As can be seen from the cover of this issue, April is all about the CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST—this year celebrating its “sweet” 16th anniversary! Speakers at this year’s Women’s FEST include Eleanor Smeal, President of the Feminist Majority; Judy Dlugacz founder of Olivia Records and Olivia Travel; and Laura Liswood, Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders. The sensational FEST entertainment line-up features: Indigo Girl Emily Saliers in a rare solo concert, comics Poppy Champlin, and Kelly Dunham, and much more. Workshops, dances, sporting events, and an Expo round out the event, and really do provide something for everyone. Don’t put off buying FEST Passes or event tickets because already many of the smaller events are sold-out, and some of the workshops are nearing maximum capacity. FEST is an acronym for Fun, Entertainment, Spring, and Tradition, and we’ve got it all here in Rehoboth Beach, April 7-10. Women’s FEST could never happen without the dedicated service of our Women’s FEST Committee—this year chaired by Nancy Hewish, Dottie Cirelli, and Fay Jacobs. Thank you ladies!
Over the last year, CAMP Rehoboth and Equality Delaware Board member Mark Purpura, as well as Sarah McBride, and the late Andrew Cray, have been working with the Department of Insurance to prepare a bulletin implementing the Delaware Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Act, as well as providing guidance in regard to the Affordable Care Act. On March 23, that bulletin was issued to all insurers doing business in Delaware—“prohibiting unlawful discrimination in the provision of health insurance coverage and benefits because of a person’s gender identity or transgender status.” As Mark explains, “This is a very important development for the LGBT community in Delaware, as currently many insurance providers have blanket bans in place with respect to transition related care.” For more on the DOI Bulletin In Brief in this issue of Letters.
Thanks to some generous supporters, CAMP Rehoboth was able to present Kristin Beck—the highly decorated Navy SEAL whose coming out as a transgender woman was documented in the film Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story. Kristin’s visit was inspiring, and she loved the concept of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. We are grateful to Murph’s Beef and Ale for providing the abundant food for the event, and to the volunteers who pitched in to make it a successful evening for CAMP Rehoboth. For a little more about Kristin Beck see Murray’s CAMPmatters column.
On Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m., in partnership with CAMP Rehoboth and Lula Brazil, Mélomanie will celebrate an evening in Brazil, at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. The concert will feature visiting Brazilian composer Liduino Pitombeira, and the world premiere of his The Sound of the Sea, and works by Rameau, Lully, Schieferdecker, and Maute. Tickets are $35 and are available at melomanie.org, and include admission to the reception following the concert at Lula Brazil at 5:30 p.m.
A few things as we head into the spring season at CAMP Rehoboth. We are wrapping up our annual Membership Drive, but it is never too late to become a member of CAMP Rehoboth, or to renew or upgrade an existing membership. CAMP members are crucial to the ongoing work we do here at CAMP Rehoboth—and play a tremendous role in our ability to continue to expand the programs and services offered by the Community Center. Congratulations to all the members of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus on the success of another concert season. The Chorus wrapped up their season after the performance of Classy, Brassy, and Sassy: Songs with Attitude at Del Tech. Finally, CAMP volunteers take note: our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party will take place on May 7, from 4-6 p.m. at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center—and it’s a western theme! Please join us as we recognize the hundreds of volunteers who make the work of CAMP possible. RSVP by email, or call the CAMP Rehoboth office at 302-227-5620.