Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 35, No. 06

MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY

Your support helps us forge proud and safe communities where gender identity and sexual orientation are respected.

EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE

For over 30 years, CAMP Rehoboth has promoted cooperation and created a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. Few organizations are as committed and effective. In addition to organizing events and providing critical services, they educate and advocate to bring people together. Especially in times of uncertainty, we know our support — through volunteering as a CAMPcierge and giving a recurring Membership donation — truly makes a difference.

— Will Freshwater & Stephen Cremen

CAMP Rehoboth Membership

Give ongoing support monthly or yearly.

One-Time Gift

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Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Recommend a grant from your DAF to support our work.

Tribute Giving Honor someone special.

Planned Giving

Include us in your will or trust.

Stock Gifts

Donate appreciated assets.

Corporate Matching

Employer match donations.

Fundraise for Us

Start a peer-to-peer fundraiser.

Transfer from an IRA

If you are 70 1/2 years of age or older.

Cryptocurrency Giving

Donate crypto securely.

Contact our Development Manager, Laurie Thompson, at laurie@camprehoboth.org to learn more about these ways to give. Give.CAMPRehoboth.org

CAMP Matters

BY KIM LEISEY, PHD

You Enable Us to Thrive

Over the past two years, my leadership of CAMP Rehoboth Community Center has been a deeply meaningful and transformative experience. What began as a commitment to sustaining vital services has grown into a mission to build lasting trust, visibility, and power for LGBTQ+ people across our region. As Executive Director, I have had the privilege of stewarding this work with care, urgency, and deep accountability to the community we serve.

One of my primary goals upon stepping into leadership was to help the people affiliated with CAMP Rehoboth to feel trust after a time of profound loss, the pandemic, betrayal, and transition. When I arrived, I observed that some felt hurt and suspicious while others were eager to move forward. I spent six months listening and learning.

our full-time staff numbers by 20 percent to support the capacity of CAMP Rehoboth. Currently, the number of full- and part-time staff is below industry standard for an organization with our scope of service and geographic region. Future staff growth will be intentional and strategically aligned with organizational goals.

…leadership is not about being at the center—it’s about holding the door open.

LAST YEAR WE SERVED OVER 10,000 PEOPLE

In the fall of 2023, we were one of eight nonprofits in Delaware accepted into the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement’s Accelerator program. This program provides consultative support. Over the last two years we have advanced as a nonprofit through strong board leadership and oversight. We have developed a strategy that includes diversifying funding, improving our financial infrastructure, implementing a new donor database, renewing our facilities, and creating a vision to serve our community outside of Rehoboth Beach. As a result, we increased our annual budget by 27 percent and we welcomed new members and donors. Last year we served over 10,000 people—1,500 more people than those who live in the cities of Rehoboth, Milton, and Lewes, combined.

1,500 more people than those who live in the cities of Rehoboth, Milton, and Lewes, combined.

From the beginning, I prioritized rebuilding and expanding trust—within our community and with our partners. Through open dialogue, consistent programming, and transparency in leadership, we’ve earned a reputation with businesses, healthcare systems, sponsors, and state government as a dependable, responsive, and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals of all identities.

Internally, I focused on cultivating a healthy organizational culture. We worked to develop a staff and Board culture rooted in mutual care, accountability, and representation. We implemented updated staff policies, better technology, security enhancements, training, and a transparent communication framework. These efforts resulted in a more engaged team and a 90 percent staff retention rate, even during periods of transition and growth. We have increased

The gains over the past two years have enabled us to strengthen our current programs, increase communication, and launch some new initiatives to include veterans, young adults, a trans masculine support group, new arts programming, a vibrant chorus, and the start of a program for queer high school students who are searching for affirming college experiences. Currently underway is an evaluation of existing programs and alignment with our mission.

Additional plans through grant applications and partnerships include an LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare navigator, elder support, family programs, trans-affirming support for families and kids, legislative advocacy, opportunities for meaningful connection, and human relations training for public servants.

What I am most proud of, though, is the community. People walk through our doors every day not just for services, but to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Our staff, the Board of Directors, and volunteers work to ensure our community is well served and heard. I am grateful to collaborate with such compassionate people.

I hear stories that demonstrate the power of CAMP Rehoboth as a driver of the LGBTQ+ community growth in Delaware. These are stories of people searching for freedom, support, affirmation, and dignity. As I reflect on these past two years, I’m reminded that leadership is not about being at the center—it’s about holding the door open. It continues to be a privilege to help CAMP Rehoboth grow into an ever more affirming, inclusive, and powerful force for change.

Thank you for the ways you support our work and the community. CAMP matters today more than ever. So does your financial support. ▼

Kim Leisey, PhD, is Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth.

inside

THIS ISSUE

3

as

50 View Point

The Summer of Our Discontent

RICHARD ROSENDALL

Attack of the UVR

You’ve Got Skin in the Game

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple

Simplify Your Life in 87 Easy Steps

NANCY SAKADUSKI

SUNFESTIVAL 2025

NANCY SAKADUSKI

CAMPshots

White Party, Green Party, Pride Party... and Motown!

Celebrity Interview

Talking with Laura Jane Grace

JOSEF GREENBERG

Visiting View

Daily Dose of Robby

ROBERT DEDOMINIC

EDITOR: Marj Shannon

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE: Matty Brown

DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Mary Beth Ramsey

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Tricia Massella

to

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth welcomes submissions. Email editor@camprehoboth.org. Photographs must be high resolution (300 dpi). Documents should be sent as attachments in Microsoft Word®. Deadline for submissions is two weeks prior to the issue release date. Letters to the Editor (up to 300 words) are published at the discretion of the Editor on a space-available basis. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

DISTRIBUTION: Mark Wolf

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aptaker, Rich Barnett, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Pattie Cinelli, Michael Cook, Jeffrey Dannis, Robert DeDominic, Logan Farro, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, Joe Gfaller, Josef Greenberg, Leslie Ledogar, Gina Leigh, Kim Leisey, Tricia Massella, Christopher Moore, Sharon Morgan, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Stephen Raskauskas, Richard Rosendall, Mikey Rox, Nancy Sakaduski, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Beth Shockley, Mary Jo Tarallo, Sophie Wagner, Eric Wahl

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

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.

© 2025 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

6 Futcher Pool Party hosts, Jeff Wilson, Lynden Armstrong, Tony Sowers, Christian Becker, Marc Latulippe, Mike DeFlavia, Noah Cohen, Mike Reimer, Dennis Konzelman, Scott Shriver, Patrick Bosak, John Brown, Brian Moore, and Igor Lima don “emerald green”

“Wicked.” See page 6.

CAMP REHOBOTH

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE

MISSION

CAMP Rehoboth is an LGBTQ+ community center determined to Create A More Positive (CAMP) environment that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware and beyond. We seek to promote cooperation, understanding among all people, and well-being, as we continue our to work to build a safer community with room for all.

VISION

CAMP Rehoboth envisions communities in southern Delaware and beyond where all LGBTQ+ people thrive.

VALUES

Community | Belonging | Positivity Diversity | Visibility | Transparency Safety | Partnership | Compassion

From the  Editor

Yes, indeed—it’s summer for sure!

PRESIDENT Leslie Ledogar

VICE PRESIDENT Teri Seaton

SECRETARY Pat Catanzariti

TREASURER Polly Donaldson

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Amanda Mahony Albanese, Wes Combs, Lewis Dawley, Mike DeFlavia, David Garrett, Jenn Harpel, Kim Leisey (non-voting), Michelle Manfredi, Kevin Ussery, and Hope Vella

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kim Leisey

CAMP REHOBOTH

37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 tel 302-227-5620 email editor@camprehoboth.org www.camprehoboth.org

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.

BY MARJ SHANNON

Which means, ‘tis the season of sizzle and swelter. And sunshine—be careful out there! Stephen Raskauskas has some suggestions re: having fun in the sun without getting crispy. Read and heed!

‘Tis also the season for savoring cold beverages—Rich Barnett’s beloved G&T might be one—and firing up the grill. Ed Castelli has a burger idea that sounds awfully good.

Maybe you’re not a burger person? Or just want some go-withs? Check out some farmers markets! Mary Jo Tarallo points us toward several—both near and far—you may want to visit. The fabulous veggies and fruits surely are incentive enough, but some offer even more, with music, crafts, and shady venues.

Maybe you’re looking for indoor (air-conditioned!) fun? Stop by the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery to browse an exhibit—a new one opens August 5 (see CAMP Arts for more on that). While you’re there, drop by the CAMP Rehoboth Library for a browse; Sophie Wagner points us toward some new YA reads in her Library Spotlight on page 77.

Meanwhile, we’ve got some more great reading for you right here, too. For starters, turn to pages 26 and 27 for our Flash Fiction contest Honorable Mention winners. Then maybe see what Mikey Rox, Beth Shockley, and Robert DeDominic have to say about reaching milestones and living one’s best life. Christopher Moore gives us a glimpse into his life as Guncle Chris, and Clarence Fluker basks in his memorable experience at an early-summer wedding. Best lives, indeed.

But wait—there’s more! Nancy Sakaduski shares hints she’s discovered for simplifying our lives. And on page 88 you can meet some very good boys and girls in Dogs of Our Lives.

Of course, if it’s hot-and-steamy out there—can SUNFESTIVAL be far behind? No, indeed! For more about that signature extravaganza: see page 14 for an interview with Saturday’s headliner, page 46 to meet two enthusiastic (and entertaining) attendees, and pages 56 & 57 for a preview of coming attractions. Spoiler alert: there are some fabulous auction items.

As we settle into all-things-summer—thanks, as always, for reading Letters. ▼

SHORT STORIES

We’re looking for two short-short stories (750 words max) for our November and December issues. Stories should be suitable for adult/young adult readers, and avoid violence, foul language, religious themes, and explicit erotica or gore.

Submission deadline: September 30.

Inquiries and submissions (Word documents only; one submission per author) to: editor@camprehoboth.org. Authors of selected stories will receive payment ($100) upon publication.

Protecting Gender Affirming Care in Delaware

OnFriday, June 20, at CAMP Rehoboth, Governor Matt Meyer signed Executive Order #11 to protect gender-affirming care in Delaware. The order mandates that state agencies are not to impose any sanctions on anyone who “provides, receives, inquires about, responds to, or assists with gender-affirming care that is or would otherwise be lawful in Delaware.” CAMP Rehoboth applauds Governor Meyer for this protection, and for sending a clear signal to Delawareans that all are welcome to thrive here.

The signing came after the State of Delaware’s first-ever raising of the Pride flag in front of Legislative Hall in Dover and the Pride Proclamation signed by Governor Matt Meyer. CAMP Rehoboth is honored to have donated the Pride flag, which was given to the Delaware Archives after Pride month concluded.

Following the signing on June 20, CAMP Rehoboth hosted the first meeting of the state’s LGBTQ+ Commission, run through the Governor’s office. The commission’s focus will be to “ensure all LGBTQ+ Delawareans can live, work, and thrive with dignity, safety, and opportunity.” ▼

Photo: Governor Meyer signs Executive Order #11 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.

6 FUTCHER POOL PARTY

A “Wicked” Good Time

On Saturday, July 5, the 6 Futcher Drive house hosted its annual Fourth of July weekend pool party, this year with the theme “Wicked Green.” The party broke its attendance record, hosting over 670 guests throughout the day. Donations raised over $16,000 for CAMP Rehoboth, nearly breaking the party's fundraising record! CAMP Rehoboth thanks the party hosts, Mike DeFlavia, Tony Sowers, and all who donated for making this party such a success. ▼

CAMP Rehoboth Awarded Funds

CAMP Rehoboth was awarded two grants for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) by the State of Delaware. The grants are for $200,000 and $38,000, respectively.

The first award is part of the General Assembly’s allocation within the bond bill’s Community Reinvestment Fund, a capital grant program for local and community-based nonprofit organizations. This award follows previous allocations of $460,000 in 2022, $300,000 in 2023, and $200,000 in 2024 to CAMP Rehoboth. Funds will help to protect structural integrity, enhance safety, increase energy efficiency, and create a more positive, welcoming environment for CAMP Rehoboth’s properties.

The second award was granted through Delaware’s Grant-In-Aid program. These funds will support many of CAMP Rehoboth’s health classes and programs, including tai chi, yoga, and other health initiatives that will promote community well-being on all levels as CAMP Rehoboth continues to build safe, inclusive communities for all people.

CAMP Rehoboth is grateful to the state for its decisions affirming our property as a valuable resource, and supporting our programs as vital services. ▼

AIDS Walk Delaware

Mark your calendars for the annual AIDS Walk, and join CAMP Rehoboth’s team. This year’s Walk will take place on Saturday, September 20, in Wilmington and at Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park. Presented jointly by AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium, the fundraiser works to advance HIV awareness, eliminate the stigma, and endorse HIV-informed community health for all Delawareans.

This year’s theme is “Progress Doesn’t Pause & Neither Can We.” This tagline reflects the fact that HIV service organizations like AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium and many others nationwide are facing significant public health funding cuts, threatening their ability to provide essential testing, education, and support services.

As a Delaware organization that provides HIV prevention services, CAMP Rehoboth will benefit from the Walk via funds and walkers who sign up for its team. Register online at camprehoboth.org/events. ▼

Sussex County Health Needs Assessment

In collaboration with CAMP Rehoboth and other community partners, Delaware State University (DSU) is launching a Sussex County Health Needs Assessment. The project will provide Sussex County residents, advocates, service providers, and healthcare providers with an assessment of health care needs of our community.

The assessment is led by DSU’s Interdisciplinary Health Research Center (IHER) and the Community Engagement and Dissemination Core (CED); project lead is Dorothy Dillard, PhD.

CAMP Rehoboth invites all LGBTQ+ readers and members to stay tuned to the CAMP Rehoboth website, publications, and social media for details on when the survey will be disseminated later this summer.

“This needs assessment will be an invaluable resource for Sussex County and our community. We know our community faces unique health needs. We invite you to stay tuned to the survey launch and help us identify the opportunities for growth in our local healthcare,” said Kim Leisey, PhD, Executive Director at CAMP Rehoboth. ▼

Block Party Opens Registration

TheCAMP Rehoboth Block Party will return Sunday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and registration is now open for this signature event. As CAMP Rehoboth’s largest outreach event of the year, last year’s Block Party attracted an estimated 4,000 attendees to shop art and merchandise from local craftspeople and small businesses, learn more about featured nonprofits, and enjoy the performances by musicians, actors, and drag queens.

Registration for this year’s CAMP Rehoboth Block Party will open for early bird vendors on Friday, July 25, and for the general public on Monday, July 28. Stay tuned to the CAMP Rehoboth website and social media for more information. ▼

Battle of the Bachelors Set for August 10

THarm Reduction Training with Beebe Healthcare

In June, CAMP Rehoboth representatives participated in an LGBTQ+ Harm Reduction Training with Beebe Healthcare. Presented by Prevention Ed, the training provided a variety of providers under the Beebe Healthcare umbrella with information on steps to take in support of LGBTQ+ patients struggling with substance use. The presentation also coached providers in LGBTQ+ cultural humility, strengthening confidence for LGBTQ+ client interactions, and effectively widening access to affirming care in southern Delaware.

CAMP Rehoboth had the opportunity to share its resources with the group of providers. After the training, all participants were provided with a comprehensive resource list for affirming LGBTQ+ health care. Call the CAMP Rehoboth office at 302-227-5620 to learn more about these resources.

he annual Battle of the Bachelors will return to Aqua Bar & Grill on August 10, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled time with great prizes and special surprises. The renowned Lorne Crawford will once again oversee the event.

In the Battle of the Bachelors, bachelors (and some bachelorettes), wearing swimsuits, compete to see who can raise the most money for CAMP Rehoboth. The funds raised directly benefit CAMP Rehoboth’s community-support programming.

Be sure to arrive early for a good spot at the venue. Or check out the fun event from the Top of the Pines. Thank you to our host Aqua! ▼

Photo: Executive Director Kim Leisey shares resources provided by CAMP Rehoboth to the group of Beebe Healthcare providers.

ARCTIC CIRCLE

L-R: Carlos Taylor, Kelly Johnson, Rob Robertson, Peter Rosenstein, Todd Gerdes ⊳ TRAVELS WITH LETTERS ⊲

Taking a Stand Against the Rollback of Rights

During the last week in June and the first week in July, my wife and I visited dear friends in London. Having just celebrated June as Pride month in the US, it was a delightful surprise to read the July 4 Facebook proclamation of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan that, “Tomorrow at Pride in London we’ll send a message to the world: in our city you are free to be whoever you want to be, and love whoever you want to love. We must take a stand against those seeking to roll back hard-won rights.”

True to those words, center city London was transformed into an all-out celebration by tens of thousands of revelers, including thousands in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and three other music venues. For a quick minute, we forgot the angst that followed us to London from the US concerning the civil rights rollback that we had left behind.

Returning home on July 8, I was reminded that July 9, 2025 is the 157th anniversary of the adoption of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.1 The 14th Amendment provides that “[a]ll persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

Equally as important, the 14th Amendment also gives the federal government the power to protect individuals, even if their state legislature has passed discriminatory laws. It says, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

The 14th Amendment was a necessary and critical response to the efforts of southern states’ post-Civil War efforts to use the concept of “states’ rights” as a tool to cudgel Black people into subservience under discriminatory state laws,

notwithstanding the fact that the South lost the Civil War and that President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The view that states could prescribe discriminatory laws in opposition to federal law was supported by the United States Supreme Court in the now infamous 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision. In Dred Scott, the Court declared that Black men “are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word ‘citizens’ in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens.”

CAMP Rehoboth continues to advocate in Dover, telling our community’s stories and describing the impact of legislation on our community.

In response to Dred Scott, Congress added the 14th Amendment to the Constitution to give the federal government the power to protect individual rights, even if their state legislatures had passed discriminatory laws against them. Followed by the civil rights decisions of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, including the Brown v. Board of Education decision outlawing segregation in public schools, we see 30 years of precedent established under 14th Amendment jurisprudence upholding the federal government’s ability to protect the rights of individual Americans, even in states that sought to discriminate against them.

However, today we are experiencing an alarming rollback of those years of federal protection. The most obvious and alarming example is the 2022 overturn of the federal protection of abortion

rights provided in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. In the 2022 case, the Court sent the question of abortion back to the states, and Justice Clarence Thomas, later joined by Justice Samuel Alito, took the opportunity to argue that federal protections for access to birth control and same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges) should also be considered a states’ rights issue.

By ignoring the crystal-clear language of the 14th Amendment and years of Supreme Court precedent, the Court and the current federal administration are returning this nation to the pre-Civil War abyss, when individual rights, including LGBTQ+ rights, can be trampled upon and extinguished.

However, just as the notion of “states’ rights” can be used as a cudgel against a state’s citizens, so to can “states’ rights” be used to protect the rights of the citizens of each state. Thankfully, there are at least 21 states, including Delaware, that are passing their own laws and amending their own Constitutions to do just that.

In support of Delaware’s work to enshrine individual rights into Delaware state law and Constitution, CAMP Rehoboth continues to advocate in Dover, telling our community’s stories and describing the impact of legislation on our community. We continue this important work because, no matter what the current administration, backed by the current Supreme Court, tries to throw at us, it is incumbent upon us to continue to “…take a stand against those seeking to roll back hard-won rights.” We’re in this together. ▼

1 The following history of 14th Amendment jurisprudence is excerpted from Heather Cox Richardson’s 7/9/2025 Letters from an American blog.

Leslie Ledogar is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.

August 8-27

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, August 8 | 5:30-8pm

GALLERY 50

50-A Wilmington Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO AUDITION

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Launches Women’s A Cappella Ensemble

The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus is starting a new 12-16 voice SSAA a cappella women’s ensemble. The group will uplift women’s voices through music, promoting inclusiveness and belonging, and inspiring harmony. The singers will perform a cappella SSAA pop, jazz, close-harmony, and other styles. We welcome skilled soprano and alto singers, age 18 and above, from any choral background, who have a collaborative spirit.

Directed by Jeff Buhrman and Laura Miller, the group will begin rehearsals in

the Lewes/Rehoboth area in September. Jeff Buhrman was Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC for 15 years and is currently the Assistant Director of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. Laura Miller was a music educator in Baltimore and Carroll counties and a church choir director in Delaware.

The ensemble will hold auditions from Monday, August 5, to Friday, August 15. To schedule an audition and/or if you have any questions, please email Jeff at jbuhrman1253@gmail.com. ▼

Thank You to Our Cottage Tour Volunteers!

Delaware Veteran Services Officer Presentation for LGBTQ+ Veterans

The CAMP Rehoboth LGBTQ+ Veterans Group is excited to welcome Mr. Daniel Hensen, Veteran Service Officer (VSO) at the Delaware Office of Veteran Services, on August 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7447 Rehoboth Beach (also known as Rehoboth Beach VFW).

At the session, attendees will learn more about the VSO and have the opportunity to ask questions and network with other LGBTQ+ veterans.

Following the presentation, attendees are welcome to visit the canteen for happy hour and stay for the VFW Shrimp Night dinner beginning at 4:00 p.m. ▼

Thank you to the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) volunteer team who supported the Rehoboth Art League’s 75th Annual Cottage Tour on July 8 and 9. The CROP volunteers joined with team members from M&T Bank and the Rehoboth Art League to greet more than 860 patrons at the beautiful home at 600 Scarborough Avenue.▼ (Pictured, CROP Tuesday team)

Vijay Prakash Joins as Graduate Student Intern

This summer, CAMP Rehoboth hired Vijay Prakash as a graduate student Intern to help author an economic impact report. This report will illustrate CAMP Rehoboth’s impact on the local economy from the community center’s events, programs, and services.

Says Prakash, “I’m excited to work with CAMP Rehoboth this summer as a graduate intern because I’m passionate about building inclusive communities and supporting a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.” ▼

Billy Porter Stops by the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard

On July 9, the iconic Billy Porter stopped by the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard for lunch at Lori's Oy Vey Café. While there, he was kind enough to sign our collection of Billy Porter children's books! Billy is posed here with CAMP Rehoboth staff members Sophie and Gina. Stop by the CAMP Rehoboth Library to check out one of these books!  ▼

Dine & Donate Mingo at Palm Beach Bar & Grill

Join CAMP Rehoboth at a Dine & Donate night at Palm Beach Bar and Grill on August 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Not only will you get the chance to support CAMP Rehoboth, but you’ll also get to play rounds of Mingo (music Bingo) with DJ Sue P. Palm Beach Bar and Grill will donate 35 percent of all bar and food sales. ▼

CAMP Families Sets Sail

CAMP Families is set to charter a sunset cruise aboard the Cape Water Tour in mid-August. Last year was a great opportunity for families to connect and enjoy the bay together. This event is made possible by donations made at the 6 Futcher Drive Wicked Green Pool Party. To learn more about the specific date, time, and how to register, email programs@ camprehoboth.org.  ▼

2 0 2 5 THANK YOU TO OUR

We are grateful for the businesses that partnered with us during Pride Month!

We partnered with:

Bin 66

DiFebo’s Restaurants & Market

Dogfish Head

Downtown Bethany Blues

Lavender Fields

Lefty’s / SoDel Concepts

MaddBatter Desserts

State Farm – Catie Walther

The Lodge at Truitt Homestead

headliner comedian zach zimmerman

saturday, august 30 a night of comedy plus! live auction!

Including a trip for two to Rome (donated by Danny Sebright) and more!

Easy Rider Stable

Greg Albright & Wes Combs

Edward Joseph Chrzanowski

Paul Lindsey & Richard Gamble

Andy Staton & Patrick Saparito

Tom Balling & Rex Varner

Joseph Bennett & Corey Andrew

Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst

Rod Cooke, Charlie Browne, Jeff Mummert & Carlos Pinero

Jon Dauphine & Marc Charon

Lewis Dawley & Greg Becker

John Hackett & Tom Newton

Jerry Hofer, Paul Nye, Dennis Morgan & Paul Christensen

Rodney Street Realty, LLC *All

Kelly Johnson & Todd Gerdes

Jon Kaplan

Chris Lay & Dr. Mari Blackburn

Porter & Gordon Family

Ida & Jeff Rowe

Jennifer Rubenstein, Diane Scobey, Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods

Craig Schwartz & Jamie Kotchek

Gary Seiden & Bashir Amanat

Doug Sellers & Mark Eubanks

Gordon Tanner & Robert Patlan

Dean Tyson & Michael Linardi

sponsors through July 15, 2025

Sondra N. Arkin

Jenn Harpel

NANCY SAKADUSKI

HITTING THE HIGH NOTES

SUNFESTIVAL Headliner Zach Zimmerman

Zach Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian, writer, and host who creates queer, anti-capitalist stories that delight and devastate. It was a long road from Zach’s youth as a straight, meat-eating, Southern Baptist to today’s queer, vegetarian, atheist, socialist comedian, but the road is littered with comedy gems.

NANCY SAKADUSKI: Did you tell jokes as a kid?

ZACH ZIMMERMAN: I enjoyed making the teacher laugh. I was a teacher’s pet and usually the most know-it-all in the classroom. I would make the worst jokes and puns.

NS: You studied religion and theater at Princeton University. Is the intersection of those fields standup comedy?

ZZ: It must be. I thought I’d major in math, but then the classes were so hard, and Princeton parties on Thursday night, and I had math class 9:00 a.m. on Friday, so…. Theater’s always been an interest and passion from high school, and that segues nicely into standup, I think.

NS: Hit record, hot book, popular podcast, late-night TV, YouTube special, movie option, book tour, comedy tour. What do you do in your spare time?

ZZ: I binge watch Survivor. I drink a lot of cold brew. And I lie on my couch and play on my phone way too much.

NS: Your very first comedy album debuted on the Billboard Top 10 and inspired a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and New York Comedy Festival. Did things seem almost too easy?

ZZ: Never. Even those milestones, when you reach them, seem small…. Nothing is guaranteed in entertainment, so I’m very grateful that I found some fans who seem to support me.

NS: To what extent do you adapt your material to the audience?

ZZ: I think of it as DJing. A DJ has certain tracks they want to play and then they’re also getting data from the audience of what’s the vibe of the night and so…. I can downshift into something more storytelling-based if I feel I have their attention, or if they’re super drunk and it’s a Friday at midnight, I’ll bust out the shorter, sex and gut-punching one-liners. My goal is to make you laugh.

NS: Has what people find funny changed?

ZZ: Certainly yes. And learning what you can get away with evolves too…. The pendulum is definitely swinging back and forth between nice comedy, mean comedy, and then there’s a group of evil people doing evil comedy [racist, transphobic, misogynistic—spreading evil ideas under the guise of comedy] as well.

NS: What can the SUNFESTIVAL audience expect?

ZZ: They can expect to laugh, to hear about my recent adventures in bisexuality. They can expect to hear about my family, dating failures, and a little bit of gentle roasting of my community. It’s nice to play a show for a predominantly LGBTQ+ audience.

NS: Any surprises?

ZZ: I’ll buy one person in the audience a donut.

They can expect to hear about my family, dating failures, and a little bit of gentle roasting of my community

NS: Anything you’d like to say to a hesitant ticket buyer?

ZZ: What’s the worst that could happen? Go outside. Don’t stay in bed. Experience community. I promise the best night of your life or the worst night of your life. Nothing mid from me…. I’m just so excited for the show and to help raise some funds [for CAMP Rehoboth] and to have a lot of fun and end the summer on a high note with everybody. ▼

Photo: Mindy Tucker

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Summer Love

Summer is filled with beach towels and wedding vows. Admittedly, I enjoy going to the beach more than I enjoy going to weddings, because beaches require less clothes and formalities. However, I do delight in a good wedding.

This year, my summer calendar started with a wedding Memorial Day weekend. It was beautiful in every way. The ceremony took place outdoors at an art museum and Mother Nature gifted the couple with perfect weather. Two of the most genuine guys you could ever meet, they deserved it. Moreover, the way they looked at each other under the chuppah, you could tell they deserved each other.

When the officiant called on them to read their vows, all of us who had gathered there listened intently. Their vows weren’t just a story about how they met and about how much they loved each other, but instead, told the story about how they got to know each other, respect one another, appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the partner, the commitment to working to understand the other in all of their current and future iterations, and their willingness to support each other on their journeys as their own person and as a couple. Their vows were all the things you want to hear and feel. Loved. Embraced. Lifted.

After the ceremony, guests were ushered to an indoor foyer for the cocktail hour. There, I reunited with friends of the newlyweds that I’ve connected with at previous social gatherings and volunteer work. I also saw and met fresh faces from other areas and eras of their life. The joyful and almost majestic spirit that permeates through all weddings was present and guests were floating, including me.

Chimes rang to signal everyone to look at the board with names and table numbers so that we could move into an exhibition hall for the seated dinner. Once inside, we were surprised at what awaited us at our tables. Instead of the

standard place cards on short, folded paper, the couple had names written on envelopes placed at every table setting. The envelope contained a personalized handwritten note.

As summer continues to roll along, I’m charging myself with the task of loving well the people I consider most dear.

For 200 guests, the couple had sat down with each other and thought about what they wanted to say. Why they admired you. Why they invited you. What your friendship and support meant to them. Dear expressions of their appreciation. If you hadn’t cried during the ceremony, reading your note at the table was your turn.

On their special day, it wasn’t just important to them to share how much they loved each other and their dreams of their future together. It was also important to them to declare how much they loved their friends, family, and community, and their intentions to include us all in their future. I shifted from being happy for my friends to being happy for everyone in that room who was part of

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

something so real and so special. The rest of the night, I ate, drank, laughed, and danced. A time was had.

The next morning, I woke up contemplating the night before. bell hooks wrote, “To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds.” What I had witnessed at the art museum hours before were those words jumping off the paper.

Being at the wedding reminded me of what is possible when two people meet and rise in love together romantically. And that maybe, even for me, that kind of love is still possible.

It is easy to become cynical when you reach a certain age and the life partner you’d imagined for yourself hasn’t yet revealed himself to you. There is also optimism knowing that the series of events that brought you to where you are in life have shaped you to be an even better partner for him when he does show up. A partner able to give and receive the love you both deserve.

That morning, I could still feel the warmth of the caring community that had wrapped its arms around the couple and all those who filled the museum. Meaningful relationships built and tended to through love in word and through action.

As summer continues to roll along, I’m charging myself with the task of loving well the people I consider most dear. Telling them that I love them. Showing them that I love them. Being open to offering and receiving what I felt at the wedding and reception from one and many.

I’ll be attending another wedding to close out the summer over Labor Day weekend. Perhaps at that one I’ll catch the bouquet. I’m open to it. ▼

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 Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker.

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HEARTworks: New Paintings by Murray Archibald

Gallery 50 on Wilmington Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach will exhibit HEARTworks, an exhibition of new paintings by Murray Archibald, from August 8 to 27. The solo exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, August 8, 5:30-8:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Inspired by the themes of love, connection, and diversity, the show is a celebration of unity, peace, and shared humanity in a world where messages of division too often overshadow more reasonable voices.

“HEARTworks is about love,” Murray says, “Especially the kind of love that can help us transcend our differences, diffuse our smaller arguments, and show us that we are all part of a greater family. I don’t believe this means we have to defer in any way to those who oppose us, or give certain ideas credence. But if we begin with love and forgiveness, perhaps we can open up some lines of positive communication and respect.

“I almost called the exhibit The Big Love Show,” Murray says, “because it’s about that extraordinary kind of love

that helps us step through the invisible walls that divide us.”

HEARTworks is Murray’s 26th solo exhibition, and his first at Gallery 50. “We are excited to have Murray’s work featured in our summer lineup,” says Ed McGann, Galley 50 owner.

Murray Archibald is an artist and the co-founder of CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ+ community center in Rehoboth Beach. His work is held in many private and public collections, including the Biggs Art Museum in Dover, Delaware. ▼

Get Ready for the History Book Festival!

Lewes is a town of firsts, and the first and only book festival in the country devoted exclusively to history began here nine years ago. Since then, the festival has grown exponentially, with more than 6,000 people from all over the country attending last year’s event. The ninth annual History Book Festival (HBF) is set for Friday to Sunday, September 26-28, 2025.

HBF showcases new historical fiction and narrative nonfiction from multiple subjects, eras, and voices. Over 90 percent of the festival’s author presentations are free and open to all. HBF authors also visit Delaware classrooms, from preschool to college, and the festival gives their books to schools, libraries, and community organizations.

The festival opens on Friday, September 26, with a keynote event (already sold out) with Hampton Sides, the New York Times bestselling author of eight histories, including Ghost Soldiers.

On Saturday, September 27, attendees can access their choice of 20 author presentations in various venues in Lewes, all free of charge. Community News continued on page 76.

Image: One Family (in color) | Acrylic Gouache on Canvas | 24”x24” | 2025

(Minneapolis,

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Turks & Caicos Resort | May 23–30, 2026

Portugal Douro River Cruise | May 27–Jun 3, 2026

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta | Oct 25–Nov 1, 2026

Christmas Markets Riverboat Cruise | Dec 2–8, 2026

Olivia's XOXO Caribbean Cruise | Feb 13–20, 2027

(Oct

Love Letter to the G&T

My Dear Gin and Tonic, You weren’t my first summer fling—no, that honor belongs to White Grape Malt Duck—but you were the one that stuck. The one I keep coming back to when the temperature rises and my tolerance for heat and humidity plummets.

Friends of yours try every summer to win me over with their trendy smoked rims or muddled herbs. But they don’t impress me. Admittedly, I’ve occasionally given in to temptation. Remember Tom Collins and Gin Rickey? They were fun, but they didn’t hit the spot quite like you. You’re equal parts refreshment and rebellion, elegant and a little dangerous. You’re the classic Paul Newman and the contemporary Matt Bomer of cocktails. Like a crisp white polo shirt or a Cartier tank watch, you’re impossible to resist.

But you’re not just a pretty face in a cold glass. You’ve got a past, too, and Lord do I admire that. Born of necessity and empire, you were the stiff upper lip in the face of tropical despair. Picture it: British officers in sun-soaked India, drenched in sweat and existential dread, forced to swallow bitter quinine powder to ward off malaria. Until someone, clearly a genius and possibly a hedonist, thought to sweeten the deal. A splash of soda. A twist of citrus. And then eau du juniper berry.

Thus, the gin and tonic—the G&T as your devotees like to call you—was born: part health elixir, part cocktail party, part suggestive wink across the veranda. A drink designed to kill parasites and awaken appetites. Two birds, one glass. Suddenly, everyone’s a little looser and a tad more prone to saying, “Shall we go somewhere private?” You’ve always had that effect. Straddling the line between remedy and temptation, you’re not just a cocktail. You’re foreplay in a glass. And like any good relationship, ours has evolved. Let’s talk first about your spirit: gin. That bitter, medicinal edge has been tamed. Though admittedly I still admire it in small doses, like sarcasm

from someone wearing linen. Once relegated to dusty bar shelves, you’ve regained your sophistication. Whether you come from London or a Brooklyn distillery run by a hipster named Sage who forages his own botanicals, you always bring your A-game. Juniper berry is your soul, but your personality? Limitless.

Straddling the line between remedy and temptation, you’re not just a cocktail. You’re foreplay in a glass.

Two ounces (or more) of gin. A solid pour of tonic. And a wedge of lime. Or any citrus. Yours truly prefers lemon. But a cucumber? I’m not a fan.

Oh, mon grand, we’ve had some great times, you and I over the years. Sunny countryside steeplechases in pink and green. Sultry evenings on the porch where the crickets scored our witty banter. Cocktail croquet parties. Afternoons on Poodle Beach when I snuck you into a plastic tumbler and pretended it was seltzer. And, yes, one regrettable evening after a Barrister’s Ball—but we don’t talk about that. As Humphrey Bogart once said: “A man’s got to know his limitations, and one of those is not to drink too many gin and tonics.”

I love that you’re versatile. A G&T at 5 p.m. is elegant. At noon, continental. At 10 a.m.? Bold. Possibly concerning. But still refreshing.

You’re the great social equalizer, too—just as at home at a summer garden soirée in your seersucker and white bucks as at a football tailgate wearing a jersey and face paint. You say, “I appreciate refinement,” but also, “I brought the bug spray and the red Solo cups.”

And let’s not forget your other half: tonic. Long a dependable mixer, tonic water has recently had some work done. It’s hard to reimagine the classic, but newer brands have dialed up the quinine, refined the botanicals, and delivered bubbles that sparkle instead of sputter.

Together, you two are magic. A cold G&T is summer in a glass. The kind of drink that makes you believe you’re on a yacht off Capri even if you’re just standing in your Sperry topsiders on the deck at Aqua. Unlike many modern craft cocktails, you don’t require elaborate rituals. Just a tall glass with plenty of ice.

Most of all, you’re dependable. So, thank you dear G&T. For your balance. Your bite. Your bubbly personality. In closing, I’d like to offer a toast. As the temperature rises and decorum falls, may your gin be strong, your tonic fizzy, and your lime wedges plump and plentiful. Here’s to staying hydrated...ish.

Forever yours,

A Devoted Tippler ▼

Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

health+wellness

Don’t Be a Farkle

Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn’t misuse it.

– POPE

JOHN PAUL II

Ah yes, these lazy, hazy days of summer! Each year the start of summer comes with the requisite warnings of water, sun, pests, barbeque, and fireworks dangers, but I don’t pay any heed. You see, growing up, we had the Farkle family on our block, who gladly supplied us all a lifetime of experiences on what not to do during these sultry months.

The patriarch was Frank Farkle, a rather rotund fellow full of jocularity. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for his wife Frannie, or his five kids: Fiona, Fletcher, Felix, and the twins, Finley and Flora. In the 1960s, the Wham-O Slip ‘N Slide Magic Waterslide could be found across suburban lawns, ruining the work of dads who had spent the previous 10 weekends seeding, pruning, cutting, and admiring, knowing their emerald kingdom would be the envy of the community.

Not only did the Farkle family have a Slip ‘N Slide, but they invited the neighbors over to experience the joys and wonder of H2O and skin peeling fun only a cheap, plastic outdoor hallway runner could provide. To inaugurate the fun, Mr. Farkle insisted on launching the maiden voyage down the slide. Unfortunately, his swim trunks were less than secure, and now Moon River forever haunts my dreams.

Each summer, Mr. Farkle would invest in yet another water toy or gimmick to the delight of his children and the amusement of the neighbors. One summer, the kids received another Wham-O product, the Water Wiggle, an ill-conceived concoction with a seven-foot plastic hose attached to an aluminum water-jet nozzle, covered by a bell-shaped, demonically smiling, plastic head. As water coursed through the hose, the bell-shaped end would fly around like an uncontrolled fire hose at a three-alarm event. While barely safe outdoors, it certainly was never intended for indoor use.

BY SHARON MORGAN

Fletch withdrew a can from the pantry, put it on the grill, and closed the lid. The ensuing explosion sent everyone running...

One rainy Sunday, the Farkle parents popped off to the grocery store, leaving 13-year-old Fiona in charge of a very bored group of siblings. While the twins distracted Fiona, Fletcher and Felix attached the Water Wiggle up to the kitchen sink. The chaos that ensued was stuff of legends and stern warnings from parents for generations to come. My memory of this, however, was Mrs. Farkle, Pall Mall dangling from her mouth as it often did, taking clippers and a sledgehammer to the Water Wiggle while quietly

singing repeatedly, “rainy days and Sundays always gets me down.”

Of course, the Farkle barbeques (BBQs) beat anything playing in movie theaters, or as the neighbors referred to it, “How high in the sky can the flames fly?” One time, Mrs. Farkle, while in the kitchen, asked her son Fletcher to put the baked beans on the BBQ. Not realizing she meant the pot where said beans were, Fletch withdrew a can from the pantry, put it on the grill, and closed the lid. The ensuing explosion sent everyone

running to see the latest debacle.

There was Mrs. Farkle, again with the Pall Mall dangling, fire extinguisher in hand, spraying down everything and everyone. I felt sorry for the twins who were celebrating their birthday: the foam from the extinguisher unfortunately blended quite nicely with the icing on the birthday cake.

The mysteries and mayhem that surrounded the Farkle family never ceased to amaze us. One day, the family went to the local Camp Indawind for a picnic. The family came home early, with Mr. and Mrs. Farkle arguing, a very rare event, Mr. Farkle swearing up and down he had packed Mrs. Farkle’s famous fried chicken, she berating him for his forgetfulness.

It wasn’t until a few weeks later, after the family photos had been developed, that Fiona spotted an unusual occurrence in the background of a photo: A deer had absconded with the bag of fried chicken, with their dog Fred in hot pursuit. Flora commented that it now made sense why Fred’s breath that night made her dream of a chicken farm.

All the Farkle children did quite well in the sun, except for poor Fin, whose Scandinavian heritage caused him to fry to a crisp each summer. Mr. and Mrs. Farkle did their best to protect him, but they also did not want to limit his childhood.

One day Felix was put in charge of sun lotion duty for the family, with extra warnings raised about protecting Fin. A compliant child, Felix let the suntan lotion roll from neck to ankles, with some areas far more protected than others. The resultant patchwork sunburn on poor Fin looked so much like some wild beast, from that day on he was affectionately referred to as Def Leopard.

Of all the items the Farkles should never have been near, fireworks were on the top of the list. And yet, each summer,

some post regarding a fireworks-related emergency room visit regaled us on the community bulletin board. Their lovable but curious mutt, Fred, always seemed to be at the center of the cautionary tale.

The resultant patchwork sunburn on poor Fin looked so much like some wild beast, from that day on he was affectionately referred to as Def Leopard.

One Fourth of July, the street parade was about to step off and each home had fireworks ready to light. Unbeknownst to Mr. Farkle, Fred had just chomped down on a lit Roman candle. Off the poor dog ran, sending sparkles up and down the street and knocking down unsuspecting toddlers. No serious injuries this time, although Fin and Flora lost the better part of their profits when Fred collapsed the lemonade stand.

Then there was the night Fletcher and Felix made their own fireworks. Using a film canister, vinegar, and baking soda, the boys misjudged how much pressure the offending projectile would create. The canister ricocheted off the garage and through the neighbor’s side window. As luck would have it, the neighbor had the windows open, and the boys only had to pay for a torn screen. But henceforth, they were banned from unsupervised science projects.

No stories compare, however, to the time Mr. Farkle’s brother Ford came to visit. A World War II hero, Ford was a munitions expert—or so he said. Taking an illegal mortar shell, he filled it with brightly colored paper, envisioning a gentle rain of

health+wellness

color on the crowd. The shell exploded on the ground, however, sending everyone ducking for cover. While no injuries (again) were reported, people were finding bits of confetti in their trees and gutters for the next year. Ford was banned—so much so, the family wouldn’t even buy that brand of car.

I am truly blessed to have had the Farkle family as neighbors and to have witnessed such an informative slice of life. As we slide into summer, let’s take a moment to remember all the Farkle lessons. And as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus from Hill Street Blues cautions us, “Let’s be careful out there.” ▼

Author’s note: all these stories are fictional but based on summer war stories. A special thank you to Laugh-In, who gave us the Farkle family.

Sharon A. Morgan is a retired advanced practice nurse with over 30 years of clinical and healthcare policy background.

Youth Crisis Support: Crisis intervention services for children under 18. Parents and caregivers are connected to a crisis clinician. Available 24/7. Call 800-969-4357 or text DE to 741-741.

988: Free, confidential support and resources for anyone in distress. Available 24/7. Call 988.

Delaware Hope Line: Free coaching and support. Links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services. Available 24/7. Call 833-9-HOPEDE (833-946-7333).

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!

All of CAMP Rehoboth’s programs, services, and events are listed here: camprehoboth.org/communitycalendar. Please visit the site often to ensure you have up-to-date information on what is being offered— and when. ▼

Testing Stands the Test of Time

F or over 20 years, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center has been a trusted resource for HIV prevention services in Rehoboth Beach.

During the 90s and the early aughts, prevention tools were limited and community outreach was vital. In those days, CAMP Rehoboth provided an essential service with our rapid HIV testing program for all the beachgoers who were having so much fun while on vacation.

Since then, innovations such as access to PrEP medication and at-home testing have truly changed HIV prevention methods for the better. While today we may not see the same kind of demand for rapid testing as we saw during those summers now passed, CAMP Rehoboth recalls with great pride that we led the way in health and wellness for the LGBTQ+ community.

While the landscape of HIV prevention has evolved, CAMP Rehoboth remains deeply committed to our mission of wellness and compassion. Free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing is still offered weekly, Monday through Friday—upholding our legacy of a safe, fun-filled summer for all.  ▼

TESTING & COUNSELING

Free, rapid, walk-in syphilis and HIV testing and counseling is available in the CAMP Rehoboth Health Suite.

CAMP Rehoboth

37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE

Tel: 302-227-5620

Mondays 9 AM-4:30 PM Tuesdays 9 AM-4:30 PM Wednesdays 9 AM-4:30 PM Thursdays ................................................ 9 AM-4:30 PM Fridays .................................................. 9 AM -12:00 PM

SCAN CODE TO BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Vincent DeLissio is Membership and Program Coordinator at CAMP Rehoboth.

BY TARA CAMPBELL

HONORABLE MENTION

A Little Motivation

The first mini-me slid out of an eggshell one Saturday morning as I was making pancakes. At first I just saw something plop into the bowl, sending up a tiny plume of flour. The thing uncurled itself and coughed, wiping itself with flour-andegg-slimed appendages. I grabbed a spoon and dug it out, wondering if a chick this small and deformed could live. I was also debating whether I’d have to throw out my batter. Mama always warned me not to do the egg last, but it was too late now, and money was tight, and I was only cooking for myself, so….

Smoke! I lowered the spoon with the creature into the sink and rushed to the stove to salvage my bacon, then ran around opening windows to keep the fire alarm quiet. As I headed back to the kitchen, I heard splashing. Tiny batter-splatter footprints led away from the spoon toward a crusty bowl I’d left to soak the night before. A tiny humanoid was leaning over the rim, using the water to clean itself. It glanced up, and I almost fainted when I recognized a tiny, slimy version of myself.

I stared at the mini-me while she wiped off as much goop as she could. She looked up at me again, plaintively, and I felt obliged to run her a fresh bath in a clean bowl. I gave her a cotton ball to scrub properly and found an old handkerchief, which she fashioned into a dress.

The next day, Sunday, a second mini-me tumbled out of a bag of coffee beans as I poured them into the grinder. She clambered to the surface and splayed out her arms and legs, making a coffee-angel.

When I unpeeled a banana that afternoon, I found a third mini-me inside.

None of them spoke, and they preferred to stay where I’d found them, the first one curled up next to the stove, the second perched atop the coffeemaker, the third one hanging from the banana hook like a monkey.

A normal person probably would have freaked out at that point, but truth be told, I was kind of glad for something

new. I was stuck in a rut at work, wasn’t dating anyone, didn’t even have a pet to distract me, so why not try taking care of—whatever these were. I gave each of them a shot glass of water and set out some apple slices—I figured they had to eat something.

Turns out, they ate everything. When I got home from work that Monday, every cupboard was open and ravaged. Crumbs littered the counter amidst splotches of peanut butter and Nutella. I recycled the empty cereal boxes and swept potato chip bags into the trash, then slammed a container of kitchen wipes onto the counter and left the rest up to them.

They began cleaning while I nuked some leftovers for myself—fortunately the fridge doors had been too heavy for them to open.

“This won’t stand, ladies,” I said. “I’m on a non-profit income. I can’t afford to have my groceries cleaned out on a daily basis.”

They looked at each other and nodded. One of them stepped closer and held out her hand, palm up. She mimed talking on a phone, then pointed at her hand, pointed at me, and thrust out her hand again.

“My phone?” I asked. “You want my phone?”

Vigorous nodding.

“Yeah right,” I said. They might have looked like me, but who said I could trust them?

The three mini-mes whispered amongst themselves, occasionally peeking at me. Finally, they nodded in agreement, ended their parlay, and continued cleaning.

That night I slept with the bedroom door closed. And locked.

When I got home from work the next day, there was a grocery delivery at my door, fancy stuff I never buy: fresh greens, filet mignon, a bottle of cabernet. I hadn’t ordered it, but when I called the store to clear things up, they said it was taken care of.

My laptop was open, and the grocery store was in the browser history. I looked

at the mini-mes, and they scurried back to folding my laundry.

The following day, a bouquet of flowers arrived for me at work, sender unknown. I checked my bank account to see if someone was using my credit card—and found I was suddenly $1,000 richer. I was mulling over whether to call my bank when an email from my boss popped up: I’d gotten a promotion.

Head spinning, I held it together until quitting time, then raced home to confront the other mes.

“Guys, what are you doing?” I yelled, searching for them. “This is too much, you’re gonna get me arrested!”

It didn’t take long in my tiny apartment to confirm that they were gone. The only clue that they’d been there was a to-do list tacked to my fridge. The paper was a bit curled and yellowed, as though it had been up there a while, and it was in my handwriting, but I didn’t remember having written it:

1. Save money

2. Make yourself a nice dinner

3. Treat yourself to flowers

4. Apply for that promotion

All the items were checked “complete” except the last one:

5. Believe in yourself—you can do great things!

I picked up a pen and started a brandnew list. ▼

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Campbell is a writer, teacher, Kimbilio Fellow, and fiction co-editor at Barrelhouse. She teaches flash and speculative fiction, and is the author of two novels, two hybrid collections, and two short story collections. She lived in DC for more than 20 years before moving to Seattle in 2023. (Photo by Hillary Deane.)

BY TJ MYERS

You Be Careful Out There

FRIDAY: “Do you know how fast you were going?” the officer asked.

“Thirty-five,” Jacob lied.

“More like 40. That’s five over the limit.”

Bethany Beach was notorious for patrolling Route 1. Jacob knew that but was late.

“I’m sorry, Officer Wilson.” Jacob’s vision focused a half inch behind the name badge to the tightly stretched blue twill. He looked up. Two soft, brown eyes looked back. And a smile.

“So, what’s the rush?”

“Late for an appointment. In Rehoboth,” he replied, unwilling to give details. “Beyond late.”

“Well then, a few more minutes won’t matter. Sit tight.”

The officer walked back to the squad car. Jacob watched in the side mirror. He liked the view.

“You have a clean record, so I’ll let you off with a warning.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Jacob replied, repossessing his cards.

“There are too many tourists crossing these streets for anyone to go above 35. Keep that in mind for me?”

“I will, Officer. And thank you, again.”

“Alright. You be careful out there.” Officer Wilson winked. Jacob blushed.

SATURDAY: RJ cursed himself for not using a ladder. But the fall and the cut on his back weren’t as bad as he thought. Just four stitches at urgent care. He shifted uncomfortably, paper crackling between his thighs and the exam table. The nurse walked in.

“Hi, I’m – ”

“Jacob?”

“Officer Wilson?”

“RJ,” he added, felt his ears go warm.

“Well.… Nice to meet you again, RJ.”

RJ saw him pausing, staring, before blinking and moving again.

“I’m just going to apply your bandage and then you’ll be ready to go,” the words a nervous buzz on RJ’s eardrums.

“OK,” he said and turned his

back, tightening the muscles there, anticipating the touch.

“There. All done,” Jacob said after a few minutes of silent work. RJ wished that one of them had spoken.

The officer walked back to the squad car. Jacob watched in the side mirror. He liked the view.

RJ turned and stood, tall and close. “Change the bandage every day for the next three. Is there someone at home that can do that for you?” Jacob asked, blue eyes everywhere but up.

“No. But I’ll find someone.”

“OK…. Well, then…. Front desk is on the left on your way out.”

“Thanks.”

“And…. You be careful out there.”

Jacob turned and left the room. RJ liked the view.

SUNDAY: Jacob rode his Schwinn along the boardwalk early each Sunday morning, before the crowds. The phone pinged from his shorts pocket. He shouldn’t have reached for it.

“Look out!” a voice shouted at Hickman Street. Jacob swerved. Tires bumped. The boardwalk rose.

“Sorry!”

“No, that was on me. Jacob?”

“RJ?”

Their joint laughter warmed the boards. RJ stood, extended a hand, pulled, lifted, bringing Jacob in. Desperately near.

“And here I told you to be careful.”

“Likewise.”

Pause. Four eyes fidgeted.

“Your back. How is it?”

“Tight.”

“Change the bandage yet?”

“No.”

Pause.

HONORABLE MENTION

“Need help?”

Pause.

“Yes.”

Pause.

“Which way?”

They walked their bicycles down Hickman.

RJ’s knees twitched; a colt on new grass.

Jacob’s heart fluttered; a bird in a chimney. ▼

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TJ is a retired veterinarian living in Snow Hill, MD, with his husband of 32 years, Tom Sullivan. He writes for the joy of the craft and has a self-published book of poetry entitled If A Child Ever Asks (available on Amazon). When not writing, TJ enjoys birdwatching, gardening, and beekeeping.

LONG NECK HEALTH CENTER NOW OPEN

Beebe Primary Care Long Neck and Family Medicine Residency Practice

32050 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE 19966

Beebe Healthcare is proud to announce the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Long Neck, allowing us to serve more members of the community in more ways than ever before. Thousands of appointments will be available to the community in this new space. Here, our team of family medicine clinicians offer:

+ Primary care services for people of all ages, with focus on health, wellness, and quality of life

+ Comprehensive women’s health services, including annual exams and preventive screenings

+ Wrap-around obstetrical services, including pre- and post-natal care for new moms

+ Men’s health care services across the lifespan, including annual physicals and preventive care

+ Pediatric care

+ Mental healthcare programs and services

+ Dermatology services, including consultations, screenings, and general procedures

+ Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), to optimize preventive care and streamline the process of healing

+ Point of Care ultrasound

+ Health education and wellness guidance

Beebe Primary Care Long Neck is home to Beebe’s Family Medicine Residency Practice. Our skilled and compassionate family medicine residents are proud to serve you, your family members, friends, and neighbors from address Sussex County. Beebe’s Lab express will continue to serve and see patients in the original building at this location.

Love Your Skin

Top Tips for UV Safety Month

July is UV Safety Month in the United States, when UV radiation levels reach their peak. July is also when people tend to spend the most time outdoors. So, whether you’re hitting the beach, relaxing at a barbecue, or going for a stroll, don’t forget to give your skin some extra love. After all, it’s your largest organ!

A little sunshine isn’t just good for you—it’s essential. When UV rays hit your skin, they help your body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for building healthy bones. UV exposure also boosts serotonin, a chemical that helps you feel happy and relaxed, and plays a role in regulating your circadian rhythms.

But that same sunlight can quickly go from helpful to harmful. Even if you don’t burn, repeated overexposure to UV rays can cause premature aging, including wrinkles, sunspots, rough texture, and uneven skin tone.

More seriously, too much sun can increase your risk of skin cancer.

The numbers are sobering: At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70 (skincancer.org). In 2025 alone, more than 8,000 Americans are expected to die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer (cancer.gov), with another 2,000 deaths projected from other types (cancer.org).

While genetics can play a role, excessive UV exposure is the #1 cause of skin cancers. The good news? It’s one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Sunscreen might be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to protecting your skin, but clothing should be your foundation. Lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover high-risk areas like your neck, shoulders, chest, and hands offer consistent, long-lasting protection.

If you’re outdoors for long stretches doing things like gardening or hiking, UV-protective clothing is a smart investment. (Yes, it really works!)

And sometimes, accessories aren’t just accessories. Wide-brimmed hats and large, UV-blocking sunglasses can add

Sunscreen might be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to protecting your skin, but clothing should be your foundation.

BY STEPHEN RASKAUSKAS

another layer of defense while keeping you comfortable and cool.

When it comes to selecting and applying sunscreen, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the kind that cause burns and contribute to cancer. SPF 30 blocks around 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent. Anything higher offers only a minimal bump in protection, so don’t get caught chasing ultra-high numbers.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, look for sunscreens labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog pores. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tend to be gentler, too. Some higher-end formulas are specifically made for the face, and are ideal if you’re prone to irritation, though they do come at a price.

US sunscreens have their drawbacks. Since they’re classified as drugs by the FDA, they require extensive testing. In fact, no new UV filters have been approved since 1999!

By contrast, many other countries classify sunscreen as cosmetics, which allows for faster innovation. Foreign-made formulas often contain more

advanced UV filters that offer better protection and feel lighter on the skin. If you have access to international products, they’re well worth trying.

If you’re swimming in natural waters, choose biodegradable sunscreen. It’s gentler on both your skin and the environment.

A great sunscreen isn’t enough if you don’t reapply. Do it at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming, even if the product says “water-resistant.”

Also keep in mind that sun exposure adds up. You can still get UV damage during short walks, while driving, or even sitting by a window. Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days.

Did you know some medications increase sun sensitivity, even ones you might not expect? While many people know that retinols and topical antibiotics can react poorly with UV exposure, other culprits include NSAIDs, diuretics, antifungals, and some antidepressants. If you’re not sure whether your medication increases sun sensitivity, check the label or ask your pharmacist.

After time in the sun, it’s just as important to cleanse and hydrate your skin. Even high-quality sunscreens can

Continued on page 33.

Located at the south end of the boardwalk in beautiful Rehoboth Beach Full custom design center and repair service on premises, most can be completed while you’re here on vacation

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We Are Family

Guncle Chris Has Entered the Chat

Being a gay uncle is a lot like being a recurring character in a long-running sitcom: you’re not in every episode, but when you do show up, things go off the rails. There’s laughter, sarcasm, the lingering scent of expensive cologne, and at least one moment of poor judgment that somehow ends up becoming family lore.

I’m lucky to hold this role in the lives of a wide array of lovely humans—biological and chosen—and I take the job seriously. Some are little dudes and dudettes who are still in the “handle with care” phase of life. Others are teenagers and busy thriving and being cool. Then there’s the three brothers in Syracuse who have a particularly firm grip on my attention.

They are, in short, feral. A mostly-clothed band of wildlings who grunt more than they speak, chew with alarming volume, and treat even the quietest moments like a full-contact sport. They exist as a self-governing tribe, side-eying their parents, operating by their own physics, and greeting me with the kind of rowdy affection that would make a linebacker flinch. They don’t just tolerate me—they await my arrival like a long-overdue thunderstorm: loud, slightly chaotic, and oddly refreshing.

That’s me. The guncle. Of all the hats I wear, this one is special.

I’m not the polished kind of adult. I’m

the kind who shows up with a suitcase full of booze, too many opinions, and a schedule that loosely revolves around naps and chaos. I’m 44 going on 10 with better hair and brittle knees. I’ve survived some things—heartbreak, hard jobs, anxiety—and my inner child never fully gave up the reins. And the boys? They sense it. They get it. And they celebrate it.

When I walk through the door, it’s not “Uncle Chris is here!” with polite hugs and catch-up questions. It’s “Oh no, he’s back,” said with wide eyes, half-laughs, and a slight scramble to outdo each other in who will test my boundaries first. Our time together is built on a foundation of loving antagonism. I move their stuff just to mess with them. I respond to every “Uncle Chris, watch this!” with a yawn or deadpan glare. I steal food from their plate and then reprimand them for leaving said food unattended. I also mercilessly mock them when they get haughty playing card games. They live for it, and so do I.

They also provide an endless stream of material for stories I’ll be telling for the rest of my life. Years ago, the youngest of the bunch—a ginger-haired tornado— met one of my exes and sized him up the moment he walked in the door. This kid, barely two years old, saw something I hadn’t yet figured out: that this guy wouldn’t be sticking around. To seal the deal, he climbed onto the poor man's lap,

Being their gay uncle is the best

con I’ve ever pulled off. I get the fun, most of the love, and none of the orthodontist bills.

BY CHRISTOPHER MOORE

stared him dead in the face, and spit directly at him. I was mortified. His parents were doubled over in the kitchen, silently howling. They knew, too.

I also provide material for them; and the older they get, the more relentless they are with their trolling. They bombard me with questions designed to test my patience. They mock my age. They stroke my hair like I am a golden retriever. They describe life to me as if I just landed on Earth yesterday. Once, they had me watch a YouTube video called World’s Best Farts and demanded a formal critique—and I gave them one. It was nuanced and appropriately reverent.

You see, this is our unspoken agreement: I’ll be the adult who doesn’t act like one. I’ll mess with them, and I’ll keep showing up, and being myself. Their innate BS detectors will not allow for anything else. They demand I show up as Uncle Chris. Anything less would be in insult to our time together.

That is because beneath all the teasing and trolling, there’s something more happening. I’m teaching them how to be skeptical. How to laugh at authority, especially when it deserves it. How to be curious. How to be fully themselves in a world which keeps trying to make people smaller.

I’m also teaching them—quietly, consistently—what it looks like to be a gay adult who isn’t hiding. I’ve never made a big deal out of it. I don’t give lectures. I just show up, live out loud, and love them without condition. And they get it. Maybe not in words yet, but in the way they treat me: with full hearts, open minds, and the kind of trust that only exists when someone has always shown up as themselves. They also show the same care for my partner.

They ask real questions sometimes— about life, about identity, about why some people are not always kind. I don’t sugarcoat things. I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I tell them what I know, and sometimes I stay with them in the mess. And sometimes, we laugh our way out of it.

We Are Family

Continued from page 32.

The best part of this gig? There’s no endgame. No pressure to get it all right. I’m not trying to raise them. I’m trying to haunt them—in the best way. I want them to hear my voice in their heads when someone is being fake or when they need permission to be a little weird. I want them to remember that there’s at least one adult who never needed them to be anything other than exactly who they are.

Being their gay uncle is the best con I’ve ever pulled off. I get the fun, most of the love, and none of the orthodontist bills. I swoop in, cause some minor damage, and vanish into the night like a well-dressed ghost.

Every time I arrive, they roll their eyes and light up. And every time I leave, they ask when I’ll be back. We may not say “I love you” all the time. But when a kid cozies up next to you just to pass gas and run away cackling—you know you’ve done something right.

So here’s to the sacred chaos. The loud dinners. The affectionate insults. The dirty jokes and life lessons disguised as nonsense. I didn’t know I needed them. I doubt they knew they needed me. But here we are. And we’re not going anywhere. ▼

Christopher Moore is the founder and principle of Write On LLC. He lives between Wilmington and Toronto, loves 10,000 Maniacs, and only lets his nephews call him Chris.

Love Your Skin

Continued from page 30.

cause irritation if left on too long. Take a cool shower or bath, then apply a gentle, hydrating lotion or gel. But watch out for so-called “soothing” products—some contain alcohol, especially those with aloe, which can actually dry your skin out more. Choose products that nourish, not strip, your skin.

Eating lobster on a hot summer day is delicious. Looking like one is not.

If you went a little overboard in the sun, give your skin some extra TLC. Apply a thin layer of one percent hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation. Skip any exfoliants, retinols, or other potentially irritating products until your skin is fully healed.

Just a few decades ago, tanning salons were all the rage, and skincare was a modest corner of the beauty market. But now, as more people prioritize long-term skin health, they’re trading tanning sessions for high-quality sunscreens. Last year, the US skincare industry was valued at $25 billion (Statista)!

With countless products and influencers online, it can be overwhelming to know who to trust. When looking for skincare advice, stick with licensed dermatologists, peer-reviewed articles, and medical websites. Your skin deserves more than TikTok trends and marketing hype. ▼

Stephen Raskauskas is a Sussex County native who has produced content for radio, TV, digital, and print.

Shop Till You Drop

Farmers Markets

Benefiting Locavores, Farmers, and Communities

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a farmers market is a market where local farmers sell fruit and vegetables—and often meat, cheese, and bakery products—directly to consumers. They are not a new phenomenon. In fact, markets date back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt where people in that part of the world sold their wares along the Nile River to travelers passing through.

Such markets did not reach this country until much later. City planners for Lancaster, Pennsylvania designated a 120-square-foot lot in the center of town as a public market in 1730. The US Department of Agriculture credits it as the oldest continuously running public farmers market in the country.

In recent years, farmers markets have increased in popularity and accessibility. According to the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are currently over 8,600 farmers markets in the United

BY MARY JO TARALLO

The Riverwalk Market in Milford is Delaware’s longest-running [farmers] market. This year marks its 30th anniversary.

For many healthy-lifestyle devotees, a big appeal is the fact that produce sold is freshly picked, which leads to better flavor and nutrition. Community-conscious patrons also take satisfaction in supporting local farmers and their own communities. Farmers markets sell by the season which mean their offerings change depending on the time of the year.

Veteran farmers market volunteer and CAMP member Sandra Sullivan sums it up: “enjoying the freshest food from our wonderful farmers and producers is one of the benefits of patronizing a local farmers market.” She also cooks. “There is nothing better than fresh vegetables and fruit in season,” she says.

The Riverwalk Market in Milford is Delaware’s longest-running market. This year marks its 30th anniversary. It takes place in downtown Milford every Saturday from May through October. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon. There is a Fall Market in November as well. Patterned after Lancaster Market, the mission of Riverwalk is to “provide the opportunity for Milford to come together and enjoy shopping for locally grown produce and baked goods and locally produced handcrafted art plus entertainment and other features.”

The Riverwalk Farmers Market is run by a committee of volunteers. They organize a group of nearly 40 vendors that range from produce-oriented operations like Anya’s Homestead (herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and eggs) to the Mispillion Art League and the Milford Garden Club.

Of course, markets throughout the state have their own personalities and unique features. The Hops and Crops Farmers and Artisans Market in Georgetown manages to combine beer with produce due to its location at the Revelation Brewing Company (413 S. Bedford Street). Sponsored by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the size of this market may be smaller than some others but its timing (4:00–7:00 p.m., Wednesdays) lends itself

to enjoying a frothy beverage and/or a slice of pizza from DaNizzi’s Food Truck.

Milton’s Farmers and Artisans Market is also an evening affair, but on Fridays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. It takes place at the Grace Church on Union Street, just north of the Milton Historic District. Food trucks are available so the market could be a convenient stop on the way to a performance at the Milton Theater.

The “big three” markets in the area are in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

The Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market (HLFM) is one of the oldest and largest in the county. It is dedicated solely to produce farmers. This year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

HLFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds specifically for its Food Pantry Purchase Program. HLFM—along with Epworth Food Pantry—collects produce at the end of each market day to help disperse local fresh food to the community. The market takes place each Saturday at George H.P. Smith Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon, weather permitting. (The Lewes Elementary School is the alternate site if weather is an issue.) The market shifts to the school location from the beginning of October till November 22. HLFM also runs the Crooked Hammock Market starting at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesdays through September 3.

Organizers maintain that a community-based, producer-only farmers market is not just another retail enterprise. “It is part of a growing environmental movement pioneering ways to save the land, provide small farmers and small producers a way to stay in business, and to educate our children about the food that we eat,” noted Helaine Harris who heads up the group.

The HLFM also features workshops presented by local chefs who use food from the market. Other workshops include presentations by master gardeners, wellness providers, and sustainable agriculture experts.

Rounding out the “big three” are two other popular markets: Rehoboth Beach on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m., and the Nassau Valley Vineyard on Sunday afternoons from noon to 3:00 p.m.

The Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market (HLFM)…is dedicated solely to produce farmers. This year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Also a nonprofit, Rehoboth’s Market sets up in Grove Park across the street from Rehoboth Avenue’s “Lighthouse” roundabout. It features about 40 vendors and was ranked the Number One Farmers Market in Delaware by Trip Advisor.

The Nassau Valley Vineyard venue offers a unique setting in a well-manicured grove of shade trees nestled among the grapevines. It easily could be mistaken for a small winery in France. It features live music, an indoor wine-tasting opportunity, and an outdoor bar that sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed). Market goers can also peruse Nassau’s wine museum and a rotating art display in the winery’s main building.

Unlike HLFM, Rehoboth’s and Nassau’s vendors offer more than fresh produce. Offerings include pottery, other crafts, and body care products, and, at Nassau, knife sharpening gadgets and even ice cream.

More farmers market options extend way beyond the “big three.” Bethany Beach’s market runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays making it possible for farmers market junkies to hit two in one day with the Nassau location about 45 minutes further north depending on traffic. Bethany’s market ends on August 27. Depending on how far you want to

travel, one could spend five out of seven days a week hopping from one market to another with Monday and Tuesday being the only days when no markets are in action throughout Delaware. Like Milton, the Farmers Market at Warren Station is on Fridays; it’s open from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Its final date is August 29.

The Bethel and Delmar Farmers Markets are both held on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Times are similar: Bethel is 9:00 a.m. to noon through September (7743 Main Street); Delmar is 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October (State Street Park). The two locations are near each other—Bethel is north, and Delmar is south of Laurel, Delaware—and both are about 1.5 hours from Rehoboth Beach.

Two Sussex County farmers markets, Sea Colony in Bethany, and Greenwood, are ending in August. Sea Colony (Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. till noon) closes August 27; Greenwood’s ends August 16. It takes place on the third Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Finally, and even though it technically is not a farmers market, Parson’s Farm in Dagsboro provides much of the same atmosphere every day of the week. As a bonus, there is an opportunity to pickyour-own produce and fruits. Parson’s has recently opened a “satellite” location on Route 1 (southbound), just north of Milton.

If you’re farther north—there’s Fifer’s Farm Store in Camden, Delaware, open Monday through Saturday, offering farmers market fare, pick-your-own produce and fruits, baked goods, and more. ▼

Mary Jo Tarallo is a former journalist and public relations professional for various non-profits including a ski industry trade association. She won a Gold Award for a United Way TV program starring Oprah Winfrey.

It’s My Life

For Christ’s Sake

The image popped up in my Facebook feed: An AI-generated, white-skinned Jesus, bearded and beaming, standing at the gates of Heaven and holding a little White girl in his arms as two other little White girls wearing Camp Mystic t-shirts splashed barefoot through water to get to him.

Ignoring my usual Don’t Look at the Comments rule, I checked to see what people were saying about this. Overwhelmingly, the responses were positive. People found it beautiful, reassuring, joyful. The few negative comments were met with a barrage of criticism calling the posters insensitive and callous. “I bet you look for the negative in everything!” one person chided another who suggested the image was in poor taste and did not address the many failures related to the flooding in Texas.

I don’t normally comment on religious matters. What people choose to believe is their own business, at least until it affects me. But this widely shared image is the most recent example of something that disturbs me deeply. And it’s not really about religion anyway. It’s about how we as a society respond to tragedy. Increasingly, the response in America is a superficial expression of grief swaddled in attempts at offering comfort instead of a thoughtful examination of what happened, why, and how it might be prevented from happening again.

The responses to the image of Jesus welcoming the girls who drowned in Texas to Heaven were generally the same: Yes, this is a terrible thing that has happened, but at least the girls are happy now. Often, this sentiment was accompanied by the familiar “This is all God’s plan, even if we don’t understand it.”

I grew up surrounded by this kind of thinking, thanks to my mother and the world of the church she devoted so much of her time to. It didn’t make sense to me then, and it makes even less sense to me now. Again, believe what you want to, but if you tell me that horrible things need to

be accepted because your god has a plan you’re not allowed to know about or question, I’m going to tell you to get a better god, or at least to develop better critical thinking skills.

I understand wanting to find comfort in terrible, painful situations. I do not understand replacing thoughtful discussions of what went wrong with saccharine images of dead children and lashing out at people who say, “Hey, maybe this could have been prevented, and we should talk about that.” The floods in Texas killed more than 120 people, including at least 23 campers and staff from Camp Mystic. These numbers can be directly attributed to recent cuts to weather monitoring and reporting infrastructure, as well as to the dismantling of emergency response systems. But, apparently, talking about that is “bringing politics into it” and “offensive to the victims and their families.”

If the responses I see on social media are any indication, more and more of us are opting for prayers over planning, comfort over questioning.

When asked where blame for the inadequate response to the flooding might be placed, Texas governor Greg Abbott scolded the reporter who asked the question, stating that only “losers” look to blame someone. Champions, he added, say, “We got this.”

I don’t know what Governor Abbott thinks he’s “got,” but it surely isn’t an ability to lead, nor the willingness to criticize those from his own political party who eliminated some of the very systems that arguably could have prevented some or all those little girls from Camp Mystic from drowning. But we’re not supposed to talk about that. We’re supposed to be relieved

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

that they’re in Heaven with Jesus. Is this the best we can do as a society, try to find solace in imagining the victims of human-caused and natural tragedies being in a better place? Is picturing the dead in the arms of Jesus preferable to pointing out the preventable circumstances that caused the deaths and asking ourselves to work harder to make sure these things don’t happen anymore? If the responses I see on social media are any indication, more and more of us are opting for prayers over planning, comfort over questioning.

I don’t think the Jesus Christ I learned about growing up would be okay with this. That Christ was all about righting wrongs, protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves, and letting folks who treated others badly know that they’d better knock it off. My guess is that Jesus would have some things to say to Governor Abbott and the like about being better leaders, and to the people passing around the image of him with some of the Camp Mystic girls about taking more responsibility and spending less time being okay with dead children being in a supposedly better place.

Christ deserves better than to be reduced to being a greeter at the gates of Heaven. Children deserve better than to be reduced to being the casualties of an unknowable plan. And we all deserve better than our current leaders. But as long as we continue to trade in surface level responses to the complicated issues facing us as a society, we’re all going to get what we deserve. ▼

Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com.

SATURDAY MARKET

George H.P. Smith Park Johnson & Dupont Avenues, Lewes, DE

Saturdays 8am–Noon, May 3–September 27, 2025

Lewes Elementary School Parking Lot 820 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE

Saturdays 9am–Noon, October 4–November 22, 2025 and December 6, 2025

MARKET AT CROOKED HAMMOCK

37707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, DE

Wednesdays 8am–11:30am, June 4–September 3, 2025

www.HistoricLewesFarmersMarket.org Info@HistoricLewesFarmersMarket.org • 302.644.1436

Markets accept SNAP/EBT, and FMNP-WIC, SFMNP benefits. Sorry, no pets allowed within Markets. Only service dogs are permitted.

A Milestone Year

This month, I’m marking a milestone birthday. The Big 65. Five years to 70. The year of retirement, to secure Medicare and Social Security. I face it fortified with cataract-free eyes, a fairly new knee, and possibly a new hip if it doesn’t stop doing unusual and painful things. Being 65 is not what I expected, but I’m getting through it OK so far.

I’ve already retired, so the big challenge is Medicare and so far, I find that the process—while not for the faint hearted—has turned out well. Yes, I had to make dreaded phone calls. I had to go to the actual Social Security office. But far from being a time-sucking nightmare, my experience was actually short-lived and pleasant. I don’t know how long that will last, but I sure appreciated it. The experience was not what I expected, but I made it through just fine.

We’ll see what happens when my wife retires later this year. I’m so looking forward to her no longer working and enjoying more adventures together. She’s put in her time and paid her dues as well. For me, after 50-some years of working (I started getting a paycheck at 14), I’ve earned my retirement. And like all of us, I deserve at least what I’ve put in over a half-century of working, with reasonable interest.

I recently read that Social Security will run out of money in 10 years. I’ve been hearing about how Social Security is running out of money all my life. When Ronald Reagan increased the retirement age back in the 1980s, I knew they could fix things if they really wanted to. Now the trick is to switch the burden and make everyone pay their fair share and there will be enough for everyone. I guess we’ll see how that turns out. It’s not what I wanted, but we’ll see how it goes.

I don’t feel different being 65. I don’t feel any older. I look the same as I did when I was 64, although I am losing weight. I had to do that because between menopause, the pandemic, and then retiring, I put on some substantial

poundage. It’s weight I don’t want to carry into older age. I started my weight loss journey a year ago and I’ve lost over 30 pounds so far, with more to go. I can share one absolute truth about being 65: it is not easy to lose weight at this age. Not what I expected, but what I’m doing seems to be working.

But I have to say, the weirdest thing about turning 65 is finding myself fighting fascism.

There are some definite perks to being 65. Common sense factors into more of my decisions. I get involved in much less drama the older I get. Going to the store is almost a special occasion now. And while there aren’t as many discounts as there used to be, there are some to look forward to—movie tickets, some restaurants, and museums. Unexpected bonuses.

But I have to say, the weirdest thing about turning 65 is finding myself fighting fascism. Nope, this wasn’t on my

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

bingo card, especially during my golden years, but here we are. And it looks like we older people are in the majority in this effort, at least at the protests I’ve attended so far. We are older and we are pissed. This is a good thing. After all, I’m retired and I can make the time. My congressional reps have all heard from me as well. I’ve been polite so far, trying to keep drama from sneaking in.

So, to this regime I say, continue to bring it, if you must. I’m up for the fight. It’s not my first rodeo. But still, this fight is not anything I hoped for, expected, dreamed of, or wanted. For anyone.

The truth is, I have little real wisdom to share about turning 65. Frankly, when all is said and done, I’m a little surprised I’m still here. Up to now, I’ve been blessed with mostly good health, despite many years of bad living. There was a dark time in my life when I didn’t expect to see age 24, much less 65. But I was able to get myself together and have weathered many other of life’s challenges since. Not what I imagined, but I’m still here.

All I really want to do now is enjoy the time I have with my wife and our fur babies. Go to the beach when we want to. Visit Europe and some places I haven’t seen in this country, if we can. Share precious time with treasured friends. That’s what I hope for, and I’ll be here for it. ▼

Beth Shockley is a retired writer and editor; she shares life with her wife and three kitty boys.

Photo by Hamid Roshaan on Unsplash.

Out & About

The Kids Are Not All Right

Isaw a meme on July 1 that gave me a chuckle. I’m paraphrasing, but it said something like “Gay Pride is over. Long live Gay Wrath.” It was one of those things that was darkly funny because it was sadly true. I’m just as committed to being visible and out to anyone who wants to know whether I’m gay or not (I am), but it all feels a bit different in 2025.

It’s true that I am not yet an explicit target of the government; those so far have been mostly Latinos, women, and trans people. As a White, cisgender man I’ve mostly sidestepped the crosshairs. But I’ve read Martin Niemoller’s “First They Came” poem, and I’m a gay atheist and outspoken liberal whose decades-long opposition to the party in power is quickly discoverable after a quick Google search. So, I figure I’ve got reason to be nervous. And if I’ve got good reason, very few of us are safe. You know who doesn’t feel nervous?

Andrew Sullivan, who rounded out Pride Month 2025 with a guest opinion column in the New York Times titled “How the Gay Rights Movement Radicalized and Lost Its Way.”

Sullivan’s treatise is basically this: we won the right to marry each other 10 years ago, therefore we can rest, and any further activism on our part is unseemly. Everything is now perfectly fine, according to Andrew: a conservative-leaning, staunchly Catholic, White gay man who splits his time between Washington, DC and Provincetown, Massachusetts. And you know what, maybe he is fine, having gained citizenship in 2016, 32 years after he started living here. ICE probably won’t be showing up on his doorstep.

To prove how far we’ve come, he points to the fact that gay marriage still polls really well. He doesn’t mention that conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, fresh off the Dobbs decision that allowed states to enact abortion bans for the first time in 50 years, noted that perhaps contraception, same-sex marriage, and even same-sex

relationships could very well be next. Sullivan conveniently ignores data that suggest discrimination is still rampant (47 percent of LGBTQ+ workers experience discrimination or harassment at work), poverty for LGBTQ+ people is significantly higher than for straight people, and we have more substance abuse and less access to healthcare.

I figure I’ve got reason to be nervous. And if I’ve got good reason, very few of us are safe.

To prove that we’ve gone too far, he says that our alphabet soup has gotten out of control. From a pure PR perspective, he might have a point; 2SLGBTQIA+ doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But he writes, “The words ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ all but disappeared. L.G.B.T. became L.G.B.T.Q., then L.G.B.T.Q.+, and more letters and characters kept being added.” Um…Andrew? Do you really not know what the “L” and the “G” stand for?

Andrew is also mad at the progress flag, with all of its extra stripes designed to include racial minorities and trans people. Again, from a purely aesthetic perspective, I know lots of people who liked the original flag with its six stripes that didn’t intentionally exclude anyone. But he writes, “That flag now demarcates…a place where anyone who does not subscribe to intersectional left ideology is unwelcome.”

So, when racial minorities and trans people didn’t feel entirely welcome in the queer community or in society at large, and a few symbolic steps were taken to rectify that, our efforts to be more inclusive were in fact just the opposite—because they excluded you, specifically? Got it, makes total sense. He goes on to say that young queers are trying to “abolish the gender binary,” with no mention of the gender continuum, which indeed has plenty of room for people

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

who identify either as men or women.

But our biggest crime, he says, is that we’re now “targeting” children, even though we all know kids are infinitely safer at Drag Queen Story Hour than they are in the company of some “youth pastors.” Conservatives don’t like it when queer people talk about kids but are apparently fine with data from the Trevor Project that tells us LGBTQ+ young people are four times as likely to attempt suicide.

He then parrots some rusty old transphobic talking points that suggest the radical left are performing non-reversible medical interventions on children without involving parents or doctors. He says that the issues are new when they are not; the culture war is new, but the medicine has been around for a while now. The truth is that any trans kids living with transphobic parents and without access to sympathetic health care providers are not going to receive any gender-affirming care until they reach adulthood.

Rather than extending empathy toward LGBTQ+ kids who are truly at risk, he’s okay as long as he can enjoy his Whiteness and wealth without all the weird gender-benders making him look bad at the country club. And if that’s not a good reason for Gay Wrath, I don’t know what is. ▼

Eric Peterson is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) practitioner, pop culture junkie, and sometime novelist. His debut novel (Loyalty, Love & Vermouth) is available at Broweseabout Books and online.

Reflections

BY PATTIE CINELLI

Beyond the Buzzword: Living True Wellness

When I get an ache or pain, it nags at me all day. When I don’t get enough sleep, I’m functioning in a fog. When I eat junk food, I feel sick to my stomach. When I get stressed out, I can’t think clearly. When I don’t move my body, I feel stiff and sluggish. When I miss my monthly massage, my back and shoulders ache. When I don’t intake enough electrolytes, I get dizzy and my heart beats faster. When I get angry or depressed, I don’t feel good. These are all signs my body sends that let me know I’m off track and need to adjust my wellness practice.

I rarely get sick, I don’t take any prescribed medications, and I have not been a patient in a hospital. When people say, “You are so lucky,” I tell them I’m not lucky. I work hard at staying well by being mindful moment-to-moment about what I’m doing, feeling, thinking, hearing, and saying. For me, staying well is easier than getting well. One way I stay well is rejecting any thoughts of illness that suggest themselves to me and look inward for guidance.

This year, the focus on holistic health, sustainability, and intentional living is more critical than ever. From nurturing mental well-being to making environmentally conscious choices, wellness trends in 2025 encourage us to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and embrace balance in all aspects of life.

Younger generations especially are increasingly prioritizing wellness. Nearly 30 percent of GenZers and millennials report prioritizing wellness more this year compared with one year ago. Only 23 percent of older generations focus on their wellness.

Wellness is not something that just happens. While genetics play a role, environment, consistent habits, thoughts, and emotions are all vital building blocks that support personal practices we use to stay well.

According to WHO (World Health Organization), 60 percent of related factors for individual health and quality

of life are correlated to lifestyle. Elle Magazine’s Modern Wellness Guide (March 2025) noted the most popular products and methods Americans are using to feel better. They include eating a high protein diet, stimulating the vagus nerve to ease stress, taking colostrum supplements for gut health, trying cold plunges to curb anxiety, and using hyperbaric oxygen chambers for brain function (none of which I have ever tried). While these tools are cool and happening, they are no substitute for consistent personal wellness practices.

Wellness is not a destination but a continuous, intentional journey.

Wellness is all encompassing. Eight dimensions of wellness often identified are: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.

Organizations and communities are beginning to understand this, too. Many companies have wellness programs such as offering discounted gym memberships or in-office exercise and meditation classes. Their programs encourage employees to stay healthy. Wellness involves feeling good in every way: spirit, mind, and body.

Wellness is not a destination but a continuous, intentional journey. It isn’t a luxury or a fleeting trend reserved for the few or achieved via a one-size-fits-all for-

mula. It’s a deep personal commitment that anyone can make every single day. It’s not something that happens with age or good fortune.

As I’ve learned through years of experience and observation, true wellness comes from paying attention to our bodies, our thoughts, and the subtle signals that guide us toward balance or away from it. The signs our bodies and minds give us—fatigue, stress, aches, and emotional imbalance—are not nuisances to ignore, but vital cues that we’re off center or out of balance. Learning to listen, adjust, and honor those signals is the foundation of lasting health.

The wellness landscape in 2025 may be filled with cutting-edge tools and trending therapies, but real, lasting well-being comes from simple, mindful choices: sleeping enough, moving often, eating with awareness, and nurturing joy and connection. Whether you’re experimenting with cold plunges or just taking a quiet moment to breathe deeply in the morning, the key is consistency and intentionality.

As younger generations prioritize holistic wellness, we’re reminded that health is no longer just the absence of illness—it’s a full-spectrum experience that touches every part of our lives. And while programs, supplements, and gadgets can support our efforts, they can’t replace the inner work: staying present, making conscious choices, and cultivating habits that help us thrive.

Ultimately, wellness is about empowerment. It’s about recognizing that we each hold the power to influence how we feel and function. It’s daily effort, awareness rooted in the present, and a willingness to care for ourselves with compassion and intention.

So, ask yourself: What does wellness mean to you? And more importantly, what will you do today to nurture it? ▼

Pattie Cinelli is a writer and a holistic health & fitness professional. Email her with questions or column ideas to: fitmiss44@aol.com.

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Meet the Disco Boyz

If you don’t know them by name, you certainly know Lon Miller and Angelo Ciro from their iconic photo on the SUNFESTIVAL stage, looking like a cross between Outer Limits spacemen and a Bob Mackie fantasy sequence. (Ground control to Major Tom, indeed.)

I had arranged to interview them at the Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth. The hotel was hosting a car show that day and bustling with the usual things hotels bustle with. Then I spotted two guys in matching Disco Daddy glitter t-shirts, sitting at a table adorned with miniature disco balls and a book with a photo of themselves in costume on the cover. They were all in, which is pretty much how they seem to approach life.

The Disco Boyz, as Lon and Angelo are known, have been partners in fun since 2002 and partners in marriage since 2014. They met at Woody’s in Philadelphia. Angelo was making his way across the room to tip the dancer when he spotted Lon and stuck the dollar down his shirt instead. That would have been a great meet cute except Lon didn’t notice the money until he took off his

shirt that night. Fortunately, they did end up together or this wouldn’t be much of an article (although one has to wonder how often people put money down Lon’s shirt without him noticing).

Lon and Angelo’s SUNFESTIVAL shenanigans started in 2018, when

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

Then, in 2023, Angelo had the idea to dress as human disco balls.

they showed up as classic disco macho men—white tank tops, blue jeans, sunglasses, big black mustaches, and disco ball earrings. The following year, they went “full leather,” including chaps and leather hats.

In 2020, as if working their way through the Village People oeuvre, Lon and Angelo went cowboy, complete with platform shoes, cowboy hats, shimmering gold and silver bell-bottoms, and fiberoptic whips. That was the first year they ended up on stage. “We were out front dancing,” recalls Lon. “Robbie Leslie waved us up…and we just spent the night up there performing.”

Then, in 2023, Angelo had the idea to dress as human disco balls. Lon explains, “The way we wanted to dress was a disco ball on top, of course, like a helmet—that’s the top of the dance floor. Everything in the middle is the fun, and then we have the shoes that light up like the dance floor.” Angelo adds, “People think we’re like from another planet but it’s a disco ball…inside there’s lights that flash.”

But that wasn’t quite enough. They incorporated bubble guns shooting clouds of iridescent bubbles, CO2

cannons blasting smoke and lights, silver and multicolor flags waving in rhythm, and laser gloves firing beams of light.

“People went crazy,” says Angelo. “Nobody expected it. We didn’t even know how it was going to come out. But everyone went nuts…. We couldn’t even move two feet before someone wanted a picture with us.”

Speaking of pictures, picture this: You’re driving through Joshua Tree National Park in California, the stark desert landscape already giving you lunar-landing flashbacks, when you spot two figures in metallic silver suits and reflective bubble helmets. Alien attack? No, our Disco Boyz having a bit of fun for Angelo’s 60th birthday.

Among the park visitors who screeched to a halt at the sight was a professional photographer who eagerly helped the guys get some fabulous shots. “We looked like we literally just came off Mars,” Angelo says.

When they’re not in costume, the Disco Boyz are busy spoiling their two shih tzus, Lucy and Alice, adorning the dogs’ floor-length hair with pride bows— oh, and running a restaurant, Ciro’s Italian Bistro, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania,

“No matter how old you get, just have fun. Never grow up.… Dance forever.”

which Angelo owns with his brother. Even there they can’t help themselves, costuming the entire restaurant for Halloween. “Virtually the whole staff

dresses up,” Angelo says. “We’ve been doing that for 16 years now. The customers look forward to seeing what we do.”

Although Angelo maintains that he and Lon are “just average Joes,” they seemed pretty special to me—even without lights and lasers. “We love the fact that we started here in Rehoboth,” says Angelo. “We created something here. I feel like now people actually look at us as part of their enjoyment during the summer.” He adds these words of advice: “Remember that life is not so serious. No matter how old you get, just have fun. Never grow up.… Dance forever.”

The Disco Boyz have some surprises planned for SUNFESTIVAL 2025. I’m sworn to secrecy, but the plural is a hint: surprises

Don’t miss out! Buy your tickets before they’re gone: camprehoboth.org/ sunfestival. ▼

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The Summer of Our Discontent

Raising Voices and Votes Against Tyranny

“Ihave seen a summer day that slowly opens like a rose,” begins the 1981 song “An American Hymn,” by composer Lee Holdridge and lyricist Molly-Ann Leikin.

I hold onto that image even as President Trump’s signing of his cruel and fiscally reckless megabill on America’s 249th birthday makes me wonder if we’ll make it to the 250th.

His assaults on public health, science, institutions of higher learning, the free press, the rule of law, and democracy itself are relentless. He undermines our standing abroad by withdrawing medical and nutritional aid that saved millions of lives and built goodwill towards America, and embraces dictators while berating our democratic allies. He profiteers from his office. All but a few Republicans in Congress fell in line even after criticizing his big ugly bill.

The good news is that Democrats continue to fight for the interests of working Americans. Innumerable court challenges and massive demonstrations across the country have shown widespread opposition to his bullying. Millions are making it clear that we will have no king.

Trump’s signature legislation is built on the reverse-Robinhood notion that the wealthiest don’t have enough, while the poorest have too much.

This glorification of selfish excess was illustrated by the lavish $50 million wedding celebration of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice. One associated event, fittingly, was a Great Gatsby-themed party. The smash-up awaits.

Another tech billionaire who attended Trump’s second inauguration, Elon Musk, is being threatened with deportation for criticizing Trump’s megabill for adding trillions to the national debt. Musk may lose his government contracts. Deportation without due process would be illegal, but so was Musk’s slashing of federal agencies as head of an agency Trump made up without congressional action.

Republicans have long pushed the

myth of the undeserving poor, despite the poor working harder and being paid less. It remains shocking that millions face loss of their healthcare, and poor children face loss of school nutrition programs.

Millions are making it clear that we will have no king.

How can a nation founded on egalitarian principles allow a new age of robber barons, while peddling the stale lie of trickle-down economics? The answer is an amalgam of Republican pols not wanting to lose their jobs, social media drenched in culture wars, and voters swallowing the lie of both-sidesism and staying home on election day.

The threat our nation faces is overwhelmingly caused by Republicans knuckling under to the grifter-in-chief. Every Democrat in Congress voted against Trump’s bill. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave the longest speech in House history denouncing it.

One feature of the bill is a massive increase in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trump already threatens to arrest and deport Zohran Mamdani, the winner of the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. Count on Trump to send swarms of ICE police to Manhattan to create chaos to justify

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

lawless interference with the decision of New York voters.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously pledged in Los Angeles, “We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialists and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into the city.”

Is there a clearer way of saying elections don’t count?

Trump’s MAGA mob essentially demands that rose petals be strewn in his path despite his open criminality, while fuming over the imagined crimes of others.

Trump exploits the military to build his strongman image—holding a military parade on his birthday and having a flyover featuring B-2 bombers for his megabill signing—despite his own history of disrespecting military service. Some service members talk of refusing unlawful orders, exemplified by Trump’s use of Marines to quell domestic political protests in Los Angeles.

Such refusal can lead to prison and loss of benefits, though “just obeying orders” is no defense in a criminal trial. It is a risk true patriots consider when they see their nation’s values being undermined by a would-be dictator who avoids consequences for his crimes.

Republicans preach Christianity but do not practice it. Matthew 25:49 says, “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

We must call out hypocrisy by performative patriots. We must lend our time and resources to the fight.

Luke 12:48 says, “Of those to whom much is given, much shall be required.”

Let sources of wisdom that steeled our forebears remind us of our own strength in the summer of our discontent. ▼

Richard Rosendall is a writer and activist who can be reached at rrosendall@me.com..

Attack of the UVR

You’ve Got Skin in the Game

Flip-flops, short-shorts, and tank tops. Ahhhh, you waited months for this—summer, warm weather, sandy beaches, and sunshine. It’s perfect, just what you want. So what can go wrong?

Spend a couple hours on the beach without sunscreen and ask again. Sunshine. It doesn’t make any sense. How can something so really, truly great be so dangerous?

You need to know some science to understand. Here goes; I promise to be gentle.

That big yellow thing in the sky, our sun, emits wavelengths of light that are together known as UVR, or ultraviolet radiation, which is divided into three categories of ultraviolet light, based on wavelength. UV light is collectively defined as light with shorter wave lengths than, say, the lights from the lamp in your living room.

You can’t see UV light but there are some creatures that can. Bees, for instance.

The three categories of UVR are UVA, UVB, and UVC. Don’t panic; there won’t be a quiz on this later; that information is only for the science geeks among us. Anyhow, in short, UVC are super-dangerous but you don’t need to worry about them; they’re sucked up in the atmosphere on their way to Earth, no sweat. The vast, vast majority of UVB waves are likewise dispersed by the atmosphere. UVA waves are most of what hits our planet; that which feels so good on your face and arms is, in fact, 95 percent UVA plus a little bit UVB.

You’ll be surprised to know which wavelengths can ruin your vacation overnight....

When UVA rays hit your skin, it’s actually not the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself. Go outside in your birthday suit for 15 minutes in the middle of a sunny summer day, for example, and not only will the neighbors call the cops but you’ll start to have damage to the cells in your body.

Yeah, that fast.

What happens is that UVA radiation penetrates layers of your skin way beneath your outer shell, damaging your cells and affecting the elastin fibers in your body, which can cause wrinkles and sagginess later in your life. You can clearly see the effect of UVA on the beach, when you spot someone who’s super-suntanned and leathery.

Experts say that you can safely get enough sun to satisfy your body’s need for vitamin D by being outside for as little as a few minutes in early morning or later afternoon.

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Remember that little amount of UVB that sneaked into the Earth’s atmosphere? Those are the UV wavelengths that cause your skin to burn. They don’t reach too super-deep inside your body, but deep enough to cause pain and damage: in rare cases, third-degree sunburns can occur after overexposure to UVB waves, requiring life-saving measures. Second-degree sunburn can cause blistering, peeling, and damage requiring medical attention. Even first-degree burns are a pain in the posterior part of that birthday suit.

Scared yet? We’re not done.

Ultraviolet waves can alter your DNA and cause it to go haywire, replicating when it shouldn’t and dividing when

math is not necessary. That kind of divide-and-replicate cycle is more than your body can handle, which can cause cells to gather together in masses, which are tumors, which is cancer. And, for the record, tanning booths and tanning beds are just as harmful as overexposure to the sun.

Now. Unless you’re a registered vampire, the average person shouldn’t overreact and get all weird about all this by totally avoiding the sun. Your body needs UV rays to make vitamin D, which affects your bones and your immune system. Also, for the record, there is a difference between supplements and what your body makes itself but that’s another column for another day.

Experts say that you can safely get enough sun to satisfy your body’s need for vitamin D by being outside for as little as a few minutes in early morning or later afternoon. Check with your doctor on how much you need; it will likely depend on your skin tone.

Okay, but let’s say you win a free trip to Mars and someone’s GPS isn’t working and you end up on the sun. What happens then?

Basically, you’d be toast before you’d get there, which would be a blessing. The closer you’d get, the worse things would be: you’d dehydrate, desiccate, get heatstroke, and die of all of the above. Not even an insulated space suit or really good A/C could help you out there. If you were in a modern space capsule, you might be able to get nearer without life-threatening danger, but anything closer than about 1,300,000 miles is gonna kill you dead.

I mean, what can you expect from a gas ball, the surface of which is nearly 10,000 degrees?

Now go put on your sunscreen. ▼

Terri Schlichenmeyer’s third book, The Book of Facts and Trivia: Science, came out in September 2024.

Photo by pixel studios on Unsplash

‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple

Simplify Your Life in 87 Easy Steps

As far back as Epicurius in the fourth century BCE, it was believed that a happy life came from less complication, careful choices, and fewer possessions. It’s a concept that has been part of different cultures, faith systems, and nations throughout history. Even so, there was only one group that was successful at simplifying their lives— the Shakers, who basically simplified themselves out of existence. So, here we are, still struggling under the weight of accumulated shoes, overflowing junk drawers, and “it was only one dollar” yard sale finds.

To add to the pressure, we now have Simplify Your Life Week (August 4-10), even though a single week seems a bit aspirational since we haven’t been able to simplify our lives in 24 centuries.

Thankfully, we have Real Simple magazine, which in their own words is “The trusted source to help you simplify your life.” How can you not love a magazine that chose to name themselves not just “Simple” but “Real Simple”? A magazine that helps us get down to basics with articles such as “It’s Time to Stock Up on These 24 Cleaning, Laundry, and Beauty Essentials” and “17 Makeup Essentials That Belong in Every Makeup Bag.”

They like to point out mistakes (“Are You Moisturizing All Wrong? Don’t Make These 8 Common Mistakes”) but love “essentials,” whether it’s indoor ferns (“10 Essential Care Tips”), manganese (“10 Foods Rich in this Essential Mineral”), or condiments (“13 Essential Condiments You Should Have at All Times”). One Real Simple writer, perhaps on deadline and with an editor like Marj Shannon breathing down her neck, even dashed off “The 1 Essential Step for Perfectly Baked Cookies” (spoiler alert: chill the dough).

Real Simple confidently provides the advice we so sorely need in articles such as “Do You Struggle With ‘Clutter Creep’? Here’s How to Stop It From Taking Over Your Home,” and then follows that up with “15 Small Decor Items You Can Get for Under $20.” Is that a creeping sound

I hear? But just when you feel a sense of cynicism creeping in with the flower-shaped taper candle holders ($7), they come to the rescue with “Hide Clutter in This Swivel Barrel Chair That’s Perfect for a Small Space.” Problem solved!

This creating problem/solving problem formula seems to have been successful. While other magazines have come and (mainly) gone, Real Simple has been around for 25 years. That’s 20 years longer than Wet: The Magazine of Gourmet Bathing.

Let’s stop for a moment and consider the ingenuity of NASA (at least before all the funding and personnel cuts). Earnestly wanting to educate extraterrestrials about life on Earth (and boldly assuming they would be interested), NASA launched Voyager into deep space on a cultural meet & greet mission. The long-distance craft carried a gold-plated copper disk containing sounds and images painstakingly selected (I’m imagining lengthy and contentious committee meetings) to communicate life and culture on Earth—115 images, 55 languages, sounds from birds to Bach, and even a greeting from President Jimmy Carter, whom they reasonably assumed would still be alive when the thing made contact.

The disk included the location of Earth (relative to 14 nearby neutron stars) in case they really are little green men and

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

So, here we are, still struggling under the weight of accumulated shoes, overflowing junk drawers, and “it was only one dollar” yard sale finds.

therefore unwilling to ask for directions. It was a lovely gesture. Yet I can’t help thinking that, at least when it comes to American life and culture, a copy of Real Simple magazine might have done the trick. It would have provided more insights while also offering tips the extraterrestrials would almost certainly view as essential (“9 Travel Items Almost Everyone Forgets to Pack”).

The acknowledged queen of decluttering is Marie Kondo, whose advises us to discard anything that doesn’t “spark joy.” She is particularly harsh on the topic of books (which she discusses in her… book), arguing that by tossing out most of your books, you will discover “what kind of information is important to you at this moment.”

I immediately determined that her book did not contain the kind of information that is important to me at this moment and tossed it, but I decided to keep my other 400 or so books as they do bring me joy. A bonfire of joy. If she wants me to part with books, she’ll have to pry them from my cold, dead (but well moisturized) hands. ▼

Nancy Sakaduski is an award-winning writer and editor who owns Cat & Mouse Press in Lewes, Delaware.

Photo: Adjoajo, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

SUNFESTIVAL 2025

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

Celebrating & Supporting CAMP Rehoboth

For some, SUNFESTIVAL is just a spectacular weekend of fun, and that’s OK, but for many, it’s the waving of an enormous Pride flag, a lifeaffirming coming together for a celebration of CAMP Rehoboth and all that it means to our community.

Whether you know CAMP for its lobbying for LGBTQ+ rights, its health and wellness programs (including free testing), support groups, arts and culture programming, Letters magazine, or its many classes and events, it’s unlikely you realize just how many services the organization provides. It is possible only through support from donors, sponsors, and event attendees. As they say on PBS, “viewers like YOU.”

So, come to SUNFESTIVAL. Be a sponsor or host if you can. Already a sponsor? Step up a level. CAMP Rehoboth is the heart of our community—let’s keep it beating!

“CAMP Rehoboth has been and continues to be the “Anchor” for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Next Stop: SUNFESTIVAL

Did you know that SUNFESTIVAL is a destination event? Some of you can walk to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, but attendees come from all over the country for this unique event. Check out the special rates from our sponsors: give.camprehoboth.org/events/sunfestival-2025.

Don’t Miss the Night of Comedy with Zach Zimmerman Saturday, August 30

Kick back and enjoy some much-needed laughs with Zach Zimmerman, a comedian the New York Times calls a “rising star.” The Night of Comedy has become a tradition at SUNFESTIVAL, each year bringing a fresh, new talent. SUNFESTIVAL started as a dance, but the Night of Comedy is increasingly a must-see part of the event. For more on Zach, see page 14 in this issue of Letters Who will open for Zach? Stay tuned… this exciting announcement will come next month!

Treat Yourself AND Support CAMP: Take Home a Treasure from the Auction

Join the excitement of the spectacular live auction of bucket-list-filling items, which will kickstart Saturday’s Night of Comedy on August 30. Veteran SUNFESTIVAL auctioneer Lorne Crawford will again take the stage to raise vital funds for CAMP Rehoboth. Check the website for full details before bidding. Here are a few highlights: Week for two in Rome, including airfare, donated by Danny Sebright • Journey through history, art, and culture in this vibrant city of timeless charm, and then come back to your luxurious 5-star hotel and be pampered in

Zach Zimmerman

style. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, explore Vatican City, wander through picturesque neighborhoods like Trastevere, and indulge in fine Italian food and wine. Includes United business class travel from a major east coast airport.

Olivia Alaska Cruise for two in Signature Suite, April 26-May 3, 2026, donated by Olivia • Explore Alaska as it comes alive in spring, when rivers and lakes thaw, bears emerge from hibernation, flowers bloom, birds return, and opportunities for fishing, boating, and encounters with sea lions, sea otters, gray whales, humpbacks, and orcas abound. Kick back in your luxury suite and watch the majestic landscape pass by.

7-day, all-LGBTQ+ Paris cruise vacation for two, donated by Brand g • Step aboard the Amadeus Diamond for a 5-star Seine River Cruise–Paris to Paris–and stretch out in your French Balcony stateroom. Follow the footsteps of van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin on this tour into Normandy, one of the most beautiful regions of France. Sail up to Le Havre, on the rugged Atlantic coast, and back to Paris. Along the way, visit idyllic Norman villages, the “museum town” of Rouen, and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur while enjoying world-class wine and cuisine.

Immerse

Yourself in the Night of Dance, Sunday, August 31

Music, lights, décor, special effects… it all comes together as a kind of secret sauce that makes SUNFESTIVAL a unique experience each year. SUNFESTIVAL volunteers spend many hours planning and creating each year’s design, often including a special surprise, which they keep secret to ensure the jaw-dropping awe attendees experience when the doors open.

SUNFESTIVAL 2025

Don’t adjust your set—this year will be more than just an adventure in sight and sound. “The dance promises an immersive design,” says one volunteer, “with exciting new technological flourishes set to transform the convention center into the best nightclub in the Mid-Atlantic.” SUNFESTIVAL is often considered the best way to mark the end of summer. This year, you will actually be able to sense the summer coming together around you. You really need to be there.

“One of my favorite nights of the year!!”

Back again for the SUNFESTIVAL dance are world-class DJ/producers Robbie Leslie and Joe Gauthreaux, providing classic mirror ball memories, dance floor anthems, and the latest club beats.

Robbie Leslie has been a major feature at Sundance/SUNFESTIVAL since the tea dance debuted in 2018. It’s “the icing on the cake of summer events for me,” he says. “I love playing this wonderful party!”

Second up is another returning favorite, Joe Gauthreaux, who is known for putting his heart and soul into every performance. "Music is the motivation behind every step of my job,” he says. “It’s what wakes me up in the morning and gives my life purpose. And now that I understand melodic sense and technical details about music in general, I’m having more fun than ever!" Joe’s style is primarily vocal house music infused with tribal rhythms and melodic trance beats.

SUNFESTIVAL Events Are Accessible

CAMP Rehoboth is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all participants. If you plan on joining us for SUNFESTIVAL and have needs related to accessibility, please contact accessibility@camprehoboth.org by August 15 to ensure needs may be met.

For up-to-date information, tickets, and sponsorships, go to: give.camprehoboth. org/events/sunfestival-2025.

“Robbie Leslie was amazing!!”

“Joe Gauthreaux is INCREDIBLE.”

“Having both Robbie Leslie and Joe Gauthreaux continues to be a PERFECT mix.”

Robbie Leslie

Joe Gauthreaux

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

White Party, Green Party, Pride Party... and Motown!

And More Midsummer Madness in RB

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1 ) at Summer Solstice White Party at Truitt Lodge: Joey Masiello, Joseph Bennett, Corey Andrew, Kathy Solano, Wes Combs, Kim Leisey, Laurie Thompson, Greg Albright, Robin Bond, Max Dick, Jimmy Villareale, Tony Burns, Bob Dobbs, Ty Hreben, Jay Rich, Colleen Farmer, Denny Pintello, Teri Seaton, Joan Pegler Seaton.

PPOSITE PAGE 2) at Summer Solstice White Party at Truitt Lodge: Jennifer Rubenstein, Diane Scobey, Ruth Lauver, Judy Wetzel, Evelyn Maurmeyer, Ellan Hylton, Ida Rowe, Jeff Rowe, David Bartholomew, Scott Burdette; 3) at Pride Flag Raising, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center: Kay Young, Tony Burns, Donna Shifflet, Tina Ervin, Scarlett Masters, Kim Leisey, RB Mayor Stan Mills, Lorie Thier, Cali Their, Paige Thier, Marina Varardi, RB Commisioner Craig Thier.

(More CAMPshots page 60)

SCENES

FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 59)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Wicked Green Pool Party: Palmer Sampson, Billy Porter, Michael Fishman, Chuck McSweeney, Toby Dunbar, Michael Clay, Brian Helsdon, Sam Gambino, Eric Anderson, Cory Rose, Bryant Baer, Mike DeFlavia, Daniel Truitt. Mark Queen, Tom Newton, Joe Matassino, Tim Murray, Ken Geissler, Jeniece Centrella, John Hackett, Chris Beagle, Michael Beigay, Eric Englehart, John Allen, Christian Becker, Paul Hof, Matt Agee.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 2) at Wicked Green Pool Party: Charles Vandergrift, Mark Shaw, Paul Christensen, Dennis Morgan, Chad Stover, Joan Seaton, Michelle Manfredie, Teri Seaton, Gabriel Robinson, Charlie Jones, Jeff Mujsce; 3) at Beebe Beach Bash Fundraiser: Emiie Paternoster, Monica Parr, Sam Kaplan, Leslie Kaplan, Bonnie Mann, David Mann, Karen Anderson, Brenda Dunn, Kathy Solano, Kim Leisey, Sandy Neveretti, Pam Cranston, Terry Plowmen, Bridget Buckaloo; 4) at Freddie's Beach Bar: Michael Flynn, John Flynn, Freddie Lutz, Johnny Cervantes.

(More CAMPshots page 84)

Talking with Laura Jane Grace

Grace in the Wreckage

Early in my interview with legendary trans rocker

Laura Jane Grace, I can’t help but fawn over her 2016 memoir, Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout, which details Grace’s struggles with addiction and her very public transition.

“Tranny is really junkie-prose adjacent,” I tell her, explaining I cut my literary teeth on the late punk poet Jim Carroll and other drug-fueled autobiographies. Unexpectedly, my heart drops to my gut, hoping she catches the reference. “Oh yeah, right on,” she says, laughing. I’m

will help us sell records.”

Again, Grace laughs, and my heart settles somewhere comfortable for the next 30 minutes. I quickly confess, telling her I started my own transition as a solo trek and personally relate to her gender journey, including her revelation that the path to sobriety is often complicated and non-linear.

Grace lives on the bleeding edge of honesty. She’s raw and has made a career out of living—and screaming—out loud in that space. She first gained prominence as the founder and frontwoman of Against Me! [punk rock band] and came out as transgender in 2012 at the height of the band's success.

Her transition, documented in the Transgender , marked a watershed moment for transgender visibility in mainstream rock music. Since then, Grace has become one of the most prominent transgender musicians in the industry, balancing her artistic career with outspoken advocacy

Recently, Grace spoke about life as a transgender punk [musician], the relationship between addiction and dysphoria, and what advice WWE superstar wrestler CM Punk offered up when she was rebuild-

JOSEF GREENBERG:

Where are you at with your sobriety journey right now? I know personally that it can be a long, winding

LAURA JANE GRACE:

Understatement of the century, right? I haven't had a drink since August 31 of 2018.

When I was younger, I drank to disassociate from my body in

BY JOSEF GREENBERG

an effort to kill the “me” I couldn’t really access—my transness. Do you have any sort of relationship to dysphoria that came into clarity when you got sober?

So, from a young age…  I was experimenting with the way that substances would make my dysphoria feel…

LJG: I think I already realized all that from a really young age, the way that substance has affected my dysphoria. Alcohol would numb it and make me forget about it in ways which were appealing. But some other things would enhance it in good ways, if that makes sense. Cocaine would just completely annihilate it, but smoking weed would kind of calm it in a way that made it not as panicky or frantic. So, from a young age that was what drew me to drugs, almost. I was experimenting with the way that substances would make my dysphoria feel, and that kind of spirals. I think touring is what kind of made it all a problem in a lot of ways. When you tour months on end, you can just be drunk that whole time and it's not abnormal in the scene. It was kind of a necessary thing to stop.

JG: In your book Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout, there’s this part discussing your transition where you muse, “Will I ever pass? I don't really care anymore.” That struggle between internal change and outward change—how did you work through that?

LJG: I had some eye-opening realizations within the last couple years. Specifically, I had FFS [facial feminization surgery] in 2018, which is part of what would help me kick drinking. I stopped drinking three months before I went in for surgery, but after FFS I realized I can't see myself [accurately]. I would see my face after FFS

and not really notice a change at all, but then I would see pictures from months prior and realize, “Oh wait. I do look really feminine there.” I see the change now but in the immediate of looking in the mirror, that's dysphoria. I can't see myself and it's like body dysmorphia; whatever someone else sees of me, the way I look, that is not what I see. And that was really driven home by having FFS, then realizing I can't even see my face is obviously changed. Like, it’s not apparent to me.

JG: I know hormone use was a thing that you struggled with. For transitioning or living authentically, do you think hormones need to be part of that equation?

LJG: It's something that I've thought about an abnormal amount and something that I still think about. There are so many angles to it. On the one hand, I recognize the good that hormones have done for me, not just physical changes but mental changes and emotional

changes from them. Then there’s the part of me that is a realist where I look at what's happening in the world now and I'm just as fearful as every other trans person. What happens if they take away hormones from everybody? I don't want to be in a position mentally where my whole identity hinges on that, so I have to make sure that I'm solid.

JG: As you transition, there’s a shift in identity—or shift to identity. Have you found anything that stayed constant in you or anything that surprised you?

LJG: Yeah, I guess music has been that, right? I don't think that I'm a musician or that I like doing what I do because I was a closeted trans kid who had no other outlet and that just worked. I'd like to think that even if I weren't trans, this is still exactly what I'd be doing just because I really love it. So that's been affirming to really feel that, for sure.

JG: How are you processing the current

times and a shift in the world as we knew it?

LJG: It's wild because trans people are such a focus—the scapegoat of why things are bad. So, on the one hand, it's almost empowering, where you're like, “Damn, trans people scare people….” We can literally unravel society just by being visible.

Part of transition for me was undergoing a real ego death. If you're trans female, you don't even realize the amount of privilege you have in the world until you abandon that. I think most average males don't realize that.

JG: I have a wild card question. I saw that you are friends with WWE pro-wrestler CM Punk. What’s the backstory?

LJG: It's…weird. Somehow, Against Me! ended up having a lot of pro-wrestler fans. I have no clue how it happened, but from really early on there used to be these two wrestlers, Josh Prohibition and M-Dogg 20, who would come out to our shows when we were playing basements. We would be terrified because they were obviously these two huge wrestling dudes, so we're like, “What the [heck] are they doing here?” But then they were the nicest people ever.

CM Punk ended up being a fan and he would come to shows and we had a couple mutual friends and so we hung out with him. I've never watched wrestling. I just knew, “Oh this guy is a famous wrestler,” but he could not be a nicer person.

Then there’s the part of me that is a realist where I look at what’s happening in the world now and I’m just as fearful as every other trans person.

When I was working on getting sober and I was really unhealthy at the time, I reached out to him at one point and asked if he could recommend a personal trainer. I'm trying to get in shape, trying to get sober and stuff like that, and he just really bluntly was like, “No, [forget] that. You don't need that if you're serious. You'll just do it.” Ouch, that's…harsh. But he was 100 percent right and it was completely the motivation I needed. So I’m forever indebted to CM Punk. ▼

Josef Greenberg is a professional communicator with more than 30 years of experience in mainstream and indie news, higher ed public relations, and government comms.

Photo Credits: page 62 Pinelopi Gerasimou at left,Vanessa Soêllner

Laura Jane Grace continued from page 62

CELLOVOCI

Branden & James with Effie Passero August 3 - 7:30PM JOE BAIONE QUINTET

International Jazz Vibraphonist August 7 - 7PM

DISNEY DRAG DIVAS

Hosted by Magnolia Applebottom August 8 - 7:30PM

JULY 28 - MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Jr. Summer Camp Show

JULY 31 - CHARLIE & THE COOLTONES: Quayside@Nite

AUGUST 7 - SOUL CHASE BAND: Quayside@Nite

AUGUST 9 - HOT TAKES & HEAT WAVES: Stand-Up Comedy

AUGUST 10 - KNOW RETURN: A Tribute To Kansas & Styx

AUGUST 14 - MAMA’S BLACK SHEEP: Quayside@Nite

AUGUST 17 - AUNT MARY PAT DiSABATINO: Return To The Shore

AUGUST 20 - THE GAMBLER RETURNS: The Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute

5 SHOWS: August 14 - 17 5 SHOWS: August 14 - 17

AUGUST 21 (6PM)- HOT SAUCE BAND: Quayside@Nite

AUGUST 21 (8PM) - GREEN RIVER: CCR & John Fogerty Tribute

AUGUST 22 - SPEEDWAGON: The REO Experience

AUGUST 23 - SEPARATE WAYS: The Ultimate Tribute To Journey

AUGUST 24 - BEST SHOT: Pat Benatar Trinbute

AUGUST 29 - RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAIN

AUGUST 30 - MAGIC OF MOTOWN

AUGUST 31 - DEANNA FITZPATRICK: Psychic Medium

Visiting View

Daily Dose of Robby “Y

ou either love me or you hate me. There is no in between.” So said the more than 20-times engaged Real Housewife of New Jersey—and complete train wreck—Danielle Staub.

Never in my wildest dreams would I ever compare myself to her, but sadly, that tagline resembles me. What that says about me—i.e., comparing myself to someone I just described as a train wreck—well, this might be my toughest column to write. It will straddle the lines between self-awareness, self-deprecation, and self-esteem.

Let me be clear in saying that I am happy with who I am; I genuinely like myself. However, this is about being the best version of myself.

In order to continue this marathon of life and be this best version, I started to do something I swore I would never do: I put myself on daily medication.

The comment, “OMG, you are so funny. You know who you remind me of—Mario Cantone!” So begins a typical night out in a bar with friends. Almost every night, like clockwork, I am told how funny I am. I also get my friends hooked up all the time even though I’m the one who talks to people, makes them laugh, and brings them into our group. As far as hooking up, it usually doesn’t pan out for me. No one wants to hook up with funny.

Extra. Hyper. Manic. Animated. Chatty. Excited. Excitable. Intense. These are all words used to describe me. Some are compliments. Some aren’t. One can always tell the difference between the two. And I am told multiple times a day to “relax,” “calm down,” “chill out.” But inside, I am calm. I am relaxed. There seems to be a disconnect between what I feel and what others see.

I don’t want to paint this sad, terrible portrait of myself and my life. I have friends, always have had. As I mentioned at the beginning, you either love me or you don’t. But as I have gotten older,

the balance between love and hate has been tipping less towards love and more towards…not.

It even impacts my actual friends when they are asked, “What’s up with your friend Robert?” or “What’s he on?” or “Is he ok?” As I get older, those questions are coming way too often. Everything is connected—part of the race, if you will.

Enter medication. Turns out words like “extra” and “animated” are not just potential compliments. In medical speak, they can mean adult ADHD, hyperactivity disorder, and social anxiety. And as a bonus, as I have gotten older, the symptoms have progressed significantly. I am not quiet. I am not serene. I am not centered. I am not introspective. I am not subtle. I am not tranquil. I am not elusive. I am not still. I am not soft. I am not discreet.

I am loud. I am boisterous. I am raucous. I am jittery. I am constantly in motion. I am edgy. I am nervous. I am anxious. I am tumultuous. I am uneasy. I am jumpy. I am neurotic.

In my 20s and 30s, when I was younger—cuter—these qualities came off more endearingly. In my 40s, I have grown, I look different, and my face has changed. These qualities translate differently.

They impede relationships, especially new relationships. They impede job opportunities. They have started to take a definite toll on every aspect of my life.

Things began to change for the better for me when I moved back to NYC last December. I rejoined the amazing Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in Chelsea. “Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ+ communities through excellent, comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay.”

Callen-Lorde gave me a perspective on life that I haven’t had before or at least, was not willing to see. Working

BY ROBERT DEDOMINIC

with my psychiatrist, we came up with a daily medication regimen that fits my needs and wants. He is an absolute godsend. When I described my feelings, how

Turns out words like “extra” and “animated” are not just potential compliments. In medical speak, they can mean adult ADHD…

I saw myself, how I felt others saw me, he listened and he said OK. He didn’t tell me I was over-reacting or I was crazy or that I wasn’t feeling what I was feeling. I felt seen and acknowledged. Which, sadly, isn’t the norm.

So, what’s next? The medication is doing its job. I don’t feel drugged out or spacy but am actually feeling better and sleeping better. I recently ran into a friend I haven’t seen in years and he said he saw a difference immediately. And it was very obvious to me that this was meant as a sincere compliment.

I am in no way expecting this medical cocktail to be a magic fix for me. (Yes, I said cocktail. Ironic, isn’t it? They call the medicine regime you are on your cocktail.) I am not perfect, this cocktail won’t make me the perfect friend or boyfriend, and people may still hate me. But it makes the marathon a little easier. ▼

Robert DeDominic is a queer freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Follow Robert on Bluesky at robertdominic.bsky.social.

Man in the Middle

Still Curious After All These Years

Iturned 44 years old this year—and that makes me a middle-aged man. It doesn’t feel like that, though. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to feel like, but I didn’t expect it to feel like this. Which is good. I feel good.

I also feel 44. I’m older. I’m wiser. I’m a little bit fatter. But I’m 44 years old, and I feel good.

You won’t catch me hanging out in my old haunts anymore. Or stumbling to an after-hours. Or even running a half-marathon. Certainly not consecutively; that’s young-boy life. Those things are in the past—and things in the past should stay there.

I’ve had quite the time, though—and I’ve lived each decade the way it’s meant to be lived, I think. I spent my 20s in bars, on the tops of tables and under random men. My 30s were committed to building a career in New York City, to which I was wholly dedicated—until I wasn’t. My 40s have seen their entirety traveling the country as a nomad, seeking all the excitement, adventure, and experiences that life has to offer

I’ve soared in a hot-air balloon over a Mesoamerican temple, in a seaplane over the Alaskan tundra, under a parachute over Grand Teton National Park. I’ve dived with lemon, tiger, and bronze whaler sharks off the coasts of Florida, Hawaii, and South Africa, respectively.

I’ve gotten a tattoo of my name in Japanese from somebody who speaks Spanish at a bar in Tijuana after getting tossed off a mechanical bull. (Try explaining that one to your mom. Or my mom. Please. I still don’t think she forgives me.)

Point is, I’ve always been interested in the experience.

What it was like to go to a nice college, join a fraternity, get married. I wasn’t particularly interested in the institutions themselves, but rather how it felt to participate in them and the expanded consciousness that resulted.

That’s what keeps me 44 years young, too: Curiosity.

I want to know what it’s like to live. What it’s like to be the best version of a

human I can be. And that’s my quest—to be the best me.

I don’t always succeed. But I think I’m getting better at it, and I’ll keep trying— because humanity is the single greatest gift in existence, I’m convinced.

The challenge is what we do with it. Do we squander it, or do we specialize in it?

I’ve gotten a tattoo of my name in Japanese from somebody who speaks Spanish at a bar in Tijuana after getting tossed off a mechanical bull.

When you recognize that it’s theoretically possible that we’re the most intelligent species that will ever live, it changes your perspective. (I’m not saying I believe that, by the way, but I am saying it’s possible.)

Once you put that in context, especially after you consider the supremely limited time we have in this life experience, it should encourage you to experience more. If you’re at a similar stage and age as me, use midlife not as an opportunity to lament but to reinvent.

You’re arguably at the best time of your own existence—steady job, a few

BY MIKEY ROX

bucks in the bank, solid friends and family. What more can you ask for?

Plenty, as it turns out—because we are human, after all. But instead of mourning middle age and satisfying yourself with material things, wouldn’t you rather count your blessings and focus on endeavors that improve you— before it’s too late?

And aren’t you still curious?

Perhaps to know what it’s like to speak another language or rehab injured animals or make amends with somebody you’ve hurt but have been too embarrassed to admit. To summit a heaven-sent peak, ride out an earthquake, chase a twirling twister. You could photograph polar bears in the Arctic, sail the Caribbean in a catamaran, or walk in Darwin’s footsteps while digging into the Galapagos.

Run for office, develop an interest in conservation, build something with your bare hands. Your grandmother might think it’s nice if you learned to play bridge with her. Tap-dance lessons should be fun. You could bake the perfect Bundt.

The world is your oyster, and you can learn to harvest them, too.

There’s no limit to what you can do on this planet—and beyond, even. The only limiter is you. But it’s all possible if you embrace the possibility.

Of course, it’s also possible that these thoughts are nothing more than the manifestation of a midlife crisis all my own.

Good. I’ve always wanted to know what that was like. ▼

Mikey Rox is an award-winning freelance journalist whose zest for life has taken him to all 50 states, 17 countries, and into the beds of a few celebrities who shall remain nameless…for now. Follow his continuing adventures on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

Talking Trash (and Recycling)

Librarians to the Rescue—Again

The Rehoboth Beach librarians are at it again. But this time, it has nothing to do with banned books or freedom of speech. They are composting at the library.

Composting at the library?! What are we talking about? Usually, at home, one composts grass and leaves. What is there to compost at the library? The library has expired newspapers, and bags/boxes that they get donations in. This is all paper, cardboard, and other materials that composters call “browns.” They are made from wood which is compostable.

While most paper and cardboard are recyclable, some are not. If you use a shredder to make those diamond-shaped or confetti-sized paper pieces, the wood fibers in the shredded paper have been severed and cut too short to be of value for recycling. (That is why one shouldn’t put paper shredding in your curbside recycling.) But recycling is the conversion of one product into another product. In this case, compost from paper.

Paper and cardboard do not easily compost. A good compost needs about 30-40 carbons per nitrogen or a 30:1 to 40:1 C:N ratio. Paper, cardboard, and dried wood have a C:N ratio of about 200:1 to 500:1. Thus—much too much carbon.

But it is all about the mix. Jay Campbell, the librarian who is leading the

Community

composting efforts since Earth Day 2025, understands that mixing in some materials that are high in nitrogen will change the average. She’s sourced food scrap from Dogfish Restaurant just up the avenue.

Food scrap has a C:N ratio of about 20:1. This has too much moisture and is a bit high on nitrogen for good compost. But the right mix will work great, as paper has neither enough moisture nor enough nitrogen.

The Rehoboth Beach librarians are at it again. But this time, it has nothing to do with banned books or freedom of speech…

For those geeks out there, here’s your formula: 1/20 X + 1/300 Y = 1/40 (X+Y) where X is the pounds of food scrap and Y is the pounds of paper. For simplicity, if we can make X+Y =1 unit of weight, we can calculate for percentages.

Solved X is just a little less than half. Meaning that to get C:N between 30 and 40, equal weights of library materials and food scrap should cook just nicely. And that is what the librarians have found. The compost gets HOT, driven by microbial activity.

Currently they have three compost

BY JEFFREY DANNIS

News continued from page 18

Books will be available for purchase at each venue; they also may be bought in advance at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach or at biblion in Lewes. Authors will be available to personalize books after their presentations. At the end of the day, presenters and audiences will come together to celebrate and discuss their festival experience at a “spirited discussion” presented by Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence.

For more information on all presenting authors and their featured books, go to historybookfestival.org.

The ticketed closing event on Sunday, September 28 (tickets available at historybookfestival.org), features late historian David McCullough’s final book, History Matters, shared by his daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and research partner, Michael Hill. “We’re excited about this book,” said Jen Mason, HBF’s co-founder and chair. “After working with McCullough for over three decades, Lawson and Hill reviewed the trove of records and writings that he left. The pieces that they include read like a retrospective on the values, curiosity, and

tumblers on the balcony, one initially purchased and two donated. The first batches have been composting for a while and have reached the stabilized phase. Given a little bit of time for the material to cool and for the microbes and bacteria to eat each other up and to expire, the compost will be ready for use in the front beds.

Jay says that scrap paper is not a perfect feed stock. The shredded paper sticks together and she sometimes manually has to break clumps apart. Traditionally, food scrap at composting facilities is mixed with wood chips—those don’t stick together like moist paper does.

How do you get in on the action if you can’t compost at home? Jay says that library patrons can make arrangements to drop off their own food scrap, but that the material must be contaminant free—no plastic or un-compostable materials. And she is ready for volunteers to help grow the program.

Stop by and talk with the librarians about their project. And ask about the Red Wigglers. They are vermicomposting in the back, too. ▼

Jeffrey Dannis is a Delaware professional engineer, nutrient consultant, and certified composter. He can be reached at FitnessEngineering.net or at Jeff.Dannis.FE@outlook.com.

skills that made McCullough an extraordinary historian.”

The closing event will be moderated by Ivan Henderson, the Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society, who said, “We are honored to support the 2025 History Book Festival as a Community Partner, promoting this inspiring event to the diverse learning communities we serve…. We believe deeply in the power of diverse communities engaging in meaningful conversations about the events, ideas, and lessons that have shaped our shared history.” ▼

BY GINA “PHOENIX” LEIGH

“Check Out” Our New Books for Young Adults

Abrand-new Young Adult section is an exciting new addition to the CAMP Rehoboth Library.

The CAMP Library is already bursting at the seams with hundreds of titles dedicated to queer and trans history, literature, humor, and our own CAMP archives. Now, we have a Young Adult section, ready for browsing.

These books cover an age range from middle school through young adult and encompass a wide assortment of genres. There really is something for every young reader.

Selected titles we are excited about: A Queer History of the United States for Young People, full of short, easy-to-read bios of influential LGBTQ+ folks from history.

Magical fiction tales, including The Lost Story, Alex Wise and the End of the World, and The Magic Fish (a graphic novel).

A Stonewall Honor Book novel by Baltimore-based author and advice columnist, R. Eric Thomas, Kings of B’More

My staff pick for the summer: Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir by Lamya H. This coming-of-age memoir of growing up Muslim, queer, and an immigrant has won many awards, including the Stonewall Book Award. It is frank and funny, vulnerable and honest. At the center of the story is Lamya, a rebellious girl who questions God’s plan for her. A must read.

Courtesy of a generous anonymous donation, this new selection of YA books is sure to delight and enlighten readers.

We also have a great selection of children’s picture books for the youngest crowd—take a look at our Billy Porter, a Little Golden Book Biography, autographed by Billy Porter himself!

Stop by during open library hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m. each weekday, Monday through Friday. It is a great place to study, research, or chill. Check it out—and then check out your next beach read! ▼

Gina “Phoenix” Leigh (she/they) is a puppeteer, writer, and the Administrative Assistant at CAMP Rehoboth.

CAMP Rehoboth Library

Celebrity

Interview BY MICHAEL COOK

The Real Housewives of Miami Returns

Says Guerdy Abraira, “There’s no sauce like the Miami sauce!” Since being rebooted four years ago, The Real Housewives of Miami has remained a highly appreciated, glossy, and splashy franchise. With a combination of original housewives and now beloved newer fan favorites, the women of Miami have a

unique perspective in the Housewives landscape. For Guerra Abraira, she has balanced holding her mojito with family as well as a very personal cancer journey, and is now making time to pivot to a brand-new career. I sat down with this legendary event planner to chat about her fourth season as a Miami cast member, fractured friendships, and her secret to keeping her marriage and family solid through the lens of reality television.

MICHAEL COOK: The new season of The Real Housewives of Miami has kicked off chaotically in the best possible way. From your perspective, how do you think you are jiving with everyone?

There’s been a big gap between filming and when you’re hit upside the head with “Surprise, this is the new me.”

GUERDY ABRAIRA: I like to call it a Rubik’s Cube—when you think you’re good, you’re not. When you think you are, you’re not. It’s really an interesting dynamic with these girls and I am just really recovering from having my reconstructive surgeries and getting back into the groove of things. There are lots of lost-in-translation moments and friendships are being tested.

MC: Seeing real friendships fracture on-screen is difficult for the cast members, as well as the viewers. When you have true friendships fracture, how does it impact you outside the show?

GA: I have been a true friend on- and off-camera and some people decided to switch up when the lenses went up. There’s been a big gap between filming and when you’re hit upside the head with “Surprise, this is the new me.” It’s like, “Whoa, who’s this before me?” It’s disappointing, it gets dark, you’ll see some grace, you’ll see clap-backs, and all of those things are needed to try to find the root of where this is all coming from.

MC: Trust is at the root of every relationship and when that is broken it’s hard to reestablish it. We’re starting to see that happen with you and Julia this season.…

GA: It’s like PTSD, honey. The person I am—I am reactionary. I need to say, “No more grace.” We are going to find our words the entire time, we know how to find our words, not the water. The truth will always come out. One thing about me, I didn’t become Harper’s and Vogue’s Best Planner by not taking notes. I take notes, I listen, then I will bring you the beautiful receipts with a bow on them.

MC: I was a fan of yours before the show; you are so extraordinarily detailed in every event you present. What has it been like to be “Guerdyfying” events now as a Housewife?

GA: I am actually taking a pause doing events because of my cancer journey and it actually feels so good because my brand is developing into something else. What people don’t know is that my college major was communication arts; I actually have my own segment now called G Spot With Guerdy that is going to be airing on Island TV, which is a local station, but airing everywhere.

There is way more of me than you have seen and this season, you actually get to see a very deep core issue that has been at the root of some relationships where I am being understood by my friends and other people. This season, I think you are really going to get to know me and that is going to be good.

MC: One thing about you that we all love is your gorgeous husband, Russell. He stays fairly low key, but he will stick up for you when he has to. What is your secret to staying so tight despite the chaos that may be around you?

One thing about me, I didn’t become Harper’s and Vogue’s Best Planner by not taking notes.

GA: For sure, we keep it simple; that is the way we make things work. We are very direct, we are very honest, and we go back to the core of who we were before any of this. He’s only here for me, he doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. I know where his limits are, so I respect those. The minute that you push someone to go on stage when they don’t want to, that is going to be the beginning of the demise, and I see that blind spot in him. It’s a dance.…

MC: We are speaking right in the midst of Pride month and the LGBTQ+ community absolutely lives for you and the ladies. What is it like for the show to have such a fantastic LGBTQ+ fanbase?

GA: We do have a couple cameos from Carmen Carrera, and you know what she

brings to the table! I am hoping we see more of her because it is a voice that is very needed and a Miami representation that is a void for sure. The trailblazing work that she has done for and with the community should be studied, honey!

MC: What gives you the most pride about the Sunshine State?

GA: There is no other sauce like the Miami sauce, honey! It is literally a melting pot that you cannot replicate the recipe to. Everyone has their cultural aspect on the respect levels, how you talk to someone, so even asking a question can create some sort of drama in itself. We love hard, we fight hard, and we are very passionate about everything.

No one is wrong how they communicate, but it’s different; you either love it or you don’t. ▼

Follow Guerdy Abraira on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ guerdydesign/?hl=en

Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to WERRRK.com., OUTSFL, & The Philadelphia Gay News.

Photos: NBC Universal

BY LOGAN FARRO

SPOTLIGHT ON THE arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Local Color: An Exhibition by Joe Vescio and Barry Moskinski

August 5-September 17, 2025 | Opening Reception: Saturday, August 9, 5-7 p.m.

CAMP Rehoboth is thrilled to host Local Color: An Exhibition by Joe Vescio and Barry Moshinski as one of our summer art exhibitions. This exhibit will showcase work done by two local Rehoboth Beach artists, Joe Vescio and Barry Moshinski. Their combined works offer a vibrant exploration of acrylic paintings and unique pottery pieces.

While deeply rooted in their local connections, the paintings transcend geographic themes, inviting viewers to discover a breadth of inspiration and artistic expression. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a collection that celebrates both individual creativity and the synergy of a shared passion for art.

Both artists are incredibly active in the local art scene, having exhibited several times across Sussex County. Often, their vibrant works can be seen at the Rehoboth Art League, the Milton Arts Guild, and Irish Eyes in downtown Milton.

Come explore this colorful exhibition. The opening reception will be on Saturday, August 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Do stop by to explore the wonderful art, talk with the artists, and enjoy an evening filled with conversation and creativity.

MEET THE ARTISTS

Joe Vescio » Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joe moved permanently to Rehoboth from the Washington, DC area in 2021, after a 38-year career with the Environmental Protection Agency. His paintings combine his love of nature with his vision of a colorful world.

Barry Moshinski » A seasoned graphic designer with a successful career as the Art Director at the American College of Physicians in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barry transitioned into fine art upon retirement. With a preference for acrylics, Barry’s work often features clean, vibrant, bold compositions. ▼

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.

Images, clockwise from top left: Rainbow Mountain Peru, Joe Vescio; Nature Bridge Virginia, Joe Vescio; Burst of Blue, Barry Moshinski; The Thicket, Joe Vescio; Coastal Walk, Barry Moshinski; credit: the respective artists.

BY JOE GFALLER

PERFORMING ARTS

Two Capsule Q&As: Katie Dahl & Nicholas Rodriguez

Every year, remarkable LGBTQIA+ artists from across the country make coastal Delaware part of the circuit for their summer tours. I was pleased to have the opportunity to chat briefly with two making appearances this August: singer/songwriter Katie Dahl, who brings her smart songs and soulful voice to the Listening Booth on August 7 at 7:00 p.m., and Broadway and television star Nicholas Rodriguez, whose cabaret show Sincerely, Sondheim takes the stage at Clear Space Theatre Company on August 17 at 2:00 p.m. Get to know each—and consider seeing both on stage this August!

Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota

Current Home: Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

CR: What first inspired you to write music?

KD: When I was eight years old, I started attending a theater in Wisconsin. All the actors accompanied themselves on guitars, mandolins, banjos, and on their off nights played gigs around town. Many of them were original songwriters as well. I didn’t start playing guitar till I was 18 or writing songs till I was 22, but that’s where I got bitten by the bug!

CR: How has your queer identity informed the songs you write and the stories you tell?

KD: My queerness has always felt like the heart of my creativity. In the last few years as I’ve started to be more out as queer onstage, I’ve both started telling a lot of stories about being queer and also writing songs that are more explicitly about the queer experience. Being more open has brought me into such community with other people, both listeners and performers, and helped me feel more authentic onstage.

CR: What do you want audiences to feel or discover hearing you perform live?

KD: I’d like them to have fun, of course, and there’s some sort of alchemy that happens with live shows that can really make life feel more collective and hopeful. But I think most of all I’m proud of the way my shows might allow people to think about things in their own life they might not feel comfortable talking about or even naming to themselves. I think talking out loud about hard things is a game changer.

NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Current Home: Forestburgh, New York

CR: What inspired you to become a performer?

NR: I grew up singing in church and around the house, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized performing could actually be a career. I saw the national tour of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and a production of Tosca, and I was instantly hooked.

CR: You won a GLAAD Media Award for creating the character of Nick Chavez on One Life to Live. What did that honor mean to you?

NR: The award was an incredible honor, but the experience of playing Nick Chavez was the real gift. This was before gay marriage was legal, and there weren’t many out gay characters (or actors) on television—especially in daytime TV. Representing the community in a positive way meant the world to me. The feedback, especially from young people who hadn’t seen someone like them on TV before, was truly heartwarming.

CR: What inspired you to create a piece that brings Sondheim’s music and letters together?

NR: I was performing in Company when Steve [Sondheim] passed away. Soon after, people began posting the letters he had written them—beautiful, witty, insightful, often a little bit catty. A website and Instagram page soon followed, collecting these incredible pieces of correspondence. My director, Greg Kamp, and I kept sharing them with each other, and eventually the idea was born: why not build a show around these letters? They offer such a deeply human connection and reflect Steve’s unwavering dedication to mentorship.

Katie Dahl appears August 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Listening Booth, alongside fellow singer/songwriter Grace Morrison. For tickets and information, visit listeningbooth.com or call (302) 200-3883. Nicholas Rodriguez appears August 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Clear Space Theatre Company, accompanied by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning musician John McDaniel on the piano. For tickets and information, visit clearspacetheatre.org or call (302) 227-2270. ▼

Logan Farro is CAMP Rehoboth’s Visual Arts Coordinator. They may be reached at logan@camprehoboth.org. Joe Gfaller is Managing Director of Clear Space Theatre Company.

KATIE DAHL

What is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution by John Birdsall © 2025, W.W. Norton, $29.99, 304 pages

Dining Out: First Dates, Defiant Nights, and Last Call Disco Fries at America’s Gay Restaurants by Erik Piepenburg © 2025, Grand Central, $30., 352 pages

You thought a long time about who sits where.

Compatibility is key for a good dinner party, so place cards were the first consideration; you have at least one left-hander on your guest list, and you figured his comfort into your seating chart. You want the conversation to flow, which is music to your ears. And you did a good job but, as you’ll see with these two great books on dining LGBTQIA-style, it’s sometimes not who sits where, but whose recipes were used….

When you first pick up What is Queer Food? by John Birdsall, you might miss the subtitle: How We Served a Revolution. It’s that second part that’s what’s important.

Starting with a basic gay and lesbian history of America, Birdsall shows how influential and (in)famous twentieth-century queer folk set aside the cruelty and discrimination they received, in order to live their lives. They couldn’t speak about those things, he says, but they “sat down together” and they ate.

That suggested “a queer common purpose,” says Birdsall. “This is who we are, dahling, This is how we feed our own. This is how we stay alive.”

Readers who love to cook, bake, or entertain, collect cookbooks, or use a fork will want this book. Its stories are nicely served, they’re addicting, and they may send you in search of cookbooks you didn’t know existed.

Sometimes, though, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen; you want someone else to bring the grub. Dining Out by Erik Piepenburg is an often-nostalgic, lively look at LGBTQIA-friendly places to grab a meal—both now and in the past.

In his introduction, Piepenburg admits that he’s a journalist, “not a historian or an academic,” which colors this book, but not negatively. Indeed, his journeys to “gay restaurants”—even his generous and wide-ranging definitions of the term—happily influence how he presents his narrative about eateries and other establishments that have fed protesters, nourished budding romances, and offered audacious inclusion.

Here, there are modern tales of drag lunches and lesbian-friendly automats that offered “cheap food” nearly a century ago. You’ll visit nightclubs, hamburger joints, and a bath house that feeds customers on holidays. Stepping back, you’ll read about AIDS activism at gay-friendly establishments, and mostly-gay neighborhood watering holes. Go underground at a basement bar; keep tripping and meet proprietors, managers, customers, and performers. Then take a peek into the future, as Piepenburg sees it.

The locales profiled in Dining Out may surprise you because of where they can be found; some of the hot spots practically beg for a road trip.

After reading this book, you’ll feel welcome at any of them. ▼

September 20, 2025

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 61)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Pride in the Courtyard at CAMP Rehoboth: Vienna Cavazos, Norma Eckard, Suzanne Weidner, Dottie Outland, Marianne Sheridan, Diane Mead, Lori Simmons, Kim Nelson, Deb Fox, Lucien Thomas, Demi Lower, Kim Lokhard, Liz Lokhard, Jeff DiGregoria, Gregg DiGregoria, Kerry Hallet, Sophie Wagner, Vincent DeLissio, Rick Buske, Tina Snapp, Shawn McHugh.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at Milton Pride: DE State Senator Russell Huxtable, Ashland Miller, Laura Cerulli, Carol Scileppi, Valerie McNickol, Mary Ann Brewer, Magnolia Applebottom, Alberth Silva; 3) at Clear Space Tony Party: Riley Quinn, Garrett Kelley, David Button, Azaria Ogoes, Joe Gfaller, Kathy Davison, Joe Maggio, Ruth Dickerson, Megan Nehrbas, Joe Sterner; 4) at Juneteenth Celebration in Lewes: Governor Matt Meyer, Leah Beach, Brenda Milbourne, US Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Makena Collick, Bill Collick.

(More CAMPshots page 86)

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 85)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Magic of Motown Concert: David Scuccimarra, Doug Yetter, Mary Gillian, Pat Catanzariti, Debra Doricchi, Anita Petit, Pattie Magee, David Kemper, Paul Barnette, Sue Regan, Jim Newkirk, Jane Blue, Ruth Dickinson, Diane Hanson, Corky Gardiner, Carol Lewis, Trudie Thompson, David Streit, David Camorali, Joe Vescio, Max Dick, Glenn Ashton.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at Rehoboth Margarita Crawl: Stu Probst, Liza Hodskins, Ron Riccio, Jamie Hummell, Chris Chandler, Ron Butt, Adam Nizlin, Madison Hines, Cliff Lassahan, Chad Stover, David Misselman, Kris Johnstone, Fred Pagan, Jeff Clouser, Matt Bachteler, Bobby Irons; 3) at Naughty Bingo at Diego’s: Kevin Morris, Ken Jamison, Sky Cole, Eric Linton, Brennan Huffman, Mikelle Morra Bonan, Claira Seighman, Magnolia Applebottom, Alberth Silva.

(More CAMPshots page 100)

National Dog Month

Dogs of Our Lives

August is National Dog Month but let me be right up front: I am not a current dog owner. I was twice, so I do have some sense of the connection between a dog and his/her “parent.” National Dog Month was started in August 2020 by dog food producer Milk-Bone to “celebrate the special role dogs play in our lives.”

Humans’ love affair with dogs has been ongoing for 15,000 years, according to a recent special edition of Time magazine dedicated to dogs. Nearly 45 percent of families in the US include at least one dog and the LGBTQ+ community is extremely pet friendly.

Community Marketing Inc. has conducted an annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community marketing survey and found that 41 percent of gay men have dogs. According to the 2018 Autostraddle Lesbian Stereotypes Survey, lesbians are more likely to own cats than dogs (~43 percent v. 35 percent). Compared to US households overall, lesbians are more likely to own a cat and less likely to own a dog.

However the numbers shake out, dog lovers and those who know dog lovers understand the love affair.

Denise Myers glows when she talks about her dog, Zoe. “She is the LOVE OF MY LIFE...so happy I have her at the BEACH with me,” she says. Myers did not have a dog prior to moving to Rehoboth, due to a busy work schedule. Zoe is a 10-pound black-and-white Maltipoo (a cross between a Maltese and poodle). Myers got Zoe when the dog was eight weeks old and has had her for about a year and a half.

Larry Realego’s dog Rocco is just a pup, but he and his partner, Jason, already have joined the dog love affair club. “We are working on socializing him. We adore how Rocco observes everyone who passes by, gazing at them as if they are all friends,” he said.

Local sports organizer Rina Pellegrini has mastered socialization. She has three dogs—two of her own and one she is tending for her friend Kim, until Kim retires from her government job. Pelligrini’s dogs have won the Sea Witch® Festival Doggy Parade more than once. Last year, Rocco, Mini, and Jasmine won the award as the Golden Bachelorettes, although Mini was the only actual golden. Rocco (the bachelor) is a male bernadoodle and Jasmine is a female labradoodle.

Leah is a mountain cur/German shepherd mix. Her “pawrents”—Victor

BY MARY JO TARALLO

Branham and Mark Clark—would do just about anything for her. And sometimes, Leah lets them know what she might NOT do for them—she seems to have a mind of her own!

“One cold winter’s day, I took Leah to the beach for a walk,” Clark said. “The wind was blowing off the ocean and it was raining hard. We got to the dune from the car and Leah looked ahead at the wind and rain, looked up to me (as if to say YOU’RE CRAZY!), then ran back to the car!” Clark and Branham got Leah about nine years ago (when she was five months old) from Homeward Trails Rescue in Northern Virginia.

Speaking of having minds of their own, that brings up a bigger question: Do dogs think? According to a recent special edition of Time magazine, the evidence seems clear that they do, but what do they think about all day?

The Association for Psychological Science (APS), which typically focuses on humans, devoted an entire issue of its journal, Directions in Psychological Science, to the canine mind. A couple of takeaways:

• Dogs can read human faces by understanding the importance of using gaze to communicate and direct attention.

• Dogs can excel at what is known as object permanence—that is, understanding that when an object is out of sight, it has not vanished from existence.

While the science community continues to figure out what dogs think about, the website Dogster claims that topics typically relate to food, friends and family, playtime, health, and senses (new sights, smells or sounds). Dogster also notes that dogs problem solve (e.g., solve puzzle toys), remember experiences (such as humans and animals they have met before), and interpret gestures (have an ability to pick up certain cues).

Denise Myers has a somewhat humorous “take” on what occupies a dog’s mind: “All they think about is eating

Dogs can excel at what is known as object permanence— that is, understanding that when an object is out of sight, it has not vanished from existence.

and treats, going for a walk, smelling every other dog’s ‘privates,’ and making sure they pee on top of another dog’s to mark their territory,” she says. Myers claims that Zoe’s “brilliant.” She thinks that is because she is consistent with Zoe. “She just knows what is next—and sometimes lets me know what is next,” she chuckled.

Philadelphia transplants Claire McCracken and Jen Leonard are on a slightly different trajectory. Their dog, Wee “Jimmy” McCracken, is a nine-yearold shelty/spaniel mix. McCracken says that Jimmy mostly thinks about eating, squirrels, rabbits, and “being the sweetest boy to Jen and me.”

Jimmy truly leads a dog’s life as a lifetime Dewey beach pass holder. “He is welcome to run free before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.,” said McCracken. “He loves the ocean beach and the bay beaches. He respects the horseshoe crabs but has been known to eat a sand flea now and again! Jimmy has been a member of the Lewes Unleashed dog park since it opened in 2016.”

He also is a singer! According to McCracken, “He likes to sing along to the E.A.G.L.E.S. (football team) chant, and happy birthday songs. He has left many birthday messages for family and friends,” she said.

Dog owners look after each other. Palm Beach, California, transplant Gail Atkinson previously lived next door to McCracken and Leonard in Lewes. The couple would often petsit Atkinson’s dog Bailey, a rescue from Arizona.

Jimmy’s parents are like many dog lovers who relish talking about their pets, sharing their favorite stories and showing off photos.

Whether dogs think or not might be debatable but what dogs do on a regular basis relates to how they are trained.

Deb Murrey is a local dog trainer who has seen dogs of many shapes, sizes, and temperaments in the area. “Frequent requests I get are for dogs that like to

jump on people, dogs who pull on the leash when they walk, and dogs that bark at other dogs on walks. All of those can be challenging if the dog has been ‘practicing’ the behavior for a long time,” she says. “The longer the dog does a behavior, the harder it can be to change or replace the behavior with something more suitable.”

Given dogs’ typical interest in food (and food being essential to their survival!), Murray recommends whole food ingredients (especially the first three to four listed on the label), that the vet agrees with the food choice, and (key!) the dog is willing to eat it. She also recommends that clients assure the food choice is readily available—either through purchase at a local store or via a reliable auto-ship service—as suddenly switching foods can cause stomach upset.

Murray also sees a lot of human behavior patterns when a cherished canine crosses the rainbow bridge. She says that when some people lose an older

dog, they go out and get the same dog again as a puppy. This can be problematic for older dog owners and especially those who had large dogs.

“It can be a challenging and frustrating experience for owners who are grieving a beloved dog while also re-learning how to house train a puppy,” she says. She maintains that sometimes owners don’t realize that the energetic puppy they now have is more than they bargained for, and they start questioning whether they are strong enough to manage, especially if it’s a larger dog.

Maybe you want to celebrate your own canine companion during National Dog Month? The Days of the Year/National Dog Month 2025 website offers multiple suggestions on how pawrents can make the month of August special for their pets. Examples include mixing up your usual routine by finding a different trail or dog-friendly park nearby or surprising your dog with a new toy. National Dog Month is also a perfect time to support organizations that cater to rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and dogs in shelters who are waiting for a new home. There are numerous choices in Sussex County and elsewhere. ▼

Mary Jo Tarallo is a former journalist and public relations professional for various non-profits including a ski industry trade association. She won a Gold Award for a United Way TV program starring Oprah Winfrey.

Pictured, opposite page: Mark Clark & Victor Branham with Leah (lower left); Denise Myers & Zoe (top); this page Jimmy (top); Jen Leonard & Claire McCracken with Jimmy (and canine friend Bingo) (left)

CAMP Rehoboth works to create an environment where Pride is celebrated ever y day!

Help sustain our mission by making a donation today!

Photo: The CAMP Rehoboth contingent at WorldPride 2025 in DC.

Photo credit: G Michael Beigay.

The

Real Dirt

Blocking the Gladys Kravitzes

Landscape Screening for Privacy

In today’s world of increasingly dense neighborhoods and busy roadways, creating a sense of sanctuary within our outdoor spaces is more valuable than ever. Landscape screening offers a natural solution for privacy, noise buffering, and visual separation. Whether you’re hoping to block an unsightly view, define property boundaries, or simply create a more intimate space, thoughtful screening using a mix of plant species— both evergreen and deciduous—can provide both functional and ecological benefits.

At its core, screening is about privacy. Homeowners often seek to shield patios, windows, pools, or property lines from passersby or neighbors. But the benefits go beyond mere seclusion. Plant screens can muffle noise, reduce wind, filter dust, and serve as a green backdrop to garden elements. When properly designed, they add structure, texture, and seasonal interest while supporting wildlife such as birds and pollinators.

A key consideration in screening design is the use of both evergreen and deciduous plants. Each type offers distinct advantages, and a smart combination creates a screen that is both effective and resilient year-round.

Evergreen plants—such as pine (Pinus), arborvitae (Thuja), holly (Ilex), and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)—retain their foliage throughout the year, providing consistent coverage and privacy. They are ideal for areas that need constant screening, especially near patios, driveways, or living room windows. Evergreens also help insulate homes from cold winter winds.

However, relying solely on evergreens has its downsides. Many species are prone to pests and disease when planted in a monoculture. For example, Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) has suffered widespread dieback in many parts of the country due to fungal diseases and poor air circulation when densely planted. Additionally, evergreens can be slower-growing and offer less seasonal change than their deciduous counterparts.

Deciduous plants, on the other hand, lose their leaves in the winter but often grow quickly, display vibrant fall colors, and provide seasonal flowers or fruits. When used in

screening, deciduous trees and shrubs like serviceberry (Amelanchier), red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), or viburnums (Viburnum spp.) contribute visual interest while helping to break up wind and provide privacy during the months when outdoor living is most active. In the winter, their bare branches still offer a degree of structure and can be paired with evergreens to maintain coverage.

A diverse plant palette strengthens your landscape both functionally and ecologically. Using a variety of species prevents over-reliance on any one plant, reducing vulnerability to disease, pests, and changing climate conditions. A screening hedge composed solely of one species—particularly fast-growing non-natives—may be quicker to establish but is far more likely to decline rapidly if hit by a blight or insect infestation.

Diversity also boosts wildlife habitat. Mixed plantings provide shelter, nesting opportunities, and food sources for birds, bees, and butterflies. For example, incorporating native shrubs like chokeberry (Aronia), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), or elderberry (Sambucus) will support a wider range of beneficial species than a monoculture of ornamental yews or boxwoods.

From a design standpoint, blending evergreens with deciduous plants offers greater visual depth and seasonal interest. By staggering plant heights, layering textures, and choosing species with overlapping bloom times or fall color, your screen becomes a dynamic garden element rather than a static green wall.

A well-designed landscape screen is more than just a barrier—it’s a living, breathing part of your outdoor space. By combining evergreen and deciduous species and avoiding monocultures, you can build a more sustainable, attractive, and enduring privacy solution. In doing so, you’ll create not only a retreat for yourself, but a refuge for nature as well, and block those nosey Gladys Kravitzes from your business.

Have fun and let’s garden together. ▼

BY ERIC W. WAHL

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

BEST PRACTICES FOR PLANTING SCREENS

LAYERING: Create a multitiered screen using tall trees in the back, medium shrubs in the middle, and lower-growing plants at the front. This not only enhances privacy but gives a natural look.

SPACING: Don’t overcrowd. Allow enough space for mature growth and airflow to reduce disease risk.

NATIVE PLANTS: Favor regionally adapted species that thrive in local soils and climates while supporting biodiversity.

SOIL PREPARATION: Invest in soil health with compost and proper drainage. Healthy plants are more resilient to stress and pests.

MAINTENANCE: Prune thoughtfully to control shape, encourage dense growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

A Dyke in the White House: Rose Cleveland

In November 1884, when your unmarried brother, who has just been elected President of the United States, asks you, his dear sister, to drop everything—including your scholarly and creative work as a teacher, lecturer, essayist, and poet—to serve as First Lady and attend to the social aspects of life in the White House, well, that’s what a Victorian-era woman is expected to do. And so, in 1885, when Grover Cleveland was formally inaugurated as the nation’s 22nd president, Rose Cleveland reluctantly moved into the White House with him. By various accounts, the job bored her. And it’s no wonder. Here was a woman who had made her way in the world with her mind: an esteemed teacher of history and literature at the Houghton Seminary in Clinton, New York, followed by her appointment at the Collegiate Institute in Lafayette, Indiana, to teach math, Latin, and literature, and teaching assignments and lectures in New York City. As a noted scholar in Medieval History, Rose was also a respected essayist on the subject, with articles published in The American Magazine of History and other publications.

She had to set all of that aside to attend to her brother’s official needs when he was governor of New York in 1883, and then again in 1885 when he assumed the presidency and she took on the responsibilities of his First Lady in the White House. She traded the life of the mind for the life of teas and receptions.

A bore, indeed.

But Rose was not about to give in to the boredom; she scandalized Washington on more than one occasion. Her most notorious was an evening at the theater, when she was escorted by Dr. Mary Walker, a respected physician— she even won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War—who turned disapproving heads by dressing in male attire. When scolded by the newspapers for wearing men’s clothes, Dr. Walker shot back, “I don’t wear men’s clothes, I wear my own clothes.”

Fortunately for Rose, President Cleveland married Frances Folsom in 1886. Frances assumed the role of First Lady, freeing Rose to return to the life she preferred. She resumed her scholarly and creative career, writing articles, giving lectures, and serving as editor of Literary Life magazine, a scholarly publication. She even wrote a novella, The Long Run, a story challenging gender roles and other societal norms. The book is still available today.

Leaving the White House also freed Rose to pursue the romantic life she preferred: liaisons with women.

Leaving the White House also freed Rose to pursue the romantic life she preferred: liaisons with women.

Her most significant relationship was with Evangeline Simpson. Rose met Evangeline, a 25-year-old widow, on a trip to Florida. Accounts of the affair are found in Rose’s letters to Evangeline

after they left Florida and resumed other responsibilities in their lives. This letter from Rose to Evangeline, for example, makes their relationship perfectly clear: My Eve! Ah, how I love you! It paralyses me…Oh Eve, Eve, surely you cannot realize what you are to me. What you must be. Yes, I dare it, now, I will no longer fear to claim you. You are mine by every sign in Earth & Heaven, by every sign in soul & spirit & body—and you cannot escape me.

The affair ended abruptly in 1896 when Evangeline married widower and prominent clergyman Bishop Henry Whipple. Evangeline had known Whipple for a number of years, and there is evidence that she had an affair with his first wife, Cornelia.

Evangeline’s marriage devastated Rose, who fled to Paris, where she continued her life as a writer and scholar. In 1901, though, Bishop Whipple died, and Rose and Evangeline resumed their relationship. They went to Italy, at first to care for Evangeline’s ailing brother, but the couple stayed there after his death. Rose and Evangeline remained in Italy the rest of their lives, setting up a household together in Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany. The affair only ended with Rose’s death in 1918, a victim of the Spanish Flu epidemic. Evangeline continued to live in their house in Tuscany until her own passing in 1930. They are buried side by side in a crypt in Bagni di Lucca. ▼

Ann Aptaker is the author of short stories and the Lambda & three-time Goldie award winning Cantor Gold series. Her latest in the series—Gold for the Dead—will be released in October 2025.

The Sea Salt Table

Blue Cheese Hamburgers

When it came to swimming in the ocean, I was a fearless mermaid. The bigger the waves the better. Rough surf? Bring it. The water tumbling me head over foot was fun. Until it wasn’t.

I was 11 and we were vacationing in Atlantic City. My one sister and I were swimming. The rest of the family was lounging on Dad’s old army blanket. We were next to two older girls we didn’t know. Suddenly, I was being sucked away from the shore. One of the two girls was being pulled out with me. My sister was yelling for me to swim towards her, but I simply couldn’t.

Although I didn’t know the term at the time, I was in a rip tide. A strong one.

I quickly panicked and became exhausted, thrashing about with arms and legs that felt like cinderblocks. The girl kept screaming at me not to grab her “You’ll kill us both!” Then she somehow managed to paddle away.

In the blink of an eye, I was alone and beyond the closest pier. It was surreal. And very quiet with muffled sounds of arcade music, riders screaming and laughing. I was in disbelief, thinking, “this is how I’m going to die.” And I sort of gave up.

But then there were arms around me. And I was being hoisted into a lifeboat. My sister had made it ashore and got help. Although it caused a stir, our family was unaware. We never told them. I fell asleep instantly and was physically tired for days.

To this day, I have a guttural panic when I come down from a wave and my feet don’t touch the bottom. I pay attention to warning flags. I respect lifeguards and listen when they gather us to detail troubling waters.

Not to mention the Delaware shores are notorious for waves breaking at the water’s edge. A hard no for my neck and back.

I’m now more of a dunk-and-back-tothe-chair kinda guy. Boop, and out.

Let’s be careful out there, shall we?

This month I’m featuring my Blue Cheese Hamburgers, a fun option when you wanna level up your next BBQ.

BY ED CASTELLI

STEPS

 In a large bowl mix:

• 1 large egg

• 3 Tbl extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbl water

• ½ tsp hot pepper sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp dry mustard

• ¾ tsp baking soda

 Gently add:

• 3 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef

• 4 oz crumbled blue or gorgonzola cheese

• ½ c minced fresh chives

Ž Form eight patties, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours. Preheat your grill on high.

 Cook the patties on a piece of heavyduty aluminum foil. As they cook, poke a few small holes in the foil to allow the grease to escape and a touch of flame to come through.

 Wait until the first side is nicely brown, then flip only once. Cook to 155°, then platter and loosely tent with foil for about 10 minutes.

TIPS

• Don’t skip the baking soda. It tenderizes the beef and helps keep the patties moist.

• For gentle mixing, I use two big serving forks and kind of drag the ingredients together, trying not to compress the beef or work it too long.

• Teaser: I like to serve these with my bacon-and-onion jam. Stay tuned for that recipe in my next column.  ▼

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.

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP

RAINBOW MEMBERS RECEIVE:

• Basic Membership Package

- Advance ticket sales to CAMP Rehoboth events

- Recognition in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

- Rainbow Member window cling(s)

- Weekly “What’s Happening at CAMP” email

• Discount on CAMP Rehoboth Event Tickets for Levels Green and above (as noted)

• Free Health Screenings, Counseling Services, and Support Groups

• Youth, Adult and Senior Programs, Services and Outreach

• The satisfaction of knowing you are helping others!

PAY ANNUALLY or MONTHLY

☐ PURPLE LEVEL ☐ $2400 annual or ☐ $200 monthly

Basic + 25% ticket discount and one 1/4 page ad in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

☐ INDIGO LEVEL ☐ $1200 annual or ☐ $100 monthly

Basic + 20% ticket discount

☐ BLUE LEVEL ☐ $900 annual or ☐ $75 monthly

Basic + 15% ticket discount

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

☐ YELLOW LEVEL ☐ $300 annual or ☐ $25 monthly

☐ ORANGE LEVEL ☐ $180 annual or ☐ $15 monthly

☐ RED BASIC ☐ $50 annual or ☐ Basic Dual/Family, $85 annual

☐ YOUNG ADULT (18-25 years old) ☐ $25 annual

VOLUNTEER spotlight

Jean Metzar

Meet Our Thursday Afternoon CAMPcierge

CR: When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?

JM: June of this year!

CR: What’s your best experience from volunteering here?

JM: I haven’t been here long, but I’ve been aware of CAMP for a number of years. I have to say, the best thing about CAMP so far is that the people here are wonderful. They’re dedicated, fun, smart, really focused on the cause. Never do I leave without someone thanking me for being here and volunteering my time, which is not necessary, but it’s a nice acknowledgement.

CR: Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.

JM: I never met my great-grandmother, but I’ve heard stories of her when she immigrated from present day Slovakia with $10 in her pocket at the age of 19. She had been arranged for marriage and wanted no part of that because she had fallen in love with John Metzar, who was already in Pittsburgh. She left everything and followed her heart. I think my sense of adventure comes from her, because no one else was that adventurous in my family. I love a good adventure. Challenge me to do anything and I’m up for that! So though I’ve never met her, when I think about it, she had a lot of influence. And I often think, “what would Anna do?”

☐ Enclosed is my check payable to CAMP Rehoboth for the full annual amount.

☐ Please charge my Recurring Monthly or Annual Membership fee to:

CREDIT CARD NUMBER VALIDATION CODE EXP. DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT COMPANY NAME CONTACT PERSON NAME

EMAIL PHONE NUMBER

EXPECTED FUNDS DELIVERY DATE(s) AMOUNT

CR: What are you most thankful for?

JM: I’m most thankful for my wonderful wife. We’ve been together 40 years and married for 15. She’s the center of my universe and I give her a lot of credit for the success both of us have had. She’s been there every step of the way and I’m very thankful for that.

CR: What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with CAMP?

JM: Just do it! There are all sorts of ways to get involved. Come talk to us and look at ways to get involved. ▼

Sophie Wagner is the Event and Volunteer Coordinator at CAMP Rehoboth.

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 87)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at The Pines: Al Drulis, Stephen King, Scott Silber, Michael White, Clay Ellis, Paul Weiss, Brent Quinn, Steve Morris, Kevin Foley, Sherry Vine, John Foley; 2) at Aqua: Oliver Kreuter, Michael Solonski, Philippe Poiner, Lou Panos, Justin Mines, Damien Brovillard, Mark Bliss, Pam Jusino, Rev. Eddie Jusino, Greg Wright, Ron Gebhardts, Cassidy Bowd, Philip Townsend, Michael Clay, Chuck McSweeney, Joe Richter, Lori Waldee-Warder, Sandra Waldee-Warder, Brenda Dunn, Kathy Solano, Karen Anderson.

OPPOSITE PAGE 3) at Gary Fisher Art Reception at CAMP Rehoboth: Jerry Hofer, Murray Archibald, Gary Fisher, Robert Mittleman, Susan Hamadock, Jill Taylor, Susan Taylor, Paul Nye, Christin Hawkins; 4) Pride with Police at Freddie’s Beach Bar: RB Police Chief Keith Banks, David Declare, Peter Schott, Sarah Rowley, David Mariner, Karen RamosVelasquez, Evan Hrivnak, Matty Brown; 5) at Rehoboth Beach Film Society: Cheryl Hickey, John Newton, Richard Green, Marty Rosenweig, Antonia Blucher, Gary Moore, Dave Bever, Norm Golden, Michael Loizzi; 6) at Gallery 50: Dale McGann, Ed McGann, Kate Mason, Michael Fitts, Anthony Hillanbrand, Austen Simmons.▼

We Remember Margaret Shaw

Margaret “Maggie” Shaw, 74, of Milton, passed away March 12, 2025. Her wife of 28 years, Andrea, was by her side. She was born November 8, 1950, in Washington, DC, to Dr. Joseph C. Shaw and Ruth E. Jones. Maggie was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Joseph C. Shaw Jr.; her aunt, Margaret “Mimi” Rodgers; and her brother-in-law, Edward M. Palcher. She is survived by her wife, Andrea Andrus; sister, Kathleen Palcher; sister-in-law, Judith Shaw; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and former colleagues.

Maggie attended Holy Trinity School in Washington, DC, and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Saint Leo University. Her passion was to work in healthcare, so she earned a degree from Marymount University’s School of Nursing and a Master of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Maggie had an interest in mental health and earned a Master of Social Work degree at The Catholic University of America.

Maggie worked at Georgetown University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital Center, Children’s National Hospital, and Whitman Walker Clinic in the Washington, DC area.

Maggie also had a passion for community service work. She was involved with the Human Rights Campaign and co-chaired their annual dinner when President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton attended as special guests. Maggie was also involved with the Mautner Project and Whitman Walker Clinic.

James Edward McAlister

James Edward McAlister, known affectionately as “Jim” and “Butch,” 80, passed away June 7, 2025, of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, Jim was the son of the late Horace and Dorothy McAlister. He graduated from Damascus High School in 1962 and proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, Jim worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University and pursued

In 1998, Maggie and Andrea purchased a home in Rehoboth Beach and were very involved in the community, especially with CAMP Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. Maggie served on the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and was one of the co-founders of the CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Project, which has grown into the hugely successful annual Women’s FEST.

Maggie and Andrea moved to South Portland, Maine, in 2005, where Maggie continued working in healthcare at Mercy Hospital and Martin’s Point Healthcare, and volunteered with the American Red Cross. In 2013, they moved to Sarasota, Florida, where Maggie volunteered with the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) on community outreach initiatives, completed the SPD Citizens Police Academy, and trained as a Community Emergency Response Team member. She also volunteered as a nurse with Remote Area Medical. Maggie served on the auxiliary board of the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center.

With her passion for social justice work, Maggie was a member of the Sarasota Democratic Party and a member of the NAACP Sarasota Branch Executive Committee. Maggie and Andrea produced a weekly blog, 2Gals4Peace. Maggie loved to write, and was excited to publish the book Rapt Stack Mountain, which Maggie called “a wonderful read for the child in all of us!”

Maggie was a bright light in Andrea’s life, from her devotion to their relationship to her advocacy work, creative writing, and craftwork. Maggie was always the life of the party, which brought light and laughter into other people’s lives. Maggie was on the front lines in support of many issues and modeled human decency and kindness. Keeping Maggie’s memory alive will be Andrea’s greatest honor.

Maggie did not want a formal service. Her wish was to have family and friends remember her through acts of kindness to others. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, UPenn’s Brain Tumor Center, CAMP Rehoboth, or local animal rescue organizations. Maggie’s Life Memorial webpage may be found at parsellfuneralhomes.com. ▼

several business ventures. Eventually, he settled in Lewes, where he spent the last 40 years of his life as a real estate agent for Mann & Sons.

Jim had a passion for dancing, a joy he carried with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his brothers, Jeff McAlister (Linda) and Mike McAlister (Cindy); several nephews and nieces; his dear friends, Betty Beebe and Joann Wallett; and his beloved pets, Abby and Maggie.

In addition to his parents, Jim was pre-

deceased by his partner, Orville Rowley, and his brother, Robert McAlister.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is asked to donate to Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth, Disabled American Veterans, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

A memorial service was held June 25 at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. Jim’s Life Memorial webpage is at parsellfuneralhomes.com.▼

George Walter Bauer

George Walter Bauer, 78, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. Born January 18, 1947, in Paterson, New Jersey, George was the son of the late Robert and Elsie Flora (Beltz) Bauer.

A lifelong learner, George earned his master’s degree and dedicated his career to teaching.

George was a man of many passions. He loved to travel and cherished

Stephen Prestipino

Stephen Prestipino, 68, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away May 30, 2025, after a 12-year battle with brain cancer. Stephen was born July 31, 1956, in Washington, DC, to the late Vincent Joseph Prestipino Sr. and the late Marie (Pellicano) Prestipino.

An accomplished master electrician with over 40 years of experience, Stephen was the proud owner of Apple Electric, the company he and his wife, Lisa, founded in 1990. Stephen believed deeply in helping others. He spent late evenings and weekends decorating Apple Electric with a unique Christmas light display, creating an eye-catching drop-off location for Toys for Tots and other community drives. Stephen loved nothing more than fishing, watching baseball, and tinkering in the garage with his four sons. His morning ritual involved making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for them, a tradition that continued well into their 20s. An accomplished cook, Stephen found joy in the kitchen, often experimenting with new recipes and perfecting his legendary rum

Christy Lynn Steer

Otime spent outdoors hiking and biking. Known for his warm sense of humor and easygoing nature, he was often found in the company of friends, playing cards or board games, always with a bag of his favorite cheese curls nearby. He also enjoyed watching movies and found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his longtime

partner, Ronald White, of Rehoboth Beach, and his younger brother, William Bauer. He is survived by his sisters, Janice Chadwick, Diane Smith (Boyd), and Christine Baker; his stepbrother, Ronald Bauer; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Services will be private. Visit George’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com. ▼

Sherry Butler

cake while listening to the Allman Brothers. An avid runner, he continued to run throughout his illness. A lifelong car enthusiast, Stephen spent his youth rebuilding anything with four wheels alongside his father, Vincent. Over the past 30 years, he restored his cherished 1976 Ford Bronco with his sons.

Stephen is survived by his wife and best friend of 35 years, Lisa (Donhauser) Prestipino; his sons, Dominic Prestipino and his fiancée Isabella, Nicholas Prestipino, Matthew Prestipino, and Christian Prestipino (Maya); his beloved grandson, Luca Vincent Prestipino; and his friend, Lucy, the family’s 17-year-old pit bull mix. Stephen is also survived by his five siblings, Vincent Prestipino (Tammy), Ginny Westrick (Ward), David Prestipino (Ann), Tony Prestipino (Kathleen), and Nick Prestipino (Kim).

A mass of Christian burial was held June 7 at St. Edmond Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach. Online condolences may be shared at melsonfuneralservices. com. ▼

n June 13, 2025, Christy Lynn Steer passed away. Born March 21, 1968, to Rose Marie and the late Michael Steer, she was the loving sister of Michael Edward Steer (Jennifer Yeakel) and Allison Marie Steer (Michael Sandridge), and caring aunt of Sarah Steer, Emily Steer, Chloe Steer, Micah Carl, and Jake Sandridge.

A memorial gathering was held Wednesday, June 18; a memorial mass was held at St. Mark Catholic Church, Catonsville, Maryland on June 19. ▼

Sherry Butler, lovingly known as “Dallas” to all who knew and cherished her, passed away May 28, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 62.

Dallas was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and spent most of her early years in Odenton, Maryland. She served in many positions throughout her adult life, including as an auto body technician and house painter.

She was an avid Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan, and loved people, dogs, babies, music, dancing, and all things fun. Dallas had a unique ability to connect with people and make friends instantly. She was well known for a quick, beaming smile and great bear hugs to all. Her friendly personality and gentle ways of making everyone feel so welcome and wanted were her special gifts.

Dallas and the love of her life, Cindy, shared nearly 16 happy years together.

She was a passionate volunteer with American Legion Post 17 and Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540.

She is survived by her wife, Cindy; her mother, Doris Weed; siblings Harold Weed and Sheila Creed; son Jason Butler; granddaughters Shelby Butler and Jaylin Butler; and two great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held July 13 at the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge, Lewes. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is asked to consider a donation to: Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540, 18544 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958 or American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17, 113 American Legion Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958. ▼

We Remember

Andrew M. Brangenberg

Andrew Mason Brangenberg, 82, passed away on June 10, 2025. He was born March 23, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Andy was a 1961 graduate of Pleasantville (New Jersey) High School. He enlisted in the Navy Reserve toward the end of his junior year, entered active duty in September 1961, and served in the Navy through August 1963. His adult years were spent in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Columbus, Ohio, and most recently, Rehoboth Beach.

Andy attended Antonelli School of Photography. His career included various positions in graphic arts and printing, and he retired in 2005 as a press operator for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Andy was easy-going, humble, and kind. He was always ready to pitch in and help with the task at hand, typically with a smile and sometimes a joke.

Andy had served as vice president of the Columbus (Ohio)

Sandra DiMeglio

Sandra DiMeglio of Rehoboth Beach passed away in May 2025. All who knew Sandra were touched by her gentle spirit and deep love for all animals and nature, especially the cats, to whom she devoted years of her time and love in rescue efforts. She had traveled the world during her lifetime but chose to settle at the beach. She is remembered with fondness and appreciation by those who came to know her.

She will be sorely missed by her longtime companion, Cynthia, and her beloved nieces, Debi and Cheri.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is asked to send donations to Just Us Kitten & Cat Rescue, Attn: President, PO Box 32, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 199710032.

Prime Timers. In Delaware, he was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and Good Samaritans Food Pantry coordinator, among other roles. Andy was also a member of CAMP Rehoboth and volunteered for the organization for a number of years. He especially enjoyed helping with CAMP membership mailings. Andy’s favorite pastimes included golf, bowling, and travel.

He is survived by his husband of 11 years, David Hagelin, of Rehoboth Beach; his brother, Gerard (Tina) Brangenberg of Ocean View, New Jersey; several nieces and many extended family; special friend, Jeffrey McGuire, of Lewes; and devoted felines, Lucas and LG. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Virginia Brangenberg; his sister, Judy Primoli; his niece, Kathleen Gaffney; and longtime partner, Robert Coolidge.

Gratitude is expressed to the staff of Excelcare at Lewes, where Andy experienced compassionate care in his final weeks, and to all those who helped and supported him in his journey with Parkinson’s disease.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach. Visitation for family and friends will start at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971. ▼

William L. Peiffer

William “Bill” L. Peiffer, 80, of Lewes, passed away May 22, 2025, at his home, under the care of his loving husband and partner, Tony Mongello.

Bill was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to the late Luke Peiffer and Ruth Bixler Peiffer. He graduated in 1963 from Lebanon High School, where he enjoyed dancing at sock hops and playground dances; he once appeared on American Bandstand. He loved all music types, especially doo wop, oldies, and country.

In the early 1970s, Bill moved into the family house in Rehoboth, where he worked as a manager and accountant at Gene Nelson’s Rehoboth Pharmacy. In the early 1980s, urged by Sal and Bette Gallo, he attended real estate classes and became licensed in 1983. Bill continued his real estate career until his retirement in 2023.

Bill was a multi-award-winning

agent for four decades and was highly respected by his peers in the real estate community. He helped mentor and train many new agents and was always available to answer questions regarding contracts, real estate law, and protocol. Bill was not just a realtor, but a broker, and eventually a broker of record for a major local company.

In the summer of 1978, Bill met a teacher, Tony, who was vacationing with a friend in Dewey Beach. After a week, Tony returned home and a “weekends and summers” relationship began; it lasted for 12 years. In 1990, Tony came to Rehoboth, received his real estate license, and began working alongside Bill. In 2013, Bill and Tony were among the first to be legally married in Delaware.

In addition to his husband, Bill is survived by his sisters, Barbara and Susan Ruth (Larry), and by nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and friends who will miss him dearly.▼

Edwin Hotaling

On May 28, 2025, Edwin “Ed” Hotaling, passed away from pulmonary fibrosis. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Beryl and Skip; sister, Janet Jackson; brothers, Bob and Joe; and niece, Karen Keil.

Ed is survived by his husband, Edward Miller; daughters, Siobahn (Christina) and Katie (Josh); 12 nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and nephews; other family and friends; and his beloved pup, Eddie, and grandpuppy, Saga.

Ed was born in Hudson, New York, and lived in the Albany area for 65 years, until moving to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. In 2020 he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. He was an educator for 36 years, the first six years working in Catholic schools, and the next 30 years working as a teacher, supervisor, and principal for the City School District of Albany.

A private service will be held for the family. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a date to be determined, in Apex, North Carolina. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is asked to consider the Suncoast Hospice, Clearwater Florida, or to contribute to a charity of your choice. ▼

John J. Forstoffer

John J. Forstoffer, 79, of Lewes, passed away July 5, 2025. Born April 22, 1946, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Rosellen and Joseph J. Forstoffer. After graduating from high school, John proudly served in the US Army.

Following his military service, John built a career in retail. He was a fantastic baker and an excellent cook, with a keen eye for interior design. He enjoyed gardening, spending time at the beach, and putting countless miles on his bicycle. John was a hardworking and devoted family man. He had a salty yet somewhat sweet way about him and was a very loving and giving man.

John is survived by his husband of 11 years, Gregory Meyers; his former wife, Delann Forstoffer; his son, Kyle Forstoffer (Dawn); his daughter, Saranne Mahoski (Michael); his sister, JoAnn Lettich; and his beloved grandchildren, Ryleigh, Tyler, and Logan. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Benny, and his Maine Coon cat, Murphy.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com. ▼

Pie Ladies Return to Rehoboth

As one of Rehoboth Beach's favorite Fourth of July traditions, the Pie Ladies made their return in all their campy glory for the holiday weekend. This year's theme was "Spies and Villains," spoofing the popular characters and sensibilities of the Bond 007 franchise. ▼

Group photo caption: Magnolia Applebottom, Diamonds Are Forever (Dennis Shine), Honey Ryder (Grant Oines), Octopussy (Leon Vignes), Domino Davel (Derrick Friday), and Pussy Galore (Jonathan Lockerby)

(puzzle on page 68)

Subscribe today.

Don’t miss a thing. 11 issues of LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth by first class mail.

YOUR NAME

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

STREET MAILING ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP

CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Opportunities

ACCESSIBILITY

Hope Vella

ADVOCACY TEAM

Daniel Bruner

David Garrett

Leslie Ledogar

Sherri McGee

ART RECEPTION

ASSISTANT: MOMENTS OF REFLECTION

Tori Coan

ARTS TEAM

Logan Farro

Jane Knaus

Lois Powell

Leslie Sinclair

Patricia Stiles

Debbie Woods

CAMP ADMIN

Sherri McGee

CAMP CHORUS

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Bill Fuchs

Karen Gantz

Carolyn Laurenzo

Judy Olsen

Gloria Richards

Dave Scuccimarra

Travis Stevens

CAMP FACILITIES

Carol Brice

Lisa Evans

Eric Korpon

CAMPCIERGES

Joe Benshetler

Ken Currier

Peter Keeble

Jim Mease

Jean Metzar

Kim Nelson

Pamela Rule

Patricia Stiles

Russell Stiles

Joe Vescio

CAMPSAFE HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING

Dick Hospital

E.J. Kenyon

Joe Vescio

Send your check for $50 to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. If you prefer to use your Visa, MasterCard or American Express call 302-227-5620.

SUNFESTIVAL 2025 | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Join us as a volunteer for SUNFESTIVAL, CAMP Rehoboth’s biggest event of the year! Your time and energy help make this incredible weekend possible and support vital LGBTQ+ programs and services. Be part of the celebration and the impact!

CROP: CAMP REHOBOTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

The CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) is constantly working to cultivate community and strengthen relationships and the connection between us all. Check the site for monthly volunteer opportunities.

Sign up at camprehoboth.org/volunteers.

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others. — PLEASE VISIT — camprehoboth.org/volunteers to register as a volunteer and to sign up for available opportunities.

THANK YOU

Tony Burns

CAMP REHOBOTH THEATRE—CHICAGO IS MY KIND OF TOWN

Ron Dempsey

Lissa Dulany

Charles Marino

CROP PACKS THE CAMP VAN FOR FOOD BANK

Kris Aulenbach

Max Dick

Lissa Dulany

Ann Maresca

Sherri McGee

Kevin Pelland

Alynda Ponder-Pope

Maria Scannapieco

Jennifer Varone

Glenn West

CROP RETURNS TO THE FOOD BANK OF DELAWARE

Cathy Balsley

Deb Carroll

CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS

G Michael Beigay

Beverly Miller

Doug Sellers

Jennifer Varone

Glenn West

CROP SUPPORTS THE RAL COTTAGE TOUR

Virginia Anderson

Robert Arner

Kris Aulenbach

Rick Buske

Ron Dempsey

Dorothy Dobbyn

Patti Magee

Manon Magnan

Sherri McGee

Shawn McHugh

Barry Moshinski

Diane Mulkhey

Joseph Mulkhey

Kim Nelson

Tricia Pergal

Leslie Sinclair

Jeff Straub

Joe Vescio

Debbie Woods

Tramaine Young-Minor

Kevin Pelland

Jennifer Thacker

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Jane Blue

Pat Catanzariti

Wes Combs

Mike DeFlavia

Will Freshwater

Amanda Mahony Albanese

FLASH FICTION

READING

Pat Nickols

JUNETEENTH RECOGNITION IN LEWES

Kevin Pelland

To all the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteers for the period: June 1 - July 11, 2025

MILTON PRIDE FESTIVAL

Kim Nelson

Pat Nickols

Lori Simmons

THIS MONTH IN QUEER HISTORY PODCAST

Beth Shockley

USHERING AT JUNE

CAMP CHORUS CONCERTS

Pat Catanzariti

Bob Croker

Lisa Cummings

Debra Doricchi

Karen Faber

Mary Gilligan

Patti Magee

Kevin Pelland

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Madelyn Jablon

Marce McCollumMartin

Jim Mease

Kim Nelson

Rina Pellegrini

John Michael Sophos

Joe Vescio

LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Jim Mease

LETTERS MAILING TEAM

Nancy Hewish

Max

Dick

Mark Eubanks

Jim Mease

DELAWARE

PRIDE

Leslie Ledogar

LETTERS PROOFING

Barb Ralph

Anita Pettitt

Lois Powell

Mary L. Rossettini

Terry Stinson

AD INDEX

CAMP

CAMP

VINCENT OVERLOOKMilton. 2012 3BR/2BA home is 1,900sf. Great room opens to the kitchen & dining areas. Sunroom. Back deck w/pond view. Community pool. 8 miles to beach. $515,000 (2081844)

OAKWOOD VILLAGE - Lewes. 2023 4BR/2BA is 1,887sf. Open concept. Bamboo floors. Granite & SS in the kitchen. ¼ acre. Community pool. 8 miles to Lewes public beach. $499,000 (2081788)

BISHOPS LANDINGMillville. 3BR/2.5BA 2-story TH. 1st-floor en Suite main BR. Screened porch, paver patio. 1-car garage. So many amenities. 5 miles to beach. $464,900 (2087323)

VILLAS - Dagsboro. 2003 2BR/2BA condo w/loft. 7 miles to the Bethany Beach boardwalk. Located in Cripple Creek Golf & CC w/pool, golf & social memberships avail. $360,000 (2085536) BOWDEN ACRES - Millsboro. 1999 3BR/2BA doublewide on 0.28-acre corner lot. No Lot Rent - No HOA. Near Oak Orchard marina clubs & public boat launch. $229,900 (2083398)

SILVER VIEW FARMRehoboth. 2010 3BR/2BA is 1,624sf with large front sunroom. Screened porch. Shed. Community pool. 3 miles to beach. $225,000 (2081354) Lot Rent $723/mt.

REHOBOTH BAY - Rehoboth. 1979 3BR/2BA was fully remodeled in 2018. 1,030sf with the 4-season addition Pool. Marina. 6.5 miles to beach. $160,000 (2085884) Lot Rent $734/mt.

THE PLANTATIONS - Lewes. Private elevator in this 1998 3BR/2BA condo. Garage w/220v EV outlet. 1,500sf + 200sf L-shaped enclosed porch. 5 miles to the beach! $435,000 (2088132)

SEA AIR - Rehoboth. 2013 RV w/main BR & 2 sleep sofas (sleeps 6). Nice! Big LV. Community pool & 3 miles to beach.

$36,000 (2073114) Seasonal 4/15-11/15 Lot Rent $5,870

CAMELOT MEADOWS - Rehoboth. 1976 2BR/2BA has deck & screened porch w/skylight. Ready today! Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $75,000 (2084706) Lot Rent $1,080/mt.

FAIRFIELD AT LONG NECKMillsboro. 2004 3BR/2.5BA. Oversized garage. Patio + screened & open balcony. Furnished. Community pool. 15 miles to RB boardwalk. $299,900 (2084876)

SEA AIR -Rehoboth. 2BR/1BA 2017 Forest River 28’ RV w/2 slides. Indoor & outdoor kitchens. Community pool & 3 miles to bch. $39,000 (2084676) Seasonal 4/15-11/15 $5,870 Rent for corner lot

CAMELOT MEADOWS - Rehoboth. 1974 2BR/2BA has patio & enclosed porch Fully furnished & offered AS IS. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $54,900 (2090702) Lot Rent $1,080/mt.

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth Beach. Remodeled 1978 3BR/1.5BA w/enormous enclosed porch. 4 miles to Rehoboth/Lewes beaches. $184,900 (2088142) Lot Rent $650/mt.

BAY - Rehoboth. 2019 “like new” 3BR/2BA. Open floor plan. Great kitchen! LVP throughout. Pool. Marina. 6.5 miles to beach. $239,500 (2090642) Lot Rent $913/mt.

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth Beach. 1977 Skyline Buddy is 3BR/1BA w/enclosed porch w/classic jalousie windows. 4 miles to Rehoboth/Lewes beaches. $79,900 (2088744) Lot Rent $620/mt.