LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
| by Beth Fitton |
| Connect
I believe it was the summer of 1988 when I discovered Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heathbar Crunch ice cream. I was staying in a guest house on Baltimore Avenue (and questioning if I was gay) and two other guests were discussing the merits of different flavors of Ben & Jerry's. (As an old New Englander, any version of coffee flavored ice cream is top of my favorites list.) I've alternately toasted and cursed those two guests over the years as my weight has gone up and down and up again. (Not all ice cream driven.) Nowadays, I allow myself a once a month trip to the Rehoboth Avenue B&J establishment for the very intense Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz. Now that you understand the history and importance of these once a month ice cream ventures, I'll tell you that on a recent Saturday night my partner and I were making the monthly ice cream run. We could not believe how busy Rehoboth Avenue was! You had to wait for each traffic light to turn green two or three times before you could make it through. It was the combination of the sheer numbers of cars and all the people who were trying to get into and out of parking spaces. Well, happy ending! We did get the ice cream fix. As we were driving back out of town the situation on Rehoboth Avenue was the same but it struck me so differently. (The laser focus on ice cream was gone.) I had this flashback to Lake George and then, I was reminded of Boothbay Harbor. Two favorite places from our childhoods that we have visited as adults. Actually, the scene could have been any resort town in summer. You see traffic inching; couples holding hands; families strolling; and restaurants teaming with guests. I had never thought about how the same we are because it is our difference that I celebrate. For the first time, I could see how a person could come to Rehoboth Beach and simply enjoy the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, and shops, as we have done in other resort towns. Rehoboth Beach has always had such an incredible connection for me and, I know, for so much of our community that it was hard for me to see it through other's eyes. Founders' Circle The incredible connection is evidenced in the number of community members supporting the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. To date, there are 430 people who have made a commitment to the Founders' Circle. (See link below.) They have pledged $944,912.72 with $665,669.18 being received. If you are not a member, please consider adding your name to the Founders' Circle permanent records. You will be making an investment in our community, plus it's a great tax deduction. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. CAMP Rehoboth's board and staff appreciate the commitment of all who have become recent members of the Founders' Circle, upgraded your original pledge, or made your pledge payment. You are the people who help make the difference from any other resort town to our community. One that is strong, accepting and has a heart. (The ice cream is a bonus!) Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Beth Fitton is Development Director at CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached by e-mail at beth@camprehoboth.com. |
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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 15, No. 12 August 26, 2005 |