Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 32, No. 1

Black History Happy Healthy Hearts Let It Snow!

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

February 4, 2022 Volume 32, Number 1 camprehoboth.com

inside 4 In Brief

News & Notes

6 Out In Delaware

THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 32, NUMBER 1 • FEBRUARY 4, 2022

18 Forgetful Heart

56 Winter Wonderland

MICHAEL GILLES

ED CASTELLI

Oooops! Valentine’s Day

Let It Snow!

DAVID MARINER

20 It’s My Life

58 CAMP Arts

8 President’s View

MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

60 Booked Solid

WES COMBS

10 CAMP News 12 Community News 14 Who’s That?

That’s CAMP!

The Newest Leaders at CAMP Rehoboth (Part 2 of 2) ANITA BROCCOLINO

16 Out & Proud

To Valentine or Not to Valentine STEFANI DEOUL

The Ghost of Christmas Past

DOUG YETTER

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

22 Health & Wellness

70 Words Matter

Achy Breaky Heart

STEPHANIE BELINSKE

Let’s End the Epidemic for Everyone

24 Out & About

CLARENCE FLUKER

Avengers: Friend Zone

72 Historical Headliners

ERIC PETERSON

26 Heart of Gold

My Pandemic Valentine BETH SHOCKLEY

28 Before The Beach Hello to a New Friend MICHAEL GILLES

Make ‘em Laugh: Moms Mabley Mending a Broken Heart by Ann Martin in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery.

See page 58.

30 Aging Gracelessly

44 The Writing Life

FAY JACOBS

R. KEVIN MALLINSON

Day of the Iguana

32 Dining Out

Rigby’s Bar & Grill: Where Everybody Knows Your Name JENNIFER RUBENSTEIN

34 CAMP Critters 36 CAMP Stories Love Is Not in the Air RICH BARNETT

42 Guest House Chronicles

ANN APTAKER

74 We Remember

Trial by Fire

46 Q-Puzzle 48 CAMPshots Celebrating!

ON THE COVER

Special thanks fo our cover model, Charlotte King. See page 4.

Photo by Murray Archibald

52 Byways

Farewell to Betty White MIKEY ROX

54 Be a Sport!

On the Trail of Delmarva Trails JUNEROSE FUTCHER

The Gay Beginning TOM KELCH See page 4

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

PUBLISHER David Mariner EDITOR Marj Shannon EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Matty Brown DESIGN AND LAYOUT Mary Beth Ramsey ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Tricia Massella DISTRIBUTION Mark Wolf CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aptaker, Rich Barnett, Stephanie Belinske, Anita Broccolino, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Wes Combs, Stefani Deoul, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, JuneRose Futcher, Michael Gilles, Fay Jacobs, Tom Kelch, Kevin Mallinson, David Mariner, Tricia Massella, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Mikey Rox, Jennifer Rubenstein, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Beth Shockley, Marj Shannon, Doug Yetter

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is published 13 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.

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. © 2022 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 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.

The Way I See It

BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

WELCOME TO LETTERS’ FIRST 2022 ISSUE! It’s great to be back after a long-ish time away—

especially given that break included the Omicron surge. I can think of better ways to spend a winter break—fingers crossed spring break goes better.

You’ll see some changes as Letters kicks off another year: • CAMP Arts has dropped its gallery and performance listings, to devote space to profiling an artist in each issue. “Artist” is broadly defined, as Doug Yetter notes in the column; you can look forward to meeting fine artists, crafters, dancers, actors, musicians— you name it!—in upcoming issues.

• The Health & Wellness column will be circulating among three or four contributors this year, each bringing his/her own perspective. This month’s writer is an epidemiologist with a column on (what else?!) heart health; next month’s writer covers alternative and integrative health and wellness. Stay tuned for a variety of topics as we broaden this column’s scope.

• Interested in local history? And a good LGBTQ+ story? Check out Tom Kelch’s first column on the Rehoboth Guest House! This will be a continuing series, delving into the guest house’s fascinating past.

• Maybe you’re a sportsperson? JuneRose Futcher gives us this month’s Be a Sport! column, focused on bicycling. She’ll cover sailing later this year; other columns will feature other sports. Maybe you have a favorite you’d like to suggest? Let me know!

• Mikey Rox, a frequent contributor, will now have a regular column: Byways. As someone who lives in and writes from his van, it’s a singularly apt title. This month he pays tribute to one of his (and our) lifelong favorites, Betty White. It’s a sweet piece.

Of course, given the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, we have other sweet fare as well.

Beth Shockley celebrates her pandemic Valentine; Michael Gilles would do the same—if he could remember the date, that is. Looking for somewhere to have that special dinner?

See Jennifer Rubenstein’s Dining Out column for one recommendation.

PRESIDENT Wesley Combs VICE PRESIDENT Leslie Ledogar SECRETARY Mike DeFlavia TREASURER Bea Vuocola AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Chris Beagle, Jane Blue, Pat Catanzariti, David Garrett, David Mariner (non-voting), Jason Darion Mathis-White, Natalie Moss, Tara Sheldon, and Leslie Sinclair EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David Mariner

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

You’ll also find lots of your favorites in our pages—Ann Aptaker gives us a fascinating profile of Moms Mabley; Rich Barnett, Stefani Deoul, Michael Thomas Ford, Fay Jacobs, Eric Peterson, and others help us start the 32nd volume of Letters in fine style. Of course they do.

I’m pleased to report there will be more of Letters to love this year: after two years of a reduced publication schedule (10 issues in 2020; 11 in 2021), we’ve increased to 13 issues this year. We’ll publish monthly now till summer, pick up the pace to every-three-weeks during “the season,” then return to monthly.

Thoughts or ideas you’d like to share? Send them along to me (editor@camprehoboth.com).

I’d love to hear from you!

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.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

3 Letters

Charlotte King Is Our Cover Star

I

n celebration of Black History Month, Charlotte King, the Chair of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ), graces the first cover of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth for 2022. King sports a red sweater to also honor American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day (February 4).

In 2015, King founded SDARJ, whose mission is to educate, inform, and advocate for racial justice and social equality for all.

With that mission in mind, King is quick to challenge the idea behind Black History Month. “Black history is American history,” King said. Instead of relegating “Black history” to one month, King said, “It should be celebrated every day…by recognizing the contributions of Black Americans to the development and growth of this country. There are other groups that contributed, but no other group contributed as much free labor to building America as Black Americans.”

As this month serves as a great reminder to celebrate and amplify Black voices in our community, the SDARJ has an exciting new enterprise: a new magazine, Black Voices. The quarterly publication, to be inserted within the Cape Gazette, seeks to bring the voices of Black Delawareans and their allies to the forefront. The first volume of Black Voices was released last November; the second is released February 4 to all subscribers of the Cape Gazette.

According to King, the new publication is a chance “to hear from the Black community, and to inform the Black community.” Citing the absence of Black voices not only in local publications, but also in state positions of power, King Letters 4

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

saw an opportunity to extend SDARJ’s mission beyond their seminars, book clubs, and town halls. Black Voices seeks to educate readers on the latest in local legislation, school systems, community policing, and more.

In addition to the new publication, SDARJ points to another major goal for 2022: getting state legislation passed that will hold police more accountable. “In most states, police officers are immune from accountability, scrutiny, and punishment, even though they, like every other citizen, commit their share of crimes, [including crimes] that they are willing to be witnessed by 9 million people as when they killed George Floyd,” King said.

Some wheels are already in motion.

Under the direction of Governor Carney, the Law Enforcement Accountability Task Force was launched in 2020. With SDARJ representation on two of its subcommittees, King stays up-to-date and is grateful for SDARJ’s seat at the table. “While we’re just a little NPO, we’ve somehow developed some credibility. We’ll join the discussions that’ll allow us to talk, and we’ll continue to write commentaries.”

Outside of her leadership and time spent advocating, Charlotte was also the longtime spouse and partner of Dr. Aimee Wiest, who passed away in January.

“Aimee left a permanent mark, especially on her high school students,” said King, who remembers Aimee as a rare soul.

“She practiced kindness, generosity, and respect. She truly thought that everyone deserved an equal amount of respect.”

May we all follow the example of not only Aimee, but King, too. ▼

KING’S BEGINNERS GUIDE TO

Blacks Writing About Race The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

BY MICHELLE ALEXANDER

“The alliance started with a meeting of Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow. I think everyone should start with Michelle Alexander.”

Just Mercy

BRYAN STEVENSON “Bryan Stevenson, who wrote Just Mercy, said that one of the ways to eliminate racism is to continue to have that conversation, and have it in close proximity with people you don’t usually sit down and talk with.”

ANYTHING BY JAMES BALDWIN “Despite being a fiction writer, he had tremendous things to say about the country and racism.”

Invisible Man RALPH ELLISON

“I’m almost six feet tall—can’t miss me in a crowd—and yet, I feel invisible. I thought it was a mental health issue. But I found out recently that I feel invisible because this country made me invisible and it’s a legitimate feeling that every Black person feels in America.”

Red Clay Passes Policy to Protect Trans Students On December 15, the Red Clay School District narrowly passed a policy to protect trans students within its public schools. By a thin margin of 4-3, the vote was decided after over four hours of discussion at the school board meeting.

The policy codified protections that allow trans students to use their chosen names and pronouns, bathrooms and facilities, and participate in athletic programs that correspond with their gender identity.

Representing CAMP Rehoboth at the meeting were both Hyde Nichols, Youth Coordinator, and Julian Kay Harbaugh, Youth Up Peer Leader. Both shared their

experiences to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth.

“Speaking for trans youth who, on average, experience violence and sexual assault at much higher rates than their cis peers, is so important,” said Nichols.

“Trans youth deserve just as much safety as their peers.”

The meeting also highlighted the dissent on these protections by many conservative groups, many of which took issue especially with confidentiality protections that allow students to use names and pronouns that are different to the ones used at home.

“It was interesting to see so many peo-

Winterfly at the Starboard

O

n Friday, February 25, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., swing by the Starboard in Dewey Beach to celebrate Winterfly 2022, a fundraising event for CAMP Rehoboth’s Youth Up Program.

Winterfly started as a social and local fundraising meetup for Firefly Music Festival superfans nine years ago. It’s the winter counterpart of Firefly, providing an opportunity for festival friends from all across the Mid-Atlantic area who want to see each other more than once a year.

This year’s festivities will feature entertainment by the fabulous Amethyst Diamond, and opportunities to win a variety of generous raffle prizes until 10:30 p.m. Then, DJ Sue P will mix all the greatest hits until 1:00 a.m. This event will require guests to be fully vaccinated and masked. ▼

The Pond Celebrates New Year’s to Benefit CAMP Rehoboth

T

he Pond celebrated New Year’s Day by donating a portion of its proceeds from the day to CAMP Rehoboth. They raised $400 to support CAMP Rehoboth’s programs. Many thanks to the Pond both for remembering CAMP on New Year’s Day and for its long-standing support.

Pictured l-r: Liz Renshaw, Ariel Donovan, Brianna Bailey

ple use the Bible to discriminate against trans people,” Nichols said. Then Karla Fleshman, Clinical Director of Transitions Delaware and ordained clergy, started her remarks with a quote from scripture. “That was pretty powerful,” Nichols reported.

The passing of this policy makes Red Clay only the second school district in Delaware to approve protections for trans youth; the first was Christina School District, which approved protections over a year ago. With 19 total districts in the state, Nichols looks forward to further change. “I hope that these school boards will think about the future and the precedent they want to set,” Nichols said. ▼

Local Giant Food Store Supports CAMP Rehoboth

C

AMP Rehoboth Community Center was excited to be selected by the Rehoboth Beach Giant Food store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Community Bag Program!

For the month of February, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center will receive a $1.00 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Giant Food store located at Route 1 and Route 270A. “We love giving back to the community and supporting amazing organizations like CAMP Rehoboth through the Giant Food Community Bag program. Our local non-profits are the backbone of our communities that keep us strong and moving forward!

Congratulations to CAMP Rehoboth for all the work they do. We are honored to support you,” said Pilar Redmond, who runs the program for Giant Food. ▼ FEBRUARY 4, 2022

5 Letters

OUT in Delaware

BY DAVID MARINER, CAMP REHOBOTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Family Ties

E

ven on a Zoom call, you can see Sally McBride’s face light up when she talks about her children.

There is her oldest, Sean. He is a radiation oncologist and married to the amazing Blake. They live in Brooklyn with their children but also spend a lot of time at their house in Millbrook, New York, which Sally enjoys visiting.

Their middle child, Dan, lives in Wilmington. He and wife Jamie have one child with another on the way.

And then there’s the youngest, Sarah.

Sarah lived with her parents during the pandemic, while she was running to be a Delaware State Senator. “What kept me going through the early days of the pandemic,” says Sally, “was standing

by Sarah’s side and working on the campaign.”

The work paid off. Sarah was part of an historic wave of openly LGBT candidates elected to office. This includes Eric Morrison, a representative from the 27th District, and Marie Pinkney, a State Senator representing the 13th District.

Sally McBride was born and raised here in Delaware. She went to school in Virginia and received a Master’s in Education, working as a high school guidance counselor. Her husband, Dave, began practicing law in 1975, the same year they moved into the house they live in currently, in a neighborhood they love.

Close as Sally was with her children, they nonetheless managed to surprise her. First, her son Sean came out to her way back in 2003. “Sean came out in 2003 during graduation weekend from college. He said that he was in love but didn’t want to talk about it. We said, ‘we’re here when you’re ready.’ We really had no idea whatsoever.” She worried about Sean’s future but took comfort in the fact that Sean was in a relationship and had a strong support network.

Then, years later, Sarah came out to the family as transgender. Again, Sally was surprised, and again, she worried Letters 6

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

about what the future would hold for Sarah as she learned some of the challenges transgender women face.

Those concerns, however, were allayed as Sarah found her voice and pursued her career.

The McBrides’ advocacy work took the family to Delaware Legislative Hall in 2013 to lobby for the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill. “We thought it was important that we stand with Sarah so that the legislators could see a loving and affirming family.”

It is her own family that brought her to this work, and Sally takes great joy in supporting other parents as they learn how to support their children.

Sally describes it as “one of the best things we’ve ever done.” However, they had to listen to hours of hate-filled testimony in the House and Senate by opponents of the Bill, mostly organized by the Delaware Family Policy Council.

Sally says sitting through that was “one of the hardest things we’ve ever done.”

Looking to the future, her advocacy work is focused on three core areas.

First, Parents of Trans Kids, PTK Delaware, continues to provide support to parents of transgender and nonbinary children. The group was started

by Sally and two other parents, Andrea Rashbaum and Elly Alexander. For the past two years the group has been meeting by Zoom. PTK Youth mentors Nijeria Thompson and Maggie McCool also provide Zooms for trans and nonbinary youth ages 12-19.

Second, Sally has been active in the Housing Safeguard Committee, which includes PTK, PFLAG Wilmington, and

other partners. “Its vision is to find safe housing for LGBTQ homeless youth who have been thrown out of the house or leave their home because it is unsafe.” says Sally.

The Housing Safeguard Committee has partnered with the Life Lines III program of West End Neighborhood House. The committee raised $120,000 to help with operating costs of a new three-bedroom townhome prioitizing LGBTQ homeless youth ages 18-23 years.

Finally, Sally believes training youthservice providers is essential. “Education is a powerful thing. It’s how we fight against hate.” Working with the Housing Safeguard Committee, Sally hopes to turn her attention more toward training school staff and providers working with homeless youth on LGBTQ 101.

Central to all her work, however, is supporting families and parents. It is her own family that brought her to this work, and Sally takes great joy in supporting other parents as they learn how to support their children.

Says TJ Sheldon, “Seven years ago a dear friend told me she knew a woman I had to meet. She was right. My first phone call with Sally McBride felt like the kind of hug you don’t want to let go.

She is the perfect combination of the warm and fuzzy mother and the mama bear ready to roar. ‘I have one of each,’ she said proudly, referring to her three children (one gay, one straight, one trans). Her experience, her knowledge, and her passion all enable her to meet a parent coming to terms with having an LGBTQ+ child in just the right way, at just the right time. She has opened minds, softened hearts, and—there is no doubt in my mind—saved lives.”

Sally always makes herself available to talk to parents here in Delaware, and we are all better because of it. ▼

David Mariner is Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth.

HE FOUND LUNG CANCER EARLY, AND NEVER LOST TIME. YOU COULD TOO. A low-dose CT scan can spot cancer when it’s most treatable, so you can keep living your life. You should speak with your health care provider if you: • Smoke now or quit smoking within the last 15 years; • Smoke or smoked a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years; and • Are 50 to 80 years of age.

Call 2-1-1 or visit HealthyDelaware.org/Lung for more information on a lung cancer screening. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for a free screening through Screening for Life.

DELAWARE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Division of Public Health Bureau of Chronic Diseases

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

7 Letters

President’s View

BY WESLEY COMBS

Tending an Oasis

L

et me reintroduce myself. If you are a reader of Letters, you may know me from my Intentionally Inclusive column or from CAMPshots where I was fortunate to be featured from time to time by Rehoboth’s famed paparazzi photographer (and friend) Tony Burns.

As I sat down to write my inaugural column from the perspective of being CAMP Rehoboth’s new Board President, I could not help but reflect on the journey to holding such an esteemed role in our community.

To be frank, it is a bit daunting, knowing I stand on the shoulders of the two previous and only board presidents in CAMP Rehoboth’s history, Murray Archibald and Chris Beagle, both of whom I am blessed to count as friends.

More importantly, it is because of their steadfast commitment to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach that my husband Greg Albright and I now call Rehoboth Beach our home.

In case you are still scratching your head wondering who the heck I am, here’s a quick recap. I met my husband in 1989 when he shared a beach house with Murray and his future husband, Steve Elkins. At the time, being gay was no walk in the park. Living openly meant you could lose your job, have family and friends reject you, be the victim of violence, or risk losing your life to AIDS. Coming to Rehoboth was then, and still is today, an oasis—a safe haven where LGBTQ people could leave the discrimination and fear behind and truly be who we are. In the early 90s, tensions between longtime residents and Rehoboth’s growing LGBTQ community threatened to take all this away.

Steve and Murray did something about it by intentionally bringing the community together to better understand each other and build bonds between the gay and straight commuLetters 8

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

nities. Their efforts lead to the founding of CAMP Rehoboth, an organization that remains dedicated to “creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities.” I cannot think of a better way to honor the ending of my Intentionally Inclusive column than by highlighting this perfect example of the impact we can have when we set our minds to it.

Over the next 30+ years Greg and I spent every summer in Rehoboth, initially as shares in group houses and then as homeowners. We have witnessed Rehoboth’s evolution from a quiet beach hamlet to the full-service destination it has become. At the same time, the benefits from growth have also taken a toll in the form of expansive development and the gridlock traffic we have come to loathe.

Through it all, CAMP Rehoboth has been a beacon of support for the LGBTQ community in Sussex County and across Delaware. Thanks to the financial support from individuals, businesses, foundations, state and federal grants, a passionate staff, and steadfast volunteers, CAMP Rehoboth has been able to: • Be a physical place where everyone in our community can gather safely • Provide health and wellness services including HIV/AIDS testing, and mental health education and support • Advocate for same-sex marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression and • Offer community-building arts and culture programs like Women’s FEST, the Baltimore Avenue Block Party, Sun Festival, art exhibitions, and the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus.

None of this would have been possible without the countless hours of time and leadership from CAMP Rehoboth’s Board of Directors. According to the Council of Nonprofits, “nonprofit board

members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.”

Having served on other boards, I can tell you firsthand that each of us takes this responsibility extremely seriously.

As I embark on my new role, here are some of the lessons I have learned which will help guide the way: • CAMP Rehoboth’s interests are the priority, not mine: Good decisions are based on data, facts, and not emotion.

Leverage knowledge and expertise from those on the front lines when assessing a situation.

• You must believe in what the organization does: My passion for enabling equity and opportunity in communities where I live guarantees I have the energy and attention necessary to stay the course. The privilege of working alongside the amazing staff at CAMP Rehoboth reinforces this every day.

• Having a clear vision aligns all stakeholders towards the same goal: CAMP Rehoboth cannot be everything to everyone. The needs of our community are constantly changing, which requires ongoing assessment of what we do to assure we are providing the right services in the most cost-effective way.

Finally, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Chris Beagle for his mentorship since joining the board in 2019 and for ensuring I was adequately prepared for the work ahead. Chris made sure I knew the history, what people were essential to CAMP Rehoboth’s success, and reminded me how CAMP Rehoboth has impacted our community. Thank you, my friend. ▼

Will your estate plan work when you need it to?

Not all estate plans are created equal. It is key that your estate planning attorney understands how to create a thorough estate plan and how to implement the plan during incapacity, during long-term care needs, or death. Will your plan work?

Estate Planning · Elder Law · Estate & Trust Administration w w w. p w w l a w. c o m 3 0 2 . 6 2 8. 4 14 0

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

9 Letters

CAMPNews A Great Collaboration Makes for a Great Holiday

M

any in Sussex County had a brighter holiday this year thanks to many generous donors and the efforts of CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) volunteers and the Rehoboth Beach Bears. The annual Toy, Hat/Glove, and Coat Drive for Sussex County individuals and families in need yielded 466 toys, including three bikes; 231 hats, gloves, and scarves; and 136 coats.

CAMP Rehoboth, Purple Parrot, and Diego’s were collection sites. CROP volunteers monitored the sites. The Rehoboth Beach Bears coordinated a “stuff the truck” donations day, and a team of CROP volunteers supported the “big sort” and packed the van for delivery to the recipient organizations.

Four local organizations and the individuals they serve were beneficiaries: ACE Peer Resource Center, Sussex Wellness Center, Orgullo Delaware, and Lighthouse for Broken Wings. In addition, an eight-year-old boy who has had a tough time this year will receive several

I

toys. All these organizations were thrilled with the quantity and quality of items they received, and we are sure the eight-yearold boy was ecstatic on Christmas Day! This community program was initiated in 2008. This year—and every year—has been wonderful, thanks to the efforts and generosity of many! ▼ Pictured above: Brian Cox

CROP Prepares Christmas Eve Meal for Home of the Brave

O

n Christmas Eve, CROP volunteers prepared a meal for those who served our country. Home of the Brave in Milford is helping to reduce the number of homeless veterans in Delmarva by providing housing and other needed re-

sources to set them on the right path. A team of CROP volunteers prepared and delivered a special meal to 16 veterans (including one woman) residing at Home of the Brave.

Volunteers shopped for ingredients, then cooked two hams, mac & cheese (made from scratch!), the ever-popular green bean casserole, a fresh Caesar salad, and three pies. A large poinsettia was also provided as a festive decoration.

The staff at Home of the Brave were especially grateful for CROP’s delicious meal, with enough for leftovers, and also for our efforts to provide a special treat for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

What a rewarding way to spend Christmas Eve! Thanks to the volunteers who participated and to all whose donations made this meal possible. ▼ Pictured: Karen Anderson, Brenda Dunn

Letters 10

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Thank You, Anita Broccolino! n late-January, CAMP Rehoboth staff said farewell to Development Director Anita Broccolino. In her role, Anita oversaw CAMP Rehoboth’s fundraising efforts and provided development guidance to the Board, volunteers, and existing committees, meanwhile helping to increase awareness in the community about the programs and activities CAMP Rehoboth offers.

“Anita brought energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the community in every event she produced for CAMP Rehoboth,” said Matty Brown, Operations Administrator at CAMP Rehoboth. “Whether it was exciting new fundraising opportunities like partnering with Dogfish Head for CAMP Rehoboth’s own beer, producing a one-of-a-kind special concert with Suede, or being instrumental in the rebranding of Sundance as Sun Festival, Anita’s work for CAMP Rehoboth translated into great fun for the community.”

“CAMP Rehoboth and its community members will certainly miss the energy and enthusiasm Anita put into everything she did,” said Board member Pat Catanzariti. “I personally want to wish her much, much success and happiness in her future endeavors.”

Thank you, Anita! ▼

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Postpones Concert

O

ut of an abundance of caution, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus has postponed its concert, The Great American Songbook. Originally scheduled for President’s Day weekend, the chorus’s return to the stage will have to wait just a little longer. Stay tuned to the CAMP Rehoboth website for future dates, sponsorship opportunities, and more information about the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. ▼

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

11 Letters

CommunityNews SDARJ Announces Scholarship Opportunities

T

We Have a Winner

R

obert Bourgot won the People’s Choice competition of the most recent Friends of Prime Hook US Wildlife Refuge Photography Contest.

The annual nature photography contest and exhibit concluded in December. Visitors to the show had the opportunity to choose their favorite from among all the photographs and vote for that photo. At the end of the show, the votes are tabulated and a special People’s Choice Award winner was announced.

This year’s winner proved very popular with visitors, although a number of other entries also received votes.

Robert Bourgot won this year with his photo of a juvenile tri-colored heron, taken at Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge. ▼

he Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) is presently accepting applications for the 2022 Charlotte King Scholarship Program. Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to Sussex County graduating seniors from the class of 2022 who identify as Black and/or African American. The essential criterion is a demonstrated concern for furthering racial understanding and justice. The deadline for submitting an application is April 3.

“We designed the scholarship program to lend support to students who understand that racial justice requires a commitment to community involvement and action,” said Erica Novak, Chair of the SDARJ Education Committee.

To be eligible for a scholarship award, the applicant must be a resident of Sussex County and planning to continue their education beyond high school in the fall. Awards may be used for study in any qualifying institution, regardless of location.

Eligible students should submit their application electronically, along with their high school transcript and a letter of reference. Questions about the scholarship program or the application process can be sent to sdarj.educmte@gmail.com. ▼

Zwaanendael Museum Seeks Volunteers for an Oral History Initiative

T

he Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum is seeking volunteers to participate in “Recapturing Black Beaches: A Shared Story Project,” an oral history initiative. The project is designed to gather, memorialize, and share stories about historically segregated Black and Indigenous beaches in Delaware and the people who visited them. These stories will be used for educational purposes and use will be determined by permissions granted by participants.

Volunteers may participate as storytellers, sharing their memories about the beaches with oral history project staff, or as interviewers.

For questions or to learn ore, contact the Zwaanendael Museum at (302) 6451148 or Zmuseum@delaware.gov. ▼

Know o t s Thing My Mom: y, About

e attorn d e r i t 1. Re eal Estate FT R 16712 Kings Highway, Lewes Agent 302.645.6661 e c i v r e S tomer t! s u C .

2 firs comes

The DonnaWhiteside Group 302.381.4871 donnawhiteside@gotogallo.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Letters 12

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

R U O Y K PIC E T A D T QUI

things f the hardest o e n o is g okin Quitting sm d many wer, time an o lp il w s e k oal to do. It ta uitline, our g Q re a w la e the D is attempts. At me you quit ti t x e n e th ake sure nd triple is to help m to. Call us a e v a h u o y the last time r good. f quitting fo o s e c n a h c your

8 1-866-4w0a9re-.o18rg5/quit la

healthyde

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

13 Letters

WHO’s That?... That’s CAMP!

BY ANITA BROCCOLINO, CAMP REHOBOTH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Newest Leaders at CAMP Rehoboth (Part 2 of 2)

I

n last month’s issue of Letters, we brought you part one of this two-part series, highlighting three (of five) recent additions to CAMP Rehoboth’s Board: Pat Catanzariti, Leslie Ledogar, and Bea Vuocolo. In this issue, we introduce the remaining two: Jason MathisWhite and David Garrett.

Jason Mathis-White, an easy-going man who loves to travel, has spent the last six years in the hospitality industry.

When I asked about his career, I did not expect to hear that prior to hotels, he had spent almost 15 years in the accounting sector. Jason’s effervescent personality stands out as a beacon that likely led him to his career change.

Jason shared that although he grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and was raised and lived in the Washington DC metro area for most of his life, he was married in Rehoboth Beach. Every time he and his husband returned for visits, they felt as though they were leaving home when it was time to return to the DC area. “Relocating to Delaware fulfilled my dreams to live near the water and also transition into real estate and hospitality.”

Jason has always been an advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS, and he feels that the testing and work that CAMP Rehoboth does with this community is phenomenal. He is also motivated by CAMP’s efforts to create a more positive Rehoboth by focusing on issues that are relevant and important to the LGBTQ+ population.

“There are still segments of the LGBTQ+ community in southern Delaware that are underserved, and I stay involved with CAMP to ensure that these populations become more included in programming and outreach.” Jason pointed specifically to the Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and transgender populations as being among those underserved. “I love a good challenge and I like to bridge gaps and challenge internally held biases,” he added.

When I asked Jason to share something people might not know about Letters 14

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

him, he replied, “I love to sing, and I still collect and build with LEGO bricks.” Next time you encounter Jason on the street, ask him to belt out one of his musical favorites.

Jason Mathis-White

David Garrett

When you meet David Garrett, there is one thing you will know almost immediately: David is a hugger. His genuine care and the warm, friendly way he greets everyone is contagious. In his presence you feel welcomed, heard, and respected.

After a career in the ministry, David shifted to the nonprofit arena, and ultimately retired as the executive director at a national trade association. He stays involved in a variety of activities, including as a member at Epworth United Methodist Church. Since retiring, he volunteers his time at Epworth, on the Board of CAMP Rehoboth, and at the New Life Thrift Shop in Lewes.

Originally from central Pennsylvania, David and his wife, Marti, bought a condo in Rehoboth Beach 10 years ago and

became weekenders. In 2015, they built a home and moved to this area full-time.

Almost immediately, David began writing a column for Letters called Straight Talk.

“I really admired how CAMP Rehoboth’s founders, Murray Archibald and Steve Elkins, created an organization from its genesis, and had the vision to make it what it is today. As a new board member, I hope to provide leadership and inspiration in the way I was inspired when I first became involved with CAMP Rehoboth.”

When asked to share something that others may not already know, David, like Jason, shared that he loves to sing. (Probably not a surprise, in David’s case, as I’ve heard him singing bass in the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus.) David also plays the trombone and handbells. Band CAMP? Or maybe a CAMP Band in the future?

Hmmmm…..

David is an easily likeable person.

When I asked who he would be, if he could be reincarnated as a famous person, he responded, “I would come back as Fred Rogers. An ordained pastor himself, he dedicated his life to the care of children and adults alike. He was gentle and committed to helping others be whole and healthy.”

This new set of Board members (all five of them) are an important part of our community, all working daily, in their own ways, to make CAMP Rehoboth, our community, and the world around us a better place to live, love, and play. They—and their fellow, longer-serving board members—are committed to helping everyone in our community feel heard, seen, and treated respectfully and equitably. ▼ Former CAMP Rehoboth Development Director Anita Broccolino worked to raise both funds for and awareness of the organization through fundraising and communications advancement efforts.

We are here for you.

We know these are stressful times, and we know that coming together and helping one another is how we get through them.

Jenn Harpel CFP®, ChFC® Associate Vice President Financial Advisor 55 Cascade Lane

As your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, I will help you create a plan that makes sense for you and your goals. With our knowledge and resources we will help you manage risk and keep your plan on track, so you can focus on all that’s happening in life.

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 +1 302 644-6620 Jennifer.Harpel@morganstanley.com NMLS #1310708

Contact me to see how I can help you or provide a second opinion.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. FAS014 CRC 3019916 04/20 CS 9829639 05/20

You’ve Always Belonged Here . . .

Lana Warfield 16712 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE Office: 302-645-6661 Cell: 302-236-2430 E-mail: lcwarfield@hotmail.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

15 Letters

Out & Proud

BY STEFANI DEOUL

To Valentine or Not to Valentine

H

ello, readers, and welcome back!

So, what’s new since we last convened here on the pages?

Stuck? I will help you. Our drug store aisles have dispensed with Christmas and filled themselves with Valentine’s Day cards and candy. Because nothing says love more than large commercial expenditures.

Okay, pause for our collective groan.

And now, let’s chat. One of the great upsides to being a writer, when we get lucky, is researching a topic and thinking, “wow, I didn’t know that.”

And today’s column emanates from such a circumstance.

For many of us, our love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day dates back to grade school. Many schools do “Valentine boxes” (wherein students’ “will you be my Valentine” cards are ‘secretly’ placed inside and then distributed) which doesn’t really work too well for queer children who by grade school instinctively, painfully, know this isn’t going to go the way they would wish.

Add to that the taunt of “I got the most cards and you didn’t” which (statistically) almost all of us know echoes long after the day is gone, is bound to happen.

For youngsters, even the candy hearts with their sayings and the gobs of chocolate in their shiny foil won’t quite erase the ache of the desired card that didn’t come.

But rather than go to the all-ornothing policy, what if we actually teach about Valentine’s Day? I realize that presents a potential challenge because this celebration of love and lovers is a bit of an historical kerfuffle.

What is known is there was a man, a priest, named Valentine (who was not gay), who put love above the law to perform outlaw marriages in his day.

It seems Roman Emperor Claudius II thought that he would get more and better soldiers if men were not allowed to marry, so he issued a decree outlawing marriage. Saint Valentine (or Letters 16

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Valentinus in Latin) continued to perform weddings in secret until he was arrested and executed for defying the ban on such marriages. He also performed weddings for Christian couples at a time when the church was persecuted.

All of which seems linear enough— but wait! There’s a Roman Pagan twist (Lupercalia), a dozen or so known Saint Valentines (including one Saint Valentina), a Pope Valentine who no one really knows much about and who

Let’s teach our children not about romance, but about love—that the love of friends is as important as any love you will know. only served for 40 days in 827 AD, and finally, of the most likely candidates to be the one, there are two! Both beheaded by Claudius II which leaves us with no one knowing for certain which is the St. Valentine’s Day Valentine.

But everyone agrees, whoever the right one is, Valentine is now the patron saint of fledgling relationships, engaged couples, and longtime marriages.

Which I’d like to think means, if legend is at all correct, Valentine, were he alive today, would be happily cozying up to the Pope and saying, you know, there’s nothing about marriage equality that should scare you.

He would not, however, be telling you to go buy a candy heart or a dozen roses. The person we can thank for romancing that stone is none other than Chaucer.

Sometime in the 1370s or so,

Chaucer wrote a poem called “Parliament of Fowls,” which contains the line, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird comes there to choose his mate.”

Seventy years later, around 1400, nobles inspired by Chaucer began writing poems known as “valentines” to their love interests. And thus, myth weds legend, fully linking Saint Valentine to romance, and centuries later, hearts and flowers still bloom.

So my answer to Saint Valentine’s Day is to remember it isn’t a competition for the biggest candy haul or floral bouquet, or some other romantic gesture. Saint Valentine’s Day it is about love. (And marriage equality.)

I suggest we go back to its roots, set aside a day in our lives to tell people we love them, to tell our pets we love them, to value love as a commodity unto itself, because then maybe the celebration of Valentine’s Day will become the most cherished of all.

Let’s teach our children not about romance, but about love—that the love of friends is as important as any love you will know.

Oh, and, about that Cupid baby… he was Greek. And he was a hunk of a Greek God named Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love herself.

Eros’s sexual power was so threatening to the Romans that they diminished it by infantilizing him, making him a cute child. Renaissance painters took up that cherubic imagery which is how Hallmark came to find it. It was “on trend.” ▼ 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.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

17 Letters

FORGETFUL HEART

BY MICHAEL GILLES

Oops! It’s Valentine’s Day

N

ow let’s be clear, I don’t do it on purpose. I love my spouse. And she loves me (mostly).

We stand together when standing together is needed. We leave each other alone when being alone is needed. And on special days (love events, I call them), one of us remembers most of them when they actually occur. And that one isn’t me.

I’m not that bad. Really. Out of the last 30 birthdays, I’ve only missed 30 of them. Out of the last 30 anniversaries, I’ve only missed 30 of them. Out of the last 30 Valentine’s Days, I’ve only missed…holy cow, I am that bad!

My adopted sisters, Why do I remember our Fay and Bonnie, remember love events. upcoming love events in the My pals Gail and Wendy days leading up to them, remember. My neighbors Paul and Patrizia but then totally forget those remember. So what’s events as they happen? wrong with me?

I’ve asked myself this question many times. Actually, for 30 years. My therapist says my problem is “selective forgetfulness.”

My response to her is always, “who are you?” I like to mess with my therapist. She doesn’t appreciate it.

So what is it that makes me a bad husband (at least four or five times a year)? I’ve thought about it a lot, and I think I’m the perfect husband. I feed the cat, I wash the dishes, I clean up after my late-night snacks (all three of them).

I got on my trusted source (Wikipedia, of course) to explore my problem and look for a really easy fix. And I found it! God bless my therapist. She was right!

Yes, there is something called selective forgetfulness and I’ve already forgotten what it is. Just kidding.

I can relax a bit. Selective forgetfulness isn’t Alzheimer’s. It isn’t caused by the many times my clumsy self has tripped and fallen on my head. Wikipedia (again) describes it as a type of amnesia in which the sufferer loses certain parts of their memory. Common elements that may be forgotten include: juggling and relationships. It’s true, I can’t remember how to juggle. Or maybe I’ve forgotten that I never knew how to juggle.

But it’s relationships that matter in this discussion.

Specifically, my relationship with my wife. Why do I remember our upcoming love events in the days leading up to them, but then totally forget those events as they happen? Why is my memory selectively forgetful?

I hate to say this, but it might just be getting old. The brain can hold just so much before items begin to fall out of your head as you sleep. Check your pillow when you wake up in the morning. Those lumps and crevices Letters 18

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

are caused by ideas tumbling out of your ears.

According to the National Institute on Aging, many people can become more forgetful as they age. One typical symptom is making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time. I make poor judgments every time I remember her birthday, our anniversary, and other love events 10 days before they occur, then have them disappear as I careen toward the day in question.

So I’m old. Maybe that’s it.

But it might be a multitude of other possibilities. One theory comes from studies involving rats (yuk) and electroconvulsive shock (double yuk). I’ll skip those ones.

I’m all for leaving rats out of my personal business.

Another theory: Sex can wipe your memory clean.

Got your attention, didn’t I? According to Health.com, some people experience “global transient amnesia,” a sudden loss of memory that can’t be attributed to any other neurological condition. The condition can be brought on by vigorous sex, as well as emotional stress, vigorous sex, minor head injuries, vigorous sex, jumping into hot or cold water, or vigorous sex. During an episode, a person can’t form new memories or remember very recent events. This could explain my forgetting love events, although it’s more likely caused by my constant head injuries than vigorous sex. Remember, I’m old.

Perhaps it’s just a matter of being together for 30 years and being comfortable enough with each other to forgive and forget. Or to forget and forgive. My wife doesn’t really mind when I forget our love events. As a matter of fact, she kind of thinks it’s funny. Funny enough that she shares it with the whole neighborhood. So she doesn’t mind, but 43 other people think I’m a jerk.

But I’m not forgetting any love events this year. I will shower my wife with flowers, candy, and as much vigorous sex as my heart can handle. How will I remember?

I’m going to pin this article to my forehead throughout 2022. Although I’ll probably forget that it’s there.

So Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and um, Happy Fourth of July. Remember I did this. I certainly won’t. ▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

Make your next move with the Chris Beagle Group A new direction in Real Estate.

Chris Beagle Group chrisbeaglegroup@compass.com M 302.786.7669 | O 302.298.1761

Scan here for more information

Chris Beagle Group is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with Compass RE a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. 406 Rehoboth Ave Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

We are open Wednesday - Sunday

Dinner 4:30pm - 9pm

Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm

Now serving Sunday Brunch from 10am - 2pm!

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 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

19 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

The Ghost of Christmas Past

T

he tree is still up.

To be fair, it went up several weeks later than it usually does, and it generally never comes down until after the new year. But we’ve now sailed past Epiphany and are hurtling rapidly toward Valentine’s Day, and it remains standing. I’m starting to feel that this might be a problem.

A couple of days ago, I stopped turning its lights on. For weeks I did it automatically when walking into the living room first thing in the morning. I thought maybe if I stopped, the tree would feel less cheery, and therefore I’d be more inclined to box it up for the year. But it only made me more depressed, so today I turned it on again.

I don’t entirely know what the problem is. Part of it is that I’ve been sick. A couple of at-home tests assure me that it isn’t You Know What, but at this point I don’t believe them. I have every symptom that goes with the new variant. Also, it’s been dragging on for weeks.

So while it could be Something Else, I don’t think so.

The most annoying effect of whatever has taken up residence inside me is overwhelming exhaustion. Doing anything takes monumental effort. Laundry now feels like the world’s most impossible chore. A book that was due to my editor the first week of the year is barely begun. Thinking about what to have for dinner, let alone foraging for the ingredients and actually making it, is a daily hell.

And then there’s the guilt. In addition to feeling bad about being late with my book, I feel like I’m barely a person. Cubby—who had the same thing I do but has recovered fully—goes off to work every morning and comes home to me having accomplished nothing. It’s got to be like living with a ghost.

Speaking of ghosts, my sister’s has been making unexpected appearances. I thought a lot about her over the holidays, our first without her.

Then the other day, while I was slogging my way through washing the dishes that had piled up, Spotify decided to play Charlie Dore’s “Pilot of the Airwaves.” A lot of my strongest memories are

I remember being really happy in that moment. And for some reason, that made me incredibly sad.

Letters 20 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

connected to music, and suddenly I had a very distinct memory of riding in a car with my sister while that song played on the radio. I would have been about 10, which means Nancy would have been 19. I remember being really happy in that moment. And for some reason, that made me incredibly sad. I couldn’t stop thinking about the things that have been lost, both personally and on a collective level, during a pandemic that has upended the lives of pretty much everyone.

And so the tree. Every morning I think, “Just do it.

One ornament at a time. If you’d started this a week ago, you’d be done and it wouldn’t be bothering you so much.” But I can’t seem to do it, just as I haven’t managed to write the words that, had I been doing them every day, would now add up to the book my editor is waiting for.

This morning when I took the dogs out, I ran into our neighbor. “I just love seeing your tree in the window,” she said. “I know it’s way past Christmas, but it’s so cheery.” She sighed. “I couldn’t even bring myself to put one up this year. I was just too tired.”

So maybe it’s not just me. Maybe we’re all too tired.

Or maybe we’re all becoming ghosts. Already, I have a hard time remembering what life was like Before All This. What did we do? Who was I? Earlier this month I was supposed to fly to New York for the annual Mystery Writers of America board meeting.

While I was kind of looking forward to it, I was also dreading it. Travel seemed like an activity I could only sort of vaguely remember how to do. Wearing pants. Talking to people. Did I ever really do those things? When it was decided that the meeting would be held virtually instead, I was relieved. I’m too tired to learn how to do new things.

Tomorrow I’ll get up and the tree will still be there. Or maybe it won’t. Maybe it will have started to fade away, it too becoming a ghost. Maybe I won’t have to worry about boxing up all those ornaments at all. Maybe, like so many things this year, they’ll become hazy memories of things I used to do. “Did we have a tree last year?” I’ll ask Cubby.

“Or do I just think we did?” ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com

OLIVIA WISHES YOU

HAPPY NEW YEAR Photo by Sue For tier

IER SPONSOR OF OLIVIA IS A PROUD PREM WOMEN'S FEST! CAMP REHOBOTH'S 2022

OLIVIA IS A PROUD PREMIER SPONSOR OF CAMP REHOBOTH

2ND WEEK ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND! 2023 will mark 50 golden years of Olivia: Let’s celebrate together!

50th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise II February 26–March 5, 2023

OLIVIA.COM · (800) 631-6277 BOOK YOUR DREAM VACATION WITH 24/7 ONLINE BOOKING FEBRUARY 4, 2022

21 Letters

health+wellness

BY STEPHANIE BELINSKE

Achy Breaky Heart

W

hen I think about February, I think about Valentine’s Day. Commercially, Valentine’s Day has been represented by hearts—lots of them.

These hearts are usually shades of red or pink but can be other colors too.

This symbolization of love is powerful.

It represents deep emotion and the core of our being. And while technically emotions may originate in our brain, the heart clearly plays an essential role for our bodies.

I know when I have felt deep emotion, whether it be love or loss, I feel it in my heart. Even now, when I think about the loss of my grandmother, I feel it in my heart. Likewise, when I think about my deep, unconditional love for my children, I feel it in my heart.

Aside from “just” those feelings, though, the heart, physiologically, is one of the most crucial structures of the body. Without a heart, we cease to function. That’s why heart health is so important. Perhaps, in December 1963, when President Lyndon Johnson declared February 1964 as the first annual “American Heart Month,” it was done purposefully since the heart was already a powerful symbol linked to that month.

So, what can we do to take care of the heart? This is a complicated question that perhaps requires a complicated answer. There are many diseases of the heart and its associated structures.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects about 36 percent of Delaware adults. If left untreated, high blood pressure can hurt the heart and arteries. Treating high blood pressure with medications is common, but there also are other ways to help manage it. Having a blood pressure cuff and taking readings daily can help anyone dealing with high blood pressure (and their doctor) to identify patterns.

Identifying times of the day, foods that we eat, and times of stress can help us manage our lifestyle and control our blood pressure. This is such an effective method, there is even a free

Letters 22 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

program available to teach self-monitoring blood pressure and lifestyle change to anyone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. For more information, visit healthydelaware. org or call the Delaware Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention and Control Program at 302-744-1040.

Managing cholesterol and blood pressure are the two most effective ways to prevent more serious conditions such as angina, heart attacks, or strokes.

High cholesterol is also a very common condition affecting the heart.

About 35 percent of Delaware adults reported having high cholesterol in 2019. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol is usually treated with medicine. But high cholesterol, like high blood pressure, also can be treated with lifestyle and diet changes. For example, one fairly easy way to lower cholesterol is to increase fiber intake.

Products like Metamucil and Benefiber have touted their ability to reduce cholesterol.

I have struggled with high cholesterol for almost 20 years. During that time, when I have increased my fiber, usually by adding a supplement, my total cholesterol reading is almost always better.

But high cholesterol is not just about the total. The ratio of bad cholesterol to good cholesterol is key. The low-density lipoprotein, LDL, can be renamed the “bad” cholesterol. That number, ideally, should be less than 100mg/dL. The high-density lipoprotein, HDL, can be renamed the “good” cholesterol, and

ideally should be more than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

Managing cholesterol and blood pressure are the two most effective ways to prevent more serious conditions such as angina, heart attacks, or strokes. Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Serious heart conditions and strokes can prove debilitating; some are fatal.

Clearly, preventing them to begin with is the preferred strategy! And lifestyle change is a great way to help manage all chronic diseases, including those conditions that affect the heart.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, and limiting animal fats can all have a big impact on our health, and ultimately enable us to live longer, healthier lives.

Another strategy: managing stress is a key component to living a hearthealthy life. Finding a routine that allows us to decompress and manage our daily stress can be key to having a healthy heart. Some people find meditation, yoga, or tai chi to be effective activities. Others enjoy a long walk, alone or with a companion, to be relaxing. Yet others find engaging in the arts to be a great stress reliever.

Whatever activity helps you, make sure it’s a priority. After all, living a life full of love and laughter requires a healthy heart. So, this February, I’ll be giving my Valentine lots of hugs, and maybe making a heart-healthy breakfast of oatmeal.

For more information about cardiovascular diseases or to explore programs available to Delaware residents, visit the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention and Control Program at: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/diabetes.html. ▼ Stephanie Belinske is an epidemiologist and a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University.

Classes & Events For more information about any of these events, please visit camprehoboth.com or call us at 302 227-5620. Zoom links (when applicable) can be found on our website or in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Unless indicated otherwise, in-person meetings take place at CAMP Rehoboth.

WALK-IN HIV TESTING

Mondays 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Free rapid HIV testing at CAMP Rehoboth. Get your results in 15 minutes. No Appointment needed during this time.

MORNING MINDFULNESS Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. (Zoom)

Start your Tuesdays off with CAMP Rehoboth.

Erin will lead a mindful exercise or morning meditation for 30 minutes.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. (Zoom)

In this class, Erin guides participants to synchronize conscious breath with mindful movement. The sequence of poses is designed to energize and strengthen, as well as relax and lengthen muscles.

MEN’S YOGA

Saturdays 8:45 a.m. (In-person)

Join us for our weekly Yoga Class. All levels are welcome, and everyone will be given the opportunity to modify or advance their practice, based upon their preferences.

TAX PREPARATION WITH AARP CAMP Rehoboth will be partnering with AARP to offer tax assistance weekly on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning in mid-February. Due to COVID, participants will schedule a time to drop off their tax documents and work will be done remotely.

Participants will pick up their completed returns the following Thursday. To schedule a time, please call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-2275620 or email info@camprehoboth.com.

Bi-weekly & Monthly Events WOMEN IN CIRCLE

YOUTHUP MONTHLY SOCIAL

Feb. 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m., MCC Rehoboth (In-person)

Join us for the YouthUp Monthly Social at MCC Rehoboth, 19369 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This event is designed specifically for 10- to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth.

FLAMING KNITTERS

Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. (In-person)

Flaming Knitters provides a thoughtful and engaging space for working, conversing, connecting, showing off, sharing resources, and supporting fiber-related crafts/projects in a queer- and trans-affirming space.

Feb. 5/Feb. 19, 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

COFFEE TALK

Women in Circle is a gathering of LGBTQ women. The circle is a welcoming, inclusive, and positive place to meet, connect, and share with other women. Each week a different topic opens the circle for women to discuss, learn from, and support each other. This group typically meets on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Coffee Talk is a place where the LGBTQ community can come together in a positive, non- judgmental atmosphere to share our thoughts and perspectives on a topic and dare to think outside the box.

Feb. 26, 10:00 a.m. (In-person))

MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP

CAMP REHOBOTH BOOK CLUB

The Men’s Discussion Group is a safe and nurturing space for GBTQ men to start conversations important to our community. We celebrate who we are, promote respect and understanding, and we accept each other’s differences with the intention of building a more connected community. This group typically meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month. For more information, contact William Dye at william.z.dye@gmail.com.

The CAMP Rehoboth Book Club is a queerfacilitated discussion group dedicated to reading novels about queer topics and/or books by queer authors that tackle a variety of interest and subject matters.

Feb. 9/Feb. 23, 7:00 p.m. (In-person)

Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

LESBIAN WIDOW SOCIAL NETWORK Mar. 2, 5:30 p.m. (In-person)

You’re invited to join us for a networking meeting for lesbian widows, and all LGBTQ women who are widows. Join us!

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

23 Letters

Out & About

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

Avengers: Friend Zone

I

started reading comic books when I was in junior high. It was the one typically “boy” thing that I loved—muscle-bound men and gorgeous gals saving the world in fabulous costumes was way better than skateboarding or football to my young gay mind.

And so, when the superhero craze went mainstream, my inner child rejoiced. And now, a decade later, the heroes show no sign of slowing down.

The undisputed flagship of the genre is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with 27 films and now limited series available on Disney’s streaming service.

I’ve watched each of the Marvel miniseries, and I’ve enjoyed them all. But my favorite, by far, is the most recent.

Hawkeye, starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld, premiered in November.

There are a number of reasons for this. The first, and the gayest, is that it features a Broadway musical. It’s meant to be awful, and it mostly is, but it was still fun. (And yes, there have been super-musicals on Broadway, 1966’s It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane It’s…Superman! and 2011’s Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark being the most well-known.)

The second, and it’s slightly spoiler-y, is that one of my favorite characters from the MCU films arrives in episode 4. Those who stick around to watch the post-credits scenes could see this one coming, but it was a delightful entrance nonetheless.

But the third, and most important reason why I loved this particular show is the way that it addresses friendship, particularly deep, platonic friendship between women and straight men.

In the show, Clint/Hawkeye (Renner) is mourning the death of his best friend, Natasha/Black Widow, while meeting and mentoring Kate, a new sidekick/protégé (Steinfeld). In some ways, Hawkeye plays like a traditional romantic comedy, as Clint doesn’t much care for Kate when he first meets her.

Letters 24 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

But, over six episodes, he begins to appreciate her skill and care for her as a person. And—it is never once mentioned, or even hinted at, that the two of them will melt into each other’s arms.

I cannot remember the last time in movies, television, books, or comics themselves when a heterosexual man declared that a woman was his best friend with no additional qualifiers.

Typically, in our pop culture, a deep, platonic friendship between a man and a woman only happens within certain boundaries. In many of these stories, Will & Grace being the most obvious example, the man is gay. (I can’t think of any stories between a straight man and

I cannot remember the last time in movies, television, books, or comics themselves when a heterosexual man declared that a woman was his best friend with no additional qualifiers. lesbian woman, but the same principle would apply.) As a gay man who loves his female friends, I’m all about representation and I enjoy those stories.

And, it’s obvious that Will and Grace are never going to get involved romantically or sexually (yes, I did see The Next Best Thing, but I think we can all agree that we should never talk about it ever again).

There are also a few stories that center on adult brother-sister relationships. You Can Count On Me

is a favorite, although it would be difficult to imagine that Sammy (Laura Linney) and Terry (Mark Ruffalo) would be friends if they weren’t family. The best example is probably The Skeleton Twins, where the platonic nature of Milo and Maggie’s (Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig) friendship is protected by that fact that they’re siblings AND he’s gay (and it’s a genuinely terrific movie).

This is important, because without ever seeing a man and a woman who could be attracted to each other, who could become sexually involved without breaking huge social taboos, develop a deep and abiding friendship, it sends a message that this kind of relationship is impossible, that it never happens. It reinforces a prevailing Men-Are-FromMars-Women-Are-From-Venus belief that men and women can only relate to each other on romantic or sexual terms—it defines both men and women as purely sexual beings who can only develop friendships with those with whom they otherwise cannot do the dance with no pants.

And look, I have nothing against sex, or a good love story, for that matter.

Furthermore, I am not advocating for a sanction on romance. But witnessing the relationship between Clint and Kate spark, deepen, and solidify without the merest suggestion of romantic attraction or sexual tension almost felt revolutionary. And they did it all without ever talking about it. Luckily, they were far too busy saving New York City from the bad guys. ▼ Eric Peterson is an essayist and novelist.

He works as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practitioner, and his debut novel (Loyalty, Love & Vermouth) is available wherever books are sold.

UPGRADE U P G Ryour A DHORIZON E your HORIZON UPGRADE FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE* your HORIZON

50% REDUCED DEPOSITS FREE 2-CATEGORYplus SUITE UPGRADE* plus 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS Across Every Destination in 2022-2024 FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE* Across Every Destination in 2022-2024 plus 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS

UPGRADE

your HORIZON

Across Every Destination in 2022-2024 FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE* plus 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS

Enjoy even more unrivaled space in 2022-2024 withina2022-2024 FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE* Across Every Destination Enjoy even more unrivaled space in 2022-2024 with a FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE* — plus 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS. Discover the best each destination has to offer and DEPOSITS. Discover the each destination has to offer and — plus 50% REDUCED Enjoy even more space in best 2022-2024 a FREE UPGRADE* enjoy all unrivaled the additional amenities thatwith come with2-CATEGORY your upgradeSUITE and the enjoy all the additional amenities that come with your upgrade and the 50% experience REDUCED DEPOSITS. Discover destination has before to offeryou. and — plus incredible of awakening eachthe daybest witheach a new horizon set incredible experience ofmore awakening each day with a that new horizon set before you. enjoy all the additional amenities come with your upgrade and UPGRADE* the Enjoy even unrivaled space in 2022-2024 with a FREE 2-CATEGORY SUITE

incredible of awakening eachthe day with a new horizon has set before 50%experience REDUCED DEPOSITS. Discover best each destination offer you. and SCAN — plus SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SUITE BY FEBRUARY 28,to 2022 HERE TO SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SUITE BY FEBRUARY 28, 2022 enjoy all the AND additional amenities that come with your upgrade and the ENJOY 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS. FIND SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SUITE BY FEBRUARY 28, 2022 AND ENJOY 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS. incredible experience of awakening each day with a new horizon set before you.

YOUR CRUISE! AND ENJOY 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS. SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SUITE BY FEBRUARY 28, 2022 AND ENJOY 50% REDUCED DEPOSITS.

ACCENT ON TRAVEL CONTAC T A TR AVEL SPECIALIST TODAY! ACCENT ON TRAVEL Sofia Hedman ACCENT ON TRAVEL Sofia Hedman sofia@accentontravel.us 302-278-6100 | 800-848-3273 Sofia Hedman sofia@accentontravel.us ACCENT ONconsulting@accentontravel.com TRAVEL sofia@accentontravel.us Proud to be a Premier Sponsor of:

Sofia Hedman accentontravel.com sofia@accentontravel.us

PLENTY

37156 Rehoboth Ave FREE *Upgrade Your Horizon offer is capacity controlled and applies to new bookings only made between January 3 and February 28, 2022. Guests will receive a FREE 2-Category Suite Upgrade, up to a Penthouse Suite (Category A), PARKING! on applicable voyages† as well as 50% Reduced Deposits**. Availability is limited and restrictions apply — applicable voyages are subject to removal at any time without notice; offer may be withdrawn at any time. Mention “HORIZON” Rehoboth Beach, DE ade Your Horizon offer is capacity controlled and applies to new only made between January 3 and February 28, 2022.†For Guests receive a FREE 2-Category Suite Upgrade, up to aand Penthouse Suite (Category A), RSSC.com/Upgrade-Yourat time of booking.

For complete Terms and bookings Conditions, please visit www.rssc.com/legal/terms-conditions. a listwill of applicable voyages including applicable voyages suite categories, please visit – OF –

YourDeposits**.

Horizon offer is capacity controlled and applies new bookings onlyvoyages made between January 3 and February 28, 2022.

Guests willoffer receive a FREE 2-Category Suite Upgrade, up “HORIZON” to a Penthouse Suite (Category A), licable voyages† as well as *Upgrade 50% Reduced Availability limited and restrictions — applicable are subject to removal at any time without notice; may be withdrawn at any time.

Mention Horizon.

Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands & is Bahamas. ©2021 Regenttoapply Seven Seas Cruises applicable voyages† asplease well asvisit 50%www.rssc.com/legal/terms-conditions.

Reduced Deposits**. Availability is limited†For andarestrictions apply —voyages applicable voyagesapplicable are subjectvoyages to removal atsuite any time without notice; may be withdrawn at any time. Mention “HORIZON” of booking. For complete on Terms and Conditions, list of applicable including and categories, please offer visit RSSC.com/Upgrade-Yourtime of&booking.

For complete Terms and Seas Conditions, n. Ships’ Registry: MarshallatIslands Bahamas. ©2021 Regent Seven Cruisesplease visit www.rssc.com/legal/terms-conditions. †For a list of applicable voyages including applicable voyages and suite categories, please visit RSSC.com/Upgrade-YourDEC2120207 Your Horizon offer is capacity controlled and applies new bookings only made between January 3 and February 28, 2022. Guests will receive a FREE 2-Category Suite Upgrade, up to a Penthouse Suite (Category A), Horizon.*Upgrade Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands & Bahamas. ©2021 RegenttoSeven Seas Cruises on applicable voyages† as well as 50% Reduced Deposits**. Availability is limited and restrictions apply — applicable voyages are subject to removal at any time without notice; offer may be withdrawn at any time. Mention “HORIZON” at time of booking. For complete Terms and Conditions, please visit www.rssc.com/legal/terms-conditions. †For a list of applicable voyages including applicable voyages and suite categories, pleaseDEC2120207 visit RSSC.com/Upgrade-YourDEC2120207 Horizon. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands & Bahamas. ©2021 Regent Seven Seas Cruises DEC2120207

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

25 Letters

HEART OF GOLD

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

My Pandemic Valentine

H

opefully, the worst of the Omicron surge is in the rearview.

But it looks like, for me and my wife at least, this Valentine’s Day will be another at-home holiday— just to be safe. Sigh. We’ll order in a special meal, maybe. And spend time together. Just the two of us. Like last year. Because we haven’t already spent almost all of our time together for the last two years, just us.

I love my wife, Sandy, more than I can ever express. She is the kindest and best person I know. But I don’t know how she has managed to put up with me during these last two years of near isolation and forced togetherness. So this year, I thought I would pen a “Thank You for Putting Up with Me During the Pandemic, Valentine!”

Thank you, wonderful wife for never blinking when I yell at Alexa. I do this because Alexa plays the same music on “70s on 7” as “The Bridge.” Except “70s on 7” always plays “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero,” “I Want You to Want Me,” and “Run, Joey, Run!” at least three times a day.

So I tell Alexa to play “The Bridge,” a mellower version. You get Steve Winwood, Neil Young, or Jackson Browne.

Every. Single. Time. “Alexa!,” I scream, “play Classic Vinyl!” This frequently helps.

Until they play Peter Frampton or Boston.

Then it’s on to Classic Rewind (same issue). And if I hear “The Safety Dance” one more time on “80s on 8,” I’m just going to lose consciousness. You get the picture.

Why not play my own playlists, you might ask. I did. Over and over. Last year. And I’m already sick of the new one I created last month.

Thank you, oh most understanding wife, for not throwing my computer at me at least once this year. Countless times I have panicked over losing a document that, oh wait, there it is—right there on the desktop! And that email that actually WASN’T deleted. You come all the way downstairs for these after my frantic texts.

Like you aren’t doing your own work or anything…

And how about all those work VPN connection issues that I now call my agency’s Help Desk for? Better them than you, I finally determined. I can ask them why things work (or don’t) the way they do (or don’t) and I don’t question their incomprehensible answers. “Oh yes, of course,” I reply to them, sagely. I’ve been using computers since they came out and I still don’t understand how they work. I just want them to.

Thank you, most patient wife, for staying outside with the dogs while the

…I don’t know how she has managed to put up with me during these last two years of near isolation and forced togetherness.

The author (left) with her wife.

Letters 26 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

kitties take their sweet-ass time eating their breakfast and using the litterboxes in the morning. Especially these cold, snowy mornings. “Not yet—Charlie hasn’t gone!”

This is the only Valentine you’ll get from the cats. Ever.

Thank you, generous wife, for ordering vast numbers of lesbian romance, fiction, and sci-fi novels that I consume faster than they can be located or written.

I know that you will teach me how to do it myself one of these days, when I’m not asking why a certain selection won’t delete.

And for not getting terribly upset when I fall asleep in the comfy chair after work when you want to put your feet up. Yes, we have many chairs. But the comfy chair reigns supreme.

Thank you, exhausted wife, for trying to keep up with me being a night owl. I have a nighttime alarm set on my phone to tell me to go to bed. I think that after the third “one more chapter” you should leave me downstairs at the kitchen table to fall asleep on my iPad. I feel terrible waking you up from the comfy chair to tell you it’s time for us to go to bed.

And finally, thank you, sweet wife for assuring me that the Christmas tree lights, stove, and HVAC system will not burn the house down by themselves while we sleep. And for just being there with me when I’m depressed or when all I can offer to your questions is monosyllabic answers because I’m overwhelmed with anxiety at the state of the world.

I love you for these and so many other reasons. You and I have been fortunate these past couple of pandemic years. We haven’t gotten sick. We haven’t argued much. We have jobs, can work from home, we have enough food and a good house, dear friends and family, and loving fur babies.

So happy pandemic Valentine’s Day. But are you still sure you want to be married to me? ▼ Beth Shockley is a public affairs specialist and a former editor of Letters.

STILL THE ONE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS STARTING OUR 38TH YEAR AT THE BEACH

Plan early for all your special occasions Valentines Dinner | Easter Sunday | Mother’s Day Dinner We are great for everyday non-occasions too!!

Dinner 7 nights, 5:00-10:00pm year round Call for Reservations: 227-3100 Reservations: 301-227-3100 • www.justinthymerestaurant.com 38163 Robinsons Drive • Rehoboth Beach (the corner of Hwy. 1 & Robinsons Drive)

At The Lodges of Coastal Delaware, we respect, honor and celebrate the individuality of every resident and team member. Here, we believe that a lifestyle community is a place to live, belong, and enjoy 'Life. Your Way.' Named “Best of Delaware” for 2021, The Lodge at Truitt Homestead is proud to be the first SAGECare Certified senior lifestyle community in Delaware, treating each resident with dignity and respect while catering to the unique needs of seniors in the LGBT+ community. Opening in 2023, The Lodge at Historic Lewes will be home to the same exceptional and inclusive lifestyle, offering vibrant assisted living and groundbreaking The Compass Memory Care™.

Start your journey to “Lodge Life” today by calling 844-993-9888.

BEST SENIOR RESIDENCE READERS PICK DOWNSTATE

LEWES & REHOBOTH BEACH, DE | WWW.LODGELIFEDE.COM | 844-993-9888 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

27 Letters

Before the Beach

BY MICHAEL GILLES

Hello to a New Friend

W

hat do you call a woman who is a personal trainer, an improvement coach, a college professor, and an accomplished writer?

You call that woman Pattie Cinelli, who is the newest addition to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. A health and wellness writer, she will debut in our March issue as one of the rotating group of contributors assigned to the Health & Wellness column. So, it’s about time we say hi and find out just who this fitness guru is.

Pattie writes about body, mind, and spirit, and is a self-described free spirit who has been writing, and getting published, since eighth grade. For more than 25 years, Pattie has written a health and fitness column for The Hill Rag, a monthly publication in Washington, DC, and has been quoted extensively as a fitness expert in national publications.

She really knows her stuff. And her stuff is fitness.

As stated on her website (pattiecinelli.com), “Pattie is a popular fitness instructor of low impact, body conditioning, core conditioning, stretch, cycling, stability ball, and breathing and meditation classes. Combining the best of Pilates and Yoga principles to help students develop more flexible, stronger, and leaner bodies, Pattie created the Fitness Blend, a workout that focuses on the mind and body in harmony.”

She also served as an adjunct professor in exercise science programs at the George Washington University.

Whew! I’m exhausted.

So how did Pattie’s journey take her to Delaware and the steps of CAMP Rehoboth?

After moving to Manhattan from White Plains, NY, she worked at the advertising titan Young & Rubicam at age 21. Visiting a friend in beautiful Hawaii, her short stay became six or seven months, and she ended up moving to Honolulu. Ever the achiever, she served in various communications positions, including a stint with the Associated Letters 28 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Press. When her parents became ill, she pulled up roots and came back to New York to care for her family. She later moved to Washington, DC, ending up in the storied Capitol Hill neighborhood for many years.

During the 90s, Pattie became very familiar with Delaware, where she shared a beach house in Fenwick Island with 17 people. That qualified her as a real free spirit! While soaking up the sun, she

While soaking up the sun, she helped organize Dewey Beach’s Doodle Romp, which grew from 40 families to 1,000 families during her time there. helped organize Dewey Beach’s Doodle Romp, which grew from 40 families to 1,000 families during her time there.

Lewes got lucky when Pattie decided to settle there in January of 2020. After a friend saw an ad for writers for Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Pattie responded, and here she is, prepping for March.

Now I don’t know anything about exercise. I haven’t seen my feet in over 20 years, and I can do three pushups if

you give me a week to finish them. But I asked her why exercise was her thing.

Always athletic, she earned awards for kayaking and canoeing at an early age. To her, it was just fun. She started teaching jazzercise, which she loved, but when her dad died at 59, she stopped teaching aerobics and started to work in the banking industry, keeping her foot in the water by writing her features in The Hill Rag. But she missed training, and in her words, was “not in it for the money,” so she went back to training and teaching, sometimes at a client’s home, sometimes at a gym. With one-on-one and small group training, some of her clients stayed with her for 15 to 20 years. Now, she is unsure if or when she will teach again, citing concerns about COVID and the difficulty exercising in a mask. I hope she returns to her teaching.

When I asked Pattie what’s the most rewarding thing she has done, she didn’t hesitate: adopting a mini-goldendoodle.

For 15 ½ years, Pattie had the unconditional love of her dog Marcello.

Together they shared many an adventure on Capitol Hill. Everybody knew Marcello, and he became an anchor in Pattie’s life. Sadly, Marcello died during the pandemic, and a devastated Pattie adopted another goldendoodle.

Now she and Gianni are sharing more adventures in Angola by the Bay, and becoming fast friends.

When asked for three thoughts she’d like to leave her audience, Pattie replied, “we create our own reality. In the winter, you can see that a tree has no leaves, or you can see how majestic it is. Live with your heart, not your head. Our power is now, not how we were yesterday or hope to be tomorrow.”

What do you call a woman who thinks like that? You call that woman Pattie Cinelli.▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

TEAM BEEBE,

THANK

YOU BECAUSE OF YOU, THE BEST CARE IS HERE.

“

On behalf of all of our donors, I want to say thank you. You have given the first gift – the gift of excellent care to our patients, their families, and our community. Thank you for your courage.

“

Tom Protack

President, Beebe Medical Foundation

beebehealthcare.org MEDICAL GROUP BH_Print_TY21_ExecAdvert_Protack_02.indd 1

Letters 7.5 x 10

AM FEBRUARY 4, 20221/21/22 29 9:09 Letters

Aging Gracelessly

BY FAY JACOBS

Day of the Iguana

W

ell, here I am writing from Florida, and I promise not to gloat.

But I have to say, it’s been relatively cool here for the past few weeks. So cool in fact, that iguanas, chilled to the bone, are dropping from trees and rooftops.

This is, of course, a dangerous thing.

Getting hit in the head by an incoming iguana is nothing to laugh about. Of course, I’m laughing. I mean I’ve had hurricane and tornado warnings come from my iPhone before, but the recent Weather Service Falling Iguana Warning was a first for me.

There was a giant iguana perched on the top of the umbrella over our breakfast table recently and I thought about it. If that thing turned into a popsicle and took a dive, both I and the dog on my lap could be concussed.

And here’s the thing, when they fall, they aren’t dead, just temporarily incapacitated. I’m hopeful that if I get hit in the head by a falling iguana, the reptile will recover in time to call 911 for me.

So, what’s new in Rehoboth? I understand that prep for the April Women’s FEST is coming along. This is a bit weird for me, as that project consumed me for much of the past two decades. My volun-

Letters 30 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

tary retirement aside, I’m looking forward to being an audience member at Chely Wright’s concert and the show by the Funny Girlz, bound to be hilarious. Check out the ad in this issue of Letters.

I will say, the new FEST Committee was gracious enough to invite me to do a show on the Sunday evening of FEST Weekend (April 10) and I’ll get the chance to do some new material—including a tale of my latest hobby, axe-throwing.

Seriously.

Axe-throwing bars are all the rage these days and our friends at Lefty’s on Route One have joined in. It’s a blast.

Back in December, our senior citizen squad did very, very well, and all of our rotator cuffs are still intact. You should check it out.

As for checking it out, my wife finally got sick of my answering every question she asked with the single word, “what?”

When she came home one time, she stood on the porch fumbling for her house key and realized she could hear the blaring Jeopardy theme through the front window. After the first question, she was certain our neighbors would answer “What is: ‘old farts next door?’”

So, she sent me to get my hearing checked. When I had a test last Novem-

ber in Sussex County, the news was hard to hear. I needed hearing aids.

I put the purchase off, but last week here in Florida, when I went to let the dog out, I could hear Jeopardy champ Amy (don’t you love her?) answering the questions from the back yard. I guess the TV was pretty loud.

Uncle. I need hearing aids.

I went to Costco to investigate the situation. The reassuring news was that my test here in Florida perfectly echoed the previous test.

But I worried. If I got hearing aids at Costco, would they be jumbo economy size? No, turns out they were exactly like the models I was shown at the doctor’s office, but a quarter the cost. This was news I was happy to hear.

I chose a color to match what my hairdresser slathers on my grey roots and ordered the things. I’ll report in with my next column. Unless of course I’m taken out first by a falling iguana. ▼ Fay Jacobs is the author of five published books and is touring with her one-woman sit-down comedy show, Aging Gracelessly. Her reports on Rehoboth’s LGBTQ history can be heard on RadioRehoboth, 99.1.

27 Coventry Road

Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club

Rehoboth Beach New Renovation

• • • • •

$1,049,000

One floor living with open floor plan 4BR, 3.BA, 2 car garage New roof, HVAC, tankless water heater, flooring, baths Kitchen with Quartz counters & Bertazonni appliances Rear deck overlooking yard with mature trees Randy Mason

Shirley Kalvinsky

Cell:

Cell:

(302) 236-4254 Triple Vaxxed

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

(302)-236-1142 Triple Vaxxed

Grow Strong Without Notice.

Provide Shelter.

Hang Tough Through the Storms.

Emerge Renewed at the First Sign of Spring.

After 30 Years Our Roots are Deep.

Same Bank. New Look.

countybankdel.com

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

31 Letters

Dining Out

BY JENNIFER RUBENSTEIN

Rigby’s Bar & Grill:

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

A

nd they’re always glad you came.

By the time we left Rigby’s Bar & Grill after dinner on a recent Wednesday night, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s the kind of place that fills not only your belly, but also some deeper need—a need restaurants often promise to fill, but rarely do. Only a great neighborhood restaurant can do it. Everyone loves a good local place that embodies the town, the people, and the vibe. It’s something you feel when you walk into those places. And I felt it when I walked into Rigby’s.

We were warmly greeted and immediately saw people we knew at the bar and in the dining room.

We met our server, Ricky, who is also sometimes the bartender (and karaoke singer). He has been with Rigby’s for four years.

I get the feeling that everyone who works at Rigby’s wears lots of hats. I know it’s not just Ricky who is multi-talented because one of the owners, John Black (who is also a realtor), told me that another server, Keith, also handles all the decorations and interior design for Rigby’s. Keith is the one you want to thank for those adorable scarecrows during the Halloween season.

Right away we noticed something very different about the place since the last time we were there: they removed the wall between the restaurant and the bar! It used to feel like two separate places—half was the dining room, and the other half was the bar, where they would often have entertainment. But now you can sit (physically distanced) at a table in the restaurant and still enjoy the entertainment in the bar because you can see into it. It adds cohesiveness and balance to the space, not to mention lots of fun to the atmosphere.

We were there on a Wednesday night, which happens to be burger night. For only $8.75, you could choose from several different half-pound burgers (hand-made and never frozen), served on a brioche bun. You could choose the house favorite Rigby BurgR or one of the five specialty burgers. There was even a chicken filet sandwich on the BurgR menu.

Each sandwich was served with a choice of hand-cut fries or house-made coleslaw.

Before we perused the menu, we ordered a couple glasses of red wine. Ricky helpfully pointed out that for a $7.00 more, we could get the bottle. The

Letters 32 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

wine list is not extensive, but most people can find something they will like, and all bottles are $26.00 or less.

The regular menu, similarly, has a wide variety of options and good price points. We’re talking flat iron steak, pork chops, meatloaf, salmon, scallops, and seared tuna. The average entrée runs $18. My favorite items on Rigby’s regular menu are the Italian items, especially the Bolognese with fresh pappardelle pasta.

On this particular evening, I ordered a Caesar salad (I can’t seem to go to Rigby’s and NOT order the Caesar salad) and the Chicken Parmesan because I’d never had it and Ricky recommended it. The Caesar is always good; I love the crispy green Romaine and their dressing has just the right amount of creaminess and tanginess. If you want anchovies, be sure to ask for them.

I can’t say enough good things about the Chicken Parmesan. First of all, it was hot when it arrived to the table. I mean steaming, fresh-out-of-the-oven, scorching hot. It was crunchy on the outside, but not too crunchy, and tender and juicy inside. It was so yummy. I could taste the love in every bite.

On Thursday nights in the off-season, they run a different Italian Chef Special each week. If you love Italian food, then you want to try them! Friday nights feature a Prime Rib special (choice prime rib, au jus, mashed potatoes, and one additional side for $19.75).

Sunday Brunch looks like a lot of fun with Katie (formerly of OCN BLU) serving. In addition to typical brunch items (such as Eggs Benedict), the brunch menu includes some unexpected items such as a Breakfast Pizza. Each specialty item comes with a complimentary mimosa or bloody Mary.

As far as entertainment goes, Rigby’s has long been famous for good karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights (starts at 9:00 p.m.). On Sunday evenings, Ed Mills plays guitar from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

BurgR night and Prime Rib night typically run yearround; there are also seasonal specials. Watch the website for details: rigbysrehoboth.com.

Your neighborhood restaurant, Rigby’s, is open every day of the week: 4:00-9:00 p.m. weeknights (open till 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a Late-Night Menu). Also open 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for Sunday Brunch. ▼

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

33 Letters

Zoey AGE: 3 years (That means 21 years old in dog years!

But don’t worry, Zoey won’t be boozing anytime soon.)

BREED: Golden Retriever FUR CHILD OF: Keith FUN FACT: Keith’s daughter taught Zoey to “roomba” (conveniently vacuum up) food. #PersonalVacuum #BuddiesOnTheBeach

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 year long.

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

D E E N E W R SUPPORT

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.

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

Letters 34 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

35 Letters

CAMP Stories

BY RICH BARNETT

Love Is Not in the Air

L

et me begin with an admission: I am not a cook who loves culinary gadgets. No electric egg boiler, banana slicer, or vegetable spiralizer for me. Nope. Keep your bamboo steamers and pancake makers. Give me a set of nice pots and pans, some sharp knives and big spoons, a few bowls, a thick wooden cutting board, and a corkscrew, and I’m pretty good to go.

You might say I’m a bit old school when it comes to cooking.

Imagine my surprise then when a black plastic oval apparatus showed up unannounced on my front porch.

It proclaimed to be an “Air Fryer,” but it looked more like a crazy sci-fi hair dryer from North Korea. It wasn’t in a box. There was neither a note nor an instruction manual. Nevertheless, I had a good idea who had left it. He regularly gives me all sorts of lovely gifts before departing Rehoboth each winter for sunny south Florida. Last year’s gift was a tub of synthetic butter and two bags of frozen pattypan squash.

The machine was used, but it was clean. Still, there was a faint whiff of cooking oil surrounding it. As a Southerner, I am used to frying in oil. I like the danger. But frying with air? The concept seemed so banal. I left the big black egg outside on the porch for a week to air out while I pondered what to do with the contraption.

Air fryers, I learned, have been around since 2010. They burst onto America’s culinary consciousness in 2016 when Oprah added it to her annual “must-have” list and a few celebrity chefs began touting them. New Orleans super chef Emeril Lagasse even launched his own Emeril Power AirFryer 360, promising to elevate practically any meal by cooking in a whirlwind of superheated hot air instead of fat.

Fry without the guilt! No wonder American consumers have gone gaga for the air fryer. In 2020, the US air fryer market was worth $754.37 million dollars. There are so many brands and Letters 36 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

models of air fryers on the market today that fan clubs have formed, just like with cars. I found blogs, Pinterest groups, podcasts, and even influencers who just love the air fryer lifestyle.

Work smarter, not harder, all the air fryer gurus say. This fry daddy says hogwash.

There’s even a $12.99, 96-page glossy magazine titled Air Fryer. I spotted it on the rack while standing in the checkout lane at the Fresh Market.

It was chock full of recipes, tips on selecting an air fryer, and even useful advice such as taking your air fryer on vacation. If Oprah and Emeril were air fryer lovers—and I’m oh so certain they are—then I figured I should give it a try.

I brought the air fryer inside, sat it on the kitchen counter, and plugged it in.

I was hosting an intimate dinner party that evening and thought it would be fun to serve some air fried vegetables alongside a roasted chicken. How hard could it be?

If I were cooking conventionally, I’d simply put potatoes, mushrooms, and green beans in the roasting pan with the chicken, and two hours later everything would be done and ready to serve.

Cooking them in the air fryer proved annoying. I had to air fry—a new culinary colloquialism—each vegetable dish in sequence and then figure out how to keep them all warm until the chicken was done, and it was time to eat. Work smarter, not harder, all the air fryer gurus say. This fry daddy says hogwash.

Nevertheless, my dinner guests and I were excited to be part of America’s air fryer love fest!

Here’s the thing about love. It can be fleeting. Remember fondue sets, Hibachi grills, and bread makers?

The vegetables all came out of the air fryer with the same dingy brown color. They looked shriveled up. And they all tasted the same. Obviously, I’m not skilled with an air fryer, but seriously…. Perhaps the air fryer isn’t meant to be used with vegetables? According to the magazine, some of the most popular air fryer recipes are for chicken tenders, crumbed fish, French fries, and tater tots. Seriously? How much fried food can one eat on a regular basis? Do I really need an innovative new way to cook and eat macaroni and cheese?

Before the first bottle of wine at dinner was finished, I unplugged the Air Fryer and kicked it to the curb. My dinner guests cheered me on.

Of course, I didn’t give the air fryer a fair shake. While millions of people use an air fryer, I realized it wasn’t for me. I just wasn’t gonna love it. Not like I do my stainless steel electric brisker that I keep plugged in 24/7 to keep my Goldfish crackers dry and crunchy. Love can also be fickle. ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

37 Letters

Letters 38 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

39 Letters

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 40 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

BUILDING/CLEANING/REMODELING/LANDSCAPING

A.G. Renovations ...........................................................................302-947-4096 BSD, 18412 The Narrow Rd, Lewes..................................... 302-684-8588 Randall-Douglas.............................................................................302-245-1439

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—3rd Tuesdays, Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes 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

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

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

ELECTRICIANS

Silver Electric..................................................................................302-227-1107

EVENT PLANNING/CATERING

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

INSURANCE

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 LLC, 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

PET RETAIL

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 McWilliams Ballard, Kevin McDuffie.................................. kmcduffie@mcwb.com McWilliams Ballard, Justin Orr.....................................................jorr@mcwb.com 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.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

41 Letters

Guest House Chronicles

BY TOM KELCH

The Gay Beginning

A

lmost three years ago I started a research project on the property that I have loved and managed since July 2013. From the very beginning, I would hear incredible firsthand stories from long-time guests and my curiosity drove me to learn more. Of course, I started with a simple Google search and found nothing at all. I called the city and asked the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society/Museum and still came up empty-handed.

How could such an old and interesting property, right in downtown Rehoboth, be so unknown to the local community? It became my mission to learn and document the history of 40 Maryland Avenue. I had no idea the tale I would uncover would not only capture the attention of so many people, but also become such an important part of Rehoboth’s gay history.

It is a great honor for me to now have the opportunity to share these incredible stories with you in Letters. Turns out, a building operating as an inn for 106 years in Rehoboth has quite the story to tell.

The inn opened in 1915, originating after a massive Nor’easter in 1914 knocked a beach house right off its foundation. Instead of tearing it down, it was moved—by horses—from the beach to 40 Maryland Avenue, turned around backwards, and attached to the original Sussex County farmhouse already at that site. The farmhouse had been a family operated horse livery since 1876, and the arrival of the second building marked the beginning of a new business: an inn.

From the 1940s to 1977, 40 Maryland Avenue was called The Swarthmorean,

Letters 42 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

and was owned and managed by Mrs. Everett L. Gray. Interestingly, this seems to have been owned by her alone. Interesting, because she and her husband shared ownership of another property in downtown Rehoboth. Their other property was located on 42 Rehoboth Avenue and called The Ship’s Bell Inn. (My research and the complete story of the Grays is still a work in progress.)

The Swarthmorean is an important part of this story. During an interview with a past live-in employee, I received a firsthand account of gay men finding comfort within these walls. The inn certainly was not a business specifically for gay men, but their welcome was significant because gay life was largely hidden and secretive during this time in the 1970s.

When or why Mrs. Gray became or was gay-friendly is still unknown.

In 1977, The Swarthmorean was sold to a Washington DC business, The Center for Handicapped Development, owned

by Elwood “Woody” Swarmer. The Center was a school for mentally handicapped children, and the idea was to use the inn as a reward program to encourage good behavior and to give the kids a chance to enjoy the beach. Just a small slice of normal life for kids who were struggling day to day.

The town of Rehoboth was not on board with the school’s idea. The first problem encountered with the city involved getting two handicapped parking spaces approved for the school.

The owners needed a place to park the transportation vehicles for the disabled children. Rehoboth absolutely refused to help or accommodate the school’s needs in any way. The school’s efforts to establish a beach destination quickly ended after they were approached by locals with a request to keep the disabled children away from their own kids who were also enjoying the beach.

During the short time Woody’s company owned the property, he continued to operate it as an inn.

Woody was gay and he had a

partner named Edward Earl Henley; they rented out rooms chiefly to other gay men. (This newly discovered and verified research is being shared for the very first time here in this column.)

It was all dedicated to providing a place for gay men to safely be themselves— many of them, for the very first time in their lives.

The Center’s venture into Rehoboth was short lived. The town’s unwillingness to accommodate the school’s parking needs and townspeople’s unwelcoming attitudes led the school to put the property back on the market almost as quickly as they had acquired it.

In the winter of 1978-79, Herbert Koerber bought the property and decided this would be the perfect location to open Rehoboth’s very first gay-owned, gay-operated, gay business for gay people: a sex-oriented inn, a bath house of sorts, a 28-room complex with performance/ contest stages and secret rooms. It was all dedicated to providing a place for gay men to safely be themselves—many of them, for the very first time in their lives.

Subsequent events happening on and around this property would change Rehoboth Beach forever, making it one of our nation’s oldest and safest havens for the LGBTQ+ population. Stay tuned to this column to learn more about this historic property’s unknown history and the many people who ultimately would lose their families, jobs, friends, and lives. All for the opportunity just to be themselves. ▼ Tom Kelch is the innkeeper and property manager of the Rehoboth Guest House. He is excited to write this new series for Letters and thrilled to share these stories with Letters’ readers.

AQUAREHOBOTH.COM

We can’t wait to open Mid-April for the 2022 season!

We miss you all!

Our Live Entertainment Line Up! View Entertainment at thepinesrb.com/EVENTS

EVERY MONDAY

& Hosted By Mona Lotts & Kristina Kelly

EVERY SATURDAY 2 LEVELS INDOOR OUTDOOR DINING GetOF a Taste of &Everything

RESTAURANT

Get a Taste of Everything LOUNGE YEAR-ROUND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY BRUNCH OPEN

56 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach | 302-567-2726 | thepinesrb.com

View Entertainment at

thepinesrb.com/EVENTS FEBRUARY 4, 2022

43 Letters

The Writing Life

BY R. KEVIN MALLINSON

Trial by Fire

I

had long dreamed of becoming a professional firefighter. But when I joined the Key West Fire Department (KWFD) in 1981, I knew little about the firehouse environment. I expected to build camaraderie with fellow firefighters so that we could trust each other in emergency situations. I also imagined sharing communal meals and engaging in occasional rowdy horseplay to alleviate stress and strengthen friendships.

It never occurred to me that I would be perceived as a threat to my co-workers simply because I was openly gay. It also never occurred to me that I was, in fact, the first openly gay man to serve as a professional firefighter in our country.

My recent book, Alarm in the Firehouse: A Memoir of America’s First Openly Gay Professional Firefighter, provides an honest account of my years in the KWFD. It is a story of resilience in the face of homophobia and abuse—but it also is a story of unexpected acts of compassion, support, and professionalism. There were firemen who supported and mentored me. And I owe much to the mentorship of a dear friend, a lesbian-feminist peace activist named Barbara Deming.

It is important to recognize my years in the KWFD occurred in the context of the early 1980s: there were no cell phones and the internet had not yet been established. Queer people were commonly harassed by police and other authorities.

Only a couple years before, Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade had succeeded in reversing legal protections for homosexuals in the Miami area. Key West’s gay and lesbian community, however, was thriving.

(That was the lexicon of the day; we didn’t yet have the LGBTQ+ mindset—or terminology).

That burgeoning community sparked considerable anger and fear amongst the island locals—generally called Conchs (pronounced Konks)—who feared the influx of resident homosexuals would destroy their way of life. An exponential increase in gay guest houses spurred a new wave of tourism and transformed a relatively sleepy little town into a vacation destination for gay men and lesbians.

Given the large gay and lesbian community, some may think it would be easy to be an openly gay firefighter in Key West. It was not. Some firemen were adamant that an openly gay man didn’t belong in the department.

Further complicating my situation: my years in the KWFD coincided with the emergence of the HIV pandemic. Against the backdrop of growing widespread panic in the American public, I had a job that called for me to eat, sleep, and work closely with other men in the firehouse.

Some of the firemen petitioned for my dismissal, expressing their fear that I would ‘bring HIV into the firehouse’ and infect them.

It also never occurred to me that I was, in fact, the first openly gay man to serve as a professional firefighter in our country.

Letters 44 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Coming into a new workplace, I had anticipated that I would be subjected to the usual litany of homophobic slurs (faggot, pansy, queer, etc.). I didn’t foresee the unrelenting abuse I would suffer at the hands of a few bullies. Although I demonstrated my ability to do the job, they tried to get me fired. Why was I such a threat to these men?

Other firemen were bystanders who witnessed the abuse but refused to intervene. I didn’t trust that these men would ‘have my back’ at a fire scene; indeed, my life was put in danger more than once.

My experience is surely similar to that of others who have been the first Black… the first woman…the first person with a disability to forge a new path in an unwelcoming environment. My story is relevant also to contemporary struggles to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion in America.

One reason I wrote Alarm in the Firehouse is that I fear LGBTQ+ history will be lost if it is not documented. It was important to me that I tell my own story; I didn’t want my experience to be confabulated, distorted, or diminished by someone else’s pen.

Another reason: I hope to illustrate how a sense of humor, personal integrity, and deeply held principles can help a person navigate conflicts and succeed despite adversity. I hope my story inspires others to have faith in themselves and the path they wish to take in life. My story also reveals a lot about the nature of masculinity and what it means to be courageous. Despite all I endured, I am still very proud to have served as one of America’s Bravest. ▼ Dr. Mallinson and his husband split their time between Washington, DC and Lewes, Delaware.

A retired university professor, Dr. Mallinson is a public speaker and researcher who advocates for disenfranchised groups, particularly LGBTQ+ communities and persons with—or at risk for—HIV disease. His recreational interests have included gardening, running, scuba diving, skydiving, and bungy jumping. Alarm in the Firehouse is available at amazon.com.

reho dental 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:12 PM Page 1

It takes a local business owner to protect one. rehoboth guest 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:13 PM Page 1

As local small business owners, we understand what it takes to protect your small business. Stop in or give us a call to get insurance for your business at a great value.

Eric Blondin Ins Agency Inc Eric Blondin, Agent 18958 Coastal Highway Bus: 302-645-7283 www.surfsidecoverage.com

Jeanine O’Donnell, Agent 16583 Coastal Hwy Lewes, DE 19958 Bus: 302-644-3276 www.lewesinsurance.com

statefarm.com® State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, Florida State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1706445 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

45 Letters

Q Puzzle The Luckiest Broad

Solution on Page 76 ACROSS 1 Sports bra “model” Mia 5 Lip service?

9 Greeting for Dolly 14 Top draft level 15 Rainbow, to some 16 Heep of fiction 17 Wins with bodies pressed together 18 ___ Mae Brown 19 With 60-Across, she called herself the luckiest broad 20 Start of a quote from 19-Across 23 Half a laugh 24 Place where a Greek would speak 25 Dykes on Bikes, e.g.

27 Expat who could hold her beer?

28 Rosie’s Broadway musical 31 Byron and others 32 Salespeople 33 Words before “small world” 37 Paul Newman role in Exodus 38 More of the quote 41 Speed meas. of a Johnny Mathis record 42 River of Flanders 44 R.E.M.’s “The ___ Love” 45 Midwest hub

Letters 46 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

47 Dancer Irene 49 Try to put a restraint on 50 Closing number on Broadway 53 Letter to Lorca 54 Man-mission connector 55 End of the quote 60 See 19-Across 62 Alec of Desperate Housewives 63 Field of study 64 “Good ___” (Young Rascals hit) 65 Porter’s regretful miss 66 Young lady 67 Many go down on them 68 Penetrate the cracks 69 Maneuver slowly DOWN 1 Arizona tribe 2 Short drawers?

3 Williams’ glass animals 4 Bone near the ear 5 Land of Margaret Cho’s ancestors 6 Top’s betting phrase?

7 Finland’s queer rights org.

8 Problem for a drag queen’s hosiery 9 Greek balls 10 It may come before long 11 Like a ballerina 12 “See ya”

13 21 22 26 27 28 29 30 34 35 36 39 40 43 46 48 50 51 52 53 56 57 58 59 61

“But of course!”

Adolf’s intimate Rohm Use a rubber “Of God,” of Gaius More than tickle Cary of An Affair to Remember Beat off Beatles manager Brian’s nickname Eatery in Armani’s land Legs, at times Pt. of USA Hirschfeld’s flowers Gimcrack (var.)

Sometime label of David Bowie Leaves of grass, e.g.

Straights, to PlanetOut? Birdcage dwellers Words before water Easily screwed Fastener on a drag queen’s pearls Israeli author Oz Sib of David on Six Feet Under Photographer Catherine Larry Kramer’s alma mater Cash for an actor between parts?

ENTERTAINMENT MINUTES FROM THE BEACHES!

"HERLARIOUS" All-Female Stand-Up Comedy February 12 - 8PM

ONE DAME FUNNY VALENTINE Unscripted Comedy February 13 - 7:30PM

February 6 - DEANNA FITZPATRICK: Psychic Medium / 7:30PM February 10 & 11 - ROCK N' ROLL RADIO: Musical Theatre Ensemble Winter Showcase / 7PM February 19 - THE FUNSTERS: Benefit Dance Concert / 8PM February 24 - JACOB JOLLIFF BAND: Newgrass Jam Band / 8PM February 25 - LURKING FOR LOVE: Magnolia Applebottom / 8PM February 26 - LENNON & HARRISON LIVE / 8PM February 27 - DELAWARE COMEDY THEATRE / 8PM March 3 - GUYMAN & STARFUNKEL / Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel 7:30PM March 5 - CHRISTINE HAVRILLA BIRTHDAY BASH: with Gypsy Fuzz 7:30PM March 10 - SUPER TRANS AM: Anthems of the 70's / 7:30PM March 12 - MANLY MINUTE: Stand-Up Comedy / 8PM March 27 - LIVE MUSIC FROM AMP STUDIO / 3PM March 31 - SPOKEY SPEAKY: Bob Marley Tribute / 8PM

UPCOMING IN-HOUSE PRODUCTIONS:

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE YOUNG SINATRA Featuring: Tony DiMeglio February 20 - 7:30PM

A Milton Theatre Student Mainstage Production

February 17 - 7pm February 18 - 7pm February 19 - 2pm

CABARET BROADWAY MUSICAL March 18 - 8pm March 19 - 2pm & 8pm March 20 - 2pm March 24 - 7:30pm March 25 - 8pm March 26 - 2pm & 8pm

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

KAT WRIGHT “A young Bonnie Raitt meets Amy Winehouse” March 4 - 8PM

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

47 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

Celebrate!

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at RB Christmas Parade: Katie Handy, Gwen Osborne Ken Mahan, George Stakais; 2) at RB Community Unity Dinner: Rick Hardy, Dave Lyons, RB Commissioner Tim Bennett, RB Commissioner Susan Gay, RB Commissioner Jay Legree, RB City Manager Sharon Lynn, RB Commissioner Patrick Gossett, RB Mayor Stan Mills, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble, Kathy Chrzanowski, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Jerry Chrzanowski, Steve Scheffer, Dick Byrne; 3) at CAMP Rehoboth Handmade Holiday Market: Bev Morgan, Sandra Fluck, Tracey Wehr-Harrell, Michelle Manfredi.

OPPOSITE PAGE 4) at The Pines’ Ugly Sweater Contest: Ah Bashir, Dan Kyle, Gary Seiden, Marvin Miller, Robert Monroe, Cory Melvin. 5) at The Pines’ New Year’s Eve: Jason Evans, Blair Cappucio, Bob Suppies, Mona Lotts, Tyler Townsend, Drew Mitchell, Artez West, Jeremy Clark, Matt Rice, Letaz Hudson; 6) at Blue Moon: Amethyst Diamond, Regina Cox, Janelle Collins, Candi Fuentes, Cliff Diver, Kathryn Byrne; 7) at Café Azafran: John Flynn, Billy Toner, Carol Bresler, Carolyn Billinghurst; 8) at RB Concert Band Holiday Concert: Beverly Johnson, Richard Scalenghe, Dan Miller, Paul Tooker.

1

2

(More CAMPshots page 50)

3 Letters 48 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

4

5

6

7

8 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

49 Letters

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

1

(Continued from page 48) THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at The Pines: Kimberly Cohan, Christy Brown, Wendy Gatto, Jayson Abela, Chris Maloney, Matt Richards, Sam Steward, Sydney Artz, Kimberly Didomesicuz, Linda Luz, Annette Potemski, Ann Delazaro, Waneeta Mack, Beverly Vogt, Jim Kemp, David Gonce. 2) at Aqua’s Seasonal Closing: Matt D’Amico, Scott Brintzer, Michael Taggert, Nick Leffler, Rick Norcross, Randall Malick, George Toma, Tony Burns.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 3) at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grille: Doug Sellers, Jim Mease, Mark Eubanks, Eric Peterson, Bonnie Quesenberry, Christian Miller, John Fazakerlei, Fay Jacobs, Pamala Stanley, Chris Kuttner; 4) at Aqua: Mary Kehoe, Mark Kehoe, Joy Beasley, Brian Buebel, Suayna Iglesias, Kevin Naff, David Herring, Ken Donahue, Lou Fiori, Jim Burke, Jeff Hunker, Chris Pederson, Allen Walker, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Rick Perry; 5) at Purple Parrot: Victor Camacho, Dakota, Rick James, Will Delaney, John Wallden, Mike Webster, Ron Hargis, Rob Stark, Steve Thompson. ▼

2 Letters 50 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Celebrate!

3

4

5 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

51 Letters

BYWAYS

BY MIKEY ROX

Friend ’Til the End: Farewell to Betty White

L

ast Thanksgiving, I spent by myself. I live in my van and travel full time as a roaming nomad, and I wasn’t near anyone special to celebrate. Naturally, I was in my feels, lonely on a holiday. So I published this to Facebook: “Need something to be thankful for today? We’re less than two months away from Betty White’s 100th birthday.”

That post didn’t age well over the course of a few weeks; certainly not as well as its subject had over the course of her lifetime.

When the tragic news broke of the legendary actress’s passing on New Year’s Eve, I felt guilty for perhaps jinxing her chances of achieving centenarian status with my premature hopefulness. Thankfully, I’m not superstitious. The fact is, Betty White was old. Ninety-nine years old.

There was something else I felt when I read TMZ’s report the morning of 2021’s last hurrah: cheated.

Yes, I felt cheated. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that we all deserved—after enduring several years of mounting setbacks and increasingly terrible headlines—to see America’s grandmother reach a milestone birthday that less than one percent of the human population reaches. Nobody deserved it more than Betty White herself, but we deserved it too. Still, her last-day-of-theyear death wasn’t altogether surprising.

Chalk it up to one more way the 2020s are royally screwing us.

Blue-check Twitter user Qasim Rashid, Esq. managed to soften some of that blow, however. Hours after Betty’s death dominated the news, he offered a virtual Band-Aid for our collective hearts with this (unedited) tweet: “On one hand she was 99 years 348 days old when she died. On the other hand she lived through 24 leap years, i.e. 24 extra days. All I’m saying is mathematically, it arguably checks out that she lived 100 years and 7 days.”

That declaration is hereby official as Letters 52 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

far as I’m concerned.

Digging a little deeper, what was it about Betty White that endeared her to us—perhaps more than any other Golden Girl our queer community quotes, imitates, and venerates?

That she was the last one left? Her singular dedication to animal welfare?

Her Guinness World Record for the longest working person in television?

Those inevitable appearances on our lazy Sunday game show rerun marathons? Or maybe it was the way she played Rose Nyland with such believable naïveté.

But Rose was different than any character Betty had played before—and that’s exactly why she chose to play her.

There’s something to the latter.

Betty played plenty of memorable TV characters before Rose: the title character on Life With Elizabeth, where she made history as the first female producer of a sitcom in the 1950s; perpetually perky Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show; and Ellen Harper Jackson on Mama’s Family.

But Rose was different than any character Betty had played before—and that’s exactly why she chose to play her.

Any homo worth his salt knows that Betty was offered the role of Blanche, and Rose was meant for Rue McClanahan. The former didn’t want to play another iteration of sex-charged Sue Ann—the part she was most famous for before the 1985 premiere of The

Golden Girls—nor did McClanahan want to regurgitate the sweet-butscatterbrained Vivian Harmon, whom she played on Bea Arthur’s previous vehicle, Maude. So they switched. And none of us can imagine it any other way.

The Golden Girls was popular among queers then and now because we see ourselves in them. Among our own friends, we know a Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose. We personally identify ourselves as one of those character types as well. Or a blend of two or more. Me? I’m a quick-witted, smart-mouthed Dorothy-Sophia hybrid.

Proudly.

Betty wasn’t Rose, though. According to her friends, she was bawdy, a little bit crude at times. She enjoyed vodka and hot dogs. During World War II, she drove a PX truck as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services. She never had a single acting lesson.

While those first few characteristics make her relatable, especially for a celebrity who’s been a celebrity the entirety of most people’s lives still living on this planet, it’s the last detail that stands out for me. She never had a single acting lesson because she didn’t need one. She was a natural, but she also was genuine. We saw it and we felt it, in our homes and in our hearts, decade after decade. We didn’t have to meet her in person to know that, unequivocally, if we threw a party, invited everyone we knew, we would see….

You know where I’m going with this.

Betty White—thank you for being our friend. ▼ 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.

Thinking of Relocating to Florida?

St. Petersburg | Gulfport | Tampa | Fort Myers | Naples

The Warren Group James W. Warren II Principal Agent 239.595.0084 james.warren@compass.com Not intended to solicit currently listed property. © Compass Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

53 Letters

BE A SPORT!

BY JUNEROSE “JR” FUTCHER

On the Trail of Delmarva Trails

W

hile the winter season, with its cold rain, snow, and windstorms may deter some, wintertime cycling is one of my favorite physical (and often, sensory) experiences. I switch from my road bike to my mountain bike and I take on the natural paths (also known as the single-tracks) in our state parks for a vigorous ride.

Cycling is a sport open to most, with price points ranging from free to low-cost to high-end, public trail networks, and readily available bicycle services. Many state park systems provide elaborate maps, tool kiosks, bicycle rentals, and well-maintained trails and natural paths.

It’s also a sport that can be solitary or communal: you can take that quiet ride alone, and/or ride with a cycling club or participate in charity rides.

Many cyclists of all walks of life and ages, on many types of bicycles, are spinning on the growing network of trails in eastern Sussex County. Local cyclists from Delaware worked for years to convert a retired railroad into a community trail.

Built more than 15 years ago to connect the cities of Lewes and Rehoboth, the Junction & Breakwater Trail offers cyclists a safe (and appealing) means of travel.

Meanwhile, a natural trail in Redden State Forest near Georgetown offers a blissful pedal far away from the roadways and heavy traffic, passing under a canopy of splendid native trees.

Just a few miles north, the City of Dover offers safe networks of trails that provide scenic rides along the St. Jones River and under the busy skies of the Dover Air Force Base. Like many trail networks, the Dover system is supported with bike lanes and paved asphalt that meets federal accessibility standards.

New Castle County earns praise for many trail networks and plenty of terrain variety with its latest signature trail (for all cyclists) completed a few years ago on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

Cyclists also are out there on the trails available across the Delmarva Peninsula. Many of these trails resulted from

Letters 54 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

a movement to build community trails that grew in earnest more than 20 years ago, helped along with state and federal funding. These regional trails offer a wide variety of features and are incredible community assets across Delmarva.

Expanded and dedicated land preser-

My aim here is to encourage any cyclist to get those wheels spinning. vation assures that trails will continue to spread across Delmarva’s forested lands, open fields, and over tidal wetlands. Nestled among native cypress and verdant habitats, or expertly carved along scenic waterways, many trails offer a multitude of visual pleasures.

A personal favorite for my year-round cycling is the Kent Island-Cross Island Trail that weaves across the iconic island of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Threaded among stands of trees, preservation acreage, and rural county landscape, the trail is a signature of the Eastern Shore.

The beauty of this trail opens at the Terrapin Park Preserve, mere feet from the eastern Chesapeake Bay. Approximately 20 miles long and with a recently minted wooden bridge, the trail curves and weaves with only a few roadway intersections and takes the cyclist on a visual tour of Chesapeake country. The original drawbridge of Kent Narrows for Chesapeake marine traffic connects the eastern half of the Cross Island Trail at the junction of Route 50.

My aim here is to encourage any cyclist to get those wheels spinning.

Wintertime cycling may not appeal, but before long, the Mid-Atlantic weather will change—and a few sun-filled hours and a bit of warmth will serve to fill the trails, too: cycling along the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coastal resort towns and parks has long been popular among residents and summer visitors. Interested in joining them?

You’re in luck! There are excellent local bike shops serving cyclists’ interests and skills. If you are shopping for a new ride or shiny new helmet—they can help.

They offer a wide range of prices, with impressive inventories of “everything bicycles,” often including the very best in bicycling apparel and accessories. Many also offer robust service operations, with trained and certified mechanics—many of whom are active cyclists.

Cycling is a sport that varies in intensity: there’s the easy ride of a few miles along a path or trail; there’s also the multi-mile, cross-island tour. Whichever you choose, keep your bike in tune, fasten your helmet, be weather aware, if it’s hunting season check that schedule, and take in the Delmarva Peninsula as you seek out your favorite ride and find “your” trail. ▼ JuneRose (aka JR) Futcher is a native of Delaware, a lifelong sailor and cyclist, an award-winning photographer, and a community and arts activist.

Photo: JR Futcher

everyday rs $15 Lobste

TUESDAY -SATURDAY

happy hour 4-6pm

25% Off Appetizers $5 Draft Beer, Wine, Cocktail

WEDNESDAY

Off-Center ed Society Double Poin ts Day

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

55 Letters

WINTER WONDERLAND

BY ED CASTELLI

Let It Snow!

Disclaimer: Sorry, not sorry. This article may contain references only children of the last millennium will understand. The rest of you will have to use your googlethingy for terms like “studded tires” and “bench seats.”

M

y husband and I dream of moving fulltime to the beach.

But we’re torn. We’ll miss our friends, mountain hikes, and sales taxes. But deep down I know I’m the holdout. I love, and I mean LOVE, snow. All my life. Granted, it’s rare to get the white drifting piles of yore. But I know my chances plummet if I live along the Delaware coast.

I blame my Dad. He had a childlike approach to many things, heavy snow being one of them. He went out of his mind with excitement for an approaching deluge.

My Dad was to snow what Dirty Harry was to criminals. He loved to conquer it.

Man over the elements.

As a kid in the coal country of northeastern Pennsylvania, or NEPA (“kneepa”), flurries and squalls started shortly after Halloween. The smell of snow was always in the air and the anticipation was contagious and maddening.

My hand-me-down, two-sizes-toosmall galoshes were always at the ready.

As were the plastic bread bags my Mom insisted would make my feet effortlessly slide right in. They didn’t.

I learned the term nor’easter long before I could spell it. I couldn’t grasp the idea that the heaviest snow came from below us. But Dad taught me the delicate balance between a cold north wind and a moisture filled southern storm.

Dad always wanted to be “the first on the roads.” Before the plows. Heck, we didn’t shovel our sidewalks until after we came back from our first joy ride. I mean, car ride.

By today’s standards I think us kids would be in protective services. Come to think of it, our seatbelts were pushed below the covers on the bench seats.

Luckily the statute has expired for postLetters 56 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

humously charging my old man.

Never to be bettered by a storm, Dad swapped his bare retreads for studded tires every fall. For blizzards, he labored to cover those tires with chains. He even spread coal ashes over our inclined driveway for extra traction.

He’d rub his hands together, the eagerness torturing him. Then he’d pile us in. Warm the engine for a throat-burning couple of minutes. And off. Off and away, we’d slip and slide go.

We thundered (literally, due to the chains) up the San Souci parkway in mammoth V8s like our Chrysler New Yorker. It was spectacular. Exclusive.

And when we arrived at our destination we felt an addictive taste of accomplishment. Like we’d won the gold medal in team slalom.

Sometimes a chain would break. We’d know it immediately. The thumping sound was deafening, as was Dad’s bevy of potty mouth slurs. Never mind if a chain nicked a quarter panel. They were mostly rust or Bondo.

Mom was prim and proper. But she had a hand in it too. Sure, she’d tell my Dad to slow down. Not that hill. Watch that curve. But every once in a while, I’d catch her smiling as she white-knuckled

the handle above her door.

We never panic-bought anything. Not milk, not bread, not eggs. Probably because Dad relished having a life-or-death reason to drive. I’m pretty sure he secretly willed us to run out of toilet paper. Not hard to do in a family of six.

For days after a storm, Dad loved driving. He relished the slushy wagon-trailed roads, proudly ogling the tracks we’d made in the berm days before. He’d point to large icicles, and wave to strangers, smiling as he drank in the blazing blue sky and extra-bright sun.

So yeah, the idea of a walk along the waves every day of the year tugs at me. But if we ever do move to the beach fulltime...and I get wind of a big snow back home...well, I don’t know what I’ll do. I guess I’ll start by snoozing every northern friend I have. Your posts will drive me crazy. ▼ Ed and his husband Jerry split their time between homes near Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Bethany Beach. Ed builds websites to pay the bills but loves to cook, garden, hike, and dote on their dog Atticus.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

57 Letters

arts+entertainment

BY DOUG YETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Metamorphosis

A

fter a decade+ of writing this column, it was time for a change. Gone are the calendar notices, creating space to explore the arts through the experiences of local artists in visual arts, photography, music, dance, theater, pottery, quilting, basket weaving—who knows what else?!

A new piece of art would make a lovely Valentine’s gift! Support the arts! ▼

Doug is the Artistic Director of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Minister of Music at Epworth UMC. You can contact him at dougyetter@gmail.com.

Above right, Remains by Brandan Henry.

Below, Euphoria by Taylor Gordon.

Letters 58 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

ART + ACTIVISM

A

ctivism and rebellion have been expressed through art for centuries, and CAMP Rehoboth’s new exhibit welcomes Black artists Cacto, Bryant T. Bell, Taylor Gordon, Brandan Henry, and Ann Martin to express their passions and use art to awaken our collective social and political consciousness through multiple art forms—paintings, charcoal drawings, fabric art, and a multi-media installation that explores racism.

Lori Crawford, an artist and art educator at Delaware State University, advised the CAMP Rehoboth arts team in the creation of the show. Her socially conscious works take on issues of race and injustices from the past to the present, as witnessed through her contribution to the exhibit—the multi-media installation Racism Past and Present:

Africa to America. ART + ACTIVISM is on display through February 28.

The Artists

Cacto, (also known as Jefiah Bordley), creates reflections of the emotions, and thoughts he could never otherwise express. Chaotic energy is a key element of his art. His vision for the artwork in this exhibition is to provide viewers with messages and imagery that stimulates thought.

Bryant T. Bell’s artwork examines the reality of the American dream for different cultures who are often unseen and overlooked in their daily struggle for equal rights, opportunity, and their piece of the dream that we call freedom in America.

Taylor Gordon, a native New Yorker, creates art which captures subjects’ expressions within each painting,

arts+entertainment shedding light on the students’ emotions, and giving viewers a better perspective of the journey of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Brandan Henry explores notions of identity politics, solitude, and stillness in charcoal and graphite drawings. His creative influences include comic books and his mother’s collection of black figurines.

Ann Martin is an active quilter using both machine and hand stitching, along with glued and incorporated items. “Mending a Broken Heart” (see page 2) depicts in fabrics the qualities of loyalty, trust, and faith that bind us and move us from hate, greed, and lies to forgiveness, patience, and respect.▼ 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 Monday-Friday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). View and purchase art on the CAMP Rehoboth website under the “SHOP” heading.

Rage by Cacto.

artist SPOTLIGHT JANE KNAUS

I

’ve admired this talented artist’s work in local galleries and through her posts on Facebook but realized I didn’t really know bupkis about her personally. Jane was born in Sweden to parents who survived the Holocaust, lived in Ethiopia as a child, and arrived in America after her father’s passing. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, before attending George Washington University, where she earned a degree in Publication Design.

Jane worked as the creative director at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, and received national recognition for her award-winning publication and exhibit design work. Her fine art paintings have been exhibited in Europe and the US—rather extensively here in the southern Delaware region where she is a member of the Rehoboth Art League.

Jane enjoys creating in the silence of the early morning when her mind is free to play and experiment with watercolors and acrylics. “I love watercolors because they are a dynamic medium that needs to express freedom and energy on the sheet, and acrylics because you can paint over your mistakes!” Recently she has created new art through mixed media—combining photographs and digital editing.

I asked what motivates her to create. “Creating art is an absolute passion of mine. I think I was born with this need to make things, to try things, to take risks with artistic tools. It’s a way to make order out of the ‘chaos’ in the world.…” She thinks of art as the anchor that sustains her through life.

Asked how her work has changed through the years, Jane said she takes more time with each painting now than she did earlier in her career, and though her work continues to be “scary, fun, challenging, and exciting,” she confided there is still some trepidation about sharing a new piece.

My final question was if she felt successful about her career as an artist: “Success is not based on how well one’s art sells. Success is creating an original piece that shows courage, risk taking, and harmony within its own expression.” A mutual friend said, “She is kind, curious, and full of a warm, open energy that is reflected in her work.” I couldn’t agree more. ▼

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.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

59 Letters

arts+entertainment

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOKED SOLID You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays

By Zora Neale Hurston, edited and with an introduction by Genevieve West and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. c.2022, Amistad, $29.99, 464 pages

That’s just the way it was.

People did things differently in times past. They were a little more likely to judge others, a little less apt to open their minds. They had notions we might think are odd; they held beliefs that we know now are wrong. But as in the new book You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays by Zora Neale Hurston, times change. Sometimes.

Throughout her career of nearly 40 years, Zora Neale Hurston prodigiously wrote novels that resonate today. In this nonfiction book, readers get a taste of the other side of Hurston’s career: her journalism, essay-writing, and a reflection of the times in which she lived.

In the essay “High John de Conquer,” she offers “some help to our brothers and sisters who have always been white” by introducing them to a man who “romps...clowns, and looks ridiculous” and then disappears. John de Conquer is a scamp and a “mystery,” but he also offers hope and “the secret of Negro song and laughter.”

If you ever imagined what it was like to have been captured and sold into slavery, “The Last Slave Ship” is Hurston’s interview with Cudgo Lewis, the last survivor of the Clotilda. Lewis told Hurston about a rivalry between villages, his capture, the cruelty of the Dahomey king, and the eradication of an entire tribe of people.

Here, Hurston writes of novelist Fanny Hurst, encouraging

Letters 60 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

readers to sample Hurst’s work. She mourns that white publishers of her time were reluctant to offer more diverse works because they believed that “the average American just cannot conceive of it.” She writes first with pride about attending Howard University, then about what led to her disillusionment and why she called Negro colleges “Begging Joints.”

She writes about noses and charm, being “a little colored girl,” and of having no race. With barely simmering anger, she reveals her “Most Humiliating Jim Crow Experience.” And she reports on the lengthy trial of Ruby McCollum, an experience that left Hurston in a dream “of fog and mist….”

For sure, You Don’t Know Us Negroes isn’t a book to take—or read—lightly.

From the beginning of the introduction to the very last words on McCollum, this book demands that readers stop and think about what’s been said. It’s natural that you would anyhow: much of what author Zora Neale Hurston observed in her day is still relevant now; Hurston died on the very cusp of the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, and so racism and race issues feature highly in the works inside this book.

What’s unexpected—and very delightful—is Hurston’s voice. Some of these stories ring with a wonderful sense of sarcasm that tells you everything you need to know about Hurston’s mind-set. Some tales ache with frustration. Others spark like lightning in a jar.

This is a carry-it-everywhere-with-you kind of book, perfect for times when you need some introspection as diversion. You Don’t Know Us Negroes is like that, and that’s just the way it is. ▼ 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.

The reviews are in!

“My husband and I were very pleased with your clear and informative webinar.” ~Robert M. “Thank you for the information session.

It was well presented and I learned a lot.” ~S.N.

There’s No Place Like Home For over 22 years, Springpoint Choice has enabled others like you to safely and comfortably remain in their home and age in place. This membership-based program is for healthy, active adults, ages 55 and older, who want to plan for their future.

With Springpoint Choice, you can: • Plan for long-term care so you can remain in your own home as long as possible • Avoid being a burden to your loved ones regarding your long-term care needs • Access quality long-term care and advocacy, if ever needed • Preserve and protect your financial assets

Maintain Your Spirit of Independence Find out how!

Join us at The Moorings at Lewes Thursday, February 17 or Monday, February 28 RSVP today to 866-616-3084 or springpointchoice.org/rsvp-delaware.

Call now! Seating is limited.

17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958 • springpointchoice.org FEBRUARY 4, 2022

61 Letters

OUR SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN PURPLE LEVEL Greg Albright & Wes Combs X Sondra N. Arkin X Aaron, Heather, Gia & Joe Book* Catherine & Katie Brennan Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst X Pat Catanzariti & Carole Ramos* Edward Joseph Chrzanowski & Talmage Wesley Sykes* Skip Dye & Steven King* Judy & Carole Jesiolowski James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard* Christine Lay X Wesley Lin & Brian Chapman Diane & Chris Martin* Fred Munzert & J.P. Lacap Beth Pile & S.A. White X Mark Purpura & Matthew Adams* 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 Susan Thornberg William Cross Foundation Steven Wright DMD PA*

INDIGO LEVEL Terry Albarella 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 Chris & Richard Cahill X Elizabeth Carl & Tori Hill X Richard Coss & Mike Hull* Elbert Leroy Dage Phyllis Dillinger Lou Fiore & Jim Burke* Jim & Tom Flower* Gary Gajewski - In Memory of Dr. John A. Boscia Richard Gamble & Paul Lindsey* 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* Susan Kutliroff & Barbara Snyder* Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS, PA X Kathleen Lehmann David Mariner & Khusan Odilovich Thom Morris & Jim Slusher Natalie Moss & Evelyn Maurmeyer X

Letters 62

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 John Roane & Doug Lingenfelter In Memory of Jeff Hosley 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 Chris Rouchard X Michael Shaffer & Benjamin Wilson X Angie Strano & Cindy Gruman* Frank Surprenant, DDS & Chris Wisner X

GREEN LEVEL 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 Beth Cohen & Fran Sneider X Stephen Corona Scott Davis & Chris Shaheen* Lewis & Greg Dawley-Becker* Robert Defendis & Ronald O. Dempsey*

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Mike DeFlavia & Tony Sowers* Ann DeLazaro & Annette Potemski Marianne DeLorenzo & Linda Van de Wiele* Max Dick* Diane Dragositz Ann Evans* Kathy & Corky Fitzpatrick X Keven Fitzsimmons & Jeff Stroud X Cynthia Flynn & Deirdre Boyle X Tom Galloway & Les Diggs Richard Green & Asi Ohana X Joe Greenhall & Tom Klingler Bob Gurwin & John Rourke 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* Nola Joyce & Brenda Eich* Jocelyn Kaplan & Idalie Adams X Linda Kemp* Deborah Kennedy & Beth Yocum* Jerry Kennedy & Robert Quinones X Eric Korpon & Steve Haber* Leslie Ledogar & Marilyn Hewitt* John J. MacDonald & Douglas James 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 Gail Purcell & Sandy Kraft* Tony Purcell & In Memory of Daniel Espejel Bill Rayman & Frank King* Marty Rendon & John Cianciosi* 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 X Kathy Wiz & Muriel Hogan X Jon Worthington & Bryan Houlette X 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

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP 2022 Sherry Berman & Deb Hamilton X Abby Bernstein & Karen Frank X Michael Boyle & Greg Murphy X John Brady X Jeffrey Buhrman & Roger Alford David Carder Kathy Casey & Jean Burgess X Kate Cauley & Pat Newcomb Bob Chambers* Jean Chlastawa & Susan Griesemer* Paul Christensen & Dennis Morgan* Jim Chupella & Jim Wigand* Dottie Cirelli & Myrna Kelley X Austin Clayton Steve Clayton & Brad Lentz* Gary Colangelo & Gerald Duvall X Nancy Commisso* Thomas Conway & Thoth Weeda* Billy Cox & John Carr* Drexel Davison - Bad Hair Day?* Anthony Delacruz & Ronald Mangano 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* Mary Gunning Wesley Hacker & David Block* Jo Hamilton & Donna Voigt* Harbor Healthcare* Pete & Joanne Harrigan* Robert Henthorne & Roger Bolduc David Herring & Karl Hornberger Carol Holland - Holland Jewelers X Caroline Huff & Brenda Robertson* Nan Hunter & Chai Feldblum Pete Jakubowski* Philip Johnson* Frank Jump & Vincenzo Aiosa* Bob Kabel* Marilyn Kates & Laura Glenn* Andy Kite & Karl Martin Rose Korten & Brenda Pinkney Greg Kubiak* Carol Lazzara & Sheila Maden* Edmund LeFevre & Keith Wiggs X Greg Lehne Monica Lewis & Ann Zimmerman* David Linderman 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 In Memory of Vickie Stapleton Mickie McManamon* Howard Menaker & Patrick Gossett X Phil Merola & Rocco Scutaro Ray Michener & Tom Carlson* Sherril Moon & Louise Montgomery* 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* Stephen Pleskach X 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* Thrasher’s French Fries* Don Wainwright & Tom Jamison* Lana Warfield & Pamela Notarangelo X Elizabeth Way & Dorothy Dougherty* Michael Weinert X Justin Weitz Douglas Werner & JD Pryor William Wheatley* 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* Continued on page 64

MARCH

LET’S DO IT

3–4

AGAIN!

JOIN DELAWARE'S LARGEST DAY OF GIVING

#DoMore24DE

domore24delaware.org

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

63 Letters

Continued from page 62

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* Victor Branham & Mark Clark William Briganti & Gary Moore* Anita Broccolino - In Memory of Cathy Fisher Wendy Bromfeld* Ronald Butt & Steve Cannon* William Byron & Ali Lazur Ingrid Callmann & Karen Askins* Helen Chang & Pat Avery Charlie Codacovi* Community Bank Delaware* Mark Conheady* Lois Cortese & Jill Stokes X Kay Creech & Sharon Still* Kenneth Currier & Mike Tyler X John D’Amico* Linda DeFeo X J. Lynne Dement & Lisa J. Snyder* Jim DiLalla & In Memory of Frederick Episcopo* Tony DiMichele & Jeff Smith* Donna Dolce* Kevin Doss & Arie Venema Arlyce Dubbin & Kathleen Heintz* Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson Richard Egler Susan Eig & Ellen Schiff X 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* Mark Kehoe X Maryl Kerley & Pat Sagat X Bonnie Kirkland & Wanda Bair X 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

Letters 64

Marsha Mark & Judy Raynor* James Mastoris & Edward Chamberlain X Jonathan Mattner & Chad Rinker Michael & Stephan Maybroda Kathy & Steve McGuiness* Kate McQueen* James Mease & Philip Vehslage* 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* Thomas Ramsey & Chris Murray* Alex Reed & Jed Millard Susan Reinagel & Dawn Henderson* Pat Renninger & Tammy Plumley X Joseph Rively & Ty Hoffman 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* Tara Sheldon Frank Shockley & Arthur Henry Anita Smulyan Tina Snapp & Susan Leathery 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 Trudie Thompson Jeffrey Trunzo & Herman Goodyear* James Vernicek & Jeff Dailey* Tama Viola Donald Wessel Ralph Wiest & Anthony Peraine* Daryle Williams & Steven Fretwell Melanie Wolfe & Monica Niccolai Robert T. Wright & Jack Lim* Sherri Wright & Dick Byrne* Niki Zaldivar & Cecil McNeil X Kathryn Zimmerman Helaine Zinaman & Roselyn Abitbol X

RED LEVEL Guy Abernathey X Dale Adams Adrienne & Kim* Jim Affonco X Mark Aguirre & Wayne Gleason X

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

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 Terry & Gayle August Josh Bach & Edward Ginley Kathleen Bailey X John Baker & Richard Latham X 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* Beatrice Birman & Mary Malgoire 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 Kelly Brennan & Susan McVey* Susan Brinsfield & Barbara Devenport Debora Brooke * Kevin Brown X Lyn Brown & Winsome Boyd Matthew Brown Diane Bruce & Annie Sorvillo* Daniel Bruner & Tim Beymer Jack Bucchioni Donald Bucher & Kevin Paul Al Bulliner X Belinda Buras & Linda Simeone Geoffrey Burkhart & Bruce Williams* Lyn Burleson & Sharon Werner*

Carol L. Burnett X Mary Jean Burns & Novalyn Winfield Rob Burns & Cris Hamer* Stephen Burt & Michael Jones Timothy B. Bush X Sherry Butler Randy Butt & Emerson Bramble* James Byrnes X Robertine Cale Debbie Cali Leslie Calman & Jane Gruenebaum* Pat Campagna & Debra Sansoucie Michele Campisi & Julie A. Slick X Joe Canter Matt Carey X Jim Carlo X Justine Carpenter X Shirley Carpenter & Mary Coldren X Deborah Carroll & Jill Steiner 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 Julie Cockley 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 Denise Davis & Jeanne Bilanin Jeremiah Davis Marsha Davis & Bev Lesher X Kathy Davison & Ruth Dickerson X Scott & Donna de Kuyper Hotel Blue* Frederick Dean & Steven Swierzy X 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 Julie Dickson X Richard Dietz 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 Gene Dvornick X Sue Early X Frank Echols & Robert Robinson Eden Restaurant X Claire Edmondson & Louise Bylicki Brad Edwards Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey* Pamela Elliott W. Kay Ellis* Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo Alexis Faust 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 X Paul Florentino & Chris Pedersen X Sandra Fluck & Beverly Morgan* Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X Beebe Frazer X Phil Fretz X Billiemichelle & Evelyn Friel* Neil Frock & Bob Harrison* Bill Fuchs* Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano Lorraine Gaasche & Jill Mayer* Frank Gainer & Ramon Santos* Lynn Gaites & Faye Koslow X Nina Galerstein* Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett Jerry Gallucci & Conrad Welch* 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 Continued on page 66

20 Baltimore Ave. clear space (Beach Block) theatre company RB, DE 19971 Catch every show week!

February 26 twice & 27each Only!

Lorem ipsum

In collaboration with

the Delaware Humane Society

Sponsored by

Tickets TicketsOn OnSale SaleNow! Now!

Clear Space is requiring patrons to show their COVID-19 vaccination card along with a government-issued ID or physical proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance and a government-issued ID in order to enter the theatre. Masks are required for everyone while inside the building.

No food or beverages allowed inside the theatre.

For complete show schedules & tickets, please visit:

www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org Or call

302.227.2270

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.

Clear Space Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

65 Letters

Continued from page 64

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 Milton Gordon & Bill Hromnak X Teresa Gordy & Barb Ford X Dan Goren & Peter Robinson X Anita Gossett & Ronnie Smith* Robert Gotwalt & Norman Jones Amy Grace & Karen Blood* Lisa & Raymond Graff* Angela Grant & Zoe Fitzpatrick* Paul R. Grant & Marc Watrel* Cheryl Graves Harvey Grider Kenneth Grier* Richard Grifasi X John Grillone & Paul Schlear Jr. X Joseph Gritz X 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 Marie & Ken Haag* Carolyn Haas & Debbie Williams 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* Thomas F Harris II 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 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 Cynthia Hogue 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 Ellan Hylton Batya Hyman & Belinda Cross* Thomas Ingold X

Letters 66

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 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 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* 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* Kathleen Kress 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 Jim Lawrence & Bob Palandrani Charlie Lee X Nicholas Lee Jon Leeking & Dieulifete Jean* 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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Debbie Lupton Diane Lusk X P. Michael Lutz* Minda Lynch Becky Lyons & Ebie Hamrick X Wendy Maclay & Sheree Davis* 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* Sharon Marquart 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 John Matthews & Nick Polcini* Sarah Matthews Eric Matuszak X Lewis Maurer Donna McCabe & Mac Ignacio X Edward McCord Kathleen McCormick & Elizabeth Fish X 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* Shelly Miller Todd A. Miller & Michele Frame X Trixie Miller Lee Wayne Mills X Stan Mills & Marcia Maldeis X Linda Miniscalco & Jeanne Drake* 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* Jack Morrison & Bob Dobbs* Rebecca Moscoso* 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* Teri Noel* James Nolan Janet Nosal Paul Nye & Jerry Hofer 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 Sue Potts & Karen Kohn 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* Nancy Ratner Carole Redman Janet Redman X Carolyn Redmon & Nancy Allen* Randy Reed X Rehoboth Art League* Peter S. Reichertz X Ken Reilly & Tony Ghigi X Virginia Reime & Gene Tadlock* Jeff Reinhart & Jack Miller* Patricia Remeis & Maureen Kane 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 Keith & John Riley-Spillane 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 Mary K. Ryan* 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 Sharon Schmitt* 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 Kelly Sheridan & Debra Quinton* David Sherman X George Shevlin & Jack Suwanlert* William Shively & TD Stanger Continued on page 69

THE YMCA WHERE

HEALTH IS RESTORED

The YMCA is so much more than a gym!

It’s a supportive community of new friends, friendly staff dedicated to your health, tons of fun, and so much more.

JOIN TODAY! www.ymcade.org Sussex Family YMCA | 20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 | (302) 296-9622 Financial assistance is available.

gay Women of Rehoboth ®

Join Us At

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

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

67 Letters

APRIL 7 - 10, 2022

’Cause Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Featuring Chely Wright & Comedy Trio Funny Girlz!

JOIN THE FUN!

PERFORMANCES BY

Sug Daniels and Regina Sayles

FEST PASSES AVAILABLE

BEGINNING MID-FEBRUARY

WOMEN’S FEST IS BACK!*

Cheer! Country superstar Chely Wright, Sug Daniels, and Regnia Sayles at the RB Convention Center!

Laugh! Funny Girlz starring a trio of favorites in an all-new show.

Vickie Shaw, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward at Atlantic Sands Hotel; Fay Jacobs at CAMP Rehoboth.

Play! Golf, pickleball, bike ride, corn hole tournament, beach yoga and more.

Dance! Thursday Georgette Krenkel’s Kick Off Party, and “Ladies” returns, both at the RB Convention Center!

Experience! Special speakers: Saundra Johnson, Director, DE State Office on Equity, and Selisse Berry, Founder and former Executive Director of Out & Equal

Discover! Popular Craft Expo, bingo, singles mixer, art show, CAMP outreach event (CROP), and other popular artist perfromances in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium at CAMP. Friday & Saturday Remember! Honor loved ones and fight cancer: Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, Sunday.

Stay! 20% discount at host hotel The Atlantic Sands if you mention Women’s FEST when booking. 302-227-2511.

*Any necessary COVID safety and/or restrictions will be in place, and some activities may change to virtual or hybrid if necessary.

FOR INFORMATION OR TO BECOME A SPONSOR, CALL 302-227-5620.

Updates on Women’s FEST Facebook page and camprehoboth.com

CAMP 68 Rehoboth ad_Jan 2022_full page.indd Letters FEBRUARY 4, 2022

1

1/28/22 10:25 AM

Continued from page 66

Davis Short & Beverly Castner Francine Siedlecki Frank Silverio X Marc Silverman & John Campbell* Kelly Simon Joanne Sinsheimer & Margaret Beatty* Sandra Skidmore X Ken Skrzesz X Jeffrey Slavin X Anne Smith & Lisa Taylor Carol Smith* Harlan Joe Smith & Dustin Abshire* 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 Trish Sullivan & Sandy Hudson Jill Sungenis & Nicole Bano 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 Martin Thaler 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 Steve Touzell & Marshall Scott Beadle 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 Paula Walker & Gayle Dumonceaux 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* Kathy Weir & Lynn Finaldi* West Side New Beginnings Donna West Gary West & Jay Seitz - In Memory of Richard Pagnotta Patricia West 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* Patricia Wojnas David Wolanski* Max Wolf X Carol Woodcock & Carol Lewis* Cody Woodfin & Rich Morgan Michael Wray Robert B. Wright X Marjorie Wuestner & Catherine Balsley* Janet Yabroff Alexander G. Yearley X James E. Yiaski X Linda Yingst* Jay York Vickie York X Sheila & Tim Young James Zeigler & In Memory of Sam Deetz* Carol Zelenkowski* Lorraine Zellers Phyllis Zwarych & Sheila Chlanda*

X Founders’ Circle 10+ years * Members five years or more

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP Join today to support our mission!

RAINBOW MEMBERS RECEIVE:

• Basic Membership Package - Advance ticket sales to CAMP Rehoboth events - Recognition in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth - Rainbow level colored Member window cling(s) - Weekly “What’s Happening at CAMP” email • Discount on CAMP Rehoboth Event Tickets for Levels Green and above (as noted) • Free Health Screenings, Counseling Services, and Support Groups • Youth, Adult and Senior Programs, Services and Outreach • The satisfaction of knowing you are helping others!

PAY ANNUALLY or MONTHLY ☐

PURPLE LEVEL ☐ $2400 annual or ☐ $200 monthly Basic + 25% ticket discount and one 1/4 page ad in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

☐

INDIGO LEVEL ☐ $1200 annual or ☐ $100 monthly Basic + 20% ticket discount

☐

BLUE LEVEL

☐ $900 annual or ☐ $75 monthly

Basic + 15% ticket discount

☐

☐ $600 annual or ☐ $50 monthly GREEN LEVEL Basic + 10% ticket discount

☐

YELLOW LEVEL

☐ $300 annual or ☐ $25 monthly

☐

ORANGE LEVEL

☐ $180 annual or ☐ $15 monthly

☐

RED BASIC

☐ $50 annual or

NAME

☐ Basic Dual/Family, $85 annual PARTNER/SPOUSE NAME

ADDRESS CITY

STATE

EMAIL 1

CELL 1

EMAIL 2

CELL 2

ZIP

HOME PHONE

☐ Enclosed is my check payable to CAMP Rehoboth for the full annual amount. ☐ Please charge my Recurring Monthly or Annual Membership fee to:

Names in bold are new or upgraded members as of December 31, 2021

CREDIT CARD NUMBER

Founders’ Circle designation has been added to our Membership roster. Please send kudos, questions, or listing updates to membership@ camprehoboth.com.

SIGNATURE

VALIDATION CODE

EXP. DATE

DATE

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT COMPANY NAME

CONTACT PERSON NAME

EMAIL

PHONE NUMBER

EXPECTED FUNDS DELIVERY DATE(s)

AMOUNT

RATHER JOIN ONLINE? Go to camprehoboth.com/membership Call 302-227-5620 or visit us at 37 Baltimore Avenue.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

69 Letters

Words Matter

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

Let’s End the Epidemic for Everyone

I

n addition to the challenges, as we collectively continue to face entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected Black and other people of color communities and shaken up the world, we would be remiss not to acknowledge that our nation continues to deal with an epidemic that has been around since 1981. An epidemic that also disproportionately affects Black and other people of color communities.

Tremendous progress has been made to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS over the last several decades, yet there remains so much to be done. This year, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be acknowledged on February 7. Since 1999, the day has been used annually to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in communities of color.

The last published HIV Surveillance report by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, noted that, “African Americans are disproportionately affected by the HIV/stage 3 HIV (AIDS) burden. While 22 percent of Delaware’s total population is African American, this group accounts for 65 percent of all HIV/stage 3 HIV (AIDS) cases ever diagnosed in the state. This racial disparity is more pronounced in Delaware compared to the general U.S. population and persists. Of all persons living with a diagnosed HIV infection, African Americans account for 41 percent in the U.S. and 58 percent in Delaware.” The report also informs us that, “Among new HIV infections diagnosed in Delaware from 2015 through 2019, the largest proportion were attributable to men who have sex with men.” This knowledge connects to the overall national outlook.

Of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, an estimated 479,300 are Black. A deeper dive by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that, “Black gay and bisexual men accounted for Letters 70

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

the largest number of new diagnoses among this group in 2019, followed

by Latino gay and bisexual men.”

Additionally, Kaiser pointed to recent reports that say, “Black gay and bisexual men were found to be at a much higher risk of being diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes compared with Latino and white gay and bisexual men.

Young Black gay and bisexual men are at particular risk.” Black gay and bisexual men ages 20-29 accounted for 51 percent of new diagnoses in 2019 among that age group and 13 percent of all diagnoses.

We must act as individuals and work as a community with care, compassion, and concern to end HIV/AIDS for everyone.

There are two scenes from my college career that I will never forget.

One is while sitting in my dorm room working on an assignment, I got a call from a friend. He told me to make sure that I was sitting down because he had something important to tell me. There was a long silence and then my friend, known for being a loud talker, told me very quietly that he was recently diagnosed with HIV. It felt like time stood still. I thought about how brave he was to have gotten tested and how much courage it took for him to go back and get the results on his own. I didn’t quite know what to say and for a long time I didn’t. Finally, words came to me.

I shared that I cared about him deeply

and that I was there to support him however I could as he figured things out.

I was 20 and he just a year older.

Not long after that, in the same dorm room, I hopped out of my bed to answer the phone one afternoon. It was my mom. She called to tell me that my uncle, the first Black gay man that I think I ever really knew, had died and I needed to make arrangements to come home for the funeral. My uncle died of complications related to his HIV/AIDS diagnosis.

Thankfully, because of all the advances in treatment, we don’t now get many calls about the deaths of our beloved friends and relatives. But sadly, decades later, there are still too many new infections. Just last summer, another friend confided in me his recent diagnosis. The epidemic persists—but it does not have to. Twenty years after I’ve completed college, young gay and bisexual men are grappling with the epidemic that we must finally bring to a close so that another generation does not do the same.

The structural and social barriers that keep the epidemic going—the stigma, homophobia, discrimination, racism, economic factors, and lack of access to care—have to be addressed.

We must act as individuals and work as a community with care, compassion, and concern to end HIV/AIDS for everyone. Get tested. Know your status.

Connect to the treatment or prevention model that works for you. Build true community. Advocate for equity. ▼ Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. He’s also a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker.

jacklingo.com

Discover Your Wonder with Jack Lingo, REALTOR®

Coastal Delaware Sales & Rentals

REHOBOTH BEACH

246 Rehoboth Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 office: 302-227-3883

LEWES

1240 Kings Highway Lewes, DE 19958 office: 302-645-2207

MILLSBORO

28442 Dupont Boulevard Millsboro, DE 19966 office: 302-934-3970

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

71 Letters

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

Make ‘em Laugh MOMS MABLEY (1894-1975)

I

t’s Black History Month, a good time to talk about a woman who made entertainment history: Loretta Mary Aiken, known around the world as Jackie “Moms” Mabley.

Born in 1894 in Brevard, North Carolina, Loretta was one of 16 children. Young Loretta ran away from home at age 14 to escape the chaos of such a large family as well as an abusive episode by an elderly neighbor and rape by a white sheriff.

She landed in Cleveland, Ohio, where she joined a traveling minstrel act, “The Butterbeans and Susie.” Show business had adopted Loretta Aiken.

Appearing as Jackie Mabley, names she borrowed from earlier friends, she cut her comedy teeth in the 1920s in vaudeville’s Chitlin’ Circuit: theaters that featured Black performers and catered to a Black audience. The breakneck schedule of one- and two- night stands (a week’s booking was a luxury), helped to fine tune Mabley’s stage presence and find her voice.

She went on to become a standup comic, knockin’ ’em dead in theaters and nightclubs across the country. Her Moms persona was developing, and by the 1940s and 50s, she dropped the Jackie name on stage and became Moms Mabley. As Moms, she performed to sellout crowds in clubs and theaters, and eventually appeared frequently on television on the Ed Sullivan Show, and later the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour among other network programs.

What’s the big deal, you say? Lots of comics started in vaudeville and became stand-up sensations. True, but until Moms Mabley, none were women. If Moms hadn’t opened that avenue, there’d be no Nicole Byer, no Ali Wong, no Amy Schumer, no Joan Rivers, no Hannah Gadsby.

Moms not only paved the way, she stormed the barricades: in 1930, she became the first woman comic to play at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater, and in 1962, she was the first woman to headline at Carnegie Hall. She was invited to Letters 72

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

perform at the White House by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.

Moms Mabley had reached the pinnacle.

Stand-up had been a male realm until Moms created her signature character: a frumpy woman in a housedress, big shoes, and a floppy hat. The brilliance of that getup was its irony. The frump

Offstage, though, the frumpy clothes came off, and men’s suits came on. persona allowed Mabley to tell stories and jokes which contained sly political and social observations, but which left audiences laughing.

Offstage, though, the frumpy clothes came off, and men’s suits came on. Along with the men’s suits came women on Moms’ arm. Among her friends and show business associates, Mabley was out as a butch lesbian as early as 1921. She even sent Season’s Greetings cards with a picture of herself in full men’s attire.

According to Norma Miller, dancer, choreographer, and comedian who’d shared a dressing room with Mabley, it was not unusual for one of Moms’ girlfriends to be in the dressing room as well.

Quoted in Whoopie Goldberg’s documentary about Mabley—Presenting Moms Mabley—Miller noted that “she was Moms on stage, but when she walked off that stage, she was Mr. Moms.”

On TV, Moms’ standup routines, though hilarious and tinged with social references filtered through the Black experience, were mild compared to her performances in clubs and theaters. In these venues, her routines were decidedly more edgy, raunchier, with sly references to her sexuality. One of her famous jokes during the Nixon years combines political humor with a punchline that leaves very little doubt about Mom’s sexual preferences: “Did you know I was on President Nixon’s enemies list? Yes, darlin’. I told Tricia (Nixon) that if the Pilgrims had shot bobcats instead of turkeys for food, we’d be eating pussy for Thanksgiving.”

Mabley’s career spanned more than 50 years, covering stage work, nightclub appearances, television, recordings, and films. Her comedy recordings were routinely top sellers; her live shows continued to be sellouts until shortly before her death in 1975 of heart failure. Her television appearances can still be enjoyed on YouTube.

So, the next time you’re splitting your sides laughing hysterically at the routine of your favorite woman comic, say a quiet thank you to Moms Mabley, the frumpy Black lady in the housedress, floppy hat, and big clunky shoes who also could strut her stuff in well-tailored jackets and trousers. ▼ Ann Aptaker’s Cantor Gold crime/mystery series has won Lambda Literary and Goldie Awards. Her short stories appear in numerous publications and anthologies

BEEBE HEALTHCARE,

The Premier Healthcare Facility in Sussex County Beebe Healthcare has become the premier healthcare facility in Sussex County, serving a thriving beach and vacation resort area and a growing year-round population.

For a complete listing of all Beebe job openings, please visit our website

www.beebehealthcare.org

Attracting and retaining the best healthcare professionals is Beebe Healthcare’s top priority.

We offer an excellent patient-focused environment, exciting career opportunities, and leading-edge technology with supportive, progressive leadership.

Joining Beebe Healthcare means joining an exciting healthcare team that is deeply committed to the community. Our customer-service focus is recognized on a daily basis through our patient satisfaction surveys. Our clinical expertise strives to surpass patient expectations.

A variety of work/pay options are designed to meet the needs of team members, including: • Flexible schedules and shifts available based on the needs of the department • Full-time/comprehensive benefits • Part-time/pro-rated benefits • Per diem incentive plan • Competitive shift differential Join us now to take advantage of our excellent benefits and compensation package.

Beebe Healthcare is committed to hiring qualified professionals who provide the best patient care in the region.

EOE | 424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958 | www.facebook.com/beebecareers FEBRUARY 4, 2022

73 Letters

WE REMEMBER

Dr. Aimee Wiest

D

r. Aimee Wiest, who passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, was born March 8, 1940, to Harry and Faith Wiest. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Grove City College, Pennsylvania; a master’s degree from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; and a PhD in English Literature and African American Studies from the University of Maryland.

After a 35-year career as a high school English teacher at Severna Park High School in Maryland, she worked as an adjunct professor of African American Literature at the University of Maryland, Notre Dame University in Baltimore, and Delaware State University in Dover and Georgetown. But to describe her simply an educator would diminish all she brought to the classroom. Her lessons were infused with the essence of who she was—words, music, social justice, spirituality, and poetry.

Though she never had formal piano lessons, Dr. Wiest played whenever the opportunity arose, at venues that included the churches she attended, private house parties, weddings, and public events. But her greatest joy was playing in restaurants and bars where she always succeeded in getting diners

and guests to sing along while she played. For many years, she played piano at Nordstrom Department Store in the Annapolis Mall, where her many students would gather around the piano to sing and entertain the shoppers. She liked all music, from jazz to rap, blues, gospel, and opera.

Dr. Wiest was active in several community groups. She belonged to four book groups, including the St. Peter’s Church book group, the Wolfe Pointe book group, the Natural Selections book group, and the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice Book Club, which she founded and led for several years. She helped to produce and participated in the Black Poetry Events held by SDARJ. Dr. Wiest also was a teacher of Black literature, poetry, and history at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Lewes. She invariably responded to every request for teaching or entertaining, as she believed that individuals are obligated to share their knowledge and talents with others.

“Dr. Wiest was a cherished member of our community writ large,” said CAMP Rehoboth’s Board of Directors Vice President Leslie Ledogar. “May her memory serve as a beacon of light that

will forever guide us on our personal paths to being the better angels of ourselves.”

Dr. Wiest is survived by her spouse and partner of 45 years, Charlotte King, of Lewes; a stepdaughter, Rachel King, of Chicago; a sister, Sally Bergeron of Phoenix, Arizona; two nieces, Alice Gregg and Sidney Besania; one nephew, Lt. Col. US Army Phillip Bergeron; and seven great-nieces and -nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in March 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Wiest’s name to one of the following organizations: Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, for its Scholarship Funds, Middle School Recognition Awards, Para-Professional Financial Assistance Program, or financial assistance for incarcerated individuals completing higher education programs, sdarj.org; Pathways to Success, pathways-2success.org; the Richard Allen School, richardallenschoolgeorgetown.com; or the First State Community Action Agency, the Freedom School, firststatecaa.org. ▼

Axel Rain Morris

O

n December 15, 2021, Axel Rain Morris peacefully passed away after a long, courageous battle with lymphoma.

Axel was born on February 14, 2005, in Milford, Delaware, to Glenn and Candice Morris. He attended Milford High School and was in the tenth grade. Axel enjoyed reading, music, and the arts, especially dancing and fashion.

He is survived by his mother, Candice Morris, and her partner, Robert Turner Jr.; his father, Glenn Morris Jr.; His sister, Emerald Morris; his step-sister, Jaelin Turner; his grandparents, Richard and Denise Vican,

Letters 74

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

and Joe and Teresa Morris; his aunts, Dawn Powell and Jennifer (Tor) Hazzard; and his partner, Leo Elkey.

Visitation was held at Rogers Funeral Home, Milford, on December 28, 2021; interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Axel’s name may be made to CAMP Rehoboth, at camprehoboth.com or 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971; the ColeStrong Foundation, colestrongfoundation.com; or Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, 1600 Rockland Road, Shands House, Wilmington, Delaware 19803. ▼

Delaware Hospice provides more than in-home hospice services.

MORE THAN HOSPICE

Whether it’s palliative care, children’s care or bereavement services you are looking for, we have you covered.

delawarehospice.org 302.683.8948

windsor's 28-02_windsor's 14-15.qxd 3/30/2018 2:26 PM Page 1

“WHERE FLOWERS SPEAK A BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE” FLORIST SHOP • GREENHOUSES 20326 Coastal Highway • Rehoboth Beach, DE (Next to Arena’s Café)

302-227-9481

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

75 Letters

Follow the Eccentric Escapades of Dick and James Fun with Dick and James

An AwardWinning Book by Rich Barnett

Rich Barnett

Includes drink recipes!

Look for it at Browseabout Books and One Day at a Time Gift Shop Letters 76

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Fourth-Page-V

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION (puzzle on page 46}

Subscribe today.

C R E A T I N G

A

CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Opportunities

M O R E

WOMEN’S FEST 2022 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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

Don’t miss a thing.

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

R E H O B O T H

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

Volunteers needed for help with: set-up/organizing events, seeking new partnerships and/or sponsorships; helping to spread the word, writing/communications/PR, graphic design…and more!

Email: info@camprehoboth.com, put “WF Volunteer” in the subject line.

LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM Volunteers needed to help reload Letters to drop-box points. Must be able to carry heavy magazine stacks, reload distribution points, and report discarded materials to our editorial/publishing team.

CAMPCIERGES

YOUR NAME

Volunteers needed to greet guests, answer phones, and perform other administrative tasks in the Community Center. Please email matty@camprehoboth.com if interested.

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others.

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.

— PLEASE VISIT — camprehoboth.com/volunteers

to register as a volunteer and to sign up for available opportunities.

thank you

to all the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center volunteers for the period: Dec. 3, 2021-Jan. 21, 2022

ARTS TEAM

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

Barbara Breault David Carder Max Dick Lynn Eisner Ron Gluck Jim Mease Kim Nelson Pat Powell Patricia Stiles

Russell Stiles Joe Vescio

CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS

Tony Burns David Camorali Fay Jacobs Laura Reitman

CHORUS LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Matt Brown Bill Fuchs Dianna Johnston Dave Minges Judy Olsen Dave Scuccimarra Sandra Skidmore

COMMUNITY UNITY DINNER

Hannah Simone Patricia Stiles Russell Stiles Tama Viola

CROP—THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY TOY DRIVE

Karen Anderson Kathy Board Paul Christianson Brian Cox Ellen Dahl Karen DeSantis Brenda Dunn Jackie Maddalena Kenny Mahan Glenn Pruitt Leslie Sinclair Debbie Woods

CROP—HOME OF THE BRAVE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

Karen Anderson Mark Basile Brenda Dunn Leslie Sinclair Steve Schnepp Debbie Woods

GRANTS COMMITTEE

Leslie Calman Kate Cauley David Garrett John Roane Leslie Sinclair

HOLIDAY HANDMADE MARKET

Nancy Commisso Mark Eubanks Jim Mease Doug Sellers

LETTERS ARCHIVIST

Ronald Dempsey

LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Lauren Dobey Mary Ellen Mannion Jim Mease Jennifer Rubenstein Kim Schlipp

Vickie Martina Stephen Palmer Russell Stiles Linda Yingst MEMBERSHIP TEAM

Jane Blue David Carder Ann Evans

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Karen Laitman Jim Mease Rina Pellegrini Leslie Sinclair John Michael Sophos Angie Strano Debbie Woods

LETTERS MAILING TEAM

David Hagelin Nancy Hewish Grant Kingswell

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

77 Letters

AD INDEX 1776 Steakhouse....................................................... 15 Accent On Travel........................................................ 25 AG Renovations.......................................................... 15 Beebe Healthcare...................................................... 29 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities................... 73 Brandywine Urology Consultants............................... 11 bsd.............................................................................. 17 Café Azafrán............................................................... 31 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription........................ 77 CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST Save The Date........ 68 Caroline Huff, Artist.......................................................9 Cat & Mouse Publishing............................................. 76 Chesapeake & Maine................................................. 55 Chris Beagle Group, Realtors..................................... 19 Clear Space Theatre................................................... 65 Coho’s Market & Grill.................................................. 37 Country Lawn Care..................................................... 78 County Bank............................................................... 31 DE Div of Public Health, Lung Screening .....................7 DE Div of Public Health, Tobacco............................... 13 Delaware Hospice...................................................... 75 Delaware Humane Association ................................. 76 Do More 24................................................................ 63 Donna Whiteside, Realtor.......................................... 12 Fifth Avenue Jewelers................................................ 67 Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant............................. 79

Letters 78 FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Gay Women’s Meet Up............................................... 67 Go Fish Go Brit .......................................................... 34 God’s Greyts Senior Greyhounds............................... 75 Harbour Waterfront Dining......................................... 19 Hugh Fuller, Realtor.................................................... 38 Immanuel Shelter....................................................... 34 Jack Lingo, Real Estate.............................................. 71 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley..................................... 15 John Black/Bill Peiffer, Realtors ................................ 57 Jolly Trolley................................................................ 45 Just In Thyme Restaurant........................................... 27 Lana Warfield, Realtor................................................ 15 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors............................ 35 Lori’s Café.................................................................. 46 Maplewood Dental Associates................................... 67 MERR Institute............................................................ 55 Milton Theatre............................................................ 47 Olivia Travel................................................................ 21 Purple Parrot.............................................................. 39 PWW Law.......................................................................9 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors.................. 31 Rehoboth Beach Dental............................................. 45 Rehoboth Guest House.............................................. 45 Rehoboth Massage & Alignment................................ 63 Rigby’s Bar & Grill....................................................... 33 Saved Souls Animal Rescue....................................... 75

Sea Bova Associates, Realtors................................... 80 Springpoint Choice..................................................... 61 State Farm - George Bunting..................................... 37 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin............. 45 Sussex Family YMCA.................................................. 67 The Lawson Firm........................................................ 63 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead.................................. 27 The Pines.................................................................... 43 The Warren Group, Realtors....................................... 53 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting...................... 30 Troy Roberts, Realtor.................................................. 27 Unfinished Business................................................... 55 Village Volunteers...................................................... 60 Volunteer Opportunities............................................. 77 Volunteer Thank You.................................................. 77 Windsor’s Flowers...................................................... 75

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

79 Letters

LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

CELL

302-542-4197

302-245-0577

*A/C

MARINERS COVE - Millsboro.

2019 28’ x 56’ 3BR/2BA doublewide on the canal w/your own private dock.

Community pool. 15 miles to the boardwalk. $169,900 (20065361) Lot Rent $1,102/mt.

CAMP ARROWHEAD - Lewes Own the Land!

1991 2BR/1BA is 1,064 sq. ft. in size.

Living room opens to the eat-in kitchen.

Big bath w/ soaking tub & separate stall shower. Front screen porch, open rear deck. 1/2-acre lot.

No HOA. 10 miles to the boardwalk. $195,000 (2009904)

REHOBOTH BAY - Rehoboth.

3BR/2BA 1989 doublewide.

Formal LV & family room w/FP. 4-Season porch. 6 miles to beach. Marina & community pool. $124,900 (2009250) Lot Rent $636/mt.

*A/C

~ CALL ~ LUZ ESCOBAR REALTOR ®

302-260-2080 cell email

luz_escobar2000@yahoo.com

AVALON PARK - Georgetown. This 1976 4BR/1.5BA home is in excellent shape!

Laminate flooring & carpeting in the bedrooms.

0.22 acres. Big L-shaped screened porch.

Carport. Low HOA of just $400/year. Approx. 14 miles to the Rehoboth boardwalk or Lewes public beach. $180,000 (2009614) SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

SILVER VIEW FARM Rehoboth. 2014 3BR/2BA home is 1,988 sq. ft. Oversized kitchen w/7’x14’ walk-in pantry.

Gas FP. Big Shed. Pool & 3 miles to beach. $225,000 (2012718) Lot Rent $604/mt. *A/C

*A/C

~ CALL ~ REALTOR ®

609-515-5820 cell email

DelawareBeach@yahoo.com

$575/mt. includes H20 & sewer.

PINTAIL POINTE - Milton. New Construction – Move-In Ready!!!

4BR/2BA home is a 2,029 sq. ft. one-level rancher with an oversized 2-car garage. Open concept floor plan. Great room has vaulted ceilings & opens to the kitchen and dining area. There is also a sliding glass door to the 16’x20’ deck, which overlooks a small stream. Main bedroom suite also has vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet w/ skylight, tiled shower & double vessel sinks. 5” oak floors. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. 12 miles to the boardwalk. $499,900 (200664)

HOLLY OAKS - Lewes.

New Construction with a Summer Delivery. 3BR/2BA 1,560sf home. Bamboo floors.

Granite & SS appliances in kit.

12’x16’ deck. 0.49-acre lot.

Mid - $400k (similar home)

THERESA CAPPUCCINO

LOVE CREEK PARK Lewes. Marina community.

12’x56’ 1972 2BR/1BA w/ 3season room. Fenced yard.

Big shed. 6 miles to beach. $74,800 (2010028) Lot Rent

SUSSEX WEST - Lewes. Very nicely remodeled 3BR/2.5BA doublewide manufactured home with 1-car garage. Fabolous kitchen with island, 2 full walls of cabinets, subway tile backsplash & all new appliances. 12’ x 20’ deck. Indoor community pool. 6 miles to beach & boardwalk. $210,000 (2013770) Lot Rent $536/mt.

ANGOLA ESTATES - Lewes.

2007 3BR/2BA home is 1,724 sq. ft. Kitchen w/morning room Separate dining area Marina & 2 pools. 10 miles to beach. $175,000 (2012986) Lot Rent $604/mt. includes sewer.

THIS SPOT IS RESERVED FOR YOUR HOME ~ LIST WITH US IN 2022

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