This is the first May issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. I say first, because with this issue we return to our biweekly summer publishing schedule, and there are three issues this year in the “merry month of May.” After a chilly spring, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a little warm weather this month and to Memorial Day weekend—which is just around the corner.
Here in Delaware, we’re very excited at the progress of HB 75, the civil Marriage Equality Bill, and once again impressed by the efforts of all who are working through Equality Delaware to make it happen—especially EQ DE leaders Lisa Goodman and Mark Purpura, the architects of the bill. To review the last few weeks, the hearing for HB 75 was held on April 17, and it was voted out of committee with a 4 to 1 vote. On Tuesday, April 23, the bill, under the guidance of Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Representative Melanie George Smith, came up for debate and a vote on the house floor. HB 75 passed in the House, 23 to 18. On Wednesday, May 1, the bill was heard by the Senate Executive Committee, where it was voted out of committee 3 to 2. Now comes the tricky part, because this issue of Letters is being printed on Thursday, May 2, and HB 75 will not be voted on by the Senate until Tuesday, May 7, we don’t know what the final vote will be. Much as I would like to announce breaking news on the matter, our publication schedule makes that impossible. We will post the results on our website and Facebook page as soon as we have something to report. The good news is that once the bill passes the Senate, Governor Markell has announced his intention to sign it into law.
for the past year, Accent on Travel (AOT) has been a great friend and supporter of CAMP Rehoboth. Thanks to their efforts at Sundance last year and the continuing donations that come because friends of CAMP book their cruises through them, they’ve raised close to $10,000 for us since last summer. Now they’ve created a spectacular event for us, and I’m pleased to announce the very first CAMP Rehoboth Cruise. Scheduled for departure on January 27, 2014, this 14 Day South America, around the Cape with CAMP Rehoboth Cruise on Celebrity’s Infinity is going to be an amazing adventure. It didn’t take much arm twisting by AOT’s Annette Stellhorn to convince Murray and me to host the cruise, which will include private CAMP Rehoboth parties and excursions. To find out all about this fantastic CAMP Rehoboth opportunity, please join us on Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth for a cocktail party and presentation about the cruise. Cruise info and/or to RSVP to the May 12 presentation and party.
On Saturday, June 1, the Black and White Beach Ball returns to the Clear Space Theatre on Baltimore Avenue. The B&WBB features the HeART of the Community Art Auction—a curated, 20 art invitational—small plates, and an open bar. Auctioneer Lorne Crawford will be on hand to keep the auction exciting. The B&W Beach Ball is a great way to kick off the summer season and it benefits CAMP Rehoboth. Dress is black and white casual. Tickets are $75 and are available on the CAMP Rehoboth website. CAMP Rehoboth membership discounts apply and are available by calling the CAMP Rehoboth office at 302-227-5620. There will also be a free HeART of the Community Sneak Peek Art Preview Party on Sunday, May 26.
As Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth and as a Commissioner on the Delaware Human Relations Commission, I was recently invited to record two Comcast Newsmakers spots. Both spots have been making the rounds on Facebook, and the links are available on the CAMP Rehoboth website. My thanks to the folks at Comcast for letting me talk about the things I’m passionate about. Check out the videos: on CAMP Rehoboth and on discrimination and the Human Relations Commission.