LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth

SPEAK Out

We were overwhelmed with emotions on Wednesday, July 16th, when so many of you from CAMP Rehoboth, the CAMP Rehoboth Golf League, and friends, showed up to present us with our first mode of transportation, a 2003 Royal Blue Chrysler van with all the wonderful features. Thank you so much for taking time to raise the funds for the van and the insurance.

We are blessed to have concerned, interested, and involved citizens like you who have taken the time to touch lives of so many children, youth and their families in West Rehoboth. We must not lose sight and remain focused on our traditions, and rich diversity which gives our community much of its strength and resilience.

The West Side New Beginnings Children & Youth Program stresses literacy, reading, and writing, as well as wholesome recreational activities and good citizenship. The children and youth program includes providing a safe learning environment; promoting literacy; raising self-esteem; nutritious meals and knowledge about health and nutrition; increasing cultural exploration via field trips; and practicing community participation and service.

We've built this foundation of success with the help of organizations, businesses, volunteers, individuals, and others like you; and we intend to continue to Preserve Our CommunityProtect our Future.

Please know that your contribution gives results, hope, and changes lives everyday.

Again, we want to thank our friends like you for helping us to reach an important milestone this year.

With sincere thanks and appreciation.

Brenda Milbourne, Executive Director Diaz Bonville, Program Director West Side New Beginnings Children & Youth Program

I rarely voice my opinion, or take a stand on political issues or issues that involve others in our community. However, there does come an occasion when an avenue is needed to express my thoughts. Human rights and human dignity is more than an opinion, more precious than keeping silent and keeping the "status quo." Injustices are more frequent than I care to admit or voice

Our community is built on tolerance, pride, and acceptance of all who live here and in all who travel to Rehoboth Beach. Hospitality and patience are essential in building a strong community. What happens in our clubs and on our streets is a reflection of who we are and what our town is to all visitors and guests. We are a city of hosts, even if it's to make "a night to remember" for a performer so they will want to return to a city where there is "room for all".

The recent performance of actor Leslie Jordan at a local establishment was tainted by misunderstanding and perhaps miscommunication. In Mr. Jordan's performance he spoke of basic human rights and dignity. He endured discrimination as a child as well as an openly gay actor. Mr. Jordan spoke about his long road to stardom, also of his joys, accomplishments, and pride.

I am saddened that his visit to Rehoboth was marred by this misunderstanding and hope that he will still be able to remember Rehoboth as a city of room for all.

Our journeys in Rehoboth are diverse and eclectic, however we have that common thread that binds us together. As we travel down that "pink carpet" we should be re-energized by our commitment to celebrate diversity.

Ward Ellinger

As the September 9th Democratic primary approaches, I've been discussing the gubernatorial race with friends a lot and, until recently, I've been undecided.

My friends say often that we need to move away from many of the Minner administration's recent history of inaction and 'no-comment' attitude about government accountability. I tend to agree, but it wasn't just the Minner administration, it was the Minner-Carney

administration. A reality that Carney seems to be struggling to bury these days, despite that it is the source of the other comment I hear around town: "It's Carney's turn now." I remember hearing this when Minner ran as well...but last I heard, the Governorship is not inherited. It smacks of complacency and entitlement.

Oddly, Carney supporters then argue that Jack Markell has been just as much a part of that administration as Carney himself. The logic seems convoluted, disingenuous and "trying to have it both ways."

Markell supporters point out Jack's record of saving us millions as State Treasurer; his bold and outspoken leadership; his intellect and habit of thinking "out-of-the-box"; and his appeal to republicans and independents. I've noticed that Markell has been publishing and sharing his views and initiatives very publicly and at a regular paceand that Carney has a habit of sharing his thoughts on the same issues well after Markell.

Nothing about Markell says "Minner/ Carney": He speaks clearly and definitively about what he plans to do (far from the "no comment" attitude of Minner/Carney); He does it first (showing leadership and guts); and he has actually listened at every event I have attended.

I, for one, am supporting Markell in the primary.

Jim Dickinson

Just wanted to let you know I thought this was one of the best Love Dances I have been to in the last few years. Julian Marsh did a fantastic job. I'm in my late 40s, as was most of the group I went with, and it was so nice to dance to music with words that we knew. Thank God there is a DJ left that doesn't play trance all night.

Once again my gang and I thank you very much! Mark DiRenzo

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 10 July 25, 2008