LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Beth Fitton |
Courtyard Chatter
Was this the best Memorial Day weekend that you can remember? It was for me and seemed to be for Rehoboth Beach shop keepers. The weather was outstanding and the energy was so upbeat. Residents and visitors alike could be seen enjoying time on the beach, shopping in local stores, checking out the art in community galleries, and relaxing with friends and family over great meals in our many fine restaurants and cafs. Certainly, the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard was a hub of activity. Our new furniture was put to good use. Folks stopping in at Lori's Caf ordered their meal and tried out the new furnishings. Many of the people who visited Lambda Rising were utilizing the courtyard to peruse their latest purchase. Plus, lots of visitors discovered the latest addition to CAMP Rehoboth's CAMPus, the Ward Ellinger Gallery. On May 24, CAMP Rehoboth hosted this year's HeART of the Community art preview. The event offered community members an opportunity to preview much of the art and meet many of the artists who generously donated their art to be auctioned at the Black and White Beach Ball. We have a few artists who are new to the CAMP Rehoboth family this year and many artists returning by popular demand. One of my favorite pastimes is people watching. I accompany that with "people listening." Alright; alright! It is eavesdropping! I figure that if you are talking loud enough for me to hear you in my office, it's fair game. Here's what I have learned. For all Murray, Steve, and I have written about the addition to CAMP Rehoboth, there are still lots of people asking, "What's going in there?" or "Who is building behind you?" I listen for someone to explain and if that doesn't happen, I have been known to go out into the courtyard, strike up a conversation and take folks on a tour. Maybe it's just me! It is quite possible that we are so caught up in making the addition happen, working for the funding, figuring out how to work around the construction that we have lost perspective. Two people in the last two days have told me how much better they feel and how much improved their lives are since they moved to Rehoboth Beach. One of them said, "I don't have to look over my shoulder any more" while the second person said, "I can be myself. I don't have to worry about what someone might say." Once the building project is finished, we will have a properly equipped room for conferences, support group meetings, small stage productions, retreats, community meetings, special occasions, plus gallery space for exhibits. We will be able to meet more needs for more people in our community. Memorial Day is meant to remember those who died so that we can be free. Until all of our brothers and sisters can enjoy that freedom, our work is not done. Your financial contribution to CAMP Rehoboth moves us that much closer to our goal. Pages 8 and 9 offer ways that you may choose to help. 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. 06 May 30, 2008 |