I’m never quite sure how we get to the end of the summer so fast every year, but here we are once again. This issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is our Labor Day issue, and the last one of the summer season. In September we will return to our monthly publishing schedule. I am deeply grateful to all the writers, advertisers, photographers, volunteers, and readers who have helped us make this magazine possible for another summer season. Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is a program of CAMP Rehoboth, as well as a vital means of support for our organization. I continue to be surprised, and pleased, by the diversity of our readership; thank you for your support!
We can’t talk about the end of the summer season without talking about Sundance—especially this year! This is the 25th Anniversary Sundance, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating this amazing milestone. Sundance has for many years been the last big bang of the summer season, and I know that this year’s Sundance 2012: Legend of the Silver Rainbow will be another great event. For those who have never been, now is a great time to start; for those of you who have been coming for 10, 20, or even 25 years, well, you can’t miss it now! (By the way, it’s all about silver this year. I know because Murray just had me order 400 yards of silver tissue lamé.) Sundance is a two night event: Saturday, September 1, 7-10 p.m., is the Sundance Silent and Live Auction featuring auctioneer Lorne Crawford and over 500 items; a cocktail buffet by five area restaurants (Café Azafran, Henlopen City Oyster House, Hobos, JAM Bistro, Primo Hoagies, and Touch of Italy); and an open bar all night. Sunday, September 2 is the spectacular Sundance with DJ Mark Thomas and lights by Paul Turner, and an open bar. Tickets for both events are $80, or $45 per night, and are available at CAMP Rehoboth or on our website at camprehoboth.com. Please join us for another “legendary” Sundance.
Over the past several months, Ii’ve talked a lot about the tremendous need to address gender identity issues in Delaware. CAMP Rehoboth, Equality Delaware, and other organizations in the state are all placing a high priority on this matter, and an examination of all our LGBT related state laws reveal the reason. Currently, there are no gender identity protections or rights included in the state’s civil union, non-discrimination, and hate crime legislation. That is a grievous shortcoming, and one that needs to be quickly addressed. In a related matter, I will have the opportunity to address gender identity issues on the local level later this month. With a transgender student enrolled this fall, I’ve been invited to conduct a training session for the teachers and staff of an area school. I’m heartened because the school administration it taking a pro-active stance on dealing with the issue. I’ve said it several times lately; every parent has the right to know that their child will be educated in a safe and respectful environment.
I’m always a little sad when the summer ends. I remember long ago summers when we shared a beach house with friends; we all dreaded the day when the house would close and we would say farewell to one another. Nowadays, autumn in Rehoboth is almost as exciting as summer, and there is a full line-up of festivals to tide us over until the holidays: Autumn Jazz Festival (October 11-14), Sea Witch Festival (October 26-28), Halloween, and the amazing Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival (November 7-11). Missing in Rehoboth this year will be the annual Delaware Pride Festival on Saturday, Sept. 8, which has moved back to its original home in the northern part of the state. While we will miss the Pride event in Rehoboth, CAMP Rehoboth and others will still be participating, and it’s an easy day trip.
Thanks for another great summer! I hope you will join us on the dance floor Labor Day weekend for Sundance 2012!