LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Beth Fitton |
Spring Is in the Air in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard
Ahhh, the shirts have come off in the Courtyard! Can summer be far away? Oh, I guess that does need a bit more explanation. What I meant to say was that the construction workers have been enjoying this warmer weather and are working without their shirts or sweatshirts. It's amazing how word of this has spread through downtown prompting visitors to CAMP Rehoboth to stay just a bit longer watching the CAMP Courtyard progress. Speaking of progress, it has been a very busy month for Bancroft Construction. The underground plumbing is in; the underground electric lines are in place; the concrete has been poured in the east driveway, around the Courtyard landscape beds and for the front sidewalk; plus the pavers have been laid in the back quarter of the CAMP Courtyard. The most visible change to the construction project is the steelwork which was delivered AND put in place in just two days. Please note the American flag flying from the top-most girder. (I have a fear of heights that dates back to my teenage years. Watching the steelworkers walk those beams some two stories off the ground was truly a scary experience for me.) Now, with the "bones" in place, you can really begin to see the building's shape. Also, with the paving complete in the rear of the CAMP Courtyard, you can get an idea of what promises to be an awesome meeting space for the community. This past weekend, Mary and I were invited to lunch at the home of some CAMP friends. The two gentlemen had out-of-state women friends visiting and they were hoping that Mary and I could describe and promote the women's community in Rehoboth Beach. The goal was to convince their good friends to relocate from an expensive, less than gay-friendly locale to Rehoboth Beach. While Mary and I are quite "verbal," I have to confess that I don't think we did the assignment justice. I forgot to describe how this community takes care of each other in the most incredible ways. And how do you really explain that Rehoboth is a "state of being"? I described groups, activities and the accepting nature of the overall community. All of which contribute to making Rehoboth Beach a great place to live but I think I failed miserably at explaining how you just feel that you belong here. It is so much more than feeling accepted. You are just you. Gay is a non-issue! Now don't write to me to say that some uninitiated person clerking in some Route 1 outlet made a disparaging remark when you hugged your partner. It is so clearly the exception rather than the rule that it comes as a complete surprise. True? For those of us who call Rehoboth "home" whether full-time or as often as we can be here, I am asking you to consider adding your support to CAMP Rehoboth's capital campaign this spring. Each dollar contributed brings us closer to the reality of a Community Center with "room for all." Please stop by to see our progress the next time you are in town. I'm sure you will agree that this is a project worthy of your support. You may choose to join the GEM Club (see page 8), support an item on the Wish List (see link on CAMP Rehoboth's main page) or give to the CAMPus fund. Whatever your choice, we are grateful for your contribution. Beth Fitton is Development Director of CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached at beth@camprehoboth.com or by calling 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 03 April 04, 2008 |