This is the next to the last issue of volume 27 of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and as usual when it rolls around, I’m always a bit surprised to discover that we have almost reached the end of another season of CAMP Rehoboth and another year of publishing this magazine. In all the years that I have been its editor, this will be the first time that I’ve worked on it long distance. As many of our readers already know, my lymphoma has returned in a more aggressive form, so I’ve spent a good part of the time since our September issue in the excellent care of my doctors at Thomas Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia—who are, I’m happy to say, fighting back even more aggressively. My treatment will continue over the next four months, and during that time, I’m confident that we have a great team in place at CAMP Rehoboth to help us through this—let’s call it an adventure, for lack of a word I like better. I am working remotely when not in Rehoboth, and Murray and our dedicated staff are dealing with anything I can’t do. Murray and I are supported every day by the amazing prayers and love from this community, and that gives us more strength and confidence than is possible to explain.
A big word of thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the third annual CAMP Rehoboth Block Party on October 15! With almost 90 vendors, Block Party 3 was the biggest one yet, and I know that it could not have happened without the expert guidance of Chris Beagle whose goal has always been to fill the entire second block of Baltimore Avenue. We are very thankful to all the volunteers and staff who joined Chris to produce Block Party 3—and especially to Monica Parr for taking care of Block Party administration details in the office.
In my absence, several of our board members have stepped up to make sure that CAMP Rehoboth remains involved in the ongoing efforts to protect LGBTQ students in our schools. We were represented at the recent county-wide review of proposed anti-discrimination guidance for Delaware Schools. From that workshop/meeting Mark Purpura reported to us that “the most powerful moment of the entire meeting” occurred when an eight year old girl “got up and announced she had a transgender friend and just wanted her friend to be able to use whatever bathroom she felt most comfortable in.” Here at CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ Council created in the wake of last year’s complaints against local schools is continuing to organize, and several of its volunteers are also working with the Cape Henlopen School District on their own policy for protecting LGBTQ students and the GSA in their schools.
As it has been for many years, December 1 is World AIDS Day, and CAMP Rehoboth is again organizing our local World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk from the Rehoboth Bandstand to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and the Service of Remembrance and Hope that takes place at the church immediately following the walk. To volunteer or to have the name of a family member or friend who has died from AIDS added to the list of names to be read at the service, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620, or email me.
CAMP Rehoboth has been a sponsor of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival for many years, and as the event celebrates its 20th Anniversary we are proud to do so again. As we have done so many times in the past, this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth provides a gay friendly guide to the Film Festival. This year’s Festival includes three venues: the Cinema Art Theater, Cape Henlopen High School Theater, and the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware. The Festival will span ten days, November 2-12. Festival tickets and passes are available online at rehobothfilm.com.