This is it, the last bi-weekly issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth for the 2017 summer season. Beginning on September 15 we will return to our off-season publishing schedule, so watch for a new Letters once a month throughout the fall season. A word of thanks as the season comes to close, to our advertisers who make this publication possible, to our staff for the long hours of production (in print and online), to the writers and photographers who keep it interesting, and to our readers for supporting us these last 27 seasons.
As a result of this summer’s Rehoboth Beach City Election, beginning in September, and for the first time since 1990, Rehoboth Beach will have a new mayor. Congratulations to Mayor-elect Paul Kuhns, re-elected Commissioner Kathy McGuiness, and newly elected Commissioner Lisa Schlosser. Thank you to Mayor Sam Cooper for many years of dedicated service to Rehoboth Beach.
We head into the final week of the summer season with Charlottesville and its aftermath weighing heavily upon us as a nation. In his CAMPmatters column Murray reminds us that good leaders should work to heal the divisions among us, and not “fan the flames of hatred….” In recent days, a few people have reached out to us about doing something to show our support for Charlottesville, and I’m encouraging everyone to join the events happening for Peace Week Delaware, September 17-24. Locally, the Peace March/Rally will take place in Lewes on September 16 at 3 p.m. For details go to peaceweekdelaware.org, or see Speak Out - Letters to Letters in this issue for a schedule.
As Labor Day weekend approaches, we are counting down the days to the biggest event of the summer season. On September 2 and 3, Sundance returns to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. With the Rehoboth Convention Center not yet ready for occupancy, Sundance will return for the second time to the huge, empty space at the Rehoboth Mall. That space won’t be empty for long, but thanks to the generosity of The Cordish Companies (and especially John Peters), we were able to squeeze Sundance in one more time before construction begins for the new tenants. As always, Sundance is spectacular, so don’t miss it. Sundance is a two night event, Saturday, September 2 is the Auction from 7-10 p.m. and Sunday, September 3 is the Dance from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Don’t forget, we will again be operating a shuttle service throughout the dance night—Sundance Sponsor Jolly Trolley will have two 34 person buses running constantly from in front of the Rehoboth City Hall to the Rehoboth Mall from 8 p.m-2 a.m.
As can be seen from the photos in this issue (In Brief and CAMPshots), the 2017 CAMP Rehoboth Bachelor Auction was a big success, raising $25,000 for CAMP Rehoboth. The big surprise of the event was the attendance of all three newly elected Rehoboth officials, and Mayor-elect Paul Kuhn’s willingness to participate in the Bachelor Auction by providing lunch with the new mayor at the Summer House as the first item auctioned—and it went for $2,100! Our thanks to all the bachelors, bidders, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible—especially Bill Shields and Aqua and auctioneer Lorne Crawford. The event would not have happened without the hard work of Bachelor Auction chair Chris Beagle who somehow cajoled the bachelors into participating and made sure it all flowed smoothly. Thanks Chris!
Somehow, during the month of August, I agreed to be a judge at the Delaware State Milkshake Championship at Mug and Spoon on Rehoboth Avenue. First off, I agreed to participate without noticing that it took place the day before this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth went to press. Nevertheless, busy as I was, the idea of a milkshake break sounded good to me, and off I went. Twenty-three milkshakes later, I staggered back to the office. Who knew that milkshakes could include pancakes, cotton candy, and a fruit tart? Still on a sugar high, but oh what fun!