This is the next to last issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth for this season, and the second issue since we returned to our post-summer, monthly publishing schedule—which gives our staff a little breathing room after the hectic pace of the summer. Though life in Rehoboth certainly slows down after the high season has past, this is the perfect time to enjoy the many great restaurants, shops, and galleries that our little town has to offer. At CAMP Rehoboth, we welcome visitors all year long. Stop by to see the work of local artists in the front galleries at the Community Center, to enjoy the free Wi-Fi anywhere in the CAMP Rehoboth “CAMPus,” to catch a little sunshine in the CAMP Rehoboth courtyard, to reserve a space for your next event, or just to say hello.
As is our custom at this time of year, Letters is proud to offer our 2011 LGBT Guide to the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. Since its early years, CAMP Rehoboth has been a major sponsor of the Film Festival, and we continue to believe in and support its very important work in our community. The five-day Festival (November 9-13), presents approximately 100 films including both American and foreign ones, features, documentaries, and shorts. Our guide, on page 44, highlights films that are of special interest to the LGBT community. For more information about this year’s Film Festival, call 302-645-9095 go to the Rehoboth Beach Film Society website.
A recent visit by Delaware Governor Jack Markell, House Speaker Robert Gilligan, and House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf to CAMP Rehoboth for the Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats’ event on October 1, reminded us all that while we have made great progress this year, there is still work to be done. In his speech, the Governor thanked everyone who worked with Equality Delaware on the passage of the Civil Union Act. One of the main goals for Equality Delaware over the next year will be matters of gender identity for hate crimes and non-discrimination issues.
Thursday, December 1 is World AIDS Day, and our local activities will again include a Candlelight Walk that begins at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and ends at All Saints’ Episcopal Church with a Service of Remembrance and Hope followed by a light supper. Hearing the reading of the names of loved ones who have died from AIDS has become a traditional part of that service, and something that always moves me. To have the name of a friend or family member added to the list of names to be read at the Service of Remembrance and Hope, or to volunteer for the event or planning committee please contact me, or the World AIDS Day 2011 co-chairs Murray Archibald or Glen Pruitt.
As the year winds down we start making plans for the holidays and there are many ways to get involved. Starting after Thanksgiving, CAMP Rehoboth will be collecting toys and coats. On December 4, CAMP Rehoboth will again be providing desserts at the annual Rehoboth Beach Community Unity Dinner at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center—come out and show your support for our town. On December 5, the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade will fill the streets with Christmas spirit—including a CAMP Rehoboth float. Anyone with time and the inclination to help decorate the float should contact Chris Beagle.
Iit’s never too early to make plans for New Year’s Eve, and the women of Rehoboth want you to make those plans with them. CAMP Rehoboth’s 2011 Starburst Gayla at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center will again feature music by DJ Peggy Castle, dinner music and a special New Year’s performance by Viki Dee, and food by Nourish. The two-tiered event offers a dinner and dance package for $95 (advance reservations only), or dance only tickets for $50. Online tickets and information