I am always amazed at the way time flies—especially in the summertime! Suddenly it’s mid-June already! Before we know it, Labor Day weekend will be here and another summer come and gone. I’m getting ahead of myself, however, so for now let’s enjoy the beautiful June weather and the long summer evenings that come with it. I can tell from Facebook that everyone is out and enjoying all of our many fine dining and drinking establishments. Have fun, and enjoy the summer.
Many people helped to make the Black and White Beach Ball a success; from the twenty-five artists who participated in the HeARTof the Community Art Auction to our many volunteers and guests, it was a great night. We couldn’t have done it without the support of PNC Wealth Management, who underwrote much of the cost of the night. We are deeply grateful for their assistance. Two others deserve a special word of thanks: Sondra Arkin is a much loved friend and a brilliant artist and art business women. As chair of the HeART of the Community Art Auction she shouldered a tremendous load and made it appear effortless. Sondra’s guidance on this and all the other major art functions of CAMP Rehoboth (including all previous HeART of the Community projects and LottoHeart and Sundance) has been invaluable to us. Natalie Moss has been the treasurer of CAMP Rehoboth almost since its founding 22 years ago. She is also a much loved friend, and tireless in her efforts for CAMP Rehoboth. Natalie was the generous donor of the iPad that was raffled at the Black and White Beach Ball. Thank you Sondra and Natalie for your friendship and for the amazing support you give to CAMP Rehoboth and our community.
As I’ve said on numerous occasions, I’ve conducted diversity training for the Rehoboth summer police force for over 20 years. Since 2000, I’ve also had the privilege of doing the same for the State Park police. During this year’s session, I asked the Park officers to identify some of the problems they faced, especially at Gordon’s Pond. Their answer, “dogs off leashes,” had nothing to do with gay matters. I was expecting something much more risqué! Oh well, keep your pants on anyway, and your dog on a leash. (And no, that is not a euphemism!) I’m very grateful to Chief Park Ranger Wayne Klein for his continued support of the training sessions and for the chance to remind his officers that all we want is for everyone to receive equal treatment.
CAMP Rehoboth has always been a place of connection; people come to Rehoboth from up and down the east coast. As an organization we have always seen our resort status as a positive thing, and it brings us support from far beyond our town and state. Over the years, we have partnered extensively with other organizations, both local and national, and that continues to be an important part of our work. During the week surrounding the 4th of July, we will be providing a “summer camp” for HRC—our front porch will be their home base—so stop by and talk to them about membership and/or some of the merchandise available. The HRC “CAMP site” will be open from Saturday, June 30-Sunday, July 8. Let’s make Kevin and Brad feel right at home.
Speaking of membership, we are always grateful to the many members of CAMP Rehoboth who make our work possible. Just look at the amazing list of members in this magazine! If your name is not on that list, please consider becoming a member. We will kick off our summer membership drive on June 18, and we’re pleased to announce that Charlie Lee, our dedicated volunteer Development Manager, has generously agreed to make a 50% contribution match to CAMP Rehoboth (up to a total of $5,000) for every new Annual Membership at any of the Rainbow levels ($180 to $2,400) received within the thirty days of the campaign. Join now and make an even bigger impact with your donation. Thank you, Charlie!