Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 31, No. 7

In This Issue Sun Festival!

Jennifer Holliday

August 20, 2021 Volume 31, Number 7 camprehoboth.com

C R E A T I N G

A

M O R E

P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

SunFestival CAMP Rehoboth

inside 4 In Brief

News & Notes

6 Out in Delaware DAVID MARINER

8 Intentionally Inclusive

Holidays Are in the Eyes of the Beholder WES COMBS

10 CAMP News 14 “And I’m Telling You...”

Jennifer Holliday Makes Her Rehoboth Beach Debut at Sun Festival 2021 MICHAEL COOK

16 The Skivvies

THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 7 • AUGUST 20, 2021

68 Q-Puzzle

18 Out & About

Trans-cendent Values

The Fight Isn’t Over ERIC PETERSON

70 CAMPshots

20 Volunteer Spotlight

74 LGBTQ+ Wealth Gap

KAREN LAITMAN

FINBARR TOESLAND

22 Community News

96 The Real Dirt

24 Visiting View

The Sun Gods of the Garden

Is Rehoboth Beach Too Pricey for Millennials?

Hudson Fields fundraiser, see page 4.

26 It’s My Life

It’s a (lower case c) catholic Thing

ROBERT DOMINIC

Clothes Minded

MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

28 Out & Proud

The Gay Games of Summer Are Here STEFANI DEOUL

Nothing Is Off Limits

30 Straight Talk

44 Road Trip!

100 CAMP Arts

DAVID GARRETT

MIKEY ROX

102 Booked Solid

46 CAMP Houses

MARJ SHANNON

RICH BARNETT

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

34 Look Who’s Talking CLARENCE FLUKER

36 Aging Gracelessly Christopher Peterson: An Icon Among Eyecons FAY JACOBS

40 Dining Out See page 14

Expert Tips for the Perfect Solo Road Trip

32 Health & Wellness

Wider Circles, Wider Points of View

ROBERT DOMINIC

ERIC W. WAHL

Square One FAY JACOBS

42 Membership Matters

CAMP Rehoboth ImpACT

Art and Heart

50 Historical Headliners

DOUG YETTER

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

114 Deep Inside Hollywood ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Did They or Didn’t They?

ANN APTAKER

54 View Point

Who’s the Security Risk Now? RICHARD ROSENDALL

ON THE COVER Sun Festival 2021

62 How Fear Street Became Queer Street CHRIS AZZOPARDI

66 Romance & Other Relationships MIKEY ROX

MARJ SHANNON

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth welcomes submissions. Email editor@camprehoboth.com.

Photographs must be high resolution (300 dpi).

Documents should be sent as attachments in Microsoft Word®. Deadline for submissions is two weeks prior to the issue release date.

Letters 2 AUGUST 20, 2021

PUBLISHER David Mariner EDITOR Marj Shannon EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Matty Brown DESIGN AND LAYOUT Mary Beth Ramsey ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Tricia Massella DISTRIBUTION Mark Wolf

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is published 11 times per year, between February and December, as a program of CAMP Rehoboth Inc., a non-profit community service organization. CAMP Rehoboth seeks to create a more positive environment of cooperation and understanding among all people. Revenue generated by advertisements supports CAMP Rehoboth’s purpose as outlined in our mission statement.

CONTRIBUTORS Ann Aptaker, Chris Azzopardi, Rich Barnett, Wes Combs, Michael Cook, Stefani Deoul, Robert Dominic, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, David Garrett, Fay Jacobs, Karen Laitman, David Mariner, Tricia Massella, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Richard Rosendall, Mikey Rox, Romeo San Vicente, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Finbarr Toesland, Eric W. Wahl, Doug Yetter

The inclusion or mention of any person, group, or business in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth does not, nor is it intended to in any way, sexual orientation or gender identity. The content of the columns are the views and opinions of the writers and may not indicate the position of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. © 2021 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved by CAMP Rehoboth. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the editor.

CAMP REHOBOTH

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE MISSION CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities. We seek to promote cooperation and understanding among all people, as we work to build a safer community with room for all.

VISION We create proud and safe communities where gender identity and sexual orientation are respected.

PURPOSE Promoting the health and wellness of our community through a variety of programs including HIV and STI testing and counseling, mental health support, fitness classes, mindfulness classes, support for LGBTQ youth, and building community and support.

Promoting artistic expressions and creative thinking, and giving aid to artists and craftspeople with an emphasis on the works of LGBTQ people.

Advocating for our community to build a safe and inclusive community through voter information, education, and registration; and analysis of issues and candidates.

Education and outreach to the larger community, including sensitivity training seminars, and printed materials to promote positive images of LGBTQ people and our allies.

Networking resources and information by publishing a newsletter, and functioning as an alternative tourist bureau and information center.

PRESIDENT Chris Beagle VICE PRESIDENT Wesley Combs SECRETARY Mike DeFlavia TREASURER Natalie Moss, CPA AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Jane Blue, Pat Catanzariti, Jason Darion Mathis-White, David Garrett, Leslie Ledogar, David Mariner (non-voting), Tara Sheldon, and Leslie Sinclair EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David Mariner HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Salvatore Seeley DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Anita Broccolino YOUTH UP COORDINATOR Barbara Antlitz

CAMP REHOBOTH 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 tel 302-227-5620 | fax 302-227-5604 email editor@camprehoboth.com | www.camprehoboth.com

The Way I See It

BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

FRANKLY, AS SUMMER RUSHES TO AN END AND WE CLOSE IN ON SUN FESTIVAL, THE WAY I SEE it is—busy! As you’ll see in the following pages, CAMP Rehoboth—indeed, the entire beach community—is likely seeing it the same way.

For example: Sun Festival! It’s a week-long celebration this year, August 29 through September 5. Check out the events and schedule on pages 12 and 13—there’s in-person and online fun available, with something for most everyone. Feel like a run? There’s a 5K—that you can expand into a biathlon if a morning swim appeals. (There’s also a 1K walk, if you want a more leisurely start to your day.)

Maybe dance is your idea of exercise? You’re in luck! Sun Festival offers an August 29 Tea Dance at Aqua. And if you’re here for the cornhole—there’s a tournament on Tuesday, August 31.

Ready for a concert? Sun Festival has two. The Skivvies entertain at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Friday, September 3. Their show includes all the raucous fun you know to expect from this duo, and also special guests Diana Huey (The Little Mermaid) and Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk). Jennifer Holliday takes the stage at the convention center on Saturday, September 4. This is Ms. Holliday’s first visit to Rehoboth Beach—let’s give her our warmest welcome.

Maybe you want to get an up-front-and-personal look at those entertainers? Our interviews with them are on pages 14 and 16. There’s a good deal more to these folks than you’ll see during even the best of concerts; get to know them a little better in these pages. (Btw—Jennifer Holliday let slip that she’ll be working on her first movie this fall—great news!)

As the plethora of outlet stores in our area suggests—we do love our shopping. And Sun Festival is here to please, with an online (and limited live) auction. A ceramic Wizard of Oz set, anyone? Maybe a nostalgic aqua toaster? See the pix on page 11 and prepare to bid!

As summer winds down, maybe that summer romance is doing the same? Check out R & R (Romance and Other Relationships) for some tips on salvaging a friendship from a failed romance. Or maybe pick up a copy of ¡Hola Papi!—reviewed in Booked Solid; you may find some helpful advice.

Of course, the fun won’t end just because Labor Day weekend does. CAMP Rehoboth’s YOUTH Up program (for youth ages 10-19) is going strong; its next monthly social is September 10. See the Health & Wellness events listing for other YOUTH Up activities, as well as classes and get-togethers for all age groups.

Then there’s the Lambda Car Club’s annual Beach Ball Invitational car show, which cruises into town the weekend of September 25. (Like most things, it was on hiatus in 2020 but—it’s baaaack!) There’s more info on page 82; watch for some beautiful sets of wheels out there.

Feeling a little less sad over summer’s passing, and starting to look forward to fall? CAMP Rehoboth has something fun planned for October, too! Get out those calendars and pencil in the Block Party, on Sunday, October 10.

Another thing that’s new as we head into fall: Letters’ editor. I’m new to the editor’s desk, but not to Letters. You may already know me as its editorial assistant or copy editor; I’ve held both those positions over the past three years. Or, you might know me through Letters’ Health & Wellness column that I’ve written the past couple years. Given I’ve lived here (“here” being Milton) for nearly 25 years, you may just know me—from the store or the street or an event or workplace. Now, as I take on the job so capably done by my immediate predecessors, Beth Shockley and Fay Jacobs, we’ll meet—and get to know each other—in a new way. I’m looking forward to it! ▼

CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to CAMP Rehoboth are considered charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes and may be deducted to the fullest extent of the law.

A copy of our exemption document is available for public inspection.

AUGUST 20, 2021

3 Letters

Feeling Thankful (to Revelation Beer!) for Fun in the Fields

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Candidate Forum Highlighted Four Candidates Vying for Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Election

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n July 17, CAMP Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Home Owners Association hosted a candidate forum for the four candidates in Rehoboth Beach’s latest election. The candidates—Tim Bennett, Richard Byrne, Rachel Macha, and Mary “Toni” Sharp—fielded questions from CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director David Mariner and Rehoboth Beach Home Owners Association President Mark Saunders. Topics covered everything from parking to the tree canopy and Rehoboth’s local flavor. The election for the commissioner seats took place on August 14. ▼ Left to right: Mark Saunders, Tim Bennett, Richard Byrne, Rachel Macha, Mary “Toni” Sharp, David Mariner at the Elkins-Archibald Atrium.

Join Our AIDS Walk Delaware Team!

Registration is now open for the 2021 Delaware AIDS Walk which will be held in-person on September 18. The walk will kick off at Grove Park at 10:00 am. CAMP Rehoboth is recruiting community members to join the CAMP Rehoboth Champion team.

The CAMP team is trying to raise $3,000.00. Salvatore Seeley, Health and Wellness Director, said in a statement: “We remain committed to ending the epidemic and caring for people living with HIV. That work includes the vital services we offer at CAMP Rehoboth, including HIV prevention, STI screening, and PrEP navigation.”

To join the CAMP Rehoboth team or make a contribution to the team efforts, go to: aidsdelaware.salsalabs.org/2021aidswalkdelaware/ index.html Letters 4 AUGUST 20, 2021

n Thursday, August 5, Revelation Beer Company hosted their Thankful Thursdays benefit event for CAMP Rehoboth at Hudson Fields. It was a beautiful day, and community members enjoyed the local brewery’s tasty flavors alongside food trucks and acoustic music by the talented Mike Weyrauch. This fundraiser marked a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow community members and businesses, and to enjoy the summer in a chill setting with a cold brew in-hand!

Thank you to Kyle, Glenn, the crew at Revelation Brewing, and Hudson Fields for a fun night!

Left to right, Stephanie Hertz, Glenn Mooney, and Kyle Schaffer pose behind the Revelation bar at Hudson Fields Bea Vuocolo and Karen Laitman raise their glasses at the Hudson Fields fundraiser.

Suede Dazzles at Epworth

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CAMP Rehoboth Expands HIV Testing in Seaford

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n July, CAMP Rehoboth’s HIV prevention program, the CAMPsafe program, expanded HIV testing in Seaford by opening its sixth HIV testing site. CAMPsafe staff will be providing testing at Addiction Medical Facility which is located at 1309 Bridgeville Highway in Seaford, Delaware. The test is a simple finger stick, and you get your results in 15 minutes.

Testing will be available the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No appointment is needed; simply walk-in anytime between those hours. For more information, call Salvatore at 302-227-5620. ▼ Patricia Clear, HIV CTR Counselor.

uede returned to our area after a three-year hiatus; she did not disappoint.

In true smooth Suede style, she dazzled the audience who had gathered at Epworth United Methodist on Saturday, July 31, to hear her sing. “Knowing Suede’s popularity, I had little doubt that we could sell-out the show, and her fan base did not disappoint,” said Anita Broccolino, who produced and managed the concert.

Suede, along with her band members, Joe Holt, who tickled the ebonies and ivories with ease, and Amy Shook, who brought the stand-up bass to life, did not disappoint either. Said one audience member, “She gave us her all. I think her voice just keeps getting better with each performance.” Many in the audience were enjoying their first concert since the pandemic began.

The successful benefit concert raised not only funds for CAMP Rehoboth’s great work in the community, but also raised expectations and excitement as a preview of CAMP Rehoboth’s concerts lined up for the upcoming months.

These include the Sun Festival main performances taking place at the Convention Center, where The Skivvies (September 4) and Jennifer Holliday (September 5) will take the stage. ▼

Tiny Beautiful Things Premieres this Weekend!

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AMP Rehoboth Theatre Company will premiere its newest show, Tiny Beautiful Things, on Friday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m., with performances also on Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. All performances are in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium.

Directed by Russell Stiles and stage managed by Terri Seaton, this intimate and captivating play delivers a perfect message for the times: come together in shared humanity. The story follows an advice columnist nicknamed Sugar who confronts a variety of issues both big and small the only way she knows how: with “radical sincerity and open arms.” ▼

Chesapeake & Maine Celebrates CAMP Rehoboth Happy Hours with Check Presentation

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n July 21, CAMP Rehoboth was presented with a wonderful donation at Chesapeake & Maine on Rehoboth Avenue to commemorate its Pride Month Happy Hours and Give Back events. Dogfish Head’s Chesapeake & Maine restaurant celebrated Pride Month this year by donating a portion of its Thursday Happy Hours throughout June to CAMP Rehoboth. The four happy hours became a gathering spot for CAMP Rehoboth and community members to mix and mingle, enjoy some food, and indulge in a pink CAMP Rehoboth Cocktail called the “Pom Hanks.” Thank you, Dogfish Head and Chesapeake & Maine, for a wonderful Pride Month gift!

Left to right, David Mariner, Jordan Mincy, Emily Warren, Anita Broccolino, Caroline Trusty, Gabe Moser, and Mark Carter.

AUGUST 20, 2021

5 Letters

OUT in Delaware

BY DAVID MARINER, CAMP REHOBOTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Looking Back; Moving Forward

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t was two years ago that I drove up to Rehoboth Beach Delaware to experience Sundance for the first time. It was a spectacular night, and I was grateful for the warm welcome as the new Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth. I started the new job in October, and a few months later, the first cases of COVID hit the United States.

Most of what I’ve experienced of CAMP Rehoboth has been during this global pandemic. It has been heartbreaking to have to cancel some much loved events, and challenging navigating changing COVID guidelines.

As you may know by now, Sundance is now Sun Festival, a week of events from August 29th-September 5th. We made the difficult decision not to have a large dance in the convention center, and instead have seated performances (with Jennifer Holiday and the Skivvies!) We also planned several outdoor events throughout the week and created a virtual option for our two big events.

COVID is far from over. CAMP Rehoboth prioritizes your health and wellness. At a minimum, we will continue to adhere to state and local guidelines around COVID, while some programs at CAMP have stricter guidelines. Staff and volunteers you encounter during Sun Festival will be fully vaccinated, and masks will always be available.

“...we hope to get input from many of you...and develop a plan that takes us into the future...”

While much of my time at CAMP has been reacting to the pandemic, CAMP Rehoboth is also focused on planning for our future. It is wonderful to be in proactive mode! Here are some of the things happening at CAMP to continue to lay the foundation for a strong future.

• With generous support from the estate of Harvey Sharpe, CAMP Rehoboth has been able to grow our endowment at the Delaware Community Foundation. We are excited to see our endowment continue to grow with support from community members like you. We have also officially transferred funds to the Delaware Community Foundation to establish the Fay Jacobs Scholarship Fund. CAMP Rehoboth is thrilled we will be able to honor Fay by supporting future generations of LGBTQ writers, and grateful to all of you who donated to make this fund possible.

• CAMP Rehoboth is partnering with the Delaware Alliance for Non-Profit Advancement (DANA) to assist us in our strategic planning process. While we have a strategic framework currently in place, CAMP Rehoboth has grown, learned, and Letters 6 AUGUST 20, 2021

changed during the COVID pandemic. With the help of DANA we hope to get input from many of you as part of this process and develop a plan that takes us into the future while solidly rooted in our guiding principle of creating a more positive Rehoboth with room for all.

• With the support of the Longwood Foundation, we are taking on two very big projects which will kick into high gear after the busy summer season has come to an end. First off, we will be transitioning to a new development database (CRM, or Customer Relationship Management tool). Under the leadership of Anita Broccolino, our committee assigned to this project has identified the CRM we will be transitioning to. This will be a complicated process, but a necessary one. CAMP owes a debt of gratitude to Jane Blue, Anne Evans, and David Carder who work so hard on our membership program, and are providing needed assistance with this transition. Second, we will be transitioning to a brand new website. Our website transition committee issued an RFP and has received three proposals which we will be evaluating soon!

• Finally, we are taking steps to maintain our beautiful physical space. We have some big projects that will need to be completed in the next few years including replacing the roof at 37 Baltimore Avenue. Our grants committee, spearheaded by the amazing Leslie Sinclair, will be writing some proposals to support these efforts. CAMP is grateful to Eric Korpon, and again, Jane Blue, for keeping wonderful records and providing invaluable information about priorities for capital projects.

My time at CAMP Rehoboth has been unlike what any of us could have imagined before this pandemic. Nevertheless, CAMP Rehoboth has adapted remarkably well. CAMP secured to PPP loans, both of which have been forgiven. Many of our programs went online and reached greater audiences, and we found ways to create new events to bring our community together.

While COVID is far from over, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. This issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, for example, is our first 120-page issue since COVID began. Thank you to the wonderful CAMP Rehoboth team, our advertisers, and especially our advertising sales manager, Tricia Massella. As you may know, Letters went down to 11 issues this year, but I’m excited to share we plan to return to 13 issues next year. Thank you to everyone who supports Letters by advertising, subscribing, reading, and sharing.

And thank you to everyone who supports CAMP Rehoboth!

With your support we will continue to work on building a bright future for the organization we all love.

David Mariner is executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

7 Letters

Intentionally Inclusive

BY WESLEY COMBS

Holidays Are in the Eyes of the Beholder

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n 2021, the United States added Juneteenth National Independence Day to the list of permanent federal holidays, joining 11 others: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Inauguration Day (every four years following a presidential election), George Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Juneteenth (a blend of the word “June” and “nineteenth”) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

It marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the day African Americans in Galveston, Texas first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued. The highly visible struggle for racial equity in recent years helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.

What many people may not realize is although these days are referred to as public or national holidays, these celebrations are only legally applicable to federal employees and the District of Columbia, as the states individually decide their own legal holidays. Texas was the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth on January 1, 1980.

The debate over what holidays the federal government and states officially designate has been going on for decades. Columbus Day officially became a federal holiday in 1934, marking the day Columbus discovered America. In 1792, New York was the first city to celebrate Columbus Day marking the 300th anniversary of his landfall.

While some argue that Columbus Day celebrates Italian American heritage, many believe the holiday honors an exploration that led to the genocide of native peoples and paved the way for slavery. For that reason, many states have been celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day. Letters 8 AUGUST 20, 2021

So, as you see, holidays have different meanings to people depending on their background. Case in point: A few weeks ago, I ran into a friend on the beach who co-owns a small business of 24 employees that provides services to progressive nonprofits. He shared a story that really

Their commitment to the value of supporting others led to a review of the company holiday policy and the addition of National Coming Out Day as a new company holiday. resonated with me about how the company has been re-evaluating which holidays the company will recognize due to the diversity of their workforce.

The company was founded by two gay men, and people are attracted to working there because they share the owners’ passion for giving back to the community.

On their website it says, “We love the work we do, for our clients that make the world a better place.” Clients they work with align with their business and personal values, so it is not surprising that one of their clients is the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group and LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the United States.

In recent years the owners learned the list of official federal holidays did not always align with the religious, cultural, or personal beliefs of their staff.

One solution is to allow employees the option of designating official company holidays as floating holidays so people can take time off to honor a cultural event important to them.

Their commitment to the value of supporting others led to a review of the company holiday policy and the addition of National Coming Out Day as a new company holiday. Celebrated on October 11 each year, LGBTQ people are encouraged to come out to someone to dispel negative stereotypes and raise awareness for the needs of this community.

One of the owners said, “As gay men, we know how important it is for young people to see out and proud LGBTQ people,” which helps provide hope and support when faced with rejection from friends and family. The company is exploring ways their staff can make a positive impact when they celebrate this year’s National Coming Out Day and is also surveying all employees to understand what other holidays they may consider to officially recognize.

In today’s increasingly diverse labor market, the ability to attract and retain top talent often comes down to creating an environment where everyone is valued and feels like they belong regardless of who they are, where they grew up, what religion they practice.… I think you get the idea. Here are some tips offered by Eric Peterson, a senior diversity and inclusion consultant (and fellow Letters columnist): Offer floating holidays. “A good way to show employees that you value their beliefs is to offer floating holidays so they can take time off for religious observances that are meaningful to them throughout the year,” Peterson says.

Ask for feedback. “One way to not be inclusive is to make somebody feel invisible, to make them feel as though the organization just has no idea who they are, what is pleasing to them, and what is offensive.” Reach out to your staff to understand who celebrates your current holidays and which ones they would like to add.

Once you have this information, you can then decide the right course of action. ▼ For more information: shrm.org/hr-today/news/hrmagazine/1118/pages/how-to-make-holiday-celebrationsmore-inclusive.aspx

Wesley Combs, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a diversity and inclusion expert, executive coach, and a passionate social justice advocate.

He is the founding principal of Combs Advisory Services where he works with clients who share his values of enabling equity, equality, and opportunity in the workplace and the community.

AUGUST 20, 2021

9 Letters

CAMPNews CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Starting to Prepare New Shows

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or over half a calendar year, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus has been entertaining the (virtual) masses with their monthly First Fridays cabaret productions.

But now, the group is excited to begin preparing new, live ensemble shows.

Stay tuned for more information coming soon regarding ensemble concerts scheduled for September 2426, and then again next President’s Day weekend, February 18-20, 2022.

Until then, look out for more cabarets in September (themed “Music of the Night”) and October (“Drinkin’, Cheatin’, and Wild Women”). These concerts will stream live from the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Facebook page and will also be featured on CAMP Rehoboth’s YouTube page. ▼

CAMP REHOBOTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

CROP Braves the Heat at Delaware Botanic Gardens

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n Tuesday, July 13, an intrepid team of seven CROP volunteers braved the summer heat and assisted with needed tasks at Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro. The team planted grasses along the Living Shore Line at Pepper Creek to mitigate erosion, cleared brush, and did more planting in other areas.

They also planted vines at the base of several “tree wogs”—upended trees with their roots sticking up. A very productive morning! Head horticulturist Stephen Pryce Lea was super appreciative of CROP volunteers’ efforts—which, the team pointed out, they couldn’t have done without his expert guidance ▼

SAVE THE DATE

Women’s FEST 2022 camp rehoboth

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omen’s FEST 2022 is in motion and being planned for April 7-10, 2022. Initial meetings with staff and key volunteer leaders took fun entertainment spring tradition place over the last two months and next steps are underway to engage the broader community as the designs and logistics get into full swing. Volunteers interested in participating in key leadership roles should email: development@ camprehoboth.com and include WF 2022 in the subject line.

In the coming month, the online volunteer sign-up for specific tasks will be available. Big thanks to Nancy Hewish for agreeing to participate in an advisory capacity and to help the new Chair of Women’s FEST—Lisa Soens—as she builds her volunteer committee. ▼ ö

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Letters 10 AUGUST 20, 2021

CROP Visits the Food Bank

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team of 10 CROP volunteers traveled to the Food Bank of Delaware’s facility in Milford on Tuesday, August 3. There, they sorted a myriad of food items into their proper categories— vegetables (loads of cans!), breakfast items, beverages, soup, protein, condiments, and more.

Then the items were boxed to be delivered to many Delaware organizations for distribution to families in need. Over 2,500 pounds of food were boxed! This was CROP’s third quarterly visit to the Food Bank, with one more scheduled this year (November 2). Thanks to all who participated! ▼ Photos above: The CROP Team

Join YOUTH Up for Upcoming Events and Programs

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OUTH Up invites you to join upcoming events and programs. First, on Saturday, August 21, noon to 2 p.m., youth ages 10 to 19 can enjoy a FREE Bowling & Pizza event at Lefty’s Alley & Eats. There is limited space available. RSVP by emailing bantlitz@camprehoboth.com.

Next, join the YOUTH Up LGBTQA+ youth-led book club to discuss Carry On by Rainbow Rowell on Tuesday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m.

Then, don’t miss a new and in-person YOUTH Up Monthly Social kicking off on Friday, September 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

With snacks and drinks provided, this fun event will be held at MCC Rehoboth at 19369 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach. These monthly socials are designed specifically for 10- to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth. Meetings are free, confidential, and peer-led. Masks are required. Questions?

Email Barbara at bantlitz@camprehoboth.com. ▼

To RSVP, or if you have questions, email: bantlitz@camprehoboth.com

SUN FESTIVAL

CAMP Rehoboth’s Live and Silent Auctions Are Back!

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AMP Rehoboth’s Sun Festival, a week full of events and fun begins August 29. And back—by popular demand—is one of CAMP Rehoboth’s most iconic Labor Day weekend events: the auction!

Last year’s online auction was so successful that this year, the Sun Festival auction will again take place primarily online. There will, however, be small LIVE Auctions taking place (thanks to our gracious performers) during performances by The Skivvies on September 3, and Jennifer Holliday on September 4.

Items being donated range widely in price, type, size, and quantities, assuring there’s something to please a variety of tastes and price-points.

Have your own fun or fabulous items to donate? Only two days left to make it into the auction catalog. All donation forms must be in by August 21! Contact: natalie@camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620, if you have auction questions. ▼

Check out a couple of our fun auction items!

Have your own fun or fabulous items to donate?

Hurry! All donation forms must be in by August 21.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

11 Letters

SunFestival CA M P R eh o b o t h

SUNDAY, AUGust 29th

THURSday, September 2nd

12th Sun Festival 5K, Biathalon & 1M Walk

Women’s Dance Event at Port 251

8:00am SIGN UP: www.seashorestriders.com/

7:00pm - 10:00pm

race-schedule/12th-sun-festival-5k-1m-walk

Sun Festival Online AUCTION OPENS

NOON

Sun Festival Tea DANCE at AQUA Grill

5:00pm - 8:00pm 20% of proceeds to benefit CAMP Rehoboth

MONDAY, August 30th IRON HILL BREWERY Give-back event with Special performance by the band: OFF 24!

5:00pm - 9:00pm 20% of proceeds will benefit CAMP Rehoboth

TUESday, August 31st Cornhole Tournament & Party at The Little League Fields on Holland Glade Road.

24 Teams Compete for the GOLD!

6:00pm Grounds open 6:30pm Tournament

WEDnesday, September 1st DIEGO’S Retro DISCO — Studio 54 dress-up Party w/ DJ HARRISON

FRIday, September 3rd The SKIVVIES Performance at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center — an all new show with Guest performers: RANDY HARRISON (Queer as Folk) and DIANA HUEY (Little Mermaid & Miss Saigon)

6:45pm Doors Open 7:30pm Show

SATurday, September 4th Dream Girl — Jennifer Holliday at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

6:45pm Doors Open 7:30pm Show & LIVE Auction 9:30pm Online AUCTION CLOSES

SUNday, September 5th Auction Pickups begin @ CAMP Rehoboth

10:00Am - 3:00PM (continues again on Monday & Tuesday, Sept. 6th and 7th, from 10:00AM-3:00PM)

6:30pm Disco Sun Tea Dance 9:00pm Evening Disco Dance for Detail on all events and Cornhole Sign up, visit

www.camprehoboth.com For Tickets to the Friday or Saturday performances, visit: https://camprehoboth.ejoinme.org/SF2021Tickets Letters 12 AUGUST 20, 2021

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SunFestival C A MP R eho b o t h

Edward Chrzanowski Rodney Street Realty, LLC The SEA BOVA Associates, Inc. silver SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Beebe Healthcare

Sondra N. Arkin John Jeffrey Brouillette Combs Advisory Services Joan Cox/Peacox Design Joe Filipek & Larry Richardson The Pines/Aqua Bar & Grill Chris Rinaldi & Brian Powers SPECIAL THANKS TO

Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart

Karen Gustafson, Realtor for Keller Williams

Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS

Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods

Easyriderstable, Daryl and Chris

Mari Blackburn & Christine Lay

Fred Munzert & J.P. Lacap

Melissa & Amanda Kaufman

Glussich REsource Natalie Moss Group of Keller Williams Sponsors Richard and Donors are as Gamble & and Teri Agosta Paul Lindsey of: Friday, August 6, 2021 Jennifer Rubenstein & Richard Green & Diane Scobey Asi Ohana Jim & Tom Flower Sandra Oropel

Sponsors and Donors are as of: Friday, August 6, 2021

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Diegos Bar & Grill | Dogfish Head Brewery | Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Olivia Travel | Port 251 Aperitivo Bar | Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

To SPONSOR OR Purchase Tickets, please VISIT

www.camprehoboth.com AUGUST 20, 2021

13 Letters

SUN FESTIVAL 2021

BY MICHAEL COOK

“And I’m Telling You…” Jennifer Holliday Makes Her Rehoboth Beach Debut at Sun Festival 2021!

Photo Courtesy-AP (via ABC News)

Letters 14 AUGUST 20, 2021

P

ivoting has been the name of the game for so many of us in the past year and a half; that’s true for CAMP Rehoboth, as well. This year marks the first Sun Festival—one of the most spectacular events to hit Rehoboth Beach, with a week of celebration that extends from August 29 to September 5. On Saturday night, September 4, Tony Award winner (as a member of the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls), recording artist, and activist Jennifer Holliday makes her Rehoboth Beach debut for a very special appearance and performance.

Ms. Holliday’s first visit to Rehoboth Beach provided the opportunity for a lengthy and wide-ranging chat with this LGBTQ icon, so we sat down and chatted about her upcoming visit to Rehoboth. We also discussed the onset of the AIDS epidemic as Holliday was reaching career heights on Broadway (and how the two intersected), the roles she would love to take on, and what lessons the past year and a half have taught this superstar and advocate.

Michael Cook: You are coming to Rehoboth Beach for Sun Festival 2021, and the community is already buzzing. Is this your first visit to Rehoboth Beach?

Jennifer Holliday: Believe it or not, yes, it is! I am so excited to come to Rehoboth Beach for the first time!

MC: When did you know that the LGBTQ community truly had a great deal of love for you?

JH: Well, that is two-fold. It wasn’t just a love for me, it was a love for Dreamgirls. Unfortunately, AIDS had just arrived at the same time that Dreamgirls opened. At that point, it did not even have a name. At the time, lots of people were dying; most of the male cast and creative team of Dreamgirls died of AIDS. On one hand, the community’s love

and support for the show had already started because they were supporting us. It was like Dreamgirls—every drag queen was able to impersonate us because they had not seen anything on Broadway at that time. Now there are plenty, but 40 years ago there were not.

They immediately grabbed hold and supported us.

Right in the midst of our great success comes our great heartache, connecting with them. Myself, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and some of the others were on the phone asking people to come collect their loved ones. Back then, a lot of people were still in the closet, so a lot of parents said that not only did they not know that their children were gay, but they did not want them.

They were heartbreaking times to go through, but at the same time an exhilarating time. We have all gone through something like that, where it is wonderful and yet it is heartbreaking at the same time.

That started the love affair with Dreamgirls, and then out of that, because I just feel that the gay community is just faithful and devoted, I was able to transfer from that. I am the only one that went on to do music right away. That is when I started playing the Paradise Garage, Splash, and a lot of those gay clubs that I played at three or four o’clock in the morning, and at the Paradise Garage the showtime would be five a.m.!

Through me still singing after Dreamgirls and being the only one who went into a recording career, that allowed me to be even closer to the community. I played a lot of those gay clubs and bars. The community remains loyal; they are one of those communities and they will always come out and support you.

MC: Speaking of your music, your musical catalog is an entirely different legacy. Whether it’s “No Frills Love,” “A Woman’s Got the Power,” or “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” dance floors

continue to be packed when a Jennifer Holliday track is played. Is it surreal to see fans hit the dance floor to your singles still to this day?

JH: It is very nice. Now with social media, I get tagged often with people doing different routines, especially to “A Woman’s Got the Power.” They will send different ones and tag me, either with people competing to it or doing a routine. It has surprised me that that one has carried on because music has changed so much. The gay community is just a faithful community.

MC: So many Broadway performers put their stamp onto so many roles throughout their career. Is there any role that you would absolutely love to take on?

JH: Dreamgirls was phenomenal, but again, it was 40 years ago. You do keep looking and searching for something that would be perfect. It would be great if I was able to have a new type of show, but if I wanted to go back in time, I would love to do Mame. It lends itself to where the cast could be all different colors. She was worldly and the cast could be all different colors. I would also love to do Gypsy, but that would be harder because my children would have to be Black and I don’t think the story would work as well from that era. I love that score from Gypsy, though. Mame—I have sung “If He Walked into My Life” many times; that is a beautiful score as well.

MC: So much has changed in the past year and a half, but after your visit to Rehoboth Beach, what is next for you?

JH: Unfortunately, not all indoor industries are back just yet. I have a lot of things in the fall, and had some things for Los Angeles, but some people have said that they still may need to stream. It is okay to stream, but if you still have to have fewer people in the audience, it is a different kind of feeling. With the new vaccination campaign, hopefully by late October we will be able to celebrate!

MC: We have known so much about Jennifer Holliday the performer, but what is one thing that we don’t know about Jennifer Holliday the person that surprises us? A wiz in the kitchen

The community remains loyal; they are one of those communities and they will always come out and support you. maybe? Is there something you still have yet to do?

JH: (Laughs) No, I cannot cook, I wish that I could! I don’t know if there is anything that anybody doesn’t know about me in terms of what is interesting about me. People have asked me why I haven’t written my book yet; I tell them it’s because I’m really boring. I don’t have a lot of juicy things to put in there.

My life has been to sing and to be on stage. Even at the age of 60, I am kind of looking now to get a lot more out of life. I know that I am late, but I am grateful that I still have something to look forward to.

As for something that I have not done? I have not been in an actual

movie. I am going to be doing my first independent movie, it is called The Road to Galena. I am excited about that; it is my first non-singing role and my first acting role for a movie. That takes care of my fall, and then I start the new year off with concerts. I have a residency at 54 Below and I will start there. I am so excited to look toward the future, to performing, with some things on hold.

It’s hard to dream and plan when you have to say, “we’ll see.”

MC: Is there a lesson that you have taken from the past 15 months that we as a country have gone through?

JH: There are so many takeaways from this, but the greatest lesson for me is that we take so much for granted.

That things are going to just always go as planned. Not that we didn’t know that before, but more than ever before now, we have a much bigger appreciation and gratitude for life and for living.

Unfortunately for my job, it does require people. So therefore, it is how much more I appreciate the opportunity to do that.

Sweet Charity is one of my favorite shows, and there is that song, “There has got to be something better than this.

There has got to be something better to do. And when I find me something better to do, I’m gonna get up, I’m gonna get out, I’m gonna get up, get out and do it”!

I personally want to incorporate more life into my life. More life into my living. Laugh more, and really embrace as much as I can. I am grateful that I have a job and will be singing, but I am more grateful that I am gonna make me some plans to live; that is what I am gonna do. ▼ Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to Instinct Magazine, World of Wonder’s WOW Report, and South Florida Gay News. In between interviewing copious amounts of Real Housewives and RuPaul’s Drag Race queens, he has interviewed Liza Minnelli, Andy Cohen, RuPaul, Wendy Williams, and Debra Messing among others. Michael can be found on Instagram: instagram.com/cookie74/?hl=en

AUGUST 20, 2021

15 Letters

SUN FESTIVAL 2021

BY ROBERT DOMINIC

Nothing Is Off Limits

B

ack again after a hugely popular 2018 performance, The Skivvies will be entertaining Rehoboth Beach on Friday, September 3.

New York-based Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley are singers/actors/musicians who have performed to sold out audiences, performing stripped down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals.

Not only is the music stripped down—cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica—but The Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. How cool is that!

People Magazine named The Skivvies “The Most Playful Performers” in the Most Talked about Bodies of 2014 issue, and Sports Illustrated named them “Favorite New Band.” The New York Times calls them “a hot musical comedy duo specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly -toned displays of skin.” The Skivvies was nominated for “Show of The Year” for the 2015 MAC Awards, with Out Magazine saying, “The Skivvies have managed to carve out a niche that we never knew needed to exist: part Weird Al-parody and part sexy burlesque…an unusual explosion of satire and sultry.”

The Skivvies have taken the stage at New York’s 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, Roseland Ballroom, The Smith Center in Las Vegas, and Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.

The Skivvies have raised the temperature in Key West, New Hope (PA), and many other places, including a special appearance in Broadway Bares. I had the pleasure of speaking with The Skivvies about dream guests, pre-show rituals, and their upcoming Rehoboth Beach show.

Robert Dominic: During the COVID lockdown, were The Skivvies able to perform?

Lauren: We performed in a bunch of different ways. Not only did we perform concerts, but also we adapted the plays The Importance of Being Earnest and It’s a Wonderful Life into live radio play formats. We also recorded our debut album: The Rocky Horror Skivvies Show.

Nick: We had a couple performances outdoors in Saratoga Springs, a virtual Birdland performance, and many, MANY Letters 16 AUGUST 20, 2021

virtual concerts. I also did a virtual revival of First Date, the Broadway musical, and Lauren and I also did a virtual revival of Brooklyn The Musical.

RD: Do either of you have any preshow rituals?

Lauren: Before a show, I like to do a vocal warm-up. I sing all different styles from belty pop to high soprano, and vocal warmups are like stretching before a workout to not pull a muscle. Depending on the show and who we have as special guests, sometimes we run guest songs right before to review and get pumped.

Nick: I shower, sing and scream in the shower, tune the instruments I play, and put on lotion.

RD: Who is at the top of your wish list to collaborate/perform with?

Lauren: In the world of musical theatre, I’d love to have Audra McDonald. Her husband Will Swenson has performed with us several times, so we’ve been trying to get her, too. I’d also be geeked to have Cynthia Erivo. I’d also be thrilled to have Bowen Yang or Maya Rudolph.

Nick: For years I’ve died to collaborate with Jake Shears. And of course, Bernadette Peters.

RD: Is there a song/cover that you perform that has a special meaning personally for either of you?

Lauren: I love our version of “Toxic.”

It feels very authentic to who we are and what we do with mashing up songs into fun new arrangements.

Nick: For me, we never do it, but the first song that we did as Skivvies on YouTube that went viral and gave us the launching point was “We Found Love,” by Rihanna. We always talk about the origin of Skivvies in a show and the song that did it all, but we never do it and I would LOVE to do it again.

RD: Any songs that are “untouchable” because of how well known they are?

Lauren: Nothing is off limits.

Nick: No. We always put a fresh spin on things in my opinion so I don’t think there are any songs I would ever say no to. I’m a pretty “yes and…” person creatively speaking, so I don’t like to say

anything that is off limits. Unless we try something and it’s awful. Ha-ha.

RD: What can the audience here in Rehoboth expect to see during your show?

Lauren: Expect a wide variety of music from pop, rock, to musical theatre and R&B, all infused with a sense of playfulness. There will be comedic mashups and medleys, ukulele, electric cello, and killer voices including special guests Diana Huey (The Little Mermaid) and Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk).

Expect surprises.

Nick: With the guests we have and the band we have for this show, it’s absolutely fresh, new for Rehoboth, and exciting because none of us have done this show together for years because of the pandemic. For me, I appreciate the connection and banter we share having been separated (as we all have been!) for so long. I love this crew SO MUCH. ▼ Don’t wait, get your tickets now for The Skivvies at camprehoboth.com.

Robert Dominic splits his time between Brooklyn and Rehoboth Beach. He writes for publications including Instinct Magazine and his own blog, “The Gays of Our Lives.” When he is not writing he is probably at Poodle Beach.

Designed For Inclusivity, Designed for You

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AUGUST 20, 2021

17 Letters

Out & About

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

The Fight Isn’t Over

I

don’t know if Summer 2021 is the best summer I’ve ever had, but compared to last year, it seemed like heaven.

I saw a lot more of my friends this summer; of course, I had a few awkward conversations to ensure that they were vaccinated before I agreed to meet them, masks off, indoors. But lucky for me, every single one of them enthusiastically informed me that they’d received their shots and were equally curious about me.

When I was at home this summer, I wasn’t turning on my television to see stories about a lawless president nominating a hateful, anti-gay justice to the Supreme Court, or even in retirement, seeing his tiresome tweets on my screen. In so many ways, this year was so much better than 2020 that it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief, like it’s the last three minutes of a summer action blockbuster where the world has been well and truly saved, and the heroes can resume their normal lives.

It’s tempting, but it’s an illusion.

On August 2, the state of Tennessee passed a law that could levy fines from $1M to $5M on school districts who teach its students about systemic racism, white privilege, or sexism. Under the new law, teachers could be disciplined—up to and including losing their licenses—if they knowingly or unknowingly make any white student feel “guilt or shame” because of the way white people have behaved in the past.

While the law is fuzzy on what precisely can or cannot be taught in class (although one presumes a truthful rendering of US history, including the horrors of slavery, is banned), the law is eerily specific on what actions a current student, parent, or employee can take against a teacher or superintendent if they “feel” that the curriculum has not protected the sensibilities of their white pupils in a former slave state.

It might be easy to dismiss this news.

I don’t live in Tennessee, you might say, and they’ve always been racist down there; what’s the big deal. Or perhaps Letters 18 AUGUST 20, 2021

it’s easy to keep this news at a distance because you don’t have any small kids, so it doesn’t concern you.

But this should concern all of us.

“As of July 15,” says Education Week magazine, “26 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism,” and “[eleven] states have enacted these bans, either through legislation or other avenues.” For those keeping track, 26 is over half.

“As of July 15,” says Education Week magazine, “26 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism…”

Furthermore, if these bills pass unchallenged, there’s no reason to believe that this will stop at 26 states, no reason to suppose this will end with K-12 education, and no reason to think that the conversation will only deal with race.

Soon, colleges and workplaces may be barred from teaching students and employees about implicit bias. If you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or non-binary, this could have an impact on you and your career whether you happen to be Black/Brown or not. If you don’t think we could be talking about redacting Stonewall from US history next, you’re wrong.

This movement, to protect white people’s feelings from the objective

truth, is downright Orwellian, and it should motivate all Americans to action. We need people in these 26 states to write their state legislators, and take to the streets in protest (psst, my Pennsylvania peeps, I’m talking to you now—in June, PA State Rep. Russ Diamond introduced a bill to your state legislature that would limit the actions of teachers and ban guest speakers or textbooks that advocate what he called “racist or sexist concepts”).

We need workplaces, especially large organizations headquartered in these states, to state that they don’t want their future workforce to be comprised of ignorant workers who have been denied the opportunity and challenge to wrestle with the real and unvarnished history of this nation and are therefore prepared to not perpetuate the wrongs of the past. We need media and entertainment companies to create PSAs about “History They Won’t Teach You in School” and place them in front of kid-focused videos on YouTube, especially in the seven states that have already passed laws that ban the teaching of history.

Finally, if you’re white and you’re still reading this, you can do one more thing—without even getting up from your chair. You can do your own work. Read about the history of this country (trust me, you didn’t get the full story, either), and how systemic racism continues to benefit you today and every day. Wrestle with whatever unpleasant feelings this may create, and let them motivate you to use your privilege ethically and responsibly. This is no time to rest. ▼ Eric Peterson is a novelist, podcaster, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practitioner.

His debut novel, Loyalty, Love & Vermouth will be released in November 2021.

5K RUN + 1 MILE WALK + 1/2 MILE SWIM BIATHLON: 1/2 MILE SWIM + 5K RUN Sunday, August 29

JOIN US FOR

SUN FESTIVAL

5K

DIRECTED BY SEASHORE STRIDERS AND BENEFITING CAMP REHOBOTH

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue at the Boardwalk. Race starts at 8 a.m.

Afterparty with lots of food, Bloody Marys, craft beer, and more, at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, 37 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

Sign up at seashorestriders.com

Refreshments served and prizes in all events, and to those in “best” costumes!

EVENT REGISTRATION FEES 5K RUN, 1 MILE WALK, OR 1/2 MILE SWIM

$25 - Early Bird Pre-Registration (through August 22 | midnight) $28 - Race Week Registration (through August 28 | 6 p.m.) $30 - Race Day (Registration 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. on site August 29)

BIATHLON (SWIM-RUN)

$30 - Early Bird Pre-Registration (through August 22 | midnight) $35 - Race Week Registration (through August 28 | 6 p.m.) $40 - Race Day (Registration 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. on site August 29)

SLEEPWALKER REGISTRATION OPTION

Donate. if you’d rather stay in bed and dream about running, no sweat. Contribute $30 to the good work of CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.

Sleepwalkers are invited to come by to cheer on the runners and join us for a great afterparty! (Includes towel.) $5 GUESTS if you bring a guest who will enjoy the food and festivities, include $5 per guest (please provide the name of your guest, and arrive early to receive a stamp).

If you are feeling generous, register as a sleep walker for $30, and your donation will go to CAMP Rehoboth, or encourage your guest to do the one mile walk and get a towel—then you will both feel accomplished! (Towel not included with $5 donation).

AUGUST 20, 2021

19 Letters

Volunteer Spotlight

BY KAREN LAITMAN

A (Literal!) Lifetime of Volunteering

J

ustina lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and turned 12 years old on August 16. This fall, Justina will be going into the 7th grade at Beacon Middle School in the Cape Henlopen School District. Justina loves school and is excited to be going to Beacon because, she says, “it steps closer to high school, then college, and I am interested in becoming a civil lawyer.” Justina says that being successful in school is of the utmost importance, and that she makes school and her studies a top priority. Justina’s family understands and supports her drive for excellence in higher education.

When did you start volunteering with CAMP Rehoboth?

I started volunteering with CAMP when I was 10 months old. I volunteered with the CROP (CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program) formerly the Volunteer on Vacation Program. That program offered volunteer opportunities to residents and vacationers. I volunteered with other youth at Burton Village and West Rehoboth Beach.

Many of the children I volunteered with were part of the 4-H after-school program held at the community center. A team of volunteers from CAMP Rehoboth coordinated the arts and crafts activities that were part of a celebration. My picture was in the Cape Gazette, where I held a sign for the Burton Village residents when I was only 10 months old.

I have done a slew of other volunteering with CAMP, from picking up trash on the beach to volunteering with the CAMP Rehoboth art shows and have participated in the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk to benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition every year since I was a baby.

I love volunteering with CROP and CAMP, and when an opportunity comes up to help at the Delaware Therapeutic Riding Center, I am the first to sign up.

If something interesting floats my boat, I will let my mother (Sue Goudy) know that I am interested, and the two of us sign up to volunteer. I would like to get more involved with CAMP Rehoboth by volunteering to help local animals at local farms.

Letters 20 AUGUST 20, 2021

Do you have any pets?

I have four cats: Kitty, Emma, Alexandra, and Alex, and one dog, Rosie.

How did you feel about life during COVID? During COVID I went to school remotely. I have recently gone back into school. I felt that the transition from remote learning to in-person learning was challenging, but that Cape Henlopen School District was very considerate of the emotional well-being of how we were feeling and the stress of what we were going through when homebound and transitioning back.

What do you love to do in your free time?

I love to travel. I have been traveling a lot as of late. I went to Hershey Park, Frontier Land, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Trap Pond State Park (where we stayed in a yurt). I am very close to my cousin who is similar in age and he lives in New Jersey and I love hanging out with him. I also love going on bike rides and walking trails. I want to play softball and field hockey at school and this summer I went to tennis camp. I love being active in the summer and winter. In the summer I love swimming, and in the winter I love snowboarding and traveling to Colorado.

I also love to spend time with my family and my cousins.

How do you think other kids can get involved in volunteering with CAMP Rehoboth?

I think that the CAMP Rehoboth publication, Letters, has been helpful. I feel it is a good way to let kids know what is out there. I also think having CAMP Rehoboth show up at school fairs or come in and do an afterschool/during school presentation would be good. How about having a CAMP Rehoboth photo booth display in the school of the different activities that kids and teachers can get involved in? Maybe having advertisements in the school newsletter/newspaper/ yearbook that will interest students and teachers alike. When I was at Rehoboth Elementary school, a lot of kids were

talking about LGBTQ issues and they would talk to each other for support.

During your life, what changes have you seen in the Rehoboth area?

Since Joe Biden has become president there are a lot more tourists, and people will come from all over to look at Joe’s house and it’s pretty cool. It’s also pretty cool to live in the same area as the president. As a baby I crossed paths with Dr. Jill Biden at an event. I was told that she picked me up and said that she thought that I was an adorable baby.

Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of me being held by the first lady.

If you celebrate holidays, which one is your favorite?

I love Christmas. I love the traditions, such as putting the star on the Christmas tree together as a family. I also love setting up the nativity scene and putting baby Jesus in the manger. I love celebrating the Christian part of this holiday.

What are you looking forward to in your future?

Getting my license, graduation, and becoming a lawyer.

Karen Laitman is a member of CAMP Rehoboth’s Volunteer Development Committee.

AUGUST 20, 2021

21 Letters

CommunityNews AIDS Walk Delaware is September 18

A

IDS Walk Delaware, presented jointly for 35 years by AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium, supports prevention and awareness.

Funds raised support transportation, medication adherence, housing, and testing for the 3,600 people in Delaware living with HIV. People who have been living with a disease for a long time. People who have just learned they’ve been infected. People who love someone who is infected.

People whom the best and broadest prevention efforts failed.

There is still work to be done to protect people—gay and straight. While HIV has not been a “gay disease” for decades, it’s worth noting that just under half of all new infections are among men

Expect Less Parking in Downtown Rehoboth?

A

t a recent task-force meeting, an outside consultant, Rossi Group, recommended the removal of parking spaces on Baltimore and Wilmington Avenues. This measure would allow for better pedestrian safety, while also addressing accessibility and beautification concerns. In total, this recommendation would remove 87 parking spaces. Meanwhile, the discussion also suggested doubling the number of scooter spots, and potentially quadrupling the number of bicycle parking spaces.

The task force will continue to meet and work toward solidifying plans to improve Wilmington and Baltimore Avenues. ▼

Letters 22 AUGUST 20, 2021

who have sex with men. People of color are at the highest risk. Men and women of every age, from teens to senior citizens—the latter being the largest growing at-risk group, as they newly reenter the dating scene.

In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, it was the LGBTQIA+ crowd that raised money. Let’s reclaim that. Walk to end HIV in Delaware.

Don’t have a team? Join one! We partner with agencies, including CAMP Rehoboth, and they’d love to have you walk with them.

Visit AIDSWalkDelaware.org to sign up. If you need technical assistance or more info, contact JulieAnne Cross at 302.588.3266 or aidswalkrehoboth@ gmail.com. ▼

Celebrate Wear It Purple Day Friday, August 27!

J

oin the Rotary LGBT+ Fellowship in celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or questioning (LGBTIQ+) diversity and inclusion. Wear It Purple is about creating safe spaces in schools, universities, workplaces, and public spaces to show LGBT+ young people that they are seen and supported.

The Fellowship is always looking for members and volunteers to get involved. If you want to join the growing community, you can ask to join one of the committees in Friendship, Service, or Education.

Contact Randy Smith at rcsejc@ yahoo.com. ▼

Donna Whiteside Earns Realty Award

D

onna Whiteside earned a realty award on behalf of The Donna Whiteside Group of Berkshire Hathaway.

The award, titled the Berkshire Hathaway President’s Club Award, is bestowed based on the merit of total commissions earned. After working with the Berkshire Hathaway group for six years, Whiteside recently moved into a new role. “It was my first year leading The Donna Whiteside Group, and we were very grateful to receive this award,” said Whiteside. Congrats, Donna! ▼

Dru Trevis Becomes First Pastry Chef to Be Honored as Best Chef in Downstate Delaware

S

oDel Concepts’ Dru Trevis became the first pastry chef to be named Best Chef in Downstate Delaware by Delaware Today readers’ 2021 “The Best Food & Drink in Delaware” survey. Trevis is vice president of culinary operations at SoDel Concepts. Before this honor, Tevis’s SoDel Lime Pie was recently recognized by People magazine’s “Best Pie in Every State” list. ▼

City Hosts New Photo Competition: Rehoboth Reflections

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he City of Rehoboth Beach is hosting a photo competition, and the winning submissions will be featured in the city’s 2022 printed calendar. Open to amateur and professional photographers, Rehoboth Reflections provides an opportunity to share images that demonstrate the diversity, beauty, and vibrancy of the Rehoboth Beach community—in all seasons.

“We see so many great photos of our community being shared across social media platforms, and we thought that hosting a photo competition would be a fun way to further share and celebrate some of those photos and the places, events, and people that make Rehoboth such a vibrant community,” says Communications Specialist Lynne Coan. “Because we plan to use the winning photos in our 2022 calendar, we hope that residents and visitors will share photos of Rehoboth Beach from all seasons.”

Only digital photos in high-resolution JPEG format will be accepted. Submissions are limited to three entries per photographer. Find additional guidelines and submit photos at cityofrehoboth.com/rehoboth-reflections. ▼

In Search of the Perfect Christmas Tree

I

t’s the middle of summer, and what’s on the City of Rehoboth Beach’s mind?

Where it’s going to find the perfect 2021 Christmas tree, of course.

Each year, on the Friday following Thanksgiving, the City of Rehoboth Beach hosts a community tree lighting and sing-along event at the bandstand. The 35- to 40-foot evergreen that serves as the community’s Christmas tree is donated each year by an area resident and cut down, transported, and installed by elves at JL Briggs & Company, Plummer & Son, and Delmarva Power.

If you have a large tree on your property that you’d love to see as a focal point of the Rehoboth Beach holiday celebration, please contact Communications Specialist Lynne Coan at lcoan@cityofrehoboth.com or 302-227-6181, ext 522.

Spruce and Douglas fir trees make great Christmas trees, but any nicely shaped evergreen tree will do the job. ▼

Thank you for a great season!

We are open Wednesday - Sunday

Dinner 4:30pm - 9pm

Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm

Make a reservation by calling or going to our website

(302) 200-9522 | 134 West Market St, Lewes, DE 19958 | harbourlewes@gmail.com www.harbourlewes.com AUGUST 20, 2021

23 Letters

Visiting View Guest Column

BY ROBERT DOMINIC

Is Rehoboth Beach Too Pricey for Millennials?

G

reetings Letters readers, I hope you are having a great summer. Robby from Brooklyn here enjoying another few months in this beautiful town on the coast. As usual, I have been hitting up all my favorite places here in RB; Poodle Beach, Rise gym, Aqua, The Pines, Purple Parrot, Diego’s, Iron Hill, the list goes on. [RIP to my beloved Iguana Grill; many friends worked there back in the day.]

While I absolutely love being able to live here for a few glorious months, there is one tiny little snafu in my brilliant plan—Rehoboth Beach is VERY expensive. And this is coming from a New Yorker.

It seems everything here costs more money than it would in NYC. Considerably more. I do like to go out. Often. However, here in Rehoboth Beach, I find myself having to pick and choose nights to go out, and which shows to attend, in a way I have never had to before.

Case in point—a friend was visiting from Philly last week. We wanted to go to a drag show and tried to get tickets for a Wednesday night show at a ‘colorful’ gay bar/restaurant in town. The show started at 9:30 p.m. However, a dinner reservation is required with a $25 MINIMUM PER PERSON food requirement. You have got to be kidding me, on a Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m.? I love a drag show, but there is no way I am eating $25 worth of food to see one.

The same performer was at another gay bar later in the week for a show from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. No cover; no minimum drink or food requirement. We went last week and had a blast.

The bar was nicely crowded and the show was inside, with air conditioning. Drinks were $11 apiece but given the no cover and no minimum, maybe I need to pick my battles.

If you know me, you know my love (ok obsession) with RuPaul’s Drag Race and drag queens and I can’t believe I am saying this, but is there such a thing as too many drag shows? It seems every bar every night has a drag show. Is there a gay bar to go to just to sit at the bar and have a drink?

Another friend (who doesn’t drink) mentioned in passing that going out to dinner costs them no less than $45, without alcohol. I always wonder how

…here in Rehoboth Beach, I find myself having to pick and choose nights to go out, and which shows to attend…

Letters 24 AUGUST 20, 2021

younger people can afford to do everything. Are the restaurants pricing themselves out of certain demographics? Seeing how most restaurants are full if you call up for a same day reservation, I guess their prices aren’t too high for most.

More than once the conversation at happy hour at another gay bar in town is, “Why are there not a lot of younger guys here?” It’s quite simple: twenty-somethings cannot afford to buy $10 drinks all night. Scanning the crowd, a large number of men there are retired, many own multiple homes, and can probably afford to drop over $100 every night of the weekend. That is awesome, but not everyone can do that.

I am guessing that many of the younger gays, like I did when I was younger, pre-game at home, then choose one bar to go to around 11:00 p.m. and buy one or two drinks. At $10 or $11 each.

As the circle of life goes, older gays one day will age out of Rehoboth Beach, and the younger gays will hopefully flock to Rehoboth Beach and find it as fun and magical as we all have. A friend who participates in the drag volleyball show over Labor Day weekend mentioned this will be the 30th and final event. I asked him why and one of the reasons he said was “there is no influx of younger guys to take it over.”

Another factor to consider is the disappearance of share houses. Twenty years ago, share houses were all the rage, but now with rising real estate prices, share houses are becoming less and less frequent. How does Rehoboth Beach attract the younger demographics outside of holiday weekends?

I don’t have the answer to that question. So, until then, I will still be here, hitting the bars and the drag shows, hoping a $20 bill will get me two drinks on a weeknight. And I will be on the hunt for a $6 specialty happy hour drink. Cheers, Letters readers! ▼ Robert Dominic splits his time between Brooklyn and Rehoboth Beach. He writes for publications including Instinct Magazine and his own blog, “The Gays of Our Lives.” When he is not writing he is probably at Poodle Beach.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

25 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

Clothes Minded

A

friend from my teenage years recently posted on social media one of those “You know you’re from X when…” things.

One of the items was “You did your back-to-school clothes shopping at Herb Philipson’s.”

Instantly, I was transported back 43 years to August of 1978. I was almost 10 and about to start the fifth grade at a new school. My father, recently retired, had moved us from a city back to the very small town in which he’d grown up.

The next week, I would walk through the doors of the same school my parents had attended.

In preparation, my mother took me shopping. Our destination was Herb Philipson’s, a store in the nearest city.

When we walked in, I saw a space filled with overalls and Dickies, sturdy, sensible clothing made for people who lived and worked on farms. I walked around, looking for something that was more my style, but the selection was limited. Eventually, I wound up with a few pairs of pants and some boring but utilitarian shirts.

My mother, sensing that I was disappointed, then took me to the mall.

There, we went to the store where you could pick out iron-on transfers to put on t-shirts. I chose one featuring a unicorn that appeared to be in flight, surrounded by a cloud of glitter. Unicorns featured heavily in my imagination in those days, and I loved it. After that we went to the drugstore, where I selected a green Trapper Keeper, the recently launched binder guaranteed to keep even the messiest student organized.

On the first day of school, I walked into Mr. Page’s homeroom wearing my unicorn t-shirt and carrying my Trapper Keeper.

Approximately five seconds later a boy pointed at me, snorted, and said, “Nice unicorn, fag.”

It was not an auspicious beginning.

Our school was a small one, with kindergarten through twelfth grade in one building. Most of the students had gone there their whole lives, moving togethLetters 26 AUGUST 20, 2021

er through the grades and developing the friendships and enmities that come with constant togetherness. There was nowhere to hide, and once you were singled out as being different, life was never the same.

On the first day of school, I walked into Mr. Page’s homeroom wearing my unicorn t-shirt.…seconds later a boy pointed at me, snorted, and said, “Nice unicorn, fag.

The unicorn t-shirt, which I never again wore to school, was only the first of many fashion blunders I would make. I quickly discovered that the brand of jeans I wore was wrong. Then there were the boots I wore to school on the first snowy day, only to discover that a girl in my class was wearing the same ones, which made mine a point of shame. Eventually, I wore only clothes handed down to me from my older cousin, Jay, because they had passed the test and were therefore safe.

Oh, I almost forgot the Trapper Keeper.

That turned out to be suspect as well.

Boys didn’t use such things. According to my classmates, I might as well have been carrying a purse. “Do you keep your lip gloss in that thing?” one of them asked,

earning himself laughs from his friends.

I hadn’t thought much about that first day until my friend’s post. Also, coincidentally, I recently found a photo of myself wearing that unicorn shirt. Looking at 10-year-old me, I thought about how something so seemingly unimportant as an image on a t-shirt could determine how a person was identified. I like to think that there were no lasting effects from that moment, but then I thought about how I recently was looking to replace my favorite shoes, a pair of Haflinger wool clogs that were the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever owned. I wore them daily, everywhere, until they fell apart.

The pair I had was brown. I thought it would be nice to get a different color this time. I was about to order a pair of black ones when I noticed that they also came in red. Red, I thought, would be really cheerful on winter days. But when I clicked on them, they were out of stock in my size. I went to another site that sells Haflingers and found them. Only this time, they were listed as “women’s.”

Haflinger shoes are, by their own description, unisex. But the fact that this site listed them as women’s shoes gave me pause. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I told myself. “They’re shoes. And you like them. Just get them.”

But suddenly I couldn’t stop thinking about that winter day when I came to school wearing the same boots that Elizabeth DiTata was wearing. I heard the taunting voices of four decades ago and saw the smirks on the faces of my classmates. I went back and ordered the black ones.

Now, thanks to my friend’s post, I’m thinking about that 10-year-old boy who was made to feel ashamed of something that made him happy. I may order those shoes after all. And maybe I’ll find a unicorn shirt to go with them. ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com

We are here for you.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

27 Letters

Out & Proud

BY STEFANI DEOUL

The Gay Games of Summer Are Here

N

o, not those Gay Games. But rather, these Olympic gay games. As in a funny thing happened on the way to Tokyo. Apparently, everyone dove into the pool, leapt over the hurdle, and double Yurchenko’d right out of the closet— and stuck their landing! Yes, the Tokyo Olympics are the newest, gayest game on the block.

Is it a result of where the world’s been moving, or an outgrowth of the isolation created by the Year of COVID? I don’t know. But I do know it’s been quite an amazing sight to watch.

As I sit there, mesmerized by our diversity, I realize we’ve come a long way.…

Almost no one born before 1981 had any gay athlete role models (other than the tennis great Bill Tilden, but sadly he died in 1953, so quite the gap).

But in 1968, army physician Tom Waddell competed in the decathlon in Mexico City, finishing an impressive sixth. And Tom Waddell not only lived as an openly gay man, but following the Olympics, he became one of the moving forces to build the Gay Games—a dream achieved in 1982.

This ironically followed so close behind the ugliness of May 1981, when Billie Jean King was outed, losing, within 24 hours, every single endorsement she had. Later that same year Martina Navratilova would come out as a gay woman. No endorsements there either.

To provide perspective, even Johnny Weir did not formally come out—until 2011!

It would be 2013, when Jason Paul Collins said, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black. And I’m gay,” that finally we had a single player in any of the “major four professional sports” who would make that statement. As a matter of fact, it was just this June that Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. And a few weeks later, this past July, Luke Prokop became the first active NHL player to do the same.

Letters 28 AUGUST 20, 2021

…In a very short time.

We used to be outed. Now we are out and we are proud.

In 1988, Robert Dover made history as the first openly gay athlete to compete. An equestrian, competing in…dressage…he identified himself as “the token Jewish gay boy on the US Olympic Team.”

And that is what makes Tokyo so special. It’s no longer about that one sport, that one athlete, that one courageous moment of standing alone.

Today, Dover’s legacy endures as Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud, who have been together for over a decade, compete for the Netherlands.

When asked if his sexual orientation has caused him to be treated differently in equestrian, Minderhoud said, according to FEI, “…in our sport, it’s not an exception being gay.”

And that is what makes Tokyo so special. It’s no longer about that one sport, that one athlete, that one courageous moment of standing alone.

In a world that still wants to deny us our basic rights, they can no longer “cut away to a commercial” and edit us out of the picture.

A global audience saw Britain’s Tom Daley (who came out in 2013) winning gold, crying and smiling and talking about how he came back because his husband, Dustin Lance Black, told him his story wasn’t finished; that their child needed to be there to watch him win an

Olympic Gold Medal. And so, he has!

And just like that, horizons broaden, world views expand.

The Tongan swimmer Amini Fonua is openly gay and a national hero in a country where homosexuality is illegal, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Host country Japan, a nation of 126 million people, has zero openly LGBTQ Olympians. Yes, the gayest games on record are being held in a country where same-sex marriage has not been legalized. There’s very limited legal recognition for same-sex couples and few protections against discrimination in the workplace or in public.

And Japanese law requires transgender people to be surgically sterilized if they want legal recognition of their gender identity.

So if competing for an Olympic gold isn’t tough enough, imagine being transgendered Canadian soccer player, Quinn, or transgendered New Zealand weightlifter, Laurel Hubbard. Just think of the emotional defiance of their journey.

In 2012, out of 10,000 athletes, a mere 23 were openly gay.

Now, as we reach our deadline and go to press, we’re feeling a new day steadily making its way over the horizon.

A day in which, if we were our own country, flying our rainbow flag, we, the United Nations of LGBTQ Olympians, would audaciously rank 14th in Medal Wins.

And, just between us, when the Olympic committee allows Drag Volleyball in as an official sport, that gold is ours! Yes, Sunday of the Labor Day weekend approaches, and don’t tell our Olympians, but we know Rehoboth Beach Drag Volleyball is always the Gayest Game of Summer. ▼ Stefani Deoul is a television producer and author of the award-winning YA mystery series Sid Rubin Silicon Alley Adventures, with On a LARP, Zero Sum Game, and Say Her Name.

O LIVIA WISH ES YOU

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

OLIVIA IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE REHOBOTH OLIVIA SHORE SHARKS Come see all the senior women's softball league teams play every Tuesday throughout the summer.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH OLIVIA Tahiti Luxury Cruise | Jul 28–Aug 4, 2022 Discover Iceland Cruise | Aug 23-30, 2022 View a full trip calendar on OLIVIA.COM

Greece, Cyprus & Israel Luxury Cruise | Oct 22-29, 2022

OLIVIA.COM · (800) 631-6277 OLIVIA IS A PROUD PREMIER SPONSOR OF CAMP REHOBOTH AUGUST 20, 2021

29 Letters

Straight Talk

BY DAVID GARRETT

It’s a [lower case c] catholic Thing

W

hen it comes to headlines related to various faith communities, the leader has clearly been the Roman Catholic Church. Over the last couple of decades, one sexual scandal after another has been in the headlines “above the fold.” More recently, two figures have been subjects of extensive reporting.

Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill had served as general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He served, that is, until his recent resignation, in light of revelations that he frequented gay bars and actively used a profile on Grindr.

A Catholic investigative journal called The Pillar obtained geolocation information that did not identify the user.

According to a report released by The Pillar on July 20, “an analysis of app data signals correlated to Burrill’s mobile device shows the priest also visited gay bars and private residences while using a location-based hookup app in numerous cities from 2018 to 2020, even while traveling on assignment for the US Bishops’ conference.”

The crux of this investigation is that Burrill “…held a critical oversight role in the Catholic Church’s response to the recent spate of sexual abuse and misconduct scandals.” He resigned his position “to avoid becoming a distraction to the operations and ongoing work of the Conference.”

There has been backlash to The Pillar’s discovery. Steven P. Milles, writing in Religion News Service, states, “I am a sinner. So are you. So is Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill. Like anyone else, Burrill’s sins are between God and him.... But unless there is some reason to think he has harmed someone else, I feel sure his sins are none of my business, as much as my sins are none of yours.”

A former priest, friend of this writer, feels differently. He shares that “someone in [Burrill’s] position should Letters 30 AUGUST 20, 2021

have known better than to use an app like that. It was a risk he took and lost.

It’s also important to know that “privacy” doesn’t really exist on the internet. It was a sophisticated effort to identify him,

“…He was in a position of great responsibility and involved in dealing with priest behavior issues but was also part of the problem.” so they already knew he was gay and active. My guess is they already knew about him in some other way and set out to snare him, most especially because of his role in investigating abuse and misbehavior by priests. He was in a position of great responsibility and involved in dealing with priest behavior issues but was also part of the problem.”

The other person involved with past sexual misconduct is former Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. He was recently arrested on charges dating back to 1974. Now 91 years old, he served as Archbishop of the DC Diocese from 2001 to 2006. Defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019, his list of offenses is too long to detail in this space. No altar boy was safe in his presence, nor were seminarians who crossed paths with McCarrick.

Seeking out the insight from my priest friend, he sadly states, “I can’t say I have sympathy for the guy. He was well-respected but had a double life that put the lie on his public persona.

I don’t have an issue with the charge against him, no matter how old it is. The Church must honestly own up to the problem; be consistent and transparent in their accountability. I see signs this

is happening, but not all leaders are ready for the kind of transparency that is required to begin to recover the trust of the public. It will take a generation of consistent leadership to maintain the positive change.”

“It’s a catholic thing.” Understand the difference between “catholic” and “Catholic.” Lower case “c” means it is something universal. Upper case “C” means it is related to the Roman Catholic Church. Sexual abuse by clergy is a catholic thing, universal. Roman Catholic clergy are by no means alone in their history of abuse.

In 1987, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart accused another televangelist, Jim Bakker, of sexual misconduct.

(It turned out to be true, and Bakker was sent to jail for his actions.) That very claim resulted in close scrutiny of Swaggart himself. Jimmy (not Jim) was eventually discovered to have had relations with a prostitute. He was defrocked in 1988, after a tearful confession, crying out, “I am a sinner.”

He continued his ministry with a different faith group.

Evangelical pastor Ted Haggard railed and preached against homosexuality. Then a male escort revealed that Haggard was a regular client, bringing about his demise in ministry.

Those are the headliners. There have been many pastors or other religious figures who has been relieved of their duties following discovery of their misdeeds. Remember, “it’s a catholic (universal) thing!” ▼ David Garrett, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult trans daughter. Email David Garrett at davidg@camprehoboth.com.

AUGUST 20, 2021

31 Letters

health+wellness

By Marj Shannon

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

W

e enjoyed so very, very little of that last year. So, it’s no wonder that this year—with many of us fully vaccinated and many restrictions lifted—we’re eager to make the most of this year’s opportunities.

But before we get too carried away with that, it’d be worth assuring that this summer’s festivities don’t result in another season’s misery. One great way to do that: avoid a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

And there are lots of those out there: a report published earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that about 26 million people in the US were newly diagnosed with an STI in 2018 (the most recent data available). About half those infections occurred among youth ages 15 to 24. Four STIs—chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and human papilloma virus (HPV) accounted for 93 percent of these infections. Four less-common STIs (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B) accounted for the rest.

So—how to avoid an STI? Well, there’s always abstinence: If you’re not having sex—any sex, anal, oral, or vaginal—you’ll likely avoid infection with an STI. If that lacks appeal (I mean…), next-best is mutual monogamy with an infection-free partner.

Proper use of condoms is a BIG help—male latex condoms are highly effective at preventing STIs. And if you’re sexually active, get tested: as we’ve learned from COVID, testing— even in the absence of symptoms—can reveal infections. Once found, STIs are treatable.

There are also very specific prevention options for HPV and HIV: vaccination and pre-exposure prophylaxis, respectively. These deserve special attention.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Gardasil® 9 is a vaccine against HPV. And it prevents way more than “just” genital warts: it can prevent about 90

Letters 32 AUGUST 20, 2021

percent of the 36,000 HPV-related cancers diagnosed in the US each year.

HPV-related cancers include cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancers in men, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers in both women and men. Preventing these cancers is critically important: routine screening is available for only cervical cancer, so the other HPV-related cancers can go undetected for some time.

Gardasil® 9…can prevent about 90 percent of the 36,000 HPV-related cancers diagnosed in the US each year.

So, what’s not to love about the HPV vaccination? Chiefly, its rate of uptake: the latest figures available from the CDC show that in 2019 only about 54 percent of teens were fully vaccinated against HPV; about 72 percent had received one dose of the vaccine. (Full vaccination requires two to three doses, depending on the age at which vaccination begins.)

It’s astonishing that—for a vaccine that actually prevents cancer—the rate is so low. One reason for that may be that ideally, HPV vaccination needs to begin between the ages of nine and 12. Some parents are uncomfortable vaccinating children against a virus that is transmitted via sexual activity. And children can’t consent to their own vaccination, so even if they’re aware of the benefits they’re unable to obtain it on their own.

But even if you weren’t vaccinated as a child/teen, it may not be too late. Vaccination of older adolescents and young adults (up to age 26) requires a series

of three (v. two) injections but can still be effective. Even if you’re between the ages of 27 and 45, talk to your health care provider: if you weren’t adequately vaccinated when you were younger, there may still be benefit to vaccination.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

While it’s not yet vaccine-preventable, another virus we’ve made major strides toward preventing is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—Truvada® or Descovy®—used consistently, does a great job of preventing HIV: it reduces the risk of getting HIV from sexual activity by 99 percent.

PrEP can benefit a wide range of HIV-negative people. Among them: sexually active gay, bisexual, and straight people (both cis- and transgender) who have an HIV-positive partner or a partner whose HIV status is unknown. Also, those who have multiple partners, use condoms inconsistently (or not at all), or have been prescribed non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis.

Among those for whom prevention came too late—those who are already HIV positive—there’s been major progress on disease management.

Antiretroviral drug therapy (ART) keeps a person’s viral load low, slowing progression of the disease. Aside from the significant benefit the patient derives, there’s another major upside with ART: someone with a low viral load is less likely to transmit the virus to others.

We’re working hard to squeeze two summers’ worth of fun into just this one.

Let’s just assure we don’t spoil it all with an infection we may spend many, many seasons regretting. ▼ Marj Shannon is an epidemiologist and writer. She can be reached at marjshannon01@gmail.com.

Classes & Events WALK-IN HIV TESTING Mondays, 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Free rapid HIV testing at CAMP Rehoboth. Get your results in 15 minutes. Mondays are walk-in, no appointment needed. Any other time and days of the week are available for appointments by calling 302-227-5620 or email Salvatore@ camprehoboth.com for more information.

LGBTQ+ BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR MEETING August 24, 6:30 p.m. | In-person, Speed Bingo at The Pond You are invited to join us as for a peer-led social and discussion group. We will be meeting at The Pond for Speed Bingo—an evening of fun and socializing.

Our mission is to build a united front of diverse LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community members for our social, political, and economic advancement by forming a hub for Delaware LGBTQ+ life. Come together to bond, share, and connect in community.

MORNING MINDFULNESS Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. | Virtual Start your Tuesdays off with Erin and CAMP Rehoboth. Erin will lead us through a mindful exercise or morning meditation for 30 minutes.

CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. | Virtual Everyone can access the health benefits of yoga in this class with Erin. She’ll guide you to synchronize conscious breath and mindful movement. The sequence of poses is designed to energize and strengthen as well as relax and lengthen muscles. Reduce anxiety and stress, improve circulation, protect joints, build strength and balance, and support your overall wellbeing.

YOGA FOR MEN August 28, 8:00 a.m. | In-person, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center We will apply the practices of yoga to create a safe space for positive masculinity, shared experience of common anatomy, and in the formation of union with the authentic Self. All levels

are welcome, and everyone will be given the opportunity to modify or advance their practice, based upon their preferences. Yoga will be led by instructor Tim Rennick.

MONTHLY GRIEF GROUP August 30, 3:00 p.m. | Virtual Please register by emailing group leader Kevin Bliss at: kevin@kevinblisscoaching.com.

These one-hour sessions provide a safe and healing place for those struggling with grief.

MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP 2nd/4th Wednesdays each month, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual The Men’s Discussion Group is a safe and nurturing space to start conversations important to our community. We celebrate who we are, we promote respect and understanding, and we accept each other’s differences with intention to build a more connected community. This discussion group is a safe space for gay, bisexual, transgender, and masculine of center men to talk issues, values, and matters that make up our life, free from stigma and judgments.

WOMEN IN CIRCLE 1st/3rd Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. | In-person Meeting at Unity Center at 98 Rudder Road, Ste A-1, in Long Neck. (This group will move back to CAMP Rehoboth in October. Please call to confirm location.)

Women in Circle is a gathering of lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and feminine center women. The circle is welcoming, inclusive, and a positive place to meet, connect, and share with other women. Each week a different topic opens the circle to discuss, learn, and support one other.

LGBTQA+ YOUTH BOOK CLUB—YOUTH LED August 24, 6:30 p.m. | Virtual August Book: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell Please be mindful these meetings are specifically open to youth ages 10-19.

For ZOOM meeting ID and password contact Barbara Antlitz at bantlitz@camprehoboth.com

LGBTQA+ YOUTH UP GROUP August 26, 6:30 p.m. | Virtual This discussion group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to talk about issues, values, and matters that make up our life, free from stigma and judgments. We celebrate who we are, we promote respect and understanding, and we accept each other’s differences with the intention to build a more connected community. Please be mindful these meetings are specifically open to youth ages 10-19.

For ZOOM meeting ID and password contact Barbara Antlitz at bantlitz@camprehoboth.com.

CAMP REHOBOTH LGBTQ+ BOOK CLUB August 30, 5:30 p.m. | Virtual The CAMP Rehoboth Book Club is a queer-facilitated discussion group dedicated to reading novels about queer topics and/or books by queer authors that tackle a variety of interests and subject matters. We alternate between fiction, non-fiction, and young adult material.

August Selection: ¡Hola Papi! How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer This group is open to all regardless of sexuality and gender. Email Salvatore@camprehoboth.com for more information.

YOUTH UP MONTHLY SOCIAL September 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | In-person Meeting at MCC Rehoboth 19369 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach YOUTH Up Monthly Social designed specifically for 10- to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth.

Meetings are free, confidential, and peer-led.

(Masks are required.)

Questions? Email Barbara Antlitz at Bantlitz@ camprehoboth.com.

LGBTQ+ YOUNG ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP September 15, 7:00 p.m. | Virtual CAMP Rehoboth and NAMI Delaware are pleased to announce a new, virtual discussion group designed specifically for 18- to 25-year-old LGBTQ+ young adults. This group is free, confidential, and peer-led.

Contact Barbara Antlitz at Bantlitz@camprehoboth.com for more information.

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Salvatore Seeley | YOUTH UP COORDINATOR Barbara Antlitz HIV CTR COUNSELORS Jerry Filbin, Patricia Clear, Alan Spiegelman | PEER YOUTH LEADER Julian Harbaugh AUGUST 20, 2021

33 Letters

Look Who’s Talking

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

Wider Circles, Wider Points of View

W

e all had a good time that night. It’s not that we expected that we wouldn’t, but I don’t think any of us anticipated that the evening would be so rich. It is not uncommon to be invited to a dinner party or cocktail hour at someone’s home and increasingly, game nights. The host lays out food and drink, perhaps turns on some playlist allowing music to flow through the house on the latest sound system creating just the right amount of background noise while guests are charged with mingling on their own. It was all typical until the host called for everyone to gather in the same room.

He thanked everyone for coming. As I looked around at about 30 people including myself, I noticed that while I knew many of the faces there, others were brand new to me. I hadn’t had the opportunity or not the inclination to make conversation with them yet. That was about to change.

After the host expressed his gratitude to us for joining him, he shared that he had curated this guestlist with an activity in mind.

The purpose of the evening wasn’t just to share drinks and laughter, nor to have surface level conversations with someone new, agree to stay in touch, and never really do. Or for the single guys in the room to meet a potential suitor. The purpose of this night was to share some advice and build a few bridges.

The host requested everyone in the room to sound off with their name and age. He then invited us to form groups based on our decades of birth.

We divided ourselves into four groups. Men in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Once in our groups he told us that we had 20 minutes to get to know each other and for the men in the 30s, 40s and 50s groups, we needed to collectively decide what was the best piece of advice we could give a gay man one decade younger. The group of men in their 20s was tasked with getting to know each other and collectively deciding what was the biggest lesson they’d learned about navigating life so far.

The 20 minutes seemed to fly by, and every group asked for a little more time. The room was abuzz, and people were really enjoying getting to know new people, learning more about the folks

The purpose of this night was to share some advice and build a few bridges.

Letters 34 AUGUST 20, 2021

they already knew, and sharing their experiences in life, labor, and love.

At the 30-minute mark, the host pulled everyone back together as one large group to share out. Each lesson or word of advice that was communicated by the designee of the small groups sparked head nods, high-fives, more questions, and more conversations. When the formal sharing out was done, people ping-ponged all over the room to talk more with someone from another group.

A space was created for intergenerational dialogue, and it was welcomed. Everyone loved it and when we left, not only had most folks talked with someone they probably wouldn’t have ventured to speak with before, but they’d also given or received a sage piece of advice from someone who had had a similar lived experience that they could take with them to ponder or act on someday.

There is a beauty and deep value in developing and nurturing healthy intergenerational relationships in the LGBTQIA+ community. We travel a unique path and there is a great benefit in being able to talk to someone who has been where you are and can help you figure out how you got there and how to get to where you want to go next.

In the same token, intergenerational relationships do not just help the younger person(s). As we get older, the new ideas and fresh eyes on our fast-changing world offered by the generation before us assists in our own continuous development. Friendships that span generations allow us to see what is in front and behind us. They provide a larger field of view. ▼ Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he’s also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: Mr_CJFluker.

Have you found your place in the world?

Chris Beagle, REALTOR® M 215.262.6209 | O 302.273.4998 chris.beagle@compass.com chrisbeaglegroup.com Chris Beagle is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass RE, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

35 Letters

Aging Gracelessly

BY FAY JACOBS

CHRISTOPHER PETERSON

An Icon Among Eyecons

I

first met Christopher Peterson and the love of his life, the late James Mill, at the long-gone Renegade bar and dance club in 1998. It was Christopher’s first gig in Rehoboth with his brilliant female impersonation show.

At the time, I was directing musical revues at an Italian Restaurant, La Rosa Negra, in Lewes, and occasionally producing the revue Twisted Broadway at the Renegade. We did famous Broadway duets, usually performed by one man and one woman, our way, in same-sex splendor. At the time it was pretty unusual and pretty shocking.

Also shocking was the talent and brilliance of Christopher Peterson’s turns as Barbra, Cher, Julie, Liza, and Judy. I think Bonnie and I saw the show twice that first summer and followed Christopher over the years. He’s been at the Swan Ballroom at the Atlantic Sands, the Convention Center in CAMP Rehoboth Follies, special CAMP Rehoboth holiday shows and art show emcee, CAMP Rehoboth fundraisers, and special guest at CAMP Rehoboth’s 25th Anniversary.

All this, of course, with collaborator, tech director, and husband James at his side.

Now, sadly, Christopher is here for the first time without James, and we know how hard that must be for him. But of course, the show must go on, and Christopher is back on stage at Clear Space Theatre.

My old (and getting older) friends know I am a Judy Garland fan from way back. My sister and I used to laugh that we were the only two hippies (oh that word!) ever to get stoned and listen to Judy at Carnegie Hall.

Christopher Peterson’s spot-on Judy Garland tribute, using Judy’s iconic mannerisms and his own strong, Judy-perfect voice, made me weep and cheer so many times I’ve lost count. I wept and cheered again last month, watching Eyecons.

Letters 36 AUGUST 20, 2021

Over the years, I waved to Christopher riding his bike downtown, ran into him and lunched at Lori’s, worked together as he emceed and performed in several versions of the CAMP Follies, and we became pals.

…the show must go on, and Christopher [Peterson] is back on stage at Clear Space Theatre.

This summer, not only did Christopher bring his Eyecons show back to Rehoboth, but he is also starring in—and designed and built the costumes for—the Clear Space production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. For this costume-driven Broadway show, his costumes are the stars—along with great performances by Christopher himself and the wonderful Clear Space leads and ensemble. The dancing is thrilling and the classic disco tunes rock the theatre.

I don’t know if you can still get tickets this late, but go if you can. Go as well to Eyecons, which will be playing into September. There is no better Bette Davis impersonation anywhere. And reader, if you are too young to know Bette Davis, don’t tell me.

Just go watch All About Eve. I also guffaw at his Cher and Liza. I’m seeing the show once more on Labor Day weekend.

As of now, I have no idea about Christopher’s future plans to return to Rehoboth going forward.

But I do know that for over two decades, Christopher Peterson has been a formidable force in Rehoboth’s LGBTQ community, especially supporting CAMP Rehoboth. He may not have been here full time, but the time he has put in with fundraisers, performances, support of our businesses, and decades of advertising in Letters, rivals many of us who have been here as long or longer.

Christopher is a Rehoboth EYECON. Thanks so much! ▼ Fay Jacobs is the author of five published books and is touring with her one-woman sit-down comedy show, Aging Gracelessly.

CHRISTOPHER PETERSON’S

EVERY Also Catch Christopher in...

Labour Day WeekEnd Fri/Sat/Sun 9pm

AUGUST 20, 2021

37 Letters

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AUGUST 20, 2021

39 Letters

Dining Out

BY FAY JACOBS

SQUARE ONE

Rehoboth’s Joe and Darryl Do It Again

F

or an ice-cold martini, and an exquisite dinner in a casual, contemporary spot, you cannot beat the new Square One Restaurant and Martini Bar. It’s back to square one for restaurateurs Joe Zuber and Darryl Ciarlante, who opened Dos Locos restaurant (the original Plumb Loco) many years ago at the same site at 10 N. First Street in Rehoboth. They expanded the wildly successful Mexican restaurant, moving it to Wilmington Avenue, and finally to Rehoboth Avenue before selling it.

Then, the guys opened, expanded, and nurtured the joyous Diego’s Bar and Nightclub, still rocking away on Rehoboth Avenue extended.

Now they’re back to square one—the site of their first restaurant venture on First Street where they’ve exceled again by opening the new and appropriately named Square One Grill and Martini Bar. They are back to where their Rehoboth culinary history began.

I’ve visited the place at least three times in the last few months and have always had a wonderful time, an excellent meal, and an appreciation for the fine service.

My most recent visit started with a welcome from our favorite waiter, Tyler, who got us in just under the wire for happy hour. I had a Tropical Cosmo, made with SKYY Pineapple, Triple Sec, lime, and cranberry. Really lovely.

Bonnie had her signature Rob Roy (a Manhattan with Scotch), perfectly made.

Other martinis I’ve sampled include the Appletini, and Blood Orange, but the list is expansive and fun. The drinks are served with one drink in the martini glass and a second portion served in the personal martini shaker. Classy. And by the way, happy hour is from 5-6—well worth it!

Our meal started with my two favorite SQ1 appetizers. The calamari is prepared with black pepper breading, lemon butter, pickled chilis, and spicy dipping Letters 40 AUGUST 20, 2021

sauce. Only the sauce is really spicy.

We also really enjoyed the Happy Cauliflower, which is battered cauliflower coated in Tso sauce and sesame.

It’s one of the best appetizers I’ve had anywhere.

Square One is the perfect place for an exquisite full dinner or a bar visit for the martinis and charcuterie boards.

My rockfish entrée, served with a taste of cucumber salad, was portioned large enough for us to split, our having had our way with the appetizers. From other visits I can heartily recommend the tender and expertly cooked ribeye steak. It’s 12 ounces of Angus beef served with whipped potatoes and asparagus. Another winner is the Stuffed Chicken Breast with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and smoked cheese.

Harkening back to Joe and Darryl’s original Mexican restaurant and its iterations all over town, there are two of their old Locos’ favorites on the new menu. You can blast to the past with the heavenly crab-filled corn tortillas topped

with chipotle cream sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream, or the grilled flour tortilla filled with Monterey Jack cheese, lump crab meat, sliced tomatoes topped with old bay, and sour cream.

Square One is the perfect place for an exquisite full dinner or a bar visit for the martinis and charcuterie boards.

The Fries & SQ1 seasoning go with all the cocktails. As for the charcuterie, all boards are served with dried fruit, pickled vegetables, flatbreads, and wholegrain mustard. There are so many wonderful choices of meats and cheeses to create your own boards. There are Bries, Camenberts, Goudas, Cheddars, and a raspberry puree with blue cheese (love it!). The meats boast pork, venison, salami, wild boar, and more. It’s sophisticated, fun, and so very tasty.

Okay, so let’s talk about dessert. On our first two visits we were too full of great dinner to sample. But this last visit fell on a friend’s birthday, so we were duty bound. We sampled the scrumptious carrot cake served in a slice the size of a large handbag. Three of us couldn’t finish it. That may have been because we also ordered the flourless chocolate cake with the toasted marshmallow on top and I swear it is among the best desserts I have ever had in my long career writing about food. I cannot describe it. Just go taste it.

Square One is open Tuesday-Sunday at 5 p.m., there are booths, tables, and seats at the bar. You may find me there.

And I’ll be a happy camper. ▼ Fay Jacobs is the author of five published books and is touring with her one-woman sitdown comedy show, Aging Gracelessly.

AUGUST 20, 2021

41 Letters

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS BY MARJ SHANNON ImpACT Story

A Perfect Fit If our ACTions truly speak louder than words, then the ImpACT of CAMP Rehoboth is most evident not only in our advocacy work, but in the day-today programs, classes, free counseling, and health testing we offer that touch individual lives. The Membership Matters team is bringing you one story monthly to help celebrate the successes your membership gift and matching donations make possible.

Stay tuned each issue to see how even a minor ACTion can have a huge impact on one—or many—lives in our community.

L

isa Eline, a native Delawarean and long-time Rehoboth Beach resident, found what has become her “sacred Tuesday morning ritual” in CAMP Rehoboth’s weekly newsletter.

That’s where, early in the pandemic, she came across mention of Erin Shivone’s Chair Yoga and Meditation classes, offered weekly via Zoom.

“The scheduling was perfect for me! I watch my grand-niece and -nephew several days a week while my niece teaches, and I also am my mom’s caregiver. But my Tuesday mornings were open—and I made sure they stayed that way. Once I started classes with Erin, I even rescheduled appointments so I could be with her—on Zoom—on Tuesday mornings.”

Lisa—like so many of us—found the pandemic challenging. “Trying to juggle

“When I started classes with Erin, I thought, ‘This is exactly what I need.’”

Letters 42 AUGUST 20, 2021

my grand-niece’s kindergarten classes, her younger brother’s activities, and my mom’s care—it was a LOT. When I started classes with Erin, I thought, ‘This is exactly what I need.’”

Lisa’s missed just one session in over a year: “I went to my grand-niece’s kindergarten graduation. I’m a retired kindergarten and first-grade teacher, so there was no way I’d miss that!”

Lisa’s thrilled that Erin’s Zoom classes are continuing this summer and hopes they will into the fall. “My mom is vaccinated (so am I) but her health is compromised, and we had a real scare in January when her other caregivers developed COVID. My mom— thankfully—did not, but we’re still really careful. I love being able to do these classes via Zoom, though I’ll be excited to go into Erin’s studio one day.”

Lisa also has taken some of the other Zoom events that CAMP Rehoboth has offered. “I especially like the nutrition and health-related webinars. I just so appreciate all that CAMP does!” She continues, “I also appreciate all that Sal [CAMP Rehoboth’s Health & Wellness Program Director] does. He’s always been just great, and so helpful. He even comes on Zoom to let people know what all’s going on at CAMP.” Lisa passes along CAMP Rehoboth’s weekly email to young people she knows who have come out or who she thinks may be interested in CAMP Rehoboth and all it has to offer. “They’ve sometimes asked me, ‘Why did you even get this? You’re not gay!’ I just tell them, ‘the A in LGBTQA stands for “all.”

I’m one of the all.’ And that’s how I feel: CAMP Rehoboth is doing so much for the community, and I’m just so grateful to be part of that community.” ▼

Sometimes our Health & Wellness Activities are “A Perfect Fit”

Join CAMP Rehoboth and Become a Member TODAY! Read our ImpACT Story, “A Perfect Fit” Page 42.

AUGUST 20, 2021

43 Letters

Road Trip!

BY MIKEY ROX

Head OUT on the Highway Expert Tips for the Perfect Solo Road Trip

S

ixteen months ago, I sold almost everything I owned, hopped in a van outfitted for living, and hit the road. Nearly a year and a half later, I’ve learned a lot about nomad life—and solo road tripping specifically—especially under the limiting parameters of a pandemic. Since sharing is caring, here are my expert tips on how to plan the best road trip in the year 2021 AC (After COVID).

Prepare your vehicle. Before embarking on any road trip that will take you more than a few hours from home, make sure your vehicle is prepared. Change your oil, top off your fluids, check your wipers, and rotate or upgrade your tires; the last thing you want on this mobile vacation is frustrating and expensive car trouble. If you’re not a card-carrying AAA member, consider becoming one.

Make sure you know where all your vehicle’s tools—including the spare tire and its change kit—are located. I was once driving on New York’s back roads late at night with no cell service when I blew a tire that required me to change it. I spent an hour in the middle of nowhere frantically searching my Volkswagen for the tire-changing tools.

It’s also critical that you know how to change a flat yourself. Ask a friend or family member to show you or if you want to DIY it, YouTube has plenty of videos, some specific to your vehicle’s make and model. Or, if you prefer a little eye candy with your manual labor tutorials, let one of the hot bois of TikTok educate you.

Flares also are important to have on hand for two reasons: So other vehicles can see your vehicle in the dark and avoid crashing into it, and to alert emergency services that you may need assistance.

Rest up and start early. To allow myself ample breaks on the road, I leave as early as I can with sufficient rest from the night before. I don’t drive more than two hours straight without taking a reprieve to stretch my legs and take my mind off driving for a bit.

If I’m departing from a metro area, I always leave after morning rush hour to avoid beginningof-day traffic that will automatically stress me out.

Or, if you prefer a little eye candy with your manual labor tutorials, let one of the hot bois of TikTok educate you.

Letters 44 AUGUST 20, 2021

Your road trip should be fun; don’t put yourself in a position to get flustered as soon as you leave your driveway.

Have a destination in mind. Some road trippers love the element of surprise on their adventures. Not me. I like to have a plan.

Specifically, it’s wise to know where you’ll end up, so you know where you’re staying the night. You don’t want to travel all day just to pull into a city or town that has no vacancy at its lodging choices.

Add fun stops along the way. To break up the monotony of driving (it can get tiresome if you’re traveling mundane highways with equally unremarkable scenery), I choose a few attractions to stop at along my route.

I love taking an hour or two to explore a small town’s shops and cafes, peruse an antique mall, or visit historic sites, national monuments, and parks. I have an annual National Parks pass, available for $80 at USParkPass.com, which grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites that fall under the jurisdictions of the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation.

Make it a little gay. With gay bars dwindling in number across the country it can be difficult to find one in less populated areas. I look for bathhouses, clothing-optional hot springs (I love a good naked time), and LGBTQ campgrounds for an opportunity to unwind with likeminded folx.

You’ll be surprised at how many of these exist when you start searching for them.

These places are often much less expensive than mainstream destinations as well. For instance, I stayed in my van at the Oz Campground in Unadilla, Georgia for three nights this spring for around $170 total, and I popped into the El Dorado Hot Springs outside of Phoenix, Arizona, during my travels late last year for $30 a night.

Day passes are even more affordable if you don’t plan to overnight. Pop in for a little R&R and be on your merry gay way. ▼ Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

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AUGUST 20, 2021

45 Letters

CAMP Houses

BY RICH BARNETT

Art and Heart

I

f you’ve been around Rehoboth for a while, you’ve undoubtedly seen artist Rod Cook’s watercolors depicting iconic local scenes. Perhaps in a friend’s home or on the cover of Letters. Possibly at the Back Porch during his four-week summer show or at the Sundance auction where he has donated a watercolor each year and will again this go round for the re-tooled Sun Festival benefitting Camp Rehoboth. Maybe you even own one yourself. I purchased one recently and it got me thinking that a story about Rod and his husband Charlie’s abode would be a fitting one for this edition of Letters.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Rod Cook and Charlie Browne’s home was the art. It’s everywhere—on the walls and stacked on the floor. There are even watercolors hanging in all four bedrooms and in the bathrooms. “We artists require lots of space,” Rod says, with a chuckle.

The house, in fact, was built 24 years ago with art in mind. The big open space living room/dining room functions as a gallery with its white walls, hardwood floors, and track lighting. There is plenty of space for entertaining. Big windows on three sides bring in lots of natural light. A full basement has been fitted with special raised wooden ledges to house Rod’s artwork and supplies. A guest room doubles as a studio. The fellas even put spotlights in the downstairs bedroom. To highlight the art, of course….

Yet despite how it sounds, it’s not a contemporary house. “We wanted it to look like a Rehoboth cottage,” Charlie explains, “the kind of casual beach house we loved and rented for years….

So, of course we made sure it had a big screened front porch with ceiling fans, plenty of bedrooms for guests, and green space outdoors to grow all kinds of colorful summer flowers.” I look around.

Flowers and art are indeed everywhere.

The furnishings are subtle neutrals so as not to compete. The vintage Heywood Wakefield rattan furniture catches my eye—family pieces Charlie inherited. They remind me of the beach cottages on AlliLetters 46 AUGUST 20, 2021

“We artists require lots of space,” Rod says, with a chuckle.

Watercolor images by Rod Cook (details): top to bottom: Funland Pokémon Toys, DOL, Lifeguard #1

gator Point on Florida’s Gulf Coast where Charlie’s family (mine too!) had summer places.

There isn’t a pool because the guys built back when the beach was the epicenter of gay life in Rehoboth. In those days everyone spent long languorous days on Poodle Beach before heading home to moisturize and then out for happy hour to socialize at the Blue Moon, followed by dinner and a themed house party and finally late-night maneuvers at the Renegade or the Strand. “Those were heady days,” Rod remembers. “Sort of exhausting too, when you think back about it.… But back then we were so young!”

Rod and Charlie actually met as young ‘uns here in Rehoboth. The year was 1985. Charlie, originally from Georgia, was an attorney working in Washington, and Rod, a native Baltimorean, was teaching art at the Maryland Institute College of Art. And painting, of course, always painting.

Both had been coming to Rehoboth for at least five years until their paths crossed one starry Saturday night at the Renegade. They’ve been together since.

After a decade of summer group rentals, the fellas decided it was time to set down more permanent roots. Rehoboth had become by then a place where plenty of gay men and lesbians lived full-time or owned second homes. CAMP Rehoboth was leading the effort to create a safe and welcoming community. Charlie, the planner of the two, realized the town wasn’t just for summertime anymore and might be a good place to enjoy the other seasons and eventually to retire in. They bought a lot in Country Club Estates, a South Rehoboth neighborhood that had grown up on the site of the original Rehoboth Beach Country Club and its 9-hole golf course, and they built their home.

Once they did, a funny thing happened—Rod became a local artist.

Though known in Baltimore art circles, he wasn’t known in Rehoboth until artists Murray Archibald and his sister, Mary Beth Ramsey, introduced him to Joyce Felton, owner of the Blue Moon Continued on page 82

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AUGUST 20, 2021

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Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

Did They or Didn’t They?

James Buchanan and William Rufus DeVane King

R

emember how excited we were at the possibility of Pete Buttigieg becoming the first gay president? Or, short of that, of possibly being selected to be the first gay vice president? Well, the first “out” Prez or Vice Prez, anyway.

But it turns out that even if dear Pete had attained either of those exalted positions, he may not have been the first gay man to occupy the White House.

Rumors have persisted over the last century-and-a-half that James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States (1857-1861), and Alabama politician William Rufus DeVane King, briefly the 13th Vice President (serving a few weeks in 1853 prior to his untimely death), were lovers.

The rumors started before either man achieved the presidency and vice presidency. While both were serving in the US Senate (Buchanan, the senator from Pennsylvania; King, the senator from Alabama), they lived together from 1834 to 1844 in a Washington house that was often home to a number of congressmen, an arrangement common at the time. But as various congressmen departed, either due to election defeat or to their own private accommodations, only Buchanan and King remained. Washington wags took notice, with luminaries as noted as Andrew Jackson, among others, calling the pair “Miss Nancy” and “Aunt Fancy.”

Aaron Venable Brown of Tennessee, previously the state’s governor, a three-term congressman, and Postmaster of the United States, referred to King as Buchanan’s “better half” in a letter to Sarah Polk (widowed wife and First Lady to 11th president, James K. Polk). And according to Thomas Balcerski’s article for the Smithsonian, the pair were even referred to as “Mr. Buchanan and his wife.”

Seen through the politics of our own fraught time, we might assume that the Buchanan-King liaison—which took place during another fraught time history: the inflamed politics of Antebellum America immediately before the start of the Civil War—was between two minds, hearts, and souls with sympatico political beliefs. But that assumption would not be altogether correct.

Buchanan, though a northerner, was derided by northern abolitionists as a “Doughface,” an insulting term for a northerner who harbored southern sympathies. As a senator, Buchanan believed there was constitutional justification for Letters 50 AUGUST 20, 2021

the South’s imposition of slavery. Moreover, he did not object to southern secession; as president he did nothing to stop it when southern states began to secede toward the end of his term in 1861.

King, on the other hand, as a southerner, naturally believed in states’ rights, and like Buchanan, believed in the legality of slavery. But unlike most southerners, King did not support secession. He supported the Unionist position.

Their dinner table conversation must’ve been peppery.

The two men were opposite in personality, too.

King was the more polished, a southern gentleman in every way. Graceful in attitude and movement, many Washington gossip meisters labeled him effeminate. Buchanan, the Yankee born in a log cabin in rural Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, was more a Hail Fellow Well Met, more boisterously friendly, known to enjoy hearty rounds of drinks with politician pals.

Well, they say opposites attract.

The speculation about the nature of the relationship of Buchanan and King was rampant then and continues to fuel debate among historians today, with books and articles examining both sides of the issue. The stronger arguments appear to be in defense of a homosexual affair, though it is by no means settled. Unfortunately, many of Buchanan’s and King’s letters to each other were destroyed after each of their deaths (King’s in 1853, Buchanan’s in 1868). But enough remain to give us a glimpse of the depth of feeling the two men had for each other.

There’s further speculation that the nieces of Buchanan and King together agreed to destroy what letters they each possessed in order to deny their uncles’ homosexual relationship, and thus protect their reputations for posterity.

On the other hand, there is also mention that the nieces had nothing to do with the loss of the letters but that a great many were lost in a fire.

So, a century-and-a-half later, the question remains: did they or didn’t they? ▼ Ann Aptaker’s Cantor Gold crime/mystery series has won Lambda Literary and Goldie Awards. Her short stories appear in numerous publications and anthologies.

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View Point

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

Who’s the Security Risk Now? With GOP It’s Fox News Guarding the Henhouse

T

he Republican assault on reality in service of our twice-impeached former president is not an anomaly, like waking up next to a stranger and realizing that someone drugged you at the club. It is a habit and requires intervention.

A recent example is House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s outrage that Speaker Nancy Pelosi refused to accept his naming of saboteurs to the select committee on the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol. He thinks diverting attention to Black Lives Matter protests will cause collective amnesia. Meanwhile, Trump calls the January 6 rioters “a loving crowd.”

Trump wouldn’t recognize love if it spanked him with a copy of Forbes magazine.

McCarthy, who has the gall to accuse someone else of partisan hackery, said his team would conduct their own investigation. He might as well resurrect John Gotti to lead a task force on gangsters or Benedict Arnold to investigate traitors.

Politics is like grits: it reflects what you put into it. And the Trumpists have laced it with poison. We cannot expect decency, responsibility, and concern for others from a party dominated by a sociopath. (Ever alert for a racial wedge, Trump calls the Cleveland Indians’ name change to the Guardians an effort to “destroy our heritage and culture.” What do you suppose he means by “our”?)

But blaming politicians only gets us so far. As Prof. Eddie Glaude of Princeton says, “This is us.” When we applaud those who replace fact-based arguments with narratives appealing to our fears and resentments, we are joining the mob even as we sit alone with our mobile devices.

Given the brutal footage from January 6, including vicious attacks on police officers whom conservatives claim to support, how can so many people swallow the Big Lie? Look around you: plenty Letters 54 AUGUST 20, 2021

of help is available on cable TV and social media in constructing alternate realities.

After a steady stream of seditious disinformation, Republicans have lately noticed that most of those dying from COVID-19’s Delta variant are their supporters, and we were treated to 11th-hour pro-vaxxer conversions by Steve Scalise, Sean Hannity, and Ron DeSantis.

Being part of the reality-based community means resisting wishful thinking.

I will believe the Republicans have come to their senses when Rep. Liz Cheney beats Gov. DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. As a liberal, I disagree with her on almost everything, but I respect her for maintaining her conservatism while so many colleagues have become useful idiots for Vladimir Putin.

Remember when homosexuality was deemed a security risk? Years ago, when I needed a security clearance, the investigators awkwardly asked about my being gay. I suggested they look me up on search engines and, after perusing my public activism and commentary, ask themselves what was left for which I could possibly be blackmailed? I got my clearance.

How could any Trumper get a security clearance? Forty-five says that Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, should be court-martialed for his comments on Trump’s effort to overthrow the government. Why?

For telling the truth? Trump acts like he’s starring in The Madness of King George.

The Constitution is not self-enforcing. It lives or dies in us. If we lack the stomach for a fight and let Fox News guard the henhouse, we are lost. Years before January 6, Trump brazenly attacked norms we took for granted, and found them unguarded.

Being part of the reality-based community means resisting wishful thinking.

I am as tired of COVID-19 as anyone, but the surge of the Delta variant makes me hesitant to attend large family gatherings. I do not wish to be part of a super-spreader event, even though I am fully vaccinated. I will take a booster shot as soon as they are available and recommended.

I loved a recent headline in Vanity Fair: “Anthony Fauci Tells Anti-Vaxxers to Sit Down and STFU as COVID Cases Surge.” When Dr. Fauci called bottom-feeding Sen. Rand Paul a liar at a Senate hearing and said, “You don’t know what you are talking about,” it was a blow for sanity amid an ongoing public health crisis.

As Jonathan Rauch writes in his compelling book, The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, “[A]cquiring knowledge is a conversation, not a destination. It is a process, a journey—a journey we take together, not alone. Others are always involved.

Knowledge is not just something I have; more fundamentally, it is something we have.” Let’s defend it. ▼ Richard J. Rosendall is a writer and activist at rrosendall@me.com.

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Letters 58 AUGUST 20, 2021

AUGUST 20, 2021

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CAMP REHOBOTH BEACH GUIDE BEACH AREA LODGING Atlantic Sands Hotel, Boardwalk & Baltimore Ave.........................302-227-2511 Atlantis Inn, 154 Rehoboth Ave.....................................................302-227-9446 Breakers Hotel, 105 2nd St & Baltimore Ave.................................302-227-6688 Canalside Inn, 34 6th St.................................................................866-412-2625 Rehoboth Guest House, 40 Maryland Ave.....................................302-227-4117 Sea ‘n Stars Guest Suites, 44 Delaware Ave.................................302-226-2742 Summer Place Hotel, 1st St & Olive Ave........................................302-226-0766 The Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave Ext.......................................302-227-8487

LEWES FOOD & DRINK Go Brit, 18388 Coastal Hwy...........................................................302-644-2250 Harbour Waterfront Dining, 134 West Market St...........................302-200-9522 Matt’s Fish Camp, 34401 Tenley Ct...............................................302-644-2267

Visit the Beach Guide Directory on the CAMP Rehoboth website to find links to these area businesses in BOLD. The Guide includes: Food and Wine, Shopping, Lodging, and Services—all at camprehoboth.com.

OTHER AREA FOOD & DRINK Bluecoast Seafood, 1111 Hwy One, Bethany................................302-539-7111 Catch 54, 54 Madison Ave, Fenwick..............................................302-436-8600 Matt’s Fish Camp, 28635 Coastal Hwy, Bethany...........................302-539-2267

SERVICES AT THE BEACH REHOBOTH RETAIL SHOPS New Wave Spas, 20660 Coastal Hwy............................................302-227-8484 Unfinished Business, Rt. 1 behind Panera Bread..........................302-645-8700

REHOBOTH ART | GALLERIES | MUSEUMS Caroline Huff, Fine Artist ...................................................www.carolinehuff.com Gallery 50, 50 Wilmington Ave......................................................302-227-2050 Philip Morton Gallery, 47 Baltimore Ave........................................302-727-0905 Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Ln...............................................302-227-8408 Rehoboth Beach Museum, 511 Rehoboth Ave..............................302-227-7310

REHOBOTH FOOD & DRINK 1776 Steakhouse, Midway Shopping Center................................302-645-9355 Aqua, 57 Baltimore Ave................................................................ 302-226-9001 Back Porch Café, 59 Rehoboth Ave...............................................302-227-3674 Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave........................................................302-227-6515 Café Azafran, 18 Baltimore Ave.....................................................302-227-8100 Café Papillon, Penny Lane Mall......................................................302-227-7568 Coho’s Market & Grill, 305 Rehoboth Ave......................................302-227-2646 Diego’s Bar Nightclub, 37298 Rehoboth Ave................................302-227-1023 Dos Locos, 208 Rehoboth Ave.......................................................302-227-3353 Go Fish, 24 Rehoboth Ave..............................................................302-226-1044 Goolee’s Grille, 11 South 1st St.....................................................302-227-7653 Indigo, 44 Rehoboth Ave.............................................................. 302-212-5220 Just In Thyme, 38163 Robinsons Dr..............................................302-227-3100 Lori’s Café, 39 Baltimore Ave.........................................................302-226-3066 Loves Liquors, LLC, 305c Rehoboth Ave........................................302-227-6966 Lupo Italian Kitchen, 247 Rehoboth Ave.......................................302-226-2240 Penny Lane Liquors, 42 Rehoboth Ave..........................................302-567-5245 Purple Parrot Grill, 134 Rehoboth Ave...........................................302-226-1139 Rigby’s, 404 Rehoboth Ave............................................................302-227-6080 Shorebreak Lodge, 10 Wilmington Ave.........................................302-227-1007 The Pines, 56 Baltimore Avenue....................................................302-567-2726

Letters 60 AUGUST 20, 2021

BUILDING/CLEANING/REMODELING/LANDSCAPING

A.G. Renovations ...........................................................................302-947-4096 BSD, 18412 The Narrow Rd, Lewes..................................... 302-684-8588 Country Life Homes, 34882 Picnic Basket Ct................................302-231-5001 Randall-Douglas.............................................................................302-245-1439 Ron’s Repairs..................................................................................302-727-3591

CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES

All Saints’ Episcopal, 18 Olive Ave.................................................302-227-7202 Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Rd.......................................302-227-7743 Grace of God Lutheran, ELCA, 20689 Shoppes at Long Neck.......302-947-1044 M.C.C. of Rehoboth, 19369 Plantation Rd.....................................302-645-4945 Seaside Jewish Community, 18970 Holland Glade Rd..................302-226-8977 St. Peter’s Episcopal, 2nd & Market Sts, Lewes.............................302-645-8479 Unitarian Universalist, 30486 Lewes-G’Town Hwy........................302-313-5838 Unity of Rehoboth, 98 Rudder Rd, Millsboro.................................717-579-2612 Westminster Presbyterian, 301 King Charles Ave.........................302-227-2109

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

AARP of Delaware (age 50+)..........................................................866-227-7441 ACLU of DE—Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights Project............................302-654-3966 CAMP Rehoboth Chorus—Program of CAMP Rehoboth................302-227-5620 CAMP Rehoboth—LGBTQ Community Service Org........................302-227-5620 CAMP Rehoboth Families—LGBTQ parents connect......................302-227-5620 CAMP Rehoboth Parents of Transgender & Gender Non-conforming Children............................................302-227-5620 Cape Henlopen Senior Center—Rehoboth (age 50+)....................302-227-2055 CHEER Centers of Sussex County (age 50+)..................................302-515-3040 Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center...............................800-223-9074 Delaware Human Relations Commission Housing & public accommodation............................................877-544-8626 Delaware Information Line............................................................................2-1-1 Delaware Pride—Community events, annual Pride Festival..........302-265-3020 Delaware Transgender Resources—transdelaware.net, delawarelgbtq@gmail.com Delaware Transgender Support.....................................................302-402-3033

Gay/Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous—add’l schedules..................302-856-6452 Saturdays 6 pm: Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Rd (step meeting) Saturdays 7:30 pm: All Saints’ Church, 18 Olive Ave (step meeting) Tuesdays noon: St. Peter’s Church, 211 Mulberry St, Lewes (step meeting) Thursdays noon: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (open discussion) Sundays 9 am: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (open discussion) Tuesdays 8 pm: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (Young Persons) Gay Men’s Discussion Group—Program of CAMP Rehoboth.........302-227-5620 Lesbian Support Group—Program of CAMP Rehoboth..................302-227-5620 Lewes Senior Activity Center (age 50+).........................................302-645-9293 LGBTQ Student Union—University of DE, Newark.........................302-831-8066 Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth................................................302-645-7449 PFLAG-Rehoboth—2nd Tuesdays, Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes............................................................302-841-1339 SLAA and SAA—Thursdays, 7:30 pm, All Saints’ Church 18 Olive Ave ............................................................................302-745-7929 Social Security Administration—Lewes office................................800-772-1213 TransLiance of DE—Rehoboth—4th Tuesdays at 7 pm, MCC of Rehoboth; contact: TransLiance@gmail.com

INSURANCE

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

PET RETAIL

Jewish Family Services........................................................ 302-478-9411 Karen Abato, ATR-BC, LPAT, Licensed Art Psychotherapist... 302-232-5330 Kevin J. Bliss, Personal/Professional Coaching.............................302-754-1954 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting, Lewes ............................302-574-6954

EVENT PLANNING/CATERING

Flair................................................................................................302-930-0709 Palate Bistro & Catering.................................................................302-249-8489 Plate Catering.................................................................................302-644-1200

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bell Rock Capital, 19606 Coastal Hwy..........................................302-227-7608 Black Diamond Financial Solutions,19409 Plantation Rd..............302-265-2236 Community Pride Financial............................................................302-227-2939 County Bank, 19927 Shuttle Rd.......................................... 302-226-9800 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley.........................................................302-644-6620

FLORISTS

Bayberry Florist..............................................................................302-227-5725 Windsor’s Florist, 20326 Coastal Hwy...........................................302-227-9481

FUNERAL SERVICES

Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium................................ 302-645-9520

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

Beach Cuts, 214 Rehoboth Ave...........................................302-226-ROBB Gregory Meyers Hair Studio, 20245 Bay Vista Rd & Rt 1..............302-727-5331 Stephan & Co Salon & Spa, 19266 Coastal Hwy................... 302-260-9478

HEALTH-RELATED

AIDS Delaware – Kent & Sussex Counties.....................................302-226-3519 AIDS Delaware – New Castle County............................................302-652-6776 AIDS Hotline – Delaware statewide...............................................800-422-0429 Brandywine Urology Consultants...................................................302-824-7039 Beebe Healthcare, 26744 J.J. Williams Hwy.................................302-645-3300 CAMPsafe AIDS education & prevention program of CAMP Rehoboth ..................................................................................................302-227-5620 Christiana Care HIV Wellness Clinic ..............................................302-933-3420 Christiana Care LGBTQ Health Initiatives.......................................302-733-1227 Delaware HIV Consortium - Statewide..........................................302-654-5471 Delaware Hospice..........................................................................800-838-9800 Delaware Total Foot & Ankle Center.................................... 302-297-8431 National Alliance on Mental Illness of DE (NAMI)...........................302-427-0787 Rehoboth Beach Dental, 19643 Blue Bird Ln....................... 302-226-0300 Steven B. Wright, D.M.D., 18912 J.J. Williams Hwy............. 302-645-6671 The Aesthetic Center......................................................................302-827-2125

Eric Blondin, State Farm...................................................... 302-644-3276 George Bunting, State Farm................................................ 302-227-3891 Jeanine O’Donnell, State Farm............................................ 302-645-7283

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

Lawson Firm, 402 Rehoboth Ave...................................................302-226-3700 PWW Law, 1519 Savannah Rd, Lewes.......................................... 302-703-6993 Steven Falcone CPA, Taxes & Planning..........................................302-644-8634

LOCKSMITHS

Rock Lock/Robin Rohr/Your Community Locksmith.......................302-386-9166

MASSAGE THERAPY/FITNESS

Midway Fitness & Racquetball, Midway Center.............................302-645-0407 One Spirit Massage, 169 Rehoboth Ave........................................302-226-3552 Rehoboth Massage/Alignment.......................................................302-727-8428

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Allure Outdoor Lighting, allureoutdoorlighting.com......................302-226-2532 Critter Beach, 156 Rehoboth Ave..................................................302-226-2690 Pet Portraits by Monique................................................................717-650-4626

PET SERVICES

Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd, G’twn.......... 302-856-6361 Delaware Humane Association, 18675 Coastal Hwy........... 302-200-7159 Parsell Pet Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes............ 302-645-7445

REAL ESTATE

Allen Jarmon, NextHome Tomorrow Realty...................................302-745-5122 Bill Peiffer, Patterson Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy....................302-703-6987 Chris Beagle, Berkshire Hathaway, 37230 Rehoboth Ave............302-227-6101 Debbie Reed Team, 319 Rehoboth Ave.........................................800-263-5648 Donna Whiteside, Berkshire Hathaway, 16712 Kings Hwy...........302-381-4871 Eric Atkins, Patterson-Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy...................302-727-1456 Hugh Fuller, Realtor........................................................................302-745-1866 John Black, Patterson Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy...................302-703-6987 Lana Warfield, Berkshire Hathaway, 37230 Rehoboth Ave...........302-227-6101 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, 16698 Kings Hwy....................... 302-645-6664 Lingo Realty, 246 Rehoboth Ave....................................................302-227-3883 McGuiness Group, 246 Rehoboth Ave...........................................302-227-3883 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Lingo Realty................................302-227-3883 Sea Bova Associates, 20250 Coastal Hwy........................... 302-227-1222 Troy Roberts, Mann & Sons, 414 Rehoboth Ave............................302-228-7422

RETIREMENT LIVING/SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

Springpoint Choice, 17028 Cadbury Cir, Lewes............................302-313-6658 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead, 36233 Farm Ln.................. 302-232-6372

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Accent On Travel, 37156 Rehoboth Ave.............................. 302-278-6100 CHEER Transportation (age 50+)....................................................302-856-4909 ITN Southern Delaware (age 60+ or disabled)...............................302-448-8486 Jolly Trolley Shuttle from Rehoboth Ave & Boardwalk...................302-644-0400 Olivia Travel...........................................................800-631-6277 ext. 696

POPULAR LGBTQ BEACHES

Poodle Beach, south end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk Cape Henlopen State Park, Ocean Dr north to Cape Henlopen State Park. Daily parking rate in effect March-November.

AUGUST 20, 2021

61 Letters

MOVING THE NEEDLE

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

How Fear Street Became Queer Street

The director, openly gay writer, and non-binary star on the popular book series’ queer evolution

P

hil Graziadei, the openly gay screenwriter behind Netflix’s new queer-inclusive film trilogy based on spook master R.L. Stine’s classic Fear Street series, remembers those teen horror-fiction books well. And he definitely remembers them not being very gay.

Published first in 1989 with The New Girl, the Fear Street series focused on whodunit and paranormal events in the town of Shadyside, Ohio. The books weren’t short on sinister camp, but they definitely lacked any kind of blatantly queer representation.

That hasn’t stopped fans, as Graziadei notes, from cataloging “all the homoerotic undertones of each book” for years. In the ’90s, when Stine published bestselling Fear Street titles like Truth or Dare and The Boy Next Door, the LGBTQ+ community was more willing to accept queer crumbs.

But now it’s 2021. On Fear Street, bodies might be buried, but queerness shouldn’t be.

“One of the first conversations that I had with the producers about it was, ‘Why do we do this now?’” director Leigh Janiak says.

The answer came to them quickly: Shadyside, they decided, would be a town of outsiders, with a queer love story at the center. That queer couple would not only be the stars of the show—they’d be the heroes. They’d even have a better shot at surviving the terrifying events that unfold throughout each of the trilogy’s parts, which take place in 1994, 1978, and 1666.

“It was very clear to us very early on that we wanted to write this about queer leads,” says Graziadei. “Obviously, queer representation in horror movies has a long and complicated history, for the most part. We’re only seeing ourselves on screen as monsters or as victims. I don’t think that there’s a reason why the queer people always have to see themselves that way.”

The anthology kicks off with Fear Letters 62 AUGUST 20, 2021

Street Part 1: 1994, where we meet Deena Johnson (Kiana Madeira) and Sam Fraser (Olivia Scott Welch) as they’re experiencing a rift in their relationship. Sam is closeted and just moved to Sunnyvale with her mom—the town adjacent to Shadyside, where Deena lives. Sunnyvale is rich and white. No one gets murdered there. When pure evil is unleashed in Shadyside in the form of a witch who’s haunted the town for eons, Deena, Sam, and their cadre of friends go on a deathly voyage through time to solve a nightmare that has haunted the town for 300 years.

Welch says the queer love story is “very indicative of modern-day cinema and how it’s evolving, and how art is reflecting the elements of society that are becoming very inclusive and encouraging people to be themselves.” It was the “not so boxed in” quality of her and Madeira’s romantically involved characters that particularly appealed to her about Fear Street, because, as she and Janiak note, the horror genre still has work to do when it comes to queer representation.

“I hope this is just the beginning of a brand-new era in terms of seeing minorities represented in these kinds of roles,” Madeira says.

Janiak and Graziadei, the director-writer team behind 2014’s indie creeper Honeymoon, were intentional about having Fear Street move the needle forward for LGBTQ+ representation in horror films.

Janiak, who has directed two episodes of the Scream TV series, points to Wes Craven’s iconic Scream film, noting that, while an “amazing” horror movie, only white cisgender straight people led the cast. While Graziadei acknowledges some queer coding in Scream, Janiak said she thinks that queerness in contemporary horror should go beyond subtext.

“Coding is different than being (fully) recognized,” she says.

That Fear Street goes beyond just gay vibes was one of the most exciting parts of starring in the summer camp-set Part Two: 1978 for non-binary actor Ryan Simpkins, who uses they/them pronouns. Even

though the script didn’t identify Simpkins’ Alice character as gay, they believed from the onset that she was. “She’s so heavily queer coded,” Simpkins says, “and working through this character, I just kept coming back to that. And honestly trying to fight that impulse to be like, ‘I think Alice has maybe been in love with her best friend Cindy.’ I kept trying to push that feeling away until I finally embraced it.”

While playing the role, the actor said they didn’t want Janiak or Emily Rudd, who plays Cindy, to invalidate her queer read on Alice. But after shooting, they did ask them how Alice identifies and whether Alice did indeed have a thing for Cindy.

They were not wrong: “(Leigh and Emily) were like, ‘One-hundred percent, Alice and Cindy are gay.’”

Simpkins says of Deena and Sam’s enduring queer love, “It’s so exciting to see a love story between two teenage girls being the main force behind a trilogy of studio movies. Like, that’s crazy, and it isn’t subtle. It’s very explicit.”

“It’s so rare to get these characters whose sexuality is not demonized and isn’t why they’re being punished,” Simpkins adds. “It’s their love for each other that makes them succeed.”

A love that even R.L. Stine was seemingly rooting for. Throughout the trilogy’s development, Janiak had conversations with the author, who she said was “very supportive.” Graziadei also felt that support: “He’s very clearly been like, ‘Fear Street is for everybody.’” ▼ Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ chrisazzopardi.

AUGUST 20, 2021

63 Letters

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65 Letters

R &R

ROMANCE & (OTHER) RELATIONSHIPS

BY MIKEY ROX

THE EX FACTOR

How to Forge a Friendship from a Bad Romance

F

orging a friendship from the extinguished flames of a formerly romantic relationship is no easy task, but shutting him, her, or them out completely isn’t always necessary—especially if you’d both like to separate amicably and remain on good terms. We break up for lots of different reasons, but there’s often plenty in common that can keep us connected to each other in one capacity or another—you were once inseparable for a reason.

Here’s how.

Be honest with your ex about your intention and desire to become friends. You can say something like, “I really value your opinion, friendship, energy, sense of humor, point of view, and I would really like to be friends in some way.” Don’t beat around the bush. Let them know what you’d like from them moving forward. If building a friendship is a mutual goal, move forward. If it’s one-sided, however, move on.

Give your ex (and possibly yourself) time to grieve the loss of what you had or expected the romantic relationship to be. It’s OK to be angry and to express that anger, as long as you express your anger in a healthy way. Refrain from saying anything hurtful. “Being angry is part of the process,” says David Strah, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist and author. “We don’t always understand why a relationship fizzles. But not understanding can lead to feeling helpless and angry. Break plates, punch pillows, scream, take a boxing class—let out your anger in a healthy way.”

Take responsibility for your part in the relationship ending. Taking ownership and responsibility can be healing for both you and your ex. You don’t have to rehash the past, but you can say things like, “I feel badly about how I behaved, what I said, what I didn’t do, how I reacted….” This will help both of you move forward toward a positive, healthy relationship that leaves the past where it belongs.

Ditch the blame game. Forgive your ex and forgive yourself for anything that you regret doing or that you believe was done to you. If you’re not completely over that trauma, it’s probably not wise to start a transition to friendship; resentment is not a solid foundation on which to begin.

…it’s important to show your appreciation for the positive ways your ex shows up—as a good parent, responsible pet owner, or provider.”

Letters 66 AUGUST 20, 2021

Show appreciation for your ex. Tell your ex how appreciative you are of them in both small and big ways. According to Strah, “Examples might include, ‘I am really appreciative of all the fun vacations we had together,’ or ‘I really appreciate all the support you gave me when I was going through a rough time at work.’ If you have an on-going relationship with your ex that involves pets, kids, or financial support or investments, it’s important to show your appreciation for the positive ways your ex shows up—as a good parent, responsible pet owner, or provider.”

Be there emotionally for your ex. Let your ex know that you’re available in case of an emergency, if they ever need to talk, or need someone to walk or feed their pet on a busy day. Even better, don’t wait to get a call from your ex—just be there when you sense they need your support. But, like, not in a stalker-y kind of way. Don’t get all Fatal Attraction about it.

Make an effort to do things with your ex. In the beginning, shorter visits together are usually better because there is less opportunity to fall into old patterns and start pointing fingers, Strah says.

“If you enjoyed going to the movies or working out together, suggest you work out together or go to the movies.” He continues, “If your ex doesn’t want to get together, try calling or sending a text. Something like, ‘Thinking about you and hope you are having a great day’ can go a long way.”

Speak to a therapist. Sometimes family and friends just can’t provide the support and clarity that a mental health professional can—especially if a break-up necessitates significant and overwhelming changes in our lives.

“Consider seeing a therapist to explore and identify negative behavioral patterns and negative, self-limiting beliefs—like trying to convince yourself that you’re not good enough to be in a relationship or that you’re unlovable,” Strah concludes. “Don’t think of therapy as something you need to do to change, but rather an investment in yourself that will reward you 100 times over.”

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBTQ lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

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67 Letters

Q Puzzle Trans-cendent Values

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Solution on Page 116 ACROSS 1 ___ Song Trilogy 6 Hunter and namesakes 10 Emulates Eminem 14 Words after “The end of” 15 Do a nocturnal activity 16 Toward shelter 17 Three-masted vessel 18 Singer Vikki 19 Bowie married her 20 Trans actor who plays a trans teen on 59-Across 23 No. in a little black book 24 Drew back 25 Thaw with Nureyev’s land 29 Guide for Commander D’Acy 33 Madonna’s Peron role 34 Words between “Oscar” and “Renta” 36 Sounds like the Lion King 37 Character played by 20-Across 39 Some poplars 40 ___ Little Kindness 41 Thailand, formerly 43 In an excited state, perhaps 44 Eyed impolitely 47 Stop the flow of 50 Souls, to Foucault 52 Michelangelo, for one

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25 You have them in the hole 26 Turn inside out 27 Patty Hearst’s SLA name 28 Some lodge members 30 She plays Annie, mother of 37-Across 31 Composer Thomas 32 Oral attention getter 35 Label on a lemon that’s not a fruit 38 Went raiding 39 Valuable strings 42 Up for debate 45 Web info source 46 Abuse orally 48 City on the Loire 49 Danes of My So-Called Life 51 Lebanon neighbor 53 Joe Cocker’s “You ___ Beautiful” 54 George of Robot Monsters 55 Stare at 56 Long bath 57 Those who like it hot 60 ___ Miz

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69 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

Fun In (and Out of) the Sun THIS PAGE: 1) at Poodle Beach: Jesse Dallsinoh, Jeff Glynn, Mark Bennett, Ken Geisler; 2) at the Rehoboth Beach Museum: RB Commissioner Patrick Gossett, Howard Menaker; 3) at the Suede Concert at Epworth United Methodist Church: Ann Garvey, Tama Viola; 4) Caroline Huff art opening at Gallery 50: Caroline Huff, Brenda Robertson; 5) at Peninsula Gallery: Carol Boyd-Heron, Brook Hedge, Molly King; 6) at Diego’s: Tammy Anderson, Francki DiFrancesco, Robin Weems, Judith Greene.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 7) at Betten Roo at The Pines: Kim Witmer, David Dusek, Laura Reitman, Lexi Gardner, Tara O’Connor, Lori Jacobs, Doreen Hartley; Anne Hoffman, Ellen Dahl; 8) at Dalmata Restaurant opening: Cathy Forthuber, Jamie Forshey, Angela Kontoulas, Denise Miles; 9) at Poodle Beach: Keith Fatula, Michael Fishman, Darin Slade, John Dauphine, Thom Martin, Jeff Merselis, Tom Keon, Jim Walsh, Ryan Williamson, Zack Bibby, Adran Nevarez, Tony Zacchei, Jacob Anthony, Chris Altomare, Peter Van Pelt.

(More CAMPshots on page 72)

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SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

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(Continued from page 71) (Left to right) 1) at Aqua: Matt Lindsley, Kevin McDuffie, Tommy Holden, Brian Schwenk, Gianni Ballarin, Bridget Buckaloo, Terry Plowman, Jay Silverman, David Franco, Jeffrey LaRoque, Shawn Wright, Rick Tedrick, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Taylor Weidenbach, Lorne Crawford, Mickey Allison, Kelly Long, Tony Burns, Larry Daymude, Richard Chambers.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 2) at Aqua: Dave Lyons, Rick Hardy, David Gudelunas, David Gonce, Alex Souders, Gary McFall, John McLaughlin, Rob Ramoy, John Donahue, Greg Graves, Mark White, Jack Harman; 3) at The Pines: Alexandra Kovach, David Gonce, Bryce Lingo, Lion Gardner, Lamont DuPont, Pamala Stanley, Robert Wegener, Elton Larry, Ron Niemann, Gordon Tanner, Alex Wagner, Robert Patten, Brian Sparrow, John Bator; 4) at La Fable: Erika Zois, Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride; 5) at Theo’s: John Potthast, Jay Chalmers.

(More CAMPshots on page 92) Letters 72 AUGUST 20, 2021

Fun In (and Out of) the Sun

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73 Letters

LGBTQ+ Wealth Gap

BY FINBARR TOESLAND

The LGBTQ+ Generational Wealth Gap It’s a Serious Issue. This Is Why.

I

t’s no secret that LGBTQ+ people face a range of financial challenges that heterosexual people simply don’t need to contend with. Less discussed are the effects of financial discrimination on building LGBTQ+ generational wealth. The stereotypical view of a wealthy gay couple with no children and a sizable disposable income is just that—a stereotype.

In reality, the “American Dream”— buying a home, getting married, having kids, finding a good job and investing in a 401(k)—is out of reach for many LGBTQ+ people, according to a survey

by TD Ameritrade. About two-thirds of LGBTQ+ millennials say they are unlikely to achieve these goals by age 40, compared to fewer than half of straight millennials. The same survey found that while the average annual income for a straight household is $79,400, the average LGBTQ+ household earns just $66,200 a year LGBTQ+ people are being left out of generational wealth for many reasons, including family rejection, systematic barriers, and a lack of financial education. Almost half of LGBTQ+ adults saying they have been excluded by a family member or close friend as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This combination of unique financial barriers that LGBTQ+ people face is what has led to generational wealth gap. It’s a problem that will only affect more queer people if we don’t address it now.

Legacy financial exclusion

At every stage of life, it’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ people to encounter financial challenges that their heterosexual counterparts won’t face. Being kicked out of their homes as teens due to unaccepting parents, not receiving financial support from family for college, being removed from an inheritance—the financial cost of being LGBTQ+ can be substantial.

With the average inheritance reaching close to $177,000 according to a HSBC survey, and Cerulli Associates Letters 74 AUGUST 20, 2021

forecasting that up to $68 trillion will trickle down to younger generations within 25 years, LGBTQ+ heirs could collectively lose trillions through inheritance exclusion.

“Even much smaller amounts could help folks pay off debt, pay off a home, send their own kids to college, and help them with their own retirement.

Many LGBTQ+ kids aren’t getting these benefits,” explains John Auten-Schneider. Auten-Schneider is the co-owner of The Debt Free Guys blog and host of the Queer Money podcast, a leading gay money blog and podcast for the LGBTQ+ community run by him and his husband, David.

While being LGBTQ+ can underpin unique money issues, queer people of color and queer women often experience additional difficulties around financial matters.

Raising a deposit for a house or apartment can be a difficult task for all people, but without financial support from family, many would not be able to fund a deposit. When David’s parents pass away, David’s sister will likely be inheriting upwards of $1,000,000. Yet, David says, he won’t receive any of this money, solely because he’s gay. “His parents have every right to do with their money what they want, but it’s a particular disappointment that they’ll do this only because he’s gay. This, of course, means we need to plan differently for our retirement than his sister does,” explains John.

Just because David and John are LGBTQ+ financial experts doesn’t mean they don’t deal with many of the same systematic challenges that impact other

members of the community. Younger LGBTQ+ people also face challenges directly related to their sexuality or gender identity.

A disproportionately high number of young people experiencing homelessness identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to research from the Williams Institute, between 20 percent and 45 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.

Lacking access to basic housing or financial support from family can set up a young person for economic disadvantage before they even graduate from high school.

LGBTQ+ students also shoulder a larger student debt burden than their straight peers to the tune of an extra $16,000. “This has been attributed, in part, to LGBTQ+ college students assuming more debt simply to leave hostile home lives. In some cases, parents may forgo helping their queer children in favor of helping their straight children,” explains John.

Knowledge is power

At the start of 2020, Michigan-based Lexa VanDamme was at her financial rock bottom. Stuck at work after a 70plus hour work week with no money in her bank account, bills due the next day and a broken-down car, she decided to make a change. “I realized that I needed to face my financial situation,” says VanDamme. “I dove deep into the online world of personal finance to learn about budgeting, debt payoff methods, saving, and investing.”

While trying to learn about personal finance on her own, VanDamme realized there was a need for accessible and relatable content that appealed to a wide range of people. She decided to create The Avocado Toast Budget (The ATB).

Starting out as a blog just over a year ago, The ATB now counts more than 400,000 followers on Tiktok.

“For the longest time, the loudest voices in the personal finance community Continued on page 78

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LGBTQ+ Wealth Gap

Continued from page 74

were cis, straight, white males and, as a queer woman, I wanted to share information and tips that were often overlooked by those creators,” says VanDamme.

For many LGBTQ+ people like VanDamme, after spending so long hiding who she really was, she wanted to live as true to herself and be as free as possible. “This led to me ignoring my spending habits and being stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Airing my financial dirty laundry brought up similar feelings of anxiety and concern I felt when first coming out. How would people react? What would they think?” says VanDamme.

There is already a heavy stigma around talking about personal finances, especially when you may be struggling financially. “Since queer people often spend our lives fighting for the world to accept us and our queerness, we may be less apt to talk about our financial insecurities and struggles,” says VanDamme.

Genuine representation goes beyond just diversifying the financial content creators who receive media platforms. The advice given by these experts also needs to be fully inclusive. “Advice tended to ignore how systems of oppression affect people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. We know statistically that it’s easier for some to build wealth than others,” she adds.

VanDamme has an ongoing series on Instagram focused on the intersectional nature of many financial issues.

The series helps shed some light on the economic realities that often contribute to minority community challenges. From financial inequality that disproportionately impacts disabled people to wealth inequity and racism and the cycle of poverty, VanDamme works to educate her audience on pressing topics that matter to them.

“It’s especially important to talk about the financial challenges that trans people in our community face. This includes increased reports of lower wages, limited and more expensive housing options, and twice the rate of unemployment.

This heavily impacts their ability to build wealth,” she explains.

Letters 78 AUGUST 20, 2021

Intersectional challenges

While being LGBTQ+ can underpin unique money issues, queer people of color and queer women often experience additional difficulties around financial matters.

In addition to the financial barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people, queer people of color also face a racial wealth gap.

Employment discrimination, systematic inequalities, and disparities in financial education all contribute to this unequal financial playing field.

According to research from the Federal Reserve, the average white family’s wealth is eight times higher than the wealth of an average Black family.

The gender pay gap also contributes to excluding women from building generational wealth, according to the latest statistics compiled by Pew Research, which show that women earned 84 percent of what men earned in 2020.

Carmen Perez, creator of Make Real Cents, a personal finance blog dedicated to helping people achieve financial independence, believes it’s important to have experts who are more representative of the people they’re speaking to. “I heard a quote a while ago: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ I think that’s really important because eventually, if you don’t have a model to follow, either you have to be the first, or it’s never going to happen,” she says.

As a woman of color and a lesbian, Perez knows firsthand how important it is to address the absence of representation in financial education. “It’s definitely one of the things we have to step back and look at in the LGBT community,” says Perez. “There’s a compounding effect because not only am I part of the LGBT community as a lesbian, but I’m also a minority, and I’m also a woman, and there’s a lot of hurdles up against a lot of folks in this space,” she adds.

With more than 60,000 people following her Make Real Cents account, Perez is playing a part in democratizing access to finance. There, she does everything from break down the cost of credit to explain 401(k) company matches with easy-to-read graphics and Insta stories. Her methods are a world away

from the complexity of some traditional financial advisors and tools.

“Millennials are starting to change the money game because we’re delivering advice in a way that isn’t super technical. It can be so overwhelming to watch CNBC with all these screens and tickers that don’t mean anything to you personally,” says Perez.

Future generations

Despite the long-standing barriers facing LGBTQ+ people in gaining access to financial education and financial services, LGBTQ+ personal finance content creators now offer a way for many to improve their financial literacy in more convenient ways than ever before. While investing early and regularly is one of the most effective ways to secure a financially comfortable retirement, it’s never too late to build wealth and support for the next generation of LGBTQ+ people. “[You can] create legacy wealth within the LGBTQ+ community by setting up your estate plan to donate to LGBTQ+ causes that will help homeless youth and [by] giving to local, younger LGBTQ+ folks you know personally,” adds John.

Negotiating the LGBTQ+ generational wealth gap is no small feat. But continuing the discussion around both financial literacy and taking steps to combat systematic financial issues can go a long way to address the financial challenges impacting the LGBTQ+ community.

“The stronger we are as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, including our financial strength, the stronger we are as a community,” concludes John.

Finbarr Toesland is an award-winning journalist committed to illuminating vital LGBTQ+ stories and underreported issues.

His journalism has been published by NBC News, BBC, Reuters, VICE, HuffPost, and The Telegraph.

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79 Letters

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81 Letters

CommunityNews SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

Lambda Car Club Event Returns to Delaware after a COVID-19 Break

I

n late September, locals may see something rarer than the sea birds and migrating birds that pass through every autumn. Falcons. Eagles. Skylarks. Road Runners. They are likely to be joined by imaginary creatures like Thunderbirds and Firebirds. What brings them to the beaches?

It might be the annual Beach Ball Invitational weekend hosted by the Straight Eights region of the Lambda Car Club. The Straight Eights, which created their cheeky name back in 1982, are neither straight nor eight; their roster includes more than 150 local members in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

The car club’s invitational weekend draws members from other regions, including New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.

“I can remember the first Beach Ball I attended in the 1990s,” recalls Ed Trenn, a longtime member and former regional president. “I drove to Rehoboth in my 1966 Dodge Monaco with a car

club buddy just as a tropical storm was blowing through. We were hunkering down at a hotel with members from Philly and Norfolk, watching it rain sideways across our old cars in the parking lot. Luckily it passed through quickly and left gorgeous weather for the rest of the weekend.” Most years, however, the Beach Ball had charmed weather. Any rain that fell would arrive after the traditional Saturday car show.

Like hundreds of other groups, Bill made the painful decision in 2020 to cancel due to the pandemic. It was a first for the club, “but last year, it just wasn’t safe,” Bill acknowledged. “This year is so much better, but I see many businesses are still reeling.” This means that some plans for 2021 had to change, too.

“We’re hoping to engage with the broader community this year, and see if any gay groups, especially young adults or students interested in cars, might want to be part of the show and learn more about the technology. We really want the

community to know we appreciate their openness. And every organization wants to bring in the next generation.”

The 2021 car show will take place on Saturday, September 25, in Bethany Beach. Bill is hoping for another eclectic, engaging turnout of vehicles. The 2019 show featured about 60 cars of everything from classics like a 1926 Chrysler and a 1939 LaSalle to a pair of 2017 Alfa Romeos, and a customized 2019 Buick Regal TourX. Trucks, customs, and euro sports cars have also been welcome, because the national Lambda Car Club is open to everyone who takes pride in both their community and their “wheels.”

As more of the Washington Metro LGBTQ+ community retires to the beach and nearby towns, their classic cars are seen on the roads more than just the September beach weekend. But keep your eye out for a greater influx at the end of the summer. A lot of interesting “family” cars will be making a special appearance. ▼

CAMP Houses Continued from page 46 restaurant. “Joyce loved to feature local art in the Moon’s dining room,” Rod explains. “She offered me a show and that’s technically what launched me in Rehoboth.” And it’s really when he started focusing on Rehoboth subjects.

People love them. For the past 12 years, he’s exhibited his new work each summer at the Back Porch restaurant on Rehoboth Avenue. “It’s such an iconic restaurant, the first to bring fine dining to Rehoboth, and it’s a fantastic venue to sip wine, socialize, and view art.”

While Rod painted, Charlie got involved in civic matters, eventually serving as president of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association (RBHA) from 2009 to 2020. It’s notable because it shows just how much the town has changed and grown over the years. The Homeowners Association back in the late 1980s and early 90s was not very Letters 82 AUGUST 20, 2021

gay friendly. Members were fearful of the changes that might come to Rehoboth with more and more gay folk buying into town.

As I listen to Rod and Charlie talk, I’m struck by how their story is very much the story of gay Rehoboth and

its growth from a summertime sojourn to a full-fledged community. And at the heart of their story is their house. Yes, it’s a spot for art, but it’s much more. It’s also a place where life and friends and family take center stage. “You know,” Charlie tells me, “We love that so many of our Baltimore friends from the early group house days still come and spend the summer with us. We go to the beach and then have cocktails and a big communal dinner, just like we did back in the day. We’re very fortunate because it’s really all we need or want.” Amen to that. “Well, a little more wall space would be nice,” Rod chimes in with a smile. ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

!

S R A E B E M O WELC S R A E Y T A E R G 7 G N I T A CELEBR

September 15 -

19

D N E K E E W R 2021 BEA s are online @ to the

WeekeHnOdBPOaTsHseBEACHBEARS.COM WWW.RE

Saturday Night Com edy Show with LGBT Comedian ERIC HAHN

c Opening for Eri G N A H ELIOT C

Top of The Pi nes 56 Baltimore Ave Starting at 6p m

AUGUST 20, 2021

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CAMPCritters — ACE — Look who came to visit CAMP Rehoboth staff!

It’s Ace, who was rescued by David and Khusan during the pandemic, through Nicole Strike from Saved Souls Animal Rescue. Thanks, Nicole!

FUN FACT Ace likes to run in circles counter-clockwise!

Interested in having your critter(s) featured in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth? Send a high resolution picture (300 dpi) along with their name(s) and one fun fact to editor@ camprehoboth.com. Our roaming photographer will also take photos in the courtyard all summer long.

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87 Letters

ct ra t n C o ys g er 2 da skin d Un in ve a o ab

   

34Columbia Avenue “The Pines” Rehoboth Beach

$2,795,000

Ocean block corner property in The Pines 5 BR 5.5 BA home, including a 1st floor BR Great Rental History; 6 year old home Sold completely furnished, Fireplace, screened porch, full basement for storage

Shirley Kalvinsky Cell:

(302) 236-4254

246 Rehoboth Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 302-227-3883 (office)

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Randy Mason Cell:

(302)-236-1142

AUGUST 20, 2021

89 Letters

CAMP Cheers!

BARTENDER’S FAVORITE Robert Robinson (Bob) Rigby’s Rehoboth

immanuel quarter 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 1:54 PM Page 1

D E E N E W R SUPPORT

Bob’s Cherry Cool-Aid

12 oz glass of ice 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz Southern Comfort 1/2 oz Amaretto 1/2 oz Sloe Gin Fill with cranberry juice

Mocktail

YOU

Immanuel Shelter serves those experiencing homelessness in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and surrounding areas.

Your generous support allows us to continue our mission and helps our community provide assistance for those in need.

12 oz glass of ice 1 oz lemon lime soda 1 oz grenadine Fill with cranberry juice

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER OR DONATE, PLEASE VISIT www.immanuelshelter.org 17601 Coastal Hwy, Unit 11, #431 Nassau, DE 19969 1-888-634-9992

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All monies raised go directly to Immanuel located in Rehoboth Beach, Sussex County, DE.

AUGUST 20, 2021

91 Letters

1

2

3

4 (Continued from page 73) THIS PAGE (left to right): 1) at Bettenroo at Big Chill Surf Cantina: Jen Schrof, Georgette Shalhoup, Michele, Tina, Pam, Casey Currie, Renate Costner, Lisa Lekawa; 2) at Eyecons at Clear Space Theatre: Tom Newton, John Hackett, Peter Rosenstein Steve Fallon, Arnold LaSpina, Johnny Cervantes, Christopher Peterson, Freddie Lutz; 3) at Rod Cook’s Art Opening at the Back Porch: Charlie Browne, Rod Cook, Sherri Wright, RB Commissioner Richard Byrne, Heather Byrne, Jorge Lorscher, Mark McComber, Kelly Phillips, Kimberly Grim, RB Mayor Stan Mills, Marcia Mills; 4) at Mamma Mia! at Clear Space Theatre: Kelly Sabol, Teri Agosta; 5) Mike DeFlavia, Eric Engelhart, Tony Sowers, Chris Beagle.

5 Letters 92 AUGUST 20, 2021

OPPOSITE PAGE: 6) at the Hudson Fields fundraiser: Amanda Williams, Amanda Kathryn Pappas (Sol Silks), Cathy Cranfield, Kathy Wiz, Barbara Breault, Sarah Collier, Lyn McDonald, Jim Mease, Mark Eubanks, Doug Sellers; 7) at the Blue Moon: Edie, Brandon James, James Clark, Dan Kyle, Cliff Lassahn, Marvin Miller, John Swift, Ron Bowman; 8) at the Purple Parrot: Mark Kozeal, David Clark, Patrick Gallagher, Jim Connolly; 9) at Poodle Beach: Joe Freeman, Scott Teriburj, Dan Carter, Patrick Menaco.▼

Fun In (and Out of) the Sun

6

7

8

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REHOBOTH MASSAGE and ALIGNMENT SPECIALTY: • advanced massage therapy • posture alignment • Feldenkrais awareness through movement • Individualized sessions • pain management THERAPISTS:

Alina and George Tudor Over 14 years of experience Board certified massage therapists

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Join Us At

www.meetup.com/Gay-Women-Rehoboth Learn about women’s activities, dances, discussion groups and singles events in the area.

BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW! +1 302-727-8428

19633 Blue Bird Lane Unit #7 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware FREE PARKING

AUGUST 20, 2021

95 Letters

The REAL DIRT

BY ERIC W. WAHL

The Sun Gods of the Garden

I

t’s come to my attention that in the past few years I have been writing this article, I’ve never highlighted full-sun loving plants. Well, that is changing right now.

Fortunately, sun-loving plants are most of the plants that we see and purchase at nurseries, garden stands, and plant societies. From groundcovers, to annuals and perennials, to shrubs, flowering trees, and our shade trees. I’m going to focus on a few native perennials in this edition.

For a flowering perennial that can play the role of a groundcover and bloom the entire growing season, nothing beats Coreopsis verticillata or tickseed coreopsis. This species has numerous varieties that grow from one foot tall up to three feet tall. ‘Moonbeam’ is a common favorite and is in the smaller height range. It likes dry to moist soil and full sun, perfect for a rain garden, and it blooms all summer long.

Another star groundcover in my opinion is creeping phlox, or Phlox subulata.

It’s only about six inches off the ground and likes soil on the dryer side. It stays evergreen and is great on sloped areas or in rock gardens and within the nooks of

…butterfly milkweed… attracts butterflies, including the beautiful Monarch. walls (if enough soil is present). Creeping phlox has numerous varieties that include a large range of colors.

Perhaps one of my favorite perennials of all time is black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia fulgida. Blooming from June all the way to October, it’s a stunning contribution to the full-sun garden. It likes dry to moist soils, so it’s another candidate for the rain garden. Again, there are many varieties to choose from, but ‘Goldsturm’ is a favorite Letters 96 AUGUST 20, 2021

among gardeners. Goldsturm reaches two feet in height. Other varieties can reach taller, so make sure to read that plant label!

If you are looking for an ornamental grass that enjoys the sun’s rays, look no further than the native switch grass, Panicum virgatum. Again, many varieties are available so pay attention to the nursery label. Switch grass can grow anywhere from three feet to six feet tall. The blooms come out from July through October, and can even be attractive during the winter months, especially with a light dusting of snow on them. They tolerate dry and moist soils which is perfect for the rain garden (I’m sensing a theme here). They are great for erosion control along slopes, too. A favorite cultivar is ‘Shenandoah’ which grows to three feet and displays a deeper red color.

Let’s talk about butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa. The orange color of this native plant reminds me of a perfect summer sunset late in the season. It blooms from May through July and grows up to three feet tall. It also grows in both dry and moist soils. Of course, it attracts

butterflies, including the beautiful Monarch. A mass of this perennial creates a stunning effect in the garden, and you won’t be longing to see any pollinators because they are sure to be everywhere.

I think I’ll end with a native plant that adds color to your garden through October, New England aster, Aster nova-angliae. This fall-blooming plant puts on a show with its purple daisy-like flowers on a four-foot to six-foot tall shrub-like plant.

It likes moist soil with plenty of sun. Aster also attracts butterflies including the Monarch during its migration south.

I hope these sun-loving perennials give you ideas for your garden. For impact, make sure to place them in mass (I like to plant in odd numbers: three, five, seven…). Don’t forget, fall is an ideal time to plant, and it’s just around the corner!

Enjoy the sun, and let’s garden together.

Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.

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arts+entertainment

BY DOUG YETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Season Passes

N

o, I’m not talking about parking permits or tickets to the Washington Whatevers…. Labor Day heralds the passing of our summer season, the end of our 100 Days of Summer, and—this year—the arrival of Sun

Festival, a week-long celebration that includes two concerts, an auction, dancing, and even a cornhole tournament! We bid this summer farewell, acknowledging that we have changed, and that our beautiful

village by the sea has also evolved. I lift my glass (okay, it’s a cup of coffee) to the memory of summers past and lives well lived. Here’s to many, many more. ▼

AT THE CAMP REHOBOTH GALLERY Award Winners XXI August 31 will be your last chance to see the wide variety of works by the 25 artists selected for the Delaware Division of the Arts Award. This year’s recipients include choreographers, composers, musicians, writers, folk artists, painters, sculptors, and photographers, and is well worth the trip downtown.

Wake Up! It’s almost bear season—not the four-legged variety, but those genial fellows you meet on the beach or at local watering holes. Always a popular show in our season, Wake Up! celebrates bears with work by local and regional artists Michael Muller, Scott Brooks, Jeffrey Moore, Craig Simmons, and many more. The exhibit runs September 2-26, with an open house reception on Saturday, September 18 (3-6 p.m.). The show runs in conjunction with the 3rd annual Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend—September 17-19. ▼

(Above, left to right) by Delaware Division of the Arts Award Winners; Bass Reves

by Theresa Angela Taylor; Untitled (Time) by Knicoma Frederick. From Wake Up!­— Bear Art Show: Deception by Michael Muller; Sausage Party by Scott B. Brooks.

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CAMP REHOBOTH highlights our community’s unique history and culture, and serves to further diversity, equity, and inclusion by building unity and understanding. Exhibits may be viewed MondayFriday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or by appointment by emailing artshow@CAMPRehoboth.com. You may view and purchase the art on the CAMP Rehoboth website under the “SHOP” heading.

arts+entertainment PERFORMING ARTS CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble (Epworth UMC; 19285 Holland Glade Rd.; camprehoboth.com) explores the dark side of life in “Singin’ and Sinnin’”—and they do it in a church! Tickets available on the CAMP Rehoboth website or at the door.

September 24-26.

CAMP Rehoboth 1st (Second) Fridays (Epworth UMC; 19285 Holland Glade Rd.) features singers from CAMP Rehoboth Chorus performing solos, duets, and small group numbers centered around the theme “Music of the Night.”

Plan to attend in person on September 10 (7 p.m. and FREE)—or watch the cabaret live-streamed and archived on the CAMP Rehoboth Facebook and YouTube pages.

CAMP Rehoboth Sun Festival (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-5620; camprehoboth.com) welcomes the return of The Skivvies (and special guests!) on September 3 and Broadway’s fabulous Jennifer Holliday on September 4. At the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

CAMP Rehoboth Theatre (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-2275620; camprehoboth.com) in collaboration with the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Robert Hoffer Theatre Fund, presents Tiny Beautiful Things (August 20-22) under the direction of Russell Stiles.

Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-2270; ClearSpaceTheatre.org) brings their summer season to a close August 28. Last chance

Roadside Glimpse, Knit Together by Siobhan Duggan—a Delaware Division of the Arts Award Winner.

to see Mamma Mia!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and The Sound of Music. Christopher Peterson closes Eyecons: The Thank You Tour September 5. Thornton Wilder’s classic Our Town is on the boards September 16-26. See website for details.

Freeman Arts Pavilion (36097 Sand Cove Rd., Selbyville; 800-515-2171; freemanarts.org) offers phenomenal talent from the likes of Harry Connick to the Beach Boys to Melissa Etheridge. Their season closes September 25 with Earth, Wind, and Fire.

The Milton Theater (110 Union Street, Milton; 302-684-3038; miltontheatre. com) has reduced indoor seating for social distancing, as well as their outdoor Quayside stage with a remarkably diverse array of talent.

See website for events and summer camps.

Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Rd., Georgetown; 302-856-4560; possumpointplayers.org) kicks off their season with The Marvelous Wonderettes on their outdoor stage—September 10-19.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-2275620; camprehoboth.com) features Award Winners XXI and Wake Up!.

Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Ave.; 302-227-2050; gallery50art.com) Currently showing Recent Works

by Debby Brisker Burk, through August 31. Opening September 3—oil on canvas and paper by Gary Fisher.

Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Rd., Lewes; 302-645-0551; peninsula-gallery.com) presents the work of 39 photographers in Coastal Camera Club Exhibition, through August 29. Opening September 4, Between Two Shores, scenes of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays by Meg Nottingham Walsh and Bernard Dellario.

Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408; rehobothartleague.org) New exhibits opening August 27: The Wonders of Water-

media, a juried showcase from the Delaware Watercolor Society; Mezzanine, works by Antonio McAfee; More Beyond, works by Jan Crooker; and Reflections, works by Laura Erickson. ▼ Doug is the Artistic 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 at dougyetter@gmail.com if you want to add your events to the calendar. Check out CAMP Arts on our website at camprehoboth.com for links to all the listed theatres, galleries and museums.

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.

DelawareScene.com.

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arts+entertainment

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOKED SOLID ¡Hola Papi! How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons

by John Paul Brammer c. 2021, Simon & Schuster, $26.00/$35.00 Canada, 224 pages

Your best friend definitely has an opinion.

You need advice and she offers an answer, though it might not be the one you seek. You may get sound counsel but at the wrong time, with sentiments directly opposing what you were thinking. And yet, you have to be grateful. As in the new book ¡Hola Papi! by John Paul Brammer, the words come from the heart.

Growing up in the small Oklahoma town of Cache, John Paul Brammer knew nothing about being gay. He had little relationship experience, in fact, and he didn’t learn about hookup apps until he was a junior in college.

Once he found those apps, though, he was “instantly hooked.”

Much to his amusement, “some white guy” said “Hola papi” in greeting on an app one day and Brammer, “a mixedrace Mexican American with noodle arms” never forgot it—because hey, wouldn’t that be a great name for an advice column? He pitched it, landed a gig in conjunction with Grindr, and it was a landslide hit with users, even though Brammer felt like an imposter sometimes. Was he really qualified to do this? he wondered, then he remembered what he’d want if he needed advice....

When asked what one can do to let go of past hurts, Brammer answers with a tale of his middle-school years, of bullying,

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inadequacies, and teen angst, and of coming out, growing up, and not letting someone be defined by the worst of the past.

He writes of puppy-love with a girl when he was kinda sure he was attracted to boys, and how the experience wasn’t a waste. He remembers co-workers at a nearby taco stand who taught him to speak Spanish, to belong, and that “Lo siento” isn’t always necessary. He tells readers about releasing the love he thought was “the one,” about the oh-so-awkward night a childhood bully approached him on a dating app, about how to let go of a dream, and a nightmare situation.

You know this: Dear Emmy and Dear Posey can always be relied upon to present some poor schlub with drama worse than yours. You know they’ll offer snappy, sometimes snarky, maybe dismissive advice—but that might not be as applicable as what’s in ¡Hola Papi!.

Agony Aunties don’t normally insert themselves into their answers quite like author John Paul Brammer does; nope, he makes his advice into a memoir that resonates.

Each mini-chapter here begins with a question, followed by what feels like a personal answer written specifically to the forlorn rather than to the world—in a story, really, but one that’s relatable. It’s fun to read but, more importantly, it wraps advice-seekers (and not just the writer!) in a comfortable tale that might make them laugh but definitely makes them feel un-alone.

Another nice thing: this book is by a gay man, but the advice he offers is for anyone, of any age. If you can remember that there are some eyebrow-raisers snuggled amidst laughs and sighs of ¡Hola Papi!, you’ll have a high opinion.▼ Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old and never goes anywhere without a book. Always Overbooked, she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 15,000 books.

ENTERTAINMENT MINUTES FROM THE BEACHES! August 21 - AUNT MARY PAT DISABATINO: Comedy / 8PM August 22 - BEGINNINGS: Music Of Chicago / 3PM & 8PM August 25 - 78th ARMY DIXIELAND BRASS BAND / 7PM August 26 - LOWER CASE BLUES: Quayside@Nite / 7PM August 28 - CHILLIN' WITH CHARLIE / 8PM September 2 - MAMA'S BLACK SHEEP: Quayside@Nite / 7PM September 3 - DEANNA FITZPATRICK: Psychic Medium / 8PM KOOKY CABARET September 4 - 7 BRIDGES: Ultimate Eagles Experience / 3PM & 8PM Magnolia Applebottom & Nate Buccieri September 5 - LABOR DAY DANCE PARTY: with DJ Jamie Fox / 7PM August 27 - Friday - 8PM September 9 - AL FRANTIC BAND: Quayside@Nite / 7PM September 12 - DELMARVA BIG BAND: 18-Piece Big Band / 7:30PM September 16 - HOOCHI COOCHI: Quayside@Nite / 7PM September 17 - SEPARATE WAYS: Ultimate Tribute to Journey / 8PM September 18 - JAH SUN & THE RISING TIDE / 8PM September 19 - SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT / 7:30PM September 23 - LOWER CASE BLUES: Quayside@Nite / 7PM September 25 - BEATLEMANIA NOW / 3PM & 8PM DELAWARE COMEDY THEATRE September 26 - PRINCESS TEA: Interactive Live Show / 1PM Improv Comedy Group August 29 - Sunday - 8PM

Saturday, October 16, Starts @ 4PM

It's the HOMECOMING of the undead as the Milton Theatre Zombie Fest returns to its original home! Check out the latest updates on our website!

LOVE'S A JOKE

Stand-Up Comedy Show

September 10 - Friday - 8PM

For more information on tickets, show details, and full events calendar go to:

SIMPLY STREISAND with Carla DelVillaggio

September 11 - Saturday - 8PM

www.MILTONTHEATRE.com 302.684.3038 110 Union St. Milton, DE

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OUR SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN PURPLE LEVEL Greg Albright & Wes Combs X Sondra N. Arkin X Aaron, Heather, Gia & Joe Book* Catherine Brennan Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst X Pat Catanzariti & Carole Ramos* Edward Joseph Chrzanowski & Talmage Wesley Sykes* Jim D’Orta & Jed Ross & AJ, Cubby & Maryrose Skip Dye & Steven King* James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard* Christine Lay X Diane & Chris Martin* Fred Munzert & J.P. Lacap Beth Pile & S.A. White X Chris Rinaldi & Brian Powers X Mary Rossettini & Kathleen Taylor Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey X Gary Seiden & Ah Bashir X Evie Simmons & Barb Thompson X Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods X Diane Sweeney* The Robert V. Hauff & John F. Dreeland Foundation X William Cross Foundation Renee & Steven Wright DMD PA*

INDIGO LEVEL Murray Archibald & In Memory of Steve Elkins X James Beal & In Memory of David Van Patter Wesley Blickenstaff* Jane Blue & Louisa Watrel X Joe Brannen & John Klomp X Tom Brown X Elizabeth Carl & Tori Hill X Richard Coss & Mike Hull* Lou Fiore & Jim Burke* Jim & Tom Flower* Gary Gajewski - In Memory of Dr. John A. Boscia David & Marti Garrett* Harry Hallock Fred Harke - In Memory of Robert Rougeau X Holly Horn & Kathleen Garrity X Claire Ippoliti X Peter Karsner X Melissa & Amanda Kaufman X Maureen Keenan & Teri Dunbar X Russell Koerwer & Stephen Schreiber X Roger Kramer Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS, PA X Kathleen Lehmann Doug Lingenfelter & John Roane David Mariner & Khusan Odilovich Natalie Moss & Evelyn Maurmeyer X Rick Mowery & Joe Conn X Tom Negran & Marc Anthony Worosilo X David Nelson & William McManus X John Newton & Mowry Spencer X Mark Niehaus & Brooks Honeycutt X Kathleen Nilles & Camille Nichols* Jeanine O’Donnell - State Farm*

Gwen Osborne & Katie Handy Signarama X The Pearsall Family* Richard Perry* Porter-Gordon Family* Deborah Qualey & Karen Gustafson X Lori & Renee Rocheleau Mark Roush & Dave Banick* Mark Schweizer & Robert Voelker Susan Tobin & Cathy Martinson* Terry Vick Frank Vitrano X Mel W. & Linda Lee M. Weller Karen West & Melissa Clement* Ronald Wetzel & Nathan Hench Brian Yanofchick

BLUE LEVEL Ronald Bass & George Robbins X Rocky Bible & Kevin Bosley In Memory of Jackie Morris Tim & Meredith Birrittella Teresa Bolduc & Kim McGeown* Karen Brause & Kim Sheaffer* Tony Burns X Coleen Collins & Berdi Price X Donna Davis & Gail Jackson X Connie Fox & Donna Adair* Gail Gormley* Perry Gottlieb & Tim White* John Holohan & William Ensminger* Irene & Lou Katz* Nancy Kennedy & Tora Washington* Paul & Anne Michele Kuhns* Glenn Lash & Mark Paugh Bob Mancuso & Doug Murray Marvin Miller & Dan Kyle X Rebecca Moscoso* John Roane & Doug Lingenfelter-In Memory of Jeff Hosley Chris Rouchard X Michael Shaffer & Benjamin Wilson X Angie Strano & Cindy Gruman

GREEN LEVEL Gerry Beaulieu & Bill Fuchs* Sharon Bembry & Lois Powell* Alex Benjamin & Pete Grover* David Bower* Chris Bowers* David W. Briggs & John F. Benton X Charlie Browne & Rod Cook X Barry Bugg* Cheryl Buxton Lisa Carrol & Deb Dubois X Jay Chalmers & John Potthast X Paul Christensen & Dennis Morgan* Beth Cohen & Fran Sneider X Stephen Corona Scott Davis & Chris Shaheen* Lewis & Greg Dawley-Becker* Robert Defendis & Ronald O. Dempsey* Mike DeFlavia & Tony Sowers* Marianne DeLorenzo & Linda Van de Wiele* Max Dick* Diane Dragositz Ann Evans* Kathy & Corky Fitzpatrick X Keven Fitzsimmons & Jeff Stroud X

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Cynthia Flynn & Deirdre Boyle X Tom Galloway & Les Diggs Richard Green & Asi Ohana X Joe Greenhall & Tom Klingler John Hackett & Tom Newton* David Hagelin & Andy Brangenberg* Harris Holden X Terry Hollinger & Mike May Steve Hoult & Rick Bane X Karen Hugues & Cathy McCallister X Anthony Incalcatera & James Buswold Dorsey Johnson & Kay Jernigan* Jocelyn Kaplan & Idalie Adams X Linda Kemp* Deborah Kennedy & Beth Yocum* Jerry Kennedy & Robert Quinones X Eric Korpon & Steve Haber* Leslie Ledogar & Marilyn Hewitt* James Mease & Philip Vehslage* Richard Morgante & Edward McHale* Susan Morrison* Dennis Neason & Steve Bendyna* Kim Nelson & Lori Simmons X Fran O’Brien & David Gifford* Don Peterson & Jeff Richman X Keith Petrack & Michael Fetchko* Anne Pikolas & Jean Charles X Stephen Pleskach X Gail Purcell & Sandy Kraft* Tony Purcell & In Memory of Daniel Espejel Bill Rayman & Frank King* Marty Rendon & John Cianciosi* Keith & John Riley-Spillane X Kim Rutherford & Dalit Eyal Douglas Sellers & Mark Eubanks Scott Shaughnessy & John Hassell* William Snow X Joseph Steele & Chris Leady David Streit & Scott Button* Anne Tracy & Mary Gilligan Peter Trost & John Worek Cal Weible & Daniel Halvorsen X Margaret Wilkins* Kathy Wiz & Muriel Hogan X Jon Worthington & Bryan Houlette X Doug Yetter & Mark Horne* Lisa Zimmerman X

YELLOW LEVEL Brenda Abell X Keith Anderson & Peter Bish X Dale Aultman & Paul Gibbs X Shannon & Sarah Avery* Pamela Baker & Diane Dixson* Linda Balatti & Shirley Gilmer X Susie Ball & Susan Delaney X Mike Ballenger & Martin Thomas* Miriam Barton* Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart* Tom Beall Barbara Beavers & Kathy Carrell Sherry Berman & Deb Hamilton X Abby Bernstein & Karen Frank X Deborah Bosick Michael Boyle & Greg Murphy X John Brady X Jeffrey Buhrman & Roger Alford David Carder Kathy Casey & Jean Burgess X Kate Cauley & Pat Newcomb

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP 2021 Bob Chambers* Jean Chlastawa & Susan Griesemer Dottie Cirelli & Myrna Kelley X Austin Clayton Steve Clayton & Brad Lentz Gary Colangelo & Gerald Duvall X Nancy Commisso* Thomas Conway & Thoth Weeda* William Cox & John F. Smith Kay Creech & Sharon Still* Drexel Davison - Bad Hair Day?* Anthony Delacruz & Ronald Mangano Ann DeLazaro & Annette Potemski Fred DiBartolo & Steve Wood X Maureen Dolan & Karen McGavin* Albert Drulis & Scott Silber* Sandy Duncan & Maddy Ewald Gary Espinas & Daniel Sherlock Karen & Lisa Faber* Alice Fagans & Ruth Ann Mattingly* John Farley & Dennis Wilson X Dent Farr & Erick Lowe* Dee Farris* Jerry Filbin* Cecily Fisher & Loretta Higgins Diane Fisher & Kharma Amos Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth* Monica Fleischmann & Lona Crist X John Flournoy & Jim Chrobot John Furbush & Tom Feng Susan Goudy* Bill Graff & Jeff Schuck* Ken Green & Joe Kearney* Michael Green & Robert Schwerdtfeger* Mary Gunning Wesley Hacker & David Block* Jo Hamilton & Donna Voigt* Harbor Healthcare* Pete & Joanne Harrigan* David Herring & Karl Hornberger Carol Holland - Holland Jewelers X Caroline Huff & Brenda Robertson* Pete Jakubowski* Philip Johnson* Bob Kabel* Marilyn Kates & Laura Glenn* Rose Korten & Brenda Pinkney Greg Kubiak* Susan Kutliroff & Barbara Snyder Carol Lazzara & Sheila Maden* Greg Lehne Monica Lewis & Ann Zimmerman* Frank Liptak & Joe Schnetzka* Jim Lonsdale & Bryan Hoffman John Mackerey & Donald Filicetti Patricia Magee & Anita Pettitt X Ellie Maher Harold Marmon & Robert Hill* John Marson Jill Masterman & Tammy Jackson* Tony Mazzarella Michael McCarthy & Lars Kontz Mickie McManamon* Howard Menaker & Patrick Gossett X Phil Merola & Rocco Scutaro Ray Michener & Tom Carlson* Linda Miniscalco & Jeanne Drake* Sherril Moon & Louise Montgomery* Jack Morrison & Bob Dobbs* Rita Nelson & Ralph Peters

Sandy Neverett & Pam Cranston X Robert Nowak & David Bergman X Judy Olsen & Joanne Kempton X Maggie Ottato X Dotti Outland & Diane Mead X Peninsula Gallery - Tony & Carol Boyd-Heron* John Piccirillo & Jonathan Rose Joanne Picone & Kathy Bostedo* Tom Poor & Tom Bachmann - Bin 66 Fine Wine* Jim Pressler X Sam Profeta X Lisa Rabigi & Bea Vuocolo* Joie Rake & Nan Flesher X Gene Roe X Thomas Rose & Thomas Sechowicz X Lucien Rossignol & Tom Harris* Mark Saunders & Bob Thoman* Richard Scalenghe & Thomas Panetta* Gary Schell & Jim DiRago Betsy Schmidt X Sheryl Schulte & Jeanne LaVigne* Angela Scott Troy Senter & Stacey Chan* Mary Ann Slinkman & Sharyn Santel Polly Smale - In Memory of Charlotte Reid* David Smith & Kenn Williams Susan Soderberg & Terri King X John Michael Sophos & Miss Dot Sophos* Diane Sozio & Patricia Hutchinson* Dee Speck & Linda Kauffman X Mary Spencer & Kathy Lingo* Russell & Patricia Stiles* Robert Stoltzfus & Gerald Warhola* Lenny Stumpf & John B. Pitchford* Brett Svensson & Bill Quinn - Dust Doctors LLC* Don Wainwright & Tom Jamison* Lana Warfield & Pamela Notarangelo X Michael Weinert X Douglas Werner & JD Pryor Joseph & Diane Wood Tony Wright & Mary Jo Bennett X Steven Wunder & Rod Hastie Jean Sutliff Young* Joanne Yurik* Larry Zeigler X John Zingo & Rick Johnson* Karl Zoric & Mark Pipkin X

ORANGE LEVEL Gwen Atwell & Marla Hoon Ruth Ball & Mary Ellen Jankowski* Romulus Barba & Dean Yanchulis* Paul Barbera & Joseph Nolan Nancy Bearss & Jenni Lindsay Kathleen Biggs & Maria Campos Kathy Board & Jackie Maddalena Boland Family - In Memory of Michael J. Kelly* Linda Bova & Bridget Bauer The Sea Bova Associates* William Briganti & Gary Moore* Anita Broccolino - In Memory of Cathy Fisher Wendy Bromfeld* Continued on page 106

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105 Letters

Continued from page 104

Ronald Butt & Steve Cannon* William Byron & Ali Lazur Debbie Cali & Maddie Cunningham Ingrid Callmann & Karen Askins* Helen Chang & Pat Avery Community Bank Delaware* Mark Conheady* Lois Cortese & Jill Stokes X Kenneth Currier & Mike Tyler X John D’Amico* Joseph Davey & H. Ralph Fletcher Linda DeFeo X J. Lynne Dement & Lisa J. Snyder* Jim DiLalla & In Memory of Frederick Episcopo* Tony DiMichele & Jeff Smith* Joe DiSalvo* Donna Dolce* Kevin Doss & Arie Venema Arlyce Dubbin & Kathleen Heintz* Richard Egler Jeanne Embich* Maureen Ewadinger* Ellen Feinberg & Lesley Rogan X Barbara Fitzpatrick & Denise Centinaro Sara Ford & Anne Donick* Roland Forster & David McDonald Deb Fox & Deb Bonneau Charles Gable Christopher Galanty & James Apistolas Ron Glick & Tien Pham* William Gluth & Channing Daniel* Ed Gmoch* Mike Gordy & Ed Brubaker Joe Gottschall & Scott Woody Charles Graham* Deborah Grant & Carol Loewen* Todd Hacker Jen Hackler Siobhan Halmos & Beth McLean* Sharon Hansen X Pat Harte & Nancy Sigman Steve Hayes Tracey & Erica Hellman Nancy Hewish & Vicki Martina* Bill Hillegeist X Mary Anne Hoopes & Dianna Johnston* Vance Hudgins & Denny Marcotte* John Hulse X Mary Huntt & Angela Creager Janet Idema & Patricia Higgins* Frank Jump & Vincenzo Aiosa* Sharon Kanter & Cyndy Bennett* Mark Kehoe X Maryl Kerley & Pat Sagat X Bonnie Kirkland & Wanda Bair X Ruth Kloetzli & Lisa Scholl* Jay Kottoff & Mark Matey* Rob & Jean Krapf X Barbara Lang & Diane Grillo* Jim Lesko Chip Logan Dale & Sue Lomas* Duncan MacLellan & Glenn Reighart* Robb Mapou & Mike Zufall Marsha Mark & Judy Raynor* James Mastoris & Edward Chamberlain X Jonathan Mattner & Chad Rinker Michael & Stephan Maybroda Kathy & Steve McGuiness* Kate McQueen* Margaret Moore & Sheree Mixell X Thomas Moore & Richard Bost* Robert Neighbour & Andrew Dan* Pat Nickols*

Donna Ohle & Susan Gaggiotti X Lisa Orem & Debby Armstrong* Sandra Oropel & Linda Frese* Carolyn Ortwein & Ann Barry* Rutland Paal & Robert Mittleman* Sandra Pace & Barbara Passikoff X Steve Parker* Ellen Passman X Marilyn Pate & Dorothy Smith* Patricia Pawling & Jennifer Butz* Rina Pellegrini Colleen Perry & Jane Kuhfuss* Marianne Perry & Jeanette Laszczynski Deena Pers X Grace Pesikey & Janet Urdahl* Russ Phipps & Stephen Jacobs* Peter Pizzolongo & Carlos Prugue* Stephen Proctor Pierce Quinlan & Ginny Daly Jay Raksin Thomas Ramsey & Chris Murray Alex Reed & Jed Millard Susan Reinagel & Dawn Henderson* Pat Renninger & Tammy Plumley X Bill Rogers & Jeff Wilkinson Judy Rosenstein & Elva Weininger X Deborah & Charles Ross X Michael Safina & Tim Bean Katherine Sams* Richard Sargent* Laurie Schneider & Margie Ripalda* Teri Seaton & Rena Frampton-Seaton Michael Seifert & Harvey Holthaus* Craig Sencindiver & Gary Alexander* Frank Shockley & Arthur Henry Anita Smulyan Tina Snapp Christine Stanley & Joyce Rocko* Matthew Stensrud & Michael Cohen* Greig Stewart & Jake Hudson* Caroline Stites & Elizabeth Coit X Brian Straka* Sandra Sullivan & Lorie Seaman* Terrence Sullivan David Szumski & James Carfagno Trudie Thompson Thrasher’s French Fries* Jeffrey Trunzo & Herman Goodyear* James Vernicek & Jeff Dailey* Tama Viola Donald Wessel William Wheatley* Ralph Wiest & Anthony Peraine* Daryle Williams & Steven Fretwell Melanie Wolfe & Monica Niccolai Sherri Wright & Dick Byrne* Niki Zaldivar & Cecil McNeil X Kathryn Zimmerman

RED LEVEL Guy Abernathey X Dale Adams Adrienne & Kim* Jim Affonco X Mark Aguirre & Wayne Gleason X Bill Alldredge X Stephani Allison & Judith Gorra X Ria Allman Marge Amodei* Alan Anderson X Daniel Anderson & Greg Melanson Lois Andreasen & Jean McCullough* Andrea Andrus & Maggie Shaw X Peter Antolini X Patricia Antonisse X Wanda Armwood & Illona Williams Judith & Wanda Ashbrook

Letters 106 AUGUST 20, 2021

Terry & Gayle August Josh Bach & Edward Ginley Kathleen Bailey X John Baker & Richard Latham X John D. Baker June Baker* Sarah Barnett Curtiss Barrows X Brian Bartels Eric Barton & Greg Nagel John Batchelor X Karen Beck Beebe Medical Foundation* Pat Beebe Mike Behringer & Nelson Correa* Alex Belano Sheryl Bender & Doreen DiLorenzo* George Benes & Michael Mallee X Suzanne Bennethum & Deborah Smith Jeri Berc X John Berdini X Joel Berelson & Charles Maples* James C. P. Berry & Matthew Stanislao Lisa Beske - In Loving Memory of Steve Elkins Christine Bielenda & Karen Feuchtenberger* Thomas Biesiadny X Deb Bievenour & Susan Shollenberger* Lorraine Biros* Cathin Bishop & Laura Simon X Jason Blachek Ann Black & Kaye Wachsmuth X Carol Blair* Eric Blondin - State Farm Insurance Rehoboth Beach X Jacquelyn Blue X Rev. Dr. Tom Bohache & Tom Laughingwolf Simmons X Annabelle Boire* Carl Bomberger & Mike Rhoads Robin Bond & Leanna Johannes* Bob Bonitati X Joy Boone & Marina Simmers X Randall Borgerson X Pete Borsari X Laura Borsdorf X Nancy Bouse & Norma Morrison X David & Donna Bowman X Deni Boyer & Loretta Imbrogono Brian Boyle & Larry Gee X Beth Bozman Jim Brady & Mike Hays X Victor Branham & Mark Clark Kelly Brennan & Susan McVey* Susan Brinsfield & Barbara Devenport Debora Brooke * Kevin Brown X Lyn Brown & Winsome Boyd Mathew Brown Diane Bruce & Annie Sorvillo* Daniel Bruner & Tim Beymer Marilyn Bryant Donald Bucher & Kevin Paul Al Bulliner X Belinda Buras & Linda Simeone Geoffrey Burkhart & Bruce Williams* Lyn Burleson & Sharon Werner* Carol L. Burnett X Rob Burns & Cris Hamer* Timothy B. Bush X Randy Butt & Emerson Bramble* James Byrnes X Chris Cahill X Robertine Cale Leslie Calman & Jane Gruenebaum* Michele Campisi & Julie A. Slick X

Joe Canter Matt Carey X Jim Carlo X Justine Carpenter X Shirley Carpenter & Mary Coldren X Marianna Carson & Laura Bobo Alice Casey Jo Cason & Peggy Neidlinger Teresa Cason & Lynda Schepler X Sara Cavendish & Wendy Bunce X Denis Chandler & Sebastion DiMauro Linda Chaney & Irene Lawlor* Dr. Harvey J. Chasser X Mike Chateauneuf X Dan Childers & Ted Hernandez* Tom Childers & John Hall X Sandra Chinchilla & Michelle Holmes X Curt Christensen & Ellen Heald* Billy J. Christian X Dennis Chupella & Rob White X James Clark Norma K. Clark X Rob Cline Barbara Clipper Amy Clouse & Betty Long X Carolyn Cole & Sandy McDevitt X Stuart Comstock-Gay X Inez Conover X Bill Cooley & Ken Watkins DVM X Josh Cooper & Steve Rathburn Jeffery A. Coover X Michael Cornell X Lois Corson & Mary Murdoch X Mary Costa & Kris Nygaard Becky & Tom Craft X Wendy Cramer & Carolyn Baranowski* Theresa-Ann Crivelli & Angela Murray* Robert Crocetti X Bill Cross & David McCall X Donald Crowl* Mark Cunningham & Ken Tattersall X Rich Custer Howard Cyr & Lynn Ashley* Ellen Dahl Charles Daniels William T. Darley X Debra Davies & Joanne Saltzberg Jeremiah Davis Marsha Davis & Bev Lesher X Kathy Davison & Ruth Dickerson X Scott & Donna de Kuyper Hotel Blue* Frederick Dean & Steven Swierzy X Linda Dean & Donna Whiteside* Penny Lee Dean Scott Dechen & James Maino Michael Decker X Michael DeGraffenreid Maureen Delaney & Madonna Aldrich Bernie Delia X Frank Dell’Aquila X Claire Dente & Leslie Campo* Karen DeSantis & Carol Brice* Nancy DeToma & Meg Smith* David DeVargas & Steven Champion X Carolyn DeVito Dawn Devries & Helen Krum Henry & Marcia DeWitt X Romy Diaz & Dennis Bann Geri Dibiase Photography* Julie Dickson X Richard Dietz Phyllis Dillinger Mary Dipietro & Wendy Schadt*

Deb Dobransky & Ketty Bennett* Arthur Dochterman X David & Lizann Dockety X Peg Dolan & Mary McDevitt X Millie Donnell Debbie & Karen Dorris* Kathryn Downs Frances Doyle X Paul Dradransky X Zita Dresner Michael Driscoll & Ben McOmber X Susan Dube & Diana Patterson* Deanna Duby & Carol Bruce Barry Dunkin Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson Gene Dvornick X Sue Early X Frank Echols & Robert Robinson Eden Restaurant X Brad Edwards Susan Eig & Ellen Schiff X Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey* Pamela Elliott W. Kay Ellis Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo Alexis Faust Rene Fechter & Cynthia Smith Larry & Ro Fedorka Karen Ferguson Virginia Fessler & Chris Patton Jayne & Ro Fetterman* Irene & Edward Fick* Allen Fred Fielding X Joe Filipek & Larry Richardson X Mark Finkelstein & Michael Zeik X Paul Finn & Joseph Porporino Rick Fischer X Barbara Fischetti & Janet Thoden Gary Fisher & Josh Bushey* James Fitzsimmons & Brian Burdelle Chuck Flanagan & George Whitehouse X Paul Florentino & Chris Pedersen X Sandra Fluck & Beverly Morgan* Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X Anthony Forrest & Glyn Edwards Beebe Frazer X Phil Fretz X Billiemichelle & Evelyn Friel* Neil Frock & Bob Harrison* Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano June Rose Futcher Lorraine Gaasche & Jill Mayer* Frank Gainer & Ramon Santos* Lynn Gaites & Faye Koslow X Nina Galerstein* Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett Karen Gantz & Jeanie Geist Kathryn Gantz & Kathryn Gehret Don Gardiner X Cheri Garnet & Cynthia Arno Patricia Garrison Mindy Gasthalter* Wilson Gates X Charles George & Dennis Rivard X Tracey Gersh & Amy Johnson Gary Gillard X Jordan Gipple & Paul Weppner* Joan Glass X Karen Glooch X Ronald Gluck Jane Godfrey* Randall Godwin X Jackie Goff & Mary Vogt X Dave Gold & In Memory of James Yiaski X Robert Gold X Mel Goldberg Suzanne Goldstein & Dana Greenwald X Continued on page 108

Giving back is my way of saying “Thank you.”

George Bunting Jr, Agent 19716 Sea Air Ave #1 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Bus: 302-227-3891 george@gbunting.com

1211006

We’re all in this together.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Camp Rehoboth.

Get to a better State®.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

AUGUST 20, 2021

107 Letters

Continued from page 106

Milton Gordon & Bill Hromnak X Teresa Gordy & Barb Ford X Dan Goren & Peter Robinson X Anita Gossett & Ronnie Smith* Amy Grace & Karen Blood* Lisa & Raymond Graff* Angela Grant & Zoe Fitzpatrick* Paul R. Grant & Marc Watrel* Cheryl Graves Linda Gregory Harvey Grider Kenneth Grier* Richard Grifasi X John Grillone & Paul Schlear Jr. X Joseph Gritz X Jeffrey Groenheide Wendy Grooms & Barbara Fishel X Carol Gross X James Gross X Richard & Frances Grote* Paula Grubbs X Christopher Guidone Helene Guilfoy X Bill Gunning & Joe Greoski X Bob Gurwin & John Rourke Marie & Ken Haag* Jay Haddock & Hector Torres* Gerard M. Haley & George D. Zahner X Cynthia Hall X Barbara Hals & Sharon Dyke Mark Hare & Mike Newman X Kelley Harp X David Harrer & Floyd Kanagy* Mary Hartman & Laurie Nelson Jeff Haslow X Janece Hausch* John & Mary Havrilla* Nancy Hawpe Daniel F.C. Hayes* Gail Hecky* Barb & Len Hedges-Goetti Leslie Hegamaster & Jerry Stansberry* Linda Heisner X Steve & Maria Hendricks Matthew Hennesey* David Herchik & Richard Looman X Fred Hertrich X Howard Hicks & Stephen Carey X Barbara Hines & Nancy Froome X Howard C. Hines, MD X Karen Hinman Janel Hino & Patricia Ann Scully X David Hogue & Michael Utasi Connie Holdridge* Robert Holloran & Ed Davis* Brad Holsinger & Ed Moore Mod Cottage* Chris Holt & Emory Bevill X Mollyne Honor & Shelley Garfield Larry Hooker X James T. Hopkins X Elaine Horan & Debbie Sciallo X Frank Hornstein & Mark Henckel X James Hospital & Jack Fraker* Robert Hotes X Corey Houlihan & Karen Abato Ellan Hylton Batya Hyman & Belinda Cross* Thomas Ingold X Chris Israel & John Stassi X Debbie Isser & Fran Leibowitz Geoffrey Jackson & Will Delany X Fay Jacobs & Bonnie Quesenberry X Sharon Janis X Steve Janosik & Rich Snell X Allen Jarmon & Ward Ellinger X

Robert Jasinski* Mary Jenkins & Laura Reitman Susan Jimenez & Cathy Benson X Chip Johnson-In Memory of Joseph Lachac Donna A. Johnson* Ken Johnson X Randi Johnson Tara Johnson Jim Johnston Richard Jolly & Charles Ingersoll X D. J. Jones Dee Dee Jones & Julie Blake Gay Jones & Barb Bartels Glenn Jones X Tom Jones X Nola Joyce & Brenda Eich* Wayne Juneau X Mick Kaczorowski X Bob Kaplan & Jeff Davis X Daphne Kaplan & Steve Scheffer Sharon Kaplan & Pamela Everett* Kevin P. Kaporch X Amylynn Karnbach - One Day At A Time Gifts, LLC Anne Kazak & Chris Coburn X Peter Keeble & Tom Best Margaret Keefe* Alan Keffer* Donald Kelly* John Kelly & Randy Sutphin X Michael J. Kelly X John Kennedy Rosemary Kerwin & C Robinson Hunter Kesmodel X Ned Kesmodel & Matt Gaffney X Tom Ketterman Marge Keyes & Julie Arenstein X C. David Kimmel* Spencer Kingswell X Daniel Kinsella* Frank Klemens & Barry Brown Jane Knaus & Cindy Myers Beth Kopicki in Honor of Barbara Nissley Stephen Kopp John Kort & Hung Lai* Robert Kovalcik & Bob Howard X Myra Kramer & John Hammett* Marcia Kratz* Karen Kreiser & Beth Nevill* Kevin W. LaBarge X Adam Lamb & Eli Martinez Peter Lanzaro & Frank Bodsford X Dr. Mathilda Laschenski & Dr. Kathleen Heacock X Ruth Lauver & Judy Wetzel* Kate Lavelle X Charlie Lee X Nicholas Lee Jon Leeking & Dieulifete Jean* Edmund LeFevre & Keith Wiggs X Sherry Leichman & Keith Snyder Kim Leisey & Kathy Solano Jen Leonard & Claire McCracken Marsha Levine & Susan Hamadock X Arlene & Ginny Levy-Balmforth Barbara Lilien* Cindy Lins & Diane Milam Duwayne Litz X Eleanor Lloyd & Celeste Beaupre Jonathan & Karlyn Lokken* Robert E. Long X Pat Loughlin* Cynthia Lowe & Rae von Doehren Debbie Lupton Diane Lusk X P. Michael Lutz* Becky Lyons & Ebie Hamrick X Wendy Maclay & Sheree Davis*

Letters 108 AUGUST 20, 2021

Christopher Magaha* Joe Maggio X Loretta Mahan* Bernadette Maher & Cheryl Tarlecky Jack Maher X Nancy Maihoff X Eddie Major X Bruce Majors X Harvey Manchester X Domenic Mannello X Stephanie Manos & Reber Whitner X Anyda Marchant X Charles Marino & Alan Berman* Diane Markey & Randi Snader* Colleen Martin Michele Martin & Rosalee Elson Norma Martin X Linda Martinak & Susan Baker Nan Martino & Patty Rickman* Joe Matassino & Tim Murray Frank Matero Nancy Mathis Jason Darion & Jason A. Mathis-White John Matthews & Nick Polcini* Sarah Matthews Eric Matuszak X Lewis Maurer Donna McCabe & Mac Ignacio X Edward McCord Kathleen McCormick & Elizabeth Fish X Sean McDonald Mary McElhone & Nancy Kaiser X Sherri McGee & Kris Aulenbach Thomas McGlone X Kathleen McGrath Ellen McKeon & Kay Cummings Joe McMahon X Joseph McNally & Terry Jones X Charlotte McNaughton Chuck McSweeney & Michael Clay X Jim & Bruce McVey-Back* Mary Medlock & Susan Russell Buck Melton X John Messick X Joseph & Thomas Michael-Ryan Alicia Mickenberg & Kathleen Fitzgerald* Jamie Middelton* Dr. Phyllis J. Mihalas X Melissa Milar* Alicia Miller & Shawn Noel* Bruce R. Miller & Dean D. LaVigne X Frank Miller X Marilyn K. Miller & Candice Zientek* Todd A. Miller & Michele Frame X Trixie Miller Stan Mills & Marcia Maldeis X Lee Wayne Mills X Martha Monell Andrea Monetti & Karen Petermann* Sue Monismith X Jamie Moore Teri Moore & Barb Kulbaba* Mary Morgan & Beth Fitton X Meg Morgan & Susan Lynham X Bob Morris & James Weygandt Carol Morris & Ann Abel Pearl Morris* Barry Moshinski & Robert Ponzini Andrew K. Moss & Richard Blevins X Donna Mulder & Denise Delesio* Brent Mundt X Marie Murray & Deb Ward X Robbin Murray & De Raynes* Cynthia Myers Kathleen Nagle & Susan Blazey Marta Nammack & Francis Murphy

Marc Nasberg & Howard R. Nelson X Keith Neale X Cindy Necaise & Debbie Cole X Lee Ann Nelson X Darrell Netherton & Robert Wheeler X James Newkirk & Leon Wilkowsky* Janet Newkirk X Arletta Nicholl & Mary Anderson Scott Nickle Konrad Noebel, MCAT, LMT & Brian Cox* James Nolan Janet Nosal Chuck Oakes & Robert Dellanoce* Susan O’Brien* Terry O’Bryan & Jack Musser James O’Dell X Megan O’Donnell Dan O’Flaherty* James O’Malley X Richard O’Malley X Missy Orlando & Patty Violini X Jeffrey & Lisa Osias X Kathy Osterholm Randy Overbaugh X Sharon Owens & Doreen Halbruner Sally Packard & Dinah Reath X Denise Page Richie Pagnotta X Bud Palmer X Stephen Pape & Jerry Clark Fred Parham Emilie Paternoster & Monica Parr X Carol Patterson & Carol Hughes* Tim Patterson & Harvey Sharpe X Peggy Paul X Wesley & Connie Paulson* Lucille & Dan Payne Michelle Peeling & Wendy Adams* Caroline Pellicano Beverly Peltz* Roy Perdue X Al Perez & Gary Kraft* Susan Petersen & Luz Cruz Eric Peterson X Elizabeth Petitte & Erin Reid Bruce Pfeufer X PFLAG-Rehoboth Beach Peggy Phillips & Norma McGrady* Frank Pileggi & Jon Blackman X Arleen Pinkos* Janice Pinto & Lori Swift* Terry Plowman X Jo Pokorny* Claire Pompei & Dolores Yurkovic* Mary Lu Pool Roni Posner X Pat Powell Renata Price & Yona Zucker* Timothy Price & Gerard Sealy X Glen C. Pruitt* Sarajane Quinn* Jean Rabian & Ralph Hackett X Elaine Raksis & Maxine Klane* Barb Ralph X Rob Ramoy X Bob & Mary Beth Ramsey X Linda Rancourt & M. Sue Sandmeyer* Lewis Rathbone* Carole Redman Janet Redman X Carolyn Redmon & Nancy Allen* Randy Reed X Rehoboth Art League* Laura Reich & Deb Zabinski Peter S. Reichertz X Ken Reilly & Tony Ghigi X Virginia Reime & Gene Tadlock*

Jeff Reinhart & Jack Miller* Patricia Remeis & Maureen Kane Don Reppy Thomas Resh & Jeffrey Meyers X Judith Retchin & Elyse Wander X Deborah Reuter & Deborah Bea* Sarah Reznek & Babette Pennay Sandie Riddell & Eileen Siner* Marion Ridley & Mark Lundy X Joel Robbins & Michael Linder X Sandra Robbins X William Robbins & Gary Ralph Sandy Roberts X Rob Robertson & Carlos Taylor X Teri & Amy Robinson-Guy Craig Rocklin X Tim Rodden & Randy Clayton X John & Susan Roehmer* Jeanne Rogers* Roy Rollins X Lauren Romig X Debbie Ronemus & Peggy Sander* Ed Rose & Sandra Robbins X Michael Rose & David Le Sage Peter Rosenstein X Larry L. Ross X Ellen & Terry Roth Perreault X Barb Rowe X Ski Rowland & Gary Mosher X Joan Rubenstein X Steve Sage & Thom Swiger X Chris Sailer & Min Mancini Joe & Nancy Sakaduski* Margaret Salamon* Cindy Sanders & Donna Smith* Sanford & Doris Slavin Foundation X Kim Schilpp* Nancy Schindler & Eric Youngdale Michael Schlechter & Kevin Sharp X Lisa Schlosser & Sherri Brown Rosemarie Schmidt & Carolyn Horn X Kirk Schneck Holly Schneider & Linda Haake Jaime Schneider & Glenn Randall X Peter Schott & Jeffrey Davis* Carol Schwartz X Craig Schwartz & William Pullen X Mona Schwartz & Joanne Tramposch* Carol Scileppi & Valerie McNickol* Diane Scobey X John Scotti & Greg Landers David Scuccimarra & Dorothy Fedorka* Clifton C. Seale & Charles A. Gilmore* Nancy Bradley Seibert* Shirley Semple* Marj Shannon* Dale Sheldon & Pat Coluzzi X Tara Sheldon Kelly Sheridan & Debra Quinton David Sherman X George Shevlin & Jack Suwanlert* William Shively & TD Stanger Davis Short & Beverly Castner Francine Siedlecki Frank Silverio X Marc Silverman & John Campbell* Kelly Simon Brian Sims Joanne Sinsheimer & Margaret Beatty* Sandra Skidmore X Ken Skrzesz X Jeffrey Slavin X Anne Smith & Lisa Taylor Carol Smith* Harlan Joe Smith & Dustin Abshire* Continued on page 111

AUGUST 20, 2021

109 Letters

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Letters 110 AUGUST 20, 2021

Continued from page 108

Leonard Smith X Marty Smith & F. Price Connors Peg Smith* Robert Smith Rosanne Smith & Brenda Butterfield* Shannon Smythe & Kevin Subers Claire & Mikki Snyder-Hall Sandra Sommerfield & Cindy Scott X Sandy Souder - Unity of Rehoboth Beach* Lynda Sowbel Jim Spellman X Lorraine Stanish & Beverly Miller* Christy Steer X Frank Sterner X Lisa Stewart X Libby Stiff & Bea Wagner X Milindi Stifler Allison Stine & Pete Jamieson Terry Stinson* Tracy Stith & Laura McCarthy Dr. Frederick C. Stoner * Michael Stover* Christine Strauss X Lois Strauss X Kaye Sullivan Trish Sullivan & Sandy Hudson Jill Sungenis & Nicole Bano Frank Surprenant, DDS & Chris Wisner X John Swift & Ron Bowman X Melanie Szvitich Gail Tannenbaum & Wendy Walker* Ronald Tate & Jacob Schiavo X Suzie & Robert Taylor - In Memory of Richard Bonnet Micaela Tedford X David Thomas & David Tiburzio X The Hon. Henry E. Thomas IV & John-Kevin Litschgi X Thomas Tibbetts X Otto F. Tidwell X George Todd & Rusty Baker Cassandra Toroian X Manny Tortosa X Cheryll & Bill Trefzger* Steve Triglia X Roz Troupin & Mary Harris X Patricia Truitt Abby Tschoepe & Pat Dunn* Matt Turlinski & Jerry Sipes X Ed Turner & Steve Baker X Judy Twell & Cheri Himmelheber Bruce Uliss X Thomas Urban & Marc Samuels* Donna Valla Debra Van Dyke* Jennifer Varone Joseph Vescio V. James Villareale & Dale Ebert* Gail Vitale & Carmen Garrett Beverly Vogt & Waneeta Mack X Patrick Wadsworth & Mike Converse X Scott Wagner & John Sohonage* Eric Wahl & Eric Coverdale Marianne Walch X Jennifer Walker & Mary Ann Veitch X David Wall & Robert Houck* Kenneth E. Walz & Robert G. Ward, Jr. X Garold Wampler X Michael E. Ward X Robert Warmkessel X Jack Warren* Sharyn Warwick X Ellen Watkins X

Troy Watson & Dennis Wolfgang* Barbara Weatherly Debbie Webber & Terry McQuaid Lisa Weidenbush & Judy Stout Kathy Weir & Lynn Finaldi* West Side New Beginnings Donna West Gary West & Jay Seitz - In Memory of Richard Pagnotta Karin Westermann Carl R. Wetzel X Liz Wheeler & Ruth Morse X Steve White & Wayne Williamson X Thomas White & Robert Freeman X Kurt Wibbens Aimee Wiest & Charlotte King Phil & Stephanie Wikes Steven Wildasin Keith Wilkinson X Diane & Ken Williams Edward Williams Jim Williams* Rich Williams X Kelly Williamson & J Ellis Lynne Wilmer & Jeannie Marsh Donna L. Wilson & Laurie R. Levin X Lynn Wilson* Stephanie Wingert & Carla Avery* Patricia Wojnas David Wolanski Max Wolf X Carol Woodcock & Carol Lewis* Cody Woodfin & Rich Morgan Michael Wray Robert B. Wright X Robert T. Wright & Jack Lim* Marjorie Wuestner & Catherine Balsley* Janet Yabroff Alexander G. Yearley X James E. Yiaski X Linda Yingst* Vickie York X John Zakreski* James Zeigler & In Memory of Sam Deetz* Carol Zelenkowski* Phyllis Zwarych & Sheila Chlanda*

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111 Letters

Letters 112 AUGUST 20, 2021

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AUGUST 20, 2021

113 Letters

Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Shangela Helps Drag Lone Star Bull Into the Action Hero Zone Who gets to be an action hero? That’s the question Lone Star Bull, currently in production, plans to explore when it eventually hits theaters near (one hopes) you. The debut feature from filmmaker David Stoddart, written by brothers Edward and Rory McHenry (creators of the World War II puppet comedy Jackboots on Whitehall), tells the story of a former military man turned nightclub bouncer, a medical student who does drag at the bar, and the mission of vengeance they undertake when the club owner is shot during a homophobic attack.

The film stars four queer actors: Brothers and Sisters alum and Hallmark Christmas movie mainstay Luke Macfarlane, Molly Bernard (Younger, Transparent), Mad Men co-star Bryan Batt, and drag superstar D.J. “Shangela” Pierce. In a genre that has historically had little desire to engage with queer characters or themes, what we’re hoping for here is a little bloodlust and vigilante justice from some pissed off homos with very particular sets of skills. We’ve earned it. ▼

Real Housewives of the North Pole Promises Holiday Mayhem NBC streaming service Peacock is throwing its hat into the Christmas movie ring with a brand-extending concept: take sister network Bravo’s realest housewives and allow them to ruin Christmas for anyone who gets in their way. That seems to be the promise of Real Housewives of the North Pole, starring Real Housewives of Beverly Hills glamourpuss Kyle Richards and Breaking Bad alum Betsy Brandt. They’ll play two women who’ve won the holiday house decorating contest for a decade in the town of North Pole, Vermont, only to find themselves in a knock-down-drag-out, friendshipending fight that splits the town into feuding factions. Shooting soon, we want this fight before Christmas on our screens by December if only to spill a little corrosive acid on the cozy genre that seems to dominate TV for the last hundred days of the year. ▼

Harry Styles is My Policeman Legendary gay novelist E.M. Forster penned classics like Maurice, Howards End, and A Room with a View, but he had as complicated a personal life as any queer person in the middle of the 20th century. His longstanding relationship with police officer Bob Buckingham, as well as with Buckingham’s wife, May, became the inspiration for Bethan Roberts’ novel, My Policeman.

Currently in post-production, the film version of that novel is the kind of openly queer production that the book’s fictional protagonists could only dream of. Starring Harry Styles and Linus Roache as younger and older versions of Tom, the titular cop, the film also features queer, non-binary actor Emma Corrin (Princess Diana on The Crown) and Gina McKee as younger and older versions of wife Marion, with David Dawson (The Last Kingdom) and gay screen vet Rupert Everett as the man who becomes involved with the ostensibly heterosexual married pair. Adapted by Philadelphia screenwriter Ron Nyswaner and directed by gay filmmaker Michael Grandage (Genius), we’re looking for this to do for bisexual poly relationships what mainstream queer filmmaking almost never does: get it respectfully right. ▼ Letters 114 AUGUST 20, 2021

Madonna’s Madame X Documentary Gets Into the Groove Did you miss Madonna’s “Madame X” tour? The album? Well, now’s your chance to get acquainted with it when Paramount+ drops her tour documentary, also called Madame X. Shot during the Lisbon dates of her 2019 concert tour, the spectacle of it all incorporates a lot of high-concept sets, costumes, musicians, and dancers (48 of those, to be exact). Directed

by Portuguese photographer Ricardo Gomes in collaboration with SKNX, the team that created Amazon Prime’s documentary, Madonna—World of Madame X, the concert film will showcase the ambitious concept album’s influences rooted in international pop. Ms. Ciccone has stated that she hopes the film will “remind us of the sacred bond of our shared humanity,” which is an appropriately grandiose goal, and nothing less than what we’d expect from a woman who’s never aimed for the small gesture. The movie arrives October 8 on Paramount+ and we’ll be there, lounging on our couch, watching the hardest working pop star in the world refuse to stop making noise. Long live the queen. ▼ Romeo San Vicente is waiting for you to justify his love.

AUGUST 20, 2021

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11 issues of LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth by first class mail.

CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Opportunities

M O R E

Local Heroes RB Candidate Forum (We Could Be) Heroes P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

July 26, 2019 Volume 29, Number 10 campreho both.com

SUN FESTIVAL 2021 VOLUNTEERS BLOCK PARTY 2021 VOLUNTEERS AIDS WALK DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS

YOUR NAME

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others.

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

STREET MAILING ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP

☐ YES ☐ NO PHONE

IS THIS A RENEWAL?

Send your check for $40 to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. If you prefer to use your Visa, MasterCard or American Express call 302-227-5620.

thank you ARTS TEAM Edward Alban Kerry Hallett Jane Knaus Lois Powell Leslie Sinclair Tiffany Smith Patricia Stiles Debbie Woods

CAMP COMMUNITY CENTER Ann Evans Natalie Moss Sandra Skidmore Alan Spiegelman CAMP MAINTENANCE Eric Korpon CAMPCIERGES Mary Anne Bonafair Barbara Breault Jeff Buhrman David Carder Max Dick E.J. Kenyon Jim Mease Kim Nelson Pat Powell

Patricia Stiles Russell Stiles

CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS Tony Burns Dave Camorali Fay Jacobs Laura Reitman CANDIDATE FORUM VOLUNTEER Rick Dietz CHORUS LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Neil Frock Bill Fuchs Dianna Johnston Judy Olsen Kim Schilpp Dave Scuccimarra Sandra Skidmore CROP EVENT— DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS Chris Bowers Frank DeFranzo Beth Kopicki

Jim Mease Leslie Sinclair Sandra Skidmore Debbie Woods CROP EVENT— FOOD BANK Greg Becker Deb Carroll Lewis Dawley Ginny Fessler Todd Hacker Nancy Hewish Karen Laitman Beverly Miller Jill Steiner Debbie Woods

EBAY VOLUNTEER Tony Mazzarella FIRST FRIDAYS WITH THE CAMP REHOBOTH CHORUS Sally Gillesy Bo Gordy-Stith Vicki Gordy-Stith Gail Heck Dave Minges Gloria Richards David Scuccimarra

Tracey Seabolt Doug Yetter GRANTS COMMITTEE Leslie Calman Kate Cauley David Garrett John Roane Leslie Sinclair

HANDMADE MARKET Serina Addona Hannah Boland Bob Croker Caitlin Dwinnell Mark Eubanks Jim Mease Marley Scheld Doug Sellers Hannah Simone HUDSON FIELDS FUNDRAISER Barbara Breault Mike DeFlavia Renee Ejdaharian Mark Eubanks Karen Laitman Jason Mathis Jim Mease

— PLEASE VISIT —

camprehoboth.com/volunteers to register as a volunteer and to sign up for available opportunities.

to all the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center volunteers for the period: July 2 - August 6, 2021 Kim Nelson Doug Sellers Lori Simmons Leslie Sinclair Bea Vuocolo LETTERS ARCHIVIST Ronald Dempsey LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM Dean Kasow Mary Ellen Mannion Kim Schlipp LETTERS MAILING TEAM David Carder David Hagelin Nancy Hewish Grant Kingswell Vickie Martina Stephen Palmer Russell Stiles Linda Yingst MEMBERSHIP TEAM Jane Blue David Carder Ann Evans

MINI MAILING PARTY VOLUNTEERS David Carder Mollyne Honor Daphne Kaplan Steve Scheffer RAINBOW THUMB CLUB Dale Adams Chris Bowers Carol Brice Linda DeFeo Karen DeSantis Patricia DiModugno Monica Fleischman Sparky Jones Chip Logan Carolyn Ortwein Samantha Pietryak Diane Scobey Evie Simmons Barb Thompson Margaret Tobin Elva Weininger

SUEDE VOLUNTEERS Jack Anderson Lillian Berenberg (and Maureen!)

Barbara Butta Angie Damen Richard Dietz Donna M. Dolce Renee Ejdaharian Ginny Fessler David Garrett Ann Garvey Rob Jasinski Karen Laitman Leslie Ledogar Chip Logan Jim Mease Bev Miller Linda Rikard Hannah Simone Mary Jo Tarallo Tama Viola

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Jeffrey Buhrman Pat Catanzariti Karen Laitman Jim Mease Rina Pellegrini Leslie Sinclair John Michael Sophos Angie Strano Debbie Woods

SOCIAL MEDIA Lyndon Johnson

AUGUST 20, 2021

117 Letters

AD INDEX 1776 Steakhouse.............................................................21 Accent On Travel..............................................................45 AG Renovations................................................................75 AIDS Healthcare Foundation............................................97 AIDS Walk.........................................................................69 Allen Jarmon, Realtor.......................................................47 Aqua Bar & Grill................................................................79 Beach Essentials..............................................................17 Beebe Healthcare............................................................56 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities.........................38 Brandywine Urology Consultants...............................7, 112 BSD...................................................................................75 Café Azafran.....................................................................57 CAMP Rehoboth Block Party..........................................110 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription............................117 CAMPsafe.........................................................................76 Caroline Huff, Artist..........................................................21 Cat & Mouse Publishing...................................................47 Chesapeake & Maine.......................................................77 Chris Beagle, Realtor.......................................................35 Christopher Peterson.......................................................37 Clear Space Theatre...................................................80, 81 Coho’s Market & Grill........................................................27 Country Lawn Care.........................................................118 County Bank.....................................................................35 DE Div of Public Health Tobacco......................................25 Debbie Reed Team...........................................................68 Delaware Community Foundation.................................105 Delaware Hospice............................................................48 Delaware Humane Association .......................................84 Delaware Pride...............................................................115 Delaware Stonewall PAC..................................................89 Diego’s Bar & Nightclub............. 52, 53, 85, 86, 87, 98, 99

Letters 118 AUGUST 20, 2021

Donna Whiteside, Realtor................................................11 Duck Donuts.....................................................................76 Fifth Avenue Jewelers......................................................65 Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant...................................63 Gay Women’s Meet Up ....................................................95 General Dentistry.............................................................68 Go Fish Go Brit ................................................................75 God’s Greyts Senior Greyhounds.....................................75 Goolee’s Grille..................................................................63 Harbour Waterfront Dining...............................................23 Harvey Grider, Accent On Travel 7-Night Cruise..............48 Hugh Fuller, Realtor..........................................................58 Immanuel Shelter.............................................................90 Indigo Indian Cuisine.......................................................65 Jack Lingo, Real Estate..................................................109 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley...........................................27 Jolly Trolley......................................................................95 Just In Thyme Restaurant.................................................47 Lana Warfield, Realtor......................................................39 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors..................................49 Lori’s Café........................................................................88 Loves Liquors...................................................................39 McWilliams Ballard Real Estate........................................51 Membership Matters........................................................43 MERR Institute ...............................................................113 Midway Fitness & Racquetball.......................................119 Milton Theatre................................................................103 Olivia Travel......................................................................29 PFLAG...............................................................................90 Philip Morton Gallery.......................................................... 9 Port 251...........................................................................31 Purple Parrot....................................................................59 PWW Law........................................................................113

Randall-Douglas...............................................................35 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors........................88 Rehoboth Beach Bears.....................................................83 Rehoboth Beach Dental...................................................39 Rehoboth Beach Museum................................................57 Rehoboth Guest House..................................................113 Rehoboth Massage & Alignment......................................95 Rigby’s .............................................................................91 Rocco Scutaro, Bryan Realty Group.................................43 Ron Whitesell, Realtor......................................................76 Saved Souls Animal Rescue.............................................57 Sea Bova Associates, Realtors.......................................120 Southern Delaware Chorale...........................................107 Springpoint Choice...........................................................64 Square One Grill...............................................................41 State Farm - George Bunting.........................................107 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin...................65 Sun Festival................................................................12, 13 Sun Festival 5k ................................................................19 Sussex Family YMCA........................................................95 The Lawson Firm..............................................................43 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead........................................17 The Pines..........................................................................67 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting............................94 Troy Roberts, Realtor........................................................21 True Blue Jazz..................................................................55 Unfinished Business.........................................................88 Village Volunteers..........................................................102 Volunteer Opportunities.................................................117 Volunteer Thank You......................................................117 Windsor’s Flowers............................................................68

SUMMER SPECIAL

$120

NEW Outdoor Functional Area

for 3 months

You can workout Outside or Inside. NO MORE EXCUSES!

EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

FREE WITH MEMBERSHIP Unlimited Classes: Spinning | Total Pump Resistance Band | 80s Step | Cardio Groove Body Strength | Boot Camp | Butts & Guts | Flex Fit

NO GIMMICKS, NO HIDDEN FEES, & NO ATTITUDE Commitment to Member Satisfaction Affordable Pay-As-You-Train Personal Training with NO contracts!

24-Hour Access to All Equipment, Racquetball, Sauna, WiFi Convenient location behind Midway Theaters. With great parking!

THE CLEANEST GYM IN TOWN! 34823 Derrickson Drive Behind Movies at Midway 302.645.0407 www.midwayfitness.com STA F F E D MidWay Ad-2021-July.indd 1

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PM AUGUST 20, 2021 7/1/21 119 2:26 Letters

LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

CELL

302-542-4197

LOCHWOOD - Lewes. New Construction w/late Winter Delivery. 3BR/2BA 1,640sf.

Bamboo floors, SS appliances, granite & more. 12’x16’ deck.

0.23 acres. $379,900 (2003552) similar home shown

PINTAIL POINTE - Milton.

Fall Delivery. 4BR/2BA 2,029sf 1-story w/glimpses of Beaverdam Creek. 5” oak floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite. 16’x20’ deck. 0.67 acres. $499,900 (2000664)

302-245-0577

~ CALL ~ LUZ ESCOBAR REALTOR ®

302-260-2080 cell email

luz_escobar2000@yahoo.com

INDIAN SUMMER VILLAGE - Millsboro.

2003 4BR/2BA home. Large addition behind the 1-car garage for storage or workshop. Big 16’x20’ shed. 0.45 acres. Low HOA dues of $275/yr. Well & septic. Approximately 14 miles to the Rehoboth boardwalk. $264,900 (181766)

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

WHITE TAIL LANE - Millsboro. You’ll find this 2002 3BR/2.5BA Cape Cod-style home down a long, private gravel lane. The 2-story home is approx. 2,100 sq. ft. on 4.1 acres. Attached 2-car garage & an enormous 30’x40’ 2-story pole barn w/lean-to for your boat or other “toys.” Formal LV w/gas FP. Big kitchen w/dining area. Family room is next to the kitchen, so it could be a formal dining room. Main bedroom & bath are on the 1st floor. Two big BRs upstairs. So much attic storage space. No HOA. $594,000 (183706)

*A/C

*A/C

HERON BAY - Lewes. 2008 3BR/2BA 1,456sf home has so many upgrades. Newer roof, HAVC, laminate flooring, 12’x14’ VinylTech porch & more. Bonus: Finished attic. ½ acre. $389,900 (184876)

BAYVILLE SHORES - Selbyville. This 2,230sf townhouse features views of the lake from the 1st & 2nd floors. It is steps away from the community pool & clubhouse. And the Fenwick Island State Park beaches are only 5 miles away! The 2002-built condo has a 1st-floor main bedroom suite, with walk-in closet, separate tub & shower, plus an 11’x16’ sunroom w/water views. 2nd BR/BA are on this level, too. Upstairs living room w/gas FP also has sunroom w/lake views.

3rd BR/BA upstairs, too.

Parking - 2 assigned spaces + extra for your guests. $419,900 (183982)

SHIPBUILDERS VILLAGE Milton. Located 1 mile from the historic downtown area.

57’x93’ lot is ready your new construction home. Cape schools. 15 miles to RB boardwalk. $80,500 (184316)

~ CALL ~ THERESA CAPPUCCINO REALTOR ®

609-515-5820 cell email

DelawareBeach@yahoo.com

LOCHWOOD - Lewes. New Construction – Starting Mid-July. 3BR/2BA 1,570 sq. ft. home.

Popular open floor plan with a split-bedroom layout. Kitchen will feature stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. 0.35 acres.

Screened porch. 10 miles to beach. Low HOA fees - $240/year. $419,900 (185068)

MILTON - Carpenter Road.

1971 4BR/2BA Class C home is nicely remodeled. 0.47 acres w/fenced backyard.

Well & septic. No HOA. 10 miles to Lewes public beach. $260,000 (2003552)

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth.

1978 14’x70’ 3BR/1.5BA. Cute, beachy interior. 12’x20’ screened porch. Shed Furnished.

Community pool. 4 miles to bch. $64,900 (2004080) Lot Rent $565/mt.

20250 Coastal Highway - Suite 3, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971  302-227-1222 office www.SEABOVA.com 

EMAIL

– RealEstate@SEABOVA.com

Office Independently Owned & Operated by SBA, Inc. Prices, promotions & availability subject to change without notice. * “A/C” Active/Under Contract, Accepting Back-Up Offers