One of the challenges of writing for a print publication is that the words I put on the paper today will not be read by you for at least a week, maybe two or three. Normally, this would be fine, but as we watch this global pandemic unfold, there seem to be new developments and new projections almost daily.
Since our last issue of Letters, the world is much different, and Rehoboth Beach is no exception. As I sit at home writing, I can see spring unfolding through my bedroom window, with the promise of summer on its way. The summer coming, however, will likely be much different than the one once planned. A family gathering at the beach has been put on hold. Friends have cancelled their plans to visit. And as I endeavor to adapt, working from home and trying to make the most of the situation, there are times when fear and anxiety creep in: fear for my friends and family at greatest risk from COVID-19. Anxiety about what the future holds.
I know, however, that less-fraught days will return. I will be close to friends and family again. The beach will reopen. We simply do not know when. As much as the world has changed since the last issue of Letters, it is impossible to predict what lies ahead. One thing I do know for sure is that we are part of a strong community that is determined to support each other and get through this together.
For 30 years, CAMP Rehoboth has been bringing our community together, and those connections are needed now more than ever. Our staff is working from home and you can continue to reach us at our main phone number (302) 227 5620. We have transitioned many of our events and activities to online platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live, which you can learn more about in this issue. We are reaching out to community members who are home alone, or who have special needs, to offer friendship and support.
Our main focus is providing support to the community that makes CAMP Rehoboth such a unique organization and watchfully advocating against prejudice and discrimination. As we temporarily transition our core community to a decentralized networked one, we continue to bolster all of the connections. We expect to emerge as an even stronger community. Please be safe and stay in touch. Let us know what we can do for you.
And of course, we will continue Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. Letters is available online, or we offer subscriptions. Reading the articles in this issue, I felt like I was reconnecting with old friends. Our writers are adapting to the ‘new normal’ just like everyone else, and have some great tips to share. Arts columnist Doug Yetter shares some great virtual museum tours and online performances you can enjoy while you are home. Eric Wahl shares some recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Murray Archibald shares how he’s managing living alone while still getting in 10,000 steps daily.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth as much as I have. We all need to take care of ourselves, and that includes turning off the news for a while, taking a break, and reading Letters. Take care of yourself, stay in touch, and please know that the whole team at CAMP Rehoboth is here to support you.