The Way I See It
by Steve Elkins
Spring has a way of making us quickly forget the mountains of snow that lined the streets only a few short weeks ago. Here on Baltimore Avenue in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, a new excitement is in the air as business owners and residents spruce up the street for the start of the new season. In the CAMP Courtyard, life has returned with a rush as the warmer weather and the re-opening of Lori’s Café lures us out of our winter cocoons. In CAMPmatters, Murray writes about spring, the new season, and reports on some of the exciting programs and activities in the works here at CAMP Rehoboth.
Volunteers are always a key part of CAMP Rehoboth Community Center activities and events, so we are delighted to launch in this issue a new feature called “Volunteer Spotlight.” The Spotlight will focus on a different volunteer each week. Happily (because I sure don’t want the responsibility!), all the volunteers featured will come from the community. At our recent volunteer appreciation party at CAMP Rehoboth, volunteers themselves cast ballots for those they believed should be recognized, and that voting process has been extended to include everyone. To vote for a favorite CAMP Rehoboth volunteer, send an email to info@camprehoboth.com with “volunteer vote” in the message line, or simply do it online at camprehoboth.com.
I’m happy to report that Lottoheart will be returning this summer on July 3. The game show themed event was a big success last year, so we’ve issued a new call for artists for this year’s event. Unlike last year, artists are being asked to create only one original 5” x 7” (exactly) work of art in any medium. Like last year, all work will be sold for $100, and the identity of the artist will not be known until after the piece is purchased. With Christopher Peterson returning as mistress of ceremonies it should be another great night. Artists interested in participating can register online at camprehoboth.com.
Though it will not be tied to Lottoheart as it was last year, Love is also returning to the 2010 summer line-up. This year the July 4th mega-dance party at the Rehoboth Convention Center will feature the world class music of DJ Joe Gauthreaux (Stereo Montreal, Avalon LA, Roxy NYC, Hydrate Chicago, Fourth of July Provincetown, and Winter Party Miami). Get ready for Independence Day Rehoboth style!
The recent airing of the Rehoboth Beach Bump! episode on Logo TV did not go unnoticed around the country, and I immediately saw an upswing in emails requesting information from the CAMP Rehoboth web site about lodging, restaurants, and activities in this “best kept secret on the east coast,” that we call home. I loved seeing our town from a different perspective, and it made me appreciate it more than ever. To view the episode online, go to logotv.com and search for Bump! Rehoboth Beach.
April 24, I’ll be working with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department on our annual diversity training session for summer officers. The first session that we conducted with the Police was back in 1992 and I’ve participated in every one since. Much has changed over the last few years, and the sessions are now much more an orientation than a confrontation. Attitudes have definitely changed since 1992—both in the Police Department and throughout the community. Out thanks go to Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Banks for his commitment to making this a safe and inclusive community for us all.