Like a Good Neighbor
We’ve all had our fair share of annoying neighbors. I grew up living between a drunk who threw out her empty bottles at 3 a.m. while wearing only her bra and panties, and a guy who enjoyed flashing women while they were washing the dinner dishes. They were nothing like a good neighbor.
I’ve lived in apartments with polka-dancing giants above me, and college students roasting a goat in their living room. I’ve had malicious neighbors who smiled and waved as their St. Bernard deposited two pounds of poo on my sidewalk, and invited two dozen rowdy friends over to drink and listen to Heavy Metal every Friday and made sure they blocked my driveway with their gigantic pickups.
But all that happened when I lived in cities of strangers—Denver, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Baltimore, Manhattan—places where you can go years without ever running into another person you actually know.
Then I moved here.
I wasn’t even a full-time resident when I went to the post office to buy stamps and the guy behind the counter said, “You want a roll or a sheet, Doug?” He knew my name! Within a few weeks, I discovered that Rehoboth Beach is that place where everybody knows your name.
Here in Gayberry even a trip to the supermarket becomes a social occasion. I’ve stood in aisle six for 30 minutes just talking to friends. And if I don’t know someone, you can bet that my husband—“Landscaper to the Stars”—does.
Our town feels like a gigantic family with relatives we actually like. And my neighborhood is a microcosm of the town. Folks truly care about each other and when they ask how you’re doing, they really expect an answer.
We all know when someone is in need, and we help. Heck, a neighbor noticed the siding was loose by our back deck and took it upon herself to fix it. And if it snows this winter you can bet she’ll be out with her snow blower making sure everybody can get out.
Good towns don’t just happen. They are created by good people who know how to be good neighbors—which is in itself an art. And friends, our town is blessed with thousands of really good folks.
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at The Heart of Our Community
Honeypot! The Sweet and Sticky Lives of Bears
Held in conjunction with Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend, this art show features the work of artists depicting the bear/cub community and is on display through September 30. Artists’ reception: Saturday, September 21 (4-7 p.m.).
And following the Bears…
The gallery will feature works by local artist Dan Bartasavich for the month of October. When Dan’s not piloting the Cape Water Taxi tours, he’s busy creating everything from abstract to political works. Artist’s reception October 12, from 5-7 p.m.
PERFORMING ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) features their 24-voice ensemble in “Bad Boys/Bad Girls”—an evening of greed, lust, murder, treachery, corruption, and adultery—all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts. September 27 and 28 (7p.m.) at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware (30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway). Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at camprehoboth.com.
Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes; 302-313-4032) screens new independent films through the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. Upcoming films include Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, Aquarela, and Official Secrets. The Met Live in HD: Puccini’s Turandot—October 19, 21, and 22. Check their website for films and show times.
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) presents Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women—September 20-October 6. Next up is Ghost: The Musical—October 18-27.
Coastal Concerts (in residence at Bethel UMC Hall; Fourth and Market Streets, Lewes; 888-212-6458) opens their season by welcoming back the award-winning Brasil Guitar Duo. Check out the rest of their fantastic season online.
Dickens Parlour Theatre (35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville; 302-829-1071) offers magic and comedy in an intimate setting. The Comedy Tonight Show—through September 28. Magicians: Anthony Salazar—September 26-28; Randy Forster—October 4-5; Peter Samuelson—October 10-12; and mentalist Brian Curry—October 17-19.
Mid-Atlantic Symphony (PO Box 3381; Easton, MD. 21601; 888-846-8600) plays “From Movie Themes to Classics” at the Powell Convention Center in Ocean City—September 29 (3p.m.).
The Milton Theater (110 Union St., Milton; 302-684-3038) “keeps Milton weird”! September events: 20: Kathie Martin & The Hot Rods; 21: Separate Ways—A Journey Tribute; 22: Delmarva Big Band; 26: Completely Unchained Van Halen Tribute; 27: David Hayes is Sammy Davis, Jr.; 28: Queens of Pure Country; 29: Christine Havrilla and Gypsy Fuzz. October events: 3: Three Tall Women; 5: Peek-a-Boo Revue; 10: Celebrating the Life of Ken Cicerale; 11: Delaware Comedy Theatre; 12: Think Pink Floyd; 13: One Dame Hysterical Halloween; 17: Cello Fury. Check their website for details.
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown; 302-856-4560) finishes their run of Arsenic and Old Lace—through September 22. Lanford Wilson’s The Rimers of Eldritch plays October 12-13. Their 2020 season looks ambitious: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Godspell, The Producers, Hay Fever, and Elf.
Rehoboth Concert Band is in rehearsal for “Music that Goes “Boo!””—October 27 (3 p.m.) at Love Creek Elementary.
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-422-0220/800-838-3006) has one more weekend of Run For Your Wife—through September 22. Their Children’s Theater will present The Hobbit—October 11-13. They’ve announced their 2020 season as well: Moon Over Buffalo, Oliver, Caught in the Net, Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Abraxas Studio of Art (515 Federal Street, Lewes; 302-645-9119) features the oil portraits and landscape paintings of Abraxas.
The Brush Factory on Kings (830 Kings Highway, Lewes; 302-745-2229) houses a co-op of 50 local artisans and merchants.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) features Honeypot! The Sweet and Sticky Lives of Bears through September 30. (See listing elsewhere in this column).
Cape Artists Gallery (110 W. 3rd Street, Lewes; 302-644-7733) is a half-block from the Zwaanendael Museum and features the work of two dozen artists, with much of their art focused on beach scenes.
Delaware Art Gallery (239 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-853-5099) offers new and classic Delaware photographs by Kevin Fleming.
Gallery 37 (8 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-265-2318) represents over 45 artists and artisans from around the country with fine art, wood-turned vessels, fibers, glass art, and more.
Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Avenue; 302-227-2050) has original paintings, jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Recent Works by Michael Fitts—photo realistic trompe d’oeil works on found metals—through October 10. Opening reception: September 20 (5:30-8p.m.). New Works by Susan Webster featuring her latest 3-D paintings: Opening reception October 11 (5:30-8p.m.).
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has unique hand-made pieces and classes in jewelry making. Currently showing: Earrings Galore—through December 31, with pop-up shows in Chicago and NYC.
Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551) offers over 3,000 square feet of display and custom framing. Water Water—a multiple artist exhibition with water as a theme—through September 28. Figuratively Speaking—Opening reception: October 5 (5-7p.m.)—works depicting the human figure by Haley Manchon, Syd McGinley, and Beth Trepper.
Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408) continues Paintings and Drawings from Nature by Mary Page Evans, Journey Clay Collective, Going Deeper: Finding the Inspiration from Within—works by Karen Burns, A Slice of Space/A Stroke in Time—works by Dr. Martie Geiger-Ho and Kong Ho, Mindful Focus—works by Andy Gordon—all shows on exhibit through October 13. Rehoboth Dreaming—juried members’ showcase (through October 20). Check their website for their class offerings.
Rehoboth Beach Museum (511 Rehoboth Avenue at the Canal, 302-227-7310) has fresh exhibits on their renovated second floor for you to enjoy, and lots of Rehoboth Beach history on the first floor. Check the calendar on their website for walking tours and special events.
Tideline Gallery (111 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-4444) offers unique gifts, Judaica, jewelry, pottery, lamps, and art glass.
Ward Ellinger Gallery (CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, 39 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2710) features art in different mediums by abstract expressionist Ward Ellinger and Sondra N. Arkin. ▼
Doug is the Artistic and Musical Director for CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Director of Music Ministries at Epworth UMC, and co-founder and Artistic Director emeritus of the Clear Space Theater Company. Contact Doug if you want to add your events to the calendar.
