We Stand in Solidarity
Responding to the end of May-early June protestsin outrage over the George Floyd killing by policein Minneapolis, CAMP Rehoboth released astatement on June 2. This statement joined otherLGBTQ organizations country-wide standing insolidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
To Our Community,
CAMP Rehoboth stands in solidarity withthose in Minneapolis, here in Rehoboth,and around the country who are outragedat the unjust killing of George Floyd. As anorganization committed to creating a morepositive Rehoboth for everyone, we commit tobeing allies to all those affected by injustice,inequality, violence, and systemic racism.
As Audre Lorde taught us, “There is no suchthing as a single-issue struggle because we donot live single-issue lives.” We understand thatthe path to LGBTQ equality, and the path toracial justice, are inextricably connected.
Reflecting on the deaths of George Floyd,Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countlessothers; and witnessing the pain and sufferingthat is pouring out on the streets all acrossAmerica, we are all called to action. We arecalled to be not just non-racist, but activelyanti-racist, and we know that this work beginswith us.
David Mariner
Executive Director, CAMP Rehoboth
Food Glorious Food!
Over 750 pounds (!) of non-perishable food was collected by CAMP Rehoboth Volunteers stationed at the Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery on May 29. The donations go to the Food Bank of Delaware. Not only did Iron Hill donate use of the parking lot, but they provided $5-off coupons to all people who came by to donate food. And, 20% of the day’s sales for Iron Hill also went to the food bank.
Donated food was delivered to the Food Bank’s Milford facility to be distributed in backpacks to YMCAs in Kent and Sussex counties for children in need.
Way to go volunteers and donors!
Olivia Cruise Raffle? Did We or didn’t We?
Yes, we did. By the time you are reading this we did pick a winner for the Olivia Travel Raffle that was supposed to be part of the canceled Women’s FEST 2020. Unfortunately, the drawing was held on June 15, right after this issue was put to bed….so no announcement here.
But we thank Olivia Travel for hanging in with us, donating the trip despite the circumstances of the FEST’s cancelation. We don’t know whether this luxury cruise to Greece and Israel will happen in October as planned, or if there will be a substitution, at a later date, for our winner. But we are so thankful that Olivia Travel and so many of our 2020 Women’s FEST donors for keeping their 2020 donations with CAMP Rehoboth despite the fact that the FEST didn’t happen this year. Donors, we cannot thank you enough.
Get Ready for the Sundance EXPERIENCE
See page 10 and page 12 for the first look at how we will celebrate Sundance for 2020, engaging the whole community in a re-invented, virtually fantastic Sundance EXPERIENCE. It will be clever, creative, and crystallize our community coming together in the name of LOVE.
THRIVE Youth program appreciates Sussex Health Coalition
CAMP Rehoboth LGBTQA+ youth circle would like to give a "shout out" to the Sussex County Health Coalition (SCHC) for all their generous donations and support. Peggy Geisler, SCHC, Executive Director, said, "The old adage It takes a village to raise a child is as true today as it was years ago. CAMP Rehoboth is an excellent example of an organization that absolutely embraces this notion. CAMP understands the importance of youth-led programming and uses it to develop strong support networks for LGBTQIA+ youth in Delaware. Creating a safe, judgment-free environment allows youth the chance to explore, learn and problem solves in a healthy and productive way. SCHC is proud to partner with CAMP Rehoboth to support this critical work in the community.”
Support and donations such as this make it possible for CAMP Rehoboth LGBTQA+ youth programs, such as the youth circles to continue. Sincere gratitude to Peggy and Crystal (and many partners) for their support.
CAMP at 30! Looking back….
This is the first in a new section with snippets from CAMP Rehoboth’s 30-year history.
June, 1998 - The Way I see It by Executive Director Steve Elkins
Last week, both Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and House Majority Leader Dick Armey made disparaging and inflammatory comments about gay Americans. Human Rights Campaign Political Director Winnie Stachelberg speaks for us all when she says: "These comments are out of step with the American people and prevailing medical and mental health opinion, and in-step with James Dobson and his extreme right-wing rhetoric. Poll after poll shows that Americans reject discrimination, and a wide range of respected medical organizations from the American Psychiatric Association to the American Medical Association, reject the type of ill-informed assertions made by Lott."
One day we will reach the point where comments such as these are simply not tolerated.
Editor’s note: 6/19/2020 - Sadly, comments like these are still tolerated, but fortunately, less and less. Happily, marriage equality and other affirming legislation has taken place since 1998.
SpeakOut
Dear Editor
,In so many ways restaurants arethe cornerstones of our community.They are the places people cometo celebrate, to mourn, to breakbread together, or just have a mealat the end of a busy day. They arethe places people come to feel likethey are a part of the community,part of something bigger. A place tosee neighbors and friends and enjoytime with loved ones. A place whereeveryone is welcome.
Restaurants are long-time survivorsand adapters. They change when it isneeded, and now will be no different.As we navigate through some ofthe most uncertain times in ourcollective history, you can be sure thatrestaurants will still serve the purposethey always have. They will be a placeof relief and refuge. As an industry wewill be better and stronger than everbefore.
Recently we opened our doors forthe first time in months and welcomedpeople into our restaurants. Wefollowed all current temporaryguidelines, and our guests did as well,understanding that these guidelinesare temporary, and because of thateasy to follow. The response waspositive and the overwhelmingfeeling was relief and good will.We understand that there are a lotof people that may not be readyto return, and we will continue toaccommodate those people in otherways until they are ready. And at thattime, we will be here. Hospitality isalive and well in Delaware, and whenyou are ready, we will be here.
– Scott Kammerer Chairman of the Board, Delaware Restaurant Association President, SoDel Concepts
Editor,
Are you a resident or homeowner inthe City of Rehoboth Beach? Are youeligible or registered to vote in theCity election this year? This year’selection is Saturday, August 8, at theConvention Center, 229 RehobothAvenue. Please take the opportunityto access the City website at www.cityofrehoboth.com to see if you mayqualify. The voter registration deadlineis the close of business on Thursday,July 9. During the current pandemic,City Hall remains closed to the publicuntil further notice.
If you meet the qualifications and wish to register tovote, please call City Hall at 302-227-6181 ext. 159 to speak with electionstaff officials.
If you are already registered,please note that absentee ballotswill be available on Wednesday,June 24. Ballots will be mailed toeveryone who has a request for anabsentee ballot form on file. You canrequest an absentee ballot form bycalling 302-227-6181 ext. 159, or byvisiting “REQUEST FOR ABSENTEEBALLOT” on the City’s website. The City is encouraging voters to vote byabsentee ballot. Once you receive anabsentee ballot application, pleaseexamine the form. Due to the currentpandemic and concerns about social distancing protocol and based uponthe Governor’s State of Emergency declaration, if you are unable orchoose not to appear at the pollingplace due to COVID-19, please check“I am sick or physically disabled.”
Democracy is your privilege. It istime for you, the citizens of Rehoboth Beach, to exercise your privilege.Please take the time to register andto vote
.– Paul KuhnsMayor, City of Rehoboth Beach
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