtown area rather than buying from the "chains" and corporate giants. I received many compliments on the shirts which most people thought were quite funny. If the T in question offended anyone else, as it did Mr. Abernathy, please accept my sincere apology. One final note: As a kiss and make-up gesture, I invite Guy back to Cafe Zeus on Sunday, August 10 for TEA, where I will buy him his drinks, and the staff, including myself, will be wearing "WE LOVE GUY" T-shirts. So how about it? God I love this town! Mark Bogia Henry DeWitt, who is running for Rehoboth Beach City Commissioner, is a compelling alternative to the two incumbents. First, Mr. DeWitt maintains a residence in Rehoboth. The two incumbents, while owning commercial property and running businesses in the city choose to live outside of the city limits. Since Mr. DeWitt has to live with the consequences of poor neighborhood planning, it is clear to me that he will best serve the residents of the city and will work to preserve the city's residential character. Second, Mr. DeWitt supports in full the Comprehensive Development Plan, which will guide the future development of the city. Neither of the incumbents has pledged to vote for the adoption of the Plan as written. If this Plan, carefully drafted over a two-year period, is watered down, it will be as ineffective as the 1996 Long Range Plan, which has sat quietly on the shelf for five years. Let's help the city manage growth instead of growth managing the city. Please vote for Henry DeWitt as City Commissioner. Tim C. Spies I am writing to CAMP Rehoboth to offer a heartfelt thank you to many persons, known and unknown. On May 30, 2003, my companion/lover/partner of 5 years, Jim Best, suffered a major heart attack at Cloud 9. This left him in a vegetative state, and on life support at Beebe Medical Center. He died peacefully on June 2, 2003. The many people who come to Rehoboth Beach either love or hate it. Most end up falling in love with it and continue a long, wonderfully satisfying relationship. Such was our relationship with Rehoboth. In the last two months since this personal tragedy I have been repeatedly amazed by the many loving, compassionate and selfless acts of others. It is in the worst of times that we see the true measure of humanity. At Cloud 9 on May 30, the staff responded rapidly to Jim's medical emergency. Unfortunately, given the situation, the facility had to be closed. There had been a "full house" of folks enjoying themselves. Randy Overbaugh, the manager, was phenomenal. He insisted that I not be upset over the closure and continually comforted me in the midst of what seemed at the time outrageous chaos and emotional turmoil. A special thank you to the unnamed nurse who focused me as we gave Jim CPR. The EMTs and Rehoboth Police Department were well trained professionals, as were the ER, ICU, and Gift of Life folks at Beebe Medical Center. Having worked for 20 years in a large and outstanding regional healthcare system, I can't praise Beebe enough. Dr. Rosa and the ICU staff were incredible. They were in tune and aware of the circumstances of our lives. Superb and compassionate care is a real blessing. Additionally, Rehoboth Beach has CAMP Rehoboth. Although we had attended a limited number of events over the years we always commended their numerous service activities; notably the witty and intelligent educational programs for safer sexual practices. Little did I know of the depth and breadth of offered resources and services. They have been an invaluable support for me in this most trying of times. I encourage everyone to learn more about this stellar organization, use it as needed and support it as well. Again, thank you. Fred Stoner |
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. 13, No. 11 August 8, 2003 |