Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 32, No. 10

Salute to Summer Banned Books Week Block Party!

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M O R E

P O S I T I V E

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September 16, 2022 Volume 32, Number 10 camprehoboth.com

inside 4 In Brief 6 President’s View 8 SUNFESTIVAL 2022

28 Guest House Chronicles

14 Community News 16 The Way We Were On Cloud 9

78 Celebrity Interview Dave Audé

Sophisticated Gentleman: Alain Locke ANN APTAKER

12 CAMP News

VOLUME 32, NUMBER 10 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

2 Historical Headliners

WES COMBS

Oh What a Night! (Times Two!)

THIS ISSUE

MICHAEL COOK

80 Q-Puzzle Anguish at Sea

82 Byways

Arriving Straight; Leaving Gay

House Beautiful (for Cheap-ish!)

TOM KELCH

MIKEY ROX

30 View Point

A Get-well Card for Mr. Rushdie

Photo: Tom Johnson

RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

FAY JACOBS

18 Out & About

A League of Our Own ERIC PETERSON

20 It’s My Life

32 Words Matter Censorship Sucks

On the dancefloor at Sundance. See page 8.

46 Dining Out

CLARENCE FLUKER

Port 251

34 OUTlook

Summer Fling

22 Straight Talk

38 True Blue Jazz

From Wendell’s Woes to Wendell…Whoa!

42 CAMP Stories

58 The Writing Life

On the Campaign Trail-HRC DAVID GARRETT

24 Health & Wellness Don’t Worry, Be Happy PATTIE CINELLI

DOUG YETTER

MICHAEL GILLES

Never Been to Spain

MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

68 CAMP Arts

88 Deep Inside Hollywood ROMEO SAN VICENTE

100 Fight the Queer Book Ban Love Up These 11 New LGBTQ+ Reads CHRIS AZZOPARDI

50 Love Wins

BETH SHOCKLEY

Just More Music

BRENT MUNDT

ON THE COVER

The Gay Guyde to Poker

A Tippler’s Tribute to Late Summer

See Spot Run

BUTCH CORDORA

RICH BARNETT

60 CAMPshots See page 100.

70 Booked Solid

Hot Fun in the Last Days of Summer 2022

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

64 Sea Salt Table

Livin’ Life Like its Golden

Baked Chicken Wings

74 The Real Dirt ERIC W. WAHL

ED CASTELLI

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.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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

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.

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aptaker, Chris Azzopardi, Rich Barnett, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Pattie Cinelli, Wes Combs, Michael Cook, Butch Cordora, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, David Garrett, Michael Gilles, Fay Jacobs, Tom Kelch, Tricia Massella, Brent Mundt, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Richard Rosendall, Mikey Rox, Romeo San Vicente, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Beth Shockley, Eric Wahl, Doug Yetter

The inclusion or mention of any person, group, or business in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth does not, nor is it intended in any way, to imply 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.

From the Editor

CAMP REHOBOTH

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE

BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

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.

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e ran (OK, some of us walked), we laughed, we bid, we danced—in short, we celebrated SUNFESTIVAL in a big, BIG way! What a joy—a Sundance!—after years of pandemic-muted celebration. We deeply appreciated those muted parties, but it was truly fabulous to return to the Convention Center and dance floor. Thanks to all who worked to make that not only possible, but delightful. See page 8 for the SUNFESTIVAL wrap-up and some photos.

This issue has lots else to offer, too. Want to toast summer—or its end—in a new way? Rich Barnett (CAMP Stories) has crafted a sweet corn margarita that might be just exactly what you’re looking for. Enjoy that with some of Ed Castelli’s wings (Sea Salt Table) as you usher in the fall football season. Or anything else you’d like to honor with a sip and a crunch.

Perhaps the prospect of fall has you thinking about some home-and-garden fixups? Eric Wahl has an idea that’s pure gold(enrod), and Mikey Rox offers up some budget-friendly decorating ideas.

Maybe you prefer indoor pursuits? Butch Cordora has just the thing: poker! Read all about his Gay Guyde to Poker and some upcoming poker weekends at the beach in The Writing Life. Or maybe, after reading Brent Mundt’s backstory on a Tom Wilson painting on exhibit at the Biggs Museum, you’ll be inspired to make the trip to Dover in homage—to both the artist and his subject.

September 18-24 is Banned Books Week, brought to us by the American Library Association. Chris Azzopardi suggests 11 new books we might read in defiance of the queer book ban: while books on many topics are challenged or banned, books with queer content are disproportionately targeted. Indeed, as Clarence Fluker notes in his Words Matter column, “In 2021, five of the 10 most challenged books were banned or challenged because of LGBTQIA+ content….”

Fall is not the only season arriving—campaign season is upon us as well. David Garrett has something to say about one crucial campaign—the Human Rights Campaign—in his column. And Beth Shockley (OUTlook) looks toward upcoming elections and a “Plan B” she’s considering.

PRESIDENT Wesley Combs VICE PRESIDENT Leslie Ledogar SECRETARY Mike DeFlavia TREASURER Bea Vuocolo AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Chris Beagle, Jane Blue, Pat Catanzariti, Lisa Evans (non-voting), David Garrett, Natalie Moss, Tara Sheldon, Leslie Sinclair, and Jason D. White

But wait! There’s more! Just take a look at the TOC, opposite, and start thumbing through the pages….

As always, I’d love to hear your comments. Just send them along to me at editor@ camprehoboth.com. ▼

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

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.

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3 Letters

It’s Bear Weekend in Rehoboth Beach

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n amazing roster of events and entertainment is planned for the 8th Annual Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend, September 14-18. The festivities kick-off with a welcome dinner Wednesday evening; highlights include a themed costume party on Friday evening and Ben Zook’s one-man show on Saturday evening. Find details—and purchase tickets—at RehbothBeachBears.com. ▼

Stonewall PAC Summer Funder

D SUNFESTIVAL 2022 Is in the Books!

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nd what a celebration it was! From the SUNFESTIVAL 5K and 1 Mile Walk to the return of the iconic Sundance, SUNFESTIVAL is officially etched into the memory books. For the official recap, see Wesley Combs’ column on page 8, and relive the memories through the photos! ▼

elaware Stonewall PAC held its 18th annual “Summer Funder” at Shrimpy’s Bar and Grill in Rehoboth on August 13, 2022. A political action committee whose mission is to help elect candidates who support equality, fairness, and opportunity for all, Delaware Stonewall PAC honored local pioneers and announced the endorsement of candidates for the 2022 election cycle.

The event was attended by over 130 residents of Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties, and featured a keynote

by State Senator Marie Pinkney.

Awards to civil and human rights pioneers were presented to Murray Archibald, co-founder of CAMP Rehoboth; C. Dixon Osburn, who co-founded the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which fought to overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; and Charlotte King, founder of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. See photos in CAMPShots, page 62. ▼ Additional information on the Stonewall PAC can be found at delawarestonewall. org. ▼

CAMP Rehoboth partners with the History Book Festival

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AMP Rehoboth is proud to partner with the History Book Festival in Lewes all weekend, September 23-25, in various venues. On Saturday, September 24, at 1:30 p.m. at Rollins Community Center and Lewes History Museum, CAMP Rehoboth will help present James Kirchick’s Secret City event.

TRAVELS WITH LETTERS Submit your photos to editor@ camprehoboth.com Letters 4

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James Kirchick is the author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age. His articles about civil rights, politics, and culture have appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Atlantic. ▼

GREEN RIVER DISTILLING CO, OWENSBORO, KY BOURBON RIVER BOAT CRUISE WITH AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES Front row: Geri Dibiase, Deb Knickerbocker, Ruth Dickerson, Michele Boyer, Leah Kaplan Back row: Liz Wheeler, Ruth Morse, Sandy Sullivan, Lorie Seaman, Deni Boyer, Kathy Davison, Loretta Imbrogna, Kathryn Imbrogna.

ON THE COVER Letters was lucky enough to get a photo of these two very good boys, visiting Rehoboth to enjoy some end-of-season festivities. Eager (and experienced) sports-dogs, both are keen on dog agility—especially those tunnels. Says their handler, “What goes into a tunnel comes out really fast!” The younger of the two is still learning the course (but already is well able to charm the judges); happily, his older brother is able to show him just how it’s supposed to be done. “We do agility for the sheer joy of it,” says their handler. ▼

CAMP Rehoboth Teams with DPH to Address the hMPVX Virus

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n Tuesday, August 23, CAMP Rehoboth—partnering with the Delaware Division of Public Health—became one of the first community organizations in Delaware to offer vaccinations against the hMPVX (commonly referred to as monkeypox) virus. Preparation for the event began more than a week earlier, as CAMP registered people for vaccination; all available (200) vaccination slots were filled within a day. As the vaccine is not effective till two weeks after the second dose, those vaccinated on August 23 are expected to return to CAMP Rehoboth on Tuesday, September 20, for a second dose.

The vaccination clinic came just a week after CAMP Rehoboth hosted a Town Hall with Secretary Molly Magarik, head of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services, and Dr. Marci Drees, chief infection prevention officer and hospital epidemiologist at ChristianaCare. The pair discussed Delaware’s response to the public health emergency and fielded questions from attendees. The town hall is available to replay on CAMP Rehoboth’s Facebook page. ▼

BLOCK PARTY ⊲CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Block Party will be Battle of the Bachelors brings in $27K On Sunday, August 14, the lucky 13th Battle of the Bachelors at Aqua Bar & Grill brought in a phenomenal $27,000 for CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.

Hostess with the most-est Kristina Kelly riled up the crowds, as bachelors (and one bachelorette!) took to the stage, representing the fabulous waitstaffs from local bars and restaurants. Auctioneer Lorne Crawford facilitated, and BRASHhh was the swimsuit sponsor. ▼ Pictured (top) The full roster of bachelors and the bachelorette.

Bottom row (l-r): Bachelor Joey Wham with highest bidder Rick Perry.

Bachelorette Jaya Mandala with the highest bidder of the night, Natalie Moss. Thank you, Rick, Natalie, and all the highest bidders for making this year’s fundraiser one of the most successful yet!

Free Flu Shots at CAMP Rehoboth Roll up those sleeves! On Wednesday, October 5, Beebe Healthcare will host a flu clinic at CAMP Rehoboth beginning at 9:00 a.m. Shots will be administered (to those age 18 or older) by Beebe community outreach registered nurses; both high-dose and lowdose shots will be available. ▼

held on the second block of Baltimore Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Come on down for a day of celebration, performances, and vendors—including local restaurants, caterers, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. ▼

Miss Gay Eastern States America Pageant at The Pines

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n late August, The Pines hosted the second annual Miss Gay Eastern States America Pageant, a feeder to the famed Miss Gay America pageant. The pageant is produced

by The Pines co-owner Bob Suppies and the illustrious Mona Lotts. Several notable pageant players were in attendance, including Miss Gay America 2022, Dextaci.

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Gay Eastern States America 2022, Courtney Kelly (pictured above), and First Alternate Jennipher Jameson. Both will be representing Eastern States America at Miss Gay America 2023 in January!

At the ceremony, past CAMP Rehoboth Board President Chris Beagle was honored with the Mona Lotts Humanitarian Award, for his service to the Rehoboth LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, Roxy Overbroke was presented with the Bob Suppies Drag Icon Award.

CAMP Rehoboth joins Bob and Mona in saluting you both! ▼ SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

5 Letters

President’s View

BY WESLEY COMBS

What Health and Wellness Means for Our Community

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n just a few short months, the world has become aware of the growing healthcare crisis associated with the monkeypox virus, with most of the known cases being among men who have sex with men.

Let’s get some facts straight (so to speak) first: human monkeypox virus (hMPXV) spreads mainly through skin-toskin contact and anyone can contract it.

However, in this outbreak it has spread like wildfire through sexual networks like the way HIV did in the LGBTQ+ community. It did not take long for media coverage to focus on this aspect of the disease, which felt like history repeating itself.

As with HIV/AIDS, those contracting monkeypox were being stigmatized because of misinformation about how it was transmitted. During the AIDS epidemic, CAMP Rehoboth was on the front lines with other organizations, like AIDS Delaware, educating our community about

TRANSITION

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how HIV was transmitted, where to get compassionate care, and urging state and Federal government officials to make HIV/ AIDS a priority.

CAMP Rehoboth’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS were core to its mission of health and wellness. Over time, CAMP Rehoboth became a trusted partner with the state of Delaware and for more than a decade has been contracted to provide free, confidential HIV testing, condom distribution, and education across Sussex County. Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) has attributed the state’s low transmission rate to the services CAMP Rehoboth has provided.

Since the onset of monkeypox, CAMP Rehoboth has been in constant contact with DPH, ensuring we could share accurate information about the virus, and how people could gain access to the limited supply of vaccination slots. We also communicated that our community

n the wake of both COVID and monkeypox’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community, the board of directors recognizes that CAMP Rehoboth’s health and wellness role is more important than ever. As we finalize the details on the upcoming strategic planning process, this will be one of the many questions to which we will seek answers as CAMP Rehoboth redefines what health and wellness means to our community.

CAMP Rehoboth Board Vice President Leslie Ledogar is leading this critically important initiative and I asked her to provide an update on the project as well as what questions we are seeking to answer.

WES: What are the steps in the strategic planning process and what is the status?

LESLIE: Strategic planning starts with getting guidance from the right experts. I am encouraged by the strong interest in the Strategic Planning Consultant RFP. As soon as the Board selects a consultant, we will form a taskforce of board members, staff, and key stakeholders and volunteers who will begin the data gathering phase in the last quarter of 2022, starting with updating the 2019 needs assessment and landscape assessment. Thereafter, the Board will undertake the planning phase, which will result in a final strategic plan that will serve as CAMP’s roadmap for the next three to five years.

WES: Traditionally, our health and wellness programs have focused on HIV, smoking cessation, and mental health. What

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was frustrated by the US government’s slow response to roll out sufficient doses, and were confused by mixed messaging about how hMPXV is spread.

Because of this close partnership, we jointly developed a plan of action that included hosting a town hall at CAMP Rehoboth where health officials answered questions about the disease and what the state was doing about it. The following week CAMP Rehoboth was designated a state-sponsored vaccination clinic where 200 doses were made available to members of our community.

This is an example of important services CAMP Rehoboth is able to provide.

Thanks to financial and volunteer support from members and donors, we continue to be the heart of the community.

Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.

are you hearing from people about what else CAMP Rehoboth could be doing in this area?

LESLIE: I am hearing that all three of these areas of focus continue to remain relevant. Unfortunately, I am told that some LGBTQ+ people, particularly lesbians and transgender people, avoid the most basic of preventive care, such as routine health screenings, because the care is not delivered in a culturally sensitive way. Additionally, Sussex County has experienced unprecedented growth as all types of folks, including LGBTQ+ people, retire to our lovely beach towns. A clearer understanding of the shifting demographics and interests of our community will be critical to the strategic planning process.

WES: As a small organization with limited staff and budget, how will this process help identify and prioritize the most important needs?

LESLIE: From the national to the local levels, LGBTQ+ community centers like CAMP Rehoboth are finding themselves at a critical inflection point. Large segments of the LGBTQ+ community and communities in general are awake as never before; they are marching for Black Lives Matter, for women’s rights, and for LGBTQ+ Pride. CAMP is a strong and respected part of that ecosystem—together, we must figure out where we best fit and with whom to best partner going forward so that we may continue to provide the services most vital to our community. ▼

TRAPPED BY TOBACCO? WE HAVE A WAY OUT. Call the Delaware Quitline and free yourself from tobacco. Free counseling, cessation aids, and medications are available to help you get on the path to living tobacco-free. Stop getting pulled back in. Let us help you quit for good.

QuitSupport.com

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

7 Letters

SUNFESTIVAL

Oh, What a Night! (times two!)

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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f you had asked me at the beginning of the summer if SUNFESTIVAL, our biggest fundraiser of the year, would be SOLD OUT, I would have said, “Hell, yes!”

It was, after all, a perfect storm of converging forces: When you have a community that is both longing to be together again and deeply committed to supporting CAMP Rehoboth, how could we not?! Not to mention—after all we have endured over the past two and half years—who could resist some comedy offering that best-of-all-possiblemedicines, laughter?

SUNFESTIVAL officially kicked off Sunday, August 28, with a 5K. Close to 100 participants ran and walked the route in an unusually dense fog.

Afterwards the group enjoyed a post-race breakfast and awards ceremony at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. What a great way to start the week’s festivities!

What most people do not know is that the planning and execution of SUNFESTIVAL is almost exclusively implemented by nearly 120 volunteers, who are responsible for sponsorship outreach, marketing/promotions, silent/live auction, entertainment, convention center setup, and the 5K. Throughout the week, the décor team was busy bringing its creative vision to life under the direction of a dynamic duo—Board Members Chris Beagle and Mike DeFlavia. After three long days, the convention center was transformed from drab to fabulous.

At 6:30 p.m. sharp on Saturday evening, the convention center doors opened and more than 700 people streamed in to enjoy some meetand-greet time, an auction, and the sold-out show headlined by Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold. Repeatedly, people came up to staff and volunteers expressing joy at being back together again after two and a half years of isolation and uncertainty. During the cocktail hour, guests perused a sampling of

SUNFESTIVAL

silent auction items and studied the descriptions of the six amazing live auction items.

Rehoboth Beach’s Best Drag Queen 2020, Kristina Kelly, opened the evening and did not disappoint, delivering yet another show-stopping performance. Auctioneer-extraordinaire Lorne Crawford lived up to his well-earned reputation by helping raise more than $34,000 from bidders looking to snag cruises donated by Linda Kemp and annual sponsor Olivia, as well as Adventure Bears and Clay Ellis, who also offered two tickets and a hotel stay to see Lizzo: The Special Tour.

Two items added a bit of nostalgia: a private comedy performance by none other than Fay Jacobs, and Gary Seiden’s donation of a Murray Archibald original painting. A highlight of the night occurred when Gold Sponsor Danny Sebright, who donated two first-class airline tickets and a seven-night stay at the luxurious St. Regis Bahia Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, generously agreed to offer a second package so both top bidders could win for a whopping $15,000 collectively.

Then came the Saturday finale: the hilarious Judy Gold, who brought the house down with her brutally honest, fearless, and no-holds-barred sense of humor. Back in Rehoboth for the first time since 2014, Judy ended her show by saying laughter is the best way for everyone to come together and celebrate—especially on behalf of an organization as important as CAMP Rehoboth. What a great way to end a great night!

SUNFESTIVAL closed on the ultimate high on Sunday night—Sundance was back for the first time since 2019!

Judy ended her show by saying laughter is the best way for everyone to come together and celebrate— especially on behalf of an organization as important as CAMP Rehoboth.

Sponsors Crown Royal, Don Julio, Edward Chrzanowski, Ketel One, and Olivia. On behalf of the board and staff of CAMP Rehoboth, we extend our sincerest thanks to all of our sponsors, hosts, and guests whose financial support helps ensure we have the funds necessary to achieve our mission.

Finally, a special shout out to cochairs Mike DeFlavia, Chris Beagle, Leslie Sinclair, and Natalie Moss for their leadership. We absolutely could not have done this without you. ▼

Being able to dance again under the disco ball to the music of DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony felt like coming home. I am a child of the disco era, so the first three hours of Sundance are my personal favorite— as evidenced by my theatrical lip-synching and the dance moves I dusted off specially for the event.

CAMP Rehoboth owes a huge debt of gratitude to those who contributed to make SUNFESTIVAL a rousing success: our incredible staff, our dedicated volunteers, those who bought tickets, and—of course!— our sponsors, including our Platinum

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a benefit for camp rehoboth community center

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Edward Chrzanowski GOLD SPONSORS Danny Sebright

Wes Combs and Greg Albright

SILVER SPONSORS Sondra N. Arkin

Bronze SPONSORS

Lewis Dawley & Greg Becker

Natalie Moss & Evelyn Maurmeyer

Christine Lay & Dr. Mari Blackburn

Keith Petrack & MicHAel FetchKo

Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey

Kent Swarts & Chris Hughes

Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods

Gary Seiden & Ah Bashir

Denise Karas compass RE

Andy & Steven Jaskulsky

Jon adler Kaplan & Cliff Lassahn

Rex Varner & Tom Balling

Jay Chalmers & John Potthast

Chris Rouchard

Easy Rider Stable Chris & Daryl

Thomas Porter

Melissa Kaufman

Jeffrey Kusch

Bob Murray & Shawn Barron

Karl Hornberger Shawn Barron Bob Murray

In Memory of Al Bulliner

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thank you to our SunFestival Supporters and hosts!

CAMP SUPPORTERS Chris Beagle and Eric Englehart Above the Dunes — Jim Betz and Mike Venangi Joshua Burdge And Andrew Herren Cary T. Chavis Creative Concepts — Frank Pileggi and John Goslee Christian DiGirolamo Keven Fitzsimmons and Jeff Stroud Richard Gamble and Paul Lindsey Todd Gerdes and Kelly Johnson Ken Green and Joe Kearney John Hackett and Tom Newton Holland Jewelers, Inc. Steve Hoult and Rick Bane Mark Kehoe, Troy Senter, and Stacey Chen Deborah Kennedy and Beth Yocum Curtis Leciejewski, DDS and Tracy RosSetto Paul Lindsey and Richard Gamble David Lyons and Rick Hardy James Mease and Philip Vehslage Melissa Milar Marvin Miller and Dan Kyle Bruce Namerow and Adam Etenberg

Keith G. Anderson and Peter A. Bish Anonymous

Mark Hunker and Jeffrey Pamela Baker and Diane Dixon Shields Hunker Tony Incalcatera and Susan Ball James Buswold Sherry Berman and Deb Dennis Ivill and Robert Van Hamilton Horn Tim Birrittella and Maureen Keenan and Teri Meredith Birritella Dunbar Jane Blue and Louisa Watrel Russell Koerwer and Kathleen Board and Stephen Schreiber Jackie Maddalena Dennis Konzelman and Jodie Boudreaux and Jeffrey Wilson Donna Roy Eric Korpon and Steven Greg Brown Haber John Campbell and Keith Krueger and Joel Marc Silverman Lawson Patricia Catanzariti and James Lawrence and Carole Ramos Bob Palandrani Paul Christensen and Mary Layne and Monika Dennis Morgan Ruppert Kenneth Currier and Mike Leslie Ledogar & Marilyn Tyler Hewitt Matt D’Amico and Scott Eileen Lewis and Dixie Lewis Brinitzer Marcy Lieb and Kim Gilbert Mike Deflavia and Tony Djlittleken Sowers Eleanor Lloyd and Celeste Jon Dauphine and Marc BeaprÉ Charon Timothy Lunn and Jim Walsh Ann DeLazaro and Annette Potemski The Jenkins-MacEwan Family Tracy Denton and Brenda Walsh

Barbara Snyder and Susan Kutliroff Staples Stephan & Co. Salon & Spa — Stephan Maybrada Bea Vuocolo and Lisa Rabigi Wawa, Inc. Robert wiltshire, MD

HOST COUPLES Marnie Abramson and Margy McHale Gary Alexander and Craig Sencindiver Matt Alion and Matt Blocher

Robb Mapou and Mike Zufall

Kathi Marek and Mari Dennis Diaz and Michael Ewald Seminara Fred Dibartolo and Steve Mark Matey and Jay Kotoff Wood Brian Melton And Milad Alam Michael Dick and Michael Paul Miller and Jose Miller Maloon

SandY Oropel and Linda Frese Francis DiFrancesco Sandy Pace and Albert A Drulis Barbara Pessikoff Scott Egler and Dennis Parcel Plus Winstead Mariachi Restaurant — Essential Chef / Harbour Y. Pineda Waterfront Dining — Lorraine Eillis Papp Chris Rinaldi and Brian Powers Lisa Evans and Joann Gusdanovic Jeffrey Rowe and Ida Rowe Teri Seaton

Michael Hull and Richard Cross

Shawn Evans and Joe Petrone Brian Fisher and Jeff Enck Susan Gaggiotti and Donna Ohle Julianna Gonen and Gaby Richeimer Patrick Gossett and Howard Menaker

Hannah and Caroline Simone David Smith and Ken Williams Tina Snapp and Susan Leathery Big Fish Restaurant Group — E. Surgue Steven Swierzy and Frederick Dean John Michael Swift and Ron Bowman Derek Thomas and Brian Shook Eric and Mike Tipton Will Tuttle and mike wilkenson Lee and Mary Ann Trueheart Sandra Waldee-Warden and Lori Waldee-Warden Paula Walker and Gayle Dumonceaux Jon Worthington Melanie Yackel and Julie Neymeyer

Host IndividualS Michael Aquino Brandon Borbor Tony Burns Debbie Cali William Clark Max Dick Andrew Dottermusch Michael Fishman Ed Gmoch

Ryan Moran

John Harman

Richard Mowery and Joseph Conn

Steve Hayes Cynthia Hogue

Tim Murphy and Christopher Walsh

Mikey Repetti Killmon

Dennis Otten and Joe Catrambone Robert Patlan and Gordon Tanner

Lori’s Oy Vey Cafe Daniel and Jaison Currier-Mapes John McLaughlin

Clarence Pineda and David Park

Michelle Mobley

Debbie Reed Team / REMAX

Dennis Rano

Rob Robertson & Carlos Taylor

John Michael Sophos

Matt Rogers and Eric Hein

Frank Surprenant

Mary Rossettini and Kathleen Taylor Mark Roush and David Banik

Brett Gowdy and Spencer MulleE

Patrick Saparito and Andy Staton

Gary D Hartman CPA and Christopher Hartman

Andi Sax

Chip Hatchell and Earl Harvey

Dennis Shine and Edsel Gayoso

James Schmidt and Carl Horosz

Daniel Hicks and John McCall

Douglas Sellers and Mark Eubanks

Dena Hofkosh and Kim Patterson

Marj Shannon and CarlA Burton

Stephen Pleskach

Collin Stange Chris Wisner Shanon Vella Paul Weiner

Visit page 84 for the SUNFESTIVAL volunteer thank you!

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

11 Letters

CAMPNews Fay Jacobs’ NEW Show at CAMP Rehoboth

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AMP Rehoboth and Fay J. Productions are collaborating to bring Rehoboth writer and sit-down comic Fay Jacobs to CAMP Rehoboth on Friday, September 23.

She will premier Aging Gracelessly: Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me—a whole new show, new stories, new advocacy, and new laughs.

Fay will be on stage in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium at CAMP on September 23, with shows at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at camprehoboth.com.

Fay has toured in the US since 2015, updating her original show several times. But now it’s time for a whole new script, still hilarious and heartfelt, but a fresh look at our Rehoboth lives and her latest take on aging, gay rights, and dystopian current events.

At its core, the show highlights the author’s insistence that nothing is ever so horrible if it’s worth the story you can tell. The show has Fay’s signature humor and relatable stories for everyone about life, liberty, and the aging process.

“I broke into show biz at an age where I’d more likely break a hip,” Jacobs says, “so losing two years in my new “career” because of the COVID pandemic was significant. I mean life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.”

The new show is based in part on her writing for Letters from CAMP Rehoboth and her award-winning column in Delaware Beach Life. Among many venues, Fay has performed in Provincetown, Asheville, New Hope, New Orleans, and all over Florida.

She’s performed the show aboard an Olivia cruise and at the legendary Duplex Cabaret on Christopher Street in New York’s Greenwich Village. She’s gone international now, having just returned from a show in Ontario, Canada.

There is limited seating. Get your tickets now at camprehoboth.com! ▼

YouthUp’s Fun Summer Wrap

Y

outh from the YouthUp program and their families recently enjoyed brunch at Port 251, taking in a drag show. For most, this was their first show ever!

YouthUp also had an end-of-summer

party, visiting Funland for a day of rides and fun. The day wrapped up with a pizza party in CAMP’s courtyard. For many of the youth and their families, this was their first visit to CAMP Rehoboth. ▼

REGISTER NOW

10th Annual Anti-Bullying/ GSA Summit

R

egistration is open for the summit, which will be held at Del-Tech Community College, in Georgetown, Delaware, on Saturday, October 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The summit is a half-day gathering to connect and uplift members of Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), their advisors, and allies who support them as they fight for equity and justice.

Register online at uwde.org/GSA. ▼

CAMP at Georgetown’s National Night Out

C

AMP Rehoboth was among the 25 exhibitors participating in Georgetown, Delaware’s first National Night Out on August 3, at the historic Richard Allen School. The event drew a large crowd and featured demonstrations by first responders; lots of food; bookbag, school supply, and t-shirt give-aways; face painting; and quilt-making. ▼

Shakespeare in the Atrium on October 21

S

ave the date! On October 21, the Delaware Shakespeare Community Tour will bring the premiere of its SpanishEnglish musical version of Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras, to CAMP Rehoboth’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium. ▼

CAMP REHOBOTH THANKS OUR PREMIER SPONSORS

For information on how to become a CAMP Rehoboth Annual Sponsor, email development@camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620.

Letters 12

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

JOIN US

for an afternoon of Travel Inspiration featuring the world’s foremost LGBTQ+ travel expert, Ed Salvato.

We invite you to join us for insights on the world of travel’s evolution for the LGBTQ+ traveler. Learn about the new LQBTQ+ Destination Certification offerings and Global LGBTQ+ popular events worth visiting. Destinations for your must-go list in 2023 and beyond. What should you be able to expect from travel service providers these days verses the past? Best practices with gender assuming documentation and tips for requests for travel services.

How to set up your own private group or charter. How to connect with a destination’s private tours focused on cultural LGBTQ+ communities and history.

Ed Salvato (pronouns he/him) is considered the world’s foremost LGBTQ travel expert. Ed has served as editor in chief of three groundbreaking gay travel publications: OUT&ABOUT, The OUT Traveler and ManAboutWorld. Ed organizes and oversees the LGBTQ Travel Pavilion at the Travel & Adventure Show in New York City. As a consultant, he offers inclusive hospitality training to major travel, tourism & hospitality brands around the globe. He’s co-author of the Handbook of LGBT Tourism & Hospitality Marketing: A Guide for Business Practice by Columbia University Press.

Ed is also an instructor in tourism & hospitality marketing at NYU’s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and a lecturer in marketing at the University of Texas at Austin’s NYC Center.

November 18, 2022 | 4pm Camp Rehoboth - Elkins-Archibald Atrium 37 Baltimore Ave | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Attendance is complimentary but RSVP’s are required to amanda@accentontravel.com or by calling 302-703-1026.

37156 Rehoboth Ave Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 PLENTY OF FREE PARKING! 302-278-6100 | 800-848-3273 consulting@accentontravel.com accentontravel.com EVENT CO-SPONSORS

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

13 Letters

CommunityNews New Delaware Symphony Orchestra 2022-23 Season

T

he Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announces their 2022-2023 season, which sees the organization’s return to concerts in Sussex County, with two full performances at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware.

“The DSO and I have planned a gorgeous, wide-ranging season—from Beethoven to Harry Potter, and most things in between,” said Music Director David Amado. “It’s a wonderful way to launch back into our new normal—celebrating our orchestra, our audience, our state, and my own 20 years of being part of this landmark institution.”

The season’s Classics Series concert, entitled “Made in America,” travels to Lewes on Sunday, September 25.

The 2:30 p.m. performance will feature the World Premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain Suite, as well as works by Ives and Dvořák.

In March 2023, the DSO will perform a dynamic concert featuring iconic Hollywood film scores, including Dr. Zhivago, Out of Africa, Casablanca, Star Trek: First Contact, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Tickets for all Sussex County performances range from $30-$50 and are available at delawaresymphony.org. ▼

SDARJ Announces Revised Dialogue Program

T

he Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) is proud to introduce its new Dialogue Toward Ending Racism program. Beginning the week of September 25, 2022, the seven-week series of structured conversations will focus on ending racism and its corrosive consequences. Participants will have opportunities to engage in deep reflection and conversations about racism.

During this fall pilot season, SDARJ will offer two in-person groups, one meeting at the Lewes Library, and another at the Richard Allen School in Georgetown, and one virtual group which will meet via Zoom. Participants will gather in study circles of eight to 12 people who will meet with trained facilitators once a week to talk about race, racism, and possible solutions to end racism.

“Racism affects our community and

every person’s quality of life,” said Don Peterson, Chair of the SDARJ Outreach Committee. “It shows up in inequities between groups and in tensions among people from different ethnic backgrounds, and we need to face it head-on. So far, over 100 Sussex County residents have completed our sponsored dialogue program.”

Charlotte King, Chair of SDARJ, says she is “greatly encouraged by the level of commitment to take action expressed by the participants. Now, more than ever, we have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by racism.”

The program is free and open to anyone ready to dive into the real issues and root causes of racism and to channel their conversations into sustainable change.

To register, go to sdarj.org and click on Dialogue Toward Ending Racism under the EVENTS tab.

Coastal Concerts—2022-23 Season

A

ll performances will take place in the Fellowship Hall of Bethel United Methodist Church, 4th and Market Streets, Lewes, Delaware. Detailed information about the season and ticket purchases can be found at coastalconcerts.org.

The season kicks off October 22, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. with Amy Yang on piano; the second 2022 concert features the Smetano Trio on November 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The remaining four concerts of the season are scheduled monthly, January through April, 2023. ▼

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 vice r e S r tome 2. Cus es first! com

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

Letters 14

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

VISIT US: Rehoboth Beach | Wilmington | Stanton/Christiana

Here's what's HAPpening...

9/17

FROGGY 99.9 LIVE RADIO BROADCAST Rehoboth Beach Adoption Center

10/9

F AS T A N D TH E F UR R I ES T 5 K R o c kf o r d P ar k , W i lm in g to n

10/19

DESIGNER BAG BINGO Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

11/16

SAVE 'EM BY THE SEA CASINO NIGHT Baywood Greens Ballroom, Millsboro

11/5 - 11/11

HO L ID A Y S I LE N T AU C T IO N Vi rt u a l

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

15 Letters

THE WAY WE WERE

BY FAY JACOBS

On Cloud 9

H

ey, ladies and gents, remember when we were all on cloud 9?

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than a decade since the Cloud 9 Restaurant and Bar turned off its lights forever. Lots of people are still missing the great restaurant and its last grandfathered dance floor in downtown Rehoboth. But none so much as the women’s community.

The Friday evening Ladies Happy Hour at the Cloud became a legend.

For all of its history, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Fridays, the bar area and dancefloor were raining women. The lesbians in town never had to make plans for Friday nights; we’d just show up at Cloud 9, have cocktails, smile, laugh, meet, and greet. And then organically, folks would either stay to dine or filter out by twos, fours, and sixes, for the rest of the night someplace else.

There were local DJs and singers like Viki Dee holding forth, creating a packed dancefloor and women three deep at the bar.

Cloud 9 began its existence at 234 Rehoboth Avenue in 1993 just as I started visiting here for weekends. Looking back, I realize how many of my milestones and special memories, along with those of many women, happened at the Cloud.

My wife Bonnie and I were in our 40s, weekending here, arriving as unknowns, sitting at the bar and introducing ourselves to owners John, Paige, Michael, and Kelly. Sadly, Michael and Paige are gone, but John Berdini and Kelly Harp soldiered on for the whole crazy ride.

Cloud 9 hosted my father’s first-ever gay bar visit. I assured him there’d be other straight people there. Not, as it turned out, on that frigid December night in 1995.

Amid a gaggle of gays on this 12-degree night, one bunch of guys, God love them, stood out. They wore sleeveless undershirts, leather vests, earrings, and other eye-popping mid-90s gay couture. And my parents were the only heterosexuals in the room.

Glassy eyed from both the experience Letters 16

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

and one of those humongous Cloud 9 martinis, my father, who was roughly the same age as I am now, said rather loudly, “okay, okay, so there are a lot of gay people here. I just want to know one thing.”

Oh God, what? A suddenly hushed crowd leaned in for Dad’s question. “Are they gonna vote? Because Clinton and the Dems need all the help they can get in ’96.”

My father, who was roughly the same age as I am now, said rather loudly, “okay, okay, so there are a lot of gay people here. I just want to know one thing.”

“God, yes,” said a man with a Mohawk haircut and painted fingernails sitting next to us. And soon half the guys and gals in the room were thick as thieves with my gin-fueled Dad, jabbering about politics.

Once, in the late ‘90s, we arrived in a blinding snowstorm. Outlets—closed; gas stations—closed; 7-11—closed; Cloud 9— open! We’re nothing if not hardy.

Which reminds me, Cloud 9 stayed open year-round and I can still see winter coats layered a foot high on the backs of the barstools.

It was right there in December 1999, at the big circular table for eight by the door, that we dined on steak and lobster, discussing stockpiling Dinty Moore and bottled water to survive the computer chaos of the coming Y2K event, when the world would end. It didn’t and we were all back on the dancefloor the following Friday night.

Cloud 9’s cuisine was the proud product of Chef Richie (who later went on to be chef at MIXX at 26 Baltimore Avenue)

and Chef Marcus. We had good food and great fun. Cloud 9 hosted 40th, 50th, or 60th birthdays, anniversaries, dance parties, and commitment ceremonies in lieu of weddings.

In its later years, it became a dance club for the guys on Friday and Saturday nights late as well—all the while catering to the Rehoboth’s entire diverse community for dining.

Back in 2004 Bonnie and I hosted a champagne-fueled back-room dinner party there to celebrate the launch of my first book. So, too, did I launch my second and third books there, with book signings and disco parties. It was a blast!

My head is bursting with random thoughts of friendly bartenders from Paige to Chad to Stephanie to Brenda, knowing what you drank before you asked. I recall parking several blocks away and coming in the back door, right into “I Love the Nightlife!” on the dancefloor.

I remember too the owners’ generosity to the community, special breast cancer fundraising events, and the overwhelming support for CAMP Rehoboth. I’ll always remember the Cloud 9 family for their donations, their caring, and their community spirit.

Since the hot spot’s closure there have been two or three Women’s Cloud 9 Reunions in whatever restaurant took over the space. Each time we had 150-200 women show up for a Friday night event.

The owners were amazed but never invited us back on a regular basis.

We do have a splendid Ladies Night at Port 251 on Thursdays, and it’s a blast. But it doesn’t include the many weekenders that converge here.

It’s amazing how many women are still talking today about those fabulous Friday happy hours—we sure have our Cloud 9 memories….▼ 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.

An evening with

JODI PICOULT and JENNIFER FINNEY BOYLAN in conversation with SENATOR SARAH MCBRIDE

Oct. 6 6 PM

$30 Ticket includes signed book

Cape Henlopen High School Theatre

Tickets https://bit.ly/Picoult_Boylan A portion of the proceeds from this event benefits the Lewes Public Library.

Presented by Browseabout Books and Lewes Public Library.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

17 Letters

Out & About

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

A League of Our Own

W

hen I heard they were rebooting A League of Their Own into a television series, I’ll admit I was skeptical.

The original film, directed by Penny Marshall (RIP) 30 years ago this year, was not just a favorite. In many ways, I imagined it to be a perfect movie. Geena Davis was charming as a reluctant star dubbed the “Queen of Diamonds.” Tom Hanks got to be a little less lovable than usual, which weirdly made him more so.

Madonna proved her chops as a comic actress, Rosie O’Donnell matched her quip for quip, and Lori Petty was pitch perfect (see what I did there?) as Davis’s annoying little sister with twice the drive but perhaps less natural talent.

The film (and the new series) tells the story of the short-lived All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League, which sprang up during World War II to keep America’s pastime alive while the men were off at war. It’s a film with obvious queer appeal. Gay men love it because of the abundance of divas, and the lesbians love it because it’s an honest-toGod sports movie featuring not one but a team full of strong women. For a movie made 30 years ago, it didn’t seem like it could get any gayer.

Well, that was 30 years ago. Created by queer showrunners Abbi Jacobson and Will Graham, the show does explicitly what the original film could only do obliquely. (O’Donnell says that she played her character as gay but was told

by Marshall that “we couldn’t go there.”)

The show still features the Rockford Peaches (a real AAGPBL team), the league’s insipid but oddly catchy jingle, fastballs caught bare-handed, and the classic line “There’s no crying in baseball!”—but is otherwise a completely new take on the story. The cast is fronted

by Jacobson and Chanté Adams as two ball players—Carson, a married catcher from Idaho who joins the Peaches, and Max, a pitcher from Rockford who is denied a tryout because she is Black—who come into their own, both Letters 18

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

as ballplayers and as queer women at a time when being caught in a gay bar could land you in jail.

While the show doesn’t ignore the realities of the period, the sexual and gender awakenings we see in the rebooted A League of Their Own fill us with joy, not dread. This is helped perhaps by the fact they are hardly alone. Carson is kissed by Greta (the show’s standout, D’Arcy Carden) in the very first episode, but it takes a little longer to learn that most of the women in the league like girls. She doesn’t just join a team, she finds a tribe—and even though the world was a less tolerant place, any queer viewer can relate to this discovery, that “OMG-there-are-so-manyof-us” feeling.

While the show doesn’t ignore the realities of the period, the sexual and gender awakenings we see in the rebooted A League of Their Own fill us with joy, not dread.

Max, unlike Carson, knows she’s into girls when the show begins. But being reunited with her Uncle Bertie, a trans man, opens the door to an entire community of Black LGBTQ folks as well as an embrace of a “soft butch” aesthetic—a look, but also an identity.

While watching, A League of Their Own felt like the gayest television show that ever existed. It’s not, of course— shows like Queer as Folk and The L Word have graced our television screens before. Perhaps it felt gayer because its queerness was such a surprise. It didn’t

bill itself as a show where everyone is gay—no, it was introduced to us by harkening back to a favorite movie from 30 years ago in which no one was explicitly gay.

That first kiss between Carson and Greta felt right—not only because of the amazing chemistry between the two actors, but because it’s 2022, also because I didn’t know yet where the show was headed. Then we meet Jess, who refuses to wear skirts, and Lupe, who grimaces nervously when asked to play the sexpot for the press.

It’s halfway through the season before it’s confirmed that most players are lesbians, and it totally works because of course most of these women would be lesbians. In fact, they were—a fact recently confirmed by Maybelle Blair, a real-life Peoria Redwing and a consultant on the show who came out at the age of 98 this year. At a time when it wasn’t ladylike to play ball or have crushes on girls, these brave women found their way to each other—and earned a place in history, to boot.

Every time Hollywood returns to an idea that has been done before, whether a remake or a reboot or just a retread—a familiar chorus pipes up to ask, “doesn’t anyone have any new ideas?” And it’s a fair question, I suppose. But every once in a great while, there’s a very good reason to revisit an old story—because there really is a new spin on that ball.▼ Eric Peterson is a Diversity & Inclusion practitioner. His first novel (Loyalty, Love & Vermouth) is available online at Rehoboth’s Browseabout Books. The Rewind Project is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

19 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

Summer Fling

T

his has been a strange summer.

As I write this, there are three weeks left before the autumn equinox and the official start of Pumpkin Spice Season, and that’s onefourth of summer’s allotted time still to come, but for some reason it feels like summer left the party early. Already, the flowers in the back garden are fading away. The locust tree in the front yard loses more leaves every time the wind blows. It’s dark when I take the dogs out in the morning, and yesterday I put on socks for the first time since May. Or maybe summer never got here in the first place. I tend to measure the seasons by what’s happening in our yard. This year, the plants emerged weeks later than usual. Things bloomed for shorter periods than they generally do, and I found myself wondering what was going on. There were virtually no bees at all, and our bluebird nesting boxes had no visitors. This time last year I had taken in and raised 31 monarch butterfly caterpillars, releasing them in the yard once they transformed. This year, I haven’t seen a single one on the milkweed. Even more disheartening, I haven’t seen any of my beloved golden orb weaver spiders in the front garden, where normally they hang in their huge webs watching summer fade away.

Two weeks ago the UPS truck brought the annual jam and honey Advent calendar from Bonne Maman, which I get every year to celebrate the start of winter. When I opened it, I thought that surely it was much too early for it to arrive. But a few days later another truck brought a tin of mooncakes from Kee Wah bakery in Los Angeles, with which we’ll toast the midautumn moon festival. And today I might have picked up a couple of packages from the post office that contain new ornaments for the Yule tree.

In short, fall is looming. Today Cubby came home with a new flannel shirt. The grocery has Halloween candy out. And I’ve already had three inquiries into our Thanksgiving plans. Last weekend we Letters 20

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

might or might not have had the first of the year’s pumpkin spice lattes while running errands.

I’m not complaining. I love the upcoming seasons. My favorite holidays are on the horizon. Still, I keep wondering what happened to summer.

Outside my office window is a patch of echinacea, planted for the butterflies

I sometimes wish the light would linger, that the flowers would last longer, that the leaves would not be in such a rush to fall. that never came. Normally the purple blooms last through September. These are already dried. The goldfinches sit on them, eagerly plucking out the seeds as if winter is imminent.

For the past two years I’ve blamed the muddling of the seasons on the pandemic. Time really had no meaning, and days flowed by like a murky stream of storm water. It kind of feels like Hallowthanksmas was just last week, for instance. And my sense of time has been distorted anyway by ongoing memory issues related to having caught the virus twice.

Even so, this summer has passed quickly, yet without leaving behind any real sense of it having been here at all. Today, for instance, I took out the remains of the tomato patch I planted.

I remember sprouting the seeds indoors while there was still snow on the ground. I remember picking the tomatoes. But everything in between is hazy. Also, how is it that I still have three bags of liatris bulbs that never got planted and yet today I received a shipping notification for the iris I ordered

months ago from Holland to plant this fall?

Maybe this is a function of getting older. As a kid, of course, summer was delineated by the day one school year ended and the day the next began.

I remember very clearly the summer morning on which I rode the commuter train into New York City for my first adult job. Looking out at the bright, warm day, I thought to myself, “Oh, you don’t get summers anymore.”

This was not entirely true, of course, but it did affect my perception of the season. Now, 30 years on, my perception has changed again. With both parents and one of my two sisters gone, I am more aware of time being a fleeting thing. Occasionally while working in the gardens I’ll wonder how many more planting seasons I’ll have, or how many more lazy outside days I’ll get with our dogs, both of whom turned 12 this summer.

Because of this, I try to enjoy each day for as long as I can, since who knows how many more there will be.

And I confess that occasionally— not often, but with noticeably more regularity—I feel the dark coming on earlier and don’t find it as lovely as I have in the past. I sometimes wish the light would linger, that the flowers would last longer, that the leaves would not be in such a rush to fall.

My birthday is in October, and I have always been a fall person. I know that when the cool days arrive I’ll welcome them as friends and be happy to see them again. For the next three weeks, though, I’ll hold summer’s hand and feel its heat against my skin, hoping that a little bit of it will linger to carry me through the dark. ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com

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.

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.

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

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

21 Letters

Straight Talk

BY DAVID GARRETT

On the Campaign Trail—HRC

‘T

is the season—the campaign season that is. There is one man committed to his campaign, and his name is Bruce Rohr. The campaign he is on, however, does not involve kissing babies or glad-handing strangers. Bruce is on the Human Rights Campaign, affectionately known as HRC. Having been born and raised in Salem, Oregon, Bruce moved to the East Coast in 1997 in conjunction with his role at Marriott International.

Bruce has been with Marriott for 25 years and is currently Vice-President and Global Brand Leader for J.W. Marriott Hotels. His introduction to Rehoboth Beach came with his move east and the ties here have only grown stronger since he met his husband, Andrew Wills, here five years ago. In 2020, they decided to buy a home in RB. This has brought them to the beach from Washington, DC on a much more regular basis. Bruce shares that their wedding venue this past April was Fort Miles, with their reception at The Pines.

HRC has been on the receiving end of Bruce’s volunteer efforts in a variety of ways. He served as Co-Chair of the HRC National Dinner in 2016 and 2017 and was subsequently invited to be on its Board of Governors. On this Board, he is Co-Chair of the Greater Washington, DC Steering Committee.

Bruce writes, “I’m most proud that our leadership team was able to stay connected to each other and stay committed to [HRC] work amidst the uncertainty of the last two years. The pandemic literally took away all in-person volunteer opportunities. We had to be super creative in how we connected to our members and donors through virtual events. It was definitely challenging and reminded me of what is most important— supporting and taking care of each other.”

As with many public interest groups that operate in the political world, HRC has many challenges. Their focus has been on equality, equity, and liberation of all, not just some.

Mobilization of voters across the country to support and elect pro-equality candidates is one of its prime ventures, along with advancing policies and legislation that reflect those concerns. Given the climate in politics today, there are numerous

We must do everything we can to elect pro-equality leaders to pass legislation that protects our rights.

Letters 22

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

opportunities to lay the foundation for equality.

When asked what the greatest threat is to equality today, Bruce did not hesitate in his reply.

“The greatest current threat to equality right now is two-fold. The first is the extremely conservative US Supreme Court. After overturning Roe v. Wade, and Justice Thomas’s response, it is clear they are inviting challenges to other “settled” law, such as marriage equality. Unfortunately, none of us can assume the rights we’ve been granted in the last 20 years will survive with this Court. We must do everything we can to elect pro-equality leaders to pass legislation that protects our rights.

“The second greatest threat is the Republican Party and all the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation they have passed at the state level. Banning books, banning trans-athletes in youth sports, and the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill in Florida are examples of laws meant to be wedge issues and culture fights for the Republican base. Yet they legally alienate LGBTQ+ people in those states, which is incredibly scary to me. We must fight back in those states.”

The Human Rights Campaign trail leads to Rehoboth Beach. Hosting a recent gathering of HRC staff and volunteers in Rehoboth, Bruce is convinced that there is a likeminded group that is well-suited for partnering. That group would be CAMP Rehoboth. As Bruce reflects, “I think the local advocacy and support that CAMP Rehoboth provides to our area is a good fit with the national mission and outreach of HRC. I think we can partner together to create awareness for the work of both organizations. We definitely make more progress toward equality when we work together!”

Without compromising each group’s identity and mission, HRC and CAMP Rehoboth share much in common. This campaign trail comes full circle.

From Washington, DC to Rehoboth Beach and back. Many travel that route on a regular basis. It is a path to equality. ▼ David Garrett, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult trans daughter. Email David Garrett at davidg@camprehoboth.com.

ENJOY THE BLOCK PARTY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OLIVIA SHORE SHARKS who won Gold at the Delaware State Senior Women's Softball Tournament and qualify for the 2023 National Senior Softball Games in Pittsburgh!

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23 Letters

health+wellness

BY PATTI CINELLI

Don’t Worry, Be Happy The Quality of Your Life May Depend Upon It

T

he 2020s has been one of the most stressful decades in history. “American happiness hits record lows” touted a CNN headline. Many Americans are displeased with what is going on in their daily lives, in our nation, and in our politics. Gallup has been asking Americans how they are feeling for the past two decades. This year, just 38 percent say they’re satisfied. That number is down from 48 percent in 2020 and 41 percent in 2021.

Feeling bad is a reflection of reality these days, you say. Isn’t it a waste of time and money trying to change the way I feel? Not according to the Wall Street Journal, which published an article stating that because it’s tough to keep workers satisfied these days, companies are investing in employees’ happiness and are hiring happiness officers.

Thinking about a happiness officer gave me a laugh—then I discovered a former editor of mine had transformed into a happiness coach. “Instead of looking outside yourself, try focusing inward. Trust your intuition,” said Mary Frances Daly (mary.frances.daly@ gmail.com), who has a certification in positive psychology and has completed neuroscience courses.

The serious emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical repercussions of not being happy were enough to cause her to shift her area of concentration from mindset coaching to happiness coaching. “I was in a contentious divorce. I had a history of six consecutive miscarriages, was dealing with an outof-control son, and had a father sick with Alzheimer’s who eventually died.”

She wanted to get happy and help others change their perspective as well. “Happiness is not about being happy all the time,” said Daly. “It’s about accepting your feelings and feeling them. It’s not toxic positivity. It’s learning how to sit with your feelings then let them go.”

Because Daly has a science back-

Letters 24

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

ground (an undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology) she loves how the study of happiness is data driven.

She noted scientific ways to increase happiness in 30 days have been demonstrated in case studies.

Why Get Happy?

The connection between happiness and health has been long studied.

Happiness may help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, enable better sleep, improve diet, and reduce stress. “The real casualty of COVID is happiness,” Daly said. “Fear and happiness cannot co-exist.”

I’m happier than I’ve ever been. That’s because I’ve learned to be happy with myself.

People who are happy much of the time build stronger coping skills and emotional resources. Positive feelings increase resilience which helps people better manage stress and bounce back better when faced with setbacks. People who report having a positive state of well-being are more likely to eat well and exercise regularly.

Daly said that for every negative thought it takes five positive ones to make an imprint on our brain. Ideally, the happiness chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin— will leave an imprint, not adrenaline and cortisol, which are linked to high blood pressure, weight gain, heart issues, and the fight/flight reaction.

Tips on Getting Happy Becoming happier doesn’t happen overnight. It’s takes about six months to rewire your brain, said Daly. Try writing a list of things or events you appreciate each day. It can change the way you

view the world moving forward.

Stop listening to, watching, or reading anything that reduces happiness for you (the news, complaining friends, a depressing book or movie).

Surround yourself with people who like to laugh. Children laugh 20-30 times more often per day than adults. Smiling and laughing release serotonin.

Learn to listen to your gut. “If it’s not a ‘Hell Yes!’ then it’s a no.”

Stop believing what others think of you and learn to neutralize your own judgments. Daly calls herself a “recovering people pleaser.” She now embraces the philosophy, “What you think of me is none of my business.”

Seeking happiness is not just for baby boomers or retired hippies.

According to the New York Times, since Yale cognitive scientist Laurie Santos began teaching her class “Psychology and the Good Life” in 2018, it has become one of the school’s most popular courses. Nearly a quarter of the undergraduate student body has enrolled. Her course was so popular Santos created a podcast series, The Happiness Lab. Personally, I’ve spent years rewiring my brain from a ‘what is wrong with me’ and ‘I’m not good enough’ upbringing to seeing the good in me and my life. I have been told I’m a changed woman. Guess what? I’m happier than I’ve ever been. That’s because I’ve learned to be happy with myself. I try never to hold anyone or anything else responsible for my happiness. It’s a work in progress but I’m getting better all the time.

Happiness is an inside job, just like love. ▼ Pattie Cinelli is a health and fitness professional and journalist. She focuses on holistic ways to stay healthy, get well, and connect with your true self. Email her at: fitmiss44@aol.com.

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 the weekly email newsletter. Meetings are in-person and take place at CAMP Rehoboth unless noted otherwise; check the website for most-current location information.

Weekly Events

Bi-weekly & Monthly Events

WALK-IN HIV TESTING

WOMEN IN CIRCLE

Free, rapid, walk-in HIV testing at CAMP Rehoboth. Get your results in 15 minutes. No appointment needed during the below times. Appointments available for other dates and times.

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

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

Wednesdays........ 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Thursdays............ 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Fridays................... 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Women in Circle is a gathering of LGBTQ women that meets the first and third Saturday of each month. The circle is a welcoming, inclusive, and positive place to meet, connect, and share with other women.

Mondays-Fridays

9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10:00 a.m.

MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 7:00 p.m.

The Men’s Discussion Group typically meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The group is a safe and nurturing space for GBTQ men to start conversations important to our community. For more information, contact William Dye at william.z.dye@gmail.com.

YOUTHUP MONTHLY SOCIAL 9/16, 10/21, 6:30 p.m.

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

Erin, from Lankai Wellness Studio, will lead a morning meditation. This month’s theme: PACE—Patience, Acceptance, Connection, and Empathy CHAIR YOGA

Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. (Zoom)

Erin guides you 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.

All levels are welcome, and everyone will be given the opportunity to modify or advance their practice, based upon their preferences.

The YouthUp Monthly Social takes place on the third Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event is designed specifically for 11to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth. Email youthup@camprehoboth.com for location or other information.

YOUTHUP DISCUSSION GROUP 9/22, 10/13, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)

The Youth Discussion Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. This discussion group is for 11- to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth to get together and chat virtually with other LGBTQ+ youth and a supportive adult moderator. These meetings are meant for informal discussions of school, friends, media, and other youth-driven topics. Requests for presentations and other questions from/by adults should be directed to julian@camprehoboth.com.

YOUTHUP BOOK CLUB 9/27, 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

The YouthUp Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. If you need a copy of the book or want to be added to the mailing list for the Zoom link, email julian@camprehoboth.com.

YOUTHUP MONTHLY OUTING The YouthUp Outing occurs each month. This event is designed specifically for 11- to 19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth. Locations and times may vary so please email youthup@ camprehoboth.com for more information.

FLAMING KNITTERS

9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 6:30 p.m.

Flaming Knitters provides a thoughtful and engaging space for working, conversing, connecting, showing off, sharing resources, and supporting fiber-related crafts/projects in a queerand trans-affirming space. Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at the CAMP Rehoboth courtyard..

COFFEE TALK 9/24, 10:00 a.m.

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. Meets the fourth Saturday of every month.

CAMP REHOBOTH BOOK CLUB 9/26, 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

The Book Club is a queer-facilitated discussion group dedicated to reading novels about queer topics and/or books by queer authors that tackle a variety of interests and subject matter. ▼

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

25 Letters

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

Sophisticated Gentleman: Alain Locke

I

n the 1920s, America was a vibrant, kick-up-yourheels, anything-goes kind of place fueled by money raining down in deluges from Wall Street, and, despite Prohibition, booze flowing through America’s streets and country roads. A new, wilder spirit spread across the land, and with it came wilder art, wilder literature, wilder politics.

Modernism, that breakthrough aesthetic born in late 19th century Europe, came to American shores with the doughboys returning from the European trenches and their furloughs in Europe’s sophisticated cities during World War One. Modernism cracked American provincialism open like an egg in a chef’s hand.

Modernism gave Americans new freedoms; at least for those who wanted it. Young women certainly wanted it. They bobbed their hair and rid themselves of corsets and ankle-length skirts in favor of the “flapper” style of short hemlines on unconstrained dresses. Women left the kitchen and invaded the office.

But perhaps no community embraced this new freedom more than African Americans. And as the miracle of the Harlem Renaissance can attest, Modernism―its philosophy, its art, literature, and music―not only made space for the richness of African American creative expression, it nourished it and in turn fostered its spread through American culture. American Modernism, unlike Among the movers and shakers its mono-cultural parent, of the Harlem Renaissance and European proved to be a its exciting writers, musicians, richer, spicier stew, especially in cities, and artists was…an erudite and most especially philosopher, art critic, curator, in New York’s Harlem. editor of emerging African Among the movers and shakAmerican literature, and allers of the Harlem around aesthete: Alain Locke.

Renaissance and its exciting writers, musicians, and artists was a gentleman who was himself not an artist or musician, but an erudite philosopher, art critic, curator, editor of emerging African American literature, and all-around aesthete: Alain Locke. Handsome, elegant in comportment, Locke, through his championing of Modernist artists and writers, is often credited as the Dean of the Harlem Renaissance. Though the reference is one of respect, Locke’s association with the artists and Letters 26

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

writers of that Renaissance was sometimes a rocky one, particularly when it involved his romantic life.

Though sexual attitudes among the creative denizens of the African American community were freer than in the general white American population, with lesbian entertainers such as Gladys Bentley openly showcasing their sexuality, living as a homosexual male was nevertheless a dicey proposition.

At a time when African American men were throwing off the bigoted designation of “boy” and demanding recognition of their manhood, male homosexuality was not always welcomed as a legitimate expression of manliness.

It could be said that Alain Locke threaded this needle. In some respects, he remained in the closet, but the closet door was open: though he never denied his homosexuality, even incorporated it into his persona, he never publicly acknowledged it. Locke’s homosexuality may have been an open secret, but was nevertheless a secret. Afraid of the knock-onthe-door of police seeking homosexual activity, Locke frequently changed the name on his apartment door, using fictitious ones to confuse any unwanted callers.

Nevertheless, Locke’s career was a stellar one.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard University in 1907 with degrees in English and philosophy, Locke then attended Oxford to further his studies in English as well as Greek and Latin. He was the Continued on page 84

CAMP REHOBOTH

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

27 Letters

Guest House Chronicles

BY TOM KELCH

Arriving Straight; Leaving Gay NOTES FROM TOM: I would like to clarify one thing from the previous articles that seemed to come across wrong when I re-read it. Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald did not own The Strand; I didn’t intend it to seem that way. The story is about what Steve and Murray did when the Berthas had The Strand in their crosshairs, and how this contributed to the creation of CAMP Rehoboth.

At one point in the 80s, Rehoboth was estimated to have around 35 guest houses, and now the city has only one. Why did that happen?

Well, that is how all these stories will interconnect and why I am telling you multiple stories together. As the innkeeper of the last gay guest house in Rehoboth, I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of incredible and interesting people.

My previous stories have been about the fascinating and mostly unknown history of this property that I manage. The next chapter of those stories, the Bill and Bob Years, is not yet ready.

Meanwhile, I’d like to share some fun and current stories. My next few columns are about experiences I have had and dealt with firsthand during my nine years running the business. Of course, names have been changed to protect my guests’ and friends’ privacy.

Letters 28 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

W

e are fortunate to have a very large percent of our customers to be repeat guests. We absolutely love our guests and often they become close friends.

Scott and Aby came to visit us once in 2014 and they enjoyed it so much, they eagerly arrived at our property the following year for their second stay. They had been teachers for many years; had three children; were practicing Christians. After a long school year, both were very much looking forward to five kid-free nights with us. We really enjoyed them and were delighted to have them back again.

At the guest house, we have many deep discussions. So many people, with different stories and backgrounds, grouped at one table having breakfast, make for some incredible conversations.

Very often straight people who stay with us have questions for the gay people. We find our straight customers are usually pretty awesome people who are very supportive of the gay community, and they see this stay as an opportunity to learn and connect.

Every once in a while, we have something really special occur. That is exactly what happened in this case. It was a surprise to everyone. The end results were amazing.

The first night of Scott and Aby’s arrival, I was sitting in the backyard with them, catching up since I’d last seen them. We had started to become friends and were looking forward to some time to chat.

I knew they were a straight couple, but I found Scott very attractive. He was a gym, health, and math teacher, and besides being very fit, he was also really handsome. Sometimes we gay guys have a bad habit of flirting with cute straight guys, and this was likely my intention as our conversations progressed into very adult topics.

As an innkeeper, I have learned you wear many hats on the job. I was wearing my entertainer hat and had no idea our conversation was about to take a sharp turn—one that would require I swiftly don

the hat of (untrained) marriage and family counselor.

Scott and Aby had been married happily for over 20 years. The conversation was about never having enough intimate time with children always around. But I could see pain on Aby’s face. Something was clearly bothering her, and it was obvious she wanted to say something. After some encouragement and reassurance that she was in a safe place, she came out with one of the most surprising statements I’ve heard in my whole time here: “I just can’t keep it inside anymore, I just need to say it.... I am a lesbian.”

As an innkeeper, I have learned you wear many hats on the job.

I was wearing my entertainer hat and had no idea our conversation was about to take a sharp turn…

Seeing the look on Scott’s face, I could tell it was the first time he’d heard this news. So here I was, telling jokes, and now—suddenly—Aby had come out to her husband. The three of us just sat staring at each other in disbelief. The long, awkward silence was uncomfortable, and my mouth took control with little to no conscious input from my brain.

“Yay! I love lesbians! Congratulations on accepting yourself! Scott, what do you think about this?”

Seemingly unable to speak immediately, Scott turned a deep shade of red and his eyes became teary. It was hard to tell if he was feeling anger or shock, but he clearly was running through all kinds of uncomfortable emotions.

I really wasn’t sure what to do. Did I just witness a beautiful and loving relationship go up in flames?

Something brave—or perhaps stupid—came over me and I stayed with both of them in this very private moment. I grabbed both by the hand, and told them,

“Guys, everything is going to be okay.

You have been together most of your adult lives and clearly you love each other. This is just a new aspect of loving each other you are both going to have to face and deal with. It doesn’t mean anything else; what happens from here on out is only up to you and what you guys think is best for your family. Right and wrong gets very fuzzy in these types of situations and don’t concern yourselves with what others will think.”

Both started crying. Scott started asking the expected questions: How long have you known? Have you been with a woman? Are you in love with someone else? What did I do wrong?

Do you love me? What about our family? What will everyone think? Is our relationship over?

Of course, Aby didn’t know the answer to most of these questions and I could see frustration and resentment building inside both of them. I said to Scott, “She is the softball coach, drives a teal Subaru with a towing hitch, and I am not sure which of the two of you would win arm-wrestling. You’re really this surprised!?”

To my relief, they both looked at each other and started laughing. In uncomfortable situations, I am known to babble my way through to try to lighten the mood.

I told them some things I have always believed to be true. First, be careful about religious views that restrict who you love. Second, every rule we follow as humans was made up by people no

...I think people sometimes throw away everything they love because they react in ways they think they are supposed to, instead of in ways that reflect what they actually feel. smarter than ourselves. Third, nothing is more important in life than love—feeling it, giving it, receiving it. Nothing else matters. Finally, I told them that I think people sometimes throw away everything they love because they react in ways they think they are supposed to, instead of in ways that reflect what they actually feel. My comments seemed to help them.

We continued throughout the remainder of their stay to meet, chat, ask each other questions, and listen. When they checked out, I felt sad and anxious about what would happen after they left. I worried for their and their family’s

future, because often this sort of revelation will end in a bitter divorce.

A few months later I got an email I probably will remember the rest of my life. Scott and Aby wanted to update me. They shared that they decided they didn’t care what anyone else thought about them; they were going to do things their way. Aby had a girlfriend now, and well, so did Scott. They decided to be open and honest about what had happened with their kids. They had not filed for divorce. The kids were very happy with this situation; everyone was staying together in the same house as a big family. They all had even taken a family vacation together, enjoying one of the best times they could remember.

It’s now seven years later and I can report that the family is still all together, living their life in a way that works for them. No kids needed to pick a parent, no one had to move, no house had to be sold, no finances had to be split, and no one had to stop being a lesbian. Funny how following your heart can just create more love.▼ Tom Kelch is the innkeeper and property manager of the Rehoboth Guest House. He is thrilled to share these stories for Letters.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

29 Letters

View Point

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

A Get-well Card for Mr. Rushdie

I

am spending a quiet Sunday in a little boat on the sea of stories, which is a good thing to do in August, even if prompted by a shock. My favorite author has been savagely attacked in Chautauqua, New York.

Half my lifetime ago, in 1989, the Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against novelist Salman Rushdie, ordering his death for alleged blasphemy in his novel, The Satanic Verses. My friend Frank Kameny, a gay rights pioneer, then about the age I am now, declared, “What the world needs is more and better blasphemy.” Frank believed that anything that had lasted long enough to become a tradition deserved to be questioned.

In the same year as the fatwa, I met a man from a distant land. He was a devout Muslim, and gay. We met one afternoon outside my office after he made a presentation there for his embassy. He kept his nature a secret from his employer, but it flew as free as a bird across the plaza to me. On our first date, when I ordered enchiladas durango (made with chorizo and potatoes in a molé sauce), he asked if it contained pork. I said yes. He said, “But then I can’t kiss you later.” Though I was sure that kissing me was as forbidden as eating pork, I quickly changed my order to something else.

That night was one of the most joyous of my life. Once, after lovemaking, whether that night or another, he whispered to me, “You made me sin.”

I happily took full responsibility. But as time passed, his guilt impeded him more and more.

Jay knew who he was, and even volunteered at DC’s Food and Friends preparing meals for people with AIDS. But he had been taught that same-sex love was a sin, and he believed it. I did all I could to help him overcome it, even finding a gay imam who was willing to talk to him. But he refused. He allowed himself only fleeting moments of happiness. Once we went to New York Letters 30 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

City for a theatre weekend. One of the shows was Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. He got back at me later by

In the same year as the fatwa, I met a man from a distant land. He was a devout Muslim, and gay. taking me to see Jesus Christ Superstar.

The angriest I saw him was in my bedroom when he spotted my copy of The Satanic Verses. By that point, Rushdie’s Japanese translator had been stabbed to death, and Jay fiercely exulted in the murder and said the same fate awaited Rushdie. I insisted that imaginative literature could be no threat to the God who gave us the capacity to create and enjoy it. But Jay was not to be moved.

Love does not always triumph. As much as Jay loved me, he was convinced he was going to hell. I saw him less and less. Eventually he returned to his country. Once he got me to promise that I would take care of him when he grew old. But that was a dream he could not allow himself.

Of course, all faiths have their fanatics. Frank Kameny called Christian nationalists the American Taliban. There are progressive Muslims in addition to

murderous Islamo-fascists. The sweet man who left our bed just before dawn, unrolled his prayer mat, put on his kufi, and said his morning prayers before climbing back in beside me, would never have harmed me. All he did was break my heart.

That is my battle scar. Until I die, I will honor it by rejecting fatwas and book burnings and teachers who plant seeds of poison in the minds of children before they even know what it means to fall in love.

Mr. Rushdie was taken off the ventilator after two days and was able to speak a few words. In a statement on August 14, Rushdie’s son Zafar wrote of him, “Though his life-changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty and defiant sense of humor remains intact.”

Haroun and the Sea of Stories, published when Rushdie was in hiding, begins with a dedication in the form of an acrostic poem based on Zafar’s name: Zembla, Zenda, Xanadu: All our dream-worlds may come true.

Fairy lands are fearsome too.

As I wander far from view Read, and bring me home to you.

In that same faithful spirit, I am dipping into the sea of stories again.

That is the only way to turn off the ‘dark bulbs’ as Rushdie calls them, which would plunge us all into impenetrable gloom. ▼ Richard J. Rosendall is a writer and activist at rrosendall@me.com.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

31 Letters

Words Matter

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

Censorship Sucks

B

anned Books Week was started in 1982 by the American Library Association (ALA) in response to the overwhelming number of books that were being challenged in schools, bookstores, and libraries. It is a time to celebrate the freedom to read and highlight the value of open access to information. This year, the theme for Banned Books Week, September 18-24, is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” Annually, in the months leading up to Banned Books Week, the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom publishes a list of the 10 most challenged books from the previous year. In 2021, five of the 10 most challenged books were banned or challenged because of LGBTQIA+ content: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson, This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson and Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin. This is troubling. To ban these books is to participate in erasure and harm.

I recall being a high school student and picking up Invisible Life by E. Lynn Harris for the first time.

I couldn’t put the book down. It was the first time I’d read a book that centered same gender loving Black men who weren’t just stereotypes but real people, living, loving, and learning as they navigated life.

The central character had dealt with some of the emotions that I’d experienced. Reading how he was negotiating his intersecting identities helped me unpack and understand myself better and gave me hope about the road ahead. I was no longer invisible.

It is difficult for me to imagine my latter teenage years without that book. Books are powerful. Books can educate, entertain, expand imagination, inspire, and transform people’s lives and the world.

Toni Morrison, American novelist, Nobel Laureate, and one of the greatest writers of any time, penned two books that have appeared on the list of the top 100 most frequently challenged books of the decade for the last three decades. In an interview with her for a documentary about her life, Morrison said, “I have a little framed document in my bathroom, a letter from, I think Texas Bureau of Corrections, saying that Paradise was banned

In 2021, five of the 10 most challenged books were banned or challenged because of LGBTQIA+ content…

Letters 32 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

from the prison because it might incite a riot. And I thought, how powerful is that? I could tear up the whole place!” Likely, access to books like hers would simply bring more people together.

Literature written by and about people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and people with other diverse points of view based on their lived experiences should be celebrated, not censored. In college, I interned with the ACLU of Ohio. One of my favorite projects was helping the director of education plan and execute a series of Banned Books Week events across the state.

Some of the events were held at coffeehouses and community centers. Others were held at and in partnership with local libraries. After the programs were over, I’d stand at the door and give away lollipops attached to a card that read, “Censorship Sucks” on one side, and on the reverse, it provided information about freedom of speech.

Decades later, that declaration about censorship remains true and the commitment to the vigilance that we must all maintain to ensure that it doesn’t happen in our local community remains constant.

In the current political climate, we must also extend our vigilance and support to communities all over the United States.

Last year, the ALA tallied over 700 book challenges targeting 1,597 titles. Almost all of them were because their content dealt with racism, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This is not by coincidence or accident. These are deliberate attempts by those who wish to divide and oppress, and we cannot let that happen.

Books unite us. There is power, comfort, and connection in picking up a book where you can find a true and nuanced reflection of yourself.

More people, not less, should be able to have that encounter with the written word. You can learn more about Banned Books Week and find some great titles to read on bannedbooksweek.org. September is Library Card Sign-up Month. If you don’t already have one, or if yours expired, now is a great time renew. Let’s read! ▼ Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he’s also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

33 Letters

OUTlook

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

Never Been to Spain

M

y dream has always been to retire at the beach. I’ve always imagined a nice two-bedroom condo in Rehoboth— beachfront, of course—from which we would take long, leisurely walks and watch the sunrise every morning.

But reality, as it often does, put the kibosh on that real quick. We’ve done OK finance-wise, but there’s no way in hell we can afford a beachfront anything in Rehoboth. Or Delaware. Or the East Coast. And two bedrooms? Not in a blue state. And even if I could get a mortgage, I’d be 95 by the time it was paid off. Something tells me I won’t live that long. Plus, now that I’m not working, my income is less than it used to be. And in three years, that income will be further reduced by the cost of Medicare and the gap coverage we’ll both need.

Yes, we could sell the house in Dover for a pretty penny right now, but my wife is still working for a few more years.

Who knows what the housing market will do in the next couple of years? I have a feeling it won’t be pretty.

In fact, I’m fairly worried about 2024 and beyond…as many of us are. Can you spell theocracy? People say it can’t happen. I say, look at history.

So, we’re putting on our contingency glasses.

We’re looking at numerous options, like many people we know. There is a place where we can get a two-bedroom condo, beachfront I doubt, but very near an ocean. In fact, it would be the Mediterranean Sea. In Spain. We’re seriously considering it.

There are drawbacks. Like excessive heat and wildfires. Europe is experiencing climate change just like the rest of the world. So, we would make sure we have AC. At least a window unit. I’ve never been to Spain, so we would be doing a reconnaissance mission trip in the next couple of years.

I’d have to brush up on my Spanish. I took it from eighth grade through my sophomore year of college. I can conjugate verbs till the cows come home, but my nouns are rusty to say the least. But if I was able to read Cervantes and write my papers in Spanish in school, I think it would come back to me, despite my more advanced years.

We’re zeroing in on Valencia, Spain’s third

So what if it’s 3,888 miles away? We’re not too old for an adventure.

Letters 34 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

largest city, south of Barcelona on the coast. It’s beautiful, affordable, and fairly easy to get a visa and/or residency if we decide to stay. Right now, it’s 91°F (feels like 100) and clear, going down to 73° overnight.

But the biggest drawback would be leaving our friends. They would visit, but it’s not like I can say, hey, let’s go to the boardwalk today! But many of my friends live in different states already.

For example, I belong to a writer’s group that we started when I lived in Brooklyn. Only one person remains there. If I can Zoom from Dover, I think I can figure out a way to do if from Spain.

The country is complicated politically, but I don’t think a bunch of gun-totin’ crazies are going to try and storm Madrid. Never say never, I know, but still. Spain’s culture is old and abiding, something that also draws me. It was one of the first European countries to legalize gay marriage. It’s progressive.

They have nationalized healthcare. Marijuana is legal. I don’t know, but it seems you’re treated like a grownup—everyone minding their own business.

How refreshing that would be. And don’t forget siesta. It’s still very much alive in Spain.

There’s also a large ex-pat community there.

It’s diverse. It’s enchanting. So we’re thinking long and hard, and I’m spending time doing research.

But one thing stands out already—our retirement dollars would stretch further there.

However, we’re not putting all our huevos in the Spain basket. We haven’t ruled out Panama, either, or even Canada. So, there are many options we’re considering.

But something keeps drawing me to Spain. Time will tell. A lot could change. Truth be told, I’d rather not have to move at all. But we’ve got to sell the house eventually anyway and will need to move. So what if it’s 3,888 miles away? We’re not too old for an adventure. I’d be fulfilling my retirement dream.

And my wife is totally on board. Here’s to watching the sunrise on a beautiful beach, whether it’s Rehoboth or Spain. ▼ Beth Shockley is a retired senior writer/editor. She lives in Dover with her wife and five furbabies.

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35 Letters

gay Women of Rehoboth ®

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Letters 36 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Learn about women’s activities, dances, discussion groups and singles events in the rehoboth guest 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:13 PMarea.

Page 1

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37 Letters

JUST MORE MUSIC

True Blue Jazz Festival Goes ‘Deep Blue’ In Memory of Joey DeFrancesco

T

More music is what’s needed to create positivity and wellness for everybody, regardless of what’s happening in the world.

Letters 38 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

he 10th Annual True Blue Jazz Festival hits town October 12-16 in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware. It will be five days of real live jazz, as only True Blue Jazz can deliver—certainly something to celebrate in high style!

The festival, which has been recognized

by Fodor’s Travel Guide as one of the top 10 reasons to visit the Rehoboth area in the off-season, offers dozens of free and ticketed shows. The full listing can be viewed on the True Blue Jazz website at truebluejazz.org.

While there indeed will be much to celebrate, True Blue Jazz, and the entire jazz community, world-wide, is still reeling from the sudden loss of jazz organ legend, Joey DeFrancesco. Slated as the Saturday night headliner for True Blue Jazz, co-producer Eddie Sherman says, “There will be a dramatic and poignant aspect to our events and festivities during this 10th anniversary as we reflect and remember an extraordinary life in jazz. This year’s festival will honor the legacy of Joey DeFrancesco. That’s why we will become the True ‘Deep Blue’ Jazz Festival for 2022, in honor of the all-too-soon passing of this jazz great.”

Co-producer Peggy Raley added, “As human beings caught in the throes of grieving a loss of this magnitude, all we can do is keep bringing the jazz…keep the jazz playing.”

She shared a quote from Joey DeFrancesco himself: “More music is what’s needed to create positivity and wellness for everybody, regardless of what’s happening in the world.

Music just solves a lot of problems. So more live music, more original music—just more music. Without that, we’re in big trouble.”

In keeping with that sentiment, 2022’s True ‘Deep Blue’ Jazz Festival has a full slate of great jazz acts. There’s something sure to satisfy the palate of each and every jazz fan who rolls into Rehoboth Beach and Lewes this October 12-16, hungry for a Real Jazz Party.

From the now famous, swinging Patio Jazz Party at the Blue Hen Restaurant next to the Avenue Inn, to the Cool Jazz Scene happening at Port 251. From the Festival Kick-Off Party celebrating their Youth Jazz Programs at Bethany Blues, to the best Jazz Hangs to be found during the True ‘Deep Blue’ Jazz Festival at Nassau Valley Vineyards Winery, Aqua, Blackwall at the Beach, the Ocean Glass Inn, and more.

Firehouse Jazz is bigger than ever with a Big Band Marathon, Saturday, October 15, from noon-6:00 p.m., with the Cape Henlopen High School kicking off the show. All proceeds of the day benefit the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company. Plus, new this year, three explosive nights of great live jazz right in the Rehoboth Beach Firehouse: the Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet on October 13, Minas Quintet—the Music of Stan Getz and João Gilberto on October 14, and jazz drummer extraordinaire Webb Thomas and his Superband on October 15.

The headliner shows will be held at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel from Thursday through Sunday, featuring the Emmet Cohen Trio on October 13, America’s hard bop supergroup— the Cookers—October 14, and in lieu of the concert appearance by the Joey DeFrancesco Trio, 2022’s True ’Deep Blue’ Jazz Festival will host a Memorial Tribute Show to Joey DeFrancesco, this incredible modern day giant of our jazz world, presented by his band members.

Eddie Sherman and Peggy Raley will perform for the 10th Anniversary True ‘Deep Blue’ Jazz Festival Brunch Party, also held at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, on Sunday, October 16. ▼

To see schedules for all the ticketed and free events, go to truebluejazz.org.

THE Independent Straight Ahead Jazz Festival

A 501(c)3 Non-Profit

Where the

JAZZ

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Oct. 12-16, 2022 Connect with Us @

www.TrueBlueJazz.org

legacy lives

IO OHEN TR EMMET C THE BOARDWALK PLAZA HOTEL 2 Olive Ave & The Boardwalk Oct. 13th - 730p & 930p

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ERS THE COOK THE BOARDWALK PLAZA HOTEL 2 Olive Ave & The Boardwalk Oct. 14th - 730p & 930p

O RANCESC JOEY DEFTRIBUTE SHOW L MEMORIA THE BOARDWALK PLAZA HOTEL 2 Olive Ave & The Boardwalk Oct. 15th - 730p-9p ONE SHOW ONLY

Rehoboth Beach

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

39 Letters

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41 Letters

CAMP Stories

BY RICH BARNETT

A Tippler’s Tribute to Late Summer

I

don’t know about you, but I am not ready to give up the summer. My zinnias are at their peak and the cherry tomato plant now stands taller than six feet and continues to produce handfuls of sweet golden globes. It irks me that the American retail establishment tries to lure everyone into thinking about Halloween candy and pumpkin spice lattes when it’s still 80 degrees outside.

Just the other day upon returning from a late afternoon foray to the beach, I discovered three clothing catalogues in my mailbox, each one touting sweaters, jackets, and—heaven forbid—corduroy pants. I don’t even consider putting on a pair of long pants until after the UVA-Georgia Tech football game in mid-October.

No, I can’t turn my back on summer when the farm stands are still showing watermelons, lima beans, and sweet corn. Nothing says late summer, in my opinion, like sweet corn. And the sweet corn this season has been superb, which is probably why I found myself one evening staring at a stack of of ears on the kitchen counter and wondering what the hell I was gonna do with all of them. I certainly couldn’t eat 18 ears, but perhaps, just maybe, I might drink some of them....

What? I know it sounds a bit crazy until you remember that corn is the main ingredient in bourbon whiskey and moonshine. There is a relationship. I began snooping around and lo and behold discovered an entire genre of sweet corn cocktails. Okay, that’s a reach. But there are a few cocktail enthusiasts out there experimenting with sweet corn to mix up a “tippler’s tribute to late summer.” My words, not theirs.

Recipes for a corn-tini and a corn-y old fashioned caught my eye, but despite their use of sweet corn, they didn’t feel quite summer-y enough for my taste.

Then I came across a slew of recipes blending corn with tequila. Now we were talking. Margaritas are made for summer.

And a sweet corn one—perfecto!

I perused a few of these recipes just Letters 42 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

for inspiration. I tend to follow my own cocktail knowledge and instincts, and I do not like to follow drink recipes word for word. Trust me, I certainly don’t need

Then I came across a slew of recipes blending corn with tequila. Now we were talking. advice on how to make a basic margarita. The tricky part with these corn margaritas, however, was the corn—or I should say, making the corn milk.

In every good story there’s an obstacle the protagonist must overcome to get what he wants, and in this case, it was the corn milk. I scraped the corn cob with a sharp knife. I brought out my sterling silver muddler and muddled corn kernels for about a half-hour until I feared I might sprain my wrist. There was no way in hell I was ever going to draw forth several

ounces of corn milk by hand. When all appeared lost, my drinking companion suggested I use a food processor. Duh? But of course! All I needed to do was hit the liquify button and within seconds I had the elusive corn milk. It made me wonder if any of the purveyors of any of these corn cocktail recipes had even really made them.

Obstacle overcome, I moved on to mixing the margarita. Into a chilled cocktail shaker, I added a half shot of Grand Mariner, a quarter shot of mezcal, some shredded basil leaves (another great summer flavor) and a tablespoon of sweet corn salsa I found in the ‘fridge (to add a little kick and some more sugar). I muddled them—successfully this time—and then added 4 ounces of white tequila and 2 ounces of fresh lime juice. To this mixture, I added 4 ounces of corn milk, a couple cubes of ice, and then shook vigorously to blend everything together and produce a bit of froth.

I strained the mixture into two chilled glasses. Voila—sweet corn margaritas!

Truth told, it wasn’t that easy. It took me a few rounds of too much tequila, too much lime, and not enough corn before I landed on this ratio of ingredients. And I was a wee bit tipsy. But don’t let that deter you.

Lucius Beebe was a columnist who documented New York café society in the 1930s for the New York Herald. He wrote in the introduction to his Stork Club Bar Book of 1938 that mixing a cocktail is all about individual taste and practice. So, practice away if you’re interested. Delaware’s sweet corn season officially runs from July 4 to October 1, so, there’s still plenty of time to grab a few ears and enjoy the taste of late summer. Cheers! ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

JOIN US AT THE BLOCK PARTY 2022

TAKE A PAW y l d n e i r f t e e are p . .w

FOOD DRINKS MUSIC SHOWS

AQUAREHO AQUAREHO

57 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE Phone: (302)-226-9001 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

43 Letters

[

Pop the Question [

Describe CAMP Rehoboth’s upcoming show*

— 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche — in five words or less:

Outrageous, twisted, emotional, innuendo-esque, ridiculous ... [ ...

KAREN LAITMAN

It will crack you up— egg-ceptional! ... [ ...

GWEN OSBORNE

Hysterical, sexual, repression, delicious, discovery

Magnetic, fun, engaging, charming, sisterhood ... [ ...

... [ ...

TERI SEATON

RUSSELL STILES

A REAL KNEE SLAPPER ... [ ...

SHELLEY KINGSBURY

*Three performances: September 29 and 30, and October 1, all at 8:00 p.m., in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium, 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Tickets are available at camprehoboth.com.

C R E A T I N G

Cool It! Welcome to the Dog Days Seasons in The Sun

Local Heroes RB Candidate Forum (We Could Be) Heroes A

M O R E

P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

C R E A T I N G

July 26, 2019 Volume 29, Number 10 camprehoboth.com

ainment That’s Entert for Play A Passion Tradition Taking Dance for a Twirl

G A T I N C R E

A

E M O R

E I T I V P O S

T H O B O R E H

2019 June 28, er 8 29, Numb Volume th.com camprehobo

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August 9, 2019 Volume 29, Number 11 camprehoboth.com

Advertising in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth pays off.

CALL TRICIA MASSELLA AT 302-227-5620 or email tricia@camprehoboth.com for more information!

Letters 44 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

45 Letters

Dining Out

BY MICHAEL GILLES

The Port Is Near “The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting.”

A

merica’s great writer, Walt Whitman, wrote these words.

There’s a similar experience happening right on Rehoboth Avenue. Well, with the exception of the bells. They’re from mighty churches and annoying little bicycles tearing down the avenue. But the port is near, and the people are exulting, for there is good food awaiting at Port 251 on the main drag.

After soaking in the large outdoor seating section surrounded by colorful umbrellas, Sally and I were by met by delightful co-owners Tony Sacco and Joe Maggio. The first thing I noticed as I entered this popular section were the pop tunes playing quietly over the eating guests, all songs by the late Olivia Newton-John, who had died that day. Nice touch, gentlemen.

Tony and Joe were friendly and helpful; especially patient when we insisted that they sit through an impromptu photo session led by Sally. She shot several pics before they begrudgingly approved of one. They had us laughing. These two were more than worth the price of admission!

Led to our seats by charming host Thomas, we immediately experienced good service. Nate was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, a good server who attended to us with seeming ease.

Sally started scouring the adventurous drink menu, settling on a lemon drop martini, rimmed with sugar. Settling is the wrong word. It was sweet and tart, very refreshing. I had a diet soda, which was none of those things.

While we were sipping our respective drinks, we examined the inside of the dining room. The restaurant is an example of what we call Modern Farmhouse, with dark walls and red accents. Sally looked up, noticing gorgeous chandeliers gracing the ceiling. There was even a barn door on the wall. The whole atmosphere is rustic, giving the restaurant an appealing, homey feeling.

Letters 46 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Port 251 specializes in the aperitivo, which is similar to “Happy Hour” in America. Dishes looked absolutely splendid, but we came ready to eat our way through the dinner menu. First, the appetizers.

Among the many hearty-looking appetizers, Sally chose the Cream of Crab Soup.

Everything in the restaurant is cooked to order. Service is excellent…. And then there’s the entertainment.

This version of the Rehoboth favorite was particularly good. Sprinkled with Old Bay, the soup had just the right balance of cream and loads of jumbo lump crab meat. Homemade croutons were a nice complement to the soup.

My appetizer was outstanding. Under the approving eye of Nate, I chose the Stacked Eggplant. Full disclosure, I’m a nut for eggplant, so I was going to like this no matter what. This version had herb cheese, house marinara, and shaved truffle parmigiano. The sauce was excellent: intense and rich. The breading was crispy, something missing in a lot of eggplant dishes. If you like eggplant, this is it!

Then, we ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna as a third appetizer. This came with

greens and ponzu. Delicious. You could taste the tuna (no drenching this fish), and the ponzu was perfect. We began asking if there was a bad dish in this restaurant.

Apparently not, since our entrees were terrific too. Sally had the Mushroom Pappardelle. It came with wide ribbon egg pasta, white truffle cream, Parmesan, and basil. Sally is a big fan of egg noodles, and these were cooked perfectly. She’s also a big fan of mushrooms. And cream, Parmesan, and basil. She loved this dish.

I had the pan-seared salmon, nicely done, a piece thick but tender. The glaze brought out the taste of the dish, a salmon lover’s delight.

The crowd that night witnessed a Port 251 miracle. Yes, Sally and I were actually going to order dessert, too. Sally ordered a rich, flourless, chocolate confection: dense, rich, and creamy. Shockingly good. I had a fruity dish, with a topping of ice cream. I say topping, but it was actually bigger than any bowl of ice cream I’d ever seen. When I finished mining my way through the mouthwatering white stuff, I found the prize. Peach cobbler!

This LGBTQIA+-owned restaurant has many additional features to please its customers. There are specials nearly every night of the week, from specially priced filets, to pasta, to burgers, to tacos. Everything in the restaurant is cooked to order.

Service is excellent (thanks again, Nate!).

And then there’s the entertainment. Port 251 patrons are treated to everything from drag shows to live music. The night we were there was Jazz Night, and we experienced the amazing David Zipse Band, featuring the extraordinary pianist Zipse, and his fellow talent, drummer Ken Schleifer.

So, as Whitman said, the port is near.

Port 251, with its colorful umbrellas, rustic atmosphere, great food, and dazzling entertainment, is the destination. Visit, and you will join the people exulting! ▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

47 Letters

Letters 48 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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 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

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

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

49 Letters

LOVE WINS

BY BRENT MUNDT

From Wendell’s Woes to Wendell…Whoa!

S

“My patrons and visitors would stop dead in their tracks when they saw this black trans woman on my easel.”

Letters 50 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

poiler alert: Wendell will grab you by the lapels and never let you go. Ask Brax Hudson.

Among the 50 stunning Hopper-esque Tom Wilsons unveiled at the opening at the Biggs this summer, a half dozen were lent by Peggy Raley Ward.

Within the exhibition of those amazing bucolic scenes are countless classic cars, nine cows, four horses, a pig, a goat, and her late father, the legendary Sussex farmer, Bob Raley.

But there’s an apple among the oranges. A gender-fluid African American woman, happily perched in her Adirondack on the beach: Wendell.

A black trans woman. And farmer Bob bought it.

An arch conservative with Archie Bunker tendencies, Bob Raley was brought into the light of LGBTQ existence by his own daughter.

A bona fide farmer’s daughter, the misty-eyed Peggy and I toured the exhibition together. It’s her entire world painted by her dear friend, Tom Wilson. Dabbing her eyes with a tissue: “He should be here for this. He so deserved a curated museum show in his lifetime.”

So, we kept coming back to the portrait of Wendell. Peggy lost Tom to AIDS in 1995 and has tried valiantly to keep his amazing “love legacy” alive. His art was gob-smacking. But his capacity for love?

Boundless.

He and his partner Leo befriended Wendell in the 80s when it was clearly bold to just be out—even as a white gay man. It was audacious to be transgender.

And African American at that.

Wendell was the only piece needing a full makeover. The story goes that farmer Bob took Wendell out to his private Mills Island hunting lodge. Peggy teased him good-naturedly about “why Wendell?” given they own several of Wilson’s pastures and farmhouses. At the lodge, Wendell observed a lot of poker games and a few late-night raucous binges.

Peggy told Bob she wanted Wendell returned to her for her wedding in 2011.

Farmer Bob put it on the next boat back to dry land. It got damaged. Badly. It’s safe to say that Sussex County farmers aren’t likely to use white curator gloves.

“He put the art in a black plastic bag and tossed it in his boat and the next thing you know, I have one of my favorite pieces needing a lot of restoration.” When the Biggs Museum curator reached out this past spring to procure Tom’s work, all of them—pigs, cows, cars, etc.—were ready for their museum closeup. Except Wendell.

“There was only one place to take her: Brax Hudson.”

The white picket fence around Abraxas Gallery in Lewes invites one back to the lower slower nature of the bramble and brine. The idyllic Americana setting seems unchanged from the 50s. Hudson is a hometown artist, born and bred with a literal picket fence.

Yet Brax was immediately swept up in Peggy’s fervor. Peggy had to get Wendell ready for a museum opening and Brax was the answer.

Says Brax, “My patrons and visitors would stop dead in their tracks when they saw this black trans woman on my easel.

I was just honored, and a bit hesitant to touch Tom’s amazing brush strokes.” Our straight-but-not-narrow ally was honored to work on Tom’s original painting.

“It was [Peggy’s] sacred piece. Who could she trust to paint it? I got chills. Now I have the legacy piece. Tom has been gone for 27 years and now the pressure is on timewise. It takes me months to paint from scratch, but this was on a week deadline.” Lump, meet throat.

Continued on page 52

Tom Wilson Super-Realist / Surrealist

Now Through October 16

From international male supermodel to renowned artist: once-famous for his looks, Tom’s career morphed brilliantly into a body of work that indelibly graces the collections of many of Delaware’s prominent arts patrons in the Rehoboth/Lewes area. Today, 50 pieces on loan from these collectors were curated into a comprehensive exhibition capturing Southern Delaware and highlighting beach neighborhoods, while showcasing Wilson’s artistic range and preserving his lasting legacy on the people of Delaware and the Delaware arts scene.

From the Beach to the Biggs Learn more about Tom Wilson’s community and enjoy a complimentary pass from one of our exhibition partners.

Patrons are invited to sip “The Wilson” cocktail and learn how Tom met his partner, Chef Leo Medisch, at “The Porch”. Tom’s art was in the breezeway, Leo’s art was on every plate.

At Rehoboth's Bad Hair Day? Salon, patrons can watch the inspiring Tom Wilson documentary, “The Luminous Life of Tom Wilson,” while they BHD?!

Celebrate the Biggs Museum's unprecedented partnership with CAMP Rehoboth! Members can pick up their complimentary passes at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, 37 Baltimore Avenue.

BiggsMuseum.org | 406 Federal St, Dover, DE SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

51 Letters

LOVE WINS

Continued from page 50

Hesitant to touch up the master’s work, Brax was reassured by Peggy: “You’re an amazing artist and Tom would have taken you under his wing and introduced you to everyone he knew. He wasn’t a zero-sum guy.” That nails Tom Wilson’s legacy right there.

Brax got to work. “I teach my students that every stroke is intentional. I teach them to ignore the object and focus solely on light, shadow, proportion, and texture.

Now, ignoring a ‘tranny on the beach’ is not easy! But I settled in and since I paint like Tom, I could intentionally use each brush stroke. It’s the blending that’s so crucial. You can’t just use any color.”

There’s a rich history of diversity in the farmlands and beaches of LSD. Same-sex couples began descending on sleepy Sussex County in the 70s. Some locals weren’t quite ready for the city slickers daring to hold hands in public and dance the night away at the disco. One could spend a lifetime trying to explain to the

haters how lonesome and isolated we were as youth, and why we desperately needed a community.

Enter our dynamic duo of “Steve and Murray”—synonymous with Creating A More Positive Rehoboth. Peggy is a huge fan. “Murray and Steve were the warriors who stopped the bullying and hate on the streets. They deserve every bit of credit for that.”

But the “prequel” to CAMP was always here, just below the surface. It was in Bob Raley’s corn fields where humanity seeped in, even if negative forces tried to drown us out.

“Dad would get teased by his farmer pals for having gay friends and he’d say ‘oh yeah, well look how they improved our village with their restoration. You should work on your own house. We could use more of my friends!’”

This is where love and bravery come in.

Love in the shape of Tom and Leo taking Wendell under their wings.

Bravery in Wendell being herself.

Love in the shape of a farmer Bob taking the portrait of Wendell to his island.

Bravery in showing support for his daughter’s Bohemian, non-traditional friends.

Love in the shape of straight Brax touching up gay Tom’s brush strokes.

Bravery in contemplating what Wendell’s life was like.

There’s a rich history of diversity in the farmlands and beaches of LSD. Brax is philosophical about it. “It’s such a small world. I grew up idolizing my father’s good friend. He was the macho ‘dude of dudes.’ Well, he transitioned later in life and it was eye-opening to say the least. We are all just players on a stage. All are welcome.”

Tackling this project 27 years after Tom passed away created a wistfulness. Brax had one final thought: “I wonder who will conserve my own work when the time comes?” It’s likely that the conservator is in kindergarten today.

In a world that’s banning books and shutting down Gay Straight Alliances in schools, Wendell can lead us to the light of progress. Standing directly in front of restored glam Wendell, you can lean to your right and see the State House where nationally renowned transgender Senator Sarah McBride was sworn in. Ceiling shattered.

Certainly, Wendell watched from above. And Bob Raley popped her popcorn.

Wendell and 49 other pieces are on exhibit through October 16. Stop in at CAMP for your guest pass. ▼ Brent Adams Mundt is a freelance writer who lives in Rehoboth and New Orleans.

Once a terrified and bullied kid, he’s now focused on scholarships for LGBT students through PFLAG New Orleans, his hometown. a/k/a Roux Paul on FB and reachable at mundtbrent@gmail.com.

Letters 52 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

W I N E

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S P I R I T S

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B E E R

DOWNTOWN REHOBOTH with FREE 15 MINUTE PARKING

TELEPHONE: 302.227.6966 W W W. L O V E S L I Q U O R S . C O M 305c REHOBOTH AVE & 4TH ST REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 (ADJACENT TO COHO’S MARKET & GRILL AND THE CULTURED PEARL RESTAURANT)

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53 Letters

Letters 54 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

55 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.

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 Azafrán, 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 Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 3 South First St.......................302-527-1400 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 Port 251 Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant, 251 Rehoboth Ave..............302-278-7069 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 56 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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 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

INSURANCE

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

Critter Beach, 156 Rehoboth Ave..................................................302-226-2690 Pet Portraits by Monique................................................................717-650-4626

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 Plate Catering.................................................................................302-644-1200

FINANCIAL SERVICES

County Bank, 19927 Shuttle Rd.......................................... 302-226-9800 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley.........................................................302-644-6620

FLORISTS

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

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

HEALTH-RELATED

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

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

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

Lawson Firm, 402 Rehoboth Ave...................................................302-226-3700 PWW Law 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 Reiki CENTRAL, thecentralfirm.com...............................................302-408-0878

PET RETAIL

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 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.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

57 Letters

The Writing Life

BY BUTCH CORDORA

The Gay Guyde to Poker

Y

ou really have to have nothing much else going on in your life to be able to sink your teeth into writing a book. That’s what I believe anyway. Back in ‘08, I got laid off and was bored to death. At that time, I wrote the first 33 pages. But landing another job in less than a month, there my work sat as a Word document for 12 years! Uugghh.

But don’t fear! Here’s comes the pandemic. Hooray! Months upon months of clearheaded nothingness; nothing but time and waiting for—well, no one knew what. But I did know that this was my great opportunity to finally finish my first book.

Enter: The Gay Guyde to Poker. Yep, you didn’t think such a person existed but sure enough, I am a gay poker player! Been playing for over 20 years and always felt my experience was so much different than that of the average casino rat. So much so that I knew I needed to write all about it.

The book is one part beginner’s guide (teaching the basics about poker and Texas Hold ‘Em), one part cautionary tale on what it’s like to be an openly gay man embedded in this historically heterosexual pastime, and finally, what I did to turn the tables and use my minority as an advantage. If this all sounds dark, I assure you it’s not. It’s mostly amusing anecdotes; a fun, easy read; 100 pages; perfect for summer (or fall or winter or spring!).

My name is Butch Cordora and the minute the nine other players sitting at the poker table realize I’m gay, I’m immediately viewed as the weaker opponent. How can I be a good poker player? Shouldn’t I be hanging out at drag shows and piano bars? What do I know about casinos, after all; isn’t poker a heterosexual man’s game?

Now mind you, I certainly don’t sit down and blurt out; “Hi, my name is Butch and I’m gay,” (although that would be hysterical) but I certainly don’t hide it either. And eventually, at some point during the four-to-five-hour game, my Letters 58 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

sexuality might be revealed—whether it’s some dude I’m dating who happens to come by the poker table, or a call or text from a boyfriend, to something I’m wearing that promotes the LGBTQ+ community.

How can I be a good poker player? Shouldn’t I be hanging out at drag shows and piano bars?

Women, people of color, minorities of all kinds unfortunately have this crutch to bear. It may be a different set of stereotyping than that of a gay man, but preconceived notions are alive and well. Too passive, too aggressive, not intimidating enough, not serious enough, too slow, and on and on.

I’m really proud of this book and I can honestly say that of all the artistic endeavors I’ve executed thus far in my career (acting, hosting a TV talk show, being a radio jock, producing, directing and starring in a feature length documentary, a solo art gallery show, even creating and designing a calendar)

I always walk away from projects thinking, well damn, okay, I’m really happy with what I accomplished but I’ll definitely never do that again! But that’s not the case with writing. It’s relaxing, cathartic, and I already started my followup. Working title: Confessions of a Pit Boss. Stay tuned!

You can find me locally at the Rehoboth Beach Guest House where I host monthly poker retreat weekends in the town’s off-season. Starting November 2022 and going through April 2023, one weekend a month is dedicated to teaching poker, playing poker, eating, sleeping, and breathing poker! Check in Friday, check out Sunday, and you’re ready for the casino. Ha! The best part about all this? It happens in a safe space. At press time, the November retreat is SOLD OUT. But—no worries!—announced here first are the dates of the December retreat: December 9, 10, and 11.

Packages vary from $259 to $499 (room included in that price). The sliding scale depends on where your skill level stands and any additional one-on-one time you’d like to book with me.

Contact: butchcordora@gmail.com or call my office at 215-923-2972 for more details about this super-fun big gay weekend. I’ll see you at the tables! ▼ The Gay Guyde to Poker is available at Browseabaout Books in Rehoboth Beach, as well as online book sellers including amazon.com.

Butch Cordora is a first-time author whose love of poker—and his original, quirky slant on the topic—has led him to pen what he’s hoping to be the first of many books.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

59 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

Hot Fun in the Last Days of Summer 2022: Battle of the Bachelors, Miss Gay Eastern States, Delaware Stonewall PAC Summer Event at Shrimpy's, and More!

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at CAMP Rehoboth Battle of

the Bachelors at Aqua: Kristina Kelly, Chris Beagle, Lorne Crawford, Bob Suppies, Matty Brown, Mel Damascana, Antonio Esparza, Natalie Moss, Evelyn Maurmeyer, Martha Goodman, David Coldman, Dan Kendle, Mike Beiler, Michael Taggert, Wes Combs, Dalton Manley.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at CAMP Rehoboth Battle of

the Bachelors at Aqua: RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Chase Angle, Josh Appleman, Rick Perry, Garret Gacusana, David Gonce, Kyle Hrivnak, Tom Protack, Lowell Scott, Rudy Gilbert, Todd Maskov, Dillon Lyles, Joey Wham, Phillip Townsend, David Towner, Michaello Linsinger, Demetrius Stevenson, Matt Richards, Palmer Sampson, Alonza Parker, Ricky David, Jaya Mandala, Chris Hare, Jonathan Butto.

1

Letters 60 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

(More CAMPshots page 62)

2

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

61 Letters

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

1

2

(Continued from page 61 THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Delaware Stonewall PAC Summer Event at Shrimpy’s: Tara Sheldon, Murray Archibald, Leslie Ledogar, C. Dixon Osborn, Chris Howland, Kathy Hughes, DeShanna Neal, Lydia York, DE State Senator Marie Pinkney; 2) at Beebe Hospital President’s Reception: Lisa Schlosser, Tony Burns, Sherrie Brown, Dr. David Tam, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Tom Protack, Kay Young, Sean Flanigan, Dr. Bill Chasanov.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 3) at The Pines: Mark Clark, Rich Metzger, Tom Protack, Chris Pinato, Tanner Shriver (Mr. Gay Eastern States America), Meiko Theleo, Mona Lotts, Mirage Cruz, Michael Venn, Peter Rosenstein, Dave Snell, Nick Perfili, Mike Wilkinson, Will Tuttle; 4) at La Fable: A.J. D’Orta, Mary Rose D’Orta, Cubby D’Orta, Gary Mosher, Richard Ploff, Brad Boswell, Ski Rowland, Walt Cassell, Dave McCarthy.

(More CAMPshots page 72) Letters 62 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Daze and Nights of August!

3

4

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

63 Letters

The Sea Salt Table

BY ED CASTELLI

Baked Chicken Wings

A

s a kid, I despised football. It embodied the ultimate in virile maleness I’d never attain. Back then, if you were gay, you were “light in the loafers” as our grandfathers would say. Even attempting to learn football would have exposed the notman-enough I was. Therefore, I wanted nothing to do with it.

It never occurred to me that you could be gay and enjoy sports. I was a band geek, twirling a rifle no less. The enemy was those dumb jocks. The jarheads.

They distracted from the main event, the halftime show. They were the filler between fun commercials. Players on the gridiron meant hit the hotdog stand or peruse the spread in the dining room.

But during and after college, despite myself, and ever so slowly, I somehow caught the football bug. It started with me wanting to share something my Dad enjoyed. Fast forward to today, I’m all in.

Watching football is fun and exciting. Even riveting.

Now, I get uber excited for the season and bummed when it’s over. And it’s not just the tight pants and man-on-man action. There’s so much to the game.

Strategy, complex plays, and referees to yell at. Why didn’t I see this before?!

The guys with the black smears on their cheeks aren’t dumb, they’re brilliant.

I can even pass the pigskin with a nice spiral (if the goal of said spiral is end-overend, front to back). But don’t you ever throw in my direction expecting anything other than a scream and a duck. But still, yay me!

If I had a life do-over, I wish I had played. Or at least waterboy-ed. Or medical cart massaged. Like the kid I once taught in high school band. He was a huge linebacker, who quickly changed in and out of uniforms to play tuba in the half time show. I can totally see myself. Running in slow motion. The crowd cheering.

Shedding my pads and helmet, as I grab my streamered rifle to perform the theme from Ice Castles.

Nowadays, I find there’s no better way

Letters 64 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

 Spread the wings on the prepared

sheet leaving space between each.

Then, bake them for 35 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

 Meanwhile, melt 3 Tbls salted butter with ⅓ cup of your favorite hot or wing sauce.

 Your wings are done when they’re a

little crispy and browned. Sprinkle them with a touch of sea salt and let them rest for five minutes.

 Toss the wings with the sauce, then serve with celery stalks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

It never occurred to me that you could be gay and enjoy sports. to spend time with friends than at a football gathering. And it’s the best American fare has to offer. Like chili, and nachos, and buffalo chicken dip. Oh my!

So this month, I’m highlighting an awesome recipe for wings. The preparation involves a thin layer of baking powder. I know that’s an odd twist. But you’ll find this technique all over the internet, even America’s Test Kitchen. And it works, delivering amazing, restaurant-worthy wings.

Your guests will blitz the bowl.

Let get started, shall we?

STEPS

 Preheat oven to 450°. Cut a piece

of parchment or foil to cover the bottom of your biggest baking sheet. Then generously grease with baking spray or some canola oil.

 Using paper towels, pat dry 2.5

pounds of chicken wings. Then, toss them in a large bowl with 1 Tbl of baking powder (not baking soda).

TIPS • You’re shooting for wings that have some crunch outside but are tender and juicy inside. This nirvana is achieved by ensuring the skin is as dry as possible before applying the baking powder.

• So many people never use the convection setting on their ovens. Now is the perfect time! Reduce the temperature to 425°. You can even skip the flipping if you set the wings on a well-greased baking rack. Personally, I don’t like my husband having another thing to clean.

• A word about clock management: if you think the wings aren’t done, they’re not.

You want the skin to caramelize. Wait... for...it! Fear not about drying them out, because heck, they’re covered in a spicy sauce and dipped in dressing.

In closing,...E-A-G-L-E-S...Eagles!!! ▼ 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. Recipe requests and feedback welcome: ed@seasalttable.com.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

65 Letters

Letters 66 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

67 Letters

arts+entertainment

BY DOUG YETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community More Than the Average Bear

N

o, this exhibition does not feature bears of the four-legged variety.

Rather, the title is more of a descriptive demonym for our more hirsute brethren.

This bear-friendly exhibit was curated by a team of community members in conjunction with the annual Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend and features works by local and regional artists, including JS Adams, Anthony Chiffolo, Joe Dietl, Max Fleishman, Robert Fleming, Dr. Kaz Huston, Thomas Scott Roberts, Craig R. Simmons, Richard Thibodeau, Don Twine, and Tom Waugh. Quite the roster!

“CAMP Rehoboth is thrilled to once again host this annual art show,” said Arts Program lead Leslie Sinclair. “The talent and variety in this year’s show is particularly amazing, with watercolors, works on wood, stained glass, painting on glass, and hand-drawn works.”

Make plans to attend the exhibit (on display through October 8) and the Artist Reception on Sunday, September 25 (10:00 a.m. till noon) to celebrate these artists and the “Bear Force” aspect of LGBTQ+ culture.

From the CAMP Collection

I

n its 33-year history of supporting the arts, CAMP Rehoboth has amassed an extensive collection of art from generous donations by artists and community members. In October and November, we will host a curated exhibit of some of this art, From the CAMP Collection, in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery. While you are at the Block Party, plan to take a gander at the exhibit. Proceeds from sales will be used to support vital CAMP Rehoboth programs.

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.). You may view and purchase the art on the CAMP website under the “SHOP” heading.

IMAGES AT LEFT (top to bottom): Ben & Austin by Jim Dietl; Ginger Bear by Don Twine.

IMAGE TOP RIGHT: Beary Black Bear by Max Fleishman.

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 DelawareScene.com.

Letters 68 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

arts+entertainment

artist SPOTLIGHT

Russell Stiles & CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company

I

had breakfast in the CAMP Courtyard last week and noticed the poster for 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (September 29 & 30 and October 1) and wondered why I hadn’t profiled the CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company. I wrote to the company’s founder and resident director, Russell Stiles, and asked for contact info on folks who had performed in our shows.

As I looked through the list, I noticed that among the CAMP cast lists were several actors I’d worked with at Possum Point Players (PPP) in Georgetown—Ashlie Workman, Diane Muni Counts, Bruce Ricketts, and Laura Leone Baker, to name a few. PPP came to mind as it’s celebrating its 50th season this year at an October 8 Gala. Details about the celebration are available at possumpointplayers.org; tickets are $50 and may be purchased via the website. We wish PPP at least another 50 years!

Meanwhile, back to the CAMP Theatre Company…

Doug Yetter: Russell, how many seasons has the company been doing shows at CAMP? Russell Stiles: This marks the opening of our sixth season and we’re stretching our artistic wings this year with shows that are unique and a bit controversial. Keeping in line with the CAMP Rehoboth mission statement, we’re promoting artistic expressions, creative thinking, giving aid to artists, and emphasizing the works of the LGBTQ community. This season’s shows are the most diverse ever performed by the company, in terms of subject matter, genre, and the issues facing the entire LGBTQ community.

DY: I understand that the CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company is not the first group you’ve formed over the years.

RS: I founded the Hollidaysburg Area Repertory Players where I directed over 60 plays and musicals; I directed, acted, designed sets and lighting for Altoona Community Theatre at the historic Mishler Theatre in Altoona; and directed several critically acclaimed productions at Things Unseen regional theatre, also in Altoona.

DY: The community is in your debt for creating an acting company dedicated to performing shows geared for the LGBTQ+ community—works that we simply wouldn’t see anywhere else. A quick rundown of those shows?

...we’re stretching our artistic wings this year with shows that are unique and a bit controversial.

DY: I know you moved here after retiring but fill us in on your career before the beach.

RS: Before moving to Rehoboth Beach, I taught acting and drama for 30 years in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

DY: Where did you receive your training?

RS: I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis University and attended Penn State University’s Theatre Program majoring in Acting and Directing.

RS: We’ve performed productions of Stop Kiss, Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove, It’s Complicated 3.0, Tiny Beautiful Things, Ponce de Leon Is Dead, and Auto Erotic Misadventure. And tying the folks who have done shows at CAMP and Possum Point, I directed a production of the Thornton Wilder classic, Our Town, for the Possums.

DY: I would be remiss not to ask about your beautiful wife!

RS: The lovely Patricia will return to performing with the CAMP Chorus this fall.▼

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

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

69 Letters

arts+entertainment

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOKED SOLID From Gay to Z: A Queer Compendium by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, illustrations by Fredy Ralda

c.2022, Chronicle Books, $24.95, 312 pgs

Little things mean a lot.

A tiny kiss; a love note written on a scrap of paper—you know how you cherish those things. If you can keep them in your pocket, on a keychain, or tucked in a satchel, all the better because importance isn’t measured by volume. Little things mean a lot, and in the new book From Gay to Z, by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, they all add up perfectly.

For most of your life, you’ve been fed a steady diet of history, but what do you know about gay history, pop culture, and stand-out activists? Everything you don’t know about your GayBCs is in tiny entries in this book.

Take, for instance, drag, or a method of performance that Sayre thinks “queer people have always participated in....”

Drag is performance, but it’s also campy theatre, “empowerment,” and “a chance to...get to be the person you always wanted to be.” Check out this entry, and the one for RuPaul.

In your GayBCs are places to meet, dance, play, vacation, and a lot of New York and San Francisco hotspots, both current and otherwise. “So much of New York is gone,” says Sayre, and some are immortalized here.

And by the way, do you speak Polari?

Inside this book, you’ll read about trailblazers like Christine Jorgensen, controversy-makers like Robert Mapplethorpe and Chelsea Manning, activists like Marsha P. Johnson, and the male We’wha of the Zuni tribe, who lived as

Letters 70 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

“female-bodied people.”

You’ll find notable performers from then and now in this book; for instance, do you know who Wayland Flowers was, and his sidekick, Madame? If so, you’ll enjoy the entry for Liberace, too—and if not, then read about Lil Nas X, Billy Porter, Brandi Carlisle, Freddie Mercury, and dozens of LGBTQ allies and “icons.” You’ll also find entries about notable LGBTQowned newspapers, as well as authors, playwrights, movies and moviemakers....

In the introduction for From Gay to Z, author Justin Elizabeth Sayres says that there was no way “of boiling down the entirety of queer culture into one book.” It’s true: just page through and you’ll likely spot AWOL entries almost immediately (What? No Danica Roem? No Bettie Page?) No worries: you’ll also instantly see something else that Sayres promises: lighthearted humor.

There’s so much goodness packed between the covers of From Gay to Z that you almost don’t know where to start.

Be conventional and begin with “A,” or take a chance and flip open the book at random. There’s something interesting, either way. Sayres goes pretty far back into gay history for the entries chosen, but there’s plenty for a modern reader, or for someone who’s recently out, or who badly needs a brush-up on history. Each entry is quick to read, too, so no commitment is required.

Even so, this book is like a bag of potato chips: you can’t help but dip into From Gay to Z until it’s gone. Little things mean a lot—in this case, they mean great big fun. ▼ Terri Schlichenmeyer’s first book, The Big Book of Facts, is available now in bookstores. Her next two are scheduled to appear in bookstores soon.

OCTOBER 15 Starts 4PM DOWNTOWN MILTON, DE

Join the Milton Theatre as we try to survive an evening of haunting entertainment of epic proportions!

LIVE MUSIC - FREAK SHOWS - INTERACTIVE ATTRACTIONS - KID'S FEST ZOMBIE MAKE UP STATIONS - ZOMBIFY YOUR CAR - UNIQUE VENDORS COSTUME CONTESTS - ZOMBIE WALK - and more!

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Milton Theatre, Milton Fire Department, and Milton Community Food Pantry FOR FULL DETAILS AND TICKET INFORMATION:

ZOMBIE FEST 2022 IS PRESENTED BY:

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

71 Letters

1

(Continued from page 63)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Miss Gay Eastern States Pageant at The Pines: (Miss

Gay America 2022) Dextaci, Aura DuBoyz, Jennipher Jameson, Dakota Mykles, Fancie P. Charmington, Wendy Fouble, Christie Dorman, David Gonce, Roy Boyero, Max Dick, Jason Mathis, Jeremy Clark, Charles Bounds.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at Miss Gay Eastern States Pageant at The Pines: Danielle

Albro, Matty Brown, Michelle Manfredi; 3) at Rehoboth Art League: Rose Murray, Jen Dupree, Yvonne Willits, Paula Holloway, Jason Lyons, Nick Serratore; 4) at Back Porch Café: Gary McFall, Rob Ramoy, Mark Betchkal; 5) at Blue Moon: Jim D’Orta, Brian Wheeler; 6) at Clear Space Theatre: Steve Trousell, Scott Beadle, Stanley Silverblatt, Cindy Silverblatt,; 7) at Gallery 50: Jane Millsap, Thom Millsap; 8) at Mike Zufall’s Surprise Birthday Party: Wayne Wendell, Glenn Hering, Robb Mapou, Joe Madison, Paul Luquin, Mike Zufall.

(More CAMPshots page 102) Letters 72 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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73 Letters

The REAL DIRT

BY ERIC W. WAHL

Livin’ Life Like It’s Golden

T

his time of year is perhaps best known for the colors and hues of the seasonal change into autumn. The one that stands out the most, in my opinion, is the color of gold. There are numerous tree and shrub species whose leaves change a golden shade. However, for flower color, one need look no further than Solidago, more commonly called the goldenrods.

There are over 140 species of goldenrods, and all have small daisy-like flowers that are clustered together. It’s no surprise that they are in the daisy and aster family. They are also underappreciated in the garden, perhaps because they are often blamed for allergies this time of year. However, this is a misconception. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time as goldenrod, is actually the cause of fall seasonal allergies.

Of the many species of goldenrod, one often found in our area along the coast is seaside goldenrod or Solidago sempervirens. Butterflies and other pollinators flock to goldenrod, making it a

perfect addition to the native pollinator garden. The honey produced by bees that collect its pollen is somewhat bitter, but there are those that love the taste.

The plant parts above ground are edible and have historically been used for medical purposes. A tea can be made from the leaves and flowers that acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory; Native Americans often brewed it as well. In fact, during the Boston Tea Party when tea was spilled into the Boston Harbor in an act of rebellion, the colonists made their own tea from goldenrod as a substitute, calling it Liberty Tea. In addition, it has been said it can help with flushing out kidney stones.

Goldenrod also has properties that treat tuberculosis, diabetes, and urinary tract infections. Sounds like a very special plant, doesn’t it?

Not only used as a medicine, goldenrod also has a colorful history in legend and lore. It was said that its stiff stems could be used as a divining rod to seek out gold and silver.

On a similar note, it was fabled that treasure could be found wherever goldenrod was growing. It was rumored that unexpected riches would come your way if goldenrod was growing next to your front door. Next year, I think I may place a

Butterflies and other pollinators flock to goldenrod, making it a perfect addition to the native pollinator garden. container of goldenrod next to every door of the house. If anything comes my way, I’ll be sure to share.

Goldenrods are tough plants. They grow in a variety of conditions. Many are drought tolerant and can be grown on poor soils like the seaside goldenrod.

Most prefer full sun conditions, but there is one that likes the shade of the woodland garden: blue-stemmed goldenrod.

Considered at home in the meadow, goldenrods bloom from July through October depending on species. They typically grow from about three feet up to five feet in height, depending on species.

They can also be propagated easily by division, seeds, or even by cuttings. They are perfect for sharing as they tend to grow and spread quickly.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a pollinator garden, or a meadow garden, or even a container garden that includes fall-blooming plants, consider planting this wondrous, beneficial plant. You’ll be enjoying golden displays of color year after year, and hopefully, in the words of one my favorite signers, Jill Scott, “livin’ life like it’s golden.”

Happy September, and let’s garden together! ▼ Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.

Photo: Michael Barrick on Unsplash.com

Letters 74 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

75 Letters

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We are hiring full-time and part-time positions. JOIN OUR TEAM! Letters 76 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958 • springpointchoice.org SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

77 Letters

Celebrity Interview

BY MICHAEL COOK

Dave Audé

W

hen a musical icon like LeAnn Rimes calls you “a dear friend, a genius at his craft, and a blast to create with,” there has to be a very good reason. He has worked with icons like LeAnn Rimes, Rihanna, and even Madonna in the past, but it is Dave Audé’s recently completed work with emerging artist Zee Machine and a fresh collaboration with Rimes that has got Audé charged up for the next phase of his career. I sat down with Audé to chat about his storied career, his new music with Zee Machine and LeAnn Rimes, and we manifested a potential new collaboration with a pop music goddess.

MICHAEL COOK: Dave, summer was major for you, between projects with Cody Belew and Lynda Carter. What is it like coming roaring back after the world was so quiet for a little while?

DAVE AUDÉ: Man, my world has never been quiet! If I did have 30 minutes here and there, I spent it working on my album coming out in October…. I feel so blessed to work with some very talented artists!

MC: Tell me about working with Zee Machine on the track “Motions.” It has a definite fresh vibe to the track….

DA: Zee Machine is one of those artists that has “got it.” His natural instincts are light-years ahead of his time, I think he might be from another planet…. But seriously, this guy has some serious chops and it’s all his own unique distinctive style.

I’m lucky enough to have captured a little lightning in a bottle from him! I saw him at Rock Indy Pride recently and I don’t think they knew what hit ‘em!

MC: Lynda Carter had loads of accolades for you when I recently spoke with her; what was it like working with her on “Human and Divine,” which was her first official foray onto the dance floors?

DA: Lynda is a hoot! Before she agreed to work with me, we met for coffee and I saw what an absolutely amazing person she is. I don’t always get to meet artists in person as I’m buried under cables, synthesizers, and deadlines most of the time, so getting to meet a legend who is incredibly versed and talented just inspires me even Letters 78 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

more to go that extra mile. Lynda is a lot of fun; I can’t wait to work on more stuff!

MC: As you look back on your storied and legendary career, what are some of the highlights that stick out?

I’m so proud to be a part of the community…

DA: I’ve had some amazing moments, a few that come to mind…. Co-writing and producing a song with Olivia Newton-John. Co-writing and producing a song with Andy Bell. Co-writing and producing a song with Yoko Ono. Producing a song with Betty White singing (and dancing?). Producing songs for Sting.

Working with other legends like Madonna, Lady Gaga, LeAnn Rimes, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Robyn, Demi Lovato, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion—there’s so many more I’m leaving out…. And just being nominated for three Grammys—winning one is pretty cool too!

MC: You recently collaborated with LeAnn Rimes on a reimagining of Alanis Morisette’s haunting vocal masterpiece, “Uninvited.” What was that experience like?

DA: LeAnn Rimes is one of the most talented vocalists and songwriters on planet earth. I’ve been lucky enough to remix over a dozen of her songs and it has been a dream of mine to collaborate with her in this way over the past 20 years.

When I heard her sing “Uninvited,” I knew in my bones that we had to do it together.

MC: Okay, let’s do some manifesting; who is out there that you would absolutely love to work with that you haven’t gotten to work with yet?

DA: I get asked this A LOT! There are so many amazing artists out there that I have yet to work with, but for me the song is a big part of the magic. If I could just work on great songs, the rest of my life, I would be happy no matter who is doing them! But OK…one artist would be pretty obvious: Dua Lipa. I just feel like anything she sings is pretty damn awesome.

MC: What is next for you for the rest of the summer and the remainder of 2022?

DA: I’m focusing on writing songs and developing some artists, and all kinds of different styles, but focusing on the song.

I also have an album set to drop later this year, which I’m really excited about.

MC: What has given you the most pride about what you have accomplished in your career so far?

DA: The past decade I’ve found myself playing a lot of Pride Events, having made records for so many gay iconic artists. I’m so proud to be a part of the community, I’ve made so many lifelong friends, and it’s the best feeling ever to be embraced by the community and play my music at these events! ▼

Follow Dave Audé on his website: daveaude.com.

Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to Instinct Magazine, World of Wonder’s WOW Report, and South Florida Gay News.

Photo: Courtesy of Dave Audé (DaveAude.com)

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

79 Letters

Q Puzzle Anguish at Sea

Solution on Page 108 ACROSS 1 It helps you get to gay. com 6 What guns shoot off 10 Twelfth Night quintet 14 Speedy train 15 Polished surface, for a drag queen 16 “___ Little Kindness” 17 With 35-Across, extreme anguish in a sea tale?

19 Pacifiers 20 BenGay can help this 21 Hoped for responses to come-ons 22 P-town summer hrs.

23 Give a hard time to 25 Greek balls 29 Young miss 30 Once Upon a Mattress legume 32 Lesbos and more 33 Like sex for one 34 Seizures for Caesar 35 See 17-Across 38 Party thrower 39 Batman and Robin, and others 40 Mic holder 41 Gas additive 42 Woody pile 43 Grasping tool 44 Command to one’s bitch 46 A Brit soldier may shoot it off 47 Sea tale author 53 Sea bottom captain

54 One with a long tongue 55 “Let me repeat...”

56 Practiced heterosexuality 57 Actor Auberjonois 58 Alexander director Oliver 59 Ian McKellen’s The Da Vinci ___ 60 Belgian border river 61 City of Hirschfeld’s land DOWN 1 Large openings 2 Eight for Lorca 3 Letter opener 4 Woods of Legally Blonde 5 Principle course at Star Canyon 6 Existential woe 7 Nannies’ cries 8 Maj. opposite, for Rorem 9 Like lace, with arsenic 10 Cruising, maybe 11 Structural member 12 Galley worker 13 Give some lip to 18 Monster’s Loch 21 ‘69 and others 23 Circles overhead 24 Starting from 25 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” experiences 26 “Lead ___ into temptation” 27 Desecrated the Divine Miss M? 28 Knock off

29 HRC’s equal sign, and others 31 Grate stuff 33 Like a tight opening 34 Susan B. Anthony and others 36 Worship of an American singing competition?

37 Put on the boob tube 42 The Eagle, to NASA 43 Tammy Faye’s old club 45 Eat away at 46 Coming Out of Egypt dinner 47 Deli sandwich 48 Naysayers’ words 49 Hair of a stallion 50 Its capital is Vientiane 51 “What’s your sign?” is one 52 East of ___ 53 Will & Grace reboot network

My highchair used to fit under Nana’s table. Now, her wheelchair does.

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Letters 80 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

THE LEE ANN WILKINSON GROUP BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES I PENFED REALTY

AND DELAWARE HUMANITIES PRESENT

FIND

YOUR PLACE IN

HISTORY

2022 HISTORY BOOK FESTIVAL LEWES, DELAWARE

Two of the 21 authors featured at the sixth annual History Book Festival James Kirchick | Secret City

For decades, the specter of homosexuality haunted Washington.

The mere suggestion that a person might be gay destroyed reputations, ended careers, and ruined lives. At the height of the Cold War, fear of homosexuality became intertwined with the growing threat of communism, leading to a purge of gay men and lesbians from the federal government. A decades-long witch hunt impacted everything — the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI, the ascent of Joseph McCarthy, the struggle for Black civil rights, and the rise of the conservative movement.

Presented in partnership with CAMP Rehoboth.

Kim Kelly | Fight Like Hell

The history of organized labor in America has long been considered the domain of white men — but many of the struggles and hard-won gains we now take for granted involved members of the country’s marginalized communities. In Kelly’s inspirational book, figures like “first lady of the coal mines” Ida Mae Stull, Latino farmworkers’ heroine Maria Moreno, queer Black civil rights icon Bayard Rustin, pioneering sex workers’ rights activist Margo St. James, Ford whistleblower Suzette Wright, and the indomitable Mother Jones finally get their due.

Presented in partnership with ACLU of Delaware.

BOOK SALES BY BROWSEABOUT BOOKS

SEPTEMBER 23, 24, & 25, 2022 HistoryBookFestival.org SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

81 Letters

BYWAYS

BY MIKEY ROX

House Beautiful (for Cheap-ish!)

U

pon initial walk-through of the first home I’d buy, my head was consumed with designing that space, top to bottom, exactly how I wanted. I was so eager to hit the ground running that furniture and fixtures arrived in a succession of FedEx trucks before the real estate agents sealed the deal. No longer culled creatively by a landlord, I had big plans for the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoor areas. Only one hurdle: I had a conservative budget that limited my ostentatious ideas. Ever resourceful, however, I was able to bring my vision to life without going broke. Here are a few ways I did it that you too can employ.

Freshen up the place with paint and accent wallpaper. A simple coat of paint on drab walls is transformational.

Anything but white is fair game in my homes, and I choose colors that will not only complement my existing wares but also inspire my mood on a daily basis.

In the past I’ve been partial to a brightand-cheery sky blue that runs through the main room in all three of my properties, but I’ve also turned walls red, pink, yellow, green, gray, and tan.

I also have a passion for wallpaper, but not full-on four-wall coverage. I choose one wall to drape with pattern, like behind the living room couch—and I make it count. I select ultra-premium paper from high-end producers. That sometimes costs a pretty penny, but the expense is justified in that I’m only dressing one accent wall and that one accent wall will become the focal point of that room.

These days you can find quality prints on removable paper that costs a fraction of the real deal on the front and back ends of the project (traditional wallpaper is notoriously hard to hang and remove).

Just peel and stick and peel again when you fancy a switch-up. The price difference between the two variations is in the thousands of dollars.

Change fixtures instead of committing to complete overhauls. When I had a contractor estimate the cost of a bathLetters 82 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

room remodel, I was left mouth agape by the total. He quoted $10 grand, which was beyond my reasonable expectation and my budget. And that bathroom was small. So I did the next best thing.

Instead of a complete revamp, I replaced the vanity, mirrors, faucets, shelving, and lighting. I’ve also upgraded the toilet in the past. Elbow grease on the tile brought it back to its original luster, and for less than a grand I had a new bathroom that I also outfitted with a cloth shower curtain, stylish curtain rings, complementary floor mat, color-coordinating towels, candles, and art. The reveal was a spa-quality oasis that left me satisfied mentally, physically, and financially.

My prized find was a gorgeous six-person glasstop dining table that retailed for $750 reduced to $250 because of a small scratch on the glass.

Buy floor models when possible. I have a few go-to home retailers I shop when designing my spaces, most of which are accessible to modest budgets.

My personal aesthetic leans more toward the styles of West Elm and CB2, but there are plenty of other outlets that will accommodate your design preferences.

I never look at full price items, either.

If it’s not on sale, I don’t buy it. Most often, I head straight for the clearance sections or search for deeply discounted floor models.

Large area rugs, for example, can extract hundreds from your budget, but lightly trod floor models (that can be washed professionally and inexpensively) are discounted up to 70 percent in some cases.

My prized find was a gorgeous six-person glass-top dining table that retailed for $750 reduced to $250 be-

cause of a small scratch on the glass. A few months later, West Elm contacted me to receive a new glass top because of a recall on the original for the way it shattered if broken. It was delivered scratchfree and free of charge just because I was willing to take the L in the first place.

Bona fide W in the end.

Make or print your own art. Have I spent hundreds—even thousands—on artwork? Yes. Certainly not thrifty, but I saved up over time for the pieces I wanted. To offset those major expenses, I also make my own art using various resources and materials. I’ve turned postcards and periodical clippings into masterpiece collages; driftwood into conversation-piece jewelry organizers; and I’ve repurposed garage and flea finds into functional items like eye-catching reupholstered chairs.

To save even more dough, I keep a file on my computer that includes printable projects, like links for rasterizing favorite photos into frameable, large-format wall hangings (Rasterbator.net) and the free Charley Harper flora-fauna poster series available via the National Park Service website. There are tons of other search-specific options out there for whatever tickles your decorating pickle.

Invest in plants. Plants make a house a home. They’re relatively cheap, fill otherwise empty areas, and, well, they make everybody feel frickin’ fantastic. I mix real and fake plants all over my spaces to create comfortable, welcoming environments. Keeping them alive, of course, is half the battle, but we’re adulting now and plants are our babies—babies that don’t scream, cry, or spit up on you. Let the straights keep those; I’ll take another terrarium, please. ▼ Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @ mikeyroxtravels.

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83 Letters

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Historical Headliners Continued from page26

first African American awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. In fact, Locke remained the only African American Rhodes Scholar until 1963!

After Oxford, Locke attended the University of Berlin, once again furthering his studies in philosophy.

Returning to the United States, Locke taught English at Howard University, the respected Black college in Washington, DC. After four years there, he enrolled once again at Harvard to earn his PhD in philosophy, earning the degree in 1918.

This prestigious education, and the honors which came with it, made Locke in demand as a thinker and general aesthete among the African American literati. Perhaps the most important moment in Locke’s career, one which would grant him his lasting stature in the Harlem Renaissance, was his invitation in 1925 to guest edit an edition of the Survey Graphic, an influential publication addressing sociological, political, and international issues.

In addition to including essays by noted African American thinkers of the day, Locke wrote the breakthrough essay, “The New Negro,” in which he posited that Modernism was the route for African Americans to throw off their subservience, internalize their sense of equality, and no longer passively Letters 84

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accept ill treatment. The essay and the Survey Graphic edition became sensations, leading to expansion of “The New Negro” into a full-fledged book of essays by such outstanding contributors as poets Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, Zora Neale Thurston, and Countee Cullen.

Locke’s reputation as a prominent intellectual was now intact, freeing him to pursue his multiple cultural interests. He fostered Harlem’s writers, artists, and musicians, curated art exhibitions, wrote influential art critiques and philosophy tracts, and continued to teach English and philosophy at Howard University, bringing his unique sophistication to his newly empowered students.

What Locke did not find was permanency in love. He had many affairs (sometimes with the writers he published); suffered as many heartbreaks (these same writers often rebuffed him).

What Alain Locke did find, however, is a place in American cultural history, and for that we are enriched. ▼

Ann Aptaker is the author of short stories and the Lambda & Goldie award winning Cantor Gold series; latest in the series, Hunting Gold, was published in July 2022. Find Ann on Facebook: Ann Aptaker Author, Twitter: @AnnAptaker, or Instagram: ann-aptaker.

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There has never been a more exciting time to buy or sell your home at the beach!

Trust Us to make it happen! #1 in Sussex County #3 BHHS Nationwide

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Deep Inside Hollywood Zoe Tarakes and Shea Couleé Will Queer Up Ironheart

E

arlier this summer we told you that Judas and the Black Messiah costar Dominique Thorne would be stepping into the title role of the new Marvel Cinematic Universe series for Disney+, Ironheart. Her character, Riri, is a teenage inventor genius who creates a power suit more iron than Iron Man’s. That’s when Tony Stark steps in to collaborate. Marvel was looking to add major queer characters to this series, as well, and now they’ve found two. Transmasculine actor Zoe Terakes—whose roles to date have included playing a trans inmate on the Australian prison drama, Wentworth, and a supporting role on the bonkers limited series, Nine Perfect Strangers—has stepped into an unspecified role here (details are never very forthcoming from the MCU; they hate spoilers even more than their fans). Meanwhile, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Shea Couleé has also been cast, and that’s exciting because, unless we’re forgetting something, there has yet to be a drag presence in the MCU. And we want one. The series is in production and a premiere date will be announced whenever they decide we’re ready for that. ▼

Feud Returns with Chloë Sevigny and Naomi Watts

W

e loved Ryan Murphy’s limited series Feud with Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, and we wondered what might come next.

And now there’s an answer: Feud: Capote’s Women, based on the bestselling nonfiction book by Laurence Leamer, Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era. It’ll tell the story of late gay author Truman Capote and the circle of Manhattan socialites he called his “swans.”

Fixtures like Babe Paley, Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest, and Lee Radziwill (dearest youngs, go look them up) were Capote’s constant companions. Until he wrote about them, that is. And then there were none. And who’s on board for this project?

Tom Hollander (Pride and Prejudice) as Capote, which makes sense. But we all know Murphy loves his actresses, so he’s giving us, for starters, Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, and Calista Flockhart. Acclaimed queer playwright Jon Robin Baitz is on the script and Gus Van Sant will direct.

More casting news will come later and production is set to begin this autumn in New York for a 2023 air date. Now, who wants to jumpstart a project as gay as this? Anyone? We’ll wait. ▼

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

The People’s Joker Is Coming to Make Fanboys Confused

V

era Drew is a transgender comedy force who, until recently, has produced, directed, and written behind the scenes with comedy’s weird wave, alongside stars like Eric Andre, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Tim Heidecker. After building up a strong resume on shows like Who Is America? and flatly insane cult projects like the surreal series Beef House, it’s time for Drew’s first feature-length film, The People’s Joker, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. Fully unauthorized by DC Comics, the film stars Drew as a failed clown dealing with gender identity, a Gotham City where comedy is illegal, a fascist caped crusader, and some parody versions of other villains you may recognize. Made during the first part of the pandemic and featuring a lo-fi aesthetic and cast members like Heidecker and Sarah Sherman from Saturday Night Live, this one looks like the perfect antidote to poisonous online comics fanboy culture. We can’t wait. ▼

Ariana DeBose Chops It Up in House of Spoils

I

n March 2020, Blow the Man Down, a black comedy/thriller from writers-directors Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, quietly dropped on Amazon Prime as the world was preoccupied with a global pandemic. If you missed it then, it’s still streaming and it’s a smart and funny bit of wickedness. And once you see what these women can do, you’ll have more reason to look forward to their next project, House of Spoils, a psychological thriller starring Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, the queer actor who is currently, and justifiably, everywhere at once.

DeBose plays a chef opening her first restaurant on a remote estate, where her challenges include the usual kitchen troubles…and a ghost on a mission of vengeance. It could happen. Look, it’s the one plot point The Bear forgot to toss into its stew, so if it hits our plates with a side of flying butcher knives and at least one haunted risotto, we’ll be checking it out. ▼

Romeo San Vicente understands that loving Thanos is wrong, yet he doesn’t want to be right.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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clear space theatre company

20 Baltimore Ave. (Beach Block) RB, DE 19971

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Masks are required for everyone while inside the building. No food or beverages allowed inside the theatre.

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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.

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OUR SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN PURPLE LEVEL Greg Albright & Wes Combs X Sondra N. Arkin X Aaron, Heather, Gia & Joe Book* Catherine & Katie Brennan Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst X Pat Catanzariti & Carole Ramos* Edward Joseph Chrzanowski * Skip Dye & Steven King* David Grossman & Jeremy Graboyes Judy & Carole Jesiolowski James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard* Wesley Lin & Brian Chapman 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 Danny Sebright Gary Seiden & Ah Bashir X Evie Simmons & Barb Thompson X Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods X Diane Sweeney* Hope Vella William E. Cross Foundation, Arthur Brisker, Director

INDIGO LEVEL Terry Albarella Murray Archibald & In Memory of Steve Elkins X James Beal & In Memory of David Van Patter Alex Benjamin & Pete Grover* 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 Lou Fiore & Jim Burke* 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 Peter Karsner X Melissa & Amanda Kaufman X Maureen Keenan & Teri Dunbar X Jerry Kennedy & Robert Quinones X Russell Koerwer & Stephen Schreiber X Roger Kramer* Susan Kutliroff & Barbara Snyder* Christine Lay X Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS, PA X Thom Morris & Jim Slusher Natalie Moss & Evelyn Maurmeyer X Rick Mowery & Joe Conn X Tom Negran & Marc Anthony Worosilo X David Nelson & William McManus X John Newton & Mowry Spencer X

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Mark Niehaus & Brooks Honeycutt X Jeanine O’Donnell - State Farm* Gwen Osborne & Katie Handy X 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* Mel W. & Linda Lee M. Weller Ronald Wetzel & Nathan Hench*

BLUE LEVEL Marge Amodei* Ronald Bass & George Robbins X Rocky Bible & Kevin Bosley In Memory of Jackie Morris Tim & Meredith Birrittella Teresa Bolduc & Kim McGeown* Chris Bowers* Karen Brause & Kim Sheaffer* Tony Burns X Coleen Collins & Berdi Price X Donna Davis & Gail Jackson X Scott Davis & Chris Shaheen* Connie Fox & Donna Adair* Tom Galloway & Les Diggs Perry Gottlieb & Tim White* Irene & Lou Katz* Nancy & Tora Kennedy* Paul & Anne Michele Kuhns* Bob Mancuso & Doug Murray Chris Rouchard X Michael Shaffer & Benjamin Wilson X Sandra Skidmore X Frank Surprenant, DDS & Chris Wisner X

GREEN LEVEL Sharon Bembry & Lois Powell* David Bower* David W. Briggs & John F. Benton X Charlie Browne & Rod Cook X Barry Bugg* Cheryl Buxton* Jay Chalmers & John Potthast X Stephen Corona Lewis & Greg Dawley-Becker* Mike DeFlavia & Tony Sowers* Ann DeLazaro & Annette Potemski Marianne DeLorenzo & Linda Van de Wiele* Max Dick* Diane Dragositz Kathy & Corky Fitzpatrick X Keven Fitzsimmons & Jeff Stroud X Jim & Tom Flower* Cynthia Flynn & Deirdre Boyle X Lisa Gilley Richard Green & Asi Ohana X Joe Greenhall & Tom Klingler Bob Gurwin & John Rourke David Hagelin & Andy Brangenberg* Jo Hamilton & Donna Voigt* Steve Hoult & Rick Bane X Karen Hugues & Cathy McCallister X

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Anthony Incalcatera & James Buswold Alex IX & Gare Galbraith Nola Joyce & Brenda Eich* Jocelyn Kaplan & Idalie Adams In Memory of Adeline Kaplan X Linda Kemp* Deborah Kennedy & Beth Yocum* Eric Korpon & Steven Haber* Lee Lambert Leslie Ledogar & Marilyn Hewitt* John J. MacDonald & Douglas James Susan Morrison* Dennis Neason & Steve Bendyna* Kim Nelson & Lori Simmons X Fran O’Brien & David Gifford* Kim Parks & Sharon Denny 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* Douglas Sellers & Mark Eubanks* Scott Shaughnessy & John Hassell* William Snow X Mary Spencer & Kathy Lingo* Joseph Steele & Chris Leady David Streit & Scott Button* Anne Tracy & Mary Gilligan* Cal Weible & Daniel Halvorsen X Kathy Wiz & Muriel Hogan X Jon Worthington & Bryan Houlette X Karl Zoric & Mark Pipkin X

YELLOW LEVEL Brenda Abell X Ria Allman Keith Anderson & Peter Bish X Gwen Atwell & Marla Hoon Dale Aultman & Paul Gibbs X Shannon & Sarah Avery* Pamela Baker & Diane Dixson* Linda Balatti & Shirley Gilmer X Susie Ball & Susan Delaney X Mike Ballinger & in Memory of Martin Thomas* Miriam Barton* Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart* Tom Beall Barbara Beavers & Kathy Carrell John Bell Sherry Berman & Deb Hamilton X Abby Bernstein & Karen Frank X Michael Boyle & Greg Murphy X Daniel Bruner & Tim Beymer 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* 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

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP 2022 Fred DiBartolo & Steve Wood X Maureen Dolan & Karen McGavin* Albert Drulis & Scott Silber* Sandy Duncan & Maddy Ewald Karen Faber & Lisa Balestrini Faber* Alice Fagans & Ruth Ann Mattingly* Dent Farr & Erick Lowe* Dee Farris* Lisa Fernandez & Allison Lindon Cecily Fisher & Loretta Higgins Monica Fleischmann & Lona Crist X John Flournoy & Jim Chrobot Roland Forster & David McDonald John Furbush & Tom Feng* Christopher Galanty & James Apistolas Ricki Geiger Marty Goff & Andrew Moran Gail Gormley* Susan Goudy* Ken Green & Joe Kearney* Renee Guillory & Melissa Vila-Guillory Wesley Hacker & David Block* Pete & Joanne Harrigan* Robert Henthorne & Roger Bolduc Carol Holland - Holland Jewelers X Terry Hollinger & Mike May Caroline Huff & Brenda Robertson* Nan Hunter & Chai Feldblum Dorsey Johnson & Kay Jernigan* Philip Johnson* Dee Dee Jones & Julie Blake Frank Jump & Vincenzo Aiosa* Bob Kabel* Marilyn Kates & Laura Glenn* Andy Kite & Karl Martin Rose Korten & Brenda Pinkney* Jay Kottoff & Mark Matey* Greg Kubiak* Carol Lazzara & Sheila Maden* Edmund LeFevre & Keith Wiggs X Greg Lehne Monica Lewis & Ann Zimmerman* David Lindeman & Andrew Phipps Frank Liptak & Joe Schnetzka* Jim Lonsdale & Bryan Hoffman John Mackerey & Donald Filicetti Teresa Madonna & Stacey Mazzacco Patricia Magee & Anita Pettitt X Jill Masterman & Tammy Jackson* Tony Mazzarella - In Memory of Vickie Stapleton Mickie McManamon* Howard Menaker & Patrick Gossett X Phil Merola & Rocco Scutaro Ray Michener & Tom Carlson* Sandy Neverett & Pam Cranston X Pat Nickols* Robert Nowak & David Bergman X Donna Ohle & Susan Gaggiotti X Maggie Ottato X Dotti Outland & Diane Mead X Peninsula Gallery Tony & Carol Boyd-Heron* Joanne Picone & Kathy Bostedo* Frank Pirhalla Stephen Pleskach X Jim Pressler X Lisa Rabigi & Bea Vuocolo* Gene Roe X Thomas Rose & Thomas Sechowicz X Lucien Rossignol & Tom Harris*

Mark Saunders & Bob Thoman* Richard Scalenghe & Thomas Panetta* Sheryl Schulte & Jeanne LaVigne* 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 Matthew Stensrud & Michael Cohen* Lenny Stumpf & John B. Pitchford* Brett Svensson & Bill Quinn Dust Doctors LLC* Thrasher’s French Fries* Lana Warfield & Pamela Notarangelo X Elizabeth Way & Dorothy Dougherty* Michael Weinert X Justin Weitz William Wheatley* Joseph & Diane Wood Steven Wunder & Rod Hastie Jean Sutliff Young* Joanne Yurik* Larry Zeigler X John Zingo & Rick Johnson*

ORANGE LEVEL Ruth Ball & Mary Ellen Jankowski* Romulus Barba & Dean Yanchulis* Paul Barbera & Joseph Nolan Kathleen Biggs & Maria Campos* Janet Blaustein Kathy Board & Jackie Maddalena Boland Family - In Memory of Michael J. Kelly* Richard Bost & Thomas Moore* 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* Randy Butt & Emerson Bramble* Ronald Butt & Steve Cannon* Ingrid Callmann & Karen Askins* Charlie Codacovi* Beth Cohen & Fran Sneider X Community Bank Delaware* Mark Conheady* Lois Cortese & Jill Stokes X Kay Creech & Sharon Still* Kenneth Currier & Mike Tyler X John D’Amico* Julie A Danan Linda DeFeo X J. Lynne Dement & Lisa J. Snyder* Donna Dolce* Arlyce Dubbin & Kathleen Heintz* Susan Dube & Diana Patterson* Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson Susan Eig & Ellen Schiff X Jeanne Embich* Eddie Engles Robin Esham Maureen Ewadinger* Continued on page 94

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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Ellen Feinberg & Lesley Rogan X Paul Finn & Joseph Porporino* Barbara Fitzpatrick & Denise Centinaro Deb Fox & Deb Bonneau Charles Gable Ron Glick & Tien Pham* William Gluth & Channing Daniel* Ed Gmoch* Mike Gordy & Ed Brubaker* Joe Gottschall & Scott Woody Amy Grace & Karen Blood* Charles Graham* Deborah Grant & Carol Loewen* Robert Grant & Chris Cossette Todd Hacker Siobhan Halmos & Beth McLean* Sharon Hansen X Pat Harte & Nancy Sigman Jacqueline Havriliak Tracey & Erica Hellman Bill Hillegeist X Mary Anne Hoopes & Dianna Johnston* Vance Hudgins & Denny Marcotte* John Hulse X Mary Huntt & Angela Creager* Janet Idema & Patricia Higgins* Anne Kazak & Chris Coburn X Maryl Kerley X Bonnie Kirkland & Wanda Bair X Myra Kramer & John Hammett* Rob & Jean Krapf X Barbara Lang & Diane Grillo* Kim Leisey & Kathy Solano Jim Lesko Dale & Sue Lomas* Duncan MacLellan & Glenn Reighart* 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* Sherril Moon & Louise Montgomery* Margaret Moore & Sheree Mixell X R Moore Carol Morris & Ann Abel Lisa Mosley Judy Olsen & Joanne Kempton X 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* Deena Pers X Grace Pesikey & Janet Urdahl* Peter Pizzolongo & Carlos Prugue* Pierce Quinlan & Ginny Daly* Susan Reinagel & Dawn Henderson* Pat Renninger & Tammy Plumley X Bill Rogers & Jeff Wilkinson Judy Rosenstein & Elva Weininger X Deborah & Charles Ross X Michael Safina & Tim Bean Katherine Sams* Richard Sargent* Gary Schell & Jim DiRago Laurie Schneider & Margie Ripalda* Carol Scileppi & Valerie McNickol* Teri Seaton Michael Seifert & Harvey Holthaus*

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Craig Sencindiver & Gary Alexander* Tara Sheldon Frank Shockley & Arthur Henry* Cathy Sieber & Brenda Kriegel* Carol Sieger & Maggie Guardino Anita Smulyan Tina Snapp & Susan Leathery Christine Stanley & Joyce Rocko* Greig Stewart & Jake Hudson* Brian Straka* Sandra Sullivan & Lorie Seaman* Terrence Sullivan Trudie Thompson Susan & Rich Thornberg James Vernicek & Jeff Dailey* Joseph Vescio Tama Viola Don Wainwright & Tom Jamison* Patricia Walker Don Wessel Ralph Wiest & Anthony Peraine* Daryle Williams & Steven Fretwell Terri Windlan Melanie Wolfe & Monica Niccolai Robert T. Wright & Jack Lim* Sherri Wright & Dick Byrne* Janet & Ron Yabroff Niki Zaldivar & Cecil McNeil X Kathryn Zimmerman Helaine Zinaman & Roselyn Abitbol X

RED LEVEL Guy Abernathey X Dale Adams Jim Affonco X Mark Aguirre & Wayne Gleason X Bill Alldredge X Chris Allison Stephani Allison & Judith Gorra X Alan Anderson X Daniel Anderson & Greg Melanson Andrea Andrus & Maggie Shaw X Peter Antolini X Patricia Antonisse X Wanda Armwood & Illona Williams Cynthia Arno Terry & Gayle August Josh Bach & Edward Ginley Kathleen Bailey X Christine A. Baker John Baker & Richard Latham X Sarah Barnett Curtiss Barrows X Brian Bartels* Barbara Bastow & Margaret McHale John Batchelor X Karen Beck* Beebe Medical Foundation* Mike Behringer & Nelson Correa* Michael Beigay Alex Belano Sheryl Bender & Doreen DiLorenzo* George Benes & Michael Mallee X Suzanne Bennethum & Deborah Smith* Joe Benshetler & Kurt Angell 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

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Lorraine Biros* Cathin Bishop & Laura Simon X 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 John Brady X Kelly Brennan & Susan McVey* Susan Brinsfield & Barbara Devenport Laurie Bronstein Debora Brooke * Kevin Brown X Lyn Brown & Winsome Boyd Matthew Brown Diane Bruce & Annie Sorvillo* Jack Bucchioni Carol Buck Al Bulliner X Belinda Buras & Linda Simeone Geoffrey Burkhart & Bruce Williams* Lyn Burleson & Sharon Werner* Carol L. Burnett X Mary Jean Burns & Novalyn Winfield Stephen Burt & Michael Jones Timothy B. Bush X Sherry Butler James Byrnes X Robertine Cale* Debbie Cali & Maddie Cunningham Leslie Calman & Jane Gruenebaum* Pat Campagna & Debra Sansoucie Terri Campbell & Victoria Smith 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 Alice Casey & Anthony Codella Jo Cason & Peggy Neidlinger Teresa Cason & Lynda Schepler X Sara Cavendish & Wendy Bunce X Denis Chandler & Sebastion DiMauro Linda Chaney & Irene Lawlor* Helen Chang & Pat Avery 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 Dottie Cirelli & Myrna Kelley X Norma K. Clark X Rob Cline Barbara Clipper Amy Clouse & Betty Long X Julie Cockley Anne Cole & Sandy Freeman

Carolyn Cole & Sandy McDevitt X Stuart Comstock-Gay X Inez Conover X Blanche Cook & Clare Coss Bill Cooley & Ken Watkins DVM X Josh Cooper & Steve Rathburn Jeffery A. Coover X Michael Cornell X Lois Corson 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 Jamie Cuthbert & KT Tinney Howard Cyr & Lynn Ashley* Ellen Dahl* Charles Daniels William T. Darley X Denise Davis & Jeanne Bilanin Jeremiah Davis Marsha Davis & Bev Lesher X Patricia Davis Kathy Davison & Ruth Dickerson X Celeste De Bease Frederick Dean & Steven Swierzy X Linda Dean & Donna Whiteside* Penny Lee Dean Scott Dechen & James Maino* Michael Decker & Arley Jaimes X Michael DeGraffenreid Susan Deise & Jerri Budzinski Bernie Delia X Frank Dell’Aquila X Claire Dente & Leslie Campo* Tracy Denton & Brenda Welsh Karen DeSantis & Carol Brice* Nancy DeToma & Meg Smith* David DeVargas & Steven Champion X Carolyn DeVito Dawn Devries & Helen Krum Henry & Marcia DeWitt X Romy Diaz & Dennis Bann Geri Dibiase Photography* Julie Dickson X Richard Dietz Phyllis Dillinger Tony DiMichele & Jeff Smith* Mary Dipietro & Wendy Schadt* Deb Dobransky & Ketty Bennett* Arthur Dochterman X David & Lizann Dockety X Peg Dolan & Mary McDevitt X Mary & Polly Donaldson Millie Donnell Debbie & Karen Dorris* Kathryn Downs Frances Doyle X Paul Dradransky X Zita Dresner Michael Driscoll & Ben McOmber X 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 Richard Egler Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey* Pamela Elliott W. Kay Ellis*

Ann Evans* Lisa Evans & Joann Gusdanovic John Farley & Dennis Wilson X Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo Jane Farrell Larry & Ro Fedorka* Karen Ferguson* Mark Fernstrom Virginia Fessler * Jayne & Ro Fetterman* Irene & Edward Fick* Ben Ficks & Bob Angell Allen Fred Fielding X Jerry Filbin* Joe Filipek & Larry Richardson X Mark Finkelstein & Michael Zeik X 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* Bill Ford Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X Beebe Frazer X Phil Fretz X Billiemichelle & Evelyn Friel* Bill Fuchs* Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano Susan Furman Lorraine Gaasche & Jill Mayer* Frank Gainer & Ramon Santos* Lynn Gaites & Faye Koslow X Nina Galerstein* Charles Gallagher & James Day Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett Jerry Gallucci & Conrad Welch* Kathryn Gantz & Kathryn Gehret Don Gardiner X Cheri Garnet Mindy Gasthalter* Wilson Gates X Charles George & Dennis Rivard X Tracey Gersh & Amy Johnson Gary Gillard X Michael Gilles Jordan Gipple & Paul Weppner* Angela & Cheryl Gladowska Joan Glass X Karen Glooch X Ronald Gluck* Jane Godfrey* Randall Godwin X Jackie Goff & Mary Vogt X Katherine Goff Dave Gold & In Memory of James Yiaski X Robert Gold X Suzanne Goldstein & Dana Greenwald X Cindy Gonzalez Milton Gordon & Bill Hromnak X Teresa Gordy & Barb Ford X Dan Goren & Peter Robinson X Anita Gossett & Ronnie Smith* Robert Gotwalt & Norman Jones Bill Graff & Jeff Schuck* Lisa & Raymond Graff* 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 Continued on page 96

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

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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 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

95 Letters

Continued from page 94

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99 Letters

FIGHT THE QUEER BOOK BAN

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Love Up These 11 New LGBTQ+ Reads

N

o matter what Republicans tell you, there’s never a bad time to get lost in a queer book.

But now just happens to be a really good time to do so as parents pressure administrators to ban books with LGBTQ+ content from school classrooms and libraries. You can take action against these conservative groups relentlessly pushing their troubling censorship efforts. One way? To simply exercise your reading rights by supporting these LGBTQ+ stories and authors.

ing his community theater roots in Brooklyn, his nonconformist childhood, and two seminal moments in queer history—the early gay rights movement in the 1970s and the AIDS crisis the following decade.

In a 2015 interview with Pride Source, Fierstein said, “I don’t believe in life after death, so whoever’s gonna remember me is none of my business, certainly. I ain’t gonna know about it.” With this memoir, surely, though perhaps unintentionally so, he’s given us yet another reason to not let him slip away into oblivion.

I Was Better Last Night Harvey Fierstein

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty Akwaeke Emezi

Harvey Fierstein is a bona fide gay legend across the board, from his illustrious stage and screen career (among his most memorable work: Torch Song Trilogy, Hairspray, and Mrs. Doubtfire) on through Kinky Boots, the Tony Award-winning musical he wrote the book for. Of course, there’s everything in between and everything that came before, and in his first memoir, I Was Better Last Night, Fierstein reflects on all of the above. The book covers aspects of his life as a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, includ-

Nigerian fiction writer and video artist Akwaeke Emezi, who identifies as non-binary transgender, has been a celebrated queer voice—a “once-in-ageneration” one, according to Vulture— since Freshwater, their 2018 debut novel that is currently being adapted into a TV series for FX. Since then, Emezi has gone on to achieve major prestige, including being named a “5 Under 35” honoree by the National Book Foundation that same year. Their 2019 book, Pet, which explored identity and justice, was a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. And their latest book, You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty, the story of Feyi Adekola grappling with the aftermath of her lover’s death, was described by the New York Times Book Review as “an unabashed ode to living with, and despite, pain and mortality.”

A Previous Life Edmund White National Book Award-winning author Edmund White explores polyamory, bisexuality, aging, and love in A Previous Life, a book about Sicilian aristocrat and musician Ruggero and his younger American wife Constance’s decision to break their promise to each other to refrain from sharing intimate details about past relationships. Their transparency leads to some revealing

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revelations about each other: Constance was married to multiple older men, and Ruggero has loved not just women, but men too. And White, whose book experiments with writing himself into the story as a secondary character, just happens to be one of them.

Rainbow Rainbow Lydia Conklin A visiting professor in fiction at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Lydia Conklin’s Rainbow Rainbow pulls from various aspects of queer, gendernonconforming, and trans life for this collection of stories: a young lesbian and her lover try to have a baby with an unprofessional sperm donor, a fifth-grader dresses as an ox for a class “Oregon Trail” reenactment, and a nonbinary person experiences an open relationship alongside their top surgery during the height of the pandemic.

Young Mungo Douglas Stuart The second novel from author Douglas Stuart, winner of the Booker Prize for Shuggie Bain, is, at its tender core, a story of queer love and workingclass families. Stuart, of course, is no stranger to steeping his literary work in queerness: In Shuggie Bain, his comingof-age debut novel, he wrote about Hugh, a young gay boy growing up in the 1980s with an alcoholic mother.

Now, in Young Mungo, we meet Mungo and James, who grow up together in a Glasgow housing estate. A world seeks to divide them, but their against-all-odds friendship—that, in time, blossoms into a romance—pushes against the violent, dangerous forces they must, like many queer people, face together.

Continued on page 106

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101 Letters

1

2 (Continued from page 73) THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Reception for DE U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester: David Herchik, Richard Looman, DE U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Terry Kistler, Chris Berg, Steve Shaeffer, Susan Ball; 2) at Drift: Richard Blob, RB Commissioner Tim Bennett, Karl Zoric, Mark Pipkin, Anthony Ormand, Meghan Gardner, Adam Entenberg, Marvin Miller, Tyler Townsend, Lion Gardner, Michael Zacherl, Justin Nixon.

OPPOSITE PAGE 3) at Aqua: Denise Miles, Kim Staton, Angela Kontoulas, Alexis McKenzie, Sandy Meager, Dan Kendle, Jim Burke, David Herring, Paul Henderson, Chris Hadlin, Vasco Bramao, Mark Furman, Matt Lyons, Dave Lyons, John Conway, Tim Kohn, Terry Macnamara, Brian McDevitt, John Burchett, Mike Laber, Carol Fischer, Holger Elischberger, Gary Seiden, Nikki Esoldo, Ah Bashir; 4) at The Pines with Bettenroo: Kaye Sullivan, Anne Davey Hoffman, Bev Bievenour; 5) at Blue Coast Happy Hour: Kim Schuller, Lisa Lekawa, Jenna, Erin Reid, Ellen Dahl. ▼

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105 Letters

FIGHT THE QUEER BOOK BAN

...there’s never a bad time to get lost in a queer book.

Continued from page 100

Miss Memory Lane Colton Haynes Colton Haynes lays bare his thoughts on stardom, addiction, and living as an openly gay man in Hollywood in his debut memoir, which is described as the story of “a man stepping into the light as no one but himself.” The star of TV shows like Arrow, Teen Wolf, and American Horror Story, Haynes writes about a death scare in his 20s that led to his sobriety. He chronicles that galvanizing episode in the book, when he woke up in a hospital after having two seizures, lost sight in one eye, ruptured a kidney and was put on involuntary psychiatric hold. His frank storytelling and emotional transparency moved Elton John and his husband David Furnish; they called the book a “brutally honest memoir that socks you in the gut with its candor,” adding that Miss Memory Lane is an example of “how conquering our demons in life is a never-ending journey.”

Just by Looking at Him Ryan O’Connell Ryan O’Connell is currently playing a gay pop culture nerd on Peacock’s Queer as Folk reimagining, while also serving as a writer and executive producer. And before that, he created Special, the Emmy-nominated comedy-drama loosely based on O’Connell’s life as a gay man living with cerebral palsy that ran for two seasons on Netflix. Now you can add author to his ever-expanding resume with his first foray into fiction.

Just by Looking at Him tells the story of Elliott, who masks his alcohol addiction with a smoke-andmirrors career as a TV writer.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

though, and things aren’t great overall. All the while, he has cerebral palsy, which makes him feel like a “gay Shrek.”

O’Connell’s story is about the fight to overcome addiction while also searching for acceptance in an ableist world.

Tripping Arcadia Kit Mayquist If you’ve ever been desperate for a job, you might understand Lena’s situation— to make money, in this case to support her financially challenged parents, no matter how unusual the work. And working for one of Boston’s most elite families is…weird. Weirder, too, the more Lena, a med school dropout, learns about the family; there’s that mysterious live-in doctor and Jonathan, the sickly poetic and drunken heir to the family empire. The author is Kit Mayquist, who is trans, and Tripping Arcadia, her debut novel, is a Mexican Gothic soap opera where the champagne flows as freely as revenge and greed.

Girls Can Kiss Now Jill Gutowitz Author and humorist Jill Gutowitz has been writing about her gay relationship with pop culture (thankfully lots about Taylor Swift) for 15 years, in magazines such as the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Vulture. Now, in her first book of essays, Girls Can Kiss Now, the journalist and essayist expands, with her signature wryness, on the popculture stuff that makes her tick. And then, of course, there is, as the back of the book promises, “the time the FBI showed up at her door because of something she tweeted about Game of Thrones.”

Ma and Me Putsata Reang Described as “a layered story of queerness, assimilation, and displacement” to the press, author Putsata Reang’s memoir sheds light on the gay refugee experience in America as she—born in Cambodia, raised in rural Oregon—tells her own story of intergenerational trauma and

her complicated relationship with her mother, which she describes as “painful.”

In Ma and Me, which is based on her Modern Love essay in the New York Times, Reang recalls how, in her 20s, after doing everything she could to be the kind of Cambodian daughter who would make her mother proud, she came out to her. Her mother tells her it’s only a phase, but then, in her 40s, Reang marries a woman, forever changing her relationship with Ma. A journalist for the New York Times, Politico, and the Guardian, this is Reang’s first memoir. ▼ Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire service. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ chrisazzopardi.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

109 Letters

AD INDEX Accent On Travel............................................. 13, 31 AG Renovations......................................................49 Apothecanna LLC...................................................83 Aqua Bar & Grill......................................................43 Atlantic Jewelry......................................................37 Beebe Healthcare..................................................93 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities...............95 Biggs Museum........................................................51 Brandywine Urology Consultants...........................19 Brandywine Valley SPCA........................................85 Bras For A Cause....................................................48 Browseabout Books...............................................17 bsd..........................................................................97 Café Azafrán...........................................................86 CAMP Rehoboth Block Party Save The Date..........27 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription................. 109 CAMP Rehoboth Premier Sponsors.......................12 CAMP Rehoboth SUNFESTIVAL Thank You..... 10, 11 CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company.......................45 Caroline Huff, Artist................................................17 Chesapeake & Maine, Dogfish...............................98 Chris Beagle Group, Realtors.................................33 Clear Space Theatre...............................................91 Coho’s Market & Grill..............................................53 Country Lawn Care.............................................. 110 County Bank........................................................ 105 DE Division of Public Health, Tobacco.....................7 Delaware Community Foundation...................... 104 Delaware Hospice............................................... 105

Letters 110 SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Delaware Humane Association..............................15 Delaware Symphony..............................................75 Diego’s Bar Nightclub............................... 65, 66, 67 Donna Whiteside, Realtor......................................14 Fay Jacobs Aging Gracelessly................................33 Fifth Avenue Jewelers......................................... 108 Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant...................... 111 Gay Women’s Meet Up...........................................36 go fish go brit.........................................................21 History Book Festival 2022....................................81 Hugh Fuller, Realtor................................................54 Immanuel Shelter...................................................49 Jack Lingo, Real Estate....................................... 101 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley.................................21 Jolly Trolley............................................................49 Just In Thyme Restaurant.......................................36 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors........................87 LifeMed Institute....................................................89 Lori’s Café..............................................................90 Loves Liquors.........................................................53 Maplewood Dental Associates...............................83 McWilliams Ballard Real Estate..............................35 MERR Institute........................................................76 Milton Theatre........................................................71 Nassau Valley Vineyards........................................90 New Wave Spas......................................................36 Olivia Travel............................................................23 Port 251 Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant......................47 Purple Parrot..........................................................55

PWW Law................................................................80 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors..............40 Rehoboth Beach Bears........................................ 107 Rehoboth Beach Dental.........................................86 Rehoboth Beach Museum................................... 105 Rehoboth Guest House..........................................36 Reiki CENTRAL........................................................76 Saved Souls Animal Rescue...................................40 Sea Bova Associates, Realtors............................ 112 Springpoint Choice.................................................77 State Farm - George Bunting.................................49 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin.........40 Sussex Family YMCA..............................................76 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead..............................83 The Pines................................................................59 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting..................29 Towers Comedy Festival........................................79 Troy Roberts, Realtor..............................................21 True Blue Jazz........................................................39 Unfinished Business...............................................86 Village Volunteers..................................................70 Volunteer Opportunities...................................... 109 Volunteer Thank You........................................... 109 Where 2 Next Travel...............................................41 Windsor’s Flowers..................................................83

3 SOUTH 1st STREET REHOBOTH BEACH 302-527-1400 WWW.FREDDIESBEACHBAR.COM SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

111 Letters

LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

CELL

302-542-4197

302-245-0577

HOLLY OAK - Lewes. New Construction – Ready for Immediate Delivery. 3BR/2BA home is a 1,506 sq. ft. one-level rancher w/oversized 2-car garage. Open concept floor plan. Great room opens to the kitchen and dining area. There is also a sliding glass door out to the big 12’x16’ deck.

Main bedroom suite has a walk-in closet & elegant bath with a 5’x4’ tiled “curbless” shower. Split bedroom plan with a tub/shower in 2nd bath.

Bamboo floors. Stainless steel kitchen appliances.

W&D included. Low HOA. $449,900 (2021958)

O A K CR EST F AR M S Lewes. 2009 1,424sf 3BR/2BA home on 0.25-ac. corner lot.

Kitchen w/granite & stainless steel appliances. VinylTech porch & patio. Community pool. $ Call for Price $ (NEW)

WEBBS LANDING - Lewes. 6BR/5BA home is +3,300 sq. ft. with an In-Law Suite at the rear, a 2-bed/1-bath unit upstairs, an en suite bedroom off of the family room, plus a 1st-floor main suite with a large bath with soaking tub & shower, plus another 1st-floor bedroom next to the full bath in the hall. Living room opens to the kitchen. Family room has a wood-burning fireplace & dining area. All of this on a 1-acre parcel with its own basketball court.

Community pier on Love Creek. HOA just $200/yr. $648,900 (2019326)

SANDY BRAE - Lewes.

Classic 1983 3BR/2BA rancher is 1,568 sf. Updated baths.

Newer flooring. Enclosed porch. 1/3 acre. Fenced yard. 5 miles to the Rehoboth boardwalk. $359,900 (NEW)

*A/C

ONE VIRGINIA AVENUE - Rehoboth Beach. Third-floor 3BR/2BA condo features ocean views from two balconies. It also fronts the new stainless-steel community pool & sundeck. This condo has approx. 1,400 sq. ft. of interior living space. It includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, office, laundry room, en suite main bedroom, 2 more bedrooms & another full bath. Dues are $1,525/mt. & include water, sewer, heat/AC, 2 parking spaces, storage & more. Approx. rental for similar units is $4,500/week in season. $1,300,000 (2024456)

MARINERS COVE - Millsboro.

Updated 1989 3BR/2.5BA doublewide on the canal w/your own private dock.

Community pool. 15 miles to the boardwalk. $145,000 (2027032) Lot Rent $1,005/mt.

*A/C

PETTYJOHN RD - Georgetown.

1991 3BR/2BA on 2 acres.

Attached 3-car garage + 2bay pole barn w/shop & lean-to. No HOA. $379,000 (2027600) Call Pam Schaeffer at 302-388-8299 cell

CAMELOT MEADOWS Rehoboth. 1973 2BR/2BA is 1,488sf. Sunroom & enclosed porch. Fencing & shed. 3.5 miles to beach. Community pool. $169,000 (2027780) Lot

Rent $810/mt

CAMELOT MEADOWS Rehoboth. Adorable 1972 2BR/1BA w/3-season porch.

Update kitchen & bath. 3.5 miles to beach. Community pool. $82,500 (2026146) Lot

Rent $709/mt

HUNTERS MILL - Milton.

1994 3BR/2BA + bonus room.

Cape Cod-style home. 0.52 ac. Fenced backyard. 2 decks & shed. 9 miles to Lewes beach & 12 miles to the boardwalk. $399,900 (2024852)

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